Ross Barkley has not made a single competitive appearance for Everton this season due to a hamstring injury that he suffered in the summer.
Many fans would have thought that the midfielder would be at a new club by now given that he decided against signing a new contract at Goodison Park.
The 24-year-old’s current deal expires at the end of the season, which means that he will be eligible to join another club for free next summer.
The midfielder is still being heavily linked with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, and both could potentially make a move when the window reopens in January.
This week, Barkley created an Instagram story, which included an image of a huge scar on his left hamstring.
Alongside the picture was the caption, ‘Not long now,’ which indicates that he is closing in on a return to action.
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Everton fans responded with expressions of shock, while others alluded to the transfer rumours.
West Ham United announced on Friday that they have completed a deal to sign out-of-contract Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta on a two-year deal.
The right-back will move to the London Stadium on a free transfer following the expiry of his City contract at the end of June, and he will link up with his new club in July.
It ends a nine-year stint for the 32-year-old at City after he joined the club for £6.5m from Espanyol in 2008, but he has found first team football hard to come by under Pep Guardiola this season, making just 22 starts in all competitions.
West Ham supporters were quick to have their say on their first summer signing via social media, with many delighted that they finally looked to have sorted out their right-back issue with the likes of Alvaro Arbeloa and Sam Byram struggling to impress there this term.
Southampton have become well-known for producing academy player after academy player for their first-team, and Josh Sims became the latest in a long line of youth stars to make his full league debut for the club in the 1-0 win against Everton last weekend.
The 19-year-old wasted no time in making an impression for a Saints side that had struggled to score from open play in recent weeks, setting up Charlie Austin for the decisive goal after just 43 seconds.
As well as picking up an early assist, Sims impressed with his all-round play, direct running and general impact in the final third, and he may have put himself in contention for some more starts for the first-team in the immediate future.
He isn’t the first to have made an impact and he won’t be the last.
Here are THREE other Saints academy players that impressed on their full league debut…
Alan Shearer vs. Arsenal (April 9, 1988)
Zenith Data Systems Cup Semi-Final Season 91/92Pic : Action ImagesSouthampton’s Tim Flowers and Alan Shearer celebrate reaching the final
Some people may forget that Shearer actually started his career with the Saints, with his full league debut for the club proving to be quite a memorable one!
Aged just 17 and 240 days, the striker scored a hat-trick in the First Division match against Arsenal at the Dell.
Two close-range headers and a finish at the back post made everyone sit up and take notice, and Shearer eventually joined Blackburn Rovers for £3.6m in 1992.
James Ward-Prowse vs. Manchester City (August 19, 2012)
Football – Manchester City v Southampton – Barclays Premier League – Etihad Stadium – 12/13 – 19/8/12Manchester City’s Jack Rodwell in action against Southampton’s James Ward ProwseMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineEDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or live services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications. Please contact y
Having just been promoted back to the Premier League after a seven-year absence, then Saints boss Nigel Adkins sprung a bit of a surprise on the opening day of the season away against champions Manchester City.
He named 17-year-old Ward-Prowse in the starting line-up alongside Morgan Schneiderlin in central midfield, and the academy graduate looked like he had played in the top flight for years, as he kept Yaya Toure quiet for the majority of a match in which Southampton were narrowly beaten 3-2.
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Gareth Bale vs. Millwall (April 17, 2006)
Football – Southampton v Millwall Coca-Cola Football League Championship – St Marys Stadium – 05/06 – 17/4/06Millwall’s Alan Dunne and Southampton’s Gareth BaleMandatory Credit: Action Images / David Field
With little to play for at the end of the 2005/06 Championship campaign, then Saints manager George Burley decided to give youngsters Gareth Bale and David McGoldrick their full league debuts against Millwall at St Mary’s.
And it was the former who impressed the most. Despite being just 16 years and 275 days old, the Welshman looked accustomed – especially physically – to league football in the left-back position. The rest, as they say, is history.
The summer transfer window seemingly never ceases to provide fans of the English game with their fair share of excitement and sensation with every passing season.
