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    ‘Wishful thinking’ – Man Utd and Liverpool get HUGE transfer boost as Dortmund chief casts doubt on Bellingham future

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND have confirmed that they want to keep Jude Bellingham – although they admit it could be “wishful thinking”.The 19-year-old England star is arguably the most sought-after player in Europe with a host of top clubs chasing him.
    Dortmund have confirmed they want to keep Jude BellinghamCredit: Rex
    Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have both supposedly seen early moves knocked back by the midfielder himself.
    Bellingham appears to be against joining either of those two amid interest from the likes of Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Real Madrid.
    However, we revealed last week how Los Blancos are feeling that the financial wealth of the Premier League has led them to believe that a return to England for the ex-Birmingham City ace is on the cards.
    Bellingham is under contract at Dortmund until 2025 – meaning they are under no immediate pressure to cash in on him this summer.
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    However, they do know that his price tag is likely to be at its peak come the end of the season.
    The Bundesliga club’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl has now confirmed that there is no guarantee they will look to sell him and says they are desperate to hang on to him.
    But he also admitted that there have been no advanced talks over an extension and that a new deal seems unlikely.
    Kehl said: “There has been no new development. We’ll have to be patient for a little longer.
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    “But of course we try to keep Jude Bellingham at Borussia Dortmund as long as possible because he is an incredibly important player who has shown once again this season how he identifies with this club and makes the team better.
    “Things develop due to market mechanisms. So of course I have my thoughts and also have my wishful thinking. I can’t say whether that will happen in the end.
    “From Borussia Dortmund’s point of view, the wishful thinking would be to keep a player of this quality at this club for as long as possible.
    “I would also like to have kept Erling Haaland or Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund, because you can only imagine if we had managed to keep all three players in one team, what opportunities would then arise.”
    Kehl added: “We will always try everything to keep players of this quality at BVB – because we are ambitious, because we want to win titles. For this we need not only good, but also outstanding players.”
    Dortmund and Bellingham have enjoyed a six-match winning streak since returning from the World Cup.
    They welcome Chelsea to Germany for the first-leg of their last-16 Champions League clash on Wednesday. More

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    Joao Felix could make Chelsea transfer move permanent as Atletico Madrid eye shock swap deal for Blues ace

    CHELSEA are reportedly keen on turning Joao Felix’s loan move into a permanent one.The 23-year-old has had an eventful start to life at Stamford Bridge having been sent off on his debut before scoring on his return after suspension.
    Chelsea reportedly want to make Joao Felix’s loan move a permanent oneCredit: Getty
    And the Blues are keen on extending his stay with the club, according to Spanish outlet Relevo.
    Felix’s agent is Jorge Mendes, who also represents record signing Enzo Fernandez.
    So Chelsea have recent experience dealing with the Portuguese agent.
    American owner Todd Boehly is reported to have an “excellent” relationship with Mendes.
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    Atletico are claimed to be open to letting Felix leave in the summer for around £88million, having previously demanded £115m-£130m for his signature.
    Talks between the two clubs will reportedly take place when Felix’s current loan deal expires at the end of the campaign.
    Meanwhile, Fichajes are reporting that Atletico are keen on Chelsea outcast Christian Pulisic.
    The winger is currently out injured but the arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke and Felix have only added to competition for places.
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    Christian Pulisic could reportedly leave Chelsea in the summerCredit: Reuters
    Atletico’s interest in Pulisic potentially raises the possibility of a swap deal for Felix involving the American, which could bring down the amount of cash the Blues would have to shell out.
    Pulisic has entered the final 18 months of his contract and is set to be put up for sale in the summer.

    As well as Atletico, Pulisic also has several Premier League clubs chasing his signature, including Manchester United.
    Pulisic has played 136 games for Chelsea since signing from Borussia Dortmund in 2019, scoring 26 goals and providing 21 assists.
    Despite winning the Champions League, he has failed to taste regular action since joining the club for £58million. More

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    Tottenham should target transfer for unwanted Chelsea flop who could ‘solve all of their problems’ claims Spurs legend

    TOTTENHAM legend Rafael van der Vaart has claimed signing Hakim Ziyech from Chelsea could solve all of Spurs problems. The Dutchman joined the north London side in 2010 and spent two years at the club making 77 appearances and scoring 28 goals.
    Rafael van der Vaart celebrates scoring for Tottenham during a Premier League match.Credit: Getty
    Van der Vaart at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before Spurs game against Aston Villa in 2021.Credit: Getty
    The attacking midfielder was speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes :Fanzone as Spurs gear up for the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against AC Milan.
    The former Tottenham man said: “They’re missing something in that number 10 area, and I think the answer is Hakim Ziyech.”

