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    Lukaku HITS OUT at comments, Perisic AGREES terms with Blues as they consider swoop for Inter ace – FA Cup final latest

    ROMELU LUKAKU seems to have HIT OUT at his agents comments on his Instagram story.The Belgian’s representative mentioned that he intends to discuss Lukaku’s future with the new owners.
    But the Chelsea forward stated that: “Never ever will I let someone speak for me…”
    Meanwhile, the Blues are reportedly considering a swoop for Croatian international ace Ivan Perisic this summer.
    And keep reading for all things FA Cup as we countdown the hours until kick-off.
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    Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the takeover in our live blog…
    Chelsea’s Dembele hunt takes turn
    Chelsea are in danger of missing out on Ousmane Dembele.
    That’s because Barcelona have reportedly scheduled a meeting with his agent next week.
    The French winger is out of contract this summer and is a target for Thomas Tuchel, who coached him at Borussia Dortmund.
    But Xavi Hernandez remains keen on keeping Dembele after previous talks broke down.
    And Barcelona could be willing to meet his mammoth wage demands on a long-term basis.
    Cahill hails captain Azpi’s impact
    Gary Cahill believes Chelsea would win the title every year if they were able to field 11 Cesar Azpilicueta’s.
    He exclusively told SunSport: “You don’t last as long as he has at Chelsea without being a fantastic player.
    “But also it takes more than that. It takes a mentality, a work-rate, a thick skin.
    “To have one of those things is not good enough. He has them all.
    “If you had 11 of him, Chelsea would win the league every year.”

    Chelsea ready to land Kounde
    Chelsea are finally ready to wrap up a deal for long-term target Jules Kounde.
    Fabrizio Romano said: “One of the names again will be Jules Kounde from Sevilla.
    “He has a release clause for €80million but from Sevilla they’re really tough in the negotiations. So, it’s not going to be an easy one.
    “They wanted him for Chelsea, last summer, and it was a complicated negotiation. But I’m told he’s still a name in the list for Chelsea.”
    Palace hopeful of Gallagher deal
    Crystal Palace will press Chelsea into making Conor Gallagher’s loan permanent this summer.
    TalkSport claim Eagles chiefs have made signing Gallagher their top priority after he was crowned the club’s Player of the Year.
    The England midfielder has certainly enjoyed his temporary spell at Selhurst Park.
    But it’s believed the player wants to push for a first-team spot at Chelsea, with Thomas Tuchel equally keen on integrating him in pre-season.
    Kovacic set for FA Cup
    Mateo Kovacic is in line to play for Chelsea in tomorrow’s FA Cup final against Liverpool.
    Thomas Tuchel feared his star midfielder was out after he was brutally tackled by Leeds’ Dan James.
    Kovacic was forced off the field with his injury, which occurred on a troublesome ankle.
    But the Croatian has made a miracle recovery and could even start at Wembley.
    Chelsea close to Perisic swoop
    Chelsea are reportedly on the verge of signing Inter Milan star Ivan Perisic
    Sport Mediaset claims terms have been agreed over a stunning free transfer this summer.
    Perisic has rejected a new offer from Inter following their Italian Cup win over Juventus.
    And he is set to arrive at Stamford Bridge as a replacement for left wing-back Marcos Alonso, who wants to join Barcelona.
    Ruben’s lofty ambitions this summer
    Ruben Loftus-Cheek is hoping to leave Chelsea for Lazio.
    Corriere dello Sport claims the midfielder wants a reunion with Maurizio Sarri in Rome.
    The pair enjoyed their brief time working together at Stamford Bridge.
    And with Chelsea planning on a midfield rebuild this summer, they could sanction the transfer for the right fee.
    Teams with most Prem titles
    Chelsea have won the Premier League title an impressive five times.
    Jose Mourinho led them to three, with Carlo Ancelotti and Antonio Conte scooping the others.
    But Chelsea’s last league triumph came in 2016.
    Will the new Todd Boehly consortium back Thomas Tuchel in the window and build a new title-winning side?

