Ake rejects West Ham move - Thursday's gossip

Nathan Ake rejects interest from West Ham, Bayern Munich and Paris St-Germain join Manchester United in battle for Yan Diomande's signature, and Brennan Johnson in line for medical at Crystal Palace.

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Football Daily

Steve Crossman hosts a Scandinavian review of the year, plus an end of year quiz!

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Premier League club shortlist two Chelsea stars for January transfers

Enzo Maresca has wanted to sell these two Chelsea players for a long time (Photo: Getty)

Leeds United are reportedly keeping tabs on two Chelsea stars as they aim to avoid Premier League relegation, with Enzo Maresca keen to sell the pair.

Last season’s Championship champions were widely fancied to go straight back down but a recent upturn in form has steered them away from the relegation zone.

A five game unbeaten run that began with the 3-1 win over Chelsea and 3-3 draw with Liverpool, has seen Leeds climb up to 16th in the table.

And they will move nine points clear of the drop zone at the halfway point of the season if they win at Anfield on New Year’s Day.

With teams around then like West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth plotting big moves in the January transfer window, Daniel Farke is very keen to strengthen his squad.

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Primarily, Leeds are targeting a creative No.10 after missing out on Fulham’s Harry Wilson last summer and would also like to add a mobile centre-forward and a centre-back.

To that end, the Daily Mail report that Axel Disasi is among the defenders they are considering, with the Chelsea star very much available after being banished to the ‘bomb-squad’.

Axel Disasi has not played since his loan spell at Aston Villa ended (Photo: Getty)

The France international spent the second-half of last season on loan at Aston Villa and has not played since failing to secure a transfer away last summer.

Despite his lack of game time, the 27-year-old has kept himself fit and has been attracting much interest from overseas clubs like Roma.

Issues regarding foreign loan transfers means a move abroad is unlikely, but it remains to be seen whether Disasi would want to go to Elland Road having previously turned down other Premier League clubs.

Raheem Sterling endured a disastrous loan at Arsenal last season (Photo: Getty)

Additionally, the other member of Chelsea’s ‘bomb-squad’, Raheem Sterling, is also of interest to Leeds and would fit the bill for a versatile, mobile and experienced forward.

The four-time Premier League champion’s career has been in a downward spiral since leaving Manchester City for Stamford Bridge in 2022, including a disastrous loan spell at Arsenal last season, but he remains well regarded.

The west-Yorkshire club were linked with the England international before but it is said progress on a transfer has not moved and the 31-year-old is reluctant to leave London where his family are settled.

It is said that finances are tight for Leeds – a budget of around £25million if no sales are made – which could limit them to loan deals with options or obligations to but more likely.

Moreover, it is said they want players who can come straight into team and deliver. Sterling and Disasi certainly have enough experience and quality but will lack match sharpness after so many months of not playing.

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Not just results - why Maresca is under pressure

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca needs results to improve but issues off the pitch are adding to the pressure, BBC Sport's Nizaar Kinsella explains.

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Arsenal vs Aston Villa LIVE: Premier League latest score and confirmed lineups

Two of the best teams in England on current form battle it out in north London tonight (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal host Aston Villa tonight at the Emirates in a clash which could have a big impact on this season’s enthralling Premier League title race.

The Gunners, unbeaten at home in the top-flight this term, head into Gameweek 19 top of the table, two points clear of Manchester City.

But Villa have emerged as surprise title challengers after a stunning run of results, winning 11 consecutive matches across all competitions.

Unai Emery’s side, who beat Arsenal at Villa Park earlier this month, are currently sat third and are just three points behind Mikel Arteta’s men.

But which side will come out on top tonight in north London? Stay tuned to find out as two of the best teams in England on current form battle it out.

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Metro’s LIVE matchday blog will bring you all the build-up, confirmed team news and starting XIs, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage.

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Kettlewell returns to County tasked with avoiding drop

Stuart Kettlewell returns to Ross County as manager - but only on a short-term contract tasked with steering the Dingwall side clear of second successive relegation.

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Motherwell want no Ibrox penalty answer from SFA

Motherwell are seeking an explanation for a rejected penalty claim at Ibrox, although manager Jens Berthel Askou is keen to move on from the incident.

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Falkirk agree to release midfielder Arfield

Scott Arfield is a free agent after Falkirk consent to the veteran midfielder's request to leave.

