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When Birmingham City went 1-0 down against Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday, a familiar sinking feeling would have engulfed the whole of St Andrews.

The Blues were yet to win under new manager Wayne Rooney and considering Wednesday had only tasted victory once this season, failure to change that here would have been a catastrophe.

However, a Juninho Bacuna strike on the stroke of half-time inspired a much improved second-half performance as substitute Jordan James grabbed the winner nine minutes from time.

How Birmingham City's dream XI could look after signing 3 players in Jan

The ludicrous decision to sack John Eustace and replace him with Wayne Rooney has backfired massively for Birmingham…

By
Tom Griffin

Nov 22, 2023

This victory – regardless of how it was secured – would have lifted a huge weight from Rooney's shoulders and his side now have the opportunity to build on that three points against Blackburn Rovers.

Here's how they could line up for their trip to Ewood Park…

1

GK – John Ruddy

Veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy has experience at this level coursing through his veins but sooner rather than later, Birmingham will need to replace him.

According to Sofascore, the 37-year-old is the fifth worst in the whole of the Championship when it comes to the goals prevented stat (-3.37). Nonetheless, Ruddy's competition, Neil Etheridge, hasn't been able to dislodge him from his starting berth.

2

RB – Ethan Laird

Since arriving as an astute capture from Manchester United in the summer, Laird has spent the majority of this campaign sidelined with injury, but the explosive full-back has demonstrated his quality in abundance since returning to the squad.

For instance, in the victory over Wednesday, he won a whopping nine of his 12 ground duels and four of his six aerial duels. He also had an impact in the opposing half, too, making three key passes.

3

CB – Emanuel Aiwu

A ball-playing centre-back, who registered four accurate long balls against the Owls and an 88% pass completion, Aiwu has performed in splendid fashion since Rooney took to the helm.

The on-loan Cremonese defender is beginning to form a solid partnership with Dion Sanderson, with the Austrian averaging 2.6 tackles and 4.4 clearances per game.

4

CB – Dion Sanderson

When Dion Sanderson was named Birmingham's new captain at the start of the season, he described it as an "honour", and the 23-year-old has certainly performed like it means everything to him.

He's started in every Championship match so far, recording 4.4 balls recovered and clearing 2.9 balls per game. He will, however, need to be on the ball to prevent the league's top scorer, Sammie Szmodics, from wreaking havoc in the final third.

5

LB – Lee Buchanan

Lee Buchanan made his first start in two months against Sheffield Wednesday following a spell on the sidelines and the 22-year-old didn't disappoint.

He won six of his 11 ground duels, completed five tackles and accurately placed four long balls. Buchanan made a strong start to the season prior to his injury and that performance against the Owls suggests he's carrying on from where he left off.

6

CM – Juninho Bacuna

Juninho Bacuna scored his fourth goal of the season on Saturday and the all-action midfielder put in a fine performance, registering an 89% pass completion, accurately placing eight of his 11 long balls and winning three of his six ground duels.

If the 26-year-old can continue that form against Blackburn, he can have a vital say on the outcome at both ends of the field.

7

CM – Jordan James

After coming off the bench to score a dramatic winner, Jordan James deserves to start this evening and if he does come into the side, he could replace Krystian Bielik.

The £20k per-week titan struggled to have much of an impact going forward, registering zero key passes and only two accurate long balls. It is clear that the initial starting lineup against Sheffield Wednesday wasn't working so this is one change Rooney could make.

8

RW – Koji Miyoshi

The fleet-footed Japanese star was a constant threat last time out and did well to fashion space on numerous occasions to create an opportunity, however, his end product let him down.

Miyoshi miscued all eight of his attempted crosses and was only successful with 70% of his passes. That said, he is still Rooney's best option on the right, so it's unlikely he'll miss out.

9

CAM – Jay Stansfield

Despite only making 19 touches across ninety minutes against the Owls, Stansfield keeps his place in the team.

He's the Blues top scorer with five goals, which speaks volumes about their struggles, but the 21-year-old can cause problems in the central attacking midfield position having created four big chances for his teammates this term – the most of any player in the squad.

10

LW – Siriki Dembele

Dembele's performance last time out epitomised his strengths and weaknesses.

Whilst he's excellent at committing defenders with his sheer speed and precise ball control – recording the most successful dribbles on the pitch (5) – he only registered an xG of 0.10, which suggests his end product needs sharpening. Nonetheless, he can give right-back James Hill a torrid time.

The 21-year-old will feature on several elite clubs' transfer wish lists this summer, with a €50 million (£43m/$53m) release clause in his contract

While Inaki Williams is a pioneer as the first black player to have a long-lasting influence at Athletic Club despite their famed Basque-only policy, his younger brother Nico is forging his own path. Having initially followed in his sibling's footsteps, the 21-year-old seems set to surpass his brother's achievements in Bilbao and beyond.

