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It is set to be a busy summer at Aston Villa.

According to widespread reports, the Villans could be forced to sell a key player before 30 June, which is only ten days away now, to avoid breaching the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.

This issue was only exacerbated by the fact Unai Emery’s team missed out on Champions League qualification on the final day, forced to settle for a significantly less lucrative spot in the Europa League.

So, with a claret and blue stalwart or two potentially on their way out of Villa Park, has Emery already identified a dream replacement?

Aston Villa targeting a new striker

With Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio heading back to their parent clubs at the end of their loan spells in the Midlands, Villa clearly need to strengthen their forward line.

Well, according to a report by GIVEMESPORT, Aston Villa are ‘eyeing’ a move to sign £32m Chelsea striker Nicolas Jackson, should the Senegalese international become available this summer.

It’s revealed that Villa ‘are ready to enter discussions’ over what it would take to tempt the forward away from Stamford Bridge if they decide to transfer-list him.

The Blues have already signed Liam Delap for £30m earlier this summer, also purportedly interested in many other centre-forwards, including, most-notably, Hugo Ekitike, suggesting Jackson could get squeezed out.

Manager Enzo Maresca has always been full of praise for his striker, labelling him “fantastic” and “very important”, but the sheer churn at Chelsea in recent years means no one’s future at Stamford Bridge is ever certain.

So, could he soon be swapping West London for the West Midlands?

How Nicolas Jackson would improve Aston Villa

Aston Villa sold Jhon Durán to Al-Nassr for a reported fee of £71m in January, with Rashford and Asensio ostensibly coming in as the Colombian’s replacements, albeit both only on loan, and it remains to be seen if either will return to Villa Park.

Durán arrived from Chicago Fire for around £16m in January 2023, and was absolutely on fire during the first half of this season, scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances, thereby averaging a goal every 87 minutes, before being flipped for a massive profit, a business model Villa would surely like to replicate going forward.

Neither Rashford nor Asensio favour playing as a central striker, leaving Ollie Watkins as the only player for that position at the club right now, and even he is itching for a move away this summer, according to Football Insider.

Reports suggest Arsenal are still very much interested in Watkins and Villa could be looking to cash in on the 29-year-old to help comply with PSR.

So, would Jackson be a shrewd replacement? Well, let’s assess how the duo compared this season.

As the table shows, Watkins and Jackson’s statistics were broadly very similar throughout last season, with the Chelsea striker scoring just four fewer goals in around 1,000 fewer minutes, largely due to the fact he spent around two months on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury between February and April.

The Senegalese star though, did come out on top when it comes to goals-per-90, as well as a higher shots on target percentage and shot-creating actions-per-90, while registering more touches-per-90 and squandering fewer Opta-defined big chances.

Moe Adikwu of Breaking the Lines believes that Jackson has become a ‘proper centre-forward’ at Chelsea, adding that he ‘offers a lot more than his goals’, praising his work-rate, link-up play and ability to hold up the ball while journalist Rahman Osman has praised his “special” ability.

Thus, given that Watkins is 29 and Jackson is 23, if Villa could secure a big fee for the former and then snap up the latter, that would surely be shrewd business for a club operating under tight financial constraints.

Aston Villa now in the conversation for shock deal to sign £85m striker

He would take Villa’s frontline to a new level…

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By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 19, 2025

Thomas Frank hasn’t been short of talented attackers during his time as a manager, hoping to attract similar talent during his stint as Tottenham Hotspur boss.

The Dane has overseen the development of the likes of Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, with the trio sitting at the top for most Premier League goals scored in the Bees’ history.

Toney left in a big-money deal to move to Saudi Arabia last summer, but Mbeumo is also expected to follow suit, as a £70m deal to join Manchester United appears to be edging closer.

Frank even tried to convince the Cameroonian international to move to North London with him, but the winger stated his desire to move to Ruben Amorim’s side instead.

Such a decision has left the new Lilywhites’ boss with the challenge of landing a new star forward, already making huge waves in the transfer market to potentially land his next big talent in the final third.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attacking talent this summer

Antoine Semenyo was seen as one of Spurs’ biggest targets in this transfer window a couple of weeks ago, with real belief they could land the Ghanaian if they offered £65m for his signature.

However, it looks as though they are set to miss out on a deal to land the Bournemouth star, after he put pen to paper on a new five-year deal, which will see him remain at the Vitality until 2030.

