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      Chelsea confirm coronavirus cases in camp but Lampard says Man City clash will go ahead ‘at the moment’

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      FRANK LAMPARD has revealed ‘a couple’ of Chelsea’s staff have tested positive for coronavirus ahead of their clash with Manchester City.
      However, the Blues boss says none are players and those affected are part of his coaching team.

      Frank Lampard has confirmed some of his staff have tested positive for Covid

      The West London side welcome Covid-hit City to Stamford Bridge on Sunday for the bumper Premier League clash.
      But despite a recent spate of postponements across the country due to positive test results, Lampard says their match is still on.
      Speaking to media earlier, he said: “At the moment, the game is on.
      “We have had a couple ourselves (positive tests) but not on the playing staff.”

      Opponents City were hit badly by coronavirus around Christmas with at least FIVE players returning positive test results.
      Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus were the first to test positive, with City’s clash with Everton postponed.
      More players and members of staff were then confirmed to have the virus, leading to the City training ground being shut.
      While the club released a more optimistic statement – including the reopening of the training ground this week – they could be without some big players this month.

      And one of those at risk is goalkeeper Ederson after he confirmed he is in self-isolation.
      Tottenham’s clash with Fulham on Wednesday was the third Premier League game of the season to be postponed following a surge in positive tests before kick-off earlier this week.
      Fulham had suffered an outbreak ahead of the trip to North London.
      Fulham boss Scott Parker missed his club’s Boxing Day meeting with Southampton.
      The Cottagers boss has tested negative for Covid-19, but had to isolate after a member of his household returned a positive test.

      Meanwhile, Sheffield United played at Burnley on Tuesday despite being without three players.
      Blades boss Chris Wilder reporting that ‘four of five’ of his backroom staff had tested positive.
      Despite the latest Covid spike, Premier League bosses are determined to keep the season on track.
      There are increasing concerns over the spread of the virus after the discovery of the fast-growing mutant strains.
      But top-flight officials are still said to have ‘full confidence’ in the protocols that are in place.
      Part of their statement read: “The Premier League continues to have full confidence in its COVID-19 protocols and being able to continue to play our fixtures as scheduled.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Tony Cascarino claims that Frank Lampard can get best out of Chelsea striker Timo Werner by signing Emile Heskey type of player More

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      Chelsea announce £32.5m profit for 2019-20 despite coronavirus crisis but figures don’t include £253m transfer splurge

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      CHELSEA have revealed a £32.5million profit in their latest financial results for the 2019-20 campaign.
      However, the impact of the coronavirus pandemic meant their overall turnover fell from £446.7m to £407.4m for the year ended June 30, 2020.

      Roman Abramovich’s Chelsea has recorded a £32.5m profit for 2019-20Credit: AFP – Getty

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      But that was offset by qualification for the Champions League, as well as player sales that helped the club record a profit, including the sale of Eden Hazard to Real Madrid, which could eventually reach close to £150million.
      According to the figures, broadcast and match day revenues dropped to £17.6million and £12.2million respectively, due to the season being suspended in March.
      Although, that meant a reduction in match day costs with games being postponed.

      Commercial revenue was also down by £9.5million, with non-match day activities around Stamford Bridge closed because of the pandemic.
      The report also reveals that Chelsea are continuing to ‘comply with UEFA’s break-even criteria under the Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations’.
      And the Blues did invest £93.7million in the squad, including on existing player contract negotiations.
      However, Chelsea’s summer transfer splurge has NOT been included in the new figures.

      Roman Abramovich signed off on £253million worth of deals, for the likes of Kai Havertz, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Hakim Ziyech and Edouard Mendy.
      Chairman Bruce Buck revealed on the club’s website: “In common with many, many businesses across the globe, the pandemic has had a significant impact on Chelsea’s income.
      “But it is a sign of the strength and stability of our financial operation that the company was still able to post a profit in the past financial year.

      The figures don’t include Chelsea’s £253m summer transfer splurge, which included the £70m spent on Kai HavertzCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      “This was done while continuing to invest in our playing staff and indeed had normal football not halted in March, projections show a record profit and record turnover would have been achieved.
      “That would have represented an increase in revenue for a fifth year in succession.
      “Despite the impact of Covid, the revenue streams remained strong, our team is developing on the pitch and the club is in a good position to continue to grow when football is able to operate as it did previously, a time we are all looking forward to.”

      Tony Cascarino claims that Frank Lampard can get best out of Chelsea striker Timo Werner by signing Emile Heskey type of player More

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      Chelsea transfer plans for January revealed as Frank Lampard eyes Declan Rice and free move for David Alaba

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      CHELSEA are eyeing a host of January transfers including Declan Rice and David Alaba, according to reports.
      The Blues spent more than any other Premier League club in the summer transfer window at a staggering £220m.

