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Australian opener extends strong run of form as Bohannon, Hurst provide support

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay02-May-2025Marcus Harris made his second century of the season to help Lancashire dominate the opening day of their Rothesay County Championship match against Gloucestershire.The former Australia opener also became the first batter to pass fifty five times in his first seven innings in first-class cricket for the county and finished on 165 not out with Lancashire on 342 for five after opting to bat first on what now appears an easy-paced pitch.Such an outcome looked unlikely after the impressive Ajeet Singh Dale had taken two wickets in his first ten balls to leave the home side on 23 for two but Harris shared partnerships of 98 with Josh Bohannon and 212 with Matty Hurst, who was caught behind by James Bracey off Zaman Akhter for 78 three overs before the close.Nevertheless, Lancashire are well placed in this match between two teams who have yet to win a match this season. During his innings, Harris became the leading run-scorer in the country in either division and will go into the second day’s play with a total of 559 runs against his name this season.Yet Gloucestershire’s bowlers had dominated the first hour of the day and Singh Dale reinforced his growing reputation by bowling George Bell via body, pad and boot for 10 with his second delivery and having Keaton Jennings caught by Cameron Bancroft at second slip for four in his next overThat left Lancashire on 23 for two but after some early uncertainty Bohannon and Harris played with growing fluency and took their side to 79 for two at lunch after 28 overs, 50 of those runs having been scored in the second hour of the session.On the resumption Bohannon cruised smoothly to his half-century in 96 balls with seven fours but he was then leg before wicket to Ollie Price for 56 when he misjudged the length of an off-spinner he attempted to pull.Although that wicket ended a productive 98-run third-wicket stand, Hurst played himself in with little fuss as the wicket eased. He gave Harris excellent support and Lancashire reached tea on 189 for three with Harris unbeaten on 90 after a session in which the Gloucestershire captain, Cameron Bancroft, had rotated his bowlers frequently, albeit to limited effect.Having reached his half-century off 106 balls, Harris hit three fours off the next six deliveries and that set the tone for his second fifty. He reached his century shortly after tea with a single off Tom Price after facing 176 balls and hitting 11 fours and the six over long-on off Ollie Price that took him to 99.The evening session served merely to underline Lancashire’s dominance. Hurst reached his fifty off 98 balls and Harris took only 47 deliveries to get from 100 to 150, a picked-up six over square leg off Josh Shaw epitomising his dominance.At that point, Shaw might well have looked back with some feeling to the 14th over of the day when Harris had tried to let the ball go but only succeeded in involuntarily inside-edging it to the fine leg boundary.Singh Dale was the pick of the Gloucestershire attack but this was a day on which loose shots either didn’t find the edge or go to hand and Bancroft will hope that his batsmen can reply in kind on the second and third days of this game.First, though, he must try to prevent Lancashire collecting four batting points for the first time this season and Akhter’s late success in claiming Hurst’s wicket when the batsman appeared to pull out of a hook was a considerable fillip, especially as it was followed four balls later by a delicious yorker which castled nightwatchman Saqib Mahmood for four.Akhter’s late strikes left him with figures of two for 68 while Singh Dale finished with two for 36 from 15 tight overs.

Tottenham are among a number of teams chasing highly-rated Brazilian teenager Rayan Vitor. The 19-year-old has excelled for Vasco da Gama this season, scoring seven times to boost his reputation. However, Spurs wouldn't be the only Premier League side to show an interest in Rayan, who is also reportedly wanted by rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.

• AFP
  

  Rayan has shined in the Brasileirao

  After making his senior debut in 2023, Rayan has cemented his spot in the Vasco da Gama starting XI and his performances in Brazil have not gone unnoticed. Indeed, in 2022 La Liga giants Barcelona were credited with an interest in the teenage forward.

  And while Vasco are enduring a sub-par season, Rayan is proving a shining light for the Brazilian giants having scored seven goals and laid on an additional assist in the 2025 Brasileirao season.