The young winger has already helped to end Los Leones' 40-year trophy drought, with Athletic winning a historic Copa del Rey earlier in April – ensuring the Williams name will never be forgotten at San Mames.

Williams only signed a new contract in December, but the fact that deal included a surprisingly cheap release clause of just €50 million (£43/$53m) means his name is unlikely to be out of the headlines anytime soon amid transfer links to Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona.

• Where it all began

  Although he is making his name 73 miles away in Bilbao, Williams was born in Pamplona to Ghanaian parents not long after they arrived in Spain. They had risked their lives to get there, to give their sons the platform their careers have been built on, having crossed the Sahara desert – barefoot and without food or water – to reach the Spanish enclave of Melilla in North Africa. His mother was seven months pregnant at the time.

  Williams'older brother, Inaki – eight years his senior – was a father figure as their parents worked to make ends meet, and Nico followed in his sibling's footsteps in his youth career, first joining local club CD Pamplona two years after his brother, aged eight, before being picked up by now-La Liga side Osasuna, who also hail from the city famed for the Running of the Bulls.

  It's perhaps unsurprising that Athletic Club were keeping tabs on him at that stage, given Inaki had already made the move to Bilbao, and he would again follow his mentor in joining the Basque giants aged 12. He was sent to their feeder club, Basconia, in 2019, before being swiftly promoted to the B team, scoring a late equaliser on his debut.

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  The big break

  After rising through the ranks in Bilbao, Williams had caught the eye before his senior club debut and earned a call-up to the Spanish Under-18s squad, although he was also eligible to represent Ghana.

  His national team manager, David Gordo, who had also coached him at club level, said at the time: “He has good physical characteristics, which is very similar to his brother, and then technically not bad at all. He is 17 years old and must continue to improve, but I promise him a great future." He added: "The little Williams is one of the highlights of a very good generation."

  Having fired Athletic's U19 team to the top of their youth league in 2019-20, Williams was a regular fixture in first-team training the following season aged just 18, amid an even more prolific 2020-21 campaign in the B team. He even earned a place in former head coach Gaizka Garitano's first-team squad for a La Liga clash against Villarreal in December 2020, although he did not make it off the bench. "It was incredible watching him play," Garitano told the . "So easy. He was very fast, incredible speed. Even more skilful than his older brother."

  In another interview, Garitano added: "He plays on the right wing, he drives with both legs and, being ambidextrous, he has access from both sides. He is fast, like his brother, and he is still very young. He is a future for Athletic."

  Williams was finally handed his first-team bow as a substitute by new manager Marcelino against Real Valladolid in late April 2021, with his brother Inaki joining him off the bench 10 minutes later.

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  How it's going

  Williams has been a fixture in the Athletic first team since the start of the next season, although he would have to wait until January 2022 to score his first goals – a match-winning brace in the Copa del Rey against Atletico Mancha Real.

  His influence is ever-growing; Williams became a key player in 2022-23 as he made 15 goal contributions in all competitions, and he has already surpassed that in 2023-24 – becoming Athletic's creator-in-chief with 14 assists, as well as seven strikes of his own in a season that is already special.

  At the beginning of April, the Williams brothers etched their names indelibly into Los Leones' history, as they helped end an agonising 40-year wait for silverware. After seeing his own effort ruled out for offside, 21-year-old Nico threaded a pass through the eye of a needle too tee up Oihan Sancet's vital equaliser in the Copa del Rey final against Mallorca. The game would go to penalties, where Athletic would triumph.

  His experiences this season have not all been positive, however; like so many other black players plying their trade in Spain, Williams has been the subject of vile racist abuse – most recently against Atletico Madrid. "There are stupid people everywhere, but nothing happens. We have to keep working," he told afterwards.

  It's on the international stage that his and his brother's paths diverge; having made one friendly appearance for La Roja in 2016, Inaki switched allegiance to Ghana in 2022. Nico, meanwhile, has committed himself to Spain.

  Indeed, having progressed through the national team age grades to U21 level, Nico's red-hot start to the 2022-23 season caught then-senior team boss Luis Enrique's eye. He was called up for Nations League fixtures in September 2022, before being fast-tracked into the squad for the winter World Cup in Qatar two months later – where his brother would be representing Ghana.

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  Biggest strengths

  A winger with quick feet and explosive pace, it's probably no surprise to learn that Williams loves running at his man and attempting to beat a marker with trickery or pure speed. His two-footedness gives him another dimension, as he is capable of operating on either flank to devastating effect.

