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Chelsea are reportedly looking to hijack Manchester United's move for Inter Milan and Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez this summer.

Is Martinez having a good season?

The £184,000-a-week attacker has again proved to be a key figure for Inter this season, helping them reach the Champions League semi-finals. In Europe, he has scored twice and registered three assists, and he has also been impressive in Serie A, scoring 19 goals in just 25 starts before Inter's match against Roma this afternoon.

Martinez has enjoyed great success on the international stage, too, winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentine last year, albeit not scoring in six appearances and missing a glorious opportunity with a header late on in the final win over France.

The 25-year-old has been linked with a move away from Inter at the end of the season, even though his current deal doesn't expire until 2026 and he would, therefore, cost a lot of money. Chelsea have been mentioned as potential suitors for him in the past and now a fresh update has emerged.

Could Chelsea snap up Martinez this summer?

According to football.london, Mauricio Pochettino wants to sign Martinez when he eventually becomes Blues manager, with the 51-year-old thought to have "given Chelsea the green light to hijack Manchester United's move". In the past, he has called his compatriot "one of the best strikers in the world", proving that he is a big admirer of him.

Martinez could be a fantastic signing if Chelsea snap him up this summer, possessing the trademark technical ability and tenacity of so many great Argentine attackers in the Premier League down the years, from Sergio Aguero to Carlos Teves. The west Londoners are desperately in need of a ruthless striker to come in and lead the line, and he could be the ideal man to fill that void.

He has 21 goals in 48 caps for Argentina, which is an excellent return, while a tally of 97 strikes in 229 outings for Inter is further proof of his elite quality. The fact that Pochettino is clearly a fan makes the signing even more of a no-brainer, and it is absolutely essential that Chelsea's incoming manager is allowed to buy the player he thinks most suits his style this summer.

Martinez looks perfect, in that respect, not only having the natural ability to be a match-winner, but also the team ethic that is now so lacking in someone like Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, for example.

حصل فريق أتلتيكو مدريد على بطاقة التأهل إلى منافسات دور الـ16 من كأس ملك إسبانيا، مساء اليوم السبت، عقب فوزه على لوجو.

وتلاقى الفريقان مساء اليوم في إطار منافسات دور الـ32 من بطولة الكأس، موسم 2023/24، حيث فاز أتلتيكو مدريد بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدف.

كان أتلتيكو مدريد قد تقدم بهدف مبكر، في الدقيقة الثانية من عمر الشوط الأول من المباراة، حيث سجله أنخيل كوريا.

ونجح لياندرو أنتونيتي في تسجيل هدف التعادل لصالح لوجو، في الشوط نفسه، وتحديدًا في الدقيقة 39.

وتمكنت كتيبة دييجو سيميوني من حسم المباراة لصالحها في الشوط الثاني، عن طريق هدفي ممفيس ديباي في الدقيقتين 66 و74.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that possible West Ham United manager target Rafa Benitez wants a longer contract than the club are willing to offer.

What's the latest on Rafa Benitez and West Ham?

With just nine Premier League games left to play, it's safe to say that it has been quite a rocky season for the Hammers regardless of what happens over the coming weeks.

Indeed, the Irons are currently caught in an unexpected relegation battle, 14th in the division, just three points above the bottom three.

For the last few months, it's felt as if manager David Moyes has perpetually been on the brink but the 59-year-old has so far been backed by the board.

It now turns out, perhaps the club have been unwilling to sack the coach as one of their preferred potential replacements hasn't been open to what was on the table at West Ham should he arrive.

Indeed, while speaking on the latest The West Ham Way podcast, Ex revealed that Benitez supposedly wants a long-term contract but the board aren't so keen on that.

The insider explained (10:50): "Apparently Rafa Benitez is another manager that we've considered, but he wants a long-term contract and we only wanted to give him six months."

Why won't Benitez take the West Ham manager job?

Seeing as Moyes has been under pressure for quite some time now – in December he was booed by his own fans at the London Stadium – discussions about a future manager may have been going on for months.

With that in mind, the club may have approached Benitez with the idea of just giving him until the summer to help steady to the club and potentially prove himself – hence the six-month offer.

By the sounds of it, though, the 62-year-old Spaniard wasn't on board with that. Interestingly enough, his name also came up when linked with the Leicester City job.

The Foxes have gone for Dean Smith now, who will stay until the end of the season, and so maybe Benitez was also offered that interim role but turned it down as he may have done with West Ham.

He certainly has spoken about his ability to be picky with the job offers he gets. In an interview with the Daily Mail recently he said: “The good thing I have is that because I have managed so many years and because I was successful, I can decide.