    Tuchel on a potential penalty shoot-out
    Chelsea have already suffered penalties heartbreak this season, as they lost 11-10 to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final on pens.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga was subbed on especially for the shoot-out but it didn’t work as he missed the decisive penalty.
    Asked about whether he’d do it again, Tuchel said: “I will not tell you (if Kepa is brought on). I have an opinion about it, but I will not tell you.”
    On whether his side have been practicing for a potential shoot-out, the Chelsea boss said: “Practising, I’m a bit torn in between if you can practise it and how much to practise it.
    “My players shoot a lot of penalties during a season, I have to say – on an almost daily basis.”
    Tuchel on team selection: Havertz vs Lukaku
    Here is how Thomas Tuchel responded to the question of who starts up front in the FA Cup final – Kai Havertz or Romelu Lukaku?
    “We can play both, although they lacked a bit of the feeling of being a perfect fit together.
    “It’s very likely that it is one of the two, but we will not give the line-up today. Listen, Romelu has played lately and scored lately.
    “He did everything to stay on the pitch. (We will make) our final call in the morning.”
    Lukaku has his say
    Romelu Lukaku has now broken his silence on what his agent has said to the media earlier.
    He has put out this statement on Instagram.
    Is this him potentially firing shots at his agent?

    Tuchel on Lukaku and his agent
    The Chelsea manager has spoken once again on the Romelu Lukaku scandal.
    The German has said regarding the rumours his agent wants a meeting with the Chelsea hierarchy: “I think if he plans to talk with the owner, maybe it is not his plan to talk with me. It’s fair enough. Let’s see if he gets a meeting. It is his right. We will talk to anybody.
    “We will evaluate any situation of any player, including Romelu. We will see what is going to happen and what the plans are.”
    When asked about if he has concerns about the media noise regarding Lukaku ahead of such a big game, Tuchel responded: “I was only made aware of it five or ten minutes ago, actually. It’s what sometimes happens in football.
    “The attention is so high that sometimes it attracts situations that you don’t want to have before big matches. It’s the way it is.
    “For me, it is not a distraction and hopefully, for everybody that works on the team and the team itself, it is not.”
    Credit: Rex
    Tuchel on Kovacic’s fitness
    Mateo Kovacic sustained an injury versus Leeds earlier this week.
    Thomas Tuchel has provided an update on his fitness.
    He said, “It’s pretty surprising to be in the situation where we can try, and Mateo wants to try it – and the medical department gave the green light to try it.
    “The ‘advantage’ is the ligament is torn already from the last incident (in the FA Cup semi-final), so there is no new injury, just heavy pain. His ankle was heavily swollen.
    “We are hoping that maybe time is enough for him to make it. We will try in two-and-a-half hours in training, and we will know more about it.”
    Tuchel Press Conference
    Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has spoken to the media ahead of Chelsea’s FA Cup final versus Liverpool.
    On the match-up, he said: “It started with last season’s win at Anfield. Then very early in this season, with a draw at Anfield.
    “Then a draw at Stamford Bridge and a draw over 120 minutes and twenty-something penalties at Wembley in the Carabao Cup final.
    “So very close, very intense matches. We always need our very highest level to compete, but we found it in the matches.
    “We want to be spot on.”
    Chelsea switch attention to Sangare due to Rice fee
    West Ham are demanding a huge bid of £150million for them to consider selling Declan Rice according to the Mirror.
    As a result, Chelsea believe Ibrahim Sangare would be better value for money.
    The Ivorian could be available for just £30million this summer after a standout season for PSV this campaign.
    How Chelsea can upset Liverpool
    We are looking forward to tomorrow’s FA Cup final between Chelsea and Liverpool.
    With Fabinho out injured for Jurgen Klopp’s side, how can the Blues exploit that potential weakness?
    Linked here is The Sun’s tactical preview of the big game.
    Perisic to Chelsea?
    Croatian international Ivan Perisic could be on his way to Chelsea.
    The Inter Milan player is capable of playing anywhere on the left-hand side, as a winger or wing-back.
    This versatility could tempt Thomas Tuchel into signing him especially with Marcos Alonso potentially departing the club.

