Chelsea transfer news

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The German said: “I think the proposal was withdrawn and it was absolutely the right thing to do, because that was from our side and hopefully it was not meant like this.”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.

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Aethel joins Blues hunt
Aethel Partners have become the latest bidders to emerge as groups compete to buy Chelsea from Roman Abramovich.
The London-based equity firm have thrown their hats into the ring ahead of tomorrow’s deadline.
The Times’ Martyn Ziegler reports that they are ready to pay more than £2billion for the crisis club.

Should their bid be successful, they plan to keep Thomas Tuchel and his current staff in place.
They have also pledged to immediately invest £50million in order to ‘keep the club solvent’.
Their executive chairman is Portuguese entrepreneur Ricardo Silva.
Aethel Partners would like to redevelop Stamford Bridge on its current site.
A number of candidates to buy Chelsea have already emerged. Blues season ticket holder Nick Candy is eager to buy his boyhood club. The luxury property developer is putting together a consortium and has been backed by former star Gianluca Vialli.
Tuchel up to third favourite for Utd job
Thomas Tuchel is in contention to become Manchester United manager at the beginning of the 2022-23 campaign.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve installed the Chelsea tactician at 7/2 to switch his allegiances from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford.
The Red Devils will look to accelerate their hunt for a permanent appointment over the next few weeks.
And the Daily Star claim that United CEO Richard Arnold has pinpointed Tuchel as the club’s preferred option, ahead of Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag.
Arnold supposedly wants a deal in place BEFORE the end of the current season. And the growing uncertainty surrounding Chelsea’s ownership has given United ‘genuine hope’ that Tuchel is now available.
The Athletic also report that the 48-year-old would be ‘open’ to speaking with United representatives and hearing their proposals. Club legend Paul Scholes believes United should be desperately trying to take advantage of the uncertainty at Chelsea.
BETFAIR ODDS
Mauricio Pochettino – 6/4Erik ten Hag – 11/4Thomas Tuchel – 7/2Antonio Conte – 10/1Ralf Rangnick – 16/1Diego Simeone – 20/1Simone Inzaghi – 20/1Zinedine Zidane – 25/1Didier Deschamps – 33/1Julian Nagelsmann – 33/1Luis Enrique – 33/1Carlo Ancelotti – 33/1Roberto Mancini – 33/1Graham Potter – 33/1Julen Lopetegui – 33/1
Parimatch off for Blues
A Chelsea sponsor with links to Ukraine is the latest to suspend commercial activity with the club.
But Parimatch Tech, whose joint chief executives are Ukrainian, will continue to use their LED screens at Stamford Bridge.
That’s in order to promote relief efforts in the wartorn country.
Parimatch Tech promotes the online gambling site Parimatch, as well as providing technological and marketing support to the gambling and entertainment industries.
It signed a three-year deal with Chelsea last autumn.
But the UK Government’s decision to sanction Blues owner Roman Abramovich because of his close links to Russian president Vladimir Putin has caused particular issues for the Cyprus-based company.
CEOs Roman Syrotian and Maksym Liashko are both Ukrainian.
And they studied in the capital Kyiv before embarking on business careers.
Parimatch Tech said in a statement: “After considering the situation, we have decided to pause all joint marketing and brand campaigns with the Club featuring the Parimatch logo and brand.
“Together with our licensed partner in Great Britain, we have agreed to use the LED display systems at Stamford Bridge exclusively for the promotion of our volunteering and donation activities to help Ukraine, which Chelsea FC are supportive of.”
Be scared to Tuch us
During what has been an incredibly tumultuous time within the game of football and the wider world, Thomas Tuchel has won admirers with the manner in which he has handled himself and answered each question put to him with respect and clarity.
However, the Chelsea manager may have saved his best response until last night when discussing his side’s place in the last eight of the Champions League.
When asked which side he would prefer to avoid in the quarter-finals, the German coach smiled warmly and said: “I want us to be the team nobody wants to play.
“That’s the role we want to see ourselves in for this last eight.”
Lampard fears for Chelsea friends
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has revealed his fears for Stamford Bridge staff facing job losses in the fallout of Roman Abramovich’s sanction.
The club’s all-time top scorer may be currently concerned with trying to save Everton from relegation, but as the crisis deepens, he declared: “My focus has to be on Everton, but I was a player there for 13 years and manager for a couple of years too.
“So on a human level I care very much about those at Chelsea who might be losing their jobs. It’s a tough moment for the club and for them and I care also about the supporters.
“It’s a situation that is possibly difficult for the players and what might be happening to those who are maybe coming to their contract end.”