      Chelsea will once again target Declan Rice in January, say reportsCredit: AP:Associated Press

      David Alaba could also be on the move to Stamford Bridge in 2021Credit: EPA

      Frank Lampard welcomed the likes of Timo Werner, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz on big-money deals in the previous window.
      But with Chelsea’s form indifferent throughout the 2020-21 season, Lampard is considering a host of new signings in January in a bid to finish the season strongly.
      Above all others, West Ham star Declan Rice, 21, is the top target, claim Goal.
      Chelsea appeared to be in for their former academy product in the summer, but a move failed to materialise.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      Despite playing mostly in midfield for both the Hammers and England, Lampard sees Rice as his centre-back partner for Kurt Zouma in the long run.
      With an incredible array of attacking talent on his books, Lampard is set to focus on the back-four in January.
      Thiago Silva, 36, has impressed in his debut season in England but isn’t a long-term option.

      Antonio Rudiger has long been linked with a move away, with the German and fellow defender Andreas Christensen out of contract at the end of next season.

      And Brighton star Ben White – also wanted by Liverpool – is right up there on the Blues boss’ wishlist.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea could make a move for wantaway Bayern Munich star David Alaba.
      The Austrian legend, 28, is set to leave the Bundesliga giants after more than a decade of service after failing to agree terms on a new contract.
      Alaba is now able to negotiate pre-contract terms with clubs ahead of a free transfer, with Chelsea and Liverpool again both keen.
      Lampard is also believed to be monitoring Jadon Sancho’s situation.

      Chelsea could make a shock swoop for Man Utd target Jadon Sancho in 2021Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Sancho, 20, was at the heart of a tug of war between Borussia Dortmund and Manchester United in the summer.
      Dortmund were clear in their demands: £108million by August 10 and he was free to leave.
      However, United missed the deadline and then attempted to bid under the asking price as they failed to land their top target.
      Sancho is still widely expected to join United at some stage in 2021.
      But reports claim Chelsea are now considering an audacious swoop for the Londoner.

      Tony Cascarino claims that Frank Lampard can get best out of Chelsea striker Timo Werner by signing Emile Heskey type of player More

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      Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich used to text former manager Carlo Ancelotti a question mark if the Blues lost

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      ROMAN ABRAMOVICH used to look to former Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti for guidance when things weren’t going so well.
      The Russian owner appointed the Italian in 2009 and he went onto win the double before being axed two years later.

      Roman Abramovich and Carlo Ancelotti exchanged extremely brief text messages

      Ancelotti and Abramovich remained in touch over text messageCredit: PA:Press Association

      Ancelotti is still highly regarded among Blues staff and supporters.
      And it is has been revealed that he remained in contact with Abramovich and the pair shared text messages over the team’s struggles.
      Sky Italia journalist Fabio Caressa admitted: “Ancelotti told me that Abramovich also texted him, always the same, especially in times when things were not going well.
      “He only sent him a question mark.

      “Instead he, the genius, that is, Carlo, answered him only with an exclamation mark.”
      WORD TO THE WISE
      It appears that the 61-year-old was in no mood to give his former club any of his wisdom.

      And managing a rival club in Everton this season, Abramovich probably won’t be getting any messages from his former employer.
      Earlier this season, Ancelotti oversaw the Toffees beat Chelsea 1-0 at Goodison Park

      Maybe it was the Russian’s turn to send him an exclamation mark this time?

      Tony Cascarino claims that Frank Lampard can get best out of Chelsea striker Timo Werner by signing Emile Heskey type of player More

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      Chelsea join Man Utd in Jadon Sancho transfer pursuit with Borussia Dortmund star set to leave next summer

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      CHELSEA have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to sign Jadon Sancho.
      The Borussia Dortmund star has been continually linked with a move back to the Premier League.

      Jadon Sancho continues to be linked with a move away from Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      And according to CBS Soccer podcast Que Golazo, there are TWO possible destinations for the England international.
      Chelsea are now keeping an eye on his situation in Germany and could dash United’s hopes of landing the 20-year-old.
      But both clubs will have to wait until the end of the season – Dortmund are not considering a January sale of the star winger.
      Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Sancho after the winger admitted he was a Blues fan growing up.

      Sancho was born in South London before joining the Man City academy aged seven.
      And he confirmed he followed the Stamford Bridge club on his way to stardom.
      In an interview with the Telegraph in 2019, when asked if he supported Chelsea, he responded: “Yeah, it’s correct. I’m not going to lie.”
      But he backtracked on his word a year later as speculation of his move to Manchester United heated up.

