West Ham United could dip into the transfer market come January after a recent twist emerged surrounding one of their reported targets.

West Ham updates: Zouma contract, Paqueta exit, Soucek form

According to a contract update on Kurt Zouma from transfer guru Fabrizio Romano's Daily Briefing, talks are set to open between the club and the France international over a potential new deal at the London Stadium.

Romano wrote: "West Ham have contract talks scheduled with Kurt Zouma, so discussions will take place in the next weeks or months and we will see how it goes. He is the club captain and an important player for the Hammers, and guys at the moment honestly, there are no concrete negotiations with other clubs."

In other news, a transfer update on West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta claims that the Brazil international is keen to move to Manchester City amid rumours that he has a release clause worth £85 million that will activate in the summer of 2024, as per The Sun on Sunday (print edition October 15th, page 75), via Hammers News.

West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek meanwhile managed to get himself on the scoresheet on international duty as the Czechs defeated the Faroe Islands 1-0 at the Doosan Arena in Plzen on Sunday evening.

Edson Álvarez and Mohammed Kudus faced off as Mexico defeated Ghana 2-0 in the United States, while Michail Antonio played 88 minutes for Jamaica as they saw off Haiti in the CONCACAF Nations League.

West Ham United's upcoming fixtures – all competitions

Competition

Opponent

Venue

Premier League

Aston Villa (A)

Villa Park

Europa League

Olympiacos (A)

Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium

Premier League

Everton (H)

London Stadium

EFL Cup

Arsenal (H)

London Stadium

Premier League

Brentford (A)

Gtech Community Stadium

West Ham transfer update – Kalvin Phillips

According to a West Ham transfer update on Kalvin Phillips, the England international would be open to joining the Hammers – or their Premier League rivals Newcastle United – due to the fact both sides are involved in European competition.

The outlet claim that Manchester City would seek to accumulate around £45 million for Phillips' services, which is around the fee that he was brought to the Etihad Stadium for from Leeds United in the summer of 2022.

Since his arrival, Phillips has failed to establish himself as a regular contributor for the Blues and is behind the likes of Matheus Nunes, Mateo Kovacic, Rodri in Pep Guardiola's pecking order.

Phillips, who was labelled "excellent" by Breaking The Lines in 2021, has featured just 26 times in all competitions for Manchester City over the course of his time at the Etihad Stadium and he is yet to register a single goal or assist (Phillips statistics – Transfermarkt).

Nevertheless, he is a regular pick in the England squad and featured as a substitute in their 1-0 victory over Australia last week, coming off the bench to replace Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher on 62 minutes.

Moyes isn't shy about giving homegrown players an opportunity to play their part for West Ham and Phillips would add further composure and solidity to their already talented engine room.

A hostile spell by India’s pace bowler Ishant Sharma roused Sussex’s hopes that they can still turn the tables in Division Two’s top of the table clash

