THOMAS TUCHEL has signed a new contract that will keep him at Chelsea until the summer of 2024.
The German wrote himself into Blues folklore by winning the Champions League just months after joining the club.
Elsewhere, Paris Saint-German are reportedly hot on the heels of Cristiano Ronaldo as they seek a summer transfer.
WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
SILVA SIGNING
Thiago Silva has agreed a contract extension keeping him at Chelsea for another season.
The Blues triggered the new year-long deal clause for their veteran centre-back just hours after Champions League-winning boss Thomas Tuchel signed on until 2024.
Silva joined Chelsea from Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer last summer.
Convinced by Frank Lampard to move to London, Silva made an immediate impact in the Blues’ back line.
However, deployed at the heart of a three-man defence under Tuchel, Silva went to another level.
And his stunning efforts at the age of 36 helped Chelsea land their second Champions League trophy last weekend.
LIVERPOOL ‘HEAD UTD IN RAPH RACE’
Liverpool have stolen a march on Manchester United in the race to sign Raphinha, reports say.
The Reds are in pole position to land the Brazilian winger after his impressive debut season at Leeds.
According to the Express, Liverpool are ahead of their rivals Man Utd and Manchester City in the race.
But the report also states that Leeds have no intention of letting the 24-year-old go.
BALE TO WAIT FOR REAL TALKS
Gareth Bale will hold talks over his future with new Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti after Euro 2020.
The Wales captain, 31, was signed by ex-Everton boss Ancelotti in 2013 and the pair won the Champions League a year later.
Gareth Bale worked with Carlo Ancelotti during his first stint at Real Madrid But Bale, who had a season on loan at Tottenham, revealed last month his future plans would cause ‘chaos’.
Then Bale cast further doubt over his playing future earlier this week when he refused to rule out retiring after the Euros following reports in Spain.
Bale still has 12 months remaining on his eye-watering £650,000-a-week Real contract.
And when asked if Ancelotti’s second stint at the Bernabeu will affect his future plans, Bale said: “No, I am not thinking about anything until after the Euros.
“I know Carlo Ancelotti, he’s a great manager and I get on with him really well. We had some great times in the past.
“But I haven’t spoken to anyone. I’m not thinking about my future.
“As soon as the Euros finishes I’m sure I will have a conversation and then I will go from there.
CHELSEA FACE SUPER CUP IN BELFAST
Chelsea’s Super Cup clash with Villarreal on August 11 WILL be held at Belfast’s Windsor Park after all.
Uefa confirmed the venue on Friday – despite Turkish sports minister Mehmet Kasapoglu earlier insisting his country would host the showpiece game and the 2023 Champions League final.
The Turkish government believe that would make up for missing out on staging the Champions League final two seasons running due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Chelsea’s 1-0 final victory over Manchester City last weekend was instead held at Porto in Portugal.
Villarreal earned their own place in the Super Cup with an 11-10 shootout triumph against Manchester United in the Europa League finale.
Irish FA CEO Patrick Nelson said: “We have kept in close contact with our partners at UEFA on the matter and following these discussions we are delighted that they have confirmed that the game will stay in Belfast.”
ARD CHOICE TO MAKE
Inter Milan have reportedly entered the race for Odsonne Edouard.
Arsenal, Leicester and AC Milan were all in for the Celtic striker, who could be ready to leave Glasgow this summer.
But Italian outlet Metropolitan Magazine claim new Inter boss Simone Inzaghi is a fan of the Frenchman’s and wants to do a deal.
KANE URGED TO MAKE SPAIN MOVE
Gary Lineker has admitted he would like to see Harry Kane follow in his footsteps and sign for Barcelona.
A host of English clubs are chasing the Tottenham man but fellow ex-Spurs striker Lineker would be interested to see him move abroad.
He told Goal: “I would love to see him at Barcelona but they are going for Aguero and are short on cash at the moment.
“I think it is between Manchester City, Manchester United and maybe PSG.
“They have [Mauricio] Pochettino and he would win things, guaranteed.
“I think it is more likely that one of the Manchester clubs can afford him outside of Chelsea. I don’t think he would go to Chelsea and do that to the Tottenham fans but who knows?”
TARGET MAN
Manchester United are hopeful of finally signing Jadon Sancho this summer, reports say.
The Red Devils are ‘pressing ahead’ with a deal for the 21-year-old Dortmund rising star.
