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    Liverpool in Mason Mount transfer boost as Chelsea put contract talks on ice with star’s deal up next summer

    LIVERPOOL have reportedly received a huge boost in their transfer pursuit of Chelsea’s Mason Mount. The Blues academy graduate is out of contract next summer and attracting interest from Premier League rivals.
    Chelsea have shelved Mason Mount’s contract talks until the summerCredit: Getty
    Liverpool are believed to be leading the chase to try and sign the star at the end of the season once he has entered the final 12 months of his package.
    Chelsea are keen to tie the England midfielder, 24, down to a long-term deal.
    However, Mount’s camp are not happy with the terms that have been discussed and rejected one extension back in the autumn.
    Boss Graham Potter has stated that he hopes Chelsea can resolve Mount’s contract situation quickly.

    But Liverpool have now received a boost in their pursuit of the ace as The Athletic claim discussions have been postponed.
    They report that “interested parties may be encouraged to learn that, currently, talks about extending Mount’s Chelsea career have been paused”.
    And they claim that “they are not expected to resume until the summer”.
    It continues to add that “Chelsea’s intention is to secure the academy graduate to fresh terms or approve a sale” once they restart.
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    New Blues owner Todd Boehly, who has splashed out a fortune already on new additions, has also made it a priority to avoid any future scenarios similar to Mount’s.
    They do not want to allow any player to enter the final two years of a contract – “let alone their final one”.
    Mount signed for Chelsea as a schoolboy aged six.
    After an impressing spell on loan at Derby County in the Championship, he has since gone on to score 33 goals in almost 200 appearances for the club and helped them to Champions League glory in 2021. More

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    Mason Mount shocking stats vs Saints show how he ‘got eaten up’ with Kepa making more passes than under-fire England ace

    CHELSEA star Mason Mount endured a horrid Saturday afternoon against Southampton at Stamford Bridge.The Blues’ poor run carried on as they lost 1-0 to bottom-of-the-league Saints, which means they have won just once in 10 matches so far this year.
    Chelsea star Mason Mount endured a rough night against SouthamptonCredit: Rex
    Mason Mount completed eight out of 13 passes, most of which were to the back
    The West Londoners’ biggest names failed to deliver despite an expensive January transfer window with some damning stats coming out of the game.
    Mount was among the most disappointing performers against Ruben Selles’ men.
    The versatile forward won none of his six ground duel battles and failed on both of his take-ons.
    The England international was also unsuccessful on his one and only tackle attempt and couldn’t complete a cross.
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    The 24-year-old completed eight out of 13 passes, most of which were to the back, until he was taken off for Kai Havertz on 64 minutes.
    Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga proved to be a better passer as he completed all of his 14 attempts.
    That led to intense criticism by Paul Merson, who claimed Mount “got eaten up” against Southampton.
    Merson said: “I don’t see this stopping, I don’t.
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    Mason Mount was taken off after 64 minutes at Stamford Bridge
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    “They’re bought a lorry load of individuals, I’m afraid. They’ve not bought anybody for the team, it’s all dribblers.
    “Forget Enzo Fernandez, he’s a top player, he’s a holding midfield player but the others… Mount played today and he got eaten up.
    “People were dribbling, there were no phases of the game.
    “It’s only when Havertz came on and he started playing with [Joao] Felix and [Raheem] Sterling that there were passages of play. But I don’t see this stopping.” More

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    Chelsea and Tottenham want Evan Ferguson summer transfer with 18-year-old wonderkid impressing at Brighton

    CHELSEA and Tottenham are weighing up a summer move for Brighton wonderkid Evan Ferguson.Spurs regard Ferguson as a player who could develop into a potential long-term replacement for Harry Kane.
    Evan Ferguson has burst onto the scene out of nowhere and has shown a natural gift for goalscoringCredit: Rex
    Goal-shy Chelsea also rate the young striker highly, who was signed by the Seagulls when current Stamford Bridge boss Graham Potter and director of global talent Paul Winstanley were working together at the south coast club.
    Ferguson, 18, became Brighton’s youngest scorer in the Premier League when he netted against Arsenal on New Year’s Eve.
    He has added two more goals and two assists in seven appearances for the Seagulls.
    Ferguson, already a senior Republic of Ireland international, is also the youngest player from his country to score in the Premier League.
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    He joined Brighton from Bohemians in 2021 when he was 16.
    Ferguson is one of a number of brilliant young players currently thriving at Brighton who is attracting interest from elsewhere.
    Moises Caicedo found himself at the centre of a January transfer storm when Arsenal tried to swoop.
    The 21-year-old even tried to force the issue after publicly revealing he was keen on the move in an Instagram post.
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    But Brighton managed to hold on to the Ecuadorian and he has quietly got on with business back in the Brighton midfield.
    Red-hot Kaoru Mitoma, 25, also finds himself at the centre of transfer rumours after a brilliant run of form. More

