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Despite landing himself several impressive pieces of silverware during his current stint at the Etihad, and subsequently proving an influential figure behind Manchester City’s recent success in the modern Premier League era – Yaya Toure has seemingly always felt the cold winds of criticism come his way in the English top-flight.

Although the 32-year-old combative midfielder has admittedly provided the Premier League with one of its most exciting stars in recent seasons, the Ivory Coast international has nonetheless suffered with a range of inconsistency issues whilst playing at the Etihad, regardless of his strong form overall.

The former Nou Camp battler sometimes portrays an almost unbeatable customer on his day for Manchester City, whilst somehow looking distinctly out-of-sorts throughout large portions of each respective campaign in equal measure.

So with his former Barcelona manager all set to step in and take over at the Etihad after the 2015/16 season finally reaches its natural conclusion, will Yaya Toure end up parting ways with Manchester City this summer in inevitable circumstances?

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If a series of recent reports are to be believed, it does in-fact seem as if Yaya Toure looks destined to depart the Etihad this summer, whether or not Manuel Pellegrini’s side eventually finish the 2015/16 campaign with some hard-earned silverware tucked safely in the trophy cabinet.

Due to his well-established reputation in the Premier League, Toure is almost routinely linked with an illustrious move away from the Etihad with every passing transfer window – but as Manchester City look set on parting ways with several high profile players this summer – perhaps all the recent gossip and speculation surrounding the 32-year-old midfielder may have some genuine substance behind it this time around.

Although Pep Guardiola previously managed the Ivorian whilst the pair were both operating at the Nou Camp together, such a notion doesn’t guarantee the player’s future in the Premier League whatsoever this summer. The incoming Manchester City boss was also the man who ultimately allowed Toure to seal his big-money switch to the Etihad in the first place.

However, even though much hype and anticipation will inevitably greet Pep Guardiola upon his initial introduction within the English game, would the Citizens really benefit from parting ways with one of their most influential players before the 2016/17 campaign finally gets underway?

The wealthy Premier League club are clearly keen on building something new at the Etihad once Guardiola finally asserts himself down in the Man City dug-out, but as Yaya Toure can nonetheless provide the English top-flight with one of its standout performers when things are going well for the powerful Ivorian, the Etihad boardroom staff can’t be carrying out any hasty decisions in what could very well turn out to be a particularly telling summer for the club indeed.

But whilst the current Manchester City star has clearly succeeded during his stay in the English game, the former Barcelona midfielder has simply looked far from his best throughout the vast majority of the 2015/16 campaign thus far. Toure has been  indecisive so far this term, suspiciously lack-lustre on occasion, and he has undoubtedly gone missing from time to time under Manuel Pellegrini in 2015/16.

Regardless of whether or not Yaya Toure could suddenly start performing once again with Pep Guardiola at the helm, the mere presence of hesitation surrounding his overall game simply tells us all we really need to know. For all the success he has achieved in the Premier League, this is a player who Manchester City can no longer count upon for pure reliability on a week-to-week basis.

At 32 years of age, the once dominant Ivory Coast international is now reaching the latter stages of his career, and should potentially look to move on this summer in order to freshen up his own individual game more than anything else.

So, whilst several Manchester City fans may still feel a clear connection with the technically gifted midfielder and all that he can successfully bring to the Premier League, it remains hard to imagine Yaya Toure sticking it out at the Etihad this summer.

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With champions Chelsea floundering so badly for most of the season and after an explosive start, Manchester City were supposed to be coasting to the title by now.

A faltering campaign however, containing several shock results, has seen City fall off the pace and even been required to look over their shoulder with regards to their Champions League status in recent weeks.

Manuel Pellegrini’s men have slipped out to 11/2 with most bookies but those odds look good for a side with so much quality, experience and a game in hand.

There is plenty to suggest that City could be the favourites to overhaul Leicester, currently 10 points in front of them. Here are three reasons the Manchester outfit look dangerous.

Aguero

Sergio Aguero represents a one man title bid. Is the little Argentine the best player in the division? Quite possibly.

The forward has 16 goals in the top flight this term and is hot on the heels of Vardy, Kane and Lukaku.

Aguero though has played far less Premier League minutes due to injury and there is no doubt City would be closer to the summit had he been available throughout.

Their talisman now is back in business and few would bet against him overtaking his competitors to finish top of the scoring pile in May.

Such a run would have a massive impact on the outcome of the title itself. With or without Aguero, City have more firepower than any of their rivals.

