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An “unbelievable” Chelsea player is now keen to leave the club this summer, with intermediaries involved in talks over potential moves to Real Madrid or Atlético Madrid, according to a report.

Maresca set to reshape squad this summer

Despite confirming the additions of Sporting CP duo Geovany Quenda and Dario Essugo, the Blues continue to be linked with a number of new additions ahead of the summer transfer window, with Enzo Maresca clearly keen on reshaping his squad.

However, given the need to abide by the Premier League’s PSR rules, Maresca may have to oversee some departures before spending big on new arrivals, and several players could be axed in the summer.

Joao Felix, who is currently on loan at AC Milan, has now given the green light to join Galatasaray on a permanent basis, with the same report revealing fellow forward Christopher Nkunku could also be in line for an exit.

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Speculation has also been mounting over Noni Madueke’s future in west London, with Aston Villa now believed to be in pole position to sign the winger, as the Blues become increasingly tempted to cash-in.

Chelsea could be willing to sanction Madueke’s departure, but they may also have to brace for interest in a player they are less keen to see leave, with a report from The Boot Room revealing Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid are interested in Enzo Fernandez.

Fernandez would be keen on a move to Spain, with intermediaries currently talking to the two Spanish clubs about a potential deal, but Maresca’s side won’t make it easy, with the maestro’s deal not set to expire any time soon.

The Blues have no plans to green light the Argentina international’s departure, and given that he is contracted until the summer of 2032, they remain in a strong negotiating position.

"Unbelievable" Fernandez has kicked on this season

The west Londoners spent big to get a deal for the £180k-per-week midfielder over the line, shelling out £106.8m, and he has started to justify his hefty price tag this season, having emerged as one of the side’s most consistent performers in the Premier League.

The 24-year-old has also impressed on a number of key metrics for midfielders over the past year, most notably regularly providing goals and assists.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.15 (81st percentile)

Assists

0.23 (93rd percentile)

Progressive passes

6.90 (86th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

4.49 (96th percentile)

As such, it is little wonder some of Europe’s top clubs are queuing up for the “unbelievable” midfielder’s signature, but Chelsea should rebuff any approaches this summer, given his importance to the side.

With Fernandez contracted until 2032, there is little reason to sanction his departure unless he is unsettled, and Maresca will be hoping he is able to build on a much-improved 2024-25 campaign next season.

Ex-Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor urges the young winger to seek a move away from Old Trafford after his limited role in the Europa League final.

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• Garnacho dropped from United starting XI
• Winger came on in 71st minute
• Brother aimed criticism at Amorim

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United suffered a disappointing defeat in the Europa League final to Tottenham on Wednesday night, leaving Garnacho frustrated with his lack of playing time. The young winger only came on in the 71st minute, which prompted a social media reaction and fueled speculation about his future at the club. Gabby Agbonlahor has now weighed in, suggesting Garnacho should seek a move away from Old Trafford after the Argentinian's brother fired a thinly-veiled shot at Red Devils manager Ruben Amorim.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Garnacho's frustration comes at a time of uncertainty for United. Without Champions League football next season, United face financial challenges and potential player sales. The club's underwhelming performance in the Europa League final has added to the pressure on Amorim and questions are being asked about his ability to rebuild the team. This environment could make it difficult for Garnacho to thrive and get the opportunities he desires and former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor admitted he would be looking to leave Old Trafford if he was in the youngster's shoes.

• WHAT AGBONLAHOR SAID

  Speaking on talkSPORT, Agbonlahor said: "Garnacho last night, by the way, not happy. He only played 19 minutes. It's on social media. In a press conference afterwards. Is he the guy you want to keep on side or do you need that attitude out of Manchester United? No, I don't blame him. And if I'm Garnacho this morning, I'm on the phone to my agent even last night. Get me out of here."

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR GARNACHO AND MAN UTD?

  Garnacho will likely discuss his options with his agent in the coming weeks. United will need to address his concerns and decide whether they can offer him the playing time he desires, while manager Amorim will need to focus on rebuilding the squad without the financial boost of Champions League football and decisions will need to be made on player sales.

Pep Guardiola showed his displeasure with the Premier League for giving Manchester City less time to prepare for their vital game against Bournemouth.

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• Coach furious with PL organisers
• He wanted more time to prepare
• City face Cherries three days after final

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• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Guardiola believes the match at home to Bournemouth, which will have huge ramifications for his side's bid to finish in the Premier League's top five and qualify for next season's Champions League, should have been rescheduled for Wednesday rather than Tuesday to give his side more time to recover from Saturday's FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  City were due to play Bournemouth on Saturday but the game had to be moved due to their participation in the cup final. Guardiola contrasted City being given such a short turnaround time between their games with Tottenham's match at Aston Villa being moved to this Friday to give Spurs more time to prepare for the Europa League final against Manchester United.

• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Guardiola told a press conference: "Tottenham play against Villa on Friday [because of] the Europa League final. Good decision, [I'm not being] ironic or sarcastic. The Premier League made a good decision. We play all the time quarter-finals, semi finals, Wednesday away and then play semi-finals on Saturday. This season we played [the semi-final against Nottingham Forest] on Sunday [when] we didn't need the extra day. People say broadcasters and more fans, I would prefer to play Wednesday definitely."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Guardiola believes City's concerns are never taken seriously by competition organisers. Last year he lashed out at Gary Lineker after the ordered City to play their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea three days after their Champions League quarter-final clash with Real Madrid – which went into extra-time – when they could have played a day later. He explained: "We have been nine years fighting against this situation every single season. We are going to play Tuesday night, against an intense, physical, powerful team, Bournemouth, who are playing for the Europa league and we have to deal with that."

Leeds are now hoping to add some experience to their side this summer as they target a return to the Premier League, and Daniel Farke has put a goalscoring veteran at the top of his wishlist.

Leeds front line set to change

Heading into the final quarter of the Championship season, Leeds have scored at least 20 more goals than any other side in the division, adding four more in their most recent game as they thrashed Watford.

Joel Piroe leads the way for Farke’s side, with his 14 strikes enough to leave him second to Norwich City’s Borja Sainz in the golden boot race, while Dan James has also picked up 10 goals so far this campaign.

Despite their freescoring form though, Leeds are still keen to bolster their frontline this summer, and even tried to in January with a move for Southampton’s young talent Cameron Archer, only for a move to be blocked by the south coast side on deadline day, leaving the Elland Road side empty-handed.

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Should, as expected, Leeds get promoted back to the top flight, they will want a reliable Premier League goalscorer in their ranks and though Bamford has had experience in the top flight, his future now looks to lie away from Elland Road after falling down the pecking order under Farke.

Meanwhile, Mateo Joseph was subject to interest from Spain late in the January transfer window, and though Leeds opted to keep him, that interest may resurface in the summer when there is more time to replace the 21-year-old. With all that in mind, Leeds have now joined a gaggle of clubs chasing a potential free agent.

Leeds want Newcastle striker this summer

That is according to TBR Football, who report that Leeds hold an interest in Newcastle United forward Callum Wilson as a potential option to add more firepower to their side.

Wilson has spent much of his career in the top flight, enjoying a fruitful spell with Bournemouth before completing his move to Tyneside. Like Bamford though, Wilson has struggled with injuries and, now 32-years-old, is not a player that Eddie Howe can count on.

The Newcastle boss has worked with him at both Bournemouth and Newcastle, and is a masisve fan of his talents, labeling him “incredible” in 2023.

“He’s been incredible and I feel that his performance was right up there with one of the best I’ve seen him play, purely from a tactical perspective,” he explained after a 4-1 win over Brighton.

But now tasked with securing European football regularly, he cannot rely on the veteran. As a result, Wilson is in the final months of his £46,000 a week deal at St James’ Park and no efforts have been made to offer him a new contract, with Wilson having managed just six appearances so far this season.

Issue

Games missed

Hamstring injury

4

Hamstring injury

6

Calf injury

6

Chest injury

10

Illness

2

Back injury

15

Hamstring injury

14

Total games missed

57

Now, the report has revealed that “Wilson does not expect to be a Newcastle player by the end of the current campaign” but is keen to remain in the Premier League, limiting his options significantly.

It is added that both West Ham and Bournemouth are weighing up a move, while Leeds are “also interested” should they be promoted back to the top flight. While Wilson is undoubtedly a quality player even now, having shown that with two goals at Elland Road last time he faced the Whites, his injuries are surely a red flag even for a side looking to add Premier League experience on a budget.

Everything you need to know about Andy Robertson's salary at Liverpool

Scottish fullback Andy Robertson joined Liverpool from Hull City ahead of the 2017-18 season. Initially serving as a backup to Alberto Moreno, Robertson quickly became Jurgen Klopp's first-choice left-back after the Spanish international was sidelined with injury.

He went on to form a devastating fullback duo with Trent Alexander-Arnold, helping Liverpool to a memorable Champions League victory the following season.

