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      Chelsea hasn’t felt so distant from fans since electric fences were mooted, Todd Boehly has done an impressively bad job

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      IT IS small beer to billionaires like Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.Understandably, the price of a pint at Chelsea, the cost of a coach to Bramall Lane or admission to a youth game won’t even register in the big men’s bank balances.Things have not gone to all according to plan since Todd Boehly arrived at ChelseaCredit: RexBut when you run an English football club, even if you don’t know what’s of value to the fans, you should make sure there are people nearby that do.Boehly and his sidekick are clearly failing in this regard and have scored an own goal just as spectacular as that from defender Axel Disasi against Leicester on Sunday.The letter from Chelsea Supporters’ Trust to the chairman and his co-owner was not your usual fed-up fan rant.It may have been a devastating four-page assassination job on Boehly and Eghbali’s entire regime.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut did you notice how little griping was aimed at some of the abject football played by a massively overpriced and underachieving bunch of players?What two hard-nosed American financiers make of being warned about the “irreversible toxicity, almost irrespective of results on the pitch” in a withering assault on their ability to run a Premier League club would be a joy to know. Way to go, boys.It takes some doing to p*** off the normally mild-mannered CST, an elected group of diehards ranging from mid-20s to retirement age and made up of largely professional people.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERTo them and many others who devote themselves to the pursuit of Chelsea FC, it is not all about silverware — contrary to outside perception.There are some at Stamford Bridge with a sense of entitlement after so many years of winning trophies. FA Cup semi-final draw CONFIRMED as Man Utd, Chelsea, Coventry and Man City find out their fateBut to most, it is a cult, a religion, a devotion. It’s about belonging and feeling part of it. Like at other clubs, win or lose.The price of a pint, a hot dog, a matchday programme, a season ticket or away travel may seem insignificant to those spending £1billion on a development squad.But it means a lot to the fans who were there before and will be there long after Boehly and his pals from Clearlake Capital have cleared off.And they don’t take kindly to being blanked either. The owners of Chelsea have predictably missed the point when it comes to the fan base. Next month’s game at Sheffield United is on Sunday, April 7.Kick-off is at 5.30pm because of the city’s half-marathon earlier that day. There is also a train strike.Yet the away end at Bramall Lane will be full. Just like it was on Christmas Eve at Wolves.A friend paid £600 on the black market for two tickets to see Chelsea the day before New Year’s Eve. He still hasn’t told his missus the true cost.He was at Middlesbrough when a pathetic Chelsea lost 1-0 in a midweek Carabao Cup semi-final.Chelsea have been awful most of this season and last. Yet my friend will still go. So will thousands of others who just want to feel part of the team, even a losing one. The perceived lack of communication from the owners is seen as a rejection of worth.The CST points to a disconnect between club and supporters not seen since the early 1980s.READ MORE SUN STORIESThat was when then chairman Ken Bates tried to electrify the fences surrounding the pitch to thwart the hooligans in The Shed.With crowd numbers on the slide at Stamford Bridge as a result of Boehly and Behdad’s detached, lofty air, they may have to do the same again — only now to keep the fans in. More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea transfer blow as top target to begin new contract negotiations including bumper £102m release clause

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      SPORTING LISBON are opening talks on a new mage transfer release clause for Viktor Gykores to “protect” them from the Premier League clubs circling.The Swedish striker cost a club-record £17m last summer from Coventry City but he has already repaid that faith with his scintillating form.Sporting’s hope to convince Viktor Gyokeres to sign a new deal with an improved release clauseCredit: AFPThe 25-year-old has scored 27 goals in 33 appearances, as well as recording double figures in assists, to catch the eye of Europe’s big guns.Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the hotshot – with the latter allegedly having a £74m approach rejected in January.Previous reports had claimed that Sporting Lisbon were holding out for the £87m release clause fee that was part of his package.Now A Bola have claimed that the Portuguese league leaders want to secure him to a new agreement that would not only land Gyokeres a bumper pay rise but would also offer them “greater protection”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey are well aware of the growing interest in their star striker.As well as Arsenal and Chelsea, Bayern Munich are also keen to bring him to the Bundesliga while French giants Paris Saint-Germain have joined the transfer chase.This update also adds that several Spanish teams are in the hunt – but a host of the interested clubs may soon be ruled out of signing him.Sporting Lisbon are hoping that the reward of a pay rise would see Gykores pen his new contract and agree to a release clause of a whopping £102m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd that would ensure that any sale of their prized-asset would turn out to be a record departure for the club.The agents of Gykores, who was snapped up by Coventry in 2021 after failing to make the grade at Brighton, are also allegedly making a trip to Portugal in April.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd Sporting will be looking to use that time to thrash out terms on the updated agreement.Meanwhile, the transfer speculation does not seem to be having any adverse effect on the player himself.He fired a hat-trick against Boavista on Sunday as the 6-1 victory ensured they remain a point ahead of rivals Benfica, who have played a game more, at the top of the table.The forward will now be hoping to take that form on to the international stage with Sweden, who he has scored five times in 19 caps for.They take on Portugal away tonight in a friendly before taking on Albania on home turf on Monday. More

