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    Former Man Utd and Chelsea star ‘eyeing return to Premier League’ after telling French side Rennes he wants to quit

    NEMANJA MATIC reportedly wants to return to the Premier League – after telling Rennes he is ready to quit the club.But he has allegedly considered RETIRING if an immediate transfer exit gets blocked.
    Nemanja Matic is fed up at Rennes and wants to quit immediatelyCredit: Getty
    The former Chelsea and Manchester United star, 35, joined the Ligue 1 outfit in the summer after one season with Roma following his Old Trafford exit in 2022.
    The holding midfielder is yet to score for his new side but did get three assists in six Europa League group games – and has already served two suspensions for picking up seven Ligue 1 yellow cards.
    However, just six months and 13 league appearances into his spell with Rennes, it is said he has had enough.
    Matic has reportedly struggled to gel with his team-mates and there are complications regarding his children’s schooling.
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    According to L’Equipe, Matic skipped training on Tuesday and has emptied his locker in the hope of finding a new club to enable an early exit from his two-year contract until 2025.
    The report adds that the Serbian is “unhappy at Rennes and pushing for an immediate departure” with it growing increasingly unlikely he will play for Rennes ever again.
    And it is thought the central midfielder is keen to sign for French rivals Lyon or head back to England, with several clubs apparently interested.
    L’Equipe add that successful talks have already taken place between Matic’s representatives and Lyon – but if Rennes did their heels in and refuse to let him leave then he may hang up his boots and quit football for good.
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    Matic first joined Chelsea in 2009 but made just three first-team appearances then headed to Benfica before returning to Stamford Bridge in January 2014.
    In three-and-a-half seasons with the Blues he appeared 151 times and lifted two Premier League titles.
    The 48-cap international made the switch to United in 2017 but despite playing 189 times and the club reaching both the FA Cup and Europa League finals during his five seasons at Old Trafford, he could not add to his trophy cabinet.
    In December he launched a frank and stinging attack on the Red Devils – and singled out Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho for particular criticism.
    Matic said: “At Chelsea, players acted professionally.
    “They were punctual and were never late for training but at United it happened almost every day.
    “Among the players who would always be late were Paul Pogba and Jadon Sancho and a couple of other players.
    “The rest of us who were always on time were angry so we decided to form a kind of an internal disciplinary committee with me serving as its president.
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    “During one particular season, we collected around £75,000 in fines.”
    There was more European heartbreak for Matic last season, too, as Jose Mourinho’s Roma lost to Sevilla in the Europa League final before his wretched Rennes move.
    Matic won the Premier League twice with ChelseaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    The Serbian spent five years at Old TraffordCredit: PA More

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    Chelsea hit with bizarre transfer conundrum as ‘Blues BANNED from offloading Ian Maatsen despite agreeing Dortmund loan’

    CHELSEA star Ian Maatsen has agreed to join Borussia Dortmund on loan, according to reports.However, the left-back is unable to sign for his new club with the Blues currently banned from offloading him.
    Ian Maatsen is set to join Borussia Dortmund on loanCredit: Getty
    Dortmund have a £2million deal in place to sign Maatsen on loan until the end of the season.
    Reports suggest the player will pen a new contract at Stamford Bridge to put Chelsea in a strong negotiating position amid talk of a permanent move in the summer.
    But Maatsen’s switch this month is on hold due to a little-known transfer rule.
    Clubs are allowed to loan out up to seven players to foreign sides at one time.
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    Chelsea have already hit the maximum amount and they now must rip up a current deal to see Maatsen leave.
    Romelu Lukaku, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Angelo Gabriel, Hakim Ziyech, David Datro Fofana, Gabriel Slonina and Diego Moriera are all on loan with clubs abroad.
    There has been rumours that Ziyech could see his spell end with Galatasaray after struggling with injuries and form.
    Meanwhile, Moriera has found it tough to get minutes at Lyon and is another recall option.
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    Speculation also suggests that Fofana may see his time end at Union Berlin – but he would then be sent back out on loan to Sevilla.
    The maximum of seven foreign loans rule was put in place two years ago to stop teams stockpiling talent.
    Players are exempt from the regulation if they are both club-trained, meaning they have spent at least three years in the club’s youth academy, and are aged under 21.
    Maatsen is not spared from this rule because his 21st birthday came before the cut off at the end of last season.
    Chelsea have already been busy in the loan market this January, sending Alex Matos to Huddersfield and recalling Andrey Santos from his season at Nottingham Forest. More

