Chelsea transfer news

CHELSEA have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Leeds winger Raphinha, as he has reportedly told his agent Deco to try and chase a deal with Barcelona instead.The battle for Raphinha is far from over as Barcelona are said to have put in a staggering £60 million bid.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are in need of some defensive reinforcements with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing from Stamford Bridge.
And the Blues are reportedly interested in Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt but the Old Lady have demanded for Timo Werner in return.
But reports suggest that Chelsea are also chasing Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe.

IN: None
OUT: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Danny Drinkwater (released), Charly Musonda (released), Jake Clarke-Salter (released), Lucas Bergstrom (Peterborough, loan), Sam McClelland (Barrow, loan)

SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge…
Raphinha blocks Chelsea
Leeds star Raphinha has asked his agent Deco to block any further advances from Chelsea.
According to Sport, the Brazil international is not keen on moving to the Blues and is prepared to wait for Barca to come calling.
The winger has reportedly asked Deco to “stop’ negotiations with Chelsea in order to ‘prioritise” a move to the Nou Camp.
Stamford Bridge chiefs have been left flummoxed by the 25-year-old’s stance against joining them as they did not expect him to refuse a move to west London
Ronaldo’s next destinations
Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo will certainly not be short of suitors if he leaves in the summer.
According to The Times, Bayern Munich and Premier League rivals Chelsea could try and take him if he departs from Old Trafford.
New Blues owner Todd Boehly met the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s agents Gestifute last month.
Bayern, on the other hand, would first like to wait and see what transpires with their own wantaway superstar Robert Lewandowski, as they have already signed Sadio Mane from Liverpool.
A return to the Serie A, where he enjoying a successful stint with Juventus, is also a possibility
More reasons to go
Manchester United superstar and Chelsea target Cristiano Ronaldo has informed the club he would like to leave if a suitable offer arrives.
According to The Times, it’s not just professional reasons, like playing in the Champions League, that led Ronaldo that decision.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also stated there are personal reasons behind this.
That is because the forward’s young family has been dealing with a difficult period
More on Ronaldo
Manchester United superstar and Chelsea target Cristiano Ronaldo believes he has “three or four years” left at the highest level and would like to spend them at a Champions League club.
That is according to The Times, who claim Ronaldo no longer views his future at United following last season’s state of disrepair.
And according to his close friends, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s affection and respect for the Red Devils fans remains as strong as ever.
The forward has been part of 19 consecutive Champions League seasons since leaving Sporting Lisbon for English football in the summer of 2003
Ronaldo wants out
Manchester United superstar and reported Chelsea target Cristiano Ronaldo has asked to leave the club if a suitable offer arrives in the summer.
That is according to The Times, who claim Ronaldo wants out of United because he wants to play in the Champions League.
The Red Devils missed out on Europe’s top competition after finishing sixth and will instead be in the Europa League.
That poses as a hammer blow for new boss Erik ten Hag, who is looking to turn things around at Old Trafford
Sterling sensible for Tuchel
There is no doubt that Sterling is an upgrade for Chelsea.
Pulisic is good, but Sterling is better and if Chelsea want to challenge for the title then they need players that are better.
Does him leaving weaken Man City? Not so much.
But does Sterling arriving at the Bridge potentially move Chelsea nearer Liverpool and the champions and further away from United, Arsenal and Spurs? 100 per cent.
It’ll be expensive but it’s also very, very sensible – a bit like sending Lukaku back to Inter.
Sterling move to be resolved ‘in the coming days’
According to the Daily Mail, a deal is set to be struck “in the coming days” which will see Sterling make the switch to Chelsea.
The England international, 27, looks on course to pen a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
He has spoken with Blues chief Thomas Tuchel – and those conversations have only added to Sterling’s desire to leave City for West London.
Chelsea missed out on Richarlison
Chelsea missed out on Tottenham new-boy Richarlison despite making a last-ditch bid.
Prior to his move to Spurs, the Brazilian was among the Blues’ shortlist of potential Romelu Lukaku replacements.
When Tottenham accelerated their interest this week, Chelsea made an attempt to gazump them.
According to the Metro, the West Londoners’ surge in interest prompted Spurs to up their bid.
The Lilywhites offered Everton £50million plus £10m in add-ons, with Blues owner Todd Boehly unwilling to match.
Highest-paid player at every Premier League club
Mohamed Salah’s new contract at Liverpool has doubled his wages, making him one of the highest earning Premier League players.
The new deal, which was announced on Friday, ended months of speculation regarding the forward’s future, with his previous deal due to expire in the summer of 2023.
His new £400,000 deal makes him the Premier League’s joint-second highest paid player.
How do you feel about your club’s highest paid player?
N’Golo Kante is on £290k-a-week. Worth every penny I reckon…