Regardless of the criticism it constantly receives among Premier League fans and managers alike, football simply wouldn’t feel the same without all the last minute bargaining and desperate deadline-day dealing.
However, in the case of Manchester United in particular, the culmination of the summer transfer window ultimately offers Louis van Gaal one last chance to perfect his squad ahead of what’s going to be an incredibly important season at Old Trafford.
Despite the multitude of high profile names that have already made the switch to his club this summer, van Gaal has so far mainly focussed his respective transfer activity on sourcing quality midfielders, rather than improving United’s somewhat fragile looking back-line and isolated strike-force.
So then, with just a few weeks left to go before the summer transfer window eventually slams shut, here are five potential last minute transfers Manchester United should make this deadline-day…
Antoinne Griezmann
Since Chelsea only recently ‘stole’ Barcelona’s Pedro from the grasps on Manchester United, perhaps it’s time the Red Devils ‘stole’ their very own former Blues target, this time in the form of Antoinne Griezmann.
The talented French international scored an impressive total of 22 league goals in last season’s La Liga proceedings, beaten only by the untouchable likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He would therefore represent a promising target for Manchester United this summer, even if Atletico Madrid happen to place a pretty lofty price-tag on the winger’s head.
Despite Griezmann’s obvious credentials in the modern era however, his is a position that is already somewhat filled at Old Trafford at this point in time. A move for either a recognised centre-forward or a solid centre-back would seem to make more sense from Louis van Gaal’s point of view in the cold light of day.
Thomas Muller
Football – Germany v Argentina – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Final – Estadio do Maracana, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – 13/7/14Germany’s Thomas Muller celebrates after victoryMandatory Credit: Action Images / Carl RecineLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Whilst his name has never been far from a newspaper story linking him with an illustrious move to Old Trafford this summer, Thomas Muller seemingly has everything in his make-up to become a resounding success at Manchester United should Louis van Gaal decide to move for him on deadline-day.
The recent World Cup winner simply brings goals in abundance wherever he plies his trade. This is an area that the Red Devils dramatically need to improve upon if they are to succeed in the Premier League anytime soon, so the prospect of signing a player like Muller makes sense with all things considered.
Like his former German international teammate Miroslav Klose, the current Bayern Munich favourite is an expert in scoring goals in and around the penalty box. He will finish off chances very few even saw coming if he is given the opportunity at Old Trafford this season, making him an ideal candidate to replace Robin van Persie in the striking department for Louis van Gaal throughout 2015/16.
John Stones
One of the perhaps less convincing names to make an appearance on this list arrives in the form of Everton’s latest defensive sensation, John Stones. The previously capped England international seems to be in the good books of pundits and fans alike this season, even if the 21-year-old still remains relatively untested in the English top-flight for a sustained period of time.
Manchester United arguably need a reliable defensive head to help sort out their back-line this season, yet whilst Stones has no way proved himself to be worthy of such a position so far in the Premier League, Louis van Gaal may ultimately be left with no other choice but to make a move for the current Goodison Park favourite this summer.
The seeming unavailability of the club’s previous defensive targets – such as Nicolas Otamendi, Mats Hummels and of course, Sergio Ramos – may force the Red Devils to turn their attention to John Stones this window, despite his clearly inexperienced nature in playing at the highest level. Manchester United must be able to count on their centre-backs to perform well in the Champions League this season however, which may prove beyond a player of John Stones’ capabilities.
Aleksandr Kokorin
Another potentially surprising name to be linked with a high profile move to Old Trafford this summer is the up and coming poster-boy of Russian football, Aleksandr Kokorin.
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The 24-year-old Dynamo Moscow striker could potentially take the Premier League by storm this season as his previous goal-scoring form suggests, yet his possible arrival at Manchester United this summer would nevertheless represent a huge risk for the club. He remains truly untested at the highest level, without the strongest reputation amongst the European footballing scene.
However, considering the front-man’s relatively young age in the modern game, Kokorin could ultimately prove a gamble that pays off massively for Louis van Gaal. He will be hungry for goals in the Premier League – and that is exactly what the Red Devils require at this stage in the proceedings.
