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      Chelsea fight to keep talented youngster Ben Elliott, 18, at club with THREE Prem rivals targeting transfer swoop

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      CHELSEA are facing a fight to keep hold of another of their brilliant young players with teenager Ben Elliott being tracked by a trio of Premier League rivals.Southampton, Brighton and Brentford have all shown an interested in the teenager who the European champions are keen to tie down to a new long-term deal.
      Highly-rated Chelsea youngster Ben Elliott, 18, is wanted in a three-way tussle by Southampton, Brighton and BrentfordCredit: Getty
      Playmaker Elliott, 18, has been a highly-regarded member of the Blues academy since a schoolboy and has been part of the club’s under-23 squad for the past 18 months.
      But his current contract runs out at the end of this season and though Chelsea are putting a new deal on the table, they fear he may be tempted to follow a number of other bright talents in making a move elsewhere.
      Brighton bagged a bargain when they captured Tariq Lamptey for £5million with the offer of regular first team football for the then 19-year-old.
      And Saints themselves forked out £5m last summer for another full-back in Tino Livramento – with both players deciding their development would be stifled by a lack of first team opportunities if they stayed at Chelsea.
      So for the two South Coast clubs and Brentford to start showing interest is worrying news for bosses at Stamford Bridge.
      They know they are unable to offer as much realistic chance to first team call-ups, even though he has been training in and around Thomas Tuchel’s squad this season.

      Elliott is exactly the kind of profile that fits the models of Saints, Brighton and Brentford like to work with in developing young talent who could not only thrive in the first team but also be sold on for big profit.
      And the trio could even make their moves in January to avoid him becoming a free agent in the summer.
      A bid of around £800,000 might be enough to land the prospect If he decides his future lies away from Chelsea.
      Thomas Tuchel reacts to Chelsea’s draw with Burnley More

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      Chelsea legend John Terry told ex boss Antonio Conte to leave him out of squad for entire final season to give Ake a run

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      JOHN TERRY has revealed he told Chelsea boss Antonio Conte to leave him out of the squad for entirety of his final season – in order to give Nathan Ake a chance.JT was itching to see the Dutch youngster, 21 at the start of the 2016-17 campaign, given a chance at Stamford Bridge, even if it meant sacrificing his own minutes.
      Terry told Conte to drop him from the squad in order to give Ake a chance
      Speaking with snooker legend Stephen Hendry on an Instagram Live Q&A, Terry revealed he told Conte to give Ake the senior match-day experience, even if it was watching from the bench.
      But Ake only played four times all season and was sold to Bournemouth in the summer after Terry’s retirement, having spent the first half of the season on loan on the South Coast.
      Chelsea did go on to win the Premier League that season, with a back-three of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill.
      Looking back at his final season in West London, Terry said: “I went to see [Conte] around Christmas time.
      “I was like ‘gaffer, listen you’re putting me on the bench and we’ve got Nathan Ake’, who for me was an unbelievably talented young player.
      “I said ‘put him on the bench because the chances of him coming on are really slim, it’s going to be great experience for him’.
      “‘He was on the bench for about seven, eight or ten games, and he ended up playing against Spurs in the [FA Cup] semi-final that year.
      “And it was just little stuff like that. I’m not sure players would have done what I did.”

      Ake ultimately played just four times for Chelsea in 2016-17, including the FA Cup semi-final win over Tottenham.
      But he was sold to Bournemouth for £20million as Terry quit the club to join Aston Villa, where he is now assistant manager.
      Ake, now 26, has gone on to receive international recognition with Holland and signed for Manchester City in a £40million deal in 2020.
      Pedro combines with Chelsea teammates to score a cracker of a goal in training More

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      Chelsea keeper Kepa wanted by Juventus with Italians desperate for transfer as replacement for ex-Arsenal ace Szczesny

