Millie Bright sent injury recovery warning by Chelsea boss Emma Hayes as Lionesses defender returns to England squad for first time in seven months

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes has urged key defender Millie Bright to take her time as she continues to build fitness after a lenghy injury layoff.

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Hayes reveals advice given to BrightChelsea defender recently back from injuryImmediately recalled to England squadWHAT HAPPENED?

Bright was recalled to the England setup by Sarina Wiegman on Tuesday morning ahead of four upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers in May, June and July. It will mark her first international action since withdrawing from the squad in late November. Club boss Hayes shared her advice to the Chelsea player a few hours later.

AdvertisementWHAT HAYES SAID

Speaking at a press conference before Chelsea's midweek WSL clash with Tottenham, Hayes said: "I will often say to the players that you have to put your career first and Millie was putting her body in a situation where, if she didn’t look after it…careers are short. I advised her to really prioritise a little longer term instead of just constantly playing in pain. That's been tough for her, a long time out, and hasn't been smooth running.

"That's why I think probably most managers get frustrated when [journalists] ask, 'Who's injured?' and we say, 'They are and it might be a week'. All of a sudden it’s three weeks or four weeks, or a month, or two months. It's not because we play games with you, this is the nature of what happens coming back from rehab and Millie's was certainly not straightforward.

"I'm happy for her that she's back [but] I still think she has to build progressively. It's a testament to her character, she's always been a leader in our dressing room and one that's given everything to Chelsea and everything to me in my time here."

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Having nursed a knee problem in the closing stages of last season that made her a doubt for the World Cup, Bright played her last game for more than five months when Chelsea drew 2-2 against Real Madrid in the Champions League on November 15. At one point, the 30-year-old even questioned whether she still had a career. But Bright returned for the final six minutes of the semi-final second leg against Barcelona on April 27 and has started each of Chelsea's WSL fixtures – against Liverpool and Bristol City – since.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

If Chelsea beat Tottenham on Wednesday and then Manchester United on Saturday, they will likely win a fifth consecutive WSL title, unless Manchester City can beat Aston Villa and orchestrate a goal-difference swing. For Bright, it would be her seventh since joining in 2014, as it would be Hayes, who is leaving the club for the USWNT job.

Victoria inch their way towards defendable lead

Harry Conway continued to star with a useful partnership and more wickets at Drummoyne Oval

Daniel Brettig13-Mar-2019Harry Conway continued to enjoy the game of his life but Victoria were inching their way to a defendable fourth-innings lead against New South Wales after two dramatic days of the top of the table Sheffield Shield match at Drummoyne Oval in Sydney.NSW had begun the day by eking out another 38 priceless runs for the final three wickets, as the captain Peter Nevill found more than useful help from Conway to forge a first-innings advantage. The Victorian response was quickly unsettled by Conway, who got an outswinger to lift off a length at Travis Dean and reap a catch in the slips, maintaining the visiting captain’s difficult season.Marcus Harris and Will Pucovski steadied things for a time, but in the minutes before lunch both were deceived and dismissed: Pucovski pinned lbw on the front foot by Steve O’Keefe, then Harris tucked up by a Greg West bouncer and gloving into the cordon from the very last ball of the morning.In the afternoon, Conway bent a near yorker around the groping bat of Cameron White to pin the former Victorian captain lbw for a golden duck, and Nic Maddinson hinted at a major score before glancing West into Nevill’s gloves for 33.Conway’s third strike arrived when Matthew Short was turned around by another away swinger and well held by Nick Larkin in the slips, and Seb Gotch’s unsuccessful attempt to hammer Jason Sangha’s legbreak beyond the boundary left Victoria with only three wickets remaining. Nevertheless, their lead by the close was worth 130, with James Pattinson and Peter Siddle intent on adding more.

Chelsea make contact to sign U17 World Cup winner who wants new challenge

Sitting mid-table and already 12 points adrift of the Premier League's top four, to say that Chelsea's transfer tactic is yet to pay off would be an incredible understatement. Mauricio Pochettino's side just can't seem to gain any consistency, with three wins and two losses in their last five league games summing things up. And now that the January transfer window is open, the Blues could be set to shake things up even further, for better or for worse.

That said, reports suggest that Chelsea have opened talks to sign one particular Bundesliga gem ahead of Championship promotion contenders Leicester City to continue their trend of signing young players.

