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    Chelsea ‘chasing Serie A midfielder Reda Belahyane’ in deal worth 30 TIMES more than he was bought for last year

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    CHELSEA are “pushing hard” to sign Verona star Reda Belahyane, according to reports.The Blues are keen to reinforce their midfield, with Cesare Casadei said to be nearing an exit.Reda Belahyane is reportedly being chased by ChelseaCredit: RexCasadei, 22, is claimed to be attracting strong interest from Lazio and Torino.Chelsea are said to want £12.6million for the 22-year-old, who has made just six appearances this season – and none in the Premier League.According to Sky Sports in Italy, the Blues could reinvest a similar sum in signing Belahyane.The Moroccan international signed for Verona from Nice in a £420,000 transfer in January 2024.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShould Chelsea invest the full £12.6m they receive for Casadei into Belahyane, Verona will have received 30 times what they paid Nice for him 12 months ago.A Nice academy graduate, Belahyane made just eight first team appearances for the Ligue 1 club.He has since established himself in Italy and has played 20 times in Serie A this term.His performances earned him an international debut last October, when he featured for Morocco against the Central African Republic.Most read in FootballSUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAYChelsea could be busy up until the February 3 transfer deadline.The Blues have also been linked with Manchester United star Alejandro Garnacho.Rapper Central Cee is lost for words when Chelsea’s Marc Cucurella serenades him Earlier this week, SunSport reported that Chelsea are weighing up a bid for the Red Devils winger.They are set to face strong competition from Napoli for the Argentine’s signature. More

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      ‘Damn he looks emotional,’ say Man Utd fans as footage of Garnacho emerges after game amid Chelsea transfer links

