أكد أحمد بلال مهاجم الأهلي الأسبق، وجود عيب كبير لدى محمد عبد المنعم مدافع القلعة الحمراء، موضحًا رأيه في أداء محمود كهربا في مركز المهاجم.
ويستعد الأهلي لمواجهة سيمبا التنزاني مساء يوم الجمعة المقبل، على أرضية ملعب استاد القاهرة الدولي في إياب ربع نهائي دوري أبطال إفريقيا.
وقال أحمد بلال في تصريحات تلفزيونية عبر قناة اون تايم سبورتس: “يجب تدريس كرة جيلنا والأجيال السابقة في التوقيت الحالي لهذا الجيل، الكرة عادت للخلف، كنا نتحرك بشكل نموذجي”.
طالع | أحمد حسن يحدد شرطًا لإقامة مباراة الأهلي والزمالك في السعودية ويعلق على أزمة محمد صلاح وحسام حسن
وأكمل: “لا أرى أحد أفضل مني من حيث الإمكانيات، ولكن من حيث الإنجازات عماد متعب وحسام حسن تخطياني، أرى إمكانياتي من أفضل الإمكانيات التي أتت في مصر”.
وأتم: “محمد عبد المنعم لديه عيب وهو الثقة الزائدة جدًا، وأيضاً محمود كهربا ليس أفضل مهاجم في مصر، لا أرى رأس حربة في الدوري المصري”.
Australia’s win in Pune was so special, captain Steven Smith knew to a day how long it had been since they won a Test in India
Brydon Coverdale25-Feb-2017If you thought for a moment that this was like any other win for Australia, think again. It was so special, so rare, that Steven Smith knew the length of the drought his men had broken. “We haven’t won a game here for 4502 days,” he said after Australia’s triumph in Pune. The number rolled easily off his tongue in every interview. It might be imprinted in his brain forever.When Australia last won a Test in India – in late 2004 – Smith was 15 years old, Matt Renshaw was an eight-year-old English boy living in New Zealand, Mitchell Starc was a 14-year-old wicketkeeper, and Steve O’Keefe was a 19-year-old yet to make his first-class debut.Here, Smith made a century he will remember for the rest of his life, Renshaw scored more runs than any Indian batsman, Starc scored more runs than any Indian batsman (to go with a couple of important wickets), and O’Keefe gained better figures than any visiting spinner had ever before achieved in a Test in India.And all of this on a pitch that should have suited India. “It was one of the most difficult wickets you’ll bat on,” Smith told ABC radio after the win. “This was, from day one, the driest surface and most inconsistent sort of spinning surface that I’ve ever seen. It’ll be interesting to see what they’ll come up with [for the second Test].”Yet for all of that, Australia outperformed India in every facet of the game, more than doubling India’s total in each innings. Their batsmen found ways to score, their bowlers created more chances, their fielders snapped them up. Australia’s frontline spinner, Nathan Lyon, took five wickets for the match, but the stand-out was O’Keefe, who claimed 12.Compare this to India’s two lead spinners: R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja managed “only” 12 wickets between them. Smith said the result was credit both to the way O’Keefe adjusted his bowling to suit the Indian conditions, and to the way Australia’s batsmen resisted the urge to chase deliveries that might turn away.”A lot of our right-handers – and left-handers – got beaten on the outside edge of the bat,” Smith said. “Those guys are big spinners of the ball, and generally it’s the one that goes straight that gets you in a bit of trouble. It’s great the guys are learning and actually playing for that straight one and allowing the other one to spin past the bat. That has been a big learning curve for us as a team for a while.”It’s great that we were able to implement the things that we’ve practised and talked about in the game. In regards to our spinners, I think SOK [O’Keefe], compared to Jadeja, probably goes a little bit wider of the crease and a little bit more side-arm, so potentially doesn’t have to get the ball to straighten quite as much to find the outside edge. It’s really smart bowling and you reap the rewards for that.”In the first innings, O’Keefe picked up three of his wickets through outside edges and one from a stumping that beat the edge; in the second, five of his six wickets came from attacking the stumps for lbw or bowled dismissals. His match haul of 12 for 70 was second only to Ian Botham’s 13-wicket bag in Mumbai in 1980 for a visiting bowler in India.”I love SOK’s willingness to learn, and try different things and adapt to different conditions,” Smith said. “He’s able to bowl differently to what he does back home. Back home he gets over the top of the ball a lot more, and here he comes around it and changes his seam positions and gets the most natural variation out of the wicket – very similar to Jadeja.”O’Keefe was Man of the Match, but Smith’s contribution was also significant. In the second innings, he came to the crease at 10 for 1 and soon Australia were 23 for 2; they had a healthy lead already, but a collapse could have handed the momentum back to India. Smith had some fortune, dropped three times, but went on to make 109. Among Australians, only Mark Taylor and Damien Martyn had previously made second-innings hundreds in India.”I obviously rode my luck throughout the innings and had a few lives, but you need a bit of luck on a wicket like that,” he said. “I was pleased with myself to score a second-innings hundred here in India and formulate some different sort of plans than how I normally play and problem-solve on the spot. From that aspect I’m pleased with myself and it was great we were able to get such a big lead.”That Australia emerged with a win in India for the first time in 4502 days was a remarkable achievement, and Smith was understandably proud of his men. But he was also at pains to note that much work remained in order to win the series – although as the holders of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy one more victory would be enough for Australia to retain it.”It’s only one game,” Smith said. “It’s a four-match series, and we’d like to win the series. For us it’s about taking it one day at a time.”