Chelsea transfer news

After welcoming Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo, Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku and many others in a major summer overhaul, Chelsea would have been hoping to make their return to the Premier League's top six. For all the money they've spent, however, Chelsea have had very little to show for it, with Palmer the only real standout arrival so far.

Nonetheless, Todd Boehly is seemingly sticking to his guns when it comes to his transfer policy and could now land another young player who could become a future star.

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According to Florian Plettenberg, Chelsea have opened talks to sign Wolfsburg centre-back David Odogu, who is ready for a new challenge and open to leaving the Bundesliga club this month, amid interest from the Blues and Leicester City.

As the weeks go on, the young defender could certainly be one to keep an eye on, especially if Chelsea advance their interest even further.

Chelsea move could be too soon for Odogu

Yet to make a Bundesliga appearance this season, Odogu must take care in choosing his next move, especially with Chelsea interested. The London giants have signed a number of young, talented players in the last year or so, before watching on as they struggle to make an impact. One example of that is Romeo Lavia, who has had his injury problems but has also featured just once in league action. Now, the former Southampton midfielder is at risk of becoming a forgotten man.

That's a fate that Odogu will be desperate to avoid, meaning that Leicester could be a far more suitable option this month. A young side gunning for silverware in the Championship should make for a far better environment for a young defender than that of a falling giant in the Premier League. As the weeks go on, the U17 World Cup star could be thrown into the centre of transfer news with a big decision to make. The 17-year-old is certainly one to keep an eye on, no matter where he ends up.

Huge club making permanent move to sign Diego Llorente from Leeds United

Leeds United have their sights on Championship promotion and could be faced with an interesting proposition in the transfer market this month, according to a new report.

Leeds get busy in the transfer window…

News surrounding potential incomings and outgoings is beginning to ramp up at Elland Road as Daniel Farke shuffles his pack in the transfer window, and the German coach will know that his decisions this month could significantly contribute to his side's chances of promotion.

Sunday Mirror journalist Darren Witcoop has taken to social media platform X to offer a significant update on who could potentially arrive in Yorkshire in light of Luke Ayling's departure to Middlesbrough on a loan deal, as he stated below:

Football Insider reporter Pete O'Rourke has also hinted that Farke could look to upgrade in the left-back department to counteract the fact that Sam Byram has deputised in the position for much of the season. Speculation is rife regarding Joe Gelhardt's future at the club too, and journalist Alan Nixon has detailed that he could head out on loan this window, as he wrote: "He’s been nowhere near for weeks and can go on loan. On big money. That will have to be a sponsored loan for someone."

Celtic, Rangers, Plymouth Argyle and Blackburn Rovers are believed to be in the mix to sign the Liverpool-born forward in light of his limited involvement this term. Now, Leeds United could be at the centre of an interesting transfer saga involving another man who is on the books at the club, according to a report.

Diego Llorente lined up for shock move

According to Foot Mercato, Paris Saint-Germain are believed to be advancing in a deal involving Diego Llorente, who is on loan at Serie A giants Roma from Leeds. The report states that Spain International's agreement in the Italian capital could become permanent if certain appearance-based incentives are met.

Five similar players to Diego Llorente (FBRef)

Player

Club

Sam Beukema

Bologna

Flavius Daniliuc

Salernitana

Robin Knoche

Union Berlin

Victor Lindelof

Manchester United

Warmed Omari

Rennes

However, Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain want to swoop in to offer a higher fee for his services than the finances already on the table from Roma, which would essentially mean that Leeds will be better off in the event of an immediate sale to the French giants.

Leeds defender Diego Llorente.

Earning around £28,000 per week on his current terms, Llorente has gone on to make 23 appearances across all competitions for Jose Mourinho's Roma this campaign, registering two assists in total (Llorente statistics – Transfermarkt).

Leeds will accept they are likely to lose his services and they could eventually land a cash boost that can be invested back into recruitment at Elland Road.

Lionesses star Lauren James lands top PFA prize after posting career-best numbers for WSL champions Chelsea

Chelsea star Lauren James has scooped up the PFA Women's Super League's Fans' Player of the Year award – something she was delighted about.

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Chelsea pip Man City to WSL titleJames stars in league triumphEngland ace rewarded with PFA prizeWHAT HAPPENED?

James scored 13 goals and bagged two assists in 16 games for Chelsea – the best numbers of her career so far – as they won the WSL for a record fifth-straight season. Now, the England international has picked up this top PFA prize to go with Chelsea Women's Player of the Season accolade.

