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Todd Boehly and his team may already have an eye on the upcoming summer transfer window as they prepare to dip into the market to bolster the Chelsea squad.

The American has already splashed the cash by bringing in the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Mykhailo Mudryk, Cole Palmer, and Raheem Sterling, among many others, in recent windows.

However, that does not look likely to stop the Blues from investing in their team once again when the next window opens for business later this year.

The depth of their recruitment could be affected by the remaining three games of the Premier League season, though, as the club does not know what competitions they will be competing in.

Chelsea still have the chance to qualify for either the Europa Conference League or the Europa League, and playing in Europe would require more squad depth to deal with the sheer volume of matches that they could play.

One area the Blues are reportedly looking to strengthen in is the goalkeeper position, which looks set to be bad news for current number one Dorde Petrovic.

Chelsea's interest in Premier League goalkeepers

Boehly and Mauricio Pochettino are eyeing up two current Premier League goalkeepers to potentially arrive at Stamford Bridge as the new first-choice this summer.

According to Football Insider, Chelsea are lining up a swoop for Everton and England shot-stopper Jordan Pickford to bolster their options between the sticks.

The report claims that they are also looking at Arsenal number two Aaron Ramsdale, who has lost his starting place to David Raya under Mikel Arteta this season.

It states that they have made signing a new number one a priority for the upcoming summer transfer window and that Pickford and Ramsdale have both been identified as targets.

Football Insider claims that the Gunners back-up is poised to move on from The Emirates after losing his spot in the lineup to the Spanish star, which could open the door to a move to Stamford Bridge.

Whereas, the report reveals that Everton are hoping to price their number one out of an exit from Goodison Park after they avoided relegation down to the Championship.

It remains to be seen exactly how much they are set to demand, though, and their interest in Pickford, as well as Ramsdale, spells bad news for Petrovic and his long-term place as the number one for Pochettino.

Dorde Petrovic's Premier League struggles

The Serbia international fought to win his position in the starting XI in the Premier League this season, after starting the term as the back-up to Roberto Sanchez.

He has started 19 of the club's 35 top-flight matches and kept clean sheets in each of his last two outings in the division – against Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

The 24-year-old also made a whopping ten saves and recorded a Sofascore rating of 8.9 in the 1-0 League Cup final defeat to Liverpool earlier this season, but his form in the league has left a bit to be desired.

As you can see in the table above, Sanchez made three errors leading to shots or goals for the opposition in just 16 games at the start of the campaign, before being replaced by Petrovic.

The Serbian, however, has let in a staggering 7.44 more goals than expected based on the xG on his goal, compared to just 0.22 more for Sanchez, and this suggests that he has been in poor form as a shot-stopper.

Petrovic has also made two errors that have directly led to a goal for the opposition – one more than the current number two – and this means that he has been a liability with the ball at his feet at times, as well as struggling to make saves.

The interest in Pickford should come as bad news for the young gem as it suggests that Pochettino and Boehly are not prepared to give him time to gain experience and grow into his role as the number one, as they want to bring in an established star to assume that position next season.

Why Chelsea should sign Jordan Pickford

The Blues should sign the England international to bolster the squad as he is a proven Premier League performer who could come in as an immediate upgrade on Petrovic and Sanchez.

At the age of 30, Pickford is an experienced player who has racked up 284 top-flight appearances in his career to date – playing for the Toffees and Sunderland.

This means that he knows the ins and outs of the division and would have a great chance of hitting the ground running, as the talented stopper would not be coming over from a foreign league with no experience in England or the Premier League.

As you can see in the table above, Pickford has also outperformed Chelsea's two first-team goalkeepers in the league this season, outperforming his xG against tally by 2.08.

This means that the Toffees star, who content creator Josh Wright hailed as having a "monster" campaign last term, has kept out more goals than expected with his high-quality shot-stopping skills.

These statistics suggest that Chelsea would improve their defensive numbers by bringing Pickford in as he has the ability to consistently keep out high xG chances, whilst Petrovic has conceded over seven more than expected in just 20 appearances.

The Everton star also ranks within the top 21% of his positional peers or higher in the Men's Big 5 Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days for defensive actions outside of his penalty area per 90 (1.38) and the average distance of his defensive actions (16.4 yards) respectively.

Boehly could avenge Chelsea's Lukaku mistake by signing £51m "machine"

The Blues have been linked with a move for the Serie A sensation this summer.