In recognition of his contributions, Robertson was rewarded with a five-year contract extension in 2019, which he further extended in 2021 to keep him at the club until 2026.

Under his current terms, Robertson ranks among Liverpool's highest earners with a substantial salary.

So, exactly how much does the Scotland international earn playing at Anfield?

GOAL delved into the numbers with Capology and found out!

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Andy Robertson's wages at Liverpool in numbers

Under Robertson's current contract, the Scottish left-back receives a weekly salary of £160,000 ($214,544), ranking him as the fourth-highest earner in the Liverpool squad. His annual earnings total £8.3 million ($11.1 million).

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Andrew Robertson

Scottish

£160,000

$214,544

£8,320,000

$11,156,310

AdvertisementAFPTop earners at Liverpool

Mohamed Salah, an Egyptian forward, is the highest-paid player at Liverpool, followed by Virgil van Dijk, the club captain.

Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andrew Robertson, both fullbacks, rank third and fourth, with Argentine midfielder Alexis Mac Allister in fifth place.

Player

Nationality

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Mohamed Salah

Egyptian

£400,000

$536,361

£20,800,000

$27,890,776

Virgil van Dijk

Dutch

£350,000

$469,316

£18,200,000

$24,404,429

Trent Alexander-Arnold

English

£180,000

$241,362

£9,360,000

$12,550,849

Andrew Robertson

Scottish

£160,000

$214,544

£8,320,000

$11,156,310

Alexis Mac Allister

Argentine

£150,000

$201,135

£7,800,000

$10,459,041

Top 5 earners in the Premier League

Erling Haaland is the Premier League's top-paid player, with a contract at Manchester City until 2034. Kevin De Bruyne is second, followed by Mohamed Salah in third.

Casemiro is Manchester United's sole entry at fourth, and Liverpool's Virgil Van Dijk is fifth.

Player

Club

Weekly wages in GBP

Weekly wages in USD

Annual wages in GBP

Annual wages in USD

Erling Haaland

Manchester City

£525,000

$703,974

£27,300,000

$36,606,644

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City

£400,000

$536,361

£20,800,000

$27,890,776

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

£400,000

$536,361

£20,800,000

$27,890,776

Casemiro

Manchester United

£350,000

$469,316

£18,200,000

$24,404,429

Virgil Van Dijk

Liverpool

£350,000

$469,316

£18,200,000

$24,404,429

Getty Images SportHighest paid players in the world

Premier League salaries are high, but neither player ranks among the top global football earners.

The highest earner is Cristiano Ronaldo, the top scorer in Champions League history, now with Al Nassr. Karim Benzema, his former Real Madrid teammate, follows.

Riyad Mahrez, formerly of Manchester City, is third, with Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly from Senegal in fourth and fifth places.

Player

Club

Weekly wages GBP

Weekly wages USD

Annual wages GBP

Annual wages USD

Cristiano Ronaldo

Al Nassr

£3,270,519

$4,385,050

£170,066,890

$228,022,620

Karim Benzema

Al Ittihad

£1,635,259

$2,192,525

£85,033,490

$114,011,310

Riyad Mahrez

Al Ahli

£853,605

$1,144,498

£44,387,482

$59,513,904

Sadio Mane

Al Nassr

£654,104

$877,010

£34,013,396

$45,604,524

Kalidou Koulibaly

Al Hilal

£567,435

$760,806

£29,506,621

$39,561,925

The Titans hero also spelt out his gameplan: “bigger boundaries if they are bowling in good areas, look for doubles; smaller boundaries, you can take it on”

ESPNcricinfo staff26-May-20231:54

Manjrekar: Gill took his T20 game to the next level in 2022

Shubman Gill’s third century of the season – a 60-ball 129 – has put Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2023 final, their second appearance in the title round in just their second year in the tournament. But for someone who scored at a strike rate of 215.00, with seven fours and ten sixes, the feeling of “this is my day” came only in the 12th over of the innings, which started with him on 59 off 37, when he hit Akash Madhwal for three sixes in a 21-run over.”For me, it’s all about playing ball to ball, assessing the situation over by over,” Gill said on the official broadcast after his Player-of-the-Match performance. “Maybe the over in which I hit three sixes, that’s when I got the momentum to go big and I realised maybe this is my day and I have to make it big, because it is a good wicket to bat on.”Gill doesn’t come across as a six-hitter – he was No. 42 in the list of six-hitters in IPL 2022 – but has become one – he has 33 sixes this year, joint-second-highest with Shivam Dube and only behind Faf du Plessis’ 36. Is the change a conscious one?Related

