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Aston Villa boss Unai Emery looks like he could part ways with one of his squad players in the near future after an update from journalist Neil Moxley.

Aston Villa updates: Vissel Kobe verdict, Fredrik Aursnes, Dean Smith comments

As per Football Insider, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has delivered his verdict on Aston Villa's new partnership agreement with Japanese side Vissel Kobe, and he believes that the landmark event can only bring good things to the West Midlands-based side. Maguire stated:

"First of all, Japan is a very lucrative market in terms of the wealth of fans. It’s huge money. Therefore, preseason tours and having a tie-up with Japan will benefit Aston Villa. I suspect that Aston Villa will have seen the impact of Mitoma mania at Brighton. He has brought huge financial benefits there and also increased the profile of Brighton and the size of their international fan base, all of which can be monetized. Then there is the potential to recruit players from a market which is probably underrepresented in the Premier League."

Benfica midfielder Fredrik Aursnes is reportedly on Aston Villa's transfer radar heading into the January transfer window; however, his current employers view him as an indispensable part of their side and it is said that they would like to keep hold of his services until next summer.

Meanwhile, former Villans boss Dean Smith has given a positive appraisal of Aston Villa's recent results and has backed his old club to challenge for Champions League qualification. Speaking to Sky Sports via Birmingham Live, Smith commented the following:

"You can feel that something is definitely building. The owners have invested into the football club and why can’t you do what Newcastle done last season? I think that will be the dream for this season."

Aston Villa's last five results – all competitions

Competition

Opponent and result

Venue

Premier League

Aston Villa 4-1 West Ham United

Villa Park

Premier League

Wolverhampton Wanderers 1-1 Aston Villa

Molineux

Europa League

Aston Villa 1-0 Zrinjski

Villa Park

Premier League

Aston Villa 6-1 Brighton & Hove Albion

Villa Park

EFL Cup

Aston Villa 1-2 Everton

EFL Cup

Aston Villa transfer update – Bertrand Traore

In an update on Bertrand Traore's Aston Villa future, Sunday Mirror reporter Moxley has claimed that the Burkina Faso international is unlikely to have a future at the club under Emery after barely featuring this term for the Villans. In conversation with GIVEMESPORT, Moxley explained:

"Traore was a bit part player under Gerrard and the latter stages of Smith's reign. I don't see him featuring because he's not pushed front and centre by Emery. I don't see him featuring much, to be honest with you. It’s difficult to know which position on the pitch he would play in. Is he wide in a four or a three?

"He's got something, but as to whether or not Villa will harness it, I just don't know. Emery hasn’t played him too much. So, I don't see him having any future there.”

With just three appearances under his belt this campaign in all competitions for Aston Villa, registering one assist and playing 38 minutes, it looks like Traore, who has previously been dubbed "marvellous" by former boss Smith, may well have run his race at the club and could have to seek a new challenge to revive his career (Traore statistics – Transfermarkt).