The Athletic report that talks are underway again between United and the German side.
And the Old Trafford side hope they can sign him for less than the £108million asking price last summer.
The Red Devils were desperate to land Sancho last summer. But Dortmund’s previous asking price proved to be more than United were willing to pay.
Bundesliga side Dortmund are reportedly holding out for £80m plus another £20m in add-ons.
MAR MONEY
Arsenal have reportedly threatened to trigger an extension in Matteo Guendouzi’s contract, if Marseille don’t stump up more than £8.6million.
The Frenchman has been in Gunners exile, since falling out with Mikel Arteta during the back end of the 2019-20 season, yet still has value in the market.
Marseille are keen on France youth international Guendouzi, and are willing to spend £8.6m on the North London outcast.
Arsenal, however, have a trick up their sleeve. The Gunners possess an option to extend Guendouzi’s contract by a further year to June 2023, a scenario that would suit neither party.
But according to Le10Sport, they are threatening to do so if L’OM don’t pay up.
BERXIT
Bernardo Silva is a transfer target for Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
The Portuguese playmaker, 26, was less influential for Manchester City this term with two league goals compared to six last season, but did start in the Champions League final.
LaLiga champions Atletico reportedly want to strengthen their midfield, and Bernardo is a name on their shortlist.
But the Spanish side are looking to negotiate a price less than his £60m valuation, according to AS.
JU DECIDE
Cristiano Ronaldo has been given the go ahead to join PSG this summer, reports in Italy say.
The Portuguese star, 36, faces an uncertain future at Juventus after three years at the club.
And Corriere dello Sport claim the Serie A side have given him the green light to leave if he wants to.
A headline on their front page today read: “Ronaldo you choose.”
And it went on to explain: “Juve do not oppose Cristiano’s farewell.
“PSG are pressing, they want to support him with Neymar.”
NETFLIX AND CEL
Lille defender Zeki Celik is on the radars of Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal.
That is according to Evening Standard, who claim the right-back would cost just £13million this summer.
United are after competition for Aaron Wan-Bissaka while Arsenal may have to replace Hector Bellerin.
Likewise, Spurs are likely to lose Serge Aurier after he expressed his desire for a move.
OH NEY YOU DON’T
Neymar was accidentally two-footed by a pair of over-excited fans as Brazil arrived at their team hotel on Thursday night – before one ran off with his SHOE.
Tite’s squad were just departing the team bus ahead of their 2022 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador when Neymar was chopped down by two supporters.
As the Paris Saint-Germain forward, 29, got off the coach, fans could be heard screaming in excitement.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, two supporters sprinted over, lost their footing and slid in, taking Neymar down in worrying manner.
One of the tacklers was spotted quickly running off with one of the Brazilian’s shoes.
Security swarmed on the pair before Neymar gingerly got up and hobbled away with just one shoe on.
Neymar WIPED OUT by two fans and has shoe stolen outside Brazil hotel before security jump inNOT LONG TO WAIT
There is less than a fortnight to go until next season’s Premier League fixtures are announced…
Mark Wednesday, June 16 on your diaries for the 9am release.
And the opening weekend is just over two months away and set for August 14.
DREAM ON
You can take on Jeremy Clarkson in Dream Team Euros this summer and be in with a chance of winning £50,000.
The brilliant fantasy football game allows you to pit your wits against thousands of other players including Jezza.
And best of all, it’s completely FREE to play.
The finals get underway next Friday, when Italy take on Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico. So make sure you’ve picked your team by then.
You’ll be able to take on Clarkson by joining his mini-league.
Just register, pick your side and then enter the code ‘EUJEZZAC’.
‘COULD NOT BE HAPPIER’
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia has praised Thomas Tuchel for his quick adaptation to life at Stamford Bridge after he signed a new contract.
She told the club website: “When Thomas joined us in January there was still so much to play for domestically and in Europe.
“He slotted in seamlessly and immediately became an integral part of the Chelsea family.
“Returning us to the top four in the Premier League was crucial, and we could not be happier with our success in the Champions League which crowned a remarkable season at Chelsea.
“We are obviously extremely pleased therefore to retain Thomas for a further two years, and look forward to more achievements in the coming seasons.”
Credit: Getty
TUCHEL SIGNS ON
Thomas Tuchel has given his reaction to signing a new three-year Chelsea contract.
