Graham Potter believes Chelsea fans are in for a treat with Mykhaylo Mudryk's direct approach.

The Blues announced the signing of Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk during the first half of their 1-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace on Sunday, and paraded the Ukraine international at Stamford Bridge during half-time.

That victory came courtesy of Kai Havertz's second-half header and ended a run of three straight defeats across all competitions for the Blues. 

Mudryk had looked set to join Premier League rivals Arsenal, but Chelsea swooped in to secure his signature, reportedly paying £89million (€100m) to sign the 22-year-old.

Potter is confident he will be a hit with Chelsea's supporters, telling reporters: "You're never surprised in the transfer window. Things happen when you don't expect them to happen.

"He's a player with a big future, one versus one he's very direct, and he attacks the backline. I think our supporters will really like him."

Eyebrows have been raised at Chelsea's decision to hand the 22-year-old an eight-and-a-half-year contract, but Potter sees no problem.

"I'm the head coach and as you know, I've had enough to worry about and what is right for the club," he added. "If I'm here for the length of his contract, I'll be happy."

Mudryk is Chelsea's fifth signing of a busy January transfer window, and one of those additions made their debut against Palace, with Benoit Badiashile, signed from Monaco, featuring in defence.

The 21-year-old impressed, making a game-high nine clearances and playing more successful passes (71) than anyone on the pitch.

"I thought Benoit did well, really well," Potter added.

"It was a good game for him. [Kalidou] Koulibaly has had a lot of football and the turnaround from Thursday was a consideration.

"He passes the ball well and when he needed to head the ball out he did. He has to adapt to the Premier League. It will take him some time, but it was very positive."

With Chelsea dealing with a long injury list, as well as the suspension of on-loan Joao Felix, Havertz came good at the other end.

Since the start of last season, only Harry Kane (11) has scored more headed goals in the Premier League than the Germany international (six), who acknowledged it has been a difficult spell for the Blues.

"The last few weeks were tough," he said. "For everyone at the club, it is not easy under these circumstances. A lot of things changed this year.

"We have so many injuries, 10-12 injured players. Today we had five young players in the starting XI and they are doing a really good job at the moment.

"I think I was in a good spot. I play in the number nine position and I take the responsibility to score more goals. As a team need to score more goals. I will do my best to help the team."

Chelsea have completed the signing of Ukraine international Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The 22-year-old has penned an eight-and-a-half year contract with the Blues, who have reportedly splashed out £89million (€100m) to beat London rivals Arsenal to the punch.

The Gunners' interest in Mudryk had been well documented throughout the season, with Mudryk publicly expressing his desire to join the club last year and dropping regular hints on social media throughout the transfer window.

However, after it was reported that Premier League leaders Arsenal were making progress towards their own deal, Chelsea owner Todd Boehly sanctioned a last-minute swoop to win the race for the winger.

Shakhtar confirmed on social media on Saturday that a deal with Chelsea was close. The post was shared on the Blues' official channels. 

The deal was officially announced by Chelsea on Sunday, with Mudryk in attendance at Stamford Bridge for the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

"I'm so happy to sign for Chelsea," Mudryk told his new club's official website.

"This is a huge club, in a fantastic league and it is a very attractive project for me at this stage of my career. I'm excited to meet my new team-mates and I'm looking forward to working and learning under Graham Potter and his staff."

Mudryk caught the eye in Shakhtar's Champions League campaign this season, scoring three goals and contributing two assists.

He becomes Chelsea's fifth signing of a busy transfer window, following on from the acquisitions of Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana and Joao Felix, who joined on loan from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season.

Joao Felix initially impressed on his debut against Fulham only to see red for a lunge on Kenny Tete, with Graham Potter's side going on to lose for a seventh time in 10 games.

Potter was also dealt a further blow as Denis Zakaria went down with a quad injury, adding to Chelsea's long list of absentees.

The Blues boss will be hoping Mudryk can hit the ground running as Chelsea aim to arrest their poor form.

Over the last two Ukrainian Premier League seasons, Mudryk has played 23 times for Shakhtar, scoring nine goals and setting up a further 13.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will have to turn their attention to other targets as Mikel Arteta's side aim to keep up their title charge.

