LiveScore Daily: Today’s football news in bite-sized chunks

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Deal with it

Graham Potter does not believe his Chelsea players will be distracted by transfer gossip.

Plenty of business is expected at Stamford Bridge this month as Potter attempts to reshape his squad in a bid to resurrect an unlikely top-four challenge.

The Blues did not make the best of starts to 2023 yesterday as they were held to a disappointing 1-1 draw at struggling Nottingham Forest. 

New signing David Datro Fofana watched from the stands at the City Ground after completing his move from Molde and it appears Monaco's Benoit Badiashile will also be joining him at Stamford Bridge.

But Potter said: "It's part of the season we all have to deal with, so I'm not complaining about it.

"They are human beings and while the window is open there is noise and 24-hour media that has to be filled with something.

"The January window gives people an opportunity to speak about things, so it's normal. 

"It's part of modern-day football and we have to deal with it."

Falling apart

Jamie Redknapp fears Antonio Conte's relationship with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is deteriorating. 

Spurs suffered a fourth defeat in seven Premier League games as they were beaten 2-0 at home by Aston Villa yesterday. 

The limp performance left Conte once again bemoaning the strength of his squad as he suggested repeating last season's top-four finish would be a huge feat. 

And Redknapp, who played for the North Londoners between 2002 and 2005, can see the outspoken Italian talking himself out of a job — particularly with former boss Mauricio Pochettino out of work.

The Sky Sports pundit, 49, said: "I don't like the way this is shaping up, with Conte and Levy. 

"I can see cracks appearing, and with Pochettino in the wings, I don't feel this is going to end up the way it should do.

"I'm a big Conte fan but I think there's going to be a fallout pretty soon. He's definitely searching for something right now and it looks like he's looking for an exit clause.

"Levy will hate that kind of message being sent to him."

Shaw thing

Erik ten Hag believes Manchester United ace Luke Shaw can continue to shine as a central defender.

The England left-back, 27, filled in at the heart of Ten Hag's defence as United won 1-0 at Wolves on New Year's Eve and could start there again against Bournemouth tomorrow.

Lisandro Martinez may be available after returning to training following Argentina's World Cup success but Ten Hag has no hesitation about calling on Shaw if needed.

He said: "You have a plan, sometimes it changes by circumstances like illnesses. 

"The way we were to approach Wolves, I thought it was the best match with Rafa Varane and Luke. You know the speed of Wolves over the right side and he could cover that.

"It's an extra option, which is always good."

Feet on the ground

Lewis Dunk insists World Cup glory will not go to the head of Brighton team-mate Alexis Mac Allister.

The 24-year-old midfielder impressed as Argentina — led by the irrepressible Lionel Messi — tasted glory in Qatar. 

After being granted leave to celebrate the success in his homeland, Mac Allister is nearing a return to Premier League action for Roberto De Zerbi's side.

And skipper Dunk cannot wait to have him back. He said: "We've spoken to him and congratulated him — what an achievement.

"He's a humble guy, a great guy to have in the squad and what a player. He showed his worth in the World Cup and we're all buzzing for him. 

"We can't wait to have him back in the squad and to be ready to play for us again because he brings a lot to us. 

"I don't think it will change anything. He's a down-to-earth kid, he's a hard worker. 

"He's won the World Cup and we're all delighted for him, he's delighted, so I don't think it will change anything when he comes back here. 

"I think he will be ready to go again, keep learning off this manager and keep improving as an individual and as a team."

In honour of Pele

FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants every country in the world to name a stadium in honour of Pele.

The Brazil great, who won the World Cup three times and scored more than 1,000 career goals, died on December 29 aged 82 after a battle with cancer. 

And Infantino said: "We're going to ask every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele.

"For everyone who loves the beautiful game, this is the day we never wanted to come. The day we lost Pele.

"Pele had a magnetic presence and, when you were with him, the rest of the world stopped. 

"His life is about more than football. He changed perceptions for the better in Brazil, in South America and across the world. 

"His legacy is impossible to summarise in words."

Money to spend

Brendan Rodgers is confident he will be able to strengthen his Leicester squad during the January sales. 

After a dismal start to the season, the Foxes had built some momentum by winning six out of seven in all competitions going into the World Cup break. 

But they need to a find a spark again after losing back-to-back games since the Premier League returned.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's home clash with Fulham, Rodgers said: "I don't have any doubt about the squad, the team, they're great guys. 

"They are an honest group. Whatever they lack in quality they certainly have always made up in effort and endevaour. 

"It's a very difficult league. It is not all about money but if you're going to progress you have to be able to bring in players. If you stand still, others overtake you. 

"You want to continually develop the squad. Hopefully we can do that. I think there will be a little bit of money to spend in the areas we want to, so we feel we can do that."