The Enzo Maresca revolution is underway, at Chelsea, with the Italian already taking charge and making his mark on the Blues squad.

He’s overseen three matches, a draw with Wrexham, and a defeat to Celtic whilst winning the most recent friendly outing against CF America during their tour of the US.

Maresca has implemented his three-back system, placing expectations on his centre-backs to be comfortable in possession, whilst being strong defensively to allow for his system to be a success at Stamford Bridge.

French defender Benoit Badiashile has struggled during pre-season, making an unforgivable mistake against Celtic, gifting possession away in his own penalty area before being punished by the opposition.

It comes as no surprise to see the club targeting more defensive reinforcements after their defensive frailties in recent matches, with one player once again on the club’s radar.

Chelsea want £60m defensive ace this summer

According to journalist Sami Mokbel, Chelsea continue to monitor the situation of Nottingham Forest centre-back Murillo ahead of a potential move to west London this summer.

The Brazilian youngster enjoyed a stellar campaign at the City Ground during his debut season in English football, featuring in 32 straight matches and claiming the club’s Player of the Year award.

Murillo only joined the Reds for a fee in the region of £15m this time last year, but as a result of his excellent season on Trentside, he could be on the move with Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis demanding a £60m fee to part ways with his defensive wonderkid.

It may seem a huge figure and one that is slightly inflated given his limited time in the Premier League, however, he would be a phenomenal signing, potentially taking the place of one current Blues star.

Why Murillo would be better than Colwill for Chelsea

Levi Colwill came through the Chelsea academy after joining the club at the age of nine, making his first team debut back in the previous season after two previous loan spells at Huddersfield Town and Brighton.

He made an immediate impact on the first team for his boyhood club, making 23 appearances last season, looking more than comfortable at the back under then-boss Mauricio Pochettino.

However, despite his immediate impact, he could find himself without a spot in the starting lineup, should Murillo arrive at the club, with the Brazilian producing some impressive figures despite featuring for a side in a relegation battle.

The “exceptional” ace, as described by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to complete more progressive passes and successful take-ons per 90, demonstrating his comfortability on the ball – making him perfect for Maresca’s system.

Games

32

23

Goals + assists

2

2

Progressive passes

89

73

Clearances per 90

6.1

3.3

Blocks per 90

1.4

1.4

Successful take-ons per 90

0.7

0.5

The Brazilian has also completed more clearances and blocks in 2023/24, showcasing his defensive capabilities despite featuring in a side that, at times, were constantly bombarded in games against higher-quality opposition.

Murillo has showcased his ball-striking ability, nearly scoring two goal of the season contenders from his own half, with the youngster certainly not afraid to produce a spectacular moment or two from the back.

He may be an expensive addition, but given his impressive first season in England, there is huge potential for him to improve further.

His attributes with and without the ball make him perfect for the new Chelsea boss, with his talents hugely improving the current options available at Maresca’s disposal.

Chelsea could land a bigger talent than Osimhen in £75m "nightmare"

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ByEthan Lamb Aug 2, 2024

da pinnacle： Sheffield Wednesday are bringing in new bodies to Hillsborough this summer at a breakneck speed, as Danny Rohl begins to construct what he hopes is a side that can thrive in the Championship, and not fall victim to a tiring relegation battle once more.

da fezbet： The majority of business has been smart from an Owls perspective and not rash, however, with Jamal Lowe and Nathaniel Chalobah both joining with bucket loads of EFL experience for cheap. Signings such as Olaf Kobacki will also intrigue those in South Yorkshire.

The Owls won't be slowing down on the transfer front, with a rumoured deal on the table to try and tempt Ike Ugbo to rejoin Rohl's ranks permanently. That's not the only deal they could complete between now and the transfer window slamming shut.

Wednesday could go back in for Rangers man

Previous rumours had suggested that Rangers winger Scott Wright was closing in on a deal to join the ever-growing Wednesday camp, but all talk surrounding the Scotsman upping and moving to Hillsborough has now gone somewhat radio silent.

The Sheffield Star has since stated that nothing is currently in the works for the 26-year-old to become yet another new signing for Owls fans to get excited over, but with how rapid much of Wednesday's business has been of late, this could well change.

What Wright can offer Wednesday

Wednesday might well want to go back in for Wright to try and replicate the success of Josh Windass' deal to the Owls, with the 30-year-old attacker previously playing at Ibrox himself, before becoming a main star in his new South Yorkshire location away from Scotland.

