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It wasn't the return to Premier League action that Crystal Palace would have hoped for over the weekend as they lost 5-0 away to title challengers Arsenal.

It was a strange game, as the Eagles did not look much worse than the hosts for the first half, but two goals from corners – one of which was an own goal – quickly put them in a hole they could not climb out of before they fell apart in the second half.

One of the players hooked before full-time was right-back Nathaniel Clyne, and considering he lost possession eight times and took a single off-target shot, it wasn't a surprise.

Nor should it be a surprise that the latest player touted for a move to Selhurst Park could see him lose his place in the squad entirely.

Palace look to Belgium for full-back reinforcements

According to Belgian outlet HLN, Crystal Palace are incredibly interested in Genk's dynamic and exciting Colombian right-back, Daniel Muñoz.

The report has revealed that the Eagles have already submitted a bid for the full international. Still, the Belgian giants are waiting for a 'double-digit' amount; in other words, they value the 27-year-old at around the €10m mark – about £9m.

The relatively low price should encourage the south Londoners to push ahead, as should the fact that Muñoz has openly expressed his desire to play in the Premier League before.

With everything pointing towards this being a relatively easy deal for Palace to complete, fans should get excited, although it probably isn't good news for Clyne.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

By
Luke Randall

Feb 1, 2024

How Daniel Muñoz compares to Nathaniel Clyne

Clyne has spent much of this season competing with club captain Joel Ward for the starting right-back position, and while he has started seven league matches, two FA Cup games and two League Cup games, he is undoubtedly second choice, as Ward has started 76% of the team's Premier League games this season.

In contrast, the Genk star has started 76% of his side's league games – in which he has scored five goals and provided one assist – and 83% of their Europa Conference League group stage matches – in which he scored once.

With a goalscoring record such as this, it is unsurprising to hear South American football expert Tim Vickery describe the former Atlético Nacional man as a full-back with "plenty of goals in him.

Alongside his defensive abilities, this tendency to find the back of the net could be an added benefit to his arrival in south London, as Palace's haul of 22 goals is the third worst in the league.

However, when comparing his underlying number to Clyne's, who comes out on top? Unfortunately for the Englishman, the comparison is about as one-sided as it can be. The Colombian completely trounces his potential new teammate in almost every metric, whether it is related to the offensive or defensive sides of the game.

For example, where Muñoz produces 0.33 non-penalty expected goals and assists per 90, Clyne produces 0.01. It is the same result for just goals, with the Genk man scoring 0.31 per 90 to the former Liverpool man's 0.00.

The only area in which Clyne can claim any sort of victory is clearances, but even then, in every other defensive figure, he is comfortably behind the player who looks like he could well replace him.

Ultimately, Clyne has been a useful player for the club and has enjoyed a respectable career in the English top flight. Still, his performances have not been up to par this season, and Muñoz is leaps and bounds ahead of him in almost every single metric that matters. So, Palace should do all they can to close this deal.

Roberto Baggio was “hit with the butt of a gun” during an armed robbery that took place at his home while watching Italy’s Euro 2024 clash with Spain.

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• Azzurri legend at home in Vicenza
• Confronted one of the invaders
• Required stitches but family unharmed

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The 1993 Ballon d’Or winner was enjoying time with his family at their Vicenza base when at least five masked intruders broke into the property. According to , all of the assailants were armed and appeared to be a professional outfit – given the manner in which they went about their business.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The incident in question began at around 10pm, with Baggio confronting one of the invaders. The 57-year-old was then struck by the butt of a gun, leaving him with a nasty cut on his forehead. The rest of Baggio’s family were escorted to another room and locked in.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Baggio’s home was then ransacked, with watches, jewellery and money being stolen. Once it became apparent that the intruders had left, the ex-Italy international was able to break down a door and call police.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Local police forces took statements from Baggio and his family, while also watching surveillance videos, with the former Juventus, AC Milan and Inter star then taken to the emergency room in Arzignano for medical treatment – with stitches required on his head injury. The rest of Baggio’s family were unharmed.

Aston Villa will face an FA Cup fourth-round replay against Chelsea following their 0-0 stalemate on Friday evening, and it heightens Unai Emery’s need for another signing or two.