    He continued: “He’s not happy at Chelsea, and I’m a big fan of his.
    “If Tottenham were to bring him in, their problems are solved; I really don’t think they need much more.”
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    Ziyech nearly joined PSG on deadline day in January but that move fell through at the last minute due to a paperwork blunder.
    The Moroccan only has one assist and hasn’t scored in 12 Premier League appearances for Chelsea this season although just five of those have been starts.
    It remains to be seen if Chelsea would consider selling to a rival.
    Van der Vaart was part of the Tottenham side that famously won 1-0 in the San Siro and knocked the Italians out over two legs during the 2010/2011 season thanks to go a goal from Peter Crouch.
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    The former Dutch international has fond memories of that night especially the scrap between Joe Jordan and Gennaro Gattuso.
    He told Ladbrokes: Fanzone: ” “I had a great view of the incident everyone remembers from that game in Milan.
    “That was the moment I think of whenever anyone mentions that game, of course.
    “Gennaro Gattuso, the little b******, the animal on the pitch, kicking and pushing people around.”
    The Tottenham legend added: “Honestly, I got goosebumps that night just watching how Joe handled that whole incident.
    “Harry Redknapp said at the time there’d only have been one winner if those two kicked off with each other, and I agree 100%.
    “I’d have put all the money I had on Joe Jordan. He was so ready for it.”
    Van der Vaart thinks his former side should be beating AC Milan.
    He said: “Tottenham are better than AC Milan; they really need to win this game.
    “I think it’s a really good draw for them in the Last 16. They shouldn’t fear this Milan team; Tottenham are favourites surely! I think it’ll be a draw in the first leg, though. Let’s go with 2-2.”
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    Tottenham take on AC Milan in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie in the San Siro tonight. More

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    Chelsea ‘want David Raya transfer to replace Kepa and Edouard Mendy with Brentford No1’s contract running out’

    CHELSEA are reportedly monitoring Brentford goalkeeper David Raya ahead of a potential summer move.Bees stopper Raya, 27, is out of contract in 2024.
    David Raya has been linked with a move away from BrentfordCredit: Reuters
    He has turned down two offers from Brentford to extend his deal.
    And Chelsea are keeping an eye on his situation, according to football.london.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga has reclaimed the No1 jersey at Stamford Bridge from Edouard Mendy, but still faces an uncertain future at the club.
    Mendy meanwhile snubbed a six-year contract offer from the Blues in December.

    And Raya is said to be attracting interest from the Stamford Bridge side, who are eyeing a new long-term No1.
    Both Manchester United and Tottenham are also claimed to been keen on the stopper.
    The Spaniard has been superb for Brentford this season, including in the 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.
    Bees boss Thomas Frank spoke about his goalkeeper recently, declaring that the stopper is worth at “at least £40million” -despite his expiring contract.
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    On the topic of Raya’s deal, the Dane said: “If he turns it down twice that’s a signal he doesn’t want that.
    “I thought we put two really good offers out there but that’s fine it’s a free world we can’t force anyone.

    “I hope he will stay forever of course that looks like it could be very difficult with the contract situation he must be at least £40million if not more.”
    Raya also opened up on his future over the weekend, revealing he doesn’t believe now is the “right time” to sign a new deal with the Bees.
    He said: “I don’t think it’s the right time to sign a contract at the moment.
    “I’m really, really happy and right now I’m just thinking about doing the best for the team and trying to push for Europe.
    “I was offered a new contract last year and one in January but we didn’t reach an agreement. I would like to see what happens in summer, however I’m happy at Brentford.
    “For now a new contract is secondary, the most important thing is the team and the games. We’ll see where we are in May. You never know what’s around the corner.
    “There’s nothing I can say about what’s going to happen in the summer. I don’t even know what’s going to happen on Saturday.” More

