Ahead of the January transfer window, Rangers have reportedly opened talks to sign Galymzhan Kenzhebek from Kazakhstan side Yelimay.

Danny Rohl is reportedly keen to mark his own stamp at Ibrox and that could yet see a number of fresh faces arrive. Sporting director Kevin Thelwell already confirmed during the international break that Rangers will be busy in the winter window and there’s no doubt that he’s got plenty of making up to do after a disastrous summer.

The former Everton chief also revealed that there could yet be more additions behind the scenes in Glasgow, saying: “It’s an exciting time because we’re starting to look at the way we’re organised from a sporting perspective and say ‘well, what does great look like?’, where we are against that standard, and who can help us reach that standard.

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“We have been talking about making some new appointments and we have made some new appointments. I’m really pleased with the appointment of Jaymes Monte, in particular, a guy from Dundee, previously worked with Hudl, and probably our first ever appointment in that data space.

“He’s going to provide us with a lot of insight in relation to data, not only from a recruitment perspective but also from analysis of opposition, our own game, and then medical, sports science and coaching.”

Organisation behind the scenes would certainly help Rohl’s side on the pitch, but the German also needs fresh faces. On that front, names such as David Watson are already being mentioned.

The Kilmarnock midfielder is one of the best young talents in Scotland and Rangers have already reportedly opened talks to secure his signature as early as the January transfer window. His arrival could be the start of a winter window to watch from all involved at Ibrox, too.

Rangers open talks to sign Kenzhebek

According to reports in Kazakhstan, as relayed by Glasgow Times, Rangers have now opened talks to sign Kenzhebek from Yelimay in the January transfer window. The 22-year-old winger will be out of contract at the start of January, allowing the Gers to swoop in and potentially land a free deal.

Whilst Kenzhebek has only ever played twice outside of his home country, 12 goals and six assists in 36 league games this season suggests that he’s ready to break away courtesy of a move to Scotland.

Praised for his “quality” ball carrying ability by scout Kai Watson, the prospect of signing Kazakhstan should excite Rangers fans. Whilst he’s not the finished product, the potential is certainly there for all to see.

The fact that the Gers can beat Aberdeen and Celtic to his signature should also give them added incentive to get the deal over the line in January.

Rangers can forget about Souttar and Cornelius by unleashing "left-footed Van Dijk"

Manchester United reportedly rejected the chance to sign Chelsea midfielder Romeo Lavia as part of a proposed swap deal for Alejandro Garnacho during the summer. Despite actively searching for midfield reinforcements, concerns over the Belgian's injury record led the Red Devils to refuse the swap and push ahead with a standalone £40 million sale of the Argentine winger instead.

GettyMan Utd rejected Lavia swap for Garnacho

Manchester United allowed Garnacho to join Chelsea in August after the winger fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim, agreeing a deal worth £40m. However, according to ESPN, Chelsea initially tried to negotiate a player-plus-cash offer involving Romeo Lavia as part of the transfer. The Blues were prepared to reduce the fee if the Red Devils accepted the 21-year-old midfielder in return.

United assessed the offer but ultimately turned it down due to concerns surrounding Lavia's prolonged battle with fitness issues. The Liverpool-target-turned-Chelsea-signing has endured repeated setbacks since arriving at Stamford Bridge, meaning United felt he would not provide the reliable midfield upgrade needed. Instead, they pushed through a straight-cash deal, ensuring they secured a guaranteed return on Garnacho.

The Argentine winger struggled to make an immediate mark at Chelsea despite featuring regularly early in the campaign; however, he has picked up form recently. Meanwhile, Lavia has struggled again with injury and has been limited to minimal minutes since the swap-deal proposal was dismissed. For United, the decision highlighted a preference for avoiding long-term medical risks despite their well-documented midfield weaknesses.

AdvertisementAFPMan Utd's immediate need for a defensive midfielder

United's refusal to move for Lavia stemmed largely from the club's growing frustration with persistent midfield instability. Senior figures inside Old Trafford recognise the need for a dedicated defensive midfielder who can provide structure, control and reliable availability. Casemiro's age and physical decline have increased the urgency to identify a long-term successor capable of anchoring Amorim's system at a high level.