Chelsea have completed the signing of Ukraine international Mykhaylo Mudryk from Shakhtar Donetsk.

The 22-year-old has penned an eight-and-a-half year contract with the Blues, who have reportedly splashed £89million (€100m) to beat London rivals Arsenal to the punch.

The Gunners' interest in Mudryk had been well documented throughout the season, with Mudryk publicly expressing his desire to join the club last year and dropping regular hints on social media throughout the transfer window.

However, after it was reported that Premier League leaders Arsenal were making progress towards their own deal, Todd Boehly sanctioned a last-minute swoop to win the race for the winger.

Shakhtar confirmed on social media on Saturday that a deal with Chelsea was close. The post was shared on the Blues' official channels. 

The deal was officially announces by Chelsea on Sunday, with Mudryk in attendance at Stamford Bridge for the Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.

"I'm so happy to sign for Chelsea," Mudryk told his new club's official website.

"This is a huge club, in a fantastic league and it is a very attractive project for me at this stage of my career. I'm excited to meet my new team-mates and I'm looking forward to working and learning under Graham Potter and his staff."

Mudryk caught the eye in Shakhtar's Champions League campaign this season, scoring three goals and contributing two assists.

He becomes Chelsea's fifth signing of a busy transfer window, following on from the acquisitions of Benoit Badiashile, Andrey Santos, David Datro Fofana and Joao Felix, who joined on loan from Atletico Madrid until the end of the season.

Joao Felix initially impressed on his debut against Fulham only to see red for a lunge on Kenny Tete, with Graham Potter's side going on to lose for a seventh time in 10 games.

Potter was also dealt a further blow as Denis Zakaria went down with a quad injury, adding to Chelsea's long list of absentees.

The Blues boss will be hoping Mudryk can hit the ground running as Chelsea aim to arrest their poor form.

Over the last two Ukrainian Premier League seasons, Mudryk has played 23 times for Shakhtar, scoring nine goals and setting up a further 13.

Arsenal, meanwhile, will have to turn their attention to other targets as Mikel Arteta's side aim to keep up their title charge.

Premier League leaders Arsenal appear destined to miss out on their long-term target Mykhaylo Mudryk.

The Gunners had reportedly made several bids for the Shakhtar Donetsk winger, but he now seems set to join Chelsea after they began talks on a fee with the Ukrainian club.

As a result, Arsenal will need to turn their attention elsewhere during the January transfer window to bolster their squad.

TOP STORY – GUNNERS SWITCH ATTENTION TO BARCELONA'S RAPHINHA

Arsenal have turned to Barcelona's Brazilian winger Raphinha having missed out on Mudryk, claims Sportitalia.

The former Leeds United winger only joined Barcelona in July on a five-year contract, but has made only 12 starts from 22 overall appearances for the Blaugrana.

The Gunners hope that Raphinha would be a suitable candidate to return to England, given his previous Premier League experience.

ROUND-UP

– Fabrizio Romano claims Mykhaylo Mudryk will be at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea's game with Crystal Palace on Sunday after medical tests, having signed pre-contracts on a move to the Blues from Shakhtar Donetsk, warding off Arsenal's interest.

– Chelsea have also lodged a €30million (£26.5m) offer for PSV winger Noni Madueke, according to ESPN. The 20-year-old England youth international moved to the Eredivisie from Tottenham in 2018.

– Crystal Palace are set to launch a new bid to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea, claims The Sun on Sunday. Gallagher enjoyed a bright loan spell at Selhurst Park last season and has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.

– Memphis Depay will exit Barcelona in January, according to Fabrizio Romano. Talks are ongoing with Atletico Madrid, whom the Dutchman is open to joining.

– Tottenham are readying a £20m (€22.5m) move for Bayer Leverkusen's Ecuadorian defender Piero Hincapie, reports The Sun on Sunday.

– Football Insider has suggested that Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita will leave the club on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of this season.

Inter midfielder Roberto Gagliardini looks set to leave San Siro at the end of the season after claiming he needs more regular football.

