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Jamie Carragher insists Liverpool should not panic over Ibrahima Konate's future, saying his former club will be "absolutely fine" if the defender leaves on a free transfer next summer. The France international has less than a year remaining on his contract and it remains to be seen whether he will agree an extension ahead of the January transfer window opening.

Contract situation continues to drag on for Bayern & Real Madrid-linked Konate

Konate has established himself as a key fixture in Liverpool’s starting XI following his move from Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in 2021. The 26-year-old has formed a strong partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the heart of the Reds’ defence, making 147 appearances in all competitions and scoring six goals.

However, speculation remains rife regarding Konate’s future ahead of the January transfer window opening in less than two months’ time. The centre-back is into the final year on his current deal and it is up in the air as to whether he will ink fresh terms at Anfield.

German newspaper are reporting that German giants Bayern Munich are tentatively weighing up whether to rival La Liga heavyweights Real Madrid by making a move for Konate, who is eligible to arrange a free transfer in January.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLiverpool told they will not 'fall apart' should Konate leave the club

But while rumours continue to swirl regarding Konate’s contract situation, Liverpool have been told they will not "fall apart" if they are forced into the transfer market to replace him.

Speaking to the Carragher – who made 737 appearances for Liverpool, winning 11 trophies – said: "I’d like him [Konate] to stay but if he doesn’t stay, Liverpool will sign someone else. Liverpool won’t fall apart if Konate leaves.

"He's not Virgil van Dijk. He's a good centre-back who you hope will sign, but if he doesn’t want to sign, Liverpool will be absolutely fine. He's a very good centre-back, he's a title winner at Liverpool, he's played in the Champions League final against Real Madrid. He's obviously a quality centre-back.

"It's not poor management [if he goes for free]. You can't physically make somebody sign a contract. Then it's your decision, do you keep him to the length of his contract or do you sell him?"

Reds legend Carragher wants to see more consistency from Konate

In a run which saw Liverpool lose four consecutive Premier League games against Crystal Palace, Chelsea, Manchester United and Brentford, Konate was one of a number of players whose performances had notably dipped. 

However, the ex-Sochaux man has since played a key role in helping Arne Slot’s side get back on track with victories over Aston Villa in the league and Xabi Alonso’s Real in the Champions League, with Carragher now challenging him to keep improving over the next few weeks.

"It's still only a couple of games," said Carragher, when asked about Konate’s recent displays. "He hasn't had a great start to the season and he needs to show a bit more consistency.

“He was fantastic against Real Madrid and he needs to keep that going over the next few months, it can't just be two games on the bounce.

"There’s no secrets [to picking up your form]. It’s about working harder and you become more professional. It’s on your mind constantly that you want to get back into good form and every you think tiny detail will make a difference, whether that’s what you eat, what time you go to sleep, it’s just becoming an ultra-professional on and off the pitch."

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Getty Images SportUp next for Liverpool: A trip to Man City for Pep's 1,000th game

Konate will be hoping to continue his and Liverpool’s recent revival when they travel to Manchester City in a mouth-watering league fixture on Sunday. Pep Guardiola’s side have been in terrific form of late, losing just one of their last 13 games in all competitions.

The match will be extra special for Guardiola as he prepares to celebrate his 1,000th game in management against a Liverpool side who have been his biggest nemesis during his trophy-laden period in English football.

Ahead of the match, City manager Guardiola admitted he misses competing against former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, saying: "In terms of Jurgen's side or Pep's side, I think we respected each other.

"I had the feeling that Jurgen gave me a lot and I miss him. He gave me a lot in sense of, to beat that guy, how much I have to think and work and do it, to make it better."

MatériaMais Notícias

O zagueiro Luan foi um dos grandes nomes da vitória do Palmeiras sobre o Cuiabá neste último sábado (19), por 2 a 0, em jogo válido pelo Brasileirão 2023.

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+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Sempre muito criticado por grande parte da torcida, o camisa 13 fez uma bela jogada, desarmou Deyverson, driblou o zagueiro do Cuiabá, antes de fazer um belo cruzamento que terminou com o gol de Raphael Veiga, que abriu a vitória sobre o Dourado.

Ao lado de Murilo, Luan fez um jogo seguro na zaga alviverde, que não sentiu falta da ausência do seu capitão Gustavo Gómez, que estava suspenso da partida de ontem.