The former Aberdeen man has struggled to find form playing for Phillippe Clement's men in recent memory and could welcome a change of scenery, therefore, if a move finally takes place.

Despite an uninspiring last season donning Rangers blue, Wright has shown that he's capable of being a dangerous forward player for the Gers across his three-year stay at the club to date, with 12 goals and seven assists tallied up from 117 total clashes.

Those are impressive numbers from a Wednesday perspective, with Windass equally struggling at points when still on the books of the Scottish titans, having regularly fired blanks during his debut season in Glasgow before exploding into life elsewhere.

Windass vs Wright

Player

Clubs

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

Windass

Rangers

73

19

12

Windass

Wednesday

135

40

17

Wright

Rangers

117

12

7

Wright

Aberdeen

79

7

11

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Windass would sign out from Ibrox with 12 goals and eight assists coming his way in league action across his final full season – after scoring zero league goals during his first campaign – but he has never looked back and has grown into becoming an Owls icon in the process.

Scoring a crucial header back in 2023 to help Wednesday return to the Championship in a nail-biting play-off final, Wright will hope he can follow Windass' trajectory if he does join in being a hero for his new employers, after an up-and-down time in Glasgow.

Still, when on his A-Game, £1m-rated Wright has previously been referred to as a "driving force" by football journalist Josh Bunting, despite only netting three goals all of last season for Rangers.

Rohl will aim to get more out of the winger if he does join, knowing that he turned around the fortunes of the likes of Marvin Johnson down the flanks on his arrival to South Yorkshire late last year, as a positive season potentially awaits on the horizon for the German boss.

Related Imagine him & Chalobah: Sheffield Wednesday targeting attacking "threat"

Sheffield Wednesday are not slowing down this summer transfer window.

Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 14, 2024

Ahead of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is working tirelessly to improve his squad to try and bolster the Magpies’ chances of qualifying for the Champions League once again.

His side were plagued with injuries during the previous season, missing out on European football altogether after Manchester United’s FA Cup triumph against Manchester City at Wembley at the end of May.

However, it will give the Magpies a great opportunity to return to their best with a more manageable fixture congestion that could prevent a repeat of any injury problems the club were ruined by over the last 12 months.

The lack of squad depth on Tyneside was desperately highlighted, often relying on youngsters Elliot Anderson and Lewis Miley to fill the voids left by the injured first-team stars.

One particular area Howe needs reinforcements in is the forward line, with Miguel Almiron potentially moving to Saudi Arabia leaving the Magpies even shorter in attacking areas.

Newcastle’s attempts to sign a new attacker this summer

The club have scouted far and wide to find a suitable player who can make an instant impact on the first team at St James’ Park, but are yet to have any breakthrough in their attempts.

However, journalist Ben Jacobs confirmed the club still have multiple players on their shortlist, with West Ham United star Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Elanga both on Howe’s radar for this summer transfer window.

The Magpies previously attempted to secure a deal with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side in a swap deal for the departed Anderson in an attempt to prevent a PSR punishment from the Premier League this season.

However, Forest rejected the offer, but the club still remain interested in a move for the former Manchester United attacker, who only cost the Reds £15m last summer.

A deal for Bowen would undoubtedly be a more expensive one, with Julen Lopetegui’s side holding out for a fee in the region of £100m to part ways with the 27-year-old.

Howe’s side have previously been credited with interest in one other attacker, who would be a much cheaper alternative to the aforementioned pair, whilst also providing more quality and increasing the club’s chances of securing a Champions League spot.

A better option than Elanga & Bowen

A couple of years ago, Italian winger Federico Chiesa lit up the Euros, starring as his nation broke English hearts at Wembley.

However, fast forward three years, and the 26-year-old has struggled to regain his form following his serious knee injury, with new boss Thiago Motta making the attacker free to leave should anyone pay £21m for his services.

A couple of months ago, he was linked with a move to Tyneside, with Howe needing to reignite interest in the forward given his stats in Serie A during 2023/24.

When comparing the “world-class” Chiesa, as described by journalist Zach Lowy, to Bowen and Elanga, it’s clear the Juventus talent would be a better addition, especially when factoring in his bargain price tag.

Whilst contributing with fewer combined goals and assists in 2023/24, he’s dominated the pair in numerous other key areas that would improve Howe’s side.

Games

33

34

36

Goals + assists

11

22

14

Shots per 90

3

2.5

2

Progressive carries

111

90

98

Progressive passes

70

52

49

Successful take-ons

35

34

28

The Italian ace has averaged more shots per 90, whilst also completing more progressive carries and passes, demonstrating his ability to drive with the ball and find a key pass that could allow players such as Alexander Isak to reach the next level.

