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    ‘I’m not at the start of my career. I have to make smart moves to accomplish my dreams’, says Lucy Bronze

    LUCY BRONZE is desperate to fulfil a dream that has so far eluded her during a trophy-laden 17-year playing career.Lifting the Champions League trophy with an English club is a milestone the Chelsea star, 32, is yet achieve.Lucy Bronze believes Chelsea are in a stronger position to win the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe England full-back has won the competition five times with Lyon and BarcelonaCredit: GettyBronze helped her former club Barca win their third Champions League title when they beat Lyon 2-0 in May this yearCredit: GettyBut it’s something she hopes to do with the Blues determined to end their trophyless run in the tournament.Adding Europe’s biggest club prize to their collection of 16 trophies – including seven WSL titles – is a top priority in a new era for the Blues under Sonia Bompastor.The France-born head coach, 44, has won the contest as a midfielder and a manager during a playing and coaching career spanning 17 years with Lyon.And Bronze is no stranger to winning the tournament having done so three times with the French side, and twice with Barcelona.Read More Football StoriesThe right-back, who joined Chelsea on a two-year deal in July after two years in Spain, said: “Those moments: Champions League finals, World Cup finals, European finals, they don’t come along that often.“They’re the best feelings that you have as an athlete.”Going for those every year is something that really motivates me but I’m motivated by the fact that I absolutely love what I do.”I’m not at the start of my career so I had to make smart moves to try to accomplish these dreams that I have.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Winning the Champions League with an English team has always been my dream.”Coming to Chelsea, I wanted to win the Champions League with an English team and they are the best team to do that with.Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ club”I won the tournament for the first time at Lyon, but nothing would ever be as good as doing it with an English team.”That’s something that I felt playing for England as well, winning a tournament with England means more to me than anything else.”Bronze’s hunger to help Chelsea become the first English side since Arsenal to win Europe’s elite club competition is an ambition shared by her boss.It has been 17 years since a team from these shores has triumphed in the contest.Within that time clubs from France and Germany have been the most dominant sides prior to Barcelona’s emergence as champions on three occasions since 2021.Bompastor’s former club Lyon are the contest’s current record winners. Since 2011 they have lifted the trophy eight times, with Bronze featuring in their wins in 2018, 2019 and 2020.In her first Blues press conference last month Bompastor made it clear that Champions League glory with Chelsea was among her targets.  And she believes a triumph in Europe would take her team 2to the next level”.Bompastor, whose side will host Aston Villa on September 20, said: “They have had a lot of success in past seasons thanks to Emma (Hayes).”My job is to work really hard to build on that legacy and try to bring the club to the next level.”Being able to win the Champions League will be a big challenge because there are a lot of really competitive clubs in Europe.”I think we have all the talent in the squad to go to the final and have a chance to win it.”In Bronze’s mind Chelsea emerging as victors in the tournament is just a matter of the team adding a “small bit” to their big pushes in Europe.Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.Lucy Bronze Past forays have seen them notch up firsts including beating two-time contest winners Wolfsburg for the first time in the tournament in 2021.They did so on the way to reaching the contest’s decider for the first time, where they were defeated by Barcelona. But Bronze, whose chat with Bompastor after this year’s final in June paved the way for move to London, believes her gaffer’s experience will be key to the Blues’ aim to join the list of tournament’s winners.  The Northumberland-born defender, who helped Barcelona beat Lyon in this year’s final added: “Chelsea have been to the final. “They’ve beaten the top teams. They are already in a lot better position. “Adding that small bit at the end, it’s the biggest push, but the smallest little bit is needed to try to win the trophy.”Sonia’s been very experienced in the Champions League and that makes a huge difference.”Since her senior club football debut for Sunderland at 16 in 2007, Bronze has played for the Black Cats, Everton, Liverpool, Lyon and for Manchester City in two separate stints.During her playing career in England, the Lioness has won seven major domestic trophies including three WSL titles. The full-back was also an influential figure in England’s run to the last Women’s Euros and World Cup finals, helping her team become European Champions for the first time in 2022.Next summer Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses will attempt to make history with their hope of becoming the first England team to win back-to-back Euros.Since the Lionesses’ tournament win two years ago, Bronze made 69 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions during her two-year spell there.But while the Catalan giants offered her a contract extension, reports claim the full-back was not a guaranteed to be a starter next season.On whether competing for an England spot for next year’s Euros influenced to her decision to leave the club, Bronze said: “I knew that as a Barcelona player I didn’t think I could keep going at that level.”Playing that amount of games every year, and all the travel they go through.”So coming back to England there are less games, maybe they are a bit more intense each, but I have more time to recover which I think is more important to me.”The (Women’s Super) league is special because the rivalries are getting stronger each year. “They are the games you look forward to no matter what league you play in.Bronze is set to make her first appearance in the WSL as a Chelsea player when they host Aston Villa on September 20Credit: Getty”To come back and to play in these rivalries, and to witness other ones like City and United, that’s what the supporters like to see.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It brings the drama to the game so I am looking forward to that. “The Chelsea-Arsenal game is the one I’m looking forward the most.” More

