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      Man Utd target transfer for Chelsea star Rudiger as part of new-look defence which could leave Maguire future in doubt

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ‘keen to land’ Antonio Rudiger on a free from Chelsea this summer – which could cast doubt on Harry Maguire’s future.The German defender, 28, is yet to agree a new contract with the Blues with his deal set to expire in June.
      Man Utd are plotting a free transfer swoop for Chelsea’s Antonio RudigerCredit: Rex
      The move could cast doubt over the long-term future of Harry Maguire at Old TraffordCredit: Rex
      SunSport previously reported that the German star’s situation was being monitored by the Red Devils.
      Now The Mirror claims Ralf Rangnick is a ‘big fan’ of Rudiger and wants to bring him to Old Trafford in the summer.
      And they state ‘it casts a shadow over the future of Maguire’ at United.
      The skipper has endured a difficult campaign at Old Trafford after failing to hit top form following injury.
      United have conceded the joint-most goals out of the Premier League’s top six and has led to many questioning whether Maguire has the ability to lead them at the top level.
      They have also been linked with offering Dortmund’s Manuel Akanji a ‘dream’ move to England.
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      BETTING SPECIAL – GET EITHER CHELSEA OR LIVERPOOL AT HUGE 30/1 TO WIN CARABO CUP FINAL
      Rudiger is currently focused on helping Chelsea win more silverware this term after their recent Champions League and Club World Cup successes.
      He has been an ever-present for Thomas Tuchel’s side in the top-flight this term.
      But both Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also want the star – and he is aware that he could pocket around £400,000-a-week by joining them for nothing.
      The Blues most recent contract offer to Rudiger is believed to have been around half of that figure.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea in double injury blow with Kovacic and Ziyech huge doubts for Carabao Cup final after hobbling off against Lille

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      CHELSEA have been hit with a double injury blow ahead of their Carabao Cup final against Liverpool. Midfielder Mateo Kovacic hobbled off after 50 minutes of the Blues’ 2-0 Champions League Last-16 first-leg win over Lille.
      Mateo Kovacic replaced by Ruben Loftus-CheekCredit: Reuters
      Hakim Ziyech goes down injuredCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek replaced the Croatian, with Chelsea leading through Kai Havertz’s first-half opener.
      Only ten minutes later, in-form winger Hakim Ziyech was then forced off after going down off the ball.
      Ziyech, who scored three consecutive Premier League goals heading into the European clash, appeared to be holding his ankle.
      The Moroccan playmaker was then substituted for Saul Niguez, who fitted into a three-man midfield.
      Speaking after the game, boss Thomas Tuchel said he was hoping for the best.
      Asked about the injuries, he said: “I don’t know. I should have subbed Mateo Kovacic at half-time so could have had one more change.
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      “I have not spoken to the doctor about Hakim and hope it is not serious.
      “Today is Tuesday, there are a lot of days to recover until Sunday. We don’t like to have that many injuries and more impact from the bench on a tactical matter.
      “I hope they will be ready for Sunday.”
      Despite the potential injury woes, Chelsea fans were soon celebrating after Christian Pulisic doubled their lead on 63 minutes.
      N’Golo Kante broke free with the ball and after a driving run through the heart of Lille’s backline, he laid it off perfectly to Pulisic.
      The American skipper then cut in from the left and quickly slotted home.
      It was Pulisic’s first goal since scoring in Chelsea’s 5-1 FA Cup hammering against Chesterfield in January.
      Havertz, who replaced out-of-sorts Romelu Lukaku up front, had opened the lead on eight minutes.
      He nodded home from a Ziyech corner on eight minutes, his seventh of the season.
      The 2-0 victory puts them well in control of the tie – however the injury blows threaten their hopes of lifting the League Cup trophy this weekend.
      Kai Havertz opened the scoring for ChelseaCredit: Getty More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea will wear Club World Cup badge on shirts for rest of season despite Man Utd and Liverpool being banned

