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      Jose Mourinho ready to raid Premier League and clinch ‘marquee signing’ of his former player for Fenerbahce

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      JOSE MOURINHO wants to make Mateo Kovacic his marquee summer signing for Fenerbahce.And if Mourinho seals a club record £25million deal, Manchester City midfielder Kovacic will follow in his footsteps for an astonishing FOURTH time — yet play under him for the first.Jose Mourinho wants Mateo Kovacic from Man CityCredit: GettyThe Chelsea star could reunite with The Special One out in TurkeyCredit: RexThe former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has asked the board at the Turkish club to push the boat out for Kovacic and wants him to fill the key holding role.City only signed the 30-year-old Croat a year ago and he is contracted until 2027.But sources say Etihad chiefs would be open to business if they can recoup the initial £25m that he cost from Chelsea.Mourinho has wasted no time recruiting new faces since taking over last month, charged with ending Fenerbahce’s ten-year Turkish Super League drought.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSHe has been linked with Nottingham Forest’s Ibrahim Sangare and Sander Berge of Burnley, having lost out on signing Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from old club Spurs.But Kovacic is top of his wanted list, which would finally mean he and Mourinho were on the books at the same time.Both men have previously been at Inter Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea — but on each occasion the manager had already left by the time Kovacic arrived.Mourinho has already broken Fenerbahce’s transfer record once, with the £20m capture of Morocco international forward Youssef En-Nesyri from Seville.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFormer Everton striker Cenk Tosun has joined on a free while ex-Newcastle forward Allan Saint-Maximin is on loan from Al-Ahli.Meanwhile, Barcelona have made a return bid for City defender Joao Cancelo — they are ready to pay a £7m loan fee and cover his £160,000-a-week wages.Jose Mourinho offers Brits his top advice as most influential celebs revealed City would prefer to sell him but Barca insist they cannot afford it so City could agree to the deal because there are no other offers on the table. More

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      Inside Chelsea star’s incredible £2m five-bed dream mansion in uber-posh area with home cinema, swimming pool and spa