ScorecardSussex stepped up their promotion campaign with a comprehensive defeat of Glamorgan by an innings and 154 runs inside two days at Hove, to move up to second in the Specsavers County Championship second division table.It was their third straight win and they achieved it by taking 20 Glamorgan wickets in two sessions, the two innings neatly divided by the first 40-minute interval. It was a day-night game but the floodlights were not required as the match was wrapped up by seven o’clock.It was a disappointing performance by bottom-of-the-table Glamorgan, with only one win this season. But they ran into a Sussex side with too much firepower in their attack, with Jofra Archer, Ollie Robinson and Chris Jordan all outstanding. It was appropriate that the match was completed by its outstanding player, Archer, who uprooted Lukas Carey’s middle-stump to give him eight wickets in the match, four in each innings.”I can’t remember a performance like that. It was pretty special,” Sussex coach Jason Gillespie said. “The boys should be really proud of themselves. I’ve been around county cricket quite a while and that bowling performance was brilliant, as good as I’ve ever seen.”We were ruthless on that off stump. And when you stick to your disciplines you get rewarded. We keep challenging ourselves to get better.”Jofra is bowling very well. He’s had a winter of playing basically short-form cricket, and it’s taken him a while to get back in the swing, but today he showed what a quality performer he is.”Archer said: “I’ve been away for a while so it’s good to be back in and help the team to win. Everyone is buzzing. We didn’t expect to do it in two sessions today but it will give the bowlers a rest.”It had been Archer who had propelled Sussex towards their sensational day with a devastating burst that brought him four wickets for four runs in just 11 deliveries, as Glamorgan were bowled out for 85 before lunch in response to the Sussex innings of 327.When Glamorgan followed on after the interval, 242 runs behind, the pattern didn’t change. They continued to lose wickets steadily against a Sussex bowling attack that gave them little respite, bowling straight and making them play.Openers Nick Selman and Jack Murphy fell in successive overs, the first bowled by Robinson for 2 and the second caught behind for a duck as he played hesitantly forward to Archer.Connor Brown was third out at 15, lbw to Archer as he attempted to work a straight delivery to leg. And Usman Khawaja failed again, this time mistiming his pull shot to give Phil Salt a good running catch. Cooke edged Jordan for Salt to take another good catch, this time tumbling to his left at third slip, and Jeremy Lawlor was beaten and bowled as he played forward to Jordan.When Robinson replaced Jordan at the Cromwell Road end he immediately bowled Carlson through the gate and the tail followed quickly.”They bowled very, very well,” Glamorgan vice-captain Chris Cooke said. “All four seamers were on top of their game and made it very difficult for us. It will be nice to have a break of format and play some T20 cricket.”

BBC pundit Garth Crooks has seemingly performed a U-turn over one Tottenham Hotspur star after previously berating him.

Latest Tottenham news

Ange Postecoglou's high-flying Spurs side continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a dramatic, last gasp 2-1 home win over Sheffield United on Saturday.

Gustavo Hamer, against the run of play, had given the away side a shock lead despite Spurs' relentless pressing but the north Londoners put on a display of real determination and heart to fight their way back.

Tottenham continued their attempts to fashion a goal of their own regardless of the setback with Richarlison, a player who's struggled for form lately, eventually grabbing a deserved equaliser with his header from a corner.

The strike came deep into added time but that wasn't the Brazilian's only contribution. Indeed, Richarlison went on to lead the charge further; providing a sweet cut back for Dejan Kulusevski before the Swede fired a fantastic finish past Wes Foderingham to clinch all three points deep in the 100th minute.

The late, late victory makes it four wins out of five for Spurs in the top flight – and after recently opening up about his battle with mental health – it makes for a great story that Richarlison ended up being the hero.

Following the match, BBC pundit Garth Crooks had his say on the former Everton star.

Sharing his verdict on Richarlison, Crooks has lavished praise on him for showing resilience amid his struggles; while also chipping in with moments of match-winning quality when it mattered.

“A goal and an assist from a player who has clearly been struggling with his form since he joined Spurs changed the game against Sheffield United," said Crooks.

“The movement by Richarlison for his headed equaliser was quite brilliant but it was his unselfishness and ability to pick out the pass for Dejan Kulusevski to score once inside the penalty area that won Tottenham the match.

“However, to have played in midweek for his country, returned on time to play for his club amid suggestions about the state of his mental health, come on as substitute and had such an impact on a match speaks volumes about the Brazilian’s strength and courage. Long may it continue.”

How good is Richarlison?

The 26-year-old, who cost around £60 million to sign from Everton in the summer of 2022, has had to deal with a fair bit of pressure after not quite finding the mark on a lot of occasions.

His goal against Sheffield United takes his record at Tottenham to five goals in 41 appearances across all competitions, and Richarlison will now be hoping to build upon that record after his Saturday heroics.

The South American has already showcased the quality he has, especially at Everton, where he racked up ten goals and five assists in 30 league appearances over 2021/2022.

There is a reason Tottenham invested heavily in prising hin away from Goodison Park and we believe he could become a real asset for Postecoglou.