AdvertisementWHAT LAUREN JAMES SAID

In an Instagram story, she wrote: "Thank you all for your support. See you next season."

InstagramTHE BIGGER PICTURE

For so long it looked like Chelsea would fall short in Emma Hayes' last season as Blues manager, only for them to pip City to the title in a dramatic finale. James' goals proved crucial as they came away with some silverware and if they are to continue winning trophies, the 22-year-old needs to be just as, if not more, influential going forward.

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GettyWHAT NEXT?

James, who lost out to City striker Khadija Shaw in the race for the Women's Footballer of the Year award given by the Football Writers' Association, is likely to feature for England in their upcoming Euro 2025 qualifiers against France on May 31 and June 4.

Josh Shaw helps skittle Durham for second time as Gloucestershire close in

Durham could muster only 132 in their second innings before Gloucestershire’s openers knocked off half of the target before the close

ECB Reporters Network21-May-2019Gloucestershire are on the verge of securing their first Specsavers County Championship Division Two win of the season, requiring only another 53 runs with nine wickets in hand to beat Durham at Emirates Riverside.The visitors were only able to add 54 runs to their first-innings total on day two, although it was enough to hold a slender advantage as Chris Rushworth and Brydon Carse did the damage for the hosts. Durham then put forward another poor effort with the bat after mustering only 158 in their first innings.Cameron Bancroft top-scored with 40, providing resistance with a patient knock. Outside of the skipper, familiar failings resulted in the home side being bowled out for 132. Gloucestershire openers Chris Dent and Miles Hammond knocked off over half of the 117 needed for the victory before the close.Gloucestershire began day two 120 for 5, trailing the home side by 38 runs. Ben Raine made an impact in his first over when he dismissed Benny Howell, who failed to add to his overnight score of 27. Rushworth added to Durham’s bright start to the day when he removed Ryan Higgins and Josh Shaw, clean bowling the latter for 18.Graeme van Buuren and Matt Taylor added late runs to guide Gloucestershire into a lead of 16 as Carse ended the innings, claiming the final two wickets. David Payne handed the visitors the perfect start to Durham’s second innings, dismissing Alex Lees lbw for a first-ball duck. Ryan Pringle countered by scoring six boundaries in an attempt to kickstart his season, but he played a loose shot on 30 on the stroke of lunch and was caught at mid-on off the bowling of Shaw.The right-arm seamer then put Gloucestershire in control after the interval, removing Gareth Harte and Jack Burnham in successive deliveries, with the former completing a pair in the match falling to an lbw decision. Bancroft and Liam Trevaskis held firm for almost 23 overs, fending off accurate bowling from the visitors.The two players were approaching their fifty partnership, but Trevaskis took on a quick single and a slight hesitation from his partner at the other end broke the stand at 48. A direct hit from Van Buuren running in from cover dismissed the Durham skipper, which signalled all but the end of Durham’s hopes of producing a competitive total. Trevaskis fell shortly after his captain for 21 to Payne before Taylor and Higgins combined to take two wickets apiece to wrap up the final four wickets for 35 runs.Dent and Hammond were then able to see off the threat of the new ball. Rushworth and Raine attempted to apply pressure, but the Gloucestershire openers whittled down the target, reaching their fifty partnership in 108 deliveries. Matt Salisbury ended the stand at 60 as Dent edged behind to Eckersley, but the visitors remained on course for a comfortable win.

Rangers could repeat Cantwell move with "powerful" late transfer

Glasgow Rangers appear to be close to securing a deal for Ivorian midfielder Mohamed Diomande if the latest reports are to be believed.

According to Danish outlet BT, the Gers have reached an agreement to sign the midfielder from FC Nordsjaelland as Philippe Clement looks to bolster his squad during the dying embers of the January transfer window.

Glasgow Rangers managerPhilippe Clement.

The 22-year-old could be an exciting arrival at Ibrox, but hopefully that won't be the only piece of business conducted by the club over the next week or so, especially with certain areas of the squad needing major overhaul.

One such position is the left-back area, as the Gers have two players who could potentially depart in the coming months.

Rangers’ search for a left-back

Borna Barisic is into the final few months of his contract and there has yet to be any discussion over an extension as of yet, indicating that it is likely he leaves Glasgow.

Ridvan Yilmaz could also be ending his stint in Scotland, as the Turkish defender is looking to leave Rangers amid interest from Galatasaray in his homeland.

Rangers defender Borna Barisic.