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      CHELSEA striker Armando Broja has kicked off plans to build a dream new home complete with a lush cinema, swimming pool and spa. The forward, 22, splashed out on an old four-bedroom house in a private Surrey estate – not far from the Blues’ Cobham training ground.Armando Broja of Chelsea has grand plans for a massive mansion in SurreyCredit: GettyThe striker is dreaming of building a home with a cinema, swimming pool and spaCredit: CouncilThe home is set to have a gaming and entertainment area – and gymCredit: CouncilBut now the player has revealed plans to demolish the £1.8million to make way for a mansion – which will be complete with a boots and kit store.Broja hopes to build a bigger luxury five-bed pad with a gaming and entertainment area, cinema, gym, swimming pool and spa.The proposed new home will also boast a grand double-height entrance hallway, retreat, study and covered outdoor terrace.The Chelsea striker has applied to his local council for planning permission for a detached two-storey house with rooms in the roof, dormer windows and a garage.Read more on Football In a design statement, his planning agents said: “The proposal provides for a form of development that is in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area in terms of its size, scale, height and design.”The proposal will be of a high standard of architecture, finish and landscaping, therefore will enhance the existing street scene significantly and add positive value to the existing area.”The proposed dwelling aims to enhance the plot and internal space utilisation, creating a highly sustainable residence.”Residential properties in this area mainly comprise large detached dwellings on substantial plots, often gated.”Most read in FootballThe existing house has a games room, snug, wine store and living room with a stone fireplace and open fire.But in a boost to Broja’s green credentials, the proposed new build will feature air source heat pumps, solar power, a heat recovery system and underfloor heating.Chelsea fans concerned for Armando Broja after Ben Chilwell uploads bizarre video of striker in just a towelIn a sales listing for the current home, estate agents said: “The house has significant potential, either to build your dream home from scratch or extend and modernise the existing property on this stunning level plot.”Land Registry records show that Broja paid £1.8m for the pad in December, just a month before he was farmed out on loan to Fulham.He has now been linked with a move to a string of clubs including Everton, Crystal Palace, Wolves, AC Milan and Monaco.Officials at this local council are expected to make a decision on the new build in September and there have so far been no objections from neighbours.The Sun has approached Broja’s reps for comment.Just weeks ago we exclusively revealed the Chelsea striker was wanted by a Champions League team. AC Milan was said to be keen to sign Broja, but SunSport understands the Italian giants would likely need to sell before buying.’Nightmare loan’That could see the exit of former Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic. Broja, who was at the Euros with Albania, endured a nightmare loan with Fulham in the second half of the season.The 22-year-old made just eight appearances and all from the bench.It was the third loan of his career after previous spells at Vitesse and Southampton.Overall, he has scored three goals in 38 games for his parent club.Chelsea need to sell players to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules and selling academy graduates like Broja equates to pure profit.Milan have done plenty of business with the Blues in recent years, having signed Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori from the West Londoners.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Serie A stalwarts, who are expected to appoint ex-Lille and Roma manager Paulo Fonseca as their new boss, also want to sign Tottenham right-back Emerson Royal, 25.Reports suggest there is a gap between the two club’s valuations – but there is hope a deal can be agreed.Inside Premier League star’s £4.8m mansion By Ethan Singh & Jamie CheshireChelsea star Carney Chukwuemeka has snapped up a £4.8million mansion complete a huge swimming pool and high-tech CCTV.The youngster’s luxury six-bedroom pad comes with a leisure complex including a 31x14ft swimming pool, jacuzzi, gym and triple garage.It has a grand entrance hall, a galleried landing, seven bathrooms, five reception rooms, family room, drawing room, breakfast room, study and office.The 9,393 sq.ft stately pile also boasts a media and games room, bar, party terrace, outdoor BBQ kitchen.And it even has a children’s climbing frame and castle to boot.In a sales brochure, estate agents gushed: “The property is finished to a very high standard and has a range of features including underfloor heating, a programmable sound system throughout and a sophisticated CCTV security system.”The grand galleried reception hall leads to the principal reception rooms, all of which ate the rear have French windows onto the entertaining terrace and gardens beyond, while the family room has superb full-height concertina doors.”The magnificent principal bedroom suite has two dressing rooms, a secondary bathroom/sitting room and French windows to a roof terrace overlooking the gardens.”Chelsea signed Chukwuemeka, 20, from Aston Villa on a six-year contract in a deal believed to be worth £20million, two years ago.Land Registry records show that he paid £4.8million for his Surrey home which had a guide price of £5.5million.But a housing developer has now applied for planning permission to build three homes on a nearby plot of land, which Chukwuemeka has objected to.In a letter to planners, he wrote: “Me and my family are new in the estate and this is maybe planning application number four we have received since being in the estate.”The estate will continue to increase in properties but the infrastructure remains the same.”I don’t think this is a good idea building more houses on a plot of land that originally had just one house on it. Not in support because of the number of new properties to be built there.” More

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      Chelsea confirm release of £100,000-a-week star after four years as brief statement is issued

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      CHELSEA have released Malang Sarr after terminating his contract as his four year stay at Stamford Bridge comes to a bitter end.The Frenchman, 25, departs west London having made 21 appearances since joining in August 2020. Malang Sarr will leave Chelsea immediately after the club released him on SaturdayCredit: ReutersThe Frenchman has joined Lens in a two-year dealCredit: GettyChelsea and Malang Sarr have agreed to terminate the defender’s contract. 🔵— Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) July 27, 2024