Keylor Navas
Football – Netherlands v Costa Rica – FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 – Quarter Final – Arena Fonte Nova, Salvador, Brazil – 5/7/14Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas Mandatory Credit: Action Images / Andrew CouldridgeLivepicEDITORIAL USE ONLY.
Whilst no Manchester United fan out there ultimately wants to see David de Gea leave their club for Real Madrid this summer, sometimes it’s simply pointless trying to halt the inevitable. Should the much anticipated switch between the two giants of the modern game take place before the close of the transfer window, the subsequent arrival of Keylor Navas could prove the perfect sweetener to improve the deal from the Red Devils’ perspective.
The Costa Rican goal-keeper certainly had a World Cup to be proud of last summer – and although he doesn’t quite represent the ideal signing for Manchester United by any means – the 28-year-old shot-stopper could nevertheless add some much needed experience to the squad at Old Trafford throughout 2015/16.
His potential arrival wouldn’t likely displace Sergio Romero from the no. 1 spot at United across the upcoming campaign, yet his possible addition still offers up a fair amount of potential even if most Red Devils fans would rather be counting on David de Gea this term.
Glasgow Rangers finally got their first win on the board in the Scottish Premiership on Sunday, after they failed to win any of their first five league games under Russell Martin.
There would not have been a more relieved man in the ground than the Light Blues head coach when Max Aarons popped up in stoppage time to score the winning goal for the away side.
The Ibrox loanee came off the bench to rattle a finish into the bottom corner from Nicolas Raskin’s corner to prevent Rangers from falling to a fifth draw in six league games.
James Tavernier’s penalty miss did not help matters in the first half, as the captain failed to make it 2-0 before half-time, but the Gers still conceded a sloppy goal and lacked a cutting edge in the final third before Aarons scored the winner.
It was a win and a much-needed one for Martin. However, the manager may not be too pleased with some of the individual performances that were on display when he goes back to review the match.
Summer signing Bojan Miovski is one of the players who may end up finding himself on the bench because of his underwhelming start to life at Ibrox.
Why Bojan Miovski may be dropped to the bench
The Macedonia international was signed on a permanent deal from Girona in the summer transfer window to bolster the club’s attack, as a player who has already proven himself in the Premiership.
Miovski, as shown in the graphic above, scored 32 league goals in the division during his two seasons at Aberdeen before a move to Girona in the summer of 2024. This shows that he can score goals at an impressive rate at that level.
The Light Blues are yet to see the best of the left-footed forward in front of goal, though, as he missed a huge chance to open the scoring in the 2-1 win over Livingston on Sunday.
It was like watching Miovski at Aberdeen to create the chance. His movement on the last line to beat the offside trap was superb and he looked in control and composed, up until he needed to find the target.
The 26-year-old marksman, who scored his first goal for the club in the League Cup against Hibernian, has not done enough in his Premiership outings to warrant keeping a place in the starting line-up.
25/26 Premiership
Bojan Miovski
Percentile rank vs STs
xG
0.87
Top 47%
Goals
0
Bottom 3%
Shots
4
Bottom 28%
xA
0.02
Bottom 9%
Assists
0
Bottom 3%
Duel success rate
21.2%
Bottom 9%
Aerial duel success rate
11.1%
Bottom 6%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, Miovski ranks lowly among his positional peers in a host of attacking and physical metrics, as he has failed to deliver quality in the final third and reliability out of possession.
This is why Martin must drop the former Aberdeen and Girona centre-forward from the starting line-up, because he has not offered enough to the team in or out of possession.
The Macedonian number nine is not the only Light Blues star who showed that he should not be starting for the club at the moment in the win over Livingston on Sunday.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Thelo Aasgaard was selected once again in the left-sided central midfield role in Martin’s 4-3-3 system, but he failed to justify his inclusion in the team with a strong performance.
Why Thelo Aasgaard should not be starting for Rangers
The Norway international was signed from Luton Town during the summer transfer window with a view to adding an attacking threat to the team from a central midfield position.
