Glasgow Rangers secured a solid 2-0 victory over Ross County in the pouring rain at Dingwall, setting them up nicely for the trip to Eindhoven in midweek.
Michael Beale made a few changes from the 2-2 draw against PSV at Ibrox on Tuesday, and this included a start for Kemar Roofe – his first since April 2022.
Having lost their first Premiership tie against Kilmarnock and slipping immediately behind Celtic, all three points were required, and they duly delivered.
How did Rangers perform vs Ross County?
A solid, if unspectacular performance secured another win, and Beale will be pleased by how comfortably the game went by, especially in the first half.
Captain James Tavernier led by example with yet another wonderful performance, and his goal was a sight to behold.
Striding forward with purpose, the right-back looked in a menacing mood and unleashed a stunning, dipping shot that nestled into the top corner to give the Light Blues a two-goal advantage following Kemar Roofe’s opener.
Alongside his goal, the Englishman also demonstrated how effective he is going forward by making four key passes during the tie, while also succeeding with one successful dribble and taking three shots during the game.
Defensively, he won 50% of his ground duels along with making one tackle and one interception, as well as committing just one foul, which was good enough to help his team keep a clean sheet.
Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…
But as good as Tavernier was, it was centre-back John Souttar who was an absolute rock at the back for Beale against the Highland side, and he was a major contributing factor to the club keeping a clean sheet.
How did John Souttar perform against Ross County?
Speaking to the media before this match, fellow defender Leon Balogun praised the Scot, saying:
“I think he’s a very strong player. Last season didn’t go the way he planned as he got injured early on. Since I’ve come back, you can see that he’s a good defender and there are a few things that I’ve wanted to copy from him.
“We’ve got really good defenders in the backline and there’s no point being sour because we have big targets this season. In order to achieve them, you need a strong squad and that’s what we have.”
John Souttar
Against County, Souttar was a rock, while also showing how comfortable he is on the ball by taking 77 touches and completing 48 passes as he looked to start attacks from the back often.
Souttar won eight of nine total duels during the match, showcasing his physicality. He also made seven clearances, three interceptions and two tackles, and wasn’t dribbled past once across the 90 minutes.
It was a commanding performance by the former Hearts defender, and he has certainly emerged as a first-choice centre-back alongside Connor Goldson.
With two tough games against PSV and Celtic to come next week, seeing the 26-year-old in this sort of form will undoubtedly please Beale ahead of tougher tasks.
Leeds United could finally be set to kickstart their significant summer spending, as they close in on a man capable of ushering in Daniel Farke's new era.
Is Ethan Ampadu still a Chelsea player?
That's according to journalist Phil Hay, who took to Twitter to confirm Nizaar Kinsella's earlier claim that they will make Ethan Ampadu their first senior signing of the summer.
He would write:
"Leeds United and Chelsea reach agreement over a deal for Ethan Ampadu. Initial fee of around £7m with add-ons attached. Clears the way for a medical and for Ampadu to become the club's first signing of the summer."
With the 22-year-old having failed to establish himself as a first-team member since joining the Blues in 2017, this move could finally mark an opportunity for the defender to reignite a career that once promised much.
The 6 foot 1 ace has just one year left on his £37k-per-week deal.
What position is Ethan Ampadu?
One of the outstanding qualities of the Wales international is his impeccable versatility, given his ability to star in a number of roles.
Across a tumultuous career, where he has ventured out on four separate loan moves since moving to Stamford Bridge, he has featured at right-back, defensive midfield and his preferred centre-back.
Of those spells, whilst the two in Italy did allow him to impress, his year at Sheffield United will likely be of most interest to fans seeking to get a taste of his qualities within English football.
Featuring 25 times in the Premier League during the 2020/21 season, in which the Blades finished rock bottom, he would maintain a 6.95 average rating massively boosted through his two interceptions, 2.3 tackles and 3.3 clearances per game, via Sofascore. This made him their highest-rated player that year.
Even before this, Ryan Giggs had sought to praise him by claiming: "He’s a future leader and it’s great to see him get minutes on the pitch. It’s my hope that he’ll get more games and he’ll get better."
max-wober
To pair such imperious solidity with the equally staunch Max Wober, it could pose a frightening prospect for the rest of the Championship.
Few strikers would relish facing a pairing boasting this much quality.
After all, the Austria international, who only moved to Elland Road in January, took no time at all to acclimatise to the physicality of English football.