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“[Six-hitting] is not a conscious decision. Obviously, you keep practicing, you want to keep growing, want to keep evolving as a batsman,” he said. “But I feel the belief is more important and that’s what I have had this year and the last year as well.”Gill is in the middle of a purple patch. In international cricket this year, he has one Test century, three ODI centuries (including 208 against New Zealand in Hyderabad) and one T20I century, and averages 51.33, 78.00 and 40.40 in the three formats respectively. Cut to the IPL, and he has the Orange Cap now, for a total of 851 runs so far, scored at an average of 60.78 and strike rate of 156.43. And this was his third century in his last four innings.”It helps when you are coming off a good international season with runs under the belt,” he said. “With me, I know it’s about starting [well]; I know once I start, I can keep going.”Last year, from the West Indies tour, that’s when I shifted gears. I got injured in 2021 leading up to the IPL and I was out for a couple of months. That’s when I started realising the areas to work on and made some technical changes in my batting around December, when I was called up for the New Zealand series just after the T20 World Cup.”ESPNcricinfo LtdOn Friday, Gill got to his century off the first ball of the 15th over, off 49 balls, bringing the 75,655 people at the stadium to their feet. The journey from 50 to 100 took just 17 balls.”The first couple of overs, it [held] a bit on the surface and after that because there was not as much grass on the wicket, the ball was coming on nicely,” Gill said at the halfway stage of the match. “I think also because of the outfield being a little wet [because of rain in the lead-up to the match], the ball stopped swinging after two overs and it got easier as we progressed into the innings.”Titans began a bit slow with Gill on 20 off 15 after five overs. Opening partner Wriddhiman Saha (18 off 16) and No. 3 B Sai Sudharsan (43 off 31) also found the going tough. Gill was dropped by Tim David in the last over of the powerplay when he was on 30 off 19. But he changed gears gradually, teeing off after getting to his half-century. Along with the 17 hits to the boundary, there were lots of singles and doubles at a ground where one square boundary was much shorter than the other.”Definitely [the shorter boundary] plays a part,” he said. “As a batsman, you have to be aware which side to target and you have to take on the bowlers according to that. This is something I had in mind… bigger boundaries if they are bowling in good areas, look for doubles. Smaller boundaries, you can take it on.”

Wolves fans orchestrated a powerful demonstration against controversial owners Fosun International during Monday’s 4-1 defeat to Man United, with an update coming to light on the future of the club.

Wolves linked with potential takeover amid torrid campaign

Supporters boycotted the opening 15 minutes of their heavy loss to highlight growing discontent with the Chinese conglomerate’s stewardship, and tensions have now reached boiling point.

The Old Gold Pack supporter group coordinated the protest, urging fellow fans to remain outside Molineux whilst displaying banners demanding change.

Multiple fan organisations, including Wolves 1877 Trust, Talking Wolves and Punjabi Wolves provided backing, describing the demonstration as “peaceful but unmistakable.”

Fosun acquired Wolves for £45 million in 2016, initially delivering impressive progress that even saw the club reach the Europa League quarter-finals under Nuno Espírito Santo.

However, supporters now view recent years as representing ‘managed decline’, with the systematic sale of key players, including Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m departure to United most recently, failing to result in adequate replacements.

The club currently sit rock bottom of the Premier League with two points from 15 games, not to mention zero wins, and are now 13 points adrift from safety.

Rob Edwards has struggled to generate momentum since arriving from Middlesbrough last month, with relegation appearing increasingly inevitable.

Fosun currently value Wolves at north of £350 million, with maligned American businessman, John Textor, previously submitting a ‘surprise’ estimanted £400 million offer (talkSPORT).

This proposal was made up of £150 million cash upfront plus £262.million in shares, though Fosun rejected the approach whilst maintaining the club’s ‘not for sale’ stance.

The ownership group instead seeks minority investment rather than an outright sale, though this stance contradicts supporters’ demands for wholesale change.

Executive chairman Jeff Shi faces particular criticism, with protesters displaying “Shi out” banners throughout Monday’s fixture.

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Financial implications weigh heavily, with relegation potentially costing over £60 million in revenue based on 2023-24 accounts showing a £177.7 million turnover. Historical precedent suggests the club’s value could plummet by £200 million should they drop into the Championship.

Bearing this in mind, a report this week by Football Insider makes sense.

Wolves will be 'forced to accept' cut-price takeover bid

According to their information, Wolves’ owners ‘will be forced to accept a cut-price offer’ if they decide to sell.