Without such a figure, United have been forced into makeshift solutions that compromise tactical balance. Bruno Fernandes has dropped deeper to partner Casemiro, reducing his creative influence in attacking zones where he has historically been most impactful. Attempts to integrate younger options have delivered inconsistency, as players continue to adapt to new roles and responsibilities.

In that context, Lavia's profile, a deeper, possession-based midfielder with Premier League experience, naturally held appeal. However, the defining concern for United was his track record of lengthy injury absences, which threatened to leave them no better prepared for the future than before. They require a near-ever-present starter in a demanding role, rather than another medium-term gamble.

Lavia's horrific injury record at Chelsea

Lavia's Chelsea tenure has been dominated by physical setbacks since his £58m ($76m) move from Southampton in 2023. After arriving with huge expectations, he missed large stretches of the season due to a hamstring problem suffered in training, delaying his debut for months. When he did finally make his first appearance, a severe ankle issue soon followed – ending his campaign almost instantly.

Those issues carried into the 2024/25 season, undermining attempts to establish rhythm or earn a consistent place in the squad. Lavia has never completed a full 90-minute match for Chelsea, and his total competitive playing time remains extraordinarily low for a player of his profile and price tag. This season, he was ruled out again after sustaining a quadriceps injury in the Champions League against Qarabag.

His talent, however, remains clear: press-resistant, intelligent, and proactive in defensive duels, with an impressive passing range for a player his age. Chelsea still believe he can grow into a midfield cornerstone once his body stabilises. For now, though, his availability continues to be a major concern.

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Getty Images SportMan Utd continue targeting potential options

Manchester United continue to prioritise the recruitment of a specialist holding midfielder who fits both their tactical plan and durability criteria. Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton and Brighton's Carlos Baleba mentioned as potential signings for the summer of 2026.

Chelsea, meanwhile, will hope Lavia's recovery progresses cleanly so that he can contribute meaningfully in the latter stages of the season. The Belgian remains under a long-term contract and still represents a significant part of their project, provided he can stay fit.

It’s an excellent time to be an Arsenal fan at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side are four for four in the Champions League, through to the next round in the League Cup and top of the Premier League.

However, the North Londoners still have their problems, such as the growing number of injuries.

Moreover, Arteta now has to make do without summer signing Viktor Gyokeres, although the good news is that he has a solution in Arsenal’s best finisher since Robin van Persie.

Arsenal's solutions to Gyokeres' injruy

With Kai Havertz still out and Gabriel Jesus only just returning to first-team training, Arteta can get a little creative with his Gyokeres replacement.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

One option could be moving Leandro Trossard into the middle, as, unlike last season, he seems to be getting back to his dangerous best.

In fact, the Belgian international has already amassed an impressive tally of three goals and four assists for the side in 13 appearances.

Moreover, while the 30-year-old is primarily a winger, he’s no stranger to playing up top, having done so 49 times across his career.

However, should the manager wish to keep Trossard on the right, he could go with an even bolder choice: starting Ethan Nwaneri up top.

After all, only last season he told the press that the youngster “can play as a right winger and there is another position I think he can develop into – No9.”

Moreover, with an impressive tally of nine goals and two assists in just 1378 minutes last season, the teenager clearly has an eye for goal that’s hard to teach.

However, while Trossard and Nwaneri would probably do a fine job leading the line for a game, there is another player Arteta will almost certainly turn to, a player who could be looked at as Arsenal’s best finisher since Van Persie.

Arsenal's best finisher

While he does have a few options at his disposal, it seems almost certain that Arteta will opt to play Mikel Merino up top against Sunderland.

After all, over the last year or so, the Spaniard has put forward a very good case for him being the club’s best finisher since Van Persie.

Now, that is not to say that he’s been the best centre-forward since the Dutchman, as he hasn’t and wouldn’t even claim to be one.

However, his quality of finishing is superb, and his utterly outrageous catalogue of goals proves as much.

For example, in his very first game as the side’s striker, against Leicester City last season, he scored an excellent header and another one-touch finish into the bottom corner.

Then, at home to Real Madrid in the Champions League, he once again scored a sensational one-touch goal, but this time from the edge of the penalty area.