    Werner nearly went to Liverpool
    Chelsea striker Timo Werner has revealed he was close to joining Liverpool prior to joining the West London club.
    He said to the Mirror: “Of course Liverpool were also in my thoughts and were a big possibility for me.
    “But at the end I decided for Chelsea and I won the Champions League title last year so it was not the worst decision.”
    Mount nominated for Young Player of the Season
    Mason Mount has been nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award.
    The 23-year-old has netted 11 goals this campaign.
    He has been nominated alongside Trent Alexander-Arnold, Aaron Ramsdale, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden Tyrick Mitchell and Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher.
    Broja to West Ham on loan?
    The Hammers hold an interest in Chelsea’s on loan star Armando Broja.
    However according to West Ham insider Claret and Hugh, they want to sign the 20-year-old on loan before any permanent outlay.
    While at Southampton, Broja has scored nine goals.
    There still remains a chance he stays at Stamford Bridge and fights for his place.
    Chelsea should sign Lewandowski says Johnson
    Glen Johnson believes Chelsea should make a move for Bayern Munich striker Robert Lewandowski.
    The Pole is believed to be nearing a move away from the Bundesliga champions.
    The ex-full-back said, “He is a more realistic signing, but these top, world-class strikers are hard to find.
    “For his age and the possibility of the deal actually happening, I’d say Chelsea should sign Lewandowski.”
    Johnson claims James is better than Trent
    Glen Johnson continued to say that he thinks Reece James is better than Trent Alexander-Arnold.
    He sid: “It’s tough because I think they’re both fantastic. 
    “I think Trent is just about better on the ball and certainly has got a better delivery, but to be fair to Reece that sounds harsh because he’s fantastic as well.
    “I’d say Trent is better going forward and James is better defensively, but all round, I’d have to say Reece James is better.”
    Johnson says Mount his PL Player of the Year
    Former Chelsea defender Glen Johnson has said that Mason Mount is his Premier League Player of the Season.
    Despite the midfielder not being nominated for the official award, Johnson claims he should win it.
    He said to Lord Ping, “I wouldn’t say he’s gone under the radar because he’s been great, but everything Chelsea do well, Mason is involved.
    “Even though they’ve not hit the heights they are capable of this season, he’s always performed. 
    “He always works his socks off, he’s always involved in chances and goals so I’d probably go for Mason Mount.”
    Credit: Mark Cosgrove/News Images
    Silva wants staff to let his wife wear Chelsea kit
    Chelsea centre-back Thiago Silva has recalled when his wife was not allowed to wear the team’s shirt during the Carabao Cup final saying it left her upset.
    In the VIP area at Wembley you are not allowed to wear a football shirt.
    Silva told The Telegraph: “It wasn’t that she didn’t want to wear the shirt, it was because when she was getting her pass to get into the VIP zone, and they weren’t allowing family members to wear club colours.
    “She was upset because she wasn’t able to wear it.
    “She always wears my shirt, above all for finals. She wore it in the Champions League final and other competitions, the Club World Cup
    “So hopefully there will be no problem this time and no kind of rules on what they can and can’t wear.
    “It just shows passion and football is about passion. Hopefully she will be able to wear the shirt and it will bring us luck.’
    Desperate for Dest
    Chelsea are believed to be keen on Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest.
    The American right-back could be brought in a back-up for Reece James according to Sport.
    Dest could be part of the deal that sees Cesar Azpilicueta head to the Catalan giants.
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    Chelsea go into fiery Liverpool clash desperate to avoid becoming first team ever to lose THREE straight FA Cup finals

