The draw against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon might have put a slight dampener on things, but this season still feels like it could be a great one for Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca’s side are finally back in the Champions League and, based on what we saw over the summer, look like they could be one of the most dangerous teams in the Premier League.

Moreover, with the transfer window still open for just under two weeks, there is plenty of time for the Blues to get even stronger.

One of the players most heavily touted for a move to Stamford Bridge has been Xavi Simons, although the West Londoners are now being linked to someone who’d be a more critical signing, someone who is also being linked with cross-city rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

Chelsea race Spurs for more important signing than Simons

While there have been sporadic reports linking Simons with a move to Chelsea for a few years now, they began to really pick up steam earlier 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.

Since then, there has been a steady stream of stories touting the RB Leipzig star for a move to Stamford Bridge, and while there have been moments when it seemed unlikely, it now appears to be just a matter of time.

However, even though the Dutchman is an extraordinarily talented attacker who amassed a tally of 19 goal involvements in 33 games last season, there is another international the Blues are now looking at who’d be a far more critical signing.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has claimed Chelsea are still very interested in Piero Hincapié.

However, the West Londoners are not the only ones interested in the imposing centre-back, as Tottenham Hotspur are also racing to secure his signature.

On top of beating the North Londoners, Chelsea will have to stump up a fee in excess of €45m, which is about £39m, and while that’s certainly a lot, it would be worth it, especially as Hincapié would be a more important addition to the squad than Simons.

Why Hincapié would be a more important signing than Simons

Now, Simons would undoubtedly have a sizable impact on this Chelsea side, as over the last few seasons, he has more than proven his ability as a winger and number ten.

However, at this point in time and in the foreseeable future, we’d say that Hincapié would be far more of a game-changer for the Blues, and one of the main reasons why is down to the makeup of the squad.

For example, while they did look somewhat blunt against Palace on Sunday, the Conference League champions have an abundance of exciting and dynamic attacking talent in the squad.

Moreover, we still haven’t seen what the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens might be able to do with a run of Premier League appearances under Maresca.

In contrast, the Argentine’s defensive options are starting to look a little thin, especially with Levi Colwill out for potentially the season and Tosin Asarabioyo missing the match at the weekend.

Moreover, while the incredibly exciting Jorrel Hato might be the perfect solution in a few years from now, it would be unfair and unwise to throw him in at the deep end at just 19 years old and with no experience of playing in a top-five league.

The second reason the Leverkusen star would be such an essential addition to the team is that, on top of being defensively solid, he’s a great passer and carrier of the ball, which should help massively in build-up play.

According to FBref, he ranks in the top 1% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 2% for crosses into the penalty area, the top 5% for progressive carries, the top 6% for key passes and more, all per 90.

Finally, with a Bundesliga title and DFB Pokal under his belt, the “Ecuadorian football legend in the making,” as talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed him, would bring a real know-how and maturity to this Blues side, which could be crucial in a season where they should be challenging for silverware.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.18

Top 1%

Progressive Passes Received

2.35

Top 2%

xA: Expected Assists

0.10

Top 2%

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.26

Top 2%

Tackles (Att 3rd)

0.29

Top 2%

Touches (Att 3rd)

12.16

Top 2%

Crosses

1.23

Top 3%

Carries into Penalty Area

0.16

Top 3%

Fouls Drawn

1.26

Top 4%

Progressive Carries

1.65

Top 5%

SCA (Shot)

0.18

Top 5%

Carries into Final Third

1.41

Top 5%

Key Passes

0.52

Top 6%

Touches (Att Pen)

1.52

Top 7%

Passes into Penalty Area

0.52

Top 9%

Tackles Won

1.39

Top 9%

Ultimately, Simons will be a great addition to this Chelsea team, but for our money, Hincapié would be a far more important signing to make this summer.

Chelsea submit £43m bid for defender who's "as good as Van Dijk and Saliba"

The Blues have now received a response after submitting an offer for a highly-rated centre-back.

ByDominic Lund Aug 18, 2025

There are around two weeks left to go before the end of the summer transfer window and Glasgow Rangers have not lost any of their major assets yet.