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    Spurs lining up transfer swoop for ex-Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori and could offer Emerson Royal to AC Milan in return

    TOTTENHAM are reportedly eyeing a move for ex-Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori – and could offer Emerson Royal in return. The 25-year-old has seen his reputation grow hugely since leaving his boyhood club in 2021 to take a crack at Serie A.
    Tomori has grown as a defender during his time abroadCredit: Getty
    Emerson Royal has faced some criticism from Spurs fansCredit: Alamy
    He is now viewed as among the league’s best defenders and was a big part of the AC Milan side who won the title last season.
    But a return to the Premier League could be on the cards with Chelsea’s rivals Spurs expressing interest in the centre-back.
    That is according to Italian publication Calciomercato, who report that there is interest in bringing the ace to north London – and offering Emerson Royal in return.
    Tomori has impressed Milan fans with his speed, positioning and defensive awareness, all qualities that it is hoped could boost the Spurs defence.
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    The club could be set to try and improve their entire backline with longstanding club servants like Eric Dier and Hugo Lloris coming in for criticism at times this season.
    Royal has not evaded coming under fire from fans either as he becomes the latest player to try and fill Spurs’ problem position.
    Antonio Conte has regularly switched his starting right wing-back this season with the Italian seemingly not convinced by either Royal nor Matt Doherty.
    Pedro Porro was recruited in January to solve the issue, perhaps opening the door for Royal’s exit.
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    Both clubs will likely find transfer business easier to come by if they can offer players Champions League football.
    But it is far from guaranteed for either club with both Spurs and Milan suffering stuttering form since the turn of the year. More

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    Chelsea BOOED OFF at full-time as fans demand Graham Potter is sacked following dismal home loss to bottom Southampton

    CHELSEA were BOOED OFF at full-time at Stamford Bridge after their shock 1-0 loss to Southampton.The Blues have dropped six points to the relegation-threatened Saints this season.
    Graham Potter has five league wins as Chelsea managerCredit: Alamy
    The Blues were toothlessCredit: Getty
    The defeat, inflicted by a James Ward-Prowse free-kick, has piled more pressure on boss Graham Potter.
    Chelsea have won just five Premier League games in 17 under Potter this season, leaving the Stamford Bridge club in tenth on 31 points.
    That leaves Potter with a 29.4 per cent win record in the top flight with the Blues this season.
    And at full-time at Saturday’s game, Chelsea’s stars were BOOED off the pitch and fans are calling for Potter’s head.
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    One fan in desperation tweeted: “SACK GRAHAM POTTER BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE.”
    Another said: “Graham Potter this is an absolute embarrassment but the players aren’t exempt from criticism either.
    “S***show from top to bottom.”
    A third added: “People won’t believe in God but will believe in Graham Potter. It’s a sad world we live in.”
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    Cobham academy graduate Mason Mount, who’s yet to sign new terms with Chelsea, has also come under fire.
    A Blues fan fumed: “Starting @MasonMount itself is a sackable offence Mr. Potter…. you killed this game.” More

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    Chelsea post emotional tribute to Christian Atsu as footballing world pays respects after death in earthquake confirmed

