Mark Chapman hosts the Monday Night Club alongside Manchester City captain Steph Houghton, Arsenal manager Jonas Eidevall and former Manchester City defender Nedum Onuoha. England have two wins out of two but are they performing as expected? They discuss how Keira Walsh’s injury will impact the Lionesses going forward and who should step into the midfield to replace her? 3.00 – England’s performances so far 10.24 – Georgia Stanway on her performances and an update on Keira Walsh 13.09 – Debate on who should start in defensive midfield – Georgia Stanway, Katie Zelem or Jordan Nobbs? 28.25 – What threat will China bring?
Monday, July 31, 2023
^ ^ Chelsea in talks with Juventus over player swap deal in order to offload Romelu Lukaku
Chelsea are in talks with Juventus over a player swap deal in the hope of offloading striker Romelu Lukaku, according to reports.
Chelsea are keen to sell Lukaku this summer following his season-long loan at Inter Milan.
Lukaku’s preference was to remain at Inter but last season’s Champions League finalists were reluctant to meet Chelsea’s asking price.
That saw fellow Italian side Juventus enter talks to sign the Belgium international striker.
Juventus supporters staged a protest over the club’s push to sign Lukaku and the 30-year-old seemed to suggest that the move was off.
But Chelsea and Juventus are now back in talks and is reported that the Blues have been offered Dusan Vlahovic as part of a swap deal.
Chelsea rejected Vlahovic in July but are now reconsidering the swap, which would also include the west Londoners paying a fee to Juventus.
Lukaku was left out of Chelsea’s pre-season tour and does not appear to be in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
His second stint at Stamford Bridge has been somewhat of a disaster since he moved back to west London in a huge £97.5m deal in 2021.
Juventus’ 23-year-old striker Vlahovic, meanwhile, has registered 23 goals and six assists across 63 games for the club since he joined them from Fiorentina.
MORE : Chelsea reach agreement with Levi Colwill over new deal amid Brighton interest
MORE : Chelsea launch opening bid for Brighton goalkeeper Robert Sanchez
^ ^ Fabinho joins Saudi club Al Ittihad from Liverpool in £40m deal
Fabinho has become the latest player to join the Saudi Pro League after his £40m transfer from Liverpool to Al Ittihad was confirmed on Monday.
The Brazil international midfielder has signed a contract until 2026 and will link up with former Chelsea player N’Golo Kante after he also left the Premier League.
Al Ittihad have brought in ex-Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema too as well as Celtic star Jota as Saudi teams continue to splash the cash in the transfer window.
Fabinho, 29, spent five years at Liverpool and made 219 appearances across all competitions for Jurgen Klopp’s team.
During his time at Anfield, Fabinho helped Liverpool win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
Liverpool are already looking to secure a replacement for Fabinho and are expected to make a second bid for Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia imminently.
The Reds’ first bid for the 19-year-old was an initial £34m, plus £4m in add-ons but it was rejected by the Saints who are holding out for more amid interest from a number of big clubs.
Southampton believe they can get £50m for the 19-year-old, with Chelsea also interested in him if they fail in their pursuit of Brighton’s Moises Caicedo.
Whether Liverpool will raise their offer to as high as £50m is yet to be seen, they are more likely to try and persuade Southampton to accept less, but they are in desperate need of another central midfielder this summer.
Liverpool have also lost Jordan Henderson to the Saudi Pro League after he teamed up with Steven Gerrard at Al Ettifaq.
MORE : Liverpool announce new captain following Jordan Henderson exit
MORE : Jurgen Klopp responds to claims Liverpool are trying to sign Kylian Mbappe on loan
^ ^ Inter Milan bid for West Ham striker after getting priced out of Arsenal star Folarin Balogun
Inter Milan have reportedly bid for West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca after getting priced out of Arsenal star Folarin Balogun.
Balogun has been widely-tipped to leave the Emirates this summer and has attracted much interest following his prolific loan spell at Reims last season.