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      CHELSEA will proudly wear the Club World Cup badge on their shirts for the rest of the Premier League season.Sunsport can reveal that the Blues – who won the FIFA competition for the first time earlier this month –  have had their request accepted by the League after failed previous attempts by Manchester United and Liverpool.
      Chelsea can wear the Club World Cup badge on their shirts for the rest of the seasonCredit: Rex
      Chelsea have revealed how the badge looks on their blue jerseyCredit: Chelsea
      Chelsea, who beat Palmeiras 2-1 in the final in Abu Dhabi, wore the badge on their away shirts at Palace on Saturday but thought it was only a one-off.
      But League bosses agree with Chelsea that having the title of world champions is positive for English football and the rules – which banned changes to a kit during the season – have been bent a little.
      When Liverpool won the Club World Cup in Qatar in 2019, they were only allowed to wear the badge once in a clash at home to Wolves.
      United were refused permission after they won the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, the first time an English club won the tournament. 
      The badge will not be on Chelsea’s shirts for the Champions League game at home to Lille but will be in place for the next Premier League clash away to Burnley on March 5.
      Other teams in Europe such as Real Madrid and Bayern Munich have worn the badge after their successes in the Club World Cup and Chelsea will be allowed to wear it until the end of the next FIFA tournament, although the date for that has yet to be decided.
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      HARRY’S GESTURE
      HARRY MAGUIRE gestured towards members of Manchester United’s board after scoring the opening goal in Manchester United’s win at Leeds.
      After celebrating in front of the Leeds fans – a sweet moment for a Sheffield lad – Maguire made a signal towards the bench but also into the stands.
      Maguire was looking up at supportive chief executive Richard Arnold and David Gill, who once did the same job.
      Gill still goes to United’s games and sits on the board but only in an advisory, non-executive role.
      Harry Maguire hit the back of the net in the 4-2 win over LeedsCredit: PA
      WORLD CUP FATE
      ENGLAND will discover their World Cup opponents at the draw in Qatar on Friday April 1.
      Ideally, the draw would have been on Saturday April 2 but that is the start of the muslim religious festival of Ramadan.
      This means managers from around the world will not have much time as they head from the midweek round of international fixtures straight to Doha.
      England face Ivory Coast on March 29 which is the same night as the World Cup play-offs which, potentially, could be Wales v Scotland and Italy v Portugal.
      BLACK CATS FURY
      SUNDERLAND fans are angry about quite a few things at the moment.
      It has emerged that Kyril Louis-Dreyfus only owns 41 per cent so the former ownership group of Stewart Donald, Juan Sartori and Charlie Methven still owned a combined 59 per cent share.
      The return of Roy Keane failed to happen, the team struggling and now, club legend Kevin Ball has left his ambassadorial role with the club.
      This has seen an end to his three-decade association with the Black Cat as he spent almost a decade as a player before becoming coach, academy manager and occasional caretaker. 
      Had been ambassador since 2014, was furloughed from that role when Covid struck and has not returned since.
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

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      in Soccer

      Meet Conor Gallagher’s stunning Wag Aine May, who is a model and the Chelsea loanee star’s travel buddy