    CHELSEA have paid a touching tribute to former player Christian Atsu, who has passed aged 31.The Ghanian was one of the thousands of people to tragically lose their lives in the fatal earthquakes which rocked Turkey and Syria earlier this month.
    Christian Atsu tragically lost his life in the devastating earthquakes that rocked Turkey and SyriaCredit: REX
    Former club Chelsea paid tribute to the late Atsu with an obituaryCredit: GETTY
    Atsu was trapped under the rubble at Turkish Super Lig side Hatayspor’s headquarters for two weeks before his body was found.
    And Chelsea, like many in the footie world, paid tribute to the late player in an obituary on their website.
    It read: “It is with enormous sadness that Chelsea Football Club receives the news that Christian Atsu is confirmed as one of the many victims of the dreadful earthquake in Turkey and Syria.
    “Atsu was a Chelsea player between 2013 and 2017 having signed from Porto.
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    “He did not make a competitive appearance for our men’s first team having spent his seasons as a Blue out on loan, although he featured in some pre-season games.
    “During those years, the Ghanaian international was named the Player of the Tournament at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, also scoring the Goal of the Tournament as Ghana finished runners up.
    “His loans took him to Vitesse, Everton, Bournemouth, Malaga and Newcastle before he was transferred permanently to St James’ Park.
    “He moved to Turkey to play for Hatayspor last year.
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    “Chelsea sends our heartfelt condolences to Christian’s family and friends and to all those affected by the earthquake tragedy.”
    Blues legend John Terry paid his own tribute to Atsu, tweeting a picture of the late winger and saying: “RIP my friend.”
    Atsu’s former club Newcastle also paid tribute, with an excerpt of their statement reading: “We are profoundly saddened to learn that our former player Christian Atsu tragically lost his life in Turkey’s devastating earthquakes.
    “A talented player and a special person, he will always be fondly remembered by our players, staff and supporters.”
    Everton also followed suit, tweeting: “We are deeply saddened by today’s news that Christian Atsu has been found dead following the earthquake in Turkey earlier this month.
    “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, colleagues at @Hatayspor_FK and everyone affected by this tragic event that has claimed so many lives.” More

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    ‘Serious chance he leaves’ – World Cup winner’s dad hints at shock summer transfer with Chelsea interested

    ALEXIS MAC ALLISTER could leave Brighton this summer with his father insisting there are “serious chances” for a move.The midfielder has attracted interest from some of Europe’s top club with his performances this season and in Qatar.
    Alexis Mac Allister could leave Brighton this summerCredit: Getty
    Mac Allister has been an important member of the Brighton team this season that has found itself challenging for a spot in Europe.
    The 24-year-old was also impressive for Argentina during the World Cup in Qatar as he helped the team all the way to the trophy.
    And now the player could make a move away from the south coast according to his dad.
    He told TyC Sports: “For now he’s in Brighton.
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    “He’s enjoying success in peace, in a team that loves him very much.
    “He feels very well in the club, but we all know that in July there are serious chances he could leave”.
    Mac Allister’s father, who used to play as a left back for Boca Juniors, is his agent.
    Chelsea are interested in signing him from Brighton, as Graham Potter worked with him when he was the manager at the club.
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    However, they will have to fight off competition from Serie A giants Juventus who have been heavily linked with an interest in him.
    Brighton will not let their star midfielder move cheap and will be expecting a top price in order to sell him.
    The Seagulls have a great record when it comes to selling players in recent years, earning bigs sums from stars such as Ben White, Marc Cucurella and Yves Bissouma.
    The club are also likely to lose Moises Caicedo this summer, so will be less in a position to accommodate teams wanting to poach their talent. More

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    Graham Potter reveals Chelsea January transfer STILL doesn’t have green light to play ahead of Southampton clash

    GRAHAM POTTER has revealed that January signing Andrey Santos still hasn’t received the green light to play for the club. Santos, 18, signed for the Blues in a deal worth an initial £13million from Brazilian side Vasco da Gama in January but has yet to play for the Stamford Bridge outfit.
    Andrey Santos signed for Chelsea in January.Credit: Getty
    Santos recently lifted the South American U20 title for BrazilCredit: Reuters
    The midfielder has been denied a work permit after missing out by just one point due to the other midfielders the Premier League side snapped up in January.
    Chelsea, who signed eight players in the recent transfer window, reportedly applied for an exceptional talent visa to allow Santos to play.
    But it has so far been turned down despite the teen starring at the South American U20 Championship, where he captained Brazil to the title and also finished as the joint-top scorer with six goals.
    Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s clash with Southampton this weekend, Potter provided an update.
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    He said: “Andrey’s still in the same place. We’re looking at what the options are for him.”
    The development has put top Brazilian clubs on alert with the Chelsea man likely to be available on loan if his work permit application gets rejected.
    Santos ended his Vasco career with eight goals in 38 appearances.
    The teenager was delighted to join the west London side earlier this year.
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    He said: “It’s a very big opportunity for me, this is a big club playing in big competitions like the Premier League, so I am very excited. The players here are so good and I am very happy to be here.” More