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Turning their attention towards the summer, Wolverhampton Wanderers will now reportedly have the chance to sign their midfield target after he rejected the chance to sign a fresh contract at his current club.

Wolves transfer news

It was a busy January transfer window for Wolves in the end, who crucially welcomed two defensive reinforcements in Emmanuel Agbadou and Nasser Djiga whilst also welcoming a replacement for Mario Lemina in the form of Marshall Munetsi. More importantly, however, those in the Midlands managed to keep hold of Matheus Cunha, who has been in fine form ever since the winter window.

When the summer arrives, those in the Midlands may not enjoy the same luck. The Brazilian’s reported £62m release clause is set to attract a number of suitors, including the likes of Arsenal in what could hand Wolves a major issue.

Such a hefty fee would leave them no choice but to spring into action to sign a replacement as well as perhaps one particular midfield target following a recent development.

According to A Bola, as relayed by Sports Witness, Wolves are now free to move for Hidemasa Morita this summer following reports that the midfielder has rejected a contract extension at Sporting Club in pursuit of a move to the Premier League.

Not just Cunha: Wolves could have unearthed a £75m star in the making

The Wolves star was excellent against Fulham

By
Joe Nuttall

Feb 26, 2025

Wolves were put off signing the 29-year-old in January as it was believed that he would put pen to paper on a new deal and, therefore, only maintain his €10m (£8m) valuation.

Now heading for the exit door with just over a year remaining on his current deal, however, those at Molineux could land a cut-price deal or even decide to put any potential Cunha money to good use.

"Underrated" Morita can add key experience

Whilst Morita wouldn’t necessarily be a flashy signing this summer, his importance would quickly become clear if Wolves decided to make their move. A player with plenty of years in European football under his belt, the Japan international would add the exprience that Andre otherwise lacks as a far more raw and young prospect.

Dubbed “underrated” by Ben Mattinson, Morita has seemingly set his sights on the Premier League and could quickly emerge to solidify a Wolves side who will need to be better than ever on the defensive front if Cunha leaves this summer.

After failing to secure his signature in the January transfer window, their second chance to sign Morita is one that Wolves should not turn down this summer.

Everton are primed for a new era at Bramley Moore.

The bygone Farhad Moshiri chapter is concluded, the page turned. David Moyes’ return and seemingly agreeable start with The Friedkin Group, who have granted him significant transfer powers, beyond that of his predecessors at Everton, suggests real progress could be on the cards.

While Moyes will be looking to add some quality to his first team, he’ll also need to part ways with certain peripheral members.

Everton won’t want to lose too many though. Memories of Anthony Gordon’s start to life at the club, and subsequent departure, are still fresh, with no love lost between the respective parties.

Anthony Gordon's rise at Everton

Cashing in on up-and-coming stars is plainly a part of football. But it can hurt. During Moyes’ first stint as Goodison Park boss, Everton reluctantly sold 18-year-old academy talent Wayne Rooney to Manchester United for £27m.

Likewise, Gordon’s acrimonious force-out in January 2023 was a bitter pill to swallow. Newcastle signed the talented winger for £45m when he was in the fledgling phase of his career, and he is jeered upon every miserable return to his former stomping ground.

After all, the 23-year-old had been at Finch Farm since his formative years, playing regularly for the U18s and U21s before being handed his professional debut by Sam Allardyce – in the Europa League – when he was only 16 years old.

He made 78 appearances for Everton’s first team, scoring just seven goals and providing only eight assists. Still, he was a “frightening” prospect, as hailed by Boreham Wood boss Luke Garrard, and there’s a lingering sense he had plenty more to offer to the club which birthed him.

However, sometimes cashing in is the right thing to do. Indeed, Everton hit gold selling one exciting up-and-comer in 2017, banking the biggest amount of them all.

Everton struck gold with their original Anthony Gordon

Everton’s woes over the past several seasons, skirting close to the dreaded drop zone, are not a by-product of selling one talented young centre-back, even though his sale back in 2016 was a poignant thing.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

And though he’s since forged an illustrious career, a deeper dive corroborates the claim it was the right thing.

John Stones wasn’t a member of Everton’s respected academy, instead signed from Barnsley for just £3m in 2013, when he was only 18 years old.