Three Lions select Mount and James
Chelsea duo Reece James and Mason Mount have been selected in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming friendlies with Switzerland and Ivory Coast.
There’s also a place for Conor Gallagher, Crystal Palace’s on-loan Blues midfielder, plus a first senior call-up for former Chelsea youngster, Marc Guehi.
Guehi isn’t the only Chelsea academy graduate to be included in the 25 either with Roma striker Tammy Abraham picked among the forwards.
GOALKEEPERS

Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Nick Pope (Burnley)
Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

DEFENDERS

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Conor Coady (Wolves)
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Reece James (Chelsea)
Harry Maguire (Man Utd)
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa)
Luke Shaw (Man Utd)
John Stones (Man City)
Ben White (Arsenal)

MIDFIELDERS

Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace)
Jordan Henderson (Liverpool)
Mason Mount (Chelsea)
Declan Rice (West Ham)
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

FORWARDS

Tammy Abraham (Roma)
Phil Foden (Man City)
Jack Grealish (Man City)
Harry Kane (Tottenham)
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal)
Raheem Sterling (Man City)

Parimatch pull plug on sponsorship
Sports betting company Parimatch have become the latest of Chelsea’s partners to distance themselves from the club, according to The Mail’s Sami Mokbel.
A statement from the firm read: “After considering the situation, we have decided to pause all joint marketing and brand campaigns with the Club featuring the Parimatch logo and brand.”
Action was taken following sanctions against Chelsea and their owner Roman Abramovich given the oligarch’s close links with Russia president Vladimir Putin.
Parimatch was founded in Ukraine capital Kyiv in 1994, and yesterday doubled its financial assistance for the people of Ukraine to £1.5 million.
Fans may yet see quarters
Chelsea hope that their supporters may yet be allowed to buy tickets for the home leg of their forthcoming Champions League quarter-final.
It was widely understood that the club would be forced to play the last eight tie behind closed doors following sanctions placed upon them and owner Roman Abromivich.
However, The Telegraph report that the Government are planning talks with Uefa in the hope of finding a resolution that allows fans to attend.
Officials are supposedly waiting until after Friday’s draw before approaching the subject.
Tuchel: We want to be feared
During what has been an incredibly tumultuous time within the game of football and the wider world, Thomas Tuchel has won admirers with the manner in which he has handled himself and answered each question put to him with respect and clarity.
However, the Chelsea manager may have saved his best response until last night when discussing his side’s place in the last eight of the Champions League.
When asked which side he would prefer to avoid in the quarter-finals, the German coach smiled warmly and said: “I want us to be the team nobody wants to play.
“That’s the role we want to see ourselves in for this last eight.”

