Chelsea could sign Eden Hazard 2.0 In £88m "phenomenon"

Chelsea are reportedly lining up a move for Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and the electric winger could prove to be the next Eden Hazard at Stamford Bridge.

Could Chelsea sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia?

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport, the Serie A leaders are prepared to double the wages of the man they signed only last summer when he penned a five-year deal after joining from Georgian outfit Dinamo Batumi, in order to keep him at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium amid interest from the Blues and elsewhere.

Chelsea could look to increase their £550m spending spree under Todd Boehly and improve the attacking options available to Graham Potter at Stamford Bridge, as the Blues continue to struggle in the final third, with just 29 goals in 27 top-flight fixtures so far this campaign.

Kvaratskhelia certainly won't come cheap, with the Azzurri expected to demand as much as €100m (£88m) for one of their most coveted assets, with the 22-year-old instrumental in Luciano Spalletti's side's likely Scudetto triumph this season.

In 23 Serie A appearances, the Chelsea-linked star has contributed a phenomenal 12 goals and 10 assists, earning a hugely impressive 7.64 rating from WhoScored for his performances. This has spilled over into all competitions too, where he boasts 14 goals and 16 assists.

Not only is this a higher rating than anyone in Chelsea's squad, but his average of 2.9 shots, 1.7 key passes and 1.8 dribbles also cannot be matched by anyone who has made more than 10 Premier League appearances for the Blues so far this campaign.

Journalist Mina Rzouki was full of praise for the Georgia international just a month into his career with Napoli, writing:

"Ok, Kvaratskhelia is a phenomenon. This kid is so special. I know it’s just Napoli’s second game, but he is bossing everything."

Could Kvaratskhelia be Chelsea's next Hazard?

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry also lauded the 22-year-old on CBS Sports earlier in the season and likened the Georgian wide man to Real Madrid winger Hazard, who was previously a star at Stamford Bridge.

He said:

"[He is] very Eden Hazard-like. He is brilliant. He can do anything. Press. Dribble and assist. The balance, composure and vision."

During his time in England, the Belgium international would make a remarkable 352 appearances, contributing 110 goals and 92 assists in that time, firmly establishing himself as a fan favourite and Premier League great. His fall from grace has been stark though, with just one goal and one assist in seven appearances across all competitions.

Chelsea have lacked a winger of Hazard's immense quality since his 2019 exit, with the likes of Christian Pulisic and Hakim Ziyech failing to take up his mantle at Stamford Bridge, so Kvaratskhelia could be exactly what Potter needs as he looks to mould a squad capable of challenging at the top next season.

Newcastle Interested In Signing "Elite" £42m Maestro

Newcastle United are now interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the summer transfer window, according to a recent report from 90min.

Which midfielders are Newcastle targeting this summer?

Eddie Howe is keen to bring in additional options in the engine room this summer, with it recently being reported that Newcastle are in the race for Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount, amid his stalling contract talks. Another player on the radar is Liverpool's Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, with the central midfielder's contract set to expire at the end of the season, meaning he will be available on a free transfer, making him a potential bargain buy for the Magpies.

James Maddison has also been a long-term target for Newcastle, with talkSPORT recently reporting they could be set to revive their interest, amid Leicester City's financial situation, although they are set to face competition from Tottenham Hotspur.

As per a report from 90min, Phillips is also now a target for Howe this summer, should he become available, and he is prepared to leave Man City in the upcoming window, having received very little game time since completing a £42m deal last summer. It is detailed the Sky Blues would not stand in the central midfielder's way if he decides he wants to go, however it will be tricky for them to recoup the full £42m, so they may sanction an initial loan, with a view to a permanent deal.

The Englishman is said to be concerned about the impact his limited minutes will have on his chances of going to Euro 2024, however his £150k-per-week wages could be an obstacle for any potential suitor.

Should Phillips be a transfer target for Newcastle?

While the 27-year-old has struggled to break into the Man City starting XI, appearing for a total of just 56 minutes in the Premier League this season, he has continued to be selected for England, playing the full 90 minutes in the recent 2-1 victory against Italy.