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• League form has caught the eye of Premier League giants

  Premier League sides are also keeping tabs on Rayan, with Tottenham among those to be monitoring the rising star. The north London side have been reportedly tracking his performances in recent months and checked on him recently when he scored in the 2-0 win over Cruzeiro last week.

  Rayan, who is capped at U17 level, is tipped to receive his first senior call up to the Brazil national team before long, where he'd be expected to play alongside Spurs striker Richarlison. That being said, Spurs aren't the only Premier League team interested in Rayan.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Competition rife for Rayan

  Spurs are looking into striker options as they seek to reinforce a frontline that has misfired in recent weeks. Richarlison is the club's top scorer in the league this season with three goals to his name, two of which came in the opening weekend win over Burnley.

  However, Spurs would face ample competition for his services for Vasco entertain the idea of selling their prized asset. Chelsea, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Spanish giants Barcelona and Russian outfit Zenit St. Petersburg are also believed to be interested in Rayan.

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• Low release clause appeals to suitors

  In addition to Rayan's performances for his club, the 19-year-old is believed to have a £34m ($46m) release clause, which appeals to potential suitors, who feel confident they can negotiate that fee down.

  Vasco, though, will have seen how much Palmeiras sold Estevao to Chelsea for in 2024 and expect a similar fee should they be forced into selling Rayan.

  The club's manager, Fernando Diniz, has already claimed the teenager is a superstar-in-waiting, telling Brazilian media: “A very rare player. At the age of 17, he has that maturity. He's going to help Vasco a lot. He's a special boy."

  He added: “(Rayan) is an extremely different player, one of the few Brazilian football forwards who is complete. It's high, fast, left-handed, kicks well, went on to enter the area and make head goal, it picks up well, closes well. You can play high-end, fake 9, 9, at the other end.

A Champions League thriller at Anfield between Liverpool and Atletico Madrid on Wednesday was overshadowed by ugly touchline scenes involving Diego Simeone and his staff. Fan footage circulating online appears to show an Atletico backroom member spitting towards supporters after the Argentine coach was sent off late on. Calls are now growing for UEFA to step in and hand down a serious punishment.

• Atletico staff member spits at Liverpool fans?

  Liverpool beat Atletico Madrid 3-2 in a dramatic opening-night Champions League clash on Wednesday night, with Virgil van Dijk scoring yet another stoppage-time winner for the Reds. Tempers flared after the goal, with Simeone and his staff being confronted near the main stand following taunts from fans. During the commotion, one Atletico staff member appeared to spit at supporters in videos shared by Liverpool fans.

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• Liverpool fans call for immediate ban

  Clips shared on social media show the spitting incident occurring just seconds after Simeone was dismissed from the dugout. Stewards were forced to restrain Atletico staff as tensions spilled over in front of the away bench. The video has since gone viral, with supporters across the football community labelling the act “disgusting” and urging UEFA to set an example with their ruling.

• Spitting a bannable offence as per UEFA regulation

  Spitting is classified as a severe violation under UEFA’s disciplinary regulations and is usually met with strict bans for players. Fans believe that, in this case, an even harsher penalty may be needed given the nature of the act and the potential damage to the game’s image.

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• Getty Images
  

  UEFA likely to launch investigation

  UEFA’s Control, Ethics and Disciplinary Body will be under pressure to investigate the incident and determine an appropriate punishment. Based on past cases, suspensions for spitting generally range from two to four games, though the fact it involved a staff member may complicate matters. For now, Atletico await news on whether further sanctions will be imposed beyond Simeone’s red card.

Tottenham Hotspur have now directly contacted a “fantastic” defender’s club, in order to assess the possibility of a potential deal, according to a report.

Spurs looking to bolster full-back options despite Spence renewal

Tottenham are relatively well-stocked in the full-back department, given that Thomas Frank has Destiny Udogie at his disposal at left-back and Pedro Porro on the opposite flank, while Djed Spence is capable of playing on either side.

Despite a rocky start to his career at Spurs, Spence has now done enough to earn a new long-term contract, and the full-back has admitted he is delighted to extend his stay in north London.