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Nas redes sociais, Raphael Veiga brincou com Luan e ao postar uma foto ao lado do zagueiro, chamou o zagueiro de ‘Chiqui Arce’, fazendo uma clara referência ao ex-lateral paraguaio que era mestre das assistências na sua época de Palmeiras.

+ Raphael Veiga é o único convocado do Palmeiras para Seleção Brasileira em primeira lista da era Diniz

Luan deve voltar para o banco de reservas do Palmeiras para este próximo compromisso alviverde, diante do Deportivo Pereira, na Colômbia, pelas quartas de finais da Libertadores 2023, mas pode ganhar a vaga de Murilo no final de semana, contra o seu ex-clube, Vasco, pelo Brasileirão.

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No último mês, Luan recebeu uma proposta do Krasnodar-RUS, e até aceitou a proposta para jogar na Europa, mas a diretoria alviverde e Abel Ferreira rejeitaram a ideia de perder o zagueiro que apesar das críticas, segue sendo um dos líderes do grupo.

Despite the recent failings on the pitch for Manchester United, captain Bruno Fernandes has often been a shining light and producing numerous moments of magic.

The Portuguese international saved the Red Devils from a catastrophic campaign, ending the 2024/25 campaign with a total of 37 combined goals and assists across all competitions.

The 30-year-old has continued his excellent form into the new season, already netting two goals in the Premier League – with his latest securing a 2-1 win over Chelsea at Old Trafford.

Ruben Amorim’s job would certainly have been on the line had it not been for his compatriot’s contributions in the final third, with the former Sporting CP talent certainly the club’s most important player in recent years.

However, the same can’t be said for one of his teammates, with the first-team talent unable to make the desired impact, with part of his failures potentially down to his squad number.

The curse of the Man Utd #7 shirt

Over recent years, United’s number seven shirt has often been one that has brought huge pressure onto the players who have worn such an iconic shirt.

Talents such as Alexis Sanchez, Memphis Depay and Ángel Di María have all succumbed to the pressure, subsequently leaving Old Trafford after disappointing spells at the club.

Mason Mount is the latest player to try and break such a curse, but like the aforementioned trio, he’s also struggled to make the impact he would’ve wanted upon his move to the Theatre of Dreams.

The 26-year-old joined in a £60m deal back in the summer of 2023, but he’s been restricted to just 52 appearances in his two-year spell in Manchester – with injuries massively halting his progress.

He’s suffered five separate injuries during such a period, missing a total of 52 matches in all competitions – subsequently being ruled out of 50% of games since joining the Red Devils.

Even when fit, the former Chelsea star has struggled to meet expectations, only registering six combined goals and assists – a record of just one contribution in every eight matches he’s featured in.

As a result of his lack of impact and constant injury issues, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Englishman drop down Amorim’s pecking order – potentially seeing one player take the number seven shirt in the near future.

The United star who could be Amorim’s next #7

As previously mentioned, Bruno has often been the man to come up with the magic for United, but it’s safe to say his responsibility has been taken off his shoulders in 2025/26.

The hierarchy backed the manager for his quest for success, spending over £200m on new additions to improve the options within the final third.

Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko were just two of the additions made during the off-season, with the latter being the most expensive of the bunch – arriving in a deal totalling £74m including add-ons.

Fellow summer addition Bryan Mbeumo has already managed to star for the Red Devils, scoring twice in his first appearances for the club after joining from Brentford.

The 26-year-old arrived with huge expectations after netting 20 league goals for Brentford last campaign, but has already kick-started his United career with a bang.

His strike against Burnley helped secure Amorim’s side their first Premier League win of the new campaign – subsequently winning the club’s Goal of the Month award in the process.

Mbeumo, who’s been dubbed a “superstar” by one analyst, has also produced numerous impressive underlying stats which further highlight his quality start to life in Manchester.

Games played

6

Goals scored

2

Pass accuracy

80%

Successful crosses

2.1

Chances created

1.9

Dribble success

60%

Fouls drawn

1.7

Shots on target

1.3

He’s created 1.9 chances per 90 to date, along with a 60% dribble success rate – highlighting his ability to transition the ball into dangerous areas before teeing up a teammate.

The Cameroonian has also drawn 1.7 fouls per 90, whilst completing 2.1 successful crosses per 90, with such numbers further showcasing how much of an impact he’s had since his big-money transfer.

