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      Chelsea set to lose ‘next Musiala’, 15, to Premier League rivals who ‘will break historical wage structure for transfer’

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      CHELSEA are set to lose a talented academy product dubbed “the next Musiala” according to reports.Rio Ngumoha, 15, is set to join Liverpool after they broke their historic wage structure to bring him in.Rio Ngumoha played nine times for Chelsea’s U18sCredit: GettyNgumoha has been compared to two former Chelsea academy products, Musiala and Michael Olise, for his talent at a young age.Chelsea lost Musiala, 21, to Bayern Munich in 2019, and he has gone on to prove himself as one of the world’s finest emerging talents.Olise was also lost by Chelsea to Manchester City’s academy in 2016. He went on to play professionally for Reading and Crystal Palace before completing £49.5million move to Bayern Munich yesterday.According to Fabrizio Romano, Ngumoha is seen as such a special talent that Liverpool are willing to break their academy wage structure which has remained in place for years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe says a deal will be completed for the 15-year-old soon.Under their previous structure, which will be broken with the transfer of Ngumoha, academy players’ earnings were capped at £50,000-a-year.The cap is part of a larger set of rules that will remain in place.Players are also limited to a ‘car clause’ which means they can not own a vehicle over 1.3 litres.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSPlayers at the academy are also required to hand in their phones at 8:30am and are only given them back at the end of the day.Explaining the rules, academy director Alex Inglethorpe told Jamie Carragher for the Telegraph: “It is a safety thing as much as anything.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.”I don’t want boys who have just passed their test with these big chunks of metal, but I was also fed up seeing a car park full of Range Rovers.”If anyone turns up with one of them, they are parking it next door.”We have a pay structure which is fairly old-fashioned. We give them jobs to do. We tell them to hand their phone over at 8.30am and give them back before they go home.”You have been a senior player. You know how it is when a young player comes into the dressing room. You want respect for the pathway.”They have to earn what comes their way first. All the other stuff is fine later. To get there you have to do it on the pitch.”Ngumoha is a talented left winger who made nine appearances for Chelsea’s Under 18s last season, despite only turning 16 later this month.The player has also featured several times for England’s U-16 side.During those appearances, he contributed one goal and one assist.READ MORE SUN STORIESLiverpool have a good track record of bedding academy products into the first-team in recent years.Trent Alexander-Arnold and Curtis Jones are first-team regulars, with Conor Bradley also playing extensively in the first-team last season. More

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      Man Utd target shock transfer for Chelsea star Ben Chilwell to battle England rival Luke Shaw for left-back spot

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock move for Ben Chilwell according to reports.A move for the left-back would see him compete with Luke Shaw for a place in the United team.United are considering a chock move for Ben ChilwellCredit: GettyBoth players struggled with injury last yearCredit: RexShaw, 28, was chosen by Gareth Southgate for England’s Euro 2024 squad in favour of Chilwell, 27, despite both struggling with injuries last season.Chilwell missed Chelsea’s final seven games of the season with a knee injury, although he was fit enough for the bench in Chelsea’s penultimate Premier League game against Brighton.Shaw meanwhile had not featured for Manchester United since February as he rehabilitated from a hamstring injury.The left-back was fit enough to return for England in their quarter-final victory over Switzerland and came on in the 78th minute.READ MORE ON MAN UTDChilwell was made vice-captain of Chelsea last season by Mauricio Pochettino but it is understood the Blues would be willing to let him go should the right offer arrive.That’s due in part to fitness concerns which saw him play just 13 Premier League games last season and 21 games overall.The Mail report that Manchester United are considering an offer for Chilwell to arrive as competition for Shaw.In comparison to Chilwell, Shaw managed to play just 12 Premier League games last season as he struggled with various injury issues and played 15 games overall.Most read in Euro 2024CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLuke Shaw and Ben Chilwell comparedManchester United are reportedly looking at a transfer for Ben Chilwell to provide competition for Luke Shaw. Here’s a look at how the two compareLuke ShawJoined Manchester United in 2014 for £30millionGames played overall: 350Goals: FourEngland caps: 32Trophies won: FA Cup, League Cup x2, Europa League, Community ShieldBen ChilwellJoined Chelsea in 2020 from Leicester for £45millionGames played overall: 271Goals: 15England caps: 21Trophies won: Champions League, Premier League, European Super CupChilwell joined Chelsea from Leicester in 2020 in a transfer worth £45million.During his time at the Blues he has won a Champions League and European Super Cup – featuring 106 times for the Blues.SunSport’s Dan King on why Luke Shaw’s return is so big for EnglandThe Mail also report that Manchester United are “very close” to signing Netherlands and Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.United are expecting to activate the player’s release clause in the coming days. More