      Sarr spent time on loan at Porto and Monaco during his time at the club.The centre-back failed to break back into the first team squad when Mauricio Pochettino arrived last summer and was subsequently sent to train with the Under-21s.Following the mutual termination of his Chelsea contract, Sarr will not receive any compensation for the final year of his wages.Sarr has now officially joined Ligue 1 side Lens on a two-year deal as he looks to revive his career.Lens manager Pierre Dreossi said: “Versatile and with solid European experience, Malang is a player who started out very young and whose career has been marked by many challenges.“Despite the trials and tribulations, he never gave up and now joins Racing with the firm intention of performing well.”The defender picked up a whopping £20.8million in wages from his spell in the Premier League.He was limited to just eight Prem appearances, and last featured in the top flight in the 2021/2022 season. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChelsea’s US tour partyGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach, Lucas Bergstrom.Defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia.Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.Forwards: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.Rested: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer.Reported injured: Petrovic   Left out:  Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Malang Sarr, Cesare Casadei, Leo Castledine, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Tino Anjorin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mason Burstow, David Datro Fofana, Bashir Humphreys, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Matos, Gabriel Slonina, Harvey Vale, Dujuan Richards, Kiano Dyer, Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Zak Sturge, Jimi Tauriainen, Travis Akomeah, Ato Ampah, Somto Boniface, Luke Campbell, Brodi Hughes, Harrison McMahon, Donnell McNeilly, Leo Cardoso, Max Merrick, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Richard Olise, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Frankie Runham, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny, Zain Silcott-Duberry, Ronnie Stutter, Shaun Wade, Kaiden Wilson.Sarr began his career at Nice, debuting as a 17-year-old and making 119 first-team appearances before joining Chelsea as a free agent.Chelsea could also cut ties with some first team players this summer.Football teams that controversially changed their badgeTrevoh Chalobah was left out of Enzo Maresca’s squad for the club’s USA pre-season tour last week.Blues chiefs are reportedly looking to offload him before the transfer window shuts.Conor Gallagher could also leave despite his fan-favourite status, with Aston Villa and Tottenham registering their interest in the England international.Meanwhile, Maresca has publicly stated that Enzo Fernandez – who is under internal investigation- is in his plans for next season after the Argentine sparked a racism storm.The £105m Chelsea man shared shocking footage showing Argentina players signing a racist and homophobic song on their team bus about France. More

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      Chelsea ‘set to complete £17m Aaron Anselmino transfer with Boca Juniors wonderkid flying to London on Monday’

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      CHELSEA are on the verge of signing Boca Juniors defender Aaron Anselmino in a £17million transfer, according to reports.The Blues have already signed five players so far this summer – three of which are teenagers.Aaron Anselmino is on the verge of joining ChelseaCredit: GettyAnd they are set to add another to their ranks next week with Anselmino set to fly in for a medical.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims Chelsea have struck a deal with Boca Juniors worth £17m for the 19-year-old.He will travel to England on Monday to complete the move.However, Anselmino will return to Boca Juniors on loan until January at the earliest.Read More in FootballThe centre-back has made 10 senior appearances for the Primera Division side since signing his first professional contract last year.Summer signings Tosin Adarabioyo, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Marc Guiu have all been included in Enzo Maresca’s squad for Chelsea’s pre-season tour of the USA.Omari Kellyman was left in London due to an injury, while 17-year-old Estevao Willian is yet to officially join the Blues.Estevao will complete the move from Palmeiras next summer when he turns 18.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe Brazilian has reportedly cost Chelsea around £56m.Fans have already branded him a “generational talent” in recent weeks.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsHe scored a stunning goal for Palmeiras against Bahia earlier this month after running the length of the pitch.Estevao is also known as “Messinho” among fans and his team-mates.Chelsea’s US tour partyGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach, Lucas Bergstrom.Defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia.Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.Forwards: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.Rested: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer.Reported injured: Petrovic   Left out:  Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Malang Sarr, Cesare Casadei, Leo Castledine, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Tino Anjorin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mason Burstow, David Datro Fofana, Bashir Humphreys, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Matos, Gabriel Slonina, Harvey Vale, Dujuan Richards, Kiano Dyer, Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Zak Sturge, Jimi Tauriainen, Travis Akomeah, Ato Ampah, Somto Boniface, Luke Campbell, Brodi Hughes, Harrison McMahon, Donnell McNeilly, Leo Cardoso, Max Merrick, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Richard Olise, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Frankie Runham, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny, Zain Silcott-Duberry, Ronnie Stutter, Shaun Wade, Kaiden Wilson. More

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      New Chelsea academy starlet Tyrique George reveals how advice from England and Blues icon has fired shock breakthrough

