Ipswich Town are also in talks to sign a £30m "animal" alongside new signing Sammie Szmodics.

Ipswich Town making moves before Premier League opener

The Tractor Boys make their long-awaited return to the Premier League on Saturday as they host Liverpool in Arne Slot’s first game in charge of the Reds. After keeping hold of manager Kieran McKenna, Ipswich have been active in the transfer window, sealing six new signings before activity went into overdrive in recent days.

It was first revealed on Thursday that Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips will be moving to Portman Road on a season-long loan deal. A transfer, which has now been confirmed, doesn’t include an option to buy but the England international will surely rival Sam Morsy, Massimo Luongo and Jack Taylor in the heart of midfield.

Hours later, it was confirmed that the club have also agreed a deal with Blackburn Rovers for long-term target Szmodics. The attacker has been on the club’s transfer wishlist all summer and a transfer has also been officially completed.

However, Szmodics isn’t the only attacking target on the radar, with another update sharing talks over a further addition in the final third.

Ipswich Town hold Armando Broja talks

According to reliable reporter Stuart Wilson of the East Anglian Daily Times, Ipswich Town are also in discussions with Chelsea over a move for striker Armando Broja. He states that due to Broja’s £30m valuation, Ipswich would initially look to take the Albania international on loan.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth has since backed this claim up, saying on X: “Ipswich Town interested in signing Chelsea forward Armando Broja. Ipswich exploring conditions of a season long loan. Chelsea listening to offers.”

The 22-year-old could be a smart option on loan alongside Phillips, with George Hirst’s pre-season knee injury set to keep him out for up to eight weeks.

Broja has had a number of loan spells away from Stamford Bridge, spending time with Vitesse, Southampton and Fulham. He scored 11 goals over in the Netherlands and netted nine goals with the Saints, however, he failed to score in eight appearances with Fulham for the second half of the previous campaign.

Described as an "animal" by The Athletic's Jacob Tanswell, Broja was also praised by Frank Lampard, who added: “He’s a very nice, very good lad and a very talented young boy. He came into us at the start of the Covid times, trained with us and showed the attributes that I think you’re seeing now in the Premier League at Southampton.

"He’s fast, strong, has a real eye for goal and he’s a very, very good young player so I’m very aware of his strengths in a Southampton team playing very well.”

A move could therefore be one to keep an eye on in what could be an extremely busy end to the window for McKenna and Ipswich chiefs behind the scenes.

Aston Villa only have a few days left to go to complete the remainder of their business as the summer transfer window officially slams shut on Friday.

The Villans have started the Premier League season with one win, against West Ham United, and one defeat, to Arsenal, and it still remains to be seen how well their current signings will fare this term.

Amadou Onana was the only new arrival in the starting XI for the clash with the Gunners, whilst Ian Maatsen and Ross Barkley came off the bench and Jaden Philogene was an unused substitute.

The Champions League outfit are reportedly in the market to make further additions to their squad before the deadline passes on Friday, however, with a Premier League defender on their radar.

Aston Villa eyeing Premier League enforcer

According to TEAMtalk, the Villans are one of the sides lining up a late swoop to sign England international Joe Gomez from Liverpool this week.

The report claims that fellow Premier League side Newcastle United are also keen on the versatile defender, who can play at full-back or centre-back.

It states that Villa and the Magpies have both made enquiries about his availability and the Reds are prepared to let him leave if the right offer comes in.

Earlier this summer, it was reported that the former Charlton ace is valued at £45m but it remains to be seen whether either of the interested teams are willing to pay that, or if a loan deal could be on the cards.

Villa's reported interest should come as bad news for Matty Cash, who could be impacted by the English battler's arrival at the club this week.

Why this is bad news for Matty Cash

The Poland international should be concerned by the side enquiring about a deal for Gomez because the Liverpool brute could come in and take his place in the team.

Villa deployed natural centre-back Ezri Konsa as a right-back in 23 matches during the 2023/24 campaign and Gomez could come in to fulfill a similar role, which would allow the ex-Brentford man to remain in the middle next to Pau Torres.

The Liverpool defender has played 114 games at centre-back and 98 matches as a right-back in his career, which suggests that he would be perfect for that hybrid role – coming inside to create a back three in possession.

23/24 Premier League

Matty Cash

Joe Gomez

Appearances

29

32

Key passes per game

0.4

0.7

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.5

2.1

Duel success rate

47%

54%

Aerial duel success rate

42%

74%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Gomez could also come in as an upgrade on Cash in and out of possession for Villa, based on their form in the Premier League last term.

