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    I was an hour away from getting on the plane to sign for Chelsea – now I play for their Premier League rivals

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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    Ivan Toney at centre of three-club Premier League transfer battle including Chelsea after Arsenal cool interest

    THREE clubs are set to fight over Ivan Toney – as the player plots an exit should Brentford.A disastrous run of form has left the Bees just five points above the relegation zone.Ivan Toney wants to stay in the Premier League when he leaves BrentfordCredit: RexWith Brentford perilously close to the bottom three, a trio of sides are jostling to get in pole-position to land the striker this summer.SunSport understands Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham have all expressed an interest in signing the 28-year-old. It comes after Arsenal, who have previously been linked with Toney, cooled their interest.As for Chelsea, the West Londoners know they must sell before they can buy or risk breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.READ MORE ON CHELSEAOur source said: “If Brentford drop out of the Premier League, which is now looking a real possibility there will be a race to land Ivan Toney. “That’s why some clubs are already taking steps to try and get in pole position to land the player.”“It’s well-known that Chelsea and Spurs both need a number nine and Toney would fit the bill for both clubs. But West Ham are now interested too.“The club think Toney could be a real statement signing and help take the team to the next level. Most read in Football”West Ham are crying out for a centre forward who can help turn them from a good side into one that can genuinely challenge for the Champions League. “Arsenal are now less interested. Mikel Arteta has a system and a way of playing and he doesn’t think a conventional number nine like Ivan Toney is what they need.”Inside Ivan Toney’s Life As A FootballerSunSport can also reveal Toney is “open-minded” to staying in the capital after making it clear to his advisers he doesn’t want to leave the Premier League.Our source added: “Clubs in Italy and Spain have been tracking Toney for ages. He’s one of the most sought-after players in Europe. “But Ivan’s not really interested in moving abroad. He sees his future in the Premier League. “His priority is trying to score the goals that save Brentford and to cement his way into the England squad. “But, after that, there’s a general acceptance he will move on and start next season with a new club in the Premier League. “It will be a fresh start and, at 28, the biggest move of his career.” More

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    Cole Palmer set for mammoth Chelsea pay rise less than a year after £42.5million transfer from Man City

    COLE PALMER is reportedly set to receive a bumper pay rise at Chelsea – less than one year since his arrival.The 21-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge from Manchester City in a £42.5 million transfer back in August.Cole Palmer’s wages are reportedly set to almost double at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe penned a seven-year contract that was worth around £75,000-a-week.Palmer has flourished at Chelsea and helped them to reach the FA Cup semi finals with a strike in their 4-2 win over Leicester earlier.His 14 goals and 12 assists have made him the stand-out player for the Blues this term and his displays have also caught the eye elsewhere.England boss Gareth Southgate called him up this week for the upcoming friendlies with Brazil and Belgium after he won his first two caps in November.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLNow the Daily Star says that the “Chelsea hierarchy are preparing to reward his sensational first season” over the coming weeks.And they plan to hand him “a significantly improved contract and salary”.This report states that the attacker’s salary will almost double.He is due to “pocket nearer £150k-a-week next season”, according to this update.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd that will move him nearer to some of his more senior, underperforming, team-mates.While he will be hoping to fire Chelsea to FA Cup joy at Wembley, Palmer is also eyeing success at international level.Chelsea fans furious as Raheem Sterling appears to take penalty off Cole Palmer… before barely troubling goalkeeperThe ace will be desperate to be part of England’s Euro 2024 squad in Germany.And this report claims that he will already have a new lucrative long-term contract on the table ready for him to sign should he board the plane out there.Meanwhile, Raheem Sterling was booed by Chelsea fans after he missed the chance to double their lead against Leicester as his strike was saved by Jakub Stolarczyk.THe veteran appeared to take the ball off regular taker Palmer after being fouled for the spot-kick.Speaking at half-time, former Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink fumed: “Palmer is the penalty taker. I used to be a penalty taker. At 1-0 up I’m not giving it away.“I think as a team, Gallagher as a captain has to go to Sterling and say no. Palmer’s scored all five. He needs to take it.” More

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    Todd Boehly hailed as Chelsea rake in cool £4m from Fulham after Armando Broja’s disastrous loan transfer

    TODD BOEHLY was hailed by fans yesterday after Chelsea made £4million on Armando Broja.The forward, 22, came through the Chelsea academy and is currently on loan at Fulham.Chelsea will now receive a £4million fee for Armando BrojaCredit: RexUsually in cases where a team receives a windfall with a player out on loan, it’s because they have hit a certain amount of appearances or scored a number of goals.In Chelsea’s case though, it’s the opposite.In order to encourage Fulham to play Broja, Chelsea agreed to waive a loan fee if the forward started in 60 per cent of Fulham’s matches.But, the forward has not started a single Premier League game since moving to the fellow West London club.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSAnd after he was left out of yesterday’s squad for Fulham’s 3-0 victory over Spurs, it became mathematically impossible for Broja to start 60 per cent of Fulham’s games.So that’ll see Fulham pay £4m for taking a punt on the Albanian striker.That saw some Chelsea fans hailing Boehly’s business acumen on X, with one writing: “Damn who agreed to this deal? Boehly & Egbali will never miss 🤣”In a roundabout way though, his signature has actually been worth the money for the Cottagers.Most read in FootballCredit: The SunCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSThe increased competition has seen Brazilian forward Rodrigo Muniz become one of the form players in the Premier League.No player has scored more goals than him in the league since February, with a tally of seven in seven games.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fanHis brace yesterday against Spurs ensured an easy victory for Fulham and put a massive dent in Tottenham’s top four hopes.Fulham are currently 12th in the Prem on 38 points, one point behind rivals Chelsea.They have played two more games than the Blues, however. More