Juventus star Sami Khedira has praised Frank Lampard for the summer signing of Thiago Silva.

Khedira, a World Cup winner with Germany in 2014, could be released early by Juventus to save money and he wants to experience England’s top flight.

It was earlier reported that 33-year-old World Cup winner Khedira wants a move to the Premier League, and the praise given to Frank Lampard could mean Khedira fancies a move to Stamford Bridge.

In an interview with the Athletic, Khedira said: “Take Frank Lampard. In Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, he’s brought in two outstanding footballers but the key signing is Thiago Silva at the age of 36.

“Lampard knows that it’s not enough to have players who run fast and shoot hard.

“You also need guys with experience that help others perform by force of their presence and personality.

“A good manager sees the bigger picture and understands what pieces are missing to complete the puzzle.”

Khedira still feels he has plenty to offer having won five Serie A titles since joining Juventus from Real Madrid in 2015.

He told the Athletic: “The Premier League is still missing in my collection, to play there would be the icing on the cake. I’ve done extra sessions with fitness coaches to get myself ready for the pace and intensity.”

Photo Credit: Sami Khedira/Twitter

Atletico Madrid secured a 1-0 home win over Gefate via Luis Suarez header to celebrate Diego Simeone’s 500th game in charge of the Spanish club.

With this victory, Los Rojiblancos remain at the top of La Liga and ending the year with an unbeaten home record.

The Uruguayan glanced in a lofted pass from Yannick Carrasco to put Atletico ahead in the 20th minute and they ground out the win to preserve their remarkable record of never conceding a goal to Getafe since Simeone became coach nine years ago.

Atleti could not add to their tally but safely held on to move three points clear of Real Madrid, who have played a game more and are in action against Elche later on Wednesday.

The visitors were given a let off after 14 minutes as Thomas Lemar fired an angled shot against the frame of the goal as he attempted to catch out Ruben Yanez.

But Getafe, who ended an 11-match wait for an away league win last time out on their travels, could not hold out for much longer as Suarez glanced in Yannick Carrasco’s delivery.

Suarez guided over from 15 yards soon after but a bigger chance went begging for Angel Rodriguez at the other end, the forward heading straight at Jan Oblak from close range.

Oblak was called into action again just before the hour mark to keep out Jaime Mata’s header with a routine stop, while Carrasco was thwarted by Yanez down low in a second half of minimal chances.

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Frank Lampard has provided a positive update on Hakim Ziyech’s thigh injury, saying he’s hopeful the 27-year-old could return on Sunday afternoon, should the Blues’ clash with Manchester City take place.

The Blues boss admitted Chelsea have been missing Ziyech’s ‘chance creation’ after the side’s 1-1 draw with Aston Villa.

Lampard said: “I don’t think it’s a coincidence.

“You can’t rely completely on it. But with Hakim, the way he was playing, he was very effective in terms of assists, chance creation, and we were very fluid at the time when he got injured against Leeds.

“Where is he at? There’s a possibility he could be fit for Man City if it goes ahead.”

Atletico Madrid have identified Olivier Giroud as the ideal replacement for Diego Costa, who left the club on Tuesday.

Los Rojiblancos boss Diego Simeone believes Giroud could be the man to do that job and is considering a move for the veteran Frenchman when the transfer window swings open at the start of January, reports Italian broadcaster Rai Sport, via Football365.

And, Mundo Deportivo adds that Atletico will attempt to sign Giroud in the January transfer window but are hoping to do business with a small cash offer.

That could be a bit hard considering Chelsea have spent over £200million in the summer and would look for a significant sum to balance the books.

But then again Atleti are banking on the Blues’ fear of losing their striker for free in the summer when his contract expires

Premier League record scorer Alan Shearer has shared some advice that could help Chelsea end star signing Timo Werner’s goal drought.

Shearer believes Werner should take Jorginho’s place as the team’s penalty taker and insists he needs to work harder in training.

The Newcastle legend told The Athletic: “If I was Werner, I would be straining for the ball every time Chelsea are awarded a penalty.

“It’s such a great opportunity to get up and running again. You’d be amazed what it does to you, that feeling of seeing the ball hit the net. You grow two feet taller instantly.

