Tag Futebol

Liverpool are in the process of rebuilding their midfield after a disappointing campaign last season and now a new update has emerged on a huge transfer target that could revolutionise the centre of the pitch at Anfield.

What's the latest on Liverpool's move for Federico Valverde?

According to reports coming out of Spain, Liverpool are preparing a €90m (£77m) bid to sign Real Madrid midfielder Federico Valverde, an offer that Madrid will find very difficult to reject.

As per the report, Jurgen Klopp has been a huge admirer of the player for a while and there are now doubts surrounding Valverde's future at the Santiago Bernabéu due to the competition that exists in the centre of the pitch.

Will Liverpool sign Federico Valverde this summer?

There is no doubt that a refresh in midfield is needed following the departures of James Milner, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Naby Keita and the club has already secured a £35m deal for World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister.

Many of the remaining midfield options available to Klopp are reaching the latter stages of their careers with Jordan Henderson and Thiago Alcantara well into their 30s at this point, whilst Fabinho will turn 30 before the turn of the year – so there is a real opportunity to build the next generation of success at Anfield.

As a result, the ambitious move for Valverde would be warmly welcomed as the 24-year-old would not only inject high energy, youth and a strong winning mentality into the heart of the team, but could finally replace Georginio Wijnaldum's deadly press and unrivalled work rate in midfield.

Before leaving the Merseyside giants in 2020 upon the expiration of his contract, Wijnaldum played a vital role in the success that Liverpool have experienced both in domestic competition and on the European stage, providing huge game-changing moments like his semi-final brace against Barcelona to lead the team to their first Champions League trophy since 2005.

Now Klopp could land his next game-changer with Valverde also a big game player who adopts the winning mentality and work ethic that is crucial to earn multiple accolades across several competitions.

The Uruguayan star – hailed "untouchable" by Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti – is an extremely attacking-minded talent who ranks in the top 16% of his positional peers across the top five European leagues for non-penalty goals, shots in total, pass completion and progressive carries.

Wijnaldum, by comparison, ranks in the top 8% for non-penalty goals and the best 12% for shots to outline their similar attacking threat.

In comparison to Valverde's positional peers on Merseyside, neither Jordan Henderson nor Harvey Elliott were able to complete more progressive carries (70), goal contributions (11), shot-creating actions (81) or completed passes (1427) than Valverde in the Premier League last season, as per FBref.

With that being said, it would be a no-brainer for Liverpool to acquire the services of Valverde this summer as he could have a huge impact on improving performances next season and become the much-needed game-changer that the team has been crying out for in midfield since Wijnaldum departed.

The 20-year old fast bowler was helped by previous experience of bowling in T20 finals, but he was amazed at how his home crowd kept chanting his name as he picked up two wickets in an over

Firdose Moonda21-Jan-20172:06

I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I’d be – Ngidi

When Lungi Ngidi was 18 years old and in his first season as a professional cricketer, he was part of a Titans’ T20 team that played in the final of the franchise competition. He only bowled one over in the match but removed the opposition’s most high-profile batsman: Kevin Pietersen, who top-edged a pull.At 19, with a bit more experience under his belt, Ngidi was in the franchise final again. He was considered good enough to bowl a full complement of four overs and, conceding just 27 runs, he got rid of the two best batsmen from the opposition: Colin Ingram and Colin Ackermann.It was with these experiences that Ngidi, now 20, took the new ball for South Africa in Friday’s T20 against Sri Lanka. “I’ve played in a few finals so I have been under pressure quite a few times already and that’s one of the things that gave me an advantage,” he explained afterwards.”Having been under pressure situations before, I knew opening the bowling for your country is not really a joke. It’s quite a serious matter. I tried to focus on the methods that’s worked for me and that’s just to stay in the moment. There’s nothing you can really do other than deliver the balls one at a time and from there see what happens. The first over, I wanted to get my line and length right and I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would have been.” Still, his first over cost nine runs and was taken out of the attack.Sri Lanka needed 40 off 18 balls with seven wickets in hand in a 10-over shootout when Ngidi was brought back, and having seen his team-mates making crucial incisions, he wanted to step up too.”After the first over I saw that there was a bit of bounce and it was skidding through. I tried to beat the batsmen for pace,” Ngidi said. “Coming back in the eighth over, I knew if I hit the deck hard at back of a length, I could try and nick the batsman off or get him caught.”Lungi Ngidi took two wickets in four balls in his first match of international cricket•Associated PressThe plan worked perfectly. Seekkuge Prasanna swung at a back of a length ball, got a top edge that wicketkeeper Mangaliso Mosehle gobbled up and Kusal Mendis pulled a short one to deep square leg, where Heino Kuhn took the catch and then, wary of how close he was to the rope, popped the ball over to Imran Tahir.”I thought Heino had taken the catch and was going to do a victory lap but then I saw him punt the ball up so my heart jumped because I didn’t know which way it was going,” Ngidi said. “But I was very happy. The skill levels are up there.”Ngidi finished with figures of 2-0-12-2. He was the only South African bowler with an economy rate under 11, for which he earned the Man-of-the-Match award on his home ground and more fans than he has ever had before. “I have never heard people scream my name. It really was amazing for me. I have been working hard to get where I am and for the fans to acknowledge and support me like that, it was unreal for me.”I actually got a bit emotional so I just had to take a moment to myself there and focus on the game again. It’s a bit overwhelming because I have never had that many people ask for my autograph or to take pictures. Usually it’s the odd one or two but now there’s even more”Titans’ coach Mark Boucher has identified Ngidi as Kagiso Rabada-like because of his pace – around 140 kph – his clever use of the bouncer and his cool head. South Africa’s selectors seem to have the same idea and for Ngidi, the dream is coming true.