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      ALEJANDRO Garnacho looked emotional as he thanked the home crowd while walking off the pitch at Old Trafford last night.Fans believe the winger’s post-match behaviour after Man Utd beat Rangers 2-1 hinted at an immediate exit amid his heavy links with Chelsea.Fans thought Alejandro Garnacho looked emotional while walking off last nightCredit: GettyThe winger could have played his final game at Old Trafford as he’s linked to move to ChelseaCredit: GettyGarnacho stayed behind after the whistle to walk around the pitch and soak in the atmosphere.Footage showed the Argentine looking emotional and seemingly holding back tears as he pressed his tongue to the side of his mouth. Garnacho first waved and began clapping, while looking up towards the top tier as he headed towards the tunnel.And fans in the Stretford End made their feelings known as they belted “Viva Garnacho” while applauding the 20-year-old.READ MORE MAN UTDGarnacho continued to clap and gave one final wave to everybody with his arms extended before making his way into the back area.Online fans spotted Garnacho’s moving reaction, with one writing: “Oh damn he looks emotional.”A second said: “We really don’t deserve him. It looks like a goodbye.”A third added: “It feels wrong to let him go. You can see he wants to stay.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSWhile another commented: “Wow. He looks sad to be leaving. I guess it’s his last match.”Garnacho could have played his last match at Old Trafford, with United’s next home game coming against Palace on February 2 – the day before the winter window shuts.Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim says he has no disciplinary issues with Rashford and Garnacho The Red Devils are away at Fulham on Sunday and travelling to Romania to face FCSB on January 30.Chelsea are expected to make a formal offer for Garnacho in the coming days.United did not respond to questions around a reported bid from Chelsea that is said to be around the £60million fee they are looking for.Garnacho’s representative, Quique de Lucas, was spotted watching Chelsea beat Wolves at Stamford Bridge on Monday.The Red Devils have been open around the fact their Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) situation is tight.Under PSR rules, selling a home-grown player like Garnacho, who has arguably been the side’s most exciting player over the previous two campaigns, creates more room under pure profit.Yet, United know such a move would go down badly with fans, especially if he joins their Prem rivals at Stamford Bridge. Napoli, who had a £40m bid for Garnacho rejected this month, have turned their attentions to Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi.Garnacho reportedly has no desire to leave United but may be pushed out of the club as United worry about PSR.Those in red inside the stadium repeatedly chanted his name during his 90 minutes against Rangers.An Argentina flag was unfurled in one section of the Stretford End.Garnacho’s Instagram post shortly after further fuelled speculation that he’s waving goodbye to Old Trafford.He captioned it: “Strong team performance. Thank you Old Trafford.”When asked about Garnacho’s future after the game, Ruben Amorim said: “Let’s see in the next days. “He’s a Manchester United player and was really important for us today.”I think he’s improving in every aspect of the game, he was better today playing inside, also outside, changing positions, he’s improving the recovering position.”READ MORE SUN STORIESGarnacho joined Carrington’s academy from Atletico Madrid in 2020.He has made 118 first-team appearances for United since making his debut in 2022 and scored 23 goals.Man Utd ratings: Bruno Fernandes captain fantastic in last-gasp win but Harry Maguire asleep in dreadful cameoMANCHESTER UNITED all but sealed automatic qualification to the last 16 of the Europa League thanks to a last-gasp win over Rangers.The Red Devils welcomed the Scottish giants to Old Trafford in the penultimate group match of their European campaign on Thursday night.And they took a giant step towards a top-eight finish thanks to a 2-1 win at Old Trafford.A calamitous own second-half goal from Gers stopper Jack Butland broke the deadlock.Cyriel Dessers thought he’d rescued a point for the visitors in the 88th minute before Bruno Fernandes broke the hearts of the travelling Teddy Bears four minutes later.SunSport’s Ken Lawrence was in attendance for the Battle of Britain and is on hand to rate and slate the performances of Ruben Amorim’s side.Altay Bayindir – 7The Turk is a better keeper than No 1 Andre Onana, especially dealing with corners.Took a sore one colliding with Toby Collyer showing exactly that.Leny Yoro – 5The £52m central defender was deployed on the right side of Rubin Amorim’s three-man rearguard.Youngster was shaky at times but looked better when he had the ball.Matthijs de Ligt – 4Terrible early touch stranded Toby Collyer – Nicolas Raskin’s even worse touch let him off the hook.Hooked at the break – no surprise there, although Amorim said afterwards that he “felt something”.Lisandro Martinez – 5Once known as The Butcher of Amsterdam but he’s long lost that scary presence.Another one who doesn’t look happy in the new system.Amad Diallo – 7Looks a bit different these days since his tough time on loan at Rangers three years ago.Not on wonder-boy form this time but still a threat.Toby Collyer – 6Made his first appearance on a European stage and the boy done good.The 21 year old is a very decent emerging midfielder.Christian Eriksen – 6Turns 33 next month and his legs aren’t really up to playing in centre midfield.He’s always been a creator anyway but he dug in.Diogo Dalot – 5Started out on his wrong foot as a left wing back.Switched midway through the second half and looked far more comfortable.Bruno Fernandes – 9You wonder if he drives himself as mad as he must do his manager at times. But scored a fantastic winner.Joshua Zirkzee – 4Ruben. He’s NOT a centre-forward.Whatever £36m bought, it wasn’t a natural striker and it’s unfair to be playing him up there on his own.Alejandro Garnacho – 8Busy and focused – didn’t look like any talk of being sold to Chelsea was bothering him.On this sparkling evidence United would be mad to let him go anywhere.SUBSMaguire (for De Ligt 46) 3 Totally asleep for Rangers’ equaliser.Malacia (for Yoro 56) 5 : Looking happier now injury worries overUgarte (for Collyer 73) 5 : Put in a solid short spell.Mainoo (Eriksen 73) 5 : Added strength and mobility.Hojlund (for Zirkzee 82) 5 : Ran about a bit – he’s good at that. More

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      Chelsea set to seal Naomi Girma transfer with USA star due to sign for WSL leaders for world-record fee

