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    Chelsea star Cesar Azpilicueta ‘reaches free transfer agreement with Barcelona in summer’ after 10 years at club

    CHELSEA captain Cesar Azpilicueta has reportedly struck a deal to join Barcelona on a free transfer this summer.Football Insider claims the versatile defender, 32, has snubbed several offers from the Blues to extend his deal past the end of this season.
    Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is reportedly heading to Barcelona on a free transferCredit: Getty
    And Azpilicueta has now reached an ‘agreement in principle’ to swap Stamford Bridge for the Nou Camp in July.
    The Spain international has been at Chelsea for ten years, winning numerous trophies including two titles and last year’s Champions League.
    But the opportunity to see out his final years back home with another top European side has been too good to turn down.
    Azpilicueta is just one of three key players set to leave Chelsea this summer following sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich.
    .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 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Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FREE FIGHT .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Eddie Hall vs Thor live stream and TV channel FREE – how to watch HUGE fight
    Danish centre-back Andreas Christensen is thought to have also struck a free transfer to Barcelona.
    Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger has reportedly agreed to join Juventus on a mega four-year contract.
    With three star defenders all set to leave, Chelsea will be light on options at the back unless a new owner gives sufficient financial backing for a summer rebuild.
    As it stands, Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Malang Sarr will be the only three senior centre-backs left at the club.
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    JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
    Sevilla’s Jules Kounde is thought to be high on Thomas Tuchel’s list – should the German stay put.
    And Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt is another option, with the Dutchman ironically set to be ousted from Turin by Rudiger’s arrival. More

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    Chelsea bidder Nick Candy EXCLUSIVE, Tuchel distances himself from Boro FA Cup plea, Havertz’ classy gesture – updates

    THOMAS TUCHEL has distanced himself from Chelsea’s appeal to the FA to play their Cup tie at Middlesbrough behind closed doors.After the Blues board were condemned, following an attempt to make the case the game should be played in front of no fans, Tuchel has backed a U-turn.
    The German said: “I think the proposal was withdrawn and it was absolutely the right thing to do, because that was from our side and hopefully it was not meant like this.”
    And under the terms and conditions of their latest restriction, it states that Chelsea are unable to sell tickets until a takeover has been complete.
    As a result, the Blues are asking for Saturday’s FA Cup quarter-final at Middlesbrough to be played behind closed doors.
    Meanwhile, Kai Havert has revealed that he is willing to fund his own travel for the away fixture.
    Keep reading to find out more on the situation surrounding Chelsea’s ownership problems.

    All you need for Cheltenham Festival 2022

    Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Stamford Bridge right here…
    I’m feeling Grea-t
    Jack Grealish has opened up on his move to Man City.
    Speaking to the club’s press, Grealish said: “Yeah, It’s been good and I’ve enjoyed it.
    “It’s been a lot more difficult than I thought it would be in terms of on the pitch and off the pitch, moving to a new city and so on.
    “It’s been different, but I knew that it was going to be like that. I knew that it was going to be me stepping out of my comfort zone, but I’ve enjoyed it.
    “I think that’s what life’s all about — experiencing different things — and I’ve certainly done that.”
    Chelsea squad go on stroll
    Chelsea stars enjoyed a pre-match stroll around Middlesbrough after being granted special permission to fly to the North East.
    Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta led the players around next to a smiling N’Golo Kante.
    Mason Mount kindly stopped and posed for selfies with fans, and gave a big thumbs up to the camera.

