Chelsea have made a decision on one of their more expensive players at Stamford Bridge as Mauricio Pochettino continues to shape his squad, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Jackson injury, Hazard retires, Chelsea target Osimhen…

Cited by Football London, a Chelsea injury update on striker Nicolas Jackson has indicated that the Senegalese striker has withdrawn from international duty with the Lions of Teranga in order to undergo a minor operation on his wrist after he wore a splint for the Blues' last two fixtures.

Rangers forward Abdallah Sima has replaced Jackson in the Senegal squad as he recovers from the procedure over the international break ahead of Chelsea's trip to Arsenal upon the resumption of the Premier League campaign.

Chelsea icon Eden Hazard has announced his retirement from football and has taken to social media platform Instagram to thank everyone involved in his career, stating via The Guardian: "You must listen to yourself and say stop at the right time. After 16 years and more than 700 matches played, I have decided to end my career as a professional footballer. I was able to realise my dream, I have played and had fun on many pitches around the world. Thank you to everyone for these great times, I will miss you all."

Former Belgium international Hazard endeared himself to the Stamford Bridge faithful as a hero over the course of his seven years at Chelsea, registering 110 goals and 92 assists in 352 appearances across all competitions (Hazard statistics)

Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on his Substack "Si Phillips Talks Chelsea" that Pochettino sees Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as a "dream" Chelsea transfer target, while Brentford's Ivan Toney is also said to be on the radar at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea summer signings

Axel Disasi (Monaco)

£38.5m

Nicolas Jackson (Villarreal)

£30.1m

Christopher Nkunku (RB Leipzig)

£52m

Kendry Paez (Independiente del Valle)

£17.27m (joins 2025/26)

Robert Sanchez (Brighton)

£25m

Moises Caicedo (Brighton)

£115m

Lesley Ugochukwu (Rennes)

£23.5m

Angelo Gabriel (Santos)

Undisclosed

Alex Matos (Norwich)

Undisclosed

Diego Moreira (Benfica)

Undisclosed

Ishe Samuels-Smith (Everton)

Undisclosed

Dujuan Richards (Phoenix All Stars Academy)

Undisclosed

Romeo Lavia (Southampton)

£58m

Deivid Washington (Santos)

£17.1m

Djordje Petrovic (New England Revolution)

£14m

Cole Palmer (Manchester City)

£42.5m

All fees courtesy of Sky Sports

Chelsea transfer news – Romelu Lukaku

Transfer expert Romano has delivered another Chelsea transfer update on social media platform X regarding forgotten Blues striker Romelu Lukaku, who has rediscovered his best form out on loan at Jose Mourinho's Roma.

Romano stated: "Understand Chelsea have already fixed an exit fee for Romelu Lukaku in summer 2024 — and it’s around £37m. There’s an agreement to make Romelu available for that fee next year. Lukaku, doing great on loan to Roma as he scored 7 goals."

Labelled a "beast" by former Inter Milan striker Christian Vieri, Lukaku has managed to average 2.5 shots on goal per fixture this term in the Italian top-flight, alongside gaining an average match rating of 7.31/10, as per WhoScored.

Nevertheless, he could now be set to depart Stamford Bridge for a relatively cheap fee of £37 million, which looks almost microscopic compared to the £97.5 million fee the Blues paid for Lukaku in 2021.

Newcastle have loved a cult forward or two over the years. Callum Wilson, now a seasoned scorer alongside the more exuberant Alexander Isak, is no exception to this trend. Still present at the ever-developing, ever-moneyed Newcastle – 31-year-old Wilson can look back on an impressive goal tally.

Wilson's scored more than you'd think. Perhaps it's a nod to the luxury of the league around him, as his 82 Premier League appearances for the Magpies with a prolific 42 goals somehow slipped under the radar. It's no wonder he's a fan favourite like he was at Bournemouth. However, this article isn't wholly about him.

In terms of cults on Tyneside, there's only really one man who epitomises the title. With a special onus on his 2011/12 season, as well as the fact he's still scoring at 38 – let's look at Papiss Cisse.

How good was Papiss Cissé at Newcastle?

For that one season in 2011/12, (and perhaps with the exception of 2014/15), Cisse was electric.

The Senegalese striker arrived in Newcastle after ripping up Ligue 2 with Metz and then the Bundesliga with Freiburg.