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      AFTER months of talk around Chelsea academy graduates leaving the club it seems Blues fans may have another to get excited about.Teenager Tyrique George has been handed a chance to impress in the United States by new boss Enzo Maresca this summer.Chelsea academy starlet Tyrique George has been called up to the US pre-season tourCredit: GettyChelsea star Raheem Sterling has been sharing important advice for GeorgeCredit: PAChelsea’s pre-season tourHere is a look at Chelsea’s full tour of the USA:RESULTSChelsea 2 Wrexham 2 – July 24 FIXTURESChelsea vs Celtic – July 27 – Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, IndianaChelsea vs Club America – July 31 – Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GeorgiaChelsea vs Manchester City – August 3 – Ohio Stadium in Columbus, OhioChelsea vs Real Madrid – August 6 – Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North CarolinaGotham FC vs Chelsea Women – August 19 – Red Bull Arena, Harrison, New JerseyChelsea Women vs Arsenal Women – August 25 – Audi Field, Washington DCNot only was the 18-year-old winger named in the touring squad for pre-season but he was a surprise starter in the opening game against Wrexham at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara.George was named on the bench by Mauricio Pochettino three times in Premier League games last season but never got on.So against the Welsh side in California this was his first real chance to show what he can do – and there was plenty to like.Despite his age the left winger was confident and composed on the ball, always looking to take on the defender in front of him and make things happen.Read More on ChelseaSome runs came off, others did not but across the 45 minutes he was given in the first half George never went hiding.He said: “I was very excited and this is another big step in my career. It was such a good experience.”I have been at Chelsea since I was eight years old so to have the chance to play for the first team for the first time, with players who not long ago I was watching on TV, was so special.”Those players who he has been watching on TV have been impressed too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSGeorge has been in the thick of it in training Stateside, taking part in friendly challenges with far more senior teammates at the end of sessions.Noni Madueke has long been a fan and supporter of George’s, impressed by his return of 14 goals and 10 assists across Chelsea’s youth teams last season.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsHis fellow winger has been one of a few players to support the youngster as he looks to make an impression on Maresca.Veteran Raheem Sterling has made a lot of effort to ensure that George is settled and working hard at this level, while former Aston Villa midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka is also a close friend.George said: “When you are quite new to the group, having someone like Raheem give you advice when he has played at the highest level for so many years really helps.”Having the chance to play alongside all these top players has been really good. You are learning new things every day from really experienced players.”On the pitch in America, fellow academy graduate Levi Colwill has been giving George vocal support while Christopher Nkunku has also been keeping an eye on him.The England Under-18 international has been with the Blues academy since the age of eight having been born in London to Nigerian parents.Chelsea pre-season tour squad and notable absenteesGoalkeepers: Robert SanchezMarcus BettinelliEddie BeachLucas BergstromDefenders: Reece JamesMalo GustoJosh AcheampongWesley FofanaAxel DisasiTosin AdarabioyoBenoit BadiashileLevi ColwillBen ChilwellRenato VeigaMidfielders: Carney ChukwuemekaRomeo LaviaLesley UgochukwuKiernan Dewsbury-HallAndrey SantosForwards: Nicolas JacksonChristopher NkunkuRaheem SterlingMykhailo MudrykNoni MaduekeArmando BrojaTyrique GeorgeMarc GuiuAngeloNotable absentees: (Internationals)Cole PalmerConor Gallagher Enzo FernandezMarc Cucurella(Left out ahead of possible loan/sale)Romelu LukakuOmari Kellyman Alfie Gilchrist Bashir Humphreys Cesare Casadei David Datro Fofana Deivid WashingtonDjordje Petrovic More

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      Chelsea cult hero tells new manager Enzo Maresca to ditch Blues’ transfer strategy… and bring him back out of retirement