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      JUVENTUS are reportedly eyeing up a swoop to bring Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga to Turin next year.The 27-year-old is a peripheral figure at Stamford Bridge having lost his starting spot to Edouard Mendy last season.
      Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga is a reported target for Juventus in 2022Credit: PA
      Arrizabalaga, who is tied down in West London until 2025, has featured in just three games in all competitions this season.
      But despite his lack of game time, Juventus are said to be keen to secure his services to replace ex-Arsenal shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny.
      According to Fichajes, boss Massimiliano Allegri is desperate to bring the Spain international to Italy.
      It is said that Juve have run out of patience with Szczesny, who has been plagued by inconsistent performances this term.
      And they have made signing Arrizabalaga their priority in 2022.
      However, the news outlet claims that the Old Lady will wait until the summer to do business and will not make a move for him in the winter transfer window.

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      Juventus are said to have always been interested in the goalkeeper – even during his time at Athletic Bilbao before he made the switch to England.
      However they could face competition from their Serie A rivals Lazio in the race to prise him away from the Premier League.
      A report from Corriere dello Sport has declared that former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri is keen on a reunion with Arrizabalaga.
      They state that Lazio and Chelsea held talks over a possible loan move in the summer, but the player decided to stay to fight for the No1 spot.
      Speaking last month, German gaffer Thomas Tuchel insisted that Arrizabalaga is ‘happy’ at Chelsea.
      He remarked: “He seems happy to me in the place that he is and the part he plays in this team.

      “He is pushing and he is fighting for his chances — but you cannot force situations.
      “Now I have the feeling with his mindset that he is here, with the calmness and the positivity he trains with and he gets the rewards and it came to him.
      “It was not necessary to prove to me he is a good keeper. I see this everyday.”
      Chelsea boss Tuchel confirms that they will be without Lukaku, Werner and Pulisic due to injuries More

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      Pulisic ‘really suffering’ with ankle problem as Tuchel opens up on Chelsea star’s injury nightmare

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      CHRISTIAN PULISIC is toiling with an ankle injury that has kept him out of action for Chelsea since September. Thomas Tuchel claims the USA star is having a tough time on the sidelines with the player set to miss his team’s Champions League clash with Malmo.
      Christian Pulisic picked up an ankle injury on World Cup qualifier duty for the USA against HondurasCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The fleet-footed forward, 23, has been battling with ankle damage caused during the USA’s 4-0 World Cup qualifying win against Honduras last month. 
      On the latest status of the injury Blues boss, Tuchel told Goal: “He got injured during a match with the USA, with a foul, a tough foul, and he hurt his ankle.
      “There is nothing to worry about in terms of details, and that we are hiding details. 
      “I cannot give you all of the details because I am not a doctor, but at the moment he has had some setbacks from pain.
      “It is simply the pain in the ankle that disturbs him. 
      “Once these players with quick movements like Christian, once they feel this pain and they are not free in the movement the recovery is not happening.

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      “You start all over again and you reach a certain point, and the pain comes back.
      “And you have to do a little pause and start all over again.
      “So right now, we are very, very close. He was so close to coming to team training last week and had a little setback and reaction, with pain. Nothing serious. From there on we go.”
      Everybody is doing their very bestUnfortunately, the injury takes its time.Thomas Tuchel
      Pulisic, who notched up six goals and four assists in 43 Blues games last term, has made just one top-flight appearance so far this season. 
      The American netted in a Prem match win against Crystal Palace on August 14 but has not played for Tuchel’s side since.
      A positive Covid-19 test followed by the ankle damage on international duty has led to the player missing 11 Prem and Champions League games so far this term.
      And the player who helped his side win a Champions League crown last season is determined to get back to full fitness.
      Tuchel added: “He is very impatient, of course, and he does everything and we can see him suffer in every meeting.
      “And every time we meet him here (at the training ground) he is really suffering and he wants to be on the pitch and help us.
      “Everybody is doing their very best. Unfortunately, the injury takes its time.”