The Polish full-back let himself down from a physical perspective as he allowed opposition players to get the better of him more often than not, whilst Gomez was more dominant – particularly in the air.

Liverpool's 27-year-old ace also almost created twice as many chances per game as Cash, despite being a natural centre-back, and could provide more creativity down the flank.

Related Aston Villa could land dream signing for Rogers in move for £50k-p/w PL ace

The Villans have been touted with an interest in the impressive centre-forward this summer.

Posts ByDan Emery Aug 26, 2024

Therefore, Villa's interest in the England international is bad news for Unai Emery's current right-back, as it could spell the end of his time as a regular in the team.

Former England batsman returns to club where he forged memorable career

ESPNcricinfo staff21-Apr-2021Jonathan Trott has returned to Warwickshire as a batting consultant for the men’s squad.Trott, who retired in 2018 with a haul of 18,662 first-class runs and more than 12,000 more in List A and T20 cricket, performed a similar role for England during their winter tour of the subcontinent. He had previously had spells as batting coach with the U19 and Lions sides and was part of the England coaching team at various times during the 2020 international season. He was also batting coach at Kent in 2019.While Trott missed out on the role of Elite Batting Coach at the ECB – the job was given to Marcus Trescothick – he stood in for Trescothick during the limited-overs leg of the India tour after Trescothick suffered a family bereavement. Although Trott has no official role with England, it would be no surprise if he was called-in for further short-term engagements to allow breaks for the full-time coaching staff.The son of a professional batting coach, Trott has coached from a young age. Growing up in Cape Town, he ran sessions alongside Bob Woolmer and was credited by Dom Sibley for his help after he graduated to the England team.Trott will now bring his experience, including 52 Test caps between 2009 and 2015, back to the county game in support of Warwickshire’s coaching team of Mark Robinson, Graeme Welch, Tony Frost and Ian Westwood.Related

Jonathan Trott takes on short-term coaching role at Kent

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“It means a huge amount to me to return to Warwickshire, in this new role as a consultant,” said Trott. “There’s a lot of talented players in the squad, some of whom I know well from my time within the playing ranks. I’m very excited to have this opportunity and to hopefully supporting the Bears on our journey to becoming a team that consistently challenges for trophies again.”Paul Farbrace, Director of Cricket at Warwickshire CCC, said: “Jonathan knows exactly what it takes to win trophies with Warwickshire and England. He will be a great support and mentor to the players and he could play a significant role in developing several members of the squad.”Since finishing his playing career at Edgbaston in 2018, Jonathan has also gone away and built a strong coaching portfolio, which has included county cricket with Kent and home and overseas series with England. We’re very happy to have him back with the Bears.”

Nick Mohammed, who plays Nathan Shelley in Ted Lasso, admits that cast and crew “have been chatting” about season four of the award-winning show.

Article continues below

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• Third series ended in May 2023
• Rumours raging regarding return
• Leading stars raring to get going

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Kit man-turned-coach Shelley enjoyed an eventful run through the first three series of the Apple TV+ production, as he took in two spells alongside American coaching rookie Lasso. That journey appeared to have come to an end in May 2023.

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  THE GOSSIP

  There have, however” been “rumblings” of a reunion for some time, with Mohammed among those to have kept the rumour mill ticking over on social media. Contract options are said to have been taken up on leading stars, with pre-production being lined up for early in 2025.

• WHAT NICK MOHAMMED SAID

  Warner Bros executives have hinted at Lasso and Co returning to the small screen, while Phil Dunster – who plays enigmatic striker Jamie Tartt – has admitted to a fourth series being “green-lit”. Mohammed has now told that “all of us have been chatting” as popular characters prepare to step back into the world of AFC Richmond.

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  He went on to say, with key actors and writers seemingly on board: “I think it all depends on what Jason Sudeikis wants to do. Everyone has said if there's an idea that feels good, we would be all up for it. I would personally go back in a heartbeat!”

New Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has a huge job on his hands this season, trying to implement his system to the Blues squad, whilst also trying to achieve success.

The Italian has been brought into the club to take over from former boss Mauricio Pochettino after the Argentinian was sacked despite registering a sixth-placed Premier League finish last season.

Maresca has a huge array of talents at his disposal at Stamford Bridge, but it’s down to him to decide who will be best suited in certain roles to give the club the best possible chance of returning towards the top end of the Premier League table.

However, on the other hand, he has the opportunity to make his own mark with transfers, as demonstrated by the signing of midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Leicester City – the same club he departed to take the reins in west London.