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      Thiago Silva speaking to former club ‘almost every week’ as Chelsea star nears ‘inevitable’ summer transfer

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      CHELSEA star Thiago Silva is in talks with his old club about a transfer return “almost every week” it has been claimed.Silva, 39, is out of contract with the Blues this summer.Thiago Silva has been in contact with his old club ‘almost every week’Credit: GettySilva has found himself for Chelsea out of favour in recent weeksAfter four seasons of being a mainstay in team when fit, he has now not featured since February 12 under Mauricio Pochettino.This has led many to believe the veteran defender will call time on his Stamford Bridge career this summer. And according to reports in his native Brazil, a return to his old club could be on the cards. In an interview with ESPN Brazil, Fluminense sporting director Fred has claimed Silva has been in contact with the club on a weekly basis and remains a “dream” signing for the South American outfit.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe said: “Thiago Silva has been a dream of ours for a long time, the president talks to him almost every week. “Thiago has a contract in England, we’re rooting for him, I personally am a friend of his, and I’m a big fan of his character, and he deserves all the best. “He knows that here the doors are wide open for him to return.”Silva played for Fluminense in two stints. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe first came in a 2006 January to June loan transfer from Dinamo Moscow, while the second came between January 2007 and January 2009 before he sealed he transfer back to Europe with AC Milan.Fred continued: “There’s nothing [imminent]. We have to be careful not to put pressure on Thiago. Where are they now: The unusual careers of former footballers”The fans love Thiago, we love Thiago, and Thiago loves Fluminense. “One day it’s inevitable, it will happen, it’s the player’s wish, the club’s wish and we hope it happens as soon as possible.”Silva has played 29 games for Chelsea this season, scoring three times. Chelsea are one of six clubs said to be interested in a transfer for Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, while 18-year-old Lille prodigy Leny Yoro is also of interest.Thiago Silva starred for Fluminense twice previously in his careerCredit: AFPThiago Silva’s Chelsea trophy haul

      Champions League – 2020/21
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      FA Cup runner-up: 2020–21, 2021–22
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      I was an hour away from getting on the plane to sign for Chelsea – now I play for their Premier League rivals

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      WEST HAM midfielder Edson Alvarez has revealed that his former club stopped him from joining Chelsea in 2022.Alvarez, 26, joined the Hammers in a £35million transfer from Ajax last summer and has since established himself as a crucial first team player.Edson Alvarez came close to joining Chelsea in 2022Credit: GettyHowever, he could have found himself on the other side of London just one year prior.The midfielder came close to joining Chelsea in the summer of 2022 but Ajax blocked his move at the last minute.In fact, Alvarez has revealed that he was just an hour away from getting on a plane to London before the Eredivisie giants initiated a dramatic U-turn.He told Burro Van Rankin’s podcast for Caliente TV: “Actually, in year three [at Ajax], I had to go to Chelsea, the plane was waiting for me at the airport. When Ajax told me you know what: ‘you’re not going’.Read More in Football”Whether people believe it or not, it doesn’t make any difference to me, I’m the one who is here and the one who is living it.”I was an hour away from getting on the plane and going to sign for Chelsea and Ajax told me: ‘you’re not going’.”So, you’re not leaving, what do you do? There’s no way you’re leaving.”Despite his failed Chelsea transfer, Alvarez remained a crucial part of the Ajax squad during the 2022-23 campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlvarez has become a key player for West HamHe made 44 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and providing three assists.Since joining West Ham the midfielder has made 25 Premier League appearances.A look at Chelsea’s forgotten wonderkidsAlvarez is currently set to stay at the London Stadium until 2028. More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea in six-club transfer battle for Murillo as Nottingham Forest may be forced to sell