Hailed as "elite" by members of the media, the former Leeds man is very solid defensively, ranking in the 99th percentile for blocks, and in the 97th for tackles per 90 over the past year, when compared to other midfielders.

Manchester City's Kalvin Phillips during the warm up before the match.

However, there are perhaps some concerns about the England international's off-field commitment, given that Pep Guardiola criticised him for returning from the World Cup "overweight" earlier this season. Phillips being unable to hold down a consistent place in the City team will be a concern for Newcastle, and so they should look to bring him in on an initial loan deal, during which he can prove himself, before shelling out a transfer fee.

Everton Eyeing Summer Move For £6.5k-p/w Star

Everton are still in the picture to sign Udinese striker Beto, having failed to bring him to Goodison Park in the January transfer window, according to a report.

Who could Everton sign this summer?

Sean Dyche's first task is to preserve Everton's Premier League status, with his side currently sitting just two points clear of the relegation zone, however he will be looking to bolster his squad in the summer transfer window.

A new striker could be of key importance, given that Neal Maupay will reportedly be allowed to leave the club, and the Toffees are ready to make a €15m (£13m) offer for Duvan Zapata, another forward they missed out on in January.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled for match fitness again this season, missing a total of 14 games through injury, so additional options may be needed, with Coventry City's Viktor Gyokeres still remaining a potential target.

As per a report from Tutto Atalanta (via Sport Witness), Everton will be looking to strengthen their attack in the summer, after failing to bring in a new forward back in January. Zapata remains a target for Dyche, as does Beto, and Udinese are now said to be "ready to sell" the striker to the Toffees, having rejected a bid in January, if they were to receive a "suitable offer".

At the moment, the 25-year-old is viewed as a back-up option for Zapata, should the Merseyside club be unable to win the race for the latter player, with Atalanta set to receive multiple offers.

Would Beto be a good signing for Everton?

Journalist Sam Tighe has hailed the Lisbon-born marksman for the effect he has on opposition defenders, saying: "The way Beto spooks defenders is amazing. Chuck a ball into the channel for him to chase and even if he doesn't latch onto it, defenders panic under his pressure and end up making the craziest decisions or panicked clearances."

At 6 foot 4, the Portuguese forward is strong in the air, averaging 2.79 aerials won per 90 in the past year, however he is also particularly good at dribbling, ranking in the 93rd percentile for successful take-ons in the same time period.

Udinese's Beto in action.

In the Serie A this season, the £6.5k-per-week earner is on track to better his goal tally of 11 from last season, already bagging nine goals. Zapata is the more proven striker, having scored 80 goals in 182 games for Atalanta, however he is also far older, at 31-years-old, meaning he is unlikely to be a long-term option for Dyche.

As such, Beto would be a very good signing for Everton this summer, and he should be one of their priority targets in attack.

45 y/o Aiming To Make Two Summer Upgrade at NUFC

Newcastle United will be going into the summer transfer window with an eye on a new left-back and right-sided centre-back, according to Craig Hope.

Will Newcastle spend big in the summer?

It has been suggested that the Toon's spending will be determined on where they finish in the Premier League table with a number of budgets in place dependent on their final position.

However, following their stunning away victory over West Ham United, things are looking positive for the Magpies with just 10 games remaining in their season.

The Toon now sit firmly inside the top four with goal difference seeing them rise above Manchester United and maintain their spot in third.

But they have opened a gap on fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur who have also played a game more than Eddie Howe's side.

Despite Newcastle's impressive term to date, it seems as if progression is still on the mind for Howe who is said to be looking to improve his squad even further over the summer.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Hope has claimed Newcastle have two defensive areas on their summer radar to potentially address with some new additions:

(6:45) "What I know they're interested in is another right-sided centre-back. Someone who can perhaps play second fiddle, but you know, a younger type to Fabian Schar.

"Maybe in the mold of a Sven Botman who they brought in, that type of profile 21/22, maybe from the continent someone who can come in and fill that role on the right-hand side probably initially as understudy to Schar.