ECB Reporters Network12-May-20181:59

County round-up: Clarke century rattles champions Essex

ScorecardKent hold a slight edge over Sussex in an engaging clash at the top of Division Two after ending the second day with a 159-run lead with six wickets remaining.Ollie Robinson, Sussex’s allrounder, believes Sussex need to strike quickly on Sunday. “The overheads today have been more helpful for the bowlers with a bit of cloud around and the wicket has a bit of live grass in it, which always helps with a bit of nip,” he said. “Anything under 250 we’ll fancy our chances, any more than that, then it’s possibly in Kent’s favour.”When bad light stopped play soon at 5pm, Kent’s fifth-wicket partners Zak Crawley and Adam Rouse had contributed 31 to the cause in the face of a fiery, two for 26 bowling stint from India pace bowler Ishant Sharma.Batting for a second time, with a potentially precious lead of 34, Kent lost Daniel Bell-Drummond nine balls in when the out-of-sorts opener fenced at a lifting leg-cutter from Ishant to be caught behind.Ishant also accounted for Sean Dickson with another, near unplayable delivery, this time a shooting off-cutter that grubbed back into the right-hander and pegged back off stump as Dickson shouldered arms.Kuhn and his acting captain Joe Denly added 55 either side of tea but their third-wicket stand was broken after 11.5 overs when Robinson rushed one through bat and pad to win an appeal for a catch at the wicket.Three balls after taking a blow on the right hand from South African compatriot David Wiese, Kuhn, when just three runs short of his second 50 of the match, nicked Wiese’s awayswinger to second slip.Kent had earlier dismissed Sussex for 181 inside 44 overs. Kiwi paceman Matt Henry was again the pick of the home attack, claiming 4 for 69 overall, as the hosts claimed one wicket during a rain-ruined first session of 11.4 overs.Henry had Luke Wright caught at second slip following a hesitant defensive prod 12 minutes into the second day, after which Kent returned following an early lunch to polish the job off – taking the last five Sussex wickets for 63 runs – despite losing seamer Grant Stewart from their attack with a recurrence of his hamstring injury.Ben Brown and Michael Burgess eased the Sussex total into three figures in adding 40 for the sixth wicket but the partnership ended during a highly unusual double-wicket maiden soon after lunch.Brown, on 30 and with his side still 97 in arrears, aimed to pull a good length delivery from Italian-born all-rounder Stewart, only to chop the ball onto his stumps. Stewart limped off three balls later with a hamstring niggle, leaving Ivan Thomas to bowl one delivery to complete the over. Robinson, the next man in, made a late decision to shoulder arms to a Thomas awayswinger but succeeded in toe-ending a catch to keeper Adam Rouse.The Sussex tail, led by Burgess and Wiese, continued to counter attack adding 40 in six overs. Henry gave way after bowling 10 overs either side of lunch and his replacement, Calum Haggett struck with his first delivery of the match having Wiese caught in the gully off a sliced drive.Burgess, on 54, finally perished taking one risk too many. Smearing across the line against Podmore, he holed out to cow corner to gift Podmore a second scalp and Kent their modest lead.

Real Madrid have been warned they must be cautious about signing a big name like Kylian Mbappe as the forward's arrival will not guarantee success.

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Madrid expected to sign MbappeWould be monumental transferClub warned to learn from 'mistakes'WHAT HAPPENED?

The Spanish giants are said to be closing in on a deal to land the French forward after he informed Paris Saint-Germain that he will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season. His signing could mark a new Galactico era for Madrid, recreating the time they signed Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Ronaldo and David Beckham together. However, ex-Madrid star Ivan Helguera has warned they could end up failing to live up to their potential.

AdvertisementGettyWHAT HELGUERA SAID

Helguera said at a La Liga and DAZN event: "It could be, what happens is that you have to see the mistakes that were made , there were many figures and very good players… but nothing was won. In Madrid it is important to win every year. It is wonderful to have all those players, but you have to know how to balance with a good squad. For Mbappe to come to Real Madrid would be an impressive signing and upwards it would be difficult to beat."

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Mbappe would be joining a a squad that already boasts the likes of Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, as well as veteran stars Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. Despite the quality at Carlo Ancelotti's disposal, the Santiago Bernabeu side failed to win La Liga or the Champions League last season.

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GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MADRID?

The capital club are expected to seal the Spanish league title this season, and may also go on to claim their 15th European crown, while they work out a deal to bring Mbappe to the Santiago Bernabeu in the summer transfer window.

USMNT fullback Kristoffer Lund scored a long-range missile for Palermo in their clash against Ternana.

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• Lund scores missile for Palermo
• USMNT fullback's first Serie B goal
• Ternana win 3-2 in disappointing loss

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The leftback opened the scoring for the Italian side in their match on Tuesday, scoring a brilliant top-bins effort in the left corner of the net to level things 1-1 in the 19th minute. However, his stupendous goal was not enough for Palermo on the day, with Ternana scoring two more in the second half to claim a 3-2 victory.

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• WATCH THE CLIP

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  With no true backup to starting fullback Antonee Robinson on the left side of the pitch, Lund emerged in 2023 as one of the latest dual-national commits for the USMNT. He impressed during his three international appearances toward the end the calendar year, and is now being considered for a first-team roster spot heading into major tournaments in 2024.

  The Concacaf Nations League semifinals this March will see the USMNT take on Jamaica, while this summer will see them compete in both the Copa America and the Paris Olympic Games.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR LUND AND PALERMO?

  In their push for promotion to Serie A, they took a step backward on Tuesday, but Palermo have had a brilliant campaign so far regardless. They sit 5th in Serie B, four points outside an automatic promotion spot – with the likes of Cremonese and Venezia in spots 1 and 2.

