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Las Águilas will visit Rayados de Monterrey Wednesday for Matchday 15 of the Clausura 2025

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América is on a six-game unbeaten streak against MonterreyThe Águilas don't want to risk their captainThey lost the top spot in the standings over the weekendFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

América will look to snap a four-game winless streak across all competitions – two of those in Liga MX – when they face Monterrey on Wednesday in Matchday 15. Beyond the poor run of results, André Jardine’s side has struggled in front of goal, scoring just once during that stretch.

The absences of Rodrigo Aguirre and Henry Martín have forced the Brazilian coach to play without a natural striker, contributing to the team's scoring drought. The good news for Las Águilas is that the Uruguayan forward is back and available for Wednesday, but fans will have to wait a bit longer to see their captain return to action.

“Aguirre will already be available, and Henry will gain a little more time to recover 100 percent,” said Jardine. “We don’t want to rush things, because that could be dangerous. He’ll likely only be ready for the Liguilla, and I hope that with the upcoming break, we can get him – and everyone else – in top shape.

"My goal is to have the team and each player reach the playoffs in the best possible form. As for the lack of goals, I’m not worried.”

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América has dealt with several injuries throughout the Clausura 2025, with the most notable absences being strikers Rodrigo Aguirre and Henry Martín. Both missed the crucial Champions Cup quarterfinal clash against Cruz Azul, where Las Águilas were eliminated.

Now, with the Liga MX season entering its final stretch and a historic fourth consecutive league title on the line, Jardine is gradually recovering key players. Aguirre is back in the squad, while Martín is still sidelined with Achilles tendonitis in his left foot, an injury that has kept him out for more than a month.

Midfielder Alan Cervantes will miss the Rayados match due to an ankle injury, and defender Sebastián Cáceres remains questionable. América’s medical staff is working to have as many players as possible fit for the playoffs.

On the other side, Martín Demichelis' Monterrey will be without Germán Berterame and Óliver Torres, both suspended after red cards in last weekend's Clásico Regio. However, there’s good news for the northern side as Sergio Canales and Jesús Corona are set to return.

Getty Images SportDID YOU KNOW?

Las Águilas are riding a six-match unbeaten streak against Rayados, with four wins and two draws in that span. The most recent clash between the two sides came in the Apertura 2024 final, where América emerged as champions, securing their third consecutive league title and completing the historic three-peat.

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA?

The Azulcremas will face Monterrey Wednesday in Week 16.

“Everything is very tight," Jardine said. "We’re going to Monterrey, and the toughest matches are coming. This battle at the top is intense, the tournament has been spectacular – there are six teams fighting for the title. I imagine a very close end to the regular season and a Liguilla that will be extremely competitive."

Ruben Amorim has revealed whether or not he will pick Andre Onana in Manchester United's Europa League quarter-final second leg with Lyon.

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Coach reveals GK choice for LyonOnana in spotlight after first leg errorsZirkzee ruled out for seasonFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Amorim left Onana out of his squad for United's last Premier League match at Newcastle following his two massive errors in the first leg against Lyon. However, back-up 'keeper Altay Bayindir made a huge blunder in the 4-1 thrashing at St James' Park, leaving the coach to choose between two unconvincing shot-stoppers for the biggest game of the season.

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"Andre will play tomorrow," Amorim told a press conference. "I think as a former coach and a player, I try to do things that can help a player in this situation. We talk about managing players physically, but we also have to manage them mentally. This week, my thinking was to put Onana to play."

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Amorim confirmed that Joshua Zirkzee will miss the rest of the season after injuring his hamstring against Newcastle. The coach also revealed that Matthijs de Ligt is not available for the second leg against Lyon but will return before the end of the campaign, while the same was true for Ayden Heaven, Jonny Evans and Amad Diallo.

DID YOU KNOW?

Harry Maguire defended Onana as "an excellent goalkeeper" but said his confidence must be low after his twin errors in the first leg. "I think first and foremost, Andre has proved in the past that he is an excellent goalkeeper. He has won numerous trophies. But you always have spells in your career where you have ups and downs," the defender said. "At the moment, he is probably feeling that everything is going against him. Playing in front of Andre is great; I have confidence in Andre. We all know he is an excellent goalkeeper."