Brazilian left-back Jefte is reportedly closing in on a return to his home country to sign for Palmeiras for a reported fee of £6m, with the club set to bank a healthy profit on the £800k they paid Fluminense last year.

The crown jewels of Russell Martin’s side, however, have not yet been snapped up, as Hamza Igamane, Nicolas Raskin, and Mohamed Diomande are still Rangers players as it stands.

Premier League side Everton have been linked with Igamane, the Gers are braced for interest in Raskin still, and the Light Blues have fielded an offer from Besiktas for Diomande.

This shows that there is tangible interest in some of the club’s best talents, and that is why there is still some doubt over whether or not they will still be part of the squad at Ibrox when the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of next month.

If Bestikas, for example, come back in with another offer for Diomande, the Light Blues may have their resolve tested despite there not being much time left in the window.

Why losing Mohamed Diomande would be a blow for Rangers

Selling the Ivorian central midfielder before the end of the window would be a big blow to Martin and Rangers because he is a proven performer who has showcased his quality domestically and in Europe.

Diomande is a versatile midfield talent who can easily be deployed as a deep-lying midfielder, as a box-to-box workhorse, or further forward in a number ten role, due to his wide range of attributes in and out of possession.

In the Scottish Premiership, the left-footed star scored four goals, created 11 ‘big chances’, and delivered seven assists in 36 appearances, per Sofascore, which shows that he can make an impact at the top end of the pitch as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

He is not only effective in possession, though, as the 23-year-old talent caught the eye with his defensive contributions in midfield in the club’s Europa League campaign last season.

24/25 Europa League

Mohamed Diomande

Percentile rank vs midfielders

Tackles

12

Top 19%

Tackle success rate

63%

Top 45%

Duels won

53

Top 11%

Interceptions

11

Top 23%

Ball recoveries

47

Top 22%

Fouls committed

12

Top 18%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Diomande ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of defensive metrics, which shows that he was one of the more effective defensive midfielders in the competition.

This is why it would be a big blow to lose him before the end of the window, because of the quality he provides on and off the ball, but the Gers are reportedly looking at a star who could ease that blow.

Rangers racing to sign Premier League midfielder

According to Football Insider, Rangers are one of the teams racing to strike a deal with West Ham United for central midfielder Andrew Irving this summer.

The report claims that the Light Blues and their Premiership and Glasgow rivals Celtic are both fighting it out to sign the Scotland international to bolster their midfield options.

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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

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It adds that Irving wants to play regular football and would jump at the opportunity to play European football, which both teams will have, after a season of mainly watching on from the sidelines or bench with the Hammers.

Football Insider reveals that Celtic and Rangers are both exploring the possibility of a swoop for the former Hearts man, and that West Ham will not stand in his way if a good offer comes their way.

It was reported earlier this month that a fee in the region of £3m could be enough to tempt the Premier League side into cashing in on the midfield maestro.

Why Rangers should sign Andy Irving

The Gers should be pushing to beat Celtic to the West Ham United outcast’s signature because he could come in as a Diomande clone for Martin, easing the blow of potentially losing the Ivorian star this summer.

Even if the former Nordsjaelland ace remains at Ibrox, signing Irving would leave the manager with two top-quality options in midfield to rotate between.

Like Diomande, the Scottish whiz is a versatile midfielder who has the qualities in and out of possession to suit playing in pretty much any role that Martin needs in the middle of the park.

Irving, who made ten substitute appearances, ranked within the top 8% of Premier League midfielders for passes made (60) and the top 16% for pass accuracy (90%) for West Ham last season, which speaks to his ability to play in a deep-lying controller role.

The 25-year-old’s form on loan at Klagenfurt in the Austrian Bundesliga in the 2023/24 campaign, meanwhile, shows that he can be a box-to-box presence in midfield, just like Diomande.

Stats

Irivng (23/24 Bundesliga)

Diomande (24/25 Premiership)

Appearances

28

36

Goals

9

4

Big chances created

7

11

Assists

4

7

Dribbles completed per game

1.1

0.9

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.7

1.8

Duels won per game

4.9

4.2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, both players offer similar qualities in the middle of the park with their goal contributions, dribbling skills, and defensive work off the ball, which suggests that they make a similar impact on matches in midfield.