By
Dan Emery

May 7, 2024

This shows, along with his shot-stopping, the £125k-per-week titan is an excellent sweeper who comes off his line on a regular basis to clear up behind his defence.

Overall, Chelsea's interest in Pickford should concern Petrovic as the Blues would be bringing in a superior, more experienced, goalkeeper to take his place, leaving him on the bench or in search of a move away from Stamford Bridge.

David Beckham travelled to Sweden to attend the funeral of former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson on Friday.

Article continues below

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Article continues below

• Beckham attends Eriksson's funeral
• Pays tribute to former England manager
• Eriksson passed away aged 76

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Beckham paid his respects to Eriksson's family before the ceremony in Torsby, Eriksson's home town. According to the Mirror, the former England captain flew to Sweden on a private jet in order to attend following Eriksson's death last month after a battle with pancreatic cancer.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Beckham is said to have immediately embraced Eriksson's family upon arriving at Fryksande church. He gave Eriksson's daughter, Lina, a kiss on a cheek, and then hugged his ex-partner Nancy Dell'Olio once inside the church.

• WHAT BECKHAM SAID

  Writing a tribute to Eriksson, Beckham said on Instagram: "We laughed, we cried and we knew we were saying goodbye. Sven, thank you for always being the person you have always been – passionate, caring, calm and a true gentleman. I will be forever be grateful for you making me your captain but I will forever hold these last memories of this day with you and your family. Thank you Sven and in your last words to me, 'it will be ok'."

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  FANS PAY THEIR RESPECTS

  Eriksson's funeral was expected to draw a large crowd, with funeral adviser Christopher Jansson saying: "I think there will probably be as many standing outside the church as there will be inside. Sven was so popular."

Ahead of a summer of change at Liverpool, the Reds will reportedly face an unexpected battle to keep hold of a key player without the lure of Jurgen Klopp, dealing expected new manager Arne Slot a frustrating blow.

Liverpool transfer news

It's the end of an era for Liverpool and Klopp after nine incredible years. The German won it all during his time in Merseyside to awaken a giant in slumber and take them back to the top of English and European football. But all good things must come to an end and so the batton is passed to Slot. Fresh from Feyenood, the manager will arrive tasked with replacing Anfield's latest legend.

Liverpool pushing for "great" new striker who's more clinical than Nunez

This would leave Nunez’s place in question.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 2, 2024

Klopp's farewell hasn't been one without drama, however, with Mohamed Salah sparking rumours over his future in a touchline disagreement with the Reds boss in a 2-2 draw against West Ham United.

David Ornstein has since poured water on the flames of those exit rumours, but the fact that Salah's contract runs out in the summer of 2025 leaves plenty of unanswered questions. And he may not be the only departure after a recent transfer twist.

According to Sam McGuire of Anfield Watch, Joel Matip's departure may be followed by another central defender, as Joe Gomez is now contemplating his Liverpool future and is open to leaving the club. Whilst offers are yet to come his way, a return to London is reportedly preferred, although he won't force a move this summer.

This comes at the same time that Matip is preparing to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, already leaving the Reds in need of another centre-back. Given that Gomez has provided cover in that central role as well as at right-back, left-back and even central midfield this season, his exit would be a major blow to Slot's squad depth.

"Lifesaver" Gomez is an underrated key

Whilst it's easy to focus on the likes of Virgil van Dijk or Trent Alexander-Arnold, players like Gomez can quickly prove to be the key when the Premier League title race begins to come thick and fast, as shown this season. The England international has stepped up to become an unexpected standout at Anfield in the current campaign, making Klopp's praise earlier this year no surprise.

“He is a lifesaver, to be honest, that he was here, that he could play. People forget how important Joey was in the best years we had. I don’t know how many games he played in the year when we became champions and how many games he played when we won the Champions League – a lot and rightly so because he’s a top-class player.”

Gomez can be just as important for Slot as he has been for Klopp, making his stay something that Liverpool should do everything to ensure this summer. At just 26 years old too, there's plenty more to come from the defender. Earning a reported £95k per-week, Gomez doesn't excert Liverpool's books, either.

Changes are coming to the USMNT, but which players should be in the starting XI? GOAL makes the picks

There will be changes to the U.S. Men's National Team starting XI. After a performance like the one against Canada, there has to be. The USMNT needs to do something different.