He’d taken prodigious steps onto the senior stage in the Championship, featuring 22 times in the first half of the 2012/13 season before his move to Merseyside, but had to bide his time until making his name among the seniors.

Curiously, it was Moyes who welcomed him to Everton in the first place.

There’s no question the Scottish tactician has an eye for a top talent, for Stones went on to perform 95 times for Everton before leaving at the tender age of 22.

The money offered by Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City was simply irresistible. City, in the nascent phase of their rebuilding process under the renowned Spaniard, snapped Stones up for a jaw-dropping £50m fee, which made him the most expensive defender in English history.

In just three years, Everton made an incredible £47m profit on a young defender who has since lived up to the hype but has simultaneously been blighted, incessantly, by injury problems.

Remarkably, the 30-year-old is playing out his ninth year with the Citizens and has never hit 30 Premier League appearances in a single campaign.

When considering the 1,567% profit that the Blues banked for this young defender, it’s hard to claim it was a terrible loss, especially when they stayed afloat in the immediate aftermath.

Of course, Stones has won six Premier League titles, the Champions League, and a host of further major honours besides, but Everton must be pretty pleased with their business when looking back, even though Stones was described by Three Lions teammate Ezri Konsa last year as a “world-class” player. At his best, for sure, this is true.

It could have been different. In 2015, one year before Stones moved to Manchester, Everton rejected a transfer request from the young star when Chelsea were looking to snap him up.

Late Everton chairman Bill Kenwright rebuffed three official bids for the Englishman, whose head had been turned, with the third totalling £30m. This proved to be good business since City came calling with even more moneyed words one year later.

In a way, this makes Stones the original Gordon, who also forced his way out of Merseyside. Though Gordon is one of the most talented wingers in the Premier League, he’s hardly missed by his former fanbase.

Given Gordon admitted over eight years after Stones’ sale that a move to Stamford Bridge was “quite close” before he eventually signed for Newcastle, further similarities can be drawn.

Everton cashed in at the perfect time. Stones is a wonderful footballer but his injury problems throughout his career would have seen his stock fall, had he stayed put.

Indeed, the three campaigns following Stones’ sale before the 2016/17 term still hold the record finishes (7th, 8th and 8th) since 2013/14, Roberto Martinez’s maiden season.

Everton might have been wasteful spenders for most of the Moshiri era, but this was one deal that proved worthwhile, with investment turned back toward the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Idrissa Gueye, and Ashley Williams, who was initially an able replacement, and much cheaper at that.

He's now playing like Haaland: Everton must regret selling 19-goal star

Everton never got the best out of this star when he was still situated at Goodison Park.

By
Kelan Sarson

Mar 3, 2025

Manchester United are eyeing a transfer for Yann Bisseck as the Inter star is reportedly added to the summer shortlist.

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• Red Devils have been monitoring Bisseck
• Yet to make contact with Inter
• The defender has a contract until 2029

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to , Bisseck has impressed United’s recruitment team with his consistent showings across a demanding campaign, prompting the club to consider him among their shortlist of potential additions. While no official offer has been submitted, the interest from Old Trafford appears genuine and growing.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  While United lead the way in terms of tracking Bisseck, they are not alone in their admiration. Premier League rivals Tottenham are also believed to be monitoring the defender’s situation closely, as reported by . With speculation surrounding the future of Cristian Romero, Spurs may be forced into the market for a new centre-back should the Argentine be sold.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Bisseck joined Inter in the summer of 2023 from Danish side AGF for a fee of €7.5 million (£6m/$9m) and has quickly established himself as a reliable figure at the back. His performances helped Inter reach the Champions League final, further enhancing his reputation across Europe. In recognition of his development, the Italian giants moved swiftly to secure his long-term future by extending his contract until 2029. Although Inter’s financial situation is stable, they remain pragmatic and are willing to listen to “suitable” offers for certain players. While, claims the Italian side would consider parting ways with the defender if a proposal in the region of £47m ($63m) were to arrive.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  One factor driving United’s interest is Bisseck’s tactical versatility. Since manager Ruben Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford, the Portuguese boss has predominantly used a three-man defence – an approach that Bisseck is well accustomed to. His experience in such a system would likely make the transition smoother if he were to make the move to the Premier League.

Manchester United are a club that has always had a knack for bringing through and developing young players from their academy to improve their first-team.

