RAHEEM STERLING is still on Chelsea’s radar after Petr Cech QUIT his role as technical and performance advisor today.
Former Barcelona and PSG star Maxwell has been lined up as his replacement.
Cech, 40, said: “It has been a huge privilege to perform this role at Chelsea for the past three years.
“With the club under new ownership, I feel now is the right time for me to step aside.”
Meanwhile, Blues owner Todd Boehly met with Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes in Portugal last week.
Among the topics of discussion was Cristiano Ronaldo, ahead of what would be a sensational transfer if it materialised.
The Blues’ top target remains Raheem Sterling, with a new bid for the Man City star set to be launched this week.
- IN: None
- OUT: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Danny Drinkwater (released), Charly Musonda (released), Jake Clarke-Salter (released), Lucas Bergstrom (Peterborough, loan), Sam McClelland (Barrow, loan)
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Back of the net
Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho once revealed tennis superstar Rafael Nadal could have been an elite footballer.
Mourinho worked with Rafa’s uncle Miguel Angel Nadal during their stint together at Barcelona in the 1990s.
The Roma boss said: “He is incredible. I am happy he didn’t, but he could also have been a fantastic football player.
“His uncle was my player in Barcelona in 1996. I know that Rafa can play football and well.
“So he could have played with his physicality, mentality, and his skill, too. He could be”
Max power
Chelsea owner Todd Boehly has reportedly drawn up a shortlist of up to four candidates to replace transfer guru Marina Granovskaia.
And one of the names on Boehly’s list is Paris Saint-Germain assistant sporting director Maxwell, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Blues are on the hunt for a new transfer guru after announcing Granovskaia’s departure.
The Russian, 47, was a key member in former Blues owner Roman Abramovich’s hierarchy before he was forced to sell the club in May.
And she followed him out of the door last week, but Boehly’s wasting no time in finding her replacement.
ICYMI
Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has made contact with Manchester City star Raheem Sterling ahead of the club lodging a £60million bid.
The Blues are keen to sign Sterling this summer and feel he could be available given his contract situation.
The forward has just one year remaining on his City contract, and the West Londoners believe they may be able to convince him to leave the Etihad.
According to the Telegraph, Tuchel has opened dialogue with the England international’s camp ahead of a potential bid.
Entering the final 12 months of his contract, the 27-year-old is open to all options — but wants to play regularly in the countdown to the winter’s World Cup
‘I want to play’
Chelsea’s forgotten man Kepa Arrizabalaga has warned “I want to play” ahead of a potential exit this summer.
Quizzed by Marca about his relationship with manager Thomas Tuchel, Kepa said: “The conversation with him is easy, on a day-to-day basis he is totally accessible to the players.
“With me, personally, I notice the love and trust he has in me. Obviously, I want to play more.
“It is true that he is choosing another team-mate [Edouard Mendy] and that is what I try to change in my day to day, I want to play and for that I train and prepare myself”
Chelsea’s Mane man
Chelsea are best-placed to sign Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer this summer.
According to Marca, Dembele is edging ever closer to leaving the Nou Camp when his deal expires at the end of the month.
Barca manager Xavi made a late play to keep the forward this week with a new contract offer.
But it’s believed to be too little, too late and the France international is now set for a fresh start elsewhere.
Chelsea are at the front of the queue, with new owner Todd Boehly planning to make a statement in his first summer transfer window in charge
Rich pickings
Tottenham have reportedly been joined by Chelsea in the race to lure Richarlison away from Everton.
Spurs have been heavily linked with a move for the 25-year-old in a potential £51.25million deal.
SunSport reported last week how Thomas Tuchel’s Blues side were also interested in the Brazil international.
It has been claimed that the Toffees may cash in on the ex-Watford ace in the next five days as they need to balance the books.
A move to London could be in the offing, with Sky Sports stating that Chelsea are considering rivalling rivals Spurs for his signature.
Chelsea are in the market for a centre-forward after allowing club-record signing Romelu Lukaku to return to Inter Milan on loan.
Man City expect Sterling bid
Manchester City are expecting an offer for Raheem Sterling by Chelsea.
That is according to Sky Sports, who report that Sterling heads the Blues’ manager Thomas Tuchel’s shortlist for attacking targets.
It has also been claimed that City are grateful for the forward’s services and will not obstruct his desire for more minutes elsewhere.
The Premier League champions’ manager Pep Guardiola is open to allowing the England international’s exit, even to a Prem rival.
