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      Mason Mount lined up for stunning Bayern Munich transfer to reunite with ex-Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel

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      THOMAS TUCHEL is ready to raid former club Chelsea for Mason Mount.Tuchel is back in work with German giants Bayern Munich after being sacked by the Blues in September.
      Thomas Tuchel is a big fan of Mason Mount who was a key part of his Chelsea teamCredit: Getty
      He has only been in the job for a few days and wants at least three or four matches to properly size up his new squad before drawing up transfer plans for the summer.
      But Tuchel is a huge fan of unsettled Mount who is in a contract stand off at Stamford Bridge.
      And there are already early suggestions the six-times European champions will approach Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly about striking a deal in the summer.
      There has been no contact whatsoever between the two parties so far.
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      Tuchel replaced Julian Nagelsmann last Friday with Bayern second in the Bundesliga – one point adrift of leaders Borussia Dortmund.
      Mount, 24, was one his favourite players during the German’s 18 months at Stamford Bridge.
      The player has just over a year left on his current contract and talks have stalled over a new one.
      Mount is recovering from a groin injury at present but is hoping to be fit for Saturday’s Premier League home clash with Aston Villa.
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      At the moment he wants to shelve any distractions from getting back into the team and playing as many games as possible for Chelsea in the remaining two months of the season.
      Tuchel dropped him from his first game in charge as Chelsea boss in January 2021 but came off the bench with seven minutes to go and never looked back.
      He went on to play in six different positions under the manager and supplied the assist for team-mate Kai Havertz to win the Champions League for a second time for Chelsea in the 2021 final against Manchester City.
      Mount has been with Chelsea since he was six years old but with negotiations about a new deal struggling, rival clubs are circling.
      He has already been linked with Premier League rivals Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
      Bayern Munich join Italians Juventus as a queue of European titans starts to form with time ticking away on Mount’s deal which expires in June 2024.
      If there is no resolution, Chelsea may well prefer to sell him to a foreign club rather than a fellow English team to avoid facing him in the Premier League. More

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      Son Heung-min is first Tottenham player to break silence on Antonio Conte sacking in emotional interview

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      SON HEUNG-MIN has apologised to Antonio Conte for personally not doing more this season.Conte left the club on Sunday night, eight days after slaughtering his “selfish” players in an explosive final press conference after a 3-3 draw at Southampton.
      Son Heung-min has become the first Tottenham player to break his silence on Antonio Conte’s sackingCredit: AFP
      It had been notable how none of Tottenham’s squad had taken to social media to pay tribute to their outgoing boss.
      But Son, 30, has now paid tribute to the “world-class” Italian and said he feels responsible for his exit.
      The South Korean shared the Premier League golden boot last season as he flourished under Conte – but has not come close to hitting the same heights this term.
      Speaking while on international duty, Son said: “I’m very sorry to him. 
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      “He is a world-class manager, we had a great journey together, I thank him a lot. 
      “I do not know how other players are thinking about him, but I’m sorry to him.
      “I should have shown more but I couldn’t. I couldn’t help the team and I feel responsible as he left the club.”
      Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini has been put in caretaker charge until the end of the season.
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      Spurs have ten games left to hold onto the fourth spot that they currently occupy, having been knocked out of all the cup competitions.
      Conte is back in Italy contemplating his next move. 
      He is expected to be a leading contender for any vacancies that could crop up at the top-end of Serie A this summer, with AC Milan, Inter and Roma all possibly changing bosses.
      Son, who is on 99 Premier League goals, added: “He surely has great ability and experience as a coach and I’m sure he’ll have great success in his other career.
      “Coming back to Spurs, I wish to finish the rest of the season in a great way with my team-mates, for our club.” 
      One man who could follow Conte out of the exit door is Ivan Perisic – should any club be willing to stump up for his sky-high wages.
      The Croat, 34, was signed on a two-year deal last summer by Conte, for whom he had excelled at Inter, but has struggled to replicate those performances in the Premier League.

      Daniel Levy will assess possible successors to Conte between now and the end of the season.
      Julian Nagelsmann, recently sacked by Bayern Munich, is a contender but also a possible candidate for Real Madrid should Carlo Ancelotti leave.
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      Nagelsmann’s close pal Ernst Tanner, who coached the 35-year-old at 1860 Munich and has known him for 20 years, told German media: “Real will certainly be an option again, but in terms of language and his interests, I see England rather as the next and logical step.
      “Whether this has to be Tottenham in all haste, I dare to doubt.” More

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      I was told to dump my boyfriend by Hollywood star Blake Lively while she was at Wrexham… here is my response to her

