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      Chelsea make shock approach for LaLiga goalkeeper as Blues draw up four-man transfer shortlist

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      CHELSEA have made an initial approach for Villarreal goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen, according to reports.The Blues are in the market for a new No1 after both Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic had spells between the sticks last season. Filip Jorgensen is wanted by ChelseaCredit: GettyNew manager Enzo Maresca supposedly wants a goalkeeper comfortable with the ball at his feet. Chelsea chiefs have identified Jorgensen and talks have begun with the player’s representatives, according to Fabrizio Romano.The Dane played 37 times for Villarreal last season and made 143 saves – which was more than any other goalkeeper in LaLiga.Jorgensen reportedly has a £34million release clause.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd the 22-year-old is one of four stoppers on Chelsea’s summer shortlist.Leicester keeper Mads Hermansen, who worked with Maresca as they won the Championship last term, is one of those on the club’s radar.Meanwhile, no talks have started for Valencia and Georgia’s Euro 2024 star Giorgi Mamardashvili.But Chelsea may need to offload Kepa Arrizabalaga before any possible incomings.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Spaniard is holding out for a move back to Real Madrid after spending last season on loan there.Todd Boehly has continued to splash the cash this summer despite the threat of breaking PSR rules, having already signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Tosin Adarabioyo, Omari Kellyman, Renato Veiga and Marc Guiu.Chelsea fans can’t wait for new season as video of training session emerges – but some fear ‘we’re revealing too much’ More

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      Enzo Fernandez seen for first time since racism storm as he watches old club after being called out by Chelsea team-mate

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ has been seen for the first time since his racism storm.The Chelsea star is in hot water after filming himself and his Argentine team-mates singing a vile racist song about the French national team.Enzo Fernandez has been seen for the first time since his racism stormCredit: X/ TNTSportsARHe made an appearance at the River Plate stadiumCredit: X/ TNTSportsARFernandez, 23, has faced a huge backlash to the video, with multiple Chelsea stars unfollowing him on social media.The midfielder was publicly shamed by Wesley Fofana, who labelled the video as “uninhibited racism”.SunSport understands that Chelsea are now facing a major divide in the dressing room ahead of the Premier League season.Fernandez has since apologised for his part in the chants that caused massive offence.READ MORE ON ENZO FERNANDEZHowever, former Blues star Tony Cascarino believes Fernandez will never be forgiven. He has now been seen for the first time after appearing at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental.He was given a standing ovation by the fans in the ground as he wore the club’s shirt and entered the pitch.Fernandez played for the Argentine side before his move to Europe in 2022.Most read in FootballHe was a part of River’s youth academy from 2007 until he graduated to the first team in 2019.Benfica then signed the midfielder 2022 for just £8million before selling him to Chelsea six months later to Chelsea.Watch Argentina World Cup winner and £107m Chelsea star Enzo Fernandez play hurling on holiday in Ireland The Blues forked out £106.8m for Fernandez in January 2023, but he has struggled to find his best form in England.He could now face a huge punishment for the racist singing, with a 12-game ban a possibility, according to sports lawyer Udo Onwere.Onwere believes Fifa will delegate responsibility for sanctioning Fernandez to the FA, who have strict guidelines regarding punishing discriminatory behaviour.They read: “Match-based sanctions of six to twelve games will be recommended to Regulatory Commissions for almost all acts of discrimination by individual participants.”It comes just days after a video he shared sparked a racism stormCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi. More

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      Former Chelsea star demands Blues SELL Enzo Fernandez as he will ‘never be forgiven’ over racism storm

