ROMELU LUKAKU has reportedly said goodbye to his Chelsea team-mates as he steps up his bid to return to Inter after just one season.
But in better news for Blues fans, the club will be allowed to sell tickets for away games and the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley.
However, tickets for games at Stamford Bridge will only be available to season ticket holders and away fans.
Meanwhile Nick Candy has “significantly increased” his Chelsea bid from £2bn to over £2.5bn, according to reports.
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Clarke’s Scotland vs Ukraine doubts
Scotland boss Steve Clarke reckons his side won’t face Ukraine for a spot at the World Cup until SEPTEMBER.
The Scots were meant to take on Ukraine this week but the match was delayed until June following Russia’s invasion of their Eastern European neighbours.
But Clarke doubts the match will take place this summer as the war rages on.
He said: “It’s difficult to see how we’ll be playing them in June. It’s not just about the fixture.
“It’s the fact they need to get together, have a training camp and get players on the pitch with a proper period to prepare for such an important game.”
Muntari stuns fans with display
Former Portsmouth star Sulley Muntari has proved class is permanent with a man-of-the-match display for Ghanian side Hearts of Oak.
The ex-Inter Milan and AC Milan midfielder came out of retirement earlier this year aged 37 to play for the Accra-based team.
Prior to the stunning return in his native Ghana, former Pompey star Muntari had not played professionally since a two-game spell with Spanish third-tier side Albacete way back in 2019.
But in a 2-1 win over Obuasi Ashantigold in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday, Muntari was star man after a midfield masterclass.
According to Ghanaweb, Muntari was at his “scintillating” best in the victory.
The performance only added to Muntari’s fairytale return to football, with the midfielder helping Hearts of Oak lift the President’s Cup earlier this month.
Christophe Dugarry looks unrecognisable
Former France international Christophe Dugarry looks unrecognisable 17 years after hanging up his boots.
The ex-AC Milan and Barcelona forward was a part of the French World Cup winning squad from 1998.
But these days he looks vastly different – mainly due to the absence of his trademark long hair.
Dugarry has shaved off his locks and it has transformed his appearance no end.
Alonso aims dig at Lampard
Marcos Alonso has weighed into the debate on Frank Lampard with a sly comment regarding the Everton manager’s tactical nous.
Lampard has had his managerial ability questioned lately after his new side were smashed 4-0 at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, shortly after a 5-0 defeat at Tottenham.
And now his former player has put the boot in with the suggestion that he is unable to set up a side to defend.
In an interview with AS (via The Daily Mail), Alonso said: “Since [Thomas Tuchel] arrived, the team took a leap tactically and when it came to defending. We are very happy with it.”
Alonso was ostracised from the Chelsea first team during Lampard’s reign, making just three appearances in the manager’s final season.
Jorginho could join Chelsea exodus
Jorginho is the latest player who looks set to leave Stamford Bridge in the summer with a return to Serie A on the cards.
The 30-year-old still has 15 months to run on his contract, but The Blues are considering cashing in on the wantaway midfielder.
The Italian’s agent, Joao Santos, has sparked the transfer talk after comments made to Tuttomercatoweb (via Football Italia).
Speaking about Jorginho’s future, he said: “Playing in Serie A is a dream for him and his heart remains here. As things stand today, he could play for four or five clubs: Milan, Inter, Juve, Roma or Napoli.
“There are many clubs interested in him. In the past I spoke to PSG, Barcelona and also Milan’s Ricky Massara.”
Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta, Antonio Rudiger, and Romelu Lukaku are all considering departing Chelsea at the end of this season.
Rudiger waiting on new United boss
Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger wants to speak to the new Manchester United manager before deciding on his future.
BILD journalist Christian Falk believes the German international would be open to a move to Old Trafford, but first wants to hear from the club’s new coach on their vision for the coming seasons.
Rudiger is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of this season, and unlikely to sign a new deal while the club remains sanctioned and in the process of a takeover.
The news is likely to force United to speed up their decision on their incoming boss.
Tuchel nominated for Manager of the Month
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is in contention to be named the Premier League’s Manager of the Month for March.
The Blues won all three of their league games in what was a tumultuous month off the pitch, and also qualified for the Champions League quarter-finals.
