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While Tottenham Hotspur boss Ange Postecoglou was unable to shift the likes of Eric Dier and Hugo Lloris during the recent transfer window, it otherwise proved a rather substantial summer clearout for the Lilywhites as a host of first-team assets were shown the door.

The north London outfit notably sent Tanguy Ndombele and Davinson Sanchez packing – the pair having been snapped up by Galatasaray on respective loan and permanent deals – while the likes of Japhet Tanganga, Joe Rodon and Djed Spence also departed on a temporary basis as the ex-Celtic boss aimed to his put his stamp on proceedings after succeeding Antonio Conte in the dugout.

Another of those to have left N17 late in the day was former Real Madrid man, Sergio Reguilon, with the Spaniard's last-gasp loan switch to rivals Manchester United an indication of his fall from grace at Spurs in recent times – as his plummeting market valuation can also attest to.

How much did Tottenham pay for Reguilon?

The attacking left-back was signed during Jose Mourinho's first summer in charge back in 2020, with the promising defender arriving from Madrid after having claimed Europa League glory the year prior while on loan at Sevilla.

That impressive role in the La Liga side's European adventure – as the 5 foot 10 ace notably scored against AS Roma in the last-16 – saw Daniel Levy sanction the £28m capture of the defender, with the club seeking a successor to Danny Rose in that left-sided berth.

Despite making 52 Premier League appearances across his first two campaigns in England, while registering six assists, that rather sizeable investment now appears to have been something of a mistake as far as Levy is concerned.

How much is Reguilon worth now?

The fact that Spurs have sanctioned the 26-year-old's temporary move to Old Trafford – amid the Red Devils' desperate need to find cover for the injured Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia – is perhaps a testament to his woes of late, with there seemingly little concern at handing the Madrid native to one of their top-flight rivals.

That comes after the £53k-per-week asset was shipped off to La Liga outfit Atletico Madrid last term after falling down the pecking order under Conte, with that frustrating, injury-disrupted campaign seeing the full-back make just 12 appearances in all competitions.

As club insider John Wenham stated last year, perhaps the six-cap international is simply "just not that good", with the respected source offering an even more biting assessment after stating that Reguilon is "so average it's untrue".

Described as someone who "lets himself down" defensively, according to ex-Spurs man Alan Hutton, the Los Blancos academy graduate has undoubtedly failed to have the desired impact in English football thus far, with it yet to be seen if his fortunes will change in Manchester.

The true nature of the Mourinho signing's decline can be illustrated by the fact that he is now valued at just €5m (£4m), according to CIES Football Observatory, with that figure £24m less than what Levy originally paid for him just three years ago.

In truth, such a dismal piece of business could only become worse if Reguilon does go on to thrive under Erik ten Hag this season…

Manchester United have endured a rough start to the season.

In the first game, the Red Devils luckily scraped a 1-0 victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, who were denied a late penalty when Andre Onana clattered into Sasa Kalajdzic.

In the latest Premier League encounter against Tottenham Hotspur, Erik ten Hag’s men wilted and were overpowered by a more relentless, energetic, and dominant side.

In both matches, a common theme has been United’s disjointed and lacklustre midfield. Casemiro has suffered as a lone pivot and Mason Mount has struggled to adapt to being an advanced eight. There has been an absence of protection and the team is getting overrun, creating the need for a different type of profile in the centre of the park…

What’s the latest Manchester United transfer news?

According to the Guardian, United’s search for midfield reinforcements has prompted an approach for Everton titan Amadou Onana.

It is understood that Ten Hag is keen to address his side’s lack of physicality and has turned his attention to bringing in a commanding central midfielder.

Read the latest Man United transfer news HERE…

However, Everton don’t want to lose Onana and insist they are under no financial pressure to make a sale.

The Toffees value the 21-year-old for at least £50m and there is awareness that could be tricky to keep him if United’s interest develops.

Ten Hag wants to add depth and quality to the midfield, feeling that Onana is a worthy candidate.

Would Amadou Onana be a good signing for Manchester United?

After spending one season playing for Hamburg in 2020/21, the club’s director of sport Jonas Boldt said:

“Technically, Amadou has almost perfect prerequisites. He is fast, technically skilled, tall, and strong in tackling.”