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      FORMER Chelsea star Tony Cascarino reckons his old side should SELL Enzo Fernandez.The Argentina star is in hot water after filming himself and international teammates singing a vile racist song about the French national team.Tony Cascarino believes Chelsea will have to sell Enzo Fernandez after his racism stormCredit: PAThe Argentina ace filmed himself singing a vile chant about the French national teamCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez received a major backlash to the clip, with several Chelsea stars unfollowing him on social mediaWesley Fofana even went online to lash out at the “uninhibited racism.”And SunSport understands the Blues face a major dressing room divide ahead of the new Premier League campaign.Fernandez has since apologised for his part in the offensive chants.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut it remains to be seen whether he can make amends with Chelsea pals, including the club’s large contingent of France stars.And former Stamford Bridge ace Cascarino reckons Fernandez has left the Blues with little choice but to sell him.He feels Fernandez’s comments will forever keep him divided from the rest of the dressing room.And despite paying a then-record £105million to sign the World Cup winner 18 months ago, Chelsea should cut their losses for the sake of team unity.Most read in FootballCascarino told talkSPORT: “It’s going to be tricky. I look back at when I was at Chelsea in the 90s and I’m not sure that dressing room would be OK with what Enzo Fernandez did.“That’s a tricky one to handle. I think Chelsea have got a major decision on whether they actually keep Enzo Fernandez.Chelsea fans can’t wait for new season as video of training session emerges – but some fear ‘we’re revealing too much’Cascarino reckons there is one way Fernandez can redeem himselfCredit: The Sun“Having players not happy with a guy in the dressing room, I’m not sure there will be many that comfortable with some of the things that have gone on.“There’s no excuse for that to go out. It’s not going to sit well with the other players is it?“I don’t know how you can handle it because there will be players who can’t forgive. There might be some who can move on despite not liking what happened.“You don’t need everyone to like each other at a club but this is a really, really tricky one. Some players won’t want to move on or make it work.”But Cascarino reckons there may be one final way Fernandez can get back in Chelsea’s good books.He added: “He’s going to have to apologise to the squad face-to-face as well and maybe then there will be a bit more forgiveness.” More

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      Chelsea recall £23m star from France Olympics team just days before tournament kicks off in blow to Thierry Henry

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      CHELSEA have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s Olympic team just days before the tournament.The host nation begin their campaign against the USA in Marseille on Wednesday.Chelsea have recalled Lesley Ugochukwu from France’s Olympics teamCredit: RexThe midfielder had been included as a replacement by Thierry Henry for the tournamentCredit: GettyThierry Henry’s side are also set to face Guinea and New Zealand during the group stage.However, they will do so without Ugochukwu after the midfielder’s return to Chelsea.A statement confirming he had been recalled read: “Lesley Ugochukwu leaves the Olympic selection.”The midfielder is leaving the French Olympic Team this Friday, July 19, and will not be among the reserves for the Paris 2024 Olympic tournament.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Following a request from Chelsea FC, Lesley Ugochukwu will permanently leave the French Olympic football team and will no longer be available as a reserve.”The technical staff, who have made a request to the organisers to be able to replace him, are awaiting a response. The current group is therefore made up of twenty-one players.”Ugochukwu had missed out on a place in the 18-man squad but was included as one of four replacements.Replacements can play in the tournament at any time if a member of the squad gets injured.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSChelsea had previously blocked both Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile from call-ups for the Olympics.Ugochukwu returns to the Blues ahead of their pre-season USA tour, with five matches scheduled including a clash with Real Madrid.Meet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaHowever, the 20-year-old may still not be involved amid a potential move away from Stamford Bridge.Chelsea are keen to loan the midfielder to another Premier League club, with three sides currently interested according to the Metro.Ugochukwu signed from Rennes in a £23million deal last summer, penning a deal through to 2030.He made 13 appearances before a hamstring injury in December ruled him out for six months.Following the lay-off, Ugochukwu played twice more off the bench after returning to action in May.Ugochukwu is expected to be loaned out to a Premier League club this summerCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea set for seven-figure windfall if England hire Graham Potter as next manager with Blues STILL paying his salary

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      CHELSEA could earn a windfall of £1million if England decide to replace Gareth Southgate with Graham Potter.Potter left Chelsea in April last year after less than seven months in charge.Potter is among the front runners to take over as England bossCredit: PAGareth Southgate resigned on TuesdayCredit: AlamyAccording to the Mail, Chelsea are still paying Potter £200,000-a-week after sacking him.They are obliged to continue paying that until October.But if Potter accepts an offer from elsewhere, his new salary would be deducted from the £200,000-a-week paid to him by Chelsea.Potter is among the bookies favourites to take over the Three Lions after Southgate’s decision to resign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLSouthgate earned around £5million a year in his role – around £100,000 per week – during his near-eight years in charge of the national team.That means that if Potter took the job on the same salary as Southgate, it would save Chelsea around £1million if he were to be appointed in September.Potter was questioned on whether he may take the job when receiving an honorary doctorate from Leeds Beckett Univeristy.Potter joined the uni as manager of the Leeds Carnegie men’s team in 2009 and completed an MSc in Leadership: Personal & Professional Development from the institution.Most read in FootballPotter spoke after receiving an honorary doctorateCredit: X @BBCWYSCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAfter being presented with his award, Potter was questioned on the links to the vacant England role.He said: “I don’t think today’s the day to speak about that. Gareth has done a fantastic job.The Sun’s Shaun Custis and Charlie Wyett discuss Gareth Southgate quitting as England manager and who could replace him”I don’t think there is anybody in the country that is more respected in football than Gareth.”I think he and his team led the country in a really good way and I have huge respect for him.”And today’s the day to wish him a nice break because he deserves that. And to wish him well in whatever he does in the part of his career.”Current frontrunners for the job with the bookies are Potter, Eddie Howe and u21s boss Lee Carsley. More

