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      Chelsea in talks with PSG over selling Tiemoue Bakayoko as Blues demand £32m transfer fee for midfield flop

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have made contact with Chelsea about taking £40million flop Tiemoue Bakayoko off their hands.
      The Blues are desperate to offload the French midfielder who has failed to make any impression since moving to Stamford Bridge three years ago.

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      Bakayoko isn’t in Frank Lampard’s plansCredit: Getty – Contributor

      AC Milan have been trying to push through a deal for the 26-year-old but have failed to come up with a package to satisfy Chelsea.
      And now PSG have declared an interest and have proposed taking Bakayoko on loan this season with the option of making it a permanent move next summer.
      Chelsea value the midfielder at £32m – and are seeking a £4.6m loan fee with the remaining £27.4m to be paid as the full transfer fee.
      Milan have said they have no problem with the loan figure, but say they are only prepared to pay a further £18.3m in a year to seal a permanent deal.

      That is not acceptable to the Blues, who are looking to claw back more of the money they paid Monaco for his services in 2017.
      But if PSG were to come up with a deal which goes anywhere close to their valuation, then the London club would be happy to do business before the window shuts on October 5.
      Bakayoko initially arrived at Stamford Bridge to much fanfare, having helped Monaco to the Ligue 1 title and Champions League semi-finals in 2017.
      But he struggled to make an impact as Antonio Conte’s champions slumped to a disappointing fifth-placed finish.

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      Bakayoko represented AC Milan on loan in the 2018-19 seasonCredit: AFP or licensors

      The Frenchman did help the Blues to FA Cup glory that year as they beat Manchester United under the Wembley arch.
      But that was his last competitive game for the club – although he did briefly resurface during pre-season in 2019.
      Bakayoko has since represented AC Milan and AS Monaco while out on loan over the last two seasons.

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      Bakayoko helped Chelsea to FA Cup glory in 2018Credit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun

      Chelsea flop Bakayoko forgets his shirt number and mistakenly think he’s being subbed More

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      How PSG could line-up with Dele Alli transfer as Tottenham star joins Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Marco Verratti

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are reportedly discussing a deal to rescue Dele Alli from Tottenham.
      The England midfielder, 24, has not even made the bench in the past two Spurs games having been hooked at half-time of their season opener.

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      Reports suggest Dele is “upset and confused” at being dropped by Jose Mourinho.
      Ordered in for extra training while his team-mates beat Southampton 5-2, he will be thrown into the side for Tuesday’s Carabao Cup clash against Leyton Orient.
      Mourinho is said to believe that Dele does have a future at Tottenham.

      But the decision may be out of his hands after talks between the star and PSG began, according to The Telegraph.
      Thomas Tuchel’s setup does appear ready to accommodate the former MK Dons ace.
      A forward-thinking 4-3-3 formation provides the midfielders with plenty of freedom to join Neymar, Angel Di Maria and Kylian Mbappe in attack.
      Julian Draxler, Ander Herrera, Idrissa Gueye, Marco Verratti and Leandro Paredes would provide plenty of competition to Dele.

      And the German coach has admitted that a new midfielder is on his agenda ahead of the October 5 transfer deadline.

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      Dele Alli is sweating over his Tottenham future amid interest from Paris Saint-GermainCredit: EPA

      Ahead of the weekend win at Nice, he said: “The priorities are clear, we need a forward, a centre-back and a midfielder.
      “We need to replace the players that left, that’s the challenge.
      “The squad is getting smaller and smaller, and there is a risk of entering into a period of injuries and fatigue. My job is to find solutions, and to prepare the team for the next match.”

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      Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho will not confirm if Dele Alli is in future plans More

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      PSG open talks for Dele Alli transfer after being dropped by Spurs boss Jose Mourinho

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN have opened talks with Dele Alli over a stunning transfer, according to reports.
      The England midfielder, 24, was dragged off at half-time against Everton a week ago and has not made the last two matchday squads.

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      PSG are reportedly in talks to sign Dele Alli from TottenhamCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      That includes not being involved at all for the win at Southampton.
      And according to The Telegraph, PSG are hoping to take advantage with a plot to land the ex-MK Dons man.
      The French giants are thought to be long-term admirers of Dele.