His 6.84 average rating made him the club's third-best performer of those who started five or more games, as he too would record 1.7 interceptions and four clearances per game, via Sofascore.
From conceding the most goals in the division last term, such a signing would go a long way towards rectifying the fragility that has plagued the club for some time.
With Ampadu yet to realise the immense potential that he commanded when bursting onto the Premier League scene as a 17-year-old, perhaps the alleviated pressure that a permanent move down the football pyramid would bring could prove vital in revitalising a career still very much in its infancy.
After all, former professional football Paul McVeigh had noted back in 2016: "Footballing world, take note of this young player. Ethan Ampadu. He's going to be very special."
His experience is vast compared to most others of his age, and under the stewardship of promotion-specialist Farke and alongside Wober, all the facets are in place for him to finally start playing the way many know he can at a consistent level.
Glasgow Rangers have been busy in the market throughout the summer transfer window and could take their incoming business into double digits before the deadline
Who have Rangers signed this summer?
The Light Blues have been able to bolster their squad in a number of areas as Michael Beale has snapped up nine new signings to date.
Leon Balogun, Cyriel Dessers, Danilo, Kieran Dowell, Jack Butland, Dujon Sterling, Jose Cifuentes, and Sam Lammers have all come through the door on permanent deals. They have also loaned in winger Abdallah Sima from Premier League side Brighton & Hove Albion.
Read the latest Rangers transfer news HERE…
A tenth addition could be on the way over the coming weeks as they were recently touted with interest in Millwall centre-back Jake Cooper, who is now into the final 12 months of his contract with the English side.
How good is Jake Cooper?
The 6 foot 6 titan is a dominant defender who could arrive at Ibrox to form a monstrous partnership with Connor Goldson at the heart of Beale's backline.
John Souttar has started the current campaign on the left of the central defensive pairing but the Scotland international's fitness record in recent years suggests that the Gers need an excellent option to compete with or provide cover for him.
The former Hearts stopper has missed a whopping 87 competitive matches through injury since the start of the 2020/21 season and was absent for 43 Rangers games last term.
Cooper, on the other hand, has featured in at least 42 league matches for Millwall in each of the last five campaigns, which shows that he is a durable and reliable option on the left side of the defence.
Rangers defender Connor Goldson.
The left-footed brute could form an intimidating partnership with Goldson as they are both able to dominate opposition attackers in the air. Cooper won 67% of his aerial duels last season and 73% of them during the previous term, as per Sofascore.
In fact, the English ace ranked within the top 5% of his positional peers at Championship level with 5.05 headers won per 90 during the 2022/23 campaign.
Meanwhile, the current Rangers colossus has won at least 63% of his aerial contests over the last three full Scottish Premiership years, which shows that both players come out on top in the majority of their headed duels and would be able to deal with teams who hurl balls into the box or try to play long to a target man.
Cooper, who was once hailed as "invaluable" by boss Gary Rowett, averaged Sofascore ratings of 6.94 and 7.13 across the 2022/23 and 2021/22 seasons respectively, whilst only Goldson (7.29) recorded a score higher than 6.96 last term.
These statistics suggest that the 28-year-old Gers target has the quality to be an excellent performer due to his consistently impressive performances, whilst also being more reliable than Souttar in terms of his potential availability throughout the year.
Therefore, Beale could land a monster partner for Goldson to start alongside the English battler when Souttar is unavailable by securing a deal to sign the dominant Millwall giant before the window slams shut.
Leeds United remain interested in signing Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer during the summer transfer window, but Fulham are also thought to be in the race to snap him up.
Is Gustavo Hamer leaving Coventry?
The Whites have now secured the services of former Norwich City boss Daniel Farke as their manager, which was an appointment that took time and seemingly slowed down their summer transfer business for the time being.
It is now vital that Leeds conduct good some work in the market in the next month or two, with new players required to boost their chances of making a quickfire return to the Premier League.
One such individual could be Hamer, who has been linked with a move to Elland Road, following an excellent season for Coventry, who so nearly achieved promotion from the Championship.
The 26-year-old midfielder enjoyed an impressive tally of 11 goals and ten assists in the league, en route to the Sky Blues reaching the playoff final against Luton Town, which he scored in, but his side eventually lost on penalties.
Coventry are finding it difficult to keep hold of their star players – the same applies to fellow Whites transfer target Viktor Gyokeres, who could be set to join Portuguese giants Sporting CP – and rumours of a move to Elland Road are refusing to go away.
gustavo-hamer-coventry-championship-leeds
Are Leeds signing Gustavo Hamer?