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      CHELSEA star Conor Gallagher has been a revelation on loan at Crystal Palace this season.The energetic midfielder, 22, has seven goals in all competitions for the Eagles as his stock continues to grow.
      Meet stunning Wag Aine May KennedyCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Kennedy and Chelsea’s on loan star Conor Gallagher have been together for three yearsCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      23-year-old Aine May is a model and dancerCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Back in November, he was called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad – making his debut for his country against San Marino.
      While ex Blues boss Frank Lampard is reportedly interested in reuniting with his former player at new club Everton.
      Watching from the wings is his stunning Wag, Aine May Kennedy.
      The Irish beauty, 23, is a professional dancer and model.
      She regularly shares her glam lifestyle on Instagram, where she has over 32,000 followers.
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      Absolute Cork-er
      Aine May was born and raised in County Cork, Ireland.
      However, the bright lights of London, and the lure of pursuing a career as a professional dancer brought her to England’s capital.
      The blonde bombshell’s good looks soon saw her signed up as a model.
      Aine May represents Pulse Model Agency, and has participated in numerous fashion shoots.
      But, as a girl about town living in Chelsea, she’s certainly happier living the life of a Wag.
      She often posts snaps on Instagram hitting up the fashion boutiques of Sloane Street, including Dior.
      And Aine May and Conor, who have been in a romance for over three years, also love a date night at a fancy restaurant.
      Gallagher and Kennedy regular enjoy date nights at posh London restaurantsCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Aine May loves shopping at Sloane Street’s fashion boutiquesCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Irish beauty Aine May was born in County CorkCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Glam Aine May looks every inch a footballer’s WagCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      The two have posted photos enjoying meals in hotspots like Harry’s Dolce Vita in Knightsbridge.
      Travel, though, seems to be their favourite hobby.
      Travel buddy
      Conor and Aime May are regular travellers.
      Most recently, they enjoyed a romantic break away in Paris, where they took in tourist sites like the Louvre Museum and posh eaterie Cafe de Flore.
      While last summer, they took a trip to Portugal to top up their tans in The Algarve.
      Last summer, Gallagher and Kennedy enjoyed a break away in PortugalCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Aine May showed off her bikini body to her Instagram followersCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Aine May has over 32,000 followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Will Aine May be cheering Gallagher on at Stamford Bridge next season?Credit: Instagram @ainemaykennedy
      Aine May showed off her enviable bikini body in a variety of Insta shots that surely tantalised fans.
      When she’s not enjoying the sun at a far away destination she has been seen in the stands at Selhurst Park cheering on her beau for Palace.
      The questions is, though, will she be supporting her man at Stamford Bridge next season or Goodison Park? More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea star Thiago Silva needs to shine in the Champions League to show his critics in Brazil and play in the World Cup

      by

      ON TUESDAY Chelsea begin the defence of their Champions League title in the knock out phase with a first leg at home to Lille.Thiago Silva is a valued and uncontroversial member of the team.
      Chelsea star Thiago Silva has starred for the BluesCredit: EPA
      The same is not entirely true when the subject is the Brazil side preparing for this year’s World Cup.
      And the penalty he committed against Brazilian side Palmeiras in the final of the Club World Cup has added fuel to the fire.
      One of Brazil’s leading TV commentators, Andre Henning, was outraged that – once again – Silva gave away a needless penalty for hand ball, and went to social media to register his protests.
      Henning is not a fan of Silva, his disenchantment mainly based in the 2014 World Cup, where the centre back was undeniably a disastrous captain.
      One of the strongest images of the tournament comes from when Brazil’s second round match against Chile went to a penalty shoot out.
      Instead of playing a captain’s role, Thiago Silva sat on a football on his own, crying his eyes out. It was clearly too much for him – leading Andre Henning to doubt the player’s mental strength.
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      But there is another, more technical issue of relevance to Brazil’s World Cup build up.
      At Chelsea, Silva has been consistently excellent – operating in the middle of a back three.
      Coach Thomas Tuchel knows him well. The pair worked together at Paris Saint Germain. Tuchel is aware that Thiago is now 37 and, inevitably, not as quick as he used to be.
      So the amount of space that he has to cover has been reduced. To the left of him, the speed of Anthony Rudiger is a vital part of the Chelsea back line.
      The club are understandably concerned at the prospect of losing Rudiger – hence their interest in Eder Militao, Real Madrid’s Brazilian centre back whose game is based on recovery speed.
      But Brazil do not defend with a back three. They play two centre backs. One of them is Marquinhos, the immaculate PSG defender who was – surely unwisely – dropped from the team in favour of Thiago Silva on the eve of the last World Cup.
      ALTERNATIVE OPTIONS
      Brazil paid a price for leaving out their quickest defender when they came up against Belgium in the quarter final.
      This time, then, there is no doubt about it. It is a case of Marquinhos plus one. An outside candidate to fill the role is Gabriel Magalhaes, who has emerged as a defensive leader with Arsenal and who also has the benefit of being left footed.
      But the battle seems to be between Silva and Eder Militao.
      There is no point in asking Andre Henning who he favours – and some in Brazil agree with him. But not everyone, and, probably, not coach Tite. 
      And so Silva needs to shine in the knock out stages of the Champions League – not just to help Chelsea retain their title, but also to boost his chances of rounding off his international career with one last crack at the World Cup in Qatar.
      Manager Thomas Tuchel understands how to get the best out of SilvaCredit: Getty
      In Brazil Silva has his critics and has been questioned for a World Cup spotCredit: AFP More

