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    Chelsea ‘close to signing Andrey Santos after Brazilian wonderkid snubs transfer to Man City and Newcastle’

    CHELSEA are reportedly close to signing Andrey Santos from Vasco da Gama.The Brazilian wonderkid has already made 37 senior appearances for the Rio de Janeiro-based side.
    Andrey Santos is believed to have chosen a move to ChelseaCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Santos plays in midfield and has already turned out for the Brazil under-20 side as he makes a name for himself.
    He also has an eye for goal, having found the net on eight occasions in the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie B.
    Chelsea are in the process of finalising the deal to bring the 18-year-old to Stamford Bridge for an undisclosed fee, according to the Athletic.
    The report also states that the Blues will have beaten Premier League rivals to his signature.
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    Both Manchester City and Newcastle are credited with interest in the youngster, but he is believed to have chosen a move to West London instead.
    Santos would become the latest rising star to be bought by Chelsea since the new regime was installed.
    Carney Chukwuemeka from Aston Villa, Cesare Casadei from Inter Milan, Gabriel Slonina from Chicago Fire and Omari Hutchinson from Arsenal are other players that have arrived as the club builds for the future.
    This type of transfer is what manager Graham Potter is used to from his time at former club Brighton.
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    During his time on the south coast, the English manager saw multiple talents arrive and eventually make their way into the first team.
    Most notably is midfielder and Ecuadorian World Cup star Moises Caicedo, who has also been linked with a switch to Chelsea. More

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    Ex-Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel ‘leaves UK and takes up Spanish lessons’ with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid targeted

    THOMAS TUCHEL is edging closer to his next job after leaving the UK and taking Spanish lessons, according to reports.The former Chelsea boss was forced to leave the UK after his visa expired following his sacking at Stamford Bridge.
    Thomas Tuchel is learning Spanish ahead of a move to Barcelona or Atletico MadridCredit: Alamy
    But German chief Tuchel has not allowed this to stop him from pursuing his next gig – which included the England job if Gareth Southgate left the position.
    According to journalist Christian Falk, Tuchel has “intensified his Spanish” after leaving the UK.
    Falk then tagged Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in his post, indicating them as two of the interested parties.
    Barcelona appear to be on an upward trajectory under club legend Xavi, but once again failed to qualify for the Champions League knockout rounds.
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    Instead the Blaugrana have dropped into the Europa League playoffs, and will face a titanic clash with Manchester United in February.
    Meanwhile, Atletico are struggling under Diego Simeone this season having already been knocked out of the Champions League and sitting fifth in LaLiga.
    With both outfits struggling to overcome their Champions League demons, Tuchel could be brought in to remedy the situation.
    The 49-year-old masterminded an improbable Champions League victory with Chelsea months after being appointed.
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    Success continued to flow for the Blues as they won the Club World Cup and Super Cup while also losing out on penalties in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.
    Chelsea were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the third round by Manchester City, meaning their next game is not until December 27 when they face Bournemouth. More

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    Chelsea announce Christopher Vivell as new technical director after stealing sought-after chief from RB Leipzig

    CHELSEA have appointed the highly-sought after Christopher Vivell as their new technical director.The position was vacant at Stamford Bridge following Marina Granovskaia’s summer departure after a major shake-up by owner Todd Boehly.
    Christoper Vivell has succeeded Marina Granovskaia as Blues technical directorCredit: AFP
    Chelsea were without a technical director following Marina Granovskaia’s exitCredit: NEWS GROUP NEWSPAPERS LTD
    But Vivell – who helped unearth Erling Haaland during his time with Red Bull Salzburg – has now succeeded the Russian.
    An excerpt of a club statement read: “Chelsea FC is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Vivell.
    “He joins immediately as the new technical director of Chelsea FC.
    “Vivell comes to Chelsea from a previous role with RB Leipzig in his native Germany where he was responsible for recruitment and scouting across all age groups.
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    “During his time there he also co-ordinated the overall strategy for squad building and recruitment among Red Bull’s wider football group.
    “Vivell previously spent five years with Leipzig’s sister club RB Salzburg in Austria as head of scouting and recruitment and prior to that was first-team scout at Hoffenheim.”
    Vivell, 36, is looking forward to sinking his teeth into his new role, saying: “Chelsea are building the most exciting project in global football and I’m extremely proud to be joining the club.
    “There is so much potential for the club to continue to succeed, develop and grow.
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    “Under the new ownership, Graham Potter and the broader sporting team, there is a clear and sustainable philosophy underpinned by performance analysis, data and innovation, and I am looking forward to playing a part in that.”
    Blues co-owner and chairman Todd Boehly said: “We are delighted that Christopher is taking up this important leadership role at the club.
    “His work in Germany and Austria speaks for itself.
    Christopher Vivell helped discover Erling Haaland during his time with RB SalzburgCredit: Getty
    “We are confident he will continue on his impressive trajectory here at Chelsea.
    “He will provide important support to Graham and the ownership group and play a vital part in advancing our overall vision for the club.”
    Chelsea will resume their Premier League campaign on Tuesday, welcoming Bournemouth to Stamford Bridge. More