Should he continue his impressive form in Manchester, there’s no reason as to why the attacker can’t follow in Bruno’s footsteps and lead the club back to their former glory.

It looks as though he’s currently the best addition since the Portuguese international, with the pair potentially forming a deadly partnership together in the near future.

As a reflection of his immediate impact, Mbeumo should be handed the number seven shirt, with the Cameroonian talent arguably the perfect man to break the current curse at Old Trafford.

Outperforming Mainoo: Man Utd must regret losing "sensational" star for £0

Manchester United made a huge mistake in allowing one young talent to leave the club on a free.

1 ByEthan Lamb Sep 23, 2025

Ruben Amorim held a family gathering at Manchester United's training complex just 24 hours after their latest humiliating defeat. The Red Devils were beaten by Brentford at the weekend, ratcheting up the pressure on Amorim, whose side now sit 14th in the Premier League table.

Amorim's latest defeat picked apart

United have endured a terrible start to the season, and have struggled ever since Amorim stepped into the Old Trafford dugout. The Portuguese has not overseen two consecutive wins throughout his time at the club and they are currently languishing 14th in the Premier League table, with three defeats from just six games. They have only won twice, beating 10-man Chelsea and newly-promoted Burnley. As a result, pressure is ratcheting up on Amorim, with the club lurching from one disaster to another; ' Jamie Carragher has already claimed that the former Sporting CP boss has been a "disaster" in Manchester.

In a brutal swipe, the Liverpool legend said: "I think he's still in a job because the powers-at-be have made so many mistakes that they almost don't want to admit right now they have made another. This has been a disaster for Amorim and United. The quicker they make a decision on the manager we are only waiting for the inevitable. This has to end as quickly as possible.

"I think every other Premier League manager would think 'I could to a better job' – the only positive is they haven't gone all out for his system. Any competent football manager could get United to the European places or certainly fighting for them. It couldn't have gone any worse. What he did at Sporting was really special, but it will be better for everyone to just shake hands and move on."

Advertisement(C)Getty Images'Business as usual'

Per the , United are keen to send the message that it is business as usual. Amorim and his staff got together with the squad and their families. The club hold the gathering a few times a season and had it scheduled before the clash with Brentford. They were not minded to change the date, and as a result, the players had an opportunity to blow off some steam. The club remain confident that Amorim can turn their season around, despite their dismal league form and the fact they were dumped out of the League Cup by Grimsby Town. Nevertheless, their encounter with Sunderland this weekend could prove decisive especially as it is their final game before the international break. 

Man Utd's potential replacements for Amorim

The club are insistent they are not currently drawing up a shortlist of potential replacements but the report does make it clear that research is being done in case they do have to make a change. However, they are also acutely aware of the cost involved in replacing Amorim – it will take a figure of around £12 million if they remove the manager before November. Sir Jim Ratcliffe does have close ties with Gareth Southgate, the former England manager, and he would be available without the complication of a potential compensation package, as he is unattached. Nevertheless, it is unclear if the remainder of the board would back a move for a manager who has not taken charge of a club side since 2006, when he was in charge of Middlesbrough. 

United have also been linked with former Barcelona boss Xavi, who is said to be willing to take the job "immediately" if he is approached by the club. He has not managed in the Premier League before, of course, but he has experience managing at the highest level, taking charge of his former club Barcelona for three years, winning La Liga in 2022-23.

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AFPWhere do Man Utd go next?

Amorim desperately needs a win against Sunderland ahead of the international break, although the fixture list does not get any kinder thereafter; as soon as they return to Premier League action, they will face Liverpool at Anfield before welcoming Brighton to Old Trafford. United will hope to go into the break without the sword of Damocles hanging over Amorim's head but, unfortunately for him, that appears very unlikely. 

Michael Neser did his best to keep Queensland in the match but the home side lost a late wicket

AAP19-Feb-2025Opener Sam Fanning fell just short of a century but put Western Australia in a powerful position against Queensland on day two of their Sheffield Shield game.Fanning made 95 as WA posted 312 all out on Wednesday at The Gabba in reply to Queensland’s first innings of 147. At stumps, Queensland were 39 for 1 in their second innings, still 126 runs behind the visitors.Related