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      Thomas Tuchel says Edouard Mendy isn’t bothered about lack of Ballon d’Or shortlist but he thinks the whole team should be nominated More

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      ‘I think this Chelsea team are resilient’ – Gary Neville backs Blues to win Prem title ahead of Man City and Liverpool

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      GARY NEVILLE believes Chelsea have a “great” chance of winning the Premier League title as he hailed the club’s dogged resilience.The Blues moved back to the top of the table on Saturday after winning 1-0 away at local rivals Brentford having survived a second half onslaught from the Bees.
      Man Utd legend Gary Neville believes table-toppers Chelsea could win the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
      Thomas Tuchel’s side beat local rivals Brentford on Saturday in a hard-fought encounterCredit: PA
      It was the west Londoners’ sixth top-flight win from their opening eight games and fifth clean sheet.
      Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy put in a man of the match performance at the Brentford Community Stadium as the visitors withstood huge late pressure.
      Commenting on Chelsea, Neville highlighted the squad depth and mental toughness of Thomas Tuchel’s side who were missing Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic.
      He told Sky Sports: “I think Chelsea can win the title.
      “I know people will say Manchester City or Liverpool and you can’t disagree with that given what they’ve done over the last three or four years.
      “City’s performance at Chelsea a few weeks ago was incredible, but I do feel this Chelsea team are resilient and are tough to play against.

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      “I can’t think that any team in the league would like to play against them.
      “I know Brentford have enjoyed the last 10 to 15 minutes, but this was a tough game for them for the first 70-80 minutes.
      “They couldn’t get into it, they had to change and they had a bit of joy at the end.
      “That was a Chelsea team that had a few players missing as well, and they’ve got so many to come back.
      “They had so many good players coming off the bench too, so I feel they’ve got a great shout of winning the title.”
      He added: “You’d have to still say Manchester City are the favourites for the title, and I picked them at the start of the season.
      “But Chelsea have played Arsenal, Tottenham, City and Liverpool and only lost once. They’re top of the league despite having a really tough start.
      “[Romelu] Lukaku has not been at his best, either, which is another good sign.
      “They’re top of the league and their star striker isn’t firing when you know he will at some point.
      “I think Chelsea’s squad is really strong and we’ve seen today that even without a couple of centre-backs, they can produce a strong performance.
      “I’m saying City, but I’m saying Chelsea could go close, if not win it.”
      Tuchel reacts to Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Brentford More

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      Chelsea verdict: Blues ride their luck and lack a creator like Eden Hazard to create chances for Romelu Lukaku

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      CHELSEA were hugely lucky to take all three points at Brentford on Saturday evening, make no bones about that.The home side deserved at least a draw and Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea, who spent the last 20 minutes defending their hearts out as if they were holding out to win a Champions League final, would have had no complaints.
      Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku has been starved of service by his team matesCredit: Getty
      Tuchel will be annoyed, even though he has come away with all three points against a good team in good form.
      Of course, all that matters really is the result and that The Blues are still sitting top of the Premier League.
      However, Chelsea were worryingly lacklustre in the final third AGAIN and it is not the first time this season.
      Romelu Lukaku, once again, cut a frustrated figure with his lack of service in the number nine position.
      Chelsea and Tuchel need to find a way to get the very best out of the Belgium international, because right now he is pretty much just a spare part in this side.
      It’s not that he has been poor, it is just his Chelsea team-mates are letting him down by not providing him with enough creativity to set him free. 

      Chelsea lack a creator. They lack a player like Mo Salah or Kevin De Bruyne, who ironically both used to be Chelsea players.
      Or to keep it Chelsea related, they lack a Cesc Fabregas in a deeper playmaker position.
      Tuchel lined up with a midfield three today with Ruben Loftus-Cheek in the holding role, and N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic in the ‘attacking’ 8 positions.
      These two are both great midfielders, but in reality they do not bring ANY creativity. None of them have the magic or bravery to make that defence-splitting final pass to create more chances.
      Chelsea need to find a new Eden Hazard, a player who can make things happen from nothing, a player that can beat two or three defenders and create a goal.
      At the moment, there’s no one who can find a pass that breaks the lines in an instant to create a chance, or someone who is brave enough to try something different.

