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      Chelsea and Newcastle eyeing transfer swoop for brilliantly-named Champions League wonderkid who broke Man Utd hearts

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      NEWCASTLE have reportedly joined the transfer race chasing Manchester United’s brilliantly-named nemesis.But they could face competition from mega-spenders Chelsea for the talented teen.
      Roony Bardghji is attracting transfer interest from around Europe – including Newcastle and ChelseaCredit: Rex
      Roony Bardghji stunned the Red Devils in the Champions League on Wednesday night with his dramatic 87th-minute winner for Copenhagen.
      That prompted superb chants of “Roony, Roony” from the home fans in a cheeky dig at United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney.
      But the 17-year-old sensation was already gaining plenty of interest – and not just because he is a Football Manager wonderkid.
      Chelsea were linked with the exciting winger back in 2021 – as were Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Ajax.
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      And now, according to Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle – who look set to miss out on Ruben Neves in January – have sent scouts over to the Danish capital to watch Bardghji in action.
      It is understood a Magpies scout was even in the crowd for Wednesday’s magic moment as he came off the bench to seal the memorable 4-3 victory.
      Brighton, Eintracht Frankfurt and RB Leizpig are also said to be monitoring his incredible progress.
      The fine finish past Andre Onana was Bardghji’s 11th goal in 24 appearances this season – and 15th in 57 games overall.
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      Born in Kuwait in 2005, he moved to Sweden seven years later and shone in Malmo’s academy before transferring to Copenhagen in 2020.
      Bardghji made his Copenhagen senior debut just six days after his 16th birthday – then got his first goal just a week later.
      The Sweden Under-21 international – who already has two Danish Superliga winner’s medals and lifted the Danish Cup last season – is under contract until December 2025.
      But it seems inevitable he will have plenty of offers from some of Europe’s top clubs to leave before then.
      Speaking after the youngster’s breakthrough in 2021, then-Copenhagen boss Jess Thorup said: “It is not the intention that they (Copenhagen’s young stars) should just be here for a few matches and then move on.
      “They should preferably stay here for a few years and help Copenhagen achieve good results.
      “But when the time is right and the really big clubs are there, then that can be the springboard.
      “But right now, he’s just going to play a hell of a lot of games for Copenhagen and make a difference, and that’s hopefully what we’ll see.”
      Bardghji fired past Andre Onana to spark wild scenes inCredit: AFP More

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      Mauricio Pochettino will NOT decide on Chelsea transfers in January with board keen for boss to ‘focus on coaching’

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      CHELSEA manager Mauricio Pochettino will not have influence in the club’s transfer activity this January.The Blues have already spent over £1billion in the last three transfer windows after owner Todd Boehly took over in the summer last year.
      Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will have no influence on January transfersCredit: Getty
      According to transfer insider David Ornstein, the West Londoners will go back in the next market for more reinforcement.
      This time Chelsea are hoping to sign an “elite” striker but may have to opt for a versatile forward that can spearhead the attack instead.
      However, recruitment will be handled exclusively by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart with support from Boehly.
      Pochettino will have “an input” but very limited as he won’t even be able to veto Winstanley and Stewart’s choices.
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      That is because the Chelsea hierarchy want the Argentine tactician to focus on coaching the team after a turbulent start to the season.
      Pochettino’s side has already been linked with the likes of Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Brighton’s Evan Ferguson and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface.
      However, the ex-Tottenham manager is also set to welcome Christopher Nkunku back from knee injury for the second half of the season.
      Ornstein wrote for The Athletic: “Lautaro Martinez, Benjamin Sesko, Evan Ferguson and Victor Boniface are mentioned to me a lot by people who work in recruitment.
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      “The demand continues to outstrip the supply. It’s not absolutely guaranteed that clubs such as Chelsea end up signing a pure No 9… Maybe they instead go for a more flexible forward who can contribute goals.
      “Chelsea also have Christopher Nkunku coming back, although they will probably lose Nicolas Jackson to the AFCON.
      “Their recruitment will be led by co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart, with support from the owners.
      “My understanding is that Mauricio Pochettino will have an input but that’s about it; no veto, increased power or anything like that.
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      Pochettino will have some input but no power or veto on Chelsea transfersCredit: Rex
      “Chelsea want him to focus on coaching the team and despite some of their results so far this season, I think he’s showing promising signs and will do a really good job.
      “There is a very good chance they will recruit somebody in attack this January and if it’s going to be a No9 the idea would be for it to be an elite one, because they already have Jackson and Armando Broja who will continue to develop.
      “It’s clear they need more potency up front if they are to start scoring more goals, so you can understand why they’re looking to the market.” More