In fact, when looking back on the goals he has scored for the club, it becomes apparent that he’s at his very best when he has less time to think and has to finish with a single touch.

Fortunately for him and the rest of the team, he is something of a “magnet in the box,” per Arsenal writer Adam Keys, and so he often has just one opportunity to bury a chance.

Ultimately, it might sound hyperbolic, and Arteta won’t want him playing up top for much longer, but it’s hard to deny that Merino currently looks like Arsenal’s best finisher since Van Persie.

Arsenal have their next Xhaka who's one of the best in "world football"

The international gem could end up being an even better version of Xhaka for Arsenal and Arteta.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Nov 7, 2025

West Ham chiefs have now been told exactly what they need to complete a deal for AC Milan striker Santiago Gimenez in January, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in the market for another centre-forward as Niclas Füllkrug packs his bags.

The Hammers are stepping up their pursuit of a number nine ahead of the winter transfer window, with Fullkrug set to depart as the injury-ridden German international seeks a new chapter (Fabrizio Romano).

Fullkrug, according to multiple reliable media sources, is exploring options to leave, with talks already happening, after having struggled with injuries and a lack of overall form since his move from Borussia Dortmund last year. His impending departure has intensified the need for attacking reinforcements, with Nuno apparently keen to bolster his forward options following a difficult start to the campaign.

The East London club have “already” begun scouring the market for potential targets (Fabrizio Romano), and West Ham are reportedly keeping an eye on Man United striker Joshua Zirkzee as a potential reinforcement, among others.

Sunderland 3-0 West Ham

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea

Nottingham Forest 0-3 West Ham

West Ham 0-3 Tottenham

West Ham 1-2 Crystal Palace

Everton 1-1 West Ham

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

West Ham 0-2 Brentford

Leeds 2-1 West Ham

West Ham 3-1 Newcastle

West Ham 3-2 Burnley

West Ham have been linked with Palmeiras striker Vitor Roque and explored a loan move for Real Madrid’s Endrick, before Lyon swooped in to take command in the race for his signature as the Ligue 1 giants press ahead with a deal.

Additionally, Gimenez has emerged as a target for West Ham too.

The Mexico international, who scored for fun in the Eredivisie and even once commanded an £88 million price tag, hasn’t managed to carry on that form at the San Siro since making his eventual £28 million move to Milan earlier this year.

Gimenez has managed just seven goals in 30 total appearances for the Rossoneri, and Milan chiefs may now green-light a mid-season departure for the 24-year-old, who had previously starred under Arne Slot at Feyenoord.

The North American racked up 26 goals in 41 appearances in Slot’s final season at Feyenoord, and finished the previous campaign as their top scorer whilst firing them to the title that year.

Interestingly, Milan are believed to be interested in Fullkrug as a replacement for Gimenez, with the prospect of a swap deal even touted in the press very recently.

West Ham told Santiago Gimenez deal conditions as Fullkrug swap deal mooted

While the possibility of a swap deal or even part-exchange is apparently there, a report by Calciomercato has detailed exactly what David Sullivan needs to do to make a deal happen.

According to their information, West Ham’s hopes of securing Gimenez in January hinge on meeting strict conditions set by the Italian giants.

Milan will only consider selling for a permanent transfer fee of at least £22 million, and crucially, the deal must come from a club that Gimenez himself approves. The Italian outlet emphasizes that without these two conditions being met, any discussions remain purely hypothetical.

The situation presents both an opportunity and a challenge for Nuno’s side. However, that being said, there is reason to believe that Gimenez would be a major upgrade on Fullkrug.

The eight-year age difference between the two strikers means that West Ham would certainly benefit from a swap for the long-term, and unlike Fullkrug, Gimenez enjoyed 20-plus goal seasons in the build up to his Milan move.

Gimenez’s “sensational” form at Feyenoord attracted interest from elite Premier League sides, including Arsenal, and West Ham could now have a chance to help him rediscover his goalscoring touch in England.

Milan’s willingness to sell means a deal is there to be done, so Gimenez could genuinely be one of Nuno’s better options.