      Although Chelsea won today, I do fear that they might need to pursue this type of player in January if they are to want to win the title.
      It could mean that Kai Havertz has to step up to the plate and justify the hefty price we paid for him last summer.
      They certainly need more in the final third, and they certainly need to feed Romelu Lukaku.
      Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Brentford as it happened More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Mendy proves he’s world class and Loftus-Cheek a colossus… but Kante lets his standards slip

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      CHELSEA goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was the hero as the Blues hung on for a crucial three points against Brentford.The Bees threw everything but the kitchen sink at the 6ft 6in stopper, but couldn’t find a way past the in-form keeper.
      Edouard Mendy was the hero for Chelsea in their 1-0 win at BrentfordCredit: Rex
      Ben Chilwell’s first half goal was, somehow, enough to see the Blues through.
      Here’s how SunSport’s Simon Phillips rated Thomas Tuchel’s men.
      Edouard Mendy – 9
      He didn’t have too much to do in the first half but his distribution was good and he did what he needed to do.
      He made a great save in the 72nd minute to keep Chelsea ahead as Brentford upped the intensity and followed that up with two world class saves, including one at the death.
      Trevoh Chalobah – 6
      As expected, he slotted in like he has been playing for this Chelsea team for many years and was very comfortable receiving the ball and great defensively.
      Got into too many tussles with Ivan Toney though and started to look a bit unsteady late on.
      Andreas Christensen – 8
      Mr Calm and Casual did his job superbly as the most experienced centre back in Chelsea’s line up.
      He was great on the ball and great at organising his back line. Looking more and more world class by the day.
      Malang Sarr – 8
      Stepping into Antonio Rudiger’s shoes is a massive ask, but he did well and did all that was asked of him and actually looked very comfortable coming into the defence.
      Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
      He did very well for Chilwell’s opening goal and was his usual reliable self at the back.
      Another captain’s performance from him and his was an asset all over the park.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 9
      He was colossal again in the holding midfield role and he was doing it all. Very calm collecting the ball in tight spaces, and carrying the ball superbly beating players with no effort.
      Very good at keeping possession and winning free kicks.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek was commanding in the middle of the park for the BluesCredit: Rex
      N’Golo Kante – 6
      He had some good moments but also looked a little rusty at times in the first half at least.
      Wasn’t quite up to his usual world class standards as Brentford took a hold in the last half an hour.
      Mateo Kovacic – 6
      Silly booking early on, but he was an influential player in midfield for trying to make things happen and trying to find that pass in the final third when others lacked it.
      Not his best asset though trying to play forward or shoot unfortunately. 
      Ben Chilwell – 8
      Scored a fantastic goal to put Chelsea 1-0 up with his trusted left foot. Very good game out on the left for him and he was one of Chelsea’s more attacking threats.
      Timo Werner – 8
      Tried hard to make things happen and did seem to be playing with a lot more confidence after his good run of form. A real menace in the box and a danger for the Brentford back line.
      Romelu Lukaku – 7
      Frustrating again for him at times not getting the service he was demanding.
      And when he did get it, he did very well to set up Chilwell for the opener. But other than that, another frustrating night for him.

      SUBS
      Mason Mount for Kovacic (64 mins) – 7
      Injected some needed intensity and direct play for Chelsea.
      Kai Havertz for Lukaku (75 mins) – N/A
      Chelsea’s 1-0 victory over Brentford as it happened More

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      Ten players who returned to former clubs and how it worked out with Cristiano Ronaldo back at Man Utd

