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The year has only just started, and it’s already all change at Chelsea.

New Year’s Day saw the news of Enzo Maresca’s departure break, and then within a week, Liam Rosenior was announced as his permanent replacement.

The former Strasbourg boss has quite the job on his hands for the rest of the season, as while the squad is hugely talented, the side is currently three points off fourth in the Premier League.

Fortunately, the transfer window is now open, and if BlueCo act quickly, they could land Rosenior someone who’d be Chelsea’s best signing since Moises Caicedo.

Chelsea should move for Caicedo-level signing

While Chelsea do have a squad full of talented players, including Reece James, Cole Palmer, Enzo Fernández and Caicedo, there are still some areas that need serious work.

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For example, even though the likes of Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho could come good, some fans would argue they could do with upgrading at some point, as could the two striker signings the club made in the summer.

However, another area of the squad that perhaps needs the most immediate attention is the defence, specifically at centre-back.

Therefore, it would make sense for the Blues to target someone who could help come in and make that area of the pitch far stronger.

There are likely several defenders Chelsea are currently looking at from across the footballing world, but if BlueCo really want to give Rosenior the best chance of succeeding this season and beyond, they should go all out for Marc Guehi.

The West Londoners have been linked with the Englishman plenty of times before, like in the summer last year.

However, there are two potential hurdles to any deal: Liverpool and Manchester City’s reported interest, and the fact that Crystal Palace would demand a hefty fee to sell him this month.

According to reports from earlier this month, the Eagles could demand as much as, if not more than £35m but if they wait until the summer and no one else acquires his signature, he will be available on a free transfer.

Why Guehi could be Chelsea's best signing since Caicedo

There are two primary reasons why Guehi could end up being Chelsea’s best signing since Caicedo, and the first, as mentioned above, is down to the team’s current weakness at the back.

For example, as things stand, the Blues have conceded 22 goals in the league alone, and while that isn’t terrible, it’s eight more than the league leaders, four more than Manchester City and even three more than Sunderland.

So, if Rosenior could come in and help sure up the back, there is every chance that the Blues could find themselves rapidly closing in on Pep Guardiola’s juggernaut once more.

Therefore, the player who helps make that become a reality would surely be one of the club’s best signings in a very long time.

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Now, stepping back from the team’s defensive record this season, the other reason Guehi could be a Caicedo-type signing is the simple fact that he is an immensely talented player.

On top of being vastly experienced in the Premier League and being a vital player for England, he played a crucial role in Palace winning their first significant honour in their history last season.

Moreover, his underlying numbers prove that on top of being rock solid at the back, he’s no slouch with the ball at his feet.

Guehi’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

npxG + xAG

0.19

Top 4%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.32

Top 4%

Goals + Assists

0.21

Top 6%

Switches

0.95

Top 6%

Penalty Kicks Won

0.05

Top 6%

Progressive Carries

1.21

Top 7%

Progressive Passes

5.42

Top 7%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.42

Top 7%

Assists

0.11

Top 10%

Passes into Penalty Area

0.42

Top 10%

Ball Recoveries

4.47

Top 10%

Key Passes

0.47

Top 15%

Passes into Final Third

5.05

Top 15%

All Stats via FBref

According to FBref, the 6 foot “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Bobby Manzi, ranks in the top 4% of centre-backs in the Premier League for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 6% for switches, the top 7% for progressive carries and passes, the top 10% for ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it would be a difficult deal to get over the line, Chelsea should do all they can to sign Guehi, as he could be their best purchase since Caicedo.

Related Chelsea line up British record move to sign £130m Neto upgrade for Rosenior

The incredible international would be the perfect signing for Rosenior and send Neto packing.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes

A midfield revolution is coming at Manchester United. The Red Devils need more bodies in the middle of the park, especially if Ruben Amorim decides to stick with the 4-3-3 formation he deployed for 45 minutes against Newcastle United.

Either way, there is a clear need to add more options in midfield. Kobbie Mainoo’s immediate future is still up in the air, and Manuel Ugarte has not shown the levels required to play at the highest level for United.

Casemiro has yet to sign a one-year contract extension, which Amoirm confirmed in a press conference last week.

When United do inevitably sign a midfielder, it seems as though they will come from within the Premier League.

United want to sign Premier League midfielder

There are already some strong links which suggest United will spend a lot of money on a new midfielder. Two of those reports name England midfield duo Elliot Anderson and Adam Wharton as potential targets for the Red Devils.

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However, a new report from the highly regarded Fabrizio Romano has once again linked United to Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba.

The journalist, speaking on his Youtube channel, said that “internal talks at the club have not stopped discussing” a move for the Cameroonian star, who has been an INEOS target since the summer.