"A specialist left-back as well. Now I'm a big fan of Matt Targett, but I do think going forward that a real attacking left-back, someone who plays that position in the modern mold, is something they should be going for."

Does Newcastle's defence need improving?

Perhaps the surprise package of the 2022/23 campaign has been Newcastle's defence with the Magpies having conceded the fewest number of goals in the league.

Although they failed to keep a clean sheet on Wednesday night against the Hammers, Howe's men have still only conceded 20 goals in their 28 games.

However, it seems as if Howe does not want to stand still over the summer and settle on the back of an impressive campaign for the Tyneside club.

When Newcastle's owners came through the doors in the latter stages of 2021, they made it clear their ambitions were sky-high for the club:

"We want to see it get those trophies, obviously. At top of the Premier League, in Europe, but to get trophies means patience, investment, time," said Amanda Staveley.

Dan Burn inspects the pitch ahead of Newcastle United's match against West Ham in the Premier League.

And it seems as if there have been areas spotted in the defence which could potentially be improved, one of those being at left-back.

Dan Burn's move to his boyhood club last year has been viewed as a sensational buy from Newcastle, however, he does have some weaknesses in his game.

Having played 28 times in the Premier League this season, the left-back has failed to provide either a single goal or assist (via Transfermarkt).

In comparison, Kieran Trippier has offered seven goal involvements in his 28 league appearances this season showing the huge contrast between attacking outputs on either side of Howe's defence.

Although Burn has been a key member in the league's best defence, perhaps it is these small tweaks which Newcastle feel they need to upgrade over the summer if they are to continue their development.

Tottenham Hotspur Not Interested In "Fantastic Coach"

Tottenham Hotspur are not interested in appointing Graham Potter as their new manager, according to a recent report from Football Insider.

When will Tottenham appoint a new manager?

Cristian Stellini has been placed in charge of Tottenham for the remainder of the season, meaning a new appointment should not be expected until the end of the campaign, at which point the club have a number of different options to consider.

Brendan Rodgers being brought in "wouldn't surprise" journalist Ryan Taylor, although he does not believe the Northern Irishman would be well received by the Spurs supporters, in light of Leicester City's drop off over the past 18 months.

Taylor has also claimed Eintracht Frankfurt boss Oliver Glasner is "admired" by the Tottenham hierarchy, while he also details Celtic's Ange Postecoglou as a potential option, so there will be no shortage of managers to consider this summer.

One man that is out of the running, however, is former Chelsea manager Potter, as the Lilywhites are not going to reignite their interest in the 47-year-old, who is said to have rejected a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in 2021.

At that point, the report claims the Englishman didn't want to work with chairman Daniel Levy, but this time around it is very much Spurs' decision, perhaps due to his tumultuous spell in charge of Chelsea.

Should Graham Potter have been considered?

It is fair to say the Solihull-born manager had a very tough time at Stamford Bridge, averaging just 1.42 points-per match in the 31 matches he took charge of, a massive downgrade on Thomas Tuchel, who averaged 2.07.

That said, the former Brighton & Hove Albion manager did a fantastic job during his time with the Seagulls, with chairman Tony Bloom claiming he left behind an "excellent legacy" after leading the club to their highest ever finish.

Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter

As such, Potter is likely to bounce back and go on to be a success elsewhere, but he is probably not the right appointment for Tottenham at this time, given that he has already failed to deliver at one of the Premier League's 'big six' clubs.

Spurs will have a number of options to choose from, and a section of supporters made their feelings clear before yesterday's game, staging a protest and calling for the re-appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, although the Argentine has recently been linked with what would be a shock move to Chelsea.

Boehly expected to hold exciting Chelsea manager talks with one man

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is expected to hold talks with Ruben Amorim over the possibility of becoming the next permanent manager at Stamford Bridge.

Is Amroim the favourite for the Chelsea job?

The Blues have sunk further in the league over the weekend with yet another defeat at home – this time to Brighton & Hove Albion – seeing their gap to the top half now three points.