Going back to the likes of Ryan Giggs, George Best, David Beckham, and Sir Bobby Charlton, among many others, the Red Devils have a rich history of cultivating world-class talent.

In more recent years, Carrington has birthed careers for Marcus Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, Scott McTominay, at Napoli, Anthony Elanga, at Nottingham Forest, and current first-team stars Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo.

Ruben Amorim is currently tasked with bringing through the next class of talent through to the first-team at Old Trafford, and there are plenty of potential future stars for the club coming through.

Manchester United's emerging talents

Senior debuts have been handed to Chido Obi-Martin and Ayden Heaven in recent weeks, both of whom joined the academy side from Arsenal.

Obi-Martin has made three first-team appearances for the Red Devils this year after a return of 12 goals in nine matches for the U18 side, following his exceptional haul of 32 goals in 21 games for the Gunners at U18 level during his time in London.

Heaven, meanwhile, came on for Leny Yoro at half-time against Arsenal on Sunday and impressed in the second half, with three out of five duels won, three clearances, a tackle, and an interception.

In The Pipeline

Another emerging talent who should be unleashed by Amorim in the weeks to come is 21-year-old central midfielder Toby Collyer, who could finally be unearthed as the club’s next version of Michael Carrick.

Why Man Utd must unleash Toby Collyer

Sports analyst and Man United fan Kirsty, on X, compared the Carrington talent to the former Red Devils and England midfielder, as well as comparing him to Darren Fletcher.

Back in January, she posted: “Collyer might just be that Carrick/Fletcher player we’ve been longing for. Nothing flashy, just engine, control, and routine.”

Carrick racked up 464 appearances in all competitions during his time with United as a player, earning a reputation for being a steady performer who could break up play and keep the game ticking over with his qualities in and out of possession.

Collyer has a long, long, way to go before he can be directly compared to the now-Middlesbrough manager, but he has shown a lot of very promising signs.

As you can see in the table above, the “rapid” academy graduate – as he was described by one United content creator – has yet to start a Premier League match. That said, he has impressed with his cameos off the bench, dominating players in physical battles whilst remaining composed on the ball.

Collyer, who was described as “aggressive” on and off the ball by Bruno Fernandes, has taken his chances when they have come his way off the bench, and now it is time for Amorim to finally unleash him from the start as he could emerge as the club’s next Carrick.

From the 2009/10 campaign onwards, the England international averaged 2.1 tackles per game and a pass completion rate of 87%. The current United youngster is on course for a similar output on and off the ball, despite being yet to start a match, which is a very positive sign.

Amorim has just discovered Man Utd's next big star & it's not Heaven or Obi

Manchester United have a number of exceptional young players at their disposal.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Mar 10, 2025

The Red Devils can finally find their next tempo-controlling, yet defensively aggressive, star in the middle of the park in Collyer, and it is down to Amorim to hand him the chances to showcase his quality as a starter in the coming weeks and months.

The winger faces a huge decision on his future after failing to agree a permanent transfer to Stamford Bridge

Another summer, another transfer window where Jadon Sancho finds his future up in the air. Having been unable to negotiate a permanent contract at Chelsea after an indifferent loan spell in west London, the Manchester United outcast will once again weigh up his options in the coming months.

Despite the Blues' openness to keeping him, the winger's £300,000-per-week wages have put paid to a long-term stay at Stamford Bridge and he now finds himself in limbo with one year remaining on his lucrative deal at Old Trafford. Chelsea even paid a £5 million penalty fee to send him back, as they reneged on the £25m ($34m) obligation to buy that they agreed last year.

However, it seems Sancho did enough during his loan spell to ensure that he will have plenty of options on the table when he comes to choose his next move. It's a decision he must get right as he risks his once prodigious career drifting into obscurity.

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  Abrupt ending

  The emergence of a get-out clause in Chelsea's loan-to-buy agreement with United back in March – in the midst of a barren spell where Sancho hadn't scored or provided an assist since early January – immediately cast doubt over the winger's future, although reports suggested the Blues were still minded to keep him.

  Sancho was more impactful towards the end of the season, especially in the Conference League, and after a goal in the 4-1 win over Real Betis in the final of the competition in Wroclaw, it seemed Chelsea had been convinced to hold onto him, with the £25m obligation to buy still representing fairly good value in today's market.

