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    Chelsea ‘leading shock transfer race to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Man Utd’, according to bombshell reports

    CHELSEA are reportedly leading the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo after talks over a new Manchester United deal reached a stalemate.The Mail sensationally claims that United’s young midfielder could be on his way to Stamford Bridge despite his starring role in Sunday’s 2-2 draw at Liverpool.Chelsea are leading the race to sign Kobbie Mainoo from Man UtdCredit: RexThe Red Devils are eager to tie Mainoo down to a new contract, despite his current run not expiring until summer 2027.But talks over an extension have apparently hit a dead end.It’s reckoned FFP constraints mean United are unable to offer Mainoo similar terms to some of their top earners and no longer see him as untouchable.While the player himself is alleged to have “concerns” over the direction of the club and their lack of challenge for Champions League football.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt reportedly means Mainoo is facing an uncertain long-term future at Old Trafford.And Chelsea are now said to be plotting a move to bring Mainoo to London.Todd Boehly has made it his business to snap up the brightest talents in football.Mainoo is already an important fixture for club and country despite not turning 20 years old until April.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd he fits the profile of a modern-day Chelsea signing.Mainoo has already made 52 appearances for United since his debut two years ago.Watch Kobbie Mainoo leave three young Man Utd fans stunned with gift in wholesome hidden camera video He’s also played 10 times for England and was a key figure in their run to last summer’s Euros final.Should he join Chelsea, Mainoo would compete for a starting spot against Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Romeo Lavia.The Blues also have Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Cesare Casadei and Carney Chukwuemeka in their squad.While Andrey Santos and Lesley Ugochukwu are away on loan. More

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    James Rodriguez becomes unemployed again as Colombia legend, 33, is released on sixth free transfer in six years

    JAMES RODRIGUEZ has become unemployed for the sixth year in a row and is reportedly considering a return to the Premier League.The 33-year-old is available as a free agent after his contract at LaLiga side Rayo Vallecano was mutually terminated.James Rodriguez has become unemployed again after leaving Rayo VallecanoCredit: GettyHe moved to Rayo in August but has been restricted to just seven appearances in all competitions.Rodriguez had signed a one-year deal with Rayo, who sit 12th in the Spanish top-flight, with the option of a further 12 months.There are both economic and sporting reasons for the former Real Madrid man’s early departure, according to The Athletic.The Colombia international joined Rayo off the back of winning the Golden Ball at the 2024 Copa America.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe produced six assists to help fire Colombia to the final, only for he and his team-mates to suffer heartbreak with a 1-0 defeat to Argentina.However, Rodriguez has featured just six times in LaLiga this season and predominantly as a substitute.And the former World Cup breakthrough star has not played in the league since a 13-minute cameo against Las Palmas on November 8.Rodriguez moved to Rayo on a free transfer in the summer after leaving Sao Paulo one season into a two-year contract.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Bayern Munich forward has had spells at Everton, Olympiacos and Al-Rayyan since leaving the Bernabeu in 2020.He joined the Toffees in 2020 to reunite with his former Madrid and  Bayern Munich boss Carlo Ancelotti.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersRodriguez became a favourite at Goodison Park, before being frozen out by Ancelotti’s unpopular successor Rafael Benitez.He starred 26 times for the Toffees, scoring six goals and laying on eight assists, but they could only finish 10th.And a return to Premier League action is not off the table, according to Portuguese outlet O Jogo.The report cites Aston Villa, Wolves, Fulham and Nottingham Forest as all being interested in the Colombian.It was at the 2014 World Cup when Rodriguez burst on to the scene as one of the hottest properties in football.Rodriguez burst on to the scene with Colombia at the 2014 World Cup in BrazilCredit: Getty Images – GettyBut amid offers from Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City, he opted to join Real Madrid after lighting up the tournament in Brazil.Rodriguez went on to win two LaLiga titles and a pair of Champions Leagues with Madrid.He then spent two years on loan at Bayern Munich between 2017 and 2019, adding a pair of Bundesliga titles to his trophy collection.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe returned to Real Madrid for the 2019-20 campaign, before joining Everton on a free in September 2020.He captains Colombia and has been capped 112 times at international level, scoring 29 goals.Rodriguez played 26 times for Everton More

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    Chelsea ‘consider recalling Trevoh Chalobah from Crystal Palace loan transfer’ despite being part of ‘bomb squad’