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      NAOMI GIRMA is set to join Chelsea for a world-record transfer fee from NWSL side San Diego Wave.The deal for the USA international is thought to be around £900,000 ($1.1m), surpassing the £685,000 fee Bay FC paid for Zambia ace Racheal Kundananji.Naomi Girma is set to become Sonia Bompastor’s first January signing for ChelseaCredit: GettyThe USA ace helped San Diego Wave to win the NWSL Shield in 2023 and was named the division’s Defender of the YearCredit: GettyGirma also helped the USA win gold at the Paris Olympics in 2024 following their triumph in the women’s football tournament at the gamesCredit: GettyChelsea’s swoop for the player, who is 24, comes two months after their centre-back Kadeisha Buchanan ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament during their defeat of Liverpool. It will also see them beat Lyon to Girma’s signature with the eight-time Champions League winners believed to be keen on the defender. According to ESPN Chelsea are thought to have agreed terms with Girma, who is a key figure in the USA team managed by former Blues boss Emma Hayes. The California-born ace is one of the sport’s most highly-rated defenders and a player ex-San Diego Wave boss Casey Stoney believes will be a “massive gain” for the club. Read More Football Stories The centre-back played a significant role in helping her national side to win a gold medal in the women’s football tournament at last year’s Olympics in Paris. Hayes, who guided Chelsea to seven WSL title wins during her 12-year reign, described her as a player who is “unbelievable” on the pitch.Last August, the USA Women’s boss said: “She’s got everything, poise, composure, she can defend, she anticipates, she leads. She’s unbelievable.”Girma performances led to her being included in Fifa’s 2024 Best Women’s 11 side. Most read in SportThis line-up, which is dominated by Barcelona stars, also includes England and Blues right-back Lucy Bronze. Chelsea’s move for Girma follows the club breaking the British transfer record to sign Mayra Ramirez last January. The Colombia striker joined the WSL leaders from leaders from Spanish side Levante for a fee of £384,000 along with add-ous of up to £42,600. Chelsea will host Durham in the Women’s FA Cup ahead of their WSL game against ArsenalCredit: GettyChelsea, who host title rivals Arsenal in a WSL clash this Sunday, are currently top of the league after 10 wins and one draw so far this term. So far this season, under Sonia Bompastor, the Blues are currently unbeaten across all competitions. The Stamford Bridge duel will be Arsenal’s first away trip to the league leaders since Renee Slegers became the Gunners’ permanent head coach.  More

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      Robert Sanchez hasn’t solved Chelsea’s riddle… there’s only ONE other keeper more error-prone in Premier League