The USA international scored 22 goals in 39 games for the Ligue 1 side, and though he wants first-team football in the upcoming campaign he says he is chilled about where his future may lay.
For now, he is part of Arsenal’s squad, but Mikel Arteta is content to sell the 22-year-old for the right price, putting a £50million price tag on the player.
Inter have made Balogun their priority signing after deciding against a permanent move for Chelsea outcast Romelu Lukaku, however they were hoping to pay around £35m for his services.
But now, Fabrizio Romano reports that while talks have taken place, Inter are still far off Arsenal’s asking price and as such have turned their attention elsewhere.
Specifically, they have approached West Ham and verbally bid around £17m for Scamacca, however this has been swiftly rejected.
Negotiations are expected to continue for the 24-year-old however, with the player keen to leave the London Stadium.
The Irons only signed the Italian No.9 last summer for around £31m but only scored eight goals in 27 appearances as he struggled to adapt to David Moyes’ tactics.
As for Balogun, it was also recently revealed that Manchester United considered making a shock move for the Arsenal star as Erik ten Hag searched for his new striker.
That interest is over now though, with Rasmus Hojlund set to sign for the Red Devils from Atalanta in a deal that could reach £72m.
MORE : Liverpool announce Virgil van Dijk as new captain following Jordan Henderson exit
MORE : Manchester United eyeing up Everton star and U21 European Championship winner Jarrad Branthwaite
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Liverpool announce Virgil van Dijk as new captain following Jordan Henderson exit
Liverpool have officially confirmed Virgil van Dijk as their new club captain following the departure of Jordan Henderson.
Henderson had worn the armband for eight years, leading the Reds to their first Premier League title as well as Champions League glory, but controversially left for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq earlier in July.
Many expected Van Dijk, Liverpool’s record signing and one of the world’s best defenders, to be selected as their new skipper and that news was confirmed on Monday evening.
It has also been announced that Trent Alexander-Arnold will become the new vice-captain, taking over from James Milner who left for Brighton on a free earlier this summer.
‘[It’s] a really proud day for me, for my wife, for my kids, my family,’ Van Dijk told Liverpoolfc.com.
‘It’s been a special feeling and I can’t really describe it at this point. But it’s something that I’m really, really proud of.
‘Obviously I’m captain of Holland, that was already such a huge honour, a proud moment as well. But also to be the captain of Liverpool Football Club is something that I can’t describe at this point.
‘It’s just something that makes me very proud and I will do everything in my power and what I can do to make everyone proud and happy with me and the football club.’
The 32-year-old joined Liverpool for £75million from Southampton in January 2018 and has been a key part of Jurgen Klopp’s side ever since, pivotal to their successful, trophy-laden last few seasons.
While his appointment as captain is not a surprise, it is interesting to see Alexander-Arnold selected as his vice given who else could have taken the role.
Many would have expected fellow full-back and Scotland skipper Andy Robertson to be picked, but Klopp has chosen the academy graduate instead.
The 24-year-old is considered one of the best right-backs in the world with a remarkable 16 goals and 72 assists in 273 games for his boyhood club so far.
‘It’s a proud moment for him obviously and his family,’ Van Dijk said of Alexander-Arnold’s appointment.
‘I think he’s in a phase now where he has to make that transition of becoming a big leader for the football club. I think he will make those steps.
‘And with the help obviously of myself and the others, Robbo [Robertson], Ali [Alisson Becker], Mo [Mohamed Salah], obviously the manager, he can make the next step.
‘I think to give that responsibility to him could definitely even more benefit him as well. So it’s a very good choice. Obviously the others as well, they are as important and we all have to make sure that we take the responsibility.’