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    Man Utd, Liverpool and Chelsea transfer blow with Real Madrid confident of £100m-plus Jude Bellingham signing

    REAL MADRID believe they have won the race to sign Jude Bellingham in a £100million-plus deal.The teenage England star has the pick of LaLiga giants Real, Liverpool, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.
    Jude Bellingham is one of the highest-rated youngsters in world footballCredit: Getty
    He was superb in England’s midfield throughout the World CupCredit: PA
    But Carlo Ancelotti’s Real have become increasingly confident that, after courting him throughout 2022, Bellingham, 19, will snub a Premier League move and make a big switch to Spain next summer.
    Liverpool are desperate to sign him, with manager Jurgen Klopp believing that Borussia Dortmund ace Bellingham — who enjoyed a fine World Cup with England — will soon become the world’s best midfielder.
    In Qatar, both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Henderson told the player about the merits of featuring for the Reds.
    City feel they are not out of the race and are expected to up their bid to land Bellingham, who moved from Birmingham to Dortmund for £30m in the summer of 2020.
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    But Ancelotti and Real feel the chance to become a Bernabeu icon will seal the deal.
    All of the clubs, even those with limitless pots of cash such as City and PSG, have been made aware that wages are not important for Bellingham — only how a move would benefit him football-wise.
    As SunSport revealed last week, United boss Erik ten Hag is planning a £200m double whammy to land Bellingham and Barcelona’s Frenkie de Jong.
    Ten Hag’s problem is Bellingham turned down United to join Dortmund.
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    Club legends Sir Alex Ferguson, Eric Cantona and Bryan Robson were all sent to meet the player but failed to persuade him to move to Old Trafford.
    Since joining the German giants, Bellingham has contributed 19 goals and 21 assists in 112 games.
    He was also handed the club captaincy earlier this season, before thriving with England in Qatar.
    Carlo Ancelotti is keen to land Bellingham in the summerCredit: The Times More

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    Chelsea injury fears as Fofana goes off injured in 5-1 friendly win against Brentford with Havertz scoring hat-trick

    A KAI HAVERTZ hat-trick was overshadowed by an injury scare for Wesley Fofana as Chelsea beat Brentford 5-1 in a friendly behind closed doors.Centre-back Fofana “looked upset” as he went off crocked just a week before the Blues resume their Premier League campaign at home to Bournemouth on December 27.
    Defender Wesley Fofana went off seven days before the Prem resumesCredit: Getty
    German World Cup star Kai Havertz bagged a treble in Chelsea’s warm-up clash against BrentfordCredit: Getty
    But the extent of the former Leicester star’s problem has not been revealed.
    Meanwhile, Reece James confirmed his recovery from a knee injury that kept the Chelsea wing-back out of England’s World Cup squad.
    James played an hour of the warm-up game against the Bees, which was played over THREE 45-minute periods.
    But Blues’ midfielder Mason Mount was missing following the Three Lions’ mentally and physically exhausting run to the quarter-finals in Qatar.
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    Most of Chelsea’s World Cup stars are thought to be back in training.
    And some featured alongside youngsters against Brentford in a specially-extended match designed to boost fitness.
    The treble from Havertz followed his impressive double off the bench in Germany’s final World Cup game.
    The former Bayer Leverkusen struck twice in 12 minutes as a 4-2 win over Costa Rica failed to save the Germans from a shock group exit.
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    And the 23-year-old again boosted his chances of more regular starts under Stamford Bridge chief Graham Potter with the star role for his club on Tuesday.
    The concern over Fofana comes after striker Armando Broja was ruled out for possibly the rest of the season due to an injury in last week’s 1-0 friendly victory over Aston Villa in Abu Dhabi.
    The Albanian, 21, needed surgery for a ruptured cruciate ligament. More