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      BLAKE LIVELY left football fans in stitches after telling a fan’s girlfriend to dump him at Wrexham over the weekend.But now, the partner herself has replied to the Hollywood A-lister.
      Blake Lively left fans in stitches after telling a fan’s girlfriend to dump himCredit: Twitter
      Sam Neale, 21, and girlfriend Stephanie Cleaver, 19, have now had their say on the hilarious ordealCredit: Triangle News
      Following Wrexham’s 3-0 win over York City on Saturday, fan Sam Neale, 21, joined supporters clamouring for a photo with Lively – who is wife of the club’s owner Ryan Reynolds.
      After switching his camera to video mode, Sam ambitiously asked the American actor for a message to his girlfriend, 19-year-old Stephanie Cleaver.
      Hilariously, Lively simply replied: “Hi Stephanie. You should leave him.”
      Sam quickly took to Twitter to reveal he and his girlfriend were still together, tweeting: “Stephs cried happiness and she’s absolutely over the moon.. Luckily she hasn’t broke up with me!🤣 thanks again❤️@blakelively @stephaniexcxc.”
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      And now, Stephanie has broken her silence with a response.
      Stephanie told the Mail: “I just love Blake Lively… I was so jealous Sam had gone to the match without me because I was working and I was just crying when I got the video.

      “I love her. She is my favourite person in the world.”
      Meanwhile, Sam went into detail about his encounter with the Hollywood star.
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      He added: “I wasn’t sure when I’d get another chance to speak to Blake again, so I sprinted to the other end of the stadium where Blake was meeting fans.
      “I was on the other end of the stand and as soon as I saw her coming down I thought, ‘I’m at least going to try and get a video’.
      “There were hundreds there waiting.. eventually I was near enough to get a chance to speak to her. And when she said it, I couldn’t believe it… I thought it was hilarious.
      “Blake was so lovely… afterwards she was signing stuff and she looked at me and said ‘I was joking.’ So that was nice.”
      Deadpool star Reynolds bought the Welsh club with Rob McElhenney in November 2020.
      The pair have been frequent visitors to the club since the takeover, including appearances this weekend as they cheered on Wrexham’s women’s team.
      The clash on Sunday against Connah’s Quay Nomads saw a new record set for a women’s domestic fixture in Wales, with 9,511 fans.
      Non-League day on Saturday saw a crowd of 10,161 attend the men’s 3-0 win over York as they chase automatic promotion to the football league. More

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      Premier League cult hero nicknamed ‘The Body’ secures first job in management at just 37

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      A FORMER Premier League cult hero nicknamed ‘The Body’ has secured his first job as a manager aged 37.George Elokobi was a popular figure throughout his six-year spell at Wolves.
      George Elokobi understandably earned the nickname ‘The Body’
      Elokobi is most famous for his time at WolvesCredit: Dave Pinegar – The Sun
      And the ripped 6ft centre-back earned a reputation for his incredible physique.
      Now the former defender is hoping to make a name for himself in management after taking the Maidstone United gig.
      Elokobi was caretaker manager following Hakan Hayrettin’s dismissal on January 9.
      He’s now taken the reins on a permanent basis.
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      The Cameroon-born icon is tasked with keeping Maidstone in the National League.
      The Mighty Stones currently sit seven points adrift at the bottom of the table with time running out to avoid an immediate return to National League South.
      Elokobi finished his playing career with Maidstone, captaining the club for three years until his retirement last year.
      That ended a run of non-league clubs including Braintree, Leyton Orient and Aldershot.
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      But it was his spell at Molineux that Elokobi is best remembered.
      He joined from Colchester in 2008 and went on to make 103 appearances for Wolves – including 58 in the Premier League from 2009 to 2012.
      His post-match antics, though, caused as much of a talking point as handling some of the world’s best strikers.
      Elokobi would take his top off on the pitch following the full-time whistle, leaving fans in awe and no doubt team-mates jealous.
      He told the Daily Mail in 2011: “It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. It started with Colchester against Birmingham.
      “I always take my top off now. I’ve got a good physique!
      “Even when it’s cold, as long as my hands are okay, I’m fine. I can’t play when my hands are cold, though.”
      The topless tradition was justified given his bulking physiqueCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The former defender started out at Colchester and is now Maidstone managerCredit: Getty – Contributor More

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      Mason Greenwood ‘almost left Man Utd’ as his career hangs in the balance after rape case against him was dropped