MatériaMais Notícias

A Supercopa do Brasil serviu para o São Paulo completar a prateleira de títulos e reafirmar sua dominância sobre o Palmeiras em duelos mata-matas.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasFora de CampoÍdolo do São Paulo promete presentes após conquista da Supercopa: ‘Perdeu o juízo’Fora de Campo04/02/2024São PauloCalleri cutuca Palmeiras e crava São Paulo como maior clube do Brasil: ‘Não tem discussão’São Paulo04/02/2024Futebol NacionalSão Paulo provoca Palmeiras e Caio Paulista após conquista do título da Supercopa do BrasilFutebol Nacional04/02/2024

➡️ Siga o Lance! no WhatsApp e acompanhe em tempo real as principais notícias do esporte

Com o título no Mineirão, o Tricolor ampliou para 17 a 5 o placar em decisões, seja em confrontos de mata-mata ou apenas “mata”, como no caso da Supercopa do Brasil.

Antes do confronto em solo mineiro, a última disputas entre os rivais foi nas quartas de final da Copa do Brasil, e o São Paulo avançou na competição após vitórias no MorumBIS e Allianz Parque, caminhando para o título inédito do torneio.

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SÃO PAULO

Final do Paulistão (1992 e 2021)Semifinal do Paulistão (1977 – primeiro turno, 79, 87 e 98 e 2019)Semifinal do Supercampeonato Paulista (2002)Semifinal do Rio-São Paulo(1998 e 2002)Oitavas de final da Copa do Brasil (2022)Quartas de final da Copa do Brasil (2000 e 2023)Oitavas da Libertadores (1994, 2005 e 2006)Supercopa do Brasil (2024)

➡️ Veja os grupos e datas dos confrontos no Paulistão

PALMEIRAS

Final do Paulistão (2022)Quartas de final da Libertadores (2021)Torneio Laudo Natel (1972)Oitavas do Brasileirão (2000)Semifinal do Paulistão (2008)

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São PauloSupercopa

He joined Leicestershire on loan after The Hundred prior to joining full time next season

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay24-Sep-2025Leicestershire 392 for 7 (Eskinazi 150*, Tattersall 47, Patel 44, Budinger 44) vs NorthamptonshireStephen Eskinazi hit an excellent unbeaten 150, his first century for his new county Leicestershire as the Division Two champions pressed home their advantage on day one of this Rothesay County Championship match against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road.Former Middlesex batter Eskinazi, who joined Leicestershire on loan after The Hundred prior to joining full time next season, led a fightback after pacer George Scrimshaw’s double strike reduced the visitors to 122 for 4 at lunch.Eskinazi shared a fifth-wicket stand worth 98 off 145 balls with Jonny Tattersall (47) before adding 76 with Liam Trevaskis (37), and 64 with Logan van Beek (26). His 150 was his highest Championship score since 2018, Leicestershire closing on 392 for 7.Northamptonshire spinner Rob Keogh, who bowled with a lot of drift either side of tea, accounted for both Tattersall and Cox and finished with figures of 2 for 44.Leicestershire had got off to a flyer in the morning, Sol Budinger smashing five fours and two sixes in his 44 in an opening stand of 70 with Rishi Patel (44), but Scrimshaw (2 for 80) arrested their rapid early progress with two wickets in two overs.It was a determined display with the ball from Northamptonshire’s youthful looking attack, but they were left to rue periods in both afternoon and evening sessions when they erred in line and length, allowing Leicestershire’s batters to settle and get back into the game after the early fall of wickets.Earlier Northamptonshire almost broke through with the day’s first delivery when Patel edged Justin Broad to first slip, Saif Zaib shelling a regulation chance, Budinger then inside-edging Ben Whitehouse just past leg stump.But Leicestershire soon found runs easy to come by, Budinger pulling Whitehouse for six and crashing his next ball through extra cover, while Patel pulled and cut Scrimshaw for back-to-back boundaries.Budinger brought up Leicestershire’s 50 in style, pulling Scrimshaw over fine leg for six but was undone by a fine delivery from Broad which nipped back to trap him lbw as he moved across his stumps.Skipper Ian Holland (4) played the anchor role as Patel accelerated, coming down the ground to attack teenage spinner Nirvan Ramesh.But Scrimshaw’s dual strike removed Holland when he edged behind, cutting too close to his body and Patel who miscued a straight pull, Whitehouse taking the catch as he ran across to mid-off.Ramesh then got among the wickets when Lewis Hill bottom edged a sweep, keeper Lewis McManus taking a sharp catch behind the stumps.After lunch though Leicestershire grew increasingly comfortable, Tattersall taking back-to-back boundaries off a wayward Ramesh, while Eskinazi meted out similar treatment to Broad. Scrimshaw meanwhile was guilty of offering too much width, Tattersall prospering as he collected consecutive boundaries.Ezkinazi brought up Leicestershire’s 200 runs in the 48th over before punching Whitehouse through the covers to bring up his half-century.Tattersall though fell just short of his fifty when he edged behind off Keogh, the ball ballooning up off the keeper’s gloves, Broad taking a juggling catch at first slip.Ezkinazi continued to accumulate, smashing Whitehouse through extra cover, while reverse sweeping Keogh for four more.Ben Cox (20) deposited a Whitehouse full toss over deep square leg for four and almost collected a six off Zaib, only for some sharp boundary work from James Sales which saved five runs. Keogh though struck on the brink of tea, spinning one back in to bowl Cox and leave Leicestershire on 252 for 6.After tea Ezkinazi hit Keogh over long-on for six to move into the nineties before running a single to move to his tenth first-class ton off 168 balls.When Justin Broad took the second new ball, Eskinazi responded by stroking three silky cover boundaries in an over. Trevaskis, who had struck Keogh down the ground for back-to-back boundaries, departed though when he flashed outside off-stump against Whitehouse, nicking a catch through to second slip.New batter van Beek made the most of a reprieve when he was dropped in the slips off Broad, crunching the bowler for consecutive boundaries down the ground.With his 150 in sight, Eskinazi was given a life when Scrimshaw bowled him, only to be called no ball for overstepping, and duly brought up the milestone soon afterwards.