Such a decision has seen other targets being considered, with West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus someone who’s been mentioned nonstop in recent days.

However, CaughtOffside’s latest update has stated the Hammers star has emerged as the Lilywhites’ number one target this summer, despite having a £85m release clause in his current deal.

It also states that the hierarchy are willing to back the manager in his quest within the market, seeing the 24-year-old as a statement signing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, potentially able to negotiate a deal at around the £70m mark.

Why Spurs’s number one target could be Frank’s answer to Bale

Gareth Bale was a player who was responsible for countless moments of magic during his spell as a Spurs player, reaching levels that no supporter could ever have imagined.

The Welshman joined the club from Southampton back in 2007, originally as a left-back, before making the shift up the field into a winger – a decision that would transform his career tenfold.

In his three years at the Lilywhites, operating in a more attacking role, he registered 50 goals and 26 assists, resulting in an £85m transfer to join Spanish giants Real Madrid back in the summer of 2013.

12 years on from his departure, the club have lacked a real elite-level right-sided attacker, but that could be about to change this summer with a move for Kudus, who possesses some similar traits to the Welshman.

The biggest one is his ability to cut inside onto his stronger left foot, subsequently being able to fire the ball into the back of the net – having the ability to hand the fanbase the chance to get off their seats when he’s on the ball.

His underlying stats in 2024/25 are just as impressive, with such figures certainly helping him reach his tally of five goals and four assists across all competitions.

Kudus, who’s been labelled “generational” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, completed 3.2 take-ons per 90 in the Premier League last season, showcasing his ability to drive inside past the opposition.

He also registered 1.5 carries into the opposition box per 90, subsequently able to go round the outside of the full-back before cutting the ball back to a teammate and providing them with the tools for success too.

The Ghanaian’s talents don’t stop there, managing to get 28% of his shots on target, whilst also winning 2.2 fouls per 90, highlighting how much of a threat he poses to the opposition.

If the club can land the West Ham star this summer, it would be a tremendous piece of business, having the opportunity to develop further given the fact he’s just 24 years of age.

Should Kudus manage to get anywhere near the levels produced by Bale in North London, it would be a bargain transfer, subsequently allowing Frank to have his next attacking star in 2025/26.

Upgrade on Kudus & Eze: Spurs in contact to sign "world-class" £43m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be plotting moves for various attackers during this summer window.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 1, 2025

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has now personally requested the signing of an “incredible” goalkeeper as a replacement for Ederson, according to a report.

Guardiola left dissatisfied by shock Club World Cup exit

Few would have predicted the Blues’ shock Club World Cup exit at the hands of Al-Hilal, especially considering Guardiola’s side looked like the City of old in the 5-2 victory over Juventus in their final group game.

However, Al-Hilal ultimately progressed to the quarter-final courtesy of a 4-3 victory, with Ederson making just two saves throughout the match, following on from a 2024-25 campaign which fell below the Brazilian’s lofty standards.

Roy Keane was particularly critical of the goalkeeper last season, claiming he had been “getting away with murder”, before going on to suggest that Guardiola should consider dropping the six-time Premier League winner.

Man Utd make approach to sign "sensational" striker; prepared to pay £60m+

The Red Devils are now in contact to sign a forward, and they are willing to match his current club’s asking price.

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By
Dominic Lund

Jul 2, 2025

Crucially, the City boss is also now growing tired of Ederson’s performances, according to a report from Spain, which states Guardiola has been left deeply dissatisfied by his side’s Club World Cup exit and wants to sign a new goalkeeper this summer.

As such, Pep has now personally requested the signing of FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who is protected by a €75m (£65m) release clause in his contract, which is not out of Man City’s budget.

Costa is open to leaving the Portuguese club this summer, despite his contract running until 2027, with the goalkeeper eager to test himself at an elite level prior to the 2026 World Cup.

Guardiola views the Portugal international as a complete player, who would be suited to his style of play, with the Blues now making moves to secure his signature, and the deal could accelerate in the coming weeks.

"Incredible" Costa impressing for club and country

International teammate Diogo Dalot has been left very impressed by the shot-stopper in the past, saying: “I think Portugal’s secret is Diogo Costa. Diogo Costa is the most hidden secret in European football and today he showed up.

“Today I think he reached a completely different level. The one-on-one situation was incredible. Then he had the focus to make three consecutive saves. We have to be very proud of him.”