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Five things in EFL: Whose 2025 will end on a high?

Whose 2025 will end on a high as BBC Sport looks at the stories to follow in Monday, 29 December EFL programme.

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Man Utd rising star Ayden Heaven makes decision on international future

Ayden Heaven has his sights set on a specific international path (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United defender Ayden Heaven is eligible to play for both England and Ghana on the international stage and he knows which option he prefers.

The 19-year-old is enjoying a run in the Red Devils first team due to injuries to Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.

The teenager, who moved to Old Trafford from Arsenal last year, has been impressive and looks to have a bright future with Manchester United.

He still has just 11 top flight appearances to his name, so he still has a lot of developing to do and experience to gain, but there is already talk of his international future.

Born in Islington, Heaven has played for England at various youth levels, but is yet to get a call-up to the senior side.

The BBC report that he intends to pursue an international career with the Three Lions, despite interest from elsewhere.

The centre-back could play for Ghana, and the African nation’s FA has reportedly been monitoring the situation, with the possibility of Heaven playing for them in next summer’s World Cup.

Heaven has made his way up the youth ranks for England (Picture: Getty Images)

Ghana have been drawn in England’s World Cup group, along with Croatia and Panama in 2026.

While Heaven has a lot to do to make the England squad for the trip across the Atlantic, he does not intend to be lining up against them for Ghana.

There is an outside chance he could grab Thomas Tuchel’s attention with his performances for the Red Devils, with Ruben Amorim hinting that De Ligt and Maguire will struggle to displace him after a Man of the Match display against Newcastle on Boxing Day.

‘I am really pleased with Ayden. You can feel that he is improving every game,’ said the United boss.

Heaven has made seven Premier League appearances this season (Picture: Getty Images)

‘He is young, but you can feel that he has a good game, slows the thinking and improves during the game.

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‘He trained really well and, if he continues to play like that, it is going to be really hard to take his place.’

On his time with Manchester United so far, the youngster told club media: ‘I’ve enjoyed it. I’ve done well, I think, with the chances I’ve had, and, yeah, I just want to take it into the next year and continue developing.

Ruben Amorim has been impressed with Ayden Heaven (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It motivates me in a way, like I said, to keep developing and to know I’m capable of playing games like that. It just motivates me.

‘I was surprised at how quick I got my chances when I first joined, but I was ready, so hopefully I can get more in the new year.’

Manchester United are in action again on Tuesday night at home to Wolves, with both De Ligt and Maguire both pushing for returns from their injury issues.

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Semenyo wants future resolved by 1 January

Antoine Semenyo's future enters a crucial 48 hours with the Bournemouth attacker eager to have his potential departure to Manchester City concluded by 1 January.

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'We're not Barcelona' - but McInnes knows how Hearts can respond

Derek McInnes knows his Hearts side are not Barcelona, but he knows what his team need to be if they are to sustain a Scottish Premiership title challenge.

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Who could succeed Guardiola at Man City?

At least two candidates have already been identified as potential replacements for Pep Guardiola, but who could take over from him at Manchester City?

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Forest to rename stand in honour of Robertson

Nottingham Forest are to rename a stand at the City Ground to honour their "great hero" John Robertson, who died at the age of 72 this week.

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Edinburgh derby, Askou & Hatate in spotlight

Who will triumph in the second Edinburgh derby of the season? Will Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou make it 11 league matches unbeaten? And will Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate continue his excellent creative output?

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Players can only leave if replacements come in - Amorim

Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim is not willing to let any players leave in the January transfer window unless replacements come in.

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My England teammate was more gifted than Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes

Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard (Picture: Getty)

Ledley King says one of his England teammates was ‘naturally better’ and ‘more gifted’ than Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes.

Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes are considered three of the best midfielders England have ever produced.

Gerrard was Liverpool’s talisman for over a decade, making more than 700 appearances for the Reds across his 17-year spell at Anfield.

Lampard is arguably Chelsea’s greatest ever player, having won three league titles and the Champions League at Stamford Bridge and scoring more Premier League goals than any other midfielder in history.

Scholes, meanwhile, is one of the most decorated players of all time, picking up 25 trophies during his long spell at Manchester United.

Ex-England defender King says Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes were all ‘incredible players’ but rates Joe Cole as his most ‘naturally gifted’ teammate.