During the 2010/11 term, Cisse was second to Mario Gomez's 28 goals in the scoring charts with 22. An eventual total tally of 37 league goals is still a record for a Freiburg player, with that 22 itself being a season record for an African in the Bundesliga – surpassing Tony Yeboah's 20 goals for Eintracht Frankfurt back in 1992/93.

Newcastle's ears pricked up after this, as well as after a half-season where he scored nine in 17, and signed Cissé for £10m in January 2012. Here, the fun commenced.

In the second half of the sharp-shooting 11/12 campaign, fans saw one of the Premier League's most ridiculous runs of form as a leggy, frenetic Cisse bagged an insane 13 goals in 14 games with two amazing efforts coming against Chelsea. Stamford Bridge in May 2012. It's almost synonymous with Cisse.

The first goal sees Jonas Gutierrez find Davide Santon making a nice overlap. He jinks down the left channel before slipping the ball into Cisse. Don't look away. He's just on the edge of the box and in one movement, the ball's up and away. He's flicked it up and volleyed into the far right side with Cech no chance. He's made the skullcap-wearing maestro look like a playground kid. Up you get, Petr.

After seeing that first goal, it's easy to think 'it can't get better' – but obviously it always does.

Play is on the left-hand side and just out of the corner, big Shola Ameobi has chested it down. Again, I implore you, don't even blink – because on the bounce it's a pelter from with the outside of the right boot.

It's a dream of a strike and again, Cech may as well not even dive. Top right corner, disbelief. Look, even Drogba is clapping. Chelsea later ended the term sixth; a place behind Papiss-inspired Newcastle. This win not only helped to sway things. It stormed the goal of the month voting…

Where is Papiss Cissé now?

As hinted to briefly earlier, other than 2011/12's goal run, Cisse's next big season was in 2014/15 as he scored 11 goals in 22. Impressive, but he wasn't consistent enough – and feeling he'd had his time in the sun, he moved on in 2016 for around £5m.

Cue a goal-laden journey through China, three Turkish clubs and one near-death experience in a horrendous coach crash, before going back to Ligue 2 – the division where it all started.

In a beautifully Geordie-centric cyclic fashion too, at Amiens, he's up top with Andy Carroll who himself has gone off the beaten path.

Shandong Luneng – 2016/18

16

31

Alanyaspor – 2018/20

38

58

Fenerbahce – 2020/21

5

25

Caykur Rizespor – 2022

2

14

Amiens – 2022-

10

30

Stats via Transfermarkt.

Since leaving in 2016, Cissé has scored a whopping 80 goals and ten assists at club level compared to Wilson's 81 goals. That's not bad for a striker who is seven years Wilson's senior.

Liverpool are currently on a quest for glory once again after struggling last season, with a host of changes giving the feel that this is very much a new chapter in Jurgen Klopp's illustrious reign on Merseyside.

The Premier League side look to have hit the mark regarding summer incomings, while also shifting on much of the deadwood and are back challenging for the division's top spot after failing to qualify for the Champions League last term.

Last summer, Darwin Nunez was signed for a club-record £85m fee, though little else of significance occurred in the market, with esteemed winger Sadio Mane taking his leave; Neco Williams was also sold, and while his funds could have been better utilised in strengthening the midfield, his sale remains a massive win nonetheless.

How much did Liverpool sell Neco Williams for?

Having risen through Liverpool's academy ranks, Williams had started to creep into first-team contention and actually forged 33 appearances for the Reds, registering six assists.

Hailed as "brilliant" by The Athletic's James Pearce during his ascent to the senior set-up, Williams started life at senior level with much promise but after receiving a transfer offer from Nottingham Forest in July 2022, was sold for £17m.

Given that he was very much on the periphery and had been nurtured through the Anfield formative ranks, Williams' sale should be viewed as nothing other than a major success, especially with that particular position in good hands.

How good is Neco Williams?

Williams was always an exciting talent but he was always facing an uphill battle in cementing a spot in Liverpool's team, with Trent Alexander-Arnold dominating the right-back position and Joe Gomez a competent deputy.

Having played 36 matches across all competitions last year, posting one goal and one assist, the £50k-per-week ace registered 2.3 tackles and 1.1 interceptions per game and won 51% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

However, during the 2021/22 campaign – his last on Merseyside – the 31-cap Wales international was entrusted with just one Premier League appearance before being loaned out to Fulham in the Championship.