A round-up of the final two matches in the Super Smash, which resulted in Auckland crashing out of a shot at the title by a margin of 0.01 net run-rate points

ESPNcricinfo staff03-Jan-2017Glenn Phillips’ maiden T20 century went in vain as Central Districts beat Auckland by 11 runs in a game drastically shortened by rain. It worked out quite perfectly for the victors, who have now qualified for the final.They began their chase facing a target of 213, but when weather intervened for the second time in their innings, during the eighth over, and led to an early close they were on 82 for 0 – 10 runs clear of the Duckworth-Lewis target. As a result, Auckland lost crucial net run-rate points and cannot fight for the title anymore. They finished on -0.227, but Canterbury were better by the barest of margins – 0.01 – and will face Wellington for a place in the final on Saturday.Mahela Jayawardene was the eventual difference between the two teams. He smashed eight fours and a six as he rocketed along to an unbeaten 45 off 21 balls, and in the process left 20-year old Phillips, playing only his ninth T20, wondering what could have been. He had put on 113 runs for the second wicket with Jeet Raval at the run-rate of 10.43. Raval, who recently made his Test debut and earned high praise for his defensive capabilities, hammered 50 off 37 balls and though he fell in the 13th over the runs kept flowing off Phillips’ bat. He struck eight fours and nine sixes and finished unbeaten on 116 – the equal highest score this season.File photo: Michael Pollard was instrumental to Wellington winning the match in the Super Over•Getty ImagesBad weather hit the game at Basin Reserve as well, but it couldn’t dampen the excitement one bit. A five-over shoot out was all that was possible and it ended in a tie as both Wellington and Otago finished on 48. The home team came out on top in the end – booking a playoff spot at the same venue on Thursday – as fast bowler Hamish Bennett took two wickets and conceded only eight runs in the Super Over.Bennett had earlier conceded only four runs in his one over, as Otago’s openers virtually batted through the five overs to put on 48. Anaru Kitchen fell off the last ball for 17 off 16. Hamish Rutherford made 24 off 12. In reply, Wellington lost regular wickets, before a five-ball 14 from Michael Pollard put them on track for the win. Needing eight off the last over, Wellington were strangled by Ryan Duffy, a wicketkeeper-batsman bowling for only the second time in a T20. He dismissed Matt Taylor early in the final over, and kept it down to seven runs, as Luke Woodcock was run-out off the last ball, to enforce a tie.But Pollard and Bennett turned it around for Wellington in the Super Over, with the former hitting 17 off 5 balls to lift them to 20, and the latter conceding only one boundary in defending it.

An update has emerged on Glasgow Rangers and their plans to bolster their attacking midfield options ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

What's the latest on Luis Palma to Rangers?

According to Light Blues insider The 4th Official, the club are keen on a swoop for Honduras international Luis Palma from Greek side Aris Thessaloniki in the summer transfer window.