Romano explains that the Red Devils “remain in contact with people close to the player,” suggesting INEOS will pounce as soon as a move becomes a real possibility.

Of course, this deal wouldn’t be cheap, with United needing to break their transfer record and spend £100m to sign Baleba.

Why Baleba could be the next Pogba

21-year-old Baleba’s quality in midfield is undeniable. He has struggled for consistency this term on the South Coast, but is still an excellent player at his best, described as a “beast” in midfield by football scout Antonio Mango.

Indeed, this season has been a tougher one under Fabian Hurzeler. The Brighton manager has only given Baleba a full 90 minutes in the Premier League once, with the midfielder playing 903 minutes across 16 games.

Don’t let the fact that he hasn’t played as much this term deceive you, though. His importance and quality were highlighted in the 2024/25 campaign, as he made 34 Premier League appearances and played 90 minutes in 17 of them.

He also scored three goals, including this stunning hit against West Ham United.

His numbers from last term are also impressive.

The former Lille player showed his quality on the ball, averaging 1.2 take-ons per 90 minutes, and also how destructive he is without possession, making 6.7 ball recoveries each game.

Baleba key stats in 24/25 PL

Stat

Per 90 mins

Season total

Forward passes

10

296

Take-ons completed

1.2

33

Duels won

6.8

199

Interceptions

1.6

46

Ball recoveries

6.7

197

Stats from Squawka

If United are to sign Baleba, it will smash their transfer record, which is currently the £89m fee they spent on Paul Pogba back in 2016.

Of course, the Frenchman had moments of magic at United despite struggling with injuries throughout his stint at the club.

In that second spell at Old Trafford, the Carrington graduate made 226 appearances for the club. He scored 39 times and assisted 51, helping the club win the Europa League and the Carabao Cup.

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He was one of the finest midfielders around, largely thanks to his incredible technical ability.

Interestingly, Baleba has previously identified the 2018 World Cup winner as his “number one” idol growing up. The similarities go further than two players who would be United’s record signing, though.

The pair are both powerful ball carriers in midfield, able to collect the ball in deeper areas and progress it through the lines. As he showed last season, the Cameroonian star has an eye for a spectacular goal, like Pogba has done so often across his career.

There is no doubt that £100m is a huge investment for INEOS and United. However, they are looking to refresh their midfield, and Baleba could be the perfect option to help Amorim’s side in this revolution.

Related Dream Ugarte upgrade: Man Utd could see bid accepted for £26m "warrior"

Manchester United’s midfield woes simply must be solved in January.

Posts ByRobbie Walls

5th place play-off
Scorecard

	Jason Dawes’ 4 for 18 set up West Indies’ seven-wicket win over Nepal in the Plate Championship final © Getty Images

Rain had the final word at the Royal Selangor Club in Kuala Lumpur, washing out the play-off for fifth place between arch rivals Australia and England. In a curtailed game – 24 overs a side – Kirk Pascoe’s 55 led an impressive recovery for Australia after they were in a precarious position at 7 for 4.England exploited the damp conditions after putting Australia in, with the new-ball bowlers – Steven Finn and James Harris – snaring four victims in just 4.1 overs. A wicket didn’t fall for the next 12.2 overs, as David King provided support to Pascoe with a patient 45-ball 19.Tom Westley, the offspinner, picked up two wickets in his five overs, but Pascoe ensured Australia played out their overs for a fighting total of 106 for 7. Pascoe kept the scoring-rate ticking along with five fours and a six in his 67-ball innings.When the match was called off, England were at 47 for 2 off 10.5 overs, needing another 60 off 79 deliveries.

Plate Championship final
Scorecard
An fine all-round performance from Darren Bravo helped West Indies clinch the Plate Championship – contested for ninth place – at the Bayuemas Oval in Kuala Lumpur. Rain resulted in the match being reduced to 27 overs a side, and the Nepal captain Paras Khadka, playing the last match of his third and final U-19 World Cup, opted to bat.However, the move backfired with the West Indies seamers striking early blows. Jason Dawes, the right-arm fast bowler, collected three wickets, and his new-ball partner Delorn Johnson picked up one as Nepal were reduced to 17 for 4.Bravo then came and chipped away at the middle order, taking three wickets, and Dawes took his fourth as Nepal crashed to 74 all out in 25.3 overs. Extras made the highest contribution to Nepal’s total; Sagar Khadka was next with an unbeaten 17 in an innings where the best partnership managed 15.Kieran Powell and Adrian Barath got West Indies off to a steady start, before Bravo steered them to victory with an unbeaten 24. Amrit Bhattarai scalped two consolation wickets, but a paltry total meant holders Nepal couldn’t avoid losing the trophy that they famously won in 2006.

