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أوضح خالد الدرندلي نائب رئيس اتحاد الكرة ورئيس بعثة منتخب مصر في كوت ديفوار، تطورات حالة إمام عاشور لاعب وسط الفراعنة وموقفه من مباراة الكونغو الديمقراطية القادمة.

ويستعد منتخب مصر لمواجهة الكونغو الديمقراطية، يوم الأحد 28 يناير، في إطار مواجهات دور ثمن النهائي لبطولة كأس أمم إفريقيا 2023.

وكان إمام عاشور تعرض للإصابة بارتجاج في المخ في تدريبات منتخب مصر مساء الأربعاء، ونقل إلى المستشفى في إبيدجان لتلقي العلاج.

وقال الدرندلي خلال تصريحات عبر قناة أون تايم سبورت 2: “الجميع يحب إمام عاشور والكل كان سعيدًا بعودته، ورفع من روحهم بعد أن كانت هناك حالة من الحزن والقلق عليه”.

وأضاف: “إمام عاشور عائد متحمس جدًا ويريد أن يشارك في المباراة، وهو بحالة بجيدة الآن”.

وأتم: “السفر لمدينة سان بيدرو لمواجهة الكونغو الديمقراطية سيكون في الساعة 11 صباحًا بالطائرة، الفندق الذي سنقيم فيه إمكانياته محدودة”.

وكان منتخب مصر تأهل في المركز الثاني للمجموعة الثانية بعدما جمع 3 نقاط من 3 تعادلات أمام موزمبيق وغانا والرأس الأخضر.

Insider ExWHUEmployee has revealed that it is unlikely that West Ham United will have a change in ownership any time soon with David Sullivan not intending to sell.

What are the latest West Ham takeover rumours?

There seems to be a bit of an air of uncertainty around the long-term future of the club with regard to ownership. After all, Czech businessman Daniel Kretinsky completed his purchase of 27 per cent of club shares only back in 2021 and did actually agree upon an option for a full takeover of West Ham when making that deal. Only adding more doubt to all the speculation, co-owner David Gold sadly passed at the start of the year.

What's more, as per Daily Mail, if a sale was to go through this summer, the owners wouldn't have to give any of their profits – 20 per cent to be exact – to London Stadium landlords the LLDC due to a clause expiring.

It was felt that after this 10-year deadline passed, Sullivan would potentially look to sell up to a figure like Kretinsky but in a new update it sounds as though this isn't the plan for the time being.

Indeed, in the latest update on the whole situation, Ex has stated that after talking to sources over the last week, he can confirm that there is no intention to sell in "the foreseeable future".

Speaking on The West Ham Way podcast, he said (10:09): “There was always talks that come 2023, April time, the club would be sold and that there'd be an investor from abroad to take over the club.

"When I inquired about this, in the last week or so, I was told very much so that the current chairman wants to keep the club for the foreseeable future. So I don't think there's any takeover imminent at this point.

"But that said, you know, things can happen. But at the moment, there's nothing on the near horizon.”

What Premier League teams are up for sale?

A number of Premier League clubs seem to be linked with possible takeovers right now. Of course, Manchester United are the ones with the most attention in the media but Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur have also been named as clubs potentially up for sale in recent months.

For the time being though, it seems as though West Ham can be taken off that list. To be fair, with a Europa League semi-final on the horizon and the threat of relegation still a possible issue, maybe it's not the worst thing in the world to avoid this off-field distraction with key football games still to be played.

Arsenal's prestigious Hale End Academy is a seemingly non-stop producer of top-quality talent. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith-Rowe would be the first to step forward and testify to that.

With Jack Wilshere also manning the U18s squad now, he is a man who knows exactly what it takes to burst through into the senior team and take an opportunity with both hands.

One of the latest success stories to do just that has been Folarin Balogun, who had scored goals for fun in the youth setup. Having been sent out on loan for some senior exposure, few likely expected the England youth international to enjoy such a fine goalscoring run in Ligue 1.

The forward has established himself as one of Europe's hottest young prospects, and as such is seeking a first-team spot to continue that development. Few would want to return to the bench after the campaign he has enjoyed.

The Athletic's David Ornstein had reported that an Emirates exit did appeal to the 21-year-old, should he not get his wish of a starting place, and this summer could mark his opportunity.

Whilst the Gunners would likely earn a huge financial benefit from the sale of such a talented youngster, it once again leaves a void for the next big star to fill. Although far from an out-and-out number nine, Marcelo Flores is one who could go under the radar but might be next in line.

Who is Marcelo Flores?