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Fanning was within reach of his maiden first-class century when he launched at an off-side drive at a Michael Neser delivery but chopped onto his stumps.The New Zealand-born left hander struck five fours and two sixes in his 229-ball knock and featured in two telling partnerships. He put on 108 with his opening partner Sam Whiteman, who was dismissed for 67 late on Tuesday. Fanning also combined with Jayden Goodwin for a 103-run partnership for the third wicket.Goodwin made 40 before missing an attempted sweep from legspinner Mitch Swepson. Goodwin’s dismissal triggered a slide of 5 for 27 as Queensland stalwart Neser ripped through the middle order.Neser finished with 4 for 34 from 21 overs. He had nightwatchman Corey Rocchiccioli caught at mid-off for 2 early on the second day’s play and later removed Fanning, Ashton Turner and Keaton Critchell, with fellow quick Xavier Bartlett dismissing Joel Curtis as WA lost five wickets in a 10-over span.WA allrounder Hilton Cartwright then rallied his side with a handy 48 not out, steering the visitors to a 165-run innings lead.WA then achieved a key breakthrough when Rocchiccioli snared his eighth wicket in the match. The offspinner, who claimed a career-best 7 for 52 in the first innings, removed Matt Renshaw for 10 in his first over of the innings.

اعتمد مجلس إدارة النادي الاهلي، برئاسة محمود الخطيب، خلال اجتماعه الذي جرى عصر اليوم بفرع الأهلي بالشيخ زايد، أسماء المرشحين في انتخابات مجلس الإدارة المقرر لها يومي 30 و31 أكتوبر الجاري، الذين تقدموا خلال المدة القانونية بأوراق ترشحهم، وتمت مراجعتها من اللجنة المشكلة من النادي وكذلك من الجهة الإدارية.

وكان محمود الخطيب، قد أعلن في وقت سابق عن خوض انتخابات الأهلي المقبلة، بعد تراجعه عن قراره بشأن عدم خوض الانتخابات لأسباب صحية، لكن عاد الخطيب وأعلن عن خوضه الماراثون الانتخابي رفقة قائمة كاملة. 

طالع.. بسبب الخطيب.. انسحاب أحد المرشحين في انتخابات الأهلي

وتضم قائمة محمود الخطيب التي تخوض انتخابات الاهلي المقبلة ياسين منصور على مقعد النائب، وخالد مرتجي على مقعد أمين الصندوق، بالإضافة إلى كلا من طارق قنديل ومحمد الغزاوي وسيد عبد الحفيظ ومحمد الجارحي وأحمد حسام عوض وحازم هلال على مقعد عضوية مجلس الإدارة فوق السن، وكلا من رويدا هشام وإبراهيم العامري مقعد “تحت السن”. 

وجاء المرشحون في انتخابات الأهلي المقبلة على النحو التالي:

محمود الخطيب “مقعد الرئيس” 

ياسين منصور “مقعد النائب”

خالد مرتجي “مقعد أمانة الصندوق”

وللعضوية فوق السن: “طارق قنديل – محمد الغزاوي – محمد الدماطي – محمد الجارحي – سيد عبد الحفيظ – أحمد حسام عوض – حازم هلال – حسن طنطاوي – أحمد شريف – أحمد مجدي الحيوان”.
وللعضوية تحت السن: “إبراهيم العامري – رويدا هشام”.

كما وجه المجلس الإدارة التنفيذية بضرورة اتخاذ كافة الإجراءات التي تيسر على أعضاء الجمعية العمومية الموقرة سهولة حضور اجتماع الجمعية، المقرر لها يومي 30 و31 أكتوبر الجاري لانتخاب مجلس الإدارة الجديد.

Sydney Thunder are one win away from their third WBBL grand final, after scratching home to a tense final-over victory against Melbourne Stars.After Hannah Darlington starred with the ball to keep the last-placed Stars to 108 for 9, she was forced to hit the winning runs late with two balls and four wickets to spare.The win means if Thunder beat the second-placed Melbourne Renegades in their final-round match on Saturday, they will finish first. That would automatically qualify them for the final on December 1, and giving them hosting rights as the top-ranked team.Related