    Ronaldinho understands PSG’s boo-boys
    Barcelona and PSG legend Ronaldinho has condemned the actions of fans who booed Messi and Neymar.
    When speaking to Fox Sports, the Brazilian said: “It’s one of those moments when the fans were sad because they have a big team with all these great players.
    “It’s difficult, in such a short amount of time, for everything to go well and for everything to be perfect.
    “But I think that all these great players who play together, will do something very good.”
    What a Mess
    Lionel Messi is set to miss out on Sunday’s Ligue 1 clash with Monaco due to illness.
    PSG have confirmed that the star will not make the trip to Monaco due to a flu-like illness which has kept him out of action for the past 48 hours.
    Messi has not had the best season since arriving in Paris, despite recording 18 goal contributions in 26 games.
    The winger has been plagued with various injury issues, and hasn’t reached the potential he consistently displayed whilst at Barcelona.
    Inter eye Cavani
    Inter Milan are said to be eyeing a transfer swoop for Man United star Edinson Cavani.
    Inter want to bolster their attack and reckon Cavani’s experience could be vital.
    According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter will swoop for Cavani this summer when his contract with United expires.
    Sir Broughton’s Chelsea plans
    Sir Martin Broughton has outlined his plans to keep the Blues at the summit of English football and to keep Thoma Tuchel in charge if he takes over.
    Broughton’s part of a consortium along with Lord Sebastian Coe who want to buy the Blues from Abramovich.
    Broughton told talkSPORT: “Do the fans want Thomas Tuchel to stay? Absolutely, they want him to stay.
    “There isn’t a Chelsea fan around that I know who would suggest any other solution. That will finish up being down to Tuchel but there’s only one position we’ll be taking.
     “Philosophically, we support the Financial Fair Play approach to football. Once those rules are determined again, we will commit to keeping within the rules. But we have the money.
    “We have the commitment and we are determined to keep the club where it is.
    “I don’t want to be, and none of the guys in the team want to be, the guy who took the club from where it is today to mediocrity. We’re not interested in doing that and making a bit of money. That’s not the name of the game. We want to stay right at the top.”
    Ronaldo to stay with United
    Cristiano Ronaldo will continue to play for Manchester United next season, according to reports.
    The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is set to see out the final year of his contract at Old Trafford, even if the Red Devils are not in the Champions League.
    According to Spanish outlet AS, Ronaldo is confident that the right managerial replacement will be appointed when Ralf Rangnick leaves the club at the end of the season.
    Gary Neville’s Chelsea warning
    Gary Neville has argued that Chelsea need ‘smart owners’ if they want to continue winning trophies.
    Neville sent a stern warning to any prospective Chelsea owners on Friday, just as the deadline for bids had passed.
    When speaking on Sky Sports, he said: “The new ownership could set Chelsea back because Roman Abramovich and the people he’s had operating the club have been fantastic owners with respect to what they’ve done in terms of winning.
    “They’ve been a success machine for the last 10-20 years.
    “That doesn’t just come with money, we’ve seen at Manchester United and Arsenal where they’ve put billions into the team and not had the success that Chelsea have had.
    “Chelsea can feel comfortable that they’ll have rich owners, but will they have football smart owners? Because that’s what Abramovich has been.
    “For all of the talk over the last few weeks, all the sanctions, the distasteful end to his reign, he has been a pretty impressive football operator and he probably doesn’t get the credit for it because other people operate the club.
    “But he sets the tone, you can’t just take it away from the fact that he is the owner.”
    Henderson on Liverpool/Benfica clash
    Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson admits that Benfica will give the Reds a tough challenge in the Champions League quarter-finals.
    Henderson said ahead of the European clash: “We’re glad to be in the quarter-finals. It’s always going to be tough, to be honest, no matter who you get, so I don’t really look too much at that.