A bite-size breakdown of the key action from day one of the first Test in Brisbane

ESPNcricinfo staff23-Nov-2017The (expected) early blow
Having won the toss, Joe Root was never likely to do anything other than opt to bat – despite sweaty skies in Brisbane. There was nothing as calamitous about England’s start as Steve Harmison’s wide in 2006-07 or Andrew Strauss’ third-ball duck four years later, but it still did not take long for Australia to strike. In his second over, Mitchell Starc got rid of England’s most-experienced batsman, Alastair Cook drawn into nicking to slip. Cue the first bout of night-time nerves: “It was just starting to look like the quietest start to a Gabba Test since 1998-99 … but instead, it’s taken just 16 balls for Australia to make their mark!”The (unexpected) counter
A major focus during the build-up had been on England’s 5-0 whitewashing in 2013-14 and the supposed “scars” that Australia would look to open up. An early score of 2 for 1 (or 1 for 2) hinted at trouble to come, but the promised onslaught from Australia’s fire-breathing quicks failed to materialise. Mark Stoneman and James Vince went into the Test billed as Poms to the slaughter, yet the pair of Ashes debutants made themselves at home at the “Gabbatoir” while adding a 125-run stand for the second wicket. That was better than England’s highest partnership during the 2013-14 series.The watery intervention
Pat Cummins fired a warning shot for the series when he dragged Root across his crease before swinging the ball back to trap him plumb in front (via the help of a review). He called it “the dream wicket” and, coming less than 10 overs from the close, it prevented England from taking the day. But Australia might have enjoyed more success with the old, reversing ball if Vince had not hit it into a puddle beyond the boundary rope shortly after tea. The umpires initially refused to change the ball but eventually did so after its condition deteriorated further – enabling Cummins to strike.The stat
Vince, whose technique was considered by some to be too fragile to succeed at No. 3, enjoyed a control percentage of 92% against pace bowling during his Test-best 83.ESPNcricinfo LtdQuote of the day”If he didn’t know who we were before the game, he probably does now. Reading comments like that gives you the motivation to go out there and make a statement.”What’s next?
Australia had just armed themselves with the new ball when the umpires decided to call a halt due to bad light, having lost their first review (which will no longer be topped up) over a failed lbw appeal against Dawid Malan. That fresh Kookaburra will still be only three deliveries old when Starc resumes in the morning – play will begin half an hour early to make up lost time – with Australia looking to rattle England’s lower order out quickly. That was one of the major advantages they enjoyed over the tourists in 2013-14; Malan, Moeen Ali and Jonny Bairstow will be the batsmen charged with preventing a repeat.

The South Africa fast bowler ended his international career at the age of 29, having played only 11 Tests, by signing a Kolpak deal with Hampshire

ESPNcricinfo staff05-Jan-2017Kyle Abbott’s 7 for 29 are the second-best figures in an innings for South Africa on Test debut•Getty Images1. February 2013: Abbott takes 7 for 29 in the first innings against Pakistan in Centurion, and is Player of the Match on Test debut for his nine-wicket haul.He misses the next six Tests South Africa play.2. March 2014: Abbott’s three wickets are the best returns for a South African fast bowler in the Newlands Test against Australia. His workload – 42 overs – is also the heaviest for his team.He misses the next three Tests South Africa play.3. December 2014: Abbott takes 1 for 61 in the match as Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander raze West Indies in Centurion.He misses the next five Tests South Africa play.4. November 2015: Abbott’s fourth Test lasts only a day as rain ruins the match in Bangalore. He bowls six out of 22 overs in India’s first innings, taking 0 for 18.He misses the next Test of the tour of India, in Nagpur.5. December 2015: Abbott takes 5 for 40 in 24.5 overs in India’s first innings in Delhi, and 1 for 47 in 22 in the second.He is picked for South Africa’s next Test.6. December 2015: Abbott bowls 45.4 overs in the Kingsmead Test against England and takes 2 for 128.He misses South Africa’s next two Tests in that series.7. January 2016: Abbott returns figures of 21-9-46-0 in the Centurion Test against England, with Kagiso Radaba emerging as a force with a 13-wicket haul.He misses South Africa’s next three Tests.8. November 2016: Abbott takes 3 for 41 and 6 for 77 in Hobart to bowl South Africa to series victory in Australia.With Steyn injured, Abbott plays South Africa’s next three Tests. It is the first time Abbott is playing successive Tests in a series.9. November 2016: Abbott takes 3 for 49 and 1 for 26 in South Africa’s first day-night Test, at Adelaide Oval.10. December 2016: Abbott claims 3 for 63 and 2 for 38 against Sri Lanka in Port Elizabeth, conceding only 101 runs in 41.5 overs in the match.11. January 2016: Abbott goes wicketless against Sri Lanka after bowling 23 overs in Cape Town.It turns out to be his final Test for South Africa as he confirms he has signed a three-year Kolpak contract with English county Hampshire.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has told the Gunners they need to make changes after being beaten by PSG in the first leg of their Champions League tie.