He’s also completed more take-ons, showcasing his ability and desire to beat the opposition, something which Bowen and Elanga simply can’t match.

Given Newcastle’s recent scare with the Premier League’s PSR rules, they will have to continue operating in a shrewd manner to prevent a potential breach next season.

Chiesa would allow the club to do just that, providing a cheaper alternative to the other transfer targets in the final third, whilst adding needed flair and quality to Howe’s forward line.

Imagine him & Gordon: Newcastle battling Bayern Munich to sign £42m talent

The attacker could prove to be the final piece in Howe’s attacking puzzle.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 4, 2024

BBC pundit and former Scotland international Alan Hutton has reacted to the news that Celtic have tabled a bid to seal a "smart signing" in the summer transfer window.

Celtic transfer news

The Hoops have been linked with various players ahead of what could be a busy summer in the transfer market, and Fenerbahce goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic has been mentioned as a possible option to come in.

Joe Hart has retired from football, bowing out on a high after winning both the Scottish Premiership and Scottish Cup, and Livakovic is seen as the potential man to fill the void between the sticks. Celtic have reportedly tabled a bid of £7.6m for his services, with "extensive talks" held over a deal.

Elsewhere, Brendan Rodgers is thought to be keen on Bournemouth 'keeper Mark Travers as an alternative to Livakovic, with the 25-year-old possibly eyeing more regular football moving forward, having been loaned out to Championship side Stoke City last season.

Fotis Ioannidis is another player who has been linked with a summer move to Celtic, being seen as a dream attacking teammate for Hoops star man Matt O'Riley. The Panathinaikos forward scored five times in as many starts in the Europa League last season, highlighting his pedigree as a footballer.

Pundit talks up Celtic completing Livakovic signing

Speaking to Football Insider, BBC pundit Hutton talked up the idea of Celtic completing what he feels would be a "smart signing" of Livakovic in the summer, calling the offered fee a "big number".

"If he kicks on and does what everybody expects him to do, it would be a smart signing. They could make a lot of money out of it. The Euros has normally got an impact on that, if he goes there and plays really well, his valuation could go through the roof as we’ve seen previously.

"It’ll be an interesting one to watch what happens. These are big numbers, but I think Celtic are a club that can pay that sort of money and fees, especially if they get money in. We’ll see how it develops, but Celtic have definitely got the scope to spend that kind of money."

Livakovic makes plenty of sense for Celtic, with the 29-year-old a hugely experienced player but also someone who still has plenty of years left in him at the top level.

The Fenerbahce man is currently representing Croatia at Euro 2024, starting both of his country's opening two matches at the tournament, and he has a total of 56 caps at international level, also playing an important role in his nation reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup.

Celtic could sign "crazy" Idah alternative in biggest deal since Jota

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1

By
Dan Emery

Jun 23, 2024

Livakovic jumps out as a brilliant choice to come in and do a strong job after Hart, although he will clearly have big shoes to fill, considering what an influential performer the Englishman was for Celtic for a sustained period. There is no reason why he couldn't be a superb successor, though, and possibly even an upgrade, given his age.

MatériaMais Notícias

da betobet： A bruxa está solta no Botafogo. Além dos problemas anteriores, o clube divulgou, por meio de comunicado nesta quarta-feira, que mais três jogadores se lesionaram. Diego Gonçalves, Hugo e Ênio entram na lista de desfalques do time da Estrela Solitária.

RelacionadasBotafogoEle voltou: Chay é relacionado pelo Botafogo para jogo contra o ResendeBotafogo16/02/2022BotafogoBotafogo: Durcesio e Freeland embarcam à Londres para ver jogo e estrutura do Crystal PalaceBotafogo16/02/2022BotafogoMatheus Nascimento foge da pressão de ser ‘maior venda da história’ do Botafogo: ‘Eu só foco no momento’Botafogo15/02/2022

da dobrowin： + Equipe de mercado finaliza relatório, encaminhará a Textor e Botafogo vai iniciar ‘2ª etapa’ na busca de reforços

O camisa 11, que vem sendo titular na temporada, será o desfalque mais sentido. O atacante tem um quadro de lombalgia sofrida no jogo contra o Vasco no último domingo. Ele não joga contra o Resende, nesta quinta-feira.

Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

Ênio, que sequer atuou nessa temporada, terá que passar por cirurgia. O jovem criado nas categorias de base do Alvinegro sofreu uma fratura no pé esquerdo e passará por uma cirurgia.