      Frank Lampard could make a move for Jadon SanchoCredit: PA:Press Association

      He later told World Soccer magazine: “I used to look at Ronaldinho on YouTube. That was a big thing for me.
      “He used to try things that no-one else would try and that made me like him a lot.
      “I didn’t have a team that I supported, though. I just idolised a lot of great players.”
      Manchester United were heavily speculated with his return to England in the summer but refused to stump up his £108million asking price.
      Respected journalist Gabriele Marcotti revealed that a source close to him claimed that Sancho would favour a move back to his roots in the English capital.
      He told BTP Media Network: “I’ve been told Sancho would prefer a move back home, in other words to London where he grew up.
      “But equally I’m sure he prefers a move for wherever gives him the best package and long term prospects.”
      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

      Chelsea handed transfer boost as Dortmund star and Manchester United target Jadon Sancho reveals he grew up a Blues fan More

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      How Chelsea could line up under Thomas Tuchel with axed PSG boss luring Mbappe and Icardi to Stamford Bridge

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      THOMAS TUCHEL has admitted he’s ‘interested’ in taking over at Chelsea after being sacked by Paris Saint-Germain.
      The German boss, 47, led his side to a 4-0 win over Strasbourg last week to put the club just one point off the top spot in Ligue 1.

      How Chelsea could line up under Thomas Tuchel

      Tuchel could aim to bring Mbappe to Chelsea if he takes over from LampardCredit: AFP or licensors

      But PSG chiefs still swung the axe, only confirming Tuchel’s departure FIVE DAYS later.
      The former Borussia Dortmund boss has already been linked with a return to management.
      Frank Lampard is under increasing scrutiny at Chelsea after a string of poor results, most-recently in the 1-1 draw at home to Aston Villa.
      While the Blues haven’t suggested Lampard is in trouble, Tuchel has revealed he is ‘interested’ in taking over at Stamford Bridge.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      Should the German take over in West London, he could bring a few old favourites with him.
      Kylian Mbappe is one player who could complete a shock move to Chelsea.
      Tuchel first brought Mbappe to PSG from Monaco in a £162million move in 2018.

      The France superstar, 22, is yet to sign a new contract at the Parc des Princes, with PSG chiefs getting twitchy.

      Icardi is another big name PSG star Tuchel could look to lure to LondonCredit: AFP or licensors

      TUCHEL’S TOP 10 PSG SIGNINGS

      Kylian Mbappe – Monaco – £162million
      Mauro Icardi – Inter Milan – £52m
      Leandro Paredes – Zenit – £40m
      Thilo Kehrer – Schalke – £33m
      Idrissa Gueye – Everton – £30m
      Abdou Diallo – Borussia Dortmund – £29m
      Pablo Sarabia – Sevilla – £16m
      Keylor Navas – Real Madrid – £13.5m
      Sergio Rico – Sevilla – £5.5m
      Juan Bernat – Bayern Munich – £4.5m

      Mbappe has never hidden his desire to play for boyhood club Real Madrid.
      But with Los Blancos struggling financially due to the coronavirus pandemic, he may be forced to head elsewhere.
      After all, PSG are being linked with a free move for unsettled Barcelona legend Lionel Messi, who is able to sign pre-contract terms with clubs from this Friday.
      With Neymar playing a huge role in Messi’s decision, it could be PSG opt to cash-in on Mbappe to fund a deal for the Argentine, who earns around £900,000 a week at the Nou Camp.
      Timo Werner has struggled early in his Chelsea career and Tuchel could look for some elite back-up to ease the German in.
      Mauro Icardi could be the man Tuchel turns to, with the Argentine another of his signings in May of this year following a loan spell.

      Marco Verratti could help rejuvenate the Chelsea midfield under TuchelCredit: Reuters
      Icardi has played just five times for PSG this season and has long been linked with a move to Chelsea.
      Elsewhere, Tuchel will likely realise the need for some more creative talent in midfield, with Marco Verratti another played long linked with a PSG exit.
      Idrissa Gueye is another former PSG signing of Tuchel’s, with the midfielder’s Premier League experience at Everton invaluable.
      In defence, Thiago Silva – formerly of PSG – has formed a superb partnership in the heart of defence with Kurt Zouma.
      But Chelsea will soon have to look to the long-term, with Thilo Kehrer a potential target after Tuchel signed the defender from Schalke in 2018.

      Take a look back at Chelsea’s draw with Aston Villa in the Premier League More

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      Chelsea’s next TWO games could be called off after coronavirus outbreaks at Man City and FA Cup opponents Morecambe

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      CHELSEA could see their next TWO games called off due to coronavirus.
      The Blues are next set to face Manchester City in the Premier League and Morecambe in the FA Cup.