    CHELSEA are considering recalling Trevoh Chalobah from his loan at Crystal Palace.The defender joined the Eagles in the summer and has made 14 appearances for Oliver Glasner’s side.Chelsea could recall Trevoh Chalobah this monthCredit: GettyChalobah has been part of an effective back three at Selhurst Park, just as he was when he first broke into the Chelsea team under Thomas Tuchel.Blues boss Enzo Maresca allowed him to leave in the summer with Chalobah part of the ‘bomb squad’ in West London.But Chelsea are now considering recalling the centre-back, report The Athletic.Chelsea’s backline has been depleted by injuries with Maresca revealing Wesley Fofana could be out for the rest of the season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBenoit Badiashile has also been sidelined while Axel Disasi has looked shaky in recent appearances, gifting Ipswich a goal in a defeat last week.Chalobah, 25, has been in and out of the Chelsea side since he made his debut in 2021.He has made 80 appearances since graduating from the club’s academy but was limited to just 13 Prem games last season.Chalobah was barred from using first-team facilities in the summer after being deemed surplus to requirements.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe was made to train with the development squad alongside other outcasts including Armando Broja and Ben Chilwell.Palace boss Glasner spoke about Chalobah’s future, saying: “I could see that there was Axel Disasi and Tosin Adarabioyo on the bench. Chelsea Player Ratings (1)“I don’t know if you need another one if you play with two. I was just reading that Aaron Anselmino comes back so they have five.“I don’t know what they’re planning. Trevoh is doing very well for us.” More

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    Chelsea wonderkid Cesare Casadei ‘AGREES to permanent transfer exit as Torino launch bargain £10m bid’

    CHELSEA look set to offload wonderkid Cesare Casadei after he AGREED a permanent transfer away. The 21-year-old midfielder was signed in 2022 from Inter Milan in a deal worth £12.6m after he was touted for big things. Cesare Casadei could be on his way out of ChelseaCredit: GettyCasadei was named player of the tournament at the Under-20 World Cup for Italy and looked to be a star of the future. He spent time on loan at Reading and Leicester before being recalled to the Blues squad in January 2024. Incoming manager Enzo Maresca decided to keep Casadei in his side after taking over in the summer. But the player has been limited to just six appearances all season – five in the Europa Conference League and one in the Carabao Cup.READ MORE IN football Casadei has only made Chelsea’s Premier League bench four times – failing to make an appearance. It has led to speculation over his future and now Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Casadei has agreed to join Torino back home in Italy. A deal between the two clubs is now being thrashed out – believed to be in the region of £10m. Chelsea’s terms with Torino is also set to include a buy-back option.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCasadei is said to have attracted attention from Napoli, Lazio and Monza as well with the player keen on a return home. Maresca did not sign Casadei at Chelsea but the two worked together at Leicester – where the midfielder was played in a more advanced role. Moment Luke Littler copies Chelsea legend’s celebration during World Darts Championship clash with Nathan Aspinall The Stamford Bridge boss praised Casadei in October following a run of Conference League performances. Maresca said: “I am very happy with the way he is playing. “I had Cesare last year and he was playing a little bit in different position. This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder. “The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press. “On the ball, he is improving a lot. Tonight he played one touch, so we are very happy. “For him, it’s the same as the rest; many things he can do better but he is in the right direction.”Enzo Maresca has worked with Casadei at Chelsea and LeicesterCredit: Getty More

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    Tosin Adarabioyo’s John Terry-like leadership skills played part in Chelsea pushing for defender’s summer transfer