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    I have more fun playing my new sport than I did battling it out in Champions League final for Chelsea

    A CHELSEA legend insists his new sport at the age of 40 is “more fun” than winning the Champions League.It’s better skate than never for the all-time Premier League great, who has gone from goalkeeper to goaltender.
    Not even this famous success against Bayern Munich in the 20212 Champions League final matches the enjoyment of a Chelsea legend’s new sportCredit: Getty
    Petr Cech won the Prem and FA Cup four times apiece as well as the ultimate club prize via the famous 2012 final against Bayern Munich.
    And after 11 years at Stamford Bridge, he added another FA Cup victory with Arsenal.
    Cech then went back to Chelsea as technical director but departed in June 2022 following Todd Boehly’s takeover.
    Now, like a footballer who claims he supported his new club as a kid, Cech has returned to his first sporting love – ice hockey.
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    The 124-cap former Czech Republic stopper got hooked again when he went to watch Guildford Phoenix in 2013.
    And after retiring as a football player six years later he was able to sign for the Surrey club.
    He switched to Chelmsford Chieftains in the NIHL South Division One on a one-year deal last summer.
    Comparing his sports past and present, Cech told the Daily Mail: “You’re still in that dressing room. You’re still having that banter. But it’s a completely different level of pressure. 
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    “This is more fun than when you play a Champions League game for everything.
    “But I still have that feeling in myself because I want to perform. I want to win. I hate losing. It’s the same feeling I had when I played football.
    “You still get that feeling when you’re walking through the corridor, to the ice, surrounded by all these people. 
    “Maybe if there were 30 fans, it would be different. But the building is full. That’s what I like.”
    Perhaps he can eventually set up a new ice hockey club, Chillsea, and play at Stamford Fridge.
    Petr Cech first dabbled at ice hockey for Guildford Phoenix and is now with Chelmsford ChieftainsCredit: PA:Press Association
    Cech and fellow Blues’ hero Didier Drogba celebrate with the trophy after Champions League final gloryCredit: PA:Press Association More

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    Man Utd legend Nemanja Vidic applies for surprise new job as he spends time at Tottenham

    MANCHESTER UNITED legend Nemanja Vidic has applied for a surprise new job after spending time at three London clubs, including top-four rivals Tottenham and Chelsea.Vidic, 41, is back in England on a Uefa course and spent time with Brentford, Chelsea and Tottenham.
    Nemanja Vidic is eyeing the presidency position in the Football Association of SerbiaCredit: Getty
    The ex-United captain was at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium continuing his studies for the Executive Master for International Players run by Uefa.
    Joining him was Germany World Cup winners such as Sami Khedira, Benedikt Howedes and Renate Lingor.
    Emile Heskey, Nigel de Jong, Demba Ba, Hamit Altintop, Sebastian Prodl and Paul Scharner were also present.
    All want to learn skills that would allow them to fit into life in the boardroom, and Vidic is eyeing the presidency position in the Football Association of Serbia, according to The Times.
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    The former Serbia captain has the support of many fans as well as old team-mates such as Nemanja Matic.
    Vidic said: “It is the reason why am I here.
    “I understand the football field. I did a course with the English FA and finished my Pro Licence at St George’s.
    “Why I am here is to learn about commercial, finance, communication and marketing — which I understood because I was playing for United but we go really deep into it now.”
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    The legendary defender continued: “In Serbia, the problem is we are staying too much back.
    “We didn’t go forward in terms of digitalization, professionalisation and transparency. Serbia is late. We have a lot of talents.
    “We have clever people but we just need someone who’s going to point the direction and give a chance to the young generation. This is the world of the young.
    “Me coming back is saying I like to be in Serbia. I love Serbia. I’m in my best age and I want to help, if I can, the Serbian community or Serbian football.
    “This education here helps me to have knowledge and contacts that I can use to help Serbia football in any way.” More

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    Chelsea transfer blow with ‘Real Madrid keeping tabs on Joao Felix in shock raid of rivals Atletico in summer’