    “Whoever we get, we concentrate on that and we give it everything like we always do.
    “Benfica will obviously be another difficult opponent, they knocked Ajax out of the last round, who I think were unbeaten up until that point and away from home as well they won.
    “So it’ll be a tough test for us again but it always is in the Champions League, especially in the knockout rounds.”
    Roma fans love Abraham
    Roma have fallen in love with ex-Chelsea star Tammy Abraham as he edges closer to breaking a club record.
    Since arriving at the club he has registered an impressive 25 goal contributions in 39 appearances.
    His last-minute equaliser against Vitesse on Thursday has put him level with local legends Vincenzo Montella and Gabriel Batistuta for the most goals scored in a debut season.
    Abraham has received high praise from Roma fans since finding his form.
    They have even invented a brand new chant for the star – “Tre Punti Tammy” – which means “Tammy Three Points”.
    Man United chase Milenkovic
    Manchester United have got eyes on Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic this summer, reports claim.
    The Serb’s contract is up with the Serie A side in 2023, and United are said to be monitoring his situation closely.
    According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Red Devils United scouts went to watch the centre-back last weekend during Fiorentina’s clash against Bologna.
    Conte praises Kulusevski
    Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has praised Dejan Kulusevski for the impact he’s made since joining from Juventus in January.
    Conte said, reported by The Athletic: “We are talking about an important prospect. He is very young, only 21 years old and despite his young age, he has good experience with the national team.
    “To play with Juventus for one year and a half, you understand what it means to live with pressure. Probably he could ‘crack’ in the future.
    “Also because I can see the intensity, the will and the desire to play. As everyday in training session he is a type of player in his mind to become a top player in his career.
    “While I am his manager, I try to help him to improve and believe. For sure, he is an important prospect for the present and for the future.
    “He has to continue in this way he has been one month and a half. He has improved physically, tactically and his mentality.”
    De Gea ‘omitted’ from Spain team
    David De Gea appears to have been left out of Spain’s latest squad as he does not fit with his country’s style of play.
    His nation will play friendlies against Albania and Iceland at the end of this month.
    And despite De Gea being Man Utd’s standout man this season, he has been left out of Luis Enrique’s 23-man squad.
    Spain’s Euro 2020 starter, Athletic Bilbao shot stopper Unai Simon, and Premier League duo Robert Sanchez and David Raya have all been called up.
    Sweeper keeper Raya, who has never represented Spain at any level, has been rewarded for keeping five clean sheets in 15 games in his debut Premier League season with Brentford.
    And it appears his passing abilities have led to him being included over De Gea.
    Rudiger agrees to Juventus transfer
    Antonio rudgier is allegedly set to sign a four-year contract with Juventus.
    Chelsea’s German defender, 29, becomes a free agent in June when his current deal expires.
    Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all monitoring the situation.
    However, a fresh report has claimed that Rudiger’s future is now sorted.
    La Gazzetta dello Sport states that the star has said “yes” to a move to the Bianconeri.
    He will sign a four-year deal with the Serie A giants as he prefers a move there over Madrid and Bayern.
    Rudiger will pocket around £5.4 million per season in Italy.
    Abramovich to decide Chelsea’s future
    Roman Abramovich may be sanctioned by the UK government, but he still has the final say in who he sells Chelsea to.
    Abramovich, who has been banned as a director by the Premier League, cannot make a single penny from selling the West London outfit.
    However he remains in charge of the key decision in deciding who will become Chelsea’s next owner.
    The Russian oligarch has received a £2billion-plus offer from property tycoon and lifelong Blues fan Nick Candy.
    Speaking to SunSport, Candy said: “Although it’s a sanctioned club, Roman gets the decision on where it goes.
    “People might not like that, but it’s his club still – it’s sanctioned – but it’s his club.”