    TOSIN ADARABIOYO is the closest thing Chelsea have to John Terry as they look for a leader to end their mini-slump.Blues head coach Enzo Maresca insists he has plenty of inspirational figures in his dressing room that can help turn around their dip in form.Tosin Adarabioyo is the closest thing Chelsea have to John TerryEnzo Maresca insists he has plenty of inspirational figures in his dressing roomTerry remains a true blue symbol of Chelsea having played 717 games for the BluesDefender Tosin, 27, is part of a group of senior players charged with rallying the troops when times are tough like now.Reece James remains club captain and will wear the armband should he make it on to the pitch today at Crystal Palace following injury.But Maresca said: “We have  different profiles of players who are leaders in different ways.“We have different kinds of characters. The one that is most vocal in the dressing room is Tosin. He does that kind of job.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS“Sometimes you have different kinds of leaders. Leaders that don’t talk much but, when they do, the rest listen a lot.”Tosin is one of the oldest players in Maresca’s youthful squad and readily accepts the challenge of leadership.He joins forces to keep up morale and promote unity in the dressing room alongside vice-captain Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Levi  Colwill and James when fit.The centre-back was part of a similar inner sanctum at Fulham alongside Harrison Reed, Tim Reem and skipper Tom Cairney last season.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHe was targeted by Chelsea co-director of recruitment Joe Shields for that reason among others.Maresca said: “We have Moises that behaves fantastically.Enzo Maresca admits Chelsea a long way from competing with Premier League’s best after loss to Ipswich “Enzo is improving a lot, Levi is improving a lot. Reece is one of them but in his own way.“We have Tosin that does that kind of job and Marcus Betinelli. We have different characters and with age they are going to be better and better. But they are different, all of them.”Legend Terry remains a true blue symbol of Chelsea having played 717 games for them over 17 years.And the highly-decorated former defender is still revered by the fans.Maresca needs everyone pulling in the same direction as he bids to end a run of three games without a win, including two defeats over Christmas.They are clinging to fourth spot by just three points from in-form Newcastle.There is more grim news for Chelsea’s Italian manager with him now predicting Tosin’s defensive team-mate Wesley Fofana may well miss the rest of the season with a hamstring injury.They had lost just one in eight games before the £70million Frenchman was hurt in a freak accident stepping on the ball to challenge Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins last month.Wesley Fofana could miss the rest of the season after pulling his hamstring against IpswichMaresca said: “Unfortunately he could be out for the season, we don’t know exactly.“We have been together here since I started, and every time you ask me about Wes, I have said many times that I’m in love with him because he is the kind of defender that gives you the chance to press and be aggressive. With Wes, we are a better team.”Chelsea are holding off on surgery but do not be surprised if Fofana goes under the knife in yet another disappointing episode for the player who missed almost a year with a knee problem.Fellow centre-half Benoit Badiashile is also out until mid-February, which is why Maresca has recalled Aaron Anselmino from his loan spell at Argentine side Boca Juniors.Maresca will not rule out bringing back another defender from loan to ease his crisis.Chelsea have also been linked with Ipswich striker Liam Delap as they look for goals to get back on track.READ MORE SUN STORIESBut Maresca said: “We have a young striker in Marc Guiu, who is doing very well in the Conference League. I haven’t given him enough minutes in the Premier League to prove it.“Hopefully we can start to give him some minutes very soon.”Chelsea ratings vs Ipswich as Blues defenders have a shocker and only ONE star can hold his head highCHELSEA made it back-to-back losses as they slumped to an awful 2-0 defeat at Ipswich.Enzo Maresca’s side went into the match hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 home loss to Fulham on Boxing Day.But instead saw their title hopes take another massive dent after goals from Liam Delap and old-boy Omari Hutchinson.On a night to forget for the Blues, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates and slates each performer…FILIP JORGENSEN – 6His first bit of action was a clumsy trailing leg to catch Delap and give away a needless penalty.Followed it up with a few decent stops to deny the forward anything else, but the damage was already done.AXEL DISASI – 4Offered very little until a fine pass early in the second half to put Madueke through.But that was then overshadowed by a woeful piece of defending to give the hosts a second goal, first with a stray pass to Delap and then giving Hutchinson the freedom of Ipswich to slot home.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Struggled to deal with Delap, physically and for pace. Looked terrified to press him. Lumbered about for most of the game.LEVI COLWILL – 6Looks so much better with a proper defensive partner, unlike here.Not his best game, but not his worst.MARC CUCURELLA – 5Nervy clearance off Hutchinson almost gave Delap a second inside 15 minutes and caught out of position plenty when Ipswich countered.Poor in attacking areas.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6A real mixed bag.Picked up some good pockets of space but out-muscled on occasion.MOISES CAICEDO – 6Blazed over a glorious chance from the edge of the box off his left peg.Controlled the game well from deep at times.NONI MADUEKE – 7Involved in everything good with Chelsea, taking on defenders and unlucky not to grab a first half goal.Linked up well with Palmer and Enzo.COLE PALMER – 8A joy to watch. His cleverly-disguised free-kick smacked the post and his cross for Joao Felix at the far post to score from was delightful, only to be called back for offside.He was then denied a curling beauty by a worldie save. Did not deserve to be on the losing side. Best player on the pitch by a mile.JOAO FELIX – 6Perhaps a harsh one but should have stayed onside before tapping in Palmer’s brilliant cross to level the scores.Had a header cleared off the line just after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 5An anonymous first half was followed up by more anonymity in the second before being hauled off just after the hour mark.Feels like he has wasted a huge chance given to him by Maresca to prove he can be the difference maker.SUBSNICOLAS JACKSON (for Felix, 55) – 6Missed a blatant one v one, spared blushes by a delayed offside flag.JADON SANCHO – (for Nkunku, 65) – 6Did very little, but the game was pretty much done by the time he came on.MALO GUSTO (for Disasi, 77) – 6Came on just so Disasi could make way, it seems. Made his presence known by getting into a late scrap with Davis.PEDRO NETO (for Madueke, 77) – 5Brought some zip, but let himself down by going down soft holding his face from a Kalvin Phillips ‘challenge’. More

