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    Chelsea transfer blow as Romelu Lukaku rules OUT Premier League return as Thomas Tuchel eyes Inter Milan striker

    ROMELU LUKAKU appears to have ruled out a return to the Premier League and dashed Chelsea’s hopes of signing him.The Belgian striker helped his country into the last-eight of Euro 2020 by defeating Portugal 1-0 last night.
    Romelu Lukaku has squashed talk of a Premier League returnCredit: Getty
    That comes on the back of his impressive season in Italy in which his goals helped fire Inter Milan to the Serie A title.
     That has led to Blues boss Thomas Tuchel making the 28-year-old, who was originally on Chelsea’s books between 2011 and 2014, one of his top summer targets.
    We reported how they were about to step up plans to re-sign Lukaku in a £90million-plus deal.
    However, when quizzed on a possible return to England, he stated he ‘doesn’t think’ a transfer would materialise.
    And he also outlined his commitment to Inter.
    Lukaku has scored 64 times over the past two seasons since his arrival at the San Siro.
    But the Italian champions are in financial turmoil and may have to cash in on their top stars after already losing boss Antonio Conte.
    That led to hopes of Tuchel landing the hotshot – but he dashed them again on Twitter.
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    Former Manchester City player Trevor Sinclair tweeted Lukaku yesterday and asked him: “Fancy the blue half of Manchester, Rom?”
    But Lukaku responded by stating: “I am happy at Inter.”
    The ace and his teammates are now preparing for their crunch quarter-final date with Italy in Munich on Friday.
    ⚽ Follow ALL of the latest news and updates from Euro 2020 with our live blog

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    Chelsea and Man Utd joined by Tottenham in transfer race for Sevilla star Jules Kounde

    TOTTENHAM have joined Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, reports say. The Frenchman is one of the most sought after defenders in the world currently following a breakthrough season in Spain.
    Spurs have joined Chelsea and United in the race for Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, reports say.Credit: Getty
    Managerless Spurs, still yet to confirm a replacement for Jose Mourinho, are the latest club interested in Kounde, according to The Guardian.
    It is claimed he currently has a £69million release clause, but can be expected to move for much less than that in the summer window.
    Real Madrid and Arsenal are also long-term admirers of Kounde – who has just helped France reach the knockout stages of the Euros.
    The Gunners have since closed in on a move for Brighton and England’s Ben White, 23.
    And while Madrid said goodbye to club legend Sergio Ramos, 35, they already have David Alaba, 29, signed as a replacement.
    Kounde, 22, made 49 appearances for Sevilla last season, qualifying for the Champions League just two points behind Barcelona. 
    Only champions Atletico Madrid and Real conceded fewer league goals than Sevilla last term.
    But Kounde put Europe’s elite on red alert last month when he revealed his future could be destined for a move away.
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    He said: “I may have to change clubs this summer. I have not decided anything.
    “My goal is, one day, to evolve into a great club to always try to progress, win trophies.
    “To be able to start the season each year by telling yourself that the goal is win a particular trophy. I might have to move, but that’s not relevant today.”
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    Timo Werner’s agent insists German will STAY at Chelsea despite shock Real Madrid transfer links

    TIMO WERNER’S agent insisted the German striker will stay at Chelsea, despite shock transfer links to Real Madrid. Werner arrived at Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig last summer for around £47.5million, but struggled in his first season.
    Timo Werner was linked with Real MadridCredit: EPA
    He did manage 12 goals and 15 assists in 52 games but at times lacked confidence and missed big chances.
    Still, manager Thomas Tuchel kept faith in the forward and even started him in the Champions League final against Manchester City.
    And despite the Blues winning their second European cup, Werner’s future remained up in the air.
    Carlo Ancelotti, who has returned to Madrid from Everton, was a rumoured admirer of the pacey attacker.
    But his agent all-but ruled out a departure after one year with Chelsea, as he insisted the player is happy in West London.
    Karlheinz Forsterbe told Sport1: “You can’t rule out anything, but if I had to assess it at the moment, then I would say very clearly that Timo will stay at Chelsea.
    “He feels comfortable there. A move will not be an issue in the foreseeable future.”
    Werner, 25, was helped settle in at Chelsea alongside fellow summer signing Kai Havertz, 22, by Germany team-mate Toni Rudiger, 28.
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    Before the trio got their hands on the Champions League trophy in May, Werner confirmed he had no desire to leave Stamford Bride.
    He said: “In terms of scoring and missing chances, it was the worst season. But in the end I still have 27 goal contributions.
    “I think I’m the first in our team for that, so it was not everything bad and I don’t think about leaving the club this year, for sure not.
    “And also for the next year because I think we have a very good team and I hope to come back to scoring and that I can do everything that’s expected of me.”
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    The Chelsea defender Malang Sarr offered loan transfer by Fenerbahce after struggling at Porto