  According to , he finished last season with 200 successful take-ons, coming third only to elite wingers Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe in that metric in Europe's top five leagues.

  His numbers this season (seven goals, 14 assists) are indicative of a player whose end product is developing, too, as he creates openings for his team-mates both from reaching the byline and cutting the ball back, as well as from longer crosses. Williams' stats would likely be even more impressive if not for his team-mates' profligacy and Athletic's glaring lack of a natural goal-scorer.

  The youngster does not shirk his defensive duties, either, regularly seen haring back to help his full-back with intelligent pressing.

Thiago Silva's wife Belle has posted a touching message on social media after Fluminense confirmed the signing of the Chelsea icon.

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• Silva heading towards end of Chelsea career
• Will re-join former club Fluminense
• Defender's wife reacts with touching message

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Silva has agreed to return to Fluminense at the end of the season and has signed a two-year deal with the Brazilian club. The defender will move on a free transfer after his existing deal with Chelsea expires and his wife appears thrilled at the news. Belle Silva reacted to official confirmation that her husband is heading back to Fluminense with a post on social media.

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• WHAT BELLE SILVA SAID

  Belle posted the following message on Instagram with the hashtag "TheMonsterIsBack" along with pictures of her family posing in Fluminense shirts: "The beast is back! So happy to be home again after so many years!"

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Silva will say an emotional farewell to Chelsea at the end of the season. The defender has become an iconic figure at Stamford Bridge and lifted the European Cup with the Blues in 2021. Silva will now head back to Fluminense, despite reported interest from Premier League clubs, to play once again for the club where he started his career as a teenager.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SILVA

  Silva will see out the season with Chelsea and will expect to feature in the team's final three games of the season against Nottingham Forest, Brighton and Bournemouth. He will then head to Brazil on a two-year-deal with Chelsea having confirmed he can train with Fluminense before his registration is transferred on July 1.

Tottenham have given a "huge boost" for the January transfer window as journalist Pete O'Rourke shares some news on a top target.

Spurs form under Postecoglou

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has suffered from a plague of injury and suspension issues over the last few weeks, and they've resulted in his side taking a major downturn in form.

Starting the Premier League campaign with a ten-game unbeaten run, Postecoglou enjoyed the best start made by any new boss in the division's history.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Dec 8, 2023

Now, following injuries to key stars like Micky van de Ven and James Maddison, Spurs have lost four out of their last five league matches since early November and haven't won since their 2-1 victory away to Crystal Palace.

Their latest 2-1 defeat to London rivals West Ham was a particularly sore one to take for Postecoglou and supporters, with Spurs' head coach lamenting his team's poor performance in many aspects.

"No I don't think so," said Postecoglou on the loss to West Ham and whether their first-half performance was a positive (via football.london).

"I think it's another game where we've dominated a game of football and haven't turned our dominance into something more tangible and kept the opposition in the game. I thought we were really poor in both boxes tonight – both with our finishing and both goals were terrible to concede.

"We had some unbelievable chances – for us it's another game, like the Villa game and other games earlier this year, and I said during the week our attacking play has a long way to go. In general we have a long way to go, and tonight was more evidence of that."

One saving grace for Spurs could be the transfer window opening next month, and reports suggest they're keen to strengthen in key areas.

Indeed, Tottenham are chasing a left-sided centre-back most of all, while Spurs are also keen to sign another winger (Sky Sports).

Spurs gifted "huge boost" in Iling-Junior chase

In the latter position, one name who's been regularly mentioned as a top target for Tottenham is Juventus winger Samuel Iling-Junior.

There have been reports that Spurs are favourites to sign the 20-year-old, with reporter O'Rourke now sharing a bit more good news for Postecoglou's side.

The journalist, writing for Football Insider, claims Juventus are ready to accept £20 million for Iling-Junior in what he describes as a "huge boost" for Tottenham.

Spurs view the former Chelsea academy ace as an "ideal fit" for Postecoglou's style of intense style of play, with the Serie A side now prepared to cash in on Iling-Junior in the winter window.

While the winger has struggled for consistent game time under Massimiliano Allegri, the same could've been said for Dejan Kulusevski during his time at the club.

The Swede has now gone on to thrive at Spurs, and supporters will be hoping Iling-Junior could follow a similar path if he signs.

The Glazers have been synonymous with an uneasy feeling for many Manchester United fans.

In their reign of ownership since the summer of 2005, the Red Devils have seen the highs of both domestic and continental trophies, yet also the lows of stagnant periods and poor signings. You could even look back at the start of the takeover all those years ago, and see that Malcolm Glazer had to really take on a power struggle as he wrestled for the majority ownership against shareholders and even protesting fans. It's a topic that has reaped sporting success, but also polarised many.