Noel Whelan praised the "amazing business" in selling Williams for a pretty penny, who offers supplementation in attack and a growing all-round ability but was indeed unlikely to usurp someone of Alexander-Arnold's ilk.

While he boasts an impressive level of creativity, Williams is also demonstrating a burgeoning defensive skill set with the Tricky Trees, with FBref ranking the Wales star among the top 4% of full-backs across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for tackles, the top 6% for interceptions and the top 3% for blocks per 90.

And while he did not quite cut the mustard at Liverpool, Williams remains an exciting talent and one who will play a big role for Forest this season as Steve Cooper's side look to retain their top-flight status – having been remarked to be on a “different level” by reporter Callum Castel.

There's every possibility that he will continue to improve and perhaps even be snapped up by a European contender in the future, but Liverpool will hold no qualms after cashing in lucratively for a player who cost them nothing.

Handscomb is set to take Carey’s place behind the stumps, while Renshaw is on track for selection after having missed the first match with a hamstring strain

Varun Shetty06-Sep-2018Australia A vice-captain Alex Carey is set to miss the second unofficial Test against India A starting Saturday as he has returned home for the birth of his child. Peter Handscomb will keep wicket in his place. Meanwhile, opening batsman Matt Renshaw is on track for selection for the second Test, having missed the first with a hamstring strain.Carey had an impressive outing behind the stumps during the first match in Bengaluru, and although his two catches in the game don’t tell that story, Carey was reliable on a low and slow pitch, particularly as it deteriorated on the last day.With Australia likely to rotate the squad around to bring in two spinners – Ashton Agar and Mitchell Swepson – Handscomb’s job as stand-in keeper will be particularly challenging. While Handscomb is no stranger to wicketkeeping, having done the job for Victoria, Melbourne Stars and Yorkshire before, it has largely been restricted to limited-overs cricket.According to ESPNcricinfo’s records, Handscomb last started a first-class match as designated wicketkeeper in December 2015, when he kept for Victoria in Melbourne during the Sheffield Shield.Handscomb has kept in India before, in an ODI in Indore last year, but the rigours of a four-day game will be markedly different.It will also add extra pressure in what will be Handscomb’s final push for a spot in the senior Test squad for their series against Pakistan in the UAE next month. Handscomb’s last first-class century came in February this year, but in the seven innings since – including two in the Johannesburg Test against South Africa – Handscomb has managed to get into double-figures on only one occasion. Handscomb had a poor quadrangular series last month as well, managing only four runs in two innings, and is on something of a remodelling phase, having admitted that bowlers had worked him out.Handscomb still remains a strong contender for Test selection, particularly for his skills against spin. With the additional responsibility of wicketkeeping, he could be pushed down the order, presumably to No. 6 where his said skills will be more prominently on display. It could allow him both time and freedom to get himself in, unlike in Bengaluru where in both innings at No. 4, he was at the centre of middle-order collapses. Should that be the case, Queensland’s Marnus Labuschagne could be pushed up the order. Labuschagne, who had stayed back with the Test squad for the first Test as a reserve for the injured Renshaw, will now remain with the squad for the second game as well.Australia A squad for the second Test: Usman Khawaja, Matthew Renshaw, Kurtis Patterson, Travis Head, Mitchell Marsh (capt), Peter Handscomb (wk), Marnus Labuschagne, Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Jon Holland, Michael Neser, Joel Paris, Mitchell Swepson, Chris Tremain

MLS side LAFC are in advanced talks to sign AC Milan star Olivier Giroud on a free transfer this summer.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

Giroud linked with MLS moveAC Milan man in talks with LAFCOut of contract in summerWHAT HAPPENED?

The 37-year-old forward could link up with ex-international teammate Hugo Lloris in Hollywood, with the 2022 MLS champions looking to bolster their attack, according to The Athletic. Despite his age, Giroud is still scoring at a prolific rate in Europe, with 12 goals and eight assists across 26 matches in Serie A this season.

Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE

LAFC have made the past two MLS Cup championship games, winning in 2022 and falling just short in 2023. With Giroud in their ranks, alongside reigning Golden Boot-winner Denis Bouanga, their attack would be one of the most prolific across the league.

Giroud helped France reach the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cup finals, winning the former against Croatia, and falling just short against Lionel Messi and Argentina in Qatar.