Blues waiting to approach Gavi
Chelsea’s current sanctions have not stopped the club from planning for the future with the Londoners ready to submit an offer for Barcelona wonderkid Gavi as soon as they’re under new ownership.
The 17-year-old starlet has enjoyed a wonderful season having broken through at the Nou Camp, and even won four senior caps for his country at the end of last year.
However, negotiations on a new professional deal have stalled with Barca chiefs, and reports in Spain suggest that the two parties are a considerable distance apart when it comes to reaching an agreement.
The developments have alerted all of Europe’s major clubs, but The Blues are understood to be particularly keen on the cultured midfielder, who would be available for a cool £42 million this summer.
Vialli backs Candy consortium bid
Former Chelsea star Gianluca Vialli has spoken out in support of Nick Candy’s attempt to buy the club, and indicated he is helping the property tycoon in his endeavour.
The Italian, who both played and managed The Blues in the late 1990s, released a statement announcing that his investment company, Tifosy Capital & Advisory, had also been brought it as part of Candy’s £2.5 billion offer to purchase the club he so ardently supports.
Vialli’s statement read: “I am proud and feel very privileged to support Mr Candy’s bid to buy Chelsea Football Club. 
“I have met Nick Candy on a number of occasions over the last few weeks and I am fully behind his visions and commitment to make Chelsea the most globally recognised and supported club in the world, as well as maintaining the ongoing success on the pitch.
“We share the same view that if the bid is successful, we will try to be the best possible custodians of the club, knowing that it is imperative that supporter concerns are front and centre of any owner’s priorities.”
New deal off for Rudiger
Chelsea are preparing for life without Antonio Rudiger – despite having agreed a new contract with the German defender.
The centre-back had reportedly said yes to personal terms on a new mega-deal at Stamford Bridge before the club was hit by sanctions.
Major restrictions in place at Stamford Bridge prevent The Blues from signing players or offering current staff new contracts.
The developments have left other clubs on red alert and ready to raid the Londoners with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus all thought to be interested in talking to Rudiger.
The 29-year-old’s departure will be particularly frustrating for supporters with negotiations having rumbled on for months prior to the recent sanctions.

Chelsea to learn CL fate
So much uncertainty still engulfs Chelsea, but the football club will at least be able to start planning for their Champions League quarter-final tomorrow morning.
The draw for both the last eight and the semi-finals will be made at 11am on Friday at the House of European Football in Nyon, Switzerland.
However, the Premier League outfit are still unsure as to whether they will be able to sell tickets to supporters following sanctions against owner Roman Abramovich in both the UK and the EU. A game behind closed doors – especially at Stamford Bridge – seems the most likely outcome.
Friday is also D-Day when it comes to perspective owners with any interested parties having until then to submit official bids to buy the Londoners.
Morning Chelsea fans
Chelsea cruised into the Champions League quarter-finals – but it’s not known where owner Roman Abramovich is sailing.
Meanwhile, Seb Coe hopes American bidders for Chelsea will jog on after the Olympic legend joined the race to buy out Abramovich.
Russian oligarch Abramovich’s two megayachts are said to be heading for safe haven Turkey after he was hit by Government sanctions.
In contrast, the Blues don’t know who awaits next in what could be a last-eight tie played behind closed doors.
Christian Pulisic and skipper Cesar Azpilicueta sealed their 2-1 comeback win in Lille and 4-1 success on aggregate.
Boss Thomas Tuchel said: “It’s so nice that so many fans are here and took the time to travel and support the team. 
“It feels brilliant. We’re in the quarter-finals. It’s a big step. We showed again resilience and overcame difficulties… We got a deserved win.
“But the attention around Stamford Bridge remains firmly on the takeover saga. 
And it’s something of a sprint for middle-distance running legend Coe as the deadline for bidding approaches.
The London Olympics chief has joined ex-Liverpool chairman Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium team.
Lord Coe said: “I am certain Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter. 
“He has an exceptional track record in British business, as well as unrivalled experience in shepherding Liverpool out of a very difficult situation.”
Their main rivals could be Chicago Cubs owner Thomas Ricketts, who has linked up with billionaire hedge fund tycoon Ken Griffin.
But the Saudi Media Group are still said to be interested.
The Blues hope the Government will relax restrictions to allow sanction-hit Abramovich to sell the club this month. 
Tuchel makes Champions League history
Thomas Tuchel wrote his name into the Champions League history books and surpassed Zinedine Zidane with the ruthless victory in Lille.
The Chelsea boss saw his side fight back from behind to win 2-1 on the night in France.