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      FA reach Raheem Sterling verdict after Chelsea star accused of ‘throwing missile into Tottenham crowd’

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      RAHEEM STERLING will face no further FA action after the Chelsea attacker was accused of throwing a missile into the Tottenham crowd.The allegation followed celebrations in front of home fans after Chelsea equalised in Monday’s dramatic 4-1 Premier League win against their nine-man neighbours.
      Raheem Sterling will not be investigated further by football chiefs over the incident involving an object from the Tottenham crowdCredit: Reuters
      Chelsea ace Sterling appeared to pick up an object thrown from the home end
      It was suggested the England attacker threw the object back towards fans
      Cole Palmer tucked home a penalty and put his finger to his lips.
      An object then seemed to be hurled at Chelsea players from the crowd – appearing to hit Palmer before allegedly being thrown back by Sterling.
      But nothing was spotted on the night by match officials.
      Now the FA have reviewed the incident and decided there is no need to pursue a case against the 28-year-old.
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      If charged and found guilty, Sterling could have been banned.
      Tottenham forward Richarlison was suspended for one game and fined £25,000 while at Everton for hurling a lit flare towards the stands.
      Sterling went on to tee up the first of Nicolas Jackson’s late three goals that clinched one of the Prem’s most chaotic victories ever.
      Apart from red cards for Spurs duo Cristian Romero and Destiny Udogie, referee Michael Oliver oversaw five disallowed goals and a handful of VAR disputes.
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      The all-clear for Sterling might help ease his frustration at again failing to earn an England recall.
      Three Lions’ boss Gareth Southgate omitted the 82-cap star from his squad for dead-rubber Euro 2024 qualifiers at home to Malta and away to North Macedonia. More

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      David Raya’s agent gives behind-the-scenes lowdown on Arsenal transfer and Aaron Ramsdale won’t be happy

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      DAVID RAYA’s agent has revealed all about the keeper’s move to Arsenal… and Aaron Ramsdale might not like what he hears.The Spanish stopper joined on loan from Brentford in the summer, with the Gunners paying a £3million upfront fee with a £27m option to buy at the end of the season.
      Raya has ousted Ramsdale as Arsenal’s no1Credit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      Agent Jaume Munell says that Arsenal had to fend off interest from Spurs, Manchester United, Chelsea and Bayern Munich in order to secure his client’s services.
      And, in bad news for his new team-mate Ramsdale, Munell insists that Arsenal’s interest in the keeper predates the England star’s own £30million signing from Sheffield United in 2021.
      In fact, Munell told AFTV that Arsenal only signed Ramsdale because he was an “easy option” compared to the complexities of signing Raya from Brentford at the time.
      He said: “Arsenal showed interest for the first time three years ago in 2021. They tried to buy him but Brentford didn’t want to sell him at any price.
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      “After they bought Ramsdale that was an easier option but David has always been the priority.
      “This summer, he had just one year left on his contract with Brentford and Arsenal was the club that showed the most concrete interest and have always been our priority.
      “Tottenham were also interested and made an official bid but it was refused because was lower than the £34.9m that Brentford wanted to sell him.
      “Also Bayern Munich was interested and had an amazing offer but with no buy option included and for this reason, we’ve not accepted it.
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      “Bayern Munich didn’t understand our refusal because they thought that Raya would have been the backup keeper at Arsenal but as you can see it’s not like this. Also Manchester United and Chelsea made an inquiry but nothing concrete.”
      Munell revealed that part of Arsenal’s long-term interest in Raya stems from their goalkeeper coach Inaki Cana.
      Cana worked with Raya at Brentford before making the switch to North London to join The Gunners.
      And he has sung the praises of Raya to the club’s hierarchy ever since.
      Cana added: “Inaki and [Mikel] Arteta were key for the deal.
      “They have been determined for the choice that we made to play for Arsenal, the club have a project and a philosophy that fit completely for David”.
      The interview will not make for pretty reading for Aaron Ramsdale, who may leave the club in January.
      Past reports have linked him with a move to Chelsea, with the Gunners wanting £60million for the keeper. More