The German’s deal was set to expire next year but victory in the Champions League final, plus an appearance in the FA Cup showpiece and a top-four finish, had made the Blues’ mind up.
Tuchel said: “I cannot imagine a better occasion for a contract renewal. I am grateful for the experience and very happy to stay part of the Chelsea family.
“There is far more to come and we are looking forward to our next steps with ambition and much anticipation.”
BREAKING
Thomas Tuchel has signed a new Chelsea contract to 2024.
BREAKING
Everton have released 13 players including Theo Walcott, Josh King and Yannick Bolasie – but are aiming to tie down FIVE youngsters to new contracts.
The Toffees endured a horror end to the 2020-21 season, slipping out of the Champions League hunt to finish tenth.
A club statement confirmed: “Everton can confirm Joshua King, Theo Walcott, Yannick Bolasie and Muhamed Besic will leave the club when their current contracts expire at the end of the month.
“On-loan goalkeeper Robin Olsen will return to his parent club Roma.
“In the Under-23s squad, Josh Bowler, Dennis Adeniran, Matthew Pennington, Con Ouzounidis, Callum Connolly and Bobby Carroll will be released at the end of this month.”
Nathan Broadhead, Ryan Astley and Joe Anderson have all been offered new deals while Kyle John and Liam Higgins are staying for another year.
LEED THE RACE
Liverpool have stolen a march on Manchester United in the race to sign Raphinha, reports say.
The Reds are in pole position to land the Brazilian winger after his impressive debut season at Leeds.
According to the Express, Liverpool are ahead of their rivals Man Utd and Manchester City in the race.
But the report also states that Leeds have no intention of letting the 24-year-old go.
ED START
Inter Milan have reportedly entered the race for Odsonne Edouard.
Arsenal, Leicester and AC Milan were all in for the Celtic striker, who could be ready to leave Glasgow this summer.
But Italian outlet Metropolitan Magazine claim new Inter boss Simone Inzaghi is a fan of the Frenchman’s and wants to do a deal.
BREAKING
Bayern Munich have tied down striker Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to a new two-year contract.
The 32-year-old scored nine goals in 2020-21, including in both Champions League quarter-final legs versus PSG.
SAUL LATEST
More on Saul Niguez’s future as Chelsea are interested in signing the Atletico Madrid star, according to reports.
Saul, 26, is reportedly eager for a new challenge having spent his whole career at Atletico, and he does not feel as important to Diego Simeone after making just 22 league starts this term.
The midfielder has a release clause of £128million but the Spanish champions are willing to let him go for a lot less, according to journalist Matteo Moretto.
Matteo reports Chelsea and PSG’s ‘attentive’ interest in Saul, but believes nothing is advanced at this stage.
The journalist adds that Bayern Munich are also interested in the Spaniard, as we told you earlier.
COP OUT
The Copa America has been plunged into chaos with Brazil stars considering a BOYCOTT.
The continental competition runs between June 13 and July 10, with Argentina and Colombia initially named co-hosts.
But a spike in coronavirus cases in Argentina combined with protests against Colombian president Ivan Duque saw Brazil awarded hosting rights in the 11th hour.
Brazilian players have now spoken with national football confederation president Rogerio Caboclo over the possibility of skipping the tournament over Covid fears.
Several Brazilian states including Pernambuco, Minas Gerais and Rio Grande do Sul have already refused to host games.
Boss Tite revealed: “[The squad] have an opinion, they exposed it to the president and they will expose it to the public at the appropriate time.”
DONE DEAL
Steven Taylor has signed on for another year with A-League club Wellington Phoenix.
The ex-Newcastle star, 35, joined from Peterborough in 2018 and spent time a brief period away Indian side Odisha earlier in the season.
And he is currently in action against MacArthur live on BT Sport 3…
CARL TO ARMS
Carlo Ancelotti has stamped his authority on Real Madrid by cutting short his stars’ holiday.
The Italian boss, 61, was named as Zinedine Zidane’s successor after the Bernabeu icon walked away from the club at the end of a disappointing 2020-21 season.
And Ancelotti’s first act as Los Blancos boss was to cut his players’ holidays short as he aims to get straight down to business.
Zidane had told the Galacticos to return to training on July 12 – the day after the Euro 2020 final.
But Ancelotti is keen to get to work quickly, telling players to come back on July 7 instead.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