Frank Lampard was handed the job as the interim manager until the end of the campaign, however, since taking over, the 44-year-old has now tasted defeat in all three of his games.

The search for Graham Potter's permanent replacement goes on and there is a belief that Julian Nagelsmann is still the favourite for the job.

However, the German is not the only person in contention with the likes of Luis Enrique also believed to be a man of interest for Boehly.

And it seems as if the Spaniard is not the only potential competitor to Nagelsmann for the vacancy with Sporting CP's manager, Amorim, also on Boehly's radar.

Indeed, speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Portuguese manager is expected to hold discussions with the Blues ahead of the summer:

(2:45) "Ruben Amorim is appreciated by Chelsea. What I'm told, is that Amorim, of course, was not available during the season. And so Chelsea never had any possibility to convince him to join now because he's 100% focused on Sporting.

"But it's true that Chelsea appreciates Amorim. Chelsea will have some conversations also with him. But my understanding is that at the moment, Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique remain one step ahead of him in the Chelsea list."

Is Amorim the right man for Chelsea?

Amorim has received a lot of plaudits from his time at Sporting where he has been able to provide a solid return of over two points per game in his 153 games at the helm (via Transfermarkt).

Journalist Matt Law hailed the 38-year-old as an "exciting" young manager and that certainly seems to be the case with his side having already beaten Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal in Europe this season.

However, this could well cause concerns from the Chelsea board that perhaps there is potential for the 38-year-old to suffer similar issues to what Potter did.

Ruben Amorim encourages his Sporting CP side from the sidelines.

Although Nagelsmann is still an extremely young coach, the German has already managed a side which is arguably one of the biggest in the world with Bayern Munich.

Whereas, Amorim has not quite managed a side of the elite level with Sporting being his biggest opportunity in his early career so far.

There are reports suggesting the Chelsea players did not necessarily take Potter seriously behind the scenes and Amorim's lack of experience – in comparison to other candidates – may leave concerns over this happening again.

Of course, he could still bolster his record with triumph in the Europa League this season, but perhaps his experience could cast doubts over his potential suitability for the role in west London.

راضي الجعايدي لـ "بطولات": أتوقع المغرب في النهائي.. ولا زال نفتخر بلقب كأس أمم إفريقيا 2004

كشف راضي الجعايدي أسطورة منتخب تونس وبطل نسخة 2004 بعد الفوز على المغرب، عن توقعاته للبطولة المقبلة من كأس أمم إفريقيا والتي ستقام في كوت ديفوار.

وتنطلق النسخة المقبلة من كأس أمم إفريقيا يوم 13 يناير وتستمر حتى 11 فبراير، بمشاركة 24 منتخبًا، وتلعب تونس ضمن فرق المجموعة الخامسة مع جنوب إفريقيا، مالي وأخيرًا ناميبيا.

وكان منتخب تونس قد وصل إلى دور ربع النهائي من النسخة الماضية ولكنه خرج أمام بوركينا فاسو بهدف نظيف.

اقرأ أيضًا | دزيري بلال لـ “بطولات”: أمم إفريقيا المقبلة ستكون أقوى من 2021.. وأرشح المنتخبات العربية للقب

وتواصل “btolat.com” مع راضي الجعايدي للحديث عن المسابقة المنتظرة، وقال: “أتوقع بطولة صعبة للغاية، لأن كل الفرق من وجهة نظري مستعدة بقوة لتلك النسخة، وبالتالي، لن يكون هناك منتخبين فقط يتصارعان على اللقب”.

وواصل: “هناك المغرب، ومنتخب السنغال الذي أحرز اللقب في البطولة الماضية كذلك كوت ديفوار، الكاميرون، غانا، تونس ومصر لديها مقومات البطل”.

وعن ذكرياته في نسخة 2004 وتتويج تونس: “كان اللقب تاريخيًا بالنسبة لنا كتوانسة، يجعلنا نشعر بالفخر والانتماء”.

وتابع: “كان لقب صعبًا للغاية ولكن لأهميته لا يزال الجميع يتحدثون عنه رغم مرور 20 عامًا، وأهم ذكرى عندما قمت بملامسة كأس البطولة بعد الفوز على المغرب”.