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    Chelsea legend lands first managerial job in five years after leaving Blues role and hires Champions League winner

    CHELSEA legend Claude Makelele has agreed to become the new manager of Greek side Asteras Tripolis.The 51-year-old has been out of work since leaving his coaching role at Stamford Bridge a year ago.Chelsea legend and former technical mentor Claude Makelele has agreed to become manager of Asteras TripolisCredit: GettyMakelele was a technical mentor during his time at Chelsea, advising players on how to improve.But he is now returning to management for the first time in five years.The France legend has accepted a managerial job offer from Asteras Tripolis.The Greek side recently sacked Milan Rastavac despite sitting fifth in the Super League after three games.READ MORE ON CHELSEARobbie Keane was allegedly in advanced talks over the role and even flew to Greece to meet club chiefs.However, Tripolis have instead decided to appoint Makelele.The ex-midfielder has previously managed French club Bastia and Belgian side Eupen.He has also coached at Paris Saint-Germain and Swansea City.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFormer Swansea and Reading boss Paul Clement will join Makelele in Greece as his assistant.Clement has previously worked at some of the biggest clubs in Europe as an assistant manager, including Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyHe won the Champions League with Real Madrid back in 2014 alongside Carlo Ancelotti.Clement also has a Premier League title and two FA Cups among his accolades.Chelsea will lose their soul by leaving Stamford BridgeBy Matt PennJUST what London needs – another £1billion bowl-shaped, soulless football stadium.No offence to Spurs, because theirs looks great, but it’s not like they had years of title-winning history to celebrate at White Hart Lane.Arsenal moved on from Highbury a couple of years after their last Premier League title win in 2004, and to no avail, they’ve been chasing that glory ever since.And the less said about West Ham’s move from Upton Park, the better. The Olympic Stadium pales in significance to Upton Park, where binoculars weren’t needed to see the pitch from Row Z.It’s no secret Chelsea fans have become disillusioned with the club since Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali took over from Roman Abramovich two years ago.The sacking of two full-time managers in that time, a 12th-place finish in the league, no European football, billions spent on Brazilian teenagers you’ve never heard of and civil war between the owners have turned the club into a laughing stock.Seems like the perfect time to revamp plans to leave Stamford Bridge, doesn’t it?According to The Guardian, Chelsea are in talks to move to a new 60,000-seater site in Earl’s Court, something they’ve attempted before.Chelsea are said to have made plans for the Lillie Bridge depot site as an area that could be developed in a move that could cost hundreds of millions.Forget that so much else still needs fixing on the pitch, that the results are still not going the way they should, that players still can’t seem to click on a consistent basis.The owners, who are said to be looking to buy each other out already, might not think it, and the seats might be a little rusty, but fans do value tradition.The Bridge has been a place supporters can call home every other Saturday. It’s raw, the stands are close to the pitch, it has four sides, and most importantly, it’s owned by the fans.For any deal to go through, Chelsea Pitch Owners (CPO), a group made up of over 14,000 fans, have to approve a move away from the 42,000-seater stadium.On the other hand, redvelopment of Stamford Bridge would see the team move away from the stadium for a number of years, likely double the three years Tottenham spent at Wembley.But why not overhaul each stand one-by-one? Both Liverpool and Fulham had stands refurbished and they were able to stay put. There are also plans for Crystal Palace to do the same.If Boehly and Eghbali are so desperate to put money at the forefront of their decision-making, then go about it in a way which will appease fans.Sadly, football isn’t really about fans anymore, and it’d be easy to say Chelsea will lose their soul if they leave Stamford Bridge.But you fear they already have. More

