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    Chelsea and Man City ‘favourites’ to land Jude Bellingham despite Real Madrid holding ‘advanced talks’ over Dortmund ace

    MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea are the “favourites” to sign Jude Bellingham next summer, according to reports. But that is despite Real Madrid already “negotiating a contract” over a mega £88million transfer for the teenager.
    Jude Bellingham could make a £88m transfer next summer – with Chelsea and Manchester City in pole positionCredit: Getty
    Marca report talks are already taking place between Bellingham and Real MadridCredit: Marca
    The Borussia Dortmund and England sensation, 19, has dazzled for club and country since moving to Germany in 2020.
    Bellingham became the youngest Bundesliga captain ever this week and followed that up by breaking two Champions League records with his double against Sevilla.
    And with the midfielder set to start for the Three Lions at the World Cup, clubs are keen to get a deal done before he stars on the global stage.
    According to Bild in Germany, Graham Potter and Pep Guardiola are in pole position to add Bellingham to their squads – ahead of Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
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    And that would make Erling Haaland ever happier because the goal-machine striker wants to be reunited with Bellingham at the Etihad after their time together in Germany.
    But according to Marca, the initial conversations between Real and Bellingham’s representatives are underway to discuss the specific numbers of Bellingham’s contract – a year after the first talks between the two camps.
    The report adds Real Madrid chiefs are “increasingly convinced” they will secure a deal.
    The Spanish champions and their English rivals are understood to have the financial ability to pay Dortmund up to £88m for Bellingham.
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    Real Madrid have snapped up two of Europe’s best young central midfielders in the last two summers in Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni.
    But they are desperate to complete a stunning hat-trick by adding Bellingham to their ranks in a complete overhaul from the Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro era at the Bernabeu.
    Los Blancos chiefs are hopeful the trio of youngsters could form a successful partnership for the next decade.
    But Premier League giants Chelsea and Manchester City are still confident of securing Bellingham, leaving Manchester United and Liverpool way back in the race.
    The English rivals have all been circling for the former Birmingham City academy talent.
    But SunSport columnist Troy Deeney urged the rising star to snub the Premier League and become a Real Madrid legend instead. More

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    Inside Diego Costa’s explosive Chelsea exit, from blazing row with Conte to Abramovich secretly intervening

    DIEGO COSTA returns to Chelsea on Saturday for the first time since his controversial exit in 2017 and can expect a warm welcome.The striker will make his Stamford Bridge comeback as a Wolves player after joining them last month.
    Diego Costa’s time at Chelsea ended in brutal fashion under Antonio ConteCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
    The striker returns to Stamford Bridge with Wolves on Saturday for the first timeCredit: Getty
    The Brazilian-bruiser, who represented Spain at international level, turns 34 on Friday.
    But everyone involved with Chelsea knows that despite his advancing years he will be a handful come kick-off in the Premier League clash.
    He enjoyed a successful three season stint at Chelsea after joining from Atletico Madrid in 2014.
    He scored 52 goals in 89 Premier League matches for the Blues, winning the title twice and the Carabao Cup during that period.
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    Costa became an instant fan favourite under Jose Mourinho, but once Antonio Conte took the helm things started to turn sour.
    The Telegraph have reported that former owner Roman Abramovich intervened to stop the star from leaving the club before he eventually went on strike
    The Russian oligarch feared Costa’s exit would derail their 2017 title-winning season – which was the last time the club were champions.
    Costa’s head was turned in that January by a big-money move to the Far East – leading to a huge row between him and his then manager Conte.
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    The Italian coach subsequently dropped him from a 3-0 win at Leicester City and told him to train alone after allegedly screaming at him: “Go to China.”
    But this fresh report claims that Abramovich “acted fast” by “calling a meeting between himself, Conte, former director Marina Granovskaia and former technical director Michael Emenalo” as he issued the order that Costa would not be sold.
    He advised everyone in attendance to “find a way of seeing the season out with him and to revisit the situation” at the end of the campaign.
    And it was a good thing that the now ousted Russian did step in as the forward returned to action to finish the season with 20 goals and title glory.
    However, as we reported that June, Conte then took it upon himself to end the fan favourite’s time at the Blues via text message.
    The now-Tottenham manager, who was sacked by Chelsea 12 months later, sent a brutal 27-word message that read: “Hi Diego, I hope you are well. Thanks for the seasono [sic] we spent together. Good luck for the next year but you are not in my plan.”
    That led to Costa going on strike and returning to South America.
    He refused to return to Chelsea but regularly posted updates from Brazil onto his social media accounts.
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    Eventually, a deal was struck for Costa to leave Chelsea to rejoin Atletico Madrid that September.
    The bitter exit meant he never got the opportunity to bid farewell to the Blues faithful that worshipped him – but this weekend he finally gets the chance five years after his explosive departure. More