أعلن المدير الفني لفريق مانشستر سيتي، بيب جوارديولا، التشكيل الأساسي لخوض مباراة اليوم ضد باير ليفركوزن، في إطار منافسات بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ويستضيف ملعب “الاتحاد” مباراة فريقي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي وباير ليفركوزن الألماني، في الجولة الخامسة من دوري أبطال أوروبا، مرحلة الدوري، موسم 2025/26.

اقرأ أيضًا | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة مانشستر سيتي وباير ليفركوزن اليوم في دوري أبطال أوروبا.. والمعلق

ويمتلك مانشستر سيتي 10 نقاط، حيث يحتل المركز الرابع في جدول البطولة في الوقت الحالي، بينما يمتلك باير ليفركوزن 5 نقاط ويتواجد في المركز الحادي والعشرين.

وحسبما نُشر، يتواجد النجم المصري عمر مرموش في التشكيل الأساسي لفريق مانشستر سيتي في مباراة الليلة. تشكيل مانشستر سيتي أمام باير ليفركوزن في دوري أبطال أوروبا

حراسة المرمى: ترافورد.

خط الدفاع: خوسانوف، جون ستونز، ناثان آكي، ريان آيت نوري.

خط الوسط: ريكو لويس، نيكو جونزاليس، تيجاني ريندرز.

خط الهجوم: سافينيو، عمر مرموش، أوسكار بوب.

البدلاء: بيتنيلي، دوناروما، روبن دياز، هالاند، ريان شرقي، جيريمي دوكو، برناردو سيلفا، جفارديول، ماتيوس نونيز، نيكو أوريلي، فيل فودين.

Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly willing to launch a £70m offer to sign Rodrygo from Real Madrid after the Spanish giants weakened their sale stance ahead of 2026.

The Lilywhites are looking to make a statement move next year in a new era without Daniel Levy. They already stole headlines when they won the race to sign Xavi Simons in the summer, but signing one of Real Madrid’s attacking stars would take Thomas Frank’s side to a whole new level.

Tottenham informed of Everton's Ndiaye stance as club-record price named

The Lilywhites are looking for an attacking boost.