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    Jordan Henderson transfer odds: Chelsea lead way for January signing ahead of Bayern, Liverpool and Newcastle

    CHELSEA are the frontrunners to sign Jordan Henderson in the January window.The former Liverpool captain is eyeing a move away from Saudi Arabia and bookmakers Betfair have installed the Blues as the chief contenders to wrap up his signature before February 3rd.
    Chelsea lead Bayern and Liverpool for January deal
    BETFAIR: £30 IN FREE BETS*
    Henderson left Anfield to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in the summer.
    But it’s not worked out as planned, with his side on a dire run of form and Gerrard on the brink of losing his job.
    Leaving before honouring at least two years will trigger a staggering £3.5million tax bill, though Henderson is understood to have told pals he’s made a huge mistake.
    With a place at Euro 2024 under threat with England, Hendo is seemingly keen for a swift exit from the Saudi league.
    And Chelsea are the leaders in the betting to sign the 32-year-old.
    They’ve spent a fortune on Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu to play in the midfield but injuries and poor form could see a reinforcement brought in.
    Jordan Henderson transfer oddsBetfair odds

    Chelsea 11/4
    Bayern Munich 17/2
    Man United 9/1
    Tottenham 9/1
    West Ham 10/1
    Liverpool 12/1
    Newcastle 12/1
    Aston Villa 12/1
    Sunderland 16/1
    Brighton 16/1
    Everton 22/1
    Bayer Leverkusen 22/1
    Crystal Palace 25/1
    Brentford 25/1

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    Bayern Munich are next in the betting at 17/2, just ahead of Manchester United and Tottenham at 9/1.
    High-flying West Ham are 10/1, with a stunning return to Liverpool or move to boyhood rivals – and Saudi-owned – Newcastle at 12/1.
    That’s the same price as Aston Villa, with a return to the Stadium of Light and move to Brighton both at 16s.
    Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said: “Following reports that Jordan Henderson wants to end his six-month spell in Saudi Arabia, Chelsea are the 11/4 favourites to sign for the former Liverpool captain in January. Bayern Munich are next in line at 17/2, with Man United and Tottenham both 9/1 to secure the midfielder’s signature.
    “A sensational reunion with Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool is 12/1, while Henderson is 16/1 to return to his boyhood club Sunderland. Everton are also surprise 22/1 outsiders to tempt the 33-year-old to play for the blue side of Merseyside.”

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    Conor Gallagher plunges Chelsea into transfer dilemma with Blues desperately needing to sell players to fund signings

    CONOR GALLAGHER’S contract situation has plunged Chelsea’s transfer window plans into uncertainty.The midfielder has just 18 months remaining on his current deal and the Blues need to make a decision on his future quickly.
    Chelsea are looking to sell Gallagher despite him captaining the club a number of times this seasonCredit: Reuters
    Gallagher is happy to stay at Chelsea according to The Daily Mail and is liked by Mauricio Pochettino.
    The midfielder has captained The Blues a number of times this season with captain Reece James and vice-captain Ben Chilwell both out with injury.
    But Chelsea need to sell in order to fall in line with FFP after their liberal spending since Todd Boehly took over.
    The club surpassed £1billion in transfer fees in the summer and still want to add to their squad in January.
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    FFP incentivises clubs to sell their homegrown talent as it can be listed as pure profit on the balance sheet.
    That saw Manchester City sell Cole Palmer to Chelsea for £42.5m this summer despite his obvious talent.
    Newcastle, Tottenham, West Ham and Everton have all shown an interest in signing Gallagher.
    And Chelsea would be willing to sell the midfielder provided it is for the right price.
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    Gallagher is willing to wait until the summer to decide his future but that would see his value fall.
    Spurs are the favourites to sign Gallagher but are currently focusing on bringing in defender Radu Dragusin from Genoa.
    They could have the funds to sign Gallagher if Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg leaves this month.
    Fellow Chelsea academy graduates, Ian Maatsen and Trevoh Chalobah are also on the chopping block at Chelsea.
    Borussia Dortmund are keen on Maatsen but have limited funds available.
    They have offered to take the full-back on loan with an option to buy but Chelsea would prefer a straight sale. More

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    Chelsea flop Timo Werner arrives in London ahead of Tottenham loan switch as bargain transfer clause emerges