    LIVERPOOL fans always love to taunt Chelsea with the chant: “You ain’t got no history”.And yet as an ancient Blues defence, condemned for demolition this summer, comes up against the hottest front three of the Premier League era, Thomas Tuchel’s team can complete an unwanted historic feat today.
    Thomas Tuchel will hope to avoid Chelsea becoming the first team ever to lose three FA Cup finals in a rowCredit: Reuters
    Jurgen Klopp has already beaten Tuchel to the Carabao Cup crown, in FebruaryCredit: Reuters
    Because no club has ever lost three successive FA Cup finals – not in 150 years of the world’s oldest knock-out competition.
    Not even back in the 19th century when the public schoolboys of the Wanderers and the Old Etonians used to face off against the Royal Engineers.
    Chelsea went into the last two finals as favourites – when they lost to Arsenal, behind closed doors in 2020, and then to Leicester in front of just 20,000 fans as football emerged from the pandemic.
    Today, the world champions are clear underdogs against a Liverpool side still competing for an unprecedented Quadruple.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CHELSEA NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Lukaku HITS OUT at comments, Perisic AGREES terms with Blues
    In Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Diogo Jota, the Reds are the first team ever to boast a front three who have each scored 15 Premier League goals in a season.
    That’s without even mentioning the Kop’s new sensation, Luis Diaz – and Roberto Firmino, of course.
    For Chelsea’s defence this showpiece represents a last hurrah.
    Antonio Rudiger is off to Real Madrid, Andreas Christensen is heading to Barcelona – and possibly captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso too – while time is catching up with 37-year-old Thiago Silva.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Can Chelsea succeed where they failed in the Carabao Cup final in February – a breathless, if goalless draw, followed by a marathon penalty shoot-out which saw Blues keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga miss the decisive spot-kick?
    Tuchel’s men may be mentally, if not physically, fresher for this one than the Reds.
    The FA Cup has been their only shot at silverware in this turbulent campaign for some weeks now.
    Elite clubs have often had a sniffy attitude towards the cup in recent seasons but today’s final truly matters to both sides.
    These clubs share a mutual loathing, dating back to the Jose Mourinho-Rafa Benitez era, and for those inside the first FA Cup final full house in three years, this trophy is no mere afterthought or consolation prize.
    Liverpool have never lifted the FA Cup at the new Wembley. It is 16 years since they last won the competition, in a thriller against West Ham in Cardiff.
    That is the longest the Reds have gone without winning the trophy since they first triumphed under Bill Shankly in 1965.
    The Reds have won the cup seven times in all. Chelsea, with “no history”, have eight.
    So Wembley hasn’t truly been “Anfield South” for decades now and the invading Scousers want to reclaim their turf.
    Jurgen Klopp, for all his triumphs, was heavily criticised by Liverpool supporters for not taking the domestic cups seriously enough – until this season, when the Kop boss has turned that underwhelming record on its head.
    Chelsea will face a tough challenge slowing down Liverpool’s rampant front threeCredit: Reuters
    Chelsea have a number of questions to answer including an ageing, departing defence and misfiring Romelu LukakuCredit: Reuters
    So this is a chance, not just to win another leg of the Quadruple but to right one of his few wrongs.
    For Chelsea, the exit of Roman Abramovich has engulfed their season in sanctions and uncertainty.
    Can the Todd Boehly era possibly be anything like as trophy-laden as the reign of his Russian predecessor – especially with Liverpool and Manchester City so dominant and Newcastle so wealthy?
    And will Romelu Lukaku, the misfiring £97.5million striker, be part of that Boehly era?
    The Belgian has staked a late claim to start today’s final with three goals in his last two games.
    But those were his first Premier League strikes of 2022, so the smart money is on Lukaku being named among the subs.
    This has been a vintage year for the cup – with outstanding runs from non-league Boreham Wood and Kidderminster Harriers, Nottingham Forest’s heroics in defeating Leicester and Arsenal, as well as Cambridge United’s toppling of the richest club on Earth, Newcastle.
    It is a shame the cup final is not afforded its own weekend as the climax of the domestic season this year.
    But the occasion still has its pomp and ceremony – brass bands, Abide With Me, flowers in lapels, ribbons on silverware and beers on Wembley Way.
    And history is always written on these days.
    The first German player to win the FA Cup was Manchester City keeper and former prisoner-of-war Bert Trautmann, who broke his neck in the 1956 final.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}jo’s boy .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara shares snaps of rarely-seen son as he turns 14
    Today, we will see the first German manager ever to lift the cup.
    Tuchel and Klopp will not want to go to Trautmann’s extremes – but this one matters all the same. More

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    Chelsea given Kirby fitness boost as Hayes confirms meeting with US billionaire Boehly before FA Cup clash

