Jackson open to staying at Chelsea after Maresca’s departure - Yahoo … — and more

The Times have just dropped a rather interesting exclusive about Nicolas Jackson, just when we least expected it.

They say that Bayern Munich, who have the striker on loan, are “unlikely” to make the deal permanent. So far, so obvious.

But they also say that “all options” are on the table, including Jackson potentially returning and re-joining Chelsea’s first team picture under Liam Rosenior.

It never really seemed like Jackson’s problem with Maresca, who always trusted and used him. His move came about because the club saw a big chance to profit on selling him, and because the Senegal star was keen to go.

Jackson story smells of value protection ahead of fascinating summer

Nicolas Jackson to return to Chelsea this summer according to the Times.

This is pretty clearly a brief from the sporting directors, who see their chances of getting a big pay day for Jackson at Bayern fading, and now want to try and preserve his value by making it clear that he could return to the Chelsea team and play an important role.

If it’s clear that bridges have been burned, they can only expect low ball offers in the summer. They have to give the impression that the door is open for a return – and who knows, maybe with a new manager in place, it is.

In other news…

Joe Cole’s old quotes about a Chelsea transfer target have been dug up after the rumours returned to the fore today. He’s clearly a big fan.

Chelsea have drawn Wrexham in the FA Cup fifth round, a really fun and interesting draw – but one we have to win.

People are bending over backwards to try and find nice things to say about Liam Delap’s performance on Friday against Hull, including the crew on the London is Blue podcast.

With real baseball games just around the corner FanGraphs released their Top 100 Prospect List for 2026. Only two Braves prospects make the list this year with JR Ritchie leading the way coming in at No. 68 overall, while Didier Fuentes comes in at No. 90 on the list. This is the highest we’ve seen JR Ritchie come in on a list this pre-season, and the first one that has Fuentes on it at all.

Coming into his age 22 season Fangraphs has JR Ritchie at 68 overall, with a future value of 50 – a significant value that pretty much gives him a legitimate starting pitcher grade.

Here’s a little bit of what FanGraphs had to say about JR and it’s definitely worth the click to read the full breakdown.

Ritchie touches 97 with both of his fastballs, and after years of sitting 91-93, he added a tick and change in 2025, when his heater averaged 93.9 mph. While not a seismic breakout, it’s a meaningful step forward for a strike-thrower with a change and good feel to spin, one who has been on the 45/50 line in previous evaluation cycles. The extra velo gives him more wiggle room in the zone, and his ability to command the ball to both sides of the plate suggests he’ll fully leverage it.

Despite the rough stint in the majors for Didier last year, one that many have noted was a bit rushed, FanGraphs also gave him a 50 future value grade. Here’s a little of what they had to say about Didier.

Fuentes is advanced beyond his years. His delivery is simple and repeatable, with a quick and clean arm stroke and moderate effort throughout his delivery. He’s primarily a fastball/sweeper guy, and will sprinkle in a curve and splitter. He’s adept at spotting the fastball to the glove-side corner and the top rail of the zone, where mid-90s velo, plus extension, and a low release height all help it play as an above-average weapon.

Once again – it is definitely worth the click to read the full breakdown of Didier, one that might ease some of the concerns that have made their way around social media. With the Braves already facing several starting pitcher injuries there is definitely the real possibility that both find their way in Atlanta this year – sooner than later.

Astros legend Craig Biggio has reacted positively to his son's decision to sign with Houston, keeping the family's legacy alive with the organization.

The Biggio family's ties to Houston remain strong as the younger generation continues to represent the city in professional baseball.

Ava Heiden had a career-high 27 points and 11 rebounds, Taylor Stremlow added a career-high 17 points, and No. 13 Iowa beat Nebraska 80-67 on Monday to sweep the season series. Iowa (20-5, 11-3 Big Ten) secured its 10th straight 20-win season. Heiden helped Iowa build a 45-27 lead by halftime after scoring 18 points on 8-of-9 shooting. Nebraska went on a 10-1 run early in the third quarter to get within 52-41, but the Cornhuskers did not get any closer the rest of the way. Iowa responded with a run of its own, 13-2, over the next 2:31 to reverse that progress and put the Huskers down by 23. Iowa led by as many as 27 points, 76-49, with 7:54 left in the fourth. Chazadi Wright chipped in with 14 points and seven assists, and Journey Houston added 10 points off the bench for Iowa. Heiden was 12 of 15 from the field, and Stremlow made her first six shots. Britt Prince scored 13 points for Nebraska (16-10, 5-10), which has lost five straight games. Eliza Maupin added 11 points and Amiah Hargrove had 10. Prince had her consecutive free-throw streak end at 56 straight makes. [Women's College Basketball Top 25: Iowa Moves Up, Ohio State Falls] Nebraska has lost 13 of the last 15 meetings with Iowa, and is 12th in the Big Ten, out of bye territory in the conference tournament. Iowa, however, is now tied for third in the Big Ten at 11-3, alongside No. 10 Ohio State, and half-a-game up on No. 23 Minnesota, putting the Hawkeyes in position for one of the four double-byes for the conference tournament. While Iowa suffered three-straight losses following senior guard Taylor McCabe's season-ending ACL injury, the Hawkeyes have now defeated then-ranked Washington and Nebraska, and has just one ranked game left on the schedule, against No. 6 Michigan on Feb. 22. Up next Iowa: Stays on the road to play at Purdue on Thursday. Nebraska: Travels to Oregon to face the Ducks on Thursday. The Associated Press contributed to this report.