Sterling would create chances for Havertz
While Sterling is a threat in terms of his dribbling and shooting in the final third he is also capable of creating chances for teammates.
Given the danger that he poses to the opposition team when he is in possession of the ball, we tend to see Sterling attract opposition defenders towards him.
This, in turn, creates space that teammates can take advantage of in the final third or penalty area.
Sterling has perfected the art of driving to the touchline inside the area and cutting the ball back across goal for a tap in.
This has been a strong source of goals in recent years for City and with Sterling looking like he will move to Chelsea, the same positioning in the channels could well bring the same rewards.

We are likely to see the talented Havertz, in particular, get plenty of chances created from the movement, positioning and creativity that Sterling will bring to the side.
He has developed over his time at Man City into a more complete forward who is capable of creating and scoring equally.
Raheem the dream for Chelsea
When Sterling made his move from Liverpool to Manchester City in 2015 he was considered a strong ball carrier who was direct in his approach but who lacked a genuine and consistent goal threat.
Fast forward seven years and we see a much more complete attacking player who has provided a consistent goal threat at club and international level.
Sterling tends to play either from the left side of the attack or through the middle now.
But it is likely that Chelsea would be looking for him to play on the left with Kai Havertz established now as their first-choice central striker.

Sterling has hugely improved his decision-making over the course of his time being coached by Pep Guardiola and he is now a real threat in the attacking third.
Positionally, Sterling tends to prefer to pick the ball up in the channels from where he can look to take the ball in a variety of directions.
When isolated against a defender Sterling is a threat to attack on the inside or the outside.
Sterling an upgrade for Blues
Sterling would be an upgrade for Chelsea in the forward positions.
Towards the end of last season, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel used the American international Christian Pulisic on the left side of the attack.
While Pulisic is a talented winger, Sterling is a more well-rounded and decisive attacking player.

Chelsea keen on Sterling and City team-mates
SunSport analysed why Sterling’s good goalscoring record, his creativity for the likes of Kai Havertz and his ability to be fluid in the attacking system would make him the ideal signing for Chelsea.
The Daily Mail report adds Chelsea are also keen on Nathan Ake and Oleksandr Zinchenko from the Etihad.
The pair would provide reinforcements at the back after some high-profile departures this summer.
Left-footed Ake was on the books with Chelsea for six years but joined Bournemouth in 2017 after a successful loan.
However, it is unlikely Pep Guardiola and his City chiefs would allow a rival club to sign three of their players in the same transfer window.
Chelsea ‘closing in’ on Sterling
Chelsea are closing in on the £45million transfer of Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling, according to reports.
It is understood the two clubs remain in negotiations and talks have accelerated this week.
Tuchel targeting Kimbempe
Chelsea are reportedly targeting Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe.
The Blues were considering a move for £34million-rated Kimpembe, 26, in both the past two transfer windows.
And Goal reports that “interest from Chelsea still exists” over Kimpembe.
It seems they are keen again after having a pair of centre-backs exit Stamford Bridge.

