Chelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic set to leave on a free transfer before Tuesday

After spending nine successful years at Stamford Bridge, it might be curtains for Branislav Ivanovic’s Chelsea career, if reports are to be believed.

With four days to go for the January transfer window to slam shut, clubs like Crystal Palace, Leicester City, West Brom and Zenit St. Petersburg are queuing up to sign the Serbian defender.

After Antonio Conte switched to a 3-4-3 formation, Ivanovic has found his starting berth usurped in part by Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses. With fitness and form already on the wane, the defender has been a peripheral figure in Chelsea’s grip on the top of the league table.

AFCON 2017: Egypt claim last semi-final ticket

Karahba (right) celebrates his late winner with team-mate Mohamed Salah. [Photo credit: theguardian.com | Photograph: Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images

The list of teams for the semi-final of the ongoing African Cup of Nations is now complete.

The Pharaohs of Egypt claimed the final slot on Sunday as they defeated their North African opponent, Morocco, by a lone goal.

The solitary goal that earned Egypt a semi final berth came off the boots of Mahmoud Kaharaba with two minutes left on the clock.

The Pharaohs who are making a return to the AFCON after years of absence will now face Burkina Faso in the second semi final game.

Ghana will face Cameroon in the other semi-final.

AFCON 2017: Host Gabon out

 

 

Burkina Faso and Cameroon secured progress to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday as hosts Gabon crashed out.

Gabon were held to a 0-0 draw by Cameroon in Libreville, and their opponents went through to the last eight as runners-up in Group A.

Burkina Faso won the group on goal difference after a 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau in Franceville.

AFCON: Hosts Gabon face decisive Cameroon clash

Panthers of Gabon

Veteran Gabon goalkeeper Didier Ovono has called for the country to unite behind the team as they face the prospect of having to beat Cameroon on Sunday to stay in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Panthers have so far only managed two 1-1 draws against Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso, form that has not been good enough to rouse the central African state hit by violence after a contested presidential election last year.

“We have come here to play for Gabon. There will be time after the Africa Cup of Nations to dress the wounds,” 33-year-old Ovono, who plays his club football in Belgium, told AFP on Friday.

AFCON 2017: Tunisia beat Algeria to boost quarter-finals chances

Tunisia on Thursday boosted their chances of reaching the quarter-finals of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Gabon with a 2-1 win over neighbours Algeria in Group B.

The the match’s first half was a cagey affair as both sides probed each other’s area in search of an opening goal.

But, both teams failed to take their chances as the first half ended 0-0.

However, it was Tunisia who drew the first blood in the second half, even though it was from an own goal.

Memphis Depay: Lyon agree £14.7m deal to sign Manchester United forward

French club, Lyon, have agreed to a deal to sign Manchester United forward, Memphis Depay. The Red Devils have agreed to sell him for around €17m (£14.75m), with the fee capable of rising to €25m if a series of add-ons are triggered.

United rejected a £13m bid from Lyon earlier this month. However, it seems the two clubs have reached an agreement after Lyon improved their offer in the second bid.

According to reports from the Guardian, United will have a buy-back option as well as sell-on clauses inserted into the deal. Depay joined United from PSV Eindhoven for £25m in the summer of 2015 under Louis van Gaal, but has struggled to make a strong impact for José Mourinho.

Conte wants Real Madrid’s Alvaro Morata to replace Diego Costa

Chelsea striker Diego Costa is being linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge following a recent bust-up with manager Antonio Conte.

The duo were involved in a training ground spat and the Chelsea striker was dropped for last weekend’s game as a result of that. Telegraph are now reporting that Antonio Conte has already identified a long-term replacement for the Spanish international.

Liverpool plotting move to sign Southampton skipper José Fonte

Liverpool are are looking to sign Southampton defender, José Fonte, in the January transfer window to plug their leaky defence.

Fonte has recently rejected a new contract deal at St Mary’s, and he is looking for a move elsewhere. Southampton will demand a fee of around £10m for the 33-year-old defender.

According to reports from the Mirror, Liverpool are keen to bring the Portuguese to Anfield to reinforce the defensive area. Jürgen Klopp wants to bring in an experienced defender to his squad, and Fonte fits the bill. His wealth of experience could be a major asset for Klopp, as he aims to guide Liverpool to the Premier League title.

Mourinho wants Matic at Old Trafford

José Mourinho, the Manchester United manager, is ready to test Chelsea’s resolve with a shock move for Nemanja Matić next summer.

United will be looking to spend big next summer as Mourinho is keen to build the squad to his own taste. While Atlético Madrid duo Antonione Griezmann and Saúl Ñíguez are the top of his shopping list, according to the Mirror, the Portuguese wants Matić as well to bolster his midfield department.

Chelsea recall Patrick Bamford from loan spell at Burnley

Chelsea have exercised the option of recalling striker Patrick Bamford from his year-long loan spell at Burnley. After Nathan Aké, this is the second player whom Chelsea have recalled to strengthen the push for the Premiership title in the second half of the season.

Bamford has been one of the numerous young talents perennially on loan outside Stamford Bridge. The Burnley move was his sixth such loan spell. Bamford has disappointed by and large in this spell, playing a grand total of only 33 minutes across six games in the Premiership.