The Etihad Stadium outfit have netted 52 times so far; equal to Leicester but with a game less played. The goals of their star man and the understanding he forms with David Silva over the last two months could be pivotal.

Strength in depth

City’s vast riches have put them in a privileged position compared to their title rivals.

While Arsenal have a large squad, injuries have reduced their overall quality at key moments and they have suffered accordingly.

Spurs have been fortunate in this regard but the absence of Jan Vertonghen is currently impacting upon the solid quality of their side which helped them rise into contention.

Leicester meanwhile, with the smallest squad of the four, have had incredible luck.

There is no doubt that prolonged absences of Aguero and Vincent Kompany have affected the league position of Pellegrini’s side this term.

Despite this though, they remain in contention and those players are now back in the fold. What impact will the loss of Cech have on Arsenal? Would a Vardy or Mahrez injury derail Leicester entirely?

City can take the blows and keep moving forward which means they will come close.

The Last Days of Manuel

Pellegrini himself is clearly keen to win the Champions League, something which has eluded a string of City managers since the club’s rags to riches transformation.

The players are playing for their futures at a club anticipating the arrival of Europe’s premier coach in Pep Guardiola. Expect them to finish strong.

Pellegrini is a popular figure and most will want to do him proud while simultaneously catching the eye of the incoming boss.

Aside from Leicester, the Citizens also have the advantage of the easiest looking fixtures which includes their game in hand.

In the penultimate week of the season Arsenal visit the Etihad. A game in which City have home advantage as the players and manager alike attempt to sign off the Pellegrini reign in style.

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This season looks to be the last in the top flight for Aston Villa for a little while, and it will be a shock for the club as it’s been the place they have called home since 1988. The former champions of England and Europe are now staring relegation in the face, sitting 12 points below safety with seven games to go. Many thought that Tim Sherwood, after leading the team to an FA Cup final was the man to bring something special.

However in October, fans everywhere were shocked to see Sherwood sacked and then replaced by former Lyon boss Remi Garde, whom had no previous experience of managing in the Premier League. Of course the Frenchman has now been sacked with an appalling win rate of 13.04%, leaving the team with no figure-head  and a squad full of high-earning, under-performing players. But just who is to blame for the teams poor turn in form?

Well considering that Sherwood installed a new confidence within the side, I highly doubt he is the villain for the Villans. It would appear that he did not have full control of the transfers last summer, highlighted by some very questionable deals in July. The early signings of Scott Sinclair, Micah Richards, Mark Bunn, and then Rudy Gestede and Joleon Lescott all looked to be players Sherwood would know and could easily implement in his squad. But, then their were additions that many fans were not familiar with: Idrissa Gueye, Jordan Amavi, Jordan Ayew, Jose Angel Crespo, Jordan Veretout, Adama Traore and Matija Sarkic. All these players were relatively unknown, and the only one that has had any real first-team impact has been Amavi… but he’s now injured.

It looked early on in the season that owner Randy Lerner had fully lost the plot at Villa. After a few years of success, the Villans have struggled and been rooted near the bottom of the table for a while. Lerner has not kept quiet about his desire to leave, but after various sales looked to have gone through and failed, the only losers are Villa and their fans. If all the talent that the club has had had been kept rather than cashed in on, then their side could line up like this:

Shay Given, Ashley Young, James Collins, Gary Cahill, Stewart Downing, Gareth Barry, Craig Gardner, Fabian Delph, Marc Albrighton, James Milner and Christian Benteke.

Okay, it’s hard to keep some players at the club, but there’s a feeling that many have been freed too soon. Villa used to entice talent to make names for themselves, but ultimately, like cattle, the top players were sold for big prices and never replaced.

In a transfer window that saw big stars such as Benteke, Delph and then the experience of Given, Andreas Wiemann, Darren Bent and Tom Cleverley leave, they should have been replaced with Premier League-proven talent. Instead unknown players have been brought in and struggled to cope. The areas they needed to strengthen have been neglected, with the need for a good winger, a couple of good strikers and a better goalkeeper to replace Brad Guzan completely overlooked.

Under Martin O’Neill Villa tried to punch above their weight and get Champions League football, but this current side are a far cry from that oh so impressive unit. The blame can’t be put solely at the feet of Garde, who was not been given the support of the players and the board, but it has to be at the owner. When Villa do inevitably drop down, it will be a sad day, as this is a club with a rich history and a devoted following.