Thomas Tuchel has lost Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and released Andreas Christensen, who is on the verge of joining Barcelona.
Tuchel managed Kimpembe during his time as PSG boss so he will trust the star to step in.
Chelsea told to forget Raphinha and Dembele
Chelsea should drop their transfer interest in both Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele, according to club legend Frank Lebeouf.
Lebeouf has concerns about the consistency of the pair who have been strongly liked with moves to Stamford Bridge.
When asked who he prefers out of the two, Lebeouf told ESPN: “Can I say none? Is that possible for me?
“I’ve expressed myself about Ousmane Dembele and the lack of consistency that he showed playing for Barcelona.
“It’s impossible to say what will happen with Dembele and [maybe] once he will have a normal full-time season with Barcelona or any other club.
“On Raphinha, I saw him playing for Rennes, I saw him playing for Leeds with a little bit more consistency.
“He’s a pure talent, he’s somebody I have doubts about, still the same question marks that I have for Dembele. The consistency of performances.”
Barcelona lead the race for Raphinha
Barcelona now “lead the race” for Raphinha after agreeing a £50million deal which will see the Brazilian winger earn £100-a-week.
That’s according to LeedsLive, who claim the Spanish club have reportedly agreed a deal with Leeds that “matches the amount” of Chelsea’s offer.
Blues favourites for De Ligt
Chelsea have emerged as the odds on favourites to sign the Juventus centre back Matthijs de Ligt.
The Netherlands international has been linked with a move away from Italy and Sky Bet are pricing a move to Stamford Bridge at 8/11.
Chelsea are desperate to sign a central defender or two this summer following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Erik ten Hag was the Ajax manager when de Ligt helped the Dutch side to the semi-finals of the Champions League, and made the defender the club’s youngest ever captain at 18 years old.
Naturally, there have been rumours of ten Hag and de Ligt linking up again, with Sky Bet pricing the move at 8/1.
Chelsea missed out on Richarlison
Chelsea missed out on Tottenham new-boy Richarlison despite making a last-ditch bid.
Prior to his move to Spurs, the Brazilian was among the Blues’ shortlist of potential Romelu Lukaku replacements.
When Tottenham accelerated their interest this week, Chelsea made an attempt to gazump them.
According to the Metro, the West Londoners’ surge in interest prompted Spurs to up their bid.
The Lilywhites offered Everton £50million plus £10m in add-ons, with Blues owner Todd Boehly unwilling to match.
Eyeing up Frenkie
Chelsea are watching transfer developments with Frenkie de Jong.
Manchester United are still favourites to sign the Barcelona midfielder but he has admirers at Stamford Bridge, according to The Guardian.
Meanwhile, deals for Nathan Ake and Raheem Sterling said to be “progressing” for the Blues.
Sterling move to be resolved ‘in the coming days’
According to the Daily Mail, a deal is set to be struck “in the coming days” which will see Sterling make the switch to West London.
The England international, 27, looks on course to pen a four-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
He has spoken with Blues chief Thomas Tuchel – and those conversations have only added to Sterling’s desire to leave City for Chelsea.
Chelsea ‘closing in’ on Sterling
Chelsea are closing in on the £45million transfer of Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling, according to reports.
It is understood the two clubs remain in negotiations and talks have accelerated this week.
Good morning Chelsea fans
Thomas Tuchel missed out on Tottenham new-boy Richarlison despite making a last-ditch bid.
Prior to his move to Spurs the Brazilian was among the Blues’ shortlist of potential Romelu Lukaku replacements.
When Tottenham accelerated their interest this week, Chelsea made an attempt to gazump them.
According to the Metro, the West Londoners’ surge in interest prompted Spurs to up their bid.
The Lilywhites offered Everton £50million plus £10m in add-ons, with Blues owner Todd Boehly unwilling to match.
Earlier in the week, Chelsea thought they’d beaten Arsenal to the signing of Leeds ace Raphinha.
Richarlison’s Brazil team-mate, however, is still holding out for a move to cash-strapped Barcelona.
Chelsea will now turn their attentions fully towards Manchester City ace Raheem Sterling.
The England star has one year remaining on his contract at the Etihad, with Blues chiefs believing that he is attainable this summer.
Chelsea told to forget duo
Chelsea should drop their transfer interest in both Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele, according to club legend Frank Lebeouf.
Lebeouf has concerns about the consistency of the pair who have been strongly liked with moves to Stamford Bridge.
When asked who he prefers out of the two, Lebeouf told ESPN: “Can I say none? Is that possible for me?
“I’ve expressed myself about Ousmane Dembele and the lack of consistency that he showed playing for Barcelona.
“It’s impossible to say what will happen with Dembele and [maybe] once he will have a normal full-time season with Barcelona or any other club.
“On Raphinha, I saw him playing for Rennes, I saw him playing for Leeds with a little bit more consistency.
“He’s a pure talent, he’s somebody I have doubts about, still the same question marks that I have for Dembele. The consistency of performances.”

Nou development
Barcelona are odds-on favourites to sign Leeds winger Raphinha.
That’s according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who’ve priced the Spanish heavyweights at 1/2 to clinch the Brazilian’s signature.
Chelsea looked certain to secure his services having agreed a £55m deal plus add-ons with Leeds.
But he’s now drifted out to 13/8 to arrive at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.
A stay at Leeds is available at 18/1, with Arsenal and Newcastle offered at 20/1 and 25/1 respectively.
Manchester United are major outsiders, coming in at 40/1.
40
Load more entries… More

CHELSEA are in need of some defensive reinforcements with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen departing from Stamford Bridge.And the Blues are reportedly interested in Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt but the Old Lady have demanded for Timo Werner in return.
But reports suggest that Chelsea are also chasing Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe.
Meanwhile, the battle for Raphinha is far from over as Barcelona have put in a staggering £60 million bid according to reports.