In fact, Rangers fan and analyst Kai Watson recently claimed that Irving “would provide everything that most fans have been expecting from Mo Diomande” and that he would suit Martin’s tactical system well.

The statistics from his time in the Austrian Bundesliga suggest that it is an accurate assessment from Watson, as Irving has the offensive and defensive qualities to be a Diomande clone at Ibrox.

This is why Irving could be a fantastic signing for Rangers because he could provide competition for the Ivorian midfielder if he remains at Ibrox, whilst also having the ability to be a brilliant replacement for him.

Related Rangers must replace Jefte with Ibrox swoop for "offensive" £13m star

Rangers could find a replacement for Jefte, who is closing in on an exit, by signing this star.

Posts ByDan Emery Aug 15, 2025

This morning, Litton Das was left out of Bangladesh’s squad for the Champion’s Trophy 2025. By the evening, he was taking his frustrations – if any – out on Durbar Rajshahi at the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). He slammed his maiden T20 hundred and batted through the innings for Dhaka Capitals, finishing on 125 not out off 55 balls with ten fours and nine sixes and a strike rate of 227.27. At his side for most of this was Tanzid Hasan, who will be going to Pakistan for the Champions Trophy. The pair added 241 off 118 – the second-highest stand in all men’s T20 cricket – and Dhaka finished with 254 for 1, which is the highest total in the BPL.Related

• Litton Das: 'I was dropped because I wasn't performing'

• Litton and Shakib left out of Bangladesh's Champions Trophy squad

Litton got to his hundred off 44 balls, which makes it the second-fastest by a Bangladeshi player in men’s T20s, behind Parvez Hossain’s 42-ball hundred for Fortune Barishal in the Bangabandhu T20 Cup in December 2020. He finished fourth on the list of highest scores at the BPL, behind two efforts from Chris Gayle and one from Tamim Iqbal.Rajshahi had elected to bowl in the game and it seemed like a sound decision when Dhaka got to 22 for 0 after four overs. But then Tanzid took 21 off a Sunzamul Islam over, and Dhaka never looked back. By the end of this over, the fifth, Litton was 10 off 9, but he got going in the next, the last of the Powerplay, hitting SM Meherob for 4, 6, 4 off consecutive deliveries.Litton Das got to his hundred off 44 balls, the second-fastest by a Bangladeshi in men’s T20s•Dhaka Capitals

Litton brought up his fifty in the ninth over, with a six off a no-ball. By the end of ten overs Dhaka were 115 for 0 and they just kept going. Tanzid also brought up his fifty with a six, off Ryan Burl to end the 11th. Litton continued the pair’s pattern of bringing up their landmarks with a boundary, getting to his hundred in the 16th with a four off Shafiul Islam.Tanzid completed the set in the final over, taking four first ball to bring up his hundred, before hitting Shafiul for six more and then holing out for 108 off 64 balls (six fours, eight sixes, strike rate 168.75).By then Dhaka already had the record for highest total in the BPL, and the wicket hardly slowed them down with Sabbir Rahman and Litton hitting one more six apiece to close out the innings on a dazzling 254 for 1.In response, Rajshahi quickly wilted, falling to 34 for 5 before an unbeaten 47 from Ryan Burl held off the inevitable. Eventually, they were bowled out for 105 in the 16th over, falling short of their target by 150 runs.

تحدث حازم إمام، نجم الزمالك السابق، عن التعادل مع غزل المحلة اليوم السبت، ضمن منافسات الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وقال حازم إمام في تصريحات عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “الزمالك ليس عنده شراسة هجومية، مشكلة الزمالك منذ بداية الموسم أنه يستحوذ بلا فاعلية، كل اللاعبين لا يعرفون كيف يُسجلون هدفًا أو يؤكدون الفوز”.

وتابع: “فيريرا دفع بـ معالي و(مش عارف لازمته)، لاعبو الزمالك يتفككون عندما يدخل مرماهم هدف، ليس لديهم ثقة في أنفسهم بأن يمكنهم العودة”.