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      IT IS HARD to know what is more worrying for Chelsea fans.That their error-prone keeper Robert Sanchez is fighting for his reputation having dropped another clanger at a key moment.Robert Sanchez has failed to convince many that he is the long-term Chelsea No1Credit: APSanchez flapped at a corner, and Wolves poked home for 1-1Credit: GettyOr that the club is sticking by him and has no concrete plans to bring in a replacement during the January transfer window.Chelsea’s owners have spent more than £1billion on players to fill every position that doesn’t require gloves and the feeling is that despite recent blips they are slowly getting there.Wingers come and go like London tube trains. Midfielders too. The defence has been reshuffled more times than a deck of cards in a West End casino.But the goalkeeping conundrum remains at Stamford Bridge despite several changes of manager, even ownership.Read More FootballSanchez is directly responsible for four errors this season that have led directly to goals.Two came in one match – against Brighton back in September. The fans in the Matthew Harding Stand behind him are only just getting their breath back.That puts him second only to Arijanet Muric of struggling Ipswich in the Premier League relegation zone.Chelsea bought Sanchez last minute 18 months ago for £25 million, to fill a gap between the posts when Kepa Arrizabalaga dropped a bombshell that he was off on loan to Real Madrid for a year.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSThey are standing by him – for now anyway. But there’s lot of expectation on the shoulders of teenager Mike Penders, on loan at Genk until the summer.Sanchez was signed on the recommendation of top bod Ben Roberts – head of global goalkeeping. The pair had previously worked together at Brighton.The Biggest January Flop Signings In Premier League HistorySources at Stamford Bridge say that Sanchez is talented but that he is too ‘pro-active’. That he wants to go the game when a keeper should let it come to him.Serbian Djordje Petrovic arrived shortly before Sanchez in the summer of ‘23. He has since been farmed out on loan to Chelsea’s sister club Strasbourg.Dane Filip Jorgensen is understudy to Sanchez but can be erratic. Kepa is now on loan at Bournemouth but wants to stay for good.Not since Thibaut Courtois and Petr Cech have Chelsea found a solid performer who can occupy the posts long term and stop the punters having heart attacks.Filip Jorgensen is Chelsea NO2 – but is somewhat erraticCredit: GettySerbian Djordje Petrovic was bought, then loaned outCredit: GettyYet while they have looked outwards at the transfer market they have said goodbye to several homegrown keepers who may have done just that.Jamie Cumming was on the bench the night Chelsea won the Europa League by trouncing Arsenal in 2019.Jamal Blackman played for England up to Under-19 level. He was on the bench for a Premier League game in 2011 and won the FA Youth Cup. but he reached a ceiling after ten more years trying to make an impression and left.Pole Marcin Bulka is riding high with Nice, who are fifth in French Ligue 1. He spent three years trying to make a breakthrough at Stamford Bridge between 2016 and 2019 before leaving on a free transfer to find a new path.Nathan Baxter, 26, is chasing promotion with Bolton Wanderers in League One. He went on loan seven times to prove himself but hit a glass ceiling and left a year and a half ago.There is no guarantee that any of these keepers would have been any better than Sanchez, Petrovic or Jorgensen. The point is that Chelsea have not been willing to try.And the issue is not confined to the current ownership at Chelsea. It is a historic problem caused by the volatile way of life at Stamford Bridge.A Blues insider said: “With the way managers are under so much pressure at Chelsea, why would they take a risk with a keeper?“With midfielders, strikers, defenders, you can bring a kid on from the academy and give them a run out and see how they do.“You can’t bring a young keeper on for 20 minutes then take him off again.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s just not that kind of role.“And if you make a mistake and it causes a goal, after three or four matches like that the manager is facing the sack.”Chelsea ratings vs Wolves: Chalobah back with a bang but Sanchez drops 2/10 horror showBy Lloyd CanfielCHELSEA made sure to send their fans home happy on Blue Monday thanks to inspired performances from their defenders.Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and then a Noni Madueke finish created by the returning Trevoh Chalobah covered up a pretty quiet attacking display and a mistake from their goalkeeper.Lloyd Canfield rates how Blues’ stars got on against Wolves…Robert Sanchez – 2Up to his usual tricks when passing out from the back, gifting it to the Wolves attack waiting to pounce on a mistake.That was before he dropped an in-swinging corner, gifting Wolves an equaliser before half-time.Reece James – 9Was tasked with arguably the hardest job of the night, stopping Wolves’ threatening left side of Ait-Nouri and Cunha, the latter of whom he dominated throughout the game.Was strong defensively, always stepping in with a tackle at the crucial moment and drove the team forwards well too, always offering a shot with his lethal long-range efforts.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Continued his impressive hot-streak in front of goal of late as he reacted first to a loose ball in the box and finished like a striker.The ‘Uncle’ of the Chelsea side at just 28-years-old had another game to be proud of.Trevoh Chalobah – 9His first game back in a Chelsea shirt after being recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace couldn’t have gone much better.The fans chanted his name throughout as he proved strong in the air and imperial across the ground.Slide tackles, blocks, headed assists, the lot. Trev had it all but a clean sheet tonight and a goal to his name tonight (Which he could’ve had as well).Marc Cucurella – 8Solid defensively and came up with a crucial goal to restore Chelsea’s lead.A great right-footed finish as he was falling to the floor saw the Spaniard prove why he is so good inverting from fullback.Moises Caicedo – 7Started brightly, putting a bad game last time out behind him and was back to the Caicedo that Chelsea fans have loved this season.Recovered well from what looked like a nasty tackle to put in a good a strong second-half performance too.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 6A rare Premier League start offered KDH to show what he can do, and maybe put himself in the shop window for a January move.Was combative in midfield, and his flick for Marc Cucurella’s goal proved why he can be a threat in the Premier League as he was in a great position.Noni Madueke – 8A quiet first half was met by a wicked second half in which we saw the same Noni Madueke we saw in the reverse fixture after his infamous Instagram mistake.He was Chelsea’s most dangerous attacker on the night, with a great cross leading to Marc Cucurella’s goal, before stealing in to head home Chelsea’s third of the night.Cole Palmer – 4The ice cold superstar we’ve become accustomed to seeing seemed a bit off the boil tonight.He came under a few more nasty tackles and seemed a bit put off by that after carrying an injury in the week.Pedro Neto – 4Was jeered and booed by the visiting fans of his former club throughout the game.Despite some dangerous running, he failed to really create anything meaningful and looks better on the right-hand side.Nicolas Jackson – 5Had one good run in the first half, but was otherwise pretty quiet.He did improve in the second half, as his hard work won the free-kick which Chelsea added their third goal from and he did put the ball in the back of the net, only for the linesman to rule it out as offside.SUBSJadon Sancho (Pedro Neto, 62) – 6Chelsea instantly looked better when he came on.Just seems to add a layer of control to the Blues on the wing, and showed more of the flair and good feet we’ve been getting used to from him here.Axel Disasi (Reece James, 78) – 5Fans weren’t best pleased with him simply coming on, and would’ve preferred to see Josh Acheampong.That said, he did nothing wrong.Malo Gusto (Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 78) – 6Did well in the few minutes he had to play, nothing spectacular but was solid on the left side.Tyrique George (Noni Madueke, 83) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to make a meaningful impact on the game.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 83) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to make a meaningful impact on the game. 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      Chelsea ‘consider transfer for Dusan Vlahovic and could send star in opposite direction’ with Arsenal also linked