    Four finger Dan Burns
    Dan Burn has been one of the key men behind Newcastle United’s revival in recent weeks.
    The defender moved to the then relegation-threatened Toon from Brighton in January for £13million.
    And the 6ft 7in star has been in fine form – although some of his new fan base were shocked to see he is missing a finger!
    The former Fulham ace lost his ring finger following an accident when he was a teenager.
    The incident occurred when he was just 13, according to The Free Library.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    Good Morning, Chelsea fans
    It’s game day!
    Chelsea will visit Middlesbrough in the quarter-final of the FA Cup tomorrow, with Boro looking to upset another Premier League outfit.
    Middlesbrough have beaten Premier League opposition twice already in the FA Cup, after overcoming Manchester United and Tottenham so far.
    Thomas Tuchel is pleased that the team can fly to Middlesbrough rather than take a six-hour coach trip, after this was in jeopardy after the sanctions which mean limited fans will be in attendance.
    The Blues will be hoping that it is business as usual in the Quarter-Finals, but will face a tough test against a Boro’ side that have proved they can do it against the big boys.
    Kick-off is at 17:15pm.
    Candy speaks on dad’s love for Chelsea
    Candy told SunSport: “I’ve been going since my dad first took me.
    “He said I was four although I can remember going to games when I was seven or eight – and that it was quite scary then with fans standing up around me. 
    “I watched it through the years from Ruud Gullit and Luca Vialli and others. 
    “John Terry and Frank Lampard are friends of mine. I have photos of me and my dad down at the training ground with John and Frank.
    “Dad died in 2013 and we had his memorial service at Brompton Oratory with the actual party afterwards in the South Stand at Stamford Bridge. 
    “I asked Roman for permission for us to use the pitch and he let us have a marching band singing Chelsea songs and then we scattered half my dad’s ashes on the Stamford Bridge pitch. 
    “My dad was a massive fan and of course a massive part of my life if before and now and hopefully he is looking down on me. ”
    Candy’s dad’s ashes were scattered on Stamford Bridge pitch
    Nick Candy has revealed his dad’s ashes were scattered on the Stamford Bridge pitch.
    The Brit businessman and property developer has an emotional attachment to the club, and the memories to back it up.
    He has the vision, too. 
    And if Candy and his consortium do win the fight to win Roman Abramovich’s shares, they have vowed to ensure the WHOLE club is brought into the new world of football.
    But it is that private bond with the club he was first taken to watch by his father at the age of four that makes this bid one with something deeper at its heart than just the desire to own a Premier League giant.
    What Candy said
    For doubtful supporters questioning whether Candy would be willing to replicate the Abramovich approach which has brought 19 major trophies in 19 years, he told SunSport: “On the pitch and in the transfer market, it’s simple  – follow the model. 
    “It’s not failed us and it’s done really well.
    “The last 20 years have been brilliant on the pitch. We’ve played glorious football, won everything, and Roman has done an incredible job with his team. 
    Credit: Getty
    “If I got hold of the club I wouldn’t change Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia.
    “And if they want it to stay I would love them to stay. Why change something that is brilliant?
    “But I don’t think we should end up like Manchester United where we have one rich family that owns Chelsea and there should be a new benchmark of owning football clubs.
    “Why does there have to be one rich family that the fans end up hating because they don’t invest?
    “It should be a global consortium of the best-in-class in every part of the world.
    “We have European and American fans so why doesn’t the consortium come from each continent? And that’s what I’ve tried to do with my bid.”
    Candy to keep spending
    Nick Candy has pledged to keep spending if he wins the race to buy Chelsea.
    The London property developer made his Blue Football Consortium’s £2bn-plus offer for Roman Abramovich’s club before Friday night’s deadline.
    Candy promised his “global consortium”, backed by cash from the USA, Europe and South Korean, was serious about delivering a “new model” of ownership.
    He also vowed to put his fellow Blues fans “heart and centre” of the club, with a role in the board and decision-making process.
    So far the only revealed backer of Candy’s bid is Korean financial company Hana, although he promised the identity of the other money man, including one “very wealthy” Brit and investors in US NBA and NFL franchises, would be revealed next week.
    Middlesbrough vs Chelsea info
    Chelsea kick-off against Middlesbrough at 17:15pm UK time on Saturday, March 19.
    The game is at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough.
    Tickets to the game are sold out, and there are expected to be around 500 Chelsea fans.
    Middlesbrough vs Chelsea will be shown live on BBC One, with coverage beginning at 4:50pm.
    The game is available to live stream for FREE on the BBCiPlayer and BBC Sport website.
    FA Cup quarter-final preview
    Chelsea will visit Middlesbrough in the quarter-final of the FA Cup tomorrow, with Boro looking to upset another Premier League outfit.
    Middlesbrough have beaten Premier League opposition twice already in the FA Cup, after overcoming Manchester United and Tottenham so far.
    Chelsea have been the topic of conversation for many lately, after the sale of the club and government sanctions have left many at the club wondering what is next.
    Thomas Tuchel is pleased that the team can fly to Middlesbrough rather than take a six-hour coach trip, after this was in jeopardy after the sanctions which mean limited fans will be in attendance.
    The Blues will be hoping that it is business as usual in the Quarter-Finals, but will face a tough test against a Boro’ side that have proved they can do it against the big boys.
    Alternative potential line up for FA Cup
    You may have read our predicted line up below, with Thomas Tuchel expected to line-up strong as Chelsea look to win some silverware.
    But alternatively, the German boss could use this game as a chance to tinker.
    Lukaku could start up top and Hakim Ziyech may start on the right-hand side.
    And Ruben Loftus-Cheek may also be handed minutes to impress.

