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    Chelsea launch emergency £13million transfer bid for AC Milan’s Mike Maignan in race against time for Club World Cup

    CHELSEA have tabled a £13million bid for AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan, according to reports.The Blues want to give their new No1 his debut at the Club World Cup, which begins next Sunday.Chelsea have made an offer to buy Mike Maignan in time for the Club World CupCredit: Shutterstock EditorialBut the deadline to register players for the revamped 32-team tournament is on Tuesday.And it means Chelsea face a race against time to get the transfer announced.The club have been locked in talks with both AC Milan and the player since last week.Maignan is thought to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and has already agreed personal terms.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZNThe 29-year-old has just a year left on his contract with the Italian side.And with the two parties no closer to agreement, Milan are set to cash-in this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 12 months’ time.Journalist Fabrizio Romano claims £13m will be enough to seal the deal, while Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport claim the fee is likely to be £15m.BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSMilan have already sounded out Roma’s Mile Svilar as Maignan’s replacement.Most read in FootballThe Frenchman has 31 international caps to his name and is regarded by many as one of the best keepers in the world.He has been in the Serie A Team of the Year twice in four seasons and he won the title with Milan in 2022 after keeping 17 clean sheets.There is set to be a lot of movement in Chelsea’s bloated goalkeeper department this summer.The first to go will reportedly be Kepa Arrizabalaga to Arsenal in a £5m deal.Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic face uncertain futures.Meanwhile, Chelsea are set to improve their bid for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.The Blues’ opening offer fell £10m short of their £40m valuation of the English winger, who has already agreed a seven-year contract in West London.Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeWatch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN More

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    Sunderland line up Man City star, 19, as Jobe Bellingham replacement as Dortmund transfer edges closer

    SUNDERLAND want Manchester City kid Charlie Gray to fill Jobe Bellingham’s boots.Talented midfielder Gray, 19, has a year left on his City contract and may look to move on for the chance of a first-team spot with the Premier League new boys.Charlie Gray is on Sunderland’s radarCredit: GettyGray could replace Jobe Bellingham if he signs for Borussia DortmundCredit: Shutterstock EditorialHe has been on City’s books since he was just eight and is yet to make his senior debut.The teenager helped the club’s Under-21s win both the league and play-off phase of the Premier League 2 last season.Described as a “calm, ball-playing defensive midfielder”, he also caught the eye in the youth Champions League as City reached the quarter-finals.Gray could follow in the footsteps of stars such as Romeo Lavia, Jadon Sancho and Jeremie Frimpong in leaving Manchester for senior football without a Prem appearance to their name.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt comes amid Bellingham departing Sunderland despite their promotion back to the top-flight.Jobe, 19, is set to join Borussia Dortmund in a move that sees him take the same path as his brother Jude, 21.The German giants recently sent a delegation to England for talks over a deal.It has been reported that Sunderland want a fee of £25million for Bellingham.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSHe could become the second wonderkid to leave the Stadium of Light after play-off final hero Tom Watson joined Brighton for £10m.Meanwhile, the Black Cats are ready to offer their homegrown star Chris Rigg, 17, an improved contract.But keeper coach Tom Weal has made a shock exit to rejoin old club MK Dons. More

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    Vile chants about Keir Starmer ‘not acceptable’ Thomas Tuchel tells England fans after Andorra win

    ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel told Three Lions fans vile chants about PM Sir Keir Starmer were “not acceptable”.Some of the 7,000 travelling supporters at yesterday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra called Sir Keir a “c***” and “w***er”.England fans in Andorra called Sir Keir a ‘c***’ and ‘w***er’Credit: PATuchel praised the overall support in the 1-0 win against the tiny state, even though they booed his team at half-time. He said after full-time in Spain: “Booing is OK. “The support was amazing. Incredible.“They created a fantastic atmosphere. Read More on Sport”They were underwhelmed with the way we performed. “It’s not that we can blame them for that.”I didn’t hear any abusive songs or chants. “But if it happened, of course, it’s not acceptable.”Most read in FootballIt’s thought that Declan Rice is being rested with a view to starting against Senegal on Tuesday evening instead.Other unusual choices appear to include Reece James starting at left-back and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones being deployed as a make-shift right-back.’They looked bored’ – Roy Keane slams England’s ‘poor attitude’ as Thomas Tuchel admits ‘I didn’t like’ Andorra effortThomas Tuchel told Three Lions fans vile chants about PM Sir Keir Starmer were ‘not acceptable’Credit: Getty More

