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Wayne Rooney scored a sackful of brilliant goals during his illustrious career and he's proven he hasn't lost any of his world-class talent, despite turning 40 a few weeks ago, after scoring a thrilling overhead kick on popular TV show A League of Their Own. Rooney famously scored an iconic bicycle kick against Manchester City in 2011 and has rolled back the years during filming of the sports-based comedy panel gameshow.

• Rooney thrills the crowd with overhead stunner

  Rooney thrilled the watching studio audience after receiving a pass from host, comedian Romesh Ranganathan, he controlled it with his first touch, with the second he lifted the ball above his head and then acrobatically spun backwards and fired the ball over his head and into the (empty) net from a few yards out. The audience roared their approval and Rooney was quickly joined in celebrations by Ranganathan and his team-mates on the evening, fellow ex-pro Jamie Redknapp and comedian Alex Brooker. 

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• Watch Rooney's bicycle kick brilliance

• Rooney rolls back the years

  Rooney’s goal on the brought back memories of another overhead kick he scored during his playing days, a stunning strike for United against rivals City. The former England striker scored 253 goals during playing days at United, but his sensational goal against City in February 2011, at Old Trafford is etched in football history as one of the Premier League's most iconic. The score was level at 1-1 in the Manchester derby when the moment of magic arrived in the 78th minute. A cross from Nani was deflected high into the air, and with his back to goal, Rooney launched himself into an acrobatic bicycle kick. The ball soared into the top corner, leaving goalkeeper Joe Hart stunned. Rooney himself admitted it wasn't his best game, but his pure instinct and spectacular technique produced a goal that secured a crucial 2-1 victory for United on their way to winning the league title that season. The strike was later voted the best goal in Premier League history. 

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  Public spat with Virgil van Dijk

  After taking time to consider his stinging comments, Rooney has conceded he was wrong to claim Virgil van Dijk had "downed tools" after signing a new deal at Liverpool. The row had threatened to boil over as the pair clashed live on TV, but Rooney has moved to cool the disagreement and also offered Van Dijk advice on how to get the champions' faltering season back on track

  Rooney, speaking on , said: "My job now is to give my opinions, and I like to think I'm straight and honest with my opinions and how I feel. The one thing where I maybe went a bit too strong is where I said he’s downed tools since he signed his new contract – that's a big thing to say, and maybe I was wrong on that. But from a performance level, from what we’ve seen from Van Dijk, I don’t think he's been at that level this season, and I said I’m sure as captain he'd be speaking to players, taking them out for food, which he said he has done. Clearly if he's felt he’s done that, if he had to do that, there’s something not right."

  He added: "As champions, you can’t lose four games in a row. If you lose one game, there’s questions, and if you lose four in a row, there’s something not quite right. I think getting involved too much in the outside noise – that’s our job (as pundits), focus on your game. As a younger player, I’d be looking at Van Dijk and how he reacts to this – how is it going to help them? You have to get on with your game and speak internally."

Real Madrid striker Endrick is set to leave the club on a temporary basis after failing to impress head coach Xabi Alonso following his arrival at the club in the summer. The Brazilian had been linked with a loan move to the Premier League, with both Manchester United and Aston Villa interested in the young forward. But reports now suggest the 19-year-old will make a move to Lyon in France.

• Endrick heading to Lyon?

  Endrick made his long-awaited return to action for Madrid last weekend, coming off the bench late in the club’s thrashing of Valencia in La Liga. The appearance marked his first in five months following recovery from injury, but reports suggest the striker’s situation at the Santiago Bernabeu remains unchanged.

  According to Fabrizio Romano, Los Blancos are finalising details of a deal that will see Endrick join Ligue 1 side Lyon on a short-term loan. Negotiations between the two clubs are described as being at an advanced stage, with only an unexpected setback likely to derail the agreement. The move would see Endrick spend six months in France, with no option to buy included in the deal – a key factor in Real Madrid’s decision-making process that stalled the likes of United and Villa for competing for his signature, as the Premier League clubs wanted an option to buy included, as reported by ESPN Brasil.

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  French giants already preparing for Brazilian

  Sources have also revealed that one of Lyon coach Paulo Fonseca’s assistants has already begun analysing Endrick’s previous performances. The staff member is reportedly compiling a detailed "dossier" on the striker’s style of play by reviewing footage from his time at Palmeiras between 2022 and 2023, as well as his limited appearances for Madrid. The French club view Endrick as a short-term reinforcement who can add some much-needed attacking energy as they push to climb the Ligue 1 table.