    Boro to donate proceeds from Chelsea clash to Ukraine war aid
    Middlesbrough have announced they will donate a share of the proceeds from this weekend’s FA Cup tie against Chelsea to charitable causes in Ukraine.
    The Championship side are expecting a sell-out of around 34,000 fans for Saturday evening’s game.
    And Boro have generously revealed they will donate a share of their gate receipts to humanitarian aid in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion.
    Middlesbrough have already been awarded 3,200 additional tickets meant for Chelsea fans after the Blues were banned from selling them.
    Blues chiefs had pleaded with the Government to allow them to have some supporters on Teesside.
    However, the FA confirmed Chelsea had agreed to withdraw their outrageous appeal in a U-turn after Middlesbrough promised to ‘resist Chelsea’s actions in the strongest terms.’
    Load more entries… More

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    Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger ‘agrees four-year deal with Juventus’ amid Man Utd, Real Madrid and Bayern transfer interest

    ANTONIO RUDIGER is allegedly set to sign a four-year contract with Juventus.Chelsea’s German defender, 29, becomes a free agent in June when his current deal expires.
    Antonio Rudiger has allegedly signed a contract to join JuventusCredit: Getty
    The Blues have tried – and failed – to convince Rudiger to sign an extension for much of the season.
    And after Roman Abramovich’s assets were frozen and sanctions placed on the club prevented them from negotiating new contracts, hope of keeping him have pretty much evaporated.
    Manchester United, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich were all monitoring the situation.
    However, a fresh report has claimed that Rudiger’s future is now sorted.

    La Gazzetta dello Sport states that the star has said “yes” to a move to the Bianconeri.
    He will sign a four-year deal with the Serie A giants as he prefers a move there over Madrid and Bayern.
    Rudiger will pocket around £5.4 million per season in Italy.
    Rudiger has been one of the world’s best since Thomas Tuchel arrived at Chelsea.
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    He played a key part in their Champions League triumph and also helped them to lift the Club World Cup last month.
    And he will be in action later today as Chelsea look to reach the FA Cup semi-final when they travel to Middlesbrough.
    The Blues have a number of deals expiring this summer, including defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen. More

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    ‘Roman gets the decision’ – Abramovich still has say who buys Chelsea despite not receiving a penny of successful bid

    ROMAN ABRAMOVICH may be sanctioned by the UK government, but he still has the final say in who he sells Chelsea to.The Russian oligarch has received a £2billion-plus offer from property tycoon and lifelong Blues fan Nick Candy.
    Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich won’t receive a penny from selling the clubCredit: Rex
    Nick Candy is desperate to buy the Blues after making a £2billion-plus offerCredit: Rex
    Candy has promised fan involvement in the club should he be successful, while also stating he would redevelop Stamford Bridge.
    But it is out of his hands as to whether Abramovich, who has had his assets frozen, would accept his bid.
    Abramovich, who has been banned as a director by the Premier League, cannot make a single penny from selling the West London outfit.
    However he remains in charge of the key decision in deciding who will become Chelsea’s next owner.
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    Speaking to SunSport, Candy said: “Although it’s a sanctioned club, Roman gets the decision on where it goes.
    “People might not like that, but it’s his club still – it’s sanctioned – but it’s his club.”
    He added: “All I care about is first of all, whoever ends up with the club has got to put the fans front and centre and the fan-led review needs to be adopted in its best principle and that Chelsea has a chance to be the golden standard of that.
    “Number two is I think that football clubs owned just by one person like the Glazers is a bad model, and not just for the fans, but for the club.
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    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    “If you can have the best investor from Africa, India, America, Asia as your cornerstone partners and they use the fans in that part of the world to make money for the club back at home, fantastic!
    “And why can’t we have offshoots of the club in South Korea or Los Angeles or wherever it is.
    “And also Manchester City have probably done the best job in the planet of the feeder clubs.
    “And we’ve got to do that as well. That’s because they run it properly, they’re amazing.” More

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    Nick Candy had dad’s ashes spread at Stamford Bridge with band singing Chelsea songs after Roman gave special permission