This description matches the profile that ten Hag is craving and Onana could be a balancing force between the defensive Casemiro and the free-roaming Bruno Fernandes.

Last season in the Premier League, the 6 foot 4 mountain registered 84% pass accuracy, averaged 2.2 tackles per game, made no errors leading to a shot or a goal, and won 57% of his duels, as per Sofascore.

Described as “superb” by reporter Richard Buxton, Onana occupies a far more opposing and domineering presence than Mount, whilst also displaying a commendable level of technical ability.

United are also said to be interested in Fiorentina powerhouse Sofyan Amrabat, but similarly to Onana, no deal can progress until the club makes more sales.

The 27-year-old was labelled “the Gennaro Gattuso of Morocco” and someone who is “essential for the balance” by former England boss Fabio Capello – something that is a key point of interest for ten Hag.

Last term in Serie A, the North African managed 90% pass accuracy, completed 75% of his dribbles, and averaged 1.3 tackles per game.

Both players possess intoxicating athleticism, are technically astute, and are able to protect the backline. However, with Liverpool reportedly tracking Amrabat, it may be easier to pursue a deal for Onana, who is brimming with potential.

Given the current state of affairs at Everton, who look destined for another perilous relegation fight, if United initiate a more formal approach for the youngster, it would be tricky for him to decline.

Aston Villa were recently hit with a devasting injury blow to Argentina international Emiliano Buendia ahead of the start of the 2023/24 Premier League campaign…

What's the latest on Emi Buendia's injury?

Villans head coach Unai Emery recently confirmed that the former Norwich City winger is set to be out of action for up to eight months, and at least six, after damaging his knee in training earlier this month.

The 26-year-old wizard, who scored three goals during pre-season, is now in danger of missing the majority, if not the entirety, of the season as he recovers from this horrific injury.

Read the latest Aston Villa transfer news HERE…

This has left the Spanish manager with a creative hole to fill within his squad as Villa must now plan for life without the talented magician.

Who could Villa replace Emi Buendia with?

It was recently reported that the Villans are considering a swoop to sign Manchester United forward Jadon Sancho, who has been valued at around £60m, and sporting director Monchi could make him the dream replacement for Buendia this summer.

The injured Villa star has produced nine goals and eight assists across his two Premier League seasons with the club but Emery may have been hoping that this would be a breakthrough year for the exciting maestro, as his previous form for Norwich indicates that he has the potential to make a greater impact at the top end of the pitch.

Buendia registered an outstanding 15 goals and 16 assists in 38 Championship outings during the 2020/21 campaign, which came after he managed seven assists and 2.3 key passes per game for the Canaries in the top-flight the previous year.

No Villa player produced more than seven assists or 1.2 key passes per match last term and this suggests that the potential was there for the Argentine gem to be a standout performer if he could hit his top level.

Sancho, like Buendia, is a creative winger who has not showcased the best of his abilities in recent seasons. The England international has only scored nine goals provided six assists in 55 Premier League matches for United.

However, his performances for Borussia Dortmund were outstanding and Emery could hope to unlock the 23-year-old sensation by bringing him to Villa Park.

The former Manchester City prospect proved himself to be a lethal attacking threat as he notched 38 goals and 51 assists in 104 Bundesliga games for Dortmund, which included at least 12 league assists in each of his last three years in Germany.

Sancho, whose ability was dubbed "frightening" by ex-teammate Jude Bellingham, averaged at least 2.1 key passes per match across those final three campaigns as he displayed his ability to consistently open up opposition defences in order to create chances for his teammates.

The Red Devils whiz, who achieved double figures for goals and assists in two Bundesliga seasons with Dortmund, has the quality to be a fantastic option for Emery at the top end of the pitch, if he can rediscover his form from his time in Germany.

Therefore, Monchi could land a dream replacement for the injured Buendia by completing a swoop for the £60m-rated dynamo before next month's deadline.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou is in the market for a midfielder if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg departs, and Chelsea ace Conor Gallagher is wanted for that role.

Who will Spurs sign?

Goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, young centre-back Ashley Phillips, defender Micky van de Ven, playmaker James Maddison, winger Manor Solomon and striker Alejo Veliz have all officially joined Spurs this summer, but there could be plenty more to come.