13th place play-off

Scorecard
Ireland completed back-to-back wins in Johor to secure 13th place with their first victory over a Full Member nation at U-19 level. On Friday, Greg Thompson, the captain, spun a web with his legspin against Bermuda, but it was opening bowler Andrew Britton who wrecked Zimbabwe in the 13th place play-off final.Thompson’s decision to field in a match reduced to 27 overs a side soon paid dividends. Britton accounted for Zimbabwe’s top four as they were reduced to 34 for 6, Shane Getkate picking up the other two wickets. Reginald Nehonde, the No. 7, struck 43 as Zimbabwe batted out their overs and scored 99.A 40-run second-wicket stand between Ben Ackland and James Hall set up the platform for Ireland’s chase. Stewart Matsika dismissed them both, but the remaining batsmen completed the win with six wickets and 22 balls to spare.

Ian Bell’s best was no match for an innings from Marcus Trescothick © Getty Images

Comeback of the Day
England continued their quest for some top-order momentum by promoting Ian Bell to that troublesome No. 1 spot, but even his best one-day innings to date was no match for the feats of big-hitting being produced by his predecessor in the role. After pulling out of the Ashes tour for personal reasons, Marcus Trescothick marked his comeback for Somerset today by walloping the small matter of 256 in a 50-over knockabout against Devon. His innings spanned just 117 balls and included 25 fours and 19 sixes. What England would give for some of that oomph right now.Interception of the Day
Rudi Koertzen must have been a handball goalkeeper during his wild youthful days on South Africa’s Garden Route. He produced a star-jump intercept that Peter Schmeichel could not have bettered, as Kevin Pietersen whistled a pull through square-leg that pitched just short of the umpire, and crashed into his spread-eagled shin. A certain boundary had been denied to England, and to make matters worse, the resulting single brought Bell back on strike to chip a tame catch to the covers. To Rudi’s credit, he didn’t flinch on either occasion.Drop of the Day
Pietersen led a charmed life during his innings, which was just as well for England’s prospects of turning this game into a contest. On 50 he spanked a Symonds full-toss high to Ricky Ponting’s right at mid-on, which the skipper did well to get a hand on. Thirteen runs later, however, KP chipped a muffed drive to mid-off that Matthew Hayden inconceivably made a hash of. Admittedly Brad Hodge was in his eyeline as he jogged round behind the bowler’s arm, but even so, this was a sitter by anyone’s standards.Miss of the Day
Where’s Gary Pratt when you need him? (Playing non-league football for Crook Town, as it happens.) Half-chances are everything when a man like Ponting is gathering momentum, and one such opportunity arose when, on 21, he tucked James Anderson to midwicket and hurtled through for a quick single. Michael Vaughan stooped, paused and flung at the non-striker’s end, but with Ponting not even close to the frame, he missed. Vaughan flung his head so violently into his hands he almost headbutted the turf; Ponting merely grinned a grin that might have been aimed directly at Duncan Fletcher. Pratt’s former Durham colleague, Paul Collingwood, eventually showed how it should be done. But it was a little too late by then.

Matthew Hayden tries to work out how he dropped Kevin Pietersen © Getty Images

Law of the Day
Law 32.3 states: “The act of making a catch shall start from the time when a fielder first handles the ball and shall end when a fielder obtains complete control both over the ball and over his own movement.” Tough luck then on Pietersen, who produced a superb pluck high above his head on the boundary’s edge, followed up with a series of graceful balletic tiptoes along the perimeter of the pitch, but was in the end forced to fling the ball back into the field of play as his momentum carried him over the ropes. Four runs saved though. Well done that man.Momentum squanderer of the Day
At 132 for 2 with 20 overs to go, the game was still very much in the balance, so back into the attack, in search of a breakthrough, came Sajid Mahmood. His first ball to Ponting was short, wide and dreadful, and lashed for four behind point; the second was on the pads and whipped away for another boundary. Andrew Strauss misfielded the third and allowed one to become two, and the fourth was a regulation leg-side wide. Three legitimate balls, 11 runs, England’s tenuous grip on the game unprised.Banner of the Day
Captain
Vice Captain
Pedal Boat Captain
Captain Morgan?
After his paltry return of four runs from 19 balls, a sheet blowing in the breeze at midwicket suggests that Andrew Flintoff might want to seek solace in the official rum of the ICC Cricket World Cup.Stat of the Day
Six matches, 31 balls, 20 runs, average 5. Michael Hussey’s World Cup is no closer to lift-off after another no-show in the middle. Will he remember which end to hold his bat when his turn finally comes?