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      Brains behind Chelsea’s famous academy for 20 years QUITS in ‘insane blow’ with Blues fans ‘worried’

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      CHELSEA fans are devastated amid news academy director Neil Bath has left the club.Bath, 58, has been manager of the Blues’ academy set-up since 2004.Neil Bath, centre, is leaving Chelsea after 20 years as academy managerCredit: GettyMason Mount and Reece James are among the players brought through by Bath at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe played an integral part in bringing through the club’s young stars – a host of whom broke through into the first team.They included Reece James, Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah, Mason Mount, Tammy Abraham and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.This helped at a critical time for Chelsea as they had a transfer ban imposed on them, increasing the importance of academy talent.Jim Fraser, who joined Chelsea’s academy as a director shortly after Bath, is also set to leave.READ MORE ON ENGLANDAn official announcement is expected in the coming days.And fans are beside themselves after learning of club legend Bath’s departure.One passionate supporter said: “Neil Bath leaving Chelsea is an insane blow.”Look around the whole of Europe for the last decade, at the sheer amount of top level professional footballers that have come through his ranks.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”I thought his promotion a year ago was a positive thing, now I am worried.”People can argue about their differing views on ‘the project’ moving forwards, and everyone is entitled to their position. But this is just categorically a loss.Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall posts goodbye video to Leicester fans and says ‘it’s time for me to go’ ahead of Chelsea transfer “The consistent evidence of success in Bath’s work is there for all to see. We don’t know the story yet, but damn.”While another added: “Nothing surprises me anymore. These clowns are tearing the club apart.”A third said: “A massive, massive loss. Possibly marks the end of Chelsea being a destination for elite scholar development.”Yet I fully expect the people who have been brainwashed by BlueCo’s empty promises to try and rationalise it as a good thing.”And a fourth responded: “Systematically removing all the components that made us worth £3bn is quite something.”Chelsea’s academy trophies over the last decade include five FA Youth Cups, two Under-18s Premier League titles, an U21 Premier League title and two UEFA Youth Leagues.Speaking about the Blues’ youth success, Bath previously said: “I will always say it is a wider effort from everybody involved.”There is a particular focus around scouting and coaching, and the coaches won’t succeed if the talent is not of the right level.”That is why the likes of Jim Fraser, Darren Grace and their recruitment team deserve credit for bringing in such talented players from a very young age.”That is a huge part of our development programme. On the other hand, you need the right coaches.””Fundamentally, it is about having good staff in all areas who work as a team.”READ MORE SUN STORIESEx-Chelsea boss Frank Lampard credited Bath for his impact when Mount and Abraham scored in the Premier League.Lampard said: “We had a couple of pints with Neil Bath!” More

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      My dad’s a former Chelsea star and Premier League cult hero, I’m making my own way after signing first professional deal