Cole enjoyed the most fruitful period of his career at Chelsea, winning three Premier League titles and three domestic cups at Stamford Bridge.

Ex-Tottenham and England defender Ledley King (Picture: Getty)

Cole, a talented attacking player who earned 56 caps for England, also had spells at West Ham and Liverpool.

‘I want to see match-winners and players that get people off their seats,’ King told BetMGM. ‘The one for me was Joe Cole, who I can, hand on heart, say was the most naturally gifted English player that I played with.

‘Wayne Rooney was probably the best. He had a mixture of so many different attributes: power, strength and tenacity but, in terms of just natural ability, Joe Cole was the best.

Joe Cole, left, with fellow Chelsea great Frank Lampard, right (Picture: Getty)

‘Joe went to Chelsea and it changed his game. He turned into a very much a team player and it wasn’t the same Joe that I remember when he was 17, who just played the game for fun and on pure instinct.

‘I’m sure he’d probably say the same thing if he looks back on all that he’s achieved – he could have actually been even better than he was.

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‘[Steven] Gerrard, [Frank] Lampard and [Paul] Scholes were incredible players, don’t get me wrong, but at that age Joe was pure magic.

‘He was more natural than Stevie G [Steven Gerrard]. Stevie could do everything, but Joe was just a magician of a player. He was definitely different in that respect from most English players that we had at that time.

‘When he was 16 or 17 years old, Joe was different to everyone. He was different from all the English kids, he played like he was Brazilian.’

Since retiring in 2018, Cole has become a popular pundit, mainly appearing on TNT Sports.

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Ex-Liverpool and Man Utd striker Michael Owen names his ‘most underrated’ teammate

Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen (Picture: Getty)

Michael Owen believes his ‘most underrated teammate’ should be regarded as a Premier League legend but ‘never gets mentioned’.

Owen played for the likes of Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United during his impressive 17-year professional career.

The legendary striker also established himself as one of England’s most prolific goalscorers, netting 40 goals in 89 appearances for the Three Lions.

Reflecting on a career that produced trophies in England and Spain and a host of individual awards – including the Ballon d’Or – Owen identified Liverpool hero Sami Hyypia as his ‘most underrated teammate’.

Hyypia spent a decade at Anfield following his £2.5m move from Dutch side Willem II, making 464 appearances for the Reds.

Regularly captaining the side, Hyypia helped Liverpool win a cup treble in 2001 and then played a key role in the club’s iconic Champions League win in 2005.

Asked who he regards as his ‘most underrated’ teammate, Owen told OLBG: ‘Sami Hyypia at Liverpool.

Liverpool spent just £2.5m to sign Sami Hyypia (Picture: Getty)

‘I just think he was exceptional and when I listen to people talking about all the great defenders of all time in the Premier League he never gets a mention.

‘He was exceptional, an unbelievable player. Little things that people maybe not pick up on but no he was very, very good and as underrated players go he would be my selection.’

Liverpool offered Hyypia a coaching role as his playing career was coming to an end and while he rejected the offer in favour of a move to Bayer Leverkusen, he expressed interest in returning to Anfield as a coach at a later date, such was his affection for the club.

Hyypia left the Premier League having twice being named in the PFA Team of the Year, while he was named Finland’s Footballer of the Year a staggering ten times during his entire career.

Hyypia is still a much-loved figure at Anfield (Picture: Getty)

Fellow Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, who regularly partnered Hyypia in defence, has previously argued that the Finnish centre-back is the club’s best Premier League signing.

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‘I think sometimes we think of this team now [as the best] – and rightly so, they’ve done a lot more than the teams I played in – but if I think where Liverpool were in 1999, they were a team who were finishing sixth and seventh,” Carragher told Sky Sports in 2021.

‘They couldn’t come out of the Roy Evans era, they’d gone close to the title and it was fading away; Gerard Houllier comes in and that Liverpool team is known as a weak team, they got bullied.

‘[Hyypia] came in, he played for the club for 10 years, he was never injured. Liverpool went from becoming a soft touch to a team who were mentally and physically very strong, and he was a massive part of that.

Liverpool ahead of the 2005 Champions League final (Picture: Getty)

‘The success we had over the next 10 years with Gerard Houllier and with Rafa Benitez was built on defence.