Not only has the 25-year-old caught the eye for his country, but he has also performed at a high level for Porto over the past year, maintaining a very impressive clean sheet percentage, when compared to other goalkeepers.

Although Ederson’s performances have concerned Pep, it will be a difficult task to replace the Brazil international, given that he has played a major role in City’s recent success, but Costa has proven that he could be a worthy heir between the sticks.

Southampton are building for a campaign back in the Championship and could now be about to make a transfer statement ahead of the new season, according to reports.

Will Still begins to lay down authority at Southampton

Despite suffering relegation in acrimonious circumstances last term, Southampton appear to be heading back in the right direction after appointing Will Still to lead them forward.

The former RC Lens coach has added Paul Trollope to his staff as an assistant, which is something Rickie Lambert believes can have a major impact behind the scenes in the Saints’ quest for promotion.

He explained: “Trolls has bought me twice, at Bristol Rovers and at Cardiff. He’s an excellent manager. I went to see him and Rob Edwards at Luton to see how they were working together there. Honest to god, the way they worked together was one of the best I’ve seen.

“Trolls as a person is one of the best. His sessions are brilliant, his knowledge about the game…he’s an excellent addition to Southampton.”

In the field of recruitment, Southampton have turned their attention to Sunderland goalkeeper Anthony Patterson, and their interest could intensify if Aaron Ramsdale’s relegation release clause is activated this summer.

Southampton and Still want to sign new £4m+ forward with 11 goals in 24/25

The Saints are looking for a swift return to the Premier League.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 30, 2025

Finances could be available for Saints to spend over the next couple of months. Taylor Harwood-Bellis has been the subject of a rejected £19 million bid from Porto, and he may be a candidate to bring in funds for Still to ignite a rebuild on the South Coast.

Paul Onuachu is moving to Trabzonspor after an uninspiring spell at St Mary’s. His departure may now have paved the way for an exciting new arrival, per recent developments.

Southampton agree deal to sign Damion Downs

According to Sky Sports journalist Marc McAdam, Southampton have agreed a deal to sign FC Koln striker Damion Downs and the ‘finer details’ of his move to the South Coast club will be ironed out after the United States international returns from the Gold Cup.

Believed to be coming in for £6.8 million, he will likely take Onuachu’s place in the squad ahead of the new campaign. He is set to be involved in the Gold Cup final against Mexico on Monday, 7th July.

Earning plaudits after a return of 11 goals and six assists in 32 appearances across all competitions for FC Koln, the Werneck-born man also managed to direct 25 of his 60 shots on target in Bundesliga.2.

Fresh faces are needed for Southampton to gain the hunger needed for a tilt at promotion back to the top-flight, and Downs is someone who could now have a big part to play under Still’s guidance.

Given Tottenham Hotspur’s lowly Premier League finish of 15th place last season, investment is massively needed from the hierarchy during the off-season.

Thomas Frank has been appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss this summer and has been tasked with the job of transforming their fortunes within England’s top-flight.

Owner Daniel Levy has previously stated his desire to build the club into title contenders, but if he is to see the club at the top of the table, he will need to put his hand in his pocket.

Whilst Mohammed Kudus has already made the move to North London, further additions are to be expected with various areas of the pitch needing investment.

Numerous players have been on their radar in recent weeks, leaving the recruitment team to make the right choice as to who would be the right fit for Frank’s side.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Morgan Gibbs-White is a player who looked set on a move to join Spurs after they triggered the £60m release clause within his contract at Nottingham Forest.

However, the Reds have blocked any move, subsequently claiming that the Lilywhites have made an illegal approach for the England international’s signature.

He’s not the only player who’s been in their sights over recent days, with Bayern Munich talent Joao Palhinha a player of interest, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Sky Sports journalist claimed that Frank’s side have been showing interest in the 30-year-old star, but no concrete offer has yet been made for his services.

He also states that his agent is aware of the interest in his signature, looking almost certain to depart the Bundesliga side after making just six starts last season after joining in a £47m deal from
Fulham.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Rice

Declan Rice has been one of the Premier League’s leading midfield talents over recent years, but unfortunately for Spurs fans, he’s been plying his trade for North London rivals Arsenal.

The 26-year-old cost a staggering £105m back in the summer of 2023, a figure that to this day remains the highest fee paid for an Englishman in the history of football.