However, it seems as if there may be an imminent change, with Jim Ratcliffe's takeover supposedly expected to be confirmed this week.

However, while the news rounds work over time – and to focus on the sporting aspect – we at Football FanCast have taken a look at 15 players, ranked least to most expensive in an attempt to see Manchester United's most influential signings in this riches-infused era of much scrutiny.

15

Zlatan Ibrahimovic – 2016/17

From PSG, free

Some say that the best things in life come for free and in fairness, you'd be hard pushed to disagree with the well-known proverb in the case of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. I don't need to rattle on about Zlatan's goal record too in-depth, but let's just say the then-free agent brought that same tenacity to Old Trafford back between 2016-18. Despite many wondering if he'd continue his form after life as PSG's headline stealing maverick, he did just that in his brief stint with an in-transition United.

He had aged like a fine wine and immediately on entrance made an impact. He took up the number nine shirt, and built on his 156 goals in 180 all-competition games with the Parisians – scoring 29 in 53. There were trophies as well as goals, too – as Ibra helped United to the 2016 Community Shield, UEFA Europa League and EFL Cup. Success? Yes. Impact made? Yes.

14

Edwin van der Sar – 2004/05

From Fulham, £2 million

This key member of Ajax's Golden Generation arrived at Manchester United from Fulham on the 1st of August 2005 for £2 million. That fee looks ridiculous now, considering just how good van der Sar was, and of course how much the market has changed. At United, the former Ajax, Juventus and Fulham man totted up 263 total appearances and a remarkable 135 clean sheets in a six-year spell.

In that time too, the Dutch international was a marvellous foundation on which United built on to capture four Premier Leagues (three of those successive from 2006-07 to 2008-09), two Football League Cups (2005-06 and 2009-10), three FA Community Shields, a Champions League in 2008 and a Club World Cup victory that same year. His individual accolades stretch just as far, and it's no wonder why Alex Ferguson described him as the best goalkeeper to have played for Manchester United.

13

Ji-sung Park – 2004/05

From PSV, £4 million

Another signing from 2004/05's season, Ji-sung Park arrived a little under the radar and developed into one of the most underrated midfielders the Premier League has ever seen. With a tireless engine, excellent workrate, and endearing commitment to his team – United signed the South Korean following impressive displays with PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands, as well as with the South Korean national team. The latter notably shocked in their home-shared 2002 World Cup.

Although slightly controversial their progression may have been – PSV cemented Park's underground status as he thrilled in Europe. UEFA included him in the shortlist for their 2005 UEFA Best Forward award of which included greats like Ronaldinho, Samuel Eto'o, Adriano, and Andriy Shevchenko. Such was Park's malleability under Sir Alex Ferguson, the South Korean enjoyed a career as a United stalwart – achieving the same trophy haul as his goalkeeper van der Sar. Ji-sung Park tallied up 208 total appearances for United.

12

Patrice Evra – 2004/05

From Monaco, £5.5 million

Sir Alex was really on the ball back in 2004/05, as the fourth featured signing here, and the third of the season comes in the shape of Patrice Evra. The Frenchman was another one of those to go on and thrive at Old Trafford – and embark on a long and fruitful career. Arriving from Monaco after a stellar season where his side were Champions League Runners-up to Jose Mourinho's Porto; Evra slowly evolved into one of the Premier League's toughest left-backs.

Another fervent Ferguson devotee (something he has taken into his punditry), Evra amassed 379 appearances for United and won a whopping total of 14 trophies.

11

Nemanja Vidic – 2005/06

From Spartak Moscow, £7 million

Arriving after our triplet of brilliance from 04/05, Serbian future-icon Nemanja Vidic came in from Spartak Moscow on the 25th of December, 2005. Alex Ferguson initially scouted the battling defender back in 2003 when he was just 21. By this point, he had trailblazed through both Red Star Belgrade and Spartak Subotica, before moving to the Russian Premier League as their rumoured most expensive defender ever. He must've been good right?

Well, United took the £7 million punt, and it returned defensive greatness that helped win ten honours in 381 total appearances.

10

Chris Smalling – 2010/11

From Fulham, £11 million

Chris Smalling's journey from non-league to Manchester United via Fulham is as charming as life after the historic English club. Where United wasn't perhaps a bad time in his career, what's impressive was the defender's choice to take to the continent, which after 323 appearances – isn't something English players have always been thoroughly renowned to do.