Goals from Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta either side of the break ensured a safe passage into the quarters for the holders.
And those goals also confirmed Tuchel’s 32nd win as a manager in the competition.
That drew the German equal with compatriot Jupp Heynckes as the coach with the most victories inside his first 50 matches in the competition.
However, Heynckes secured 32 wins from a total of 47 games in charge – winning it in 2013 in his third stint as Bayern Munich boss.
Tuchel bettered Zidane’s tally of 31 from his opening 50.
Coe backs Broughton and Co for Chelsea
Sebastian Coe has taken on the Americans bidding to buy Chelsea.
Lord Coe threw his weight behind Sir Martin Broughton’s consortium – and would take a seat on the board should they be successful.
The head of London’s 2012 Olympics bid hailed former Liverpool chairman Broughton as the perfect person to take the helm in the wake of Roman Abramovich’s sale of the Blues.

Coe said: “I am certain Sir Martin is the right man to lead Chelsea Football Club into its next chapter. He has an exceptional track record in British business, as well as unrivalled experience in shepherding Liverpool out of a very difficult situation.
“He has the vision, acumen and financial backing to ensure our club’s future success, keeping Chelsea Football Club at the top of European football and challenging for trophies.
“But most importantly, like me, he is a lifelong Chelsea supporter and Shed End season-ticket holder. This bid is for the millions of Chelsea fans around the world. We love our club and will always put the fans first.”
Rest of the Chelsea ratings
Kai Havertz – 8
Some nice clever touches from him and he was also looking strong on the ball holding it up when needed.
Looked dangerous and direct when he dropped in and got on the ball.
Subs
Trevoh Chalobah (for Christensen, 33) – 6
Had to come on as an early sub for Christensen.
Got booked almost instantly for a silly challenge and looked a little uncomfortable after that bar some good drives forward with the ball.
Mason Mount (for Kovacic, 45) – 8
Really good impact when he came on and provided a lovely assist for Azpilicueta to score. Full of energy and really direct.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek (for Jorginho, 74) – 7
Strong on the ball, intensity, and some nice little touches as well.
Romelu Lukaku (for Pulisic, 74) – 7
Looked decent when he came on, good physicality and some nice link-ups with Havertz.
Hakim Ziyech (for Havertz, 83) – N/A
Was not on long enough to impact the game.
Chelsea ratings continued
N’Golo Kante – 6
Not one of his greatest games really in terms of what he usually brings to the table.
He wasn’t quite keeping the ball well enough in the first half but improved a lot in the second half when he was playing a little deeper.
Matteo Kovacic – 8
Running the show really and never giving it away. Keeping his lovely close control and dribbling ability was amazing again. Did well to help Chelsea keep the ball under pressure.
He was taken off at half-time which was shocking, must be injured, you’d assume.
Christian Pulisic – 8
Took his equalising goal very well and stayed composed when through on goal.
I prefer to see him out wide so there was moments he looked uncomfortable, but had a very good game really overall and was actually moved out wide.
More Chelsea ratings
Antonio Rudiger – 7
Intense and energetic as usual and his leadership was needed for Chelsea.
Brings the ball out from the ball well when there isn’t a pass on to ease the pressure.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Some neat touches, but also some poor ones. He was there but wasn’t really bringing a lot to the table.
Not enough pace to be an effective wing-back for me unfortunately.
Jorginho – 6
Silly handball to give away a penalty in the first half but he redeemed himself for that error with a lovely assist for Pulisic to score the equaliser.
Not his best game though really and struggled to adjust in the midfield three Tuchel deployed.
Chelsea ratings
Edouard Mendy – 6/10
Dived the right way for the penalty but could not save it. Had a few other shots to deal with that he managed well, some of his distribution was questionable though at times.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 9
His determination and work rate was insane again. Made some good tackles and blocks and contributed in attacks as much as he could.
His run to get on the end of Mason Mount’s cross to score was amazing and he took the finish well.
Andreas Christensen – 6
Had a reasonable first half an hour but unfortunately got an injury and had to come off.
Thiago Silva – 7
Sometimes a little too calm and slow to make the pass, but even still, there is nobody better at playing out from the back than Silva and he was needed as Lille were pressing intensely.
RESULT: Lille 1 Chelsea 2 (1-4)
Christian Pulisic and Cesar Azpilicueta clinched Chelsea’s comeback win on the night and comfortable aggregate success overall.
Now the Blues must see if their Champions League quarter-final tie will be behind closed doors.
Follow the reaction on our MATCH BLOG.
GOAL! Lille 1 Chelsea 2
Cesar Azpilicueta kneed the ball in from Mason Mount’s delightful cross on 71 minutes.
That surely makes it safe – with Chelsea 4-1 up on aggregate.
Follow the action and reaction on our MATCH BLOG.
Lille 1 Chelsea 1: Pulisic leveller puts Blues in control
Christian Pulisic’s neat finish from Jorginho’s through-ball three minutes into stoppage time put Chelsea 3-1 up on aggregate.
So with virtually the last kick of the first half the American has left the Blues overwhelming favourites to reach the Champions League quarter-finals.
Follow the action and reaction on our MATCH BLOG.
H/T: Lille 1 Chelsea 1
GOAL! Lille 1 Chelsea 1
Load more entries… More