The 28-year-old former Atalanta player, who has been capped by Italy, has started only two Serie A games this season for the Nerazzurri.

One of those came on Sunday when he helped Simone Inzaghi's team to a 1-0 win against Hellas Verona, playing the full game.

Gagliardini has featured off the bench six times in the Italian top flight this term, but he wants greater and more consistent involvement, and that will probably mean his future lies elsewhere.

He was praised by coach Inzaghi on Saturday, commended for an "excellent" display, but Gagliardini's contract expires at the end of the campaign and all signs point to a parting of ways during the Italian summer.

Bergamo-born Gagliardini told Sky Sport: "I'm no longer willing to have this playing time. I'm 28 years old, and I want to prove a lot.

"I'm more ready than a few years ago, because these years have seen great growth for me, in my head and in the reaction to the difficult moments, so in June I will make my decisions."

Gagliardini was a Serie A winner with Inter two years ago, but he was only a bit-part player in that success, starting four times and coming off the bench on nine occasions.

Responding to his player's comments, Inzaghi said in a press conference: "The important thing is that he does well on the pitch.

"He's highly regarded by everyone, he's a serious professional who works very well. He's had a few minor problems in the last year, but he's always gritted his teeth, guaranteeing his contribution."

Georginio Rutter was thrilled to get his dream move to Leeds United as the Premier League club brought in the striker from Hoffenheim on a club-record deal.

Leeds confirmed the 20-year-old French player has signed a five-and-a-half-year contract at Elland Road, committing to the end of the 2027-28 season.

Former Rennes forward Rutter spent two years at Hoffenheim, who signed him as a hot prospect and have now cashed in on a player who scored 11 goals in 57 Bundesliga games.

The France Under-21 international could make his debut against Brentford next weekend, Leeds said.

His signing shows the club's support for American coach Jesse Marsch, who has also been able to bring in Max Wober from his former club Salzburg during this transfer window.

Leeds are precariously placed in the Premier League, sitting 14th in the 20-team division after 18 games but just two points ahead of bottom-placed Southampton.

Neither club has announced the fee involved, but it is widely reported the deal could eventually cost Leeds around £35million.

As well as posting a goodbye note to Hoffenheim, Rutter wrote on Instagram: "Happy to join @leedsunited, I am excited to play in such a great club."

Hoffenheim director of football Alexander Rosen explained the rationale for the sale, saying on the club's website: "Transfers like Georginio Rutter's to TSG Hoffenheim are only possible because of transfers like Georginio Rutter's to Leeds United."

Rosen said Hoffenheim "regret" choosing to sell but added: "In light of the third-highest transfer fee in the club's history, as well as the clearly communicated desire to move, it would not have made sense to block a young player like Georgi from the path he is pursuing. I'm sure I'm not the only one who will miss him."

Shakhtar Donetsk have confirmed an agreement with Chelsea for Mykhaylo Mudryk is "very close".

The Blues are widely reported to have seen an £88.5million (€100m) bid accepted by the Ukrainian side for the winger, seemingly leapfrogging London rivals Arsenal to the front of the queue.

Mikel Arteta's side were said to have made progress towards a deal of their own in recent days but have been left in the lurch following Chelsea's move.

In a statement, Shakhtar said: "Shakhtar president Rinat Akhmetov and Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali discussed Mykhaylo Mudryk's transfer to Chelsea today.

"Parties are very close to agreeing on the player's transfer to the club."

Mudryk previously expressed a desire to move to Arsenal and has dropped several hints on social media this month, with the Premier League leaders thought to be his preferred destination.

However, that prospect may now be off the table unless the Gunners up their offer, with Chelsea firmly leading the chase.

Tottenham and Newcastle United are both keeping a close eye on forward Nicolo Zaniolo despite a mediocre stretch of form with Roma.

The 23-year-old has 11 Italy caps to his name, but he has struggled to show his quality this season.

From 13 Serie A appearances this term, including 12 starts, Zaniolo has only scored one goal with zero assists, after a 2021-22 season where he contributed only two goals in 28 league games.