    EMMA HAYES has been given a massive fitness boost with Fran Kirby available for inclusion in her FA Cup final squad on Sunday.And the Chelsea boss revealed she met incoming Blues owner Todd Boehly for lunch.
    Fran Kirby is available for Chelsea ahead of their FA Cup final game against Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
    US businessman Todd Boehly visited Emma Hayes at the Blues training groundCredit: PA
    Kirby, 28, who was last month ruled out of action for the foreseeable future, made a return to training for Chelsea this week.
    It is thought the forward could be available to play in the Women’s FA Cup duel between the Blues and Manchester City.
    Hayes, 44, said: “I don’t want to put any pressure on her because I love that kid and she’s been through a lot.
    “But she looked like she hadn’t even been away.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}HIGH NOTES .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}What are the FA Cup final Abide With Me lyrics and how long has hymn been sung?
    “Fran looked that good in training and it was nice to see the smile on her face.
    “She’s participated in everything when, at the beginning of the week, we just said let’s see how it goes. Let’s do one bit of one session, day one.
    “And she came out of that and she was like, ‘it’s not enough’.
    “Then we did day two and I said, ‘Well, let’s use you as a neutral, you play half blocks of a game’.
    “She said, ‘I’m fine’. She’s been in training all week. I’m over the moon, to be honest.”
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    Chelsea and City could be set to play in front of the biggest crowd to ever attend a Women’s FA Cup final.
    More than 50,000 tickets have reportedly been sold ahead of the Wembley event.
    But with 60,000 fans at the FA Cup Youth final to watch Man United Under-18s defeat Nottingham Forest, Hayes believes a full house should be the target for the contest.
    The Kingsmeadow gaffer added: “We should fill it. That for me is always the ultimate goal.
    “But I remember sitting here in 2015 and driving that message.
    “And what I have understood over the years is you grow the game incrementally.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}MOY MISERY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Prem Manager of the Season nominations revealed with Moyes surprise omission
    “To go from 35,000 to 40,000, to 50,000, to 60,000, you just want to solidify that.”
    Chelsea’s duel with Gareth Taylor’s side comes two days after Hayes met with Boehly following the announcement of his plans to buy the Blues.
    The American billionaire has signed an agreement to purchase the club for £4.25billion in conjunction with a consortium.
    Hayes said: “He watched the girls train and I had a really lovely couple of hours with him.
    “He’s just a normal down to earth guy who is passionate about Chelsea. He’s ambitious as we are and it is a perfect fit.”
    Gareth Taylor’s players netted 17 goals in their final three WSL games this seasonCredit: Getty
    Sunday’s game will Man City attempt to seal a cup double triumph over their WSL rivals having beaten them in this Continental Tyres trophy final
    Taylor, 49, said: “There’s a really healthy respect between both clubs, between the players and between myself and Emma.
    “It doesn’t change things of course. We want to be the team that is beating them and we have another opportunity on Sunday.”
    Chelsea vs Manchester City in the Women’s FA Cup final can be watched live on BBC1 from 2:30 pm on Sunday 15 May. More

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    Chelsea ‘agree free transfer for Ivan Perisic with Croatian winger just needing to complete medical and sign contract’

    CHELSEA have agreed a free transfer for Ivan Perisic, according to reports.It is said the Croatian winger only needs to complete his medical and sign the contract before he will become a Blues player.
    Ivan Perisic looks on course to join Chelsea as a free agent in the summerCredit: Getty
    According to Sports Mediaset in Italy, the deal is all in place between the player and his new club and ready to be completed.
    Perisic, 33, becomes a free agent at the end of the season when his Inter Milan contract expires.
    He has failed to arrange an extension at the San Siro.
    The World Cup finalist reportedly wanted a new three-year deal worth just shy of £100,000 per week.
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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CHELSEA NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea open to DOUBLE Barca swap deal, Kovacic FIT for FA Cup final
    But Inter – who may also lose Lautaro Martinez – were only willing to offer a two-year deal at £65,000 per week.
    An angered Perisic hit out at club chiefs for failing to sort the new deal earlier.
    Speaking on Wednesday after scoring twice in extra-time to win Inter the Coppa Italia, his 47th club appearance of the season, he said: “I don’t know anything yet.
    “With important players, you don’t wait to the last minute. You ought to know that too.”
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The former Manchester United target has chipped in with seven league goals and six assists for the title-chasing side.
    Chelsea must wait until the takeover is all done before they are able to sign any players – new or existing – down to fresh deals.
    Todd Boehly looks on course to become the new owner before the end of May after the paperwork was signed for his consortium’s £4.25billion successful bid.
    However, Chelsea have already lost Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid while trio Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso are expected to join Barcelona. More

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    ‘Not in my name’ – Romelu Lukaku blasts his OWN agent amid Chelsea transfer talk claims over his future

    ROMELU LUKAKU appeared to slam his own agent who claimed he will sit down for talks over his client’s future with the new Chelsea owners. The £97million striker, 29 today, has endured a rough first campaign since heading back to Stamford Bridge from Inter Milan.
    Romelu Lukaku has not had the best of times under Thomas Tuchel this seasonCredit: Getty
    Todd Boehly watched Lukaku score twice against Wolves and is set to take over as Blues ownerCredit: AP
    Links with a stunning transfer return to Serie A are already surfacing – with Inter and AC Milan circling ahead of possible swoops while Barcelona may also be keen.
    But with Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion consortium expected to complete a takeover of the Blues in the coming weeks, Federico Pastorello revealed he is keen to discuss all things Lukaku with the American billionaire.
    Asked about the Belgian heading back to Italy, Pastorello told La Repubblica: “He has the club and the fans in his heart, he has never hidden it, like his love for Anderlecht where he would like to end his career.
    “But we cannot think about negotiations.