    WHEN your father is, quite literally, part of the fabric of Stamford Bridge, that is a real commitment.And it is the debt he owes to his dad that is firing Nick Candy’s bid to take over Chelsea.
    Nick Candy (right) has revealed his dad’s (centre) ashes were scattered on the Stamford Bridge pitchCredit: Getty
    The Brit businessman and property developer has an emotional attachment to the club, and the memories to back it up.
    He has the vision, too. 
    And if Candy and his consortium do win the fight to win Roman Abramovich’s shares, they have vowed to ensure the WHOLE club is brought into the new world of football.
    But it is that private bond with the club he was first taken to watch by his father at the age of four that makes this bid one with something deeper at its heart than just the desire to own a Prem giant.
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    Candy told SunSport: “I’ve been going since my dad first took me.
    “He said I was four although I can remember going to games when I was seven or eight – and that it was quite scary then with fans standing up around me. 
    “I watched it through the years from Ruud Gullit and Luca Vialli and others. 
    “John Terry and Frank Lampard are friends of mine. I have photos of me and my dad down at the training ground with John and Frank.
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    “Dad died in 2013 and we had his memorial service at Brompton Oratory with the actual party afterwards in the South Stand at Stamford Bridge. 
    “I asked Roman for permission for us to use the pitch and he let us have a marching band singing Chelsea songs and then we scattered half my dad’s ashes on the Stamford Bridge pitch. 
    “My dad was a massive fan and of course a massive part of my life if before and now and hopefully he is looking down on me. 
    “I just love Chelsea. I don’t go to every single away game but when I am in the country and can go to games I go to as many as possible.
    “In some ways it will be easier not to buy the club for me because I could get on with my day job.
    “But I was super close to dad. These things come up every 20 years if you’re lucky. It could be 50 years. Roman has had it for 20. 
    “If you’d asked me four weeks ago if I was going to bid for Chelsea, I would have said you were mad.
    “But the opportunity has arisen. We have the chance to really set the new benchmark of how things are done, the standards.”

    That includes taking the Bridge apart and rebuilding it from scratch, no matter the cost.
    And while he is dyed in the wool Chelsea, Candy says the club must look to copy Spurs – off the pitch at least.
    He added: “Stamford Bridge is not fit for purpose in the 21st century. It’s just not. 
    “The issue at Chelsea is complicated because it is a very tight footprint to build a 60,000 capacity ground.
    “You have to dig down a long way to get that number in but it needs to be done.
    “That will mean relocating for a period of time, something like five years probably, to Wembley like Tottenham did.
    “Spurs have the best stadium in the world, mind-blowingly brilliant. They have a hotel on the training ground for the players to stay in after a European game as well, so we need to look to do that as well.
    “We are way behind on the facilities of a club like Tottenham – although Spurs are way behind us on the pitch.
    “This is not about high-end real estate but about developing a state-of-the-art stadium which is not just used for football matches that has other utilities, like Tottenham have done with their stadium.
    “If you build a stadium for £1.5billion pounds and only use it once a week that’s not a very good utility.”
    ‘POISION CHALICE’
    Chelsea fans, more than anything, want an owner who can continue to take the club forward.
    Candy, with his personal interest, says he and his team will provide that.
    He said: “It’s like a poison chalice inheriting Chelsea on the pitch because they’ve done so well.
    “But I still think we can continue to do very well because we had an amazing squad.
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    “Everyone needs to do it quickly. 
    “Whether it’s me who buys this or somebody else with their consortium, whoever buys it, all we care about as Chelsea fans is that the club is in safe hands.”
    Candy has made a £2billion-plus offer to buy Chelseaa off of Roman AbramovichCredit: Rex More

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    ‘I don’t think we should end up like Man Utd’ – Nick Candy wants to retain Chelsea transfer model – and keep spending

    NICK CANDY has pledged to keep spending if he wins the race to buy Chelsea.The London property developer made his Blue Football Consortium’s £2bn-plus offer for Roman Abramovich’s club before Friday night’s 9pm deadline.
    Property tycoon Nick Candy has made a £2billion-plus offer to buy ChelseaCredit: PA
    Candy was in attendance at Stamford Bridge on Sunday to watch the Blues beat NewcastleCredit: PA
    Candy promised his “global consortium”, backed by cash from the USA, Europe and South Korean, was serious about delivering a “new model” of ownership.
    He also vowed to put his fellow Blues fans “heart and centre” of the club, with a role in the board and decision-making process.
    But for doubtful supporters questioning whether Candy would be willing to replicate the Abramovich approach which has brought 19 major trophies – plus two Charity Shields – in 19 years, he told SunSport: “On the pitch and in the transfer market, it’s simple  – follow the model. 
    “It’s not failed us and it’s done really well.
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    “The last 20 years have been brilliant on the pitch. We’ve played glorious football, won everything, and Roman has done an incredible job with his team. 
    “If I got hold of the club I wouldn’t change Bruce Buck and Marina Granovskaia.
    “And if they want it to stay I would love them to stay. Why change something that is brilliant?
    “But I don’t think we should end up like Manchester United where we have one rich family that owns Chelsea and there should be a new benchmark of owning football clubs.
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    “Why does there have to be one rich family that the fans end up hating because they don’t invest?
    “It should be a global consortium of the best-in-class in every part of the world.
    “We have 100 million fans in China, over 80 million fans in India and over 70 million in southeast Asia. 
    “We have European and American fans so why doesn’t the consortium come from each continent? And that’s what I’ve tried to do with my bid.”
    So far the only revealed backer of Candy’s bid is Korean financial company Hana, although he promised the identity of the other money man, including one “very wealthy” Brit and investors in US NBA and NFL franchises, would be revealed next week.
    Other bidders include the Swiss-American consortium led by Hansjorg Wyss and Todd Boehley, a Saudi offer, the Ricketts family who own the Chicago Cubs and a group led by Martin Broughton and Lord Seb Coe.
    Candy, though, said: “We have a chance with Chelsea to put the fans heart and centre of the club. There is no club without the fans.
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    “In 100 years time there will still be fans whoever the owner is. We are just custodians of the club for a period of time – that is all we are.
    “We can actually set the benchmark of how it is done, following the Tracey Crouch recommendations. We want to be the golden standard of how to do it.”
    Candy is keen for the West London outfit to not be run like Manchester UnitedCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea takeover race comes down to final hours with 9pm deadline to get billion-pounds bids in before new owner decided