West Ham United are set to make their first offer for Fulham's Joao Palhinha, according to reports…
West Ham transfer news – What's the latest on Joao Palhinha?
As per transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the Hammers are set to make their initial approach to Fulham for the services of their midfielder Palhinha.
"West Ham are preparing their first approach for João Palhinha. Not an easy deal with Fulham but he's top of the list for West Ham to replace Declan Rice," the Italian journalist tweeted.
The recent confirmation from Irons chairman David Sullivan that club captain and midfield powerhouse Declan Rice would be leaving the club made the signing of new midfielders crucial this summer.
However, the east London outfit aren't the only side interested in the Fulham man.
According to Football Insider, Aston Villa are keen to bring the player to the Midlands and are 'willing to pay' the reported £60m asking price to get the deal done.
Joao Palhinha
Would Joao Palhinha be a good signing for West Ham?
The short answer to this question is simple, yes.
However, whilst he would certainly replace the defensive output of Rice and then some, he won't replace the attacking threat the Englishman produced.
For example, according to FBref, Rice has created 2.75 shot-creating actions per 90 this season, whereas Palhinha has only created 0.87. The same trend can be seen with take-ons, where the West Ham man attempts 1.73 take-ons per 90 and the Fulham star just 1.13.
The Hammers need to be realistic and look to sign a couple of players that, as a collective, can help the team move on from the departure of Rice.
With all that said, the former Sporting CP man has been fantastic in his debut campaign this year and would certainly go a long way in helping stabilise a new-look Claret and Blue midfield.
His biggest attribute this year has undoubtedly been his tackling numbers, tackling a whopping 147 players, the highest number across Europe's top five leagues by 19, per FBref.
Even more impressive is that these aren't just wild lunges at the opponent, as according to FBref, he is in the top 1% of players for tackles won in the top five leagues, per 90.
His constant involvement in the defensive side of the game hasn't gone unnoticed by his teammates either, with his midfield partner Harrison Reed referring to him as a "tackling machine."
Former players and pundits have been singing their praises for the player as well this season, with former Fulham man Steve Sidwell saying: "He has been absolutely sensational this season."
Fulham midfielder Joao Palhinha.
One of the top-flight's greatest centre-halves, Rio Ferdinand, has also been enthralled by the player, saying: "You need someone like that in front of you as a defender."
He isn't just a bruising machine at the centre of midfield, either. He has the ability to score the occasional wonder goal as well, with journalist Josh Bunting describing him as an "artist" for a particularly stunning finish during his time in Portugal.
It is also worth adding that despite the hefty fee that will inevitably be required to get this deal done, Palhinha's relatively modest wage of £50k-per-week in west London shouldn't be too much of an issue for the Hammers to improve upon.
West Ham would be making a very smart decision if they go and get Fulham's Portuguese star as David Moyes' perfect Rice replacement, but they better get a move on, as he won't be at the Cottage for long.
Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou could start life in London with a bang by completing the signing of Bristol City teenager Alex Scott.
What's the latest on Alex Scott to Aston Villa?
