Crystal Palace are reportedly keen to strike a deal for a new player in January as Roy Hodgson aims to elevate the Eagles' standing in the Premier League table.

Crystal Palace's inconsistent results…

Undoubtedly, Crystal Palace have endured some inconsistent results in recent times and have won just one of their last five matches across all competitions. Sitting 13th in the Premier League standings, veteran boss Hodgson will acknowledge that there are positives to take alongside improvements to implement once club football resumes after the international break.

Despite losing 3-2 at home to Everton last weekend, the 76-year-old didn't seem to be too despondent in his post-match analysis of the affair, harbouring mild frustrations rather than anger toward his side's performance. Cited by Liverpool World, Hodgson stated: "At half-time, we were fairly confident that we could go out and continue in the way that we'd been playing, which had got us the equaliser and given us some ascendancy in large parts of the game, only to concede yet again after a couple of minutes."

He then added: "And then I thought it was a really good effort, and we actually played well to get the 2-2 goal, which would have been a good result on the day, after being behind twice in the way we were. So to concede a third goal, of course, is very frustrating and saddening, really, because it leaves me feeling that we could and should have done better today, and at least held on to the point that we definitely had and deserved when we equalised."

Nevertheless, Crystal Palace will be left to rue deficiencies in their performance against Everton as they now turn their attention to a trip to Kenilworth Road on November 25th, where they will face another stiff test in the form of Rob Edwards' Luton Town.

Crystal Palace's next five fixtures – all competitions

Competition

Opponent

Venue

Premier League

Luton Town (A)

Kenilworth Road

Premier League

West Ham United (A)

London Stadium

Premier League

Bournemouth (H)

Selhurst Park

Premier League

Liverpool (H)

Selhurst Park

Premier League

Manchester City (A)

Etihad Stadium

According to a report, it appears that the January window has now crept up the priority list at Selhurst Park as the Eagles look to add some bodies to their squad.

Josh Brownhill wanted by Crystal Palace

According to TEAMtalk, Crystal Palace are keen on Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill, who is also being courted by the likes of West Ham United, Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 27-year-old has become a key player at Turf Moor and his contract is reported to expire in Lancashire in the summer of 2024; however, Vincent Kompany is believed to have taken up a one-year extension option on his deal and has made it clear to the Clarets' hierarchy that he wants to see him sign a long-term agreement at Burnley to avoid losing his services.

Labelled "fabulous" by former Aston Villa man Lee Hendrie, Brownhill has made 12 appearances this term for Burnley, registering two goals and one assist (Brownhill statistics – Transfermarkt). Taking notice of his positive form, Crystal Palace should at least test the waters to try and land the Warrington-born man sooner rather than later as Hodgson looks to bolster his engine room.

كشفت لجنة الحكام بالاتحاد المصري لكرة القدم، عن طاقم تحكيم مباراة الزمالك والداخلية التي تقام مساء اليوم الأحد، في منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

الزمالك يلاقي الداخلية، ضمن مواجهات الأسبوع الـ 31 من عمر مباريات بطولة الدوري المصري، ذلك على ملعب استاد السلام.

طالع | موعد والقناة الناقلة لمباراة الزمالك والداخلية اليوم في الدوري المصري

وخاض الزمالك 26 مباراة في بطولة الدوري، وتتبقى له 4 مباريات مؤجلة، فاز الفارس الأبيض في 13 لقاء، وتعادل في 6 وخسر 7 مواجهات، يحتل المركز الخامس برصيد 45 نقطة من 26 لقاء.

وعلى الجانب الآخر، فريق الداخلية يحتل المركز الأخير (الـ18)، برصيد 19 نقطة من 30 مباراة.

واختارت لجنة الحكام، محمد العتباني حكمًا لإدارة مباراة الزمالك والداخلية، وطارق مجدي حكمًا لتقنية الفيديو.

  حكم مباراة الزمالك والداخلية اليوم في الدوري المصري

حكم ساحة: محمد العتباني.

حكم مساعد أول: رجب محمد.

حكم مساعد ثاني: مصطفي حسين.

حكم رابع: محمود منصور.

حكم فيديو: طارق مجدي ويعاونه هاني خيري.