These deals follow on from permanent moves for Pedro Porro, who signed from Sporting Lisbon after his original loan stint, and Dejan Kulusevski folllowing an 18-month loan spell from Juventus.

Spurs are also actively trying to sign another centre-back, as confirmed by Postecoglou himself recently, who said he wants defenders who can play in an aggressive formation.

“It's not done yet," said Postecoglou at the weekend.

"We need bolstering in that central defensive area. We need defenders who can work in an aggressive formation, defend well & behind them. We'll be looking to bring in a couple in that area in the coming days."

Following on from that comment, the Spurs head coach updated his stance after Tottenham's entertaining pre-season encounter with Barca last night – saying it could largely depend on outgoings.

"We've to see what happens with outgoings," explained Postecoglou.

"But, the potential is there to bring in one more centre back after van de Ven."

Read the latest Tottenham transfer news HERE…

It appears exits could well be crucial in determining Tottenham's future transfer activity, with the potential signing of a new midfielder being no exception.

That is according to The Telegraph and journalist Mike McGrath, who claim Postecoglou is personally in the market for a new central midfield ace should Hojbjerg depart.

The Dane has been heavily linked with a move to Atletico Madrid this window and some outlets suggest that it is going to happen sooner rather than later.

Gallagher, who could well leave Chelsea before deadline day, has been mentioned as a target and The Telegraph claim he is "wanted" to potentially succeed Hojbjerg.

Nothing else is said beyond that line in terms of more detail, but it appears Gallagher to Spurs is still very much on.

How good is Conor Gallagher?

The Englishman's best top flight campaign to date came during a 2021/2022 loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he finished the season as Patrick Vieira's best-performer by average match rating (WhoScored).

Gallagher also racked up eight goals and three assists that year, showcasing he has what it takes to become a successful player at Tottenham.

Former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, commenting on the player's development last year, shared how impressed he was with Gallagher's development.

“His development is extraordinary and outstanding," said Tuchel in 2022.

“He is one of the key players at Crystal Palace and he has made a huge step in his development up front.

“He was a pleasure to coach in pre-season – he has so much positive energy, so much energy in general and so much work-rate to give that he can of course be a big help and a big influence.”

However, if a deal is to be done, Chelsea may need to lower their reported £50 million valuation.

Ryan McLaren removed the two key names in Warwickshire’s middle order as Lancashire closed in on victory