Leeds United saw a six-match unbeaten run come to a screeching halt earlier today, as a trip to the St Mary's proved too much. Facing up against Southampton for the first time since both sides were relegated from the Premier League, the hosts ran out comfortable 3-1 winners, with Daniel Farke left with plenty of thinking to do.

How did Leeds United play vs Southampton?

Although hardly a game in which they will feel they deserved to win, in the end, it was the Saints' cutting edge which proved to be the difference, scoring three from the five shots on target they mustered whilst only amassing an expected goals tally of just 1.03.

However, the Whites will feel disappointed that they could not make their 53% possession pay, as the 13 shots they took were largely unproblematic for Gavin Bazunu, who was only undone in the end by Pascal Struijk's cultured finish earlier in the second half.

Leeds' past five results against Southampton

Result

Competition

Southampton vs Leeds United 30/09/23

3-1 L

Championship

Leeds United vs Southampton 25/02/23

1-0 W

Premier League

Southampton vs Leeds United 13/08/22

2-2 D

Premier League

Southampton vs Leeds United 02/04/22

1-1 D

Premier League

Southampton vs Leeds United 16/10/21

1-0 L

Premier League

It was, as journalist Phil Hay put it, "flat from start to finish", and in the end the visitors got what they deserved.

However, there was one standout disappointment who let his manager down, with Joel Piroe abandoning his recent good form to drop a true disaster.

How did Joel Piroe play vs Southampton?

Starting once again in the number ten role, often intertwining with Georginio Rutter up front, Russell Martin's game plan was executed to perfection to keep the proficient Dutchman silent.

In fact, such was their cut-throat precision, the former Swansea City man, who had scored four in five Championship games in the run-up to today's match for Leeds, was limited to just 32 touches. Even Illan Mesler in the Leeds net recorded more (48), although his afternoon was hardly one to write home about either.

Not only was his lack of influence catastrophic, but even the few opportunities he had on the ball were squandered, actually losing possession 14 times. This suggests that, for every 2.2 touches the 24-year-old had, the Saints would snatch the ball back from him.

A true weak point, the one key pass he managed papers over the cracks of an abysmal 63% pass accuracy, with the usually creative marksman completely wide of the mark this afternoon. To make matters worse, their £10m summer acquisition also lost four of the six duels he competed in, thus emphasising a lack of work ethic to go alongside his general tough day at the office, via Sofascore.

Whilst the German manager can likely excuse performances where things don't go a player's way, what he will not afford is those who do not try. It was a surprise to see him last the full 90 minutes, with Patrick Bamford instead brought on for Daniel James.

Journalist Beren Cross would compound his misery by handing Piroe an abysmal 3/10 rating in his post-match piece, writing: "One of the perils of playing a nine in the 10 role when your two midfielders are overrun in the centre. Did not help in any way, shape or form, but is that what he was on the pitch for? Even when the ball did come his way in the box, his finishes were fluffed, tame or non-existent."

A searing indictment on a performance he and the fanbase will hope to forget in a hurry, especially with a chance to redeem themselves on Wednesday as they welcome QPR to Elland Road.

The captain says there was not much wrong done on Bangladesh’s part, but still wonders whether it’s “nerves or luck” that kicks in to thwart them in tournament finals