MORE : Manchester United eyeing up Everton star and U21 European Championship winner Jarrad Branthwaite
MORE : Crystal Palace beat Chelsea to signing of Brazil wonder-kid Matheus Franca
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Tottenham tell Bayern Munich what they must do to land Harry Kane after latest round of face-to-face talks in London
Tottenham have told Bayern Munich what they must do to land Harry Kane this summer after the latest round of talks over a possible transfer.
Two of Bayern’s top executives were in London for fresh discussions with Spurs chairman Daniel Levy on Monday and are now on their way back to Munich.
Spurs have rejected two bids from the German champions thus far and are hoping to land £100m to part ways with their all-time record goalscorer.
It is thought that Bayern are willing to break their transfer record to sign the England captain – which is the €80m they paid for Lucas Hernandez in 2019.
After the latest round of talks, Sky Sports are reporting that there is still around a £20m gap between the two clubs’ valuations for the player – and Bayern must increase their offer if they wish to bring in Kane ahead of the new season.
They also claim that Spurs want a clause to be inserted which would allow them to have first dibs on re-signing Kane should he ever wish to leave Bayern.
Kane has less than a year left on his current deal and is believed to be keen on a move to the Bundesliga side with negotiations between the two clubs still ongoing after Monday’s meeting in a transfer saga which is set to continue.
Kane’s wife has been spotted looking for a new home as well as schools for the pair’s children in Munich, according to reports in Germany, while Tottenham have already made Randal Kolo Muani their top target to replace the 30-year-old.
Bayern are confident of landing a deal and are not worried about rival interest from Paris Saint-Germain – as it is believed that Kane does not want to join the French club – despite Levy almost reaching an agreement with them.
PSG are willing to outbid Bayern but it is thought that it would take a major U-turn for Kane to consider a switch to the Ligue 1 side this summer.
Kane’s reluctance to join PSG and Levy’s unwillingness to sell to a Premier League rival is a major boost for Bayern, who feel they can reach a pre-contract agreement with the striker in January if a deal with Spurs does not get over the line this summer.
Tottenham insist that they do not want to sell Kane but Bayern feel it is significant that they have ‘an open channel of communication’ with the north Londoners.
Kane has registered 280 goals and 64 assists across 435 games for Tottenham to date.
MORE : Tottenham ‘monitoring’ Nottingham Forest star Brennan Johnson
MORE : Manchester United make decision over Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane transfers
Sunday, July 30, 2023
^ ^ Mauricio Pochettino fires transfer message to Chelsea hierarchy
Mauricio Pochettino has fired a transfer message to Chelsea’s hierarchy and wants the Blues to strengthen in several areas before the new season begins.
The Blues head coach faced the media after Chelsea defeated west London rivals Fulham 2-0 on Sunday to lift the Premier League Summer Series trophy.
Goals from Thiago Silva and Christopher Nkunku secured the victory – with the match played in the United States.
Pochettino was asked about the summer transfer window after the match and was quizzed about Axel Disasi – after news emerged that Chelsea had agreed a deal in principle worth €45m (£38m) to sign the Monaco defender.
‘You know more than me!’ Pochettino said. ‘With (Wesley) Fofana’s injury, I think it’s obvious that maybe we need to reinforce this area (defence).
‘We need experience in midfield. My information is a player that is from France that they will sign (Lesley Ugochukwu) with the idea for some loan time.
‘I don’t know (how many new signings I need) because if I say some numbers, after I can create a problem.
‘For me, it’s important, the club is working really hard to try and improve all of the areas.’
Pochettino is open to bring in a new striker too despite impressive performances from Nkunku and Nicolas Jackson in pre-season thus far.
‘Today we were happy with the performance and they can compliment very well,’ Pochettino said about the pair.
‘Yes, of course, maybe we can add some different profile or different player who can help us, of course we are open.
‘I am so happy with both and we have younger players like Mason (Burstow) and (Armando) Broja in the UK recovering from his procedure. We need to analyse now in the next weeks until the transfer window closes. We will take the best decision for the team.’