He’s proved his worth despite the mammoth transfer fee, registering 35 combined goals and assists for the Gunners in the last two seasons – a simply staggering feat for a deep-lying midfielder.

Spurs fans must wish they had their own version of the England international, but they could be about to land just that with a move for Palhinha during the current window.

The Bayern star has been labelled as a similar player to Rice by FBref, showcasing how highly rated his, despite his lack of action in Germany in recent months.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats, the Portuguese international has managed to outperform him in key areas, potentially making him the missing piece in Frank’s midfield puzzle.

Palhinha, who’s been labelled “sensational” by former footballer Steve Sidwell, completed more of the passes he attempted, whilst finding more of his teammates in the final third – having the tools to add further creativity to the side.

His dominance without the ball is just as impressive, winning more tackles and making more blocks, adding the needed defensive presence needed within the Lilywhites’ midfield.

The former Fulham star has been just as dominant in the air as he has on the ground, winning more of the aerial battles he’s entered, potentially adding an added threat in the opposition’s penalty area.

It’s unclear if a deal for Palhinha would be a temporary or permanent addition, but it’s evident that his addition to the side would be a sensational piece of business.

Should he move and match the levels produced by Rice in England’s top-flight, it would be one of the signings of the window, helping Frank in his quest for success in North London.

Big Sarr upgrade: Spurs make approach to sign £33m Gibbs-White alternative

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have turned their attention to another player instead of Morgan Gibbs-White.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 22, 2025

Aymeric Laporte’s dream return to Athletic Club fell apart over paperwork, but Besiktas are now set to hand him an Al-Nassr escape route.

• Besiktas reportedly agree loan deal with Laporte and Al-Nassr
• Defender's transfer to Athletic Club was blocked by FIFA last week
• The Turkish club will pay half of the Spaniard's salary

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Spaniard's hopes of leaving Al-Nassr have been revived after Turkish giants Besiktas stepped in with a loan offer. According to , the Black Eagles’ president Serdal Adali has agreed personal terms with the 31-year-old defender and formally offered a proposal to the Saudi Pro League side on Tuesday morning.

  Besiktas are ready to pay half of Laporte’s €13 million (£11m/$14m) annual salary, with no loan fee attached. The deal also includes an option to buy in May 2026 for €15m. 

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Laporte had been on the verge of sealing a return to Athletic Club for €10m, but the move fell apart at the last moment. Athletic had filed their paperwork with La Liga before the deadline, but Al-Nassr failed to submit the required documents to the Saudi federation in time. Without international clearance, FIFA blocked the transfer, ruling that the centre-back will have to wait until the winter window to get registered.

  Laporte's move to Besiktas would be a major blow for Athletic, who are already short in defence. With Unai Egiluz out injured and Yeray Alvarez suspended after a positive doping test, manager Ernesto Valverde has only Dani Vivian and Aitor Paredes available as experienced centre-back options.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Laporte is no stranger to San Mames, having come through Athletic’s academy before making a move to Manchester City in 2018. In five years in England, he won multiple titles before joining Al-Nassr in 2023. After two seasons in Saudi Arabia alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, he terminated his contract this summer in a bid to return to Spain, only for the move to collapse.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AYMERIC LAPORTE AND ATHLETIC CLUB

  With his Athletic return blocked, Besiktas are moving quickly to finalise a loan that would give Laporte a fresh start in Turkey. The deal could be completed within 24 hours, handing the 31-year-old an immediate escape route from Al-Nassr. At the same time, the Basque club have not given up entirely. Los Leones have reportedly appealed their case to FIFA, with a ruling expected as early as Thursday, though the chances of a decision in their favour are slim. 

It’s been a frustrating transfer window for Newcastle United so far.

The Magpies have signed Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest for £55m, but have missed out on countless other targets.

Now though, could Eddie Howe be about to land his second addition of a key summer, as he prepares to lead his side back into the Champions League?

Newcastle's search for a new attacker

As outlined by Luke Edwards of the Telegraph, this transfer window has been a complete ‘nightmare’ for Newcastle United so far.

With James Trafford seemingly set to return to Manchester City, this would be the seventh transfer target the Magpies have missed out on already, after failed attempts to bring Liam Delap, João Pedro, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Dean Huijsen to Tyneside.