Tuchel is desperate to add to his attack, especially after Romelu Lukaku’s loan exit to Inter Milan, but will have to meet the Citizens’ £50million asking price for Sterling
Hijs and lows
Chelsea have had a £34million offer plus either Timo Werner or Christian Pulisic rejected by Juventus for Matthijs De Ligt.
SunSport recently stated how the Blues were preparing a player-plus-cash bid to bring De Ligt to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
According to Tuttosport, however, the West Londoners’ advances were swiftly knocked back by Juve.
Bianconeri manager Massimiliano Allegri isn’t keen on either Pulisic or Werner, despite being in the market for attackers.
Juventus also believe the fee is far below their asking price, which has been set at £86m
Rich and poor
Everton have to balance the books in the next five days in what could be a major boost for Chelsea and Tottenham’s pursuit of Richarlison.
The Toffees’ ongoing battle with financial fair play rules mean the Blues and Spurs could be best served by moving early.
According to The Athletic, the “bulk” of the Merseysiders’ incoming transfer business will have to be done after June 30, which could explain the lack of transfers at Goodison Park so far.
The reason for this deadline is due to FFP, which is calculated until the end of June.
Everton have been under prolonged pressure over their finances, with rivals even attempting to use it against them during last season’s nail-biting relegation battle.
The free-spending start to Toffees’ supremo Farhad Moshiri’s reign has left the club needing to balance the books
Chelsea’s Blue wave
Chelsea have announced the signing of Southampton and Wales wonderkid Eddie Beach for an undisclosed fee.
Beach, 18, will join the Blues’ prestigious academy after previously playing in the Premier League 2 for Southampton.
The West Londoners’ assistant head of youth development and head of youth recruitment, Jim Fraser, told the club’s website: “We are very pleased to bring Eddie to the club.
“He is a talented goalkeeper with good potential and will join our development squad for the coming season”
Rom for improvement
Fulham have launched an ambitious bid for AC Milan captain and Chelsea target Alessio Romagnoli.
According to Sky Italy, the Cottagers have tabled an offer in the last 24 hours but Romagnoli isn’t overly keen on a move to Craven Cottage and is waiting for other opportunities.
The centre-back is hoping that Lazio will table an offer, having previously shown an interest, but his dream scenario is to stay at Milan.
The Blues are looking to boost their backline after losing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen
Richarlison transfer war
Chelsea and Tottenham are set for a bidding war over Everton star Richarlison this summer.
That is according to Sky Sports, who claim the Blues are considering going head to head with Spurs over the Brazil international.
In fact, the West Londoners see him as the perfect replacement for Romelu Lukaku, who is returning to Inter Milan on loan.
The North Londoners, on the other hand, want to add to their striking pair of Harry Kane and Son Heung-min
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Blues seeing red
Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour once revealed he wore a Liverpool shirt at home.
Gilmour claimed that he dons Andy Robertson’s kit some times during down time.
When asked if he wears a jersey of another team, Gilmour told the Chelsea website in 2020: “It was probably Andy Robertson’s Liverpool shirt when I swapped with him after the recent FA Cup game.
“I wear that sometimes at the moment, just out in the garden playing football”
Take a Pique
Barcelona star Gerard Pique has been spotted walking around Wimbledon – holding a bag brought from Chelsea’s megastore.
Pique, who recently split from partner Shakira, is enjoying his holiday ahead of the start of the world famous tennis tournament.
The centre-back has reportedly been told he is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp by former team-mate, and now manager, Xavi Hernandez.
As it would happen, the Blues are also in the market for defenders following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers.
The merging of these two factors on top of the pictures have gotten fans talking about a potential deal
Lewandowski price tag
Bayern Munich are demanding a £52million fee to sell Robert Lewandowski in the summer.
Lewandowski has publicly asked to leave Bayern this summer as he enters the final year of his contract.
The star striker has his heart set on Barcelona despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United.
The German champions are refusing to let him go on the cheap and Sky Sports claim they will only sell for £52m.
This will doubtless come as a massive blow to cash-strapped Barca, who are trying to improve their squad on a tight budget by looking for cheap transfers and free agents.
The Blaugrana have debts of over half a billion euros, meaning they are desperate to not pile on extra costs
New Chelsea plans
Petr Cech follows Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia towards the exit door.
The Blues are now expected to contact Michael Edwards over their sporting director vacancy, left behind by Granovskaia, with new owner Todd Boehly previously referencing Liverpool as a “great model” for success.
Edwards is the man who helped reshape the Reds’ recruitment and constructed Jurgen Klopp’s world-class squad with top transfers until his departure this summer after 11 years.