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    Thiago Silva gets hero’s welcome by Chelsea staff as he returns to Cobham months after leaving on free transfer

    THIAGO SILVA was given a hero’s welcome when he paid a visit to Chelsea’s Cobham training ground this week.The veteran Brazilian emotionally left Stamford Bridge when his contract ended at the end of last season.Thiago Silva returned to Cobham this weekThe former Chelsea defender was given a hero’s welcome from staffHe posted the pictures on his InstagramAnd promised to see them again ‘soon’Silva emotionally left Stamford Bridge on a free transfer in MayHe is believed to have been visiting his family in LondonAnd Chelsea’s staff were thrilled to see the classy centre-back when popped in for a cheeky visit on Tuesday.Silva wrote on Instagram: “It’s always a pleasure to return to this special place. Thank you for your continuous affection. “The feeling is mutual. See you soon! 💙”The 39-year-old signed a two-year deal with Fluminense in his native Brazil, with supportive wife Belle staying in London for the time being.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe couple’s sons Isago, 15, and Iago, 13, are both on the books at Chelsea’s academy.Silva wrote to his family in another social media post: “It was an amazing few days with you guys here. “Soon we’ll be together again. Best of me, love you guys ❤️”Chelsea fans were delighted to see their cult hero back in Surrey, with one writing: “There’s only one Thiago Silva! So glad to see him return.”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSFrank Lampard also commented on his post with: “💙💪”, while another supporter added: “Our legend is back home.”Silva cleared out his private box at Stamford Bridge in August after calling time on his four-year spell in West London.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyThe 39-year-old’s emotional wife Belle recorded herself getting one last look at the now empty room in SW6.She wrote on Instagram last month: “Four years at Chelsea with @thiagosilva have been an incredible journey filled with unforgettable moments.”I can only feel gratitude and love for all that we have experienced together. Chelsea, you have been more than a team for us, you have been a family, a home away from home.”Belle became the Premier League’s most outspoken Wag after a number of controversial social media posts last season.Silva is also eyeing a stunning return to Chelsea once he hangs up his boots.But the Blues’ co-controlling owners Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly are at loggerheads and want to buy each other out.Their professional relationship has deteriorated to a point where they can no longer work together as their decisions are split on a power-sharing committee.READ MORE SUN STORIESSilva joined Chelsea in 2020 from French giants Paris Saint-Germain, having also previously spent three years at AC Milan.During his time with in the Premier League, Silva won the Champions League, the Club World Cup and the Super Cup. More

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    Chelsea in talks over LEAVING Stamford Bridge and moving to different location as they look to build new stadium