    TIMO WERNER is heading to London to complete his loan switch to Tottenham.The former Chelsea striker, 27, is due to be at Spurs this evening ahead of a proposed six-month temporary switch.
    Timo Werner is on the brink of joining Tottenham on loan from RB LeipzigCredit: AFP
    The Germany international has jetted into London to finalise the moveCredit: Rex
    Spurs have the option to make the move permanent in the summer for around £15million.
    German international Werner has only played 204 minutes for Leipzig this season due to injury and other players being ahead of him in the pecking order.
    He is desperate for game-time to give himself a shot at going to the Euros this summer.
    And RB Leipzig sporting director Mario Gomez suggested that is exactly what the striker will get at Spurs following talks with the North London side.
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    Ex-Bayern striker Gomez said: “It’s a win-win for everyone.
    “Germany benefits from it. We benefit from this because we get a player going.
    “He will play regularly, that’s what Tottenham have conveyed to us.”
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    Timo Werner will be hoping his Chelsea form won’t follow him to TottenhamCredit: Getty
    Spurs are light up top due to Son Heung-min being at the Asian Cup over the next month with South Korea.
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    Werner’s arrival will ease the situation, while a new centre-back remains a priority.
    Spurs are in negotiations with Genoa over Romanian defender Radu Dragusin, 21, but face competition from Bayern Munich and Napoli.
    Should Werner finalise his move before Friday, he could very well make his Spurs debut on Sunday afternoon when they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. More

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    Thiago Silva’s wife shows off outrageous restaurant bill as Chelsea star takes Wag out to swanky London restaurant

    THIAGO SILVA’S wife shared her shock at a huge restaurant bill as the couple celebrated Chelsea’s FA Cup joy – by posting a picture of it.And below her Instagram snap of the £900.30 bill, Isabelle da Silva wrote: “A simple family dinner” – adding an astonished emoji.
    Outspoken Isabelle da Silva and Thiago Silva enjoyed a costly meal out after Chelsea’s 4-0 third-round win over PrestonCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Isabelle showed her feelings as she shared a pic of the billCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
    Thiago Silva enjoyed scoring Chelsea’s second goal as they ran riot in the FA Cup after the interval against Championship side PrestonCredit: Getty
    Silva service doesn’t come cheap at the Novikov Restaurant in London’s Mayfair – but fellow football legends like Paul Pogba and Harry Kane can vouch it’s nothing personal.
    Wayne Rooney, Neymar, John Terry, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Robin van Persie and Alexis Sanchez have also dined there.
    Thiago won’t have minded too much – having scored as Chelsea feasted in the second half to thump Preston 4-0 earlier on Saturday and as he also earns over £100,000 a week.
    He and Isabelle appeared to be just as ravenous that evening – with a £95 King Crab leg and £85 Peking Duck part of their packed order.
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    The restaurant, which has a “smart and elegant” dress code, offers both Italian and Asian menus.
    You could scrimp on a salad starter or pasta dishes –  starting for ‘only’ £20 – or opt for £130 “Novikov Royal Caviar” at the other end of the price list.
    And in fact the Italian lunch menu costs only £29 for three courses.
    Meanwhile, 39-year-old Thiago remains the key man in Chelsea’s defence.
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    The 113-cap Brazilian even headed the Blues’ second goal against mid-table Championship side Huddersfield.
    So his manager Mauricio Pochettino might think Silva was entitled to pouch, or Poch, some top-notch posh nosh afterwards. More

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    Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea among Prem giants in transfer battle for Brazil wonderkid dubbed ‘Little Messi’

    PALMEIRAS teen sensation Estevao Willian is attracting interest from THREE Premier League clubs.Willian recently broke into the Brazilian powerhouses’ first team following a string of impressive displays for their youth sides.
    Estevao Willian has made waves for Palmeiras at the tender age of 16Credit: GETTY
    The Brazilian is being tracked by Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester UntedCredit: GETTY
    Word has spread quickly about the 16-year-old midfielder’s talents, so much so that Spanish giants Barcelona are already plotting to swoop for him.
    But according to reports, they’re not the only clubs interested in acquiring his services.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are all tracking the teenager’s progress.
    They claim the Premier League trio are “bidding hard” to try tosnap up the starlet – who has a whopping £51million buyout clause.
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    The Spanish sporting newspaper also claims French champions Paris Saint-Germain are among the versatile midfielder’s suitors.
    But the quartet’s respective bids to sign him could be scuppered by the teen – who has been dubbed the Little Lionel Messi – himself.
    Mundo Deportivo claims “Messinho” has his heart set on playing for Barca and the Palmeiras brass will respect his wishes by snubbing other offers.
    Willian revealed his desire to play for the Catalans last year, telling Mundo Deportivo: “[My dream is] to play for Barcelona.
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    Estevao Willian dreams of playing for Spanish giants BarcelonaCredit: EPA
    “Which is one of the best clubs in the world.
    “I was born watching Neymar, Messi and Suarez play for Barcelona, and that’s the dream I have.
    “I watch almost every Barca match. I’m a fan of the club.
    “I have a great admiration for the players who play there, and I hope to be there too.
    “Yes, it would be a dream come true.” More

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    Five clubs Jordan Henderson could transfer to in January as England star tells team-mates Saudi move was huge mistake

    JORDAN HENDERSON wants to seal a January transfer after telling former team-mates his move to Saudi Arabia has been a mistake.The former Liverpool captain, 33, left Anfield to join Steven Gerrard at Al-Ettifaq in the summer.
    Jordan Henderson could leave Al-Ettifaq after admitting the move was a mistakeCredit: Alamy
    He was all smiles when he signed for Steven Gerrard’s side in July 2023Credit: Reuters
    But it has not worked out as planned with Henderson yet to score and his side on a nightmare run of poor form.
    Now SunSport understands he has had enough and is ready to head back to Europe.
    Leaving before honouring two years of his £700,000-a-week contract would trigger a major tax bill worth around £3.5million.
    However, it could see the midfielder bolster his chances of featuring at Euro 2024.
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    But where could Henderson go if he did make the shock early exit?
    RETURN TO LIVERPOOL
    Henderson spent 12 years at Anfield, racking up 492 appearances for the Reds.
    He inherited the captain’s armband from Gerrard and lifted the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Community Shield, Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup.
    Jurgen Klopp brought in Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Wataru Endo and Ryan Gravenberch in a midfield overhaul – but some extra trophy-winning experience could be vital as Liverpool chase another league title this term.
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    The England international is the only Liverpool captain to lift the Premier League trophyCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    NEWCASTLE
    Newcastle have the local bragging rights after winning the Tyne-Wear FA Cup clash – and they could have even more if ex-Sunderland boy Henderson joins them.
    Newcastle are owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the connections to the Saudi Pro League would ease negotiations – especially after Premier League clubs voted to allow transfers between clubs with the same owners.
    Eddie Howe’s squad has been decimated by injuries and a holding midfielder is high on the wish list anyway, with Kalvin Phillips also a target.
    Henderson started out at boyhood club Sunderland, joining aged eightCredit: AP:Associated Press
    CHELSEA
    Chelsea have splashed the cash – more than £1billion to be precise – since Todd Boehly took over at Stamford Bridge in 2022.
    And yet despite the big-money arrivals of Enzo Fernandez, Moises Caicedo, Romeo Lavia and Lesley Ugochukwu, an experienced head in the middle of the park could be a sensible addition.
    Henderson would certainly provide that and linking up with a host of Three Lions stars could help catch Gareth Southgate’s eye.
    He could line up in midfield with Enzo Fernandez at ChelseaCredit: Getty
    CELTIC
    Henderson was at Liverpool throughout Brendan Rodgers’ tenure as Kop boss from 2012 to 2015.
    And the Northern Irishman may well be keen for a reunion to add a top-quality midfielder into his Celtic team.
    The lower overall quality of the league compared to the Premier League would also work in Henderson’s favour because he turns 34 at the end of the season.
    Brendan Rodgers managed the midfielder at AnfieldCredit: Action Images – Reuters
    MOVE TO GERMANY
    SunSport understands an unnamed German club are also monitoring Henderson’s situation with particular interest.
    Read more on The Sun
    With Bayer Leverkusen the surprise leaders and Bayern Munich, Stuttgart and RB Leipzig all chasing, the Bundesliga is wide open going into the second half of the season.
    Henderson proved he is willing to move abroad when he went to Saudi and the chance to test himself in another of Europe’s top five leagues could be appealing.
    Could Henderson line up with Harry Kane at Bayern Munich?Credit: Alamy More