Phillips ‘overweight’ upon Man City return, says Guardiola

Pep Guardiola has revealed Kalvin Phillips returned from the World Cup “overweight”.

The Manchester City manager was initially vague when asked why the 27-year-old England international did not even make the bench for Thursday’s Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool.

Guardiola simply said the player was not fit and had not been in the right condition to train after rejoining the City squad.

However, pressed further after City’s 3-2 win over the Reds at the Etihad Stadium, Guardiola made clear the injury-hit Phillips had not picked up another knock.

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Emi Martinez staying at Aston Villa

Emi Martinez has hit headlines recently after starring in Argentina’s World Cup win and playing a leading role in the celebrations.

At club level, meanwhile, the former Arsenal ‘keeper has been linked with Bayern Munich.

Aston Villla, however, are expected to keep a hold of the 30-year-old.

Chelsea complete backroom shake-up with Mount and James tutor promoted

Chelsea owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have restructured the leadership group in the club’s academy.

Neil Bath, who is widely credited with building the youth system that produced Mason Mount, Reece James and Ruben Loftus-Cheek, is now the director of football development and operations.

The former academy manager is highly regarded across youth football and the owners have rewarded him with a promotion for the recent successes.

With increased funding and responsibility for Bath, he has been given a new title to continue his ‘Vision 2030’ plans to take Cobham to the next level. Bath will remain in charge of the famed youth development programme.

Vieira confirms Crystal Palace transfer plans as club line up move for Wan-Bissaka

Patrick Vieira refused to be drawn on Crystal Palace’s pursuit of Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

Standard Sport understands Palace are keen on a move for the defender, who left Selhurst Park for £50m in the summer of 2019.

While Manchester United are believed to be willing to sanction the 25-year-old’s exit on loan, they are expected to want guarantees over any move being made permanent in the summer.

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What Diego Simeone has already said about Joao Felix’s future amid Chelsea and Arsenal transfer interest

Diego Simeone has admitted no one at Atletico Madrid is “untouchable” as doubts about Joao Felix’s future grow.

The Daily Record claim the La Liga giants would be open to loaning the Portugal international out to a Premier League club in January before a permanent move in the summer.

Standard Sport understands Chelsea have been offered the 23-year-old, who has struggled to wholly convince since a £113m move to the Spanish capital from Benfica in 2019.

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Chelsea transfer target Youssoufa Moukoko hits back at reports over Borussia Dortmund contract snub

Chelsea transfer target Youssoufa Moukoko has issued a fiery riposte to claims that he has turned down a big-money new deal at Borussia Dortmund.

The teenage frontman, who went to the World Cup with Germany, is out of contract at Signal Iduna Park at the end of the season and is free to talk to overseas suitors regarding a summer deal when the January window opens next week.

Dortmund are desperate not to lose one of European football’s most exciting young attacking talents and a heralded graduate of their prolific youth academy, though an ongoing contract stand-off has led to much uncertainty over his future.

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Arteta issues ‘extremely cautious’ Arsenal transfer update amid Cedric interest

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta insists the club will not be rushing to offload players in the January transfer window.

Standard Sport understands Fulham are targeting a move for Cedric Soares, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Emirates Stadium. Bayer Leverkusen and Villarreal are also keen on the 31-year-old.

William Saliba’s impressive start to life in the Arsenal first-team has forced Ben White, while Takehiro Tomiyasu provides another option.

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ICYMI: Klopp addresses £130m midfielder rumour with big hint at January plans

Jurgen Klopp has suggested Liverpool will spend in the January transfer market amid rumours they are keen on a deal for Jude Bellingham.

Borussia Dortmund will reportedly demand upwards of £130million for Bellingham, while Liverpool have been touted to spend a whopping £250m to improve their team after a middling first half of the campaign.

“I don’t know about the amount of money,” Klopp told reporters.

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ICYMI: Arteta confirms Arsenal transfer plan as Mudryk talks continue

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal cannot afford to rest on their laurels and must take full advantage of the January transfer window.

The Gunners are currently sat top of the Premier League and five points clear of Manchester City ahead of their Boxing Day clash with West Ham.

Manager Arteta, however, has urged Arsenal to kick on and says they will be “active” in January to bolster their squad.

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Chelsea ready to offer Milan Skriniar a pre-contract

Calciomercato claim Chelsea are prepared to wait to sign Milan Skriniar.

The defender is approaching the end of his contract with Inter Milan and has been strongly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea were keen on him during the summer but could now sit back and watch Skriniar’s contract expire before offering him a lucrative free transfer.