ROMAN ABRAMOVICH’S assets have been FROZEN by the European Union – a week after the UK government did the same.And under the terms and conditions, 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.

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Police launch appeal for footballer
Police have appealed for information and eye witnesses after a former Scottish professional footballer died after being struck by a car on Sunday.
Paul Hampshire, 40, played for Raith Rovers, Berwick Rangers, and East Fife.
A Police Scotland statement read: “Road Policing officers in East Lothian can confirm that the man who died following a fatal collision on the A1 near Dunbar at the weekend, has been identified as 40-year-old Paul Hampshire.
“The incident took place around 1am, on Sunday, 13 March, and involved a black Ford Fiesta.
A statement from the family read: “It is with a saddened heart that Paul Hampshire, our beloved husband, dad, son, brother and uncle, has lost his life in a tragic accident.
“Paul was a devoted family man who was a larger than life character, an absolute legend and was loved by all who knew him.
“Thank you to everyone who has reached out with messages of condolence and support. It has meant so much to the whole family. We would now like time to grieve and would ask to be given privacy in which to do so.”
Inspector Brenda Sinclair, from Dalkeith Road Policing Unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with Paul’s family and friends at this terrible time.
“Enquiries into the crash remain ongoing and we continue to urge anyone with information, or possible dashcam footage from the area, to call 101, quoting incident number 0269 of Sunday, 13 March, 2022.”

Middlesbrough reveal Chelsea fury
Middlesbrough slammed Chelsea’s “grossly unfair” request to play their FA Cup quarter-final behind closed doors at the Riverside Stadium.
The West Londoners have asked the FA to allow Saturday’s game to go ahead without fans “for matters of sporting integrity”.
But Middlesbrough will have none of it as they described Chelsea’s request as “bizarre” and “ironic in the extreme”.
That is why Boro released a statement insisting that they will resist that suggestion “in the strongest terms”.
Prem clubs Chelsea fears
Prem clubs fear that Chelsea’s new owner will gain a ‘competitive advantage’ over their rivals from Roman Abramovich wiping £1.5billion of debt.
Executives from rival Prem teams quizzed Chelsea chairman Bruce Buck over whether Abramovich’s promise to wipe the club’s debt would hand them a ‘competitive advantage’.
According to the Telegraph, Buck did his best to reassure rival executives that the benefits of being able to flog a debt-free Chelsea ‘far outweighed’ any downsides.
Buck, 76, also stressed that Abramovich would make no profit from the sale of the club.
He reiterated that money made from the deal will go to charity – although it is not yet known who in particular will benefit from the enormous sum.
Pep gets on his guard
Pep Guardiola reckons the Selhurst Park’s turf made things tricky for Manchester City during their surprise draw with Crystal Palace.
The Etihad gaffer, 51, made his comments after his title-chasers nabbed a point from their stubborn hosts with Liverpool breathing down their necks.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “The way we played was amazing in a difficult stadium with the grass not perfect, we were there all the time, we had a good game.
“I think they played good. There are still many games to play, we have to win a lot of games but the way we played, there’s no regrets about the team.
“We would have preferred to win of course but the game was well played.
“We played to win the game, we created more, the stats were there.”
Ney-t in the mood
Neymar has been spotted at Barcelona’s airport after being brutally jeered by a section of Paris Saint-Germain’s supporters.
The Brazil striker was barracked by PSG boo boys during the French giants’ 3-0 trouncing of Bordeaux on Sunday.
Spanish outlet Sport reports the Ligue One forward was on his way to catch a flight to Paris today before his team’s clash with Monaco on Sunday.
And he appeared to be wearing a baseball cap, dark glasses and a face mask in a bid to make his departure low key.
Hav some of that
Kai Havertz has revealed that he is willing to pay out of his own pocket for travel to Chelsea’s away game.
The Blues are in turmoil due to sanctions placed on owner Roman Abramovich after he was named on a UK Government sanctions list related to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
However, Chelsea’s German striker Havertz has claimed that he would have no issue paying his own way to an away fixture.
Replying to the question, the 22-year-old said: “I would pay no problem.
“That’s not a big deal for us. For us to get to the games is the most important thing.
“There are a lot of harder things in the world right now than us taking a bus or plane to an away game and I would pay it is no problem.”