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      ARSENAL and Chelsea are reportedly locked in a six-way tussle for Nottingham Forest star Murillo.The Brazilian defender has been one of Forest’s better players this season, clocking up 27 appearances following a £12million move from Corinthians last summer.Arsenal and Chelsea are among six clubs keen on Nottingham Forest star MurilloCredit: AlamyMurillo, 21, was on the radar of Man City, West Ham and Napoli before sealing his switch to the City Ground.But the centre-back could soon be on the move due to Forest’s financial issues.The relegation battlers find themselves in the drop zone after being docked four points for breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.And regardless of whether they stay up, Forest will likely have to sell several stars to balance the books.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLGiven his age, talent and potential, Murillo is one of the top candidates to leave.Indeed, the Mail claims Arsenal and Chelsea are already circling after being left impressed by his performances.Liverpool and Newcastle are monitoring the situation too, with club chiefs having their interest piqued by Murillo’s seamless adaptation to life in England.However, there is interest in the youngster from abroad too.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERParis Saint-Germain snapped up fellow Brazilian kids Lucas Beraldo and Gabriel Moscardo in January for a combined £34m.And with the club continuing to move in a new direction following the departures of Lionel Messi and Neymar, they could bid for Murillo this summer too.‘Even Nando’s love the Arsenal’, say fans as Bukayo Saka launches own signature PERi-PERi sauce that ‘actually bangs’There is also interest from Barcelona, who already have a new young defensive star in Pau Cubarsi.Murillo could be a long-term partner for the 17-year-old, who has been called up by Spain.But the Forest man’s ability to play as a holding midfielder could also see him earmarked as a replacement for the ageing Oriol Romeu. More

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      Eden Hazard reveals dream job after hanging up his boots as ex-Chelsea star hints at coaching gig

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      EDEN HAZARD has dropped a hint about a new role in football as he prepares for his return to Chelsea.The 33-year-old retired from football in October after his epic career ended in disappointment after years of injury and weight issues.Eden Hazard is making his return to Chelsea’s Stamford Bridge this summerCredit: GettyThe now retired Belgian ace has hinted at a potential new role in the beautiful gameCredit: ReutersThe ex-Belgian playmaker won the Premier League, Europa League and FA Cup twice as well as a League Cup during his seven years at Chelsea.Hazard initially came through the ranks with Lille and went on to make 194 appearances and score 50 goals for them.The star’s dazzling form also proved instrumental in their league and cup double in 2011, ensuring legendary status at Lille, and eventually earned him his move to England in 2012.Hazard enjoyed equal status at Stamford Bridge for his performances at Chelsea but failed to replicate the magic at Real Madrid as his career ended in disappointing fashion.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe signed a £88.3m transfer deal in 2019 but played just 76 times and scored only seven goals in four seasons.His time at the Bernabeu was plagued by injuries and fitness issues with reports that his weight was a problem and that he once turned up to training after the summer a stone too heavy.Hazard allegedly had big-money offers last summer from his homeland, the MLS in America and Saudi Arabia.But even the ace admits that he “misses” playing, he is relishing his new found freedom after opting to hang up his boots.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe told The Standard: “I enjoy it a lot. I miss my football a bit, especially being with the lads in the dressing room, but I can do what I want now.“I have kids and a family. I can go to Belgium to see my family, brothers and parents. I can do a lot of things.”’Three games out? Perfect’ – Eden Hazard reveals why he was HAPPY with ban after ex-Chelsea star kicked Swansea ball-boyAlthough he did hint at a potential new career after discovering a new love in the beautiful game.On life at home with wife Natacha and their five boys, he said: “I don’t know [what’s next].“I don’t think I’ll coach professionally, but I think I can coach for youth teams.“I have kids, and I want to teach them how to play football.”However, Hazard will pull his boots back on at his old Stamford Bridge stomping ground on June 9 to feature in Soccer Aid for UNICEF’s World XI against an England XI that will be managed by Frank Lampard.He revealed his determination to deliver some magic to those to attend and insisted that he would get in shape as he didn’t “want to look like Peppa Pig”.Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place on Sunday 9 June at Stamford Bridge, with tickets available at socceraid.org.uk/tickets.Hazard will feature for UNICEF’s Soccer Aid for World XI against an England XI on 9 JuneCredit: Rex More