He has since been approached by Europe’s biggest clubs, such as Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Boehly on Cech
Chelsea’s new owner Todd Boehly has praised Petr Cech following his decision to depart from the club.
Boehly said: “Petr is an important member of the Chelsea family.
“We understand his decision to step away and thank him for his contributions as an advisor and his commitment to the club and to our community.
“We wish him the best”
Petr Cech leaves role
Chelsea legend Petr Cech will leave his role as technical and performance advisor on June 30.
Cech said: “It has been a huge privilege to perform this role at Chelsea for the past three years.
“With the club under new ownership, I feel now is the right time for me to step aside.
“I am pleased that the club is now in an excellent position with the new owners, and I am confident of its future success both on and off the pitch”
Neym the price
Chelsea are among the only transfer options for Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar this summer.
That’s as the star forward reportedly considers his future after being left fuming with PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi hinting his performances were below par last season.
According to RMC Sport, the Brazil international is thinking of leaving the Parisians this summer, five years after his world-record £198million move from Barcelona.
Reports this month claimed PSG are prepared to sell the 30-year-old for the right price as they plot a summer rebuild.
Premier League trio Manchester United, Chelsea and Newcastle are the only teams with enough money to sign Neymar
Jover the moon
Tottenham have opened talks to sign RB Leipzig ace and Chelsea transfer target Josko Gvardiol.
According to Nabil Djellit, Gvardiol’s strong season has caught Spurs’ attention, who have opened talks over a potential transfer and are rivalling the Blues as well as Manchester United.
The North Londoners are desperate to sign a new centre-back, having been linked with Inter Milan duo Alessandro Bastoni and Milan Skriniar.
The Croatia international ranked in the top five in the Bundesliga for interceptions and posed highly in blocks and tackles made
Credit: GETTY IMAGES Cristiano Ronaldo transfer update
Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he will not be sold, as per SunSport’s Martin Blackburn.
But new United manager Erik Ten Hag must now convince Ronaldo that he can compile a team to match his ambitions.
The star forward is understood to be frustrated by the lack of transfer action this summer.
And both Chelsea as well as Bayern Munich have been alerted to the possibility the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would be open to a move away from Old Trafford before the window slams shut.
The Portugal captain’s former club Sporting Lisbon have also expressed interest.
But United are adamant their club legend is going nowhere – and they are looking forward to him playing for them in the upcoming season
Dembele ‘unhappy with Chelsea offer’
Barcelona star Ousmane Demebele is reportedly unhappy with Chelsea’s contract offer.
And Dembele is considering remaining at Barca as a result of the Blues’ underwhelming proposition.
That’s according to Sport, who claim the Blues’ simultaneous pursuit of Manchester City star Raheem Sterling has hampered the amount they could offer the France international.
This could be good news for Manchester United who were previously linked with the forward
Chelsea meet Ronaldo agent
Chelsea have met with Manchester United superstar Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent, sensational reports suggest.
Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly met with new Blues owner Todd Boehly last week and discussed a possible move for his client.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is thought to be happy to stay at United for the beginning of a new era under new manager Erik ten Hag.
However, the star forward is also reportedly concerned about the lack of summer transfer business the Red Devils have managed so far – with not a single player arriving
GETTY IMAGES Morning, Chelsea fans
Manchester United are reluctant to sell Chelsea target Cristiano Ronaldo, writes SunSport’s Martin Blackburn.
Ronaldo has been told he will not be sold by Manchester United this summer, writes SunSport’s Martin Blackburn.
But new boss Erik Ten Hag must now convince the Portuguese superstar that he can compile a team to match his ambitions.
Ronaldo is understood to be frustrated by the lack of transfer action.
And both Chelsea and Bayern Munich have been alerted to the possibility he would be open to a move away from Old Trafford before the window closes.
Meanwhile, Romelu Lukaku is set to officially re-join Inter Milan next week.
The Chelsea flop will finalise his loan move on Wednesday after completing a medical, reports the Telegraph’s Matt Law.
In other news, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has been spotted walking around Wimbledon – holding a bag brought from Chelsea’s megastore.
The 35-year-old, who recently split from partner Shakira, is enjoying his holiday ahead of the start of the world famous tennis tournament.
Chelsea to make defender decision
The Blues are set to face a choice over whether to flog talented young defender Levi Colwill this summer.
Teenager Colwill impressed on loan at Huddersfield last season, but could still be sold by Chelsea chiefs.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Leicester, Crystal Palace, Brighton and Nottingham Forest are all interested in the Cobham starlet.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