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      Argentina chief SACKED after telling Lionel Messi to apologise for racist chants about France

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      ARGENTINA’S deputy sports minister has been sacked after saying Lionel Messi should apologise for the Argentina squad singing a racist and transphobic chant aimed at France.Julio Garro was sacked within hours after making the comment on an Argentinian radio station.Argentina’s deputy sports minister called on Messi to apologise for members of the Argentina squad singing a racist chant aimed at FranceCredit: ReutersIt comes after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez went live on Instagram leading the chantCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezArgentine Sports minister Julio Garro (left) was sacked by president Javier Milei (right) for saying Messi should apologise on behalf of the Argentina national teamCredit: NewsflashCaptain Messi was not even on the bus where the shocking incident took place.Garro told Urbana Play: “I think [Messi] should come out and offer the appropriate apologies, as should the Argentine Football Federation president [Claudio Tapia].”He added that the incident “leaves Argentina looking bad as a country” and that it would be good to “make an example out of this”.It came after Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez went live on Instagram while leading the vile chant.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLFor his suggestion that Messi should apologise on behalf of his national team as club captain, Garro was fired from his post by Argentina’s far-right president Javier Milei.Milei’s official social media account stated: “The Office of the President states that no government has the right to tell the Argentine national team, world champions and double Copa America champions, or any other citizen, what to comment, what to think and what to do. “That is why Julio Garro ceases to be the under-secretary of sport.”Milei’s social media comment was followed up by Argentina’s vice-president Victoria Villarruel saying: “No colonialist country is going to intimidate us for a song on the pitch or for telling the truths they don’t want to admit.Most read in Football“Argentina is a sovereign and free country. We never had colonies or second-class citizens. We have never imposed our way of life on anyone.“But neither will we tolerate that they do it to us . . . Enzo I support you, Messi, thanks for everything! Argentinians always hold your head up high.”Copa America fans clamber into AIR VENTS as Argentina vs Colombia final descends into chaosVice President Victorial Villarruel (right) defended Fernadez’s sick chantCredit: APWesley Fofana said the chant was an example of ‘uninhibited racism’Credit: GettyDavid Datro Fofana also criticised Fernandez;s chantsCredit: GettyVillarruel’s comments come after the French FA threatened legal action against the Argentinian FA over the chant.That followed Wesley Fofana, Fernandez’s Chelsea team-mate posting the video of Fernandez’s racist chant on X and saying: “Football in 2024: uninhibited racism.”Chelsea striker David Datro Fofana also condemned the chant and said: “The football that I like is multi-ethnic.”Racism in all its forms should be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”These acts have no place in football or even anywhere else. This fight really needs to be taken seriously by everyone in this sport.”Fernandez apologised for his role in leading the chant and said: “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.”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.”Chelsea broke their silence on the matter on Wednesday morning and said: “Chelsea Football Club finds all forms of discriminatory behaviour completely unacceptable.”We are proud to be a diverse, inclusive club where people from all cultures, communities and identities feel welcome.”We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate.”The Club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.”Several Chelsea players are said to have unfollowed Fernandez on Instagram in response to his racist and transphobic chant.Chelsea’s pre-season training has already begun with Fernandez set to join up with the squad after the Blues’ pre-season tour of the US.READ MORE SUN STORIESChelsea’s pre-season preparations are under threatCredit: GettyHe is one of several players being given an extended break after the Copa America and European Championship tournaments.He is contracted at the club until 2032, having joined from Benfica for £107million in 2023. More