David Hopps at Old Trafford30-Aug-2017
Ryan McLaren appeals for the wicket of Ian Bell•Getty ImagesThey have been a familiar sight for both Warwickshire and England, redoubtable batsmen both, stacking up runs with reliability since the turn of the century. But suddenly when Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott walk to the crease, the question is not how many but how long?Many England batsmen leave the game quickly after their international career, some like Marcus Trescothick just as predictably bring delight for years as they spread themselves capaciously around the county circuit. Bell and Trott continued beyond England but their future is now harder to call: quite unexpectedly as Warwickshire flounder at the foot of Division One, time is intruding upon their careers. They are in their mid-30s now, but Bell in particular seems to be living through a little hell. It all seems a little premature.Warwickshire have staved off defeat in three days against Lancashire, but they are still 29 runs behind with only four wickets left and the weather forecast, although a little damp first thing, suggests Lancashire will have ample time to finish the job.Neither Bell nor Trott could take much personal solace from their part in Warwickshire’s close at 275 for 6, organised around Tim Ambrose’s third half-century of the season and generally spirited enough considering their first-innings deficit of 304.Both grandees fell cheaply in an afternoon spell from Ryan McLaren, Lancashire’s leading wicket-taker, Trott lbw as he walked across his crease to work a straight ball in time-honoured fashion, Bell more static, but also lbw as one rattled low into his pads. As they returned to the pavilion, Trott with a plod, Bell a little brisker, they could dwell not just on a single dismissal, but upon life and exactly what lies ahead.As they were dismissed, the thought occurred that they might not even take that walk again, the scarlet of the Old Trafford hotel and The Point at their back; Warwickshire, after all, barring something extraordinary, are bound for the second division, and as for T20 their days may already be behind them – neither are expected to figure in the Birmingham side that will contest NatWest Blast Finals Day at Edgbaston on Saturday.Their career statistics are remarkably similar – more than 36,000 first-class runs between them, 94 centuries and averages heading towards the mid-40s. Only in the number of Tests played does Bell clearly exceed his team-mate – 118 to 52.Image had a lot to do with that. Whereas Bell’s grace has lightened many a day, if not changing the course of quite so many, Trott has been an admirable yet tough watch. Presented with a barred oak door, Bell would be expected to melt ethereally through it whereas Trott would glower at it meaningfully, work out a way then methodically chip a way through, however long it took.When they reflect back in years to come, they will probably conclude that Old Trafford 2017 was a rum old do. Bell has just resigned from the Warwickshire captaincy after his omission from the Blast quarter-final, a role he had long cherished and which sadly, when it came, brought him little reward. Having stood down, he somehow needs to summon new ambitions. Trott, a senior pro, helping out, finds himself saddled with a job he could never have imagined himself possessing.Bell and Trott have never been perceived as a double act, irrespective of their county links. By the time Trott was scoring heavily for Warwickshire, Bell was already a fixture with England. By the time Trott became Andy Flower’s rock at No. 3, Bell’s England place was a regular source of debate despite periods of prolific scoring. Players of contrasting moods, they might almost have played in a different universe. When Trott batted it was immensely personal, he bared his soul, and, indeed, left a tour of Australia when his it all became too much. When Bell batted, he barely left a mark. You felt you hardly knew him and, at times, wondered how much he knew himself.Quite how Warwickshire will extricate themselves from all this remains to be seen. Dom Sibley, a mid-season acquisition from Surrey, should bring quality to the top order in all three formats and he made a decent half-century here, his first in the Championship for his new county, before Liam Livingstone, a career-best 224 behind him, extricated Sibley at leg slip as Lancashire made extensive use of his developing offspin.At tea, Lancashire would have envisaged a three-day win. Matt Parkinson made further inroads on a gorgeous Manchester evening, spoiled only by the sound of over-optimistic Lancashire appealing. Parkinson’s legspin removed Matthew Lamb at slip and then drew Keith Barker into an ungainly reverse sweep. Rain is forecast in the morning, but a Lancashire win is forecast just as confidently for the afternoon. About Trott and Bell, it is a risk to make any forecast at all.

Rangers remain in the hunt for Los Angeles F.C star Jose Cifuentes with Michael Beale personally hopeful of more signings after Leon Balogun.

Who will Rangers sign?

It's been a busy, busy summer at Ibrox so far as the Gers prepare for what will be an interesting 2023/2024 Scottish Premiership campaign.

Beale's side watched on as Celtic, then lead by Ange Postecoglou, clinched a domestic treble last season with the Glasgow giants eager to avoid a sad repeat.

So far, Rangers have spent a combined £7.2 million on new signings, with Cyriel Dessers and Sam Lammers coming as their most expensive acquisitions from Italy.

The attacking duo are joined by Jack Butland, Kieran Dowell and Dujon Sterling, who signed on free transfers, while Brighton forward Abdallah Sima has also put pen to paper on a loan move.

Most recently, defender Leon Balogun re-joined Rangers on a one-year deal after leaving Queen's Park Rangers on a Bosman – with the club sealing seven major additions in total.

“Leon is a person that I have full trust in both as a footballer and a man," said Beale after Balogun's return.

“He is extremely well-liked by everyone inside the club, and we are very happy to have someone with his experience and leadership qualities re-joining our squad.

"Naturally he will integrate back into the club very quickly and he understands fully our way of working and style of play."

Despite the flurry of new additions, it is believed Rangers may not be done there, as Sky Sports share news of who could come in next after Balogun.

Indeed, the reliable broadcast giant claims Beale is still personally hopeful of adding more quality to his squad in time for the new campaign, with more signings "expected".

They name Ecuador international Cifuentes as a target, who remains on Rangers' radar following repeated links with a move to Scotland.

The 24-year-old, who featured at last year's World Cup in Qatar, is being targeted alongside Nottingham Forest defender Jonathan Ponzo.

Not much else is said on their move for Cifuentes, but given reports of his imminent move have died down somewhat, it appears a transfer is still very much on the cards.

How good is Jose Cifuentes?

The midfielder has been praised by both members of the press and Los Angeles head coach Steve Cherundolo, who recently said that the "sky is the limit" for Cifuentes.