According to The Daily Mail in the early hours of Monday morning, Leeds see Hamer as a key summer transfer target, but are now joined by Fulham, who are of course able to offer him Premier League football:
"Fulham are keen on Coventry City midfielder Gustavo Hamer who has also been targeted by Leeds and has one year left on his contract. Hamer was one of the Sky Blues' standout stars in their run to the Play-off Final last season, scoring the crucial winner in the semi-final win over Middlesbrough.
"Leeds meanwhile are also interested in Hamer, as they look to bolster their midfield ranks following the departure of Brenden Aaronson."
Hamer could be such an exciting signing by Leeds if they manage to entice him to the club, transforming their midfield options in the process. His aforementioned end product in the final third is something that nobody for the Whites came close to replicating last season, with no central midfielders scoring more than twice in the Premier League.
The Dutchman is a former Netherlands youth international, further showing the pedigree he possesses as a player, and the fact that his current Coventry deal expires at the end of next season means that this summer is the last chance of them to receiving a good amount of money for his signature.
The fact that Fulham are reportedly in the race to sign Hamer is a potential issue for Leeds, though, given their guarantee of Premier League football next season, so Farke may have to sell him the Whites as a club, in order for them to leapfrog the Cottagers.
The Coventry ace has been hailed as "unbelievable" by Marko Marosi in the past, and if he can take his recent form with him to Elland Road, he could be a signing that ends up being inspired this time next year, at which point Leeds will hopefully be back in the top flight.
Celtic return to action in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since the first international break of the season as they face off against Dundee at Parkhead this afternoon.
What was Celtic's last result?
The Hoops maintained their position at the top of the league table with a 1-0 win in the Old Firm clash in their last game before the national team matches kicked off.
Kyogo Furuhashi scored a stunning goal to secure all three points against Michael Beale's side at the start of the month. The Japan international raced in behind Connor Goldson, from Matt O'Riley's clever header, and rifled a terrific volley into the bottom corner and past Jack Butland.
Brendan Rodgers was without the likes of Maik Nawrocki and Cameron Carter-Vickers but Liam Scales and Gustaf Lagerbielke produced solid displays to keep a clean sheet intact throughout the 90 minutes.
What's the latest Celtic team news?
The Northern Irish head coach has revealed that Reo Hatate is back in training and could be available for selection against Dundee this weekend.
Marco Tilio, who is yet to make his Celtic debut, has also recovered from his injury issue but may need time to work his fitness levels back up and get used to the group before he hits his stride.
Australia forward Marco Tilio.
Meanwhile, Cameron Carter-Vickers is closing in on his return to action and could be back over the weeks to come, although he will not be in contention to start this afternoon.
The Hoops have, however, been dealt a huge blow in the build-up to this match as Liel Abada is set to be out for between three and four months with a thigh injury that was sustained on international duty, Rodgers has confirmed.
Football FanCast already published an article explaining why South Korean ace Hyun-jun Yang should come into the starting XI in place of the Israel international.
However, there could also be a change on the other flank as Luis Palma could be in line to make his Hoops debut after joining from Aris FC during the summer transfer window.
Will Luis Palma start against Dundee?
Rodgers should unleash the Honduras international from the start on the left wing as the talented ace has the potential to offer more than Daizen Maeda at the top end of the pitch.
The 23-year-old forward, who was described as "ambitious" by his new manager, was as an unused substitute against Rangers earlier this month and went on to enjoy an excellent international break with his country.
Honduras international Luis Palma.
Palma produced a phenomenal performance against Grenada as he recorded a Sofascore rating of 9.1 and contributed with one goal and one assist, along with five shots on target and three chances created for his teammates across the 90 minutes.
The £3.5m signing also arrived at Celtic off the back of a terrific start to the season with Aris in Greece. He racked up two goals and three assists in five matches in all competitions, which included two goals and two assists in four Europa Conference League qualifiers.
As per Sofascore, the 5 foot 10 magician created four chances, one 'big chance', and assisted one goal in his only top-flight appearance for Aris this term, which earned him a rating of 7.7.
Palma came into the 2023/24 campaign after an impressive season last term, as he proved himself to be a reliable goalscoring option from out wide.
The gifted wizard averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.12 across 20 Super League starts and chipped in with 11 goals and four assists, along with 1.4 key passes per game.