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    Moment Chelsea ace Marc Cucurella uses mobile while driving Mercedes G-wagon as he’s seen ‘veering across road’

    CHELSEA ace Marc Cucurella is filmed apparently falling foul of the law on the road — by using his mobile phone while driving.He was said to be veering across the middle of the road in his Mercedes G-wagon near the Prem team’s training ground.Marc Cucurella is filmed using his mobile phone while drivingCredit: SWNSHe was said to be veering across the middle of the roadCredit: SWNSCucurella poses by his G-wagon, which cost between £140,000 and £210,000Credit: InstagramOnlookers said the defender, in his club training top, appeared to be typing a text message at the wheel of the vehicle, costing between £140,000 and £210,000.A witness near Dorking, Surrey, said: “The car came past us quite fast.”I clocked who it was.“We drove past him again.Read more on Marc Cucurella”He was all over the place, over the middle line, because he was on his phone.”My partner in the passenger seat was able to film it.”A week later, the Spanish international, 26, played in the Blues’ Uefa Conference League final ­win — following his key role in the Spain team that beat England in last year’s Euros final.Drivers caught using a mobile face a £200 fine and six points on their driving licence.Most read in FootballCucurella’s agent and Chelsea FC were approached for comment.Marc Cucurella wipes away tears as Chelsea star and Wag Claudia Rodriguez reveal emotional strain of son Mateo’s autismDefender Cucurella played in Chelsea’s Uefa Conference League final ­winCredit: Getty More

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    Crystal Palace line up £40m-rated AC Milan star Strahinja Pavlovic in potential Marc Guehi replacement transfer

    OLIVER GLASNER will make a new move to sign AC Milan’s Strahinja Pavlovic with the Italian club wanting £40million.The Crystal Palace boss thinks the powerful Serb would be an ideal addition with Europe on the agenda next term.Crystal Palace are preparing a move for AC Milan star Strahinja PavlovicCredit: Shutterstock EditorialMarc Guehi has a year left on his Crystal Palace contractCredit: GettyCentre-back Pavlovic, 24, only moved from RB Salzburg for £15m a year ago but Palace have been tracking him for months.Boss Glasner wants extra competition at the back but the Eagles will not pay over the top and could start the bidding at just £25m.Glasner is a huge fan of Pavlovic’s — who was a regular in Milan’s Serie A and Champions League campaigns — so it is an ambitious target.He scored two goals and provided just as many assists in 35 appearances from centre-back this term.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSMeanwhile, Pavlovic started six of Milan’s ten Champions League games, and 21 Serie A matches.Palace qualified for next seasons Europa League after beating Manchester City in a shock 1-0 win in the FA Cup final.But the club’s European status is under threat from Uefa because owner John Textor also owns shares in Lyon. Juventus’ Tiago Djalo, 25, is an alternative.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSPalace are possibly in the market for two defenders, especially if Marc Guehi leaves.Burnley’s Maxime Esteve, 23, is also admired.Crystal Palace could be KICKED OUT of Europa League before a ball is even kickedMeanwhile, Palace are in talks with striker Jean-Philippe Mateta over signing a new contract.The 27-year-old was a standout performer in Glasner’s side last season, scoring 17 goals in all competitions as Palace won the FA Cup – their first major trophy. More

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    Crystal Palace co-owner looks to buy out John Textor as Europa League decision looms