This suggests Clement may be left with few options on the left side of defence unless he moves to bring in some reinforcements this month, and the club have been linked with a few names of late.

One player who has emerged as a potential signing is Cameron Pring, who is currently playing for Bristol City in the Championship.

According to journalist Alan Nixon last week, the Gers are chasing a move for Pring – who is out of contract in 2026.

This suggests that the club are under no pressure to move him on this window, but if a suitable offer arrives from the Premiership club, then it could perhaps tempt them to move him on.

The Light Blues have enjoyed previous success in signing players from the English second tier during the winter window, as Todd Cantwell proved last January when he arrived for just £1.5m and dazzled during his opening months north of the border.

Todd Cantwell's numbers at Rangers

Cantwell arrived with fellow signing Nico Raskin last January and the duo made a positive start to their careers in Scotland, most notably the Englishman.

Indeed, having failed to register a single goal contribution during the first half of the season for Norwich City, Cantwell went on to score six times and grab six assists as he endeared himself to the Ibrox faithful.

Rangers midfielder Todd Cantwell.

Despite arriving mid-season, Cantwell ranked fourth in the squad for successful dribbles per game (1.5) along with ranking sixth for big chances created (five) and sixth for goals scored (six) in the top flight, proving that he was a big influence on the team and it gave him a solid base ahead of the current campaign.

The attacking midfielder has yet to hit the heights displayed between January and May last year so far during 2023/24, but he does have seven goal contributions across 26 matches as he has appeared in a few different positions under Clement.

If the Belgian can get the 25-year-old clicking into gear during the second half of the season however, Cantwell could be a vital component of a team who is eyeing up a remarkable treble.

Pring may not be an attacking midfielder, yet he can follow in Cantwell’s footsteps and enjoy a positive transition from the Championship to the Scottish top flight and become a key player for the 49-year-old coach.

The stats that show why Pring would be a good signing

As stated, the left-back area desperately needs a refresh and Pring could be the ideal candidate to become the new first-choice player in that area under Clement.

At 26, he is just entering his prime years and the defender has made 159 senior appearances across a host of clubs in England and the spell at Bristol City has been the longest of his career so far.

Although not the most attacking left-back, Pring still managed six assists and one goal last season, while during the current campaign, he has three goal contributions.

It is his defensive skills which are his strong suit and this could be a change of direction for Clement as Barisic and James Tavernier are attacking-minded full-backs who tend to bomb up and down their respective flanks on a regular basis.

Rangers could sign dream Barisic replacement in 6 ft 1 "unit"

Rangers are currently searching for a new left-back this January

ByRoss Kilvington Jan 15, 2024

Pring does currently rank second among his teammates for successful dribbles per game (one) in the Championship however, indicating that he can push forward when required, and he also ranks second for tackles per game (2.2) and third for interceptions per game (1.4) as his defensive abilities have been on show.

Rangers Journal founder Kai Watson analysed Pring’s strengths and weaknesses amid the recent links with the 26-year-old, saying: “The first thing to note about Pring is that he’s an absolute unit. 6’1, very strong and powerful. The unusual thing about this link, compared to the other left-backs, is that he excels in the defensive areas of the game.

“He’s not the chance creator the likes of Barisic and Tavernier are as the usual full-back options.”

Touches

62

Accurate long balls

2/2

Dribble attempts

2/2

Tackles

3

Total duels won

9/11

Indeed, when compared to positional peers in leagues similar to the English Championship, Prings currently ranks in the top 1% for aerial duels per 90 (2.75) and in the top 6% for clearances per 90 (3.24), further evidence that the defensive side of his game is up to scratch.

There is no doubt he could be a useful signing during the current window and it would ease the burden of potentially just having one left-back in the first-team squad come the end of the transfer window.

Pring has demonstrated his talents in the second tier and has shone for City over the previous few seasons. He is certainly ready to take the next step in his career and a move to Scotland could provide him with the chance to win trophies along with playing in European competition.

The next few days of the winter window could see Diomande checking in at Rangers ahead of his proposed move, but hopefully Pring arrives before the deadline next week.

Former MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco at TST 2024 with Kwik Goal FC to 'win the entire thing'

Former MLS MVP Sebastian Giovinco wants to win TST with Jimmy Conrad, Dwayne De Rosario and Kwik Goal FC.

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Giovinco talks TST 2024Italian's mindset is to 'win entire thing'Playing with Kwik Goal FC & other starsWHAT HAPPENED?