وعن مجموعة تونس في كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023: “على الورق، بالطبع جميع الفرق الموجودة صعبة للغاية، نحن نتحدث عن جنوب إفريقيا فهي تمتلك جيلًا حاليًا جيدًا، كذلك مالي ولكن لا ننسى أننا منتخب تونس”.

وأضاف: “يمتلك منتخب تونس عناصر جيدة جدًا، رغم البعض ليس لديه خبرة في تلك البطولة، لكننا فريق يجيد اللعب في مثل تلك البطولة، وأتوقع الوصول إلى ربع النهائي على الأقل”.

وعن القائمة: “كل مدرب لديه الرؤية الخاصة به للاعبين الذين يستطيعون تطبيق أفكاره، لقد تفاجأت باستبعاد حنبعل المجبري ولكن لديه مشاكل شخصية مع فريق مانشستر يونايتد، وجوده كان ليعطي حلولًا جيدة للمدرب وهو ما شاهدناه بالفعل في المباريات الماضية”.

واستمر: “لكن هناك لاعب رائع يلعب في الترجي وهو حسام تقا، فهو يقدم أداءً مميزًا مع فريقه ووجوده قد يكون فعالًا، كما كنت أتمنى وجود، محمد دراجر، في الظهير الأيمن ولكنه مصاب”.

وأختتم تصريحاته: “أتمنى تتويج تونس بالطبع باللقب، ولكن أتوقع المغرب في النهائي ربما نرى السنغال مرة أخرى، كوت ديفوار، الجزائر، ربما نرى مفاجأة بتأهل الكاميرون أو غانا، ولكن في رأيي المغرب في استطاعته الانتصار باللقب بعد المستوى في كأس العالم 2022”.

عمر هشام لـ"بطولات": نحن أبطال العرب.. وهدفنا مواصلة النتائج الإيجابية

علق لاعب منتخب مصر ونادي الزمالك عمر هشام، على التتويج بلقب البطولة العربية لكرة السلة للمرة الثالثة عشر في تاريخ الفراعنة.

وتمكن منتخب مصر من تحقيق الفوز مساء الأربعاء في النهائي على حساب ليبيا بنتيجة 87-62.

اقرأ أيضًا.. عمرو الجندي يوضح لـ”بطولات” سبب التراجع عن قرار الاعتزال

وقال عمر هشام في تصريحات خاصة لـ”بطولات”: “الحمد لله على الفوز وأشكر الجماهير التي ساندت منتخب مصر”.

وأكمل: “الحمد لله نحن أبطال العرب، مستوى البطولة ارتفع عقب عبور دور المجموعات، البطولة كانت قوية وبها العديد من المنتخبات الجيدة”.

وتابع: “أشكر الجمهور الليبي وكذلك منتخب ليبيا على الأداء المتميز”.

وقال عن حظوظ منتخب مصر في بطولة إفريقيا القادمة وتصفيات الأولمبياد: “منذ عام نعمل من أجل ذلك، ظهرنا بشكل جيد في كأس العالم والآن أبطال العرب وهدفنا مواصلة النتائج الإيجابية”.

£35k-p/w Injury News Big Problem For Leeds

Presenter and YouTuber Conor McGilligan has warned that Leeds United may be in trouble with Harvey Barnes now looking fit to play against them tonight.

What's the latest injury news on Harvey Barnes?

Manager Javi Gracia could really do with a win tonight as three consecutive losses in the Premier League have left the Whites low on confidence.

They come up against Leicester City on Elland Road in a match that could be pivotal for both teams as just one point and one place separates the teams who hover just above the bottom three.

While Barnes has missed the last two Foxes matches, it seems as though he could be fit to return against Leeds.

Ahead of the game, manager Dean Smith explained (via LeicestershireLive): “Harvey is going to train tomorrow. As well as the win today, we’ve got a double boost of two top players [James Maddison is also in contention] coming back to fitness as well.”