Following the 2-1 loss to Canada, Tuesday's clash with New Zealand in Cincinnati suddenly feels more urgent than ever. No, reported hire Mauricio Pochettino will not be coaching, which takes some of the energy out of this match, but the reality is the U.S. needs a response. Pochettino or no Pochettino on the sidelines, this team needs to show some fight.

But what changes are necessary? Which players are in the best position to step into the XI? Those are the two big questions interim coach Mikey Varas is staring down as the USMNT prepares to take on New Zealand.

"It's a delicate balance, and we're going to find a balance," Varas said. "We want to put on a winning performance. Anybody who plays, they will have earned it. At the same time, this is a September window with a new coach coming in, so it's also my responsibility to make sure that multiple players get a chance to showcase themselves, as long as they have also shown that they can earn it."

Ahead of Tuesday's match, GOAL breaks down who should start for the USMNT…

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  GK: Matt Turner

  Patrick Schulte did well against Canada, and is perhaps the only player that can actually say that. Varas hinted, though, that there would be a change at goalkeeper and, realistically, it makes sense.

  Despite his lack of club minutes, you can't write Turner off with the USMNT. He's still arguably the team's most reliable goalkeeper, and he's earned that title particularly when wearing a U.S. shirt. Because of that, he deserves the chance to fight for his spot as the national team No. 1 with a start here.

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  LB: Caleb Wiley

  We know that Wiley is a good player. He showed it in Atlanta and he's already shown it in a few games with Strasbourg. Is he a legitimate left-back option at the top levels of international soccer? Now is the time to find out.

  A New Zealand friendly under an interim coach won't answer that question, but it could provide us with some valuable data. And, either way, neither Wiley nor Kristoffer Lund, 22, are starting over Antonee Robinson any time soon so, with that in mind, Tuesday is another opportunity to see what Wiley can bring to the fold.

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  CB: Auston Trusty

  Trusty was, right or wrong, left out in the cold by Gregg Berhalter despite playing for Sheffield United in the Premier League. Now, he has a very real chance to prove why that shouldn't have been the case.

  A big move to Celtic this summer will help keep him on the USMNT radar, but the best way to do that is to deliver big performances in actual national team matches. Trusty hasn't gotten enough chances to do so, so it makes sense to give him this one to see what he's got.

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  CB: Mark McKenzie

  Much of what we said for Trusty could apply to McKenzie. Yes, McKenzie has been more involved, even making the Copa America roster. He didn't play, though. He's a fringe player, by his own admission, but he could soon become much more.

  Now at Toulouse, McKenzie is ready to push Chris Richards and Tim Ream for one of those starting center back spots. This is an audition. Normally, you wouldn't want to swap out both center backs, but it's fine here all considered. McKenzie and Trusty, former Philadelphia Union teammates, should bring some old chemistry to the table as they both look to make their case.

Former Premier League chief Keith Wyness has shared what he’s heard about a potential second buyer emerging to complete a takeover of Everton.

Everton takeover latest

The Blues have had a season full of controversy and struggles, having to accept a couple of points deductions in the league, threatening their top-flight status in the process. Thankfully, Sean Dyche has done an excellent job, ensuring his side are all but safe even despite their penalties.

Away from that issue, there is also constant concern over the credentials of 777 Partners as Everton's next owners, with one recent report claiming that Deloitte have been called in seek new backers, following an update from journalist David Hellier.

Meanwhile, a fresh report from BBC Sport on Thursday provided another update regarding the current takeover situation at Goodison Park. They state that "Everton's prospective buyers have held discussions with a private equity firm specialising in 'distressed debt' as they aim to complete a protracted takeover of the club", once again posing further questions over 777's capabilities and funding.

Potential second Everton buyer named

Speaking to Football Insider, 66 year-old Wyness has now talked up the idea of a Tim Cahill-led Qatari takeover of Everton happening in the near future, in a decision that could split opinion: "Tim Cahill has been linked as the face of any potential Qatari bid. Tim has done a great job down there with the Aspire Academy and is very involved at a high level with the Qatar national team and their football plan.

“But of all the nation states, Qatar would be accepted by the Everton fans. As with anything in football, it’s 50/50. 50% will hate it, and 50% will love it – that’s just how it goes."

This is certainly an alternative option that could appeal to Everton supporters, who will no doubt be growing increasingly frustrated with the situation surrounding 777 Partners, considering they agreed to buy a 94% stake in the club all the way back in September.