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Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}READ MORE ON 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.nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CHELSEA NEWS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Chelsea open to DOUBLE Barca swap deal, Kovacic FIT for FA Cup final
    “Chelsea are in takeover discussions, we do not know the new owners, let alone if we can open talks with Inter or AC Milan. We have to wait.”
    But Lukaku took to his social media soon after the quotes surfaced in Italy, seemingly swiping at his own rep.
    The striker wrote: “Never ever will I let someone speak for me.
    “I kept my mouth shut and focused on helping the team and end the season in the best way possible.
    .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
    “So if someone is out there trying to say something about me and the club… not in my name.”
    And manager Thomas Tuchel was unsure what to make of the fiasco in his press conference.
    Asked about the Pastorello comments, the German boss said: “I think if he plans to talk with the owner, maybe it is not his plan to talk with me. It’s fair enough.
    “Let’s see if he gets a meeting! It is his right.
    “We will talk to anybody. We will evaluate any situation of any player, including Romelu.
    “We will see what is going to happen and what the plans are.
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “I was only made aware of it five or ten minutes ago, actually. It’s what sometimes happens in football.
    “The attention is so high that sometimes it attracts situations that you don’t want to have before big matches. It’s the way it is.
    “For me, it is not a distraction and hopefully, for everybody that works on the team and the team itself, it is not.”
    Lukaku dropped a bombshell announcement in an interview in December, revealing he was “not happy” with life at Chelsea.
    He has managed just eight Premier League goals this term, ending a drought of ten matches and four months with his double against Wolves.
    FINAL FOCUS
    Another strike to seal a 3-0 win at Leeds in midweek means the ex-Manchester United man may have done enough to start the FA Cup final against Liverpool tomorrow.
    But Pastorello is well aware this season must be seen as a disappointment.
    The focus, for now, is winning Chelsea’s remaining matches, though.
    The agent added: “For the cost of the transfer, no one could have expected such a situation.
    “I do not discuss the tactical choices, but it is obvious that there was a problem.
    “The numbers, however, must be considered – he is still the team’s best scorer, with less playing time compared to his team-mates.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}jo’s boy .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}S Club 7’s Jo O’Meara shares snaps of rarely-seen son as he turns 14
    “The situation must be carefully assessed, now there is Champions League qualification to secure, there is the FA Cup final.
    “Romelu is focused on this, we have not talked about anything else.” More

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    Chelsea ‘turn transfer attention to £30m-rated Ibrahim Sangare from PSV after being put off by Declan Rice fee demands’

    CHELSEA have turned their attention to PSV Eindhoven star Ibrahim Sangare after being put off by West Ham’s asking price for Declan Rice, reports suggest.According to the Daily Mirror, the Blues are not willing to meet the Hammers’ staggering £150million demands to bring Rice back to Stamford Bridge in the summer.
    Chelsea are eyeing PSV Eindhoven star Ibrahim Sangare as Declan Rice’s alternativeCredit: Getty
    Chelsea have been put off by West Ham’s asking price for Declan RiceCredit: Getty
    Therefore, they have turned their attention to other attractive and cheaper options, such as Sangare who has impressed in the Eredivisie and Europa Conference League this season.
    The midfielder costs much less than Rice as PSV would be willing to let him go for £30m.
    The Ivory Coast international has previously confirmed that it would be a “dream” to move to the Premier League.
    Sangare recently told De Telegraaf: “I am a PSV player, and I am concentrating on the three games we have left this season. I don’t have my head in other things.
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    “After that, I’ll go on holiday, and I’ll have time to talk about possible next projects. But until then I don’t want to worry about that.
    “Playing in the Premier League is not only a dream of mine but a dream of every footballer. That is the biggest and most important league in the world.”
    Chelsea remain sanctioned and that means they can’t negotiate any player contracts until departing owner Roman Abramovich officially sells the club.
    Todd Boehly’s consortium is close to taking over as they await clearance from the Premier League and the UK Government.
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    When that gets sorted then the West Londoners will be looking to make several changes to the squad, including additions in midfield.
    Manager Thomas Tuchel is facing the prospect of losing either N’Golo Kante or Jorginho as their contracts expire next year. More