    CHELSEA defender Malang Sarr is wanted by Fenerbahce, according to reports in Turkey.Sarr, 22, signed for the Blues last summer, before joining Porto on loan.
    Malang Sarr is wanted by Fenerbahce but is yet to make an appearance for Chelsea
    And he could depart on a temporary basis once again, with Turkish newspaper Takvim reporting Fenerbahce’s interest.
    The Turkish giants were keen on Sarr last summer but were beaten to his signature by Chelsea, with the centre-back joining on a free and signing a five-year deal.
    That did not deter Fenerbahce’s interest in the Frenchman, however.
    And Sarr is not thought to be part of Thomas Tuchel’s plans for the upcoming season, so he could leave on loan.
    He should be keen to impress after struggling from a lack of game time last term.
    Sarr made just eight league appearances at Porto.
    He did gain valuable experience in the Champions League, helping to keep a clean sheet against Manchester City and featuring in the second leg as Porto knocked out Juventus.
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    But Tuchel is looking to upgrade his defensive options and is said to be targeting Sevilla and France defender Jules Kounde.
    Meanwhile, the Blues are set to miss out on another defender, Niklas Sule, with Bayern Munich considering a contract extension for the German.
    Chelsea also want Real Madrid star Raphael Varane but have reportedly fallen behind Manchester United in the race to sign him.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Chelsea set to hand forgotten stars Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tiemoue Bakayoko lifeline to fight for future in pre-season

    CHELSEA are reportedly willing to give forgotten stars Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tiemoue Bakayoko another chance to shine at Stamford Bridge next season.The duo could get the opportunity to return to West London if Scottish prodigy Billy Gilmour completes his proposed loan move to either Wolves or Norwich City, according to The Guardian.
    Loftus-Cheek could be given a chance to return to Chelsea next seasonCredit: PA
    Bakayoko could also be given another chance to shine at Stamford Bridge if Gilmour heads out on loanCredit: Getty
    They claim that if the 20-year-old prodigy seals a switch away from the Bridge the Blues will need cover to replace him.
    And rather than source new talent, The Guardian allege that Blues boss Thomas Tuchel wants to assess Loftus-Cheek and Bakayoko in pre-season training.
    If happy with the pair, Tuchel may reinstate them to his squad for the new Premier League season.
    Both stars have spent time on loan away from the Champions League winners over the past few seasons.
    Loftus-Cheek was at Fulham last term where he endured a difficult campaign, scoring just once as the Whites were relegated.
    The 25-year-old midfielder has recently been liked with a move to Italy to jump-start his career.
    Ex-Blues boss Maurizio Sarri was said to be interested in bringing him to Lazio.
    And this week it was rumoured that Chelsea wanted to add him to a five-player package swap for Inter Milan star Achraf Hakimi.
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    Bakayoko has hardly played for the Blues since joining for £40million from Monaco in 2017.
    The Frenchman returned to his former club on loan and also with AC Milan.
    He seemed to have found his feet at Napoli last season where his brother and agent Abdoulaye claims he wants to remain in the near future.