Chelsea FA Cup demands
Chelsea are demanding their FA Cup clash away at Middlesbrough is played behind-closed-doors due to their ban on selling tickets.
Blues chiefs had pleaded with officials to let them have some some fans at Saturday evening’s game.
But the club has now announced they were rebuffed in their efforts, meaning Thomas Tuchel’s team will have little support in the last eight clash.
There will be a small handful of Chelsea fans at the Riverside who bought early release tickets prior to Abramovich being sanctioned.
Where is Roman Abramovich now?
It is believed the Forbes-listed billionaire had been photographed in a VIP lounge at Ben Gurion airport in Tel Aviv, Israel airport on Monday.
And a jet linked to Abramovich landed in the Russian capital, Moscow earlier on this morning after some reports in Israel claimed he was heading to Turkey.
A video of the Chelsea owner removing his jacket surfaced the internet further adding to the speculation of the Russian’s travel plans.
Roman Abramovich is also in possession of an Israeli passport.
Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Israeli restrictions have imposed on some private jets meaning that it could not have remained on the ground for more than 24 hours.
However, Abramovich’s £460 million yacht Solaris was spotted coasting the sees on Tuesday morning.
Chelsea supporter new owners demand
The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust has laid out seven demands to any prospective new owner hoping to buy the club from Roman Abramovich.
The statement read: “The CST are seeking commitments on a number of fundamental issues from prospective buyers of the club. These include:

The outstanding balance of the loan from the club to Chelsea Pitch Owners should be forgiven, so that Stamford Bridge is secured by and for Chelsea’s supporters.

“The relevant recommendations of the 2021 Fan-led Review of Football Governance are implemented, namely:

A golden share for fans to protect key items of club heritage.
Consultation with supporters through the creation of a democratically elected shadow board.
A continued support for Chelsea FC Women and Chelsea Academy, both highly successful entities in their own right.
A commitment from prospective owners to engage in regular, constructive dialogue with supporters on issues of supporter interest, including fair ticketing and stadium development.
A commitment from prospective owners to continuing and building on the legacy of the Chelsea Foundation’s outstanding community work.
A guarantee that there will be no attempts to exit existing sporting structures without the engagement of key stakeholders, with supporters at the forefront – this includes the European Super League.”

