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    ‘This guy isn’t real,’ say Chelsea fans as new signing breaks Neymar’s record in Brazil

    CHELSEA fans have been left gushing over new signing Estevao Willian after he broke a record held by Neymar.The teen sensation has earned the nickname “Messinho”, and it appears to be with good reason.Estevao Willian has left fans stunned ahead of his transfer to ChelseaCredit: GettyHe has broken a record held by NeymarCredit: GettyThe Brazilian winger has been in impressive form for Palmeiras, with 16 goals to his name this season in all competitions.But a goal and assist in his most recent Brazilian Série A game against Juventude has seen him eclipse Neymar’s record for most goal contributions in the competition for an under-17.He now has a total of 18, made up of ten goals and eight assists.Neymar’s record was set back in 2009, and saw him contribute a total of 16 goals and assists.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAhead of completing his transfer to Chelsea next summer, worth up to £53million, fans have been left stunned by his talent, and a clip showing he maybe won’t stay down as often as Neymar either.Reacting on social media, one fan said: “This Estevao guy isn’t real.”Being able to be that good on the ball and make the right decisions almost every time, having the burst to go past players on the wing and having the awareness to do it centrally and make runs in behind and finish too.”A second said: “Estêvão Willian is a warrior.”Most read in FootballNeymar breaks down in tears and reveals ‘each day I am away is a day of suffering’ after injury hellA third said: “The talent of this guy is crazy.”Another said: “Defenders will suffer next season.”Neymar has also heaped praise on the prodigy, saying: “Congratulations Estêvão Willian for breaking the record!” He continued: “I hope you continue shining & enchanting people with your football.”Neymar, 32, achieved his record with Santos before joining Barcelona in 2013. He later moved to Paris Saint-Germain, where he had an underwhelming spell, before joining Al Hilal where he has struggled with injury. More

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    Shakhtar Donetsk chief tells off Chelsea saying ‘you don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it’

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK general director Sergiy Palkin has slammed Chelsea for not knowing how to use “Ferrari” Mykhailo Mudryk.The Ukrainian has failed to make his mark in the Prem after signing from Shakhtar for £88.5m in January 2023.FC Shakhtar Donetsk CEO Sergei Palkin has questioned how Chelsea use MudrykMykhailo Mudryk has failed to hit the mark at Stamford BridgeChelsea flop Mudryk has scored just seven goals and provided seven assists in 66 appearances for the Blues.The winger has struggled to hold down a regular place in the team, which has been compounded by the arrival of Jadon Sancho, Pedro Neto and Joao Felix this summer – all of whom are above him in the pecking order.The 23-year-old has started just ONE game this season, where he was hauled off at half-time in Chelsea’s 6-2 win at Wolves.And his most recent blow came after being left out of Chelsea’s matchday squad to take on Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday – which the Blues lost 2-1. READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut now Shakhtar director Palkin has accused Chelsea of not having a plan for the Ukraine international and likened him to a sportscar.Palkin told GOAL: “You don’t need a Ferrari if you don’t know how to drive it.“A normal car will do. If you buy a Ferrari, you should think about how to handle it. That’s my opinion on Mudryk at Chelsea.”I am sure that he will show his qualities when he gets the chance.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMudryk is linked with a move away from Chelsea”He is an absolute difference maker, which can also be seen in his appearances for the Ukrainian national team. There are very few players in this category.”Mudryk was locked in a transfer tussle between top-flight rivals Arsenal and Chelsea but eventually settled on a move to West London. Mykhailo Mudryk reveals his cheat meal and best Chelsea pals in Q&A The Gunners had led the charge for Mudryk before Chelsea swooped in to hijack the deal.Mikel Arteta’s side then signed Leandro Trossard for £30m from Brighton instead.Bizzarely enough, Trossard missed a penalty in Arsenal’s Champions League tie against Shakhtar Donetsk on Tuesday night.Meanwhile, fans were shocked to spot Mudryk cheering on his former side, who lost 1-0 at the Emirates after Gabriel Martinelli’s tame shot hit in off goalkeeper Dmytro Riznyk’s backside inside 29 minutes.Mudryk was spotted at the Emirates as Shakhtar Donetsk took on Arsenal in the Champions League More

