Amid an incredible run of form, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has now delivered the latest update on Oliver Glasner’s Crystal Palace future with one move already made.
Jurgen Klopp makes contact with Palace boss Glasner
The Eagles have been excellent since the turn of the year, putting the frustrations of the first-half of the campaign to one side and pushing on to secure a place in the FA Cup semi-finals and pushing for a top-half finish. If there were any questions over Glasner’s ability to take this current side to a new level then those have now been answered in emphatic fashion.
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Without a defeat to their name in their last five games in all competitions and with just one goal conceded in that time, the sky is the limit for Palace as the Premier League season nears its conclusion. Glasner, even after losing Michael Olise last summer, has found a way to turn his side into the best version that Selhurst Park has seen during his tenure.
That success could yet come with unfortunate consequences. Just as Olise’s form did last season, top European clubs will be keeping an eye on the Austrian manager as he continues to impress on all fronts.
According to Sky Sports’ Plettenberg, RB Leipzig and Red Bull chief Jurgen Klopp have now made contact with Glasner over a move to the German club after they sacked Marco Rose last week. With just over a year remaining until the Austrian’s Palace contract runs out, Leipzig will have to pay a fee but will at least have the chance to trigger an exit option – much to the Eagles’ frustration.
After such an impressive run, Palace will undoubtedly be desperate to keep hold of Glasner, who they’ll hope feels there’s still work to be done in South London.
Crystal Palace must do everything to keep Glasner
For some time, Crystal Palace were stuck in a Roy Hodgson cycle which may have kept them up – and he deserves great credit for that – but ultimately settled for mediocrity. Patrick Vieira threatened to disrupt that only for his reign to end in failure and the cycle to continue. Glasner, however, hasn’t just disrupted it, he’s torn the usual script apart.
With the chance to step into an FA Cup final with victory over Aston Villa this month, Glasner has it all to play for at Crystal Palace and should hand both Klopp and Leipzig a swift rejection.
Tottenham Hotspur are now making moves to sign a striker, who they are planning to offer a place in the starting XI next season, according to a report.
Solanke's first season at Spurs
Dominic Solanke’s first season as a Tottenham player has been marred by a number of injury issues, having suffered with hamstring and ankle problems, but he hasn’t exactly been prolific in front of goal when fully-fit.
The striker started the Premier League season well, netting six goals prior to Christmas, but since then the Englishman has struggled to score as regularly, with just one league goal to his name in 2025.
With Richarlison also missing the majority of the campaign due to injuries, it would make sense for Spurs to bring in a more dependable striker in the summer transfer window, and a report has now revealed they could bring in a Premier League player on a free transfer.
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According to a report from Spain, Tottenham are now making moves to sign Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is looking increasingly likely to exit Goodison Park upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.
Spurs are willing to offer Calvert-Lewin a ‘prominent’ place in the starting XI, having been impressed by his goalscoring ability and physicality, which indicates Solanke may be forced to drop to the bench, after a mixed debut season in north London.
Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)
April 13th
Nottingham Forest (h)
April 21st
Liverpool (a)
April 27th
West Ham United (a)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (h)
May 10th
The Everton forward could offer the Lilywhites a different kind of threat in attack, and they believe he can rediscover his best form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, having been hampered by a number of injury issues during his time with the Toffees.
Calvert-Lewin isn't what Tottenham need
The 28-year-old has impressed in the Premier League in the past, netting 16 goals for the Toffees in the 2020-21 campaign, at which point he was lauded as a “monster” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
If the Englishman were able to replicate those numbers for Spurs, he could be an excellent addition to the squad, but there are signs his best days are behind him, having scored just three goals in the Premier League this season.
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates scoring their first goal
Not only that, but the Sheffield-born striker’s injury issues are well-documented, having suffered a series of setbacks during his time on Merseyside, which will also be a concern for Tottenham.
Ange Postecoglou has had to make do without Richarlison and Solanke for large parts of the current season, and another injury-prone striker isn’t what the manager needs.
Calvert-Lewin’s availability on a free transfer perhaps makes him a slightly appealing option, at least as a squad player, but he arguably should not be brought in as the first-choice striker, given his patchy goal and injury records.
