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    Chelsea look to steal Moises Caicedo from Man Utd as Lampard makes £4.5m transfer Ecuador midfielder, aged 19

    CHELSEA have reportedly joined Manchester United in the hunt to prise Ecuadorian teenager Moises Caicedo away from Independiente del Valle.
    The Red Devils were believed to be in pole position to secure the 19-year-old midfielder’s services following his dazzling displays this season.

    Ecuador starlet Moises Caicedo is reportedly attracting interest from Manchester United and ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano stated that United were in talks to sign the teenager – who has been capped four times for his country’s senior side.
    He said: “Manchester United are in direct contact with the agents of Moises Caicedo (Indep. del Valle).
    “The agreement on personal terms [5 years] won’t be a problem. €5m (£4.5m) price tag.
    “#MUFC ‘control’ the situation by weeks and will decide soon whether to complete the deal or not.”

    However according to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have entered the race to bring Caicedo to England.
    And they have also claimed that while United are interested in the player, talks aren’t yet at an advanced stage.
    It has been stated that the Blues have sent scouts to watch the youngster in action.
    Chelsea are also said to have held discussions with Independiente del Valle about a possible £4.5million deal.

    United will be desperate not to lose out on another promising talent with Celta Vigo defender Stefan Bajcetic believed to prefer a move to Liverpool.
    And United aren’t just competing with Chelsea for Caicedo’s signature, as Brighton and Newcastle are also interested.
    But United will hope the fact the player is a boyhood fan of the club will prove to be crucial.
    In a recent TV interview, he said: “Manchester United are my favourite club.
    “I really like the game of N’Golo Kante and Paul Pogba, I learn a lot from them every time I see them.
    “I always try to do what they do, that’s why they are there.”
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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    Chelsea transfer target Declan Rice makes dad Sean his agent who is Blues fan and Stamford Bridge season ticket holder

    CHELSEA transfer target Declan Rice is now reportedly represented by his father – a Stamford Bridge season ticket holder.
    The West Ham United midfielder is enjoying another impressive campaign after the Hammers fended off interest from the Blues last summer.

    Declan Rice has made his Chelsea season ticket holder dad Sean his agent

    The midfielder is one of Frank Lampard’s top transfer targetsCredit: Reuters

    Frank Lampard is desperate to add the England international to his ranks.
    And those hopes could have been raised after The Athletic reported his die-hard Chelsea supporting dad Sean is now acting as his agent. 
    However, they state any thoughts of that having a direct impact on any potential transfer as being ‘premature’ with West Ham’s stance remaining the same.
    They even claim that due to their fine start to the campaign, they would even reject an offer of £80m for their star asset next month.

    Chelsea, who released Rice from their academy as a youngster, also have Manchester United competing with them for the 21-year-old.
    Reports have emerged United are in the market for a defensive midfielder and centre-back – both positions Rice can fill.
    Even though they are happy to wait until next summer, if a specific target became available in January then they would make a move but club chiefs are not expecting any incomings at this stage.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are instead focusing on completing their squad overhaul across the next two windows.

    And the Norwegian boss is said to rate Three Lions ace Rice highly.
    Rice has assumed the captaincy at West Ham with Mark Noble out of the starting side and has flourished in the role.
    He is contracted to the Hammers until 2024.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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    Chelsea joined by Man Utd in Declan Rice transfer race with West Ham midfielder being eyed after impressive season

    CHELSEA are reportedly facing competition from Manchester United in the race to sign West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.
    Rice, 21, was heavily linked with a return to the Blues in the last window -after being released by the club as a teenager – but despite splurging £220million on players the West London side didn’t manage to bring him in.

    Manchester United have joined the race for Declan RiceCredit: Rex Features

    The Manchester Evening News reports United are in the market for a defensive midfielder and centre-back – both positions Rice can fill.
    The report states the Red Devils are more likely to do business in the summer as they finalise a list of targets in the New Year.
    Although if a specific target became available in January then they would make a move but club chiefs are not expecting any incomings at this stage.
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are instead focusing on completing their squad overhaul across the next two windows.

    And the Norwegian boss is said to rate England star Rice highly.
    Rice has assumed the captaincy at West Ham with Mark Noble out of the starting side and has flourished in the role.
    The Three Lions regular is contracted to the Hammers until 2024 and it is likely a substantial transfer fee will be needed to prise him away from the club.
    Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is believed to be a big fan of Rice and the Blues are still favourites to land their man.

    Rice has bagged one assist in 13 Premier League appearances this season, playing every minute in the Hammers’ campaign and helping David Moyes’ side to eighth place.
    He made his 100th top flight start in the 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
    The bookies have slashed United’s odds with Rice a potential replacement for Paul Pogba.
    The Frenchman’s agent Mino Raiola has been extremely vocal about his need to leave United saying he was not happy and his time was ‘over’ at Old Trafford.
    But Pogba released a passionate statement insisting he was ‘1,000 per cent’ committed to the cause.
    Raiola then clarified a move in the summer was more likely as ‘top deals’ are hard to do in the winter window.
    ⚽ Read our Man United live blog for the latest news from Old Trafford

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    Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster, 16, has been labelled the ‘next Jadon Sancho’ and amazed Kevin De Bruyne in KDB Cup

    THE future’s bright if you’re a Chelsea fan.
    The Blues were enjoying the emergence a number of youth products in their first team earlier this year before coronavirus turned the world upside down.

