Transfer rumours, whispers, Graham Potter future, Chelsea, Leandro Trossard, bust-up, Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton, Memphis Depay to Newcastle

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CHELSEA OWNER WANTS NEW ERA … BUT WITH MANAGER OR SQUAD?

Not many people had Chelsea sitting in 10th at the halfway mark of the 2022/23 season, but here we are.

It’s been an eye-opening experience too for Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly having sacked Thomas Tuchel and brought in Brighton’s Graham Potter at great expense.

Despite a bright start, Potter has since struggled and the Blues have one win in their last eight Premier League games.

Some are pointing the finger directly at Potter, while others believe it’s more to do with the players.

Something’s going to have to give at some point, but according to The Telegraph, it won’t be the manager.

The report states “the possibility of sacking head coach Potter has not even been internally discussed” as Boehly looks to refresh the team and end the era of player power at the club.

Big-money signings such as Christian Pulisic, Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech are just three who face uncertain futures at Stamford Bridge, as does Jorginho who could walk for free at the end of the season.

Chelsea also won’t stand in the way of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Cesar Azpiliecueta should they receive an offer in January or at the end of the season.

Boehly and his ownership group have the aim of reducing the overall wage bill and bring in players on contracts laden with bonuses for meeting personal and team goals.

BRIGHTON STAR, BOSS AT WAR AS UGLY STANDOFF CONTINUES

Leandro Trossard’s agent said the Belgium forward wants to quit Brighton after being left out of the team to face Liverpool on Saturday because of his “attitude”.

Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi revealed on Friday he had punished Trossard for leaving training without permission.

The 28-year-old had disappeared when told he would not start last weekend’s FA Cup third-round tie against Middlesbrough, which Brighton won 5-1.

But Josy Comhair, Trossard’s agent, hit back just hours later by insisting his client had been treated harshly and now wanted to leave Premier League club in the January transfer window.

“After the World Cup, there was an altercation between Leandro and another player in training over a trivial matter,” Comhair said in a statement.

“Since then, the manager no longer speaks to Leandro, which is obviously not conducive to the atmosphere, nor is it performance-related.” Comhair added: “In the run-up to the game against Middlesbrough for the FA Cup, Leandro had already indicated twice that he had problems with his calf.

“That was the reason why he stopped training. This was, incidentally, in consultation with the medical staff.

“Last Monday, the manager humiliated Leandro in a group and indicated that he no longer wanted to see him.” Comhair, who labelled De Zerbi’s approach as “incomprehensible”, insisted: “It is therefore important Brighton co-operates with a potential transfer during this transfer period and shows a benevolent attitude, which is beneficial to both parties.” Earlier, De Zerbi told a pre-match press conference: “Leandro isn’t in the list of players for tomorrow (Saturday).

“The last training session before the Middlesbrough game when he understood he didn’t play, he left the session without saying anything to me. And it’s not good.

“The Monday after, I spoke with him and I explained this attitude, this behaviour, I don’t like.” The Italian added: “He knows very well that if he wants to play with Brighton, with me, he has to work hard, he has to run, he has to be in the right way because we are not a big team such as Real Madrid or Barcelona.” Trossard, who scored a hat-trick at Liverpool in a 3-3 draw in October, has been linked with a move to Tottenham.

“I don’t know about the transfer market, if he wants to change teams or not,” De Zerbi said.

“It’s not my problem. I’m only a coach. Leo is one of the best players in this squad. I understand something about football.

“But I know also to achieve the result we have to be a group and to think for the team before ourselves.”

TOON TABLE BID FOR BARCA STAR ON THE OUTER

Barcelona star Memphis Depay hasn’t exactly been a constant presence under Xavi, making just four appearances in all competitions this season.