Not only could the Qataris stand out more financially, but the fact that Cahill is the face of the operation could make it even more ideal.

Latest Everton injury news, return dates and suspensions

FFC keeps you up to date with all the latest Everton news involving injuries.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 10, 2024

The Australian is arguably one of the Blues' most popular players of the Premier League era, scoring 68 goals in 278 appearances, and the fanbase could have faith in him having the club's best interests at heart, which is so important to any takeover.

Leeds ‘will be monitoring’ winger Alberth Elis ‘closely’, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told GiveMeSport. 

The lowdown

The 26-year-old spent the 2021/22 season on loan at Bordeaux in Ligue 1 from parent club Boavista, with the French outfit having exercised the option to sign him permanently for a fee of £5.4m.

However, his future at the club may be in doubt after Les Girondins were demoted to the third tier of the French pyramid ‘due to their financial situation’. Bordeaux had finished bottom of the top flight and had expected to be playing Ligue 2 football next term, but this has dramatically compounded their misery.

Elis played most of his football on the right flank last season but also featured as a centre-forward on seven occasions.

The latest

O’Rourke has said that Leeds will be waiting for an ‘opportunity’ to pounce and escalate their reported interest in Elis, who has 53 caps for Honduras.

The reporter told GiveMeSport: “I’m sure Leeds will be monitoring his situation closely, and if the opportunity does come, they will be able to offer him that opportunity to move to the Premier League.”

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The verdict

Should Leeds look to capitalise on Bordeaux’s woes and swoop for Elis?

His return of nine goals for a team which propped up the table is impressive in itself, and that’s even before you consider that he only played 1,415 minutes across 20 top-flight appearances. Doing the maths, he found the net every 157 minutes on average.

According to FBRef, Elis is similar in profile to West Ham United’s Jarrod Bowen, offering a significant goal threat from out wide. Indeed, according to a translated tweet from journalist Zach Lowy, ‘The Little Panther’ (as he’s nicknamed) simply ‘does not stop scoring’.

With uncertainty continuing to abound over Raphinha’s future at Elland Road, and amid the chaos at Bordeaux, Leeds could do a lot worse than consider a swoop for the Honduran.

In other news, Leeds are also keeping tabs on this Premier League winger

Newcastle United are reportedly now eyeing up a potential move to sign Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo this summer.

The Lowdown: Centre-back wanted

It is no secret that the St. James’ Park outfit hope to sign Sven Botman from Lille this window, but if a deal cannot be struck then they will be forced to look at alternative targets.

Lisandro Martinez and Eric Bailly are just two names who have been linked in recent days as Botman continues to flirt with Milan, with the Magpies now looking set to be very busy in the defender market over the coming weeks.

The Latest: Adarabioyo interest

As per The Daily Mirror, the Tynesiders are now interested in signing Adarabioyo.

The six-foot-five colossus made the EFL and PFA Team of the Year last term, and has gained a reputation for being a physically strong defender but also composed on the ball.

However, he only has one year left on his contract at Fulham, and so the newly-promoted Premier League club could now look to cash in.

The Verdict: Good Botman alternative?

If the Magpies do not manage to sign Botman, then Adarabioyo could provide a cheaper alternative.

The 24-year-old could be available at a cut price given his contract situation, and offers added top-flight experience that Botman does not have.

Comparing the two in their respective domestic leagues last campaign, Adarabioyo actually won more aerial duels than Botman and averaged more interceptions and passes per game.

Coming through the youth ranks at Manchester City, he is a player that Pep Guardiola has dubbed ‘exceptional’ in the past, and no doubt has a bright future in English football.

The Toon Army should be relatively pleased if he comes through the door.

Fabrizio Romano has shared news on transfer chief Fabio Paratici’s plans for Tottenham Hotspur amid their attempts to seal an agreement for Premier League star Yves Bissouma.

The Lowdown: Lilywhites start strong…

As Spurs close in on the Mali international, who is looking very likely to become their third summer signing, it’s safe to say this may be the north Londoners’ strongest start to a window in recent memory.

Deals for both Fraser Forster and Ivan Perisic, who both arrived at Hotspur Way as free agents, preceded Bissouma and it’s reliably believed the Lilywhites are certainly not done there.