طالع.. موعد مباراة الزمالك القادمة بعد التعادل مع غزل المحلة في الدوري

وأكمل: “أشعر أن اللاعبين يتوترون عندما يدخل مرماهم هدف، ويرتجفون ويلعبون كرة طويلة، هذا لا يصلح، يجب أن يكون التركيز 100% فالأخطاء متكررة”.

وواصل: “اللاعب لا بد أن يركز أكثر، وأن يستغل الفرصة ويتصرف بشكل جيد، لكن لا يصح أن تتقدم كل مباراة ثم يدخل مرماك هدف ولا تستطيع العودة”.

واستطرد: “الزمالك لأول مرة يصبر على مدرب طوال هذه الفترة، هو يحاول، لكن الظروف صعبة، بنتايج اليوم أخطأ بـ”غلطة هبلة” تسببت في الهدف”.

واستمر: “طبعًا الكرة صعبة على صبحي، لكن الحارس الكبير هو الذي ينقذك في مواقف مثل هذه، كان المفترض أن يخرج قبل أن تصل للمهاجم وهو لا يزال يستلمها، لكن صبحي كان يتراجع وترك اللاعب يتسلم الكرة”.

وأتم: “أخطاء صعبة وموضوع يثير الغضب بصراحة، وتحية لغزل المحلة على اللعب باستماتة”.

Nitish Kumar Reddy happy to have already proven his doubters wrong with the bat, but he wants to fill the allrounder’s role better for India

Alagappan Muthu29-Dec-20243:31

Reddy revels in ‘two-three years of hard work’ paying off

Finding ways to defy expectations is something that has brought Nitish Kumar Reddy joy on this tour. He was a relative unknown when he was picked, having played only 21 first-class matches with his best work coming in T20 cricket. Now he has a century at the MCG.”I haven’t given a thought like that, but I know some people doubted me,” the 21-year-old allrounder said at the end of day four. “Like such a youngster who played IPL, who came here, and he can’t perform in such a big series, and I know a lot of people talk about that. I just want to make them feel wrong about what they have said about me, and that’s what I’m doing, I want to make people know that I’m here to give my 100% for Indian team.”Reddy also looked back to the end of day three when, in front of more than 80,000 fans and his team watching from the dugout, he hit Scott Boland down the ground for four to bring up his hundred. He also expressed his thanks to the No. 11 batter Mohammed Siraj for helping him get there by getting through the last three balls of the previous over from Pat Cummins.Related

Nitish Reddy cleared to join SRH squad after recovering from side strain

India, and Bumrah, fall short in compelling push for perfection

'Bahubali' NKR is a box-office hit at the MCG

Nitish Kumar Reddy's MCG century – in numbers

Lyon, Boland frustrate India after Bumrah rips through middle-order

“It was such a grateful moment for me, I’ve been watching Virat [Kohli] since childhood and making him as my idol, and grown up, now finally I played with him, he scored a hundred when I was in non-strike [in Perth], I felt so happy, and I scored a hundred when he appreciated me, he came to me and said that you really played well, you get the team back in the game, I felt so happy for that, I always dreamed about this moment, and finally when he talked with me that’s the best moment for me.”And yeah, I don’t know, the crowd went crazy after Siraj’s last ball defence, even my century was not that loud I guess, but I really loved the way Siraj came and approached three balls and I should thank him for making my 100.”Reddy’s strokeplay – particularly down the ground – has been eye-catching but he’s done other little things that have garnered attention as well, like how he tried to negate Australia’s most disciplined bowler by stepping out of his crease.”I would say Boland is a more consistent bowler, and I just want to change his line and length so that it will be easy for me when he is bowling,” Reddy said. “I don’t have to be on my crease, so I can move on a little bit forward and I can adjust to the bowler, that’s what I tried and it’s been working.”Mohammed Siraj did his little bit to help Nitish Kumar Reddy to his hundred•Associated Press