• Alonso's explanation for Endrick snub

  Injury has certainly played a part in Endrick's limited gametime this season, but there is no question that Alonso has not been as accommodating of the young forward as former boss Carlo Ancelotti was. After missing the first four games of the season with a thigh injury, Endrick has sat on the bench for the last six La Liga games, before eventually being used during the 4-0 win on Saturday. Alonso's reasoning for his extended absence was: "Of course, I’d like him to have played already. But the situations in our recent matches have been very tight since Endrick returned. I hope he can get those minutes soon. He’s training well, he’s ready – but the right moment has to come."

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  Future remains bright

  It feels like Endrick has been around for years already, and that he is wasting his career by settling for a spot on the bench at Madrid. But it is easy to forget the striker is only 19 years old, and has technically been a Los Blancos player for almost three years. A move away may be the perfect decision to help his development, so that he can return and truly compete alongside the likes of Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe.

Crystal Palace are facing a pivotal season as the Eagles look to build upon what has been an absolutely excellent 2025 — a year which has seen them go on an unprecedented unbeaten streak whilst ending their history-long wait for a major trophy.

Crystal Palace face an uncertain future after stellar 2025

Oliver Glasner masterminded an historic win over Man City in the FA Cup final in May, delivering the club’s first ever piece of silverware, with the Eagles also tasting defeat for the first time in 20 games against Everton last weekend.

Palace’s club record 19-game unbeaten run in all competitions is testament to the phenomenal job done by Glasner with very limited resources, all whilst coping with the departures of key stars like Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze since his arrival.

However, while the Eagles are currently riding high, and still sit unexpectedly near the Premier League top four, this era is seriously threatened by Glasner’s uncertain future and a potentially imminent exit for star defender Marc Guehi.

Glasner is out of contract at the end of 25/26, and is attracting attention from top-flight rivals like Nottingham Forest amid his excellent work at Selhurst Park.

Guehi, meanwhile, was on the verge of joining Liverpool last summer only for Palace to pull out of the deal in dramatic fashion. The England star, who’s established himself as a Three Lions mainstay and proven Premier League defender since joining the South Londoners in 2021, will have his pick of new clubs once his deal also runs out in 2026.

It is absolutely imperative that Steve Parish shows a statement of intent to back Glasner if he hopes for the Austrian’s extended stay, and January could be vital in this respect.

Crystal Palace in contact with Conor Gallagher and could strike January deal

£150,000-per-week Atlético Madrid midfielder Conor Gallagher, who dazzled at Palace on loan from Chelsea in 2021/2022, is apparently a potential winter target.

The England international has been in and out of the Atlético starting eleven under Diego Simeone this season, and journalist Graeme Bailey reports that Palace are in contact with Gallagher’s representatives ahead of a possible January swoop.

The 25-year-old was one of Palace’s star performers of the 21/22 season, bagging eight goals and three assists over 33 Premier League starts, and his contribution stretched far beyond the numbers going forward.

Gallagher’s loan spell at Palace was widely regarded as a breakthrough period in his career, showcasing his immense talent and versatility in midfield.

Arriving from Chelsea, Gallagher quickly became a key figure, impressing with his energy, work rate, and technical ability. His box-to-box style of play combined relentless pressing with intelligence, making him a versatile asset both defensively and offensively.

The ex-Chelsea man’s performances earned praise from teammates, managers, and pundits alike, with many highlighting maturity beyond his years. Gallagher’s impact was so pronounced that Palace even sought to extend his stay, but while those attempts fell through, he could still make a sensational return.

MLS, in partnership with EDGE Sound Research, will debut “Embodied Sound” during the Oct. 29 playoff match between LAFC and Austin FC – which also marks Son Heung-min’s first MLS postseason appearance. The technology uses real-time object tracking to isolate the soccer ball as its own audio source, letting viewers hear and feel every touch, pass, and strike with unprecedented clarity.

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  Revolutionary ball-tracking audio system

  The technology marks the first-ever use of isolated ball audio in a live soccer broadcast, offering audio engineers unprecedented control and clarity. By routing the ball's sound into a dedicated channel, the broadcast mix will deliver more precise and immersive effects, capturing the energy of each kick, post hit, and player reaction without being overwhelmed by ambient stadium noise.

  This innovation provides mixers with a clean, controllable "ball channel," enabling them to emphasize key moments in real time without affecting other ambient sounds.