Haaland transfer saga continues
Erling Haaland will delay his move to Manchester City and the Premier League as Real Madrid eye up a move, according to reports.
The 21-year-old forward’s £64million release clause is active, meaning he looks set to leave Borussia Dortmund for one of the European giants in the summer.
Earlier this month it was reported that the Norwegian had signed a deal with Man City to join them at the end of the season in a £100million transfer.
Pep Guardiola is thought to be extremely keen on bringing the striker to the Etihad.
But now, according to Marca, Haaland is prepared to delay a move to the Prem until later in his career.
Dzyuba rejects Russia call-up
Russia captain Artem Dzyuba has REJECTED a call-up to the national team just weeks after blasting Premier League-based Ukrainian stars.
Boss Valeri Karpin instead decided to organise training with plans to play a game against the Russian U21’s side.
But Dzyuba turned the call-up down ‘due to the difficult situation in Ukraine.’
Russia have no fixtures scheduled for the upcoming international break after they were banished from the World Cup qualifying play-offs amid the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
Carr-ying the can
Jamie Carragher apologised to Chelsea supporters after criticising the Stamford giants’ approach to bringing in youth talent.
The Liverpool legend suggested the Blues youth level achievements were due to them poaching ‘the best players from every club within the country’.
The Sky Sports pundit, 44, faced a backlash from fans for the comments he made in regard to Chelsea’s Academy trophy success.  
In response via his Twitter account, the Anfield hero wrote: “Apologies, I got a little emotional.”
Calvert-Lewin gets speeding fine
Everton ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been fined £900 after he was caught driving eight miles over the speed limit in his Lamborghini.
The England star, 24, was clocked doing 58mph in a 50mph zone as he drove through Runcorn, Cheshire, in the flash motor.
He was due to stand trial at Chester Magistrates’ Court but changed his plea and admitted exceeding the speed limit.
No evidence was offered by the prosecution on a second charge of failing to give information relating to the identification of the driver.
Calvert-Lewin, who is understood to be on around £100,000 a week for the Toffees, was handed a £900 fine, £620 costs and a £90 surcharge.
His guilty plea meant to maximum fine of £1,000 was dropped by ten per cent.
Ronaldo’s new super car
Cristiano Ronaldo celebrated his match-winning treble against Tottenham by turning up to training in a new £200,000 super car.
The Manchester United ace turned heads at Carrington as he rocked up to the gates in an amazing Aston Martin DBS Superleggera convertible.
Ronaldo, 37, was already the talk of the town after his incredible performance to sink Spurs on Saturday.
The striker netted a brilliant hat-trick, including an 81st minute winner, to keep United’s top four hopes alive.
And Ronaldo celebrated in style by splashing out on a new luxury vehicle.
The Aston Martin DBS Superleggera boasts a 5.2 litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine, providing a mind-boggling 715 hp.
It has a top speed of 211mph, and can also go from 0-60mph in just 3.4 seconds.

Vin the bag
Vinicius Jr responded in the best possible way after being racially abused by Mallorca fans… by celebrating in front of them.
The Real Madrid forward scored in Monday night’s 3-0 win away at the Iberostar Stadium to send Los Blancos ten points clear at the top of LaLiga.
But the victory has been marred with reports stating the 21-year-old was racially abused by the home supporters.
According to Spanish reporter Sergio Quirante, a section of fans aimed racist chants towards the Brazilian winger.
It has been claimed the incident happened as the former Flamengo forward was making his way to the tunnel at half-time.

Eriksen gets Denmark call-up
Christian Eriksen has been named in the Denmark squad for the first time since suffering a cardiac arrest on the pitch nine months ago.
Eriksen, 30, will be back in international action in friendlies against the Netherlands and Serbia later this month – with the latter to be played at the Parken Stadium in Copenhagen – the scene of his cardiac arrest against Finland last June.
The matches will mark the former Tottenham star’s first international appearances since Euro 2020.
After being saved by hero doctors, Eriksen was fitted with an ICD device.
Chelsea’s sponsorship woes
Chelsea have had to keep Three and Hyundai branding on their kits for recent matches, despite having been ditched by the two sponsors.
Both brands appeared as the Blues beat Norwich 3-1 on Thursday night and overcame Newcastle 1-0 on Sunday afternoon.
According to The Athletic, this is because Chelsea cannot afford to print a new kit.
They claim that to do so would breach the terms of the license given to them by the government to keep operating amid Abramovich’s sanctions.
Prem title race view
Glen Johnson is confident that former side Liverpool will lift the Prem title this season.
He said to Bettingodds: “I’d probably say Liverpool. They’ve quietly gone about their business, chipping away at games, winning every week.
“They’re conceding less and scoring at will. No one would have thought they would have shut the gap back in January.
“Obviously it sounded crazy, with City 12 points in front of them. But how they’ve closed that gap, I think Liverpool are the ones that are ascending.”
Bring Nun to Toon
Newcastle are reportedly planning a repeat of their £90million January transfer spree this summer.
And £60m-rated Benfica striker Darwin Nunez is at the top of Eddie Howe’s list.
I News claims the Uruguay international, 22, is Newcastle’s ‘prime’ target after they failed to sign him in the winter window.
Toon reportedly failed with a £50m offer for Nunez, who has 20 league goals in just 22 matches this season.
Ney more curses
Neymar has finally broken the ‘curse’ of his sister’s birthday by playing for Paris Saint-Germain at the weekend – but was booed as he did so.
The Brazilian has developed a curious habit of missing matches around his younger sibling Rafaella’s March 11 birthday.
In fact, Neymar went into this year having been absent from games in seven of the last eight seasons around Rafaella’s big day.
But that was not to be this time, as he lined up against Real Madrid and Bordeaux last week.