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It’s safe to say that Dimitri Payet was one of the standout players in the Premier League last season and a case could be made to suggest he was one of the best players in the world, in fact. But with the EUROs now here and as West Ham edge closer to their move to the Olympic Stadium, thoughts have turned to who could compliment the Frenchman on the pitch next season.

The Hammers will need to add to their ranks if they want to keep Payet on their books for seasons to come because a successful campaign in France could entice some of Europe’s giants to make a move for their talented playmaker.

So with that in mind, who could Slaven Bilic move for in order to get the best out of Dimi Payet? Here’s FIVE players who could do just that…

Roberto Pereyra

This Argentine playmaker has been extremely impressive since joining Juventus from Udinese in 2014.

Whilst he missed a large part of this season with a muscle injury, Pereyra has shown on numerous occasions his vast array of skills and his ability to bring others into the game. Whilst he may not start alongside Payet, he’d certainly be an extremely healthy source of competition, and this may be what Payet needs to keep him on his toes.

Carlos Bacca

The Hammers have already one bid for AC Milan hit-man Carlos Bacca rebuffed, but he could be the man to bring Payet even more success next season. He was the player of the campaign at the San Siro last season, scoring 20 goals and keeping Mario Balotelli well and truly sidelined.

He’s got heaps of international experience, too, and he might be a coup if the Hammers can convince him.

Sofiane Feghouli

Sofiane Feghouli has been a huge player for Valencia for five years now, and at 26-years-old, the Algeria international still has plenty left in the locker.

A pacey and skilful right winger, he has the ability to bring his team-mates into the game whilst creating plenty of opportunities for himself. Whilst he’s not a household name, he could come in and strengthen the West Ham squad, and most importantly, create chances for Dimi Payet.

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Theo Walcott

It’s common knowledge – Theo is well and truly out of favour at Arsenal. He’s struggled to cement a place in the squad over the past couple of years and it’s been tough for the former England wonderkid. Now could be the perfect chance to start somewhere else and why not West Ham?

The Irons are a club on the up, who have done extremely well recently, after all. Whether he’s played up front or on the wing, he could really bring Payet into the game.

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Yannick Bolasie

A household name in the Premier League, Yannick Bolasie has been one of Crystal Palace’s most important players for a few years now.

The DR Congo international has pace, skill and the ability to score – as we saw when he despatched an eleven minute hat-trick back in 2014. He’s played behind the striker, on the wing and as an attacking midfielder and would be a great option for the Hammers.

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With The Independent reporting the Chinese state backed investment group SinoFortone want to buy Liverpool, an air of uncertainty has swept over the Anfield club.

Reportedly current owners Fenway Sports Group are uninterested in any such deal, given that they’ve just financed the redevelopment of Anfield, but if a monster offer comes in they’ll surely consider it.

It’s an interesting time to be a Liverpool with cautious optimism once again swirling around in the Merseyside region. Jurgen Klopp will undertake his first summer transfer window with the Reds as he looks to build a side in the mould of his high pressing playing style with the sole aim of replicating his successes at Dortmund.

Klopp’s appointment was considered somewhat a coup by many and with two finals to show from last season, the Reds faithful are confident the club is in the right hands.

But how could any touted take over change things? There are bound to be some pros and cons as with anything and here at FootballFanCast we’ve presided over some of the main ones to bring you THREE of each…

Pro 1: More money

A £700 million figure is mooted to be the offer from the Chinese group. This is an eye watering amount of money, even in football terms, but it suggests that should any takeover go ahead the Reds would suddenly have the financial muscle to compete with the likes of Manchester City and Chelsea. FSG are by no means paupers but maybe even for them a figure like this is too good to turn down.

Con 1: Other interests

According to The Independent the investment group has already put it’s money into other projects in this country. Whilst this is understandable, it suggests that the group have other interests that may be prioritised over Liverpool. The club’s fans will want assurances their team is put first before anything else and it remains to be seen if SinoFortone would be willing to commit to that.

Pro 2: Redeveloped training ground

One of the reported promises the potential new owners would like to fulfil is to redevelop the Melwood training ground. This obviously advantageous in terms of helping develop the players and youth prospects come through as well as possible. Melwood is a fantastic facility but there are always room for improvements and with owners like Manchester City’s, who have done so much in this sense for the club as well, this would be a welcome addition.

Con 2: New stadium

The redevelopment of Anfield is almost complete as the Reds look to compete with Arsenal in the Emirates Stadium and Manchester United at Old Trafford. The news that the club would be staying at their home for over a century was wholeheartedly welcomed but SinoFortone have already looked at the possibility of building a new stadium. As exciting as that sounds leaving Anfield would be a real knock back especially after the extra work being done.

