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After Manchester City, Aston Villa are reportedly considering legal action against the Premier League over Profitability and Sustainability rules.

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• Premier League face double trouble
• Villa wage legal battle against the PL
• Labelled PSR breaches as “opaque and seemingly arbitrary”

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the Premier League is bracing for another legal battle as Aston Villa’s owner, Nassef Sawiris, considers challenging the league's Profitability and Sustainability Rules. This follows Manchester City's ongoing arbitration over Associated Party Transactions, marking a significant moment for financial governance in English football.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Sawiris, known as Egypt's wealthiest man, has expressed strong opposition to the Premier League's financial rules, deeming them "anti-competitive." In an interview with the , Sawiris indicated that he is seeking legal counsel to explore the possibility of a formal complaint. He argues that the current regulations stifle competition rather than promote it, creating a stagnant environment that benefits established clubs at the expense of ambitious newcomers.

• WHAT SAWIRIS SAID

  “Some of the rules have actually resulted in cementing the status quo more than creating upward mobility and fluidity in the sport," Sawiris opined.

  "The rules do not make sense and are not good for football. Managing a sports team has become more like being a treasurer or a bean counter rather than looking at what your team needs. It’s more about creating paper profits, not real profits. It becomes a financial game, not a sporting game.

  The Egyptian billionaire also criticized the penalties for breaching Profitability and Sustainability Rules as "opaque and seemingly arbitrary," highlighting the inconsistency and lack of transparency in the enforcement of these regulations.

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Recently, Aston Villa's proposal to raise the Premier League's maximum allowable losses over three years from £105 million to £135 million was rejected. Despite reporting a £119.6 million loss for the last season and maintaining the seventh-highest wage bill in the league, Villa surprisingly insist that they operate within the PSR limits.

  Adding to the controversy, Leicester City have also hinted at legal action against the Premier League for a potential PSR breach. The financial burden of enforcing these rules has become increasingly significant, with revealing that the Premier League has spent approximately £28 million on legal fees related to PSR cases involving Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Manchester City’s 115 charges, along with the associated party arbitration.

  The Premier League is also investigating Chelsea over payments made during Roman Abramovich’s ownership and has yet to approve a transaction involving the sale of two hotels to a related company. The league has declined to comment on these matters, maintaining a stance of silence amid the escalating legal and financial disputes.

Switzerland withstood a second-half comeback from Hungary to secure a hard-fought and exciting 3-1 win in their Euro 2024 opener.

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• Switzerland beat Hungary 3-1 at Euro 2024
• Duah, Aebischer, and Embolo score for Swiss
• Varga nets for Hungary in defeat

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  TELL ME MORE

  Switzerland flew out of the blocks and deservedly took the lead when Kwadwo Duah beat the offside trap to give his country a 12th-minute lead at RheinEnergieStadion. A lacklustre Hungary struggled to get into the game and were punished again when Michel Aebischer curled in a delightful effort in first-half stoppage time. Marco Rossi's side were much-improved in the second half and after the Swiss dropped off, inviting them back into the contest, Barnabas Varga's header in the 66th-minute set up a nervy finish. That goal led to both teams going at it hammer and tong but in the end, substitute Breel Embolo capitilised on Willi Orban's poor header to lob the ball home as Murat Yakin's men went second in Group A on Saturday afternoon.

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  THE MVP

  While Granit Xhaka helped his side win the midfield battle for large periods, Aebischer scored the goal of the game, and Embolo was superb off the bench, for Duah to score his first international goal on just his second cap takes some beating. The 27-year-old, who plays for Hungarian side Ludogorets Razgrad, was a threat in behind with his pace and willingness to run on a day he will never forget.

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  THE BIG LOSER

  On a day where the 23-year-old became the youngest captain in European Championships history, Liverpool midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai was anonymous for long periods of the encounter. On days like this you need to stand up and lead by example and while he bagged a nice assist for Hungary's goal, the midfielder needed to do more to get his team going.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Hungary will try to bounce back from this defeat in their next game against tournament hosts Germany on Wednesday, whereas the victorious Switzerland take on Scotland – who were thumped 5-1 on Friday night by Julian Nagelsmann's side – a few hours later that day.