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    Chelsea handed huge injury blow as £70m man could be out for SEASON and not just five weeks as first thought

    ENZO MARESCA has given a worrying update on injured star Wesley Fofana. The Blues defender has been out since picking up a hamstring issue against Aston Villa on December 1.Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca has given an update on Wesley FofanaCredit: PAThe French defender limped out of the Blues win over Aston Villa last monthCredit: PAFofana, who signed for Chelsea in 2022, was originally ruled out for around five weeks. But scans have revealed more damage than first anticipated.And during his pre-match press conference for Saturday’s visit to Crystal Palace, Maresca revealed it was not a good prognosis. The Blues boss said: “Unfortunately, there’s a risk Wesley Fofana could be out for the entire season. READ MORE ON CHELSEA”The initial feeling was [he would be out] 5 weeks but then more tests gave us bad news. “We don’t know exactly yet, but it’s a huge loss.”Fofana, a £70million signing from Leicester, had started 12 of Chelsea’s 13 Premier League games up until a tangle with Ollie Watkins in the Villa game.The Frenchman does not currently require surgery on the issue. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAnd Maresca confirmed it wasn’t linked to the anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept Fofana sidelined throughout last season. He continued: “I don’t think this kind of injury can be compared to the rest. Moment Luke Littler copies Chelsea legend’s celebration during World Darts Championship clash with Nathan Aspinall “This one is muscle and previously he hasn’t had any muscle problems, so it’s completely different.”It’s a bit unlucky but he will be back and he will be good in the way he was before he was injured.”Chelsea head to Palace on Saturday looking to bounce back from a shock defeat to Ipswich on Monday. The Blues are currently fourth in the Premier League table, two points behind Nottingham Forest. Chelsea ratings vs Ipswich as Blues defenders have a shocker and only ONE star can hold his head highCHELSEA made it back-to-back losses as they slumped to an awful 2-0 defeat at Ipswich.Enzo Maresca’s side went into the match hoping to bounce back from their 2-1 home loss to Fulham on Boxing Day.But instead saw their title hopes take another massive dent after goals from Liam Delap and old-boy Omari Hutchinson.On a night to forget for the Blues, SunSport’s Jordan Davies rates and slates each performer…FILIP JORGENSEN – 6His first bit of action was a clumsy trailing leg to catch Delap and give away a needless penalty.Followed it up with a few decent stops to deny the forward anything else, but the damage was already done.AXEL DISASI – 4Offered very little until a fine pass early in the second half to put Madueke through.But that was then overshadowed by a woeful piece of defending to give the hosts a second goal, first with a stray pass to Delap and then giving Hutchinson the freedom of Ipswich to slot home.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5Struggled to deal with Delap, physically and for pace. Looked terrified to press him. Lumbered about for most of the game.LEVI COLWILL – 6Looks so much better with a proper defensive partner, unlike here.Not his best game, but not his worst.MARC CUCURELLA – 5Nervy clearance off Hutchinson almost gave Delap a second inside 15 minutes and caught out of position plenty when Ipswich countered.Poor in attacking areas.ENZO FERNANDEZ – 6A real mixed bag.Picked up some good pockets of space but out-muscled on occasion.MOISES CAICEDO – 6Blazed over a glorious chance from the edge of the box off his left peg.Controlled the game well from deep at times.NONI MADUEKE – 7Involved in everything good with Chelsea, taking on defenders and unlucky not to grab a first half goal.Linked up well with Palmer and Enzo.COLE PALMER – 8A joy to watch. His cleverly-disguised free-kick smacked the post and his cross for Joao Felix at the far post to score from was delightful, only to be called back for offside.He was then denied a curling beauty by a worldie save. Did not deserve to be on the losing side. Best player on the pitch by a mile.JOAO FELIX – 6Perhaps a harsh one but should have stayed onside before tapping in Palmer’s brilliant cross to level the scores.Had a header cleared off the line just after the break.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU – 5An anonymous first half was followed up by more anonymity in the second before being hauled off just after the hour mark.Feels like he has wasted a huge chance given to him by Maresca to prove he can be the difference maker.SUBSNICOLAS JACKSON (for Felix, 55) – 6Missed a blatant one v one, spared blushes by a delayed offside flag.JADON SANCHO – (for Nkunku, 65) – 6Did very little, but the game was pretty much done by the time he came on.MALO GUSTO (for Disasi, 77) – 6Came on just so Disasi could make way, it seems. Made his presence known by getting into a late scrap with Davis.PEDRO NETO (for Madueke, 77) – 5Brought some zip, but let himself down by going down soft holding his face from a Kalvin Phillips ‘challenge’. More