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      Injured Chelsea star gives update with gruelling training pic after long layoff as he hints at return to football

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      WESLEY FOFANA has hinted that his return to Chelsea’s first-team may happen sooner rather than later.The centre-back, 22, posted a picture on his Instagram story of himself working hard in Chelsea’s Cobham gym.
      Fofana was not expected to feature this seasonCredit: Reuters
      But his Instagram story has offered some hopeCredit: Instagram @lawestt_
      The defender looked to be doing sit ups and was hooked up to a machine that was strapped around his thigh.
      Fofana has had rotten luck with injuries stemming all the way back to 2021.
      Then still playing for Leicester, the defender suffered a broken leg on the eve of the 2021-22 season against Villareal which ruled him out for seven months.
      After returning in March 2022 to play the closing stages of the season for Leicester, he made the £70million transfer to Chelsea that summer.
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      The defender then suffered a knee injury in Chelsea colours in October of that year which ruled him out until February 2023.
      After returning, he played 13 times for the Blues before suffering the devastating blow of an ACL injury in pre-season.
      A time frame has not been put on his return and he was widely expected to miss the entirety of this season.
      But his Instagram story does offer some hope for Chelsea fans that they may see him before this season ends.
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      When asked about Fofana’s latest injury in the summer, manager Mauricio Pochettino said that he and his staff are keen to give Fofana all the support they can for him to return to the team.
      He said: “We can only help him and to be again with the team we know it is tough. We need to help him and wish him all the best. We need to keep going, the competition is there. The competition doesn’t wait for anyone and we need to be ready.”
      On whether Fofana could feature this season, Pochettino said: “I hope yes. You have all of the information that this is difficult. He is evolving in a different way but hopefully his recovery goes very well.”
      Christopher Nkunku is another long-term absentee with a knee injury that Blues fans could see soon.
      Manager Mauricio Pochettino said after Chelsea’s 4-1 victory over Tottenham that he has hope that Nkunku may be back after the November international break. More

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      Arsenal and Tottenham legend Pat Jennings rushed to hospital after collapsing before Spurs vs Chelsea