According to journalist Dean Jones – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – Tottenham have invested time and attention to the development of Scott this year and could now look to make their move to tie up a deal with the transfer window in full swing.
He said: "One of the stories to look out for this summer involves Alex Scott. He has been coveted by loads of Premier League teams previously, including Tottenham and Leeds, but at the moment, no one seems willing to offer the £25m Bristol City want for him.
“He’s a really good player, so I think it's only a matter of time before something happens.”
Tottenham have been credited with an interest in the 19-year-old since March following Bristol City's defeat to eventual champions Manchester City in the FA Cup, earning praise for his "fearless" performance by The Times' Henry Winter.
Bournemouth, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are also vying for his signature, but Postecoglou will be determined to sign a prodigious talent who could catalyse the club's desired resurgence.
Should Tottenham sign Alex Scott?
Hailed as the "Guernsey Grealish" for his striking resemblance to the City phenom, Jack Grealish, Scott has exhibited his prowess in dribbling and ball-carrying, with his display against the Sky Blues setting him apart from the swathes of hopefuls, earning a Sofascore match rating of 7.0 after succeeding with four of his five attempted dribbles and winning 11 of his 15 attempted duels,
Given that Manchester City's £100m man also remarked that Scott is a "top talent", he seems to have the approval of a man distinguished and admired as one of the Premier League's most naturally talented players around, capable of petrifying opposition with his gliding gait.
This season, he recorded an average league rating of 6.83, making 40 starting appearances, scoring one goal and supplying four assists, completing 79% of his passes and making 1.8 tackles per game.
As per FBref, given that he ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Men's Next 8 divisions for progressive carries and the top 17% for successful take-ons per 90, he could well emulate Grealish as he continues his burgeoning rise.
Grealish, comparatively, ranks among the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries per 90, which only further illustrates the superlative company Scott finds his name likened to.
While Tottenham have failed in their endeavours this season and concluded the campaign with an eighth-placed finish, thus confirming an absence from European competition to strike a detrimental blow to hopes of brighter fortunes.
Scott's acquisition could be a turning point, unleashing a new wave of prosperity on a proud football club desperate for silverware once more.
West Indies captain Jason Holder has praised Kraigg Brathwaite for showing the qualities “we have been asking for in the dressing room” during his 142 off 318 balls, an innings in which he carried his bat and gave his team a 56-run lead in Sharjah.Holder went on to take three wickets early in Pakistan’s second innings, and they were four down before they wiped out the deficit. He put that performance down to the motivation Brathwaite had given West Indies, and predicted that the opener would go on to play 100 Tests.”He showed great character, great composure, great faith,” Holder said of Brathwaite. “It was very inspirational for me and gave me the energy to go and do what we did in the end.”I have played a lot of cricket with Brathwaite – Under-13, 15, 17 and 19, and now senior cricket. He has scored a lot of runs in junior cricket. He has already played 30-odd Test matches and he has been the mainstay in terms of opening partnerships. I have no doubt in Braithwaite, who has shown the world what he can bring. If he can remain consistent, he will definitely play 100-plus Test matches.”After Brathwaite secured the lead, Holder consolidated the advantage by taking out Sami Aslam, Asad Shafiq and Younis Khan inside the first 20 overs, reducing Pakistan to 41 for 3. They were ahead by only 31 at stumps, with six wickets in hand.”We knew there’s just limited time in the last session, so we wanted to just give it our all,” Holder told . “Fortunately for me, I was able to get some balls to lift off a good length, which took the edge or the gloves. Fortunately, we had some luck in this session. I think we put ourselves in a good position because of this session.”When asked about offspinner Roston Chase bowling 13 of the first 39 overs in Pakistan’s second innings, while Devendra Bishoo bowled only two, Holder said the legspinner had a big job to do on the fourth day.”As the pitch wears out, Bishoo will come into the picture. He has a big job to do for us tomorrow,” Holder said. “The plan is to just keep rotating bowlers.”It was important to be disciplined and get wickets, and not allow them to get away from us with the runs. Roston was outstanding in the first innings. He has done a tremendous job for us since he has come into the team, so we’ve given him that responsibility.”Holder was concerned about the bounce in the pitch, but said that if it did not become variable, a target of around 200 was achievable.”It’s important to keep them under pressure in the first hour. We just have to continue to maintain the intensity. We all have to really toil for the wickets. We are very happy with the situation but we need to start well tomorrow.”
Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, will not travel to Bangladesh to lead the team in their one-day series due to concerns about security, the ECB has confirmed
Alan Gardner11-Sep-2016Eoin Morgan, England’s limited-overs captain, will not travel to Bangladesh to lead the team in their one-day series due to concerns about security, the ECB has confirmed. Opening batsman Alex Hales has also ruled himself out of the tour for the same reasons.Jos Buttler, the team’s vice-captain, will take charge in Morgan’s absence, with squads for the three ODIs and two Tests set to be announced on Friday. Morgan and Hales were foremost among the players to have spoken of their uncertainty about going to Bangladesh, after a terrorist attack in July, and communicated their intentions to Andrew Strauss, England’s director of cricket, at the weekend.”Whilst we understand and respect Eoin and Alex’s decision, we are disappointed that they have made themselves unavailable for selection for the Bangladesh tour,” Strauss said. “We have had open and honest conversations with all the players about the security arrangements in Bangladesh and at this stage we are not expecting any other individuals to withdraw from the tour. Final selection for the Bangladesh tour, will now take place on Friday.”As with all England overseas tours, the safety and security of players and staff is of the utmost importance to ECB. We will continue to monitor the situation in Bangladesh, take advice and consider the appropriate steps up to and throughout the five weeks we are on tour.”Morgan was reported to have told Strauss he would not be going to Bangladesh before the players went for their end-of-season assessments at Loughborough on Friday and Saturday. Those in line for selection were given until this weekend to make a final decision on whether they would accept the recommendation of the ECB’s security advisor, Reg Dickason, that the tour should go ahead as planned.Strauss has said he believes it is “100% safe” to tour, after a delegation including Dickason, the PCA chief executive, David Leatherdale, and ECB director of cricket operations, John Carr, reported back last month.In a statement on Sunday, the ECB said: “A thorough and detailed risk assessment was approved and accepted by the ECB board and the England players and management have been fully briefed on all aspects of the safety and security arrangements.”Earlier in the week, Morgan gave details about previous security scares he had experienced on the subcontinent. He referred to a bomb going off in Bangalore while he was playing at the IPL in 2010, as well as political unrest in Bangladesh in 2013. Last year, Australia cancelled a tour of Bangladesh on government advice and did not send a team to the Under-19 World Cup.”I have been to places before when things have become a distraction and once or twice when that has been security, and when it has been I told myself I would not put myself in that situation again,” Morgan said. “Playing international cricket – or any cricket – is not about worrying about different things, it should be the best time of your life, it should be something that you are looking forward to and wanting to do well in and are able to focus on.”Stokes urges respect for choice
“I will always back not just my captain but also any fellow team-mates’ decision on matters like this,” Stokes said on Twitter. “They have both obviously thought long and hard about this important decision and have both made the call that is right for them as individuals. Please try and respect their choice, I do, as a colleague and friend to them both.”
While the ECB made clear that the decision whether to tour would be down individuals and no player would be penalised for pulling out, Strauss had been hopeful that Morgan would join Alastair Cook, the Test captain, in committing himself to the tour.”Would I like both our captains to be on that tour? Absolutely, definitely,” Strauss said on Wednesday. “The captain has certain roles and responsibilities that are greater than just looking after themselves. He obviously has a duty to the team. But they’re still human beings – and I think that’s an important point to make. They have their own thoughts, concerns, issues and views on life – and we’ve got to understand that.”With Buttler taking charge for the ODIs in Bangladesh, England may have to make a decision about the captaincy in the longer term, ahead of limited-overs series in India and West Indies scheduled for the start of 2017, followed by the Champions Trophy. Morgan has overseen great success since the 2015 World Cup, with England winning four of their last six ODI series, as well as reaching the final of the 2016 World T20.For Hales, the decision could have immediate ramifications for his international career. While he is a regular in the limited-overs teams, his Test place is far less secure after failing to record a century in 11 matches; opting out of the two Tests against Bangladesh is likely to see Hales omitted for the subsequent India series as well, with Lancashire’s 19-year-old opener Haseeb Hameed tipped to replace him, although he may have been dropped in any event.
Aston Villa are reportedly already looking to the summer transfer window in order to strengthen ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.
The Villans have enjoyed a season that has surpassed expectations, mostly attributable to the work of Unai Emery since his arrival in October.
