Nico United Overview

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has defended the club's decision to allow veteran striker Danny Welbeck to join Chelsea on a two-year contract. The 35-year-old ended a successful six-year stint on the South Coast, where he became the club's all-time top scorer in the Premier League, after Brighton opted against matching Chelsea's contract offer.

Former Everton senior scout Bryan King has urged Chelsea striker Liam Delap to leave Stamford Bridge for Goodison Park this summer to rebuild his career. Following a difficult debut campaign in West London, Delap has been advised to follow the pathway carved out by Romelu Lukaku when he made a similar move early in his career.

The 23-cap England international finds himself at another career crossroads, having dropped into the free agency pool following an underwhelming loan stint at Aston Villa

Ally McCoist has identified Xabi Alonso’s revamped Chelsea side as the primary dark horse to challenge Arsenal for the Premier League crown this season. After the Gunners ended a 22-year drought to secure the title last term, Mikel Arteta is now focused on a historic defence aided by high-profile summer recruitment.