Mohammad Isam18-Mar-2018Shakib Al Hasan told Soumya Sarkar to stay calm and take his time before bowling the last ball, off which India required five runs. What happened next, Shakib feels, was sheer brilliance from Dinesh Karthik, who spanked a flat six over the covers to win his side a heart-stopping final.”I didn’t tell [Soumya] anything in particular,” Shakib said. “It is better not to tell a bowler [too much]. I just told him to take his time. Sometimes you can rush into a delivery and then miss your length. I think he bowled very well for three overs and in fact I can’t really blame anyone; we just had two bad overs. I am not blaming anyone. I am really proud of the team’s bowling and fielding effort.”Shakib isn’t known to dwell on regrets and it was no different this time. But there was still the lingering feeling of “what could have been”, particularly over Rubel Hossain’s woeful 19th over; Karthik belted him for two sixes and as many fours in a 22-run over, bringing India back into the game.If there was an element of surprise in seeing Rubel come on for the penultimate over rather than being saved for the often high-pressure final over, Shakib had an explanation: “When Mustafizur [Rahman] bowled that brilliant over [the 18th, featuring one wicket and just one leg bye], India were left needing [34] off the last two overs. Rubel was our best bowler today after the way he bowled his first three overs. I believed in him. I thought even if he bowled badly, he would go for 15 runs.”I would have 20 runs to play with [in the final over], which would have given Soumya some cushion. This was why I brought Rubel for the 19th over.”Shakib said that very few batsmen in the world could have timed the ball as well as Karthik did. He felt that Rubel didn’t stray too far from his usual length. “He didn’t miss [his lengths] by much. I don’t know many batsmen who can hit a six off the first ball, and then keep hitting the boundaries.”There are very few instances in history. There was something other-worldly about it. Rubel got a bit nervous after going for 10 runs off the first two balls. I still feel that I will back him the next time such a situation comes.”Shakib did wonder, however, about what happens to the Bangladesh team when they are in a final; they have now lost five tournament finals in the limited-overs formats, including a similarly tight last-over defeat against Pakistan in the 2012 Asia Cup final. On that occasion, Bangladesh couldn’t take nine runs off the last over.”I don’t know if it is nerves or luck. Ten [12, which India needed] runs in one over isn’t a lot but then you end up defending five runs off the last ball… You would back a bowling team when they are defending 35 [34] off the last two overs. It just didn’t happen for us. The bowlers tried their best.”Bangladesh can reflect on an encouraging performance in the Nidahas Trophy. They didn’t quite win a lot of hearts in Sri Lanka with their antics, but they won two gritty encounters and nearly won the trophy itself. But, Shakib said, that’s where the main difference lay. “It is like the difference between scoring 99 and 100. Being trophy-less is pretty much the same thing.”

Pakistan are due to visit Zimbabwe for an all-format tour over July-August 2018, but there is a distinct possibility that the series may not go ahead at all

ESPNcricinfo staff12-Feb-2018Zimbabwe’s ongoing cash crunch is threatening to disrupt – if not entirely wipe out – their forthcoming international season. Pakistan are due to visit Zimbabwe for an all-format tour over July-August but there is a distinct possibility it may not go ahead at all.Before that visit, Zimbabwe Cricket (ZC) have been in negotiations to arrange a limited-overs tri-series with Australia and Pakistan in June, but the status of that is also currently in doubt.”Finances may not allow the [Pakistan] series to go ahead because we don’t get a lot from our TV contract, and the series ends up – the production costs result in huge losses,” Faisal Hasnain, ZC’s managing director told ESPNcricinfo. “Given our current cash situation, in order to balance our books, we may actually have to either renegotiate the format or we may have to postpone it until such time as we are ready to play.”Hasnain was in Lahore recently to discuss the matter with PCB officials, who have indicated that they will support whatever decision ZC makes. As it stands, Pakistan are supposed to play two Tests, three ODIs and two T20s on the tour. No side has played more internationals in Zimbabwe since the start of 2011 than Pakistan; they have toured thrice since then, twice for all-format visits and once for a limited-overs only tour.On the current FTP, Australia are scheduled to tour Zimbabwe in June for a bilateral series as well – including one Test – but it appears that commitment has transformed into the tri-series. But even that is hostage to the financial difficulties of the board.”We are looking at all of that to see whether we have the tri-series only, the Pakistan series only, or we change the format,” Hasnain said. “We are just working through, considering our options at the moment.”ZC are expected to take a final call on the schedule within the next 2-3 weeks.But if the commitments do not materialise, it will not be a surprise – scaling back on home commitments is something ZC first flagged late last year. So acute has the crisis become, that ZC has postponed its domestic cricket while also having to delay salary payments to board staff and players.It could be that the only top-quality cricket fans will be able to see in the country are the 2019 World Cup qualifiers, which are due to begin from March 4. The three-week tournament will be played across four venues in Bulawayo and Harare. The qualifiers being an ICC event, remain unaffected by ZC’s cash troubles.