    CHELSEA are reportedly in talks to move stadium away from Stamford Bridge.The Blues have been working on plans to play in front of an increased capacity since Roman Ambramovich’s tenure as owner.Chelsea are in talks to leave Stamford BridgeCredit: PAReports have claimed that the West London club are in talks to move to Earls Court.The Guardian have claimed that the shift would be to help Chelsea find a “resolution” in their plans to play in a bigger stadium.It is said that there has been a conversation with Transport for London (TfL), which cares for the site in Earls Court.The Earls Court Development Committee (ECDC) are keen to construct a mixed-use development that would not include a football stadium.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe plans are expected to be presented to the Hammersmith and Fulham Council as well as the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council.If the plan goes ahead and planning permission is granted, then Chelsea’s plan could be blocked.However, the report has suggested that the plans could be too expensive and Chelsea’s plan of a multi-use football stadium could be more “attractive”.Chelsea are said to have made plans for the Lillie Bridge depot site as an area that could be developed.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFans have had a mixed reaction to the potential move on social media.One posted: “Now we are talking.”Angry Chelsea fan slams Todd Boehly’s transfer policy and claims no Blues supporters are happy with his running of the ‘unrecognisable’ clubA second wrote: “We need a big stadium, let’s get it done.”A third commented: “We are losing some absolute classic stadiums now, Upton Park, White Hart Lane, Goodison and now potentially Stamford Bridge.”A fourth said: “Games gone.”Another added: “I’ve been praying for times like this!”The club would need to find an agreement with the Chelsea Pitch Owners in order to complete any move.The group holds the freehold of the current ground at Stamford Bridge and could block a move away.Chelsea has not ruled out staying at Stamford Bridge despite the lack of progress in redeveloping the 40,341-capacity ground.The club did complete the purchase of a 1.2-acre neighbouring site that was previously owned by a housing charity for veterans, Stoll.However, the current stadium’s proximity to the tube has made redevelopment challenging. The report has added that Chelsea could have to fork out at least £500m for the site at Earls Court.READ MORE SUN STORIESIn March, SunSport exclusively revealed that Chelsea could have to spend SIX YEARS away from Stamford Bridge if they opt to redevelop the ground.There have also been AI designs drawn-up to envisage what the new stadium could look like.AI has drawn up potential designs for a new Chelsea stadiumCredit: Canva’s AIOne design was made up of woodCredit: Canva’s AI More

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    Jadon Sancho will only get in Chelsea team ‘if football becomes 24-a-side’, ex-Man Utd star fears

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Andy Cole has warned Jadon Sancho he will struggle at Chelsea “unless football becomes 24-a-side”.The English forward, 24, joined the Blues on Deadline Day on a loan deal with an obligation to buy for around £23million.Jadon Sancho joined Chelsea on loan with an obligation buy at the end of the seasonCredit: GettyManchester United legend Andy Cole has issued a warning to SanchoCredit: PAHe is yet to make his debut for the Blues, but could feature in their trip to Bournemouth on Saturday night.However, Man Utd Treble winner Cole, 52, feels Sancho will struggle to establish a run in Enzo Maresca’s team due to Chelsea’s inflated squad.Speaking to Betfred, he said: “Manchester United paid over £70million for Jadon three years ago, so it’s a lot of money lost isn’t it?”Jadon’s a very talented kid and he’s still only 24 years old, so if Chelsea can get the best out of him, like Borussia Dortmund did last season, then it would be a steal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”There’s so much talent and so much unlocked potential there, so if Chelsea can unlock it and get him to the peak of his powers, then it would ultimately be a very, very good deal for them.”However, you can flip it on its head and ask where he’s going to play?”Unless football becomes 24-a-side, he’s going to struggle like everybody else is at Chelsea because nobody knows what’s going on there.”They’ve got loads of big names but they can only choose 11 players to start, so it will be interesting to see how he does at Chelsea.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSancho scored two and assisted two in the Bundesliga at Dortmund last seasonMaresca has a host of options in the wide attacking positions including Cole Palmer, Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.Sancho scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 Bundesliga games while on loan at Dortmund during the second half of last season.Erik ten Hag loses again in new role as head of Dutch giants after Man Utd’s horror start to Premier League seasonAside from that short stint back in Germany, he has not played any football since the 2022/23 campaign due to a spat with Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag.Sancho, who has featured 23 times for England, has also not received a cap for his country in three years. More