Head coach Antonio Conte reportedly has his sights on even more additions with reliable reporter Romano now sharing ‘talks’ and an update for supporters.

The Latest: Romano shares Spurs ‘talks’…

Amid the drama surrounding Bissouma, Romano claims Spurs and Paratici have been making moves for other targets with negotiations even held in the meantime.

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Replying to supporters on Twitter, the big name journalist says they are ‘for sure’ eyeing a move for Middlesbrough starlet Djed Spence and have had ‘talks with his agents’.

However, it is believed that the Championship side are still waiting for an ‘official proposal’ from N17.

The Verdict: Get it done…

Only 21-years-old, homegrown and possessing a abundance of quality – Spence should ideally follow Bissouma through the door at Tottenham.

Called the ‘perfect player’ for Conte by members of the press (talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook), his arrival would also help to balance the club’s homegrown quota books and help solve that troubling issue.

Valued at around £20 million, Spence’s potential and brilliant performances on the road to promotion with Nottingham Forest last year make him a standout right-wing-back candidate.

In other news: Meeting held: Tottenham now enter ‘extraordinary’ defender talks as Sky Sports news emerges! Find out more here.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has revealed Newcastle United’s ‘interest’ in signing Darwin Nunez.

The Lowdown: Breakthrough season

The 22-year-old has enjoyed somewhat of a breakthrough season for Benfica, scoring no fewer than 34 goals and supplying a further four assists in 41 matches across all competitions (Transfermarkt).

Hailed as an “absolute beast” by Liverpool podcaster Hari Sethi after an impressive display in the Champions League against the eventual finalists and Premier League runners-up, the striker has shown that he looks more than capable of making the step up to the English top flight.

The Latest: Newcastle ‘interest’ in Nunez

Taking to Twitter, Talbot has revealed that while Nunez’s preferred destination would be Manchester United, there is also ‘interest’ in him from St James’ Park, and indeed a number of other clubs in the Premier League.

The journalist stated: “Been asked about him a lot recently. Was indicated to me his favoured place was Man United. But can see Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Newcastle, West Ham, and even Chelsea depending on Lukaku, all with an interest (though to what extent varies).”

The Verdict: Statement

For Newcastle to beat all of those clubs, who can all offer him European football next season, to sign Nunez would certainly be a statement of intent from PIF.

His goal record speaks for itself, and the Uruguay international is capable of spearheading Eddie Howe’s attack and firing them up the table.

Indeed, he is still only 22 years of age, so it is scary to think how good he could be in just a few years’ time.

In other news, find out which ‘superb’ colossus Dan Ashworth is now eyeing here!

Aston Villa are eyeing up a swoop for Peterborough United defender Ronnie Edwards this summer as Steven Gerrard looks to build his own team in the Midlands.

What’s the word?

The Birmingham Mail have reported that the teenager has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs, with Villa amongst them.

The report added that an unnamed top-flight side have had a £2m bid rejected for the player, as Peterborough’s director of football Barry Fry appears to be demanding a club record fee of £15m in order for them to sell the 19-year-old.

Forget Tarkowski

Gerrard has already made a few signings ahead of next season, capturing Philippe Coutinho, Diego Carlos and Boubacar Kamara as the spine of his new-look team begins to take shape.

Another defender would be a welcome addition to the squad, with James Tarkowski being heavily linked with the Villans, although the manager could well go for youth and potential over signing the more experienced Burnley defender.

Edwards has already made his England under-19s debut against France last year and seems set to leave relegated Peterborough this summer.

His former manager Darren Ferguson lavished him with praise in the past, stating that the 19-year-old is an “incredible talent”; and with clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham Hotspur sniffing around the youngster, Gerrard might need to act quickly.

Edwards has a slightly better temperament compared to Tarkowski, receiving only six bookings last season compared to 11 for the Burnley defender. The 19-year-old also committed just 14 fouls in 34 matches, an impressive number when you compare it to the 34 fouls for which the Clarets centre-back was culpable.

Edwards might still be slightly raw, but a move to a club like Aston Villa could prove to be the catalyst that he needs to kick on and reach his potential.

An outlay of £15m might seem a lot to Gerrard for a 19-year-old centre-back in the here-and-now, but he could well make Villa a fortune further down the line if they can persuade Peterborough to sell this summer.

AND in other news, Gerrard must axe “frustrating” Aston Villa liability in deal for “unreal” £10m dynamo