- Burnley 0-4 Chelsea (Mar 5)
- Norwich 1-3 Chelsea (Mar 10)
- Chelsea 1-0 Newcastle (Mar 13)
Other candidates include Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta, Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp, Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers and Tottenham’s Antonio Conte.
Tuchel has previously won the award on one occasion this season, having led his side to four wins from four in October.
Even Stephens? New names in Chelsea running
Stephen Pagliuca, the co-owner of basketball’s Boston Celtics and Serie A’s Atalanta, has emerged as the latest businessman who has submitted a bid to buy Chelsea Football Club.
Sky News’ Mark Kleinman reports that the private equity executive made his offer to the Raine Group ahead of Friday’s deadline.
However, with his wealth estimated to be in the hundreds of millions rather than billions, experts believe that it is unlikely that Pagliuca has acted alone.
Meanwhile, Sky News also reveal that Empowerment IP, a rights monetisation firm headed by the sports financier Stephen Duval, have revised their offer to the region of £3.1billion
Empowerment is said to have included ‘a fan bond in its offer that would commit to Chelsea supporters owning no less than 25% of the shares’.
Abraham will cost clubs £100m
Roma have slapped a £100million asking price on star striker Tammy Abraham.
The England international has been a hit at the Stadio Olimpico since moving to Italy in the summer, and scored two more in Sunday’s derby with Lazio to take his tally to 23 for the season.
And now the Serie A club are attempting to ward off interested parties by placing a huge price tag on the forward.
The Mail suggest that Chelsea have a buy-back option of £67million – but that doesn’t come into effect until next year.
Abraham has four years to run on his current deal with Roma.
Azpi unwilling to discuss future
Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta says it is not the right time to discuss his future with the club in the middle of a complicated takeover.
The 32-year-old defender is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer, and is widely expected to join Barcelona on a free transfer.
Speaking to reporters while on international duty with Spain, Azpilicueta said: “This is not the place or the time. What we have learned with the pandemic is to live day to day and in the moment.”
However, the Blues skipper did admit that the current issues at London club were having an effect on the squad.
“We are living in moments of uncertainty at Chelsea, that is the reality.
“The uncertainty isn’t great, but what we players have to do is work. We are entering a decisive phase of the season and the situation is out of our hands.”
Rice would prefer Chelsea move
England star Declan Rice would favour a move to Chelsea if he was to leave West Ham this summer, report the Evening Standard.
The Hammers midfielder has been repeatedly linked with the Premier League’s so-called ‘Big Six’ with The Blues and Manchester United considered to be leading the chase.
However, it is now understood that Rice would prefer a return to Stamford Bridge and the club he was released from as a child despite their current restrictions in the transfer market.
With three years still remaining on his contract, West Ham have slapped a £150million asking price on the 23-year-old, who David Moyes hopes to build future sides around.
Rice is said to have an ‘urgent’ desire to play Champions League football, and has every chance of qualifying to do so with the Hammers, either through the Premier League or by winning the Europa League.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Ian Wright says it’s unfair Conor Gallagher will not be allowed to play for Crystal Palace in their FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea and admitted he’d have been ‘devastated’ if it had ever happened to him during his playing days.
The pundit said on his Wrighty’s House podcast: “If you’ve let a player go from the start of the season then yes he’s your player.
“For Conor Gallagher to go to Palace and take them to the levels. He’s one of the main reasons they’re doing what they’re doing.
“He’s helped get them to a semi-final at Wembley which is what we all dream of as professionals and he can’t play because his parent club is there. There’s something not fair about that. I’d be devastated if I was in his position.”
Meanwhile, Man City are monitoring the progress of England newbie Tyrick Mitchell.
City are in the market for a new left-back and are keeping track of the youngster’s progress, as are Chelsea, Newcastle and Tottenham.
Elsewhere, potential new Chelsea owner Nick Candy is reportedly receiving backing from AC Milan’s American owners.
Sky News claims Candy has now added American hedge fund group Elliot Management to his team.
The New York-based investor, a global leader in finance and boardroom activism which has £39bn in assets, owns Serie A table toppers AC Milan.