Despite his disappointing goal tally, Zaniolo is reportedly demanding a significant pay increase to re-sign in Italy's capital, forcing Roma into a difficult decision.

TOP STORY – PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS CIRCLE FOR ZANIOLO

According to Calciomercato, Tottenham head coach Antonio Conte is a fan of Zaniolo, while the "increasingly ambitious" Newcastle are "waiting for new developments".

For Tottenham, their top priority remains retaining the services of Conte, and that could mean taking a leap of faith to secure one of his targets.

The report states the most recent negotiations between Roma and Zaniolo's agents ended with no progress, and with 18 months remaining on his contract, his transfer value will likely not get any higher than it is right now.

ROUND-UP

– The Times is reporting Newcastle also have strong interest in 25-year-old Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.

– According to Caught Offside, Chelsea could sign 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach striker Marcus Thuram for €10million this month as his contract expires at the end of the season.

– Tottenham, Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund are among the teams scouting impressive 18-year-old Oscar Gloukh from Maccabi Tel Aviv, who could be purchased for €9m, per The Sun.

– The Daily Mail is reporting 29-year-old Liverpool midfielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain could leave the club this month, with six months remaining on his contract.

– Liverpool are trying to convince 26-year-old Fiorentina midfielder and Morocco standout Sofyan Amrabat to head to Anfield, but he prefers Atletico Madrid, per The Mirror.

Manchester United have secured the arrival of Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst on loan from Burnley until the end of the season.

Weghorst had been playing for Besiktas, but United have taken over that arrangement, with the Turkish club confirming they received €2.8million (£2.48m) for the inconvenience.

Erik ten Hag was in the market for a new striker following the acrimonious split with Cristiano Ronaldo, whose contract was terminated in November after he criticised the manager and club in a controversial interview.

The United boss was open about his desire to bring in attacking reinforcements and seemed to confirm the club's interest in Weghorst when acknowledging Anthony Martial could not handle the physical demands of being their only striker.

Links with Weghorst surprised many given the 30-year-old's lack of impact – he scored two goals in 20 top-flight games – with Burnley in the Premier League last season.

But he has netted eight goals in 16 Turkish Super Lig outings this term and scored twice for the Netherlands in a lively cameo against Argentina at the World Cup.

Weghorst's arrival is the continuation of a pattern in the transfer market for United, who have largely relied on signing either ageing or cheap centre-forwards for over a decade, with Romelu Lukaku – who lasted only two years at Old Trafford – arguably the only exception since acquiring Robin van Persie from Arsenal in 2012.

United confirmed the signing on their official website on Friday, though the former AZ player will not be eligible for Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City.

"I feel privileged to be joining Manchester United," Weghorst said. "I've played against the club in the past and it's a fantastic feeling to now have the chance to pull on the famous red shirt.

"I've seen United's progress under Erik ten Hag this season and can't wait to start playing my part in pushing the team towards its aims.

"Whatever happens in the next few months, I can promise to give everything to the club for as long as I am here.

"I thank everyone who has played a part in getting me to this stage, and now I am looking forward to meeting my new team-mates and getting involved straight away."

Besiktas have confirmed the termination of Wout Weghorst's spell at the club ahead of an expected move to Manchester United.

The Netherlands international has spent the first half of the season on loan in Turkey from Championship leaders Burnley but is poised to complete a return to England.

United have been on the hunt for a striker since Cristiano Ronaldo's departure ahead of the World Cup, and Weghorst emerged as the leading candidate fill the void at Old Trafford.

Weghorst's switch to United now appears all but done following Besiktas' confirmation on Friday that he has left the club.

"The temporary transfer agreement with our professional football player Wout Weghorst and his club has been terminated by mutual agreement with the player and his club," a statement said.

"Due to the early termination of the contract by Burnley, a termination fee of €2.8 million [£2.5m] will be paid to our club."

Earlier on Friday, Ten Hag confirmed Weghorst would not be signed in time to feature in Saturday's Premier League clash with Manchester City but outlined his desire for a deal to be completed swiftly.

PSV head coach Ruud van Nistelrooy is concerned about the prospect of losing Noni Madueke, amid reported interest in his services.