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      GARY CAHILL called on Chelsea to ditch their transfer strategy and buy some older, experienced heads – just like him.Todd Boehly’s £1billion-plus spending spree since buying the Blues in 2022 has focused on paying big money for young rising stars.Gary Cahill won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2012Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca has continued the Chelsea transfer strategy of signing youngstersCredit: GettySpanish striker Marc Guiu, 18, arrived from BarcelonaCredit: GettyBoehly signed off mammoth cheques for Wesley Fofana (£75m), Mykhailo Mudryk (£88m), Enzo Fernandez (£110m) and record-arrival Moises Caicedo (£115m).New manager Enzo Maresca has continued the trend since taking over from Mauricio Pochettino this summer with Omari Kellyman (£19m), Tosin Adarabioyo (free), Marc Guiu (£5m), Kieran Dewsbury-Hall (£30m) and Renato Veiga (£11.75m) heading through the entrance door at Stamford Bridge. But Cahill believes the smartest piece of business the new manager could do before the transfer window closes is to land a few veterans. Thiago Silva spent four years in West London, providing bags of trophy-winning know-how and leadership expertise to a young squad desperately lacking.READ MORE ON CHELSEABut after the 39-year-old’s free transfer exit at the end of last season, the only two players aged over 30 currently in the squad are Romelu Lukaku, 31, and 32-year-old Marcus Bettinelli.Of last season’s regulars, Raheem Sterling is the senior statesman at 29.Cahill, 38, said: “I’d like to see a little bit of experience added in the window, to be honest. “That would be a sensible play from Chelsea, from my personal point of view, to try and build that spine and knit together some of these young players. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“Obviously, the tactic has been to buy exciting young players to then develop over the next two or three years. That sometimes takes time, especially when you get players from different leagues, different countries. It’s not always easy for them to settle. “For me, a good transfer window for Chelsea would be to have two or three experienced players that are not phased and potentially know the league but have been around a little bit. Chelsea fans in tears at ‘ugliest kit so far’ as ‘melting pot pattern’ for 2024/25 season is releasedGary Cahill’s career at ChelseaAppearances: 290 (2011-19)Goals: 25Premier League: 2014-15, 2016-17FA Cup: 2011-12, 2017-18League Cup: 2014-15Champions League: 2011-12Europa League: 2012-13, 2018-19“That would be vital in terms of getting the squad together and helping these young players to progress and almost set the standards and the levels. “Like with Thiago, he had a big impact there, didn’t he? Even at the age that he was at, it was a huge impact. That’s a big loss in terms of not just playing but also in the changing room.“Adding that experience will help this team on and off the pitch.”Pressed on who he had in mind, the 61-cap ex-England defender and 2012 Champions League winner joked: “Me, mate! Did you see me in Soccer Aid?“But that kind of pedigree, an experienced player, a top player and a player that’s been around and knows the standards and knows what it’s like to compete and be at a big club and try and challenge for trophies.”Maresca certainly knows how to lead teams to win trophies, being Pep Guardiola’s No2 during the Treble-winning season before lifting the Championship in his solo campaign as Leicester boss, securing the Foxes an immediate return to the Premier League.But Cahill is not necessarily expecting Maresca to add to his personal collection of medals in 2024-25.He added: “Time will tell. It’s quite, what do you say, risky. It’s an appointment where I think people are unsure how it’s going to go.“The new manager has got his philosophies and ideas. It’s difficult for that to all hit the ground running and be uber successful straight away.“It needs a little bit of time and patience. READ MORE SUN STORIES“Patience can’t be a mid-table. I think patience has got to be definitely competing to get Champions League football and pushing on in the last stages of the cup competition. “They’ve got a lot of potential in the squad. It just needs to knit together. I think it still needs a year or two to develop and get to the stage where they want to be because you’ve got such a young, average-age squad.”Veteran Thiago Silva bid farewell at the end of last seasonCredit: Getty More

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      Dewsbury-Hall cleaned N’Golo Kante’s boots as kid at Leicester – now he wants to follow in his footsteps at Chelsea