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      TOTTENHAM legend Pat Jennings was rushed to hospital after collapsing ahead of last night’s clash with Chelsea.The iconic goalkeeper, 78, was in attendance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to watch his former club.
      Pat Jennings, pictured at Spurs last month, collapsed at their stadium last nightCredit: Rex
      The legendary goalkeeper suffered a health scare before Spurs’ clash with ChelseaCredit: Pacemaker Press
      The former Northern Ireland ace played for Spurs for 13 yearsCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jennings remarkably went on to achieve icon status at bitter rivals ArsenalCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      However, he missed the Blues emerge victorious in an extraordinary 4-1 victory against his beloved Spurs after falling ill before kick off.
      A Tottenham statement confirmed the worrying news on Tuesday.
      It read: “We can confirm legendary former goalkeeper Pat Jennings (455) was taken ill at last night’s game,
      “After undergoing precautionary tests at hospital, he was discharged shortly after midnight and given the all-clear to attend his statue unveiling in his hometown of Newry, Northern Ireland tomorrow.
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      “We wish you well, Pat, and look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
      Jennings made more than 450 appearances for Tottenham after joining them from Watford in 1964.
      During that period he helped them to lift the League Cup twice and the FA Cup.
      And he was also in the side that won the 1972 Uefa Cup.
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      Jennings won a host of trophies for both Spurs and the GunnersCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jennings also famously SCORED against Manchester United in the 1967 Charity Shield – now known as the Community Shield.
      The 119-capped Northern Ireland international left Tottenham after 13 years in 1977 – but he did not go far.
      Remarkably, he joined North London rivals Arsenal and went on to achieve iconic status there too despite his past with Spurs.
      Jennings made over 250 appearances for the Gunners, winning the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 1977, and added another FA Cup medal to his collection before the much-loved star departed in 1985 to seemingly retire and begin his coaching career.
      However, he signed on briefly for Everton the following year after they suffered an injury crisis but failed to make an appearance for the Toffees. He eventually retired from playing after representing his country at the 1986 World Cup.
      He would later go on to be goalkeeper coach at Spurs and he was inducted into the English Football Hall of Fame in 2003.
      Jennings married Eleanor Toner, a singer from Newry, in 1967 and they have four children together, daughters Mairead, Siobhan, Ciara and son Patrick Junior.
      Jennings was due to watch Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs try to maintain their unbeaten start to the campaign from the stands as ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino returned to his old side for the first time with Chelsea.
      The pulsating London derby topped the list for drama and controversy with Spurs receiving two red cards, while there were five disallowed goals and a whole new string of VAR debates.
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      Spurs were reduced to nine men in the 55th minute but bravely held out until 75 minutes when Nicolas Jackson made it 2-1.
      Their high line, which Postecoglou vowed to keep using even if he only had five players, was exposed two more times in the dying stages as Nicolas Jackson made them pay and sealed his hat-trick.
      The icon pictured with his wife Eleanor and daughters Siobhan and Ciara in 1972Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      Jennings famously scored in the 1967 Charity Shield against Manchester UnitedCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd More

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      Chelsea ratings: Jackson doubles goal tally for season but Fernandez struggles to impose himself in barnstormer

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      NICOLAS JACKSON’S late hat-trick finally sank nine-man Tottenham – yet it was still a mixed night for Chelsea’s costly signings.

      Spurs deserved their early deflected opener from Dejan Kulusevski – but their two sendings-off understandably turned a game of non-stop drama.

      Nicolas Jackson rounds off his late triple as possession finally told

      Enzo Fernandez had another disappointing evening for Chelsea

      Big summer signing Moises Caicedo had one of his best nights for Chelsea

      Cristian Romero’s reckless red-card challenge sparked Cole Palmer’s penalty leveller, before Destiny Udogie picked up his second careless yellow on 55 minutes.

      Jackson finally eased his own struggles for the season and Chelsea‘s on the night by slotting home on 75 minutes – before completing a counter-attacking treble and 4-1 Prem away win with a double in stoppage time. Here’s how the Blues rated on an incredible evening.

      ROBERT SANCHEZ  – 6

      Helpless for the opening goal but looked nervous early on and was guilty of dodgy distribution more than once. But made a decent late save in stoppage time to stop Son Heung-Min equalising.

      REECE JAMES  – 6 

      Happy to see Brennan Johnson sacrificed after Cristian Romero’s red card and took advantage of having less to worry about at the back by getting forward more. Went close just before the hour mark. 

      AXEL DISASI – 6

      Didn’t look happy under the early Spurs pressure and fortunate Son Heung-Min strayed just offside for what would have been 2-0. But grew into the game as his side enjoyed a man advantage.

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      THIAGO SILVA – 7 

      The most composed member of the Blues’ defence, but that wasn’t saying much at times in the early stages. Gave his team stability and calm when they needed it in a match which was utter chaos at times.  

      LEVI COLWILL – 4

      Horrible opening 15 minutes capped by turning his back on Dejan Kulusevki’s shot and so wrongfooting Sanchez with half-hearted block. Got in a row with Pape Matar Sarr and was hooked at half time for his own good. 

      MOISES CAICEDO – 7

      Typified Chelsea’s approach with some very robust challenges, on James Maddison in particular. On a night that called for hard running and some dark arts, he was more than happy to do his bit. 7

      ENZO FERNANDEZ – 5

      Lost track of Pape Matar Sarr in build-up to opening goal and mostly looked nothing like a £100m midfielder. Caught horribly by Romero’s follow-through for the penalty and didn’t last long in second half.