However, nothing is set in stone at the moment, with the report claiming that the Rossoneri themselves could still look to extend Giroud's stay in Milan beyond the 2024 campaign. If he doesn't reach an agreement with LAFC, options in the Middle East are available – along with other European teams, too.

DID YOU KNOW?

Giroud has 56 goals in 129 caps for France – making him Les Bleus' all-time record scorer. Across his entire career he's netted 332 times for club and country since 2005.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

GettyWHAT NEXT FOR GIROUD?

Currently with the France national team during the international window, Giroud is lining up to participate in a pair of friendlies against Germany and Chile. At club level, he will return to the pitch with Milan on March 30 against Fiorentina.

Chelsea hadn't messed around this summer. With the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino, a world-class manager, and a whole host of talent acquired to their squad, it felt like the Blues were heading back to their former best.

Yet, after breaking the bank on the likes of Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo, to name a few, they currently find themselves in an unsatisfactory mid-table position with three defeats from their opening eight matches.

While Pochettino will be given time to mould the squad how he wants it, patience on their current stars could wear thin if significant ground hasn't been made on the Champions League places come January, which could lead to more mass spending.

Unsurprisingly, a whole host of stars have already been touted with a winter move to Stamford Bridge, and one of Europe's brightest young talents, Jamal Musiala, is the latest name to be linked.

Are Chelsea interested in Jamal Musiala?

A graduate of Chelsea's youth academy, who departed the club for Bayern Munich aged 16, would make a huge U-turn on his career if he was to return to Stamford Bridge.

According to 90min, Premier League clubs are showing an interest in Musiala, including Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea.

The report details that Bayern remain confident of tying the 20-year-old down to a long-term contract, however, with several clubs enquiring about his availability, a potential bidding war could ensue.

Currently valued at €92.3m (£80m) according to Football Transfers and with another three years left on his contract, the Blues will need to splash the cash in order to lure him to west London, either in January or next summer.

What would Jamal Musiala bring to Chelsea?

One of Chelsea's most fateful mistakes was allowing Musiala to depart for Bayern in 2019 after failing to convince the youngster to commit his future to the London club.

All will be forgiven, however, if the Blues manage to pull off a sensational move to prise the youngster away from Germany and back to England.

The attacking midfield sensation, who has been nominated for the prestigious Golden Boy Award, is the shining light of a German side crying out for a rebuild and an unwavering cog of Bayern's merciless winning machine.

Combining his electric pace and remarkable dribbling to a devastating effect, the youngster has been compared to the great Lionel Messi for how he carries the ball in perpetual motion, breezing past defenders like the ball is stuck to his feet and supplying a relentless end product to match.

With an astonishing 12 goals and 13 assists in 33 Bundesliga matches last term, Musiala showcased why the footballing world is salivating over his talents, seamlessly slotting into pockets of space and appearing to be the perfect heir to Muller's throne.

Lauded as a "future Ballon d'Or" winner by teammate Alphonso Davies for how he's dominated on the world stage at just 20-years-old, Musiala has shown that his potential is limitless.

The youngster's former coach, Andre Martin, reinforced the above back in 2021, saying: "Technically outstanding, very skillful, and a player who can score all types of goals, inside and outside the box. And he's a great dribbler and likes to take players on, as he did against Schalke. He later became a No.10 and has become as much of a creator as a goalscorer."

The description of his qualities suggests that Chelsea must reverse the mistake they made four years ago and go all out to sign one of the best young talents on the planet.

CSA general manager of cricket Corrie van Zyl says tournament will feature established South Africa stars despite clash with Abu Dhabi T20 League