Celtic are reportedly closing in on their seventh addition of the summer transfer window after they agreed a deal to sign Luis Palma from Greek side Aris.

What's the latest Celtic transfer news?

According to The Scottish Sun, the Hoops are finalising a £3.5m deal to bring the Honduras international to Parkhead to replace Jota, who joined Al-Ittihad earlier this summer.

The report claims that the talented winger will put pen to paper on a long-term contract with the club; joining Hyeok-kyu Kwon, Hyun-jun Yang, Maik Nawrocki, Marco Tilio, Gustaf Lagerbielke, and Odin Thiago Holm in joining the Scottish giants.

It states that Brendan Rodgers could make up to five new additions before the deadline passes on Friday and that a left-back is one of the positions targeted by the Northern Irish head coach.

The Hoops have been linked with an interest in signing Nantes full-back Quentin Merlin, who could be available for a fee within the region of €8m (£6.8m).

How good is Quentin Merlin?

Rodgers could secure an instant partner for the incoming Palma by sealing a swoop to snap up the France U21 international as he has the quality to form a fantastic link-up with the £3.5m talent.

The Nantes star, who was once described as a "complete" left-back with a potential of 9/10 by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is an attack-minded defender who has the ability to burst forward to make things happen at the top end of the pitch.

Merlin created seven 'big chances' and produced 1.5 key passes per match for his teammates across 24 Ligue 1 appearances during the 2022/23 campaign as he showcased his creativity on a regular basis.

Celtic's current first-choice left-back Greg Taylor, meanwhile, provided 1.3 key passes per game and created two 'big chances' for the club across 31 Scottish Premiership outings.

These statistics suggest that the French dynamo has the potential to offer more quality as a creator from that position due to his superior chance creation in a major European league.

Merlin could, therefore, be a dream partner for Palma as his ability to split open the opposition's defence could help the Honduras international to thrive in the final third.

Firstly, the Aris hotshot is a clinical finisher who could add to his goal tally by getting himself onto the end of the left-footed ace's passes as he racked up 11 goals and only missed one 'big chance' in 29 league games last season.

This shows that Palma rarely passes up presentable opportunities in front of goal and Merlin has proven himself to be capable of creating big chances from left-back, which could result in a profitable link-up for the Hoops down the left flank if they are deployed alongside each other.

Merlin's presence at left-back could also create more space for the 23-year-old winger if opposition defenders are forced to pay close attention to the French gem due to his exceptional ability in possession. He could draw players to him and, therefore, open up room for Palma to work his magic out wide.

Therefore, the pair could be an exciting duo for Celtic in the final third if the Hoops are able to secure deals for both of them before Friday's deadline passes.

An update has emerged on West Bromwich Albion and their plans to strengthen the playing squad before the end of the summer transfer window.

What's the latest West Brom transfer news?

According to Football Insider, the Baggies are one of three clubs eyeing up a swoop to sign Millwall central defender Jake Cooper before next month's deadline.

The report claims that Carlos Corberan's side are joined by Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers and fellow Championship outfit Leeds United in holding an interest in the 6 foot 6 titan.

It states that the English centre-back is now within the final year of his contract at the Den and that the Gers have already made contact over a possible deal to secure his services.

How good is Jake Cooper?

The 28-year-old colossus is a proven Championship performer who could come in as an upgrade on Semi Ajayi for Corberan if they are able to beat off interest from the Whites and Rangers in order to secure his signature.

Their respective performances over the past two full league seasons suggest that Cooper would provide the Spanish head coach with a better option at the heart of the defence.

The Lions star averaged a Sofascore rating of 6.94 and won 60% of his duels last term, which came after he averaged a rating of 7.13 and won 64% of his battles across 42 outings during the 2021/22 campaign.