Imran Khan’s journey from cricketer to politician is finally complete, with the former captain and 1992 World Cup winner sworn in today, as the 22nd Prime Minister of Pakistan. In an inauguration ceremony that saw dignitaries from several walks of life, cricketers featured heavily. Among those were several members of Pakistan’s 1992 World Cup winning squad, including Wasim Akram, Mushtaq Ahmed and Inzamam-ul-Haq – now chief selector of the Pakistan cricket team. Former India batsman Navjot Sidhu was also present, the only foreign cricketer to attend the ceremony.The oath of the Prime Minister was delivered by Pakistan president Mamnoon Hussain to a visibly emotional and slightly nervous Imran, who promised to: “Discharge my duties and perform my functions honestly, to the best of my ability… and always in the interest of the sovereignty, integrity, solidarity, well-being and prosperity of Pakistan.”That Imran would become prime minister was only formally confirmed on Friday after the former allrounder won a parliamentary vote. But following the success of his party – The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (Movement for Justice) – in elections across the country last month, his rise to the top political job had been a foregone conclusion for a few weeks. Eventually, he beat the rival candidate, Shehbaz Sharif, by 176 votes to 96.The inauguration ceremony might have had a few more cricketers from India had Imran decided to stick to its original blueprint. Initially, he had grand plans for the event, wanting it to be a celebration that extended beyond the political nature of the occasion, and hoped to invite a number of his cricketing contemporaries from India. Kapil Dev and Sunil Gavaskar were among those. However, Imran backtracked later, opting for a more “austere” ceremony. Sidhu, who had called Imran a “pure soul who led from the front” after the elections, was present though.Imran’s dovish remarks about India since winning the election may have given long-suffering fans on both sides of the border hope that cricketing ties between the two countries could resume. Political tensions have meant India and Pakistan haven’t played any bilateral cricket since Pakistan toured India in 2012 for two T20Is and three ODIs, while the last time they played a Test match was back in 2007. Indeed, it wasn’t hard to notice the extension of the recent warmth spilling over into today’s ceremony, with Sidhu and Pakistan’s army chief sharing a gentle embrace following friendly conversation between the two. Pakistan and India’s next fixture is mere weeks away – a group stage tie at the Asia Cup in the UAE in September.Since retiring from cricket after winning the World Cup in 1992, Imran increasingly turned his attention to politics. He formed his own political party in 1996, but it wasn’t until 15 years later in 2011 that he emerged as a serious political force. His party was one of the main opposition forces after the 2013 elections, when Nawaz Sharif became prime minister.Now, with Imran’s rise to the job he had eyed for over two decades, there could be significant changes afoot in Pakistan, particularly as far as cricket is concerned. He has a famously poor relationship with the current chairman of the PCB, Najam Sethi, whom he has repeatedly accused over the years of helping Nawaz Sharif unjustly win the elections in 2013. With the prime minister allowed – according to the PCB constitution – to change the PCB chairman if he so desires, Sethi’s days at the helm of the PCB could be numbered.

Much like any club, Leeds United have endured their fair share of transfer heartbreak or costly mistakes over the years, having notably missed out on a handful of high-profile stars who have gone on to blossom elsewhere in the European game.

One notable example in recent times was the failure of Victor Orta and co to snap up Leeds-born sensation, Erling Haaland, with the Norwegian marksman having been offered to those at Elland Road while at Molde during his teenage years.

Despite having been available for a fee of just £4m, the financial woes of the Whites at the time ensured that no deal ever came to fruition, with the 6 foot 4 powerhouse going on to join Red Bull Salzburg in 2019.

The rest, as they say, is history, with Haaland netting 29 goals in just 27 games for the Austrian outfit, prior to plundering 86 goals in only 89 appearances for Bundesliga giants, Borussia Dortmund, cementing his status as one of the most sought-after talents in world football.

Now at Manchester City – who the 23-year-old joined on a £51m deal last summer – the prolific hotshot already has 60 goals to his name in just 65 games for Pep Guardiola's side to date, having been a vital part in the club's treble success in 2022/23.

The towering titan isn't the only former Leeds target who is currently ripping it up in the Premier League, however, with the Yorkshire side likely to be ruing their failure to snap up the man who clinched victory for Arsenal against Haaland and City at the weekend – Gabriel Martinelli.

Why didn't Leeds sign Gabriel Martinelli?

Back in February 2019, the Whites were enjoying their first season under the management of enigmatic coach, Marcelo Bielsa, with the Argentine tactician looking to end the club's lengthy stint outside of England's top tier.