The Mexican youngster, who moved to north London in 2019, already boasts a stunning three appearances for his national team. This is before the 19-year-old has even been granted an appearance for Arsenal's first team.

It is this pedigree which already makes him such a red-hot prospect and suggests that Balogun's legacy could quickly be expunged with his potentially stunning emergence.

This season the teenage sensation has enjoyed a first full campaign within the senior game, featuring on loan for Real Oviedo. Although just one assist in 13 games might suggest a poor year, the club's president, Martin Pelaez, has been quick to defend the wide man.

He claimed:

"Marcelo is a player with a lot of potential, he’s 19 years old, I see him as having the quality to continue in Europe. He has a lot of room for improvement, he has a great future, he is extremely professional, with an incredible mentality, he has all the conditions to continue in Europe.

“We hope he continues to grow, he has talent, youth, professionalism, he has a great future with us."

This comes a year after the speedster had recorded six goals and two assists in 11 U18 Premier League games, and a further five goal contributions in just ten Premier League 2 appearances. Clearly, the forward is a cut above the youth level.

With Balogun's sudden emergence after a tough prior loan in the Championship, perhaps Flores will see the progression of his former teammate and seek to emulate it. There is no rush to become the next big thing, but the fearless youngster who is already a full international has all the pieces in place to become it.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is one of the managers who is being eyed by the Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur as a potential managerial option.

Could Postecoglou leave Celtic?

This is not the first time in which Postecoglou has been linked with a potential exit from the Scottish champions for the Premier League.

Only a matter of months ago was the Australian linked with a possible switch with Leeds United believed to be interested in making him their replacement for Jesse Marsch.

However, Spurs are on a different level to the Yorkshire side who are currently battling away at the other end of the Premier League table.

Speaking to beIN Sports, journalist Gary Jacob has suggested that, along with a list of young managers, Postecoglou is someone who the Londoners are eyeing as a possible Conte successor:

(3:00) "Spurs are already looking at the managers. They are looking at various young up-and-coming managers. Perhaps the exception slightly being Ange at Celtic who's slightly older, but all the managers they're looking at are coaches."

Should Postecoglou leave Celtic?

As was the case earlier in the season, it does feel unrealistic for the Australian to walk away from the Bhoys at this stage in the campaign.

The Scottish crown is seemingly set to remain at Parkhead for another season with Celtic with a nine-point gap to their city rivals in second.

And the treble remains on for Celtic who will face a semi-final clash against their rivals which could offer them a final against either Falkirk or Inverness.

But with this in mind, you do have to question whether Postecoglou may feel he has taken this Celtic side as far as he can with the only potential disappointment being their Champions League run this season.

A move to Tottenham could prove too good of an opportunity to turn down for the Australian if he was offered the job, however, it would also be a big call from the Spurs hierarchy to take a chance on a manager with no experience in the Premier League.

A lot spilt over on the weekend in north London and it feels as if Spurs have to nail their next appointment, and it is certainly feasible that Postecoglou could prove too big of a risk with sections of the fans already frustrated with the board.

Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku is not in their plans for next season and the 29-year-old does not want to return from Inter Milan at the end of his loan.

What has happened with Romelu Lukaku?

The Belgian striker returned to Inter after Chelsea bought him from the Italian giants back in the summer of 2021 for an extraordinary fee.

However, having struggled to find his feet in the Premier League over the 2021/22 campaign, Inter took the striker back on loan for this season.

Having only spent one season actually at Stamford Bridge following his return, the striker will return in the summer with three years remaining on his deal.

And speaking on his YouTube channel, Fabrizio Romano has claimed the Belgian is neither in the plans of the Londoners for next season nor is keen to return:

"I wanted to clarify after speaking also to Inter sources, what they mean is that the agreement is a straight loan. So Inter have no buy option and it's normal that Romelu Lukaku will go back to Chelsea.

"They know that the player wants to stay. Romelu Lukaku's priority will be to stay at Inter at least for one more season on loan. And so at the end of the season, Inter will decide internally how to proceed.

"From what I understand, Chelsea are not planning for the next season with Romelu Lukaku as a striker."

Could Lukaku rediscover his form at Chelsea?

Lukaku's return to the Bridge back in 2021 actually got off to a promising start which saw him find the back of the net three times in his opening three Premier League games (via Transfermarkt).

And his form failed to really pick up from there with his fourth goal in the Premier League coming all the way on Boxing Day.

What was interesting about his return to Chelsea was that all of his league goals came in clusters of games and then he endured long barren runs without scoring.