Aasgaard scored 11 goals in 45 matches in all competitions for Wigan Athletic and Luton combined in the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that he did offer a decent threat in front of goal last term.
The English-born star, who was described as a “huge talent” by former Wigan communications officer Jamie Allen, has yet to show the Rangers fans what he is capable of at the top end of the pitch.
That has not been through a lack of opportunity, though, because Martin has provided him with six starts in all competitions, yet the attacking midfielder has not delivered a single goal or assist.
Aasgaard made no key passes, did not complete any dribbles, and did not register any shots on target in 73 minutes against Livingston, per Sofascore, which shows that he offered next to nothing in possession for the Gers.
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Unfortunately, a lack of quality at the top end of the pitch has become a theme for the Norway international in the Premiership for Rangers so far this season.
25/26 Premiership
Thelo Aasgaard
Appearances
4
Starts
4
Goals
0
Big chances missed
2
Big chances created
0
Key passes per game
0.3
Assists
0
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the summer signing from Luton has created one chance in four starts in the league, with no goals or assists to his name.
These statistics show that he is not offering enough to the team in front of goal, as is also the case with Miovski, despite being in the side to provide a spark and break down opposition defences.
This is why the Rangers head coach should ruthlessly drop both players from the starting XI for the trip to Falkirk in the Premiership after Thursday’s Europa League clash with Sturm Graz, because both of their performances on Sunday showed that they should not be starting.
Miovski and Aasgaard are not terrible players, as their records at previous clubs prove, but they are not delivering enough quality on the pitch for the Gers, which is why they should have a spell on the sidelines.
Worse than Tavernier: Martin must drop Rangers flop who was saved by Aarons
Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin must drop this flop who was saved by Max Aarons against Livingston.
ByDan Emery
If the two attackers can impress off the bench and start to show more promising signs at the top end of the pitch in matches, then they can earn back their place in the XI and start to kick on at Ibrox.
Manchester United could now make a move for one of Real Madrid’s top targets, having been left impressed during scouting missions, according to a report.
Man Utd ringing the changes ahead of important summer
After finishing 15th in the Premier League last season, this summer could be one of the most important in Man United’s modern history, and INEOS have already started to ring the changes, signing Matheus Cunha and making a key off-field decision.
It has now been revealed that Jason Wilcox has taken up the role of sporting director, which had been vacant since Dan Ashworth’s departure last November, and the 53-year-old has a big rebuilding job on his hands over the next few months.
Alejandro Garnacho, Antony and Marcus Rashford are among the forwards who could leave, with the latter being widely linked with Barcelona, which means it could be important for the Red Devils to bring in more attacking options, despite having already signed Cunha.
Man Utd hold secret talks to swap Sancho for "generational" £75m PL forward
The Red Devils have held discussions over a swap deal involving Jadon Sancho…
ByDominic Lund
According to a report from Caught Offside, one attacking midfielder who Man United scouts have been left impressed by is Como’s Nico Paz, having monitored the 20-year-old’s progress in Italy this season.
The Red Devils could make a move for Paz, but Real Madrid’s interest could be an obstacle, with the Spanish heavyweights identifying the youngster as a top target, given that new manager Xabi Alonso is believed to be a huge fan.
Napoli's Giacomo Raspadori in action with Como'sNicoPaz
As such, Madrid could be tempted to trigger the €8m (£7m) buy-back clause and sign their former player, although the Tenerife-born maestro may only be willing to move back to Spain if he receives guarantees over his first-team place.
"Exceptional" Paz could be ready to join top club
It is little wonder that Madrid are looking to sign the Argentina international for a bargain fee, considering he enjoyed a fantastic breakthrough season in Serie A last term, picking up six goals and nine assists in 35 outings.
The starlet’s attacking numbers certainly catch the eye, but perhaps equally impressive is the fact he is also willing to pitch in defensively, having displayed his ability to win back possession on a regular basis over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
1.71 (81st percentile)
Interceptions
0.70 (88th percentile)
Blocks
1.64 (96th percentile)
It is evident to see why Alonso is so fond of the Como star, and he is not the only former Madrid star who appreciates the Argentine, with Toni Kroos previously saying: “This lad (Nico Paz) should be training with us every day because he’s exceptional.”
