CHELSEA are joining Manchester City in the Champions League final after beating Real Madrid 3-1 on aggregate in the semis.
The Blues will face Pep Guardiola’s side in Istanbul… and play them THIS WEEKEND in the Premier League first.
Meanwhile Neymar is reportedly ready and willing to take a pay cut to leave PSG and be reunited with Lionel Messi at Barcelona.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
RAM-WOE
Aaron Ramsey has opened up on his injury frustration at Juventus.
The Wales midfielder has started just 19 of Juve’s 47 games in all competitions this season due to several injury setbacks.
Ramsey joined the Serie A giants on a free transfer from Arsenal in 2019 but the 30-year-old has failed to hit the heights in Italy.
The lack of fitness and form has raised speculation that Rambo could return to the Premier League, with Everton linked as a potential summer target.
Ramsey told FourFourTwo: “It’s been a pretty frustrating couple of years for me, picking up little injuries and not being able to get back to full fitness.
“It’s been a strange time in general, which hasn’t helped – arriving at Juventus with an injury, trying to get my fitness back, then you’re hit by a pandemic and we had to start again.
“It’s been difficult to get any consistency going, and that’s had an effect on me playing for Wales.”
TUCHY SUBJECT
Thomas Tuchel’s worst managerial nightmare is Pep Guardiola as they prepare to face off in the Champions League final.
WAIT A DEC
Declan Rice is reportedly on Manchester City’s radar if Pep Guardiola needs a new defensive midfielder in the summer.
Champions League final opponents Chelsea have also been credited with interest in the West Ham star, along with Manchester United.
City are waiting on a decision from club captain Fernandinho over his future before entering the market for a replacement.
The Brazilian has confirmed his intention to only consider the offer of a 12-month contract extension at the end of the season, with his current deal expiring in June.
Should he depart, Pep Guardiola will make the position a priority with Rice a top target, according to The Times.
A number of different players have been discussed with the club reportedly aware that any arrival will have to compete with Rodri for game time.
And the deal would cost north of £100million, a fee which West Ham boss David Moyes recently said Rice, 22, was worth ‘far, far more’ than.
REBEL HELL
Uefa chiefs are threatening two-year European bans for the four Super league rebels who have still not pulled out of the project.
England’s Big Six were the first to withdraw, with Champions League finalists Chelsea and Manchester City quickest out of the blocks once they realised the breakaway was dead in the water.
But Real Madrid, Barcelona, Juventus and AC Milan have still to formally break free of the Super League project.
And that has left Uefa on the verge of imposing serious sanctions UNLESS the quartet fold in the next few weeks.
The Prem sides, along with Atletico Madrid and Inter, are expected to accept fines for their parts in the rebellion.
Uefa head Aleksander Ceferin IS likely to push for softer punishments on the English teams after their rapid U-turns and acceptance of error.
CARN HAVE HIM
Aston Villa are reportedly set to lose highly-rated youngster Carney Chukwuemeka this summer with Bayern Munich chasing the starlet.
Rumours over the 17-year-old’s future have circulated for some time and Premier League giants Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked.
Manchester City, Monaco, PSV Eindhoven, Juventus and RB Leipzig are also said to be keen as the midfielder looks to break into the senior game.
According to Football Insider, Bayern are leading the race having enjoyed past success in snapping up English football talent.
Jamal Musiala joined from Chelsea before breaking out in recent months while Omar Richards is set to sign from Reading.
Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho have also enjoyed great success in trading England for Germany, both with Borussia Dortmund.
England youth international Chukwuemeka has made two Premier League benches but is yet to earn a senior debut.
YES WE KAN
N’Golo Kante waved to jubilant Chelsea fans celebrating outside Stamford Bridge last night as he tried to make his way home in his Mini.
N’Golo Kante waves to wild Chelsea fans while driving off in Mini as Tuchel celebrates outside stadium after Real winLOTTI LUCK
If Everton qualify for the Champions League, here’s how they could line up under Carlo Ancelotti next season.
TEKE HIM
Christian Benteke could seal a free transfer to Fenerbahce before the Euros.
The Crystal Palace striker, 30, sees his contract at Selhurst Park expire on June 30.
But with Belgium’s tournament getting underway 18 days earlier, Benteke may sort out his future beforehand.
According to Fanatik, the Turkish side are very keen on the former Liverpool and Aston Villa man.
But they are worried they will face competition for his signature, especially if he performs well at the rearranged tournament.
The report adds interim boss Emre Belozoglu wants a deal with Benteke over the line ‘as soon as possible’.
He may even resort to negotiating directly with the 39-cap Belgium international if talks with his agent are slow.
KILLER TUCH
Thomas Tuchel is reportedly considering a tactical switch next season at Chelsea to make them ultra-attacking.
The Blues boss has enjoyed a stunning start at Stamford Bridge since replacing Frank Lampard in January.
Tuchel’s success has been based on a rock solid defence with a 3-4-3 formation – but next season that plan may go out the window in favour of a much more forward-thinking line-up.