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PSG win first leg in north LondonHold the advantage ahead of return in ParisHenry says French side were the better teamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Mikel Arteta's side face an uphill task if they want to qualify for the Champions League final after losing the first leg 1-0 of their semi-final tie at the Emirates on Tuesday night. An early goal from Ousmane Dembele did the damage, although the visitors also hit the woodwork twice in an impressive showing.

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Arsenal defender William Saliba has admitted PSG made the Gunners "suffer" but has said he's hopeful the team can turn things around. Former striker Henry feels Arsenal will have to make plenty of changes if they are to prevail in Paris and says Luis Enrique's side will be even stronger in front of their own fans at the Parc des Princes.

WHAT HENRY SAID

He said on CBS Sports: "PSG were much superior, for me, in this match. There are a lot of things that need to change for Arsenal to beat PSG. You never know what can happen. I think of PSG against FC Barcelona last season . Everyone thought it was over, but they [Paris] ultimately won the return leg easily."

DID YOU KNOW?

Only two teams have reached the final of the Champions League after losing the first leg of their semi-final tie at home – Ajax in 1995-96 and Tottenham in 2018-19.

Chandimal’s sprint to 10 Test centuries, the end of Mathews’ century drought, and other statistical highlights from the third day of the third Tet

Bharath Seervi04-Dec-2017476- Balls faced by Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal during their 181-run stand for the fourth wicket. It’s the longest partnership between a visiting pair in India in the last five years, and the second-longest stand for Sri Lanka against India. Overall, this is the longest partnership for any pair at the Kotla, trumping the 433 balls Gautam Gambhir and VVS Laxman faced together against Australia in 2008-09.10- Centuries for Dinesh Chandimal in 80 Test innings: the fastest Sri Lankan to the landmark. The previous quickest was Thilan Samaraweera, who notched up 10 centuries in 82 innings. Kumar Sangakkara took 101 innings for the same.2- Number of Sri Lanka captains to score a century in India. Before Chandimal, only Sangakkara had done so, at the Brabourne Stadium in 2009-10. Chandimal is the first visiting captain in over 30 years to score a century at Feroz Shah Kotla, after Viv Richards in 1987-88.36- Number of innings without a century for Mathews before the one in this Test. Mathews averaged only 27.80 in those 36 innings with six fifties. His last ton was also against India, when they visited Sri Lanka in 2015. Between 2014 and 2015, Mathews hit six centuries in 42 innings.1981- The last instance of two centurions in the same innings for an opposition side at the Kotla. Geoff Boycott and Chris Tavare each made centuries for England then. Chandimal and Mathews’ centuries make it the fifth such instance at the Kotla. This is only the second occasion of Sri Lanka having two centurions in an innings in India.ESPNcricinfo Ltd3- Partnerships to have lasted 400 or more balls for Sri Lanka in the last five years; Chandimal has been involved in all three. He partnered Karunaratne against West Indies in Galle in 2015, and with Dhananjaya de Silva against Australia in Colombo (SSC) last year. The last such partnership, before these three, came in 2011.3- Number of times Chandimal has played innings of 300 or more balls in Tests this year – the highest. Steven Smith, Cheteshwar Pujara and Dimuth Karunaratne have played two such long innings.2009- Last instance of Sri Lanka’s Nos. 4 and 5 both scoring centuries in the same innings, as Chandimal and Mathews did in this match. Mahela Jayawardene and Samaraweera had done it in Galle then.