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    Chelsea ‘make transfer enquiry for Christantus Uche’ months after he was signed from Spanish third tier for £400k

    CHELSEA have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus Uche ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Uche, 21, joined the LaLiga side from Spanish third-tier outfit Ceuta in July for a bargain €500,000 (£416,000) and has since taken the top flight by storm.Chelsea have enquired about Getafe sensation Christantus UcheCredit: GettyUche has taken LaLiga by storm after joining Getafe from the Spanish third tier last summerCredit: AlamyThe versatile midfielder has started in all 10 league matches this season and even scored on his debut against Athletic Bilbao to save a point in a 1-1 draw for Jose Bordalas’ side.According to Relevo, the Nigerian is already attracting interest ahead of the January transfer window.And Chelsea are among Uche’s suitors as they are closely following his incredible development.The same source claims the Blues have already enquired about the playmaker and discussed a potential deal.Read More on FootballIt is understood that the ex-Nigeria youth international has an “affordable termination clause” on his contract, which runs until 2028.Uche’s stunning rise has also caught the eye of his national team and thus a first ever senior Nigeria call-up is now imminent.The versatile player, who can also play as a false nine, has turned a lot of heads in LaLiga this season despite having no experience at elite level before his move to the Coliseum. Uche amassed a total of 36 appearances last term with Ceuta, where he also picked up two assists.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe attacking midfielder quickly won over Bordalas and the rest of his team-mates.And thus Uche is now fully focused on his new team, which has yet to kick into gear.Chelsea star spotted at Emirates Stadium watching Arsenal’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar DonetskGetafe are currently 16th in the table after three losses and only one win in 10 matches.Chelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

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    Arsenal ‘battling Chelsea and Barcelona for shock Jhon Duran transfer’ with ’40 clubs’ chasing £75million striker

    ASTON VILLA striker Jhon Duran is reportedly attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.The 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign so far at Villa Park.Arsenal and Barcelona are among the clubs interested in Jhon DuranCredit: GettyAston Villa want £75m for the strikerCredit: GettyIn 11 appearances so far this season, Duran has scored six goals – one of which fired Villa to a huge Champions League win over Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.He is now one of the most sought-after young players in Europe.According to AS Colombia, Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea are among FORTY clubs interested in signing the forward.But he will not be allowed to leave Aston Villa for anything less than £75million.Read More in FootballDuran, who joined Unai Emery’s side from Chicago Fire in January 2023, is under contract at Villa Park until June 2030 having penned a new deal earlier this month.Villa striker Ollie Watkins has also been linked with a move to Arsenal in the past.The Gunners are understood to be in the market for a new striker amid doubts surrounding the future of Gabriel Jesus.They held a strong interest in RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko in the early stages of the summer transfer window.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, he instead signed a contract extension with the German side.Alexander Isak, Dusan Vlahovic, Victor Osimhen and Viktor Gyokeres have also been linked.Did officials cheat Arsenal with dramatic Man City winner and Saliba red card? More

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    Chelsea ‘freeze out highly-rated academy star, 18, until he agrees new contract’ in unusual move amid standoff