    JOSH HARRIS wants to buy out John Textor in the latest tug of war at Crystal Palace.Textor owns around 45 per cent of the club and was planning to make a move on Harris and David Blitzer — who have 18 per cent each — to purchase their shares.JOSH HARRIS wants to buy out John Textor in the latest tug of war at Crystal PalaceCredit: RexTextor now willing to sell up to avoid Palace being booted out of the Europa LeagueCredit: AFPPalace qualified for the Europa League after beating Man City in the FA Cup finalBut that has failed so far — with Textor now willing to sell up to avoid Palace being booted out of the Europa League due to Uefa’s rules on multi-club ownership.The European governing body’s regulations mean Textor, majority owner of Lyon, cannot have influence at two clubs in the same competition.But a sale is unlikely to be quick and will not impact the decision of Uefa chiefs.And Harris is looking to pay a smaller sum than his US compatriot wants.READ MORE CRYSTAL PALACE NEWSTextor, whose Palace club won entry to the Europa League through winning the FA Cup, does not have a majority stake and only 25 per cent of voting rights.Palace hope that relatively low figure will help their case with Uefa, who are expected to deliver a verdict next week.Lyon are also set to feature in the competition having finished higher than Palace domestically, with a sixth-placed finish in the Ligue 1 last season.Uefa rules prohibit anyone from “simultaneously be involved in any capacity whatsoever in the management, administration, and/or sporting performance of more than one club participating in a Uefa club competition.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThe prospect of Palace dropping into the Conference League is also nigh-on impossible too.This is because other shareholder David Blitzer also has a stake in Danish oufit Brondby, who are set to play in European football’s tertiary club competition next season.Abandoned iconic UK stadium left to rot 110 years after hosting FA Cup final getting new lease of lifeIn a desperate bid to see the Eagles fly across Europe next season and comply with Uefa rules, Textor and Blitzer offered to put their shares in a blind trust.But Uefa chiefs have REJECTED the offer, leaving Palace’s proposed European adventure next season in limbo.Manchester City and Manchester United utilised blind trusts last season as sister clubs Girona and Nice both qualified for the Champions League and Europa League respectively. More

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    Tottenham line up £20m-rated England U21 star transfer as managerless Spurs move on quickly from Ange Postecoglou

    ENGLAND UNDER-21 star Hayden Hackney is on managerless Tottenham’s transfer radar.The Middlesbrough midfielder, 22, looks set to leave his boyhood club after their failure to win Championship promotion.Middlesbrough’s Hayden Hackney is a wanted manCredit: GettyThe £20m-rated ace has already proven he can cut it against the big boys of the Premier League with stand-out cup displays against both Chelsea and Aston Villa last season.Now he hopes to catch the eye at this month’s U21 European Championship in Slovakia.A host of clubs have been monitoring Hackney for several months, including Portuguese giants Porto who had a measly £9m bid rejected in January.German side Stuttgart are also keen as are Crystal Palace, but Sun Sport understands that Spurs’ scouts have also been running the rule over Hackney.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTottenham talent spotters will also be out in Slovakia to watch the action closely and, if Hackney shines for Lee Carsley’s side, they could give the green light for the club move despite not yet appointing a replacement for axed Ange Postecoglou.Middlesbrough are in no rush to sell their home-grown star and could even squeeze a couple more million onto his price tag depending on how he performs at the Euros.They are also searching for a new manager in their own right following the decision to dismiss Michael Carrick on Wednesday.And despite still having some money in the bank from selling Emmanuel Latte Lath in January, cashing in on Hackney would help them add to any incoming coach’s transfer kitty. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSEngland kick-off their Euro campaign against the Czech Republic on Thursday.They then face Slovenia three days later and finish the group stage against Germany on Wednesday 18 June.All of England’s matches are being broadcast live on Channel 4.Five EFL Championship stars destined for the Premier League More

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    Aston Villa out to hijack £20m Bournemouth transfer for France star and Milos Kerkez replacement

    ASTON VILLA want to hijack Bournemouth’s move for Rennes skipper Adrien Truffert.Villa look keen on the left-back and could swoop for the 23-year-old if they can quickly sell a player.Aston Villa are trying to hijack France star Adrien TruffertCredit: RexBournemouth are on the brink of agreeing a deal to sign a potential replacement for Milos Kerkez (above)Credit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Cherries are close to agreeing a £20million deal for France international Truffert.They see him as a replacement for Milos Kerkez, who is expected to join Premier League champions Liverpool this summer.Truffert has scored two goals and provided two assists in 33 Ligue 1 games this season, as Rennes finished 12th.But the 23-year-old has understandably struggled to get into France’s star-studded squad.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSThe full-back has made just one appearances for Les Bleus, after receiving his first call-up for two Uefa Nations League matches.The switches get more complicated when you consider that Bournemouth were interested in Anfield left-back Andy Robertson.But the Villa Park outfit may struggle to bring the 32-year-old Scot to the West Midlands, considering Arne Slot’s stance on an exit.Unai Emery is believed to be in the market for a new left-back with Frenchman Lucas Digne and Ian Maatsen failing to impress the Spaniard.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSMeanwhile, Bournemouth are also in the market for Spanish keeper Joan Garcia, who was linked with Arsenal.The 24-year-old is set to sign for Barcelona from Espanyol — but could then be loaned out for a season in the Premier League.Aston Villa star Marcus Rashford hits the race track as he works out on holiday in St Tropez More