For everything that has gone wrong during his tenure and the mistakes he has made as Tottenham Hotspur boss, Ange Postecoglou has a decent track record when it comes to signings.
Granted, Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin haven’t been great, but aside from them, the Australian has done well.
For example, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Wilson Odobert look like brilliant long-term investments, while Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven and James Maddison have all massively improved the first team.
Moreover, while the latter has sometimes been a little more inconsistent than fans would like, he has the talent and ability to change a game on his own, and based on recent reports, the club appear keen to sign another Premier League star in a similar mould.
Tottenham Hotspur transfer targets
While Daniel Levy and Co have already backed Postecoglou to a significant extent in recent windows, the club are still in the midst of a major squad overhaul and, as such, have been linked to a whole host of incredible players in recent months, such as Matheus Cunha.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Brazilian has a release clause worth around £62.5m in his current contract at Wolverhampton Wanderers, and while that is a lot of money, he’s already produced 19 goal involvements in 29 appearances this season, so it would undoubtedly be worth it.
However, he’s not the only attacker who has been touted for a move to N17, as Jonathan David continues to be linked with a free transfer to the North Londoners, although due to his brilliant tally of 33 goal involvements this season, there are a whole host of teams lining up to secure the Canadian’s services.
Lille'sJonathanDavidcelebrates scoring their fourth goal
Closer to home, another name has once again popped up as a key target for the Lilywhites, another international who’d be an unreal addition to the squad: Eberechi Eze.
According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the North Londoners have maintained their interest in the Crystal Palace star and are ‘very keen’ to secure his services this summer.
However, there are two potential barriers they’ll have to overcome to do so: interest from Manchester United and the £60m fee the Eagles want for their star player.
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Eze’s immense ability, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he could be a Maddison repeat.
Why Eze would be Maddison 2.0
So, if Spurs can get ahead of the Red Devils and stump up the cash for Eze in the summer, why could it be considered a repeat of the deal that saw Maddison move to North London in 2023?
Well, to start with, there are some surface-level similarities, such as the fact that it would be another example of the Lilywhites signing an exciting creative player from within the Premier League who has also played for England in recent years.
However, more consequently, the pair can and often do fulfil similar roles within their respective teams, as both a goalscoring and creative output from midfield.
Appearances
32
38
Minutes
2547′
2240′
Goals
6
11
Assists
9
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.46
0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvement
169.8′
124.44′
For example, the former Leicester City star has scored 11 goals and provided seven assists in 38 appearances this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.11 games.
For his efforts, the former Queens Park Rangers gem has amassed a haul of six goals and nine assists in 32 appearances this term, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.13 games.
On top of their similar effectiveness, both players are fairly versatile.
For example, throughout his career to date, the Tottenham ace has played in central and attacking midfield, on both wings and in left and right midfield to boot.
Likewise, while the Eagles’ “superstar,” as dubbed by football analyst Ben Mattinson, undoubtedly prefers to play in attacking midfield, he has made plenty of appearances on the wings, in wide midfield and even a couple up top.
Ultimately, while signing Eze will cost Spurs a pretty penny, his performances over the last few years have more than shown he’d be worth it, and a team with him and Maddison in it is a team other sides will not want to play against.
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta believes that a high-earning Man United player would fit right into his first team at the Emirates, according to a report, with sporting director Andrea Berta and co now planning to open transfer talks.
Berta considering deal for Saka alternative at Arsenal
While Berta’s “top priority” is agreeing a contract extension with star winger Bukayo Saka, as per Fabrizio Romano, it has also been reported that the 53-year-old is considering the possibility of bringing in an alternative to the Englishman this summer.
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Saka was a sore miss during his lengthy lay-off due to a hamstring injury, with the £195,000-per-week star finally returning to action this week in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Fulham – scoring their second and playing a crucial role as Arteta’s side grabbed all three points.