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  MLS's commitment to technological innovation

  EDGE Sound Research, a U.S.-based leader in multimodal audio, has collaborated closely with Major League Soccer over the past year to adapt their Virtual Sound Engine platform specifically for soccer broadcasting. The company's CEO, Valtteri Salomaki, explained that the development process involved optimizing audio-focus tools to leverage tracking data and automatically generate field effects mixes for broadcasts.

  “Over the past year, we’ve collaborated closely with Major League Soccer to adapt our Virtual Sound Engine platform supporting the automation and enhancement of broadcasting [for] soccer,”  Salomaki said as per Sportsvideo.org. “Early on, we optimized our audio-focus tools to leverage tracking data and automatically generate the field FX mix for broadcasts. 

  “As we began working in various stadiums, we quickly realized how the sheer loudness of the crowd can wash out the sounds from the field of play. That challenge led us to build a new machine-learning and DSP infrastructure that allows us to rapidly fine-tune models to specific sports sounds, such as the kick of a ball.”

• Evolution of technology

  EDGE Sound Research, a member of the MLS Innovation Lab, had previously applied earlier versions of this technology in stadium environments, including the Minnesota Twins' Target Field, where it enhanced the in-venue experience for hearing-challenged fans. The company later tested iterations of the technology at the NBA's Summer League in Las Vegas earlier this year.

  The MLS application represents a significant evolution, taking the ball-tracking capability from venue enhancement to broadcast application, with this week marking the first live production where the full Virtual Sound Engine platform will be deployed for MLS.

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  MLS Innovation Lab's impact

  The audio initiative comes through the MLS Innovation Lab, which identifies, supports, and accelerates startups driving the next wave of sports technology, fan engagement, and on-field performance.

West Ham travel to Everton on Monday, but Graham Potter will not get the chance to use the trip to Goodison Park as a shot at redemption after he and his coaching staff were let go on Saturday.

The managers who West Ham are considering to replace Graham Potter

Nuno Espírito Santo, Slaven Bilic, Scott Parker, Marco Silva, Sean Dyche, Frank Lampard and Michael Carrick have all been mentioned as managerial candidates for the potential West Ham job recently.

Potter, who had overseen four defeats from five Premier League games at West Ham this season, conceding more goals than any other top-flight side, has seen time run out. Reports had hinted at a stay of execution for the 50-year-old until the Arsenal match, but David Sullivan and the West Ham board have decided to call time on his reign.

It’s been just over nine months since Potter took over from Julen Lopetegui in the dugout, with the former Chelsea and Brighton boss recording one of West Ham’s worst Premier League win percentages in that time — behind only Avram Grant — who relegated the east Londoners in 2011.

According to reliable club insider ExWHUemployee, while Nuno is demanding a long-term contract with reported big wages, the Portuguese is believed to be in pole position for the job. Other top contenders include Bilic, who is already planning his coaching staff in the event he’s appointed (ExWHUemployee), and now, Gary O’Neil.

The latter is a free agent after leaving Wolves last season and has a connection with West Ham already, having made 56 appearances for them as a player. O’Neil does have his credentials too, despite being sacked by his last club.

His work at Molineux and Bournemouth is “highly respected” in Premier League circles, according to The Independent’s Miguel Delaney, given O’Neil worked wonders at times with limited resources and helped to save the Cherries from what looked like a near-certain relegation in 2022/2023.

Gary O'Neil keen to replace Graham Potter as West Ham hold manager talks

Now, as per journalist Pete O’Rourke, O’Neil is believed to be keen on joining West Ham as the club hold talks with managerial candidates behind-the-scenes.

O’Rourke highlights that Nuno remains the favourite, but says O’Neil is actually Sullivan and the board’s second choice behind the ex-Nottingham Forest hero.

The 42-year-old may not ‘wow’ supporters as a favoured candidate, though there is reason to believe he could steady the ship, at least on a short-term contract until the end of the season.

Gary O'Neil's credentials for the West Ham job

After taking over from Scott Parker at Bournemouth in 2022, O’Neil won 10 of his 34 league games in charge that season, guiding them to a 15th-placed finish.

Parker was shown his P45 following a 9-0 loss to Liverpool, which still stands as the joint-biggest defeat in Premier League history, but O’Neil managed to go unbeaten over his first six games in charge of Bournemouth thereafter.

As a result of his impressive start, the tactician was awarded a one-and-a-half year contract during the World Cup break, and steered the south coast side comfortably clear of relegation.

O’Neil also impressed in his first season at Wolves, guiding them to an FA Cup quarter-final and 14th-placed finish under very challenging circumstances, with the Old Gold selling a host of key players and bringing in few quality options to replace them.