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO agreed a stunning move back to Manchester United this summer.It came 11 years after he left to join Real Madrid in a then-record £80million move.
      Cristiano Ronaldo agreed a stunning move back to Manchester UnitedCredit: PA
      From there, he joined Juventus but after three years the legendary forward made it clear he wanted to move on.
      And after initial talks with Manchester rivals City broke down, it gave United the green light to swoop in for the club icon.
      And his return came in the same window former United striker Romelu Lukaku also returned to Chelsea.
      With that in mind, we’ve taken a look at TEN players who’ve quit clubs with legendary status, only to return later in their careers.
      But how did they all get on in their second stints?
      ROMELU LUKAKU – Chelsea
      First spell: 2011-2014
      Romelu Lukaku scored on his second Chelsea debutCredit: Getty
      Second spell: 2021-present
      LUKAKU left Stamford Bridge in 2014 without breaking into their first-team and two loan spells away, firstly to West Brom and then Everton.
      After joining Everton permanently, he impressed enough to 2017 snub Chelsea and join United.
      It was mixed results for the Belgian, who left United in 2019 for Inter Milan, a move with rejuvenated his career.
      Lukaku in his second season in Italy helped Inter to a first Serie A title in 11 years, but in doing so attracted attention once again from Chelsea.
      The Blues were searching for a solution in their striker crisis and turned to their old boy.
      Lukaku was convinced to complete his ‘unfinished business’ in Blue and this summer re-signed for £97.5m.
      He made his debut against Arsenal, where he scored the opener to help Chelsea in a 2-0 win and has scored three times more since.
      DIDIER DROGBA – Chelsea
      Didier Drogba only furthered his incredible reputation at Chelsea with his 2014-15 returnCredit: AP:Associated Press
      First spell: 2004-2012
      Second spell: 2014-2015
      QUITE possibly Chelsea best striker in the Premier League era, Drogba won TEN trophies during his first spell at Stamford Bridge.
      The Ivorian won three Premier League crowns and the Champions League in those eight years – winning the European Cup with his last kick for the club.
      After two years away – at Shanghai Shenhua and Galatasaray – Drogba returned under Jose Mourinho in 2014 and helped the club win yet another league title to further cement his status as a Chelsea legend.

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      THIERRY HENRY – Arsenal
      Thierry Henry scored a couple of key goals for Arsenal on his return in 2012Credit: Getty
      First spell: 1999-2007
      Second spell: 2012 (loan)
      ANOTHER star who is quite possibly his old club’s greatest ever striker, Henry left Arsenal after eight years and two Premier League titles, including the 2003-04 ‘Invincibles’ campaign.
      Henry had his head turned by Barcelona in 2007 and would later move to New York Red Bulls, seemingly to wind down his career, in 2010.
      In 2012, he stunned Gooners by returning to the Emirates on a two-month loan deal as cover for Marouane Chamackh and Gervinho – who were both injured.
      Henry scored the winner against Leeds in his second debut in the FA Cup, before also scoring the winning goal in the dying moments of a 2-1 league victory over Sunderland.
      ROBBIE FOWLER – Liverpool
      Robbie Fowler scored 12 goals after re-signing for Liverpool five years after initially leavingCredit: PA:Press Association
      First spell: 1993-2001
      Second spell: 2006-2007
      KNOWN as ‘God’ by Liverpool fans, it’s fair to say Fowler was adored by the red half of Merseyside.
      He broke fans’ hearts by leaving for Leeds in 2001, where he would spend two years before joining Manchester City.
      After being released by City in 2006 following a spate of injuries and a worrying lack of form, Fowler would go on to score another 12 goals for the Reds, including eight in the Premier League.
      GARETH BALE – Tottenham
      Gareth Bale is currently back at Tottenham on a season-long loan from Real MadridCredit: AFP
      First spell: 2007-2013
      Second spell: 2020-2021
      BALE lit up the footballing world at White Hart Lane before becoming the most-expensive player in the world at the time of signing for Real Madrid.
      After huge success early in his Los Blancos career, the Welshman was frozen out under Zinedine Zidane.
      Spurs brought Bale back on loan last season, but he found his playing time limited under Jose Mourinho. He did manage to score 16 times for them before returning to Spain this summer.
      WAYNE ROONEY – Everton
      Wayne Rooney was Everton’s top scorer during his one season back at the club in 2017-18Credit: Getty
      First spell: 2002-2004
      Second spell: 2017-18
      ROONEY burst onto the scene with a screamer of a goal against Arsenal in 2002 before being snapped up by Man Utd.
      England’s all-time leading scorer enjoyed a glittering 13 years at Old Trafford – including five Premier League titles and one Champions League – before rejoining his boyhood club.
      Rooney was Everton’s top scorer in his sole season back at Goodison Park, but opted to quit to crack America with MLS side DC United in 2018.
      SOL CAMPBELL – Arsenal
      Sol Campbell stunned Arsenal fans by returning to the club following a failed stint at Notts County in 2010Credit: AP:Associated Press
      First spell: 2001-2006
      Second spell: 2010
      CAMPBELL sent shockwaves through North London in 2001 by signing for Arsenal on a free transfer from bitter rivals Tottenham.
      After five years at the club, the ex-England defender spent three years at Portsmouth before moving to Notts County – seemingly in the twilight of his career.
      But Campbell bizarrely quit the Midlands side days after his debut and decided to keep his fitness levels up as he hunted for a new club by training with Arsenal.
      Arsene Wenger saw enough to sign him up, with Campbell playing 14 times during the remainder of the 2009-10 season, before joining Newcastle – where he later retired.
      PAUL POGBA – Man Utd
      Paul Pogba has endured an up and down spell back at Old Trafford since returning from JuventusCredit: AP
      First spell: 2009-2012
      Second spell: 2016-present
      POGBA made just seven first-team appearances for Man Utd having worked his way through the youth ranks.
      Then aged 19, the French ace joined Juventus where he would forge a reputation for being one of the best midfielders on the planet.
      In 2016, United splashed a then-world-record £89m to bring him back to Old Trafford.
      And while his form has been up-and-down ever since, with his stint littered with speculation of a move elsewhere, Pogba has proven that on his day he is unstoppable.