The transfer window closes next week, and if the Spaniard is to end Villa’s 28-year wait for a major trophy, he will need to add some extra firepower to his squad.

There has been much talk regarding their potential move for Middlesbrough forward Morgan Rogers, with the Midlands side preparing a third bid for the player.

If this gets rejected, Emery could perhaps turn to another Championship star, and he could be a dream alternative.

Aston Villa’s search for new signings

According to journalist John Percy of the Telegraph, Villa are still monitoring Norwich City attacker Jonathan Rowe ahead of making a potential move for the youngster.

He states that the club sent scouts to watch his performance against Leeds United in midweek, and it appears as though Emery is keen on bringing him to the club.

Although it looked as though Rogers was his first choice, seeing a third bid rejected could turn his attention to Rowe, who is also thriving in the second tier this season for the Canaries.

Emery can secure Diaby 2.0 with Villa swoop for 5ft 8 gem who's "on fire"

Aston Villa are still showing interest in a Championship attacker ahead of a potential move this month.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jan 26, 2024

The stats that show why Jonathan Rowe could be a dream Morgan Rogers alternative

Rowe has enjoyed a breakthrough campaign in East Anglia this season, not only scoring 13 times but also chipping in with four assists, and this attacking threat could be beneficial for Emery and Villa as they look to take the pressure off of Ollie Watkins.

Like Rogers, Rowe is also a left-winger, yet his versatile nature allows him to also thrive on the right wing or even in an attacking-midfield slot, allowing Emery to utilise him in various positions depending on his needs.

The current Middlesbrough gem is also adaptable, yet he tends to be deployed on the left more often than not and this is his preferred position, having registered 25 goal contributions across 68 matches here in his career.

If Emery is looking for a player who can offer him a reliable threat in front of goal, then Rowe could be a dream signing.

Not only has he scored more than Rogers this season in the Championship (12 vs 2), but he also has more shots per game (2 vs 1.2) and succeeds with more successful dribbles (1.1 vs 1), proving that he could give Villa an extra attacking outlet.

Furthermore, Rowe has taken more touches in the attacking penalty area (97 vs 79) than Rogers, along with registering more carries into the opposition box (34 vs 18), and this clearly indicates that he tends to burst forward into dangerous areas more regularly than the Boro youngster.

The 5 foot 10 winger was lauded as a “menace” by writer Alfie House at the beginning of 2024, and there is no doubt he has the potential to thrive under Emery should he make the move to Villa.

With just days remaining in the current window, the 52-year-old manager will have to act swiftly to secure his signature, and it could turn out to be a shrewd investment.

Now that the January transfer window is closed, Tottenham Hotspur can look back on it as a great success, having welcomed Timo Werner and Radu Dragusin in the early stages. And now the good news is set to continue, with Ange Postecoglou potentially handed a late fitness boost ahead of his side's next game against Everton.

Tottenham team news

The Lilywhites have had quite the campaign of injuries, exposing their lack of squad depth throughout. The return of James Maddison was certainly a welcome sight last time out against Brentford, however, as he made his first Premier League appearance since a lengthy spell on the sidelines, helping Spurs to a 3-2 victory.

Postecoglou spoke about the midfielder's return, saying via Reuters: "(Maddison) got more and more into the game and I think he's one of the guilty ones who spent more time in the first half chatting to the ref than getting on the ball.

"That's not what we want him to do. We want him to play football and I thought in the second half his quality shone through and when he's like that, and I'm sure that game will do him the world of good, it just gives us so much more flow."

If Maddison's return wasn't enough of a boost, the North London club could now welcome back Pape Matar Sarr after he was knocked out of AFCON with Senegal by Ivory Coast on penalties in the last 16.

Postecoglou confirmed that Sarr faces a late fitness test and decision ahead of the Everton game, saying via Spurs' official website: "We'll see how it goes. He's had a long trip back so we'll see how he holds up in training and make a decision around him. Everyone else got through the game ok, we're the same as Wednesday night."