Another Blues bidder Tom Ricketts’ controversial bid to buy Chelsea has surprise backing — from a leading US Muslim.
The Chicago Cubs baseball outfit’s owner has lodged a formal offer for Roman Abramovich’s Blues.
But political fallout from his father’s views on race are dogging the campaign.
Ricketts’ Christian dad Joe claimed Muslims are ‘my natural enemy’ in emails which surfaced in 2019 and now some Chelsea fans do not want the family gaining control of their club.
But in a shock move, the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Chicago has come out in support of the Ricketts camp.
And finally, Chelsea can sell tickets again after having their special license altered by the UK government.
The Blues had been banned from flogging tickets to fans since Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen earlier this month.
This resulted in just 600 away season ticket holders being able to attend their FA Cup clash at Middlesbrough last weekend.
But that situation has now been rectified – meaning that the Blues will not have to play their Champions League quarter-final home leg against Real Madrid behind closed doors.
They will now also be able to have Chelsea fans in attendance at the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley – as well as for their remaining Premier League games.
Money generated from ticket sales will go directly to the Premier League, who will decide where to pass the revenue on.
Ricketts’ Chelsea bid surprise backing
Tom Rickett’s controversial bid to buy Chelsea has surprise backing — from a leading US Muslim.
The Chicago Cubs baseball outfit’s owner has lodged a formal offer for Roman Abramovich’s Blues.
But political fallout from his father’s views on race are dogging the campaign.
Ricketts’ Christian dad Joe claimed Muslims are ‘my natural enemy’ in emails which surfaced in 2019 and now some Chelsea fans do not want the family gaining control of their club.
But in a shock move, the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Chicago has come out in support of the Ricketts camp.
Russia make Euro 2028 bid
Spineless world football bosses have been left shame-faced after Russia was disgracefully allowed to bid for Euro 2028.
In a move that left disbelieving FA chiefs stunned into silence, Russia announced a deadline-busting bid to host either the 2028 or 2032 tournament.
That move also prompted Turkey to bid, hoping to take advantage of the Russian muck-raking and a split field to gain a shock victory.
Wembley’s high command now face a £10million bill to ensure their bid wins and they host the tournament across the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
A decision is set to be made by Uefa’s ruling executive committee in September 2023.
Johnstone withdraws from England squad
Sam Johnstone has withdrawn from the England squad after being struck with an illness.
The West Brom stopper was brought in to replace the crocked Aaron Ramsdale on Monday.
But Johnstone’s joy was short-lived when it was revealed that he also wasn’t well enough for England duty.
And now, he’s been swapped with Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster who received his first England call-up.
David Alba fears Bale
Gareth Bale’s got enough individual ability to put Wales past Austria in the World Cup play-offs tomorrow.
That’s the opinion of his Real Madrid team-mate and Austrian star David Alba who fears Bale can ruin his country’s chances singlehandedly.
Alba said: “Gareth is a really super-cool person outside the pitch, and great on the pitch as well,” Alaba said.
“We have a very good relationship, we talk a lot and we’ve joked about this game.
“Gareth can decide games himself and he’s not always easy to be stopped, but we want to focus on ourselves and our own game.”
Haaland’s transfer enquiries
Erling Haaland has asked Arsenal ace Martin Odegaard about life at Real Madrid amid mounting transfer speculation.
Real are among those keeping tabs on Haaland as they have entered an intense bidding war with Manchester City, Manchester United and Barcelona.
The attacking midfielder knows a lot about life at the Santiago Bernabeu and confirmed that him and his fellow Norwegian spoke about it but it was “not anything special”.
Odegaard said while on international duty with Norway: “We are good friends so we talk about lots of things, like when I was there.
“So yeah we talked about it but it’s not anything special.”
Jorginho eyes Chelsea exit
Chelsea star Jorginho’s future at Stamford Bridge has been plunged into doubt as his agent admits he’d be up for a “dream” Serie A return.
The midfielder’s representative Joao Santos specified his client could go to “AC Milan, Inter Milan, Juventus, Roma or Napoli” and admitted he also held talks with Paris Saint-Germain as well as Barcelona.
Santos told Tuttomercatoweb, as per Football Italia: “Playing in Serie A is a dream for him and his heart remains here.