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      KIERNAN DEWSBURY-HALL used to clean N’Golo Kante’s boots as a kid at Leicester and now he wants to follow in his footsteps at Chelsea.The new Blues signing grew up a huge Foxes fan and made sure Kante’s Adidas boots were sparkling during their title-winning season.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall used to clean N’Golo Kante’s boots as a kid at LeicesterCredit: Instagram @kdh_8The new Blues star now wants to follow Kante’s footsteps at ChelseaCredit: GettyKante spent seven years at Stamford BridgeCredit: GettyHe was rewarded with a healthy tip from the Frenchman too – but only after a nudge from teammates.Dewsbury-Hall said: “The year Leicester won the League I was his boot boy as a scholar.”He did tip actually! I don’t think he understood the concept of it before but a few of the lads in the first team told him it was good manners or a good gesture to tip at Christmas.”He might have gone to the cashpoint that night and brought it in the next day.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”He was quite generous so I thank whoever told him that but I did a good job though…the boots were clean.”To have any similarity to his journey at Chelsea would be a major success because he is top, top tier.”Dewsbury-Hall is the latest in a long line of players to have made the move from the King Power to the King’s Road, and he aims to be much closer to Kante’s end of the spectrum than Danny Drinkwater.His success under new Blues boss Enzo Maresca at Leicester gives everyone confidence that can happen – none more so than the midfielder himself.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 25-year-old scored 12 goals and laid on 14 assists for the Foxes last season.Despite the chaos and negativity which has beset Chelsea in recent years, the Leicester academy graduate was still desperate to make the move once the interest was clear and has already seen Maresca turn one club around.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsHe added: “That’s just Chelsea as the club but knowing the manager was here was a big catalyst in wanting me to come.”I knew from Leicester, a club that went down and had a lot of problems, how he managed to galvanise that if everyone manages to buy into the system.”I genuinely think in a short space of time we can be pushing for minimum top four but more than that because I can see the foundations are set, the squad is at a high level, and if it is nurtured in the right way then it could be good.”I thought it was a really good, young squad that maybe needed a little bit of guidance and hopefully now that will be there.”While Dewsbury-Hall knows how good the new boss can be, there will be plenty of Blues fans waiting to be convinced by a manager who has never worked in the Premier League.But a year ago he had never managed in English football before, and his previous squad were quickly convinced by the ex-Manchester City assistant.Players minds were blown away by some of his details around positioning and how the smallest change of stance can have a serious impact on a game.Dewsbury-Hall said: “Within the first week at Leicester, I was convinced this was top, top level.”I felt a bit stupid, I thought I knew a lot about football but he was teaching me things on a daily basis that I didn’t really know before.”Within a week we were sold, all the players were sold. I am getting the same feedback here with the lads.”Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall of Leicester takes on Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante in 2022Credit: GettyKiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Tyrique George of Chelsea during a training session at Stanford UniversityCredit: GettyChelsea, though, is a different challenge to Leicester.The pressures are higher than anything Maresca will have experienced before and the chaos under the American owners has only added to that.But it does not appear to have changed the new boss.Dewsbury-Hall added: “He has come in exactly like he was at Leicester. Confident. He’s probably a bit more confident here than when he was at Leicester.”I don’t know if that was because he has had a year under his belt and we did really well at Leicester winning the Championship.”He just feels really confident and knows exactly what he wants and needs.”He has something about him where you respect him. From the first day I saw him at Chelsea it was straight back to work, working on the philosophy of what we want to do this year.”The midfielder is also convinced Maresca will surprise fans.He added: “Definitely – 100 per cent.”Look, I don’t want to be banging on saying we’re going to be doing this or that.”He is unknown for a lot of people but I can go off working with him and say my opinions and I think he is top, top level. Hopefully, we can back that up because that would be the best thing for me and the club.”I do think he will surprise a lot of people in the way we play and the way we do things so we will see.”Maresca pushed hard to bring Dewsbury-Hall to Stamford Bridge, a sign of faith he is hoping to repay.The engaging midfielder had spent 17-years at Leicester and stressed it would have to be a good move to see him leave.Brighton were a long way down the line in terms of completing a deal, but once Chelsea emerged there was only one choice for Dewsbury-Hall.He said: “It wouldn’t be fair to say the fine details [regarding Brighton].”Look, all I can probably say is that as soon as I heard Chelsea were coming in, that was my decision, no matter what was happening.”It was just a conversation that I had with my agent where he let me know that Chelsea were very interested.”When you hear that as a player, it’s a good feeling. When I heard that, that was it, that’s all I wanted.”Dewsbury-Hall already has plenty of Premier League experience, though is hoping for something completely different in West London having only really featured in a struggling Leicester side at this level.He said: “I’m a completely different player now coming back into the Premier League.”I’ve evolved, really, as a player and as a person.”I’ve had the experiences of winning, of dominating games and understanding football on a different level to what I did before.READ MORE SUN STORIES”If I made those leaps and bounds in the first year then I feel excited to see what can happen in the years to come.”If he and Maresca can make it work again, then Chelsea fans will be just as excited. More

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      Reece James admits Enzo Fernandez’s racist storm could be a ‘problem’ in Chelsea dressing room