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    Hakim Ziyech urged to QUIT Chelsea and end ‘shameful’ spell by Marco van Basten as he slams Blues

    DUTCH legend Marco van Basten has urged Hakim Ziyech to quit Chelsea in January.Former Ajax winger Ziyech has struggled for game time since his £40million arrival in 2020.
    Marco van Basten has advised Hakim Ziyech to leave Chelsea in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech has struggled for opportunities this seasonCredit: Getty
    The Morocco international has had just 350 minutes of action for the Blues this season, scoring one goal.
    New boss Graham Potter gave Ziyech a nine-minute cameo appearance in his first game in charge against Red Bull Salzburg.
    The 29-year-old has since been an unused sub in the wins at Crystal Palace and against AC Milan.
    Ex-Netherlands, Ajax and Milan striker Van Basten has now called on Ziyech to join a club where he gets to play every week.
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    The Euro 1988 winner also criticised Chelsea for stockpiling top players.
    Van Basten, 59, told Ziggo Sport: “Someone like Ziyech would get to play all the time at another club, and the fans could enjoy watching him.
    “It is sad and a shame that someone of his calibre gets to play so seldom.  Ziyech is a terrific player.
    “We want to watch him.  It’s players like him that make us want to switch on our televisions and go to matches.
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    “It is unfortunate for all of football that he remains on the bench.  It’s not good when these sorts of players don’t get any game time.
    “A rule needs to come in that limits clubs to a certain number of players.
    “Chelsea have far too many, and that makes football less interesting.  
    “There are teams now that have 35 [first-team] players, and five or six of them never get a game.
    “Those players ought to be able to shine for other clubs.”
    Van Basten has managed the Dutch national side as well as Ajax, Heerenveen and AZ Alkmaar.
    He won a host of prizes as a player, including two European Cups, three Dutch titles and three Serie A crowns.
    Ziyech is under contract at Stamford Bridge until 2025. More

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    Chelsea star Wesley Fofana has Blues team-mates ‘praying’ as he shares injury update on Instagram after Milan blow

    WESLEY FOFANA’s Chelsea team-mates are praying he will recover quickly after hobbling off against AC Milan. The defender scored his first Blues goal but was then subbed off with a knee issue in a Champions League game last night.
    Wesley Fofana will be hoping his injury is not too serious after he pulled up with a knee issue last nightCredit: PA
    Chelsea fans are hoping the problem is not too serious, with Fofana already missing several months last season after breaking his leg at Leicester.
    The 21-year-old tangled with Milan’s Rafael Leao as he tried to break away and fell awkwardly after the winger’s tackle.
    It quickly became clear he could not continue, and he left the pitch in tears with medical staff.
    Trevoh Chalobah came on in his place with minutes left of the first half.
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    He was later spotted leaving the stadium on crutches.
    Chelsea stars rallied in support on social media as Fofana, who signed in the summer for £70m, provided an update on his condition.
    Sharing a picture of his goal celebrations last night alongside Reece James, the former Leicester man wrote: “From laughter to tears. I’ll be back stronger. Be sure.”
    Fofana’s team-mates, including Chalobah, Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount, responded with heart and prayer emojis.
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    Countryman William Saliba from Arsenal joined the well-wishers, adding his own heart and prayer emojis.
    The night had started well for Fofana as he scored the breakthrough goal against the Italian champions.
    Thiago Silva had forced a good save from the keeper after a header from a corner.
    The ball fell to the edge of the six-yard box where a mini-scramble ensued before Fofana steered it home.
    The injury ended a positive night for the defender prematurely, and he was off the pitch before Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James’ second-half goals.
    Blues manager Graham Potter admitted he was concerned for Fofana but was hopeful for good news.
    He said of the injury: “That’s the one disappointing thing about the evening.
    “We need to scan tomorrow and fingers crossed. I wouldn’t want to speculate on it now. But we’re concerned and we just need to wait until tomorrow and get it scanned and hope for the best.
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    “These things happen. He’s a young guy, he’s a strong guy, we’ll help him and support him.
    “At the moment there’s not too much to report. Fingers crossed and we’re hoping for the best.” More