Recruited to play alongside former MLS MVP Dwayne De Rosario, Giovinco said that the duo – along with ex-USMNT star Jimmy Conrad – aren't just interested in competing at TST 2024, they want to win it all. The Italian's ambitions are high, and speaking exclusively to GOAL, he revealed why and what the 7v7 tournament means to him.

AdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Giovinco, whose extensive career included crafting his trade in Serie A, MLS, the Saudi Pro League and with the Italian national team, has returned to the pitch with proverbial fire in his eyes.

The Italian, who was named 2015 MLS MVP with Toronto FC, was known for his trademark free kicks and neat footwork during his professional career. Although he doesn't know if the former will be as important on a small-sided 7v7 pitch, he's excited to display his brilliance at The Soccer Tournament in Cary, N.C. this week.

WHAT GIOVINCO SAID

The attacker's aim with a deadball was a trademark throughout his career, but with smaller pitches and nets, he's planning to adjust his tactics for TST 2024.

‘Maybe not (scoring freekicks) because I hear the net is not as big as an 11 vs 11," he said, "but if a chance comes we take it. But as a game… soccer is soccer and we will adapt to the movement."

Taking the pitch with another former MLS MVP in Rosario also has him excited, with both having roots with Toronto FC and Canada.

“It will be fun… fun because we represented big teams in MLS and it will be a fun to play together," he said.

Looking ahead to the tournament, which begins Wednesday – with matches streamed LIVE here and on ESPN + and ESPNU – the former Juventus ace declared he only has one intention by competing in 2024. While some clubs — such as Luis Nani and his squad Nani SC — declare that they're at TST to "have fun," Giovinco is here to "win the entire thing."

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The Soccer TournamentWHAT NEXT FOR GIOVINCO?

The Italian maestro and Kwik Goal FC report for action Wednesday to kick off their TST 2024 journey. Competing in Group H, they'll take on the likes of Pasha Luxury FC, Trainqui 10 FC and Sacha Kljestan's Sneaky Fox FC.

Spurs make approach to replicate Romero masterclass in £35m deal

Tottenham Hotspur lost to a superior Manchester City side in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday night to all but end Ange Postecoglou's hopes of gleaning silverware in his maiden campaign in English football.

Having failed to qualify for this season's European competition and fallen at the first hurdle in the Carabao Cup, Spurs will exclusively compete in the Premier League over the next several months, though the fifth-placed side are currently eight points behind top team Liverpool.

Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou.

Postecoglou said: "It's fair to say that they've got eight or nine years on us" in his post-match press conference, with such words pronounced pragmatically, rather than being tinged with bitterness after a cold cup defeat.

Off the back of that, it is important to remember that this exciting Tottenham system is in its fledgling phase and that the blistering start to life this season went far beyond expectations after such a dour 2022/23 term.

Harry Kane's summer sale to Bayern Munich, of course, contributed toward this, but Postecoglou has proved his savvy ability and welcomed many exciting signings to kickstart a new era.

Spurs' 70-touch "brick" was the shining light with Van de Ven vs City

The hosts fell to a late defeat against Manchester City after a toothless attacking display in the FA Cup.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 27, 2024

This month, depth was clearly needed and centre-back Radu Dragusin and versatile forward Timo Werner – formerly of Chelsea – were welcomed to boost the chances over the coming months. Now, with the transfer window in its late stage, a final move is being lined up.

Spurs eyeing last-gasp move

According to Football Insider, Tottenham are persisting in their bid to sign Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, but the Blues are unwilling to sell and have slapped an £80m price tag on the England international, so a deal will be complicated, to say the least.

As such, perhaps the Lilywhites could now advance their interest in Atalanta's Ederson, with Corriere Torino – via Sport Witness – revealing that Spurs have made an approach for the Brazilian midfielder.

While the Serie A club are determined to hold onto their central fulcrum, it's understood that an offer of around £35m could tempt them to cash in, and chairman Daniel Levy could now lodge a formal offer before the end of the month.

Why Spurs are interested in Ederson

Praised for his "versatile" nature in midfield by South American football expert Tim Vickery, Ederson first rose to prominence in Italy after playing a leading role in Salernitana's remarkable escape from relegation in 2021/22, and since transferred to Atalanta in July 2022 and chalked up 64 appearances for his current club.