The 20-year-old has been touted as a potential target for Chelsea this year, as Todd Boehly continues to splash the cash in a bid to rejuvenate the squad at Stamford Bridge.

Madueke has been limited to just four Eredivisie appearances this season due to injury but is well known in England due to his Under-21 international appearances and youth spells with Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

PSV's reluctance to approve a deal comes after already offloading one of their prized assets in the mid-season transfer window, having sold Cody Gakpo to Liverpool for a €40million (£35m) fee.

Van Nistelrooy is aware of similar interest in Madueke and expressed his worry at the situation, though he was aware it would be out of his hands if a suitable price is offered.

"I know there is interest. This is due to his qualities and performance. It's worrisome," he told De Telegraaf.

"We need to see if we can keep him. I very much hope for that. We must do everything we can to do that.

"You also know that things can take off if the purse is pulled hard.

"Then you have to be ready with several options, because then you would lose the second player in the winter. But as a coach you would rather keep your best players."

Leandro Trossard wants to leave Brighton and Hove Albion after a spat with coach Roberto De Zerbi ahead of the visit of Liverpool.

The Belgian winger hit a hat-trick against Liverpool at Anfield when the teams met in October, in what was De Zerbi's first Premier League game since succeeding Graham Potter.

Relations between Trossard and De Zerbi have taken a turn for the worse, however, and the former Genk player will play no part in the rematch with Jurgen Klopp's side on Saturday.

De Zerbi told a pre-match press conference Trossard needs to buck up his attitude, criticising the 28-year-old's conduct in training.

"On Monday, I spoke with him and I explained this attitude, this behaviour, I don't like," De Zerbi said. "We are not a big team, a Real Madrid or Barcelona. We are Brighton and we need players who work like the others."

Trossard has been linked with a possible move to Tottenham, but De Zerbi claimed to have no knowledge of a transfer in the offing.

The criticism from the Italian coach drew a response from Trossard's agent Josy Comhair.

Comhair, quoted widely in Belgian media, said Trossard has "indicated that he is ready for his next step", after failing to come to an agreement over a new contract at Brighton.

The agent also claimed there had been "an altercation between Leandro and a player in training over a trivial matter" and this had led De Zerbi to give Trossard the silent treatment.

Comhair said De Zerbi then scolded Trossard in front of the rest of Brighton's players in training on Monday.

According to the agent, De Zerbi has already suggested "several times that a transfer is the most convenient solution".

Comhair added: "It is therefore important that Brighton cooperates with a potential transfer during this transfer period and shows a benevolent attitude, which is beneficial to both parties."

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag confirmed Wout Weghorst is close to joining the club but will not sign in time to feature in Saturday's derby.

United have been on the hunt for a new striker ever since Cristiano Ronaldo's acrimonious exit in November, with the Portugal forward having his contract terminated after an explosive interview.

Over the past week or so, Weghorst – who is on loan at Besiktas from Burnley – emerged as a likely candidate to fill the void until the end of the season.

Reports on Thursday suggested United reached an agreement to pay Besiktas £2.5million (€3m) to take over their loan arrangement with Weghorst, who has scored eight Super Lig goals in 16 games this season.

Some supporters have been indifferent about the prospect of signing a player who netted just twice in 20 Premier League games last term as Burnley were relegated, but a deal is seemingly near – just not close enough for him to face Manchester City this weekend.

Speaking to reporters about the rumours on Friday, Ten Hag said: "I think we are close, so he will not be available for tomorrow, no."

But with United unable to get a deal for Weghorst over the line sooner, they could once again see their options at centre-forward limited for the visit of City.

Anthony Martial has been plagued by injuries this season and is struggling with another issue, leaving Ten Hag unsure of his availability for the match.

Asked to provide general fitness updates, the manager added: "[Diogo] Dalot is not available, and Martial trained this morning, so we wait to see how he recovered and if he's available. That will be decided tomorrow.

"It's a small thing, in his leg, so I will be [waiting for] tomorrow, otherwise he'll be available for Wednesday, I think."