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      MASON Greenwood rejected advances from two huge European clubs before his arrest, insiders claim.It comes as Greenwood allegedly could play for Manchester United again after attempted rape and assault charges against him were dropped.
      Greenwood reportedly raised the prospect of moving to Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
      Greenwood turned down offers to play for Manchester City and Juventus, The Athletic reports.
      He raised the prospect of moving to Manchester City to United staff during tense moments in training.
      When Manchester City directly approached him, Greenwood turned them down.
      He also rejected an approach from Juventus before signing his first professional contract.
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      Greenwood hasn’t played professionally since January 2022 when the Red Devils beat West Ham at Old Trafford.
      He was arrested after a woman made allegations against him.
      He was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
      Those charges were dropped last month, with the Crown Prosecution Service blaming the withdrawal of key witnesses and discovery of new material.
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      Greenwood released a statement after the decision, which read: “I am relieved that this matter is now over and I would like to thank my family, loved ones and friends for their support. There will be no further comment.”
      It comes after Greenwood recently learned his partner is pregnant with his first child.
      The £75,000-a-week Manchester United striker is expecting his first child with the university student this summer.
      It is understood Greenwood could face a TV interview as part of a “phased approach” to his comeback.
      And he has held face-to-face meetings with Man Utd bosses since the charges against him were dropped.
      Meanwhile, a top sports lawyer said Greenwood may have lost “millions” after being dropped by major sponsors Nike.
      A PR expert added that any club taking him on, should United let him go, would take on a huge financial risk.
      Despite this, a Champions League team have made “enquiries” over a possible transfer, while Greenwood himself was reported to be eyeing a move abroad to restart his career if he’s dropped by his current club.
      Greenwood rejected advances from two huge European clubsCredit: AFP

      Mason Greenwood leaves court on the first day of his trialCredit: Getty More

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      Hannah Hampton returns to England fold but only ‘a miracle’ could see injured Beth Mead in World Cup contention

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      HANNAH HAMPTON has been named in England’s squad five months after being dropped last October due to “personal issues”. The goalkeeper, 22 who had been left out of Lionesses’ last three camps, will rejoin ahead of fixtures against Brazil and Australia. 
      Hannah Hampton is set to the Lionesses camp for the first time since last summer’s EurosCredit: Getty
      Esme Morgan has also been re-called to Sarina Wiegman’s squad ahead of England’s games against Brazil and Australia in AprilCredit: Alamy
      Sarina Wiegman believes return for Mead for the World Cup could be too earlyCredit: AP
      Her return follows some impressive shifts between the sticks for Aston Villa with the club reaching the Women’s FA Cup semi-finals for the first time this year. 
      England chief Wiegman, 53, said: “As I’ve said over all the other camps, Hannah needed to sort out some personal issues – she’s done that. 
      “She has shown great performances. She has shown consistency and done that at her club first, so I thought this is the moment to bring her in.”
      Hampton, who made her senior international debut in a 0-0 draw against Spain last February, was part of the squad that triumphed at last summer’s Euros 
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      But the Villa ace was dropped before two World Cup qualifiers against Austria and Luxembourg in September, and friendlies against the Czech Republic and the USA in October.
      She was also omitted ahead of games against Japan and Norway in November amid reports of alleged attitude concerns. 
      Since then she has helped her club climb to fifth in the WSL keeping two clean sheets in their last three league games. 
      Wiegman, who today named her 25-strong squad ahead of their two World Cup warm-up games next month, admits Beth Mead is not in her tournament plans. 
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      But the England chief is open to reconsidering if “a miracle happens” with the Arsenal forward’s rehab from an ACL injury.  
      Wiegman added: “I had a conversation with Beth. She’s continuing her rehab: she’s doing good, but the World Cup is actually too early. 
      “So what we’ve said is, she’s not in our plans now, so she’s just really taking the time to get back well.
      “But if a miracle happens and she goes so fast, then we’ll reconsider.”
      The Lionesses, who are currently unbeaten under Wiegman, will play Brazil at Wembley on Tuesday 6 April in the first ever Women’s Finalissima.
      The Euros winners then face World Cup co-hosts Australia at Brentford’s ground on April 11 as part of their preparations for the tournament this summer. 
      Man City defender Esme Morgan is back in the squad with uncapped West Ham defender Lucy also named. 
      But Lotte Wubben-Moy, Katie Zelem and Ebony Salmon have been dropped along with injured goalkeeper Emily Ramsey.
      Millie Bright is expected to return action for Chelsea this week after hobbling against Lyon last WednesdayCredit: Getty
      England vice-captain Millie Bright has been included with Wiegman hopeful the Chelsea centre-back will be fit for duels with the Selecao and the Matildas. 
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      She said: “Millie is being assessed by her club. They have a Champions League (game) and then (a match) against Aston Villa on Sunday. 
      “I hope everything goes well and she can have good games or progress this week and can come in.”
      England Women’s SquadGoalkeepers:
      Mary Earps (Manchester United), Hannah Hampton (Aston Villa), Sandy MacIver (Manchester City), Ellie Roebuck (Manchester City)
      Defenders: 
      Millie Bright (Chelsea), Lucy Bronze (Barcelona), Jess Carter (Chelsea), Niamh Charles (Chelsea), Alex Greenwood (Manchester City), Maya le Tissier (Manchester United), Esme Morgan (Manchester City), Lucy Parker (West Ham), Leah Williamson (Arsenal)
      Midfielders: 
      Laura Coombs (Manchester City), Jordan Nobbs (Aston Villa), Georgia Stanway (Bayern Munich), Ella Toone (Manchester United), Keira Walsh (Barcelona)
      Forwards:
      Rachel Daly (Aston Villa), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City), Lauren James (Chelsea), Chloe Kelly (Manchester City), Jess Park (Everton), Alessia Russo (Manchester United), Katie Robinson (Brighton) More