Pro 3: Clear Liverpool interest and willingness to invest

Reportedly that one of the interests in the club, aside it’s history, is Liverpool as a city being home to Europe’s biggest Chinese community. Evidently the group are interested in the club and whilst they do have other ventures going on they do at least genuinely invest money into them. We’ve seen owners buy clubs and then bleed them dry and this is unlikely to happen with SinoFortone.

Con 3: Consistency

With FSG bringing in Klopp there was evident harmony between the two parties and this should not be overestimated. Liverpool fans are well aware of what can happen when the manager and owners fall out and whilst Klopp would probably get on with any new bosses any problems could cost Liverpool one of the best managers in the game. It’s a fine line to tread with FSG currently still holding the majority of fans’ patience and so any change would have to be carefully considered.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has spoken out about Bastian Schweinsteiger’s situation at the Old Trafford club, stating that he does not have room for the German veteran in his squad.

The former Chelsea boss has taken the reins at Old Trafford and has wasted little time in moulding his playing squad with a handful of new signings.

However, this means that a host of the existing players are expected to be surplus to requirements and will be told they can leave the Red Devils.

Schweinsteiger has been ordered to train with the reserves and is not part of Mourinho’s plans, which has provoked ire back in his native Germany.

Asked about the issue at a press conference, Mourinho has stated that there simply is not room for the former Bayern Munich general in his group for 2016-17.

“I have to make my decisions, it’s simple,” The Daily Mail quote the Portuguese as saying.

“What is happening is what happens in every club in the world, and that is the manager decides his squad.

“The truth is you want a certain number of players to face the season and that’s it. I normally like to work with 20 players plus three goalkeepers, which is what I do for 15 years.

“But we have so many competitions, and especially the Europa League which is a competition that changes a lot for the season because you can play 15 matches, you play on Thursdays and have a big risk of travelling a lot.

“Normally you are going to play in the Premier League on Sunday.

“So I made the decision to be with 23 players plus three goalkeepers which is still a lot. I have to make my decisions. It’s simple.”

Schweinsteiger recently announced his retirement from international football and looks set to possibly return to Germany given that he does not have a future at United.

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After weeks of speculation, it looks like Arsenal are finally set to land a defender.

The move comes in good time too, with injuries to both Gabriel and Per Mertesacker putting the pair out for a combined six months, leaving The Gunners extremely short at the back with the new Premier League season just days away.

Whilst the deal is yet to be confirmed, the completion of the deal is simply a formality; all parties are interested in the deal and want it wrapped up as quickly as possible.

Shkodran Mustafi isn’t a house hold name in England, but after this season – we definitely think he will be

Here are FIVE things Arsenal fans need to know about Shkodran Mustafi

History

Shkodran Mustafi was born in Germany to Albanian parents, drawing parallels with Granit Xhaka, whom chose to represent Switzerland through birthplace.

He began his career at youth side Hamburger SV, and after playing for several clubs during his younger years, he settled in Valencia in 2014, where he remains today.

At 24 years old, Mustafi is experienced, but still has years of development and learning ahead of him, making Arsenal the perfect home for the young German defender.

Parallels with Koscielny

In terms of Mustafi’s playing style, you can draw a number of parallels in his game with Laurent Koscielny.

Both defenders are not overly physical, often relying on pace and technical ability to see them through; and they are both very successful in that vein.

Don’t think that Mustafi is one to mess around at the back though – that is definitely not the case. He isn’t afraid to get involved in a crunching tackle or smash the ball into row z; he is fantastic at reading the game and deciding which approach to take.

Reliable and steely at the back; he is exactly what Arsenal need.

English Experience

This is a fact that many have forgotten, and whilst it may seem insignificant – it could prove helpful to the young German.

During his developmental days, between 2009 and 2012 to be exact, Mustafi played his football for English outfit Everton.

He failed to get a single first team league appearance for the club, but those three years in England could prove invaluable to the defender.

Adaption to a new country can be one of the hardest parts of a big money transfer, and hopefully Mustafi should find it easier to adjust to a country that he is already somewhat familiar with.

Aerial Prowess

At 6ft tall, Mustafi will provide some real aerial solidity at the heart of the Arsenal defence.

You may remember his goal at Euro 2016 which was, unsurprisingly, a header, which he added to an impressive number of headed goals that he scored in La Liga last season.

This is a trait that will be particularly important in the absence of Per Mertesacker, whom is normally Arsenal’s biggest threat from set pieces, making Mustafi a perfect replacement.