Além disso, Vitinho, Carlinhos e Gabriel Tigrão passam por tratamento pré-operatório. Rafael, que rompeu o tendão de Aquiles, já operou.

ATUALIZAÇÕES DO BOTAFOGO:

“O Botafogo informa a situação clínica dos seguintes atletas:

Hugo: Lesão muscular na coxa esquerda, região anterior, sofrida no jogo contra o Vasco. Em tratamento.

Diego Gonçalves: Quadro de Lombalgia, em tratamento. Fora do jogo de amanhã. Realiza exames complementares.

Enio: Fratura do quinto metatarso do pé-esquerdo. Passará por cirurgia.

Os atletas Vitinho , Carlinhos e Gabriel Tigrão realizam tratamento pré-operatório.”

The 36-year-old left-arm seamer has made himself available for selection in all three formats for the 2021-22 season

ESPNcricinfo staff08-Oct-2021

Samad Fallah has received a no-objection certificate from Uttarakhand and is now eligible to return to his home state Maharashtra for the upcoming 2021-22 Indian domestic season. He has made himself available for selection in all three formats.Fallah, 36, played for Uttarakhand during the truncated 2020-21 season, which included only white-ball cricket because of the Covid-19 pandemic. He was Uttarakhand’s joint-highest wicket-taker during the 50-overs Vijay Hazare Trophy, with seven strikes in six games at an average of 28.57. He also played four of the team’s five matches during the T20 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, picking up two wickets while returning an economy rate of 8.28.Fallah, who made his Maharashtra debut in 2007-08, is the most prolific left-arm seamer in the history of the Ranji Trophy, with 272 wickets at an average of 28.56. His tally puts him one wicket above Saurashtra’s Jaydev Unadkat. Hiralal Gaekwad, whose Ranji Trophy career stretched from 1941 to 1963, picked up 278 wickets, but he bowled a mixture of left-arm spin and seam. Apart from 287 first-class wickets overall, Fallah has picked up 75 in List A cricket and 62 in T20s.During his peak years, Fallah was the leader of a strong Maharashtra pace attack that also included Anupam Sanklecha, Domnic Muthuswami and Shrikant Mundhe. Their best collective effort came in 2013-14, when they combined to propel Maharashtra to their first Ranji Trophy final in 21 years, which they eventually lost to Karnataka.Fallah’s brightest moment during that season came on the first day of the semi-final in Indore, when he picked up 7 for 58 to help bowl Bengal out for 114.

MatériaMais Notícias

da casino： O Flamengo venceu o Madureira de virada na última quarta-feira, por 2 a 1, no Estádio Conselheiro e pela 7ª rodada do Campeonato Carioca. Ainda no primeiro tempo, Andreas Pereira saiu do time, com dores no tornozelo, e deu lugar ao herói do triunfo, Willian Arão. E o atleta nascido na Bélgica saiu na bronca por conta dos contatos físicos no duelo e, via Instagram, questionou:

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da fazobetai： Ainda não é assinante do Cariocão-2022? Acesse www.cariocaoplay.com.br, preencha o cadastro e ganhe 5% de desconto com o cupom especial do LANCE!: GE-JK-FF-ZSW

-Futebol ou UFC? – postou Andreas em seu Story, com uma enquete sobre uma imagem em que aparece sofrendo uma falta do volante Henrique Luiz, com quem protagonizou um entrevero pouco antes de ser substituído.

Andreas não estava fazendo uma boa partida e foi substituído aos 39 minutos, quando já havia recebido cartão amarelo e sido atendido após dividida, na qual ficou sentindo dores na perna esquerda. Após a partida, o Fla informou que o camisa 18 “sofreu entorse no tornozelo esquerdo”.

> Veja a tabela do Cariocão

Dúvida, Andreas será reavaliado nesta quinta, no CT, onde o grupo se reapresenta e inicia a preparação visando a decisão contra o Atlético-MG, domingo, em Cuiabá, pela Supercopa do Brasil.

Rangers lost out on both the Scottish Premiership and the Scottish Cup to their closest rivals, so this summer could prove vital in their quest to return to the summit of Scottish football.

Rangers look to close the gap with rivals this summer

The latest rumours out of Ibrox point towards Rangers being in the market for attacking reinforcements. Theo Bair is a name that has been linked with Rangers as of recent, however, they will have to battle it out with rivals Celtic for the signature of Motherwell's top scorer.