When Jonathan Trott walked off the field in Barbados, both he and the crowd knew it would be for the final time

Jonathan Trott26-Sep-2016I hardly saw the ball that dismissed me in the first innings. I had walked down the pitch to a short delivery and, instinctively I suppose, raised my gloves to protect my face. The ball lobbed off my hand to the fielder at square leg. Another duck. And another dismissal to a short ball.The second innings wasn’t much longer. I got off the mark – and off a pair – with a nice clip through the leg side off Taylor and actually felt pretty good. My mind was made up; there was a freedom in my play.But it wasn’t to last. Taylor got one to nip back at me, I played across it and they went up for leg before. I knew it was out. Cooky briefly suggested I think about a review, but there was no point wasting it on me at that stage. “Nah, I’m out of here,” I said.As I walked off, a group of Barmy Army supporters at the same end as the dressing rooms stood and gave me a warm ovation that was as appreciated as it was surprising for a man walking off having played his last innings of an unsuccessful tour. But they knew it was over and they were, I reasoned, taking the opportunity to say goodbye and thanks. I couldn’t raise my bat – I had only scored 9, after all, and England were in a hole – but I gave them a little wave.I’ll forever be grateful for their gesture. They proved, in that moment, that they were true supporters; not fairweather types who were only there for the good times.They also proved they had a memory. They remembered the times before I became a stuttering wreck; the times before I wandered towards mid-off before each ball was delivered; the times the only thing people could find to complain about was the manner in which I marked my guard and the time it took us to win Tests.The good old days.I didn’t want to be remembered like this and I was fearful that in my last four or five Tests I had diluted any reputation I had earned. At a time when things seemed pretty hopeless, I really appreciated that they were understanding and compassionate enough to show they weren’t judging me on this version of myself.Some in the media might not appreciate the Barmy Army but you’ll never hear a bad word about them in the dressing room.

“I’d have loved to score a century and win the game but I’d been around for long enough to know that cricket rarely works like that”

As I got into the dressing room, I remember thinking, “Thank God that’s over.” It’s a feeling that has never completely gone away. I have no regrets about making the decision to retire.But I don’t regret playing, either. Very few players have the opportunity to say goodbye and those last days within the England set-up gave me closure both on my international career and on a traumatic episode in my life.An hour or two after the game, with the presentations and formalities taken care of, Peter Moores told the team that I had something I’d like to say.The room fell silent and I could feel apprehension in the air as I stood up. I wasn’t completely sure what I was going to say, but it felt important to mark the occasion. I stood in front of the team, with my cap in my hand, and I started to talk.I told them I had come to a decision about my future. I told them it had become clear I wasn’t able to play at the level I once could and that my time was up. I told them I had been impressed by the talent and spirit I had seen within the squad and that they didn’t need me holding up their progress. I told them I believed in them and that I would be supporting them from afar for the rest of their careers. I told them it was their turn now to build a successful England team.I told them that their England cap was the best thing they would ever wear. I told them how my cap had been soaked in champagne and sweat and tears along the way and that every experience, be it good or bad, had made me appreciate it more.I wanted them to know how much it had meant to me. How much they had meant to me. And I wanted them to know, however hard they might find it in the future, there were people who they could confide in and people who would understand.And I wanted to say goodbye and thank you.We sat together for a few hours that night. It was emotional, but I knew it was right and I knew I was fortunate to leave in that way. Sure, I’d have loved to score that century and I’d have loved to win the game. But I’d been around for long enough by then to know that cricket rarely works like that. My Test career had started with a fairytale; it wouldn’t have been fair if it ended in one, too. It almost always has to end badly or it wouldn’t end.Jonathan Trott’s autobiography, , is available to buy now

Barcelona are set to launch a fresh bid to lure Nico Williams to the Spanish giants as they prepare to enter talks with the Athletic Club star.