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    N’Golo Kante ‘offered to Arsenal and Tottenham in shock transfer after he is refused new Chelsea contract’

    N’GOLO KANTE has reportedly been offered a shock switch to Arsenal or Tottenham.The injury plagued midfielder has played just twice for Chelsea this season.
    N’Golo Kante has reportedly been offered to Arsenal and TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Kante is out of contract at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season.
    And the Blues have “absolutely no intention” of handing him a new deal, according to Foot Mercato.
    The 31-year-old’s injury record means Chelsea are reluctant to pin him down to an extension, with Kante earning a reported £170k-a-week on his current deal.
    But the French World Cup winner is intent on staying in London.
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    As a result, his agents are claimed to have offered him to both Arsenal AND Tottenham.
    He is available for nothing at the end of the campaign, and free to begin talks with overseas clubs from January regarding a pre-contract agreement.
    But a move to one of Chelsea’s two biggest rivals is reported to be the only realistic option for Kante.
    A controversial transfer to Spurs would see him reunite with former Chelsea gaffer Antonio Conte.
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    Paris Saint-Germain have tried to sign Kante multiple times during his seven-year spell with the Blues, and remain keen on a swoop for him.
    Kante though is not believed to be interested in a switch to the French champions.
    He is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury and has not played since August 14.
    The midfielder is now back in full training and nearing a return, but his injury woes mean the Blues are happy to move him on when his contract expires.
    Kante has played 262 times for Chelsea since signing from Leicester in 2015, winning the Champions League and Premier League in his seven years at Stamford Bridge. More

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    Chelsea supremo Todd Boehly watches AC Milan thrashing with Naomi Campbell as Ted Lasso cast turn out at Stamford Bridge

    CHELSEA owner Todd Boehly kept some star-studded company as he saw his side thrash AC Milan. The American, who also owns MLB team LA Dodgers, was joined by supermodel Naomi Campbell and Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt.
    Ted Lasso Actor Jason Sudeikis watch on from Todd Boehly Owner Of Chelsea box. – Chelsea v AC Milan, UEFA Champions League, Group E, Stamford Bridge, London, UK – 5th October 2022 Editorial Use Only – DataCo restrictions applyCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
    Todd Boehly pictured alongside supermodel Naomi CampbellCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
    Naomi looked glamourous in a black jacket and white specsCredit: Dan Weir / MatchDay Images Limited
    Ted Lasso stars Jason Sudeikis, right, and Brendan Hunt, were also in attendanceCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Brendan, who plays Coach Beard shrugs as his co-star bends his earCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Owener Boehly mingles with other guestsCredit: Getty
    Supermodel Naomi looked stunning as ever in a black jacket which she paired with some white sunglasses.
    Meanwhile, the coach and head coach of fictional football team AFC Richmond donned looks which wouldn’t look out of place in the show.
    The pair rocked up in similar padded outfits to stave off the cold.
    Jason, who plays lead character Ted Lasso, kept track with his character and showed up with his infamous moustache.
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    Meanwhile, Brendan, who plays Ted’s trusty tactician Coach Beard, donned a flat cap – again not dissimilar to what he might wear in the show.
    Boehly himself was seen mingling alongside the other guests with a hot drink.
    And it was a grand spectacle for Boehly and his cohort as Graham Potter coached The Blues to a 3-0 win.
    Goals from Wesley Fofana, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Reece James saw the Serie A champions compounded to a appalling defeat.
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    It was the perfect remedy for Chelsea’s early Champions League horror show where they collected just one point from their first two games.
    However, Fofana’s great evening came to a bitter end as he was substituted following an injury. More