As Thursday's transfer deadline approaches, Leeds United manager Daniel Farke is trying to secure a reunion with Ben Godfrey, one of his former players at Norwich City.

Everton are open to letting Godfrey leave Goodison Park before the end of the window as they look to trim their wage bill, but they have rejected Leeds' first loan offer. 49ers Enterprises are still pushing to get the deal done, and are expected to return with another bid.

In the meantime, though, it's sensible for Leeds to put some feelers out for alternative centre-backs, to ensure they're not left empty-handed if they can't pull off the Godfrey deal. That's where Bournemouth's Chris Mepham comes in.

Leeds unsuccessful with Mepham approach

According to Fabrizio Romano, Leeds have made an approach for Mepham, along with Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United, but both the Championship promotion-chasers and Premier League strugglers have been rebuffed by Andoni Iraola's side.

The Cherries regard him as too important a player to be sold or loaned out at this late stage, and they've told his suitors that he won't be leaving this week.

"Aggressive" Mepham has been hard done by

It sounds like Leeds can forget about signing Mepham, until the summer at the very least, and that's as disappointing as it is surprising. Bournemouth's stance isn't really consistent with the hard facts when it comes to Mepham's lack of involvement this season – as you can see in the table below, he's played almost as many minutes in the domestic cup competitions (225) as he has in the Premier League (265). Indeed, his start in the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool last time out was only his third in the top-flight this season.

Leeds fans may have relished what former manager Scott Parker has called an "aggressive" approach to defending from the Welshman. When compared to fellow centre-backs in similar leagues over the last year, he ranks in the 94th percentile for dribblers challenged per 90 (2.08), demonstrating his eagerness to put a foot in, and the 90th for blocks (1.74), which shows that he's ready to throw his body in the way of the ball. He sits in the 91st for interceptions too (1.82), so he clearly defends on the front foot.

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Now that Leeds look set to miss out, there's extra pressure on the club to land Godfrey, or indeed a different, plan-c target. It's unclear why exactly Everton were dissatisfied with their proposed terms – they may have wanted the Whites to take on a greater share of the player's salary – but whatever the reasoning, they need to either meet the Toffees' demands or move on at this stage.

West Ham United, with Michail Antonio still sidelined through injury and Danny Ings still struggling to make his mark, are reportedly in the market for a new forward, making surprise contact for one particular Premier League striker. As the January transfer window approaches its deadline, the Hammers could yet add to their attack.

West Ham transfer news

The biggest name linked with a move to the London Stadium when it comes to solving their striker problem has been Victor Boniface. According to reports, the Hammers are ready to smash their transfer record to sign the Bayer Leverkusen man. However, David Moyes' verdict on West Ham's budget may suggest otherwise.

Moyes has previously said: "Our budget isn't huge in this window. There's lots of reasons why there's probably not a lot of signings going on. We probably need to sell to get some other players in. If that’s the case then we’re probably in a selling mood, rather than a loaning mood.”

With that said the Irons could yet turn to alternative options for Boniface and those who may not cost such a hefty price this month. And among those could be Aston Villa's Jhon Duran. According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon, West Ham have made a "surprise" enquiry for Duran in their search to put an end to their forward woes.

Nixon revealed in his Patreon: “Hammers have also made a surprise inquiry for Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran. The Colombian wants more game time and may fancy a move. However Villa are unlikely to do business for Duran, who has other admirers including Chelsea, unless there is a big offer rather than a loan deal.”

Given that Duran only joined the Midlands club last summer, their transfer stance is hardly a surprise even amid West Ham's reported interest, with The Guardian since adding that the Hammers have had a reply, with their approach rejected by Villa.