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Paz could be a fantastic long-term addition to Ruben Amorim’s squad, but it could be difficult to compete for his signature with Real Madrid, given the allure of playing for the Spanish side.
Following the departure of Diego Carlos to Fenerbahce, another Aston Villa player who just earned the praise of Unai Emery is reportedly set to complete a move away from the Midlands.
Aston Villa transfer news
For some time, it looked as though Loic Bade would be on his way only for his valuation to rise outside of the Villans’ range this month even after Carlos’ departure. In a race to secure back-to-back top four finishes, it’s the type of transfer frustration that Villa could do without and the type that would have only been increased by Mings’ ill-timed injury blow.
Loic Bade for Sevilla.
Speaking about his side’s transfer activity which has so far seen both Donyell Malen and Andres Garcia arrive and Carlos leave, Emery told reporters as relayed by the Times and Star: “We’re doing everything we can and we have to control everything that’s in our hands.
“This transfer window is not easy, we did not want him to leave but he decided to leave because he accepted an offer from Turkey and we’re trying to get one centre-back to replace him. But there are still days to decide how we can do it.”
Aston Villa agree personal terms to sign £80k-p/w ace as Carlos replacement
A new defender has emerged on Aston Villa and Unai Emery’s radar.
1 ByBrett Worthington
To make room for another central defender, meanwhile, the Villans have seemingly shown the door to another player. According to Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Emiliano Buendia is now on the verge of joining Bayer Leverkusen on loan with an option to buy.
The former Norwich City man may well fall into the category of what might have been at Villa Park, but a move away to Leverkusen could yet hand him the revival that he so desperately needed.
"Fantastic" Buendia needed move
When Buendia first arrived from Norwich, it was a move full of excitement. A spell full of frustrating injuries later, however, it’s one that could have been so much more. At this stage, the Argentine midfielder desperately needed a move away having failed to start a single game in the Premier League all season.
His struggles didn’t stand in the way of Emery’s recent praise though. The Spaniard was quick to speak highly of Buendia following his performance despite the fact that his side suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of AS Monaco in the Champions League.
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Emery told reporters as relayed by the Birmingham Mail: “Today, especially with Emi Buendia, because he has the option to leave but today we needed him and he played fantastic with his qualities, fantastic mentality and fantastic with his commitment with the squad.”
It now looks as though the £75,000-a-week man has taken that option to leave and join up with Bundesliga champions Leverkusen in what is an impressive move. It’s there under Xabi Alonso that Buendia could rediscover his best form.
Chelsea have made an excellent start to the new season under boss Enzo Maresca, with the Italian making a huge impact at Stamford Bridge.
The Blues have only lost one game in the Premier League so far this season, coming on the opening day against defending champions Manchester City, going unbeaten in the last four league outings.
Their recent run has seen a draw against Crystal Palace, whilst picking up all three points against West Ham, Bournemouth and Wolves.
The victory over Wolves was a particularly eye-catching display, claiming the win by a 6-2 margin, with winger Noni Madueke scoring a hat-trick at Molineux that day.
Madueke has cemented himself as a regular starter since the arrival of Maresca, but he’s been outperformed by two other members of the Blues’ first-team squad so far this season.
Cole Palmer & Nicolas Jackson’s stats in 2024/25
Winger Cole Palmer has wasted no time in picking up where he left off last season, starring once again for Chelsea in the early months of the new season.
The England international, who scored in the Euro 2024 final over the summer, has already registered two goals and four assists in his first five league outings of the campaign – currently the joint most goal contributions at the club.
He shares that top spot with striker Nicolas Jackson, who has made an excellent start to life under Maresca, scoring four times and laying on two assists for his teammates.
In the Senegalese forward’s last outing against West Ham, he scored two out of the three goals in the 3-0 victory over Maresca’s side – helping the Italian claim his second consecutive away league victory.