Scorecard

Michael Vaughan, holidaying in the Caribbean, watches the action in the third game © The Nation

Make no mistake about it, Marlon Samuels is a class act. On his day, he is capable of near magic. Yesterday was one of his days.In blustery, overcast conditions that seemed more like Nottingham Hill than Cave Hill and more suited to the visitors than the hosts, Samuels took the third limited-overs match between West Indies A and England A into his own hands at the 3Ws Oval.His superb unbeaten 107 off 98 balls, was laced with strokes that had shades of Lawrence Rowe written all over them. He hit nine fours and three sixes, the last of which was a magnificent hit over extra-cover that was struck immediately on passing his hundred.In the end, West Indies won comfortably by five wickets with 3.4 overs to spare under the Duckworth/Lewis method, but when they initially set out to pursue a target of 247 in 50 overs, the expectation might have been for a closer finish.It might have been tighter had England managed to hold on to two chances, neither of which were that difficult, when Samuels was on 47 and then 82. By the time rain intervened just before 4pm, Samuels had put the West Indies well on the way. They were 141 for 3 in the 26th over with Samuels having motored to 69.On resumption 45 minutes later, the revised target was 216 in 42 overs and a requirement of 75 runs from 15.4 overs with seven wickets intact, might have presented problems to other West Indies teams; but Samuels, in tandem with Ryan Hinds, ensured that they would not be subjected to heartaches for the second time in a row.Hinds, short of runs, offered vital support with 35 off 66 balls in a fourth-wicket partnership of 88 in 17.4 overs, but there was probably no need for him to go after the part-time offspin of Alex Loudon in the manner he did when a further 45 was required from 8.5 overs.The victory have given West Indies A an important 2-1 advantage ahead of the final two matches at the Windward Club on Friday and Sunday. It was to England’s credit that the 1500 spectators were given so much entertainment. A little more than an hour into the match, a no-contest appeared to be in the making.England, sent in after the start was delayed by half-an-hour because of early morning rain, were in ruins at 75 for 5. Their early worries were caused by pacer Andrew Richardson who struck twice in his first two overs.Richardson bowled Vikram Solanki with his first ball and also hit Loudon’s stumps in his second over. He was removed from the attack after five overs which cost 15 and was surprisingly not reintroduced until the final over of the innings in which he conceded 11 runs.By then, Kabir Ali was in full flow. Ali, batting at No.9, lashed an unbeaten 65 off 53 balls with six fours and four sixes and featured in a vital eighth-wicket partnership of 80 with Gareth Batty, who scored 36 off 49 balls.Ali, who was dropped on eight by Samuels at slip, had earlier started the fightback with allrounder Rikki Clarke (33), and was especially severe on offspinner Narsingh Deonarine, who was belted for 22 runs in the 48th over of the innings. With Ali and Batty in full flow at the end, England were able to blast 45 runs from the last three overs.

It’s not all plain sailing for overseas players looking to ply their trade in England, as a report in the Worcester News pointed out.Nash Jones from Grenada had been signed by Barnards Green CC as an overseas player, but less than a week after arriving in the UK, he was deported as he had failed to mention to immigration officials that he would be playing during his six-month stay.”The guy was here on holiday, was staying with us, and was going to have a few games of cricket, unpaid, and coach the kids,” club captain Chris Smedley told the newspaper. “He would have brought colour, diversity and greater understanding of a different culture to our club and to Malvern, yet we’ve been denied all that.” Keith Middleton, the club’s chairman, added that it was “a crazy decision”.Jones reportedly had sufficient funds, a return ticket and a letter from the club confirming the arrangements.The case has been taken up by local MP Sir Michael Spicer and Jones has been told by immigration officials that he “can reapply” to be admitted.

The following is the Canadian team and officials to the 6 Nations Tournament to be held in UAE from February 29th to March 6th 2004

• Joseph Harris (Captain)
• Ishwar Maraj
• Desmond Chumney
• Zubin Surkari
• Sunil Dhaniram
• Asif Mulla
• Ashish Bagai
• Ian Khan
• Don Maxwell
• Shanta Jayasekera
• Austin Codrington
• Ashish Patel
• Zahid Hussain
• Kevin Sandher

Officials:

• Michael Henry (Manager)
• Brian Mauricette (Coach)
• Dan Keisel (Physio)
• Kantilal Patel (Umpire)