“I have had around 20 offers since I left Everton. National teams, different teams in Asia, in the Emirates, in Mexico. National teams everywhere.

“Some teams in England, some teams in Spain. The reality is you need to find the right one, the team that will allow you to build.”

And so this certainly backs up Ex's claim that the Spaniard simply wasn't keen on the short-term offer made to him by West Ham.

Manchester United are reportedly among a handful of Premier League clubs who are interested in signing Fulham midfielder, Joao Palhinha, according to reports.

What’s the latest on Palhinha to Man United?

As per The Sun, the Red Devils – as well as the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur – are said to be eyeing a move for the Portugal international this summer, with the 27-year-old having impressed since arriving in England last year.

The report suggests that the former Sporting CP man – who was signed by the Cottagers on a £17m deal in July – could command a fee of more than £40m, with Marco Silva and co unsurprisingly reluctant to sanction a sale.

The towering brute was reportedly a target for the Old Trafford outfit prior to eventually making the move to west London, with it looking as if the club could revive that interest ahead of next season.

How is Palhinha performing at Fulham?

United boss Erik ten Hag will no doubt be fully aware of the impact that Palhinha is making a Craven Cottage at present, with the highly-coveted “warrior” – as described by journalist Hunter Godson – having produced a truly dominant display when the two sides met earlier this season.

Despite ending up on the losing side, the 6 foot 3 titan notably won 12 of his 15 total duels – including making nine tackles – having illustrated just why he has been “one of the signings of the season”, according to Sky Sports reporter Jamie Weir.

That standout showing has seemingly been the norm for the 18-cap powerhouse so far this term, as he currently ranks top of the division for tackles made (101), with that tally far superior to that of current United man, Casemiro (58).

Despite the plaudits that the latter man has received this season at the Theatre of Dreams – having been lauded as someone who “makes such a difference” by his manager – it is actually Palhinha that is arguably performing better in his defensive-midfield berth.

That is indicated by the fact that the Fulham star has averaged a mammoth tally of 4.2 tackles and 1.4 interceptions per 90 from his 24 league appearances this season, while Casemiro averages slightly lower at 3.1 and 1.3 for the same two metrics, respectively, from his 19 outings.

Equally, Palhinha also comes out on top with regard to total duels won (63% to 57%), while his potentially superior quality on the ball has been showcased by the fact that he has lost possession just 8.5 times per game and has a pass accuracy rate of 81%, while Casemiro has lost possession 12.6 times per game and has a pass accuracy rate of just 75%.

Not that such a comparison is a criticism of the Brazilian’s performances under Ten Hag this season, it is merely a marker of just how impressive Palhinha has been for the Cottagers thus far, hence why the Premier League’s big boys have well and truly taken notice.

As such, whether the signing of the Lisbon-born machine is to rival Casemiro in the side or to play alongside him, it would surely represent an astute move for United.

Jose Mourinho has an ‘offer’ from former club Chelsea over a sensational Stamford Bridge return, according to ex-Inter Milan chief Fulvio Collovati.

The Lowdown: Potter under pressure…

Current Blues boss Graham Potter is under mounting pressure after a nightmare start to 2023.

Since the beginning of January, Chelsea haven’t scored two or more goals in a single Premier League game, all whilst picking up just one league win in that time (Transfermarkt).

As well as this, Potter’s side are out of both the FA and Carabao Cup whilst currently trailing Borussia Dortmund in their last 16 Champions League tie.

The Latest: Chelsea make Mourinho offer?

Reports have suggested that the west Londoners are weighing up possible replacements for their manager with Collovati, speaking to Rai Sport (via Football Italia), claiming an offer has already gone in for Mourinho.

The Inter legend explained:

“I saw him strangely sad, as if he was ruminating over something.

“I think he has already received offers and one of them is from Chelsea. Maybe a few national sides too. It could be that he is laying the groundwork for a departure at the end of the season.”

The Verdict: Good move?

The 60-year-old returning to Stamford Bridge for a third time would be one sensational move by owner Todd Boehly.

Mourinho’s legendary status at Chelsea hasn’t diminished despite joining both Man United and Tottenham in the time after he was last sacked by the club.

The ex-Real Madrid manager’s pedigree is well known, having clinched trophies galore at various clubs over a very well decorated career at the top level.

Called ‘outstanding’ by ex-Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole, Roma’s current manager could be a good and popular option if Potter is indeed shown his marching orders.

Mourinho took a pay cut down to an estimated £125,000-per-week when he joined Roma, demonstrating his unwavering appetite to manage after all these years as a big name.