They Tweeted: "I have only done stories I am confident about, and according to a few people I have spoken with, the Rangers interest in both Cyriel Dessers and Luis Palma is real."

This comes after Football Insider reported, last month, that the Gers are not in talks with Aris over a deal to snap up the forward, who is wanted by multiple unnamed clubs in Europe

Would Luis Palma be a good signing for Rangers?

The 23-year-old has the potential to be an excellent addition to the squad as manager Michael Beale could unearth his next Mason Mount by striking a £4.3m deal for the attacker.

Rangers' head coach worked closely with the Chelsea midfielder during his time at Stamford Bridge working in the academy and is said to have played a key role in the England international's development.

As recently as 2021, it was reported that the player continues to make contact with Beale to pick his brain and ask for advice, which shows how much of an impact the Gers boss had on Mount.

The 24-year-old ace has gone on to become a regular at Chelsea in the first-team and has racked up 33 goals and 37 assists in 195 appearances so far, whilst mainly being deployed as an attacking midfielder but also out wide at times.

Palma could arrive at Ibrox and be Beale's own version of the Blues dynamo as his form for Aris in Greece suggests that he has the potential to make a huge impact in the final third for Rangers.

In the 2022/23 campaign, the Honduras international, who has mainly played as an attacking midfielder and left winger in his career so far, produced 11 goals and four assists in 20 starts in the Greek top flight.

This shows that the attacker is capable of frequently finding the back of the net from a midfield position, much in the same way that Beale taught the now-England star to do.

He created 1.4 chances per game for his teammates in the division, a number not too dissimilar to the creative impact made by Mount, who scored 13 goals in the last two top-flight seasons combined. On top of that, the England international produced 1.8 key passes in 2021/22 and 1.3 in 2022/23.

These statistics suggest that Palma, whose goal contributions were hailed as “brilliant” by agent Paulo Hernandez, has the potential to be a Mount-like figure for Beale at Ibrox.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy may decide to keep hold of Harry Kane for another year despite interest in his services and risk the Lilywhites' talisman leaving on a free transfer next summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

What's the latest transfer news involving Harry Kane?

The Guardian report that Manchester United are keen on signing Kane this summer and will step up their efforts to try and land the England international by bidding for his services in the early portion of the forthcoming transfer window.

Kane has a year left on his £200k-a-week contract at Hotspur Way and it is said that the Red Devils are aware that Levy will not be an easy person to negotiate with as they try to acquire the striker.

As per The Telegraph, Kane is believed to be open to seeing out the final 12 months of his deal at Tottenham before potentially being able to leave on a free transfer.

Speaking to talkSPORT with co-host Laura Woods, former Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara has boldly suggested that his old side could end up in a relegation battle without Kane to lean on for goals, stating: "Obviously, we all hope that he sticks around and signs a new contract. Because Laura, without Harry Kane, I seriously think we could be fighting relegation next season. We are that bad without him. We have been solely dependent on Harry Kane to score us goals and do stuff for us."

Journalist Jones recently signalled his belief in his column for GIVEMESPORT indicating that Spurs' chairman Levy would be willing to 'gamble' on keeping hold of Kane this summer despite the threat of him being able to depart his boyhood club on a free transfer the year following.

Jones stated: "Kane has one year remaining on his Spurs contract and has interest from Manchester United, Chelsea, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich if he wants a move. Spurs are hopeful they can avoid that situation by appointing someone with a blueprint for the future that gives Kane fresh hope of winning a trophy but also that he can continue to thrive as he closes in on the Premier League’s goalscoring record.

"Keeping him is a gamble—this summer he could fetch £90-100million in the market whereas if he does not agree a new contract in the next 12 months he will be leaving as a free agent in one year. Usually Levy would not take such a business risk yet there are indications he might do as – from a footballing point of view – Spurs cannot afford to let him leave.

"As of this moment there is no plan to replace him by signing a new striker and with so much upheaval behind the scenes, as they hunt for a new sporting director as well as a new boss, the team are looking like they could fall behind in their preparations for next season."

How has Harry Kane faired this season for Tottenham Hotspur?

Kane has been in brilliant form for Tottenham this season, registering 30 goals and five assists from 48 appearances in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt.