Arsenal’s next five Premier League games
Date
Everton (away)
April 5th
Brentford (home)
April 12th
Ipswich Town (away)
April 20th
Crystal Palace (home)
TBD
Bournemouth (home)
May 3rd
His absence seriously debilitated Arteta, who watched on from the sidelines as Liverpool eventually seized a huge gap at the top of the Premier League table, with Arne Slot’s side now looking certain to win this year’s domestic crown.
According to GiveMeSport, Berta is pondering the transfer of a Saka stand-in who can provide a real quality and an attacking threat when the 23-year-old is unavailable – as Arsenal look to avoid being left short again in another title challenge next term.
We’ve already seen Arsenal repeatedly linked with a move for Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams this week, who’s capable of playing both on the left and right, while some reports believe Berta could land versatile Wolves forward Matheus Cunha.
New targets are likely to emerge before the first summer transfer window on June 1st, and a very surprising name has now come to light.
Mikel Arteta "determined" to sign Antony for Arsenal
According to reports in Spain, £200,000-per-week Man United outcast Antony is now being considered by Berta.
The Brazilian has seriously come into his own since departing Old Trafford on a loan deal to Real Betis, notching four goals and four assists in 12 appearances, including some big performances in Europe which helped the La Liga side to a Conference League quarter-final place.
Antony’s rejuvenated form has caught the eye of Arsenal’s head coach specifically, who is said to be a big admirer of the former Ajax sensation not wanted by Ruben Amorim.
Indeed, it is believed Arteta is “determined” to sign Antony for Arsenal, and sees the 25-year-old as perfect for his system. In response, Berta and Arsenal intend to open swift negotiations and want to secure his signature “as soon as possible”.
Arsenal are also prepared to submit a significant bid for Antony and better any offer made by Betis to keep him permanently. United, meanwhile, think the next window will be a golden opportunity to cut their losses on the forward.
Celtic were boosted by the return of their captain last weekend when Callum McGregor came into the side for the 3-0 win over Hearts at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership, and they now prepare to face bottom-of-the-league St. Johnstone.
The former Scotland international had missed out on the defeat to Rangers before the international break through injury, and reminded the supporters of his quality and what the team lacked whilst he was out of the team.
Pass accuracy
99%
Passes completed
66
Key passes
2
Big chances created
1
Tackles + interceptions
2
Dribbled past
0x
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed metronome was almost perfect in possession, completing 99% of his attempted passes, and excelled defensively, as he was not dribbled past a single time.
The Hoops skipper has the ability to control matches with his use of the ball, dictating the tempo of matches with his incredibly efficient passing, and was a vital figure in the 3-0 win.
Arne Engels deputised for him in the number six role against Rangers before the break, but it is further forward where the Belgian’s talents are best suited.
Why Arne Engels has been worth the money for Celtic
The Hoops gambled when they splashed a club-record fee of £11m to sign the 21-year-old gem from Augsburg last summer, as he had only started 13 of his 32 matches in the Bundesliga last season.
Engels did not have a wealth of experience or a track record of excellent performances at a high level for Celtic to be sure of what they were getting when they signed him, which is why it was such a gamble to splash the cash on him.
The Belgium international’s performances for the Scottish giants since his move to Parkhead, however, have proven that he has been worth the money so far.
Engels has delivered at the top end of the pitch with a return of ten goals and 12 assists in 44 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, making him only the second central midfielder – after Matt O’Riley in 2023/24 – to hit double figures for goals and assists for Celtic since the start of the 2020/21 season.
This shows that the Belgian whiz has surpassed expectations, given his lack of experience prior to joining the club, as he has joined an elite group of midfielders – with just him and O’Riley – over the past five years to achieve that record, whilst still having a couple of months left to add to his tally.
There was one Celtic midfielder, however, who did not have his best afternoon in the win over Hearts at Parkhead last weekend, as Reo Hatate struggled against the Jam Tarts.
Why Reo Hatate should be dropped
Rodgers must ruthlessly ditch the Japan international from the starting line-up for this clash with St. Johnstone after he failed to provide an impressive showing last time out.
Hatate was selected to line up alongside McGregor and Engels in midfield, but did not reward Rodgers’ faith in him with an excellent performance on the pitch.