The Spaniard has been nominated for Premier League manager of the season for his work at Villa so far, taking the Midlands side from lurkers at the bottom of the table to European hopefuls.
His first half-year at Villa Park is just the beginning of the 51-year-old’s success at the club, who has expressed his plans to improve his squad this summer.
While the four-time Europa League winner is ready to spend in the window, he could save the club a fortune with a certain academy star that could offer a lot in a position he wishes to strengthen; Cameron Archer.
Who is Cameron Archer?
The Villa Academy product has been at the club since U9s level and has progressed through the system since.
Now 21, the attacker is due to return from a successful loan spell at Middlesbrough after the club failed to reach the play-off finals following defeat to Coventry City which ended their impressive season.
Despite only making the switch in January, the Walsall-born forward has found the net 11 times in 20 appearances and recorded six assists in an electric cameo to Michael Carrick’s side’s push to promotion.
The youngster maintained a Sofascore match rating of 7.11 in the Championship, making him the club's second-highest performer behind top-scorer Chuba Akpom.
Cameron-Archer-celebrating-for-Middlesbrough
Carrick praised the loanee to TeesideLive, describing him as a player that “loves scoring goals” as well as lauding the forward for being “unselfish” in his attacking play in a way that benefits the team.
It’s been speculated that Boro could see a more permanent future for the striker at the club, or even a further loan, with his contract due to expire at Villa Park in 2027.
For his parent club, his success in the Championship should be seen as an opportunity to allow him to integrate into the first team, rather than an option to send out once more.
When speaking to The Athletic last month, Emery expressed his desire to add another striker to his squad, however, the Spaniard could save the club millions by giving the proven goal-getter an opportunity to shine on the big stage.
Called "bullish" by former loan boss Ryan Lowe while at Preston North End, Villa have a real talent on their hands and one that could benefit them in the future.
Whether it be at the club or in business terms, the young Englishman is one to watch next season.
Neil Dexter continued to stake his claim to be one of the signings of the season as Leicestershire reached 299 for 7 against Worcestershire
ECB Reporters Network03-Jul-2016 ScorecardNeil Dexter’s third hundred of the season made for an even opening day•Getty ImagesNeil Dexter continued to stake his claim to be one of the signings of the season as Leicestershire reached 299 for 7 against Worcestershire on a hard-fought opening day in the Specsavers County Championship at New Road.The former Middlesex batsman completed a third century for his new county and at the same time made it back-to-back hundreds when adding 109 to last week’s 136 against Gloucestershire.He was by no means completely fluent, more than one of his 18 boundaries coming off the edge during an impressive first spell by Ed Barnard, but his application could not be faulted following the early dismissal of Paul Horton.Barnard claimed that wicket with his fifth delivery, Tom Kohler-Cadmore holding a fizzing overhead chance at first slip, and he should have had another when Angus Robson was dropped at gully.The opener was on 27 and went on to make exactly 50, his third half-century in four Championship innings, before he gave a low catch to wicketkeeper Ben Cox in Barnard’s second spell.The second-wicket partnership yielded 79 from 32 overs and this was followed by a stand of 54 as Mark Cosgrove perked up the innings until he became another victim for Cox, aiming to force legspinner Brett D’Oliveira square on the off-side.There was something in the pitch to encourage Worcestershire – if not for Kyle Abbott on his Championship debut for the county – but tight bowling by Barnard and Jack Shantry only served to underline the value of Dexter’s performance. He maintained his focus throughout and made it clear that he is enjoying life with his fourth county.If Barnard was the pick of the seam attack with three for 49, D’Oliveira showed impeccable control, and a nice variation, in bowling 23 overs for his 2 for 53.He was also involved in the fourth wicket, not as the bowler but in running out Mark Pettini for 16 with a direct hit from backward point. Dexter was on 98 at the time and eventually got to his century after taking 22 minutes to add four singles to his score at tea.The end for him came with a smart third catch for Cox, standing up to Joe Leach, and Robert Taylor soon drove D’Oliveira to extra cover, but Ned Eckersley and Clint McKay added valuable runs late in the day. McKay was leg-before to Barnard, bowling with the second new ball.While not taking total control, Leicestershire have gone some way towards burying a bad memory from earlier in the season. They were dismissed for 43 on their own ground in May when Worcestershire registered their only win so far in a Division Two campaign following relegation last year.The home side have included Tom Fell after his recovery from two forms of cancer since making a career-best 171 against Middlesex in his final innings of last summer.