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      Brentford ready to slash Ivan Toney’s asking price by more than £30m with just two clubs left in transfer race

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      BRENTFORD are ready to slash their asking price for Ivan Toney to less than £50million due to a lack of interest.Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all made it clear to Brentford that they have no plans to bid for in the England striker.Brentford are prepared to lower their asking price for Ivan ToneyCredit: GettyThat leaves Tottenham and West Ham as his most likely suitors.Brentford had hoped to create an auction for Toney after he returned from an eight-month gambling ban in January and initially invited bids in excess of £80m.But there were no offers Toney during the winter transfer window and the club have been surprised at the lack interest this summer.Arsenal are not prioritising signing a striker this summer, Chelsea think Toney is too old and United have signed £36.5m Holland striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBrentford’s position is complicated by the fact that they have been planning for Toney’s departure for over a year and have already signed his replacement.Brentford broke their transfer record to pay Club Brugge £31m for Brazilian striker Igor Thiago in February, and manager Thomas Frank will struggle to accomodate both players in his first-team plans.Toney is keen to leave Brentford this summer but has repeatedly spoken of his desire to join a “top club that wins trophies.”The 28-year-old could opt to see out the final year of his contract at Brentford in the hope of joining a big club on a free transfer next summer, although such a move may create tension with his employers.Most read in FootballBrentford stood by Toney during his FA ban placing over 200 bets on football, but their relationship is not straightforward.The former Newcastle and Peterborough striker initially denied placing any bets before changing his story and pleading guilty at an FA hearing, a U-turn which caused problems for the club.Watch Ivan Toney score unbelievable volley in England training in ultimate route one goal before Netherlands clashAny Tottenham bid for Toney would depend on them selling Brazilian international Richarlison.But they are also interested in Lille striker Jonathan David, who is available for £25m. West Ham have also inquired about Canada ace David. More

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      Chelsea’s pre-season plans in meltdown as Enzo Fernandez’s offensive video sparks huge dressing room rift

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      CHELSEA’S pre-season plans are in total meltdown with a dressing-room rift triggered by Enzo Fernandez’s racist video.The midfielder posted a live stream of himself and some Argentina team-mates singing an offensive song referencing the heritage of France’s players.Enzo Fernandez’s offensive video has brought Chelsea’s pre-season in total meltdownCredit: Instagram @enzojfernandezFernandez was filmed singing a derogatory song against French playersCredit: GettyThat didn’t go down well with the Chelsea dressing roomCredit: GettyNew Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has to deal with a dressing room riftCredit: GettyIt sent shockwaves through the Blues’ squad with up to TEN stars either unfollowing or snubbing him on Instagram.The £106million World Cup winner has issued an apology but one insider told SunSport: “It’s not enough”.Fernandez, 23, posted on Instagram: “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.“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.”Read More on ChelseaBlues’ French defender Wesley Fofana branded the extraordinary video clip as “uninhibited racism.”Chelsea have a big French contingent in their squad including Benoit Badiashile, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto, Malang Sarr, Christopher Nkunku, Lesley Ugochukwu and Fofana. Three other non-French players are believed to be equally upset.Fernandez filmed himself and others chanting that many of Les Bleus’ players have French passports but hail from African countries as they toasted Monday’s Copa America final win over Colombia.Chelsea and world football’s governing body Fifa have launched investigations into the controversial post.Most read in FootballStriker Nicolas Jackson’s attempts to act as peacemaker failed after he published an image of Fernandez greeting a young, black Chelsea fan on a pitch, next to a picture of himself holding up his team-mate’s shirt.The post went up before training — but was later deleted. A source close to Jackson said: “Nicolas had no intention to create controversy or disrespect people. It was a kind gesture to support a team-mate and acted in good faith.”Chelseas midfield struggles with Moises Caicedo and Enzo FernandezChelsea jet out to the States on Monday for pre-season friendlies and Fernandez is expected back halfway through the US tour.Insiders at Stamford Bridge say the incident has rocked harmony within the camp and it will take a lot to repair the damage.One told SunSport: “People are saying ‘what the f*** was he thinking?’”The chant also includes derogatory and transphobic references to Kylian Mbappe.A Chelsea statement read: “We acknowledge and appreciate our player’s public apology and will use this as an opportunity to educate. The club has instigated an internal disciplinary procedure.” More