ScorecardCheteshwar Pujara is just the sort of overseas player Yorkshire need this season as they attempt to instil first principles of safety and security into their Championship side. Except that Pujara is also India’s run out specialist. In his most accident prone moments, safety and security don’t really come into it.Pujara has been instrumental in six of India’s last eight run outs in Tests. He has run himself out on four of those occasions so at least nobody can accuse him of selfishness: the damage is largely to himself. Against South Africa in Centurion in January, he was run out twice in a Test, a misfortune not suffered for 18 years. To make it extra special, one of them was a first-ball duck.In the switch to Yorkshire, it appears that Pujara’s characteristics remain implanted. His ability to perform on English surfaces, and affinity for the long game, ensured his services are valued in county cricket, but his latest run out came at a critical juncture against Nottinghamshire at Headingley and without a measured response from Yorkshire’s captain Gary Ballance it could have had bad repercussions.As it was by the close of the second day, Yorkshire’s position was a commanding one. At 189 for 4, they lead by 257, a position built in the last two sessions after they bowled out Nottinghamshire on the stroke of lunch for 188. Ballance will resume the third day on 76, although there is little sense as yet that England are studying his form too closely.ESPNcricinfo Ltd

Pujara’s brainstorm came in the 15th over. Yorkshire had already lost Alex Lees, lbw to Jake Ball playing no shot. Pujara had been dropped on nought, an edge against Ball flying through Riki Wessels’ hands at first slip, but thereafter he had reached 18 comfortably enough.Then Adam Lyth dropped a ball from Harry Gurney at his feet and, although he reacted to Pujara’s appetite for a quick single with a surprised yelp of rejection, he found a stately Indian batsman standing too close to comfort. Pujara turned, but his quest was safety was hopeless and Jake Libby completed the run out from backward point.Yorkshire have nicknamed him Steve because “Cheteshwar” is too much of a mouthful and, although unexplained, it should be linked to Steve McQueen, the American actor who was known as the King of Cool, but who was not short of a few hair-raising stunts when the mood took him. In his defence, however, he had a previously unblemished running record as far as county cricket is concerned.When Lyth was caught at the wicket and Harry Brook was cleaned up by Ball, so ending an impressive 36 from 41 balls, Yorkshire were 163 on with six wickets left, far from secure with the pitch settling a little.Ballance guided the match back into Yorkshire’s favour, spared a confident lbw appeal first ball from Gurney. He looked untroubled, as he did this time last season, a burst of form that won a Test recall, which failed to last the summer.But with Ed Smith’s elevation to national selector, study of data might be on trend and that would do Ballance no harm at all. No regular county cricketer has a better record when it comes to converting first-class innings into half-centuries (more than 35%) or for that matter centuries.If he can gen up on a few more erudite matters that might the attention of Smith, such as the culinary habits of Greek philosophers, the polarising political qualities of Jacob Rees-Mogg or whether cricket has reached peak left-handedness (note to Ballance: best to conclude “no” as you are one) and he might be within range of that recall after all.

Reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano has shared an important update on the future of Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga amid his current loan spell at Real Madrid.

Who has left Chelsea?

Mauricio Pochettino perhaps oversaw one of the biggest transfer overhauls in the Premier League this summer, with a plethora of players both arriving and departing Stamford Bridge.

Christopher Nkunku, Axel Disasi, Nicolas Jackson, Lesley Ugochukwu, Robert Sanchez, Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Cole Palmer all put pen to paper on moves to west London before September 1.

Meanwhile, Kalidou Koulibaly, N'Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy, Arrizabalaga, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Christian Pulisic, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Ethan Ampadu and Callum Hudson-Odoi all sealed moves the other way.

Chelsea are taking a bit of time to get going under Pochettino, though; winning just one top flight match and drawing another whilst suffering defeats at the hands of West Ham and Nottingham Forest.

Defender Ben Chilwell, speaking after his side's latest 1-0 defeat to Forest, said Chelsea have much to improve upon ahead of a long season.

"Very frustrating result and everyone is very disappointed in the changing room right now," explained Chilwell post-match.

"If you look at the stats we dominated the game, had the possession, but the most important stat is the goals. We lost in that department and lost the game, that is the black and white of it and we need to improve."

There is still work to be done to Bridge, but one player who won't be a part of the project is Arrizabalaga.

The Spaniard, currently on a temporary stint at La Liga giants Real Madrid, is apparently eyeing up a permanent move away from Chelsea next year.