Minutes
81
Touches
74
Shots
2
Shots on target
0
Goals
0
Key passes
0
Duels won
0/5
Tackles + interceptions
0
Dribbled past
1x
As you can see in the table above, the Japanese midfielder offered next to nothing in the final third, and was a liability defensively, losing all of his duels and being dribbled past once.
This shows that Hatate was ineffective at both ends of the pitch, as he did not impact play enough offensively or protect his back four, and that is why Rodgers must drop him out of the starting line-up.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Celtic are against the team that is currently sat at the bottom of the table and that presents the league leaders with a chance to rotate and offer chances to lesser-seen players, including Portuguese ace Paulo Bernardo.
Why Paulo Bernardo should start against St. Johnstone
The former Benfica starlet made his first appearance since the 8th February when he came off the bench in the 3-0 win over Hearts last weekend, having been struggling with an ankle injury.
This clash with St. Johnstone, who are bottom of the table with 19 losses in 31 matches, could be the perfect opportunity to hand him his first start since returning from injury, against a team the Hoops can reasonably expect to boss the game against – given their respective positions in the division.
Paulo Bernardo
When he has been fit and available, Bernardo has proven his worth to the Scottish giants with some excellent displays in the middle of the park as one of the number eights ahead of McGregor.
The Portuguese whiz has scored two goals, created five ‘big chances’, and registered three assists in just 11 league starts, which shows that he can contribute offensively, but maybe not to the level that Engels can – meaning that the former Augsburg man can step up in that area.
One of those two goals came against St. Johnstone away from home back in September, as the central midfielder brilliantly found the bottom corner from the edge of the box with a sublime finish.
As well as being a threat in the final third, Bernardo is also a “tenacious” – as described by Rodgers – defender out of possession, constantly looking to win the ball back for his team.
The right-footed dynamo has averaged 4.0 tackles and interceptions combined per 90 in the Premiership, which illustrates his desire to get stuck in with challenges to help his team out defensively. Meanwhile, Hatate has averaged 1.5 tackles and interceptions per 90 and did not make any against Hearts.
This suggests that Bernardo would come into the team as an upgrade on the Japanese dud from a defensive perspective, which could help Celtic to cut out any counter attacks that St. Johnstone may have.
It also suggests that he would be ideal next to Engels in the team because he can provide the defensive edge to complement the Belgian’s brilliant offensive power.
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It is now down to Rodgers to drop Hatate from the starting XI to make room for the Portuguese talent to come back into the side this afternoon.
Manchester United are preparing a big-money offer for a former Manchester City player that Ruben Amorim is desperate to bring to Old Trafford, according to a new report.
Man Utd draw at Lyon as Amorim praises Zirkzee
After a difficult start to the season, United were finally showing signs of improvement under Amorim, having enjoyed much-improved results over the past two months.
In mid-week against Lyon in the Europa League, however, their progress suffered a slight setback as they were held to a disappointing 2-2 draw at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais.
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Two mistakes from goalkeeper Andre Onana cost the Red Devils, with the Cameroon international first letting a cross go directly under him in the first-half, and then fumbling a tame shot in the final minutes of the game to allow Rayan Cherki to score a last-gasp equalizer, which resulted in him being dropped against Newcastle United on Sunday. The Magpies ran riot at St James’ Park, winning 4-1 without Eddie Howe on the sidelines.
Despite the setback against Lyon, however, there were still positives to take from the display, most notably that of forward Joshua Zirkzee, who was on the scoresheet for the second time in three Europa League games, heading home Bruno Fernandes’ cross in the 88th minute.
Joshua Zirkzee
Talking about the Dutchman, who earlier in the season was substituted after just 33 minutes in a game against Newcastle United, after the draw with Lyon, Amorim hailed his striker’s recent displays.
“Yes, he’s doing a great job. Also a very important thing was the way the fans react after that incident,” he said.
Asked about his role in Zirkzee’s turnaround, Amorim added: “I just want to help the team and then work with him. With all the work that all the staff is doing with him he’s improving, and then I put him to play. This is the only way to show confidence to the player.”