  However, it was in negotiations over a permanent transfer that things went awry as the Blues were unable to reach an agreement on personal terms with Sancho and his representatives, bringing an abrupt end to his time in west London as that £5m penalty fee was incurred to send him back to Old Trafford.

  That is undoubtedly a consequence of the player's supposed £300,000-per-week wages at United, although it had been reported that he would be willing to take a pay cut to make the deal happen when he first moved on loan in August last year.

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  Divisive season

  Sancho's legacy at Chelsea is a complex one given he only lasted a season; an inconsistent campaign belied the very fast start he made to life at Stamford Bridge, when he provided four assists in his first three Premier League appearances and eventually returned six goal contributions in his first nine league games.

  The Blues had soared as high as second by that point, but Sancho and most of Enzo Maresca's squad seemed to suffer a simultaneous crisis of confidence as their form dipped alarmingly, ultimately leading to a scrap for a top-four place. The winger scored just once more in the league all season after December.

  Nevertheless, the 25-year-old's work ethic, attitude and European exploits made him a popular figure with both his head coach and the fans. "Jadon Sancho, if we finished fourth, it's because of Jadon, if we won tonight it’s because of Jadon," Maresca said after the Conference League final. "During the season, everyone is up and down a little bit, that’s part of the game."

  However, others on the outside were far more scathing. "Jadon Sancho at Chelsea, for me, he flopped because he was given an opportunity to play at a top club and show everyone what he was capable of, but he didn't do it," former Blues defender William Gallas told

• 'Truly grateful'

  Despite some strong opinions on his time at Stamford Bridge, Sancho has arguably done his reputation no harm with a steady-if-unspectacular spell back in England, which he capped with a goal in the Conference League final triumph.

  Indeed, his message to the club following his exit sort of reflected that; he was simply appreciative of the opportunity to play Premier League football regularly and continue to get his career back on track after his successful half-season at Borussia Dortmund in 2023-24.

  "Grateful for the experience," the winger wrote on social media. "Big love to everyone at Chelsea who made me feel at home – team-mates, staff and the fans. Wishing the club all the best moving forward. Truly grateful. Thank you, Blues."

  He may not have set the world alight, but Sancho now has something tangible to build on at his next club, wherever that may be.

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  No Man Utd future

  The question of where Sancho will continue his career is one that United in particular will be keen to find an answer to quickly. Despite his old adversary Erik ten Hag being replaced by Ruben Amorim in the dugout, it is unlikely in the extreme that the outcast will remain at Old Trafford.

  Indeed, it has been reported that Amorim – whose preferred 3-4-3 shape doesn't incorporate out-and-out wingers – has no plans to reintegrate Sancho after his enforced return, having already signed Wolves' Matheus Cunha to play as a wide No.10 and with Brentford's Bryan Mbeumo seemingly on the way.

  United will be determined to find a permanent solution this summer as Sancho enters the final year of his contract. Another loan – something the player is supposedly open to – would mean he could walk away for absolutely nothing in 2026; that is unthinkable given the £73m ($100m) the club splurged on him in 2021.

Newlyweds Dani Dyer and Jarrod Bowen are planning to have "more kids" as they prepare for a romantic honeymoon in Italy.

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• Tied the knot with season over
• Planning a break in Italy
• Want to expand young family

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  With the 2024-25 campaign coming to a close and Bowen being left out of the latest England squad, the West Ham captain and his former Love Island contestant partner have been freed to tie the knot.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  They did so at a lavish ceremony, with Dyer wearing a £10,000 dress that was gifted to her by Football Factory actor father Danny and mother Jo. She warmed up for the big day by enjoying a boozy hen do in Ibiza.

• THE GOSSIP

  Bowen also headed to the White Isle to let off steam before walking down the aisle and is now drawing up future plans with his wife. They are already proud parents to twin daughters, while Dyer has a four-year-old son from a previous relationship.

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  WHAT A SOURCE SAID

  It is claimed that the Dyer-Bowens are ready to expand their brood, with a source telling : "They were planning a family holiday after the football season ended, but now they've extended their honeymoon, so they can have some alone time together. Then they'll do another holiday with the kids.

  "They've both said they’d have more kids while they're still young, so now could be the perfect time to try for another."