Ajayi, meanwhile, failed to average a Sofascore rating higher than 6.84 or enjoy a duel success rate of higher than 63% over the last two Championship seasons.

These statistics suggest that the Millwall titan, whose 7.13 rating would have placed him top of the Baggies squad for defenders, would perform at a higher level on a consistent basis.

He could cut out opposition attacks more frequently than Ajayi as the former Reading colossus made 2.7 tackles and interceptions per game, which was more than any current Baggies centre-back managed, in comparison to the Nigeria international's 2.1.

Cooper would also provide West Brom with more quality in the air. He ranked among the top 5% of his positional peers for aerial duels won per 90 (5.07) across the Championship last season, whereas Ajayi ranked in the 51st percentile with 3.14 won per 90.

This suggests that the English ace could improve the team's defending from set-pieces and crosses into the box, whilst also being able to carry an attacking threat as he was directly involved in six goals last term – four more than the current Baggies enforcer.

West Brom scored the third-most goals (18) from set-pieces in the division last season and the signing of the £10k-per-week giant could push them closer to topping the charts due to his ability to make things happen with his aerial prowess.

The left-footed stopper, who was once lauded as "invaluable" by his current manager Gary Rowett, would also come in as a player who can hit the ground running as he knows the Championship and it takes to deliver consistently impressive performances at this level.

He has racked up a staggering 304 second-tier appearances in his career to date and his aforementioned statistics prove that the Millwall battler has quality as well as experience.

A round-up of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches this week, with strong performances from Junaid Khan and Rumman Raees and a maiden win in the season for PTV

ESPNcricinfo staff06-Oct-20171:54

WATCH – Junaid’s 5 for 32 and Raees’ 9 for 25

Raees blows Lahore Whites at homeHaving gained prominence through limited-overs cricket, Rumman Raees continues to grow in the longer format, too. He ended this round with remarkable innings figures of 9 for 25 for United Bank Limited against Lahore Whites, the second-best in the history of first-class cricket in Pakistan. His nine-for bundled out Lahore Whites for 88, giving UBL an innings-and-122-run win and he ended the match with returns of 11 for 80. Raees had made his first-class debut in the 2010-11 season and his previous best innings figures were 7 for 31 in the 2013-14 season.Junaid Khan finds his formJunaid Khan has had a tough road back to international cricket after nearly two years out of the Pakistan side. A knee injury affected his rhythm and pace, and in the two years since he was dropped from the side, at the start of the 2015-16 domestic season, he has played only five Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches in two seasons. He was axed from the contracts list in 2016 and aimed to come back in limited-overs cricket. The Pakistan selectors, however, expected him to win back his place by pushing hard in domestic cricket, particularly first-class cricket.Mohammad Irfan’s unavailability against Australia earlier this year, following the death of his mother, allowed Junaid to come back into the team and he made his come back in the ODIs on the tour. At the time, Junaid had six wickets in seven games in the Departmental One Day Cup and had taken 4 for 31 for Peshawar in the Regional One Day Cup. Since his comeback he hasn’t lost his place in Pakistan’s limited-overs side and has also regained his contract but his return in the longer format is still uncertain.The performances in this season’s QEA will give him hope. In his second game for Habib Bank, the left-arm quick took a five-for in the first innings to crush Rawalpindi for 102 and then took three wickets in the second innings to set up Habib Bank’s crushing innings-and-65-run victory within two days. He will soon join the ODI team for the series against Sri Lanka in the UAE.PTV’s maiden victory in the seasonPakistan TV regained their first-class status earlier this year, after winning the Patron’s Trophy Grade-II with a win over Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited in the final. Before this season’s QEA, they last played first-class cricket in 2014 and were relegated from the first-class circuit after finishing last among the department teams. They made their maiden first-class appearance in 2010 but missed the 2011 and 2012 editions of the tournament before returning again in 2013 and 2014. They began this season with a defeat to Lahore Whites but bounced back in the second round. A PTV XI with two debutants – Hasan Mohsin and Athar Mahmood – beat Karachi Whites by five wickets.Lahore Blues secure sole regional successAs departments thrashed regions all around them, Lahore Blues were determined not to let National Bank of Pakistan secure an unbeaten round for the departments. The Blues beat National Bank – by an innings and four runs – in a thoroughly clinical performance. Raza Ali Dar, who made half-centuries in his last three first class games, top-scored with a first-innings 87, while Blues captain Saad Nasim and all-rounder Bilawal Iqbal began what was a two-man rout in Rawalpindi. Each of them scored half-centuries as their side put on 359, before combining to take 18 of the opposition’s 20 wickets, skittling them out for 154 and 201 to ensure their side wouldn’t have to bat again. It is just the second victory for the regions in the tournament so far, but for Nasim – who has played three ODIs and three T20Is forPakistan – and Bilawal, it ensures the attention domestic cricketers in Pakistan so hungrily seek.Fawad watchSui Southern Gas Corporation – led by Fawad Alam – handed Peshawar a 337-run drubbing as the two sides took up positions on opposite ends of the table in Pool A.Even though Fawad himself had a game to forget, scoring 18 and 7 and failing to grab a wicket in the six overs he bowled, his fellow internationals shone. Aamer Yamin scored 99 in the first innings, while Umar Amin struck a second-innings hundred as their side scored a comfortable win.