    CHELSEA face missing out on Joao Felix with Real Madrid keeping tabs on the forward, according to reports. After serving a three-game suspension, Felix was back on the pitch for the Blues and had an instant impact.
    Real Madrid are now watching Joao FelixCredit: Getty
    Felix put in a strong performance against West Ham
    The 23-year-old netted a cool opener against West Ham as he volleyed home Enzo Fernandez’s cross.
    Felix impressed throughout the game despite the team ultimately failing to come away with three points.
    And if his good performances are kept up for the rest of the season, Chelsea may pull the trigger to turn his loan move into a permanent one.
    However, the Londoners have now been joined in the race to sign the £124million-rated forward by Real Madrid, according to Fichajes.
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    Los Blancos are fresh off the back of victory at the Club World Cup, beating Al-Hilal 5-3 in a thrilling final.
    But now they are lining up a long-term replacement for Karim Benzema, and have earmarked Felix as one such star.
    Indeed, club president Florentino Perez is said to hold Felix in high esteem and is one of his favoured choices.
    Felix’s future at parent club Atletico Madrid hinges on the fate of Diego Simeone.
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    The under-fire Argentine had a strained relationship with Felix ahead of his loan transfer.
    Following the 1-1 draw at West Ham, Felix issued a rallying cry for his team-mates, saying the club MUST win the Champions League.
    Ahead of the midweek clash against Borussia Dortmund, Felix told Chelsea club media: “We have to focus on the next game. The most important game is next, always.
    “It’s the Champions League, that’s the competition we want to win so it starts on Wednesday and it needs to be ours.” More

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    Shocking new video of Chelsea fan being brutally knocked out at West Ham game emerges

    SHOCKING new footage of the Chelsea fan brutally knocked out before the game against West Ham has emerged.Trouble flared before the game outside the London derby yesterday, with the two teams held to a stalemate in a 1-1 draw in the Premier League clash.
    The Chelsea fan can be seen goading West Ham supporters and squaring up to someCredit: Facebook
    But another Hammers fan intervened to knock him out with a single blowCredit: Facebook
    The Chelsea fan lay on the floor motionless after the blowCredit: Facebook
    There is no love lost between the two rival sets of fans who were caught on camera taunting each other with a few exchanging shoves.
    New footage shared on social media shows a Chelsea fan stepping forward to engage in a verbal confrontation with a group of Hammers.
    One West Ham lad appears to take a swipe at him as a lone security guard desperately struggles to separate the two sets of rival fans.
    After being momentarily separated the Blues supporter continues to step forward to goad Hammers fans while sticking his tongue out.
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    He is then recorded shouting and squaring up to an older West Ham supporter.
    But seconds later the man who took a swipe earlier steps in to brutally floor him with a single punch.
    The incident sparked a wild reaction from a number of bystanders, who shouted and whooped before the man was attended to by two others as he lay motionless on the floor.
    He was quickly placed into the recovery position while chants of “Irons, Irons” were heard from home fans in the background.
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    The Chelsea lad looked almost lifeless after the knockout blow but was seen in a wheelchair later on, despite still looking dazed.
    Cops confirmed that a 22-year-old man was arrested after the brutal punch.
    Another viral video circulating shows how the fan who punched the Chelsea supporter was led away by several police officers.
    A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: “A 22-year-old man was arrested before kick-off at the London Stadium today after an alleged assault on another man. The man has been taken into custody.”
    Chelsea star Reece James mentioned the attack after the game on Instagram.
    Posting on his story he said: “The news has crossed my attention that a fan was punched and knocked out before today’s game.
    “I totally understand rivalry and the tension between teams in big games but violence is no answer.
    “I hope he’s okay. Appreciate the travelling fans as always. Stick with us and stay safe. See you in Dortmund.”
    Joao Felix, sent off on his debut, returned from suspension to give the visitors an early lead from a cross by £107m man Enzo Fernandez.
    But ex-Stamford Bridge left back Emerson equalised for the Hammers on another frustrating day for Blues boss Graham Potter.
    Soucek thought he had stolen all three points for the Hammers when he forced the ball home after Kepa Arrizabalaga had saved Rice’s header.
    But the Czech was ruled offside after a VAR review which saw the game end honours even.
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    It was another disappointing day for big-spending Chelsea as they failed to take a grip of a humdrum game.
    Potter has now overseen a run of just two wins in 13 Premier League games. 
    He was knocked out with a single blow with the puncher arrestedCredit: Twitter
    The Chelsea fan was later on seen in a wheelchairCredit: Instagram More