Having arrived in Australia with the India A side in early November, winning his first Test cap in Perth, and top-scoring for India in four innings, it’s been a brilliant start to Reddy’s batting career but he’s conscious that he’s not done enough with his second skill. Reddy has picked up three wickets from four Tests at an average of 49 and economy rate of 4.22.”My expectations [at the start of the tour] was to be a pure allrounder, and I know still I need to work a little bit more on my bowling, I’m still not happy with the way I’m bowling, and I hope that I come back strong in bowling, and I want to fulfil that allrounder slot in the coming days.”I can see my last three years, two years, how hard I have been working on my batting and bowling, obviously fitness is main for me as an allrounder, and I kept pushing myself. After my first IPL season, I realised what I have to improve on my batting, and when I got the off phase [time off], I have worked a lot on my batting and that’s what working now. As I mentioned, it’s not about the one month and two months, but I have done the work from the last two to three years to come here.”

Nair, who smashed 112, set a new record of 542 runs without being dismissed, going past former New Zealand allrounder James Franklin

PTI03-Jan-2025Karun Nair on Friday broke the world record for most List A runs without being dismissed, while guiding Vidarbha to an eight-wicket victory over Uttar Pradesh in the Vijay Hazare Trophy.Nair, who smashed 112, set a new record of 542 runs without being dismissed, going past former New Zealand allrounder James Franklin, who in 2010 had managed a streak of 527 runs without getting out. Other prominent names in the list are: Joshua van Heerden (512), Fakhar Zaman (455) and Taufeeq Umar (422).The knock was his fourth hundred of the season – and third on the trot – as he helped Vidarbha overhaul UP’s 307 for 8 in just 47.2 overs. Nair’s unbeaten streak began on December 23, when he first blasted 112 off 108 balls against Jammu & Kashmir. He followed it up with an unbeaten 44 in a small chase against Chhattisgarh. He then made a season-high 168 not out against Chandigarh, helping Vidarbha chase down 316 in 48 overs, before finishing 2024 with another unbeaten ton – 111* against Tamil Nadu.On Friday, Vidarbha ended at 313 for 2 as Yash Rathod also made an unbeaten 138 off 140 balls. He and Karun shared a massive 228-run stand for the second wicket.The victory also enabled Vidarbha to position themselves comfortably as the top team in Group D with 20 points from five games ahead of second placed Tamil Nadu (14) and UP (14), who are on third.

Liverpool have only gone and done it again! For the fifth game in a row, the relentless Reds managed to win a game that appeared destined to end in a draw by netting a late winner. This time, captain Virgil van Dijk was Liverpool's hero, heading home a 92nd-minute corner from Dominik Szoboszlai to earn his side a 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid at Anfield.

Arne Slot's side had initially looked set to claim a comfortable win in their Champions League opener, after scoring twice inside the opening six minutes through Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah. However, Marcos Llorente, who loves a goal against Liverpool, pulled one back for Atleti just before half-time and struck again with a deflected volley from outside the area with just nine minutes to go.

Liverpool weren't done, though. They never are these days, and Van Dijk sent the home fans wild with his late intervention to kick off Liverpool's bid for a seventh European Cup in the most dramatic fashion possible. Below, GOAL rates all of the Reds on show in a chaotic clash on Merseyside that ended with Atleti coach Diego Simeone being sent off!

AFPGoalkeeper & Defence

Alisson Becker (6/10):

The Brazilian was also rightly furious that Llorente's goal was allowed to stand – as Antoine Griezmann was standing right in front of him in an offside position. Nothing he could have done about the equaliser either, as it took a wicked deflection.

Jeremie Frimpong (6/10):

Recalled to the starting line-up after his recent injury lay-off and was typically lively down the right flank and really should have scored after being teed up by Wirtz only to completely miss his kick.

Ibrahima Konate (7/10):

An assured display from the France international, who has responded very well to Liverpool's failed attempt to sign Marc Guehi during the international break. Konate was his usual strong self in the air but also distributed the ball excellently.

Virgil van Dijk (9/10):

Liverpool's Captain Fantastic. The Dutchman was his usual dominant self in defence. He won everything in the air and was typically excellent on the ball. Then, when Liverpool needed another late winner, he stepped up to the mark.