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    Victor Osimhen is ‘a few little details’ away from joining Chelsea, claims Mikel as he hints at January transfer

    CHELSEA legend John Obi Mikel claims Victor Osimhen remains “very, very close” to joining the club.The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move from Napoli to Stamford Bridge over the summer.Victor Osimhen nearly joined Chelsea and talks are set to resume in the futureCredit: GettyChelsea legend John Obi Mikel lifted the lid on negotiationsBut the switch failed to materialise and after he was left out of the Italian side’s squad, he joined Galatasaray on loan until the end of the season.However, the transfer saga is not over yet as Mikel hinted that Osimhen could still join Chelsea.The retired icon, who knows the striker from their days together in the Nigeria team and was involved in talks, told his podcast: “We were very, very close to getting this deal done.”But it was just slight issues, slight little problems that we just couldn’t get over the line. READ MORE ON CHELSEA”I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to.”We finally got to a compromise. Both sides had to compromise – paperwork, medical and a few issues that we just couldn’t get over the line and then we didn’t have much time.”I think both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done and I commend Chelsea for that because I could see the ambition of where they can take this club.”Also on Victor’s side, I think we have to pick this up again. Whatever it is, January or next summer. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We know where we are, we know where we’ve stopped and it’s just little details that need to be finalised and the deal will be done.”So for me, the club is in a very happy place with Victor and he is in a very happy place.”Chaos as Victor Osimhen is greeted by flare-wielding Galatasaray fans as he leads them in chant at 4am after transferMikel said playing in the Premier League is Osimhen’s dream.But SunSport revealed that the player’s astonishing £500,000-a-week wage demands held up the deal.It would make Osimhen, who has a £110million release clause in his Napoli contract, the highest paid player in the Prem.Mikel said: “Victor is not a greedy boy. He’s not a greedy guy.”He just wants to play football and get what he deserves and that’s not a problem. “A player knowing what he’s worth and demanding to be paid what he what he’s worth, that’s not a problem.” More

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    Todd Boehly will try to take full control of Chelsea as breakdown with co-owner threatening to throw club into crisis

    TODD BOEHLY is confident he has a £2.5billion fund to end Chelsea’s civil war with a takeover bid.The Blues co-owner has fallen out with majority owners Clearlake Capital, fronted by Behdad Eghbali.Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly appear at loggerheadsCredit: GettyJadon Sancho was the last of Chelsea’s 13 transfer window signingsCredit: InstagramIt looks likely that a takeover from either side will be the only way to solve the boardroom breakdown, but Clearlake are adamant they will not sell and have no need to.Despite that, Boehly is preparing to test their resolve with a takeover attempt by raising £2.5bn through other investors.On the other side, Clearlake are open to having a conversation with Boehly over buying his stake and consider there to be only two routes out of the situation – they either make up or increase their majority shareholding with a takeover.Private equity firm Clearlake, run by Eghbali and co-founder Jose E Feliciano, own a controlling 61.5 per cent stake while the remaining 38.5 per cent is split equally between Boehly and businessmen Mark Walter and Hansjorg Wyss.READ MORE TOP STORIESBoehly has no interest in selling his individual stake meaning any takeover offer from Clearlake would have to encompass the full 38.5 per cent stake.Billionaire Boehly was the face of the Chelsea takeover in 2022 and led sporting decisions during the ownership’s first transfer window.However, Eghbali has now taken a far more hands-on role in the running of the club.The Californian businessman works closely with sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart and was heavily involved in the summer window which saw 13 new players arrive at Chelsea – while Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Raheem Sterling all left.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBoth owners have attended games at Stamford Bridge this season and were reported to be in the same box ahead of the Premier League opener against Manchester City.However, the two were both on the club’s pre-season tour of America and were not seen together.Chelsea fans can’t name their OWN PLAYERS after another wild transfer window under owner Todd BoehlyAll decisions made at the club currently have to be signed off by Eghbali, Feliciano and Boehly and there has been huge change on the pitch and behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge since the trio took control.Work on a new stadium, however, has stalled with there thought to have been clashes between the owners over proposals for a new home.All parties are keen to find a resolution to the current situation in the boardroom, which is threatening to only add to the on-pitch chaos Chelsea have suffered under their American owners.Boehly and Clearlake arrived at the club following Roman Abramovich’s forced sale promising a change from the hire-and-fire culture but are onto their fifth different manager with a spend of over £1.2bn and are yet to deliver a trophy.The American ownership have taken a radical approach to ownership, stockpiling expensive young talent on contracts as long as nine years while also sailing close to the wind on the Premier League’s financial rules.Meanwhile, Chelsea fans on social media appear to be backing Boehly over Eghbali – albeit grudgingly – in any power struggle.One said: “Boehly because he has a sporting background and is not rigid with his policy. Not afraid to make (a) big signing.”Another argued that the American was aiming to “be successful, to win everything and sign star players in the process” – whereas “Eghbali / Clearlake took over Chelsea FC to make money, buying young players on low wages, success is secondary”.But supporters are still unhappy at the club’s spending spree under new manager Enzo Maresca reaping mixed rewards so far with the Blues just 11th.READ MORE SUN STORIESThey did win 6-2 at Wolves last time out in the Prem but some fans reckon Chelsea still need “up to three more attackers”.It came after the Blues splashed out more than £220million on their 13 summer newcomers, although Jadon Sancho’s deadline arrival from Manchester United was on loan. More