As per Sofascore, the 24-year-old has scored five goals from 20 outings in Serie A this term to ice a rounded approach that has seen him complete 84% of his passes, succeed with 76% of his dribbles, win 59% of his duels and average 2.5 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 5.6 ball recoveries per game.

Atalanta midfielder Ederson

Lively and progressive, Ederson is a reliable influencer of attacking play but does tend to make his mark by driving the ball forward himself rather than dazzling with his distribution, but given that Tottenham have some exquisite central ball-players in Yves Bissouma and James Maddison, this could be the perfect additional dimension.

As per FBref, Ederson ranks among the top 15% of midfielders across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals scored, successful take-ons and interceptions, as well as the top 4% for blocks per 90, with the stats-based site actually linking Gallagher as a comparable player.

While Tottenham are currently outside the top four, the progress made under Postecoglou's leadership has indeed been commendable, and Ederson would be yet another piece of the puzzle to continue the revival, with defensive metrics that bespeak his all-encompassing nature.

Tackling

Dribbling

Concentration

Interceptions

Source: WhoScored

Given that the £42k-per-week star would be relatively affordable compared to some of the exorbitant figures floating around the market, it's a venture well worth taking for Postecoglou and co, especially considering their recent success in plucking talents from Italian football.

Spurs' Serie A success

Tottenham's playing squad boasts some of its finest quality from Serie A, with Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski both signed from Juventus in January 2022, and Destiny Udogie, Guglielmo Vicario and Radu Dragusin all making their debuts this season after departing Italy.

All are fine players capable of making a marked impact on Postecoglou's legacy as Spurs boss, but none more so than Cristian Romero, who actually completed a £42m transfer from Atalanta back in 2021.

Spurs defender Cristian Romero.

The Argentinian defender has completed 81 appearances for Spurs and has been praised for his "incredible" performances by football.london's Alasdair Gold, with compatriot Lionel Messi also remarking that he is the "best defender in the world right now" following La Albiceleste's 2022 World Cup triumph.

In the Premier League this season, while Romero has missed several matches due to injuries and suspension, he has been one of the finest centre-halves around, scoring three times from only 16 outings, completing 93% of his passes, winning 70% of his duels and averaging 2.2 tackles and 5.9 recoveries per fixture.

The £165k-per-week titan also ranks among the top 11% of centre-backs for goals scored, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for pass completion and passes attempted, the top 16% for progressive passes, the top 5% for tackles and the top 15% for interceptions per 90.

With a similarly tenacious and aggressive approach to his craft, Ederson could be a welcome addition to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and Postecoglou could repeat a trick in bringing him to the club to join his South American counterpart.

It would be yet another layer of depth to a squad that hints at real success down the line, and Tottenham must now make a last-gasp January swoop to ensure that Champions League qualification is achieved by the end of the term.

Man Utd legend Ruud van Nistelrooy in frame to replace Chelsea-bound Enzo Maresca at Leicester City

Manchester United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy is reportedly in talks to replace Chelsea-bound Enzo Maresca at Leicester City.

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Nistelrooy in talks with Leicester Could succeed Maresca at King Power Nistelrooy is currently a free agent WHAT HAPPENED?

Van Nistelrooy, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring with the Red Devils, transitioned into management with considerable success. He managed PSV Eindhoven in the 2022-23 season, leading them to victory in the KNVB Cup and the Johan Cruyff Shield. However, he resigned just before the season concluded, with PSV finishing second in the Eredivisie and has since been a free agent.

Advertisement(C)Getty ImagesTHE BIGGER PICTURE

According to the Foxes are in touch with Nistelrooy to take over the reins at King Power Stadium as Maresca is all set to head to west London and join Chelsea in a reported five-year deal. On the back of a triumphant season in the Championship, Leicester will compete in the English top flight and Nistelrooy will get the opportunity to lead his troops against his former club – in what would be a sensational homecoming for the ex-Dutch striker at Old Trafford.

DID YOU KNOW?

At PSV, Van Nistelrooy's leadership extended beyond the first team. He also managed the club’s reserve and Under-19s teams, demonstrating his ability to develop young talent. Additionally, he has served as an assistant coach for the Netherlands national team on two occasions, further bolstering his managerial credentials.

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Getty ImagesWHAT NEXT?

Leicester will now look to build on their Championship success and establish themselves again as a formidable force in the top flight. Appointing Van Nistelrooy could be a strategic move to achieve that goal as he could herald a new and exciting era for the club with his ambition, experience, and tactical knowledge.

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