Liam Brickhill12-Oct-2018Cricket South Africa has unveiled the name of its new T20 league. The inaugural Mzansi Super League (MSL) will take place from 16 November to 16 December.”Mzansi” is an isiXhosa word that translates literally to “south”, but in colloquial usage refers to the country of South Africa. The local spin on the league has been central to CSA’s re-strategising after the failed first launch last year.The six MSL teams will be owned locally, by CSA, and the league will be city-based, with CSA having announced the hosting stadiums on Thursday.”I would like to thank everyone involved in putting this milestone project together,” CSA chief executive Thabang Moroe said. “We look forward to welcoming, and being entertained by, some of the world’s best cricketers. We are also confident that the MSL will serve the dual objective of becoming a launchpad for our next generation of T20 talent.”The event tagline is ‘FUN. FAST. FOR ALL’, which speaks volumes about the competition’s concept.”CSA has also aimed to maximise local viewership on the games on television, and the matches are set to be broadcast exclusively live by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) – South Africa’s public broadcaster – on its television and radio platforms.”Our plans are well under way to make the MSL T20 the hottest sport spectacle this summer,” SABC chief operations officer Chris Maroleng said. “South African audiences deserve the best sport content and this partnership with CSA is at the heart of our commitment to deliver this promise. We are putting together a world-class production that will showcase the expertise of the SABC to the rest of the world.”The names of the six participating sides, the marquee South African players and the international signings will all form part of the competition Player Draft Matrix that will be held on October 15.South Africa’s tour of Australia in November concludes with a T20I at the Carrara Oval on 17 November, the day after the MSL is due to begin, and the MSL will clash with the Abu Dhabi T10 League, which runs from 23 November to 2 December, but CSA general manager of cricket and MSL playing affairs director Corrie van Zyl insisted that established names would be part of the event.”We can assure fans that the talent set to participate in the MSL T20 will be top-class, featuring our established Proteas alongside their international counterparts, while also showcasing our up-and-coming local talent,” van Zyl said.

Aston Villa are back in action this afternoon, as the Villans host in-form West Ham United at Villa Park in matchweek nine of the 2023/24 Premier League season.

Only two points separate the two sides, who have both started the campaign in fine form, making this afternoon’s affair one to watch in the Midlands.

After being held to a 1-1 draw at Molineux prior to the international break, Unai Emery will be eager to see his squad pick up three points against the Hammers, although claiming the win will be far from easy.

What is the latest Aston Villa team news against West Ham?

After the well-fought draw against Wolves last time out, Emery’s side will hope to return to winning ways, which could be made easier with no fresh injury concerns.

In his pre-match press conference, the Spaniard confirmed that Alex Moreno and Jacob Ramsey remain absent from the squad as they continue to push for fitness, while long-term absentees Tyrone Mings and Emiliano Buendia are also far from a return to action.

With the Villans set to be back in action in the Europa Conference League next week, there may be some consideration for rotation in the squad, particularly due to the current situation regarding Nicolo Zaniolo.

While the club have confirmed that the Italian, who is being investigated due to betting breaches, will be in the squad to face the Hammers, there is no guarantee that he will start the game given the drama unfolding off the pitch for the 24-year-old.

With all factors in mind, Emery may be prompted to demote the playmaker to the bench, which could open a door for one of Villa’s most exciting players on his day, with a figure that could damage the well-structured West Ham back line.

Should Leon Bailey start against West Ham?

During his pre-match press conference, Emery was full of praise for this afternoon’s opposition, admitting that it’s “always difficult” to beat the Hammers.

Adding another threat to the flank could administer further danger to West Ham’s back line, and Leon Bailey could be the one to deal such a blow.

The Jamaican has started just two Premier League games this season, however has still had time to showcase his threat, scoring two goals and recording one assist in a total of six appearances.

A reshuffle in the middle of the park could be sanctioned to allow Bailey to occupy his favoured right-wing role, which could prevail to be a strong move considering the danger he poses when in possession going forward.

Last season, the 26-year-old averaged an impressive 3.89 progressive carries per 90 in the Premier League, as well as attempting 5.08 take-ons per 90, to highlight his direct trajectory when on the flank, via FBref.

Once lauded as “electric” by journalist Matt Maher, Bailey could threaten the wide channels against Moyes' men, who enjoy attacking in pairs on the wings, which could free up some space for the £100k-per-week Jamaican to exploit due to his strength in possession.

Emery will have a host of decisions to make ahead of the fixture with the knowledge that whatever team he decides to play, the fixture is poised to be a thriller.

Unai Emery's policy on youth has been clear since taking the reins at Aston Villa. With the signing of young stars like Jhon Duran or the continued integration and development of Jacob Ramsey for example, it's shown that if you're good enough, you're old enough.

Alternatively, there are some that can slip through the Villans' net. A prime example of such is the high-flying Jaden Philogene-Bidace.

Where did Jaden Philogene come from?

Philogene-Bidace, although now playing without that second surname, is an electric 21-year-old winger. Born and raised in west London, Philogene somehow didn't get picked up in a formative academy fashion like so many youngsters in the city.

