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      I’m a former Chelsea star – Victor Osimhen will be kicking himself if he joins Blues in January transfer

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      FORMER Chelsea star Glen Johnson has shared his thoughts on the Blues’ top transfer target Victor Osimhen.According to the ex-right-back the Napoli star “will be kicking himself” if he made a move to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.
      Glen Johnson shared his thoughts on Chelsea’s transfer top pick Victor OsimhenCredit: Getty
      Johnson thinks Osimhen ‘will be kicking himself’ if he moved to Chelsea in JanuaryCredit: Alamy
      Blues chief Todd Boehly is itching to strengthen his frontline and Napoli’s Osimhen is reportedly at the top of his transfer wishlist.
      The 24-year-old is said to be available in the January transfer window.
      But ex-Blues star Johnson believes Europe’s most sought-after striker might not want to move to West London just yet.
      In an interview with GGRecon he said: “Regardless of what’s happening at Napoli, I believe Victor would want to join Chelsea anyway.
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      “However, Victor will be kicking himself that this move could happen when Chelsea are currently in transition.
      “Of course they’re a big team and they’re going to bounce back eventually.
      “But as long as Victor is willing to wait 18 months or so for that to happen, then I’m sure he’d still want to sign for them in January.”
      Mauricio Pochettino’s squad’s struggles go on as they faced a 4-1 defeat against Newcastle on Saturday.
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      They currently sit 10th in the Premier League table, 14 points adrift of top spot.
      And the former Liverpool defender thinks a move to Chelsea could hinder Osimhen’s terrific form.
      The Nigeria international scored 31 goals across all competitions last season and has already scored six goals in 11 appearances this term.
      Johnson continued: “It’s tough for strikers to move to struggling sides and start banging in the goals straight away; that’s difficult for anyone to do.
      “For example, if Erling Haaland joined Chelsea in January, he wouldn’t score the same amount of goals he’s scoring now.
      “It’s hard to assume that Victor’s going to start banging in goals from day one, if the move happens.
      “But I think he will score goals in the Premier League and the league will suit him.”
      And the Serie A champions will likely demand £120million for him.
      Chelsea has already spent £1billion since Boehly took over in May 2022.
      Should Chelsea complete a deal to sign Osimhen, he will become the most expensive player in the Premier League.
      Johnson added: “I think Chelsea needs to sign a new striker, but not one that’s going to make them break the bank.
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      “We haven’t seen Nkunku play yet and that’s obviously because he’s had a big injury.
      “So as long as that doesn’t present any repercussions for him, then hopefully he can be the player that they signed him to be.” More

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      Arsenal and Liverpool ‘exploring’ stunning Kylian Mbappe transfer with PSG star available for free in summer

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      ARSENAL and Liverpool are both exploring the possibility of signing Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.The 24-year-old’s current contract with Paris Saint-Germain is set to expire in June, meaning he will become a free agent if he decides against renewing.
      Arsenal and Liverpool are considering the possibility of signing Kylian MbappeCredit: Getty
      Mbappe can start negotiating terms with other clubs from January 1, with several European sides already understood to be interested.
      And according to the Daily Record, Premier League giants Arsenal and Liverpool are among his potential suitors.
      Both clubs are said to be “exploring the financial and sporting parameters involved” in signing the Frenchman.
      Mikel Arteta is eager to bring a new striker to the Emirates Stadium as he looks to guide Arsenal to their first league title in 20 years.
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      The Gunners have already been linked with a move for Ivan Toney and Victor Osimhen ahead of the January transfer window.
      Meanwhile, Liverpool are long-term admirers of Mbappe, with Jurgen Klopp a known fan.
      Real Madrid have also held an interest in him for several years.
      Los Blancos came close to signing him in the summer of 2022, but he shocked the world by penning a two-year extension with PSG instead.
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      Mbappe has scored 14 goals in 12 Ligue 1 games so far this season
      The forward turned down a world-record offer from Al-Hilal this summer after the Saudi Pro League side had a £259million bid accepted.
      Mbappe was subsequently sent to train with PSG’s “undesirables” – a group of senior players that were transfer listed by the club prior to deadline day.
      However, he made a quick return to the first team and has since scored 17 goals in 17 appearances across all competitions this season. More