      But it is unclear whether they would pursue a full permanent transfer or a loan with the option to buy – the latter is more likely.
      Dele – who signed for Tottenham in 2015 and has 62 goals in 223 appearances – was offered to Real Madrid as part of the deal which saw Gareth Bale return to White Hart Lane.
      Inter Milan are also showing interest in the playmaker, who looks to be out of Jose Mourinho’s immediate plans at Tottenham.
      But the chance to reignite his career alongside Kylian Mbappe and Neymar at PSG would surely appeal to the 37-cap Three Lions star.

      Dele was hauled off at the break against Everton with ex-England international Gabriel Agbonlahor claiming that the pair had a bust-up prior to the match.

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      Jose Mourinho left the midfielder out against Lokomotiv Plovdiv and SouthamptonCredit: EPA

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      The two-time PFA Young Player of the Year did not even travel to Bulgaria for the Europa League qualifier against Lokomotiv Plovdiv on Thursday.
      And then he was reportedly left ‘upset and confused’ by his omission at St Mary’s.
      Commenting on his decision to leave Alli out, Mourinho said: “We have a huge squad, a squad with numbers that’s very difficult to manage.
      “I don’t have issues, it’s for me to be here with 18 players, I start with Son, with Lucas, with Harry, on the bench I have Sissoko and Lamela.
      “We have too many players for some positions and some of them are paying the price of this.”
      ‘COP OUT’
      Spurs legend Glenn Hoddle admits Jose Mourinho’s counter-attacking style does not suit Dele but insisted leaving is not the answer.
      Hoddle, 62, said: “That is the easy way out. That’s a cop out. He and Jose have to talk about it and he needs to adjust his game.
      “The manager picks the teams and the way you are going to play. You have to adjust to that.
      “I think he is capable of that but don’t down tools, pick up your tools and add to them.
      “Become a better player in a different way. I think that’s what he will do.”

      Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho will not confirm if Dele Alli is in future plans More

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      Ex-Chelsea winger Bertrand Traore signs for Aston Villa from Lyon in huge boost to Dean Smith’s side

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      ASTON VILLA have completed the signing of Bertrand Traore for a reported fee of £17million.
      The ex-Chelsea forward joins from Lyon on a four-year contract after passing a medical earlier in the week.

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      Bertrand Traore completed the move to Aston Villa after being persuaded by John TerryCredit: @AVFCOfficial

      Work permit delays set the deal back a couple of days but, on Saturday, Villa confirmed the deal.
      Dean Smith told the club website: “We’re delighted that Bertrand has chosen to come to Villa.
      “He’s a player with immense talent who will really enhance our attacking options.”

      Burkina Faso international Traore, 25, first moved to England as a teenager to join Chelsea’s academy.
      After a loan spell at Vitesse, the winger was seen as a huge prospect for the future and netted a wonderful long-range strike against Stoke in March 2016.
      However he failed to consistently impress and left for Ajax on loan, before a permanent move to Lyon.
      Traore played 126 times for the Ligue 1 side, scoring 33 goals, but was yet to play this season as talk of a move gained momentum.

      And the former Blues starlet accepted the move to Villa Park after being persuaded by assistant manager John Terry.

      Traore stated: “I played with JT at Chelsea, I spoke to him.
      “I spoke to the manager, spoke with the sporting director as well and some players I used to play with – [Marvelous] Nakamba and [Anwar] El Ghazi. I spoke to Nakamba, I talked to him a little bit about the club.
      “Many things made me take the decision to come here. I’m happy.”
      Traore is Villa’s fourth major signing of the window, joining Emiliano Martinez, Matty Cash and Ollie Watkins to take the club’s spending past £75m.

      New Aston Villa signing Emiliano Martínez talks about joining the club More

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      Chelsea transfer for Edouard Mendy confirmed by Rennes keeper’s agent as Lampard looks set to replace Kepa with £20m man

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      EDOUARD MENDY’S transfer to Chelsea has been confirmed by the Rennes goalkeeper’s agent.
      Frank Lampard looks set to replace error-prone No1 Kepa Arrizabalaga.

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      Edouard Mendy is on the verge of completing his £20m transfer from Rennes to ChelseaCredit: Rex Features

      And a £20million deal could be done as early as today.
      Mendy’s representative Djily Dieng told Senegalese newspaper Stades on Thursday: “The two parties have come to an agreement.
      “All that’s left is the formalisation. It could even be done tomorrow, if all goes well.
      “Afterwards, the player himself will come to finalise everything, including having his medical examination.”