    CHELSEA have reportedly frozen out a highly-rated academy teenager until he signs a new contract.It is claimed the Blues told defender Josh Acheampong he will not play for the first team or the development squad while he stalls over the fresh terms.Josh Acheampong has been frozen out by Chelsea after reportedly refusing to sign a new contractCredit: GettyAcheampong, 18, is currently tied down at Stamford Bridge until 2026.According to The Athletic, Chelsea are said to have opened talks over an extension to secure his long-term future at the club. But with negotiations stalling, he has been exiled from competitive action. Acheampong established himself as the third-choice right-back during pre-season under Enzo Maresca – after making his senior debut for Mauricio Pochettino in May, three days before his 18th birthday.READ MORE ON CHELSEACaptain Reece James and Malo Gusto are the recognised top two.Although the club showed interest in Pedro Lima from Sport Recife – who eventually joined Wolves – Acheampong looked set to be around the first-team set-up with Maresca in charge.However, his only appearance of the season came as a second-half substitute against Barrow in the Carabao Cup on September 24. Notably, though, he was not included in the matchday squads for the games against Bournemouth and West Ham last month when both James and Gusto were unavailable. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMaresca, instead, opted for centre-backs Axel Disasi and Wesley Fofana to fill in. Even more alarmingly, Acheampong has not played for the Under-21s since September 15.Chelsea Player Ratings vs LiverpoolThat is despite starting four of their first five games of the season.Acheampong was left out of the squad for the Premier League Cup clash at Bournemouth on Monday.But he is not injured – and even featured twice for England U20s during the October international break. The report claims the situation will not be resolved unless he puts pen to paper on a new deal.But Chelsea are hopeful of tying their highly-rated youngster down, especially amid interest from other clubs.The likes of fellow right-backs Tariq Lamptey and Tino Livramento ended up leaving Chelsea to advance their careers.READ MORE SUN STORIESAcademy graduates Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher, meanwhile, were allowed to depart after entering the final year of their contracts.Chelsea declined to comment when approached by SunSport.Acheampong came off the bench for his Chelsea debut against Tottenham in MayCredit: GettyThe young defender shone in pre-season for the bluesCredit: GettyChelsea ratings vs LiverpoolBy Ken LawrenceLIVERPOOL held on to beat Chelsea 2-1 in a thriller as they moved to the top of the Premier League table.Mohamed Salah opened the scoring against his former club from the penalty spot after Levi Colwill tripped Curtis Jones in the box.Chelsea went into the break trailing and it was nearly worse, only for VAR to overturn a second Liverpool penalty after Robert Sanchez’s lunge on Jones.The Blues came out from the break flying and Nicolas Jackson equalised.But they failed to hold on with star of the show Jones netting the winner just minutes later.Here is how SunSport rated the Chelsea players at Anfield.ROBERT SANCHEZ – 5Survived a shocker of a challenge on Jones to not give away a pen and never convincing.REECE JAMES – 6Got through 53 minutes in first start since last December and will surely shake off the rust.TOSIN ADARABIOYO – 5  Booked early on for clattering into Diogo Jota and no surprise was hooked for the second half.LEVI COLWILL –  5Got away with one challenge against a diving Salah but a no- challenge penalty after hacked on Jones.MALO GUSTO – 7  Intelligent display and constant threat down the left flank in the first half especially.MOISES CAICEDO – 5At £105m and in Chelsea’s biggest test of the season was found badly wanting.ROMEO LAVIA – 5Got the nod over Enzo Fernandez from the start but failed to show any urgency.NONI MADUEKE – 6Always mobile and was productive playing as a right-sided attacker – giving Robertson a tough afternoon.COLE PALMER – 5  Deployed in central midfield but struggled to show his star quality and blazed over a good chance just before the break.JADON SANCHO  – 4Lacked any real spark and unsurprisingly hooked off at the start of the second half.NICOLAS JACKSON – 7Picked up a typically mouthy booking but the boy definitely has something – as his fine equaliser proved.SUBS:PEDRO NETO (for Sancho 46) – 6Looked a whole lot livelier than the wide man he took over from.BENOIT BADIASHILE (for Adarabioyo 53) – 6Looked a lot steadier than the centre-back he replaced.RENATO VEIGA (for James 53) – 5Got stuck in and was booked.ENZO FERNANDEZ (for Romeo Lavia) – 6Worked diligently to use his passing to make an impact late on.CHRISTOPHER NKUNKU (for Noni Madueke 76) – 5Found it difficult to make his presence felt as the Reds dug in to win. More

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    Is Fabrizio Romano a time traveller? Fans spot his eerie sub ‘leak’ during Liverpool’s win over Chelsea