The most high-profile pursuit was of Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitiké, with David Ornstein of the Athletic reporting that the two clubs had agreed a £65m fee for the forward, but the Frenchman is now poised to join Liverpool instead.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Thus, as they continue their search for a new attacker, Ben Jacobs of Give Me Sport is reporting that Newcastle have had a £25m bid rejected for Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, although they are “optimistic” a deal can be finalised for around £30m, with the player “open” to the move.

Elsewhere, Sam Dean of the Telegraph notes that the DR Congo international has left the Bees’ pre-season training camp in Portugal, suggesting he will soon be on the move, continuing the mass exodus from West London, following Thomas Frank, Mbeumo, Christian Nørgaard and Mark Flekken out the exit door.

Wissa has previously netted three times against Newcastle, two of which came last season, but could he soon be turning out at St James’ Park bedecked in black and white stripes?

How Yoane Wissa would improve Newcastle

Since joining Brentford from Lorient in the summer of 2021, straight after the Bees’ promotion to the Premier League, he has scored 49 goals in 149 appearances for the club.

Last season, by virtue of netting 19 times in the Premier League, his best-ever haul in a single campaign, he very much ranked amongst the division’s very best strikers, as the table below documents.

As the table outlines, Wissa ranked highly for all attacking metrics last season, with only Mohamed Salah scoring more non-penalty goals, joint alongside Erling Braut Håland and potential future teammate Alexander Isak for this metric.

Then-Brentford boss Frank labelled his form “remarkable”, adding “I definitely think he is best as a number ninw” given that he has “got that nose for goals”.

Meantime, David Astill of Total Football Analysis describes him as ‘prolific’, while analyst Ben Mattinson asserts that he is “massively underrated”, impressed by his dynamic runs in-behind and excellent “finishing” ability.

The key question still remains: how does he compare to Ekitiké? Let’s find out.

As the table outlines, while Ekitiké’s statistics are impressive, hence why he is on his way to Liverpool for a reported fee of £79m, it’s actually Wissa who is the more clinical centre-forward.

Ekitiké ranked dead-last across all of Europe’s top five leagues last season when it came to goals – xG, with a figure of -6.6, according to FBref.com, which has to be a slight concern.

Wissa, on the other hand, overperformed his xG, albeit only by +0.5, while scoring more goals and finding the target with a higher proportion of his shots.

Of course, Wissa is 28 years old, 29 in September, while Ekitiké’s 23rd birthday came as recently as last month, so Liverpool are paying a premium for potential, but if Newcastle want a striker to come in now and improve their options, Wissa is surely their man.

Their new Ba: Newcastle confident of signing "remarkable" £50m star

Newcastle are weighing up a move for Brentford’s star man after move for Ekitike falls through.

By
Will Miller

Jul 23, 2025

Arsenal have now received a “formal” bid for one player as Mikel Arteta’s side look to balance their books, with sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners recruitment team making their stance crystal clear.

£25m sensation greenlights Arsenal transfer with Eze after "early" talks

He wants to join Mikel Arteta’s side alongside the England international.

By
Emilio Galantini

Aug 5, 2025

The Gunners maintain their serious interest in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, according to reliable reports, but Arteta and co are equally keen to seal some outgoings before the deadline on September 1.

Arsenal have already spent well over £200 million on new signings this summer, with just £9 million raised through sales thus far.

Nuno Tavares completed a permanent move to Lazio earlier this window and Marquinhos swapped north London for Cruzeiro indefinitely, but there is still plenty of work to be done in terms of exits.

Luckily for Berta, Fulham stand to offer Arsenal the chance to offload both Reiss Nelson and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Marco Silva’s side, according to Ben Jacobs and GiveMeSport, are in advanced talks for Nelson, with an approach also made for Zinchenko – who Arsenal value at around £15 million.

Some uncertainty also surrounds the future of Jakub Kiwior.

The Poland international is behind William Saliba and Gabriel in Arteta’s pecking order, but when the latter was out through injury for an extensive period last term, Kiwior really impressed in the Brazilian’s absence.

However, while he has his uses for Arteta, Fabrizio Romano confirmed earlier this week that it is by no means certain that Kiwior will choose to stay.

Arsenal stance on Jakub Kiwior as FC Porto submit bid

According to Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, FC Porto have made a concrete offer for Kiwior, with the Primeira Liga side looking to sign him on loan with an obligation to buy for around £23 million.

Berta’s side responded to this approach, and it was a polite no.

Their stance, as per his Foot Mercato piece, is this: Arsenal will consider a permanent sale for a larger fee, but would rather keep him for another year.

