Premier League

NUNO ESPIRITO SANTO is closing in on his first ever signing as Nottingham Forest manager.Nuno replaced Steve Cooper in the Forest dugout last week and picked up his first victory in only his second match in charge following a stunning 3-1 victory at Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Nottingham Forest are in ‘advanced negotiations’ with Monaco star Gelson MartinsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Nuno Espirito Santo is close to his first signing as Nottingham Forest managerCredit: Rex
And the Portuguese tactician is already building for the second half of the season ahead of the January transfer window with some major targets considered.
And according to Maisfutebol, Nottingham are in “advanced negotiations” with Monaco star Gelson Martins.
Opportunity has been scarce for Gelson in France this season and he has attracted bids from Russia as well as the US.
However, the winger has been adamant about his preference to move to the Premier League.
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The 28-year-old’s contract also runs out in June, which is why the Ligue 1 giants will be keen to sell next month in order to avoid losing him for free in the summer.
The former Portugal international has received plenty of plaudits throughout his career ever since bursting onto the scene with Sporting Lisbon in 2015.
So much so that he previously attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest bidders.
The forward was scouted by Arsenal, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool.
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Even Benfica bigwigs were so impressed with his performances at rivals Sporting throughout his three-year stint that he was dubbed the “future Cristiano Ronaldo.”
That led the Portuguese ace to a move to Atletico Madrid in 2018 before he was loaned out to Monaco a year later.
The French outfit then signed him on a permanent transfer soon after.
Gelson has scored 16 goals and bagged 14 assists in 129 appearances so far with Monaco. More

MANCHESTER CITY have given Newcastle the green light to sign Kalvin Phillips on a loan transfer in the new year, a report claims.But Eddie Howe’s side face a dilemma as the club are keen on the England international but do not have the funds for a permanent deal.
Manchester City have given Newcastle the green light to sign Kalvin Phillips on loanCredit: Getty
Newcastle have struggled in recent weeks from their Champions League exit to their Boxing Day 3-1 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
With multiple injuries and Sandro Tonali suspended Howe’s side are keen to sign Phillips.
And according to talkSPORT, last year’s Treble winners Man City are willing to let the midfielder go.
Phillips has played just 89 league minutes this season and the report claims the Cityzens are inviting offers for the 28-year-old.
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But his wages are said to be around £150K per week and with Financial Fair Play being the only thing in the Magpies’ way, Phillips may have to agree to a pay cut.
If the midfielder does agree to the transfer then he could be starting for Newcastle as early as January.
Gareth Southgate has previously warned the former Leeds ace that his place in England’s squad for Euro 2024 is at risk if he fails to secure regular first-team football.
Phillips has been unable to break into the City side since his £45million arrival from Leeds United last year.
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Juventus had opened talks with Pep Guardiola’s side over a move for the England international in the January transfer window.
But Phillips’ move to Italy could be off the cards if he wants to remain in the Premier League.
Rising up the youth ranks at Leeds, Phillips made his senior debut for the Championship side in 2015 and secured over 200 league appearances at the club.
During his eight seasons in the senior squad, he led the Whites to Premier League promotion under Marcelo Bielsa in 2020.
Bu since his big move to Man City Phillips has only played in 16 league games. More

CHELSEA youngster Alfie Gilchrist has been praised by club legend John Terry.The 20-year-old made his senior debut last night as the Blues beat Crystal Palace 2-1.
Supporters loved Alfie Gilchrist’s no-nonsense debutCredit: Getty
The centre-back flew into tackle to help secure the win
Gilchrist came on for the final few minutes to help seal the three points.
His brief cameo made him an instant hit with supporters as he flew into a crunching tackle on Jeffrey Schlupp and then tried to block a clearance with his head.
Fans loved it, one said: “This man breaths Chelsea. This is the energy we want across the squad.”
Another added: “Looked a bit like JT there.”
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A third wrote: “Is that Alfie or JT? Love the passion.”
The comparisons to Terry led to the former club captain praising centre-back Gilchrist.
He wrote on social media: “I f*****g love this.”
In another post, Terry added: “Delighted for Alfie. Congratulations mate.”
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Gilchrist has captained several of Chelsea’s youth-teams throughout his years at the club.
And Terry, who has coached the player, previously revealed he thinks the wonderkid has a huge future ahead of him, saying: “He’s a really really good player.
“He’s got an unbelievable attitude. He’s been at the club since the age of eight.
“He performs so well on a daily basis, does everything right. I think he’s got a good chance.
“I think Alfie’s next step is to go on loan next season and then you should see how he does.”
John Terry believes Gilchrist has a ‘good chance’ at becoming a Chelsea regularCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

NONI MADUEKE has revealed what he told Conor Gallagher before scoring his penalty winner against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night.The Blues winger was Chelsea’s hero in their 2-1 victory at Stamford Bridge.
Noni Madueke revealed what he told Connor Gallagher before he took the penalty against Crystal PalaceCredit: Reuters
Madueke’s spot-kick secured Chelsea a 2-1 victory on Wednesday nightCredit: Getty
Chelsea opened up the scoring against Palace with Mykhailo Mudryk’s early goal.
Then Michael Olise’s first-half stoppage time effort got his side back level.
But Olise’s foul on Madueke inside the box in the dying minutes of the match saw the Blues awarded a penalty.
After VAR confirmed the decision, the winger confidently grabbed the ball and assured Gallagher that he would score from 12 yards to snatch the three points.
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Speaking to Chelsea’s official channel after the win, Madueke said: “It was always gonna be mine, I’m confident, confident from the spot so yeah.
“I just told him Gallagher don’t worry I’ll score.
“I scored one earlier this season against AFC Wimbledon. So when I saw the VAR give the penalty, there was no doubt in my mind that I would take it.”
Madueke has had a tough campaign under Mauricio Pochettino after struggling with muscle injuries since the start of term.
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But the England U21 star is ready to make an “impact” when he is next called up by the Argentinian.
He continued: “It’s been a stop-start campaign for me. I’ve had little niggles, little injuries, things that haven’t quite gone my way.
“I’m happy to have an impact off the bench today and whether I start the next game – or have the same impact off the bench – is up to the manager.”
The former PSV star moved to West London in January but only bagged one goal last season – in a 3-1 defeat against Arsenal.
With just 10 appearances this season, mostly from the bench, the strike against Palace was his first league goal of the campaign.
He now has two goals across all competitions this term, both from the penalty spot. More