Cherundolo, speaking to Los Angeles F.C's official website, branded the South American a "complete player" with Tim Vickery also long tipped him to be a success.

Speaking to talkSPORT all the way back in 2019, via Football Scotland, Vickery hailed Cifuentes as a terrific midfielder who previously starred for Ecuador's national youth sides.

Raving over his physical attributes as well, Vickery may have hinted that Gers supporters could witness plenty of quality if Cifuentes does move across the Atlantic.

"He was the beating heart of that [Ecuador U20] side and I think he's a terrific midfielder," said Vickery.

"He's strong, he's got quality, he's got a good engine – he's one of the best all-round midfielders, potentially, that I've seen come out of South America in a while."

Centuries by Alastair Cook and Ryan ten Doeschate saw off Sussex after a hat-trick by Jerome Taylor had ripped the heart out of their top order

ECB Reporters Network10-May-2017
ScorecardAlastair Cook was one of two Essex century-makers•Getty Images

Centuries by Alastair Cook and Ryan ten Doeschate steadied Essex to a fourth Royal London Cup victory after a hat-trick by Jerome Taylor had ripped the heart out of their top order.From the depths of 19 for 3, Cook and ten Doeschate ensured Essex posted a competitive 295 off their 50 overs – and that proved too much for Sussex, who finished 11 runs short.Cook took his total to 317 runs in five one-day innings with a 131-ball 109, his second three-figure score of the season. He shared a fifth-wicket stand of 142 with ten Doeschate, who was run out off the last ball for 102 for 91 overs.Chris Nash and Stiaan van Zyl both scored sixties in Sussex’s reply, but no one went on to make the big scores that Cook and ten Doeschate had earlier.Sussex failed to capitalise on a great start when West Indies international Taylor struck with the first three balls of his third over to underline why both captains would have put the other team in.Varun Chopra was the first Essex batsman to go, chasing a wide one to give Michael Burgess a diving catch behind for two.Tom Westley followed, attempting to withdraw his bat but only managing to offer a faint touch to the same combination for his second golden duck in successive innings.Adam Wheater was the hat-trick victim when trapped plumb lbw on the back-foot playing down the wrong line.Taylor’s fourth ball of the over, however, was eased through midwicket by Dan Lawrence for four to offer some inspiration to the shellshocked Essex batsman. When Taylor was rested after his opening six-over salvo he had figures of 3 for 23. By the end he had been on the receiving end of a battering as his 10 overs went for 65 runs.The fourth-wicket pair of Cook and Lawrence set painstakingly about repairing the damage. They put on 65 runs in 15 overs before Lawrence pushed a return catch to spinner Danny Briggs’s fifth ball for 34.When he was 38, ten Doeschate survived what looked a comfortable caught and bowled chance. He hit the ball almost vertically in the air, so high into the stratosphere that Shahzad was able to race down to the striker’s end before dropping the plummeting ball right by the stumps.Luke Wright, Sussex’s captain, did not hide his displeasure. “It came down to that moment when it’s never a bowler’s catch,” he said. “It goes up and it’s straight to a keeper with big gloves on and then he would take the catch.”I think everyone in the ground was shouting, ‘keepers!’ But, look, the bowler wanted it and unfortunately he dropped. At that point it’s a big moment and Tendo made use of it.”Sussex were made to pay as he accelerated with a succession of bludgeoning boundaries mixed with tip-and-run singles turned into twos.Ten Doeschate had just passed fifty – from 57 balls – when Cook swept a hip-high delivery from Shahzad for his 12th four to reach a 122-ball century. He was finally out when he cut Jofra Archer backward of square to Shahzad.Ashar Zaidi had hit Wiese for a straight six before he went for another and was held above his head by Briggs on the square-leg boundary. Ten Doeschate swatted a short delivery from Archer to reach three-figures from the penultimate ball of the innings and was run out from the last. Essex had added 99 in the last 10 overs.Nash and Wright played sensibly as they laid the foundations for the chase with a first-wicket stand of 67 in 14 overs. But the ball after Wright had driven Jamie Porter for a flat, straight six, he hooked straight to Paul Walter at deep fine leg for 32.Harry Finch lasted four balls before he went lbw to one from Zaidi that straightened. After which Sussex became becalmed for a spell, and Nash and Stiaan van Zyl went 36 deliveries between boundaries, during which time they managed just nine singles.Nash went for a 90-ball 66 when he played a cross-batted shot to Matt Quinn and was caught at mid-on. But van Zyl passed fifty from 60 balls with a lofted drive to long leg for four, followed by a six over long-off, before he was caught on the ropes by Walter for 61.Half the side were out with 108 still required from 10 overs when Burgess was bowled by Simon Harmer. Laurie Evans perished to Cook at wide mid-on for 30 and Wiese fell to another attempted big-hit at long-off by which time the asking rate had passed 12 an over.Sussex gained a second wind when Quinn’s nine-ball over went for 21 runs. Walter restored order with the first ball of the next over when he bowled Briggs. But Archer smashed his second six before Walter ended the 21-ball slog-fest by having the Barbadian caught on the square-leg boundary for 45 and then claimed his third wicket by bowling Taylor.