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      CHELSEA are targeting Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic, who has also been linked with rivals Arsenal.The Gunners have found themselves short in attack with Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka injured, while Kai Havertz is not a natural centre-forward.Chelsea are eyeing Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic during the January transfer windowCredit: GettyChelsea are considering Vlahovic as a replacement for wantaway star Christopher NkunkuCredit: GettyChelsea are considering a swap deal involving Renato VeigaCredit: RexAnd the Blues are thinking ahead as Christopher Nkunku has grown frustrated with the lack of minutes in the Premier League and wants to move elsewhere.Nkunku, 27, has been linked with a return to Germany as Bayern Munich pose as a potential new challenge for the former RB Leipzig star, who will be worth in excess of £60million.That is why the West Londoners are now keeping tabs on Vlahovic, 24, as a potential replacement.According to The Times, Chelsea are eyeing the Serbia international and considering a potential swap deal.Read More on FootballThat would see Renato Veiga going to Juventus during the January transfer window.Veiga, 21, has also struggled for minutes under Enzo Maresca, who places him at full-back rather than the player’s preferred position at centre-back.Juventus are keen on the Portugal international as they see him as a potential replacement for the injured Gleison Bremer.Vlahovic has amassed a total of 53 goals and 11 assists in 125 appearances with Juventus ever since his £62m switch from Fiorentina in 2022.Most read in FootballThe Serbia international has fared very well this season as he has registered 12 goals and two assists in 24 appearances across all competitions.The striker only has 18 months left on his contract with Juventus who are facing the risk of losing him for free next year.Dusan Vlahovic shows his football skills when he joins Juventus in training The Serie A giants want to tie Vlahovic to a new deal but are unlikely to offer him a new contract matching his current salary of just under £10m per year. More

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      Chelsea stars caught up in police chase – with three people arrested outside team’s hotel after car ploughed into cops

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      THREE people have been arrested outside a hotel where Chelsea FC stars were staying after a car ploughed into cops.This was following an earlier police chase in South London unrelated to the club or its players.The incident took place before Chelsea’s game against Wolves last nightCredit: GettyThree people were arrested after a police chaseCredit: GoogleAt around 4.30pm yesterday, a car attempted to make off from cops in Waterfront Drive, Chelsea. The car was involved in a collision with a police vehicle – although there were no injuries, said the Met Police.Three people were arrested – one man for failing to stop for police, and a man and a woman for being concerned in the supply of drugs.The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a scene remains in place and enquiries continue.A witness claimed that the Chelsea team bus was stuck at the hotel as a result of the incident, reports MyLondon.However, this didn’t stop the team from getting to Stamford Bridge on time for the match against Wolves.The Blues managed to win 3-1 despite their relegation battling opponents giving them trouble in their Premier League clash.Noni Madueke’s 65th-minute goal added to earlier strikes by defenders Tosin Adarabioyo and Marc Cucurella on what looked a convincing win for Chelsea but took far too long to get over the line.Most read in FootballIt’s a first home win for them since mid-December even if it does take Enzo Maresca’s team back into the top four right now.They are four points off second place but still ten off the top. More