Top 95% for dribbling: Rangers could sign dream Diomande partner for £1m

Philippe Clement will be keen to strengthen his midfield this summer…

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 24, 2024

Other recent reports suggest that Rangers are among a host of clubs who want to sign Middlesbrough striker Ajay Matthews. At just 18, the youngster scored 16 goals in 17 starts for Boro's youth side last season. Joining Matthews on Philipe Clement's wishlist is Coventry star Callum O'Hare who is available on a free this summer.

With Rangers looking towards the English Championship for their transfer inspiration this summer, it now appears that another of the league's stars is being targeted by the Glasgow outfit.

Rangers target move for McLean

As first reported by The Daily Record, Rangers want to make a summer move for Scotland and Norwich City star Kenny McLean. The outlet states that the higher-ups at Ibrox have been watching McLean for some time and Clement and his recruitment team have placed McLean on their list of summer targets.

The 32-year-old has just returned home from a Euro 2024 campaign which saw Scotland exit the competition at the group stage. McLean featured in all three of his nation's games at the tournament, but all of those appearances were from off the bench.

Despite struggling for game time on the international stage, McLean shone at club level last season, featuring in all 46 of Norwich's league games as they lost to Leeds United in the Championship playoff semi-final. It was his exploits for the Canaries that earned McLean the accolade of Norwich's player of the season.

The midfielder also earned the praise of his former boss David Wagner over the course of the last campaign. Speaking to the local media the German sang McLean's praises telling the press:

"He has been in this football club quite a while. Maybe he improved. I can only judge from the time I've been here with him, but what I can say is that he's an outstanding athlete, a top trainer, and super competitive."

"He is one of, if not the, most reliable players we have. He is a good person as well."

McLean has two years left on his existing deal with Norwich which also includes an option for a further year. Whilst the Canaries may be unlikely to sell, the 32-year-old's links with Rangers may prove to tip the scales in favour of the Ibrox side.

Speaking to The Athletic back in 2021 McLean spoke about what it would mean to play for his boyhood club, telling the outlet that "for me and my family, it would be pretty special."

تحدث فاروق جعفر، نحم الزمالك الأسبق، عن مستوى الفريق الأول لكرة القدم، قبل مواجهة سموحة، ضمن منافسات كأس مصر.

ويلتقي الزمالك مع سموحة بعد قليل، على ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي، ضمن منافسات دور الثمانية من بطولة كأس مصر.

طالع.. تشكيل الزمالك أمام سموحة في كأس مصر.. زيزو والجزيري يقودان الهجوم

وقال فاروق جعفر عبر قناة “أون سبورت”: “الزمالك خلال الفترة الماضية مع المدرب الجديد، بدأ يكون له شكل جديد، وبدأ يُحفظهم طريقة لعب 3-4-3، وهذه مدرسة جديدة في كرة القدم المصرية، طالما كل لاعب يعرف مهامه في الملعب، الأمور ستكون أسهل”.

وتابع: “مباراة اليوم صعبة، نظرًا لأن مباريات كأس مصر ممكن تصل لـ120 دقيقة، يجب على اللاعبين الحفاظ على المعدلات البدنية خلال اللقاء”.

وأتم: “تختلف المباريات بحسب الحالة المعنوية والنفسية، والتدريب على ركلات الترجيح، التي تتطلب ثقة من اللاعبين”.

Manchester United have hit a new low as they record their worst ever start to a Premier League season in 38 years.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Man Utd hit new low in English top-flight
• Amorim's mammoth task laid bare
• United face Leicester in Premier League next

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  United drew 1-1 with Chelsea at Old Trafford to continue their poor form in the Premier League. The Red Devils have won just three games this season and sit in 13th position – their 12 points from 10 games is their worst start to a league campaign since 1986-87 where they accrued just eight points, as per Opta. Their poor form led to the sacking of Erik ten Hag and incoming replacement Ruben Amorim has a lot of work to do.

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• AFP
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  The opening 10 games of the 1986-87 season in which United earned only eight points was overseen by Ron Atkinson who was then replaced by Sir Alex Ferguson.

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Amorim's task is clear and he has serious work to do to undo a decade of disappointment at Old Trafford. He has had ringing endorsements from his compatriot Bruno Fernandes but he will have to start winning games quickly to turn the season and the faith of the United fans around. His work will begin on 11 November.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD?

  United continue their path to redemption against PAOK in the Europa League on Thursday before they take relegation-threatened Leicester. Amorim's first game in charge will come after the international break against Ipswich.