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      Man Utd ‘line up £80m Harry Kane transfer offer after club chiefs give Erik ten Hag green light to swoop’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have given Erik ten Hag the green light to bid £80million for Harry Kane, according to reports.And they want to wrap up a deal to sign the England captain before the end of the season.
      Harry Kane could be on his way to Manchester United this summerCredit: Getty
      Erik ten Hag is desperate for a new No9 at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
      The Tottenham striker, 29, is a long-term target for the Red Devils who desperately want a new No9 this summer after axing Cristiano Ronaldo.
      SunSport revealed earlier in March that the Old Trafford club are confident they will land Kane this summer if Tottenham miss out on the top four and the Champions League.
      Spurs have been holding out for £100m – but United hope they will accept an offer below that.
      Now the Mirror report the Red Devils board have sanctioned an £80m opening offer for their priority transfer target.
      It is thought Ten Hag implored his seniors to stump up the cash because he is desperate to secure the striker to transform his side into genuine title contenders and therefore wants to open talks as soon as possible.
      Kane is wanted by plenty of Europe’s top clubs including Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Chelsea – but the report adds his preferred destination is Old Trafford.
      His current £200,000-a-week contract at Tottenham expires in 2024 and he needs to make a decision on his future as his long wait for a trophy goes on.
      Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy understandably wants Kane to stay but knows he must make a shrewd managerial appointment to replace Antonio Conte and convince Kane the North Londoners can fight for silverware.
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      United made contact with Kane’s camp through a third party and were encouraged by the response.
      Kane said in January that there had “not been much talking” with Spurs over a new contract but he was “sure there will be conversations over the coming months”.
      Champions Manchester City are no longer in the running, having failed to land the striker in 2021 as they were quoted a whopping £150m by Levy.
      Now the Spurs chief is set to have to settle for far less than that – or else he risks losing Kane for nothing next year.
      On the international stage, Kane became England’s all-time record goalscorer with his penalty against Italy last week.
      And he took his tally to 55 against Ukraine on Sunday.
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      Arsenal fans fear Bukayo Saka could still quit despite agreeing new long-term deal over ‘curse’ of highest paid player

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      ARSENAL fans fear that Bukayo Saka could still leave the club despite agreeing a new long-term contract.The deal will see the England international become the club’s highest-paid player, with a salary of up to £300,000 per week.
      Bukayo Saka has agreed on a new deal at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil both struggled at Arsenal after signing new deals with the clubCredit: PA:Press Association
      Saka has been in stunning form for the club this season, helping them to the top of the Premier League table.
      The 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and assisted ten more in his 28 league appearances.
      While he has certainly earned his new deal, it does not guarantee his form will continue.
      Former club stars such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Lukas Podolski and Mesut Ozil all saw their effectiveness fade after signing new contracts.
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      One Arsenal supporter tweeted: “Saka contract curse is pending….”
      While a second asked: “Will Saka beat the “improved contract” curse?”
      However, some were more hopeful, as a third fan added: “Saka about to break our £300,000 big player contract curse.”
      Ozil was a star player for Arsenal and he was awarded with a whooping contract worth £350,000 per week just six months before he was set to leave the club on a free transfer, according to The Mirror.
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      However, the following season, under new manager Unai Emery, he only managed to contribute six goals and three assists.
      The next season he scored one goal before being exiled from the team by manager Mikel Arteta and leaving on a free transfer to Fenerbache in January 2021.
      Aubameyang received a pay rise after helping the club win the FA Cup in 2020.
      But he also went on to fall out with Arteta at the start of the 2021/22 season.
      The Gabon striker was dropped from the squad after a third disciplinary issue in a year. He then left the club in the winter transfer window on a free transfer to Barcelona.
      Podolski might not have been been on a similar wage to the two recent stars but he was among the club’s highest-paid players in 2012.
      Earning £157,000 per week, the German starred in his first season in North London.
      However, in his second campaign, he lost his place in the team after some inconsistent performances.
      He then left the club on loan to Inter Milan in January 2015 and then permanently to Galatasaray in the summer for a measly fee of less than £2million.
      Lukas Podolski also fell victim to the curseCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More