Smalling arrived a prodigy at United, but steadily developed into an Old Trafford favourite – playing for a transitioning club with Sir Alex's eventual departure after 26 seasons. Smalling, now 33, plays for Roma in Serie A – and has added to his two Premier Leagues, three Community Shields, EFL Cup and Europa League trophy; with the inaugural UEFA Conference League title in 2021-22. In that victory, he also firmly cemented himself in the competition's Team of the Season.

9

Michael Carrick – 2006/07

From Tottenham Hotspur, £14 million

In 2006, Michael Carrick had worked up quite the reputation as a quiet force in midfield. Similar to Park, but a little further back – Carrick could pass the ball excellently of course, yet he did the little bits too – that don't often get the plaudits. He laid the dancefloor for other creatives to dance on, and on so many occasions too.

After joining United for £14 million in July 2006, Carrick's displays as part of the Red Devils' machine saw him steadily become the most decorated English footballer of all time. Carrick's United spell was 464 outings strong, and brought 18 trophies. Interestingly, now he takes on a managerial career. Clearly as a player he knew how to get silverware – but will Carrick the gaffer repeat anywhere near this?

8

Antonio Valencia – 2009/10

From Wigan Athletic, £16 million

Antonio Valencia is perhaps of Wigan Athletic's most cultured signings. An Ecuadorian winger-full-back-extraordinaire at the JJB? Barclays heritage, you could say. Valencia built on the hype and mystery after joining from Villareal on-loan then permanently, where just one full season was enough for Manchester United to want him.

Adept at both darting forward and helping the attack, he was also a unit who could provide lung-busting covering runs. Valencia, like many on this list, epitomise the hard workers that Sir Alex needed. Of course, he'd have his stars – but a Rooney or van Persie, would be nothing without a Valencia for instance. The former Ecuadorian captain wore United colours on 339 occasions and won nine honours in Manchester. Valencia didn't score often, but when he did – they tended to be magnificent.

7

David de Gea – 2011/12

From Atletico Madrid, £18.9 million

David de Gea signed for United on the 29th of June, 2011. He was brought in as a replacement from Atletico Madrid for the retiring Edwin van der Sar – and even bore likeness to the Dutch great over his formative years, which was furthered by the press dubbing him 'van der Gea'. He joined for a British record fee of £18.9 million, but did he warrant such?

Well, despite the press-mauling of de Gea's latest form before his departure into free agent obscurity, we'd say yes. An agile, cat-like shot-stopper – de Gea was key in so many trophy-wielding Man. United peaks. In 545 appearances, de Gea achieved a reputable 190 clean sheets and won eight major honours – most notably the 2012-13 Premier League title.

6

Robin van Persie – 2012/13

From Arsenal, £24 million

Treading on the lines of treachery, Robin van Persie joined Manchester United from top six rivals Arsenal in August 2012. Despite receiving £24 million for their star forward, Arsenal were no doubt a little dumbstruck – and van Persie became a critical part of the side that won the Premier League in 2012-13, as he netted a prolific 26 goals in 38 PL games and a hattrick that even sealed the title. That tally also found him with the Golden Boot ahead of Luis Suarez and Gareth Bale.

The Dutchman wouldn't win the Premier League again, but would still chip in with vital goals – to notch a total of 58 in 105 all-competition outings – and help stock his personal accolade shelves with FIFPro XI inclusions, 2012-13's goal of the season award, and even the Premier League 100 Club's Greatest Goal Award.

Casemiro and Richarlison have both been dropped from Brazil's squad for the upcoming Copa America while wonderkid Endrick makes the cut.

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• Brazil reveal Copa America squad
• Big Premier League names dropped after poor campaign
• Tournament to take place in USA this summer

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Brazil announced their squad for the upcoming Copa America tournament and two household names from the Premier League were left out. Casemiro has 75 caps for his country while Richarlison was the hero during the World Cup in 2022 after scoring a famous bicycle kick against Serbia. Gabriel Jesus and Matheus Cunha were also dropped while Real Madrid-bound Endrick was handed a call-up after scoring against England earlier in the year.

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• FULL BRAZIL SQUAD

  Goalkeepers: Alisson, Ederson, Bento

  Defenders: Beraldo, Eder Militao, Gabriel, Marquinhos, Danilo, Yan Couto, Guilherme Aranal, Wendell

  Midfielders: Andreas Pereira, Bruno Guimaraes, Douglas Luiz, Joao Gomes, Lucas Paqueta

  Attackers: Endrick, Evanlison, Gabriel Martinelli, Raphinha, Rodrygo, Savinho, Vinicius Junior

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Head coach Dorival Junior has an abundance of talent to choose from when finalising his squad and he is opting to bed in a new generation of talent rather than stick with the country's reliable figures from past years. Endrick, Savinho and Beraldo are all under the age of 21 and only a select few are 30 or above, suggesting a new era is on the horizon for the South American side.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR BRAZIL?