Given the club’s woes right now, Fosun’s negotiating position to demand their £350m valuation weakens by each passing day, with the club marooned bottom of the table and staring a drop to the Championship in the face.

However, the noise remains that, for the time being, they’re not interested in selling and only seek minority investment, according to Football Insider.

Wolves are also looking to be active in the January transfer window, even if it could be too little, too late.

Textor is now reportedly ready to make an official approach to buy Derby County instead, but according to former Botafogo president Carlos Augusto Montenegro, Wolves may have dodged a bullet.

Babar’s dropping was collectively recommended by the newly formed selection committee, which met in Lahore within hours of the loss in the first Test

Danyal Rasool13-Oct-2024Babar Azam will be the biggest name casualty as Pakistan make significant changes to their squad for the second Test, two days after a chastening innings loss to England in Multan. ESPNcricinfo has learned Babar’s dropping was recommended by the newly formed selection committee, which met in Lahore within hours of the loss in the first Test on Friday. They met for a second time on Saturday in Multan, in a session which included chairman Mohsin Naqvi, as well as the five mentors appointed by the PCB on three-year deals.In the immediate aftermath of the defeat, Pakistan captain Shan Masood publicly backed Babar, calling him “Pakistan’s best batter” and repeating his call to give players more time. That sentiment, for continuity, has been backed by Test coach Jason Gillespie too. Privately, though, it is understood the selection panel collectively felt Babar would benefit from time away from the national side as runs remain elusive; he has not scored a Test half-century since December 2022.The newly configured selection panel comprises Aaqib Javed, Asad Shafiq, Azhar Ali, former ICC umpire Aleem Dar, analyst Hassan Cheema and the captain and head coach of the format for which the squad is being selected. However, it is understood neither Masood nor Gillespie were part of the selection committee meeting on Friday. Selectors traveled to Multan on Saturday to meet with the captain and coach, as well as the PCB curator Tony Hemming. At the meeting on Saturday, it is believed some of the mentors were in favour of keeping Babar in the squad, but majority opinion was in favour of the dropping.Related

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It is not yet clear whether Babar – who has struggled for form for the best part of two years – will make himself available to play the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, which is scheduled to begin on October 20. Babar has not played a game in that first-class cricket competition since 2019.The scrutiny around Babar’s form has been magnified with each subsequent failure with the bat. He appeared especially out of sorts against England, on a flat wicket, scoring 35 runs across two innings. beaten on the inside edge in the first innings and the outside in the second. It extended his run without a half-century in Test cricket to 18 innings; just four specialist batters in Pakistan’s history have gone more successive innings without a score in excess of 50. Since the start of 2023, Babar averages under 21 in nine Tests.The loss of form has dovetailed with a turbulent time in terms of his leadership status. Following Pakistan’s elimination at the ODI World Cup in 2023, he reluctantly resigned as captain from all formats. Just four months later, the T20I and ODI captaincy were returned to him, with Shaheen Afridi sacked after just one series.The second stint was ill-fated. Pakistan won one of three T20I series – against Ireland 2-1 – and were eliminated from the T20 World Cup in 2024 in the first round after defeats to the USA and India. Just six months after he was reappointed, he quit captaincy once more, citing a desire to focus on his batting.Babar’s omission will not be the only change. Abrar Ahmed, for one, remains in hospital and is extremely unlikely to recover. Selectors are understood to be considering a couple of other spinning options, with Noman Ali and Sajid Khan in contention. There is also a chance that Afridi does not play the second Test as his struggle to return to his pre-knee injury form continues. Afridi has played in two of Pakistan’s last four Tests, and missed one in each of the previous two series.But it is Babar’s omission that will send shockwaves through Pakistan cricket and its followers. He remains, despite his recent struggles, the biggest name in Pakistan cricket by some distance, having built up an enormous, doting individual fanbase quite separate from the Pakistan team as a whole. Though his ability as captain split opinion and was hotly debated throughout his tenure, there has never – up until very recently – been a debate about his value to the team; even without the armband, he remained an automatic selection and the first name on the team sheet.While consistency came to Babar more easily in the white-ball formats, he was comfortably among the world’s best Test batters during his prime. Between November 2019 and the end of 2022, he averaged just shy of 62 in 25 Test matches, including eight hundreds and 15 half-centuries. His consistency led to speculation it was only a matter of time before the ‘Fab Four’ quartet became a quintet, with Babar pushing his all-format case.The second Test against England begins on October 15 in Multan. England won the first Test by an innings and 47 runs to consign Pakistan to a sixth Test defeat on the trot, one that puts them at the bottom of the World Test Championship table.

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