This aerial strength will prove invaluable at the back too, offering a key defensive option from long balls and set pieces.

World Cup Winner

Perhaps the part of his game that Mustafi would most want you to know, the young defender is a world cup winner!

He replaced Marco Rues in the 2014 competition, which was a shock to many, after the attacker was ruled out of the competition with an injury.

Mustafi wasn’t just a passenger during the competition either, amassing three appearances and playing a relatively important role en-route to the title in Brazil in 2014.

This will add some key trophy winning experience to a team that has largely failed to win anything of note in recent years.

If there’s one thing United supporters in the Transfer Tavern have come to expect, it’s seeing a youngster or two coming on and taking the big stage by storm – and they absolutely love it.

Say what you like about Louis Van Gaal and his tactics, but he was the man that instigated Marcus Rashford’s rise through the United youth ranks and into the first team.

Without him, we may not have seen the youngster in action yet, and it also proved just how many exciting talents there are simmering in the United academy.

As we’d expect, Carrington is a nest of bustling new talent, eager to impress and take the big stage by storm.

The likes of Borthwick-Jackson, Fosu-Mensah and Rashford have all been given real platforms to shine and we’re hoping Jose carries on promoting young talent too.

So with that in mind, we want to take a look a look at THREE United wonderkids who you must sign up for you upcoming season on Football Manager 17…

Axel Tuanzebe

One of the individuals making real progress in the United youth ranks is centre-back Axel Tuanzebe. It’s easy to get carried away on the hype train that often whips round Premier League youngsters but this young man is attracting plenty of attention.

It’s easy to get carried away on the hype train that often whips round Premier League youngsters but this young man is attracting plenty of attention in the Tavern.

At just 18-years-old, he’s featured for the U21’s and has made the bench for senior United games.  He also had a good pre-season with the senior squad and it was noted how much of a presence he was in the back-four, even amongst seniors.

Plenty of hope for Tuanzebe for the very near future – sign him up!

RoShaun Williams

Another man we’re expecting to see in the first team in the very near future, RoShaun Williams is someone that looks ready to make the step up.

What’s particularly interesting about this player is that his pace is often cited as one of his key qualities.

Albeit, he’s a centre-back, but there are plenty of youth experts in the Football Transfer Tavern suggesting this youngster could catch anyone on the football pitch and has the defensive abilities to boot.

If that’s true, we could be about to see a player that is so good because he’s so different grab the limelight. Sign him up!

Sign him up!

Callum Gribbin

Callum Gribbin often draws comparisons to the likes of Ravel Morrison in the Tavern, but Gribbin also has the mentality needed to be a top player.

He’s an attacking midfielder that has a real presence going forward despite his young years and the way he glides past opponents really is something.

Keep an eye on this young man both on FM and in real life because he’s another that could be pretty close to the first team.

What next for Daniel Sturridge?A tale of two strikers: Liverpool’s defender up front

He just doesn’t seem to fit with what Jurgen Klopp is doing at Liverpool, and the entire balance of the side seems to be thrown off when he plays.

Though perhaps it isn’t all the former Chelsea and Manchester City striker’s fault: perhaps it has something to do with just how good Roberto Firmino has been when playing as a striker this season.

Firmino just seems to fit Klopp’s model at Liverpool; he defends from the front, he harries the defence and he stops the opposition from playing out from the back. And the stats we’ve seen from Firmino on daily fantasy football game FanDuel bring out just how vital Firmino has been to Liverpool when leading from the front. FanDuel will match your first deposit all the way up to £400, so this weekend might be a great place to start as Liverpool

Comparing him to other strikers in the league, it’s clear that the Brazilian star is head and shoulders above the rest.

In gameweek eight, Firmino’s stats are doubly impressive: he played most of the game as a secondary striker rather than as the main striker this time, but this was a game where Liverpool had the vast majority of the possession against a frustratingly defensive Manchester United side.

Yet he still made ten tackles – more than double his nearest challengers. You’d expect West Brom to come up with a similarly game plan this weekend, and Firmino will probably have to play in a similar way, then.

The work rate that Firmino brings to Liverpool can’t be understated. Earlier this season, Liverpool outclassed Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane for most of the game, only to concede an equaliser in the second half.

But what let Tottenham grow back into the game was the arrival of Divock Origi onto the pitch. It’s not that Origi is a bad player, or that he didn’t do his job properly, it’s just that Firmino didn’t let Tottenham’s defenders get the time on the ball they needed to launch their team’s attacks.