There were huge question marks over Jackson going into this season, with the club constantly monitoring the likes of Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen over potential moves to Stamford Bridge.
Nicolas Jackson scores for Chelsea
After they failed to complete a deal for either forward, huge pressure was added onto the 23-year-old’s shoulders, but so far he’s exceeded them and demonstrated his quality on a consistent basis.
However, despite the duo’s respective good form for the Blues, they both earn less than one player who appears to be out of Maresca’s first-team plans.
The man who earns more than Palmer & Jackson combined
After joining from Leicester City during the off-season, Maresca wanted to make his own mark on the playing squad, even banishing numerous members who were deemed not good enough for his squad.
Left-back Ben Chilwell is just one of many players who were a victim of the Italian’s appointment, with the defender available for transfer during the recent window.
However, he made his first appearance during the Italian’s reign on Tuesday night in the Carabao Cup victory over Barrow, coming on to replace Malo Gusto at half-time.
Given his lack of game time since Maresca’s appointment, it’s clear that he doesn’t see the England international as part of his plans for the foreseeable future.
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When delving into his weekly wage, it’s understandable as to why the club would look to cut ties with him as the former Leicester ace earning a reported £200k-per-week at Stamford Bridge.
He’s since earned £40.5m in wages alone since his move in 2020 and when coupling that figure with his £50m fee, the club have already forked out £90.5m on the 27-year-old – which works out to £945k per appearance he’s made for the Blues.
Ben Chilwell’s stats for Chelsea since 2020
Season
Games
Goals
Assists
2020/21
42
4
7
2021/22
13
3
1
2022/23
30
2
2
2023/24
21
0
1
2024/25
1
0
0
Total:
107
9
11
Stats via Transfermarkt
His subsequent wage sees him earn more than Palmer and Jackson combined, with the pair currently earning £130k and £65k-per-week respectively.
Given his lack of minutes and his extortionate weekly earnings, the club need to try and move the defender on at the next given opportunity.
The strictness around the Premier League’s PSR rules leaves no margin for error, with the club massively boosting their chances of staying within the threshold should they manage to offload Chilwell and his £200k-per-week wages.
Maresca must instantly drop 5/10 Chelsea man who lost all 6 of his duels
This star was left feeling blue after the big win…
Chelsea have reportedly opened talks over another addition to the squad this summer as they look to balance their side under Mauricio Pochettino.
Season ending strongly under Pochettino
Despite a slow start, Chelsea are making a late push for a spot in next season's Europa League, and have showed glimpses of the side that they could become under Pochettino.
Their 5-0 hammering at the hands of Arsenal is their only defeat in the Premier League since February, and they are the fifth-best team in the division in 2024, behind only the Gunners, Manchester City, Newcastle and Liverpool.
Premier League form table 2024
Games
Wins
Draws
Losses
Goal Difference
Points
Arsenal
16
14
1
1
43
43
Manchester City
16
13
3
0
30
42
Liverpool
17
11
3
3
20
36
Newcastle United
16
8
3
5
10
27
Chelsea
15
7
5
3
8
26
That has seen them rocket up the table, and they are now just two points behind Newcastle United and firmly in the hunt for the final Europa League spot, while the six point gap to fifth placed Tottenham is not an impossible one to breach given the relative form of the two sides.
The Blues boss refused to describe it as a successful season, but admitted that he felt the staff and players are happy with the direction of the club.
"I cannot describe the season as a successful season if you don't win a title at Chelsea," said Pochettino. "Again, expectation is always to win titles."
"Circumstances have shown that the reality was really, really tough, from day one until today. But deep inside, the players and staff were living in the reality. I think the staff are happy and the players are so happy."
There is an expectation that the Blues will once again be active in the transfer market as they bid to complete their squad overhaul, and now light has been shed on just who they are targetting.
Talks opened for midfield maestro
That comes courtesy of the Daily Mail, who claim that Chelsea have "opened talks" for talented midfielder Georgiy Sudakov, currently at Shakhtar Donetsk.