Glasgow Rangers are reportedly braced for offers from English clubs for Scott Wright this summer, after enquiries were made in the January transfer window.

The Lowdown: Winning streak continues

Rangers continued their winning streak in the Scottish Premiership with a 3-0 win away at Livingston on Saturday afternoon.

Two goals from James Tavernier and one from Kemar Roofe were more than enough to seal the points, as Wright came on for Glen Kamara for a small cameo in the 88th minute.

The Latest: Offers expected

As per Football Insider, the Gers are expecting offers for Wright in the summer, after knocking back interest from English clubs in January.

They were unwilling to let him go as they see him as a ‘valuable squad player’, but Wright’s future will be more uncertain come the summer, when he will only have two years left on his deal at Ibrox.

Clubs from the English Championship ‘made enquiries’ for the winger in January, and could return with formal offers in the summer transfer window.

The Verdict: Get rid

Michael Beale’s side must be ruthless this summer and look to get Wright off of the wage bill.

He has only started five games in the SPFL so far this season, and from his 28 appearances in total over all competitions, he is yet to score and only provided two assists (Transfermarkt).

In fact, Wright has only averaged a mere 26 appearances a season since moving to the Gers in 2020, and has not been able to cement a regular starting place under three different managers now, with both Steven Gerrard and Giovanni van Bronckhorst coming before Beale.

Nonetheless, the Light Blues should be looking to get as much money as they can for the 25-year-old this summer.

Nottingham Forest have reportedly been offered the chance to sign forward Andre Ayew, who is now a free agent.

The Lowdown: Ayew available

Former Premier League striker Ayew is available as a free agent after leaving Qatar side Al Sadd earlier in January.

During two spells at Swansea City and two years at West Ham United the Ghanaian international played 89 times in the top-flight, scoring 21 and assisting 12.

Most important to any deal with Forest is that the 33-year-old played 94 times under current Tricky Trees boss Steve Cooper whilst at Swansea as they reached the 2019/20 play-offs and the 2020/21 play-off final together.

The Latest: Agent pushing

After leaving Wales in 2021 to join Al Sadd, it seems as though Ayew wants to make one last go of it in England with a move to the Premier League being pushed by his agent.

Sky Sports reported on their deadline day coverage that Forest had been offered the chance to complete a move that could be completed after the 11pm deadline due to him being a free agent – though appeared to suggest the Reds were an unlikely destination.

The report stated: “Free agent Andre Ayew and his representatives will be in the UK on Wednesday to find a new club.

“The 33-year-old is being offered to a number of Premier League sides after leaving Al Sadd earlier this month.

“The Ghanaian has been offered to both Everton and Nottingham Forest, but as much as Forest boss Steve Cooper likes Ayew, having managed him at Swansea, the club currently do not have enough room in their squad to accommodate him.”

The Verdict: Potential bargain?

At 33 and playing outside of Europe for the past 18 months, it’s hard to judge whether Ayew can still replicate the levels he produced whilst in the Premier League and under Cooper during his time at Swansea City.

With him bagging 22 goals in 39 games out in Qatar, there’s obviously still belief on the player’s behalf that he can still offer a top-flight side the firepower to survive this season, with fellow suitors Everton currently two points from safety.

Despite Forest being four points clear of the drop, their points tally of 21 definitely will not be enough for them to relax with 18 games still to play.

Cooper’s side have scored the third-least in the league, but following Chris Wood’s arrival at the City Ground on an initial loan with an option to buy of £15m (via Sky Sports) and a raft of potential arrivals this deadline day, it’s hard to see where Ayew would fit into the side.

Aston Villa manager Unai Emery wants to make three more additions to his squad before Tuesday’s deadline. 

The Lowdown: Ins and outs

Villa Park officials have already brought in two players for the Spaniard in Alex Moreno and Jhon Duran. The club have spent around €30m on the pair, however, Emery has lost the services of Danny Ings and Frederic Guilbert, with the former moving to West Ham in a deal worth €12m.

Cameron Archer and Morgan Sanson have also been loaned out, while Jan Bednarek has been recalled by parent club Southampton.

The Latest: More to arrive?

Villa reporter John Townley shared a story for Birmingham Live on Wednesday, looking at speculation over a potential move for Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech.

He said that the Morocco international could be a target and that Emery wants a new striker, winger and midfielder in before the end of the month, although the club will remain patient to secure their top targets.

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The Verdict: Exciting…

It could well be a frantic final few days for NSWE and Johan Lange, with Emery seemingly wanting multiple more players through the door. This claim may excite some Villa supporters, and you could argue that strengthening in the final third should be a priority.