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Barca and Arsenal target Spain star WilliamsLa Liga leaders ready to open new negotiationsHope Yamal friendship will convince him to signFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

The Catalan club attempted to sign the winger last summer following his role in last year's Euro 2024 success, but the 22-year-old opted to stay with the Basque side for at least one more year. Barca, however, have not given up on landing him as reports they are prepared to open talks over a summer transfer.

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The current La Liga leaders are not the only team interested in signing Williams. Bayern Munich have also been linked, but it is Arsenal who have been regarded as the favourites of late to complete the transfer, reportedly opening talks with the intention of triggering his release clause in his contract which is said to be set at €60 million (£51m/$66m).

DID YOU KNOW?

Despite the competition, Barcelona feel they have an advantage in the race to buy Williams. The winger has a close friendship with fellow Spain star Lamine Yamal, with Williams saying last year: "We laugh a lot. I think it's obvious that we have the same or very similar personalities and we like the same things. He's a kid that I get along with really well and I always try to give him as much advice as possible, like my brother Inaki has done with me."

Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

The Catalan club will hope Yamal's bond with Williams will tip the balance in their favour in the race to signing Williams, while Mikel Arteta will be eagerly awaiting news on his target's decision.

Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with its short boundaries, is a spinner’s nightmare. But for Chahal, it’s a ground where he thrives

Alagappan Muthu27-Sep-20172:45

‘I never look at the name of the batsman while bowling’ – Chahal

Amit Mishra is bowling to MS Dhoni. It is an optional training session. With the series won, the No. 1 ranking secured, dominance established and a sprinkle of rain in the air, Wednesday afternoon is about having a bit of fun before India have to wrap things up. Balls go flying into the second tier of the stands. Even the car to be awarded to the Man of the Series, parked on a pedestal beyond the boundary, gets a proper tonking. This is the plight of spinners at the M Chinnaswamy stadium. Yet there is one spinner who has made his name here.Yuzvendra Chahal was bought by Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2014 for INR 10 lakh (approx USD 16,000). At the time, he had 18 wickets from 22 T20s, with only one IPL match. Three years later, he is an indispensable part of the franchise, and is building a very strong case to be kept as a frontline option for India in international cricket.Chahal’s success so far has come from his ability to read a situation. He doesn’t really turn the ball too much, sometimes it seems like he doesn’t even want to. He is accurate, though, which could be a consequence of his action. His arm at the point of release is often at 90 degrees whereas most legspinners try to avoid the perpendicular to get the ball to rip past a right-hander’s outside edge. He has a googly which has served him quite well. But his greatest strength is his temperament, and proof of that has been his performance at his home ground.Well, he’s from Haryana, but Chahal has played much more cricket for Royal Challengers, in a stadium where his style of bowling is not meant to do well. The Chinnaswamy has racked up 870 sixes in the IPL, which is by far the record. Wankhede Stadium comes in second with a count of 657. So imagine how he must feel when he looks up from his run-up and sees boundaries that are just about 60 yards away.Yuzvendra Chahal celebrates the wicket of Suresh Raina•BCCIThen again, he was at least in the middle as a team’s first-choice spinner and that hasn’t happened very often for Chahal. His first-class career is stuck at 27 matches, despite a debut eight years ago, because he has had to compete for a spot with Amit Mishra, who, considering his stints as captain of Haryana, couldn’t be dropped and because of that the second-in-line was a fingerspinner like Jayant Yadav.Royal Challengers looked past that and gave him the responsibility. Chahal responded by taking 41 wickets from 28 innings at Chinnaswamy. He is the most successful T20 bowler at this ground and among the top 10 there is only one other spinner – Piyush Chawla with 12 strikes in 12 innings.”It’s always about giving my best for the team that I play,” Chahal said. “Also, whenever I bowl, I never look at the name of the batsman I am bowling to – even if I am playing club matches, inter-matches or the IPL, I bowl only to my strengths and that gives me a lot of confidence too. If you see, Bangalore is a small ground but I have got a lot of wickets here.”Doing well at franchise level doesn’t always mean a player is ready for the step up though. But Chahal, in the 10 ODIs since his debut in 2016, has only once gone wicketless. And in this series against Australia, he has been the captain’s preferred weapon against Glenn Maxwell. When he won the head-to-head a third time in a row, Chahal celebrated by gesturing how he had out-thought the batsman.”I don’t bowl at the stumps to him,” he said. “That is his strong area. So I always look to bowl outside off stump and vary my pace. I know that if I have bowled 2-3 dots, then he will look to step out to me but that delivery – where I pitch it and how it beats him – that has to be perfect.”Those are the kind of wickets that makes a bowler smile when sitting alone at an airport on travel day while his box-office friendly colleagues are hounded for selfies. But Chahal won’t mind. He’s got work to do. Finally, he’s got work to do.