  Brazil are looking to win the Copa America for the 10th time and the first time since 2019. They were runners-up in 2021, losing to Argentina 1-0 but have dominated the tournament since 1997, winning on five of the last 10 occasions. The final is set to take place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida on 14 July.

Mauricio Pochettino reportedly wants a key change at Chelsea before his future at Stamford Bridge is determined.

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• Pochettino's future hangs in the balance
• Key board members want him to continue
• The Argentine demanding more control over transfers

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pochettino's future at Chelsea is set to be determined following an end-of-season review, but the Argentine manager wants a significant change in the club structure, according to He has expressed a desire for more control over player signings and has been vocal about the need for changes in the club's direction as he is not entirely content with the sporting directors, Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  There is a concerted effort within Chelsea to ensure that Pochettino does not feel "undervalued before the review" as the manager had caused quite a stir after claiming "this is not my team" after the 2-1 win over Brighton. The process, which will involve input from Winstanley, Stewart, and the club's co-owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital, aims to address the manager's concerns and secure his commitment to the club.

  Boehly has publicly praised the team's recent form, highlighting the attractive style of play Chelsea has showcased during their winning streak which has fired them to sixth place in the Premier League standings and has bolstered their chances of European participation in the next season.

• WHAT BOEHLY SAID

  “The number-one thing is you have got to be patient,” Boehly said. “You are putting something together and expecting it to come together really quickly, and the reality is anything really good takes a little bit of time. And so I think patience was always a thought.”

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Pochettino has garnered strong support from the dressing room, with players backing his methods and vision. His approach has brought cohesion to a squad assembled rapidly and with a focus on acquiring the best young talent globally. They have seen an upsurge in form since Christmas and the manager's influence is evident in the performances of key players such as Nicolas Jackson, Malo Gusto, Moisés Caicedo, and Cole Palmer.

  However, Chelsea also recognise the work done by Stewart, Winstanley, and Joe Shields, the co-director of recruitment and talent. Despite facing criticism earlier in the season, the recruitment team is now seen as proving their worth. The efforts to build a competitive squad under challenging circumstances have not gone unnoticed.

As Southampton eye instant promotion back to the Premier League, reinforcements to ensure that they both secure their place in the top flight and then keep it will be more important than ever. The last thing that the Saints will want is to drop back straight back down to the Championship if all of their hard work takes them to Wembley glory under Russell Martin in the current campaign.

With that said, reports suggest that Southampton are set to rival Premier League sides and play-off rivals in a race to sign a 17-year-old gem who looks destined to become a future star, wherever he ends up.

Southampton transfer news

More often than not, Southampton have been a club blessed with young talent, either through their own academy or the transfer market. Just last season, they had Anderlecht and Manchester City academy graduate Romeo Lavia at their disposal, before selling him on for big money to Chelsea.

Meanwhile, one of their most famous academy graduates and captain, James Ward-Prowse, also moved back into the Premier League and has starred ever since at West Ham United. Their departures have paved the way for new arrivals, however, and now the Saints could use January to welcome fresh talent.

Southampton readying offer to sign "superb" gem from European giants

The Saints could get a major boost in pursuit of promotion…

By
Tom Cunningham

Dec 20, 2023

According to Pete O'Rourke of Football Insider, Southampton are eyeing a move to sign Larne youngster Jack Hastings. The Championship side have reportedly already sent scouts to watch the Northern Irishman and have joined the race to secure the forward's signature alongside play-off rivals Leeds United.

The two second-tier sides may well struggle to compete for Hastings' signature, however, amid reported interest from Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in a busy race for his potential arrival. Given the amount of interest that Hastings is reportedly receiving, Southampton will have to act fast if they want to land the youngster, making January all the more interesting.

20-goal Hastings is one for the future

Still just 17-years-old, Hastings has already made significant strides to attract such high interest within English football. The forward has impressed at youth level, finding the back of the net an incredible 20 times already this season, and now looks on the brink of earning a permanent place in the Larne first team after making his first appearance in the Irish Cup in the last campaign.

Only likely to get better, Southampton may need to act soon if they want to secure the best deal possible for the future star. When it comes to the Saints' current attacking options, the main man for Hastings to eventually take over is Che Adams. The 27-year-old could be the perfect tutor for the young forward if he decides to make the move to St Mary's over other options.

When the winter window swings open, Hastings looks likely to have the biggest decision of his career and one that could see him reach his ever-growing potential. Having seen talents like Ward-Prowse, Kevin Phillips and Theo Walcott all emerge and turn into stars from their academy over the years, Southampton may well find their next academy star in the form of Hastings.