Arrizabalaga has seemingly been replaced by summer signing Sanchez from Brighton, with renowned transfer source Romano sharing a fresh update latest on the former's future.

“Kepa mentioned that his dream is to continue at Real Madrid, and this is the reality," said Romano on his YouTube channel.

“From what I am told, Kepa’s priority is to find another opportunity in 2024. Real Madrid, or another club. He feels that, with Chelsea, something is now broken. This is why the expectation between Chelsea and Kepa is to part ways.”

What happened to Kepa Arrizabalaga?

The 28-year-old signed for Chelsea from Athletic Bilbao in 2018, a transfer which broke the world record for most money spent on a goalkeeper.

Arrizabalaga arrived for £71.6 million, but fast-forward half a decade later, supporters will be looking back on his Chelsea career as a real mixed bag.

The shot-stopper has performed well in parts, though; even earning praise from Blues legend Petr Cech.

“I must touch on Kepa, too," wrote Cech in a column for Chelsea's official website last term (via The Standard).

"He had to fill those big boots while Edou has been away, and he has been brilliant in all those games under even more scrutiny than usual.

“You need a strong team and every person ready to help. The goalkeeping group work so hard together to make sure they are all ready for when the moment comes, so Kepa deserves credit too.”

Manchester United suffered their third straight defeat in midweek against Bayern Munich and the pressure is now firmly on Erik ten Hag, despite a spirited performance in Germany.

A tie against Burnley in the Premier League is next up for the Red Devils and while they currently occupy 13th spot in the table with just two wins from five, Vincent Kompany’s men have themselves secured only one point thus far.

This upcoming clash represents a wonderful opportunity for United to get back on track and a confidence-boosting victory will hopefully allow them to kick-start their season and nudge them further up the table.

Following the defeat to Bayern, Ten Hag will likely make changes, especially as several of his starting XI underperformed, with Christian Eriksen among the protagonists in this regard.

How did Christian Eriksen perform vs Bayern Munich?

The Danish midfielder made his first Champions League start since October 2020 against the Bundesliga side, yet he failed to showcase his vast talents when United needed him most.

His Sofascore match rating of 5.6 was the lowest out of anyone on the pitch during the match, as Eriksen's 69-minute spell saw him complete just 30 successful passes while giving away a penalty and being dribbled past twice as he failed to assert his authority in the heart of the midfield.

Following the tie, he and Casemiro were criticised by journalist Mark Critchley, who said: “Manchester United are under the microscope in just about every part of the pitch at the moment but the midfield might be most concerning.

“Casemiro and Christian Eriksen both look like short-term fixes to a long-term problem.”

Will Christian Eriksen start for Manchester United vs Burnley?

The £150k-per-week “absolute genius” – as so dubbed by Statman Dave in 2022 – hasn’t exactly lit up Old Trafford this season.

He has averaged a Sofascore match rating of just 6.9 across five Premier League ties, registering only two goal contributions – one goal and one assist – while creating zero big chances and averaging just 0.8 key passes per game.

Across the United squad, these statistics rank him only tenth, third and tenth for key passes per game, while he doesn’t even rank for big chances created.

It has been an underwhelming campaign thus far and indeed, across the previous 12 months, Eriksen has failed to showcase his best qualities over a range of metrics.

According to FBref, the Dane ranks in the lowest 93% for tackles (1.17) and the lowest 88% for interceptions (0.55) per 90 when compared to his positional peers in Europe's top five leagues, while some of his attacking statistics have not been great either.

He ranks in the lowest 74% for successful take-ons per 90 (0.43) and the lowest 40% for touches in the opposition box (1.37) when compared to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues and Ten Hag should perhaps give someone else an opportunity against Burnley today.

Something needs to click into gear for the Dutchman, and he needs it fast, otherwise the pressure could soon become unbearable, and he may well be looking for a new role sooner rather than later.

With it looking as if Eriksen is a key part of the 'problem' at present, a new solution must be found this evening.

The Gunners centre-back has taken her game to the next level over the past few months, and with others out injured, she should get her chance to start

There was plenty for Arsenal boss Jonas Eidevall to be happy about following his side's emphatic 3-1 victory over Manchester United in front of a Women's Super League-record Emirates Stadium crowd on Saturday. Following a shock defeat to West Ham, as well as an FA Cup exit at the hands of Manchester City, the Swede has been under pressure recently, and the welcome win moved the Gunners back to within three points of leaders Chelsea with eight games to play.