    Chelsea wonderkid Charlie Webster is wanted by Borussia DortmundCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Tammy Abraham came of age last season, Reece James showed his mettle, Fikayo Tomori revealed his potential, and Billy Gilmour even had the hard-to-please Roy Keane singing his praises.
    And now, there’s another name you can add to the list of youngsters hoping to get their chance under Frank Lampard.
    England’s Charlie Webster, 16, is a rising star at Stamford Bridge, and is already wanted by Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund.
    That’s why he’s been dubbed the ‘next Jadon Sancho’.

    MAKING AN IMPRESSION
    Last year, at just 15, Webster had Manchester City playmaker Kevin De Bruyne wowed by his ability.
    The setting was the prestigious KDB Cup – an international U15 tournament named after the Belgium ace – with the midfielder as the guest of honour.
    Players from clubs including Barcelona, Bayern Munich, and PSG were on show – all desperate to impress.
    It was Chelsea that ended up being victorious – beating Racing Genk on penalties after an exciting 2-2 draw.

    Star of the show was Webster, and his performances didn’t go unnoticed.

    Blues starlet Webster has been called the ‘next Jadon Sancho’

    Webster starred at the KDB Cup in 2019

    He was awarded player of the tournament – winning a golden ball, as well as a signed De Bruyne shirt.
    One feels it could be the first of many awards headed Webster’s way in the future.
    A CULTURED MIDFIELDER
    In similar vein to Billy Gilmour, Webster is a cultured midfielder – good on the ball and smart in possession.
    However, unlike the Scot who prefers to dictate play from deep – Webster likes to get in the box and score goals.
    He started playing football at the Pezzaz Street Soccer academy, which have bases in Wiltshire and Hampshire, before joining Chelsea in 2016 at the age of 12.
    Coaches there believe he has a bright future in the game, and in the past Webster has spoken about his football dream.
    “Obviously, it’s to play for this brilliant club,” he told a reporter at the KDB Cup after starring for the Blues.

    Webster is a cultured midfielder, good on the ball and in possession

    In the past Webster has said it was his dream to play for “brilliant” ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    LEADING BY EXAMPLE
    Webster’s qualities have seen him earmarked as a leader.
    Last year, he captained England’s U16 team in a match against Republic of Ireland – scoring his first international goal.

    He’s also played for the Three Lions’ U17s – coming off the bench in a 4-1 rout over the USA back in February.
    And that was the same month Webster made his U18 Premier League debut for Chelsea against Southampton.
    With Lampard giving the kids a go and with fixtures coming thick and fast this year, it might not be long before Webster gets the opportunity to impress at first team level.

    Webster has captained England at U16 level

    Webster might get his opportunity in the Chelsea first team under boss Frank Lampard

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    Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori set to hand Leeds and West Ham transfer snub and join Rennes on loan for the rest of the season

    CHELSEA star Fikayo Tomori is set to snub Leeds to join Rennes on loan for the rest of the season.
    The 22-year-old defender flourished in his breakthrough campaign last term for the Blues and earned England recognition.

    Chelsea’s Fikayo Tomori looks set to join Rennes on loanCredit: Reuters

    But the arrival of Thiago Silva has pushed him down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
    Chelsea are keen to keep hold of the youngster with Frank Lampard still viewing him as one for the future.
    However, they are willing to let him leave temporarily in order to get some much-needed game time to further his development.
    And talkSPORT’s transfer guru Alex Crooks claims Tomori is heading to the French top-flight – leaving both Leeds United and West Ham disappointed.

    He said: “It’s almost certain that he will leave Stamford Bridge on loan next season, he’s only featured in one Premier League or Champions League game this season.
    “There was interest from West Ham in the summer, but he walked away from a move to the London Stadium at the eleventh hour on Deadline Day.
    “Leeds have also expressed an interest, but I’m told Rennes is now the most likely destination for Tomori.
    “They tried to sign him as part of Edouard Mendy’s move to Chelsea and talks have remained ongoing.”

    Following impressive loan stints at Brighton, Hull City and Derby, he was handed a chance at Chelsea when Lampard took charge in the summer of 2019.
    That October he made his Three Lions debut for Gareth Southgate’s side and made over 20 appearances for the West London outfit.
    But he has struggled for action during the current campaign, playing just three times, the last coming in September against Tottenham in the League Cup.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge More

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    Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori wanted by Nice in loan transfer with Blues game time hard to come by

    FIKAYO TOMORI is being tracked by Nice for a loan move next month – and the deal is unlikely to be hit by the new post-Brexit transfer regulations.
    British players now have to qualify for work permits before European sides can sign them up, which is hitting a number of proposed switches for young players fresh out of the academy.

    Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori could be on his way out on loan in JanuaryCredit: Reuters

    But though Tomori’s game time at Chelsea has been limited this season, the fact he has proven Premier League experience plus an England cap is enough to see him secure enough points to be cleared to play in France.
    Tomori has featured in just one top-flight match this term with Frank Lampard preferring a pairing of Kurt Zouma and Thiago Silva.
    The ex-Derby loanee has been involved in just three fixtures this campaign, with his last outing coming in the Carabao Cup defeat against Tottenham on September 29.
    But despite being out of favour in West London, several Premier League clubs have shown an interest in taking the centre-back.

    One of those looking to secure his services are Newcastle, but Chelsea are not keen on letting him move to a rival in the Premier League.
    The 22-year-old is interesting Nice on a short term deal until the end of the season after they lost defender Dante to a knee ligament injury.
    Chelsea have no interest in selling Tomori at this stage as they belief he could still mature into a top class defender, but are unable to give him game time as they mount a title challenge.
    Speaking last month, Lampard opened up on Tomori’s decision to turn down a loan move to West Ham.

    He said: “I think there’s arguments on both sides. Fikayo is our contracted player. We know that West Ham were interested.
    “Fikayo took the decision not to go and that’s well within his rights. That had no bearing on my thoughts at all. He’s still a developing player.
    “When I say developing, he’s had a great two years. He got himself in the England team, was one of the best defenders in the Championship and then played 20-plus games for Chelsea.
    “It’s normal for a young player sometimes, in a squad as competitive as ours, where there are periods where you maybe aren’t playing every week.”
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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    Chelsea star Thiago Silva begins training to become a coach as he prepares for managerial career

    CHELSEA star Thiago Silva has begun preparing for a managerial career by starting his coaching badges.
    The Brazilian centre-back, 36, signed a one-year deal at Stamford Bridge after leaving Paris Saint-Germain for free in the summer.

    Thiago Silva is preparing for life after his playing careerCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    Globo Esporte reports the veteran defender began a Brazilian football confederation (CBF) coaching course as part of his B Licence.
    Silva was joined by former Blue Filipe Luis and ex-Spurs star Paulinho in beginning the transition during the pandemic.
    Reportedly Luis, 35, is the keenest future boss out of the trio of Brazilian internationals.
    Due to social distancing guidelines, all of Silva’s coaching classes were held online.

    This helped all three players – Paulinho at Chinese side Guangzhou Evergrande and Luis in Brazil with Flamengo – balance their busy schedules with the program.
    In order to graduate from the course, face-to-face sessions and assessments will have to take place when the pandemic allows.
    Silva told the CBF website he wasn’t sure he would become a coach after hanging up his boots but highlighted it was important for him to prepare for the possibility now.
    He has made a stunning start to life in West London, helping the Blues keep four clean sheets in his seven Prem appearances.

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    And reports suggest Frank Lampard’s side are looking to take up their option to extend his contract until 2022.
    In the absence of club captain Cesar Azpilicueta and vice Jorginho, Silva has donned the armband for Chelsea, despite still learning to master English.
    He has struck up a successful partnership with Kurt Zouma in the heart of the defence with the side unbeaten in 17 games in all competitions.
    Ahead of a busy Christmas period, Silva’s wife Isabelle turned the couple’s new home into a festive winter wonderland with the help of a decorations company.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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    Chelsea’s wage bill revealed with Alaba in line to become highest earner ahead of £310k-a-week Havertz after transfer

    DAVID ALABA will become Chelsea’s best-paid player if he completes a reported £350,000-a-week switch from Bayern Munich.
    The Bundesliga giants have ended contract negotiations with Alaba, 28, ahead of his deal expiring in June.

    Any club will be able to make their own offer and pre-agree a summer switch when the January transfer window opens.
    And Chelsea are one of four clubs reportedly keen on such a deal.
    Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are all linked but Alaba’s wage demands may be a big stumbling block.
    German publication Bild report on the Austrian’s demands of £350,000-a-week.

    Such a high pay packet would comfortably make him Chelsea’s highest earner.
    Kai Havertz currently holds the title with a £310,000-a-week deal signed in the summer, ahead of Timo Werner’s £270,000-a-week salary.
    N’Golo Kante and Kepa Arrizabalaga earn £150,000 with Christian Pulisic back on £145,000.
    Thought to also be in the current top ten are Callum Hudson-Odoi, Thiago Silva, Ben Chilwell and Hakim Ziyech.

    Should Chelsea want to see through their reported interest in Alaba, they will have to discuss the matter with agent Pini Zahavi.
    The veteran negotiator is said to have a good relationship with the Blues.

    However, Barcelona presidential hopeful Joan Laporta is also a long-term ally of Zahavi’s.
    The dire financial situation at both Madrid and Barcelona may make it difficult for either side to lure Alaba.
    With no transfer fee involved, the Champions League winner could drive a hard bargain when it comes to personal terms.
    ⚽ Read our Chelsea live blog for the very latest news from the Bridge

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