That said, given that Spence has predominantly featured on the left in recent times, Frank may want to bring in another full-back to provide competition for Porro on the right, and Manchester City’s Rico Lewis was recently identified as a potential option.

Last week, intermediaries made contact with the Lilywhites over a potential deal, and Frank’s side have now stepped up their interest, having made direct contact with Man City.

That is according to a report from Caught Offside, which states Tottenham have now submitted an enquiry to City about Lewis, but there could be fierce competition for the full-back’s signature, with a number of rival Premier League clubs also keen.

Indeed, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest have all made approaches for the 20-year-old, with the Tricky Trees even submitting an offer worth €30m (£26m), which was knocked back by the Blues.

That said, it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible, with Pep Guardiola keen to keep hold of the youngster, while also recently saying: “I think he’s going to stay, I think. He told me that. But, I said, maybe tomorrow, after tomorrow, it’ll change.”

"Fantastic" Lewis could challenge for Porro's starting spot

Once lauded as “fantastic” by Guardiola, the English starlet has managed to repay his manager’s faith in him by establishing himself as an important player for City, making 28 appearances in the Premier League in the 2024-25 campaign.

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Thomas Frank has now given the green light for Spurs to make a move for a winger.

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During that time, the Bury-born defender has also showcased his versatility, featuring at left-back and even in central midfield, although right-back is the five-time England international’s favoured position.

As such, Lewis would most likely be brought in as a direct competitor to Porro, and he could have the potential to usurp the Spaniard on a long-term basis, considering Pep has stated the City ace is “one of the best” players he has trained.

That said, it could be difficult for the full-back to displace the 25-year-old in the Tottenham starting XI, given that Porro has outperformed him in both an attacking and defensive sense over the past year.

Average per 90

Pedro Porro

Rico Lewis

Non-penalty goals

0.09

0.03

Assists

0.21

0.14

Tackles

2.13

1.46

Interceptions

1.23

0.66

Continuing their hunt for reinforcements, Leeds United reportedly submitted an offer to sign a midfield gem before he handed them a swift response in negotiations.

Leeds gearing up for Premier League return

It’s been two seasons in waiting, but Leeds’ Premier League return is almost underway at long last. Daniel Farke’s side will square off against Everton in the first Monday Night Football of the season, in which they’ll hope to make an instant statement.

None of the last six promoted sides have survived at the first time of asking in the Premier League, but Leeds, Sunderland and Burnley will be desperate to bring an end to what is a concerning trend.

The 49ers would have been well aware of that statistic this summer too, and have backed Farke with a number of arrivals as a result. Even after welcoming as many as seven fresh faces, however, the American owners could have more lined up for those at Elland Road.

Among those who could yet arrive is Liverpool’s Ben Doak. The speedy winger looks likely to be on the move this summer, either on loan or in a permanent deal, and Leeds could take full advantage.

Whilst the young Scotland international won’t come cheap, he is the type of player worth splashing out on. After impressing many around Middlesbrough during his loan spell, before injury cut things short, Doak is ready to leave his mark on the Premier League at just 19 years old.

Huge upgrade on Nmecha: Leeds plotting move to sign £26m "monster"

Leeds are in the market for another number nine this summer

4 ByJoe Nuttall Aug 7, 2025

Meanwhile, as recent reports revealed, in another reality the teenage star could have had the chance to join a former Liverpool teammate in Yorkshire this summer.

Leeds made Bobby Clark offer

As reported by The Chronicle’s Lee Ryder, Leeds made an offer to sign Bobby Clark from Red Bull Salzburg, only for the former Liverpool man to favour a loan move to Championship side Derby County over a bit-part role with a Premier League side.

Clark is back in England to “prove people wrong” after a frustrating year at Salzburg. The 20-year-old midfielder initially joined the Austrian club and former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders for around £10m last summer, but soon saw Lijnders sacked and his own game time limited – making an exit inevitable just one year on.

