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    Chelsea ‘offer £77m and two stars including Lukaku to Napoli in sensational swap transfer for Victor Osimhen’

    CHELSEA are willing to fork out £77million, Romelu Lukaku AND another player for Victor Osimhen this summer, according to reports.The Blues are set to retool once again following another disappointing season.Victor Osimhen could be on the move this summerCredit: RexRomelu Lukaku could be thrown into a Chelsea deal for OsimhenCredit: RexWith Mauricio Pochettino’s side looking light up front at times this term, signing a new striker will be on the agenda.According to Italian transfer expert DiMarzio, the Blues have made initial contact with Napoli regarding a deal for Osimhen.The 25-year-old has been among Serie A’s best strikers since moving to Italy from Lille in 2020.With two years remaining on his contract, this could be the summer that Napoli look to cash in on the Nigerian.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea are claimed to be willing to use forgotten man Lukaku in a deal to sign Osimhen.The Belgian, 30, rejoined the Blues in a disastrous £97.5m deal in 2021.He has spent the last two seasons out on loan – firstly at Inter Milan then this time around at Roma.With two years also still remaining on his deal, the Blues will look to get his salary off their wage bill for good this summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIn addition to £77m plus Lukaku, Chelsea are also claimed to be willing to throw in a young player to sweeten the deal.Osimhen helped Napoli to a historic Serie A title victory last season.Watch Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen celebrate on top of BUS after Napoli’s stunning win at JuventusThis time around he has scored 14 goals in 22 appearances, having missed chunks of the campaign due to a hamstring injury and Afcon.Lukaku, meanwhile, has netted 11 goals in 29 Serie A appearances for Roma, with 19 in all competitions.Chelsea are likely to face strong competition for Osimhen’s signature.Paris Saint-Germain hold interest in the striker, and plan to enter negotiations imminently.The French champions are set to lose Kylian Mbappe this summer, with the forward confirming that he will be leaving Parc des Princes upon the conclusion of his contract.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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    Jose Mourinho targeted for lucrative return to management four months after ex-Chelsea and Man Utd boss sacked by Roma

    JOSE MOURINHO has been targeted for a lucrative return to management in Saudi Arabia, according to reports. The former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss has been out of a job since being sacked by Roma in January.Jose Mourinho could soon be managing in Saudi ArabiaMourinho has been linked with a move back to the Blues, but ruled himself out of the running after revealing he refuses to attend games despite living less than two minutes from Stamford Bridge.However, the Portuguese could soon find himself managing in the Middle East.According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Saudi side Al-Qadsiah want Mourinho as their manager for next season.The club are set to be promoted up to the Saudi Pro League from the Saudi First Division and have “huge ambitions” to challenge the four Public Investment Fund (PIF) owned clubs; Al-Ittihad, Al-Ahli, Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAl-Qadsiah, who are based in the eastern Saudi city of Al Khobar, are owned by petroleum giants Aramco.Jacobs’ report adds Mourinho is due in the city later this month.He has previously rejected mega-money offers from the league from the likes of Al-Shabab.It was reported at the time that Mourinho was on “stand-by” for a job that would “motivate” him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 65-year-old has used his time away from football to head to both a Formula One race and wave the chequered flag at a Moto GP race.However, he has also been racking his brain on new tactical innovations.Jose Mourinho waves chequered flag at Portuguese GP as ex-Chelsea and Man Utd boss drops huge hint about football returnAnd he revealed last month how he believes a manager will one day not play with a goalkeeper as they attempt to score late on in a game. More

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    Little-known rule could see Man Utd sign Barcelona striker target on free transfer in huge boost to Ten Hag

    MANCHESTER UNITED could reportedly sign Vitor Roque on a free transfer due to a little-known rule.The Brazilian star has impressed since arriving at Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense.Vitor Roque could leave Barcelona on a free transferCredit: GettyRoque, 19, has scored twice for the LaLiga giants in his 13 appearances and is expected to get even better.However, he could be set for a quick exit from Barcelona due to registration rules.MundoDeportivo have claimed that Roque could be loaned next season if Barcelona can not register him.This has sparked the interest of Sevilla, Real Betis, Napoli and Nice as well as Man United.READ MORE MAN UTD NEWSThe report suggests that the clubs have contacted Roque’s representatives about the situation.Roque cost Barcelona £35million in 2023 and signed a contract that will run until 2031.His deal has a release clause worth £430m.The report does suggest that there is an extreme situation that could see Roque leave the club permentantly.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThis would be that if he is not registered he could be considered as a free agent.It would be similar to the cases of Inigo Martinez and Ilkay Gundogan.Erik Ten Hag Press Conference ahead of Crystal Palace clashThe two stars had to wait until Barcelona trimmed their wage bill to be able to afford and register them. Therefore there is a chance that the Red Devils could swoop and sign Roque for nothing.However, it is claimed that Roque wants to remain at Barcelona and would only consider going out on loan. More