IN: None
OUT: Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid), Andreas Christensen (Barcelona), Danny Drinkwater (released), Charly Musonda (released), Jake Clarke-Salter (released), Lucas Bergstrom (Peterborough, loan), Sam McClelland (Barrow, loan)

SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
Stay up to date with all the latest from Stamford Bridge…
Chelsea told to forget duo
Chelsea should drop their transfer interest in both Raphinha and Ousmane Dembele, according to club legend Frank Lebeouf.
Lebeouf has concerns about the consistency of the pair who have been strongly liked with moves to Stamford Bridge.
When asked who he prefers out of the two, Lebeouf told ESPN: “Can I say none? Is that possible for me?
“I’ve expressed myself about Ousmane Dembele and the lack of consistency that he showed playing for Barcelona.
“It’s impossible to say what will happen with Dembele and [maybe] once he will have a normal full-time season with Barcelona or any other club.
“On Raphinha, I saw him playing for Rennes, I saw him playing for Leeds with a little bit more consistency.
“He’s a pure talent, he’s somebody I have doubts about, still the same question marks that I have for Dembele. The consistency of performances.”

Nou development
Barcelona are odds-on favourites to sign Leeds winger Raphinha.
That’s according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who’ve priced the Spanish heavyweights at 1/2 to clinch the Brazilian’s signature.
Chelsea looked certain to secure his services having agreed a £55m deal plus add-ons with Leeds.
But he’s now drifted out to 13/8 to arrive at Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.
A stay at Leeds is available at 18/1, with Arsenal and Newcastle offered at 20/1 and 25/1 respectively.
Manchester United are major outsiders, coming in at 40/1.
40
Why Chelsea missed out on Richarlison
Chelsea missed out on Tottenham new-boy Richarlison despite making a last-ditch bid.
Prior to his move to Spurs, the Brazilian was among the Blues’ shortlist of potential Romelu Lukaku replacements.
When Tottenham accelerated their interest this week, Chelsea made an attempt to gazump them.
According to the Metro, the West Londoners’ surge in interest prompted Spurs to up their bid.
The Lilywhites offered Everton £50million plus £10m in add-ons, with Blues owner Todd Boehly unwilling to match.

Going Ney-where
Neymar has reportedly activated a clause in his contract to extend his stay at Paris Saint-Germain until 2027.
The Brazilian, 30, most recently put pen to paper on a five-year extension in 2021.
But he has now activated his annual extension option, which means his deal will stretch until 2027, according to Sport.
That means Neymar is set to earn £155million more from PSG with the forward being paid £31m a year.
According to Sky Sports, PSG are looking for a buyer to take Neymar off their hands with club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi looking to move away from their high-earner model.
His £600k-a-week wages are putting potential suitors off, however.
Man Utd were joined by Chelsea as contenders for Neymar’s signature with Thomas Tuchel potentially playing a key role in the deal.
The pair worked together at PSG and under Tuchel’s tenure, Neymar scored 51 goals and assisted 32 in just 67 appearances.
Blues centre-back Thiago Silva is also keen to reunite with his friend and Brazil team-mate Neymar at Stamford Bridge.
He said: “He has to go to Chelsea. If it happens, it will be for the best. He needs no comments. And on top of that, he’s a super friend.
“So far, I don’t know anything, but I hope it comes to fruition.”

Live in the Pres-ent
Chelsea target Presnel Kimpembe admitted it was a “key moment” for him in his career.
He said: “Everyone knows the love I have for PSG, I think it’s mutual.
“I am coming to a key moment in my career, my next contract will be very important.
“I’m waiting to meet the new sports management to discuss the club’s future project. I think we will have to discuss things fairly quickly.”