Andy Robertson (7/10):

Got the nod at left-back ahead of struggling summer signing Milos Kerkez and did his chances of holding onto the spot no harm at all – even if he knew absolutely nothing about his goal.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Ryan Gravenberch (8/10):

Slot's most important player was outstanding, particularly during the first half. Gravenberch effectively created the game's opening two goals, by winning the free-kick that led to the deadlock being broken and then putting Salah through to score.

Dominik Szoboszlai (7/10):

Another dynamic display from the multi-talented Hungarian, who did an excellent job controlling the game with Gravenberch. Szoboszlai's versatility, energy and dead-ball deliveries are such wonderful assets. 

Florian Wirtz (7/10):

Another step in the right direction for the £100 million man, who created more chances than any other player on the pitch (five) with his dribbling skills, deft touches and clever movement. So unlucky not to register at least one assist after putting the ball on a plate for both Frimpong and Salah.

Getty Images SportAttack

Mohamed Salah (8/10):

Perhaps buoyed by his crucial penalty at Burnley on Sunday, the Egyptian turned in his most effective performance of the season so far. Salah's role in the opener was fortuitous but his control and finish for Liverpool's second goal was pure class.

Alexander Isak (6/10):

A surprise starter given he wasn't even on the bench at Turf Moor but the Swede looked surprisingly sharp during his 57 minutes of action and already appears to be developing a good understanding with Wirtz.

Cody Gakpo (4/10):

A very flat performer from a player that started the season well. Make no mistake about it: Gakpo's starting spot is now under serious pressure with Isak now fit to play, given Ekitike is a legitimate option on the left wing.

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Hugo Ekitike (6/10):

Unlucky to be left out of the starting line-up for the Champions League opener but brought on just before the hour mark. Showed some good touches but missed a great chance to score in the dying seconds – even if Salah's cross came at an awkward height.

Alexis Mac Allister (5/10):

After picking up a knock at the weekend, the Argentine was unsurprisingly utilised as a second-half sub. Struggled to get up to speed, though, and it was his trailing leg that deflected Llorente's shot past Allison.

Conor Bradley (5/10):

Took over at right-back from Frimpong for the final 30 minutes but didn't offer the same attacking threat. Also booked after being beaten high up the field.

Rio Ngumoha (N/A):

Only introduced for the final 15 minutes.

Milos Kerkez (N/A):

Replaced Robertson not long before the full-time whistle.

Arne Slot (6/10):

A mixed bag for Slot. His team arguably played their best football of the season in the first half and had several chances to kill the game before conceding an unfortunate late leveller. If there's one criticism, though, it's that, for once, his substitutions didn't really work, with the decision to take off Wirtz particularly puzzling.

Harry Kane was left delighted with Bayern Munich's impressive 3-1 win against Chelsea in the opening fixture of the Champions League. The reigning Bundesliga champions opened their campaign by convincingly defeating the Club World Cup winners at Allianz Arena, with the England international scoring two goals.

• Bayern get off to a winning start in the Champions League

  The German club looked more comfortable on the ball and kept control for much of the match, defeating Chelsea 3-1 thanks to a Trevoh Chalobah own goal and two strikes from Kane. Chelsea briefly threatened when Cole Palmer made it 2-1, but Bayern's quality soon told as Kane sealed the win. In the 89th minute, the London club had a penalty overturned by VAR, ensuring Bayern's well-deserved victory remained intact.

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• AFP
  

  Harry Kane reveals the key to Bayern's win against Chelsea

  In a post-match interview, the English striker commended the team's overall performance as he delved into specifics of the game that turned the match in their favour.

  "Possession, creating a numerical advantage, helping each other. I wanted to make it difficult for them to press," he told . "They were often down one. And as the game progressed, it seemed like they were getting more tired and the spaces opened up. And we were able to take advantage of that. It was a difficult and physical game."

  Kane added: "An outstanding result! It was a top performance against a really good team. We talked before the game about playing against the Club World Champions. We started very well with the 2-0 lead – a little disappointing that we conceded the goal so quickly. In the second half, we created better chances, and it was great that we finally got the third goal."

• Kane's eyes the Champions League golden boot

  Kane scored 11 goals for Bayern in their previous Champions League campaign. The ex-Tottenham star striker believes he has to improve and is hopeful about scoring more in this year's competition as he feels he has better chances of scoring in the European competition than in the Bundesliga, where Bayern are dominant.