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      HARRY SIDWELL is following in his father’s footsteps as a professional footballer.The 18-year-old is the son of Premier League cult hero Steve Sidwell, 41.Harry Sidwell has penned his first pro deal at WimbledonCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7He is a midfielder like his dadCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry was joined by dad Steve and mum KrysyCredit: AFC Wimbledon via Instagram / @harry.sidwell7Harry, who is a midfielder like his dad, has impressed playing for AFC Wimbledon’s Under-18s and he has now be rewarded with his first pro contract.His dad and mum Krysy were at Plough Lane as their eldest son put pen to paper on his new deal.On signing his first contract at the League Two side, Harry said: “To sign my first professional contract is a dream come true. “It’s what I’ve worked for, from an early age as a kid. READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”All the sacrifices and all the hard work that have gone into it, has led to this, and now it’s here – I’m really happy.”His dad was also delighted as he posted on Instagram: “Really proud of you.”And there was messages of congratulations to Harry from the likes of Declan Rice, John Terry, Bobby Zamora and Jody Morris.Sidwell Snr came through the ranks at Arsenal before playing for clubs like Reading, Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke and Brighton.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe also had a brief spell at Chelsea, playing 15 times in the 2007/08 season under Jose Mourinho.Sidwell even wore the No9 shirt at Stamford Bridge after surprisingly being offered it by the Special One. Former Chelsea ace Steve Sidwell reveals clause in Premier League stars’ contract that ‘nobody has ever exercised’ More

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      Enzo Fernandez apologises to Argentina coach after Chelsea ‘BLOCK him from Olympics’ – after Pochettino ‘gave the OK’

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      ENZO FERNANDEZ has revealed that new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has blocked him from going to the Olympics.The Argentina midfielder, 23, claims former manager and compatriot Mauricio Pochettino had agreed for him to play at the Paris games.Ex-Chelsea manager Mauricio Pochettino with Enzo FernandezCredit: PABut after he was replaced with Maresca, Chelsea have informed their midfielder, who is already playing at the Copa America this summer, that he cannot take part.Fernandez said: “I did everything possible.”Mauricio was at Chelsea before, he had given me the OK.”Then, there was a change of coach and the club changed its position.READ MORE IN football “I tried, I kept talking, I did everything possible to be there, but it wasn’t possible.”Argentina’s side will be managed by former Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, though Lionel Messi has ruled himself out of taking part.Fernandez added: “I apologise to Masche. I wanted to be there. It didn’t happen.”As the Olympics are not a FIFA or UEFA event, clubs are not obliged to release their players.Most read in FootballMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaENZO MARESCA is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIn the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Brazil went all the way with Spain taking silver and Mexico the bronze. The likes of Antony, Richarlison, Dani Alves and Bruno Guimaraes all won gold medals.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targets More

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      Chelsea to sign Barcelona’s Marc Guiu, 18, as Blues trigger transfer release clause for star who has played just 7 times

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      CHELSEA are reportedly set to sign Barcelona prodigy Marc Guiu after triggering his release clause.The striker, 18, burst on to the scene for his Spanish club this season, scoring twice in seven senior appearances – including after 33 seconds on his debut.Marc Guiu is close to joining Chelsea after they triggered his £5million Barcelona release clauseCredit: GettyHowever, chances under new boss Hansi Flick may be limited as Barcelona look to add at least one new superstar forward.And AS claims Chelsea have now made their move for Guiu by triggering his £5million release clause.The Blues will discuss terms with the teen on a long-term contract.While a potential loan move to French sister club Strasbourg may also be in the works.READ MORE ON CHELSEAGuiu looks set to become Chelsea’s third signing of the summer after Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo and Palmeiras’ Estevao Willian, although the latter will not join until 2025.The Blues are also close to a £19m deal for Aston Villa striker Omari Kellyman.And they are also considering a £30m bid for Lille forward Jonathan David, who has 52 club goals in the past two seasons.New boss Enzo Maresca starts his role next week after leading Leicester to the Championship title.Most read in FootballEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSThe Italian had been hoping to bolster his ranks with the £55m capture of Crystal Palace winger Michael Olise.But Chelsea pulled out of a move as Bayern Munich struck terms with the Frenchman.Poch in England frame The Londoners are still thought to be keen on landing a wide-man, although they will target a right-footer and not a left-footer.Lille man David can play on the flanks if needed.While a move for Athletic Bilbao and Spain star Nico Williams has already been deemed too expensive.As for outgoings, Ian Maatsen is on the cusp of a £37m move to Aston Villa.And Armando Broja is being chased by several European clubs following his dud loan spell at Fulham. More