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    Chelsea transfer blow as £60m target Anthony Gordon is set to sign new long-term Everton deal

    EVERTON are reportedly close to finalising a new contract for Anthony Gordon.The 21-year-old was the subject of transfer interest from Chelsea in the summer.
    Anthony Gordon is reportedly set to sign a new Everton contractCredit: Getty
    But the Toffees are now on the verge of keeping him at the club long-term, according to the Telegraph.
    In doing so they will stave off any renewed interest in the winger when the January transfer window opens.
    Chelsea previously had several bids turned down for the England U21 star with Everton unwilling to sell their prized asset, who they valued at £60million.
    Tottenham were another team keen on Gordon and were weighing up a January swoop.
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    But a new lucrative deal will see him stay at Goodison.
    His current deal is due to expire in 2025.
    Gordon struggled for form before the World Cup after being a key man in Everton’s escape from relegation last season.
    He has scored just three Premier League goals so far this campaign.
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    The Toffees will be hoping a new and improved contract will put an end to any speculation and settle him down form wise.
    Elsewhere, Alex Iwobi is also reported to be close to penning fresh terms.
    Boss Frank Lampard is eager to reward those who helped kept the club up in dramatic fashion last season.
    Ex-Arsenal ace Iwobi has carried his good form into the current campaign, starting all 15 Prem games before the World Cup break.
    Alex Iwobi is another in line for a new dealCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea star N’Golo Kante ‘wants to sign pre-contract with Barcelona in January as he targets free transfer exit’

    N’GOLO KANTE wants a pre-contract deal with Barcelona in January as he eyes a summer free transfer, reports in Spain say.But Barca are also considering his Chelsea team-mate Jorginho, Leicester’s Youri Tielemans and Real Sociedad star Martín Zubimendi.
    French midfielder N’Golo Kante is reportedly hoping for a free transfer from Chelsea to Barcelona in the summerCredit: Getty
    The Spanish giants have held talks with Kante’s representatives.
    And the Frenchman, 31 is hoping Nou Camp chiefs make a quick decision.
    That’s because he has other options as he nears the end of his contract.
    Juventus and Inter Milan have also been linked with the ex-Leicester hero.
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    But Kante’s fitness record this season could count against him.
    He missed the World Cup with a hamstring injury suffered against Tottenham back in August.
    Sport say Barca rate him as a proven, like-for-like replacement should legend Sergio Busquets depart in the summer.
    But Zubimendi reportedly tops the wishlist of Nou Camp boss Xavi.
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    Manchester United were also mentioned in connection with the 23-year-old last month amid claims they are prepared to activate his £52million release clause at Sociedad.
    And new Aston Villa chief Unai Emery also hopes to tempt Zubimendi, whose contract runs until 2027.
    It’s also believed Barca have monitored Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan and Wolves’ main man Ruben Neves. More

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    Chelsea and Liverpool in transfer scrap for Brighton star Moises Caicedo after stunning World Cup displays for Ecuador

    CHELSEA are Liverpool are keen on signing Brighton star Moises Caicedo.The Prem duo are said to be impressed by the midfielder’s form for Ecuador at the World Cup.
    Chelsea and Liverpool are keen on Moises Caicedo after his fine World CupCredit: Getty
    Caicedo played every minute in Qatar as his side narrowly missed out on a place in the knockouts.
    That comes despite his goal against Senegal in their final group game, which at that point had the South Americans on course to reach the last-16.
    Caicedo’s form at the tournament follows on from his performances for Brighton throughout this year.
    The 21-year-old has established himself as a permanent figure at the Amex, stating every league game this season.
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    And Sky Sports claim both Chelsea and Liverpool are interested in his services.
    But the report states that Brighton have “no intention” of selling the midfielder and don’t feel under any pressure to cash in.
    Earlier this year, SunSport revealed the Seagulls were willing to offer Caicedo pay rise and a new contract.
    Caicedo, who joined for just £5m, has more than three-and-a-half years left on his current deal.
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    But their resolve might be severely tested by the top six giants, who are both desperately hoping to bolster their midfield departments.
    Chelsea are already on course to make RB Leipzig forward Christopher Nkunku their first signing under Graham Potter’s guidance.
    The Frenchman is expected to arrive at Stamford Bridge next summer in a £53m deal. More