With Virgil van Dijk yet to sign a new contract, Liverpool have reportedly turned their attention towards a Bundesliga defender in search of replacing their towering centre-back.

Liverpool trio may have played their last Champions League game at Anfield

Having been dumped out of the Champions League on penalties by Paris Saint-Germain, Liverpool will be desperately hoping that their week only gets better with the Carabao Cup final awaiting against Newcastle United this Sunday. Whilst the mood around Arne Slot’s side will perhaps be at its most sombre point, they can’t ask for a better chance to bounce back than by securing silverware at Wembley.

What will only add to the Anfield misery is the fact that, as things stand, that will be that for Mohamed Salah, Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold in a Liverpool shirt in European competition. All three are yet to sign new deals and all three remain on course to become free agents in what should be Liverpool’s worst nightmare.

Those in Merseyside are seemingly already planning for the worst too. According to Bild in Germany, Liverpool now hold serious interest in signing Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund and are willing to offer €50m (£42m) to sign the 6 foot 3 defender.

Not just Nunez: Liverpool star who lost the ball every 3 mins let Slot down

Liverpool exit the Champions League in the last 16 after losing to Paris Saint-Germain on penalties.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Mar 12, 2025

Now 25 years old and entering the peak of his powers as a central defender, Schlotterbeck has dropped off alongside the rest of his Dortmund teammates after an excellent campaign saw them reach the Champions League final last time out. Ultimately, the Bundesliga giants suffered heartbreak courtesy of Real Madrid, but nothing can take away from how impressive they were on the road to the final.

One season on from that heartbreak, Schlotterbeck could seemingly get the chance to move on and take up an impossible Anfield task.

"Great" Schlotterbeck is better on the ball than Van Dijk

Replacing any of the big three will be no easy task this summer, but replacing Van Dijk will be Liverpool’s toughest job. It will arguably be their own mission impossible. The Dutchman is one of the most flawless central defenders that the Premier League has ever seen and, simply put, there may not be an available option around Europe capable of replicating that right from the off.

The Reds and Schlotterbeck could certainly try their best, however. His towering height would go a long way towards replacing Van Dijk’s aerial ability, whilst the stats even suggest that the defender may be a star in waiting when it comes to his on-ball work.

The numbers make for incredibly impressive reading, especially in a struggling Dortmund side. What instantly stands out is how well Schlotterbeck progresses play, outperforming Van Dijk in that department. Previously dubbed “great” by former Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann, the 25-year-old could provide quite the shock by replacing Van Dijk and thriving this summer.

Luis Suarez had nothing but words of praise for Lamine Yamal, but the former Barcelona striker believes there's still a lot he needs to learn.

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• Suarez showers praise on Yamal
• Believes the youngster is marking an era in world football
• Insists that teenager still has a lot of learning to do

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Former Barcelona striker Suarez insisted that Yamal still has a lot of learning to do, despite being effusive in his praise for the boy wonder and acknowledging that he is already "marking an era and making a big difference."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Yamal made his Barca first-team debut towards the end of the 2022-23 season, before becoming an integral part of ex-boss Xavi's lineup the following season. Last summer, he shone at the 2024 European Championship, winning the Young Player of the Tournament award en route to Spain's triumphant campaign. Under Hansi Flick, the Spaniard's progress and development has skyrocketed, as he has become one of the leading candidates to win the 2025 Ballon d'Or after playing a big hand in the Catalans' La Liga, Copa del Rey, and Supercopa de Espana trophy wins, as well as their entertaining run to the Champions League last-four. His displays and unprecedented quality, all while being just 17, have thrown him into the limelight and drawn groundbreaking praise from past legends as well as current players.

• WHAT LUIS SUAREZ SAID

  The Inter Miami striker, while speaking to the media, said: “Lamine is a player who is showing maturity at an early age compared to others. He shows great maturity at the age of 17.

  “He takes responsibility when he participates in important matches, and he has challenges that he imposes on himself as a Barcelona fan. I am very happy for him.

  “He has to continue to enjoy himself and continue to gain experience in order to continue to improve. There are still things he needs to learn, as we all learned when we were 18, 20, or 25 years old. He is marking an era and making a big difference."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LAMINE YAMAL?