"Powerful" Duran could replace Antonio

Amid Antonio's injury concerns and status as a player not exactly getting any younger at 33 years old, West Ham could be wise to sign someone of Duran's calibre. The 20-year-old has struggled to displace the in-form Ollie Watkins at Villa Park this season, meaning that a move could suit all parties involved this season. The youngster has previously earned the praise of Football Talent Scout's Jacek Kulig, who posted on X earlier in Duran's career:

Duran's stats, when he has been given a chance, make for impressive reading. The forward has scored four goals in all competitions, having started seven games and played a total of 659 minutes – the same as just over seven games. At 20 years old, the Colombian is only likely to get better too, making him an ideal replacement for Antonio. As the window comes to a close, it will be interesting to see whether West Ham push on and seal a surprise deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr are reportedly prepared to make Liverpool's Virgil van Dijk the world's best-paid defender if he joins them this summer.

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• Van Dijk out of contract in 2025
• Liverpool star focused on next season
• Al-Nassr target lucrative transfer deal

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Dutch international has a year left on his Liverpool contract, which has led to interest from Bayern Munich and now Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr. In addition, Spanish publication Marca claims the Riyadh-based outfit's representatives have met with Van Dijk's team and presented a contract that would make him the "highest-paid defender in the world."

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Despite these fresh proposals for the 32-year-old, he has said he is focused on playing for Liverpool next season under new manager Arne Slot.

  Last month, he said: "I still have a year left on my contract. I am the club captain and I have made it clear I am there for the new coach and enthusiastic over the next season. Obviously, there will be a lot of changes but I am confident we will make a big success of it."

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Since the 6ft 4in defender's move from Southampton in the 2017/18 season, the former Celtic star has made 270 appearances for the Reds and won the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup, among other trophies.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Van Dijk is currently focusing on playing for the Netherlands at this summer's Euros in Germany but the question about his long-term future will not go away. Until he signs a new deal at Anfield, or elsewhere next year, speculation over his next move will rumble on.

To say that Southampton are flying in the Championship would be an understatement. The Saints have set course for automatic promotion and look set to secure an instant return to the Premier League. Whether or not they make it back to the top flight this season, however, they could be without one of their most experienced players in the next campaign, with Saudi Arabia awaiting.

Southampton transfer news

Southampton weren't in any position to panic buy in the January transfer window, instead opting to complete wise business with loan moves for Joe Rothwell and David Brooks from South Coast rivals Bournemouth.

After putting pen to paper on the late loan move, Brooks told Southampton's official website: “I’m really happy. With the past couple of years with my situation, just to kind of come here and try and get some game time, I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait to get started.

“That’s why I’ve made the decision to come away from Bournemouth. I think the game time was a little bit limited there at this present time so I was very eager to get to a point where I wanted to be playing regular minutes and this opportunity came up and it was one that I couldn’t really turn down.”

After a month full of positives though, the Saints could be set to suffer a blow in the form of a summer departure. According to Alex Crooks, who spoke to GiveMeSport, Alex McCarthy could leave Southampton for Saudi Arabia this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of June and his game time limited under Russell Martin.

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Crook told GiveMeSport: "McCarthy has been told he's not even second choice anymore. Joe Lumley is the second choice. The issue he's got is that he's on good money. I think he's on around £40k-a-week, even in the Championship as a third-choice goalkeeper. So unless he goes to Saudi, which is an option, I don't see him getting that elsewhere because at best he can only really hope to be a Premier League number two."

"Unbelievable" McCarthy has fallen down the pecking order

Now a third-choice option at 34-years-old, McCarthy must leave Southampton if he wants to gain minutes towards the end of his career. His current role doesn't take away from how great a servant he's been at St Mary's, of course, having joined the club back in 2016 and enjoying some moments to remember in the Premier League.

Previous reports have linked McCarthy with the likes of Everton, Crystal Palace and Luton Town, so it will be interesting to see whether the shot-stopper makes a return to the top-flight without Southampton this summer. As a back-up option, he'd certainly bring plenty of experience as someone who has previously been at the centre of praise in the Premier League, including from former boss Ralph Hasenhuttl.