Meanwhile, Pochettino has provided an update on Trevoh Chalobah after the Chelsea defender went off with injury in the pre-season win over Fulham.
Chalobah came on for the second half but was taken off again on the hour mark after picking up an injury, replaced by Alfie Gilchrist.
‘I hope it’s not a big issue,’ Pochettino added. ‘It’s a precaution. We need to assess him [in the] next few days. We don’t believe it is big, but [we] hope also.’
Chelsea’s season gets started on August 13 when they host Liverpool in their Premier League opener.
MORE : Why Arsenal pulled out of race for Chelsea-bound Axel Disasi
MORE : Mauricio Pochettino hails 'very talented' Chelsea youngster Carney Chukwuemeka
^ ^ Why Arsenal pulled out of race for Chelsea-bound Axel Disasi
Arsenal pulled out of the race to sign Chelsea-bound Axel Disasi because they were reluctant to meet Monaco’s asking price, according to reports.
Chelsea are close to securing the signing of 25-year-old France international defender Disasi after agreeing a deal in principle worth €45m (£38m).
The Gunners and Manchester United had both reportedly been looking at Disasi before news broke of Chelsea’s breakthrough.
Arsenal have already signed a new defender this summer, bringing in Jurrien Timber from Ajax.
United, meanwhile, are considering whether or not to re-sign veteran centre-back Jonny Evans after his impressive performances in pre-season on a short-term deal.
Chelsea were forced into the transfer market for a centre-back after another injury to Wesley Fofana – who is expected to be out for a meaningful period of time with a knee problem.
Disasi has knocked up four caps for France and was part of the 2022 World Cup squad, playing in the final as the French lost to Argentina.
The 25-year-old mad his professional debut for Paris FC, moved on to Reims and has been at Monaco since 2020, being a regular in the team for the last three seasons, scoring 10 goals in 129 games across all competitions.
Chelsea are hoping for an improvement in 2023-24 after a dismal campaign last term saw them finish 12th in the Premier League without a trophy.
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino has come in as head coach and the Blues get their season started on August 13 as they host Liverpool.
MORE : Chelsea agree £38m deal for Monaco defender Axel Disasi
MORE : Paul Merson makes Premier League title and Golden Boot prediction for new season
^ ^ Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino hails ‘very talented’ Carney Chukwuemeka
Chelsea head coach Mauricio Pochettino has hailed ‘very talented’ youngster Carney Chukwuemeka ahead of the new season.
The 19-year-old midfielder joined the Blues from Aston Villa in a £20m deal last summer, making 14 Premier League appearances for the west Londoners.
Chukwuemeka has been tipped for a bright future and Pochettino, who arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer, was quizzed about the England U20s international ahead of the Blues’ pre-season friendly against Fulham in the USA on Sunday.
‘He’s a player that can play in-between No.10 and No.8,’ Pochettino told NBC Sports.
‘He’s a very talented player, very good quality. In our dynamic, he can use different spaces on the pitch.’
Pochettino also spoke about fellow 19-year-olds Mason Burstow and Gabriel Slonina ahead of the match against Fulham after handing both men starts.
Burstow arrived at Chelsea in February 2022 from League One side Charlton Athletic and the young forward is yet to make his professional debut for the Blues.
United States international goalkeeper Slonina joined Chelsea from Major League Soccer club Chicago Fire last summer and is also waiting to make his first pro appearance.
‘[Burstow] is a young player, it’s a good opportunity for him to start,’ Pochettino added. ‘We can only trust the players to see them play. It’s a good opportunity for him and our fans to see him.
‘[Slonina has had] a very short period of time working with us. All the information we have is very good. It’s a good opportunity to see him. Kepa [Arrizabalaga] needs a rest.’
