Chelsea eye £100m transfer war chest boost as Man Utd legend doubts Liverpool move

Chelsea could be willing to authorise the sale of two key players as they continue to battle with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability regulations.

After a lavish spending spree saw the likes of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo and Christopher Nkunku move to Stamford Bridge over the two two years, the Blues are said to be close to their PSR limits as the summer transfer window approaches. The Times have reported the Blues hierarchy are considering the sale of England duo Conor Gallagher and Reece James to give them some breathing space and allow Mauricio Pochettino to add to his squad.

Gallagher is believed to be a target for the likes of West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur and defender James has been recently linked with £60m moves to Premier League champions Manchester City and La Liga champions Real Madrid.

The 3AM Verdict: Gallagher's performances have been a positive of what has been a challenging season at Stamford Bridge but there has always a feeling that he is viewed as dispensable by the Blues hierarchy. James is an unquestionable talent - but it would be a surprise to see any club handing over substantial funds given his recent injury record.

Leeds United face Napoli and Aston Villa competition for Championship star

Their focus may well be on securing an immediate return to the Premier League - but Leeds United are already planning their summer transfer spending.

The Belfast Telegraph have claimed the Whites are keen on a move for Sunderland defender Trai Hume after he continued to impress with their Championship rivals. However, the same report as revealed there are ‘five top clubs’ showing an interest in the Northern Ireland international with Napoli, Bournemouth, Aston Villa and Napoli all named as potential suitors alongside Leeds.

Hume still has three years remaining on his current deal at the Stadium of Light and there is believed to be the option of a further 12 months inserted into the agreement.

The 3AM Verdict: Hume has been a real success story during his time at Sunderland and has stepped up into the Championship with relative ease. After gaining international experience with Northern Ireland, Hume now looks ready to step into life at a higher level at club level.

Man Utd legend doubts Liverpool move for Klopp successor

Roy Keane believes Brighton and Hove Albion manager Roberto De Zerbi still has plenty to prove before he should be under consideration to succeed Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

The Italian’s current and possible future employers went head-to-head at Anfield on Sunday afternoon and the former Sassuolo manager’s future was a hot topic in the buildup to the game after he refused to confirm he was open to extending his stay with the Seagulls. Keane stressed he had been impressive with De Zerbi over the course of his time at the Amex Stadium but believes he needs to prove his credentials by claiming major silverware before he can make the ‘step’ to Anfield.

When asked if De Zerbi was too fiery for Liverpool, he told Sky Sports: I wouldn't go that far because his own personality of every manager is different. I think that's probably a big plus to him. You know, sometimes when you have a manager at a club, you hope he makes a commitment to the club and he's asked his questions and I suppose there's a bit of honesty there.

“He's not sure what his future is, which is concerned for Brighton, you know over the next few months and years what your planning. I looked at his CV and I set up my question marks about Is he ready for that step yet for a Liverpool? I've got my doubts. It seems to be his team's be a lovely brand of football. But I still have doubts about what he's won to take that job.”

The 3AM Verdict: Keane does actually make a valid point when it comes to De Zerbi's record of landing major silverware - and there is no doubt the Liverpool hierarchy will want a manager with a proven track record of claiming major trophies. Should a manager with such a record become available, it would be no surprise to see De Zerbi snubbed in the hunt for Klopp's successor.