With less than two weeks to go until the start of the 2024/25 campaign, the club are still active in the market with numerous incomings and outgoings to be expected.

Chelsea transfer news

Following the recent addition of goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen from Villarreal, Maresca is still looking to further improve his defensive unit, with Nottingham Forest defender Murillo once again linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

The Brazilian has constantly been touted with a move away from the City Ground after his impressive debut campaign at the club, which saw him play a huge part in the club’s Premier League survival for a second successive campaign.

However, the forward line is the area that has had the most attention in recent weeks, with various targets linked with a move to West London.

Victor Osimhen has been the subject of discussions with the Blues, with the latest update potentially seeing current Chelsea man Romelu Lukaku potentially going in the opposite direction – allowing for a cut-price deal for Maresca’s side.

Federico Chiesa has also been touted with a move to sign for the club after rumours linking him with a move away from Juventus following the appointment of Thiago Motta in Turin.

However, to fund a move for any of the aforementioned talents, Chelsea will have to part ways with some current first-team members to make room for the improvements.

Conor Gallagher’s market value in 2024

After coming through the Cobham academy, the "relentless" Conor Gallagher, as dubbed by Statman Dave, has made huge strides in recent years, before cementing a consistent first-team spot, featuring in 37 Premier League matches last season.

However, he looks set to leave his boyhood club after the arrival of Maresca, with the Englishman seemingly not part of his immediate plans, with Atlético Madrid having a £34m bid accepted for his services.

His subsequent fee would represent brilliant business for the club, netting a huge profit having come through the academy – helping their current FFP standing.

Should they receive the touted fee, it would see him worth more than current target Chiesa, who’s rumoured to be available for £21m this summer – with the Italian having just one year left on his deal in Turin.

Whilst it would be a shame to part ways with another talented academy graduate, the club would be able to use the funds generated to invest in crucial areas of the squad.

He’s been an excellent servant to the football club, having a huge impact on the first-team, but also making them a solid profit in the process – with Gallagher having the ability to kick on with regular game time in Spain.

Chelsea agree deal to sell £98m player with Gallagher but key issue arises

The Blues have shook hands with an unexpected club.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 2, 2024

Leeds United have "held talks" for a "magic" attacking player who could be Crysencio Summerville's replacement this summer, according to the reliable John Percy.

Leeds looking for Summerville successor

There was always an inevitability about Summerville completing a move away from the Whites in the summer transfer window, but his exit still acts as an undoubted blow. The Dutchman was voted the Championship's best player last season, as he scored 20 goals and chipped in with nine assists in the competition, and he has now joined West Ham, sealing a Premier League return in the process.

The key now is to find a perfect replacement for the young wide man, and while it won't be easy to find someone on his level, it is essential that they at least partly fill the void left by him. Attacking targets are being linked with moves to Leeds, including NEC Nijmegen attacking ace Sontje Hansen, who is also wanted by Birmingham.

The 22-year-old has been described as "special" by ex-Netherlands Under-17s coach Peter van de Veen: "You can see with your own eyes that he is special. He can play as a striker, on either wing, and as a No 10. He’s just on fire at the moment, and hopefully he will keep it up. It’s still a long road ahead but he has all the talent to become a really top player."

Fenerbahce winger Ryan Kent has also emerged as a possible option to come in and be Summerville's successor on the left wing, having been linked with joining the Whites during his Rangers days, too. He still has three years remaining on his current deal, but a move away hasn't been ruled out.

Leeds hold talks for "magic" Championship rival

Writing on X on Monday morning, Percy claimed that Leeds have had talks for Norwich City youngster Jonathan Rowe over a summer move to Elland Road.

Rowe jumps out as an eye-catching attacking option for Leeds this summer, considering he has already shown what an impact he can have in the Championship, netting 12 times in the league last season and registering 18 goal contributions (11 goals and seven assists) in just 31 appearances for the Canaries' Under-21s in the past.

Norwich teammate Shane Duffy is certainly under no illusions about his quality as a footballer, heaping prasie on the youngster: "Give him a ball like that in that position, and he will do the rest – he's shown that since the start of the season when he picked up the ball on the halfway line and found the top corner. Jonny has got that bit of magic for us. He can win us games, and that's what you need at this level to be successful."

Sky Sports: Leeds and 49ers want to sign £12m Liverpool midfielder on loan

The midfielder is a man in demand…

2 ByTom Cunningham Aug 4, 2024

It will be hard for Leeds to bring in anyone as good as Summerville, considering what a top-quality player he is, but Rowe has great potential in his own right, and could light up Elland Road with his attacking brilliance for years to come.