This season, with Inter, has not been any better for the Belgian with his season being heavily hindered by injuries which has seen him only make eight starts in Serie A (via Transfermarkt).

Perhaps there is some cause for optimism that he has provided two goals in his last four league games but there has to be question marks as to whether any Premier League side would look to him as a potential option this summer.

And given his last couple of seasons, it would be difficult to imagine any of the bigger sides viewing him as an option.

What will be interesting is to see whether Inter are willing to put their trust in him going forward with Chelsea likely to be looking to reclaim some of the money they spent on him.

Given the Blues are currently without an out-and-out striker in their starting XI, it is a damning indictment of where the Belgian's career currently is.

Prior to their relegation in 2004, Leeds United had an enjoyable time in the Premier League, and invested well. And, in fairness to those in charge at Elland Road, their business hasn’t exactly been woeful since returning to the top flight in 2020.

Last summer, they signed Brenden Aaronson, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca, Wilfried Gnonto, and Joel Robles, and then added to that by signing Georginio Rutter, Maximilian Wober, and Weston McKennie in the January transfer window.

If they perform anything like the players listed below, then Leeds fans are in for a treat. With that said, we’ve ranked Leeds United’s greatest signings of the Premier League era.

10) Michael Bridges – £6.75m

If it wasn’t for injuries, then Michael Bridges would sit near the top of this list. The forward arrived for £6.75 million in the 1999/00 season, and scored 19 goals in his debut season; he looked destined to become a crucial player at Elland Road. The injury curse soon struck, however, and he was never the same player.

9) Lee Bowyer – £2.8m

Arriving for a record fee for a teenager at the time (£2.8 million), the pressure was on for Lee Bowyer to perform at Leeds United. But, as the famous saying goes, pressure makes diamonds. Or, in football terms, pressure makes talismanic, world class players. And, this was very much the case for Bowyer, who scored 55 goals and made 265 appearances for Leeds.

8) Robbie Fowler – £11m

Though Fowler only spent one season at Elland Road, 14 goals in 32 appearances is an impressive enough record to get on this list. The forward signed for the club in 2001 for £11 million, before leaving to Manchester City a season later, as a financial crisis engulfed the club. One has to think that, without that, he would have scored plenty more goals for the Elland Road club. 

7) Olivier Dacourt – £8m

A key part of the side that reached the Champions League last four in 2000/01, Olivier Dacourt cost Leeds United £8 million in 2000, which was a club record at the time. The midfielder’s form at Elland Road even earned him a consistent place in the France national team – epitomising just how good he was. He ended his Leeds career with 82 appearances, before joining Roma. 

6) Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – £2.5m

One of the best strikers in Premier League history, it’s a shame that Leeds United couldn’t keep hold of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for longer than two seasons. Signing for £2.5 million, Hasselbaink went on to score 35 goals in 79 appearances, whilst also making 11 assists. He also helped Leeds bank a tidy profit, as he left for Atletico Madrid for £10m, before eventually returning to England with Chelsea. 

5) Dominic Matteo – £6.41m

Another player who played a big part as Leeds shocked the world to reach the Champions League semi-finals in the 2000/01 season, Dominic Matteo signed from Liverpool for £6.41 million in 2000. The defender made an instant impact as a mainstay in the side. By the time that he left the Yorkshire club, Matteo had made 144 appearances in four years. A cult icon at Elland Road. 

4) Nigel Martyn – £3m

One of the best shot-stoppers in Leeds United history, Nigel Martyn arrived for £3 million in 1996, before going on to make 258 appearances for the Yorkshire club. In those 258 appearances, Martyn saw it all, including a Champions League semi-final, as Leeds almost shocked the world in the 2000/01 season, and he briefly became England’s No.1 too, winning 23 caps for his country.

3) Tony Yeboah – £2.93m

When we think of the name Tony Yeboah, we instantly begin reminiscing about the rockets he used to unleash in the Premier League. Where there was space and time, there was a Yeboah screamer, just look at that goal against Wimbledon. It’s fair to say that, for £2.93 million, Leeds got themselves a bargain in 1995. He ended his career with the club with 30 goals in 57 games. That’s a stunning record.

2) Rio Ferdinand – £18m

Now, whilst Rio Ferdinand remains an unpopular figure amongst Leeds United fans, his talent just cannot be ignored. The Yorkshire club signed the Premier League legend for a British transfer record of £18 million in 2000, and proved to be an instant difference-maker, as Leeds reached the Champions League last four. He went for a huge profit to join Manchester United for £30m, too. 