Still a player full of potential, nonetheless, it wasn’t so long ago that Clark was earning impressive praise from ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, who told reporters after a 6-1 win over Slavia Prague: “Controlling a football game, with all the excitement inside that he definitely still has, is fantastic. Bobby, it’s really nice to see the boys develop and flourish, to be honest.”

It’s a talent that Leeds have ultimately missed out on this time around and they must simply go again in the transfer market. With just under a month remaining until the window slams shut, the Whites still have work to do.

Pair’s unbroken stand of 268 sets fifth-wicket record for Durham in first-class cricket

ECB Reporters Network10-Sep-2024

David Bedingham acknowledges his half-century•Getty Images

David Bedingham made his third Championship century of the season against Lancashire and also passed a thousand first-class runs for this campaign to help Durham take control of their Vitality County Championship match at Chester-le-Street.Having restricted Lancashire to 228 all out in their first innings, the home side were 367 for 4 at the close, a lead of 139, with Bedingham on 177 not out and Colin Ackermann unbeaten on 111. The pair’s unbroken stand of 268 has already set a fifth-wicket record for Durham in first-class cricket.The one positive aspect of the day’s play from a Lancastrian perspective was the bowling of the Trinidadian, Anderson Phillip, who took 2 for 86 on his debut, but it now looks as though the visitors will face a battle to avoid a third Championship defeat in succession.In the morning session, Lancashire’s last four wickets added a further 51 runs to their overnight total. Matty Hurst was run out for 90 after a mix-up with Tom Bailey and Ben Raine took his fifth wicket of the innings when he had Phillip leg before wicket for 2.Raine finished with 5 for 44, his best return of the season, but crucially for their hopes of staying in Division One, Lancashire failed to earn a batting bonus point for the third successive match.Replying to the visitors’ modest 228, Durham’s batters encountered their own problems against the new Kookaburra ball. Ben McKinney gave Phillip his first wicket for his new county when he played on for 8 and Scott Borthwick’s indeterminate waft at a ball from Bailey edged a catch to Hurst with the home skipper on 9.Bedingham and Alex Lees took Durham to lunch on 46 for 2 and the pair batted serenely for nearly an hour after the resumption, at which point the home side were rocked by two lbw decisions in eight balls.Lees fell to Phillip for 43 and then Ollie Robinson was trapped on the crease by Tom Aspinwall for four to leave Durham on 99 for 4. Bedingham and Ackermann prevented Lancashire making any more breakthroughs and Durham reached tea on 178 for four, only 50 runs in arrears.Shortly after the resumption, Bedingham reached his thousand first-class runs for the season with a single off Tom Hartley and it was noted that nearly a quarter of them had been taken off the Red Rose’s attack.But worse was to follow for Keaton Jennings’ bowlers as Bedingham reached his sixth Championship century in just 15 innings this season when he stroked Hartley to long-on for another single. The South African had reached three figures off 143 balls with 11 fours and a six and there had hardly been a moment in his innings when he hadn’t looked in complete control.Nor was there any point in the evening session when Lancashire looked like taking a wicket. For long periods, Jennings posted five men in the deep and appeared content to cut off the boundaries. The fifth-wicket stand partnership passed 200 when Bedingham pulled a lifter from Aspinwall through midwicket for four.While almost all other Championship games in the country were interrupted by rain, home supporters sat in the sun and waited to see if Ackermann would reach his century and if the Durham pair would eclipse the county’s record fifth-wicket partnership of 254 set by Ned Eckersley and Bedingham himself against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge in 2021.They were not disappointed. Three overs from the close, Ackermann got to his hundred off 165 balls and a new fifth-wicket record was set when Bedingham stroked Bailey to deep square leg off the next delivery.