      Chelsea could see their next TWO games postponed due to Covid outbreaks at Man City and MorecambeCredit: PA:Press Association

      City already saw their game with Everton – originally slated for Monday night – called off due to an outbreak of Covid-19.
      But Morecambe have also postponed their next TWO clashes – against Bolton and Bradford – due to a spate of positive results for coronavirus.
      Chelsea most-recently drew 1-1 at home to Aston Villa thanks to a controversial Anwar El Ghazi goal, with Jack Grealish claimed to have fouled Andreas Christesen in the build-up.
      The result leaves them sitting sixth in the Premier League level on points with Villa, but with Dean Smith’s men having two games in hand.

      ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge
      The Blues were next scheduled to play on January 3, when they host Man City in the day’s 4.30pm kick-off.
      Following that, Frank Lampard’s men had a week off before their FA Cup third-round run-out against League Two side Morecambe on January 10.
      And now Chelsea now be forced to wait until January 15 for their next game if conditions at Man City and Morecambe don’t improve.

      The Blues make the short trip to local rivals Fulham for that Friday night game.

      Jesus and Walker both tested positive for Covid-19 last weekCredit: PA:Press Association

      On Christmas Day, Man City revealed Kyle Walker and Gabriel Jesus – as well as two members of staff – tested positive for Covid.
      They swiftly asked for their game with Everton to be called-off, citing ‘a risk the virus could spread’ with their ‘bubble compromised’.
      Meanwhile, Morecambe director Mick Horton said, ‘The welfare of our players, staff and opponents is the No1 priority’, after the club postponed their next two fixtures.
      An incredible EIGHT of Tuesday night’s Football League games have been called-off due to coronavirus.

      The Man City match at Everton has been postponed after tests reveal more positive Covid cases More

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      John Terry ‘smashed up the dressing room’ but his raging rows inspired us at Chelsea, reveals Blues legend Mikel

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      JOHN OBI MIKEL’S arms flail around as he recalls teacups and tables being launched across the Chelsea changing room.
      In 11 gilded years at Stamford Bridge, the Nigerian midfielder saw ten head coaches come and go but there was no doubting the club’s true leader.

      Mikel has lifted the lid on JT and Chelsea’s epic argumentsCredit: Rex Features

      Mikel opened up to SunSport about his days at Stamford BridgeCredit: North News and Pictures

      Speaking in 2019, Mikel revealed: “If we lost a game, we may not speak to each other for a day to show this was not good and tomorrow had to be better.
      “We were just so hungry. Did we take it a bit too far? Sometimes, yes, we had to.
      “There were people fighting, grabbing round the neck, JT smashing the table and drinks. If we were losing a game you did not want to be in the dressing room.
      “There were countless times. If we were 1-0 down at half-time and had to win, he did it time in, time out.

      “The manager would speak and then leave it to JT to carry on.
      “He smashes the whole place up and then we go back out and get the win.
      “What he said, we followed. What he did, we followed. We looked at him for a reaction and we followed.
      “No matter what manager came in, you had to know the figurehead of the club was John Terry.”

      That all seems a lifetime ago for Mikel, 33.

      Loftus-Cheek in welcome Chelsea injury update as he does running and passing drills at Cobham after Achilles setback
      The years have passed since he left Chelsea for China but the Champions League winner made his return to English football after signing a short-term deal with Boro in the 2018-19 season.
      The midfielder explained: “I look at my time in China as an experience — it wasn’t bad.
      “Everyone was so nice but sometimes you miss home and that’s what I did. I missed home and wanted to come back.”
      Mikel said: “I’ve been there and won many trophies and I want to try to instil that in this team.

      Frank Lampard tells scouts to find replacement for Kepa as under-fire Chelsea boss prepares for January transfer spree
      “For me it’s about talking to the players on the pitch, encouraging the young ones, keeping a clean sheet and building from there.
      “I’ve only been here two weeks but I’m really enjoying it. It feels a bit like Chelsea for me when you walk in.”
      In the second tier, Mikel found himself in direct competition with former Blues team-mates, though, after Ashley Cole joined Frank Lampard’s Derby and Terry became a coach at Aston Villa.

      John Obi Mikel spent 11 glittering years at ChelseaCredit: North News and Pictures

      John Obi Mikel enjoyed a huge amount of success in his Chelsea daysCredit: PA:Press Association

      Eden Hazard still fears Chelsea will force him to stay one more year with Real still yet to agree a fee for wantaway winger More