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    Premier League clubs on red alert as Jan Oblak is ‘put on sale by Atletico Madrid and desperate for transfer to England’

    PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have been put on alert after Jan Oblak was reportedly put up for sale.The Atletico Madrid stopper is widely considered one of the best in the world in his position.Jan Oblak could leave Atletico Madrid this summerCredit: AlamyOblak, 31, has been at the LaLiga outfit since 2014 and has made 441 appearances in all competitions.However, the Slovenian’s spot at the club has changed as he is now no longer considered “nontransferable”.Spanish outlet AS has claimed that Oblak will be put “on the market” this summer.This is due to Atletico wanting to make changes to its squad after a disappointing LaLiga campaign.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe club currently sits 4th in the table, 20 points behind leaders Real Madrid.It is suggested that Atletico want to trim the wage budget with Oblack one of the highest earners.The goalkeeper is reportedly earning £8.56million per year, which works out to £165,000-per-week.The report claims that Oblak has a release clause of £102m but a market value of closer to £30m.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOblak has been a target for Premier League clubs for multiple years.Manchester United were tipped with a move before they signed Andre Onana last summer.Atletico Madrid’s wonder goalkeeper Jan Oblak shows off his skills in training It is said that he would prefer a move to England, having rejected an offer from Saudi Arabia last summer.However, the report has added that Oblak would prioritise staying at the Metropolitano Stadium.His options in the Premier League could be limited as Man United, Tottenham, Arsenal and Liverpool all have cemented first-choice goalkeepers.Chelsea could be one option as Robert Sanchez has failed to impress since his arrival from Brighton and Hove Albion last summer.Dorde Petrović has done well when filling in for the Spaniard but the Blues could look for an upgrade on the 24-year-old. More

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    Chelsea 2 Tottenham 0: Pochettino gets revenge on former team as Blues deal Spurs’ Champions League hopes fatal blow