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      in Soccer

      Chelsea fought off competition from Brentford for Charlton talent Mason Burstow, who has been likened to Jermain Defoe

      by

      ON transfer deadline day, Chelsea managed to squeeze in a deal for EFL’s hottest talent, Mason Burstow.The Charlton rookie, 18, has had a meteoric rise after coming through the youth ranks at non-league Welling United and Maidstone United.
      Wonderkid Mason Burstow is one of the EFL’s hottest talentsCredit: Rex
      Burstow signed for Chelsea on transfer deadline day
      He joined the Addicks in 2000, and sensationally introduced himself by scoring for the club with his FIRST TOUCH in professional football in a Papa Johns Trophy clash against Crawley.
      Since then, he has continued to provide a threat in attack – finding the net six times in his first 16 games for the South London side.
      It’s that kind of form that encouraged Chelsea to pounce on the youngster – paying around £2million to secure his services, beating Premier League rivals Brentford to the punch, before loaning him back to the League One team.
      They’ve had their eye on him
      Burstow was spotted early doors by Chelsea’s scouts when he played for Maidstone at 16.
      After starring in a game, ironically against Charlton, he was invited to Cobham to train.
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      Although they passed on the opportunity to sign him, Burstow stayed on the club’s radar.
      In 2020, the Plumstead-born poacher joined local club Charlton on a two-year scholarship deal.
      He would soon get Charlton development lead coach Anthony Hayes purring about his ability.
      Ambitious and full of potential
      Back in December, Hayes spoke of Burstow’s ambition and his game.
      “He’s someone who we consider a high-potential player,” Hayes told the South London Press.
      “I wouldn’t want to put any pressure on him because I know he sets his own targets.
      “I know there is a lot of goal-setting in terms of creating and scoring goals, as well as making first-team appearances.
      “What I do think he is, is a centre-forward who can do everything. He can run away from the ball and he can drop in and link play.”
      While, News Shopper journalist Henry Tomlinson compared Burstow to ex-West Ham and Tottenham hotshot Jermain Defoe.
      “He’s got that rare talent of just wanting to prove himself, he doesn’t stop running, he doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder, he’s just wanting to do the best he can each time he goes out,” Tomlinson told the Chelsea Chronicle.
      Teenager Burstow flies through the air to head home against HartlepoolCredit: PA
      Burstow leaps for joy at The ValleyCredit: PA
      “I’ve seen him live a couple of times now and he sort of reminds me a little bit of a young Defoe.
      “His movement between the lines, he’s got a bit of that poacher finishing ability and he’s got a bit more height. His goal against Fleetwood was with his head.
      “So, maybe, he could have potential more skill set or be a bit more rounded than Defoe was, which would be a fantastic career if he was able to emulate Defoe because obviously, he’s one of the best Premier League goal scorers of all time.”
      Goals galore
      Like Defoe, Burstow has the same ruthlessness in front of goal which is translated well to the Charlton first team.
      Since ex-manager Nigel Adkins handed him his debut back in August – in the 6-1 demolition of Crawley – Mason is yet to look back.
      Back in November, he found the net in the FA Cup in a 4-0 win over Havant & Waterlooville.
      Last month, he scored a consolation in a 2-1 defeat to Crewe Alexandra in the league followed.
      Then he followed that up with a strike in a 2-0 win against Fleetwood.
      Burstow has been in and amongst the goals at CharltonCredit: Rex
      Chelsea is Burstow’s next stop in his quest for success
      Sensibly, Chelsea have decided to let Burstow play out the remainder of this season with the Addicks as he continues his development.
      Then comes the hard work where he will transition into Neil Bath’s Blues academy.
      You wouldn’t put it past Burstow, the eager overachiever, to flourish there too. More