1) Mark Viduka – £8.24m

Speaking of difference-makers, Mark Viduka is one of the best that Leeds United fans have seen in the Premier League. The Australian scored 71 goals in 164 games after arriving for £8.24 million in 2000. In his debut season, Viduka netted 17 goals in 34 Premier League appearances. When he left, he joined Middlesbrough, leaving as a Leeds legend. 

So, there you have it, our list of Leeds United’s greatest signings in the Premier League era, featuring some world class players. Those at Elland Road will be hoping to see their recent business turn into similar success when compared to the transfers of years like 2000. 

Unlike 2000, however, relegation could prove to be the ultimate price if their arrivals turn into flops, instead of future greats. Last season, Jesse Marsch’s side just about avoided the drop. This season, if the likes of Aaronson are not instant hits, they may not be so fortunate. 

Pundit and former Premier League footballer Robbie Mustoe believes that Liverpool’s uncertainty off the pitch may see Jurgen Klopp walk away and take a break from football.

The Lowdown: Takeover talk continues

Since the back end of last year, Liverpool have been up for sale, although it remains to be seen whether FSG will sanction a complete sale of the club or just look for partial investment from elsewhere.

That uncertainty will be doing nobody any favours either on or off the pitch, which may well be impacting Liverpool’s performances this season, as some may not know where their futures will lie in the near future.

It had been claimed previously that American groups may well be interested in investing in Liverpool, although that may not be welcomed given the fractious relationship between Liverpool fans and their current American owners in light of the European Super League fiasco.

The Latest: Klopp’s future uncertain

If FSG fail to get a takeover secured soon, the idea of spending big money in the summer arguably becomes rather farcical, as they would essentially be throwing money away for new owners to enjoy the potential benefits of. This lack of cohesion behind the scenes may be what leads to Klopp to consider what his own future looks like in the short term, as Mustoe highlighted on The 2 Robbies podcast.

He said: “He needs three or four players. So for that level, that’s a lot of money. I don’t think that Fenway Sports Group would have the appetite to spend £200m to rebuild the team when they’re trying to sell it.

“And if that’s the case, if Jurgen Klopp gets a sense that’s going to happen, would he continue to struggle on with Liverpool and try to make better of what they’ve already got, maybe bring in one or two players?

“Or,  as has happened before, he’s wanted a break from the game, I think it’s his eighth season now with Liverpool, seven years at Dortmund, seven years at Mainz – the same kind of time period.

“Could he say, ‘listen, if you’re not going to go [in terms of transfers] again, I’m not going to go again’?

The Verdict: FSG must continue to back Klopp

Despite the ongoing murmurings around Liverpool’s potential takeover and how FSG are looking to sell the club, they must still act like responsible owners, or they could lose one of their top assets in Klopp.

If Klopp heads into the summer window and – once again – isn’t handed at least one new central midfielder, he may well think the owners are having a laugh and not taking him seriously anymore – and decide it’s time to leave.

The value of Liverpool and the likelihood of significant investment would surely drop by a decent amount if Klopp was to leave, as he would surely be part of the attraction to would-be investors. The German is one of the best managers around given how he’s competed with Manchester City for several years and also brought about domestic and European success at Anfield.

Leeds United are reportedly stepping up their bid to sign Juventus midfielder, Weston McKennie…

What’s the word?

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Whites are believed to be pressing on with talks in the hope of coming to an agreement regarding the USA international, albeit with the Elland Road outfit having yet to meet the Serie A side’s €35m (£31m) valuation.

Writing on Twitter about that developing situation, the transfer guru stated: “Negotiations continue between Leeds and Juventus for Weston McKennie as opening bid has been made for €28m, Juventus want €35m fee.

“McKennie has already agreed personal terms with Leeds.”

This comes amid what has already been a hectic transfer window for Jesse Marsch’s side, with the relegation strugglers having brought in Maximilian Wober and Giorginio Rutter in order to bolster their survival bid.

Marsch’s own Kante

Marsch has already used his American connections to secure the signings of both Brenden Aaronson and Tyler Adams in the recent past, although it looks as if the former RB Leipzig boss could well land yet another of his compatriots in the form of McKennie.

The latter man has been on the books in Turin since joining on an initial loan deal from Bundesliga side Schalke in the summer of 2020, subsequently racking up 13 goals and five assists in 96 games for the ‘Old Lady’ in that time.

Despite enjoying a profitable 2022/23 campaign thus far on a personal note, with five goal involvements in 21 games in all competitions, the 24-year-old will seemingly be allowed to depart this month amid the ongoing financial struggles that have engulfed the Italian giants.