    ANGE POSTECOGLOU deserves all he gets for being a Billy Joel fan.By quoting Mr Supermarket Music to defend his dislike of boring, set-piece practice, Tottenham’s manager betrayed himself twice.Nicolas Jackson scored Chelsea’s second as they sealed a 2-0 win over TottenhamCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino got revenge on his old teamCredit: AFPWhile Ange Postecoglou cast a miffed figure on the sidelinesCredit: AFPHe firstly ruined any street cred he may wish for and secondly revealed to every opposition manager that he does not care for such trivial things as free kicks and corners.And so Chelsea duly carved his team open twice from free kicks to leave his hopes of qualifying for the Champions League in his first season hanging by a thread.Defeat here leaves Tottenham fifth, seven points behind Aston Villa and now with just one game in hand.And with only four games to go it is highly unlikely they will somehow recover from their alarming dip in form to make it to the Promised Land.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLConceding from similar free kicks in each half made it three defeats on the spin with Liverpool and title-chasing Manchester City still to play.But more than failing to reach the top four in his debut year, Postecoglou is learning at great cost how Tottenham contrive to cock it up around this time each season.This was their second London derby defeat inside four days too, suggesting his players need to toughen up when it comes to facing the neighbours.Two down to Arsenal inside half an hour on Sunday, they were caught on the hop again, proving they haven’t learned any lessons from the weekend or from recent history as another season of such promise threatens to crumble in the home stretch.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSJust 25 minutes had gone when they went down to the first dead ball situation.Chelsea captain Conor Gallagher hooked a free kick into the box to find defender Trevoh Chalobah surging forward and free to loop a classy header over keeper Guglielmo Vicario.Jose Mourinho’s iconic first Chelsea press conferenceVAR tried to come to Tottenham’s rescue with delays to check nonsensical possible offside then a foul. But after the usual lengthy delay, Chalobah’s goal stood and Postecoglou found his team up against it again.Big Ange is having problems getting a tune out of his team at the crucial part of the campaign. Sound familiar Spurs fans?It was the son who got things going with Trevoh Chalobah lifting his top to reveal a T-shirt carrying the slogan ‘Jehovah’s Son’ across the chest as he wheeled away in delight after scoring first.Tottenham captain Son Heung-Min was anonymous.  His supply line cut off as Tottenham were overwhelmed. Spurs are running out of steam.James Maddison, signed with such expectation last summer, is fading from view.Chelsea were more clinical than the visitorsChalobah impressed at CBHaving been subbed in his last nine games he finally bit the bullet and was dropped altogether last night.The £40million midfielder has not completed a full 90 minutes since Brighton at home on February 10. His England place for the Euros is not safe.It wasn’t even as if Chelsea suddenly found a string of superstars to roll out on a big night at Stamford Bridge. It was the same old bunch that has pitched and rolled like a North Sea trawler all season long.Boss Pochettino even hinted there could be some surprises in his selection. With a crippling injury list, added to by the absences of Thiago Silva and fellow centre half Axel Disasi, he was not wrong there.Trevoh Chalobah put in a starring display and was rewarded with a goalCredit: PAThe defeat leaves Spurs with a mountain to climb for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyThe bench was not so much a ‘Who’s who?’ As a ‘Who’s he?’ with greenhorns Zak Sturge, Josh Acheampong, Tyrique George and Kiano Dyer among the 20-man matchday squad.Last night was eight years to the day since the notorious Battle of the Bridge resulting in nine bookings, a six match ban for Spurs’ Mousa Dembele and a punch up on the pitch.Early hopes of a repeat performance came and went with Cristian Romero and Nicolas Jackson shoving each other in a petty dispute at a dead ball in no man’s land just two minutes in. After that Spurs became Chelsea’s punch bag. Jackson went agonisingly close to putting them ahead after only five minutes.Put through on the chase by Mykhailo Mudryk, Chelsea’s erratic centre forward did everything right for once, slipping the ball through Vicario’s legs. Luckily, Spurs have flying Dutchman Mick van de Ven – clocked at more than 23 mph this season – in the ranks and he scampered back to hook the shot off the line, earning a massive hug from his mightily relieved keeper.Spurs’ set piece woesBY TOM BARCLAY
    ANGE POSTECOGLOU took the blame after another set-piece disaster left Tottenham’s Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
    Trevoh Chalobah and Nicolas Jackson headed home from free-kicks to take the number of goals Spurs have shipped from dead-ball situations to SIXTEEN this season, excluding penalties.
    Only Luton, Sheffield United and Nottingham Forest have conceded more in a week where Postecoglou downplayed the importance of set-pieces.
    “We didn’t have the mindset that I expect us to have. That’s on me, I’ve got to take responsibility for that.
    “I’m the one putting them out there and preparing them for it. When we’re so far off it, I’ve got to look at myself and see how I’m preparing this team for it.
    “We lacked a real conviction and positive mindset in our football. We didn’t really have any fluency, any sort of aggression with and without the ball.
    “It’s a bit unlike us because if nothing else we’ve always been competitive.”
    He later added: “We had bigger issues tonight than set pieces.”

    At least last weekend they put up a fight against the Gunners. Here they settled in to be overrun from start to finish, making a fairly average Chelsea team look like world beaters.A few half chances with Pape Sarr having a shot deflected and Brennan Johnson scuffing one wide in the second half . Postecoglou went from irate madman in the first half to deflated and defeated in the second, especially after Jackson grabbed the winner 18 minutes from the end.Palmer chipped in a free kick which cannoned off the crossbar. And given that free kicks don’t matter at Spurs, nobody bothered to pick up Chelsea’s centre forward who pounced to head in.READ MORE SUN STORIESIt’s the 16th time they have conceded from a set-piece. Postecoglou quoted Joel song ‘You May Be Right’ to justify his decision to ignore free kicks and corners but it’s hitting a duff note.Victory takes Chelsea up to eighth, above West Ham. They are now just three points behind sixth-placed Manchester United with their own dreams of Europe improving. More

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    Chelsea set to make £47m transfer bid for Brazil teen dubbed ‘Messinho’ who came through same academy as Endrick

    CHELSEA look set to launch a huge bid for Brazilian 17-year-old Estevao Willian, according to reports in Brazil.The club are prepared to pay £25.5million for the wonderkid initially, with a further £21m in potential add-ons.Willian has made 12 appearances for PalmeirasCredit: AFPWillian’s prodigious talent has seen the Palmeiras youngster earn the nickname ‘Messinho’ – after Lionel Messi.He plays on the wing but that hasn’t stopped people calling him Messinho rather than his actual name.Brazillian outlet UOL report that Chelsea are “strongly” in the race for Willian but Palmeiras are braced for offers from several top clubs.The report also claims that Chelsea have failed in two prior attempts to sign Willian.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA product of Palmeiras’ academy, Willian is a team-mate of soon-to-be Real Madrid player Endrick.Endrick agreed to join Madrid in December 2022 when he was just 16 with a transfer fee that could rise to as much as £50m.Willian appears to be the latest off the Palmeiras production line and his hype is matching that of Madrid’s latest golden boy.Given that, it appears that even Chelsea’s latest offer of up to £47m may not be enough to convince Palmeiras to sell, as they may wait for a bidding war to ensue.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSDue to employment laws Willian would not be able to move until next summer when he turns 18.It’s the same situation that Real Madrid dealt with for their transfer of Endrick, with them having to wait until this summer for him to join the club.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadiumWillian has played 12 senior games for Palmeiras so far, with much of his reputation having been built in the club’s academy.Todd Boehly’s strategy since taking over Chelsea has seen him aggressively sign young talent, with the American businessman spending over £1billion on transfer fees since he took over the club.The Blues currently have young talents Andrey Santos, Deivid Washington and Angelo on their books but only Washington has made an appearance for Chelsea so far. More