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      Gareth Southgate overtakes Graham Potter as overwhelming favourite for Man Utd job with England contract talks on hold

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has overtaken Graham Potter as the bookies’ new 2-1 favourite for the Manchester United job.Ex-Chelsea boss Potter had been lined up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe if Erik ten Hag is sacked.England boss Gareth Southgate has emerged as a favourite for the Manchester United jobCredit: GettyMan Utd boss Erik ten Hag has come under fire amid a turbulent campaignCredit: EPASouthgate has overtaken Graham Potter as Ten Hag’s likeliest successorCredit: PABut England manager Southgate last week revealed he will shelve Three Lions contract talks until after Euro 2024.And Ratcliffe, in charge of United’s football operations, said: “If we get the right people in the right boxes, the results will drop out the bottom.”Potter worked closely with United’s incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth at Brighton, while Southgate has worked with him at the FA.Reports suggest Sir Jim has made the 53-year-old his No1 choice to replace under-fire boss Ten Hag at Old Trafford.Read More on Man UtdThis comes amid a turbulent campaign for the Red Devils under the Dutchman.The Manchester giants were eliminated from the Champions League’s group stage before plunging to sixth place in the Premier League.Southgate’s contract runs out in December.And Ratcliffe is said to be confident in prising him over to club football once again following his three-year spell at Middlesbrough, which ended in 2009.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThat is despite the FA’s desperate attempts to hold onto the Watford tactician.But as things stand, Ratcliffe would have to fork out around £800,000 in compensation for the Three Lions boss’ services.Gareth Southgate drops Kobbie Mainoo Euro 2024 hint as England boss names four players on cusp of breaking into squad The Ineos chief will also need to splash £10million just to sack Ten Hag and his coaching staff.Potter has been without a job since his dismissal as Chelsea boss last April.Southgate could bring some of his England stars if he took over at Man UtdInside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More

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      ‘I don’t want to look like Peppa Pig’, says Hazard as ex-Chelsea star reveals what he’s doing to stay fit in retirement

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      EDEN HAZARD believes he can still be tum-thing special – after promising not to end up “like Peppa Pig”!The Chelsea legend, 33, quit playing last October following four injury-hit years with Real Madrid.Eden Hazard wants to roll back the years at Stamford Bridge in JuneCredit: GettyHazard has given himself a Pepp talk over staying in shape and hopes to be in the pink for the Unicef match against an England XICredit: RexBut after battling weight issues in pre-season during his career, Hazard is determined to chop out such problems in the future.Above all, the 126-cap Belgian is determined to impress back on the Stamford Bridge pitch.Hazard will line up for for Unicef’s World XI against an England team managed by former Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard on June 9.He can laugh all the way to much more than the piggy bank after bringing home the bacon on more than £20million a year at Real.READ MORE TOP STORIESBut pride is at stake in the charity match, as well as his reputation at the ground where he enjoyed the finest seven years of his career.Hazard told The Standard: “I don’t want to look like Peppa Pig!”I play tennis, padel, run a bit, I play football with my friends and stay active.”After announcing his Bernabeu exit last summer, Hazard was linked with his brother Kylian’s Belgian top-flight team RWD Molenbeek, plus MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps and Saudi Arabian clubs.Most read in FootballPeppa Pig and friends are the opposite of role models for HazardCredit: AlamyBut he went the whole hog by retiring – and has “no regrets” over making such a decision such young.The former Lille hero said of his post-playing days: “I enjoy it a lot. Chelsea flop attempts ‘spinning high kick’ on fan as hundreds invade pitch to assault Fenerbahce team in chaotic clash “I miss my football a bit, especially being with the lads in the dressing room, but I can do what I want now.”Hazard won LaLiga twice and the Champions League once with Real after his £100million arrival from Chelsea in 2019.But he says his Stamford Bridge stint was his “best memory” in football.He lifted two Premier League crowns and the FA Cup with the Blues, also being the country’s double player of the year in 2015. More