He also contributed with two goals and four assists in seven cup appearances for Aris, including three assists in four Europa Conference League qualifiers, which meant that he scored 13 goals and provided eight assists in total throughout the campaign.
How many goals did Maeda score last season?
Maeda, on the other hand, scored 11 times and assisted seven in 49 matches in all competitions for the Hoops during the 2022/23 campaign.
The Japan international averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.78 across 35 Scottish Premiership games, which included 25 starts, and chipped in with eight goals and five assists.
This means that the attacker was directly involved in a goal once every 1.92 league starts on average last term, whilst Palma produced one goal involvement every 1.33 starts on average for Aris.
Celtic forward Daizen Maeda.
These statistics indicate that the £3.5m-rated whiz has the potential to provide goals and assists with greater regularity than Maeda on the wing, if he can translate his form from Greece over to Scottish football.
The Honduras international's aforementioned 1.4 key passes per game also suggest that he could provide more creativity than the Japanese marksman as he only conjured 0.8 per match last season.
So far this season, Maeda has averaged a Sofascore rating of 7.03 and assisted one goal, whilst he has failed to find the back of the net once in four Premiership starts for the Bhoys.
He has already missed four 'big chances' in front of goal, which comes after he spurned 11 of them last term, and this shows that the 25-year-old gem has been wasteful at the top end of the pitch.
Whereas, Palma has only missed one 'big chance' in 30 league games since the start of last season to go along with his 11 goals in that time, which means that the 23-year-old maestro could be a far more reliable option in the final third for Rodgers in comparison to Maeda.
Therefore, the Northern Irish head coach must now move the Japan international aside and onto the bench for this clash with Dundee in order to offer Palma the opportunity to showcase his quality on the left wing.
The talented whiz is coming off the back of an impressive international break and could, therefore, be full of confidence and ready to produce a big performance on his debut for the Scottish giants this afternoon.
Maeda has not provided a regular source of goals or assists over the last 12 months or so and Palma's statistics for club and country during that period indicate that he could be an upgrade on him, if he can adapt to life in Scotland and hit the ground running today.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with Moroccan midfielder Sofyan Amrabat for a few months now. The latest update from transfer insider Dean Jones to GIVEMESPORT is that “they will keep pushing this to make it happen” as the start of the new Premier League season looms.
Sofyan Amrabat saga continues…
Amrabat first rose to mainstream prominence after his impressive performances for his country at the Qatar World Cup last year. Since then, he has attracted a lot of interest and Manchester United are at the front of that queue, if terms can be agreed, as per Fabrizio Romano when speaking to GIVEMESPORT.
Football is a world of revolving doors and so if the Fiorentina man is to arrive at Old Trafford, others will surely have to move on. Amongst the most likely are midfield duo Scott McTominay and Fred. Sky Sports are reporting that West Ham United are not only pursuing McTominay but also former United captain Harry Maguire as he continues to slip further down the pecking order.
There was previously interest from Newcastle United in the Scottish central midfielder whereas Fred would most likely leave England altogether. According to Metro, Turkish club Galatasaray is the most likely destination for the Brazilian where he would line up alongside a number of star names, including Wilfried Zaha, Lucas Torreira and Mauro Icardi.
What does Dean Jones have to say on the future of Amrabat?
“They [Manchester United] are really hot on this deal, I think they will keep pushing this to make it happen because there seems more intent than any time up to now.
“There is still the Atletico Madrid factor to fend off but United want to make Amrabat their next signing after Hojlund and if they can pull that off it’s going to be a real accomplishment.
“United’s transfer window was redefined over the course of July and now August will be used to put the finishing touches to the deals and glam up the squad. I’m told there is evert confidence that can make the numbers work on this one, so it’s a pretty exciting time.”
Where else could Amrabat end up?
As Dean Jones alludes to, Man United’s pursuit of World Cup star Amrabat isn’t without its obstacles. Football Italia were reporting over a month ago that the 26-year-old had agreed personal terms with Spanish giants Atletico Madrid, only for that to go quiet due to Fiorentina demanding more money than Atleti were prepared to offer.
Jones’ wording suggests that Atletico are still interested in securing the services of Amrabat and there is a spot in the midfield at the Wanda Metropolitano following the departure of Geoffrey Kondogbia. The former Valencia man, along with fullback Renan Lodi, joined Marseille on a permanent deal in the region of £7 million.
Prior to this summer, it was Barcelona who were closest to snapping him up fresh off of the Qatar exploits of the World Cup star. Again, Fiorentina held strong though and so it could be the finances of the red half of Manchester which prevails after all.