"His progress, his development is fantastic. He made unbelievable development this season. He's now in really, really good shape with the ball and also as a shot-stopper. Congratulations to him and the goalkeeper coach who makes a good job with him. And hopefully, he is not leaning back but staying working."

A Giorgi Mamardashvili goalkeeping masterclass secured Georgia a hard-fought 1-1 draw against a dominant Czech Republic side at Volksparkstadion.

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• Two handball decisions go against the Czechs
• Schick goals keeps them in with a shout
• Georgia dramatically missed last-second one-v-one

• TELL ME MORE

  The game began at a helter-skelter pace and had it not been for Mamardashvili making two quick-fire saves in a matter of seconds, the Czechs would have led inside the opening five minutes. Adam Hlozek looked to have put his side ahead in the 23rd minute when he bundled the ball home – only for it to be chalked off as he handled in the build-up. Ivan Hasek's men dominated the first half but conceded a silly penalty courtesy of Robin Hranac handling in the box and Georges Mikautadze dispatched the resulting spot-kick just before the break to give Georgia a shock lead.

  The Czechs were a huge threat from set pieces and just before the hour-mark Patrik Schick tapped in from close range after a dangerous free-kick wasn't dealt with. Try as they might, the Czech Republic, who had 26 shots to Georgia's five and 61% possession, couldn't break down the Crusaders' stubborn resistance at Volksparkstadion. And they almost threw it all away as a slick Georgia counter-attack in the final seconds resulted in Saba Lobzhanidze having a huge chance to make it 2-1 only to blaze over the bar. So it's a point apiece that ultimately does little for either team's chances of reaching the last 16; with both desperately needing a win in their final group-stage match.

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  THE MVP

  Giorgi Mamardashvili: While Mikautadze took his penalty well, the Georgian keeper was in irresistible form and his brilliance repeatedly kept the Czechs at bay. The Valencia stopper made a brilliant double save early on and a stunning, finger-tip stop to deny Schick and preserve their advantage just before half-time. Even though he could do nothing for the equaliser, the 23-year-old arguably put in the best goalkeeping display of the Euros as his country picked up their first-ever point in the competition.

• THE BIG LOSER

  Robin Hranac: It's been a tough tournament for the big defender. He struggled against Portugal and he conceded a penalty versus Georgia, too. The 24-year-old looked a bit shaky at the back and needs to improve for the next match.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT?

  Georgia, who lost their first match 3-1 to Turkey, round off their group-stage campaign against Portugal on Wednesday night, whereas the Czechs, who were beaten 2-1 by the Portuguese in their tournament opener, take on Turkey on the same day.

Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds showed his class once again by sending a video message to a young fan who had broken her arm.

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• Reynolds loved by Wrexham fans
• Finds out young fan Elissa broke her arm
• Hollywood star sends her video message

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Hollywood actor has developed a reputation for interacting with Wrexham fans as much as possible, in what has been a model way to run a football club to date. The Deadpool star found out that a young fan called Elissa had recently broken arm, so he decided to send a video message to her in a heart-warming moment that left her "over the moon".

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• WHAT RYAN REYNOLDS SAID

  Geraint Rogers posted Reynolds' video message on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, where he said: "Elissa, it's Ryan Reynolds. I just heard that you broke your arm, which sucks. My nine-year-old daughter, believe it or not, also broke her arm this year. So you guys have that in common already. The thing that I'm actually making this video to say is, and this applies to you and my daughter, is to stop breaking bones. Stop it. Sending you tonnes of love Elissa. Get better soon and as always… Up. The. Town."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Reynolds and fellow Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney have done a superb job at getting the club's fans on side and turning around the Welsh outfit's fortunes. Their acts of kindness and generosity have gone a long way and now the men's team are preparing for life in League One after two straight promotions.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Now that Wrexham's first-team players have begun their pre-season campaign, they will head out to North America this month for friendly fixtures against Premier League teams Bournemouth and Chelsea, and also Major League Soccer side Vancouver Whitecaps.

