Category: Sports

Inter Milan are increasingly confident of landing Romelu Lukaku on a season long loan, just 12 months after they sold him to Chelsea for 100m euros.

The striker became both the Italian side’s record sale and the Blues’ record signing when he made the switch last summer after a prolific season in Serie A. However, he had a torrid time at Stamford Bridge, and by November had already admitted he was longing for a return to Italy.

Come the end of the season, he had registered just 8 Premier League goals, and set a new record for the fewest touches in a game when Chelsea beat Crystal Palace 1-0 in February.

Now, however, it seems as though his west London nightmare may be coming to an end, with Inter ‘increasingly confident’ of a loan move for the 29 year old, as per the reliable Nizaar Kinsella.

This comes as Chelsea have shown willingness to compromise on what was an initially demanded 25m euro loan fee, with an agreement expected to be struck at a much more reasonable £10m, with Lukaku ‘pushing hard’ for an exit.

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Inter are increasingly confident of securing Romelu Lukaku on loan. Tone has changed after Chelsea show willingness to compromise on his exit: https://t.co/YQA5FuugtD #CFC

— Nizaar Kinsella (@NizaarKinsella) June 15, 2022

There is work still to be done, however- Inter Milan offered just £6m in the most recent round of talks, though all parties suggest that they were ‘positive’. It now seems to be a matter of when, not if, a loan deal is struck.

What next for Chelsea?

A move away for Lukaku will see Chelsea looking for a third striker in as many seasons, with both Lukaku and Timo Werner having flattered to deceive. They could make a move for Gabriel Jesus, but that ship may sail if they drag their feet with Arsenal and Tottenham also thought to be keen on the Brazilian and Jesus himself wanting a quick outcome this summer.

Alternatively, they could promote Kai Havertz to their no.1 option to lead the line, and use youth talent Armando Broja as backup following his impressive loan spell with Southampton.

Read more:

Premier League sanctions fixture change; scraps matches between Boxing Day & New Years

Tuesday’s international friendly betting tips: Previews, predictions and odds

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England’s latest international break drew to a close on Tuesday evening in very disappointing fashion.

The Three Lions played four games during June, failing to win a single one and scoring just a solitary goal.

Now, with England having very few games left before the upcoming World Cup in November, 101 have decided to assess England’s current side and decide how close they are to getting a spot at Qatar.

We have also opted to include a few names who did not take part in the current break for various reasons.

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Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford – On the plane

It is quite clear he remains England’s no.1 and Southgate will trust him no matter his club form.

Nick Pope – Airport lounge

There is little competition for England’s third-choice keeper at present, though Pope could lose his place if Dean Henderson has a good start to next season.

Aaron Ramsdale – On the plane

Is almost certainly set to be in Qatar later this year, but his displays in June did little to suggest he should replace Pickford as England’s no.1.

Defenders

Conor Coady – Airport lounge

Probably the worst centre-back on this list, but Southgate is a fan and he can play well in a back-three if England use it.

Marc Guehi – At home

Didn’t do much wrong during the June break but also didn’t do enough to earn Southgate’s favour over someone like Coady.

Harry Maguire – On the plane

As strange as this may sound, Maguire is one of England’s more reliable centre-backs and his ball distribution is key for the Three Lions.

John Stones – On the plane

A poor June that saw him sent off vs Hungary. However, he is a favourite of Southgate and has impressed for England previously.

Fikayo Tomori – Airport lounge

Showed signs of quality during the break. Is staking a claim to become England’s third-choice centre-back behind Stones and Maguire.

Ben White – At home

Was called up to England’s latest squad but then missed out due to injury. As a result, the likes of Tomori and Coady are ahead of him in the pecking order.

Kieran Trippier – On the plane

One of Southgate’s favourites who can also be used as a left-back if needed.

Kyle Walker – On the plane

Has been England’s main right-back for some time now and his pace also allows England to use a three-back formation despite the lack of speed Maguire and Stones have.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – Airport lounge

Has a chance of being taken to Qatar simply because of his Liverpool form, but he is yet to set the world alight for England.

Reece James – On the plane

James is unlikely to be England’s starting right-back this summer as Southgate does tend to stick with his favourites. But the Chelsea man showed he can be used at left-back vs Hungary and has shown for his club he can also fill the Kyle Walker role in a back-three, making him a very valuable squad player.

James Justin – At home

Wasn’t terrible during England’s latest games but they simply have too many right-backs.

Midfielders

Jude Bellingham – On the plane

Offered a different dimension to England’s midfield when he was introduced off the bench vs Germany. Is a serious talent and should be considered to fill the role next to Declan Rice, which would allow him to get forward and provide England with an extra attacking threat.

Conor Gallagher – At home

Gallagher wasn’t bad for England this month, but he did little of note and there are already too many midfielders Southgate prefers ahead of him. His game time next season also remains up in the air.

Kalvin Phillips – On the plane

Has impressed for England in the past at major tournaments and is expected to partner Rice in midfield.

Jordan Henderson – On the plane

Henderson wasn’t included in the June squad because Southgate said he knew everything he needs to know about the midfielder. But his experience and leadership is something Southgate will no doubt look to bring to Qatar.

Declan Rice – On the plane

Will be England’s holding midfielder at the 2022 World Cup.

James Ward-Prowse – Airport lounge

Did little of note during England’s latest set of fixtures but he stands a chance of going to Qatar simply because Southgate likes him.

Mason Mount – On the plane

Another favourite of Southgate who is sure to be included in the squad. Mount showed signs of quality in the recent break, but lacked the creativity needed to set up the likes of Kane and Sterling.

Forwards

Jarrod Bowen – Airport lounge

Had a decent debut for England but was unable to shine too much in an out-of-form side. His involvement at Qatar largely depends on how bad certain other players are next season.

Marcus Rashford – At home

Was not included in the June squad and will have to have a great start to next campaign to warrant a place in Qatar.

Jadon Sancho – Airport lounge

Was also left at home but stands more of a chance than Rashford of featuring at the World Cup due to England’s lack of options on the right.

Phil Foden – On the plane

Hardly featured this month due to injury, but the Manchester City forward offers the drive and creativity England lacked vs the likes of Hungary and Italy.

Jack Grealish – On the plane

Grealish was fairly average for England this month, but he did show patches of quality, including coming off the bench vs Germany and setting up Kane for what should have been an equaliser if not for a great save from Manuel Neuer. It would be stupid to leave someone with his match-winning quality at home, even if he doesn’t start games.

Bukayo Saka – Airport lounge

Saka did look to be a nailed-on pick for the 2022 World Cup, but he wasn’t great this month and could lose his place if the likes of Sancho and Rashford start next season well.

Raheem Sterling – On the plane

Was one of England’s best players at Euro 2020 and is one of the few players outside of Kane who scores for the Three Lions on a regular basis.

Harry Kane – On the plane

Only a major injury would keep England’s captain and top-scorer from being at Qatar 2022.

Tammy Abraham – On the plane

Pressed well during his outing vs Italy and is expected to play back-up to Kane later this year barring a serious drop in form or a major resurgence from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which seems unlikely.

 

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This article was edited by
Ben Browning.