Man Utd launch £70m move for Morgan Rogers
Despite Zirkzee’s recent improvement, seven goals and three assists in all competitions still isn’t enough to help United back to competing for titles, so Amorim will no doubt be looking to bolster his forward line in the summer.
And according to a report from Spain, the Portuguese boss already knows just the man he wants: Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers.
Rogers, formerly of Manchester City, has been one of the Premier League and Europe’s star players this season, helping Villa not only enjoy another solid Premier League campaign, but also reach the quarterfinals, and possibly even further, in the Champions League.
It is claimed that United and Amorim have identified the England international as one of their top targets for the summer, and are “willing to do everything possible to bring him to Old Trafford.”
The Red Devils are said to have already launched a massive £70 million bid for Rogers, however it’s thought that luring him away from Villa will be tough, with the club keen to keep hold of a player they consider one of their most important, and talented, stars.
Games
46
Goals
14
Assists
12
After netting a hat-trick against Celtic in the Champions League back in January, former Villa star Stiliyan Petrov described him as a “joy to watch.”
“He was just outstanding, we saw everything from the young man. He looked like a mature player,” Petrov said. “He looked like he is going to be a star.”
Manchester United are down to the bare bones in attacking areas for the rest of the 2024/25 campaign. Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho are the only natural attacking players left for Ruben Amorim to select from this term, not counting the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, who can play as number 10s.
Joshua Zirkzee picked up a hamstring injury at the weekend against Newcastle United and could miss the rest of the season. Meanwhile, winger Amad has now been out for some time with an ankle injury.
This will surely bear weight in the transfer window, with United needing to add reinforcements in attack to avoid situations where they are thin on the ground in terms of depth. In fact, they have been linked with one player who could do just that.
Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward
If there is one player who is wanted by a multitude of Premier League clubs during the 2025 summer transfer window, it is Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap. Well, United are certainly one of the sides interested in signing him this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
In fact, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Red Devils have had ‘a major breakthrough’ in their pursuit of the England under-21 star. Their sources suggest United’s ‘package is far more solid’ than any other side in pursuit, with the Old Trafford outfit having moved ahead in the race.
The main competitor to Amorim’s side for Delap’s signature is reportedly Chelsea, as well as their North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
Whichever side wins the race for Delap, they would have to pay just £30m due to a relegation release clause in his contract at Portman Road.
Why Delap would be a good signing
Despite the Tractor Boys’ struggles in the Premier League this term, it has been a season to remember for the former Manchester City academy star Delap. Football statistician Statman Dave believes he is “going straight to the very top”, and there is certainly evidence of that this term.
Liam Delap
The 22-year-old has 12 goals and two assists in 31 top-flight appearances this term. That is even more impressive when you consider Kieran McKenna’s side have scored just 33 times in the top flight, with Delap’s 12 an impressive 36% of their goals.
Another thing to note about the England under-21 striker is his ability to score against some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League. This season, he scored twice at home in a 2-2 draw against Aston Villa and also has goals against Spurs and Chelsea.
Should the Red Devils bring Delap to the club this summer, he could prove to be the perfect upgrade on Marcus Rashford. The England international is currently on loan at Aston Villa, where he has an impressive three goals and six assists in 15 games, including this exceptional assist against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.
Villans boss Unai Emery said it “depends on the circumstances” as to whether he will stay at the club from United. Delap – who has been dubbed a “monster” by teammate Alex Palmer – has enjoyed a more successful campaign in the Premier League than the deadly attacker, who has just five goals and four assists for United and Villa.
So, from a goals and assists point of view, the Ipswich star would arguably improve United’s squad, although Rashford offers lots outside of goal involvements. However, Delap is outscoring Hojlund this term, who has just three top-flight goals.
Not only that, his underlying numbers are better across the board than the United number nine. For example, as per Squawka, he averages 1.2 shots on target and has a 24.49% conversion rate per 90 minutes, compared to Hojlund’s 0.6 shots on target and 17.65% conversion rate each game.