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      Chelsea player ratings: Trevoh Chalobah back with a bang but Robert Sanchez drops 2/10 horror show in Wolves win

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      CHELSEA made sure to send their fans home happy on Blue Monday thanks to inspired performances from their defenders. Goals from Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Cucurella and then a Noni Madueke finish created by the returning Trevoh Chalobah covered up a pretty quiet attacking display and a mistake from their goalkeeper.Trevoh Chalobah’s return to Chelsea got off to an almost-perfect startCredit: GettyChelsea’s goalkeeper robbed them of a perfect night at homeCredit: ReutersChelsea dominated Wolves at home, but should have scored moreTosin Adarabioyo opened the scoring for Chelsea as a Reece James shot bounced around in the box it was he who was quickest to react and poke home.That’s three goals in three games for the 6’5 defender, and none of them have been headers…A feisty first half followed, with Cole Palmer and Moises Caicedo both left limping after tussles with Wolves stars, and things went from bad to worse as Robert Sanchez spilled a corner which Doherty tapped home.Another defender restored the lead for Chelsea, as pantomime villain Marc Cucurella stole in from midfield to finish into the bottom corner with his right foot.READ MORE FOOTBALLAnd just moments later it was three for Maresca’s men, with Noni showing shades of Nani, darting in to just make sure Trevoh Chalobah’s goal-bound header hit the back of the net.Here’s how SunSport’s Lloyd Canfield rated the players…Robert Sanchez – 2Up to his usual tricks when passing out from the back, gifting it to the Wolves attack waiting to pounce on a mistake.That was before he dropped an in-swinging corner, gifting Wolves an equaliser before half-time.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSReece James (C) –  9Was tasked with arguably the hardest job of the night, stopping Wolves’ threatening left side of Ait-Nouri and Cunha, the latter of whom he dominated throughout the game.Was strong defensively, always stepping in with a tackle at the crucial moment and drove the team forwards well too, always offering a shot with his lethal long-range efforts.Jack Grealish’s reaction to Cole Palmer becoming a manager says it all as he and Maguire apologise to Chelsea starIt was one of those that led to Tosin opening the scoring for the Blues, and he was credited with the assist.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Continued his impressive hot-streak in front of goal of late as he reacted first to a loose ball in the box and finished like a striker.The ‘Uncle’ of the Chelsea side at just 28-years-old had another game to be proud of.Trevoh Chalobah – 9His first game back in a Chelsea shirt after being recalled from his loan at Crystal Palace couldn’t have gone much better.The fans chanted his name throughout as he proved strong in the air and imperial across the ground. Slide tackles, blocks, headed assists, the lot. Trev had it all but a clean sheet tonight and a goal to his name tonight (Which he could’ve had as well). Marc Cucurella – 8Solid defensively and came up with a crucial goal to restore Chelsea’s lead. A great right-footed finish as he was falling to the floor saw the Spaniard prove why he is so good inverting from fullback.Moises Caicedo – 7Started brightly, putting a bad game last time out behind him and was back to the Caicedo that Chelsea fans have loved this season. Recovered well from what looked like a nasty tackle to put in a good a strong second-half performance too.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall  – 6A rare Premier League start offered KDH to show what he can do, and maybe put himself in the shop window for a January move.Was combative in midfield, and his flick for Marc Cucurella’s goal proved why he can be a threat in the Premier League as he was in a great position.Noni Madueke – 8A quiet first half was met by a wicked second half in which we saw the same Noni Madueke we saw in the reverse fixture after his infamous Instagram mistake.He was Chelsea’s most dangerous attacker on the night, with a great cross leading to Marc Cucurella’s goal, before stealing in to head home Chelsea’s third of the night.Cole Palmer  – 4The ice cold superstar we’ve become accustomed to seeing seemed a bit off the boil tonight.He came under a few more nasty tackles and seemed a bit put off by that after carrying an injury in the week.Pedro Neto – 4Was jeered and booed by the visiting fans of his former club throughout the game.Despite some dangerous running, he failed to really create anything meaningful and looks better on the right-hand side. Nicolas Jackson – 5Had one good run in the first half, but was otherwise pretty quiet.He did improve in the second half, as his hard work won the free-kick which Chelsea added their third goal from and he did put the ball in the back of the net, only for the linesman to rule it out as offside.SUBS:Jadon Sancho (Pedro Neto, 62) – 6Chelsea instantly looked better when he came on. Just seems to add a layer of control to the Blues on the wing, and showed more of the flair and good feet we’ve been getting used to from him here. Axel Disasi (Reece James, 78) – 5Fans weren’t best pleased with him simply coming on, and would’ve preferred to see Josh Acheampong.That said, he did nothing wrong. Malo Gusto (Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, 78) – 6Did well in the few minutes he had to play, nothing spectacular but was solid on the left side.READ MORE SUN STORIESTyrique George (Noni Madueke, 83) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to make a meaningful impact on the game.Joao Felix (Cole Palmer, 83) – 5Wasn’t given enough time to make a meaningful impact on the game. More