"Great" Sarr is quietly crucial for Spurs

Whilst the spotlight will undoubtedly continue to shine on Maddison in Spurs' midfield, Sarr will continue to impress behind the Lilywhites' protagonists flying forward. The midfielder's return should hand Postecoglou a major boost in the coming games, potentially starting against Everton, with Sarr's stats representing a player who's been at the top of his game so far this season.

It's no surprise that Sarr's performances have been praised so highly by Postecoglou, who said via The Spurs Web earlier this season: "Yeah, brilliant. He’s been great from the moment I arrived. He’s got a great energy about him, but he’s got quality there too.

"He’s one of those midfielders who causes the opposition real problems because whether it’s him running with the ball or without the ball, he runs forward, he runs aggressively and he disrupts the opposition. He’s just got a great temperament for a young guy. So really pleased for him.”

Scotland equalled an unwanted record as they crashed out of Euro 2024 after a dramatic defeat to Hungary in Group A.

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• Tartan Army lost 1-0 to Hungary
• Means they finish bottom of Group A
• Had just 17 shots in the tournament

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Scotland's hopes of progressing from the group stages at the European Championships for the first time in history were crushed by a last-minute Hungary winner in their final match. Steve Clarke's side had just 17 shots across their three games, the joint-lowest tally since the groups were introduced in 1980, equalling Northern Ireland's record in 2016.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Scotland's tournament never got going following their 5-1 defeat to hosts Germany on the opening night. They will head home thinking about what could have been, but also with a sense of relief that Hungarian player Barnabas Varga is conscious following a worrying collision with goalkeeper Angus Gunn.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Scotland have never made it out of the group stages in any major tournament they have appeared in. As well as the Euros, the Tartan Army have been involved in eight World Cups, failing to progress in every instance there as well.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR SCOTLAND?

  Fans will rightfully let their disappointment sink in over the next few days but work will be going on behind the scenes to determine the future of the national team. Clarke is contracted as head coach until 2026 but will likely face an inquest when he returns home.

Ian Wright was left hugely impressed by one Manchester United player in their 2-1 win away to Luton Town, saying he catches his eye "every time" he watches him.

Man Utd win at Luton

The Red Devils were buoyed by Tottenham's 2-1 defeat at home to Wolves on Saturday afternoon, giving them further hope of sealing a top-four finish in the Premier League this season.

They faced a potentially taxing trip to Luton on Sunday afternoon, however, with the Hatters drawing at home to Liverpool earlier in the campaign, and also only losing in stoppage time against Arsenal.

United made an incredible start, as Rasmus Hojlunds's superb form continued with a first-minute effort, as he rounded the goalkeeper and finished well. The Dane then swiftly doubled his side's advantage with a clever chested effort, as the visitors threatened to run riot.

Luton didn't go away, however, as is often the norm with them, and Carlton Morris reduced the arrears before half-time, and both sides created chance after that.

In the end, United held on, though, much to the joy of the travelling fans at Kenilworth Road, as Erik ten Hag's side continue to enjoy a good run of results in the league.

Ian Wright stunned by Kobbie Mainoo

Taking to X during the game, Wright couldn't hide his admiration for Mainoo, following another mature performance in tough circumstances.

"Kobbie Mainoo has to be in the next England squad. Such maturity in chaotic conditions that we've not seen from a England player in a long time. Impressed every time I watch him."

Mainoo really has been a revelation this season, coming into the side as a teenager but playing with an incredible amount of maturity, as Wright alludes to. He looks like a seasoned professional in the middle of the park, not only proving to be classy in possession but also shining in a defensive sense.

According to Sofascore, the United ace completed 88% of his passes against Luton, despite coming up against a physical Hatters side, and he also won five ground duels and made one interception, unfortunately picking up a yellow card for what was a perfect tackle.

On this evidence, Mainoo really should be pushing hard for a place in England's Euro 2024 squad, and manager Gareth Southgate certainly appears to be impressed with him, saying recently:

"He's doing brilliantly. I'm not certain he's necessarily going to be a defensive midfielder, as such. He's quite a progressive player but he's had a fabulous start to his career and it will be good to monitor him as we go forward."