Prem king
Man City and Liverpool are favourites to be crowned 2022-23 Premier League champions.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who are predicting another two-horse race with Pep Guardiola’s Citizens available at 8/13 and Liverpool at 12/5.
Liverpool, who start against promoted Fulham, are next at 12/5 having missed out by a single point last term.
Tottenham are now considered third-favourites at 14/1 after a flurry of incomings.
Antonio Conte’s side have signed Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Ivan Perisic and Fraser Forster to join Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski, who arrived in January.
They are ahead of London rivals Chelsea (16/1) who have seen Romelu Lukaku, Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen leave the club. The futures of Marcos Alonso and Cesar Azpilicueta are also in doubt, while Barcelona are now favourites to sign Raphinha.
Manchester United are 25/1 to clinch the title during Erik ten Hag’s debut campaign, ahead of Arsenal (40/1) and Newcastle (100/1).

Jong time coming
Chelsea watching transfer developments with Frenkie de Jong.
Manchester United still favourites to sign the Barcelona midfielder but he has admirers at Chelsea, according to The Guardian.
Meanwhile, deals for Nathan Ake and Raheem Sterling said to be “progressing” for the Blues.

Afternoon De Ligt
Chelsea have emerged as the odds on favourites to sign the Juventus centre back Matthijs de Ligt.
The Netherlands international has been linked with a move away from Italy and Sky Bet are pricing a move to Stamford Bridge at 8/11.
Chelsea are desperate to sign a central defender or two this summer following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
Erik ten Hag was the Ajax manager when de Ligt helped the Dutch side to the semi-finals of the Champions League, and made the defender the club’s youngest ever captain at 18 years old.
The Dutch manager has taken over at Manchester United this summer, who also had some difficulties in the centre-back department last season.
Naturally, there have been rumours of ten Hag and de Ligt linking up again, with Sky Bet pricing the move at 8/1.

Pep talk
Pep Guardiola understands when players decide to leave in search of regular game time.
Manchester City forwards Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus are expected to be sold this summer.
And they could be followed by defensive duo Nathan Ake and Oleksandr Zinchenko, while midfielder Bernardo Silva would like a move to Spain.
City boss Guardiola said: “The most complicated thing to manage in a team is the players who do not play and to keep them happy.
“There’s no solution — that’s why good players leave their teams, because they want to play.
“I cannot retain a player who does not play just because he has a contract.
“I told my players I want to see them happy. We’ve known each other a long time and if anyone is unhappy, they have to leave.”
Jesus, 25, is poised to join Arsenal for £45million after fearing his chances would be limited by the arrivals of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.
Sterling, 27, has similar concerns and is wanted by Chelsea, who have also enquired about Ake and Zinchenko.

Tuch of magic
Chelsea could deploy a permanent shift in their formation ahead of the upcoming season.
Significantly, Tuchel played with a back four at both sides – albeit in different shapes.
With PSG, he opted for an attacking 4-2-4 system thanks to the prowess of stars including Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
Should Tuchel land his top targets, the wide-forward areas would be perfect for Raheem Sterling and Raphinha.
Kai Havertz could then operate in a free attacking role while Armanda Broja does all the running up top.
A lively midfield duo of workhorses N’Golo Kante and Mason Mount would keep the ball ticking over while providing adequate support for the backline.
And in defence, Reece James and Ben Chilwell would get the opportunity to push high and wide as attacking full-backs.
Meanwhile, Nathan Ake and Matthijs de Ligt are Tuchel’s top choices in the middle.
Fast, strong and technical, the Dutch duo would be more than capable of protecting goalie Edouard Mendy while also building up play from the back.
But should Tuchel feel the Premier League is not suitable for such a free-flowing formation, he could always opt for the 4-3-3 system he used at Dortmund.
With more or less the same side, one change would see a forward replaced by an extra midfielder.
Conor Gallagher would be the ideal man to slot in alongside Mount, leaving Kante to push up from a deeper position.

Chelsea ‘target PSG defender’
Chelsea are reportedly targeting Paris Saint-Germain defender Presnel Kimpembe.
The Blues were considering a move for Kimpembe, 26, in both the past two transfer windows.
And GOAL reports that “interest from Chelsea still exists” over Kimpembe.
It seems they are keen again after having a pair of centre-backs exit Stamford Bridge.
Thomas Tuchel has lost Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid and released Andreas Christensen, who is on the verge of joining Barcelona.

Raphinha tells agent ‘block Chelsea’
Leeds ace Raphinha has delivered Chelsea a huge blow by telling his agent to block any further contact from the club amid interest from Barcelona, reports claim.
The Blues were in pole position to land Raphinha after they seemingly stole him from Arsenal’s clutches.
But the winger has done a u-turn by demanding he representatives shut down Chelsea’s advances as he prefers a move to Barca, according to Sport.
And he’s prepared to wait patiently until the Catalan giants show their hand, it was added.