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    Kerr and Fishel included in Chelsea’s winter training camp squad as they step up recovery from ACL injuries

    SAM KERR and Mia Fishel travelled with their Chelsea pals to a training camp in Portugal today to continue their push back to fitness. The Blues strikers have both been out of action since January and February last year after sustaining knee ligament ruptures. Sam Kerr’s and her Chelsea team-mates’ trip to Portugal comes ahead of their fourth round Women’s FA Cup clash with Charlton next SundayCredit: GettyMia Fishel (pictured) and Kerr have been working on their recovery from knee ligament tears they suffered last yearCredit: GettyKerr’s injury occurred during last season’s winter break at the WSL side’s warm weather training camp in Morocco.The Australia skipper, 31, is currently one goal shy of netting for the hundredth time for Chelsea with whom she has won 11 trophies including five WSL titles. USA forward Fishel, 23, suffered her injury in a training session with her national side in February 2024. On Friday Chelsea revealed the duo will not be in team training with the squad despite joining the trip to Portugal. Read More Football StoriesBlues forward Lauren James, 23, is nearing a return to fitness and has been included in the squad that travelled yesterday. The England star is recovering from a calf injury she sustained in October 2024. Her club’s trip to Portugal for training comes nine days before the team’s return to competitive action for the first time this year. Sonia Bompastor’s Blues will host Charlton in the Women’s FA Cup fourth round on Sunday 12 January in their first competitive match of this yearCredit: AlamyThey take on Charlton next Sunday in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup at their Kingsmeadow fortress. Most read in FootballSonia Bompastor’s side are currently the only team unbeaten in the WSL after ten games this term. The league leaders’ return to top-flight action on Sunday January 19 when they visit West Ham. More

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    Chelsea co-owner Behdad Eghbali buys UK’s most expensive flat as he purchases luxury £56million Mayfair penthouse

    CHELSEA co-owner Behdad Eghbali has bought the UK’s most expensive flat – costing £56million. The Iranian–American businessman – who took over Chelsea with Todd Boehly in 2022 – purchased the luxury penthouse in Mayfair. Behdad Eghbali has bought the UK’s most expensive flatCredit: AFPAccording to Bloomberg, the billionaire bought the flat in the summer and it features a cinema, swimming pool and spa.Eghbali – worth an estimated £3BILLION – already has a similar apartment worth £34m in the same neighbourhood. Boehly and Eghbali paid former Blues owner Roman Abramovich £4.25bn in the summer of 2022. But at the start of this season, rumours swirled of a civil war between the two owners behind the scenes. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe co-controlling owners were at loggerheads and apparently wanted to buy each other out. But as performances on the pitch under new manager Enzo Maresca improved – talk of friendly fire in West London soon faded out. The last time the pair were pictured together was during Chelsea’s away trip to West Ham in September. They were both in the Stamford Bridge stands for the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest in October – but sat separately. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBoehly watched his side hammer Aston Villa 3-0 at the start of December – doing so wearing a Chelsea jacket. Eghbali meanwhile was in the stands to watch the disastrous 2-1 Boxing Day defeat to Fulham – sat alongside transfer chief Paul Winstanley. Chelsea are coming off successive losses having been beaten 2-0 at Ipswich – leaving them off the pace in the title race. Moment Luke Littler copies Chelsea legend’s celebration during World Darts Championship clash with Nathan Aspinall More