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    Emma Hayes ‘not stressed’ by bid to guide Chelsea to a fifth successive title in her final game in charge of the Blues

    EMMA HAYES is relishing the WSL title race going to the wire following the “unbelievable adversity” her team has faced this term.And the Blues chief, whose 12-year reign ends this weekend, sees Maika Hamano as a key player for Chelsea’s future.Chelsea are likely to face a tricky test against Manchester United in Emma Hayes’s last game in charge of the teamCredit: PABlues fans hope to see the team pull off a win against United at Old Trafford with WSL title retention at stakeCredit: GettyMaika Hamano’s strike against Tottenham secured victory for Chelsea in their penultimate game of this WSL seasonCredit: GettyThe Japan forward, 20, netted in the Blues 1-0 defeat of Tottenham on Wednesday night, slamming a first-half shot beyond Spurs goalkeeper Bara Votikova.Her match-winning strike helped her side go top of the table above Manchester City.Both teams are currently level on points but with Chelsea carrying a plus-two goal difference advantage.Hayes, 47, said: “She’s been incredible in training, she’s Chelsea’s future and I’m always happy to keep evolving this team.Read More Football Stories “I’ve said it a thousand times. I’m leaving the next manager a fabulous team.”We’ve evolved it and Maika been fantastic in training and has been smashing goals in all week, she deserved the start (against Tottenham). This Saturday Hayes will be on the touchline for the last time as Chelsea manager before commencing her role as head coach of the USA’s women’s national team.The Blues’ final game under their gaffer will be a clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford, six days after the Red Devils lifted the Women’s FA Cup at WembleyMost read in FootballAnd like last term the battle to be crowned top-flight champions will be decided on the last day of the WSL season, with Gareth Taylor’s Man City also in contention.Should Man City dispatch Aston Villa at Villa Park, Chelsea will need a win and a higher goal difference tally than their rivals in order to secure a fifth successive title.When ask how much her team relishes taking title races to the wire, Hayes adds: “I said to them, proverbially speaking, it’s like going in with a gun in your mouth. “How do you want to respond to that?”What I love about the team is our ability, no matter that proverb, to keep their cool.”We will find a way to keep performing no matter the pressure.”These will be the things I remember the most, it won’t be the wins, the ability of human beings to keep finding a way.”People write you off, you wonder if you have more to give, we’re still finding a way.”This season has seen Chelsea face challenges with injuries with star striker Sam Kerr, forward Mia Fischel and defender Aniek Nouwen sidelined by knee ligament ruptures.And influential striker Mayra Ramirez has missed the Blues’ last four games due to injury.In a season where Chelsea lost a league cup final and Champions League and FA Cup semis duel, another title win make them WSL champs for a seventh time.Her team had their title hopes reignited when Man City fell to a 2-1 home loss to Arsenal last Sunday. A game that was followed by Chelsea trouncing Bristol City 8-0 before their narrow win against Tottenham last night. The Blues boss said: “I am enjoying myself, I’m not stressed. “I’ve been here before, I love seeing the fans and being with them.Man United are battling Liverpool for a fourth-spot finishCredit: Getty“I love the saying when someone gives you a second chance in life, make sure you don’t need a third and I love that we take it to the last day.READ MORE SUN STORIES“No matter the outcome I’m super proud of how this team keeps finding ways. “The adversity we’ve had this year has been unbelievable.” More

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    Chelsea land £5MILLION bonus from Real Madrid due to little-known Hazard transfer clause – despite him RETIRING

    CHELSEA will pocket £5million from Real Madrid due to a little-known clause in the deal to sign Eden Hazard despite the star RETIRING, according to reports. Hazard, 33, signed for the Spanish giants from the Blues in 2019 in a deal worth £130m.Chelsea will receive £5million after Real Madrid made the Champions League finalCredit: ReutersIt comes as part of the deal Madrid made to sign Eden Hazard in 2019Credit: GettyThe terms in the deal remain valid despite Hazard retiring in OctoberCredit: GettyThe deal saw Chelsea receive £88m up front, with various performance related clauses and add-ons included.The Belgian signed a five-year deal worth £20m a season with Los Blancos but struggled with injury throughout his time at the club.After playing just 54 LaLiga games for Madrid, Hazard saw his contract with the club terminated last summer.He then announced his retirement from football in October. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, the terms of the deal between Chelsea and Madrid have remained valid, according to The Telegraph.And Carlo Ancelotti guiding Madrid to the Champions League final this season has seen another of these bonuses triggered. It means Chelsea, who recently sold their training ground and a hotel in intra-group deals to help them with Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules, will gain a bonus £5m.Despite hanging up his pro boots, Hazard has shown he still has his incredible football ability.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSFootage showed him skinning four players in training before impressing in a charity football match in Qatar.Hazard initially came through the ranks with Lille before joining Chelsea. Watch Eden Hazard ‘leave influencer for dead’ as ex-Chelsea star skins four players before scoring in charity matchAt Stamford Bridge he won two Premier League titles, two Europa League’s, the FA Cup and the League Cup while scoring 110 goals and adding 85 assists in 352 appearances. More

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    Man Utd ‘line up two Chelsea stars as Red Devils look to transfer market to solve defensive crisis’

    MANCHESTER UNITED may turn to rivals Chelsea as they look to solve their left-back woes.Luke Shaw, 28, and Tyrell Malacia, 24, have struggled with injuries and full-back has been one of their weak points in recent years.Chelsea could be willing to sell at least one left-back over the summerCredit: GettyThe Blues have climbed above Manchester United in the tableCredit: GettyOld Trafford chiefs are set for a busy summer in the transfer market whoever is in the dugout.And transfer guru Simon Phillips claims Chelsea stars Ben Chilwell, 27, and Marc Cucurella, 25 are on their radar.Both come with concerns over injury and form and would be unlikely to get United fans excited.Juan Mata, Nemanja Matic and Mason Mount have all followed this path in recent years – to varying degrees of success.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSChelsea may let at least one of the duo leave this summer as Todd Boehly continues to shake things up at Stamford Bridge.United started the season the stronger of the clubs but the injury-hit Blues have climbed above them in the table.The Red Devils are undergoing a revolution of their own after Sir Jim Ratcliffe took over football operations.SunSport exclusively revealed they are speeding up the arrival of top scout Sam Williams as their plans take shape.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHe previously worked for the Red Devils as an academy scout and first team recruitment analyst between 2017 to 2022.United are aiming to build a “best-in-class” academy recruitment team, with Williams taking on the role of lead scout.Man Utd’s problems laid bare with WATERFALL flooding through Old Trafford’s leaky roof as heavens open vs ArsenalAcross the last six months, they have swooped for staff from Ipswich, Cardiff and Blackburn to bolster the area.Meanwhile, several scouts have been promoted and changed roles within the club.Williams’ return follows the arrival of Jason Wilcox as technical director.But their biggest recruitment move is likely to be a new manager with Erik ten Hag set to be axed.SunSport’s verdict on Man Utd flopsSir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos have a busy summer ahead to get Man Utd’s squad in order for next season. Below SunSport gives it verdict on how they should deal with the Red Devils flops this summer.
    Andre Onana – STAY: After a dodgy start at Old Trafford Onana has proven to be one of the more reliable members of the squad this season despite being peppered with shots constantly.
    Altay Bayindir – GO: Reports in February suggested Bayindir was unhappy with his bit part role at Man Utd amid interest from Turkish giants Galatasaray. If profit can be made on a sale then it should be done.
    Tom Heaton – STAY: Veteran goalkeeper Heaton, 38, is a reliable back-up and is on a relatively small wage at the club. So long as he is happy it makes sense to keep him.
    Aaron Wan-Bissaka – GO: Wan-Bissaka, 26, has never managed to make the right-back position his own. With his contract up in 2025 it makes sense to cash in now.
    Diogo Dalot – STAY: Dalot, 26, has been one of Man Utd’s most consistent performers this season.
    Raphael Varane – GO: If it wasn’t for his injury record there would be a strong shout to keep Varane, but costs need to be cut to allow the squad to be freshened up.
    Harry Maguire – GO: Maguire has showed he has the right character to be at Man Utd but overall ability and desired profile are another matter, with Maguire too slow to play in a high line defence.
    Lisandro Martinez – STAY: Martinez, 26, is second to none in terms of build up play. He needs a long-term defensive partner on the right side and to cut out the injuries which have plagued him this season.
    Jonny Evans – GO: Veteran campaigner Evans could easily be on the stay list if he was only going to be a bit part player. But he has shown his advanced years at times this season.
    Victor Lindelof – GO:  Lindelof, 29, has been reliable if not unremarkable in his Man Utd career. He has one year left on his contract so should be moved on if a decent transfer fee can be got for him.
    Willy Kambwala – STAY: He should be given the opportunity to mature for a few years behind a senior CB pairing before stepping into the first team as a starter or being moved on.
    Luke Shaw – GO: One of the Premier League’s best left-backs when fit, Shaw has been a good servant when available. But alas that has been his Achilles heel once again this season.
    Tyrell Malacia – STAY: Malacia, 24, was decent enough to earn some merit in his first season at Man Utd before injury ended his season and inadvertently led to his second season being a write off.
    Sofyan Amrabat – GO: Amrabat, 27, looked like a world beater at the Qatar World Cup with Morocco. But he’s had an underwhelming season in England and his loan spell will almost certainly not be made permanent.
    Casemiro – GO: An alarming physical decline has seen him turn from key star to burden. If a club is willing to buy the 32-year-old – who has two more years on his contract – then United should snatch their hand off.
    Christian Eriksen – GO: Eriksen proved a useful asset and Ineos should look to bring in another player with similar traits, but frankly his legs have looked gone towards the end of this season.
    Kobbie Mainoo – STAY: The first of the so-called untouchables, Mainoo has been a rare glimmer of hope in the Red Devils midfield this season.
    Mason Mount – STAY: Mount can be given the benefit of the doubt until summer 2025 at least after a debut season riddled with injury.
    Scott McTominay – STAY: McTominay, 27, has proven himself to be a brilliant plan B off the bench this season, and that is exactly why Ineos should look to keep him.
    Bruno Fernandes – STAY: Man Utd’s best player since his arrival just over four years ago, Fernandes, 29, remains second-to-none when it comes to creating chances while his tenacity boosts those around him.
    Antony – GO: There’s a case to argue that Antony may be the worst pound-for-pound signing in Premier League history. Despite some memorable moments he simply isn’t Man Utd quality.
    Anthony Martial – GO: Ultimately Martial needs to be let go when his deal runs out this summer after an appalling injury record of late.
    Marcus Rashford – STAY: As easy as it would be to say Rashford should leave the club this summer, it is difficult to look at the market and find many available players capable of scoring 30 goals a season.
    Alejandro Garnacho – STAY: Another third of the untouchables trio, Garnacho has made the right-wing his own since coming into it. He’s a raw talent but has shown he has the quality to improve.
    Rasmus Hojlund – STAY: A slow burner in his first Man Utd season, the 21-year-old has often been starved of supply which has led to him being unable to get the goals his movement and unselfish play often merits.
    Amad Diallo – STAY: In the fleeting moments he has been on the pitch for Man Utd this season, Diallo has looked dangerous and exciting. He should be given a chance to flourish with some proper chances in the first team across a whole season. More

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    Real Madrid ‘start work on NEXT Galactico transfer after Mbappe – but give Premier League clubs a year’s head start’

    REAL MADRID have already started working on a massive transfer deal for Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz.But Real aren’t planning to sign Wirtz, 21, before the summer of 2025 and have thus given the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool a year’s head start.Real Madrid are planning to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz in 2025Credit: GettyReal Madrid target Wirtz as their next Galactico after Kylian MbappeCredit: AFPMan Utd, Man City, Chelsea and Liverpool also target Leverkusen star WirtzMbappe, 25, finally confirmed he is leaving Paris Saint-Germain in June after months of reports insisting the star forward has no plans to extend his seven-year stint at Parc des Princes.The star forward looks set to join Los Blancos as a free agent on a lucrative contract.And Real are already preparing the ground for their next Galactico signing with Wirtz posing as their favourite marquee signing for the 2025-26 season.According to Marca, the Spanish champions have begun work on acquiring the playmaker at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.Read More on FootballThat means United, City, Chelsea and Liverpool, who see him as Mohamed Salah’s replacement, will have to work fast this summer or next January.This promises to be quite an intense bidding war with Bayern Munich also interested.The Germany international has set the world alight this season by starring for Xabi Alonso’ undefeated Leverkusen side.The German champions are targeting an unprecedented Treble triumph while enjoying a record 49-game unbeaten run across all competitions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Wirtz has stood out with a staggering total of 18 goals and 19 assists in 46 appearances.Real are famous for beating their competition in landing some of the world’s top young talent.England star Jude Bellingham speak in fluent spanish as Real Madrid parade LaLiga trophy leaving fans so ‘proud’Madrid proved it with the signings of Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick. More

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    Chelsea staff ignored Frank Lampard plea to sign Premier League legend BEFORE he won five titles

    FRANK LAMPARD told Chelsea to sign Sergio Aguero before he joined Manchester City.The Argentine striker, 35, came on to the radar of English football fans when he scored twice for Atletico Madrid in a 2-2 draw with Chelsea in the Champions League group stage in 2009.Frank Lampard knew about Sergio Aguero’s talent two years before he came to EnglandCredit: GettyA volley and a free-kick from Aguero ensured the Blues failed to leave Spain with a victory.In 2011, he then finally made the move to England as Man City sealed a £35million transfer.But Lampard, 45, had already seen his talent two years earlier as he later explained to Aguero when the pair linked up as Man City players.Speaking to The Club, Aguero said: “After that game [Atletico vs Chelsea in 2009], maybe two months after, my agent says to me ‘Chelsea is interested’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”I had just three years at Atletico Madrid but I love the Premier League.”But Chelsea never interested after that.”He then went on to add: “I spoke about that with Frank Lampard because Frank Lampard played with Man City.”He said when I played against him he told the staff at Chelsea to sign Aguero.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAguero ended up netting 260 goals in 390 appearances for Man City, making him the club’s all-time record scorer.He won five Premier League titles, one FA Cup and six League Cups during his time at the Etihad.Micah Richards apologises to Frank Lampard on live TV but Chelsea legend has perfect responseHe had a brief stint in Barcelona in 2021, but was then forced to retire with a heart condition.But Aguero is not the only player Lampard spotted before they moved elsewhere.As Chelsea boss, he wanted to sign both Erling Haaland and Declan Rice, before they opted to join Man City and Arsenal.Speaking about Haaland, he said: “People talk a lot about mistakes or things that could have been in football.”Whether he would have come here, I don’t know but I was pushing big and on a few other players at the time. But he was the outstanding one.”Was it close? He’ll only know the answer to that. What stage did it get to? From our point, I was certainly pushing it. I’m not sure what the appetite was everywhere else in the club to do it.”The competition was big to take him because he was an outstanding player and I think there was a buyout clause at the time which was relatively reasonable, maybe, considering the player.”So all those things. I don’t have enough detail to say how close it was, it’s by the by, really.”READ MORE SUN STORIESWhile on Rice, he said: “I wanted to bring in Declan Rice. I was like ‘this kid is going to be the captain of Chelsea for the next 10 years’.”It didn’t happen, anyway, it is hard to dissect people’s work.”How Pochettino can solve Chelsea’s midfield crisis thanks to the works of a 13th century poetBy Andy Dillon
    IT IS HIGHLY unlikely that Mauricio Pochettino is familiar with the work of Rumi.
    Whether the renowned Islamic poet and mystic had the tactical dilemmas facing Chelsea’s head coach in mind while dreaming up his scholarly works in 13th century Afghanistan, we will never know.
    It’s fair to say Rumi was not a regular in The Shed at Stamford Bridge.
    Yet one of his most famous quotations strikes right at the heart of Pochettino’s problems trying to transform his team into consistent challengers at the top end of the Premier League.
    It was Rumi who wrote so prophetically: “Two birds tied together. They will not be able to fly even though they have four wings.”
    He could have scribbled that on the back of his programme from so many of Chelsea’s games this season with regard to Moises Caicedo and Enzo Fernandez.
    There is a feeling among regular Chelsea watchers that while it is a blow on a personal level for Fernandez to be ruled out for the rest of the season with his injury problem, it may yet turn to Pochettino’s advantage.
    For it allows Caicedo to roam that patch in front of his defence with greater freedom. Both players are exceptional individual talents.
    Read Andy Dillon’s take on Chelsea’s midfield in full.
    Or check out all of Andy Dillon’s articles. More

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    Chelsea fans baffled to discover Enzo Fernandez’s farm-related nickname for returning Reece James

    ENZO FERNANDEZ sparked a “farmyard mystery” amongst Chelsea fans by revealing his nickname for Reece James.The midfielder welcomed the England defender’s latest recovery from injury by posting on his Instagram story: “The tractor is back.”Enzo Fernandez hailed Reece James’ return to fitness but surprised supporters with his label for the England starCredit: GettySupporters harvested plenty of jokes over Fernandez’s nickname for James, as revealed on the Argentinian’s Instagram storyJames is better known for tracking back – as well as his attacking forays.And the 24-year-old, who was appointed Blues’ skipper last summer, made the squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash at Nottingham Forest.But supporters appeared just as interested in Fernandez’s label for his team-mate as they were by James’ long-awaited return.One suggested: “That’s cause Reece is gonna be farming assists this season, let’s go.”READ MORE TOP STORIESAnother said: “Ploughing up and down the right flank.”And many derived a free range of puns from James’ farm-based tag.Top of the crops on that front was a prediction on the Euro 2024 hopeful’s next career move.Noting the Tractor Boys’ promotion to the Prem, one fan predicted: “He’s joining Ipswich, lads.”Most read in FootballJames, seen fending off Moises Caicedo, has trained hard after injuryCredit: GettyBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowever, James’ fitness issues over the past few years have led to many a furrowed brow.And England boss Gareth Southgate has urged the 16-cap star to develop his “physical resistance”.Watch Antonio Rudiger bring back iconic Chelsea chair celebration in wild scenes after Real Madrid win vs Bayern MunichBut for now Blues’ supporters are just delighted to see him back.Some also believe Fernandez’s message for James highlights a strong bond in the Chelsea squad as Mauricio Pochettino’s men surge into form.One fan wondered: “Are other clubs this cute and I don’t know it or we’re just extra cute?”Another expressed the same feeling more agriculturally, as he wrote: “I f***ing love this team”s connection.”But as supporters strained to work out the real reason Fernandez calls James “The Tractor,” they had to go to the other side of the globe to find the probable answer.On the other hand, it’s close to home for Argentinian World Cup winner Fernandez.Well-travelled fans chipped in with posts like: “He’s referring Reece to be as strong as a tractor. In Latin America it’s very common to say someone ‘hey you’re a tractor’ when someone is really strong.”READ MORE SUN STORIESThat certainly ties in with the “absolute unit” verdict on powerfully-built James given by many other supporters.But now he’s fit again, let’s just hope his form doesn’t blow hot and cold… otherwise, Fernandez could turn into an ex-Tractor fan! More

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    Chelsea complete first sale of summer transfer window as forgotten £37m star moves to Euro giants

    CHELSEA have reportedly completed their first sale of the summer.The Blues are looking to offload players in order to help them meet Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Hakim Ziyech is reportedly joining Galatasaray permanently from ChelseaCredit: GettyNow Fabrizio Romano claims that they have agreed the permanent exit of Hakim Ziyech.The Moroccan winger, 31, joined Galatasaray on a season long loan last summer.Now he is set to stay there long-term, according to the journalist.Romano posted on X: “Hakim Ziyech will not return to Chelsea as he’s staying to Galatasaray on permanent move.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“Obligation to buy clause, triggered and signed as Chelsea already sent letter to Gala confirming the agreement.”Speculation mounted in January that Galatasaray were contemplating terminating Ziyech’s loan early due to injury problems.However, his form in the second half of the campaign seems to have persuaded them to turn it into a long-term deal.Ziyech has scored eight goals in 21 appearances this season. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSIt remains unclear what transfer fee the English side will receive for the attacker.Chelsea forked out £34m to sign Ziyech from Ajax back in 2020.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?The star lifted the Champions League, Uefa Super Cup and Fifa Club World Cup in the first 18 months of his arrival at Stamford Bridge but he struggled to impress.After just six goals in 64 Premier League appearances, he was allowed to head to Turkey last summer.And he has shone for Gala in the top-flight, scoring six times in 16 outings.Ziyech and his Galatasaray team-mates are aiming to complete the double over the next few weeks.They are currently top of the Turkish Super Lig, six points clear of second-placed Fenerbahce.There are three games left of the season, including a crucial clash between the top two on May 19.READ MORE SUN STORIESGalatasaray were also declared Turkish Super Cup winners earlier this season after Fenerbahce forfeited the clash.Their rivals fielded an U19 team and then walked off the pitch after two minutes.Boehly’s impressively bad Chelsea jobBy Andy Dillon
    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.But 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.But 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.Not the kind of Chelsea fans who push black men off Paris Metro trains.To 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. But 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.That 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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    PSG ‘lining up mega-money replacement for Kylian Mbappe’.. and it’s bad news for Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have identified their priority target to replace departing superstar Kylian Mbappe in the summer.Mbappe, 25, will be leaving PSG at the end of the season after seven years at Parc des Princes and is expected to join Real Madrid.Paris Saint-Germain have found their top target to replace Kylian MbappeCredit: GettyPSG have prioritised Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and talks have been heldCredit: RexAccording to RMC Sport, the Parisians are now prioritising Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as the star forward’s replacement.And this poses as a major transfer blow for Chelsea, Arsenal as well as Manchester United who are also eyeing Kvaratskhelia.PSG boss Luis Enrique sees the winger as the perfect candidate to fill in for Mbappe down the left wing and discussions have already taken place.Club chiefs have travelled to Italy to meet the Georgia international’s camp.Read More on FootballThe negotiations have been described as “positive” and Kvaratskhelia was left “enthusiastic”. However, there has been no agreement between the two sides and PSG will have to splash a significant sum for the Georgian’s signature.Napoli are notoriously tough negotiators who slap a hefty fee on their top stars, such as Victor Osimhen, and are not known to budge.Kvaratskhelia has set the world alight during his two-year stint with the Partenopei.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe forward led the Serie A giants to their first Scudetto in 33 years during his maiden campaign.He now counts a total of 24 goals and 26 assists in 85 appearances across all competitions.Thierry Henry slammed for ’embarrassing take’ on Kylian Mbappe after PSG defeated in Champions League semi-finalBarcelona are also keeping tabs but Kvaratskhelia’s father Badri recently dealt all of his suitors a major blow as he suggested his son wants to stay at Napoli where he has a contract until 2027. More