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    Chelsea stadium expansion held up by Henry VIII with Tudor King’s ‘protected view’ in way of new Stamford Bridge stand

    KING HENRY VIII has become an issue holding up Chelsea’s redevelopment of Stamford Bridge.The Tudor king has a mound in Richmond Park which has a “protected view”.
    Stamford Bridge’s redevelopment could be blocked because of a ‘protected view’ from King Henry’s Mound
    Stamford Bridge would block the view of St Paul’s Cathedral if it was any higherCredit: Getty
    Despite the mound being 6.1 miles away from the Blues Stadium it can block work being done to the ground.
    This is because a protected view is the legal requirement within urban planning that is designed to preserve a view of a specific place or building.
    The view from King Henry’s Mound is of St Paul’s Cathedral and it cannot be obscured.
    This would therefore limit the heights of new stands at Stamford Bridge, as they could then be in the way of the 313-year-old building.
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    One way of avoiding this would be to dig down and lower the stadium, something that has been discussed according to The Times.
    However, it is suggested that this could cause issues with neighbours of the football ground.
    Chelsea’s new owners Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital want to build a stadium or redevelop Stamford Bridge into a 60,000-seater ground.
    This is to be able to match the capacities at London rivals Tottenham, Arsenal and West Ham.
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    Chelsea fans want the ground to have an increased capacity with some struggling to be able to afford a season ticket.
    The fans that are missing out are the ones that can be credited with creating the ground’s atmosphere, according to the report.
    The Blues have played in Stamford Bridge since 1905 and there was a sports side on the site for the previous 28 years before that. More

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    Man Utd in talks with Bayern Munich over Marcel Sabitzer transfer as Ten Hag moves quickly to replace injured Eriksen

    MANCHESTER UNITED are in talks with Bayern Munich over Marcel Sabitzer.Injury to Christian Eriksen has left Erik ten Hag looking for alternatives right at the end of the transfer window.
    Sabitzer has been with Bayern since 2021
    Sabitzer played for RB Leipzig before moving to BayernCredit: Getty
    Sabitzer has been at the German giants for two years but is now facing Premier League interest.
    Talksport report that United have made a move to land the midfielder.
    But Sky Sports Germany report that Chelsea are also interested and have enquired about the star.
    Sabitzer, 28, has made 15 appearances in the league this season but is not always a starter for the Bavarian club.
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    He moved to Bayern in 2021 after a seven-year stint at RB Leipzig.
    His opening season at the club saw him win the Bundesliga title and make 25 appearances.
    The late interest from Man United comes after the club looked set for a calm deadline day.
    Injury to Eriksen in Saturday’s FA Cup win over Reading has left the Red Devils’ midfield looking light.
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    He could be out for three months as they battle for a Champions League spot as well Carabao Cup, FA Cup and Europa League glory.
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    Scott McTominay is also on the sidelines at the moment, leaving Casemiro and Fred as the only recognised senior central midfielders.
    Meanwhile Chelsea have spent heavily throughout the window and look far from done on deadline day.
    They are still trying to push through a move for Enzo Fernandez and need to bolster their midfield with the shock exit of Jorginho to Arsenal looming. More

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    Jody Morris named Swindon manager as Frank Lampard’s former Chelsea assistant lands first boss job

    JODY MORRIS has been named Swindon’s new manager.The League Two club had been in search of a replacement for Scott Lindsey, who jumped ship to take charge of Crawley.
    Jody Morris has been named Swindon’s new manager
    And they turned to ex-Chelsea assistant boss Morris, who undertakes his first managerial role.
    Morris said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining Swindon Town as First-Team Head Coach.
    “This is a great opportunity at a wonderful football club that is steeped in history, and I can’t wait to get started.
    “My footballing philosophy is completely aligned with that of the club, and upon meeting Sandro, I was presented with a strategy and vision that I’m really keen to be a part of.
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    “I’m extremely proud to be leading such a forward-thinking club, with an owner and technical director that are passionate and committed to bringing success here.
    “We now turn our attentions to an important 19 league games, with promotion at the forefront of our ambitions, and we want to take this incredible fanbase on a long and successful journey.”
    Despite having no managerial experience, Morris has been involved with much high-level coaching in previous years.
    He was Lampard’s No2 both at Derby and Chelsea, helping the Rams reach the play-offs and the Blues get into the top four despite a transfer ban.
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    Morris left Stamford Bridge after Lampard’s sacking and has not worked in football since.
    The 44-year-old has also spent four years as Chelsea’s academy coach, having come through their youth system and making over 100 appearances for the senior team.
    It could be a baptism of fire for Morris with Swindon in the middle of a congested scrap for promotion from League Two.
    They are 6th but only five points separate fifth and 15th.
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    Interim boss Gavin Gunning was in charge as the Robins enjoyed a bonkers game with Gillingham.
    The Wiltshire-based club went 1-0 up within the opening minute but then found themselves 3-1 down before the 15 minute mark.
    A brace by Charlie Austin, who returned to his childhood club last month, rescued a point.
    Frank Lampard and Jody Morris worked at Chelsea togetherCredit: Getty More