United are somewhat stretched in the attacking department, with Martial proving unreliable in terms of fitness and Jadon Sancho still absent after being granted time away to improve his mental sharpness.

But Ten Hag is not panicking, pointing out United have done well without Martial and Weghorst in recent weeks.

"Weghorst wasn't available in the last weeks, so it would be a bonus if he was [able to face City]," Ten Hag said. "I hope soon he will be there.

"But also we have had a month of winning a lot of games without Anthony Martial."

United welcome City to Old Trafford looking to avenge a 6-3 defeat in October. Victory for the Red Devils will see them move to within a point of the champions.

Arsenal's interest in Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk is well known, having pursued him in the last transfer window.

The 22-year-old Ukraine winger has scored 10 goals in 18 appearances for Shakhtar this term, enhancing his value.

Mudryk has also had interest from Sevilla and Chelsea, with the Gunners having reportedly previously made two bids for his services.

TOP STORY - GUNNERS CLOSE IN ON AGREEMENT FOR MUDRYK DEAL

Arsenal have tabled a fresh third bid worth €70m (£62m) plus add-ons for key target Mykhaylo Mudryk of Shakhtar Donetsk, claims Fabrizio Romano.

Talks are ongoing with no breakthrough but the two parties are getting closer to agreement, while Mudryk posted a praying emoji on Instagram in a sign he wants to make the move.

The Daily Express claims that the two clubs have come to an agreement on the fee, with negotiations entering the "final stage".

ROUND-UP

- Al Hilal, rivals of Cristiano Ronaldo's new Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, are plotting a €275m move for World Cup winner Lionel Messi from Paris Saint-Germain, reports Mundo Deportivo. The Sun has reported Messi's father Jorge has been spotted in Saudi Arabia too.

- Arsenal are also again interested in Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic, reports La Repubblica. According to the report, the Serbian is valued at €110m (£97.7m).

- Sport claims that Newcastle United have tabled an offer for Barcelona's Dutch forward Memphis Depay.

- PSG are set to offer Milan Skriniar a €12m-a-year contract, provided he agrees to leave Inter on a free transfer, reports La Repubblica. Skriniar's Inter deal concludes at the end of this season.

- AS reports that PSG have accepted a bid for Wolves for 30-year-old Spanish midfielder Pablo Sarabia.

- Besiktas are turning to Wolves' forward Raul Jimenez to replace Manchester United-bound Wout Weghorst, according to Fotospor.

Hearts manager Robbie Neilson accepts Socceroos forward Garang Kuol is not the "finished article" but is thrilled to land the 18-year-old on loan from Newcastle United.

The Edinburgh club confirmed the temporary signing – subject to international clearance – of Kuol from the Premier League side on Thursday, reportedly beating several Championship clubs to him.

Kuol impressed with two cameos for Australia at the 2022 World Cup, where the Socceroos reached the round of 16 for the second time.

In September, the teenager agreed a pre-contract deal to join Newcastle in January from A-League club Central Coast Mariners, with the Magpies eager to loan him out for first-team experience.

The Egypt-born talent only debuted for Central Coast in December 2021 and made just 22 first-team appearances – netting seven goals – before joining Newcastle.

"It's fantastic news that Garang has committed himself to Hearts for the next six months," Neilson said.

"It's no secret that we were extremely interested in him and he came up for a look around last week. He was impressed with what he saw and what we're trying to do here, which is pleasing.

"We're getting a player who is by no means the finished article but there is a lot of talent there – you don't get called up to and play in the World Cup for nothing.

"He'll offer us new options going forward as we look to continue our good form and continue to make progress in the league and in the Scottish Cup, and we're really looking forward to working with him."

Kuol joins fellow Australians Kye Rowles, Cammy Devlin and Nathaniel Atkinson at Hearts. All four were part of the Socceroos' World Cup squad.

"The gaffer also persuaded me to come here with the plan that he put to me for my development," Kuol said.

"Overall, the club has great ambitions and goals, and that was something I wanted to be involved in. I think it was a very good decision."

Hearts are third in the Scottish Premiership with 32 points from 20 games, 26 points behind leaders Celtic.