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      Chelsea ready to splash almost £50m on little-known duo and plan to recoup £37m by flogging Maatsen to Aston Villa

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      CHELSEA are splashing yet more cash with £48million on little-known duo Omari Kellyman and Willian Estevao.Aston Villa’s attacking midfielder Kellyman, 19, is due for a medical next week ahead of signing a long term deal – up to six years.Omari Kellyman of Aston Villa is set to join Chelsea on a six year dealCredit: GettyEstevao Willian will cost the Blues an initial £29m up front and a further £25m in add-onsCredit: AFPIan Maatsen is set to leave Stamford Bridge for Aston Villa in a £37m dealCredit: PAIt comes as Chelsea officially announced a deal for Brazilian Estevao, who is only 17.That transfer is believed to be around £29m up front with a further £25m in add ons.Estevao, currently with Brazilians Palmeira, will not join until next summer when he turns 18.Estevao joins fellow countrymen Deivid Washington and Andrey Santos at Stamford Bridge as part of the latest influx of youth.Read more football newsKellyman cost Villa around £600,000 from Derby two years ago.He has made six first team appearances and is an Under-19 England international.Netherlands left back Maatsen is on duty with his country at Euro 2024 but after spending last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund is now set to join Villa for around £37.5m.Chelsea sporting director Paul Winstanley is also keen on Argentine defender Aaron Anselmino.According to reports, they have opened talks with the Boca Juniors wonderkid over a £13.4million transfer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, that offer falls short of the £20million release clause in his contract.The moves come following Chelsea’s failed attempt to lure Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.SunSport’s Latest Transfer HeadlinesThe winger looked set to join the Stamford Bridge outfit in a £55million deal.But, the Frenchman decided against a move to West London, preferring to join Bayern Munich. More

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      Chelsea sold the ‘soul of the team’ by letting three stars go in transfer exits, claims legend Gianfranco Zola

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      GIANFRANCO ZOLA has claimed Chelsea sold the “soul of the team” by letting go of three stars last year.The Blues legend claimed this was the start of Chelsea’s struggles that they endured for most of the 2023-24 season.Gianfranco Zola revealed Chelsea let go of the ‘soul of the team’ by letting go of three players in 2023Credit: PA:Empics SportZola, 57, played for the Blues between 1996 and 2003 and made over 300 appearances for the club.And last term Chelsea ended their campaign sixth in the Premier League after a slight improvement in the second half of the season.But Mauricio Pochettino’s side did not have an easy start.According to Zola, selling Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic, who joined Arsenal and Manchester City respectively, was a bad decision for Chelsea.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLZola also added that Jorginho’s exit to Arsenal in January 2023 left the Blues without a leader.Zola told Ladbrokes: “Chelsea have had a hard season, especially at the beginning, but they changed a lot.”They put a lot of young players in place and lost a lot of experienced ones like Jorginho, Havertz, and Kovacic. They lost many players who were the soul of the team, the leaders, so it took time to get going.”But finally Pochettino got it working and it was working quite well. It was very surprising to see him leaving.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”And I don’t know the full reasons but obviously from a supporter’s point of view I am disappointed.”Despite Chelsea securing a spot in Europe after a dismal start to the season Pochettino headed out the door last month.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsWith a host of players arriving at Stamford Bridge last summer, it was inevitable it was going to take time for those players to settle in.And one who ended up thriving was Cole Palmer scoring 22 Premier League goals.Now for the Blues Enzo Maresca has taken charge in a five-year deal and there has been one new star already at the club after Tosin Adarabioyo made a free transfer from West London rivals Fulham.Chelsea sold Kai Havertz to Arsenal last summerCredit: PAThe Blues also sold Mateo Kovacic to Man CityCredit: PAJorginho left in January 2023 for ArsenalCredit: PA More