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Gil confirmou a visita do meia Paulinho ao CT Joaquim Grava, tanto na última quinta-feira (4), quanto nesta sexta-feira (5), mas desconversou sobre o possível retorno do volante ao Corinthians na próxima temporada.

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– No armário ainda não (colocou as roupas). Ele só veio nos visitar mesmo. A gente não sabe o que vai acontecer para frente, mas quem sabe para o ano que vem ele esteja com a gente?! Hoje ele veio mais para nos visitar – afirmou o defensor em entrevista coletiva virtual.

>> Baixe o novo app de resultados do L!
>> Confira a tabela do Brasileirão e simule os próximos jogos

Livre no mercado desde setembro, quando encerrou uma passagem meteórica, de apenas quatro jogos, pelo Al-Alhi, da Arábia Saudita, o nome de Paulinho tem sido bastante ventilado no Timão para a temporada de 2022.

Conforme informações obtidas pelo LANCE!, ainda em setembro, o estafe do jogador já mantém conversas ativas com o Corinthians.

Enquanto isso, o presidente corintiano Duilio Monteiro Alves já deixou as portas abertas do Centro de Treinamentos do clube para que o meia utilize para condicionamento físico.

Entre janeiro e agosto, quando resolvia alguns imbróglios com o Guaghzou Evergrande, clube que defendia na China, Paulinho optou por treinar no Red Bull Bragantino.

Paulinho e Gil jogaram juntos pelo Corinthians em 2013, ano em que foram campeões do Paulista e da Recopa Sul-Americana. Entre 2016 e 2017, eles jogaram no futebol chinês, mas defendendo times diferentes, enquanto o meia jogava pelo Guanghzou, o zagueiro defendeu o Shandong Luneng. A dupla também vestiu junta a camisa da Seleção Brasileira.

With a place in the final up for grabs it was the home side who took the early advantage

Daniel Brettig03-Apr-2021

New South Wales 4 for 299 (Sangha 81*, Hughes 74, Gilkes 66) vs QueenslandBack in November 2017, an 18-year-old Jason Sangha cuffed an attractive century against the England touring team in only his second first-class appearance. Having represented Australia at Under-19 level and been written up as a batting talent of infinite promise, he appeared ready for a breakout prior to his 20th birthday.The intervening three summers brought glimpses but largely indifference. His one full season of Sheffield Shield matches for New South Wales reaped one more century but very little else besides.It’s clear the early expectations weighed heavily on Sangha, while opponents delighted in the chance to take a bright young talent down a peg or two in domestic ranks.But a sun-kissed April day in Wollongong brought a return of runs for Sangha after the team’s 32 all out in the previous round and a pessimistic assessment of the batting stocks of Australia’s largest state by no less a judge than the former Test captain Mark Taylor.The likes of Daniel Solway and Nick Larkin made way for youth that also included the free-scoring debutant Lachlan Hearne, but it was to be Sangha who shone brightest.Granted a platform by Daniel Hughes and Matthew Gilkes after the Blues were sent in by Queensland’s captain Usman Khawaja, Sangha showed plentiful evidence that his hard early lessons are being well learned. A composed but also proactive unbeaten 81 took Sangha to the outskirts of a third first-class century, and set NSW on the path to a substantial first innings tally.Gilkes enjoyed plenty of good fortune on his way to 66, an innings ended when he missed a short ball from the fit-again wrist spinner Mitchell Swepson and was lbw, but he had fewer reasons to quibble with his exit than Hughes, seemingly caught behind off his thigh, and Kurtis Patterson as victim to an lbw decision where the ball kept low but might also have pitched outside leg stump.Those wickets after the biggest NSW opening stand of the summer might have given the Bulls a way back into the day. But Sangha built a sturdy platform in the company of Jack Edwards, who showed some nimble footwork and precise judgment of length to punish even marginal errors from Swepson, before laying back to cut the part-timers of Marnus Labuschagne and being defeated by a little extra bounce and turn – Jimmy Peirson’s catch was a good one.Hearne, though, showed very few nerves on his first appearance, and if anything aided Sangha’s sense of positivity as they added a chanceless 81 in the last 19 overs of the day. Hearne showed a terrific range of strokes, dealing comfortably with the new ball in the hands of Xavier Bartlett and Michael Neser, while one of Sangha’s few nervy moments arrived when he snicked Neser past the cordon to go past 50.By day’s end the NSW innings was in exceedingly good shape as they chase the points they need to ensure a spot in the Shield final, and Sangha could dream of a century on the ‘morrow.