Luke Wells and Glenn Phillips propelled Fire to their highest ever total, but rain saved Brave’s blushes

ECB Media14-Aug-2024

Southern Brave went through thanks to a no-result•PA Images via Getty Images

Southern Brave secured their place in the Hundred Eliminator at the Kia Oval on Saturday thanks to rain intervening at Utilita Bowl against an already-eliminated Welsh Fire.The Brave came into the match knowing that a point would guarantee their presence in Saturday’s showdown but at the halfway stage, with 181 posted by the Fire, they would have feared losing control of their destiny.Two quick wickets – Alex Davies for a duck and then James Vince for 19 – further set the Brave back. But on the stroke of Vince’s dismissal, with rain falling steadily, the umpires took the players off.The rain never abated, and with just 16 balls having been bowled of the Brave’s innings – a minimum of 25 balls are required to deliver a result – the game was duly abandoned.”Bowling first, things probably got away from us a bit,” Vince said. “We were sloppy. Some good players got going and we weren’t able to shut them down, so it was always going to be a tough ask to chase that down.”We had a few messages saying the weather might be on its way so it we had a few discussions about how to approach those first 25 balls; thankfully the rain came just in time.”On the whole, across the tournament, the bowling group gets a lot of credit. They’re quality, experienced bowlers. Our batting goes under the radar a bit. We’d like a few more guys in form, but on the whole we’ve been reasonably consistent.”Luke Wells struck 53 from 30•Getty Images

It was a bitter pill for the Fire to swallow. With the bat they were irrepressible, with Luke Wells and Glenn Phillips especially destructive, sharing a 76-run partnership from just 30 balls to propel the Fire to their highest-ever score in the tournament’s history.Wells, registering just his second fifty in the competition, took just 28 balls to reach the milestone, while Phillips was spectacular, clubbing five sixes – including one hit over square-leg against Jofra Archer that sailed 102 metres – from just 19 balls. In all, 10 sixes were struck across the Fire’s innings.For the Brave, only Akeal Hosein escaped punishment, the West Indian left-armer conceding just 21 from his 20-ball quota.Ultimately, it was immaterial. Brave are through to face either Northern Superchargers or Birmingham Phoenix, with the latter’s game against Manchester Originals tomorrow determining the final placings at the top.

Thomas Frank will be the next manager at Tottenham Hotspur to try and turn the club into genuine Premier League title contenders when he leads the side into the 2025/26 campaign.

The Dane was appointed as manager on a three-year contract, taking the reins from Ange Postecoglou after the Aussie was handed his marching orders.

Whilst the Lilywhites managed to end their 17-year wait for a trophy, owner Daniel Levy has made it clear that their league standing is crucial – something which led to Ange’s subsequent dismissal.

The club finished in a measly 17th position in 2024/25, but owner Levy has stated his desire to transform the North London outfit into serial winners off the back of their European triumph.

However, if Frank is to push the club closer towards such a goal in the near future, he will need added reinforcements to bolster his squad throughout the current window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

The forward line has been the subject of the most interest already this window, with Brentford forward Yoane Wissa just one player in their sights ahead of 2025/26.

He’s not the only other Premier League talent on their radar, with Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz seen as a surprise option to fill the centre forward role in North London.

However, the main target remains Wissa’s teammate Bryan Mbeumo, with progress being made on a deal, according to The Mirror’s latest update.

They claim that the club have made an offer for the Cameroonian international, but they still face huge competition from Manchester United, who’ve also increased their original offer in recent days.

It’s also reported that the Bees are holding out for a fee in the region of £70m for the attacker who managed to register 20 goals in the Premier League this season.

Why Spurs’ latest target could be Frank’s answer to Bale

Winger Gareth Bale will go down as one of Spurs’ best ever players after his impact during his time in the first team, starring for the Lilywhites beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.

The Welsh international originally joined as a left-back, before his hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League catapulted him into a forward role – one that would change his career trajectory massively.

He registered 71 goals during his two stints in North London, with 26 of his efforts coming in the 2012/13 season, leading to his eventual £85m move to European giants Real Madrid.

Talents like Bale don’t come around very often, with the club lacking such an impressive option off the right-hand side since his permanent move over a decade ago.