However, O’Neil seriously struggled to build upon that in his second year and was sacked midway through 24/25 after a defeat to Ipswich.

With a drop to the Championship staring West Ham in the face right now, O’Neil could be an adept solution to steady the ship, but only on an interim basis.

Lamine Yamal has risked the wrath of Real Madrid supporters once again after the Barcelona forward sent out a defiant message ahead of the first Clasico of the season. Having already received scorn from the Blaugrana’s bitter rivals, the 18-year-old decided to prod them for a second time before Sunday’s mouth-watering fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

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  In-form Barcelona and Real lead the way at the top of La Liga

  All eyes will be on Madrid this weekend when Barcelona and Real renew hostilities in La Liga. The Spanish giants have set the pace in 2025-26, occupying the top two spots in the table. Xabi Alonso’s Real sit at the summit after winning eight and losing one of their nine league games this term, while Hansi Flick’s Barcelona are second and just two points behind, having won seven from the same number of fixtures. The Catalan side drew 1-1 with Rayo Vallecano on 31 August, before losing 4-1 to Sevilla earlier this month.

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• Yamal stokes fire with tongue-in-cheek remark about Real

  While the fixture does not need any extra hype, extra spice has been added following pre-match comments from Yamal. Igniting controversy before a ball has been kicked, the wonderkid – speaking during a broadcast on Kings League – made tongue-in-cheek remarks about Real, which have not gone down well at the Bernabeu.

  In comments which went viral on social media, when asked by Ibai Llanos – owner of Kings League side Porcinos FC – whether his team reminded him of Real, Yamal said: “Yes, of course, they steal, they complain…”

  Prompting laughter from those on the stream, Llanos, a well-known Real supporter, immediately pushed back by asking: “Real Madrid steals?”

  Laughing nervously, Yamal then said: “Well, let’s see, let’s see.”

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  Spain star goes one step further with new social media post

  Not content with his cheeky remarks, Yamal has lit the touch paper once again by taking to social media to send a bold message before El Clasico. In a post on his Instagram stories, the Spain international uploaded a picture which sees him blurred out and a sea of angry Real supporters brought into focus. Yamal was victorious in all four Clasico fixtures last season as Barcelona defeated Real twice in La Liga, while they also got the better of their old foes in the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

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• Wonderkid on song as Barcelona downed Olympiacos in midweek

  Yamal and Barcelona head into Sunday’s Clasico in great spirits following their comprehensive 6-1 win over Greek side Olympiacos in the Champions League on Tuesday. The winger recorded one goal and one assist as Flick’s side got back on track in Europe’s elite club competition, having suffered a late 2-1 defeat against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain in their second fixture. Barcelona opened their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory over Newcastle on 18 September, with in-form forward Marcus Rashford scoring twice.

Daniel Levy made a few high-profile mistakes during his time as Tottenham chairman, but one is now seriously coming back to haunt him.

Daniel Levy leaves behind mixed Tottenham legacy

Levy’s resignation after 24 years as head of the Lilywhites boardroom sent shockwaves throughout the world of football.

He was regularly the target of criticism and even protests towards the end of his tenure, following a perceived lack of on-field ambition when compared to Spurs’ big-spending Premier League rivals.

Levy oversaw just two major trophy wins — the Carling Cup in 2008 and Europa League this year — but helped to transform Tottenham into a financial powerhouse off the pitch.

The 63-year-old helped to instigate Spurs’ transformative move to their brand-new state-of-the-art stadium and training facilities, which have made them one of the highest-potential clubs in Europe for success.

Nearly three weeks ago, the news of his departure is still attracting plenty of debate, following reports that Levy was pushed to resign from Tottenham by the Lewis family and found out just hours before it was made official (The Times).

The chief made some pretty questionable calls as chair, not least the appointments of highly unsuitable managers which turned out to be disasters.

In terms of the transfer market, while there are plenty of success stories, one decision that’s now coming back to bite him is the refusal to strike a deal for PSG superstar Ousmane Dembele.

The Frenchman has resurrected his once-faltering career under Luis Enrique at the Parc des Princes, and fresh off the back of a stellar 24/25, he was crowned this year’s Ballon d’Or winner on Monday evening.

Dembele’s staggering 35 goals and 16 assists in all competitions last season, including an heroic Champions League final display against Inter Milan, gifted PSG a long-awaited treble whilst etching his name into the club’s history.