That is according to Matt Law of The Telegraph, who reported this in his latest newsletter.
He claims that Tuchel is looking for his team to push on more and is working on ‘a range of potential new’ formations.
And that looks likely to result in some form of 4-2-4 line-up – which could potentially use two strikers.
TO DIER FOR
Jose Mourinho could follow in Antonio Conte’s footsteps and revamp his Roma squad with Premier League stars.
Former Chelsea boss Conte won this season’s Serie A with Inter Milan thanks in part to his raid on the English top-flight.
And recently-sacked Tottenham coach Mourinho is reportedly considering a similar transfer spree ahead of his move to Roma.
As many as four of his Spurs favourites, along with an old Manchester United star, are said to be on his radar.
According to Football.London, Erik Lamela and Lucas Moura are both liked by the 58-year-old but his successor in North London may be against a sale.
Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg are also named by Corriere dello Sport as possible recruits.
Credit: Reuters DIM VIEW
Chelsea star Kai Havertz has ‘nonchalance and swagger’ like former Manchester United star Dimitar Berbatov, claims Rio Ferdinand.
The German ace helped the Blues beat Real Madrid 2-0 last night to reach the Champions League final.
And BT Sport pundit Ferdinand, 42, purred about the attacking midfielder after the match – comparing him to one of his most skilful former team-mates.
CITY KITTY
Manchester City players could pocket £1MILLION each for winning the Champions League.
Pep Guardiola’s squad are in line to share a bonus pot of around £15m as they close in on a treble.
Top earners like Kevin De Bruyne are believed to have clauses in their contracts for lifting Uefa’s biggest club prize.
Others will get around £250,000 if the club win the European Cup for the first time in their history.
City stand to land around £100m if they come out on top against Chelsea in Istanbul at the end of the month.
However, that figure would fall to a paltry £16.5m should they lose.
Guardiola’s side will win the Premier League title on Saturday if they beat Chelsea — and bank another £150m.
HAZ NO CARE
Eden Hazard was branded ‘another Gareth Bale’ as Real Madrid fans spotted him laughing with his Chelsea pals despite his Champions League exit.
The winger, 30, came back on the pitch after the full-time whistle to embrace some familiar faces.
And after a few words were exchanged with Kurt Zouma and new Chelsea stopper Edouard Mendy, the four-time Chelsea player of the year broke into laughter.
It came moments after his side’s European conquest was ended in limp fashion by the Blues while the rest of his team-mates trudged back to the changing rooms dejected.
Late-night football chat show El Chiringuito host Josep Pederol labelled Hazard ‘another Bale’ and said he cannot stay another second at the club.
Bale came under fire for his attitude at the Bernabeu, accused of prioritising the Wales national team and even golf ahead of the Spanish giants.
RAF AND READY
Bayern Munich are reportedly ready to join the race for Achraf Hakimi amid interest from Arsenal.
The right-back, 22, has been a key part of Inter Milan’s Serie A title triumph but could still leave the club.
Financial problems at the Giuseppe Meazza have alerted prospective bidders although reports in Italy suggest Hakimi will be fiercely defended in the upcoming market.
Arsenal and Chelsea had both been credited with interest in recent months.
In particular, the Gunners may be seeking a replacement for Hector Bellerin amid reports linking him with Paris Saint-Germain.
But Bundesliga giants Bayern are also on the lookout ahead of Julian Nagelsmann’s arrival.
According to German football reporter Manuel Bonke, the Bavarians are targeting Hakimi although the transfer fee could be a big stumbling block.
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Chelsea set up an all-English Champions League final against Man City as they cruised past Real Madrid.
Goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount secured a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their semi-final, handing the Blues a 3-1 aggregate victory.
They will now take on Man City for the continent’s top prize.
And there’s a dress rehearsal this weekend when the two sides face each other in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, SunSport can exclusively reveal Ivan Toney is a summer target for West Ham – but will cost £35million.
The Brentford striker has enjoyed a stunning debut season in the Championship and has scored 30 goals since arriving from Peterborough in a £5m deal rising to £10m with add-ons.
Brentford will feature in the play-offs and if they fail to land promotion, their star man looks certain to be sold.
Chelsea are among the other clubs who have been watching the former Northampton and Newcastle forward.
But a number of other forwards – including Romelu Lukaku – are higher on the Blues’ list.
Finally, Man Utd received a police escort to the airport as they flew out to Italy for their Europa League semi-final second leg against Roma.
The Red Devils were afforded the extra safety measures just days after fans stormed Old Trafford causing Sunday’s Premier League match against Liverpool to be postponed.
United face Roma in the Italian capital today with a hefty four-goal advantage following the 6-2 thrashing at Old Trafford last week.
And Arsenal take on Villarreal at the Emirates having lost their first leg 2-1.
BENZ AND GONE
Sir Alex Ferguson was so desperate to sign Karim Benzema he had to be pulled away from him, according to Rio Ferdinand.
He said on BT Sport: “The first time I played against him, Sir Alex Ferguson wanted to sign him.