While that season would ultimately end in disappointment, at the time it looked as if Leeds stood a real chance of gaining promotion, with Bielsa and co looking ahead to potential moves they could make in the summer window.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, the promotion hopefuls – as well as Watford – were said to be interested in signing the teenage Martinelli from Brazilian lower league side, Ituano, with the highly-rated 17-year-old valued at around £10m.

Despite that possible interest from the Elland Road hierarchy, as was the case with Haaland, no move ever materialised, with the fleet-footed forward ultimately moving to the Emirates later that same year.

How much Arsenal pay for Martinelli?

Despite that prior price tag of £10m, it was actually just £6m that was required for the Gunners to snap up the young Brazilian in the summer of 2019, with the 5 foot 10 whiz having since made that figure look like a total bargain.

Although injury did disrupt the emerging superstar in his early years in north London, the winger was still able to make a strong first impression in his new surroundings, scoring ten goals in just 26 games in all competitions during his debut season.

The relatively unknown quantity announced himself to Arsenal supporters with a brace on debut against Nottingham Forest, having also scored twice against Standard Liege and Liverpool in the Europa League and League Cup, respectively, that season.

It was that clinical double against Jurgen Klopp's men that particularly caught the eye of fans and pundits alike, with the Reds boss himself dubbing Martinelli as a possible "talent of the century" such was his sky-high potential.

How much is Gabriel Martinelli worth now?

As stated above, it hasn't always been a smooth ride since then for the 22-year-old "machine" – as hailed by journalist Simon Collings – due to injury, yet last season saw him particularly explode under the tutelage of Mikel Arteta.

With the Gunners thrust into a title tussle with Man City, the £180k-per-week asset remarkably chipped in with 15 goals and five assists in the Premier League alone, forming part of a devastating attacking duo involving himself and academy star, Bukayo Saka.

Such blistering form has continued into the current campaign, with Martinelli already racking up one goal and two assists from just six top-flight outings, notably scoring against the champions last time out to clinch a crucial 1-0 win.

That vital late strike epitomised the great strides that the seven-cap international has made of late, with that further evidenced by the fact that he is now said to be worth in the region of €150m (£129m), according to CIES Football Observatory.

How good is Gabriel Martinelli?

To have been keen on the soaring talent when he was available for just £6m will likely sting as far as Leeds are concerned, even if the Whites did get to enjoy a special Brazilian gem of their own in the form of Raphinha.

The current Barcelona trickster – who arrived in Yorkshire from Rennes in 2020 – scored 17 goals and provided 12 assists in just 67 games for the Elland Road outfit during his two-year stint, having been a real weapon from the flanks in that time.

Despite the 26-year-old's obvious quality, however, it could be argued that not even he is of the level of his compatriot, emphasised by the fact that the one-time Sporting CP ace is currently valued at just €80m (£69m), according to CIES.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

Games

Goals

Assists

2019/20

n/a

n/a

n/a

14

3

0

2020/21

30

6

9

14

2

1

2021/22

35

11

3

19

6

6

2022/23

n/a

n/a

n/a

36

15

5

2023/24

n/a

n/a

n/a

6

1

2

Total:

65

17

12

99

27

14

Stats via Transfermarkt

Equally, in contrast to Martinelli's form last term, Raphinha scored just seven goals and provided only seven assists in La Liga, having been unable to make a significant impact since moving to Camp Nou for £55m in 2022.

With Martinelli's relative youth also ensuring he still has plenty of time left to grow, it remains to be just how good he can be in the years to come.

Of course, Bielsa and co certainly enjoyed their time with Raphinha, yet missing out on a bargain Brazilian like the Gunners ace remains a bitter pill to swallow for Leeds.

Liverpool could be set to lose one of their most world-renowned players during the January transfer window, according to a fresh update regarding his future at the club.

Will Liverpool sign players in January?

The Reds needed a very productive summer window after last season's shortcomings, and overall, they got a sufficient amount of business done. Granted, it was only midfielders who came in, but they look revitalised in that area of the pitch, and are flooded with talent in defence and attack.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister have seamlessly fitted into the starting lineup, with the latter playing in a deeper role than at Brighton, while Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo may only improve with more minutes in their legs.

Once January rolls around, the option will be there for Liverpool to make more signings, with a centre-back one position that could potentially be targeted by Jurgen Klopp, especially if the likes of Joel Matip and Joe Gomez are injured at that point, with Sporting's Goncalo Inacio one player who has been linked with a move to Merseyside.

On the flip side, there is always a chance that current Reds players could head out of the Anfield exit door at that point, should other clubs show an interest in them. A fresh claim suggests that one big-name individual could possibly move on once the winter window opens.