Arsenal have been watching Real Sociedad duo Martin Zubimendi and Robin Le Normand this year, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano.
What's the latest Arsenal transfer news?
Sporting director Edu and manager Mikel Arteta have some serious planning to do ahead of the summer transfer window – aiming to maintain their status as an elite Premier League side.
Despite the signing of Jorginho in January, Arsenal are still reliably believed to be chasing a central midfield star, with links surrounding West Ham's Declan Rice recently and especially in the last week.
The 24-year-old is thought to be keen on a move to north London and talks are almost certain to happen later this year, according to journalist Dean Jones. Meanwhile, Arsenal do have alternatives in mind if they fail to swoop for Rice, with Brighton star Moises Caicedo standing out as one of them.
Options from abroad have also been mooted in the press, with Zubimendi being previously linked to joining Arsenal and Arteta. Sharing the latest on their transfer plans, reliable correspondent Romano has news on both the Spaniard and his teammate Le Normand.
Speaking to CaughtOffside, Romano claims that Arsenal have been watching both players this year as they draw up their summer transfer shortlist. He adds that the Sociedad teammates are performing excellently right now as the Gunners send scouts to run the rule over them.
“Arsenal sent their scouts to follow both Zubimendi and Le Normand this year as they’re doing excellent with Sociedad, but nothing is concrete yet,”
“The Gunners’ plans on new signings will be made in the next weeks, nothing is advanced yet. The price for Le Normand is the release clause: €50m.”
Should Arsenal move for Zubimendi or Le Normand?
Both Zubimendi and Le Normand are undroppables under Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil, with goalkeeper Alex Remiro being the only player in their squad to feature over more La Liga minutes than the pair (WhoScored).
Both men are willing to put their body on the line, with Zubimendi and Le Normand averaging Sociedad's second and third-highest rates of blocks per 90 respectively (WhoScored).
Only Igor Zubeldia has averaged more clearances per match than Le Normand, with the Frenchman standing among Sociedad's key defensive players (WhoScored).
In terms of what Zubimendi could bring, one small red flag for Arteta will be his disciplinary record, with the 24-year-old picking up a quite ridiculous 10 yellow cards this season (WhoScored).
Le Normand could just edge his teammate in terms of the numbers, and Arsenal could be more attracted to his exit clause.
Chelsea chiefs are monitoring Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of a potential move to Stamford Bridge, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
What's the latest on Toney to Chelsea?
The Blues currently have Frank Lampard in charge but regardless of whoever is set to take over in the summer, attacking reinforcements will be needed given the uncertainty surrounding the futures of both Romelu Lukaku and Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang.
The Bees forward won’t be out of contract at the Community Stadium until 2025, but being Thomas Frank’s overall and offensive best-performing player this season with a match rating of 7.27, has been identified as a possible target by the Premier League giants.
The Mirror reported last August that the SW6 outfit had joined the race alongside Manchester United and Everton to sign the 27-year-old, and having since made his debut for England at the Euro 2024 qualifiers he has re-emerged onto the radar of Todd Boehly and his team.
According to Jones in his column for GiveMeSport, Toney has “caught the eye” of Chelsea’s recruiters and they believe that he would be a “good fit” with the other attacking options currently available to them. The Blues have been “crying out” for a natural centre-forward who has a “confidence in his own ability”, but Brentford won’t let him leave without a fight.
With Ollie Watkins previously bringing in £33m when he left the Bees to join Aston Villa, it’s believed that the striker is “easily” valued at £50m as a result of him eclipsing “anything he had achieved”, so the owner will need to dig deep should he want to secure his services.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
Should Chelsea sign Toney?
Toney certainly might not be as high-profile as some of the other big names like Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic, who Chelsea have been linked with, but we feel they should empty their pockets to move him across the capital this summer.
The Three Lions international has clocked up an outstanding 87 goal contributions (66 goals and 21 assists) in 120 Brentford appearances and he is currently the third-highest scorer in the top-flight this season just behind Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
The Northampton-born talent has also recorded 81 shots since the start of the term which is higher than any of his fellow teammates, and this collective form and effort has seen him dubbed a "monster" by Bees reporter Billy Grant, so this deal really is a no-brainer to complete should the opportunity present itself at the end of the season.