As per talkSPORT, the 29-year-old has earned praise from high places this campaign and has been labelled as "one of the best strikers I have ever seen in my life" by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

WhoScored shows that Kane has been a hard presence to contain for opposition backlines in the Premier League, detailing that he has had an average of 3.4 shots per match this term.

Spurs chairman Levy may feel that the risk of keeping hold of Kane and him not signing an extension is worth taking; however, it would make bad business sense and potentially stop his side from being able to reinvest a large sum of money into replacing the talismanic forward.

Liverpool's move for Alexis Mac Allister is now "advanced", but it is not yet a done deal, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

What's the latest Liverpool transfer news?

Such is Liverpool's desire to strengthen their midfielder this summer, TEAMtalk have recently reported they have been linked with 57 potential new signings, as they look at replacing Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and James Milner, who are all set to leave.

Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed the Reds have made a pitch to Mason Mount, amid ongoing speculation about the Englishman's future with Chelsea, while they are also the club closest to signing Southampton's Romeo Lavia.

Jurgen Klopp is considering a number of options who are currently playing in the Premier League, with Romano reporting a contract has offered to Mac Allister, and the transfer guru has now given a fresh update on Liverpool's pursuit of the midfielder.

In an interview with GiveMeSport, the Italian said: "Mac Allister is one of the priority targets for Liverpool but it's not something completed. Let me clarify, because the feeling I had in the last few weeks was 'Okay, it's a done deal, Mac Allister will join Liverpool.' Not yet.

"It is advanced [the discussions] yes on the players' side [to negotiate], but it is not completed yet. And so I will keep that open at the moment."

Who will Mac Allister sign for?

There are a number of teams looking at the Brighton & Hove Albion star, with Manchester United showing an interest, while Chelsea have also been named as potential suitors, so he is likely to have a number of offers on the table this summer.

The allure of Champions League football could play a part in the 24-year-old's decision, and Liverpool are currently looking unlikely to finish in the top four, despite their fantastic form over the past month.

If the Reds do manage to win the race for his signature, they will have an excellent player on their hands, given that the £50k-per-week maestro is Brighton's top scorer, with 12 goals and two assists to his name this season.

Hailed as a "golden boy" by members of the media, WhoScored ranks the midfielder among Brighton's best performing players in the Premier League, displaying his defensive ability by averaging 2.1 tackles per game, second only to Moises Caicedo.

Mac Allister has a lot to offer on the front foot, while he is also happy to pitch in defensively, indicating he is a well-rounded player, who would be a fantastic signing for Liverpool.

أوضح بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي، أن فريقه يتعين عليه القيام بشيء لم يفعله من قبل إذا أراد الفوز على توتنهام في مباراة الدور الرابع لكأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي.

ويحل مانشستر سيتي ضيفًا على توتنهام غدًا الجمعة، ضمن منافسات بطولة كأس الاتحاد الإنجليزي.

وأشار جوارديولا إلى ضرورة استغلال الفرص وتحويلها إلى أهداف، لحسم التأهل، وتطرق للحديث عن عدم فوز مانشستر سيتي على ملعب توتنهام الجديد منذ افتتاحه في عام 2019.

ولم ينجح مانشستر سيتي في الفوز على ملعب توتنهام الجديد بما في ذلك أربع مباريات في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز ومباراة الذهاب من ربع نهائي دوري أبطال أوروبا.

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات خلال مؤتمره الصحفي: “هذا هو الواقع، كم هو صعب بالنسبة لنا”.

وأضاف: “في مرحلة خروج المغلوب للتأهل، عليك تسجيل الأهداف وإلا فسيكون الأمر مستحيلًا، هذه فرصة لذلك”.

وأردف: “الشعور السائد في معظم الأوقات هو أن كلمة استثنائية ليست هي الكلمة الصحيحة لأننا لم نتمكن من الفوز لكننا لعبنا بشكل جيد حقًا، الطريقة التي تصرفنا بها والطريقة التي لعبنا بها كانت جيدة”.

اقرأ أيضًا | جوارديولا يؤكد رحيل كالفين فيليبس ويوضح موقفه من ضم بديل له في يناير

وأكد: “الحقيقة هي أنه لا توجد أهداف ولا هزائم، إنهم أفضل منا بكثير، لم نتمكن من الفوز بأي مباراة هناك، لذلك كانوا خطيرين طوال الوقت”.