    But as the Serie A side haven’t put in a formal bid for Bakayoko, it had been reported that Atletico Madrid planned to swoop in for the box-to-box midfielder.
    SunSport revealed that the Blues were reportedly willing to do business with Atletico and take a £25m loss on Bakayoko.
    The report suggests that the Spanish champions were going to offer £15.3m for the 26-year-old which the West London outfit would’ve pocketed.
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    Chelsea lead Man Utd in Jules Kounde transfer race with Tuchel looking to add Sevilla defender to star-studded squad

    CHELSEA have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Sevilla ace Jules Kounde, according to reports. The highly-talented 22-year-old is being heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.
    Chelsea are eager to sign Jules Kounde and are winning the race over Man UnitedCredit: Getty
    Arsenal are also interested but boss Mikel Arteta has set his sights on Brighton’s Ben White.
    Thomas Tuchel is eager to land a new central defender this summer with Thiago Silva turning 37 in September.
    Kounde remains top of his shortlist and ABC Sevilla write how the Blues have made their move.
    Sevilla won’t let their key asset leave on the cheap having slapped a £55million price-tag on his head.
    The French international is currently representing his country at Euro 2020 and played the full 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw with Portugal.
    He was quizzed on his future before the tournament where he admitted a move to a bigger club would entice him.
    Kounde said: “I’m at a great club right now, but obviously I would like to evolve into a bigger team.
    “We will see what the future holds, but it is something that is in my head.”

    Kounde has enjoyed a stellar two years at Sevilla, helping them win the Europa League in 2019-20 and qualify for the Champions League this term.
    Chelsea could also be boosted in their attempts to sign Kounde by Man United’s desire to land Raphael Varane.
    The Red Devils have prioritised signing the Real Madrid defender who has just one year left on his contract at the Bernabeu.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Chelsea face missing out on Niklas Sule transfer with Bayern considering one-year contract offer for defender

    CHELSEA transfer target Niklas Sule could extend his Bayern Munich contract, according to reports.Thomas Tuchel is believed to be keen on the centre-back but so far the Blues have not made a bid for Sule, 25.
    Chelsea have chased Niklas Sule over the last few months
    But with just a year remaining on his current Bayern contract, there is some doubt about Sule’s future.
    The Bundesliga champions will reportedly look to secure his services for a further year, report Sport Bild.
    The outlet also claims Chelsea are still interested, but state an offer has been a long time coming from the European champions.
    Sule joined Bayern Munich from Hoffenheim for £21million in 2017.
    He has made 133 appearances for the club but lost his regular spot in the side last season, starting just 16 league games.
    Despite his lack of game time, it is believed Chelsea have made the £30m-rated centre-back one of their top transfer targets.
    And given the financial restraints brought about by the pandemic, it was thought Bayern could sacrifice Sule this summer.
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    Chelsea reportedly opened transfer talks with Bayern for a £26m deal in February.
    But if the German outfit extend his deal by a year Chelsea may have to turn their focus elsewhere.
    Sevilla defender Jules Kounde has also been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Chelsea set for Achraf Hakimi transfer snub with PSG launching £60m bid after ‘agreeing terms’ with Inter Milan star

    CHELSEA look set to miss out on Achraf Hakimi as he has agreed personal terms with Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports.Now PSG must agree a fee with Inter Milan, having previously had an offer worth £56million rejected by the Serie A champions.
    Achraf Hakimi has reportedly agreed personal terms with PSG
    The French side are expected to bid €70m [£60m], including add ons, to confirm the deal, per Fabrizio Romano.
    Hakimi could become PSG’s third arrival of the summer, following in the footsteps of Georginio Wijnaldum and Danilo Pereira, whose loan was made permanent.
    The full-back agreeing a deal with PSG is a big blow for Chelsea.
    The Blues had been plotting a cash-plus-player exchange for Hakimi, 22, with Inter holding out for £60m.
    Marcos Alonso, Emerson Palmieri, Andreas Christensen and Davide Zappacosta are the four players who were reportedly being considered in a potential swap deal.
    And earlier this month Chelsea had an offer worth £56m knocked back by Inter.
    Chelsea even reportedly reached an agreement with the Morocco international before PSG took command of the transfer race.

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    Chelsea have had bids rejected from the Serie A winners

    Hakimi joined Inter for just £40.5m last summer, so the Italians look set to make a big profit.
    The defender made 45 appearances last season after joining from Real Madrid, having previously spent two years on loan at Borussia Dortmund.
    But Thomas Tuchel looks set to miss out on one of his main targets of the sumer transfer window.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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