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      in Soccer

      ‘Big Phil’ Scolari reveals he had to quit Chelsea after ‘a few problems with one or two players off the field’

      by

      FORMER Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari has lifted the lid on why he was given the boot by the West London club.Big Phil became Blues boss in the summer of 2008 – but he was ousted after just seven months at Stamford Bridge.
      Luiz Felipe Scolari was given the boot by Chelsea after just seven monthsCredit: AFP – Getty
      And he’s now revealed that off-filed bust-ups with Drogba and Anelka were the cause of his dismissalCredit: Graham Hughes – The Times
      And now the Brazilian – who masterminded Brazil’s World Cup triumph in 2002 – has revealed that clashes with Blues icon Didier Drogba and French striker Nicolas Anelka were the reasons for his Chelsea exit.
      Scolari, 73, told the Daily Mail: “I had a few problems with one or two players.
      “Didier Drogba was injured and when he returned, I had a bit of difficulty organising the team with him and Nicolas Anelka.
      “I tried to speak with the players to make them understand their positioning, but I wasn’t able to make myself understood to make them do what I needed.
      “So we had a few problems off the field, not on the field.”
      But despite all the drama off the pitch, Scolari was happy with the achievements he made on the field with the Blues.
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      He added: “Some results happened, which nobody wanted, but I left the club in good conditions in all competitions: fourth in the Premier League, qualified to the Champions League and in the FA Cup.”
      However, Scolari revealed that he is on good terms with both Drogba and Anelka after clear the air talks years later.
      Scolari continued: “Unfortunately, there was this communication problem with the players.
      “But we talked about it a few years later and it is all in order. I don’t think it deserves a lot of attention now. It’s all in the past.”
      One Premier League star that Scolari had no issues with is Cristiano Ronaldo.
      While Scolari was managing Portugal, Ronaldo’s father died – and the tragic event proved to be a catalyst in strengthening the pair’s relationship. More

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      Inside Senegal’s wild Afcon celebrations as Mendy leads players’ chants in hotel corridor before Mane sleeps with trophy

      by

      CHELSEA keeper Edouard Mendy lead Senegal’s dressing room celebrations after winning the Africa Cup of Nations. Mendy had a big part to play in the victory, which came down the penalties, after stopping Mohanad Lasheen’s kick to set the stage.
      Edouard Mendy lead Senegal’s dressing celebrations after winning the Africa Cup of Nations
      Senegal stars celebrate their AFCON win
      The moment the team celebrated on the pitch with the trophyCredit: Reuters
      Sadio Mane poses with the AFCON trophy in bed
      Sadio Mane then converted the decisive spot-kick, leaving Liverpool team-mate Mo Salah heartbroken.
      Mendy uploaded a series of Instagram videos of the jubilant celebrations, as the Senegal side sang their hearts out even in their hotel corridor.
      The keeper is now a Champions League and AFCON winner and was congratulated by a host of past and present Chelsea stars.
      Mane was joined by Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly in posing in bed with the AFCON trophy.
      Ex-Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye and Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou Kouyate also followed suit.
      Koulibaly said after the game: “It was a tough game and a tough tournament. We made it with our team and our power.
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      Fans back home in Senegal took to the streets to celebrateCredit: Reuters
      Ex-Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye and Crystal Palace’s Cheikhou KouyateCredit: @iganagueye
      “Our goalkeeper is the best in the world and we win the title. We feel happy. We knew it would be hard to win the Africa Cup of Nations but today we made it.
      “Our team deserved to win this title. We had been looking for this for a long time and now we have it. This team is magnificent.”
      Mendy added: “We are proud. We never won it before.
      “We worked really hard to win this trophy and today we won as a group and as a country and that is why I am super proud.
      “The shooters in the penalties did really well, I tried to do my best to save one shot and I did that, so I am super happy.”
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      Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly with the trophy More