Which Liverpool player could leave in January?

According to a new update from Football Insider, Liverpool could entertain offers for Thiago Alcantara in January, should the right bid come along:

"Liverpool would be willing to accept a “big” offer for Thiago Alcantara in January, sources have told Football Insider. Thiago is on high wages at Anfield and the club could be tempted to sell if there is a suitably high offer in the winter window.

"The 32-year-old has entered the final year of his contract which is set to expire in the summer of 2024. Football Insider revealed (23 September), that Liverpool have opened talks with Thiago over an extension to his current deal.

"The parties are in discussions over the midfielder’s contract but talks are not at an advanced stage with the club waiting to see if there is an improvement in Thagio’s availability and appearance record before making him an offer."

This is arguably a surprise twist that has come from nowhere, considering recent reports have suggested that Thiago is in talks to sign an extension at Liverpool prior to his contract expiring at the end of this season.

At 32 years of age, the Spaniard's best days may well be behind him, especially as injuries continue to hold him back, but retaining his services for another couple of years certainly wouldn't be a bad thing for the Reds, considering the quality he has and the vast experience he possesses at the top level, not to mention once being described as "world-class" by Gary Neville.

That being said, should a huge offer come Liverpool's way for Thiago in January, potentially from Saudi Arabia, it is surely something they would have to consider accepting, allowing them more funds to rebuild the squad, and now having a plethora of midfield options even with the veteran maestro sidelined.

اختتم الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بالنادي الأهلي تدريباته استعدادًا لمباراة الاتحاد السكندري والتي تجمع بين الفريقين ضمن منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

ومن المقرر أن يلتقي الأهلي أمام الاتحاد السكندري مساء غد الثلاثاء على ملعب ‏برج العرب بالإسكندرية، باللقاء الذي يجمعهما في إطار البطولة المحلية.

وحرص مارسيل كولر، المدير الفني لـ الأهلي على عقد محاضرة فنية مع اللاعبين قبل انطلاق المران، لشرح العديد من الجوانب الفنية والخططية المتعلقة بالاستعداد ‏للمباراة.‏

وخاض اللاعبون فقرات بدنية متنوعة قبل استكمال المران بفقرات خططية وتدريبات تخصصية تحت إشراف الجهاز الفني.‏

بينما أدى الرباعي محمد الشناوي ومصطفى شوبير ومحمود الزنفلي وحمزة علاء ‏تدريباتهم تحت إشراف ميشيل يانكون مدرب الحراس.‏

طالع | وكيل ساكالا يوضح لـ “بطولات” حقيقة اهتمام الأهلي بضمه

كما واصل وسام أبو علي برنامجه التأهيلي على ملعب التتش تحت إشراف الجهاز الطبي قبل انطلاق مران الفريق الجماعي، حيث قام اللاعب بالجري حول الملعب وتنفيذ بعض الفقرات التأهيلية.

يذكر، أن الأهلي يتواجد في المركز الرابع بجدول ترتيب الدوري المصري ولديه في رصيده 36 نقطة جمعها من الفوز بـ 11 لقاء والتعادل في 3 مواجهات وتلقى هزيمتين.

MatériaMais Notícias

Após o revés no meio da semana diante do Fortaleza, o Ceará deixa o estadual de lado e volta a focar no Brasileirão. O adversário do fim de semana é o Palmeiras, no Allianz Parque.

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Consciente que precisa somar pontos e subir na classificação, Guto Ferreira vai com força máxima. A única dúvida é na lateral-direita, onde Samuel Xavier vai passar por mais um teste antes do jogo. Caso não atue, Eduardo será o escolhido.

No ataque, o comandante vai apostar no quarteto que costuma incomodar os adversários: Sobral, Vina, Leandro e Sobis.

Confira a provável escalação: Fernando Prass; Eduardo (Samuel Xavier), Tiago Pagnussat, Luiz Otávio, Alyson; Charles, Fabinho; Sobral, Vina, Leandro; Sobis.

Com 14 pontos, o Ceará aparece na 12ª posição do Campeonato Brasileiro. Nas últimas cinco rodadas, o Vozão venceu apenas um.

Ex-Liverpool star Roberto Firmino stole the show on his competitive debut for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli, while two other former Premier League players also impressed in the same game but Edouard Mendy made a huge mistake.

What did Roberto Firmino do on his Saudi debut?