    FORGET mystic meerkats, uncanny octopuses and even good old-fashioned crystal balls – this eerie Anfield tale might freak you out.Fans reckon Fabrizio Romano metamorphosed from transfer guru to “time traveller” – as he spooked them out with his mid-match messages in Liverpool’s 2-1 win over Chelsea.Liverpool’s Diogo Jota was at the centre of a fun ‘time-travel’ conundrum after he got injured in the 2-1 victory over ChelseaCredit: APJota had to be replaced by Darwin Nunez after just 30 minutesCredit: RexThe journalist’s millions of followers already believe he is in the loop with his transfer insights – but never before in a TIME loop.Romano saw the Reds return top of the Premier League with Arne Slot’s 10th victory in 11 matches since his summer arrival as boss.But amid a new blitz of VAR dramas, the Italian sparked a conspiracy – with the mysterious timing of his posts about Diogo Jota.The Liverpool winger was caught up in a major first-half talking point.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLWith the score goalless, the Portuguese hero escaped through the middle but was hauled down by Tosin Adarabioyo.The Chelsea centre-back was only booked, leaving Arsenal fans furious as they claimed William Saliba’s red-card foul 24 hours earlier was identical.Jota never fully recovered from the knock, meaning he was replaced by Darwin Nunez on the half-hour.Unfortunate, you might think, but nothing untoward.Most read in FootballHere’s how Fabrizio Romano sparked a mystical mysteryFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSExcept, as one fan posted: “16:43pm: Fabrizio Romano tweets Diogo Jota has left the pitch with an injury despite him not.”17:02pm: Diogo Jota leaves the pitch with an injury. Is this brother a time traveller…?”Watch Wolves’ incredible player announcement video that savages both Chelsea and Fabrizio Romano in single strokeA second observer added: “At least now we know why he knows all the transfer news? He’s a time traveller.”A third supporter noted: “He also got the replacement correct.”And a few went even further down the “sub leak” rabbit hole with suggestions like: “This just proves that football is scripted.”But others attempted to ease the conundrum by pointing out: “He left the pitch for a few minutes earlier and Nunez was warming up.”At least Romano didn’t share extra-early details of how Jota suffered his blow.Otherwise it might have been a case of Whack to the Future.Romano baffled his millions of followers by posting as fact something that only happened 19 minutes laterCredit: Sportsfile More

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    ‘John Terry tipped me to replace him at Chelsea but I only played 16 minutes in the Premier League’