Duran has come in for Ings, however, the teenager and Ollie Watkins are the only centre-forward options available to Emery, so another versatile forward would be of use in the second half of the season.

Ings was also the club’s top scorer before leaving for London and with Duran fairly inexperienced, replacing the goals they lost in the Englishman could be vital.

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has already bolstered his squad this month with the loan signings of Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst, although there have been reports that the Dutchman could be eyeing further recruits before the end of the window.

According to reports in Spain at the start of January, the Red Devils are believed to have made an offer to sign RB Leipzig sensation, Dani Olmo, with the 24-year-old also said to be attracting interest from Bundesliga giants, Bayern Munich.

Journalist Christian Falk – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided an update on that reported interest, with the German football expert revealing that United are closely monitoring the 29-cap maestro at present.

The transfer insider stated: “Yeah, Manchester United are still watching him, of course. Leipzig are hopeful to get Olmo on a new contract. He didn’t sign now, so they’re getting a little bit nervous because he could want to change leagues.”

The 5 foot 10 dynamo – who is valued at around £31m according to CIES Football Observatory – is facing an uncertain future at his current side, with just 18 months to run on his existing deal.

That fact has likely alerted the Old Trafford outfit – and others – with the former Dinamo Zagreb starlet having also caught the eye due to his standout form of late, with 41 goal involvements in 106 games across all competitions for Leipzig.

That follows what was a stunning stint in Croatia in which the playmaker provided 34 goals and 28 assists in 124 games in total, having been described as an “outstanding footballer” by former boss Julian Nagelsmann.

As such, the “magic” gem – as lauded by talent scout Jacek Kulig – could well prove a dream heir for compatriot Juan Mata at the Theatre of Dreams, with the veteran midfielder having also been lauded as a “little magician” by former teammate Michael Carrick in the past.

The diminutive maestro – who left the Manchester outfit over the summer after eight-and-a-half years at the club – was a reliable attacking presence during that lengthy stint with the Red Devils, scoring 51 goals and providing 47 assists in 285 games in all competitions.

Much like Olmo, the current Galatasaray man was able to operate in an attacking midfield berth or on the flanks, having possessed a knack for being able to create something out of nothing, as evidenced by his stunning overhead kick at Anfield in 2015, for instance.

Although the 34-year-old did fall down the pecking order in his final years with United – making just 12 appearances last term – he was still able to offer a solid alternative to Bruno Fernandes in the side, with Ten Hag currently lacking a playmaking option to rival the Portugal international following Donny van de Beek’s season-ending injury.

As such, snapping up the promising Olmo in the near future could prove to be the ideal successor to Mata for the Red Devils.

Chelsea are ‘seriously’ targeting Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, with contact already made over the player, according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs.

The Lowdown: Boehly busy…

Backed by American business tycoon Todd Boehly, the Blues have been seriously busy in terms of transfer activity recently.

The Premier League giants are thought to be closing in on deals for both Vasco de Gama wonderkid Andrey Santos and Molde’s rising star David Datro Fofana.

Graham Potter’s side are also being repeatedly linked with marquee players like Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig, and amid their search for a star striker, it appears that Serie A sensation Vlahovic is very much on their radar.

The Latest: Chelsea make Vlahovic contact…

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jacobs has claimed that Boehly and co have made ‘inquiries’ over signing the Serbia international for Chelsea and are ‘seriously’ targeting him.

He explained: “It’s actually Chelsea, from a Premier League point of view, making the inquiries at this point, and we know that they need a striker as well.

“But I think everybody chasing Vlahovic needs to understand, is January possible, first and foremost, and then if it isn’t, what do they need to do to persuade him to move to the Premier League in January? And what can clubs learn from the Arsenal situation?

“And also, what is his injury situation? Because right now, if you get him in January, he’s got a groin problem that is still under investigation. But Chelsea are looking a bit more seriously at him and obviously a number of other strikers because of the Armando Broja situation.”

The Verdict: Pursue further?

When fit and available, the £215,000-per-week forward has continued his fine form at Juventus since his marquee move from Fiorentina earlier this year.

As per WhoScored, he averages more attempts at goal per 90 than any of his team-mates and ranks in the Turin club’s top five players for overall performance. He is also their highest Serie A goalscorer with six in 10 league starts, backing media claims that he is a ‘sensational’ striker.

However, having only signed for Juventus earlier this year, it may be a difficult move for Chelsea to pull off, and Vlahovic’s current groin injury could also come as a bit of a roadblock.