Cloe Lacasse seriously impressed on a rare start, Beth Mead was unplayable at times and Lia Walti ran things in the middle of the park. But at full-time, Eidevall made sure to give his makeshift back four – disrupted by Leah Williamson and Amanda Ilestedt being absent – special credit for the victory, singling one player out in particular.

"We had to rejig and you could see Laia Codina, for example, she has been training really well so she was ready to play. But it is still a new back four to play together. But in that unit we have to acknowledge a player like Lotte Wubben-Moy. We have to acknowledge the level she is playing at this season and seeing how she develops," he said.

"A performance like she has today is incredible. I think it is something the whole club should be very proud of because she is Arsenal through and through. She is coming from our academy, our community and to see her excel the way she does at Emirates Stadium, it is fantastic. I am really, really happy for her and the club to see that."

Getty ImagesStepping up last season

Her manager's glowing appraisal after Saturday's huge result has been echoed by most onlookers throughout the current campaign. Almost every Arsenal fan would agree that Wubben-Moy is firmly in the conversation for the Gunners' Player of the Season award, while a spot in the WSL Team of the Year also seems likely if she continues on her current trajectory.

Wubben-Moy's emergence as a key player has not come out of the blue, though. Following Leah Williamson's devastating ACL injury last season, and with other starting centre-back Rafaelle missing a decent chunk of the 2022-23 campaign too, she stepped up when it mattered, playing near enough every minute of her side's congested run-in.

Forming an unorthodox partnership with Steph Catley at the heart of the defence, she chipped in with a string of vital contributions; none more so than in her side's Champions League semi-final second leg against Wolfsburg, where she provided the pinpoint cross for Jen Beattie's headed equaliser that sent the game to extra-time.

Heartbreakingly, it would be Wubben-Moy's tired error in that additional period that would eventually gift the German side their place in the final, but she did not let this setback affect her performances for the remainder of the season, scoring in Arsenal's victory over Everton a few weeks later, a result that went a long way to sealing their spot in the Champions League for the following campaign.

AdvertisementGetty ImagesReaching new heights

New heights have been reached since then, though, with few defenders enjoying better WSL seasons so far. And it was telling that when Williamson did return to the WSL starting line-up in February against West Ham, it was World Cup star Ilestedt that dropped to the bench, not Wubben-Moy, suggesting that the Englishwoman has risen to the very top of the defensive pecking order.

Delving into the statistics, it's not hard to see why. Earlier in her career, there were concerns that Wubben-Moy was not as effective in possession as some of her club and international colleagues. But this campaign, no outfield player has completed more long balls or racked up more progressive passing distance than her in the WSL.

She is also carrying the ball effectively; just five WSL players (Anna Patten, Maya Le Tissier, Laia Alexandri, Alex Greenwood and Jess Carter) have racked up more progressive distance than Wubben-Moy's 1766 yards this season. And of those players, just Greenwood has registered fewer minutes than the Arsenal star.

Wubben-Moy has always excelled at bread-and-butter defending too, and this has continued recently. Bunny Shaw, Sam Kerr and Rachel Daly are among the top-class centre-forwards that she has kept scoreless this season, and she is yet to make an error that's led to an opponent having a shot this term. Meanwhile, only Liverpool's towering forward Sophie Roman Haug has won more aerial duels.

Getty ImagesStruggling for international recognition

But amid this excellent run of form, Wubben-Moy has found international recognition under Sarina Wiegman hard to come by this season. She made her Lionesses debut back in 2021, coming on as a substitute during an emphatic friendly victory over Northern Ireland, eventually earning a maiden start in her side's infamous 20-0 thrashing of Latvia in November that same year.

Since then, she's been a near ever-present in England squads, only pulling out of a few camps due to injury. Despite this, her playing time has been frightfully limited. In fact, since that Latvia game, she's only managed a single start, a 45-minute outing in a friendly against Belgium in June 2022.

Thus, while she has a Euro 2022 winners' medal, and was a part of the Lionesses' impressive run to the 2023 World Cup final and Finalissima triumph, it all came as a spectator. That will surely change in the upcoming fixtures against Austria and Italy, though.

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Getty ImagesTiming is everything

In the past, it's been easier for Wiegman to ignore Wubben-Moy. During the Euros, Williamson and Millie Bright were always going to be impossible to displace at the heart of defence. And at the World Cup, Greenwood and Carter each emerged as deserved starters as the England boss flipped between a back-three and back-four.