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A loss to Renegades would likely mean they finish second or third, and have to go through at least one knockout match in order to reach the final.Wednesday’s result continued a horror season for Stars, who have won only two of eight matches and sit last on the ladder.But the match was not as easy as it first appeared it would be for Thunder on a difficult Drummoyne Oval wicket. They slumped to 15 for 3 in the third over of their chase with Marizanne Kapp bagging all three wickets to leave Thunder in serious troubleThunder then fell to 38 for 4 after eight overs, before Tahlia Wilson and Anika Learoyd steadied the ship. The pair got the equation down to 23 off 20 balls, before Wilson got too aggressive and was caught trying to take on Kim Garth on 33.Stars then had chances to run Learoyd out and have her caught on the boundary, but missed both and eight runs were eventually required off the last over. Learoyd hit the first ball for two and the next for four, before a single allowed Darlington to finish the job for the hosts.Darlington had earlier claimed figures of 3 for 26 from her four overs, with four of those runs coming from an overthrow. She cramped a cutting Meg Lanning and bowled her with a smart off-cutter for 12, and also had Kapp sky a ball to cover next over.Athapaththu was also miserly with her 2 for 12 from four overs and also produced a direct-hit run out in the field to remove Tess Flintoff. Ultimately that helped set up the win as Thunder close in on their first grand final since their 2020 title success.

Aston Villa have now reached a “verbal agreement” to sign a new player for Unai Emery after having a big-money “bid accepted”, as per Fabrizio Romano.

Aston Villa’s quiet summer so far

The Villans, Monchi and NSWE have been unusually quiet so far in the transfer window, bringing in four new players. Yasin Ozcan, Zepiqueno Redmond, Marco Bizot Brest and Modou Keba Cisse have been brought in from Kasimpasa, Feyenoord, Brest and LASK respectively.

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Ozcan has since been sent on loan to Anderlecht, and transfer activity looks set to increase between now and the September 1 deadline.

However, Emery has recently admitted that Villa “don’t have the same power economically” as some of their rivals at the top of the Premier League.

“We need to join some players in the level we want to achieve, but we don’t have the same power economically like seven other teams in the Premier League.

“We must be more intelligent and anticipate something. It is very exciting, the work for me and the club. We are really improving and meeting our objectives, but there is still work to do. We have to be demanding and intelligent.”

Despite Villa’s constant PSR concerns, they now look set to splash the cash on one particular target in their most expensive deal of the window.

Aston Villa have £30m+ "bid accepted" for Evann Guessand

Transfer expert Romano took to X on Monday to share a big transfer breakthrough out of Villa Park. He revealed that Aston Villa have reached a “verbal agreement” after having a “bid accepted” to sign Evann Guessand from OGC Nice.

Guessand now has permission to travel to the Midlands, with a medical and contract signing the next steps ahead of a €35m (£30.4m) transfer.

An Ivory Coast international, Guessand is primarily a centre-forward but can also play on either wing if required, so he’ll provide Emery with a versatile attacking option.

The 24-year-old is valued at a career-high €25m by Transfermarkt, so although Villa are paying over that figure, they are getting a forward who has just enjoyed his best season in front of goal.

He netted 12 Ligue 1 goals and registered nine assists in 33 appearances, while also playing in the Europa League, scoring once.

The Athletic’s Alex Barker has called Guessand an “unpredictable” attacker who is a “real physical handful”, while adding that he is “capable of knocking the ball past opponents and overtaking them through pace”.

It looks as if Villa will soon have an exciting new forward on the Villa Park books, providing real competition to Ollie Watkins in the process.

Manchester United fans may be feeling a sense of disappointment after it was confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres would be joining Arsenal over a move to Old Trafford.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal had been reached between the Gunners and the 27-year-old for a fee in the region of £63.8m including add-ons.

Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly have wanted to secure a reunion between himself and the forward after enjoying a successful stint together at Sporting CP.

However, his loss is Mikel Arteta’s gain, with the Red Devils’ hierarchy needing to identify other targets to help strengthen the club’s frontline ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Numerous players have previously been mentioned as possible targets, potentially needing to re-enter negotiations with multiple talents after missing out on Gyokeres’ signature.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

During the current transfer window, United have been touted with moves for a whole host of attacking stars who could change the club’s fortunes in front of goal.

The likes of Dušan Vlahović, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins have all been discussed as possible targets, but as of yet, no deals have been agreed for any of the aforementioned trio.

However, moves have been made elsewhere, including a deal for Benjamin Sesko after progress was made for his signature, according to TEAMtalk.

They claim that the Red Devils have already made contact with RB Leipzig over a move for the 22-year-old, who netted 21 goals for the German side across all competitions last season.

It also states that United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has pushed a move for the Slovenian international, who’s available for £67m, after missing out on a deal for Gyokeres’ signature.