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    Wesley Fofana leaves pitch in TEARS minutes after scoring for Chelsea against AC Milan then spotted using crutches

    CHELSEA ace Wesley Fofana appeared to be in tears as he hobbled off the pitch with an injury during the first half against AC Milan.The summer signing was then later spotted using crutches to leave the stadium.
    Chelsea ace Wesley Fofana picked up a knee injury in the first half against AC MilanCredit: Getty
    Wesley Fofana appeared to be in tears as he hobbled off the pitchCredit: BT Sport
    Fofana needed crutches to leave the stadiumCredit: Twitter/Adam Newson
    Fofana, 21, helped the Blues pick up their first three points in the Champions League this season with a 3-0 victory over Milan at Stamford Bridge.
    The centre-back enjoyed a dream start as he opened the scoring on 24 minutes but his night turned sour soon after.
    The France international suffered an apparent knee injury that brought him to tears just 14 minutes later.
    The clearly emotional 21-year-old couldn’t continue and he was ultimately replaced by Trevoh Chalobah.
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    Fans were clearly concerned as they flooded Twitter fearing the worst for Fofana, who also sustained a devastating leg break last year while with Leicester that kept him out for most of last season.
    One fan tweeted: “Hoping Fofana’s injury is not serious. His tears isn’t a good sign.”
    Another posted: “Extremely worried about Fofana. In tears and it looks like the same knee he tore before. Really hoping it’s minor.”
    A third wrote: “Fofana’s injury really concerns me. His knee twists as his studs are caught in the grass. Never good.”
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    This supporter stated: “That Fofana injury just sucks man. A second long term injury at 21y could change his career permanently.”
    And another tweeted: “A dream come true for Fofana [his goal against Milan]. Really hope his injury isn’t serious and he can be back on the pitch soon.”
    Chelsea sealed the win in the second half with goals by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after 56 minutes and Reece James just five minutes later. More

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    Chelsea fans erupt with excitement as transfer target Nkunku scores and showcases skills for RB Leipzig against Celtic

    CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU has left Chelsea fans purring after playing a starring role in RB Leipzig’s 3-1 Champions League group stage win over Celtic.The Frenchman, 24, is believed to be closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge worth £53million.
    Nkunku rounded Hart and opened the scoringCredit: PA
    The Frenchman reportedly underwent a medical in Germany ahead of a summer 2023 move to ChelseaCredit: AFP
    He underwent a medical in Germany last month ahead of a summer 2023 transfer.
    And Nkunku has Chelsea fans excited for his potential arrival, starring in Leipzig’s Champions League win over Celtic on Wednesday.
    Nkunku opened the scoring for the home side, finishing off a swift counter attack by rounding Joe Hart and tapping home.
    His overall link-up play also impressed Blues fans, showing some neat touches to find striker Andre Silva.
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    The Portugal international restored Leipzig’s lead in the 64th minute after Jota equalised for Celtic.
    Nkunku played a part in Silva’s second of the evening, switching play out wide to Mohamed Simakan, who then played a lovely first-time cross into the striker to sweep home.
    One fan said on Nkunku’s performance: “Nkunku… he’s what chelsea is missing.”
    Another tweeted: “Nkunku is a special player. Wow.”
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    After Nkunku’s masterclass, Blues fans have turned their attention towards their own Champions League fixture.
    Graham Potter is hoping to win his first European game in charge of Chelsea.
    But he’ll have to beat Italian champions AC Milan at Stamford Bridge.
    Chelsea are in need of a win having picked up just one point from their opening two group games. More