A big update has emerged on Sunderland's pursuit of a new striker as they appear to be closing in on a late swoop to bolster their squad before the summer transfer window slams shut.
What's the latest Sunderland transfer news?
According to journalist Igor Semyon, via the Sunderland Echo, Zorya Lugansk centre-forward Nazariy Rusyn is set for a medical on Wearside ahead of a move to the club before the deadline.
It is also stated that reports in Ukraine believe that an offer of up to €3m (£2.5m) has been lodged by the Black Cats, with a 20% sell-on clause also included within the deal.
The 24-year-old marksman is now said to be awaiting a work permit to go through before being able to officially complete his transfer to the Stadium of Light before Friday.
How good is Nazariy Rusyn?
He is an unproven quantity in English football but the talented finisher could be an exciting partner for current Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham if he is able to translate his form for Zorya over to Wearside.
The Ukraine U21 international, who has scored six goals in ten games at that level, enjoyed an impressive 2022/23 campaign as he showcased his ability as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
Rusyn caught the eye for Zorya with an excellent return of 13 goals and six assists in 30 Premier Liga outings, whilst the Black Cats target has also notched once in two league matches this season.
The £2.5m-rated has racked up 23 goals and 12 assists in 70 Premier Liga games throughout his career to date, which works out as a direct goal contribution every other clash.
His ability to be a provider from a number nine position could make him an exciting player to be deployed alongside Bellingham as the 17-year-old midfielder carries a goal threat.
The former Birmingham City prospect has scored two goals in four Championship matches so far this season and has missed two 'big chances', which shows that the teenage sensation is getting into the right positions in front of goal.
Bellingham, who scored five goals in 12 games at U18 level for his former side, could benefit from Rusyn's creativity as the Ukrainian ace's return of six assists last term was three more than any Sunderland striker managed.
Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray.
This suggests that the 5 foot 10 dynamo has the creative quality to lay on chances for his teammates at an impressive rate, which could provide the 17-year-old ace with the opportunities he needs to find the back of the net with greater regularity.
The Zorya star's 13-goal haul was also three more than any current Black Cats star produced in the Championship as Amad Diallo, who has since returned to Manchester United at the end of his loan spell, was the club's top-scorer with 14 and Ross Stewart was behind him with ten.
Rusyn could, therefore, be an outstanding scoring option for Tony Mowbray's side if he can carry that form over, or even improve upon it, to English football this season.
Just imagine the £2.5m gem and Bellingham lining up alongside each other in attack to cause constant problems for the opposition with their goalscoring potential.
West Ham could look at a move for Rafael Benitez to possibly replace David Moyes, according to The Daily Express.
The Lowdown: Moyes chants
The Hammers lost 4-0 at Brighton in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with the travelling supporters chanting ‘you don’t know what you’re doing’ and ‘you’re getting sacked in the morning’ at Moyes in either half.
West Ham continue to flirt with the bottom three following their 14th league defeat and potential replacements for the Scot are being mooted in the media, although Roshane Thomas has stated that Moyes still has support from the board.
The Latest: Benitez claim
Jack McEachen of The Daily Express shared a story on Saturday evening following the 4-0 defeat to Brighton, looking at five possible options to replace Moyes with the pressure mounting.
One of those was Benitez, with the reporter saying that the Spaniard is after a ‘project’ in his next job, something which the Hammers would represent.
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The Verdict: Needed?
A change appears needed at the London Stadium in what has been a hugely frustrating campaign, and Benitez could be the man to turn things around.
He has actually defeated Moyes 11 times during his career and has plenty of experience in England with Liverpool, Newcastle and Everton.
The 4-2-3-1 manager also has experience of managing a side in the latter stages of a European competition, and with West Ham still in the Europa Conference League, bringing in Benitez could be a wise move, both in the short and long run, especially with the available 62-year-old seemingly looking for a long-term role.
Manchester United are reportedly interested in sealing a move for Nice defender, Jean-Clair Todibo, as manager Erik ten Hag seeks to strengthen his centre-back ranks this summer.
What's the latest on Todibo to Man United?
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils are believed to be keeping tabs on the 23-year-old, alongside Monaco's Axel Disasi, as the Premier League giants plot alternatives to Bayern Munich target, Kim Min-jae.
Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider stated: "Axel Disasi remains concrete name in the list at Manchester United in case Kim Min-jae will end up joining Bayern as expected [next week will be crucial for Kim deal].