Whilst Newcastle United's sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has dominated the headlines as of late ahead of a potential move to Premier League rivals Manchester United, the Magpies have remained focused on potential summer reinforcements, turning to Serie A once again for a new midfielder.

Newcastle transfer news

With everything pointing towards a move to Old Trafford, Newcastle confirmed the news that Ashworth has been placed on year-long gardening leave before he can then leave the club. Darren Eales, Newcastle CEO, told the club's official website: "We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately. We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future."

Away from figures off the pitch, meanwhile, those at St James' Park have reportedly turned their attention to a midfield reinforcement for Eddie Howe. The Newcastle boss has seen his squad struggle to handle the number of games required to compete on all fronts this season and desperately needs additions.

According to Graeme Bailey for HITC, Newcastle have held talks with the representatives of Adrien Rabiot over a potential summer move. The Frenchman will be a free agent upon the expiry of his current Juventus deal this summer, though the Italian giants are still reportedly hoping to keep hold of the midfielder.

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If Rabiot does see out his contract, however, he will not be short on options. Alongside Newcastle, Manchester United, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal have all also reportedly made contact ahead of a potential summer move. In a busy race for his signature, Rabiot has plenty to think about in the coming months.

"Extraordinary" Rabiot can replace Joelinton

As things stand, Joelinton's current Newcastle contract is set to expire in the summer of 2025 to potentially hand the Magpies quite the dilemma in the middle of the park. What's more, rumours have been circling over the Brazilian's immediate future in recent months, with PIF in need of player sales to balance the books after Newcastle recorded £150m in losses over the last three seasons.

That said, Rabiot could quickly hand Howe and PIF a cheap and reliable solution to their Joelinton problem. Arriving as a free agent, the Frenchman could be an ideal choice, especially given how his stats compare to Joelinton's so far this season.

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri will certainly be eager to keep hold of Rabiot though, given the praise he handed the midfielder this month.

One Aston Villa player looks on course to be plying his trade away from Villa Park next season, following a new update.

Aston Villa transfer rumours

NSWE and Monchi have been busy during the 2023/24 campaign, bolstering Unai Emery’s squad both in the summer and again in the winter window. The club’s recruitment has made a difference as well, with the likes of Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby all making an impact throughout the Premier League season.

Villa are now on course to actually qualify for the Champions League in Emery’s first full season in charge, with the club having one eye on the summer window as a result.

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Recent rumours have suggested that former forward Cameron Archer could return to the Midlands from Sheffield United, with FC Porto midfielder Alan Varela a new target. When it comes to summer departures, Jacob Ramsey has been linked with an exit, as has Douglas Luiz, who is of interest to former employers Manchester City.

The future of loanee Nicolo Zaniolo will have to be decided in the summer as well, with Villa having an option to make his loan move from Galatasaray permanent at the end of the season.

Nicolo Zaniolo transfer update

According to reports from Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Villa ‘aren’t planning to trigger the option to buy in the deal with Galatasaray’, with the versatile attacker set to return to Galatasaray. However, the player already has a return to his native Italy in mind and huge Serie A side AC Milan is a potential destination for Zaniolo, alongside Fiorentina and Napoli.

Since joining on loan in the summer, the 24-year-old has made 27 appearances for Villa in all competitions, playing in six different attacking roles. He’s only scored two times and has failed to register an assist, though, so refusing to pay the rumoured €44m option to buy appears to make sense.

Zaniolo has come in for praise from Emery during his stay in England, with the Villa boss saying: “Zaniolo as a person, it is very easy to talk with him, to work with him. His behaviour and commitment with us from the first day was very good. His adaptation is going very well, and then he is playing well.

“He was playing more on the right, but now we needed him playing left side. He was available and he was really, really feeling good as well playing and helping there. I am going to use him in different positions and I am really happy with him.”

His days at Villa Park look numbered, though, and Emery may well call upon January signing Morgan Rogers to replace Zaniolo in the long run.