The Three Lions aren't exactly blessed with endless midfield options after obvious starters Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham – Jordan Henderson is now past his best and Kalvin Phillips has had a tough start to life on loan at West Ham – so Mainoo deserves to get the nod if he continues his current form.

Jim Ratcliffe set to be forced to keep Man Utd player they don't even want

A transfer insider has provided a key update over his future.

By
Henry Jackson

Feb 18, 2024

Regardless of the England situation, it is clear that United have unearthed a true gem of a player – one who could be a major figure at Old Trafford for many years to come.

Jude Bellingham avoided a suspension as the Three Lions reached the semi-final – but what are the rules and who will miss the last-four ties?

Having strict discipline in a football tournament is a crucial aspect of success, since you give yourself the best chance of going all the way by having all your best players available for as long as possible.

Everything you need to know about Euro 2024Find out more

However, the physical nature of the game – along with the new rule trial whereby only the captain can approach the referee – means that yellow cards (and occasional red cards) are inevitable.

Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about the Euro 2024 yellow card suspension rules and which players will miss the semi-final.

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  What are the Euro 2024 yellow card & suspension rules?

  The rules on yellow cards and suspensions are quite simple at Euro 2024: A player who accumulates two yellow cards will serve a one-match suspension.

  One important thing to note, however, is that any yellow cards picked up during the group stage, last 16 and quarter-final will be wiped clean ahead of the semi-finals.

  Therefore, once players carrying yellow cards get through the quarter-final stage, they can breathe a sigh of relief. The only way a player can be suspended for the final is if they are sent off in the semi-final.

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• Which England players are out of the semi-final?

  Gareth Southgate can breathe a sigh of relief as his England stars at risk of a suspension got through the Switzerland contest unscathed. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Kieran Trippier were all on yellow cards entering the match, but none were booked and so England have a clean slate for the Netherlands game, with Marc Guehi returning after missing the Switzerland win.

• Which Netherlands players are out of the semi-final?

  The Netherlands received four yellow cards in their 2-1 win against Turkey but none went to the four players on yellow cards – Denzel Dumfries,Donyell Malen, Jerdy Schouten and Joey Veerman – so they will also have a full squad to pick from.

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• Which France players are out of the semi-final?

  France have no suspended players ahead of their semi-final against Spain. Adrien Rabiot was ruled out of the quarter-final game against Portugal after picking up his second yellow of the tournament against Belgium in the last 16.

  Kylian Mbappe carried a yellow card into the quarter-final but that has now been wiped clear, while the same is true of Antoine Griezmann, Aurelien Tchouameni and Ousmane Dembele.

Marc Cucurella has revealed the frequency with which he is asking Spain team-mate and Euro 2024 breakout star Nico Williams to join Chelsea.

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• Cucurella speaking to Williams
• Chelsea linked with Spain winger
• Barcelona among others interested

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Speaking to ahead of the Euro 2024 final, Cucurella openly and jokingly admitted that he is speaking with Williams on a daily basis about the possibility of joining Chelsea, with the west London club linked with a move for the Athletic Club winger.

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  At 21 years of age, Williams has been one of the rising stars to emerge at Euro 2024 thanks to his performances on Spain's left flank. It has led to a considerable rise in transfer gossip, with Barcelona also heavily linked with the player. His release clause stands at a tempting €58 million (£49m/$63m) and he fits Chelsea's recent transfer strategy of targeting young talents.

• WHAT MARC CUCURELLA SAID

  Cucurella said of his efforts to convince Williams to join Chelsea: "Without doing too much in the camp, we have created a very good relationship with Nico and in the end, these sorts of players need to feel comfortable and important. What I tell Nico all the time is that he has to do his thing, create whatever goes through his mind, and I'll be covering his back or doing anything he needs me to.

  "I tell him every day he should come to Chelsea, he would help us a lot! He is more than welcome and he knows that [laughs]. But he is so young, he has to decide by himself and with his people, so it's not time to put too many things in his head."

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  DID YOU KNOW?

  It isn't the first time Cucurella has admitted talking to Williams about Chelsea. Earlier in July, he said: "It is a source of pride that [Nico] is on our team, that he is our team-mate, and with players like him, everything is easier. He would be a great signing [for Barcelona], but it all depends on what he wants. I've been telling him to sign for Chelsea."