Delap vs. Hojlund key stats 2024/25
Stat (per 90)
Delap
Hojlund
Shots on target
1.2
0.6
Goals
0.5
0.2
Conversion rate
24.49%
17.65%
Chances created
0.8
0.8
Take-ons completed
1.5
0.4
Aerial duels won
2.1
1.2
Stats from Squawka
A deal to sign Delap seems like a perfect move for United. Not only is he cost-efficient, but he is proven in the Premier League and is outperforming some of their biggest stars, including Rashford, when it comes to goals and assists.
This seems like a dream market opportunity for Amorim’s side, who can elevate the squad and make them even more deadly in front of goal.
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Chelsea claimed a 1-0 win over London rivals Tottenham Hotspur at Stamford Bridge last night, edging them one step closer to securing a Champions League place.
Enzo Fernández’s header in the second half secured all three points for Enzo Maresca’s men, securing their third Premier League win in the last four outings.
Pape Matar Sarr thought he had clinched a point for the visitors, but his effort was ruled out after a foul on Moises Caicedo in the build up to his long-range effort.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescabefore the match
The Blues could’ve easily won the game by more than a one-goal margin, but ultimately, the boss will be happy to gain another victory in their hunt to return to Europe’s biggest competition.
However, despite the victory, numerous players failed to deliver in West London, potentially putting their starting role in the first-team at risk between now and the end of the season.
Chelsea’s poor performers against Tottenham Hotspur
Goalkeeper Robert Sanchez has had his doubters over the last few months, with his ability to be the club’s number one in the long-term coming into question.
The Spaniard was let off the hook by Sarr’s effort, with the 27-year-old beaten by the strike, but he should’ve easily kept it out after getting a hand on it before pushing into the ground.
Striker Nicolas Jackson made his return to action after an injury lay-off last night but failed to deliver – highlighting the need for added investment within the final third this summer.
The Senegalese international only completed eight passes during his 82-minute display, also failing to complete any of his three dribbles – showcasing his wasteful nature when having the ball at his feet.
However, despite the lack of quality from the aforementioned duo at the Bridge, one other first-team member also failed to deliver, with Maresca needing to take action ahead of the club’s next outing.
The Chelsea dud who needs to be dropped after Spurs
Despite sitting in the top four with just eight games to go this campaign, Chelsea have endured some tricky periods throughout the last few months – with many players failing to deliver.
Frustrations have grown within the fanbase as a result, especially considering the amount of money spent in West London over the last couple of seasons.
They could be about to drop more money on winger Jadon Sancho this summer, with the club expected to trigger his £25m clause within his loan deal.
However, the 25-year-old did himself no favours with his showing last night, once again failing to produce the goods amid murmurs around his long-term future.
The winger featured for 68 minutes before becoming the first Blues player to be withdrawn, understandably so given his lack of impact against Ange Postecoglou’s men.
Whilst he was unlucky not to find the back of the net with his effort expertly saved, his strike was the highlight of what was a dismal overall showing on the night.
He failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, whilst also being unable to find a teammate with any of his crosses – showcasing his lack of quality in attacking areas.
Minutes played
68
Touches
38
Possession lost
9x
Dribbles completed
0/2 (0%)
Crosses completed
0/1 (0%)
Duels lost
6/7 (85%)
Shots taken
2
Sancho also only managed 38 touches during the win, losing possession nine times, subsequently gifting the ball away every four times he had it at his feet.
He was shrugged off the ball multiple times by full-back Djed Spence, losing 85% of the duels he entered, further highlighting how poor he was against their London rivals.
As a result, the attacker was handed a measly 4/10 match rating from The Express’ Alex Turk, compounding his misery on a personal level.
Given his showing, Maresca simply can’t afford to start Sancho ahead of the club’s next league outing, with Champions League qualification still hugely up for grabs.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescabefore the match
It’s an unforgiving division, with numerous sides waiting to pounce should they slip up, with all players needing to deliver if they are to achieve their goal.
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With one eye on the summer transfer window and another on ending the current Premier League campaign with a flourish, Fulham have now reportedly seen one target make his choice over a potential move.
Fulham still battling for shock European place
Victory at Craven Cottage against Liverpool last time out sums up the quality that Marco Silva’s side have at their best. After initially falling behind courtesy of a stunning strike from Alexis Mac Allister, the west London club flipped the game on its head and raced into a 3-1 lead at the break.