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    Tottenham nab Chelsea wonderkid as striker Jude Soonsup-Bell, 19, signs three-year-deal after completing transfer

    TOTTENHAM have snapped up a wonderkid from the Chelsea youth academy.The North London side have completed the deal to sign Jude Soonsup-Bell.
    Tottenham have signed Jude Soonsup-Bell from ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The 19-year-old has signed a contract with Spurs that will run until 2025.
    The club put out a statement confirming the transfer that read: “We are pleased to confirm the addition of Jude Soonsup-Bell to our Development Squad.
    “The 19-year-old forward has signed from Chelsea and agreed a deal that will run until June 2025.”
    As per the statement, Soonsup-Bell will link up with the development squad initially.
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    The forward will then look to progress into Tottenham’s first team with Spurs’ striker options limited.
    The promising whizkid has been prolific in his career at youth levels so far and even managed four goals in one game against Barnsley in the FA Youth Cup – the first Blues player to achieve the feat in 59 years.
    He signed his first professional contract in 2021 with Chelsea.
    Later that year, in December, he made his senior debut for the club in the Carabao Cup clash against Brentford.
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    The 19-year-old shared the news of the move on his Instagram page for his 101,000 followers.
    He posted a picture of himself signing the Spurs contract.
    He wrote: “Verified Extremely excited to have signed for such a great club @spursofficial 🤍.
    “Can’t wait to get started on this new journey, looking forward to many years of success 🤍 #coys.” More

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    How Arsenal could line up with Jorginho in new formation after transfer from Chelsea – so which star will be dropped?

    ARSENAL are preparing to welcome Jorginho into the fold as they continue their push for the Premier League title.The Gunners have reportedly agreed a £12million deal with Chelsea for the 31-year-old Italy international.
    Jorginho is set to become an Arsenal player on deadline dayCredit: Getty
    How Arsenal could line up with Jorginho in the team
    Granit Xhaka and Thomas Partey have formed a superb partnershipCredit: Reuters
    His arrival gives Mikel Arteta some much-needed depth in the middle of the park.
    Up to now, Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka had very little behind them in terms of back-up.
    But Jorginho coming to the Emirates will provide some serious competition for places.
    And Arsenal fans will already be speculating about who could make way for the former Napoli man if he was to force himself into the starting XI.
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    Arteta has consistently played a 4-3-3 formation throughout the campaign so far.
    But Jorginho could switch things up a little, with the Arsenal boss potentially moving to more of a 4-2-3-1.
    And getting the Italian into the team would mean one of Xhaka or Partey dropping out.
    It is more likely to be Xhaka given Partey has become arguably Arsenal’s most important player.
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    That would be harsh on the Swiss midfielder given his superb form this season, but it would give Arteta a strong option off the bench.
    And he can afford to tinker with the side given the rest of his XI is so stable.
    A back five of Aaron Ramsdale, Ben White, Gabriel, William Saliba and Oleksandr Zinchenko is not expected to be broken up any time soon..
    And the front four of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah have been superb ever since Gabriel Jesus’ injury.
    Arsenal sit five points ahead of Man City with a game in hand.

    Next up for the league leaders is a trip to Everton – who will be hoping the arrival of Sean Dyche gives them a new lease of life.
    Arsenal then host Brentford, before a mouth-watering clash with title rivals Man City at the Emirates on February 15. More

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    Paris Saint-Germain ‘in talks with Chelsea’ over Hakim Ziyech deadline day loan transfer with option to buy

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are in talks to sign Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech, according to reports.The winger has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and could be allowed to leave on deadline day.
    PSG are in talks to sign Hakim Ziyech on loanCredit: Getty
    The arrivals of Mykhailo Mudryk, Joao Felix and Noni Madueke mean Ziyech’s game time could decline even further – he has started only four Prem games this season.
    PSG want to sign the Morroco international on loan, according to The Athletic.
    The two clubs are engaged in negotiations and the deal could include an option to make the move permanent.
    Three other Champions League teams are reportedly interested in Ziyech, 29, but time is running out.
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    Chelsea need to trim their squad as they are unable to register all of their January signings for the Champions League.
    And they have reportedly blocked a £40million approach for Conor Gallagher from Everton.