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    Man Utd frontrunners to land Michael Olise ahead of Arsenal and Chelsea as transfer release clause is revealed

    MANCHESTER UNITED are rated favourites to land Michael Olise ahead of Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal.Crystal Palace’s uncapped winger, 22, reportedly has a £50million-plus release clause becoming active this summer.Palace assist king Michael Olise is a top target for Prem giantsCredit: RexDortmund loanee winger Jadon Sancho is likely to exit United permanentlyCredit: GettyIt’s understood United’s new minority owners INEOS regard Olise as a core transfer target in what could be a major summer shake-up.ESPN reckon the Red Devils are frontrunners for the France Under-21 star, despite being unable to offer Champions League football next term.United could offer former Eagles right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka  in part-exchange.Meanwhile, wideman Jadon Sancho seems certain to depart Old Trafford permanently this summer, having fallen out with boss Erik ten Hag before thriving on loan with old club Borussia Dortmund. READ MORE ON MAN UTDOlise’s standing has remained sky high with Premier League giants this season, even though hamstring problems have limited his game-time.The London-born ace’s release clause is said to be around £50m-£60m – a huge rise on the £35m figure in his previous clause.Chelsea are thought to have come close to signing Olise last summer.Arsenal have been persistent admirers too, while Liverpool and even Manchester City have been linked with him over the current campaign.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSOlise was with the Gunners, Chelsea for seven years and Man City as a kid.He was then at Reading from 2017-21 before joining Palace.Pique reveals he and Lionel Messi were lined up for double transfer to Premier League giants before Man Utd swoopedOlise has now emerged as something of a goal-making king, notching 20 assists in 79 Prem games, as well as scoring 11 times.And not surprisingly the Eagles would love to somehow fend off so-called bigger clubs and keep him for at least another year. More

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    Jose Mourinho reveals he refuses to attend Chelsea games despite living ‘two minutes from Stamford Bridge’

    CHELSEA icon Jose Mourinho has revealed the reason he feels he cannot attend games at Stamford Bridge.The self professed Special One is the Blues’ most successful manager of all time, having won three Premier League titles, three League Cups and an FA Cup.Jose Mourinho has revealed why he feels he cannot attend games at Stamford BridgeCredit: PAIt comes despite the legendary Blues boss being a fan favouriteCredit: RexChelsea’s struggles under Mauricio Pochettino this season led to the Stamford Bridge faithful chanting Mourinho’s name following a 2-2 draw with Brentford in March.Reports earlier this year had also linked him with a return for a third spell at the club, with one fan asking him about a possible return in March.However, the 65-year-old does not feel that he can attend games at his stomping ground despite living just two minutes from the stadium.Speaking to A Bola, Mourinho said: “I’ve always kept myself apart from any unethical behaviour.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”In London, I live two minutes from Chelsea’s stadium, from my house you can hear the goals and people’s demonstrations.”The day the stadium started singing my name, I stopped going to football. I have to go to other stadiums.”It takes 20-30 minutes from my [other] house to [Benfica’s stadium] Luz. I went to two or three games.”They started asking questions like [will you become manager] and I’m not going anymore. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”They screwed my life up with those questions.”Mourinho’s two stints with Chelsea saw him sacked in 2007 and 2015 respectively.I played under Jose Mourinho when Chelsea had seven national captains in starting XI… I know what truly made him specialHe also enjoyed stints in England with Manchester United and Tottenham.The Portuguese was sacked from his most recent job at Roma in January.Mourinho admitted when attending the Saudi Arabia Formula One Grand Prix that he would get back into management “tomorrow” if he could.And he has already revealed one tactical innovation he feels could soon become a reality, playing without a goalkeeper.In the meantime, Chelsea are hoping to keep their European hopes alive by beating Tottenham this evening.A win will move them to within two points of seventh place Newcastle.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