Kiwior showcasing his real talent in place of the injured Gabriel towards the end of 2024/2025 is undoubtedly playing a key role in their decision-making here. The 25-year-old is a solid back-up option, and all Premier League title-winning sides must have strength in depth to carry on performing at the highest level.

Dubbed a “sensational talent” by members of the media, if Kiwior were to leave, it would surely accelerate a potential move for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet, who has emerged as a top target for Berta in recent days.

Nicolas Jackson has described his transfer to Bayern Munich as an “emotional rollercoaster” after his loan move from Chelsea almost collapsed ahead of the deadline. The striker revealed how Vincent Kompany’s personal touch convinced him to join the German champions and is now preparing to face his parent club in the Champions League.

• Jackson’s transfer saga unfolds

  Jackson’s switch to Bayern appeared straightforward when the two clubs agreed on terms at the end of August, but the move was suddenly thrown into doubt after Chelsea striker Liam Delap picked up a hamstring injury, prompting fears the Blues would need to keep the Senegal star. The forward, however, remained in Germany and pushed for the transfer to go through, eventually sealing a loan with a €65 million (£56m/$77m) conditional obligation to buy after a dramatic final 48 hours.

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  Jackson reveals he was stuck waiting in hotel room

  Speaking to , Jackson admitted the uncertainty took a toll on him during the negotiations, saying: “It was truly an emotional rollercoaster. So much happened in such a short time, and sitting in the hotel room, waiting, thinking, hoping. Those were very intense moments. But deep down, I always believed the move would work out. I was excited by the idea of coming to a club like Bayern – such a historic institution in world football."

• Vincent Kompany’s role in sealing the deal

  The 24-year-old credited the Bayern boss Kompany as a decisive factor in his choice to leave Chelsea for Bayern. 

  “After the initial discussions with [sporting director] Max Eberl and especially with coach Kompany, I was 100 per cent convinced that this was the right move for me," he said. "From the very first call, I felt a special connection with the coach. He showed me that he really wanted me in his project and explained in detail how he wanted to integrate me into his attacking system—especially with all the fantastic players already here.

  "Vincent Kompany is a young coach with a tremendous professional career behind him. And you can tell he knows exactly how to talk to us young players. It's about more than football. It's about human nature. This attitude, this respect, and this clarity really made the difference. They played a decisive role in my decision."

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  Bayern and Jackson's true test awaits?

  Jackson could hardly have asked for a bigger stage to announce himself in Bavaria, as Bayern face Chelsea in their opening Champions League clash on Wednesday. A strong display against his parent club would not only underline his determination to succeed but also test whether the obligation-to-buy clause will be activated. With Bayern seeking to reclaim European supremacy, Jackson’s integration into Kompany’s system will be closely watched in the weeks ahead.

The Professional Footballers' Association is reportedly in talks with Chelsea over how they are treating exiled duo Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi. Both the Blues winger and defender tried to secure deadline day exits but in the end they stayed put in the club's 'Bomb Squad'. Now, it is understood the PFA have intervened over how they are being looked after.

• PFA concerned about Chelsea duo

  According to BBC Sport, the PFA have contacted Chelsea as they want to ensure that Sterling and Disasi have the 'platform to train to an optimum level' despite not being involved with the first team. The union has sought to ensure clubs are aware of FIFA's strict regulations over players who are isolated from squads in circumstances that could fall under 'abusive conduct' by the club. If so, this may entitle an individual to terminate his contract, citing 'just cause'.

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  Uncertain future for Sterling and Disasi

  Sterling's contract, which earns him £325,000 per week, runs until 2027, while Disasi's terms expire in 2029. The former nearly joined Fulham on loan, and the latter turned down a switch to West Ham earlier this month. Both are unlikely to have a future at Chelsea, with the pair unlikely to play first-team football for months.

• Sterling and Disasi had summer offers

  The report adds that Chelsea, who are closely working with the PFA, presented former Manchester City star Sterling with potential moves to Bayern Munich and Napoli over the summer. Bayer Leverkusen and Galatasaray were also interested, and Disasi decided against joining West Ham and Bournemouth.

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  What next for the Chelsea outcasts?

  Both Sterling and Disasi are said to have been assigned specific training times and a designated Chelsea coach to work with at the club's training ground. Meanwhile, the first team travel to Manchester United in the Premier League on Saturday.