The pair have a strong relationship after Chelsea signed Mykhaylo Mudryk from the Ukrainian outfit, and Sudakov appears to be the next star bound for Europe, with Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool all reportedly chasing his signature, though it is Chelsea that seem to lead the race.
Meanwhile, Shakhtar President Sergei Palkin has been touting his services at every opportunity.
£110,000-a-week Chelsea star now reaches total agreement to join new club
It should all be confirmed soon after a verbal pact was made a couple of weeks ago.
ByBen Browning
"This summer window, he has a big chance to move to some big clubs. We have had some contacts with big clubs and some are not negotiating with us directly but are getting a feel for the summer environment", he explained.
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"He will definitely move to a top European club this summer. When I was at Chelsea versus Everton, many people asked me about Sudakov."
Heorhiy Sudakov for Ukraine.
There is a release clause in his contract set at £128m, but it is believed that £65m would be enough to land the 21-year-old midfielder this summer. The midfielder has racked up nearly 100 appearances for his current side, and has come in for some heavy praise while doing so.
Coach Marino Pusic dubbed him an "exceptionally talented" footballer, but added that he works hard to become better too: "He is an exceptionally talented footballer. Talent comes from nature or God, but you have to do something with it to develop it."
It is added that Sudakov is viewed as "first team ready" by Chelsea, while his addition could finally help bring the best out of Enzo Fernandez, who has struggled since his arrival 18 months ago. Could he be the missing piece in Pochettino's midfield?
As much as Eddie Howe deserves a lot of credit for Newcastle United's Champions League qualification last season, the Magpies have struggled to replicate that form in the current campaign. Instead, with their squad depth exposed for all to see, Newcastle have struggled to get results and look more and more likely to miss out on a top four place in the Premier League.
Still only at the halfway mark, however, the January transfer window could yet revive Newcastle's season and solve one of Howe's biggest problems in the process. If those at St James' Park back the former Bournemouth boss, he will face the pressured task of turning things around before the end of the campaign.
Newcastle transfer news
Newcastle's disappointing summer recruitment quickly came back to haunt them this season, with Sandro Tonali swiftly handed a lengthy ban for betting breaches, Harvey Barnes injured, Lewis Hall out-of-favour and Tino Livramento seemingly the only signing who stands a chance of leaving his mark before May.
The fact that Newcastle didn't sign another central defender has particularly been a problem for Howe, who has been forced to turn to Dan Burn to fill in amid injuries to Sven Botman and Fabian Schar. With the winter window now open though, PIF could solve that problem.
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According to Football Transfers, PIF and Newcastle are eyeing a move to sign centre-back Ben Godfrey from Everton, who have reportedly set an asking price of just £9m. The Magpies are fans of Godfrey's versatility, which hands him the ability to play across the entirety of a backline to potentially solve more than one problem at St James' Park.
If Newcastle are to pursue a deal, however, then they may have to fend off interest from AS Roma in a battle that could see them boosted by the fact that Jacob Murphy's agent is the same as Godfrey's.
"Monster" Godfrey has stalled at Everton
Whilst Everton have rediscovered their best form at times this season, Godfrey has gradually fallen more and more down the pecking order. As things stand, Godfrey's game time has been limited to just one appearance, which came in a start in a recent victory against relegation rivals Burnley.
Following the rise of Jarrad Branthwaite too, things are unlikely to get better for the former Norwich City man, meaning that he may have no choice but to seek game time elsewhere. And that's where Newcastle could come in.
Everton's Ben Godfrey
Howe has currently got just three recognised centre-backs to call on in the form of Schar, Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman. An injury to more than one of those three has already left Newcastle struggling for options this season to make another central defender a must this month.
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Godfrey's ability to fill in at full-back could also hand the Magpies a major boost and give Kieran Trippier the chance to gain a much-needed rest. Described as a "monster" by The Mirror's James Whaling, Godfrey could quickly revive both his and Newcastle's season with a swift departure from Everton in the coming weeks. As Newcastle look to qualify for Europe too, he could more than play a part.