  Yamal is currently enjoying his vacation after playing 62 games for both club and country in the 2024-25 season. After his break, he'll link up with his Barcelona team-mates to begin preparations for the upcoming season with the pre-season activities that begin next month.

Chelsea are now racing Bayern Munich for a “fantastic” goalkeeper, amid Robert Sanchez’s struggles this season, according to a report.

Sanchez struggling in the Premier League

No player has made more errors leading to goals in the Premier League than Sanchez this season, with the Spanish goalkeeper making five costly mistakes, which could have big ramifications on whether the Blues qualify for the Champions League.

After being at fault for a goal against Wolverhampton Wanderers back in January, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher suggested the 27-year-old is not good enough for a club of Chelsea’s stature.

“We just keep getting signs, as I think we’ve always probably known, that Sanchez is a Premier League goalkeeper but maybe for a team in the bottom half of the table, not the top half.”

Wow: Chelsea now preparing stunning £151m bid to sign two Real Madrid stars

The Blues have set their sights on two attackers who currently play for the reigning champions of Europe.

By
Dominic Lund

Mar 18, 2025

Since then, Enzo Maresca has made the call to take the goalkeeper out of the side, benching him for four Premier League games on the spin, with Filip Jorgensen taking his place, although Sanchez has since returned to the starting XI.

That said, Maresca clearly has reservations about the former Brighton & Hove Albion man, and a report from Italy has now revealed the Blues are now in the race to sign AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, alongside Bayern Munich.

Svilar is currently locked in contract talks with Roma, given that his current deal is set to expire in 2027, and while he retains a good relationship with the Italian side, his loyalty could be tested if Maresca’s side decide to make an approach.

West Ham United and AFC Bournemouth have also been linked with moves for the goalkeeper, although there is a feeling his agents could simply be fabricating the interest to ensure their client gets the possible deal with Roma.

"Fantastic" Svilar has been "revelation" for Roma

Roma boss Claudio Ranieri recently singled out the Serbian for praise, saying: “Mile is having a fantastic season.​​​​​​

“When a goalkeeper is not very busy and is suddenly called into action, showing readiness at all times like Mile does, then it means that he is truly a great goalkeeper.”

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has also dubbed the 25-year-old a “revelation for Roma”, while praising him for his ability to stop crosses and distribute the ball.

Not only that, but the Roma star has outperformed Sanchez on a number of key goalkeeping metrics over the past year.

Most recently, Svilar was valued between £29-33m, which would make him a relatively affordable option for Chelsea, and there are clear signs he could be an upgrade on Sanchez, who has let his side down on too many occasions this season.

Pep Guardiola gave his verdict on Rayan Cherki's debut for Manchester City after an unimpressive outing in the Club World Cup.

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• Cherki joined Man City in £34m deal
• Made his debut in the CWC against Wydad
• Failed to deliver on expectations

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 21-year-old French talent had a subdued debut as City began their Club World Cup campaign with a 2-0 win over Wydad Casablanca. Cherki, who joined the Premier League champions earlier this month from Lyon in a deal worth approximately £34 million, was handed a starting role in Philadelphia, but his opening performance in City colours left more questions than answers.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Cherki was deployed in the number eight role, operating ahead of fellow summer recruit Tijjani Reijnders and playing behind a front line consisting of Savinho, Jeremie Doku and Omar Marmoush. While Phil Foden got City off to a quick start with an early goal, Cherki struggled to replicate the creative flair he often displayed in France.

  Watch every FIFA Club World Cup game free on DAZNStream now

• TELL ME MORE

  Pressed aggressively by Wydad Casablanca’s midfield, he was forced into multiple errors and frequently dispossessed in tight areas. In total, Cherki registered just 22 touches before being substituted on the hour mark for Erling Haaland.

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• WHAT GUARDIOLA SAID

  Speaking to reporters after the match, Guardiola was diplomatic in his assessment of Cherki’s performance.

  "Of course, Kevin is difficult to replace, we know that," Guardiola said. "For the quality that he has, there is no doubt about that. But at the same time, the club decided on Rayan, he has incredible skills close to the box, an incredible vision and pass, he has many, many things. [Today] was just the first game in very tough conditions but I am really pleased that he is here. Tijjani [Reijnders] played very well, Rayan [Cherki] had good moments. Everyone has to get to know us and see what happens."