“As things stand today, he could play for four or five clubs: Milan, Inter, Juve, Roma or Napoli.”
Chelsea ticket ban lifted
Chelsea can sell tickets again after having their special license altered by the UK government.
The Blues had been banned from flogging tickets to fans since Roman Abramovich had his assets frozen earlier this month.
This resulted in just 600 away season ticket holders being able to attend their FA Cup clash at Middlesbrough last weekend.
But that situation has now been rectified – meaning that the Blues will not have to play their Champions League quarter-final home leg against Real Madrid behind closed doors.
They will now also be able to have Chelsea fans in attendance at the FA Cup semi-final against Crystal Palace at Wembley – as well as for their remaining Premier League games.
Money generated from ticket sales will go directly to the Premier League, who will decide where to pass the revenue on.
Kepa relaxes with girlfriend
Kepa is currently enjoying a romantic Bahamas getaway with Miss Universe girlfriend Andrea Martinez.
The Chelsea stopper hasn’t joined up with the Spain national team after he and David de Gea were left out in favour of Brighton’s Robert Sanchez and Brentford’s David Raya.
It appears Kepa’s back-up plan, however, isn’t too shabby.
The 27-year-old has jetted off to the Bahamas for a fun mid-season getaway with girlfriend Andrea.
Kepa can be seen beaming from ear to ear in a sun hat while sunbathing in a recent Instagram post.
The goalkeeper is pictured clutching a glass of fizz alongside his bikini-clad other half, who is also wearing a big smile.
Pogba’s open to PSG transfer
Paul Pogba has opened the door to a transfer to PSG after expressing his frustration with Man United’s success over the past five years.
Pogba said to Le Figaro about a possible move to Paris: “Why not? It’s always nice to play with your team-mates in the national team and club.
“This year it is dead, we won’t win anything. Whether it is with Manchester United or at another club, I want to win trophies.”
Man City owners buy eleventh club
Man City’s owners City Football Group have agreed a deal to buy their eleventh club.
The football powerhouses have agreed to buy Dutch club NAC Breda edging out building contractor Karel Vrolijk following a shareholders investigation.
An official club statement read: “We presented the results of our investigation to the shareholders.
“On that basis, they have chosen to sell their shares to City Football Group.
“All other parties that have applied since the start of the sales process have now been informed and thanked for their efforts.
“With City Football Group, which already has a long-term collaboration with NAC, an agreement was reached this week subject to approval by the Supervisory Board, NOAD Foundation, the KNVB and the municipality of Breda.
“With this, the sales process is entering the final phase and the shareholders and City Football Group assume that preparations for the new season can be started in the short term.”
Candy’s backed by AC Milan owners
Potential new Chelsea owner Nick Candy is reportedly receiving backing from AC Milan’s American owners.
The British businessman is one of many hoping to replace Roman Abramovich at the top of the CFC Group.
And he exclusively told SunSport last week that he intends to continue Chelsea’s transfer model which has brought unprecedented success to Stamford Bridge.
Candy, who originally bid £2billion, returned with an improved offer for Chelsea earlier this week after getting a new Korean backer to join his consortium.
And Sky News claims Candy has now added American hedge fund group Elliot Management to his team.
The New York-based investor, a global leader in finance and boardroom activism which has £39bn in assets, owns Serie A table toppers AC Milan.
Bale’s raring to go
Gareth Bale has declared himself fit to play in Wales’ World Cup play-off against Austria.
He said ahead of the game: “It’s normal to have some niggles.
“I’ve been training for the last two and a half months.
“I’m in a lot better shape than I was in the last camp where I’d been out for about three months. I’m ready to play whatever is necessary tomorrow.”
Kane pays tribute to Paul Jiggins
England captain Harry Kane has paid tribute to SunSport’s Spurs correspondent Paul Jiggins, whose passing last week shocked the football world.
The Spurs superstar announced: “Before we start today, I’d just like to pay my respects to Paul Jiggins and his family.
“Obviously Paul followed me at Millwall, with the England Under-21s and at Tottenham.
“A lot of people in this room would have known him and from me and all the team we send our condolences to his friends and family.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