Aston Villa secured a top eight spot in the Champions League group stage, automatically putting them into the final 16 of the competition along with Liverpool, Barcelona, Arsenal, Inter Milan, Atlético Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and Lille.

Morgan Rogers netted a hattrick against Celtic in their 4-2 victory to seal the three points needed to secure eighth spot, putting the Englishman on ten goals in all competitions this campaign, having also provided five assists.

With Jhon Duran set to be sold, Unai Emery could be armed with extra transfer kitty heading into the final days of the window, where he could obtain the perfect partner in crime for Rogers.

Latest Aston Villa transfer news

According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa have been in touch with Chelsea over not just Axel Disasi, but also Joao Felix.

Transfer Focus

However, the deal will depend on what Chelsea decide to do with Felix, which could be determined by their own business at the top end of the pitch.

With Duran on his way to Al Nassr for €77m (£54.4m) deal with add-ons, Emery’s side could have a busy final few days of the window, as they look to not only replace Duran, but use the funds to improve the squad ahead of a big second half of the season.

Felix has made 20 appearances for the Blues this season since joining in the summer, scoring seven goals, providing two assists and totalling 947 minutes played.

The 25-year-old can play a variety of positions across the front line, including attacking midfield, left-wing and even as a centre-forward.

Why Felix could shine with Rogers

By bringing another versatile forward to the club, Emery would have the capacity to play both Felix and Rogers alongside each other, two players who excel in creativity in the pockets/half spaces, can link play, arrive in the box and offer goal threat.

Stats (per 90 mins)

Felix

Rogers

Goals

0.67

0.34

Assists

0.17

0.17

xG

0.54

0.22

xAG

0.24

0.22

Progressive Carries

5.12

3.39

Progressive Passes

6.34

3.90

Shots Total

4.83

1.99

Key Passes

1.46

1.52

Shot-Creating Actions

4.39

3.43

Successful Take-Ons

2.44

2.45

When comparing the two players’ metrics this season, you can see how closely they rank in key areas, completing very similar key passes per 90, very similar take-on numbers and both offering output.

Felix has offered more in terms of progressive numbers and shot volume this season, but many of his minutes have also come in the UEFA Conference League against an overall lower standard, compared to Rogers in the Premier League and Champions League.

Felix is someone in the footballing sphere who has been labelled an “immense” talent by many experts, including Alex Barker (EuroExpert on X).

However, since his big-money move to Atlético Madrid from Benfica, coaches have struggled to get the best of him, usually due to his best work being done in tandem with a centre-forward to play off of, in something of a front two.

This is why Emery could fully unlock the potential of Felix, playing him behind a striker such as Ollie Watkins, moving Rogers over to the left, who can then drift inside alongside Felix, creating an excellent attacking triangle where Felix has the freedom to roam and do his best work.

With Duran seemingly out the door, snapping up the Chelsea man could represent the perfect attacking replacement.

Aston Villa about to accept £59m offer to sell "special" ace Ronaldo rates

This would certainly steal the headlines…

ByTom Cunningham Jan 29, 2025