“He was speaking to him in the tunnel after the game and Lyon officials had to pull him away. His movement that day was brilliant.”
Sir Alex Ferguson was keen to sign Karim Benzema for Man Utd MO PROBLEM
Mo Salah could be PSG’S top option if they can’t keep Kylian Mbappe.
Le Parisien claims the Liverpool forward is being lined up to replace Mbappe, who is wanted by Real Madrid.
Salah has refused to commit himself to the Reds and could now be on his way to the French capital.
PSG are looking at Mo Salah as a possible replacement for Kylian Mbappe BLUE IS THE COLOUR
Chelsea set up an all-English Champions League final against Man City as they cruised past Real Madrid.
Goals from Timo Werner and Mason Mount secured a 2-0 win at Stamford Bridge in the second leg of their semi-final, handing the Blues a 3-1 aggregate victory.
They will now take on Man City for the continent’s top prize.
And there’s a dress rehearsal this weekend when the two sides face each other in the Premier League.
MEN UNITED
Bruno Fernandes has urged Man Utd to keep hold of Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba this summer.
He said: “Quality players always bring quality to the team. Of course we all know what Paul and Edi can do for the team, we know the quality they have.
“People can have doubts about them sometimes but we as a team never had.
“They are really important for us. The qualities they have, it is difficult to find on the market for a good price.
“I think everyone knows the team is growing up and with their help too. It’s important for us we keep our best players and keep improving as a team.”
Bruno Fernandes hopes Edinson Cavani and Paul Pogba stay at Man Utd AIR TURNED BLUE
Chelsea fans blasted Real Madrid’s ‘c***’ president Florentino Perez as they welcomed the Blues to Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.
Hundreds of supporters gathered and lit flares as the teams arrived for the Champions League semi-final.
And the masses were quick to show their contempt for Perez after his leading role in the attempted European Super League breakaway.
FOLLOW CHELSEA VS REAL MADRID WITH OUR MATCH BLOG
OX BOXED OUT
Liverpool have reportedly slapped a £17million price tag on Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain’s head.
The former Arsenal man has barely started a game for the Reds this season, playing just 274 minutes across 14 appearances in all competitions.
Fichajes reports Anfield chiefs will demand £17m for the versatile midfielder with Borussia Dortmund heavily interested.
The Bundesliga outfit are thought to be keen on the 27-year-old with the view that he has plenty good years ahead of him.
He could be brought in to replace Jadon Sancho with the England star reportedly set to return to the Prem with Manchester United and Chelsea interested.
Dortmund are eyeing £17m Liverpool outcast Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
TEAM NEWS
Chelsea have left Christian Pulisic out of their XI to face Real Madrid.
The American scored in last week’s 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu.
But he has been replaced in attack by Kai Havertz, with Timo Werner moving out to the left.
Meanwhile, Chelsea icon Eden Hazard stars for Real, with the Spaniards needing to score after conceding an away goal.
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EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT
Ivan Toney is a summer target for West Ham – but will cost £35million.
The Brentford striker has enjoyed a stunning debut season in the Championship and has scored 30 goals since arriving from Peterborough in a £5m deal rising to £10m with add-ons.
Brentford will feature in the play-offs and if they fail to land promotion, their star man looks certain to be sold.
Chelsea are among the other clubs who have been watching the former Northampton and Newcastle forward.
But a number of other forwards – including Romelu Lukaku – are higher on the Blues’ list.
West Ham and Chelsea are monitoring Brentford’s Ivan Toney REDS RETURN CONFIRMED
Man United’s postponed clash with Liverpool will be played next Thursday.
And it means United having to play twice in barely 48 hours, three times in five days and four matches in nine days.
It had been thought that Liverpool’s trip to West Brom would be brought forward to allow the Old Trafford clash of the north west giants to go back to its initial Sunday afternoon slot on May 16.
Instead, United’s game with Leicester has been shunted forward 24 hours to Tuesday May 11 with a 6pm kick-off, and the Liverpool match will start at 8.15pm on May 13.
United will feel frustrated at the inconvenience and the rescheduling is a boost for Liverpool and their top four hunt.
Although Prem chiefs will argue that the Old Trafford club alone were responsible for the late call-off last Sunday.
Man Utd will finally host Liverpool next Thursday PIE IN THE SKY
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says he lost over half a STONE after being hospitalised with malaria.
The Arsenal ace said: “Physically, I would say I am 90 percent recovered from the malaria although I am more than 100 percent in my mind.
“At first I thought I was just tired after travelling back from Gabon, but then I started feeling very bad and it was the worst sickness of my life.
“It was non-stop for three days and nights and paracetamol was having no effect, so I said to the doctor that I had to go to the hospital because I was too incapacitated to do anything.
“I stayed in hospital for three days and lost four kilograms, so it was a really bad moment.
“You can have big problems if you don’t get the right treatment for malaria quickly but fortunately I had some good doctors and I started to make some improvements.”
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang lost four kilos after contracting malaria
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