وانتقل جوارديولا للحديث عن رحيل عمر برادة وانضمامه إلى مانشستر يونايتد ليتولى مهمة المدير التنفيذي للشياطين الحمر.

وعندما سئل عن رأيه بشأن انتقال برادة لمانشستر يونايتد وحجم الخسارة التي لحقت بالسيتي، أجاب جوارديولا: “حسنًا، كل ما يمكنني قوله شخصيًا هو أنني أتمنى له كل التوفيق، فهو سيغير الشارع وليس المدينة”.

وواصل: “لقد كان شخصًا مهمًا للمنظمة بأكملها، واليد اليمنى للرئيس التنفيذي فيران سوريانو، لكنه قرر الرحيل بنفسه، وسيمضي النادي قدمًا”.

وشدد: “لذلك سنجد، في النادي، الطريق الصحيح أو الشخص أو الأشخاص المناسبين للمضي قدمًا والقيام بما فعله، لكنني شخصيًا أتمنى له كل التوفيق”.

وردًا على سؤال حول ما إذا كان هناك أي شعور بالصدمة من انضمام برادة إلى مانشستر يونايتد، وما إذا كانوا سيكونون أكثر قوة في المستقبل، أتم جوارديولا: “لا أعرف أفكار مانشستر يونايتد”.

نجح منتخب اليابان في تحقيق فوز مُثير على فيتنام، بنتيجة 4-2، في المباراة التي جمعتهما، اليوم الأحد، ضمن منافسات كأس أمم آسيا 2023.

والتقى منتخب اليابان مع فيتنام، في إطار منافسات الجولة الأولى من المجموعة الرابعة، والتي تضم أيضًا إندونسيا والعراق.

تقدم منتخب اليابان في الدقيقة 11 من زمن الشوط الأول، عن طريق لاعب موناكو صاحب الـ28 عامًا، تاكومي مينامينو، بعد أن ارتدت الكرة من حارس فيتنام، لتصل للاعب الذي لم يتردد في تسديدها من مرة واحدة في الشباك.

وتعادل فيتنام في الدقيقة 16، عن طريق رأسية أكثر من رائعة من اللاعب دينه باك نجوين، سددها بشكل مُخادع في شباك سوزوكي حارس اليابان، نتيجة كرة عرضية من ركلة ركنية على الجانب الأيسر.

وقلب التنين الأحمر الطاولة على الساموراي في الدقيقة 33، بعد إرسال طولية من كرة ثابتة، أرسلها لاعب فيتنام برأسه تجاه المرمى، ليُخطئ حارس اليابان في عدم الاستحواذ عليها، ويُتابعها فام توان هاي بتسديدة في الشباك.

طالع أيضًا | مدرب قطر: هدفنا الوصول إلى نهائي كأس آسيا.. واللاعبون اكتسبوا خبرات من كأس العالم

وتعادل اليابان عن طريق نفس اللاعب مينامينو، في الدقيقة 45 لليابان، بعد استلام تمريرة رائعة وصلت له داخل منطقة الجزاء، ووضعها في أقصى الزاوية اليسرى لحارس فيتنام.

وفي الدقيقة الرابعة من الوقت المحتسب بدلًا من الضائع للشوط الأول، أعاد اليابان تقدمه مرة أخرى، بتسديدة مقوسة رائعة من على حدود منطقة الجزاء، من اللاعب ناكامورا.

وفي الدقيقة 85، سجل اليابان الهدف الرابع، من خلال تسديدة من داخل منطقة الجزاء، ارتطمت بمدافع فيتنام لتغير مسارها إلى الزاوية اليمنى لحارس فيتنام.

يذكر، أن منذ أول مشاركة لليابان في بطولة كأس آسيا عام 1988، لم يسبق لها وأن خسرت في المباراة الأولى. أهداف مباراة اليابان وفيتنام في كأس آسيا

Manchester United continued their worrying Premier League form today, as they fell to defeat on the road against Newcastle United.

It is a result that has seen them lose a league position, as the Magpies shockingly leapfrogged them to enter third place. Now, despite blistering mid-season form, the Red Devils’ position within the top four has been put in jeopardy.

Whilst Erik ten Hag has enjoyed an impressive first season at the helm, with one trophy already under his belt, their 7-0 drubbing to Liverpool last month showcased their remaining vulnerabilities.