  "We often talk about it: When the others have the ball, we're always two or three seconds away from having a chance. You could see that throughout the game. There were other opportunities when we won the ball quickly. It was a good finish."

  Asked about how many goals he aims to score this season, the striker replied: "Hopefully more.

  "The goal is always to improve. In the Champions League, you might create more chances than in the Bundesliga; the games might be a bit more open. That suits me."

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• Getty Images Sport
  

  Bayern navigating a hectic schedule

  Bayern are buzzing, having clinched an optimistic start to their European campaign. However, Kompany's side will have to regain their focus quickly as they are set to face Hoffenheim next in the league on September 20.

Chelsea have raised £239 million in player sales after Carney Chukwuemeka’s £24m move to Borussia Dortmund, but another could soon be following him.

Thanks to their plethora of exit deals, Enzo Maresca’s side possess an excellent summer net spend of just £3 million heading into deadline day, so they’re under no pressure from the Premier League’s PSR rules to balance their books.

However, due to their pact with UEFA, Chelsea still need to sell certain members of the squad.

They reached a settlement with the governing body last month after Chelsea breached FFP laws, and a condition of this pact is that they must produce a positive transfer balance by the end of the window.

Failure to do so will result in them being unable to register new signings for Maresca’s Champions League squad, and only players who were involved in their Conference League squad last season will count towards viable outgoings.

This is why the sales of Christopher Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson are viewed as crucial to Chelsea’s remaining transfer plans for the window.

BlueCo have been in talks over signing Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons for weeks, and reports now claim that Chelsea are also eyeing Barcelona star Fermin Lopez as an alternative to the latter.

A sell-to-buy policy appears very much in effect at Stamford Bridge, but a potentially imminent exit for Jackson could be on the cards to allow Maresca’s side to make room.

Bayern Munich are in negotiations over the Senegal international, valued at £80 million, who has also attracted rumoured interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle United.

Now, the player’s own agent has shared an intriguing update on his future.

Nicolas Jackson tipped to leave Chelsea within 24 hours

Speaking to Wiw Sports on Tuesday morning, Jackson’s representative, Diomansy Kramara, claimed that the striker is expected to leave Chelsea in the next 48 hours, so at the time of writing now, this is now 24 hours.

The former Villarreal star was a key member of Maresca’s first team last season, bagging 13 goals and six assists in all competitions, including a strike in the Conference League final.

However, the additions of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro have pushed Jackson down the pecking order, and he’s not been involved in any of Chelsea’s opening Premier League games as Maresca confirms he can leave.

MatériaMais Notícias

Designado como coordenador técnico interino da Seleção Brasileira, Ricardo Gomes opinou sobre os sucessivos casos de racismo sofridos por Vini Jr. no Campeonato Espanhol. Após a convocação do técnico interino Ramon Menezes, o ex-zagueiro exaltou a campanha “Com Racismo Não Tem Jogo”, promovida pela CBF.

No entanto, disse que a ação é feita de maneira tardia.

– Essa bela campanha está atrasada. Não é um caso do futebol. Entre nós, o caso do Vini Jr deu repercussão, mas esse é um problema da sociedade. É uma grande campanha, mas está atrasada. O futebol está dentro da sociedade, mas isso acontece em todos os setores, em todos os países, não é só na Espanha, mas sim no mundo inteiro… – disse.

O treinador Ramon Menezes, o coordenador Ricardo Gomes e o presidente da CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, vestiram a camisa “Com Racismo Não Tem Jogo”. O palco para a convocação também estampou a frase na mesa onde foram colocados os microfones.

A mensagem tem sido exibida nos telões dos estádios e em outros elementos das partidas deste fim de semana no Brasileirão. Árbitros e jogadores, em protesto contra o racismo, têm sentado no gramado logo após o apito inicial.

A Seleção Brasileira disputará em Barcelona um de seus amistosos do próximo mês. O racismo sofrido recentemente por Vini Jr. chegou a criar especulações em torno da manutenção do local. Porém, a CBF manteve o jogo em território espanhol após contato com o atleta.