Get the Bill
Billy Gilmour has been periodically linked with a loan move to his old club Rangers – but former Chelsea star Pat Nevin believes he would be perfect for rivals Celtic.
Former Blues winger Pat Nevin believes the 21-year-old is almost the finished article as a player but must avoid going on loan to a team battling relegation, like Norwich were during the last campaign.
It’s well-known that Gilmour’s mum in particular is a huge Gers fan and she cheekily refused to touch the green part of the Norwich scarf when he signed for them last year.
Speaking to BoyleSports, exclusively for the Scottish Sun, Nevin said: “I know Billy a bit and his family and yeah Rangers would suit his style and so would Celtic.
“Knowing his family though, the Celtic one is unlikely.
“He’s different class Billy, he’s a super player. But he needs to be playing for a team who plays good football which is suited to him. I think Celtic and Rangers style would work for him, but because of his family, it wouldn’t be Celtic for him.”

Fitness first
Billy Gilmour has been getting ready for his Chelsea pre-season – by training with a Scottish junior outfit.
The 21-year-old Ayrshireman is back at the family home in Ardrossan for the summer and he’s keeping himself in trim by attending training with Glenafton.
The West of Scotland Premier League side shared an image on their social channels of Gilmour clad in a Glenafton top with manager Ryan Stevenson, himself a former Chelsea youngster.
Gilmour, who spent last season at Norwich, has been linked with a loan move to Everton from Chelsea this season.
He has been spotted at Loch Park in the past cheering on old pals – while his younger brother Harvey has signed his first pro deal with Kilmarnock.
A spokesperson wrote: “Earlier tonight, we were delighted to welcome Champions League winner, Chelsea player and Scotland internationalist Billy Gilmour to our second session of pre season training.
“This session was geared towards raising the fitness levels of the players for the upcoming season, and we hope the fitness work will be of great assistance to our players and Billy before he returns shortly to Chelsea to start their pre-season preparations.
“Billy is a regular at our games whenever he is back in Scotland and everyone at the club would like to wish Billy all the best for the upcoming season with Chelsea.”

Eagle eyed
Newcastle are frontrunners in the congested battle to sign Conor Gallagher.
That’s according to Sky Bet, who’ve installed Eddie Howe’s side at 4/1 to clinch the midfielder’s signature this summer.
However, there’s no shortage of competition from the Premier League.
Everton are second in the betting market, while Aston Villa, Crystal Palace and West Ham are also in contention.
Gallagher has gone from strength to strength at Selhurst Park this season.
The 22-year-old scored eight goals and provided five assists in 39 appearances in all competitions last season.
His exploits earned him a first call up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad in November, and has earned four caps since then.
Gallagher has returned to Stamford Bridge following the expiration of his loan spell at Crystal Palace.
But regular first-team football looks unlikely given the competition from international trio Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, and Mateo Kovacic.
Chelsea could therefore decide to cash in, with some reporting that his price tag could be upwards of £60million.

Cup for it
The FA has announced that replays will return to the FA Cup up to the fourth round.
Replays were scrapped from the third round onwards in last season’s competition due to worries over fixture congestion.
Several matches were postponed around the new year period when the third round was scheduled to take place.
So to prevent fixture congestion the FA removed replays in both the third and fourth rounds.
Replays were also scrapped for the 2020-21 campaign to relieve similar fears after the start of the season was delayed due to the pandemic.
But now replays will be reintroduced to ties including qualifiers and all the way up to the fourth round.

Luk who is here
Romelu Lukaku was mobbed by fans as he completed his medical on Wednesday.
Speaking after his move was confirmed, he said: “My family and I were so happy here thanks to the people, the fans and my team-mates.
“From the first day I arrived here, everyone helped me settle in. I’m very happy.
“I kept my home here when I went to England, so that means something. I’m pleased to be back and now I can’t wait to get out there with my team-mates.
“It’s an amazing feeling. What we achieved here a year ago was fantastic. That goes for the team, the fans and also me personally.
“Inter have given me so much and I hope to do even better than last time. It’s now time to work hard as a squad and hopefully do even better than before.”
Credit: AP
Hak off
AC Milan are reportedly in talks with Chelsea about snapping up Hakim Ziyech on a season-long loan deal.
The 29-year-old, who still has three years left on his contract, will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge after being deemed surplus to requirements.
Despite chipping in with eight goals and six assists in 44 games last campaign, the Morocco international started just 14 times in the Premier League.
His role in West London would be even more limited next term should the Blues wrap up the £60million signing of Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.
And the ex-Ajax star, who can play as a winger or attacking midfielder, is now keen to leave Chelsea in search of regular first team football.
It was claimed last week Ziyech had handed in a transfer request in his bid to link up with Milan.