Arsenal seem set to continue their free-spending summer, having set their sights on a new target…

What's the latest on Benjamin Henrichs to Arsenal?

That comes from German writer Florian Plettenberg, who details Mikel Arteta's interest in German international Benjamin Henrichs.

The RB Leipzig star is described as a merely backup option for the Gunners, but remains a fine asset who would certainly bolster a squad searching for more squad depth.

Writing on Twitter, the Sky Sports man noted: "Talks between Arsenal and the player's management took place. Gunners considering Benjamin Henrichs as a backup target. Arteta, with a very good opinion about the German national. Contract at Leipzig until 2025; important player for coach Rose."

The 26-year-old still has two years left on his £63k-per-week deal.

Who is Benjamin Henrichs?

Having spent time in both his homeland and France in various stints, the defender has now settled as an important cog for a strong Leipzig outfit.

Although once regarded as a top attacking full-back as a youngster, he has swiftly grown into a mature, solid asset, who can often be relied upon.

As such, when compared to others in his position across Europe, he ranks in the top 16% for interceptions, 8% for tackles and 2% for blocks per 90, via FBref.

Such imperious defensive work could even be said to surpass Ben White's, who made a big impact last term whilst deputising on the flank.

In those three aforementioned attributes, he instead sits at the lower end of the spectrum, having made 0.68 interceptions, 1.77 tackles and 1.36 blocks per 90. The latter is supposedly his most impressive statistic, and yet he only ranks in the top 29% for it, via FBref.

However, that is not to suggest that Henrichs does not offer some potent attacking threat too.

Although a staunch stalwart, he does have the facilities to push on, which Arteta would likely develop even further to help him realise the potential he once had. Back in 2017, journalist Stefan Bienkowski even wrote: "Benjamin Henrichs is every young, talented, attacking full-back you've ever seen."

After all, just last season in the Bundesliga he would maintain a 61% dribble success rate, 78% pass accuracy and 0.7 key passes per game, via Sofascore. Whilst not outstanding figures, they paint the picture of a consistent performer who will seldom let his side down.

The all-around nature of his game would make him a fine asset to balance Oleksandr Zinchenko on the opposite flank and allow their system to continue flourishing.

The Ukraine international excelled stepping into midfield as the north London outfit pushed for the Premier League title, with his 88% pass accuracy, 80.3 touches and 0.7 key passes per game (via Sofascore) given the platform to succeed from White's defending.

He would maintain the joint third-highest pass completion rate of anyone within his squad too, to emphasise his importance in dictating the play.

Given Henrichs outperforms the England international in these defensive situations, plus has some creativity to push forward should a low-block be frustrating Arteta, he would mark an instant upgrade to allow even more freedom for his potential new 26-year-old teammate.

Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino has numerous issues to deal with as his first day on the job approaches this weekend, the future of striker Romelu Lukaku being one of them.

While that decision may well be above his paygrade, with Todd Boehly very much taking a hands-on approach since becoming chairman last year, Pochettino will no doubt have a say in whether Lukaku has a part to play following his return from a loan spell with Inter Milan.

What is the latest with Romelu Lukaku's Chelsea future?

The Telegraph reports that further talks between Lukaku and Chelsea are planned for this week, and that it is in everyone's interest to find a solution sooner rather than later.