1 ByTom Cunningham Nov 9, 2025

Whether they’ll be in a position to convince Rodrygo to join is difficult to say, however. Whilst Tottenham sit as high as fifth and only four points off second place Manchester City, they’re also on a run of just one win in their last four games in all competitions. Life under Frank has simply shown promise but featured inconsistency.

Saturday’s frantic 2-2 draw against Manchester United summed things up. Spurs were toothless and then ruthless as they came from behind to lead 2-1 in the 91st minute only for Matthijs de Ligt to equalise for the Red Devils in the last minute.

The international break comes at a good time after such a dramatic game, but things don’t get any easier for those in North London. Up next, Spurs are set to square off against Arsenal in the North London derby. The Gunners haven’t lost since August and just conceded for the first time in over 13 hours against Sunderland.

Up against the best defence in the league, if not the world, questions will be asked about the star power in Tottenham’s frontline. They’ll already likely be without summer arrival Randal Kolo Muani through injury in a frustrating blow despite his goalscoring woes, and will be forced to turn to Richarlison to get their frontline firing on all cylinders.

It’s a problem that needs addressing in 2026 and one that Rodrygo could certainly help solve.

Tottenham now willing to launch £70m Rodrygo offer

According to reports in Spain, Tottenham are now willing to launch an offer to sign Rodrygo worth as much as €80m (£70m) in 2026. The Brazilian has struggled for game time under Xabi Alonso and could yet seek a move away ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Florentino Pérez and co. are now reviewing the winger’s future and are more likely to accept a big-money offer for a player who is becoming less motivated sat on their bench week in, week out.

Alonso’s trash would instantly become Frank’s treasure. Rodrygo would transform Tottenham’s attack as a multiple-time Champions League winner and as one of the best wingers in world football. The Brazilian is also a player who has received incredibly high praise and comparisons with Real Madrid legend Raul – that’s the level that he’s at.

At £70m, everything points towards a player that Tottenham should go all out to sign when the January transfer window swings open.

Spurs flop who's been "swallowed by PL" must be dropped for Odobert

Liverpool boss Arne Slot has been told to drop struggling superstar Mohamed Salah by Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. The Reds slipped to their sixth defeat in seven Premier League games on Saturday against Nottingham Forest and sit in the bottom half of the table. Rooney feels it's now time for Liverpool to drop their talisman if they want to get back on track.

• Liverpool plunged into crisis after Nottingham Forest loss

  Liverpool's dismal run of form continued following the return of domestic action after the international break with a 3-0 thumping by Nottingham Forest. The result means the champions have now lost half of their 12 Premier League matches so far this season and have conceded 20 goals already in the 2025-26 campaign. Slot insisted after the match that "the solution is not that far away" but question marks are now being raised about the Dutchman's future at Anfield following a disastrous start to the defence of their title.

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Why Slot should drop Salah

  Rooney thinks one way for Liverpool to get back on track would be to drop Salah. The former England captain said on The Wayne Rooney Show: "If I was Slot, I'd try and make a big decision just so it has an impact on the rest of the team. Salah is not helping them defensively. I'm sure if you're one of the players who they've signed and you're on the bench and you've seen him not running – and again he's a club legend and everything he's done for the club – but if you're on the bench, then what message does that send to you? If you see one of your team-mates not running back and he's starting every game?"

  Rooney was then asked if that meant Slot should drop Salah and added: "I think so. 100%. He needs to make a decision and get them compact, get them hard to beat and every player running back and working back and then obviously when they start winning games you can bring him back in and hope he is running back more, but I think that'll have an impact on the team for sure."

• Liverpool legend defends Salah

  Rooney is not the only former player to call on Slot to drop Salah, with former Reds Jamie Carragher and Don Hutchison also claiming it's time to bench the Egyptian. However, Liverpool legend John Barnes is adamant Salah is not the problem. He told : "If you think about the way Liverpool played before, it was for Trent [Alexander-Arnold] or the rest of the team to create for Mo. Whereas now, with players like Florian Wirtz, Ekitike, and Isak, we're playing differently. Once we get that right, we’ll be okay. We’re just going through a few teething issues, and it’s a coincidence that Mo Salah is 33; people are putting two and two together and blaming age.