His winner away to Arsenal in the Champions League semi-finals also turned out to be crucial, with the £317,000-per-week attacker starring in multiple positions as both a centre-foward and wide player across 24/25.

Tottenham refused chance to sign Ousmane Dembélé in 2022

Looking back to three years ago, it is now very interesting to note that Tottenham were actually offered the chance to sign Dembele

That is according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, who reported at the time that it was a ‘polite no’ to the opportunity of negotiating a deal for this year’s European player of the year.

This blunt response to Barcelona’s offering of Dembélé is made all the more humbling for Levy, considering how the 28-year-old has set France alight since his move to PSG just one year after Tottenham were approached.

The ex-Barca flop’s rise back to the pinnacle of footballing stardom has been a wonder to behold after injuries largely dampened his time at the Camp Nou, with Enrique explaining that Dembele’s “impeccable” attitude was perhaps a key factor.

Now, it is highly unlikely Spurs will get such a chance to sign him again, and it further highlights just how quickly things can change in football.

Thibaut Courtois has offered an unusual piece of advice to Manchester United goalkeeper Senne Lammens ahead of his daunting Anfield test against Premier League champions Liverpool. With Anfield remaining one of the most intimidating venues in world football, the 23-year-old faces a true baptism of fire as Ruben Amorim's struggling side face Arne Slot's free-scoring Reds.

• Lammens and Man Utd to face Liverpool at Anfield

  Manchester United’s young goalkeeper Lammens is set for his biggest challenge yet as Amorim’s side travel to Anfield to face champions Liverpool on Sunday. The 23-year-old, who joined United from Royal Antwerp for £18.2 million this summer, impressed with a clean sheet on his debut in a 2-0 win over Sunderland before the international break. Having been called up by Belgium alongside Thibaut Courtois and Matz Sels, he now returns to club duty with expectations high.

  However, Liverpool have lost just three of their last 83 Premier League home games, making Anfield one of the most hostile environments in the world for visiting goalkeepers. For Lammens, who has only one full top-flight season under his belt, this fixture represents both a challenge and an opportunity to prove he belongs at United’s elite level. Amorim is expected to persist with the Belgian ahead of Altay Bayindir, whose inconsistent form has raised questions in recent weeks.

  The trip to Merseyside also comes at a critical juncture in United’s season, with Amorim’s project still taking shape. A strong performance from Lammens would not only strengthen his case to become United’s long-term No.1 but also help stabilise a back line still finding rhythm. Courtois believes that Lammens could impress at United and offered him some 'advice' for the Liverpool clash.

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  Courtois sends 'advice' to Lammens

  Courtois, who has earned 107 caps for Belgium and won two Champions League titles with Real Madrid, offered light-hearted but telling advice to his compatriot. “It’s a hard stadium,” he told Belgian media. “Maybe I should tell him to clap the home fans when he arrives at the Kop!”

  While the comment was made in jest, Courtois acknowledged just how difficult a test Anfield presents for any visiting goalkeeper. “His first game was a flavour of what United will get,” he said. “He’s a tall guy, he is not afraid to come on crosses, and he’s a kid with personality. I’m sure he can do a good job. He has a tough game this weekend, so I hope if he plays, it will go well for him. All the best to him.”

  Courtois also reflected on his own experience at the famous stadium, where he will return next month for Real Madrid’s Champions League group stage clash. “I will go there myself in a few weeks. It’s always a tough game there, and I guess Liverpool also have to bounce back after losing a few games.” His insight underscores both the unique pressure that comes with facing the Reds on home turf.

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  Lammens' unconventional move to Man Utd

  Lammens’ journey to this point has been rapid and unconventional. Standing at 6ft 4in, the Belgian was signed as part of Amorim’s long-term vision to modernise United’s goalkeeping setup, favouring ball-playing stoppers capable of initiating attacks. He spent only one full season as a starter in Belgium before making the leap to Old Trafford, a move that raised eyebrows but has quickly begun to look inspired.

  In training, Lammens has been mentored by United’s goalkeeping coaches and inspired by role models such as Courtois, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and Manuel Neuer. He has earned praise for his calmness under pressure and his ability to play confidently off both feet, particularly his left. Former United players, however, have questioned whether he can handle the expectations that come with following in the footsteps of legends like Peter Schmeichel, Edwin van der Sar, and David de Gea.