Chelsea could be set to secure yet another summer signing as Mauricio Pochettino aims to strengthen his side ahead of the 2023/24 season.

What's the latest on Kudus to Chelsea?

The Stamford Bridge side have been linked recently with a move for Ajax starlet, Mohammed Kudus as Pochettino aims to bolster his attacking options, and new a development has occurred with regard to a potential move.

Journalist Rudy Galetti tweeted: “#Chelsea had first contacts with #Ajax for Mohammed #Kudus.

“Understand that #CFC have verbally agreed the personal terms with the Ghanaian player: now it’s up to clubs to find an agreement.

“Other 2 English teams have showed a concrete interest in him: evolving situation.”

It would be a major statement of intent should they lure the youngster away from Ajax to England, especially considering teams such as Manchester United and Arsenal are showing interest and they have Champions League football to look forward to next term.

The 22-year-old will only cost the Blues around £40m, which given their recent extravagant activity in the transfer market, it could be a bargain.

Could Mohammed Kudus replace Mason Mount?

Attacking midfielder Mason Mount departed Chelsea this summer, joining Manchester United in a deal which could be worth £60m, becoming one of the several players to leave the club.

Since making his debut under Frank Lampard back in 2019, Mount made nearly 200 appearances for the Blues and registered 70 goal contributions in that time period, a solid return.

Last season featured just three goals and six assists across 35 games and with one year left on his deal, Chelsea clearly felt £60m was a decent enough figure to let him depart.

Kudus has all the attributes to replace Mount in the Chelsea squad, and given that he is younger, he has the potential to surpass his achievements.

The Ajax starlet was among one of the finest attacking midfielders when compared to his positional peers over the previous 365 days, ranking in the top 2% for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.55), top 1% for successful take ons per 90 (4.57) and top 4% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 (6.27) and this clearly indicates that he is a major threat in the opposition penalty area.

In comparison, Mount registered just 0.13 non-penalty goals, 0.86 successful take ons and 3.32 touches in the attacking penalty area per 90 during the same period, suggesting that Kudus could even be a major upgrade on the Englishman.

Not only did Kudus register six goal contributions in the Champions League last season – four goals and two assists – but he demonstrated his attacking qualities on the biggest stage of them all – the World Cup.

He scored twice in the competition while also succeeding with 3.3 dribbles per game – a success rate of 71% – and the youngster ranked first across the whole Ghana squad for these metrics. It wasn’t enough to prevent them from falling at the first hurdle, however, the world got a glimpse of his outstanding talents.

It’s no wonder that talent scout Jacek Kulig lauded the player as “electric” and should he carry on the form which saw him explode in the Champions League and the World Cup, he could be a stunning success at Chelsea as the man to replace Mount.