Do no Ron
Cristiano Ronaldo should ignore transfer interest to stay at Manchester United this summer, claims former striker Louis Saha.
When speaking to BonusCodeBets, he said: “It could go both ways, no one can guarantee anything apart from Cristiano. He’s the only one to answer that.
“It wouldn’t be the right move for Man United to let him go because he’s such a big asset.
“I can definitely see him continuing to keep doing what he’s doing best, which is scoring goals and helping his club get back to where it belongs.
“He can still play a part under Ten Hag, not only by scoring goals, but with his stature.
“I’m sure the new manager will want to implement some new rules and new standards that fit with Ronaldo. Maybe not so much on the pressing side, but his work ethic and his desire to always be accountable.
“Performance-wise, Ronaldo is up there with the best, he’ll drive the players that need confidence, like Rashford.
“It’s a new manager, new rules, new atmosphere and I’m very excited.”

Chelsea starlet signs extension
Chelsea youngster Ethan Wady signed a one-year extension with the club before being offloaded to Woking on loan.
Wady, 20, has joined the non-league side but first put pen to paper on a new contract with the Blues until 2023.
This marks the goalkeeper’s fifth loan stint ever since his move to the club’s esteemed academy in 2018.
Credit: Getty
Nantes confirm Sissoko transfer
Moussa Sissoko has joined Nantes following Watford’s Premier League relegation.
Sissoko has signed a two-year contract with the Ligue 1 outfit who have paid £1.8million to the Hornets.
The French club shared a video on their personal website of the midfielder’s journey back to France, which ends with him wearing the team’s official kit.
Nantes released the following statement: “FC Nantes and Watford Football Club (England, EFL Championship) have reached an agreement for the transfer of Moussa Sissoko (32).
“The midfielder has signed up for two seasons in favor of the Yellow and Green, thus linking him to the Club des Bords de l’Erdre until 2024.”
AC Milan hold Ziyech talks
AC Milan are reportedly in talks with Chelsea as they look to snap up Hakim Ziyech on a season-long loan deal.
The 29-year-old, who still has three years left on his contract, will be allowed to depart Stamford Bridge after being deemed as surplus to requirements.
espite chipping in with eight goals and six assists in 44 games last campaign, the Morocco international started just 14 times in the Premier League.
His role in West London would be even more limited next term should the Blues wrap up the £60million signing of Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling.
And the ex-Ajax star, who can play as a winger or attacking midfielder, is now keen to leave Chelsea in search of regular first team football.
Chelsea ‘fail to land Kounde’
Chelsea representatives’ trip to Sevilla to land Jules Kounde has failed, reports claim.
The Blues sent three negotiators to the Spanish city to has out a deal for the defender.
But the trio have returned to London empty handed after failing to meet Sevilla’s demands, according to El Chiringuito journalist Marcos Benito.
He claims Sevilla wanted 60million euros for Kounde, plus 10m in variables.
However, the talks concluded as the Blues contingent couldn’t agree on the figure, it was added.
Raphinha tells agent ‘block Chelsea’
Leeds ace Raphinha has delivered Chelsea a huge blow by telling his agent to block any further contact from the club amid interest from Barcelona, reports claim.
The Blues were in pole position to land Raphinha after they seemingly stole him from Arsenal’s clutches.
But the winger has done a u-turn by demanding he representatives shut down Chelsea’s advances as he prefers a move to Barca, according to Sport.
And he’s prepared to wait patiently until the Catalan giants show their hand, it was added.
Why Chelsea flogged Lukaku
Chelsea were keen to offload Romelu Lukaku to avoid squad disharmony – even if their pockets took a hit.
Lukaku caused problems at Man United when he tried to force a move away in 2019.
His actions earned him a two weeks wage fine, and training away from the first team.
And the Blues didn’t want a repeat scenario ahead of their pre-season trip to the US, according to ESPN.
Which is why they chose to flog the striker, the report added.
Load more entries… More