      COLE PALMER – 6

      The calmest player on the pitch when converting his penalty after 20 minutes of madness. Did not have loads of touches, but barely wasted one. Should have put second-half effort on target and faded after break.

      CONOR GALLAGHER – 8

      Lined up in a No 10 position but did his best work off the ball, and it was no surprise to see him moved back into a deeper role when Fernandez went off. But still had energy to set up Jackson’s second to kill the game.

      RAHEEM STERLING – 8

      Up for it from the start, running past Pedro Porro for fun and creating chances for himself and others. Didn’t always make the right decision or pass but kept asking questions all night and then set up second goal. 

      NICOLAS JACKSON – 8

      It sounds mad, but until he put in a match-winning hat-trick, another performance to suggest he is not a first-choice PL striker, with a host of chances missed including a point-blank-range header, Maybe this is the turning point, for him and Chelsea.

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      Reece James fires in a shot as the Blues struggled to get on top

      The return of Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino to old club Tottenham could hardly have been more dramatic but ended in victory

      Nicolas Jackson finally slotted Chelsea in front before a stoppage-time double

      MARC CUCURELLA (for Colwill, half time) – 5 

      Had some trouble with Kulusevski and failed to convert a really good chance to make it 2-1.

      MYKHAILO MUDRYK (for Fernandez, 58) – 4

      Coming on against nine men was a golden opportunity that he didn’t take.  

      MALO GUSTO (for James, 77) – 5

      Gave away needless free kick in dying minutes that almost cost his team.

      LESLEY UGOCHUKWU (for Sterling, 90+1 ) – 5.

      Not used: Petrovic, Badiashile, Madueke, Ugochukwu, Maatsen, Washington. More

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      Gary Neville says ‘you just don’t do that any more’ as Destiny Udogie escapes red for horror lunge in Spurs Chelsea game

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      GARY NEVILLE fumed at Tottenham’s Destiny Udogie following his horror tackle on Raheem Sterling – which resulted only in a yellow. The defender dived in with both feet and his studs up on Sterling, who managed to pull out of the challenge just in time.
      Destiny Udogie escaped red with his tackle on Raheem SterlingCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun

      Replays revealed just how close Udogie was to making full contact on Sterling.
      Commentator Neville said: “That’s the one the footballers, the professionals hate.
      “You don’t do that. That tackle went about 15, 20 years ago. You just don’t do that any more.”
      Despite a VAR check, Udogie escaped with just a yellow card.
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      It was just one of many crazy incidents in the action packed first half in North London.
      Dejan Kulusevski opened the lead for Spurs after just six minutes and Son Heung-min thought he doubled it shortly after.
      But there was an offside in the build up and VAR – not for the first time in the match – chalked off the goal.
      Udogie later walked away with just a booking while Cristian Romero faced a red card himself.
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      He kicked out at Chelsea’s Levi Colwill after a coming together but no card was shown.
      On 27 minutes, Premier League record signing Moises Caicedo thought he had levelled with a stunner from outside the box.
      But it was taken away due to striker Nicolas Jackson standing in front of keeper Guglielmo Vicario in an offside position.
      The drama continued as the goal was ruled out by VAR but a penalty was eventually given for a Romero foul on Enzo Fernandez.
      Romero’s studs were high on the leg and gave referee Anthony Taylor no choice but to show red.
      Cole Palmer converted from the penalty spot but he needed the post to do so.
      The rollercoaster half was not over there though as Jackson also found the back of the net following a counter attack.
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      But VAR again intervened to deny Chelsea from leading the game.
      Despite Udogie getting away with an early red, he was eventually sent off for a second yellow having wiped out Sterling.
      England forward Sterling helped put Chelsea ahead against the nine-men host’s as a counter attack was squared to Jackson, who finished.
      Tottenham amazingly looked to have made it 2-2 as sub Eric Dier volleyed home following a free kick but the flag was up.
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      It was the FIFTH goal in the match to be denied upon a further look.
      Eventually, Jackson wrapped up the game with a further two goals with the hat-trick sealing a stunning 4-1 London derby.
      Nicolas Jackson grabbed a Chelsea hat-trickCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun More