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      Chelsea hand trial to Nigerian wonderkid who scored TEN goals in six matches in Italian youth tournament

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      CHELSEA have given a trial to 18-year-old Nigerian wonderkid Hafiz Umar Ibrahim.The striker met up with Mauricio Pochettino and the Chelsea squad at Cobham earlier this week.Nigerian wonderkid Hafiz Umar Ibrahim is currently on trial at ChelseaAfter undergoing strength and conditioning exercises in the gym, Ibrahim trained with the first team on Thursday.He is set to remain with the squad on trial over the next few weeks.Before being invited to London, Ibrahim was on the verge of joining Norwegian side Bodø/Glimt.While he was waiting for his flight to Norway the teenager was notified that Chelsea had expressed an interest in him, but he initially didn’t believe it.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAs he boarded the plane he then received a video call from Joe Shields, Chelsea’s co-director of recruitment and talent, and Raheem Sterling.Ibrahim travelled to Bodo and trained with the squad, but quickly decided to take his chance in West London.Before flying to England, the striker scored 10 goals in six games at the Viareggio Cup, a youth tournament that took place in Italy.Should he sign for Chelsea, Ibrahim is expected to join partner club Strasbourg on loan in France.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, if he isn’t handed a contract, clubs in Spain and Italy will be ready to swoop.The striker currently plays for Ojodu City in Nigeria.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino? More

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      Man Utd ‘chasing £52m-rated Spain international but face competition from Real Madrid, Chelsea and City’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have joined the race to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo, according to reports.The Red Devils are set to spend big this summer, with new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to overhaul the first team squad.Man Utd are interested in signing Dani OlmoCredit: GettyClub chiefs have started to draw up a list of potential targets ahead of the upcoming transfer window.And the Dail Mail claim Olmo is currently one to watch.The attacking midfielder, who can also play as a winger, has a £52million release clause that becomes active this summer.Some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are monitoring his progress ahead of a potential transfer battle at the end of the season.Read More on FootballOlmo has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 19 appearances for RB Leipzig this season.He started the campaign with a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup and has continued to impress.The 25-year-old starred for Spain against Brazil on Tuesday and scored an impressive solo goal.The match ended 3-3 following a late equaliser from Lucas Paqueta.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROlmo has impressed for RB Leipzig this seasonWhile Olmo is a key name on Man Utd’s transfer wishlist, manager Erik ten Hag also wants to sign a striker, centre-back and full-back this summer.However, the club’s budget will depend on outgoings with several players at risk of being axed.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof are among those expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.Meanwhile, the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Joao Gomes, Rodrygo and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with a move to the club. More

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      Lukaku makes dramatic transfer U-turn which could see him finally leave Chelsea on a permanent deal after Roma loan ends

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      ROMELU LUKAKU has reportedly made a dramatic transfer U-turn which could see him finally leave Chelsea on a permanent deal.The misfit striker, 30, is currently on loan at Roma after a disastrous second spell at Stamford Bridge.Romelu Lukaku has made a big transfer U-turn in a bid to quit Chelsea permanentlyCredit: RexThe bizarre switch was the only one left available to Lukaku after he saw moves to Inter Milan and Juventus fall through.Chelsea had hoped to sell him to a team in Saudi Arabia, having already offloaded Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly for big fees.But Lukaku turned down the Middle Eastern move, worth £42million per YEAR, insisting he was still capable of cutting it at the highest level in Europe.He has since gone on to score 10 goals in 25 league outings for Roma.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Goal claims Lukaku has now changed his mind over a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.The former Manchester United, Everton and West Brom striker remains desperate to leave Chelsea permanently.He accepts this will be hard to do with another European club, with many still not willing to cover his wages despite taking a cut from £350,000-a-week to around £200k-a-week with a new deal last summer.And should an offer from a Saudi side come in, Lukaku will now strongly consider it if it means exiting London for good.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhen asked about his future after producing two assists in Belgium’s 2-2 draw with England at Wembley on Tuesday, Lukaku cryptically said: “You’ll have to ask Chelsea.”The Blues have already named their price for the hitman, inserting a £37m release clause into last summer’s contract.Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?Lukaku was hailed as Chelsea’s saviour when he returned in a £100m transfer from Inter Milan in 2021.The Belgian’s first period at Stamford Bridge, between 2011 and 2014, saw him fail to score in 15 appearances for Chelsea.And hopes were high after he netted 64 times in 95 games at Inter, helping them win their first league title in 11 years.But after a bright start, Lukaku launched a bizarre attack on then-boss Thomas Tuchel and the Blues, claiming he was unhappy with the tactics and that he wanted to rejoin Inter.Lukaku ended up with just eight league goals that term and was duly granted his wish with a loan back to the San Siro.But after struggling for fitness, while also managing just 10 Serie A strikes, Lukaku failed to secure a permanent switch or a second loan, opening the door for Roma to pounce last summer.Romelu Lukaku’s career statsThose numbers in full…

      Anderlecht, 2008-2012: 98 games, 41 goals

      Chelsea, 2011-2014: 15 games, 0 goals

      West Brom, 2012-2013: 38 games, 17 goals

      Everton, 2013-2017: 166 games, 87 goals

      Man Utd, 2017-2019: 96 games, 42 goals

      Inter Milan, 2019-2021: 95 games, 64 goals

      Chelsea, 2021-2024: 44 games, 15 goals

      Inter Milan, 2022-2023: 37 games, 14 goals

      Roma, 2023-2024: 36 games, 18 goals

      Belgium, 2010-2024: 114 games, 83 goals

      Trophies: Belgian Pro League (Anderlecht); Serie A, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup (Inter Milan); Club World Cup (Chelsea) More

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      ‘It’s a shame’ says Gareth Southgate as he reveals why Chelsea star Cole Palmer missed England friendlies

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has revealed why Cole Palmer didn’t play a single minute of England’s recent friendlies.The Chelsea ace was part of The Three Lions squad for their matches against Brazil and Belgium but didn’t play in either match.Cole Palmer was part of the England squad for their recent matches with Brazil and Belgium but didn’t play a single minuteCredit: GETTYPalmer’s missing of some of The Three Lions’ training sessions led to him not featuring in the matchesCredit: GETTYFans thought the in-form Blues man would be a shoo-in to feature in one of the matches, which Southgate didn’t play him in due to his lack of training.When asked if this was a missed camp for Marcus Rashford, Southgate said: “Well, I wanted to see Anthony Gordon.”I think he’s been excellent for his club. And Marcus got on in the first game. But I wanted to see Gordon again.”I thought James Maddison coming on would be able to have an impact and, of course, Jarrod Bowen has also had a really good camp.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“So there’s competition for places. “And it’s a bit of a shame that Cole Palmer missed so much training that we weren’t able to put him into the game against Belgium.”I wouldn’t rule Cole out of that equation, either.”Palmer has been a shining light in what has been a dismal season for Chelsea, who are languishing in 11th place in the Premier League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERCole Palmer has scored 16 goals in all competitions this seasonCredit: GETTYThe former Manchester City man has scored 16 goals and provided 12 assists in 37 appearances in all competitions this campaign.Manager Mauricio Pochettino recently said of the attacking midfielder: “He is a player with an amazing talent.Fans can’t believe what Tim Sherwood said to Cole Palmer on live TV as Chelsea star is left looking awkward”It is a player that understands the game. He has the quality and the talent to see the situation and to read the game in another aspect.”He can play from the right, striker or in behind the striker.”We try to give him freedom because in this type of game he can find the best position to help the team.”For me, [the best part] is when he presses and then the intuition to get the ball back. “He is still young, but he is doing fantastically for us.”Palmer was back in action at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground on Wednesday.He’s expected to be in the starting XI on Saturday when the West Londoners welcome Prem strugglers Burnley to Stamford Bridge. More

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      Erin Cuthbert insists Chelsea aces will all have ‘moments’ to shine as Blues target Champions League progress

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      ERIN CUTHBERT says Emma Hayes knows how to bring out “the animal” in her performances on the pitch.And the Chelsea star, 25, says believes all her Blues team-mates will have a role to play in their quadruple trophy chase.Erin Cuthbert says Chelsea will need every player to contribute with games coming thick and fast in their bid to win four major trophiesCredit: AlamyA win or draw against Ajax this evening will Chelsea set up a semi-final duel with Barcelona or SK BrannCredit: GettyThis evening they take on Ajax in the second leg of their Champions League quarters duel.The Women’s Super League leaders, who hope to win the contest for the first time, are carrying a 3-0-win advantage from the first leg.Cuthbert, who rifled home a stunning shot from distance in a 2-0 defeat of West Ham on Sunday, hopes to produce goals against Ajax at Stamford Bridge.Ahead of the game against the Irons Hayes spoke of the midfielder’s team-mate Sjoeke Nusken being more of a natural goal scorer.Read More Football Stories In response to her gaffer’s remarks, Cuthbert said: “Emma knows how to get at me, that’s for sure.”She knows how to provoke me and find a little bit of an animal inside me and she knows that as well. She knows how to wind me up.”But Sjoeke has been in brilliant form as well and that’s important to say. We’ve needed her at this time of the season.”I think everyone’s going to have their moments. Sunday was mine and Aggie’s (Beever-Jones’) moment.”Most read in Football“The week before it was Sjoeke and we need everyone to contribute over this period especially when we’ve got so many games.”Following their loss to Chelsea last Tuesday Ajax have maintained their winning form in the Netherlands’ women’s top-flight.The Amsterdam side are currently second in the Eredevisie and four points behind FC Twente after a run of 14 wins and three draws in 18 games.Suzanne Bakker’s players come into tonight’s match off the back of a 3-2 defeat of Zwolle in their league, with Romee Leuchter netting a hat-trick.Prior to their quarter-final tie with the Blues Ajax captain Sherida Spitse, 33, spoke of the need for Ajax to playing without fear of making mistakes.The Netherlands midfielder, who has made 73 top tier appearances for her club said: “I say to the team every time in training, and before games, you are here because you are good.”Of course, sometimes things are going wrong in the game.”You can make mistakes, but you need to ask for ball again, if you don’t do that, then you get scared.”Emma Hayes expects Chelsea’s opponents will be aggressive on the pitch with the Dutch club facing a last eight exit.Should the Blues triumph this evening it will be their sixteenth win out of 17 games across all competitions dating back to December 17.It would also see them pick up their third victory across all contests in eight days.While Chelsea are due to battle Arsenal for the final of this year’s Conti Cup this Sunday, Hayes’ players are fully focused on tonight’s match.The Blues boss said: “We only play one game at a time. I’m not thinking about Sunday.Sjoeke Nusken was among the scorers in Chelsea’s 3-0 defeat of Ajax last time outCredit: Getty”We know Ajax are going to come out to and be aggressive, we’re expecting and that they have to.”This is a competition where only one team advances, so we’re prepared for the aggression from the opponent and their learnings.READ MORE SUN STORIES”They’re a good side and it’s important for us to keep all of our focus and attention on this.”Chelsea vs Ajax can be watched live on DAZN’s women’s football channel on YouTube from 8:00pm this evening. More

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      Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea star Olivier Giroud agrees transfer to join new club aged 37

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      AC MILAN striker Olivier Giroud is set to join MLS side Los Angeles FC in a permanent transfer.The 37-year-old was first linked with the club back in October.Olivier Giroud is set to join LAFCCredit: AFPBut according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a verbal agreement has been reached.Giroud’s proposed contract will be valid until December 2025.The Frenchman is yet to officially sign, but his deal is close to being completed.Giroud has spent the last three years with AC Milan.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSo far this season he has scored 14 goals and provided nine assists in 36 appearances across all competitions.Prior to joining the Serie A giants he spent three years at Chelsea, where he won the Europa League, Champions League and FA Cup.But arguably his most memorable spell was with Arsenal.Giroud joined the Gunners in a £9.6million transfer from Montpellier in June 2012.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSGiroud has impressed for AC Milan this seasonHe went on to make 253 appearances, scoring 105 goals and providing 41 assists.The striker won the coveted Puskas Award during his time in north London after scoring a sensational scorpion kick against Crystal Palace in 2017.Olivier Giroud goes IN GOAL for AC Milan and makes wonder save Giroud has also established himself as a France legend over the years.He became the country’s all-time top goalscorer at the 2022 World Cup after surpassing Thierry Henry’s record.However, in December he admitted that Euro 2024 could be his last major tournament.Giroud told TéléFoot: “I’m not planning beyond the short-term. The most important thing is to be fit and competitive, these Euros are an objective.”We nearly got it in 2016, and it is a trophy that I would love to win with France.”It will maybe, probably, be my last competition, but I can’t tell you what will happen after.”Seven ex-Prem stars now playing in MLS
      1 – Hugo Lloris, LAFC
      Lloris made an emotional exit from Tottenham in December having failed to secure a move away from North London last summer.
      He has since made five MLS appearances.
      2 – Luis Suarez, Inter Miami
      A Liverpool great, Suarez currently plays for David Beckham’s Inter Miami, alongside ex-Barcelona team-mates Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
      The club is even managed by former Barca boss Tata Martino.
      3 – Xherdan Shaqiri, Chicago Fire
      Shaqiri joined Chicago Fire from Lyon back in 2022. He joined in a £5.6m transfer, becoming the club’s most expensive player.
      The midfielder has since made 67 appearances.
      4 – Christian Benteke, D.C. United
      The former Aston Villa, Liverpool and Crystal Palace striker could be unplayable on his day in the Premier League, but also went through notorious dry spells in front of goal.
      Benteke joined DC United in 2022 when former England captain Wayne Rooney was in charge.
      5 – DeAndre Yedlin, Inter Miami
      The American international right-back has gone from lining-up behind Jeff Hendrick or Ayoze Perez at Steve Bruce’s Newcastle to sharing a flank with Messi in South Florida.
      Quite the rise for the full-back, who also played for Sunderland and, very briefly, Tottenham during his time in England.
      6 – Teemu Pukki, Minnesota United
      The Finnish striker has swapped Norfolk for the Twin Cities on the banks of the Mississippi River in Minnesota.
      Pukki joined Minnesota United in June last year after scoring 88 goals in more than 200 appearances for the Canaries in the Premier League and Championship.
      7 – Victor Wanyama, CF Montreal
      The Kenyan midfielder made his name in English football with Southampton and Tottenham before heading to MLS.
      Wanyama, who starred for Celtic before moving to the Premier League, now has more than 100 appearances for Canadian side CF Montreal. More

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      Chelsea fans beg Mauricio Pochettino to ‘reconsider’ Romelu Lukaku after ‘outrageous’ assist against England

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      CHELSEA fans suddenly want Romelu Lukaku back after his insane” assist for Belgium against England.The Roma loanee conjured a curling cross with the outside of his left foot for Youri Tielemans to net with a flying header at Wembley.Youri Tielemans headed his second goal of the evening for Belgium, thanks to a stunning cross from Romelu LukakuCredit: GettyLukaku showed skill and invention to conjure this classy assistThat second goal of the night from Tielemans left the visitors 2-1 up at half-time in Tuesday’s friendly, Ivan Toney having replied with a penalty.And Blues’ fans raved over Lukaku’s inventive intervention – telling boss Mauricio Pochettino the 30-year-old can solve their strike problems.Keeper Jordan Pickford was to blame for Tielemans’ opener.But it was Lewis Dunk who was severely punished by Lukaku’s “incredible skill” just before the break.Most read in FootballThe former Manchester United targetman smuggled the ball off the Brighton defender, before showing sublime vision.The ex-Inter Milan hero delicately bent the ball round the front of the England defence for Tielemans to dive at the back post and nod in.Blues’ supporters rushed in with social media posts like: “Recall Lukaku back to Chelsea now.”Another said: “That Lukaku cross was filthy. Get him back to Chelsea immediately.”Most read in FootballA third wrote: “Imagine if Chelsea had a forward like Romelu Lukaku, the experience and quality he would bring would be amazing. Oh wait!!”And a fourth added: “What a cross from Lukaku, I think Chelsea needs to reconsider this guy.  “Young stars set to shine at Euro 2024But one fan reckons Chelsea should instead try to cash in on a player who has spent the last two seasons on loan at Inter and now Roma.He said: “Seriously though that’s an outrageous assist from Lukaku. Hopefully the Saudis are watching.” More

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      Man Utd ‘consider shock Ivan Toney transfer approach in blow to Chelsea pursuit of Brentford star’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock transfer for Ivan Toney, according to reports. The Red Devils are in the market for a new forward in the summer to compete with Rasmus Hojlund.Ivan Toney is has emerged as a shock target on Man Utd’s radarCredit: RexToney could move to Old Trafford as Man Utd ponder the type of striker they want in the summerCredit: EPAAnd, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, their search may land them on Brentford ace Toney.Toney has made no secret of his desire to leave the Bees for pastures new in the summer. Man Utd are yet to finalise their summer transfer strategy following the investment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, who have been handed control over the clubs football operations after a decade of mediocrity under the Glazers.Ratcliffe and his new team are still ironing out certain profiles they want, and are deciding between bringing an experienced or younger frontman.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut, according to Romano in his daily briefing column for CaughtOffside, Toney’s availability could prompt Man Utd to make a move.Romano said: “It’s just one of the options to be considered and discussed internally. “Man United are still in early stages of the process to decide which striker they want to sign; experienced or young. “Talks are gonna take place internally, Toney will be one of the names available on the market so could be one to watch.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAt the age of 28, Toney would offer a wealth of experience without age being a risk.Arsenal and Chelsea are among the other clubs who have been linked with the star.Inside Ivan Toney’s Life As A FootballerHowever, SunSport understands the Gunners have cooled their interest, leaving the Blues, Tottenham and West Ham as the main parties in the running to have expressed interest.That is of course, barring a move from Man Utd to bring Toney to Old Trafford.Toney unlikely to let opportunity slideBy Charlie Wyett
      IVAN TONEY will be backing himself to beat Ollie Watkins in the race to Euro 2024.
      Because when it comes to supreme self-confidence, others might call it extraordinary arrogance, Toney gives Zlatan Ibrahimovic — football’s ultimate bighead — a run for his money.
      If, heaven forbid, something did happen to Harry Kane ahead of the summer tournament in Germany, Brentford striker Toney would likely see himself the only viable alternative as a replacement No 9.
      Equally, if England found themselves in another shootout at this year’s final in Berlin on July 14, most would want the bloke who has scored 35 of his 38 career penalties to be one of Gareth Southgate’s takers.
      Aston Villa forward Watkins, 28, is enjoying the best season of his career with 22 goals in all competitions but his Euros trial did not go so well with a disappointing performance in the 1-0 defeat by Brazil on Saturday.
      Against Belgium, Toney is unlikely to make the same mistake.
      A strong performance could see the Brentford ace continue on his journey from footballing outcast to, potentially, a national hero this summer.

      Given Erik ten Hag likes to utilise a physically dominant forward such as Sebastien Haller at Ajax or Wout Weghorst at Man Utd last season, it stands to reason that Toney would compliment the Dutchman’s system.In the meantime, Toney is set to start for England in their friendly against Belgium.Toney returned to football in January following a betting ban.In that time he has netted four goals in ten Premier League games, but blanked in each of his last five.Here’s how Toney has performed this season More