Instead, he got his start through the Pro: Direct Academy. Here, he shone and had a pick of Football League clubs back in 2018. He settled for Aston Villa and saw three years in the youth setup before making his senior breakthrough in 2021.

While he had shown great tenacity up to this point with academy showings, as well as consummate preseason involvements for Villa – Philogene found opportunities elsewhere with loan deals for Stoke and Cardiff City, respectively.

He may have been too late of a developer for Villa, yet Philogene had a safety net of multiple suitors primed on departure, and now he finds himself in the Championship with Hull City as well as flourishing in England's U21 side.

What has Philogene done since leaving Aston Villa?

Such has been the creative winger's attitude and skill, that his Premier League exit has done him little negative damage. At Hull, there have been more opportunities in a highly developmental side, and it has of course reaped further individual chances.

Of these chances, Philogene's momentum saw, of course, an England U21 debut with two brilliant goals against Serbia.

In just seven games this domestic season, Philogene has demonstrated his raw talents and looks to be keeping up with his former place competitor Moussa Diaby at Villa.

Diaby has five goal involvements (two goals, three assists) in eight Premier League games. Philogene has five goal involvements (one goal, four assists) in one less game. Add those aforementioned strikes at international level into the equation and he's even outscored the French summer signing in 2023/24.

It's said that despite a football academy grounding, Philogene was consistently the best player in his schooling. This raw tenacity looks to be bearing fruit and in future, this season could be seen as the true kickstart for his career.

FBref reflects a player who potentially needs to strengthen offensive output – yet the creative sparks are present. For his low non-penalty xG of 0.17, there's a high shot total of 2.76 per 90.

While he doesn't have high pass completion compared to others in his position at 71.8% per 90 – he has a brilliant successful take-on rate of 2.60 per 90.

Other high-scoring marks come with blocks (1.38 per 90) and tackles (2.64 per 90). Compared to others in his position (those stats put him in the top 15% and 3% percentiles), Philogene presents as this tenacious force raring to get stuck in. If he can tailor his raw craft to the effective stats, then Aston Villa will be ruing his £5m departure even more.

Everton are under genuine threat of suffering a 12-point deduction this season, but a new update has revealed some positive news on the situation.

Everton in danger of points deduction

The Blues are going through a really tough time of things at the moment, with so many negatives on show at the club ahead of their move to Bramley Moore Dock next summer. The sad news of chairman Bill Kenwright's passing has devastated everyone affected with the club this week, and he will be sorely missed on Merseyside for the person he was regardless of any thoughts on his abilities in the boardroom.

Meanwhile, talk of an Everton takeover continues to rumble on, with no agreement in place yet with 777 Partners, and there is now also the worrying matter of the Blues potentially suffering a 12-point deduction, due to possibly being found guilty of financial breaches.

That could be an unbelievable blow for Sean Dyche and his players, as they look to avoid relegation from the Premier League, with 12 points lost suddenly making a drop down to the Championship look highly likely as the campaign progresses.

Everton are already sitting 16th in the league table after nine matches, having only won two of those games to date, highlighting exactly why the deduction could hurt them so badly, at a time when they cannot afford to go down to the second tier of English football.

Everton confident of beating Premier League charge

According to a fresh update from Football Insider journalist Sean Fisher, those high up at Everton are confident of avoiding a points deduction, contrary to the recent reports :

"Everton are confident of avoiding the 12-point deduction suggested by the Premier League, Football Insider has been told.

"The Toffees began their disciplinary hearing with the Premier League at the start of the week addressing allegations that they breached spending rules. The hearing is set to be concluded in the coming days."

This is an update that will likely make Everton fans breathe a certain sigh of relief, even if they are far from in the clear when it comes to the financial accusations being levelled against them.

The fact that those at the club are seemingly confident about a points deduction being avoided can only be a good thing and it will be a massive relief if the potential charges are dropped or only lead to a slap on the wrist.

It is vital that this saga, among numerous others, doesn't affect Dyche and his players, however, with results so important in the Premier League at the moment, as they look to bounce back from the disappointment of losing 2-0 away to Liverpool in the Merseyside derby last weekend.

Sunday's trip to West Ham will be a good place to start, with victory at the London Stadium representing a huge statement against a team who are the reigning UEFA Europa Conference League holders.

Every point feels absolutely vital for the Blues at the moment, and with the threat of a points deductions there for all to see, it makes any positive result feel even more priceless at this point.