Even when Luis Diaz’s effort threatened to get the Reds back into proceedings, Fulham earned a deserved three points.
Having made such a statement with victory, Fulham still have every chance of confirming a shock European qualification ahead of the likes of Aston Villa, and Marco Silva spoke about his side’s chances in this week’s press conference.
The Fulham boss told reporters: “We set the target at the beginning of the season for us to arrive in the final stages fighting for something important.
“It is not extra pressure or more pressure for us. It is a privilege to have this type of thing. It is what I want. It is the pressure that I put on myself, my staff, my players and now if we have the chance to fight [for it], we have to embrace it.”
Silva will need no telling just how much of an impact European football would make to his side’s summer transfer window, especially amid reports that one target has already made his choice between Craven Cottage and a European club. Whether that choice changes if Fulham achieve what they’ve set out will certainly be interesting to see, however.
"Complete" Ioannidis makes transfer decision
According to Football Insider, Fotis Ioannidis is now closing in on an agreement to join Sporting CP despite interest from Fulham. What’s more, joining the Greek forward will reportedly be Georgios Vagiannidis rather than, again, a move to Craven Cottage. The Panathinaikos pair are impressive in their own right, but it’s Ioannidis who stands out the most.
Whether Fulham attempt a last-gasp hijack to sign the forward will be something to keep an eye on, especially if they qualify for European football in the coming weeks.
Dubbed “complete” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Greek forward would be an ideal option to replace 33-year-old Raul Jimenez, who is unlikely to be at the peak of his powers for much longer.
After scoring 11 goals in all competitions this season, the interest in Ioannidis should come as no surprise.
Manchester United are now leading the race for a “spectacular” Real Madrid star, who could be allowed to leave for £85m this summer, according to a report.
Man Utd keen to strengthen in attack
Man United’s misfiring frontline is one of several reasons for their extremely disappointing Premier League campaign, and they have now set out to rectify the issue in the summer, having identified several top forwards as transfer targets.
Paris Saint-Germain winger Desire Doue is one of the most high-profile stars under consideration, but it remains to be seen how plausible it is to lure the 19-year-old to Old Trafford, given that the French club’s asking price could be in the region of £275m.
A more attainable target could be Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian “very keen” on signing for United in the summer, and the forward’s £62.5m release clause shouldn’t pose too much of an issue.
Man Utd now leading race for £30m "monster" who just scored at Old Trafford
The Red Devils are now in a strong position to win the race for an attacking midfielder, who could be available for a bargain fee.
ByDominic Lund Apr 30, 2025
The Red Devils are making progress in their pursuit of Cunha, who could be brought in to play in the number 10 role, but a new winger could be brought in alongside the 25-year-old, and they are now leading the race for a Real Madrid star.
According to a report from The Sun, Manchester United are now in pole position to sign Rodrygo, with the Brazilian now ready to leave the Spanish club this summer, should they receive a big-money bid from a Premier League side.
Real Madrid'sRodrygolooks on
Madrid are looking to receive £85m for the forward, who played an integral role in their dramatic comeback victory against Manchester City in the 2022 Champions League semi-final, scoring two late goals after coming on as a substitute.
Arsenal are also in the race to sign the 24-year-old, but the Red Devils are best-placed to secure his signature.
"Spectacular" Rodrygo impressing in Champions League
Not only did the Brazil international make the difference against Man City en-route to his side’s 2022 Champions League triumph, but he has also continued to impress this season, picking up five goals and two assists in Europe’s elite competition.
The winger hasn’t been quite as prolific in La Liga, however, failing to pick up a single goal contribution since the end of January, despite starting the vast majority of his side’s matches.
That said, the former Santos man is clearly held in very high regard by his manager, having been lauded as “spectacular” by manager Carlo Ancelotti, and his previous exploits indicate that he could be a fantastic signing for Man United in the summer.
However, it could be very hard to tempt Rodrygo into a move to Old Trafford, should Champions League football not be on offer next season, which underlines the need for United to finish the season strongly and win the Europa League.