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    We respect Manchester City but we’re even more pumped than we were last Sunday, says Chelsea ace, Kerr

    GO big or go home is a mantra Sam Kerr admits she lives her life by.And the Chelsea goal machine is targeting one more huge performance in the Blues’ battle with Manchester City for the FA Cup.
    Sam Kerr and her team-mates are targeting a second trophy win in the space of seven days after retaining the WSL titleCredit: Getty
    The contest final on Sunday afternoon comes seven days after a dramatic end-of-season duel between Chelsea and Man United.
    One in which a raucous Kingsmeadow crowd watched Kerr volley in two spectacular efforts that helped deliver her club’s fifth WSL crown.
    Goals that Stamford Bridge hero Didier Drogba hailed as more “difficult than” his own audacious strike against Everton in 2006.

    Efforts Blues’ supporters will be eager to see replicated at Wembley with Emma Hayes aces targeting a second FA Cup win in five months.
    Kerr, 28, said: “I do that stuff in training all the time.
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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}POOL PARTY .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}How Chelsea can beat Liverpool in FA Cup Final if Mount exploits Fabinho absence
    “I’m a risk-taker. Sometimes the girls (in the team) get annoyed at me and sometimes it looks good, but it’s just who I am.
    “I feel like I am who I am on the field and off the field. I’m the same person.
    “I’m very stubborn. So, there was no doubt in my mind that I was just hitting that ball once it came off my chest
    “And that’s what I mean when I say I’m a risk-taker.
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     “I probably do things that sometimes get me in trouble or make me look bad. But I live on the edge, my whole life is lived on the edge.”
    Before Chelsea’s first Champions League final appearance last year, Kerr, who has netted 42 times in 46 Blues appearances, reflected on the team being seen as ‘mentality monsters’.
    That strength of mind will be needed against Gareth Taylor’s high-scoring Citizens who have bagged 17 goals in their past three games.
    The Manchester giants have triumphed in three of the last five FA Cup finals with the Blues victorious in 2018 and 2021.
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    Kerr added: “We respect City a lot but we’re even more pumped than we were (last Sunday).
    “We have, probably for me, the best mentality in the league.
    “We were chasing (the title) this year and then once we got ahead no one was going to get it off us.
    “We went down to 10 players in that game against Tottenham.
    “But in our changing room, it was just calmness, no one was stressed. I’ve never been a part of a team like this.
    “We’ve got lots of confidence, but we want to win a trophy, whenever there’s a trophy on the line.
    Manchester City are targeting a trophy double triumph after defeating Chelsea in this term’s Conti Cup finalCredit: Getty
    “To win two trophies in two weekends would be amazing.”
    The WSL champs have been boosted by Fran Kirby’s return to training a month on from the forward being ruled out of action.
    The England ace, who formed a dangerous attacking partnership with Kerr, netted three times in Chelsea’s Conti and FA Cup triumphs last year.
    Kerr said: “We’ve missed so many big players that we really haven’t had time to think about it or get stuck on it.
    “We’ve had lots of ups and downs. We have had to just roll with the punches this year.”
    A win for Chelsea at Wembley would see them claim their fourth FA Cup trophy in seven yearsCredit: Getty
    So far up to 50,000 tickets have been sold for this year’s FA Cup final to be aired live on
    The 50,000-plus expected crowd at Wembley will include Kerr’s mother, father, brother and two friends who have flown over from Australia.
    The Matildas’ captain, who describes London as one of the coolest cities she has ever lived in, feels much more settled being able to fly back home with restrictions eased.  
    A win at Wembley on Sunday afternoon would round off a history-making season for the striker.
    Kerr hopes to set more records for Australia after becoming her nation’s all-time top scorerCredit: Getty
    In January she became Australia’s record international scorer in January surpassing Tim Cahill’s tally of 50 goals for the country.
    Kerr said: “It was nice to get it over and done with. Everyone has been talking about it for so long.
    “At the end of the day, it’s just a title and I hope to set records that the young girls in my (national) team eventually get to break.
    “But at the moment, it’s just about scoring goals.” More