‘It wasn’t about being an exciting team going forward, scoring lots of goals. It was built on solidity, and that started with his signing.

‘The price tag, the never being injured, the 10 years’ service he gave and the trophies he was part of winning.

‘It was a toss-up between him and Mo Salah, he’s been top scorer, you think of what he’s won, it’s a tough one.

‘Virgil van Dijk came in and made Liverpool the Champions League [winners] – don’t forget Sami Hyypia won the Champions League.

‘The only thing that team, or Sami Hyypia, didn’t win was the league. They won FA Cups, League Cups and UEFA Cups as well, and it was a 10-year period.

‘Sami’s not a better player than Virgil van Dijk, but Virgil van Dijk was a world-record transfer, so you’re expecting that impact.

‘Sami Hyypia came in and no one had heard of him, no one had seen him play. The impact he had at Liverpool was just instrumental.’

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We've built five quizzes to celebrate five BBC shows - but only those with the biggest football trivia brains can beat them all.

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Chris Sutton makes Man Utd and Newcastle claim ahead of Boxing Day clash

Ex-Premier League striker Chris Sutton (Picture: Getty)

Chris Sutton has revealed his prediction for Manchester United’s Boxing Day clash against Newcastle United.

Eddie Howe takes his Newcastle team to Old Trafford on Friday night for the only Boxing Day Premier League game of the year.

While Newcastle are in the bottom-half of the table in 11th – four places behind seventh-placed United – just three points separates the two sides.

Both teams have picked up just a point from their last two games, with Ruben Amorim’s side losing at Aston Villa last time out following a frenetic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth.

Newcastle, meanwhile, suffered a painful derby defeat to Sunderland before blowing a two-goal lead in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea at the weekend.

Sutton expects Newcastle to get back to winning ways at Old Trafford, partly due to Manchester United ‘missing a few players’ to the Africa Cup of Nations but also as they have ‘the better squad’.

‘Manchester United got a bit of praise for their performance against Aston Villa, even though they were beaten,’ Sutton told BBC Sport.

Manchester United face Newcastle United on Boxing Day (Picture: Getty)

‘The key to how this game goes is what they do without Bruno Fernandes, and how they are going to cope without him.

‘You look around Ruben Amorim’s squad and he does not seem to have a lot of leaders in there.

‘It will be interesting to see if Amorim plays centre-back Lisandro Martinez in that holding midfield role, the same job he did when he came on for Fernandes against Villa, because he could provide that leadership they will need.

United captain Bruno Fernandes it out injured (Picture: Getty)

‘Newcastle United will be absolutely sick that they let a two-goal lead slip against Chelsea last week, while their away record has a lot of room for improvement – they have won only one of their eight away league games so far.

‘Manchester United are three points and four places above them in the table, but they are missing a few players at the Africa Cup of Nations and, in my mind, Newcastle United have the better squad anyway.

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‘Because of that, I am going to back Eddie Howe’s side here. There won’t be many goals, though, and they may only need to score one to win it.’

Alan Shearer's Man Utd and Newcastle combined XI

Nick Pope (Newcastle)

Tino Livramento (Newcastle)

Malick Thiaw (Newcastle)

Dan Burn (Newcastle)

Lewis Hall (Newcastle)

Bruno Fernandes (Man Utd)

Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle)

Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)

Bryan Mbuemo (Man Utd)

Nick Woltemade (Newcastle)

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle)

Ahead of the Boxing Day clash, Newcastle legend and Betfair ambassador Alan Shearer named just two Manchester United players in a combined XI.

‘Manchester United are missing some big players due to AFCON, but they’re also missing Bruno Fernandes, which will be a big thing for them,’ Shearer said.

‘Newcastle have defensive problems. Lewis Miley was brilliant at right-back, and in that first half against Chelsea, Newcastle were much more like themselves.

‘The second half wasn’t as good. It’s a really tough one to predict. It could go either way, so I’d probably sit on the fence and say draw.

‘There are so many things like, “What happens if this happens?” That is why I’m going to go for a draw. It’s a massive game for both clubs.

‘The night time kick-off should make it a cracking atmosphere. I think it will be a score draw, and everyone will be watching that game.’

Newcastle beat Manchester United 2-0 in this fixture last season, while they thumped Amorim’s side 4-1 in the game at St James’ Park.

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