  "The whole team needs to get used to a new way of playing, which isn’t necessarily just going to be about shooting for Mo Salah. Mo will still be dangerous, but he's just not going to get the ball in dangerous situations as much as he did. He's not going to get the ball as quickly. We’ve now got a lot of dribblers now, and so we're not going to play as quickly as we did in the past, and so Salah can’t use his pace to run onto balls and to play one against one.

  "I still think he's part of the best 11. Of course, he's not necessarily going to be the main part as he was before, but I still think he's part of his best 11 as it stands. It's just a question of integrating more. We just have to come up with a way that suits everybody, which is obviously different from what they've done over the last five, six years."

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• Salah heading for AFCON

  Liverpool fans will have to wait and see if Slot does decide to drop Salah after a start to the season which has brought just four Premier League goals for the 33-year-old. However, the Reds boss will have to cope without the Egypt international over the festive period as he will jet out to the Africa Cup of Nations in December with the Pharoahs. Salah is set to potentially miss games against Tottenham, Wolves, Leeds, Fulham, Arsenal and Burnley in the Premier League as well as the third round of the FA Cup. The tournament kicks off on Sunday, December 21, with the final due to take place on January 18.

While Chelsea made plenty of good signings in the summer, it would be fair to say that they’ve had mixed starts to life in West London.

Joao Pedro, for example, might have slowed down a little in recent weeks, but has already amassed an impressive tally of seven goal involvements.

On the other hand, Jamie Gittens has largely struggled this season and looks quite some distance off being good enough to start week in week out.

Someone who falls somewhere in the middle is Liam Delap, but if he doesn’t start performing soon, one of Cobham’s most exciting prospects could eventually take the nine shirt off his back.

Delap's start at Chelsea

When Chelsea were the ones to secure Delap’s services for around £30m in the summer, there was an understandable level of excitement from the fans.

After all, here was a young, physically imposing centre-forward who, in his first proper season of top-flight football, had just scored 12 goals and provided two assists in 37 appearances for a poor Ipswich Town side.

Expectations remained high at the Club World Cup as the former Manchester City academy ace provided an assist against LAFC and scored his first Chelsea goal against Esperance.

However, it would be fair to say that, so far, those expectations have not been met this season, as in six games, totalling 227 minutes, the 22-year-old has failed to score a goal or provide an assist.

Now, he was unfortunate to pick up a hamstring injury in the game against Fulham, but in the other games he has appeared in, he has not looked particularly threatening.

Moreover, upon his return from injury against Wolverhampton Wanderers, he stupidly got himself sent off, picking up two yellow cards in the space of 22 minutes.

With all that said, there is still plenty of time for Delap to turn things around and make this season a successful one.

However, should he continue to underwhelm, he could eventually see one of Cobham’s most exciting prospects take the nine shirt from him.

The Cobham gem who could replace Delap

When it comes to producing Premier League-quality prospects, few academies can truly rival Chelsea’s Cobham.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

There are, once again, several youngsters in the setup who could see themselves become first-team regulars over the coming seasons, and the one who could rival Delap for the number nine shirt is Chizaram Ezenwata.

The 17-year-old gem joined the Blues from Charlton Athletic in October 2023 and has established himself as one of the most dangerous attackers in the academy.

For example, in just eight appearances this season, totalling 641 minutes, the Bexley-born marksman has already scored seven goals and provided one assist, which comes out to a goal involvement every game, or every 80.12 minutes.

The youngster isn’t just on a hot streak either; in 20 appearances last season, totalling 1,279 minutes, he managed to score 12 goals and provide three assists, which works out to an average of a goal or assist every 1.33 games, or every 91.93 minutes.

Appearances

26

Minutes

1913′

Goals

19

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.88

Minutes per Goal Involvement

83.17′

With numbers like that, it is easy to understand why U23 scout Antonio Mango has told Chelsea fans to “get excited” about his development, and why Como scout Felix Johnston has described him as someone who “lives and breathes goals.”

The young poacher isn’t just making his mark at club level either.

For example, in seven appearances for England’s u17s he scored five goals, and in five appearances for the u18s, he has already scored twice.

Ultimately, Ezenwata is unlikely to challenge Delap for a place in the team this season, but if the former Ipswich man does not improve soon, next year could be a different story entirely.

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