It is suggested that it is unlikely Lukaku will play any part in Chelsea's tour of the United States next month, but finding a club willing to sign him permanently – the Belgian is said to have ruled out the option of joining a Saudi club – is proving difficult.

However, a solution may soon be found as Juventus have supposedly shown an interest in signing Lukaku to replace Dusan Vlahovic, who could in turn head in the opposite direction to Stamford Bridge.

The Belgian's second stint in the capital has been nothing short of a nightmare, with an angry public interview in 2021 seeing him subsequently loaned out ever since.

Could Chelsea swap Romelu Lukaku for Dusan Vlahovic?

The intricacies of any deal are unclear at this stage, such as one club handing over a fee in part exchange, but the transfer could well make sense for both clubs.

Given his value of £52m by Football Observatory, it is likely to be Chelsea reaching for their chequebook rather than Juve.

On the face of it, there is very little between the two players when it comes to how they performed in Serie A last season. Vlahovic scored ten goals in 27 games for Juve, while Lukaku netted the same number across 25 outings for Inter.

Vlahovic's goals came from fewer shots, scoring at a rate of 0.16 goals per shot, as per FBref, compared to 0.12 for Lukaku. Those similarities continue in terms of passes completed (71.6% and 68.6% respectively) and also aerial duels won (36 v 39).

What Vlahovic provides that Lukaku does not, however, is some added balance in the final third. For example, the Serbia international won 0.28 tackles per 90 minutes last season, which is an increase on Lukaku's 0.05. That is the same case in terms of blocks: 0.47 compared to 0.16.

Once described as a "monster" by Italian football expert Carlo Garganese, there is no denying that Vlahovic's goalscoring figures have steadily declined, from 0.82 per game at Fiorentina in the first half of the 2021-22 season, to 0.59 after joining Juve later that campaign and finally to 0.47 last term.

But in a team stacked full of attacking gems, such as Mykhailo Mudryk and new signing Christopher Nkunku to name just a couple of players, it may well be that a move to Stamford Bridge unlocks the potential Vlahovic has only been able to show glimmers of in Turin.

Everton are keen on a deal to bring Coventry City striker Viktor Gyokeres to the Premier League, according to reports.

Is Viktor Gyokeres leaving Coventry?

The Swedish international was a standout star at the Building Society Arena last season after establishing himself as Mark Robins’ top-performing offensive player, and with his contract expiring in 12 months time, he could be set for a big-money exit in the weeks ahead.

Sky Sports have reported that the Bluebirds will be looking for offers in excess of £17m in order to sanction the 25-year-old’s sale during the upcoming window, and his impressive form after being named the second-highest goalscorer in his division is bound to attract plenty of interest.

The Merseyside outfit and Sean Dyche are likely to enter the market for a new centre-forward due to the consistent injuries to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and the uncertainty hanging over Neal Maupay, who’s been linked with a move to Salernitana, and they could well have identified an ideal target in the Midlands.

Are Everton signing Gyokeres?

According to Portuguese outlet A Bola (via Sport Witness), Everton are “interested” in a summer swoop for Gyokeres. Sporting CP are also eyeing a deal for the Coventry striker, hence the report from Portugal, but with them only being willing to pay a fee less than their target’s price tag, teams in the English top-flight are likely to hold an advantage.

The Toffees have been “keen” on the attacker since last year and are “determined” to add to their ranks in the final third, but it remains to be seen whether they too would be able to afford Gyokeres.

Should Everton sign Gyokeres?

Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has been full of praise for Gyokeres, describing him as “powerful” and even comparing his qualities to those of Manchester City’s Erling Haaland, so should the centre-forward put pen to paper, he could be a fantastic recruit for Everton.

The 6 foot 2 titan posted a remarkable 31 goal contributions (21 goals and ten assists) in 46 Championship appearances throughout the previous campaign, with his displays seeing him pick up an outstanding ten man-of-the-match awards.

Coventry’s talisman, who is a versatile operator with his ability to play in six different positions, was also a threat even when the ball didn’t hit the back of the net having recorded a total of 191 shot-creating actions, which was higher than any of his fellow teammates, as per FBRef, so it would be a massive coup for Dyche if he was to make the move to Goodison Park.