Middlesbrough

Former Ivory Coast defender Sol Bamba has died aged 39, Turkish club Adanaspor, where he was technical director, announced on Saturday.

San Diego FC announced the signing of Northern Ireland international defender Paddy McNair to a three-year contract through the end of the 2027 MLS season.

The Columbus Crew completed the transfer of United States international midfielder Aidan Morris to Middlesbrough of the English Championship Friday.

Chelsea advanced to the final of the Carabao Cup after disposing of Middlesbrough, allowing head coach Mauricio Pochettino the chance to win his first major piece of silverware in English football.

Chelsea reached the League Cup final with a 6-1 thrashing of Middlesbrough in their semi-final second leg on Tuesday, underlining the gulf in quality between the Premier League side and their second-tier visitors.

Pochettino has done well to turn Chelsea around amid difficult circumstances, but a semifinal exit from the Carabao Cup could easily throw the club back into turmoil.

Chelsea's first-leg loss to Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semifinals showcases Mauricio Pochettino's side continuing to have issues, aside from injuries.

Chelsea suffered a surprise 1-0 loss at second-tier Middlesbrough in the first leg of their League Cup semi-final on Tuesday with Hayden Hackney's goal giving Mauricio Pochettino's wasteful side plenty to do in the return.

Matty Cash scored a last-gasp goal to send Aston Villa into the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in eight years with a 1-0 victory over Middlesbrough on Saturday.

Nine-time champions Liverpool will play Fulham in their League Cup semifinal in January, while Championship side Middlesbrough will take on Chelsea.