Merson’s damning Everton verdict
Everton’s run-in makes it difficult to see how they avoid relegation, according to former Arsenal man Paul Merson.
The Toffees currently sit perilously above the drop zone, ahead of 18th place Watford by virtue of goal difference.
Speaking on Sky Sports, Merson said: “I’m looking at Everton’s fixtures and the way they’re playing and I think they’re in big trouble. I think they’re the ones to go now.
“You’ve only got to look at their fixtures – they’re atrocious. I just can’t see how they stay up.”
Liverpool chase Celtic starlet Doak
Liverpool are reportedly set to poach Scottish wonderkid Ben Doak on a free transfer from Celtic.
The 16-year-old is yet to sign a professional contract at the Scottish giants and would only command a small compensation fee, which could be as little as £150,000.
And according to The Athletic, the Reds are set to win the race for Doak with the prospect of working with Jurgen Klopp proving pivotal.
Chelsea face losing starlets
Chelsea faces losing its next generation of stars unless the Government changes its mind on signing new contracts.
Several of the club’s brightest talents emerging from the academy are up for new deals and face an uncertain future under the current terms of the operating license.
UK Government sanctions placed upon Chelsea owner Roman Abramovic prohibit the signing of new players and also negotiations to keep existing ones.
Manager Thomas Tuchel is not only concerned about the effects on the first team but right down the pyramid at Stamford Bridge.
England Under-17 World Cup winner George McEachran, 21, is a budding talent whose contract is about to expire having been at Chelsea since the age of eight.
Teenage midfielder Xavier Simons, 19, is one of the most highly-rated in the U23 squad and is also due to hold contract talks soon.
Abramovich’s ‘blackmail and kidnap’ scandal
Roman Abramovich is said to have been part of a £2billion scam and had his wealth protected through blackmail and kidnap, a BBC Panorama investigation has found.
The Chelsea owner is reported to have made billions by buying an oil company from the Russian government in a rigged auction in the 90s.
Mr Abramovich paid around $250million for company Sibneft – but later sold it back to the Russian government for $13billion in 2005.
A document seen by the BBC claims the Russian government was cheated out of $2.7billion in the deal and adds Russian authorities even wanted to charge Roman Abramovich with fraud.
Yuri Skuratov, Russia’s former chief prosecutor, had investigated the deal involving Abramovich and Boris Berezovsky and their links to Boris Yeltsin, who was president at the time.
Luk no further
Romelu Lukaku is reportedly wanted by Barcelona in a shock transfer should the LaLiga giants fail to land Erling Haaland.
Barca are eyeing a rebuild with club legend Xavi in charge and they have their sights set on signing a marquee forward.
Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland is Barca’s No1 transfer target but president Joan Laporta has ruled the club out of any deal that would put them ‘at any further risk.’
And according to Spanish outlet AS, Chelsea striker Lukaku is the fourth choice option behind Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah and Bayern Munich’s Robert Lewandowski.
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