The Brazilian is Liverpool’s first line of defence, rather than the leader of their attack. In terms of FanDuel he’s the kind of striker who wins you more points than most because he wins points for tackling as well as the offensive categories. But for Liverpool, he’s more than that – he’s the man that stops the opposition from playing, as well as a man to be relied upon in attack.

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Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur’s meeting at Stamford Bridge on Saturday (kickoff 5.30pm) is the Premier League’s standout clash this weekend – and our Fixture in Focus here at FootballFanCast.

There’s no love lost between the two London rivals, typified by their infamous clash at the end of last season that saw twelve yellow cards, countless ruckuses and Eden Hazard end Spurs’ Premier League title hopes with a stunning late equaliser.

Despite the bad blood, however, Chelsea and Spurs share significant sections of their player history – an inevitability for London clubs in close proximity, even if they are bitter rivals.

Of course, we all know the likes of Terry Venables, Jimmy Greaves and Glenn Hoddle plied their trade with both clubs, but what about those floor-crossing stars who slipped your mind?

Here’s Football FanCast’s rundown of seven former stars even the most of die-hard fans will have forgot represented both the Blues and the Lilywhites.

Kerry Dixon

Kerry Dixon is a Chelsea legend, third in the club’s all-time top scorer charts, ninth in the appearance table and twice firing them to promotion from the old second division.

Indeed, a nine-year Stamford Bridge spell was undoubtedly the high point of Dixon’s career, recognised by eight caps (and an impressive four goals) for the Three Lions.

But Dixon’s career actually began at Tottenham, where he trained as an apprentice before ultimately being released.

The 55-year-old instead earned his stripes in non-league with Chesham United, before moving to Oxford, Reading and then Chelsea.

Mark Falco

Mark Falco was a star of Tottenham’s successful 1980s side, winning the UEFA Cup with the Lilywhites in 1984 and scoring 98 goals in 236 games throughout his nine years at the club.

But somewhat unusually, the former striker signed for Chelsea on a two-month loan spell in 1982, where he was issued just three appearances before being sent back to White Hart Lane.

A regular on the London scene, Falco also plied his trade with Watford, Queens Park Rangers and Millwall in the capital.

Neil Sullivan

Neil Sullivan is best famed for his spells at Wimbledon, Leeds and Tottenham, making 81 appearances across three seasons with the latter club before being overtaken in the pecking order by American Kasey Keller.

But it’s often forgotten the former Scotland shot-stopper made the short trip to west London after leaving White Hart Lane in 2003, managing just eight appearances for Chelsea during his solitary season at Stamford Bridge as he failed to wrestle a starting berth off another Blues-Lilywhites connection – Carlo Cudicini.

Gordon Durie

Gordon Durie is perhaps most famous for scoring Tottenham’s first ever Premier League goal, netting against Crystal Palace all the way back in 1992.

But Durie had previously achieved relative success at Stamford Bridge, netting 51 league goals in six years to help them win a second division title in 1984.

The Scotland international wasn’t quite so prolific for the Lilywhites. He scored just eleven league strikes during two top flight campaigns with the north Londoners.

Micky Hazard

Young Chelsea fans may not be aware Eden wasn’t the first Hazard to represent the Blues.

Indeed, namesake Micky spent five years at Stamford Bridge, notching up nine goals in 81 league appearances, but not before beginning his career at Tottenham Hotspur.

After leaving Chelsea in 1990, the midfielder plied his trade with Portsmouth and Swindon Town – before returning to Tottenham for a second spell that saw him manage just eleven league appearances.

Keith Weller

Keith Weller’s Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur careers were short but sweet, making just 59 league appearances for both clubs combined either side of a 40-goal spell with London rivals Millwall.

Nonetheless, Weller achieved relative success with the Blues – he finished up as top scorer during the 1970/71 campaign and won a UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup during his only season at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea elected to sell him to Leicester City, where the winger-forward spent eight years and won four England caps.

Weller’s later career saw him move to America, plying his trade with New England Tea Men, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, Tulsa Roughnecks and Fort Lauderdale Sun.

Clive Wilson

Clive Wilson joined Chelsea from Manchester City in 1987 and spent three years at Stamford Bridge, making 81 league appearances.

He then made the short trip across west London to QPR, where he met the man who would eventually take him to White Hart Lane – future Tottenham manager Gerry Francis.

Francis converted the midfielder into a left-back after leaving Loftus Road in 1991and brought Wilson with him to north London, where he served four years before seeing out the remainder of his career at Cambridge.