Since then, they are yet to win in the league, and despite advancing in both the Europa League and FA Cup, it seems that they just cannot recapture the form that once saw them mentioned alongside Arsenal and Manchester City.

Today was far from a smash-and-grab too, as the hosts exacted revenge for their cup-final defeat earlier in the season with a dominant display. They boasted 22 shots, six of which were on target, and accumulated an expected goals tally of 3.57 (via Sofascore). Despite that, the scoreline remained just 2-0.

Whilst many of those on the pitch for the Red Devils can come under scrutiny, it is likely that once again Bruno Fernandes will be a lightning rod for such scathing comments due to his notoriety.

Often seen remonstrating with the referee, the Portugal midfielder could only muster a shocking 6.4 rating as he was bullied in midfield, winning just 1/6 of his defensive duels.

However, perhaps deserving of the most criticism is his defensive compatriot Diogo Dalot, who continued his downturn in form.

How did Diogo Dalot play vs Newcastle United?

Having enjoyed a fine run of form before the World Cup, scoring in the win over Sheriff before earning the Man of the Match award against West Ham, it seems since the restart of domestic footballs the 24-year-old has forgotten what made him such a potent threat for Ten Hag.

His offensive impetus and powerful runs forward have ceased, and instead been replaced by a meek full-back who offers little going forward or defensively.

This culminated in his 6.6 rating today, in which he was terrorised throughout by Allan Saint-Maximin who created five goal-scoring chances in the first half alone. The Frenchman simply ran rings around the defender, who lost 75% of the duels he competed in and was forced to commit two fouls, via Sofascore.

Journalist Samuel Luckhurst even took to Twitter to write: “Saint-Maximin has tormented Dalot and Varane in recent games and it shows whenever he gets the ball.”

Fellow writer Brad Cox added his own summation of the 69-touch dud’s display: “Dalot just hasn’t been the same since the World Cup. The drop off in performance levels has been incredible.”

Indeed, that was perhaps best summed up by his actions for the opening goal. The Portuguese was dragged across the box and out of position before missing a header from the aforementioned winger that fell straight to Joe Willock who found the net from close range.

Today marked one of many poor displays by the £25k-per-week stalwart, who is slowly slipping behind even Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the pecking order. There will be hope that the former Crystal Palace man will make a speedy recovery from his illness, to finally displace a struggling Dalot.

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is believed to be keen to ensure Mason Mount does not leave Stamford Bridge in the summer amid concerns over his future.

What's the latest with Mason Mount?

The 24-year-old Chelsea midfielder could potentially be headed for the exit doors in London in the summer, with the England international failing to agree to terms on a new deal.

Other Premier League clubs are believed to have been put on red alert after hearing the news with the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United as possible suitors for the midfielder.

Mount now only has one year remaining on his deal with the Blues, meaning this is the last summer window within which Boehly will be able to cash in on the Englishman if he does not sign a new contract.

And speaking on the Talking Transfers podcast, insider Graeme Bailey has claimed there are some major issues which will need to be resolved if Boehly is to get his wish ahead of the summer:

"It's about the length of deal. It's not really about the money, from what I'm told, but also it's about the future project and Mount needs to feel right about it.

"Chelsea are desperate for him to stay. Todd Boehly does not want to lose him – let's get this right – he doesn't want to lose him; a lot of the Chelsea hierarchy don't."

Should Chelsea give in to Mount's demands?

It has not been the easiest of seasons for Mount at Stamford Bridge, with the 24-year-old having struggled to find his best form in front of goal.

Having made 23 appearances – 20 of those from the starting XI – Mount has only been able to provide the Blues with a return of three goals and two assists (via Transfermarkt).

And on the back of this poor output, it does feel as if some of the leverage which Mount may have previously had in contract talks may have lessened.

Perhaps this will offer Boehly an opportunity to prove just how much he wants to keep Mount at the club with the money not necessarily being the issue for the midfielder.

Having said that, Mount has recently added to his agent network ahead of the summer, which would suggest he is seriously considering a potential departure.

The Blues are certainly not struggling for options in Mount's position should he leave.

However, they would be losing a homegrown talent, and that is something this side seriously struggles with. As a result, this is a situation Chelsea must address in some form as they seek to meet the quotas set by the various competitions they play in.