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    Chelsea fans say ‘the world is not ready’ as incoming newboys Estevao and Paez join up in Brazil vs Ecuador clash

    CHELSEA fans believe the club could be successful again after seeing Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez face off in South America.The two young stars are set to join Chelsea in the summer of 2025 but are already representing their nations.Willian Estevao and Kendry Paez faced each other in a World Cup qualifierEstevao put in a disciplined display for Brazil as they won 1-0Credit: RexPaez came on for the second half for EcuadorCredit: RexBrazil won the World Cup qualifier 1-0 thanks to a goal from Real Madrid’s Rodrygo in the 30th minute.Estevao and Paez both saw plenty of action as they came on in the second half.Paez, 17, replaced Jeremy Sarmiento in the 46th minute and saw plenty of the ball with 41 touches.He completed 83 per cent of his 35 passes but lost possession eight times.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSEstevao, 17, entered the fray in the 62nd minute and put in a composed performance.He completed all 12 of his passes in Brazil’s midfield, one of which created a big chance that was not converted.The pair were seen chatting after the game, leading Chelsea fans to get excited about their impending arrivals, claiming “the world is not ready”.One posted: “The future of Chelsea is bright.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSA second wrote: “Big talents of the future. Excited to see their development.”A third commented: “Chelsea is the home of talent.” Man Utd flop Jadon Sancho makes bizarre claim about Enzo Maresca being reason he joined Chelsea but it doesn’t add upA fourth said: “We’re blessed. Two of the world’s best young players will soon play for us.”Another added: “Chelsea’s future is looking bright.”Estevao is believed to have cost the Blues an eye-watering £55million to sign him from Brazilian outfit Palmeiras.The midfielder will join up with the squad next summer and be contracted to the Stamford Bridge side until 2032.Paez, on the other hand, cost the club a more modest £17m from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle.He has already been hailed by the likes of compatriot and soon to be team-mate Moises Caicedo.The former Brighton and Hove Albion star has raved about Paez’s talents.He told La Cancha Con Majo: “He’s a crack.READ MORE SUN STORIES”The truth is there are times where I watch Independiente games. It’s good to see those talents in Ecuador because we know we have very good youth.”All I can tell him is keep on the right track, doing things really well, and he’s going to go really far because the talent he has is incredible.” More