    THE BIDDING war for Chelsea has reached the final hours as the 9pm deadline for potential new owners dawns nearer.Merchant bank the Raine Group are advising the Premier League club over the sale.
    The bidding window to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich closes at 9pmCredit: Rex
    And they will end the bidding period at 5pm US time and start whittling down the shortlist of offers – which is believed to have a maximum of four – by next week.
    Chelsea are desperate for a quick sale after owner Roman Abramovich’s sanctioning by the UK government last week left them in crisis.
    Abramovich has had his assets frozen due to his long-standing relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin – who launched an illegal invasion of Ukraine several weeks ago.
    That left the Blues currently unable to buy or sell players, negotiate new contracts for their stars, pocket matchday revenue and also only having a £20,000 budget to travel to away games.
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    But that has not deterred billionaire tycoons from declaring their interest in the West London outfit.
    And with Abramovich pricing the club at £3billion, it is set to be the most expensive football club takeover in history.
    Boyhood Chelsea fan and business tycoon Nick Candy has declared his interest and will bid £2.5billion for his boyhood club, which would include a £1.5billion redevelopment of the ageing Stamford Bridge.
    The 49-year-old Londoner amassed his fortune alongside his older brother Christian as a luxury property developer, and owns several high-profile buildings around the world.
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    He is putting together a consortium to secure the takeover of the club, and is being supported by former Chelsea manager and player Gianluca Vialli.
    London-based equity firm Aethel Partners then yesterday launched an 11th hour bid to buy Chelsea from Abramovich.
    The firm – led by Portuguese entrepreneur Ricardo Silva and fellow Harvard alum Aba Schubert – are prepared to pay £2billion for the club and also have plans to redevelop Stamford Bridge on its current site.
    Todd Boehly and Hansjorg Wyss
    American billionaire Todd Boehly and his Swiss business partner Hansjorg Wyss reportedly made an offer to buy Chelsea last week.
    Boehly is a part-owner of the LA Dodgers baseball team, while Wyss is a billionaire businessman and donor to politically liberal and environmental causes in the United States.
    They plan to have Chelsea supporters Danny Finkelstein and Barbara Charone join as non-executive directors if their offer is successful.
    Todd Boehly is part owner of the DodgersCredit: AFP
    Woody Johnson
    Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets NFL team and Donald Trump pal, has been tipped as another would-be buyer.
    He will be looking to bring his knowledge of American sports into the Premier League and Stamford Bridge.
    As owner of the New York Jets for 22 years, he believes he can raise Chelsea’s profile in the American market.
    Sir Martin Broughton and Lord Seb Coe
    Sir Martin Broughton is compiling his own bid to buy Chelsea, and has teamed up with former Olympics hero Sebastian Coe.
    Former Liverpoool chairman and lifelong Chelsea fan Broughton, 74, now chairs Sports Investment Partners, having formerly headed up British American Tobacco in a heavyweight business career.
    Lord Coe has thrown his weight behind Sir Martin’s consortium – and would take a seat on the board should they be successful.
    Lord Coe has backed ex-Liverpool chief Martin Broughton and the US consortium’s bid to buy ChelseaCredit: Reuters