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      REECE JAMES has admitted Enzo Fernandez’s return to the Chelsea squad on Monday could cause a “problem”.The Argentina midfielder will join his Blues teammates in America ahead of their game against Manchester City – seeing them for the first time since sparking a racism storm.Reece James admits Enzo Fernandez’s return to the Chelsea dressing room could be a ‘problem’Credit: GettyFernandez was among a group of Argentina players filmed singing a derogatory song after the Copa America finalCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez remains under internal investigation after filming himself and international teammates chanting a racist and homophobic song about France’s black players as they celebrated winning the Copa America.Chelsea teammate Wesley Fofana called out the club record signing’s “uninhibited racism” and while new manager Enzo Maresca said he is confident everything will be fine, captain James conceded they will not know until Fernandez arrives.Asked if the incident could impact the changing room, James said: “Of course.”There’s always the factor where it doesn’t sit right with people when there could be a problem.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”But until the day comes where everyone’s together and in a room together, I don’t know, but I hope things can be resolved smoothly and we can move forward with the season.”Speaking to ESPN, James added: “I spoke to him a bit, but it was hard because we were in different time zones.”Just a general chat really. His views on what happened and him trying to explain his situation and how things happened.”It’s a really difficult situation. There’s no room for racism or discrimination in football.Most read in FootballChelsea’s US tour partyGoalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Marcus Bettinelli, Eddie Beach, Lucas Bergstrom.Defenders: Reece James, Malo Gusto, Josh Acheampong, Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Carney Chukwuemeka, Romeo Lavia.Midfielders: Lesley Ugochukwu, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Andrey Santos.Forwards: Nicolas Jackson, Christopher Nkunku, Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk, Noni Madueke, Armando Broja, Tyrique George, Marc Guiu, Angelo.Rested: Marc Cucurella, Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, Moises Caicedo, Cole Palmer.Reported injured: Petrovic   Left out:  Trevoh Chalobah, Alfie Gilchrist, Malang Sarr, Cesare Casadei, Leo Castledine, Deivid Washington, Diego Moreira, Omari Kellyman, Caleb Wiley, Tino Anjorin, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Mason Burstow, David Datro Fofana, Bashir Humphreys, Romelu Lukaku, Alex Matos, Gabriel Slonina, Harvey Vale, Dujuan Richards, Kiano Dyer, Billy Gee, Harrison Murray-Campbell, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Zak Sturge, Jimi Tauriainen, Travis Akomeah, Ato Ampah, Somto Boniface, Luke Campbell, Brodi Hughes, Harrison McMahon, Donnell McNeilly, Leo Cardoso, Max Merrick, Jimmy-Jay Morgan, Richard Olise, Samuel Rak-Sakyi, Frankie Runham, Reiss-Alexander Russell-Denny, Zain Silcott-Duberry, Ronnie Stutter, Shaun Wade, Kaiden Wilson.”I think he quickly put his hand up and acknowledged he’d done wrong and apologised to his team-mates, the club and the rest of the people that were offended.”I think that was probably the best he could have done in that situation.”Chelsea ratings vs WrexhamDespite James’ claims, manager Maresca is hopeful there will not be a clash in the dressing room.Ahead of Chelsea’s 2-2 draw with Wrexham earlier this week, he said: “It is quite easy in terms of the player did a statement, apologised and the club did the same.”At the end, they are all human beings, I don’t think there are any bad intentions from any one of them.”When Enzo is back, I don’t think we will have any problems, the player already clarified the situation and the club did the same. There is nothing to add, he is not a bad person or human being. It can happen.”Argentine president Javier Milei flew to France this week for talks with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in the hope of diffusing the situation ahead of the Olympics.Fernandez has issued an apology following the incident.He took to social media to write: “I want to apologise sincerely for a video posted on my Instagram channel during the national team celebrations.”The song includes highly offensive language and there is absolutely no excuse for these words.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I stand against discrimination in all forms and apologise for getting caught up in the euphoria of our Copa America celebrations.”That video, that moment, those words, do not reflect my beliefs or my character. I am truly sorry.”Wesley Fofana called out Fernandez’s ‘uninhibited racism’Credit: GettyEnzo Maresca hopes there will be no major problemsCredit: Getty More