    JAKE CLARKE-SALTER was  tipped by Chelsea legend John Terry to replace him at Stamford Bridge.And he even went on to win a World Cup for the England Under-20s back in 2017 alongside the likes of Fikayo Tomori, Dominic Solanke and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.John Terry thought he found his replacement at Chelsea after his departureCredit: ReutersJake Clarke-Salter trained with Terry but played just 16 minutes in the Premier LeagueCredit: GettyClarke-Salter underwent a series of loans before settling at Queens Park RangersCredit: GettyBut while his centre-back partner in that tournament, and ex-Blues team-mate, Tomori has gone on to play Champions League football for AC Milan, Clarke-Salter is battling at the bottom of the Championship with Queens Park Rangers.The defender recently signed a new four-year deal at Loftus Road and hopes his team can win only their second game of the season  when fellow early strugglers Portsmouth comes visiting on Saturday.Clarke-Salter, 27, only had 16 minutes of Premier League action in six years as a pro at Chelsea — coming on as a sub for Pedro in 2016 against Aston Villa.Terry was so impressed, he said at the time: “Jake reminds me of myself.Read More on Football“He’s doing great and I hope he goes on to take my position in the team.”Clearly that did not work out. Clarke-Salter did the hard yards in the EFL on loan with Bristol Rovers, Sunderland, Vitesse in the Netherlands, Notts County, Birmingham and then Coventry.But he ended up leaving two years ago to sign for the Rs.The centre-half said: “You can say I didn’t live up to what people thought.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“That’s something I’ve had to reflect on over the years.“I’m happy now at QPR because I’ve found my home again. I enjoy my football, which is the main thing.”’My pro football team-mate thought he was Spiderman after being spiked on night out’ | What the EFL?!Clarke-Salter believes going out on too many loans was what ultimately hindered his progress.And asked what advice he would give to any youngster in a similar  position at a top Premier League side, he said: “In all honesty, be patient.“I had an opportunity to stay around the Chelsea first team and train every day and learn a bit more — but I just wanted to play games.“So I went out at a young age, at 18 to 19, and then ended up breaking and dislocating my elbow while at Bristol Rovers.“At Chelsea, I was  training with some of the world’s best players, people like Eden Hazard, JT and Cesc Fabregas.“So I should’ve shown more patience rather than try to rush off.Looking back at Chelsea stint“Everyone has a different path. I should’ve stuck around, rather than play somewhere else as quickly as possible.“It was never like I thought I deserved to start. I had JT, Gary Cahill, David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger all ahead of me.“You should be spending time learning from them and not taking that kind of experience for granted.”Yet Clarke-Salter did have the privilege  of playing with a then 16-year-old Jude Bellingham at Birmingham.And he admitted: “Everyone knew from day one that he was going to be a world beater because of  his mentality.“We could see all the talent he had  but his willingness to work, as a 16-year-old, I’ve never seen anyone  that age do that.QPR hopes“Every day in training, he’d put his foot in and tell people who weren’t doing it right to  get on it. It’s no surprise he’s one of the best players in the world.”Boss Marti Cifuentes performed a near miracle keeping QPR in the Championship last season after inheriting a side that looked dead certs to go down.And there were high hopes in West London that the team would progress this season and push up the table.But, so far, they have only  beaten Luton Town and are yet to win at home.Yet despite this, Clarke-Salter firmly believes the Spanish coach is the  right man to take QPR to the next level — which is why he committed to a new long-term contract.The defender explained: “The new  manager has been massive for the club and myself.Happy at QPR“I suit the style he wants to play. Hopefully there’s  a good future here.“We’ve got a lot of new players and  a new way of playing — so it’s just about gelling now.“Everyone is trying to implement the gaffer’s ideas. It’s a long season.“What I like about the gaffer is his ideas and the way he sees football — his philosphy, his calming presence, the way he speaks to the players.“He has a good understanding and is a great man-manager.”Newly-promoted Pompey are one spot and two points behind 22nd-placed QPR in the table —  and are the only side in the Championship yet to win a game.But Clarke-Salter said: “The table is so tight right now. One win can just shoot you up the table.READ MORE SUN STORIES“We’ve got  great players in this squad and now it’s just about getting that  consistency.”  CopyBet is  official betting partner of Queens Park Rangers. Visit CopyBet.comWho are these famous footballers? More

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    Chelsea, Liverpool and Man Utd ‘in tense academy row as they accuse each other of BLOCKING scouts from games’

    MANCHESTER UNITED, Chelsea and Liverpool have become embroiled in an academy row following a controversial summer transfer, according to reports.It’s claimed that the dispute has led to scouts from the three clubs being denied access to academy games this season.Rio Ngumoha was highly-rated at Chelsea before making the switch to LiverpoolCredit: GettyThe issues are alleged to stem from the transfer of talented 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea to Liverpool in the summer.According to The Athletic, the Blues have been accused by several sources of denying opposition scouts access to academy matches.Chelsea are said to have denied the claim, countering that they in fact have had applications for scouts to attend games at Liverpool denied.The Reds have also denied such allegations, but added that they would likely turn Chelsea down in future, given that the agreements are supposed to be reciprocal.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn addition to Liverpool, Man Utd are also said to have had applications to attend Chelsea youth matches this season denied.The Red Devils were also interested in signing Ngumoha from the Blues, prior to his Anfield switch.Figures from the three clubs are claimed to have met last week with the aim of easing tensions.But no agreement has yet been found.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSunSport has contacted Chelsea for comment.Ngumoha has featured three times for Liverpool’s Under-18s in the U18 Premier League this season.Cole Palmer has fewer touches but is more deadly thanks to Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea tactics He has also played in two Uefa Youth League matches for the Reds.The winger has been capped by England up to Under-16 level.As per The Athletic, Liverpool Under-18s boss Marc Bridge-Wilkinson said of Ngumoha last month: “He is here because he’s got potential to go and reach the first team, but besides that, there’s no pressure from us.” More