“On the training pitch, I’d be doubling down on work. I would get someone to knock balls into me from little angles, just behind the goal. I’d stand five or six yards out and just roll shots into an empty net.

“Maybe that sounds simplistic, but I’d do it time and time again, just to build my confidence up. Then I’d bring in a keeper — a first-teamer wouldn’t do it, so I’d rope in someone from the youth team — and do the same thing.”

Real Madrid outcast Isco is reportedly set to snub Arsenal after deciding to join Sevilla at the end of the season.

Arsenal have been linked with a huge January transfer as reports suggest they are targeting Real Madrid star Isco, who is also being eyed by Sevilla.

Reports suggest that the ex-Malaga man is desperate to bring an end to his misery at Real Madrid by joining Sevilla for £18million.

The 28-year-old, who has made just 11 appearances this campaign, is believed to have firmly opted to leave the Bernabeu after dropping down the pecking order.

And AS have claimed it is likely Isco will reunite with former Spain and Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui and that the modest fee will be enough to seal the deal.

Isco enjoyed a fine patch of form during Lopetegui’s brief time at the helm of the current La Liga champions in 2018 and is understood to have felt most supported under him.

Zinedine Zidane is said to have lost all confidence in Isco, but will refuse to allow the outcast to leave next month due to his fears over a potential injury crisis.

Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho has made Diego Costa his transfer priority ahead of the January transfer window.

That is according to Spanish outlet La Razon, which means Arsenal may have to enter a bidding war with their north London rivals next month for Costa.

The star striker left Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after both sides agreed to terminate his contract.

The Gunners and Spurs may face some competition from Wolves, who are also lining up a bid.

However, they will be pleased to know that Atleti have taken steps in order to make sure the Spain international doesn’t join another La Liga club and therefore crashing Real Madrid, Barcelona and Sevilla’s hopes of signing him

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has revealed why Diego Costa wanted to depart the club on a free transfer.

The Wanda Metropolitano club reached a mutual agreement with Costa to terminate the Spain international striker’s stay at the club.

The former Chelsea forward’s deal with the La Liga giants was set to expire in June 2021 but he has asked the club to end his stay prematurely due to personal reasons.

Simeone said: “We have spent a lot of time together over the years, he has given us a lot and we have given him a lot too.

“We spoke about his personal issues and the club wanted to help him without harming its own interests and we feel better now we have resolved the issue.

“He felt the need to find a new challenge, and I’m sure wherever he goes he will do well, because he’s a fighter.”

Atletico Madrid boss Diego Simeone has spoken about the rumours surrounding Marcos Alonso, and his possible transfer to Madrid.

Alonso is said to be on track to become Atleti‘s first signing of the January transfer market as reported by The Independent and Diario AS.

Los Rojiblancos are said to be in talks with Chelsea to sign the Stamford Bridge club’s left-back in a loan deal after Alonso requested a winter move due to lack of game-time.

When asked about the rumours linking Atletico with Alonso, Simeone said: “I am not talking about what is being said from the outside. I’m thinking about tomorrow’s game.

“We have a rival who always competes very well, they have not had positive results but they have improved and competed to the maximum in the games they’ve played.”

Alonso, who turned 30 yesterday, hasn’t played since September 26th.

Simeone is said to be looking to reinforce the left-back position as he has just Renan Lodi and Manu Sanchez there, with Mario Hermoso asked to shift across to occupy the position three times this season.

Aston Villa fans have taken aim at Ben Chilwell after the Chelsea left-back stated the Midlands outfit were lucky to snatch a point at Stamford Bridge.

He said: “They’ve had one shot and they’ve scored. It’s disappointing, but we need to look at the positives – like 48 hours after a poor performance, we’ve played well and showed good character.”

To which one Villans supporter tweeted: “Flippant comment because he missed the chance to win the game at the death. Hell of an effort though.”

Another said: “Arrogance. Shame. I expected better from him.”

A third added: “You had a blinder on the pitch man, but way off with that quote. Good game, keep fit England needs you this summer.”

One simply stated: “They’re bitter because we matched them in every department.”

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