"Man Utd also sent their scouts to follow Jean Clair Todibo multiple times — no decision made yet."
The signing of the 6 foot 3 Frenchman – who still has four years left to run on his existing deal – could reportedly cost United a fee in the region of £26m, according to reports in Spain (via Football365).
Who is Jean-Clair Todibo?
Lauded as the "French Wall" by talent scout Jacek Kulig, the former Barcelona man – who made the move to his current side back in 2021 – could well be the figure to replace club captain Harry Maguire in Ten Hag's squad next season, with the England international having been linked with an exit from the club of late.
The £80m man was branded a "walking disaster" by journalist Samuel Luckhurst during the 2021/22 campaign and continued those woes last season, having notably slipped down the pecking order after being restricted to just eight Premier League starts.
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire.
With a departure likely to be in the best interest of all parties – despite the 30-year-old's apparent desire to stay put – Ten Hag could well hasten the former Leicester City man's exit by bringing Todibo into the fold over the coming weeks and months.
Not only would the one-time Toulouse starlet represent a more long-term option due to his relative youth, but he is also seemingly a much better asset in the short-term, such is his superior quality both in and out of possession.
With Maguire representing something of a liability when playing out from the back – as his clumsy error in the defeat away to Sevilla showcased – the Sheffield native notably ranks in just the bottom 47% for progressive passes and only the top 48% for pass completion, while Todibo, by contrast, ranks in the top 12% and the top 20% for those same two metrics respectively.
Equally, the latter man also appears to offer a greater ball-winning presence than the current United skipper as he ranks in the top 8% for tackles made, with Maguire ranking in just the bottom 15% in that regard.
With Todibo coming off the back of a season in which he started 33 Ligue 1 games – averaging 3.4 tackles and interceptions combined per game in that time – the towering gem could well aim to replicate that stellar form at Old Trafford, while in turn allowing Ten Hag to finally show his club captain the door.
Chelsea's summer move for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo could now collapse, following a "key development" regarding the potential signing of him this summer.
How old is Moises Caicedo?
The 21-year-old has emerged as arguably the Blues' biggest transfer target of the summer window, as their midfield goes through something of a rebuild ahead of the new Premier League season.
N'Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic have both left Stamford Bridge in recent times, while Jorginho joined Arsenal back in January, so new faces are needed to shine in the middle of the park alongside relatively new arrival Enzo Fernandez.
Caicedo enjoyed a fantastic season for Brighton, proving to be one of their most important players and excelling next to Alexis Mac Allister, who has already departed the Seagulls to join Liverpool earlier this summer. The Ecuadorian has seen his current club be extremely stubborn when it comes to accepting an offer from Chelsea, however, demanding huge money for his services, not helped by the amount Arsenal paid for Declan Rice, for example.
Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding the Blues' pursuit of the young midfielder – one that could cause plenty of concern among the fanbase.
Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo.
What's the latest on Moises Caicedo to Chelsea?
According to Football Insider, and journalist Pete O'Rourke, Chelsea are "not currently in active talks" with Caicedo over a summer switch to Stamford Bridge, having seen a second bid for him turned down. The transfer is "now facing collapse", even though the player himself is "keen" on the move coming to fruition, in what is threatening to become a potentially ugly situation. The report has described it as a "key development".
Missing out on Caicedo now would be such a blow for Chelsea, considering how much they have tried to get him since the end of last season, and he remains a standout option who could help give their midfield such an injection of youth and quality. Graham Potter once said, "it doesn’t surprise me that people are looking at him because he is playing at a fantastic level", further outlining his class as a player.
Last season, the Ecuador international averaged 2.7 tackles per game in the Premier League, showing what a tenacious presence he is out of possession, but he is also a technically-strong footballer, completing 88.8% of his passes in the competition.
The hope is that there is still time for the situation to change, allowing Brighton to finally accept a bid that suits all parties, but it looks increasingly as though Chelsea could have to look elsewhere for a high-quality midfield addition, which is far from ideal with the beginning of the new season edging closer all the time.
The Blues begin their campaign with a home clash with Liverpool next month, which promises to be an exciting match, and they will be coming up against a Reds side who have already made big midfield changes this summer, bringing in both Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai.
If Chelsea don't ensure the same has happened by the time the two sides meet at Stamford Bridge, they could find themselves in a sticky situation in Mauricio Pochettino's first game in charge at the club.