      JERMAIN DEFOE – Tottenham
      Jermain Defoe spent a decade at Tottenham save for one season at Portsmouth in the middleCredit: AP:Associated Press
      First spell: 2004-2008
      Second spell: 2009-2014
      DURING his first spell at Spurs – having signed from West Ham – Defoe became an England regular as he blossomed into a star striker.
      But in 2008, Tottenham sold him to Harry Redknapp’s Portsmouth.
      After just one season, Redknapp was now in charge of Spurs – and he paid double what Pompey had done just 12 months earlier to bring him back to North London in a bizarre transfer swoop.
      Defoe would go on to spend another five years at White Hart Lane, scoring a further 79 goals to end his Spurs career as the club’s sixth-top-scorer ever.
      JUNINHO – Middlesbrough
      Juninho played for Middlesbrough three times, ultimately helping them win the League Cup in 2004Credit: Getty
      First spell: 1995-1997
      Second spell: 1999-2000 (loan)
      Third spell: 2002-2004
      THE Brazilian magician loved Boro so much he played for them across THREE separate stints in his incredible career.
      Juninho helped Middlesbrough reach the FA Cup AND League Cup final in 1997, but would leave to join Atletico Madrid after they were relegated that same season.
      He briefly rejoined on loan in 1999-2000, but was hit by a frustrating injury.
      But Juninho came back fighting fit in 2002, helping the Riverside club win the League Cup in 2004, while also leading them to European football.
      NEMANJA MATIC – Chelsea
      Nemanja Matic returned to Chelsea in 2014 and helped them win two league titles in three seasonsCredit: PA:Press Association
      First spell: 2009-2011
      Second spell: 2014-2017
      CHELSEA signed the Serbian Premier League icon for just £1.5m in 2009.
      But Matic played just three times for the first-team before being loaned to Vitesse Arnhem and then sold to Benfica.
      After three incredible years in Portugal, Chelsea swallowed their pride and splashed out to the tune of £21m to bring him back to West London.
      Matic would go on to help the Blues win two Premier League titles, before the club made a near-£20m profit in selling him to Man Utd in 2017, where he remains to this day. More