      Mendy trained with his Rennes side on Thursday as they prepare to face Monaco in Ligue 1 tomorrow.
      But he would need to register as a Blues player by midday today in order to be eligible to face Liverpool on Sunday.
      Rennes, though, insist no deal is done just yet.
      Manager Julien Stephan said: “There are many discussions between Rennes and Chelsea but they have not yet concluded.

      “The idea is to have a quick final decision, one way or another.”

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      Despite spending a world-record £71.6m on Spaniard Arrizabalaga two years ago, he has largely failed to impress.
      And he was beaten by yet another long-range shot on Monday as he allowed Leandro Trossard’s effort go under him.
      Asked about potential incomings, especially in goal, Lampard said after the 3-1 win: “No news on that one [Mendy] at the minute.
      “Kepa’s here, he’s our keeper and I’m happy with him.
      “If we are bringing in competition, it will be competition, that’s the nature of Chelsea.”

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      Frank Lampard looks set to replace error-prone goalkeeper Kepa ArrizabalagaCredit: AP:Associated Press

      Timo Werner says picking Chelsea over Liverpool was right decision and Frank Lampard talks were key More

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      Dele Alli ‘wanted by PSG and Inter Milan’ with Tottenham star left out of Europa League squad after Mourinho bust-up

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      DELE ALLI is being chased by Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan amid rumours of a rift with Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho, reports claim.
      The England international started Sunday’s Premier League opener against Everton.

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      Alli had a disappointing season opener against EvertonCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      But manager Mourinho hooked him at half-time as Spurs slumped to a dismal 1-0 defeat to the Toffees.
      And the Portuguese, 57, then dropped Alli from his travelling party altogether as Tottenham faced Lokomotiv Plovdiv in Bulgaria.
      While Spurs managed to squeeze past the Bulgarian minnows late on, questions persist over Alli’s future in North London.

      According to the Mail Alli, 22, has long been on PSG’s radar – while Antonio Conte at Inter Milan has been an admirer since witnessing his exploits first-hand while Chelsea manager.
      Agreeing a deal in the wake of Covid-19 may be tricky, however, with Alli having been valued at £100million by Spurs chiefs not long ago.
      But should Tottenham decide to let him ago, they would prefer to flog him abroad so as to not strengthen a Premier League rival.
      It had been suggested that Alli could be included in a deal to bring Gareth Bale back to Tottenham.

      But Spurs managed to agree a loan for the Welshman without including their No20.

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      Conte witnessed Alli’s class first hand while manager of ChelseaCredit: EPA

      Rumours have been rife that Alli has fallen out with Mourinho, with ex-England international Gabriel Agbonlahor claiming that the pair had a bust-up prior to the Everton match.
      But Mourinho himself played down any such issues after the Everton defeat.
      He said: “Dele is a very polite guy, very calm. He’s a bit introspective, when you think a lot about things.
      “The way he reacted was Dele. It was quiet, sad, but in the end, after the game, he was just one of many.
      “And I never saw from him in here with myself, with the other players, everybody at the club, I never saw a strong reaction. A good boy. A really good boy.”

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      Dele Alli reveals he only learned how to cook baked beans while in lockdown as Tottenham ace says ‘it was easy’ More

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      PSG stars ‘losing faith’ in Thomas Tuchel with boss under huge pressure to save job following shocking start to season

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      PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN stars are “losing faith” in manager Thomas Tuchel just a month after reaching the Champions League final, it’s claimed.
      The German led his side to victories over Borussia Dortmund, Atalanta and RB Leipzig on the way to the Lisbon showpiece.

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      Tuchel was in fiery mood as PSG took on Metz last nightCredit: AFP or licensors

      But just a few weeks on Tuchel, 47, finds himself under pressure after a poor start to the season.
      And prior to last night’s edgy late 1-0 win over Metz at Parc des Princes, RMC Sport claimed that a number of first-team players are wondering where the team is headed under Tuchel’s management.
      PSG lost their opening two Ligue 1 games, having been missing a number of key players who tested positive for Covid-19, including Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.
      The 1-0 defeats to RC Lens and Marseille brought about much criticism, with the French paper calling the atmosphere in PSG’s dressing room after the latter match “catastrophic”.