Chile will be looking to clinch their third continental title. But who is in their Copa America 2024 squad?

Chile have maintained themselves as one of the powerhouses and favourites at Copa America over the years and this edition will be no different.

Winning the tournament as hosts in 2015 and then the previous time it was hosted in the United States, La Roja have made the knockouts in the last six consecutive times.

The team is under the tutelage of Argentine manager Ricardo Gareca, who led Peru to a third-place and runners-up finish in 2015 and 2019, respectively, in the Copa America.

This time around, La Roja are grouped alongside Argentina, Peru and Canada.

With the final preparatory match against Paraguay on June 11, Chile announced their 55-man provisional list on May 5, 2024. But who will make Gareca's Copa America squad for the finals? GOAL takes a look…

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  GOALKEEPERS

  Colo-Colo's Brayan Cortes has started in all of the six World Cup 2026 qualification games so far.

  Although Claudio Bravo is the more experienced among the goalkeepers named for the friendlies against Albania and France, it has been Racing's Gabriel Arias to make the bench in recent times.

  Name	Club
  Brayan Cortes	Colo-Colo
  Claudio Bravo	Real Betis
  Gabriel Arias	Racing
  Lawrence Vigouroux	Burnley
  Vicente Reyes	Norwich City

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  DEFENDERS

  With 161 caps under his belt, Vasco da Gama's Gary Medel is Chile's most experienced defender, followed by Independiente's Mauricio Isla with 138 caps.

  The likes of Guillermo Maripan, Paulo Diaz, Gabriel Suazo,Igor Lichnovsky andMatias Catalan appear likely to make the final squad.

  The likes of Felipe Loyola and Thomas Galdamez has also been given some hope after being called up for the Paraguay friendly.

  Name	Club
  Benjamin Kuscevic	Fortaleza
  Enzo Roco	Al-Tai
  Erick Wiemberg	Colo-Colo
  Eugenio Mena	Universidad Catolica
  Felipe Loyola	Huachipato
  Francisco Sierralta	Watford
  Gary Medel	Vasco da Gama
  Gabriel Suazo	Toulouse
  Guillermo Maripan	Monaco
  Igor Lichnovsky	Club America
  Matias Catalan	Telleres
  Mauricio Isla	Independiente
  Nicolas Diaz	Tijuana
  Nicolas Fernandez	Audax Italiano
  Oscar Opazo	Colo-Colo
  Paulo Diaz	River Plate
  Sebastian Vegas	Monterrey
  Thomas Galdamez	Godoy Cruz

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  MIDFIELDERS

  Erick Pulgar and Diego Valdes were among those who had pulled out of the squad ahead of the Albania friendly due to injuries, but have since returned to the squad.

  While Arturo Vidal and Marcelo Diaz have not been called up for the Paraguay friendly, Marcelino Nunez of Norwich City and Huracan's Rodrigo Echeverria are among those called up and less likely to face competition with an otherwise relatively inexperienced midfield.

  Gareca has also called up the likes of Dario Osorio and Cecar Perez before he would name his final squad.

  Name	Club
  Arturo Vidal	Colo-Colo
  Carlos Palacios	Colo-Colo
  Cesar Perez	Union La Calera
  Claudio Baeza	Toluca
  Dario Osorio	Midtjylland
  Diego Valdes	Club America
  Erick Pulgar	Flamengo
  Esteban Pavez	Colo-Colo
  Felipe Mendez	CSKA Moscow
  Lucas Asandi	Universidad de Chile
  Luciano Cabral	Coquimbo Unido
  Marcelino Nunez	Norwich City
  Marcelo Diaz	Universidad de Chile
  Pablo Galdamez	Vasco da Gama
  Rodrigo Echeverria	Huracan
  Ulises Ortegoza	Talleres
  Vicente Pizarro	Colo-Colo
  Williams Alarcon	Huracan

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  FORWARDS

  Alexis Sanchez, Eduardo Vargas and Ben Brereton Diaz should be the unavoidable picks, while Marcos Bolados would also make for good options to lead the attack.

  Meanwhile, the likes of Ben Brereton Diaz, Cristian Zavala and Victor Davila could be joined by Maximiliano Guerrero who made his Chile debut coming off the bench against Paraguay in a South American World Cup qualification tie last November.