This summer has seen an influx of top European footballers head to Saudi Arabia and it will be interesting to see how they get on individually as well as how the league develops.

Al Ahli have recruited a number of big names over the past few months, picking up Firmino on a free from Liverpool after his contract expired, while also landing Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City for a reported £30m and Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle United for a reported £23m.

The trio all started Al Ahli’s opening Pro League fixture, as they began their 2023/24 campaign against Al-Hazm as did Mendy who arrived from Chelsea for around £16m.

It didn’t take long for the former Premier League outfield players to impress either, as some good build-up play involving Saint-Maximin and Mahrez led to Firmino heading in the opening strike of the game, his first competitive goal for the club, after just six minutes.

You can see that effort below.

The second goal really was a thing of beauty and a true piece of collaboration from the trio as Saint-Maximin picked the ball up inside his own half and charged upfield before finding Mahrez in space.

The former Man City man carried the ball along the flank before drilling in an inch-perfect cross with his right foot as Firmino arrived with immaculate timing to tap in his second.

As noted by well-known Crystal Palace podcaster HLTCO, the sound made by the Al-Ahli fans as the ball went in really was something to behold.

Indeed, he wrote on Twitter: “The noise that accompanies this Roberto Firmino goal for Al-Ahly is insane.”

And that wasn’t all the Brazilian ace had for his new set of supporters as he completed his hat-trick in the second half as he bundled the ball over the line after initially having an effort saved from close range.

Seeing as he was wearing the captain’s armband, this was a pretty impressive way to start his career in the Saudi Pro League and Firmino’s goals were ultimately enough to seal a 3-1 win on the day.

However, the goal they did concede came from an absolute howler from former Chelsea goalkeeper Mendy.

The shot-stopper received the ball from a back pass under little pressure but played it directly to opposition player Vinícius Goes Barbosa de Souza, known as Vinícius, who simply lobbed the embarrassed 31-year-old.

What players have joined the Saudi Pro League?

Beyond the aforementioned trio, a whole host of other stars have followed Cristiano Ronaldo to the Middle East this summer.

Perhaps most notably, former Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema has joined Al-Ittihad, where he will play with N’Golo Kante formerly of Chelsea.

Other big names could also head to the Saudi Pro League before the window closes, with Franck Kessie of Barcelona linked with Al-Ahli, and even PSG’s biggest star Kylian Mbappe also touted as a target for Al-Hilal.

For all transfer updates and rumours, Football Fancast has you covered here.

أوضحت صحيفة “ماركا” الإسبانية، أسباب انقلاب رئيس برشلونة خوان لابورتا على مدرب الفريق تشافي هيرنانديز.

وظهرت أنباء صباح اليوم الجمعة، أن لابورتا قرر عدم استمرارية تشافي كمدرب لبرشلونة، وسيتم إعلان القرار بعد مباراة الأحد أمام رايو فاليكانو.

وكان تشافي أعلن في يناير الماضي قراره بالرحيل عن برشلونة نهاية الموسم، لكن في إبريل الماضي أعلن برشلونة برئاسة لابورتا استمرار المدرب في منصبه لموسم إضافي.

وأفادت “ماركا” بأن هناك ثلاثة أسباب لانقلاب لابورتا على تشافي، ويتمثل السبب الأول في التصريحات التي أدلى بها المدرب قبل المباراة أمام ألميريا.

وأثارت كلمات تشافي غضبا كبيرا لدى لابورتا، وكل هذا بعد ثلاثة أسابيع فقط من تثبيته في منصبه، حيث أشار المدرب إلى أن برشلونة غير قادر على المنافسة مع أندية مثل ريال مدريد بسبب الوضع المالي.

وكانت هذه التصريحات بمثابة القشة التي قسمت ظهر البعير، وأشارت “ماركا” إلى أن أولا وقبل كل شيء، مسألة التعاقدات، ويدرك لابورتا أنه في عامه الأول، أحضروا ليفاندوفسكي وفيران توريس وكوندي ورافينها وكريستنسن وكيسي إلى تشافي بتكلفة مالية كبيرة.

الأمر الثاني، أن كلمات تشافي عن فيتور روكي لم تعجب لابورتا، حيث يرى أن المدرب يؤذي صبيًا يبلغ من العمر 18 عامًا عندما وافق المدرب على انضمامه في الشتاء، وقد صرح تشافي بأن وصول روكي لم يكن مخططًا له وأن هناك لاعبين آخرين في مركزه.