MORE : Chelsea make move for PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe
MORE : Chelsea agree £38m deal for France international defender
^ ^ Chelsea owner Todd Boehly holds talks with PSG over Kylian Mbappe move
Chelsea have started negoatiations with Paris Saint-Germain over a move for Kylian Mbappe, with Blues owner Todd Boehly holding talks with the French club’s president Nasser Al-Khelaifi.
The Daily Record reports that Chelsea are trying to work out a cash-plus-player deal with the Ligue 1 champions for the prolific striker.
PSG are keen to sell Mbappe this summer rather than allow him to leave on a free transfer next year and have already accepted a monumental €300m (£258m) bid for him from Saudi side Al Hilal.
However, Mbappe is not interested in moving to the Saudi Pro League and has not even entered into talks with Al Hilal.
The 24-year-old made his intentions clear that he intended to stay at PSG over the coming season and then leave when his contract expires, but the club are trying desperately to avoid that now and sell him for a fee while they can.
The report does not mention which player Chelsea are trying to send in the opposite direction to Mbappe.
The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are all available for transfer, but it is not clear whether PSG are keen to sign any of them this summer.
PSG did try to sign Ziyech on loan in January and it was only an unusual paperwork blunder from Chelsea seeing the deal collapse late in the transfer window.
Pochettino and Mbappe worked together while the Argentine was in charge at PSG, winning the Ligue 1 title in 2022.
Real Madrid remain interested in Mbappe, but a bid has not emerged from the Spanish capital yet.
Liverpool have also been linked with making an ambitious loan bid for the France international, with no shortage of interest in arguably the best striker on the planet, unsurprisingly.
MORE : Liverpool ‘in talks’ with Paris Saint-Germain over sensational loan move for Kylian Mbappe
MORE : PSG set huge price for Real Madrid to sign Kylian Mbappe this summer
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Women's World Cup: Kangaroos, co-hosts and Beth England
Juliette Ferrington brings you all the latest from the World Cup, alongside BBC Sport's Emma Sanders and Luke Edwards of the Daily Telegraph. We hear from Lionesses' striker Bethany England, who talks about her disappointment at losing her squad place following last year's Euros and her delight regaining her place for this tournament. She also explains how much she's enjoying colouring in and seeing kangaroos while Down Under. The versatile Rachel Daly talks about the resilience in the Lionesses' squad, as they reorganise following Keira Walsh's injury. There's also an assessment of Group A after co-hosts New Zealand were eliminated, and the team preview Australia's crucial game with Canada on Monday. TIMECODES 02:00 - How will England replace Keira Walsh? 06:00 - Interview with Beth England; 18:00 - Rachel Daly on England's resilience; 22:30 - Switzerland and Norway advance, New Zealand are knocked out; 27:00 - Preview of Australia v Canada.
^ ^ Chelsea agree £38m deal for Monaco defender Axel Disasi
Chelsea are close to securing the signing of Monaco defender Axel Disasi after agreeing a deal in principle worth €45million (£38m).
The centre-back has won four caps for France and was part of the 2022 World Cup squad, playing in the final as the French lost to Argentina.
The 25-year-old mad his professional debut for Paris FC, moved on to Reims and has been at Monaco since 2020, being a regular in the team for the last three seasons, scoring 10 goals in 129 games across all competitions.
The Athletic reports that Chelsea now look like his next port of call after the Blues agreed a £38m fee for the right-sided central defender.
The Blues signed another centre-back from Monaco just this year when they bought Benoit Badiashile for a fee of around £32.7m.
Another France international, Badisahile made 11 Premier League appearances after arriving in the January transfer window and now looks set to be reunited with his former teammate, who he played alongside for two-and-a-half years.
Chelsea have been forced into the transfer market for a centre-back after another injury to Wesley Fofana, who is expected to be out for a meaningful period of time with a knee problem.
The 22-year-old arrived from Leicester last summer for an enormous £70m but has struggled with injuries, as he did during his spell with the Foxes.
The Frenchman made 20 appearances in his first season at Stamford Bridge, but only 15 in the Premier League.