  Name	Club
  Alexis Sanchez	Inter Milan
  Alexander Aravena	Universidad Catolica
  Ben Brereton Diaz	Sheffield United
  Cristian Zavala	Colo-Colo
  Diego Rubio	Austin FC
  Diego Valencia	Atromitos
  Eduardo Vargas	Atletico Mineiro
  Felipe Mora	Portland Timbers
  Jean Meneses	Toluca
  Marcos Bolados	Colo-Colo
  Maximiliano Guerrero	Universidad de Chile
  Steffan Pino	Deportes Iquique
  Victor Davila	CSKA Moscow

The January transfer window officially opened for business last week and this has provided Manchester United with the chance to improve their squad.

Erik ten Hag's side endured a disappointing first half of the 2023/24 campaign and will surely be hoping to fare better over the next five months.

The Red Devils are currently eighth in the Premier League and have lost a staggering nine of their opening 20 matches in the division.

They were also knocked out of Europe as the Dutch head coach led them to one win in six Champions League matches to finish bottom of the group.

United now have an opportunity to provide their team with a fresh injection of quality to bolster their chances of achieving success over the coming months.

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However, January is a difficult window to navigate, due to teams not wanting to lose their best players midway through a season, and this means that they could be forced to wait until the summer if the right deal does not come up.

Manchester United transfer news – Andreas Christensen

The Red Devils are reportedly interested in a deal to sign Barcelona central defender Andreas Christensen to improve their options at the back.

Spanish outlet Sport claim that United are 'very interested' in a swoop to bring the Denmark international back to the Premier League this month.

Ten Hag's side are eyeing a move for the impressive titan to add to their defensive ranks but they are not the only team in the running as Newcastle United are also said to be keen on him.

The report claims that Barcelona need to cash in on two of their high-valued assets in order to go back into the market to bolster their own squad.

Christensen, who has a mammoth £430m release clause, is one of the players who could be on the chopping block to raise funds as they signed him on a free transfer from Chelsea, which means that his sale would be a net profit for the LaLiga giants.

However, they are reluctant to sell him this month and Sport claim that a decision on his future could be made in the summer, which suggests that United may have to wait until the end of the season to secure his signature.

That would align with the expiry of Raphael Varane's contract at Old Trafford. The Daily Mail reported that the club have opted against triggering an automatic 12-month extension of his deal.

He is currently on £340k-per-week and the Red Devils have decided that they are not able to justify those wages due to his injury issues.

The report did state that United would like to keep him on an extended deal but it would need to be on a reduced wage and it remains to be seen whether or not Varane is willing to accept that.

Ten Hag should allow the French defender to depart on a free transfer and look to bring Christensen in, whether that is this month or in the summer, as a perfect replacement.

Raphael Varane's season in numbers

The former Real Madrid enforcer has not been able to establish himself as a regular starter for the head coach at the heart of the United defence.

He has made 11 Premier League appearances and started seven matches in the top-flight so far this term, as the likes of Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire, and Victor Lindelof have been selected ahead of him at times.

In those 11 clashes, Varane has averaged 1.4 tackles and interceptions combined and 3.9 ball recoveries per match for his side, to go along with 3.8 clearances per game.

The 30-year-old defender has also won 2.3 duels per outing at a success rate of 69%, which shows that he has been able to dominate opposition defenders in physical contests.

Varane has been decent, without being outstanding, in his use of the ball in possession. Over the last 365 days, he ranks within the top 28% of centre-backs in the Men's Big 5 Leagues and European competitions for progressive passes (4.26) per 90 and the top 34% for pass success rate (87.5%).

The statistics that show why Christensen could replace Varane

Christensen could now perfectly replace the France international as he has similar defensive attributes whilst having the quality to offer more to the team in possession.

The Danish colossus has made 15 appearances in LaLiga so far this season and averaged 1.4 tackles and interceptions combined and 4.1 ball recoveries per match.

This shows that the former Chelsea man, who was once described as "extraordinary" by manager Xavi, cuts out opposition attacks and wins the ball back for his side at a similar rate to Varane at the heart of the defence.

Christensen has also won 62% of his duels, including 76% of his aerial contests, and this means that he is a strong defender who can dominate opposition forwards in physical battles, which is a quality the ex-Real Madrid star has provided on the pitch at Old Trafford.

As you can see from the table above, the 27-year-old titan also has relatively recent experience in the Premier League – with 93 appearances in total – and could hit the ground running at Old Trafford as he knows the division and country.

Christensen could also offer more than Varane in possession as he ranks within the top 7% of his positional peers in the Men's Big 5 Leagues and European competitions for progressive passes (5.53) per 90 and the top 1% for pass success rate (94.9%).

His progressive passing statistics are incredible when you combine them with his pass success rate as it shows that the Barcelona star is a forward-thinking passer who also rarely gives the ball away despite taking risks to move his team up the pitch.

Overall, Christensen could be a perfect replacement for Varane due to his skills in and out of possession and his prior experience in English football with Chelsea.