However, Frank could land his own verision of the Welshman this summer with a reunion with Mbeumo, which could see the winger replicate Bale’s success in North London.

He possesses a similar trait of cutting off the right-hand onto his stronger left foot, replicating the superb efforts that the Welsh international created during his stint at the club.

His stats from the Premier League this campaign are examples of the talent he possesses within the final third, having the skillset to match the levels produced by the former fan favourite.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has completed 47% of his take-ons and registered 45% of his efforts on target – demonstrating his direct nature and ability to produce an end product.

He’s also completed 3.4 progressive carries per 90, along with two carries into the opposition box per 90, highlighting his desire to take the ball forward at any given moment.

Games played

38

Goals scored

20

Take-on success

47%

Shot on target accuracy

45%

Progressive carries

3.4

Carries into opposition box

2

Crosses completed

5.3

He’s also produced a tally of 5.3 crosses per 90, handing the players around him in North London the chance to improve their own tallies as a result.

Whilst a deal would cost the club a pretty penny this summer, his talents within attacking areas would hand the side a new dimension that would improve the options at Frank’s disposal.

Given the interest from elsewhere in the division, the hierarchy will need to work tirelessly to complete such a deal to avoid missing out on a top-level talent.

Their own Gyokeres: Spurs showing big interest in signing "incredible" CF

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move for a player who’s starring at the Club World Cup.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 23, 2025

Liverpool are making some shrewd moves in the market as they look to build on winning the Premier League title and could now strike for a world-renowned star with talks having already taken place, per a report.

Jeremie Frimpong set for Liverpool medical

Arne Slot and his squad are still basking in the glory of becoming top-flight champions, but there has already been significant movement on the transfer front at Anfield.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is joining Real Madrid on a free transfer, which has pivoted focus to who could potentially replace the academy graduate’s phenomenal attacking output at right-back.

Reports suggest Jeremie Frimpong is the answer and is set to undergo a Liverpool medical on Monday before he completes his £29.5 million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Commenting on the Reds’ transfer plans this summer, Slot stated: “So, there’s always an ongoing process and we have to make sure that we are prepared if we can strengthen the squad.

“But it’s difficult to strengthen this squad. There’s a reason why we won the league – because we have so many great players.”

Liverpool now completing detailed work to sign "elite" Huijsen alternative

The Reds have officially missed out on Huijsen.

1 ByTom Cunningham May 18, 2025

The Dutchman may have a point. However, it would be naive not to expect Liverpool not to try and capitalise on their status as Premier League champions.

Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has become a known target at Anfield, giving an inkling towards the type of smart recruitment that is expected to occur at Anfield this summer.

Typically, Liverpool have a distinctive style of adding to their squad that is more in line with squad synchronisation as opposed to star appeal.

However, there can be room for both if the Reds’ latest pursuit under is anything to go by.

Liverpool boss Arne Slot and Florian Wirtz hold discussions

According to The Mirror, Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz has held talks with Liverpool boss Slot to discuss his summer transfer plans as interest begins to mount in the Germany international.

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has also touched base to find out more about where he envisages landing and the Citizens are said to be plotting a double swoop for the 22-year-old and Tijjani Reijnders before the Club World Cup.

Florian Wirtz’ Bayer Leverkusen campaign – Bundesliga

Chances created

57

Shots on target

39

Completed dribbles

82

Touches in opposition box

162

Successful crosses

14

Accurate long balls

34

Labelled “world-class” by Gerhard Struber, Wirtz has registered 16 goals and 15 assists in 45 appearances across all competitions this season, which may go some way to explaining why his valuation sits at a figure in excess of £100 million.

Becoming one of the most talked about stars in Europe, he has excelled as the foil for the main attacker and could now emerge as a source of creative inspiration for the likes of Mohamed Salah should he move to Anfield.

Having said that, Manchester City’s hunt to replace Kevin De Bruyne could be a roadblock as he deliberates before deciding on his next desitination.

Will Chelsea make a success of this season?