With that in mind, McGilligan explained how this could be a "severe problem" for the Whites, with Barnes often too hot to handle for the club's defenders.

While speaking on the One Leeds Fan Channel, he said: “He will score against Leeds because we never seem to be able to grasp against Harvey Barnes.

"But you can mitigate Harvey Barnes by showing him on his left foot, whichever full-back it is – and this just shows how dreadful our full-backs are – he starts on the left and he just seems to cut inside continuously on his right and finish, do a couple of one-twos around our defenders, we don't seem to ever cotton on to it. It's always the same goal or assist with Harvey Barnes.

"And he just runs riot against Leeds. So that is something that is a severe problem."

How many times has Barnes scored against Leeds?

It''s not hard to see why McGilligan is fearful of Barnes. After all, his record against the Whites is frankly ridiculous. Indeed, in seven games vs Leeds, he has six goals.

This is the highest number of goals the 25-year-old has scored against any time in his career – with five in 11 games against Aston Villa the next best.

Despite his team's troubles, it's been a pretty good season for the £35k-per-week winger personally as he has netted on ten occasions so far in the league after 28 matches.

Leicester City's Harvey Barnes

And of course, when the two teams met earlier on in the campaign at the King Power Stadium, Barnes scored in a 2-0 home win for the Foxes.

All in all, this injury development doesn't bode too well for Leeds.

Newcastle: Predicted XI vs Tottenham

Newcastle United return to Premier League action today, knowing full well that a win over Tottenham Hotspur could all but secure their status as a top-four team.

Currently sitting three points ahead of Cristian Stellini's side with a game in hand, to extend that lead whilst retaining their one-game advantage would leave Eddie Howe's outfit in pole position.

However, without getting ahead of himself, the former AFC Bournemouth boss must take on today's clash with full focus.

Having suffered something of a selection headache of late due to their good form, last week's 3-0 drubbing at the hands of Aston Villa almost offers a clean slate. Whatever selection the manager decides cannot really be disputed, as nobody showed their worth.

As such, it could offer a fine opportunity to bring returning assets back into the lineup, as well as set the team up in an ideal tactical manner to quell the threat the visitors pose.

Harry Kane and Heung-min Son seem to slowly have returned to form, with the latter scoring three in his last five, yet their defensive deficiencies leave them forever vulnerable. This is an area the Magpies will seek to exploit

How could Newcastle line up against Spurs?

4-4-3 – Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Joelinton.

Howe is expected to make three changes from his side that were crushed at Villa Park.

Nick Pope will remain in goal, with the hulking shot-stopper seeking to creep ever closer to that Golden Glove award as the season draws to an end.

He will sit behind an unchanged defence which has garnered praise all throughout this campaign. Sven Botman and Fabian Schar have been ever-present and so dominant at the back, flanked by the creative exploits of Kieran Trippier and further solidity in Dan Burn.

In midfield is where we can expect to see the first change, with Sean Longstaff returning. His energy and metronomic presence could prove important in disrupting the likes of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and Kane, should he drop deep.

tottenham-hotspur-bournemouth-newcastle-united

The Newcastle Academy graduate will partner Joe Willock and the mercurial Bruno Guimaraes.

Given the lack of potency in the front three last time out, it can be expected that Howe will instead turn to players who he knows he can trust to deliver. Returning Callum Wilson to the side, who has four goal contributions in his last four despite starting only once, would see Alexander Isak drop to the sidelines.

Despite enjoying a fine goalscoring run himself, and having been branded "outstanding" by BBC pundit Dion Dublin earlier in the season, the Swedish striker would offer a fine option from the bench in case his experienced alternative fails to impress.

The former Cherries marksman will then be flanked by Joelinton, moving back into that left forward role, and the returning Miguel Almiron.

When asked about the Paraguayan's fitness, the boss simply noted: "He's an option – I'd say he's in contention."

With the importance of this fixture not lost on Howe, perhaps rushing their top scorer back from injury could be imperative in claiming a victory today, to then rest him for a week or two following. After all, the 29-year-old did prove decisive in the reverse fixture, scoring the second and what proved to be the winning goal.

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