والسبب الثالث يتعلق بتناقض تشافي في كلامه، في اللقاء الذي عقده في منزل لابورتا، أكد المدرب له أن لديه ثقة كاملة في الفريق وأنهم قادرون على المنافسة على الألقاب.

بينما في التصريحات التي سبقت مباراة ألميريا، أكد أنهم لن يكونوا قادرين على المنافسة مع ريال مدريد أو الفرق الأوروبية الكبرى الأخرى، والسبب هو الوضع المالي.

وهذا بجانب التغيير في مختلف الأمور المتعلقة بالفريق الأول مثل الإعداد البدني وأخصائيي العلاج الطبيعي، ويرى لابورتا أن تشافي لا يتعمق في هذه التغييرات ويقتصر على التعديلات السطحية.

Chelsea are still "pushing" for a "10/10" talent and someone tipped to be a "future midfield leader" after completing the record-breaking deal to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton & Hove Albion, per transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

Chelsea transfer news – what is the latest?

The transfer window is already one of the most entertaining periods in the football calendar, one filled with twists, turns, and drama everywhere you look, but perhaps no club does it better than Chelsea.

Ever since their takeover by the Russian Billionaire Roman Arkadyevich Abramovich in 2004, the West Londoners have consistently splashed unimaginable amounts of cash on a seemingly yearly basis, and they've done it again.

After the dramatic developments on Thursday night that saw Brighton accept Liverpool's offer of £111m for their Ecuadorian dynamo Caicedo it looked like Mauricio Pochettino's side had quite embarrassingly lost out on their number one transfer target after spending months trying to get a deal over the line.

Read the latest Chelsea transfer news HERE…

And yet, in another twist nobody saw coming, the 21-year-old turned down the Reds, preferring instead a move to Stamford Bridge following the discussions he had been having with the team.

And according to Fabrizio Romano, a deal has been agreed for a new Premier League record fee of £115m, with the medical already booked and ready to go.

However, with the Pensioners still a little light in midfield, they look set to continue in their pursuit of Southampton wonderkid Romeo Lavia, and just as with Caicedo, they could steal him from under the noses of Liverpool, per Transfers expert Fabrizio Romano.

He explained the situation on his YouTube channel and how the Blues are still "pushing" to secure the youngster's signature:

"One of the players in the list of both Liverpool and Chelsea remains Romeo Lavia. Let's see how Chelsea will act after signing Moises. They spent a lot of money, so let's see if they will decide to go also on Romeo Lavia.

"They had the bid in at Southampton, but the same happened also in Liverpool, so both clubs are actively working on Lavia. At the moment, we still have to wait and see how Chelsea will act after closing the Caicedo deal because the focus was on Caicedo in the recent hours and let's see also what Liverpool will decide to do if they want to push for Lavia or maybe go on another Target.

"But I can tell you that Liverpool are already speaking to agents of other players in that position, so there is Lavia but not only Lavia. And Chelsea remain interested in the Lavia deal, so everything is open on that one. Let's see what's going to happen.

"But Chelsea pushing Liverpool still there but Liverpool also speaking to agents of other players for that position so let's see what's going to happen there."

How much will Romeo Lavia cost?

Southampton have been entirely consistent in their appraisal of their youngster so far this year, with the club constantly reaffirming their valuation of the teenager is £50m, following all three of Liverpool's bids that have been slightly below that figure.

However, with demand in the 19-year-old increasing and Chelsea's need for bodies in midfield, Todd Boehly and Co have seemingly increased the asking price, with 90min reporting that they made an offer worth £55m on August 11th.

Not to be outdone and lose another priority target to the same team in under a week, Jurgen Klopp's side have reportedly agreed on a deal worth £60m with the Championship club, per Sky Sports News.

While this is a significant development in this evolving saga, the same publication also reiterates exactly what Romano has said, that regardless of this agreement, Chelsea are 'still pushing to sign Lavia.'

While the fee might be ballooning a far beyond what either team would've thought likely just a week ago, the full Belgium international is an excellent player and an exciting prospect that would help improve both teams' midfield.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig was raving about him only a few months ago, saying:

"Roméo Lavia is a very underrated passer. Born in 2004. Maturity and quality. 10/10 talent. The future midfield leader of Belgium NT and a top Premier League club."

If the West Londoners can sign Caicedo and Lavia in the same week whilst depriving a direct rival of their services, it could go down as one of the greatest transfer coups ever.