Quickfire fifties from Vinod Kambli and captain Jacob Martin saw West Zone defeat South Zone in a rain-affected Deodhar tie at Burlton Park, Jullundur.In the morning, South Zone, who opted to bat, were racing along comfortably at 53 for one in 8.3 overs when rain made its first intervention. When play resumed after an hour-long stoppage, the batsmen found run-making relatively difficult. The fall of two quick wickets, those of opener Jacob Arunkumar (32 off 44 balls) and Yalaka Venugopal Rao (0), also did not help matters.Hemang Badani and new man, Vijay Bharadwaj, rightly decided to eschew flamboyant strokes preferring instead to milk the bowling. The two experienced South Zone stars put on 69 runs before Badani was dismissed for a well-made 62, including six boundaries, in the 29th over.Bharadwaj took over from thereon. The Karnataka batsman made 74 off 82 balls with five fours and one lusty six as South Zone reached 215 for six in 41.4 overs before the skies opened yet again.With a substantial period of play being lost, West were set a daunting revised target of 198 off 29 overs. But they galloped after it in earnest pursuit, opener Robin Morris, who made 35 off just 20 balls, leading the charge.After Morris became the second wicket to fall with the score on 78 in the ninth over, Kambli and Martin took over. Putting all their experience and stroke-making abilities to good use, the duo ensured that West were always well ahead of the asking run-rate. But the dismissals of Martin, who made 53 off 49 balls, and Kambli, who made 63 off 69 balls, in the end overs threatened to ruin West’s party. Hrishikesh Kanitkar and Ajit Bhoite, though, kept their heads and guided West home with just a ball to spare. Bhardawaj, who claimed three wickets bowling his off-spinners, was the most successful bowler for South. West Zone were rewarded with five points for their efforts.

Martin Speight (55) and Jimmy Daley (50) scored their first half centuries for Durham this season against Hampshire at Chester-le-Street today in the County Championship Division One match. Durham made 320 for 9 declared in 92.3 overs.Hampshire reached 69 no loss in 20 overs in reply. With one day to go and a loss of almost two days to rain, a draw is almost certain. That leaves little chamce for both the sides to escape relegation.The day began with Durham at 246 for 4 with Speight and Dalley going for big hits. Speight was recalled for this game as a batsman but was replaced by Andrew Pratt as wicket keeper. Pratt’s unbeaten 27 made sure of a third batting point for Durham who declared at the fall of the ninth wicket, hoping to bowl Hampshire out twice.But Hampshire openers Laney (26) and White (23) scored freely before Wood and Neil Killeen bowled tidily as they made 63 for no loss in 20 overs.

Tottenham Hotspur have been dealt a blow in their bid to bring Sven Botman to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by MilanLive (via Sport Witness), who claim that, despite interest from both Tottenham and Newcastle United, AC Milan have already agreed personal terms with the LOSC Lille centre-back – believed to be in the region of €3m-per-year (£2.5m-per-year) after tax – ahead of a potential summer swoop.

However, the report goes on to state that the Serie A outfit are yet to agree a deal with the French side regarding the transfer of the 22-year-old, with the Ligue 1 club believed to be demanding a figure in the region of €30m (£25m) in order to part with the Netherlands U21 international at the end of the current campaign.

Paratici must move

Considering the sheer amount of potential Botman quite clearly possesses, in addition to the fact that it has been previously reported that Fabio Paratici is desperate to land the defender in order to appease Antonio Conte, the news that Milan look to have agreed personal terms with the Dutchman is sure to come as a huge blow to Tottenham’s managing director.

Indeed, the £27m-rated centre-back very much appears to be the type of ball-playing left-footed defender the 52-year-old manager would love to have in his Spurs side.

According to FBREF, the 22-year-old ranks in the 69th percentile of all defenders in Europe’s big five leagues for passes attempted, as well as the 71st percentile for passes completed, the 73rd percentile for progressive passes and the 49th percentile for progressive carries of the ball.

Furthermore, the £18k-per-week titan highly impressed over his 37 Ligue 1 appearances in Lille’s title-winning campaign last season, with the defender helping his side keep a remarkable 20 clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.5 interceptions, 0.8 tackles, 60.6 passes and winning 68% of his duels per game.

These returns saw the player who Duncan Castles dubbed a “machine” earn a seasonal SofaScore match rating of 7.08, ranking him as Lille’s joint third-best player in the top flight of French football.

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As such, with Conte in rather desperate need of a new left-footed centre-back in the summer transfer window, Paratici simply must do all he can to beat both AC Milan and Newcastle to the signing of Botman – as the 22-year-old very much looks as if he would be a perfect fit for the Italian’s backline at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

In other news: Lost 71% duels: £13.5m-rated Spurs dynamo has still not “taken his chance” under Conte