Mauricio Pochettino continues his pre-season schedule with Chelsea on Sunday as the Blues take on Fulham in Maryland.
MORE : Chelsea close to signing Moises Caicedo alternative in £25million deal
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Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.^ ^ Romelu Lukaku provides key update on Juventus transfer saga
Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku has provided an update on transfer talks with Juventus and has predicted that the deal will not be completed.
Lukaku is looking to leave Chelsea on a permanent basis this summer following his season-long loan at Inter Milan – but is struggling to find a new club.
His initial preference was to remain at Inter but last season’s Champions League finalists were reluctant to meet Chelsea’s £40m asking price.
That saw fellow Italian side Juventus enter talks to sign the Belgium international striker.
Juventus supporters staged a protest over the club’s push to sign Lukaku and the 30-year-old has now appeared to suggest that a move to Turin is now off.
‘I don’t think the deal will go through,’ Lukaku was captured saying in a clip which has gone viral on social media.
The video appeared to be taken outside the Anderlecht training ground – with Lukaku asked about a possible move to Juventus by an Inter fan.
Lukaku was left out of Chelsea’s pre-season tour and does not appear to be in Mauricio Pochettino’s plans.
His second stint at Stamford Bridge has been somewhat of a disaster since he moved back to west London in a huge £97.5m deal in 2021.
Lukaku is under contract with the Blues until 2026 as they continue to look to sell him in the summer transfer window.
MORE : Chelsea close to signing Moises Caicedo alternative in £25m deal
MORE : Paul Merson backs new Chelsea signing to take the Premier League by storm
^ ^ Morocco’s Nouhaila Benzina makes history as first player to wear hijab at Women’s World Cup
Morocco defender Nouhaila Benzina has made history as the first player to wear a hijab during a Women’s World Cup match as she helped her side overcome South Korea on Sunday.
Football’s governing body FIFA had previously banned players from wearing head covers for religious purposes in matches, citing concerns over player safety, though that ban was lifted in 2014.
Nearly a decade later, Benzina has now become the first player to wear a headscarf at the World Cup as she was picked to start in a 1-0 win over South Korea – her nation’s first victory at a Women’s World Cup.
The 25-year-old was an unused substitute in Morocco’s maiden match of the tournament, a 6-0 hammering at the hands of Germany last week.
But she was drafted into the back-line and helped secure a clean sheet despite South Korea’s dominance in the match, with the Asian giants attempting 16 shots on goal – though none were on target – and boasting 63% possession.
Ibtissam Jraidi gave Morocco the lead after just six minutes, with the African side capitalising on some nervous play at the back before whipping a delivery into the box for Jraidi to expertly glance home.
There have already been some big shocks at this year’s World Cup but Morocco’s win is right up there, with South Korea having been ranked 55 places above them in FIFA’s world rankings.
Benzina has shared social media posts in the lead-up to the World Cup about wearing a hijab but has not spoken to the media about it since arriving in Australia.
Speaking to Al Jezeera before the tournament, she said: ‘Lots of work was done over many years and thank God it had a positive result.’
Despite FIFA’s ruling, the hijab ban still exists in France where six of the Moroccan squad currently play their football, while they are also managed by a Frenchman in Reynald Pedros.
Explaining the decision to lift the ban nearly a decade ago, FIFA Secretary-General Jerome Valcke said: ‘It was decided that female players can cover their heads to play.
‘It was decided that male players can play with head cover too. It will be a basic head cover and the colour should be the same as the team jersey.’
FIFA’s ban on head covers had been in place up until 2014, with the governing body saying they posed a risk of injury to the head or neck, but a two-year testing period prompted a rethink and rule change.
MORE : Chelsea forward Sam Kerr declares herself fit for Australia’s must-win World Cup clash
MORE : Mel B unleashes fury and backs Mary Earps over Women’s World Cup kit injustice: ‘It’s a disgrace’
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