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• Man Utd face wounded Liverpool at Anfield

  Manchester United will look to build on their recent momentum as they face Slot’s Liverpool, who are desperate to respond after a run of three defeats across all competitions. Liverpool’s firepower, boasting 185 goals at Anfield in the Premier League since the start of the 2023/24 season, will provide a stern test. Amorim will rely on his backline and Lammens’ reflexes to keep the champions at bay in what promises to be an electric atmosphere. For the young Belgian, the clash represents more than just a league match — it’s a statement opportunity.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has provided an injury update on one of his key players after the EFL Cup defeat at the hands of Brentford.

Villa's poor start continues against the Bees

Villa finally found the back of the net on Tuesday night, after failing to score in their opening four Premier League games, but Harvey Elliott’s first goal for the club didn’t count for much, with Brentford ultimately progressing in the EFL Cup.

After a 1-1 draw in normal time, the Bees progressed on penalties, with John McGinn and Matty Cash both missing from the spot, meaning Emery’s side are still searching for their first victory of the campaign.

Emery has been forced to make do without a number of his key players already this season, with the likes of Amadou Onana, Ross Barkley, Boubacar Kamara and Youri Tielemans spending time on the sidelines, but there has now been a promising new update on the latter player.

Reporter Jacob Tanswell subsequently confirmed that Emery is also optimistic that Tielemans could return before the next international break, with the Villa boss stating the central midfielder is likely to be out for one or two more weeks.

Monchi identifies "incredible" Aston Villa target who'd fix Emery's attack

The Villans are ready to make their move.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Sep 16, 2025

Tielemans' return will be boost for Aston Villa

With the Belgian ruled out against Brentford, Lamare Bogarde was given the nod in central midfield, but the 21-year-old was unable to impact the game in the way he would’ve liked, being shown a yellow card before being replaced by Kamara in the 74th minute.

Tielemans, on the other hand, has been a vitally important player for the Villans over the course of the past two seasons, playing a major role in Emery’s side qualifying for the Champions League and Europa League by regularly providing goals and assists in the Premier League.

The 28-year-old was also arguably Villa’s most consistent player in the Premier League last season, averaging a 7.38 SofaScore match rating across the campaign, which was by far the highest of any player in the squad.

Emery is under no illusions as to just how important the Belgium international is to his side either, saying last season: “He is really doing fantastic work. He is very, very professional. The mentality he has, really I appreciate in the highest level we can achieve.”

As such, it is promising news that Tielemans is set to return within the next two weeks, but it appears as though Aston Villa will have to do without the £150k-a-week midfielder when they take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light this Sunday.

Chelsea are now racing to sign an “incredible” forward from one of their bitter Premier League rivals, who are now willing to cash-in this summer, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new forward

With Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku failing to do the business in front of goal, the Blues have now set their sights on signing a new striker in the summer transfer window, and they have a number of top-level targets in mind.

Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy, who has been extremely impressive in the Champions League this season, is one of the latest strikers to be targeted, with the 29-year-old joining the likes of Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres on the shortlist.

Not only are the west Londoners looking to bring in an out-and-out striker, but there have also been suggestions they could look to bolster their wide options, with fellow Dortmund star Jamie Gittens well-liked, alongside Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.

Chelsea eager to sign £40k-p/w full-back who's "one of the best" in Europe

The Blues are set to battle it out for a defender, who has been in very impressive form this season.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 21, 2025

However, according to a report from Caught Offside, there may be an option from much closer to home, with Chelsea now keen on signing winger Mohammed Kudus, who currently plays for bitter rivals West Ham United.

The Blues are not alone in their pursuit of Kudus, however, with Arsenal and Liverpool also in the race, alongside Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr, who have reportedly already submitted a £87m bid for the Ghanaian.

Enzo Maresca’s side are yet to make any moves to sign the forward, but there are some indications they could be successful if they choose to formalise their interest, as West Ham are now willing to cash-in to fund their own summer transfer business.

"Incredible" Kudus impressing at West Ham

The 24-year-old’s debut campaign at the London Stadium last season certainly caught the eye, picking up 14 goals and nine assists in 45 appearances in all competitions, establishing himself as a key player under former manager David Moyes.

In light of his impressive performances, the Ghana international received high praise from journalist Raj Chohan, who believes the right-winger would be able to make the step-up to a top club.

The Accra-born attacker has been less impressive this season, failing to score and picking up just one assist in his last 15 Premier League games, but it is difficult to stand out in a very poor West Ham side, who sit in 17th place.

Kudus, who ranks in the top 2% of all wingers for successful take-ons per 90 over the past year, as per FBref, could be an exciting signing for Chelsea, but given his goal and assist return this season, it would be unwise to match Al-Nassr’s £87m offer.