    It has also been alleged that Saudi Media Group have made an offer to buy Chelsea.
    Headed by Blues fan Mohamed Alkhereiji, the private consortium have tabled a £2.7bn bid for the West London club.
    The Saudi Media Group have no direct ties to the country’s government – unlike the Public Investment Fund that purchased Newcastle earlier this season.
    Oaktree Capital
    US asset manager Oaktree Capital, run by Howard Marks in Los Angeles, is another billionaire preparing an offer for Chelsea.
    Oaktree manages assets worth £125billion and was involved in the deal that saw Chinese retailer Suning buy a stake in Italian football club Inter Milan.
    Oaktree is planning to bid alone, although it could still become part of a larger consortium.
    Billionaire hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin is keen along with Thomas RickettsCredit: Reuters
    Thomas Ricketts and Ken Griffin
    Chicago Cubs owner Thomas Ricketts is part of a consortium that has thrown its hat into the ring to buy Chelsea.
    The Ricketts family, who own the Illinois-based baseball team, have linked up with billionaire hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin to put together an investment group which will aim to takeover.
    However, Chelsea fans have reacted with fury after leaked emails from prospective buyer Ricketts show the Chicago Cubs owner to have said “Muslims are my enemy” – which he apologised for.
    And the rest…
    Bernard Antwi Boasiako launched arguably the most ambitious of the bids to buy Chelsea – but is hoping he can somehow strike gold.
    The gold mine owner, radio station boss and politician is a big deal in Ghana.
    But with a reported wealth of a mere £100m, that is unlikely to be enough to purchase the European champions.
    Turkish billionaire Mussin Bayrak, who made his money as Chairman of own company AB Group Holding, is another name linked.
    Reports have stated that Abramovich flew to Turkey earlier this month to meet Bayrak.
    And he has said that he is in talks to buy the Blues, with negotiations well underway.
    A number of other names have also been reportedly plotting a Chelsea takeover. More

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    Chelsea transfer targets having HUGE doubts over joining even with £2.7bn-plus takeover planned amid Rice interest

    CHELSEA’S transfer targets are ‘very nervous’ about potential summer moves to Stamford Bridge, according to reports.The Blues were linked with a number of stars including Declan Rice and Jules Kounde, prior to sanctions placed on Roman Abramovich last week.
    Roman Abramovich has been sanctioned by the UK governmentCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are currently operating under a special license granted by the government, despite Abramovich’s assets having been frozen.
    But the license, which runs until May 31, prohibits transactions of any kind – including player transfers.
    When a takeover goes through, restrictions on the club should be lifted.
    The club has received plenty of interest, ahead of today’s deadline to submit bids to the Raine Group who are handling the sale.
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    Interested parties include Stamford Bridge season ticket holder Nick Candy, as well as LA Dodgers owner Todd Boehly and equity firm Aethel Partners headed up by Ricardo Silva.
    The Saudi Media Group are also understood to have made a £2.7billion offer.
    Uncertainty surrounding the club’s future, as well as Thomas Tuchel’s, is putting players off, according to the Mail.
    Football agent and sports lawyer Dan Chapman told them: “‘I would have thought it would have a significant impact on recruitment.
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    CHELTENHAM FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – ALL THE LATEST DEALS FOR THE RACING THIS WEEK
    Declan Rice is among Chelsea’s top targetsCredit: Rex
    Sevilla ace Jules Kounde is on the Blues’ radarCredit: Rex
    “Players and more likely agents will be very nervous about whether the club will be free of sanctions by [the summer], so investing too much time now on any prospect of a move to Chelsea might be seen as fruitless.”
    He then added: “Realistically, until a sale happens, I would say Chelsea’s recruitment efforts are as frozen as their assets.
    “And agents will start looking elsewhere for their clients and that could impact Chelsea’s ability to land their primary targets.”
    Fellow sports lawyer Stephen Heath adds that Chelsea’s situation will ‘weigh heavily’ on representatives looking to move their players this summer.
    He said: “It is a disruptor for agents and players as they are considering what their options are likely to be in the summer.
    “If their preference was to do a deal with Chelsea they would have to consider whether it is in the best interest of their player to look elsewhere because they may not be able to do that deal.”
    An unnamed agent added: “There is also issue of managerial uncertainty.
    “Will Tuchel stay under new owners or go to Manchester United? Tuchel sets the tone.”
    Thomas Tuchel is extremely popular with Blues fansCredit: Getty More