      PSG’s defeat to Marseille saw five players sent off across both teams, including Leandro Paredes, Layvin Kurzawa and the now-recovered Neymar.
      And Tuchel’s reliance on the Brazilian has also been mocked by other players, with some joking that his tactics consist only of, “Give the ball to Ney [Neymar], have to look for Ney.”
      ICARDI QUESTIONS
      Other questions have been raised surrounding Tuchel’s treatment of summer signing Mauro Icardi.
      PSG splashed £52million on making the Argentine’s loan move from Inter Milan permanent, after he scored 20 goals last season.

      But Tuchel didn’t draw upon the 27-year-old even once during the Champions League semi-finals or final defeat to Bayern Munich – with the pair’s relationship described by insiders as “cold”.
      The ex-Dortmund manager responded to speculation surrounding his future ahead of last night’s match with Metz.
      He said: “It is always like this. If he loses a final, he has to go, if he loses to Dortmund, he has to go. If he loses this, if he loses that, if he loses this… It is always like that.
      “This is not new. It is a sport here. You do this, not me. I do not read what is written about my future, I am calm.”

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      It then looked for long periods as if the pressure would further mount upon his shoulders during the match itself, with PSG struggling to find an opener without the suspended Neymar.
      And things could have gotten ugly in the 65th minute when Abdou Diallo became their latest star to be red-carded.
      But little-used midfielder Julian Draxler headed home three minutes into stoppage time at the end to hand Tuchel a much-needed 1-0 victory – getting PSG off the mark in Ligue 1.

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      PSG lost an ill-tempered match with Marseille on SundayCredit: AFP or licensors

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      Mauro Icardi has a ‘cold’ relationship with manager TuchelCredit: AP:Associated Press

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      Julian Draxler spared PSG’s blushes with a late header against MetzCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Neymar Jr. aims to follow in Pele, Maradona and Cruyff’s footsteps as he ditches Nike for Puma after 15 years More

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      Neymar receives two-game ban for Alvaro punch as Ligue 1 opens investigation into PSG vs Marseille racism claims

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      NEYMAR has been hit with a two match ban for punching Marseille star Alvaro Gonzalez.
      Ligue 1 have also opened an investigation following the striker’s claim that he was racially abused.

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      Neymar was dismissed after he hit his rival in the back of the head Credit: Icon Sport – Getty

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      Neymar watched from the stands as beat Metz 1-0 on TuesdayCredit: AFP or licensors

      Neymar watched from the stands on Tuesday as PSG beat Metz 1-0 in the league.
      He was one of five players to receive a red card when a brawl kicked off after Paris Saint-Germain’s 1-0 defeat.
      Now all five of the stars involved have been hit with match bans.
      PSG defender Layvin Kurzawa has been banned for six matches for his part in the brawl.

      Leandro Paredes received the same punishment as Neymar, who has one additionsl game suspended on top.
      Marseille forward Dario Benedetto, whose challenge sparked the wild scenes, has been given a one-game ban while team-mate Jordan Amavi will miss the next three.
      Neymar was given his marching orders by VAR after he punched Alvaro in the back of the head.
      The former Barcelona star insisted he did after the Spanish defender allegedly racially abused him.

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      Chaos erupted on the ditch following Marseille’s 1-0 win over their rivalsCredit: Reuters

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      Neymar was one of five players that were sent off Credit: AFP or licensors

      Neymar – who has since been accused of calling Gonzalez a “f*****g q***r – claimed the Marseille star called him a “monkey son of a b****.”
      Alvaro issued a anti-racism statement on Twitter as he insisted: “There is no place for racism”.
      PSG backed Neymar following him claims – and French governing body LFP are now investigating the case.
      Neymar took matters into his own hands as he claimed on Twitter that Gonzalez is “not a man”, a “racist” and “I don’t respect you.”
      He issued a further statement on his Instagram story that explained he “revolted” and “could not leave without doing something”.
      Marseille released a statement on Monday that denied Gonzalez is racist following the brawl.

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      Neymar has claimed he was a victim of racist abuse Credit: AFP or licensors
      The French club revealed the 30-year-old has since received death threats.
      It read: “Alvaro Gonzalez is not racist, he demonstrated it to us by his daily behaviour since joining the club, and his team-mates have already testified.”
      Angel Di Maria is also set to appear in front of the LFP disciplinary committee following claims that he spat in the direct of Alvaro. More