Off the pitch, West Bromwich Albion were finally handed some good news this month, with Shilen Patel's takeover reaching completion to spell the end of Lai Guochuan's nightmare ownership at The Hawthorns. On the pitch, however, things haven't been so positive with one injury dealing Carlos Corberan a frustrating blow.

West Brom injury news

The West Brom boss was speaking to the press before his side's Championship clash against fellow play-off hopefuls Hull City. As things stand, the Baggies sit fifth, one place and one point above the Tigers, who occupy the final play-off spot. If West Brom slip up, not only will Hull leapfrog them, but Coventry City and Norwich City could also move to within just one point of the Midlands club, summing up the importance of this week's round of fixtures.

Corberan did at least have some positive injury news to provide though, telling the official West Brom website: “Kyle Bartley is fit for Saturday’s game. He’s been working very hard to be back fit as soon as possible. He’s wanted to be back with the team. He’ll be in the squad for the match. John Swift suffered a kick against Plymouth on Tuesday, but he’s been training as normal with the group and he’s going be ready for Saturday’s game as well."

Alas, that's where the good news ended, with the Baggies boss also confirming that Brandon Thomas-Asante will miss between two to five weeks through injury. Corberan said: “The player who won’t be ready is Brandon Thomas-Asante. There’s a bit of a gap in terms of when we might expect him to be available again, somewhere between two to five weeks. He will go for another scan.

West Brom's 46-touch machine who lost the ball 10x shone vs Plymouth

West Bromwich Albion romped home to an away win at Plymouth Argyle courtesy of this star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Feb 21, 2024

“The reason for the long gap is because the injury he has is close to the tendon. It means we have to be sure everything is fixed before he comes back, because another injury could mean he’s at higher risk of picking up a bigger problem. That’s why there is an open gap for when we will determine if he’s fit to come back to the group.”

Games that "quick" Thomas-Asante will miss

In the worst-case scenario, Thomas-Asante will miss the next five games and return at the end of March in what will be a damning blow for those at The Hawthorns. Corberan, instead, will be hoping for the best-case scenario, which will see the forward make his return in a couple of weeks.

Thomas-Asante's teammates will be well aware of the quality that they'll be missing, especially John Swift, who praised the forward in pre season. Swift said via the Express and Star: "I’d have to say Brandon has impressed me the most in pre-season so far, especially with the running. I don’t think I realised how fit he actually was.

“You see in matches how quick he can be and how much he can put defenders under pressure with his running, but actually over a long distance, the ability to just keep going and going and going is something he’s really strong at."

Chelsea skipper Reece James laid out his plans for the upcoming season after spending the majority of the last campaign on the sidelines.

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• James determined to perform for Chelsea
• Missed majority of last season due to injury and surgery
• Chelsea take on Wrexham in first pre-season friendly

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The England full-back spent most of the last season on the sidelines due to a recurring hamstring injury and subsequent surgery. He made only 11 appearances across all competitions since being named the captain of Chelsea last summer and provided two assists.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  James finally regained full fitness and returned to action in May this year, however, after playing just two Premier League matches, he picked up a red card in the penultimate game of the season which now rules him out of the first three matches in the upcoming 2024/25 campaign. As the 24-year-old starts afresh this year, he revealed his plans for the future while claiming he is excited to play under new manager Enzo Maresca.

• WHAT REECE JAMES SAID

  Speaking to reporters, the Blues skipper said, "I am one to push the boundaries and sometimes that has caused problems for myself and the team, but that is something I'm trying to get better at. I don't want to make mistakes and put my team at risk.

  "I would like to think I'm in a good place now. I had a long off-season and I've got a long pre-season because I'm serving a four-game ban, but I'm in a good place. There are a lot of adjustments to make in the new system. Whenever a new manager comes in, there is a lot to take on board but we are excited and I can't wait to get started."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR REECE JAMES?

  The defender could be next seen in action on Wednesday as Maresca's side play their first pre-season friendly in the United States against League One side Wrexham in Santa Clara.