On Thursday, the Blues demolished Djurgårdens in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final, with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke both on target in Stockholm, before Nicolas Jackson bagged a quick-fire brace.

Thus, supporters are now pretty certain that their team will be in Wrocław for the final later this month, facing either Real Betis or Fiorentina.

Meantime, in the Premier League, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently fourth, desperate to cling onto the final Champions League spot, ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight meeting with recently crowned champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Even with the Club World Cup on the horizon this summer, Chelsea are expected to be busy in the transfer market, as has very much been the case since Todd Boehly’s takeover, so could they sign a big-money new striker?

The latest on Chelsea's interest in Viktor Gyökeres

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Arsenal are “pushing” to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, valued at around £60m by the Portuguese giants, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea “all in the race”.

The 26-year-old Swede has scored 95 goals in 98 appearances for Sporting, pretty impressive statistics, with a report by David Ornstein and James McNicholas of The Athletic claiming that Gyökeres is expected to be on the move this summer.

Nevertheless, with a high amount of competition for his signature, should Chelsea focus on other targets?

Chelsea's potential new striker

According to a report from Steve Kay of Football Transfers earlier this week, Chelsea ‘have approached’ Aston Villa, enquiring about the possibility of signing Ollie Watkins this summer, adding that the Blues ‘are willing’ to match the Villans’ £60m valuation.

TEAMtalk notes that Watkins has emerged as Chelsea’s number one target, due to concerns about Victor Osimhen’s wage demands, as well as fears that Gyökeres would choose to go elsewhere.

If Villa miss out on Champions League qualification, they may be forced to sell key assets to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, hence why Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider believes they’d be looking to cash in on 29-year-old Watkins.

Transfer Focus

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

So, would Watkins be a good signing for Chelsea?

Chelsea's best recent attacking signings

Since Clearlake Capital’s takeover of Chelsea in 2022, they have signed over 40 first-team players, spending in excess of £1bn, many of whom made little impact at Stamford Bridge, some of whom have been swiftly moved on.

Pretty much indisputably, the Blues’ best signing of the Boehly era is Cole Palmer, who, since arriving from Manchester City for £42.5m, has scored 39 goals for the club, named Chelsea’s Player of the Season as well as the PFA Young Player of the Year for 2023/24.

However, let’s analyse the impact made by some of the other members of the forward line.

Pedro Neto

£54m

40

6

7

João Félix

£45m

20

7

2

Omari Kellyman

£19m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Marc Guiu

£5m

13

6

Zero

Jadon Sancho

£25m

36

4

10

Cole Palmer

£42.5m

86

39

25

Nicolas Jackson

£32m

75

29

11

Christopher Nkunku

£50m

56

17

5

Deivid Washington

£17m

3

Zero

Zero

Ângelo

£13m

Zero

Zero

Zero

Diego Moreira

Free

1

Zero

Zero

Mykhailo Mudryk

£89m

73

10

11

Raheem Sterling

£47.5m

81

19

15

Noni Madueke

£28.5

82

20

9

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

£10.3m

21

3

1

David Datro Fofana

£11m

4

Zero

Zero

It would be a major understatement to say that Chelsea have signed a lot of attacking players in the last three seasons, and the table above certainly underlines that Cole Palmer has unquestionably had the biggest impact.

So, why would Watkins be any different?

Well, let’s assess his season statistics to find out.

Goals

15

7th

Goals per 90

0.6

6th

Assists

7

13th

Shots

76

11th

Shots on target

32

8th

Expected goals

14.5

6th

Goal-creating actions

11

31st

Touches in oppo penalty area

153

11

As the table outlines, Watkins is a very well-rounded striker, described by Statman Dave as “clinical”, both a potent goalscorer but also a chance creator too.

The concern about signing him would be the fact he is 29 years old, but the Englishman is showing no signs of slowing down, so could be the striker Chelsea require to go to the next level.

Better than Jackson: Chelsea want £25m "beast" who's outscoring Osimhen

Chelsea have wasted no time in targeting new forwards to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s side this summer.

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