Why United’s £67m target would be Amorim’s next Gyokeres

Given Gyokeres’ tally of 54 goals in his 52 appearances last season, it’s no surprise to see the Swede being a man in demand this window, having the tools to inject quality into any frontline.

Having previously featured under Amorim before, a move to Old Trafford would’ve made sense for all parties, but ultimately, the club’s lack of Champions League football has cost them in their pursuit.

The prospect of facing the 27-year-old in the Premier League is certainly a frightening one for the Red Devils, undoubtedly highlighting the talisman they missed out on this summer.

However, the hierarchy shouldn’t be disheartened, desperately needing to back Amorim in his quest for success and pushing for other alternatives before the end of the window.

Sesko could prove to be the perfect alternative, being a younger option than Gyokeres, but also a just as effective striker given the stats produced by both last campaign.

When comparing their respective figures, the Leipzig talent managed to outperform him in various departments, handing the manager his next version of the impressive talisman.

Sesko, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by analyst Antonio Mango, may have been outscored, but did post the same goal per shot on target rate – highlighting he’s just as clinical with the opportunities that fall his way.

Games played

33

33

Goals & assists

18

46

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.4

Key passes made

1.1

0.5

Take-ons completed

52%

45%

Carries into final third

1.4

1.3

Aerials won

2.7

1.2

Aerial success rate

59%

50%

He also registered more key passes per 90 and completed more of the take-ons he attempted, subsequently able to get the ball into attacking areas and finish chances himself or provide others with the opportunities to improve their own tallies.

The Slovenian’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials and more of the battles he contested – handing Amorim the focal point he craves at Old Trafford.

£67m may appear to be a steep fee for a player who’s never played in England, but it would be a shrewd investment given the stats produced and the potential he holds.

Missing out on Gyokeres would’ve been a bitter blow, but ultimately it could be a blessing in disguise if Sesko can build on his impressive form from the 2024/25 campaign.

Better deal than Mbeumo: Man Utd preparing bid for "superstar" £39m CF

Manchester United appear to be making another huge move within the transfer market.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 22, 2025

Chelsea have managed to pull off some impressive business this summer and could now be about to repeat the trick as they look to bolster their forward line, according to a report.

Chelsea continue their pursuit of a striker after Delap deal

Liam Delap will be left to lead the line in Chelsea’s bid for the Club World Cup up until the semi-final, providing they manage to get there, after Nicolas Jackson’s straight red card against Flamengo on matchday two of the group stage.

Losing control at a crucial time, his reckless lunge has prompted some to question whether he has the discipline to feature as Enzo Maresca’s starting striker long-term or whether further intervention in the transfer market is needed at Stamford Bridge.

Former referee Keith Hackett has gone to the extreme of claiming Jackson should be banned for five matches at a minimum amid recent events stateside.

He stated: “There is no place in football for this type of challenge the reaction and speed of the issuing of a red card was a terrific piece of officiating. The referee’s prompt showing of the red card ensured that it reduced any possibility of a mass confrontation. This unacceptable action by the offender should result in a minimum five-match ban.”

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been on Chelsea’s radar and is joined by Paris Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani, who is enjoying an impressive spell on loan at Juventus.

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Nevertheless, it remains to be seen if the West London-based giants have the financial capacity to power on with either pursuit without the need for any bargaining chips along the way.

Speaking of which, Chelsea could have an intriguing plan up their sleeve to land one of the Premier League’s most exciting marksmen.

Chelsea could use makeweight in pursuit of Joao Pedro

According to Si Phillips, Chelsea could offer Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall in exchange for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro and there is a ‘strong chance’ BlueCo may use this mode of operation to try and acquire the Brazil international.

Despite only joining the club last summer, the £80,000 per week earner was predominantly used in the Europa Conference League, though he did manage 31 outings across all competitions, scoring four times and laying on three assists.

On the other hand, Pedro, who has previously been labelled “amazing” by Slaven Bilic, managed a respectable ten strikes and seven assists in 30 outings.

The opportunity to trade with the Seagulls may be edged along due to the likes of ex-Brighton employee Paul Winstanley. Former Watford man Pedro is also wanted by Newcastle, albeit they may opt to pivot towards Liverpool’s Diogo Jota in their own search for a number nine.

Chelsea would love a clear run at signing the forward, though it should be taken into account that their attempt to perform a part-exchange means Brighton aren’t willing to let him leave on the cheap and more work on this front may be required.