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      Chelsea outcast Ben Chilwell ‘lined up for stunning Champions League transfer – but move could depend on Man City’

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      CHELSEA outcast Ben Chilwell has been lined up for a stunning transfer to Juventus.The left-back hasn’t made a single Premier League or Europa League appearance under Enzo Maresca this season.Juventus are lining up a winter move for Chelsea outcast Ben ChilwellCredit: PAChilwell was put up for sale last summer after being axed to Chelsea’s ‘bomb squad’ with the likes of Raheem Sterling and the recently-recalled Trevoh Chalobah.And his sole appearance of the season came from the bench in September’s Carabao Cup win over Barrow.Chilwell is now hoping to secure a move away from Stamford Bridge before deadline day.And Alfredo Pedulla claims Italian giants Juventus have emerged as leading contenders.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Serie A outfit remain unbeaten under Thiago Motta but have won just eight of their 21 matches so far, drawing an incredible 13 in the process.Juventus hope to add some ball-playing technicality to their backline by beating Borussia Dortmund to the loan signing of Chelsea’s versatile Portugal international Renato Veiga.But Chilwell has also emerged as a target due to strong interest from Manchester City in left-sider Andrea Cambiaso.Chiefs from Juventus are now set for a mega-meeting with Chelsea counterparts as they look to secure deals for both Veiga and Chilwell.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHowever, the latter’s exit likely rests on whether or not City make a big-enough bid to sign Cambiaso in the latter days of the window.Speaking this month, Chelsea boss Maresca admitted he felt “shame” at omitting Chilwell from his plans this season.Watch Enzo Maresca’s incredibly blunt response when asked if he has regrets about axing Chelsea star from squadHe said: “Players want to play more so there’s probably chances for them to leave.“But Ben has been top, I have to say that, he has been top. Very professional, works hard.“I feel shame because of that situation, but in terms of behaviour, he has been very good.” More

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      How Nottingham Forest took the ‘Chelsea approach’ to reach top four and exposed fine line between stupid and clever