That loss could well be to Leeds’ gain with the 41-cap machine potentially set to thrive in English football, having even been previously compared to Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante in the past by former United States international, Alexi Lalas.

That comparison is high praise indeed considering what the diminutive Frenchman has won in the game, notably claiming major honours for both club and country, while also being lauded as one of the most “influential” players in the Premier League over the last decade or so, as per pundit Joe Cole.

The 31-year-old has spent much of the current campaign on the sidelines due to injury, although the World Cup winner notably showed his class last term, averaging 2.3 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game in his 26 league outings.

McKennie also illustrated his quality as an effective ball-winner after averaging one tackle and 1.1 interceptions per 90 from his 21 league appearances in that 2021/22 campaign, while also showing his quality in possession as he completed 77% of his total dribbles – with Kante recording 73% in that same metric.

That likeness should well be of interest to those back in Yorkshire, with the Juventus “conqueror” – as described by Lalas – potentially set to bring his Kante-esque quality to Marsch’s side in the near future.

Tottenham Hotspur’s season has hardly gone to plan, especially considering how they started under manager Antonio Conte.

The Italian head coach led his new team on an illustrious run of form resulting in securing Champions League football and would start this current campaign seven games unbeaten.

But they now find themselves five points adrift from the top-four, with their recent loss to arch-rivals Arsenal seeing them fall even further to the wayside.

Whilst that result was always going to be tough to take, and the ramifications have had a big impact at the top end of the table, it seems like the main takeaway has been to speed up the exit of club captain Hugo Lloris.

At least that is the thoughts of journalist Sami Mokbel, who writes in the Daily Mail that his north London derby blunder could pave the way for his replacement.

The 36-year-old veteran was at fault for the opening goal, as he parried a deflected cross into his own net on his way to earning a 6.6 Sofascore rating. He has now made three errors this season that have directly led to a goal.

Of those mentioned in the report is Jordan Pickford, who has been seen at the club as a potential replacement for the French shot-stopper for some time now.

The England international has starred for Everton since his £30m move with many arguing that his quality is undeserving of the relegation battles the Toffees have found themselves in.

His exploits last season helped Frank Lampard navigate his side to safety, as he made 117 saves across the campaign, with just one error that led to a goal. 

Whilst he earned many accolades for his standout performances that campaign, his display against Chelsea was particularly mesmeric, as he made five saves including a double stop that would earn the Save of the Season award.

Despite his side’s poor recent form he has seemingly upped his game again this year, maintaining a 7.07 average rating whilst also impressing once again on the international stage.

It was for England where he has seen the most exposure for his unorthodox but exceptional practices, with Sky Sports editor Simeon Gholam labelling him a “legend” during his EURO 2021 where he broke numerous records.

The Athletic’s senior football writer Stuart James would support this by describing him as “crucial” for England.

He is a man for the big occasion, despite what some might claim, and it is not controversial to suggest he deserves better than the issues plaguing his current club.

It might not be imminent, but Lloris must be replaced sooner rather than later. Pickford represents a fine alternative boasting plenty of longevity and quality.

Wolves are looking to sign Coventry City forward Viktor Gyokeres but will need ‘some really good negotiating’, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Lowdown: Cunha in

Julen Lopetegui has already bolstered his attacking ranks at Molineux by bringing in Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian has arrived on an initial loan move from Atletico Madrid, although the transfer will become permanent in the summer.

The 23-year-old made his debut in the Premier League against Aston Villa on Wednesday, and it seems as if further attacking reinforcements are on the radar for the Old Gold.

The Latest: Gyokeres next?

Jones was speaking to GiveMeSport regarding Wolves and Gyokeres and if he is a genuine target at Molineux. He iterated that the recent rumours on the forward are true but warned that talks could prove tricky over the coming weeks.

When asked if the Swede was a genuine target for Jeff Shi and Wolves, the journalist replied: “Yeah, he is actually. They have moved into the picture for that signing.

“I’ve heard quite a bit around it, actually, and I’d say the one thing it’s going to take from Wolves’ point of view is some really good negotiating.”

The Verdict: Needed?

Gyokeres has been in fine form for the Sky Blues this season, scoring 12 goals in 25 Championship games. Labelled as ‘unbelievable’ by Coventry manager Mark Robins, the Sweden international has the highest shot accuracy amongst the top scorers in the English second tier at 69%.

Wolves have had their struggles in front of goal, netting just 11 times in 18 Premier League games so far this term, so adding another forward alongside Cunha could be beneficial.

Gyokeres may well be that man, but Molineux officials will need to be on their game should they enter discussions with Coventry.