But in this camp, Bright and Williamson are unavailable due to injury, and it's hard to argue that Carter and Esme Morgan – who has taken a lot of Wubben-Moy's potential minutes in recent times – are in anything like the same form as her at club level. The same can also be said of United pair Le Tissier and Millie Turner.

With all of that in mind, and with two low-stakes games for Wiegman to experiment in coming up, it is surely time for Wubben-Moy to seize her opportunity.

Sergio Rico is reportedly nearing a remarkable return to PSG after somehow surviving a horrific horse and cart accident & subsequent brain aneurysm.

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• Rico set to return to training
• Spanish goalkeeper awaiting medical clearance
• Set to offer competition to Keylor Navas and Gianluigi Donnarumma

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  In a heartwarming turn of events, Rico is on the verge of making a remarkable comeback to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after a challenging nine-month absence from football, reported

  Rico's journey back to the pitch follows a harrowing accident on May 28, 2023, when he suffered a fall from a horse, resulting in a cerebral aneurysm, a life-threatening condition that necessitated immediate surgery.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite enduring significant injuries and a lengthy rehabilitation process, Rico has exhibited remarkable resilience and determination. During his 82-day hospitalisation, he faced daunting physical challenges, including a staggering weight loss of 19 kilograms (approximately 42 pounds). However, his unwavering commitment to returning to peak physical condition has seen him regain 15 kilograms (about 33 pounds) of lost weight, a testament to his strength and resolve.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  The severity of Rico's condition led to a critical 26-day period in which he was placed in an induced coma to manage the cranioencephalic trauma caused by the fall. This phase was pivotal for Rico's recovery, allowing his body to heal under intensive medical supervision.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  If Rico receives medical clearance to resume training with PSG, it will mark a significant milestone in his recovery journey. Upon returning to training he will provide competition to PSG's top two choices – Keylor Navas and Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Chelsea defender Reece James has been a subject of interest for one of Europe's top clubs, and a report has now revealed whether he is likely to leave in the near future…

Which Chelsea players could leave in January?

Having spent over €1bn (£862m) in the three transfer windows since Todd Boehly took over the club, Chelsea may need to balance the books with some sales in the January transfer window, and there are several players who could be shown the exit door.

Tottenham Hotspur are planning a January swoop for Conor Gallagher's services, although the midfielder is currently happy at Stamford Bridge, and is planning to prove his worth to Mauricio Pochettino and secure a new deal, despite the signings of Romeo Lavia, Moises Caicedo and Lesley Ugochukwu.

The Blues accepted offers for Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah in the summer transfer window, and while the duo turned down moves elsewhere and plan to fight for their futures at Stamford Bridge, Pochettino's willingness to let them leave indicates they could still depart in January.

Bayern Munich are plotting a new approach for Chalobah, having held a strong interest in the summer transfer window, with Football Insider reporting the 24-year-old may find game time difficult to come by at Chelsea this season.

As reported by Football Insider, there have been fresh links touting James for a move to Real Madrid in recent days, with the Spanish giants said to be long-term admirers of the defender, but the Blues are desperate to keep hold of him.

Club chiefs are hoping the right-back can steer clear of his injury problems and become a key player under Pochettino, off the back of being named club captain earlier in the summer, and they are under no pressure to let him leave anytime soon.

The Englishman signed a fresh six-year contract last year, so he is committed to Chelsea for the long-term future, and the club should be in a strong negotiating position, if Real Madrid's interest materialises.

In the meantime, the 23-year-old remains sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained in the draw against Liverpool on the opening day of the season.

When is Reece James back from injury?

Pochettino has confirmed the club captain is "recovering well", with the manager hopeful that he will play some part before the next international break in October, and his return could be a real boost for the Blues.

The England international could be a perfect fit in Pochettino's 3-4-2-1 system, which has been implemented in every game so far this season, given that he poses a real threat going forward, as highlighted by his performances in the 2021-22 season.

During that campaign, the "unreal" defender weighed in with five goals and nine assists in 26 Premier League appearances, averaging over one goal contribution every other game, showcasing his attacking talent.

Chelsea will be hoping that James can put his injury woes behind him after he recovers from his latest issue, but until then Malo Gusto is likely to remain the first-choice option, having made five appearances in all competitions this season.