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      AS two wise men once said, it’s such a fine line between stupid and, uh, clever.This philosophical gem comes from the mockumentary — if you will, rockumentary — Spinal Tap, in which the David St Hubbins character is marginally brighter than bandmate Nigel Tufnel.Nottingham Forest have come a long way from being cast as ‘idiots’ for all their spendingCredit: ReutersUnder owner Evangelos Marinakis, Forest have a Premier League net spend of £215mCredit: GettyBut under Todd Boehly, Chelsea’s net spend is a staggering £800mCredit: AlamyBack in the summer of 2022, it was Nottingham Forest cast as the idiots after bringing in 31 players to help their bid for a successful return to the English top flight.Meanwhile, Chelsea’s £250million spree on eight stars was generally regarded as a positive sign that the new owners would do their best to keep the Blues in the style to which they had become accustomed under Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.The two clubs have moved back and forth on the stupid/clever scale in the intervening two-and-a-half years. But if Forest end the season in the top four, and Chelsea don’t, it will be pretty clear where they stand.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThat feels like a real possibility after recent results.When Chelsea sat second for most of December, boss Enzo Maresca played it cool and insisted his side were not title contenders.After five Premier League games without a win, Maresca’s stance now looks less like a mind game to take the pressure off his players, which hasn’t worked, and more like a frank assessment of their level.Forest chief Nuno Espirito Santo has also preached caution, but he and his players have maintained their strong start to the season.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSThe battling draw against leaders Liverpool on Tuesday was the latest evidence they can mix it with the big boys and have a good chance of staying the distance.It has been tempting to tar these clubs with the same brush, with Forest as the poor man’s Chelsea — despite owner Evangelos Marinakis being a billionaire.Why Nuno Espirito Santo was such a flop for Tottenham before leading Nottingham Forest on Leicester-like title chargeWhen the Blues splashed out an unprecedented £300m-plus in January 2023, they firmly joined Forest in farcical, rather than fantasy, football.Graham Potter and then Mauricio Pochettino were sacked for not making enough sense of it all. While at Forest, Steve Cooper paid the same price in December 2023 as the club dug in for another relegation battle.That was before Forest were docked four points for breaking profit and sustainability rules due to their 2022-23 spending. Such a miscalculation would have looked even more stupid if they had gone down.Chelsea’s owners dodged any penalty by selling a couple of hotels to themselves for £76.5m just before the deadline for the 2022-23 period. It showed they were clever at accounting, at least.Last June, Forest demonstrated they were wising up about how to play the system. Keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos made a shock journey to Newcastle, with Elliot Anderson travelling in the other direction.Some claim Chelsea got up to similar PSR-dodging shenanigans with Aston Villa and also sold their women’s team to the owners.As a result, it seems both clubs have avoided Premier League charges for breaking rules in the three seasons to 2023-24.But during this campaign, Forest have not only caught up but for now overtaken the Blues where it really counts — on the pitch.Forest are the Premier League club with the eighth highest net spend — more than £215m — in the past five seasons, despite only having been in the top flight for three of them.But that is way behind market leaders Chelsea, with a net outlay of getting on for £800m. And Marinakis is getting much more bang for his buck than Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly.Take goalkeepers, for instance. Really, please, take some goalkeepers, as Chelsea might have said when they had EIGHT on their books back in August.Yet none of them — not first-choice Robert Sanchez (initial fee £25m), back-up Filip Jorgensen (£20.5m), incoming Mike Penders (£17m), nor any of out-on-loan duo Djordje Petrovic (£12.5m) and Kepa (£71.6m back in 2018, still a world record for a goalkeeper) — is as good as Forest’s stopper Matz Sels.The Belgium international, who arrived at the City Ground for just £5m in February, made crucial saves against Liverpool and leads the race for the Golden Glove with nine clean sheets.Sels would doubtless give credit to the defence in front of him.Not least to Murillo, a £15m snip signed in 2023, and centre-back partner Nikola Milenkovic, who cost only £12m last summer.Right-back Ola Aina came on a free, making left-back Neco Williams — a £17m capture in that first summer of madness — the most expensive member of Tuesday’s back four.Chelsea have spent more than £250m on defenders alone under the current owners but have only kept two clean sheets since the start of December.So Forest have been transformed from a Championship club into top-four contenders.And for far less than Chelsea’s owners have spent turning the Blues from third-place finishers in May 2022, a year after they won the Champions League, to a side that faces a fight just to qualify for next season’s European showpiece.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn Spinal Tap, Tufnel patiently explains why his amplifier settings go to 11. After Forest and Chelsea went one louder with their transfer policy, will either or both have the last laugh on their critics in May? More