    Instead they could let Jorginho go to Arsenal – six months before his contract is due to expire.
    Chelsea are also keen to make another addition and have not given up on the signing of Benfica midfielder Enzo Fernandez.
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    They have bid a British-record £105m for the Argentina international, with the sum set to be paid in six instalments.
    A Chelsea bid worth £112m – £6m more than his £105m release clause – was turned down this month as it was structured to be paid in three £37.3m yearly instalments. More

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    Arsenal ‘close’ to signing Chelsea contract rebel Jorginho’ as Moises Caicedo transfer hangs in the balance

    ARSENAL are reportedly ‘close’ to sealing a sensational swoop for Chelsea’s contract rebel Jorginho.Mikel Arteta is on the search for a midfielder with Brighton so far refusing to sell number one target Moises Caicedo.
    Arsenal want to sign Chelsea midfielder JorginhoCredit: EPA
    Arsenal could sign Jorginho as an alternative and are looking to take advantage of the fact he is out of contract in the summer.
    Sky Sports in Germany are reporting that the Italian international is ‘close’ to moving across London in a move that would raise some eyebrows.
    The move has come about because fellow Blues midfielder Conor Gallagher is believed to have rejected a move to Everton.
    Chelsea could look to cash in on Jorginho now but that could depend on the success of their move for Benfica star Enzo Fernandez, report The Athletic.
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    The Blues have reignited their interest Fernandez after bidding for the Argentina international at the beginning of the month.
    Arsenal have several targets in mind and are determined to sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes at 11pm tomorrow.
    They view Jorginho, 31, as an alternative for Caicedo after reportedly seeing a £70million bid rejected for the Ecuadorian.
    And it is thought that Brighton’s position will not change before the window closes.
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    Caicedo has been told to stay away from training until after the deadline passes and was excluded from Brighton’s FA Cup win over Liverpool at the weekend.
    But Chelsea could also demand a significant fee to let Jorginho leave, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
    It is believed Arsenal are also preparing another offer for Caicedo in the region of £70m with £5m worth of add-ons.
    That would be a club record fee for Arsenal, eclipsing the £72m spent on flop Nicolas Pepe.
    Brighton could be open to selling before the end of the transfer window but are holding out for £80m. More

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    Everton ‘launch shock £45m Conor Gallagher transfer offer’ in bid to snap up Chelsea star ahead of two rivals

    EVERTON have reportedly launched a shock bid for Conor Gallagher – just moments after the appointment of Sean Dyche.Dyche – who has replaced the axed Frank Lampard – began eying up targets to help the Merseysiders beat the drop before his appointment.
    Relegation battlers Everton have tabled a bid for Chelsea ace Conor GallagherCredit: REX
    Gallagher spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace – who also want to sign himCredit: ALAMY
    New Toffees manager Sean Dyche has moved quickly to bring in reinforcementsCredit: AP
    And the former Burnley chief has moved quickly to try to bring in reinforcements – tabling a bid for Chelsea’s Gallagher.
    The new Toffees chief has reportedly tabled a £45million bid for the midfielder, who spent last season on loan at Crystal Palace.
    That’s according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who tweeted: “Everton have submitted a bid to sign Conor Gallagher from Chelsea. It’s £40m proposal plus £5m add-ons.
    “EFC Chelsea will make a decision soon as there are also other clubs interested in Gallagher — and player has to decide his future too.”
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    Everton aren’t the only Premier League side interested in signing the 22-year-old.
    High-flying Newcastle United are also keen on Gallagher, with manager Eddie Howe understood to be an admirer of the England international.
    Palace are also interested in bringing Gallagher back to Selhurst Park – where he enjoyed a stellar campaign last season.
    Gallagher made 39 appearances in all competitions for The Eagles, scoring nine goals and racking up five assists.
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    New Chelsea chief Graham Potter has made significant use of Gallager this season, handing him 25 appearances in all competitions.
    Rock-bottom Everton will begin life under Dyche on Saturday afternoon when they welcome table-toppers Arsenal to Goodison Park.
    And Dyche is under no illusions of the size of the task he has on his hands.
    He said: “It’s an honour to become Everton manager.
    “My staff and I are ready and eager to help get this great club back on track.
    “I know about Everton’s passionate fanbase and how precious this club is to them.
    Sean Dyche takes charge of an Everton side rock bottom of the Premier LeagueCredit: PA
    “We’re ready to work and ready to give them what they want.
    “That starts with sweat on the shirt, effort and getting back to some of the basic principles of what Everton Football Club has stood for a long time.
    “We want to bring back a good feeling. We need the fans, we need unity and we need everyone aligned. That starts with us as staff and players.
    “Our aim is to put out a team that works, that fights and wears the badge with pride.
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    “The connection with the fans can then grow very quickly because they’re so passionate.
    “There is quality in this squad. But we have to make them shine. That’s the job of me and my staff.” More