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      Football world blasts ‘ROBBERY’ and Shearer slams ‘what a load of s***’ after PSG’s controversial penalty vs Newcastle

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      NEWCASTLE were “robbed” of a win for the ages away to Paris Saint-Germain by a controversial penalty that legend Alan Shearer called “a load of s***”.Eddie Howe’s travelling side led for much of the game thanks to Alexander Isak’s 24th minute opener.
      PSG were awarded a penalty after this controversial handballCredit: Getty
      Ousmane Dembele’s flick bounced off Tino Livramento’s chest and onto his elbow
      The penalty was awarded after a VAR check
      They looked on course for a famous win in the French capital, which would have put them second in their Champions League group stage.
      But there was late drama in Paris when, deep into eight minutes of injury time, Ousmane Dembele’s flick bounced off Tino Livramento’s chest and onto his elbow.
      Polish referee Szymon Marciniak – who officiated the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France and last season’s Champions League final – was unmoved and immediately waived play-on.
      But play was halted by VAR and Marciniak was called over to his screen to watch slow-motion replays.
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      The clips clearly showed the ball bounce first off of Livramento’s chest which, in the Premier League, would not be deemed a penalty.
      But Toon star and fans were soon left in agony as, astonishingly, the referee signalled he had changed his mind and awarded the spot-kick.
      Kylian Mbappe lashed past Nick Pope to level the score.
      It leaves Newcastle third in Group F and needing victory when AC Milan come to St James Park next month for any chance of progressing to the knockout stages.
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      A shocking decision from an elite referee, says HalseyBy Mark Halsey

      IT is a shocker that could cost Newcastle a place in the Champions League last 16.
      And it is so bad that Uefa’s refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti should come out and provide answers.
      Szymon Marciniak has taken charge of World Cup and Champions League finals and an official of that calibre has to have the confidence to stick with his original decision.
      Uefa’s own guidelines state “no handball offence should be called on a player if the ball has previously deflected from his own body and, in particular, when the ball does not go towards goal.”
      Did both the VAR and Marciniak, who checked his decision on a pitchside monitor, miss the deflection off Tino Livramento’s chest?
      It was similar to an earlier incident where the ball glanced off Lewis Miley’s leg onto his arm when no penalty was awarded.
      Also Livramento was in close proximity to Ousmane Dembele for the PSG forward’s original cross which came at pace, his arm was in a natural position and it was not a deliberate act.
      It is just a really poor intervention from VAR and a shocking decision from an elite referee. 
      Until that point, the Polish official was having a good game.

      However, a win for PSG against Borussia Dortmund would knock Newcastle out whatever their own result.
      And legends of the game were left disgusted by the decision and none more so then Newcastle icon Shearer.
      He posted: “Do me a f*****g favour man. What a load of s***.
      “A superb battling away performance from every single player. Shouldn’t be spoilt by a disgusting decision. Well done.”
      Shearer’s former strike partner Michael Owen added: “Heartbreaking for @NUFC. Such a good performance.
      “Never in a million years is that a penalty. We are further away from applying consistency to the handball rule than we’ve ever been.”
      Somehow, Newcastle manager Howe remained level-headed when probed by TNT’s Laura Woods post match.

      What does the handball law say?Referees and officials have three key considerations when decision on a handball offence.

      Was it a “deliberate action” by the player – did they move their arm towards the ball?
      Is the hand or arm in an “unnatural position” – was it away from the body?
      How close was the player to the ball and was the speed of the ball too fast for them to avoid?

      He said: “I’m still coming to terms with it. I feel really flat but at the same time really pleased with what the players gave today.
      “Their commitment, execution. We rode our luck. We ran out of luck at the end. I didn’t think it was a penalty.
      “What you don’t take into account with those replays is how quick the ball goes. It hits his chest first.
      “If it hits his hands first, well it’s still not a penalty because he’s so close. But you can make more of a case.
      If we’re giving penalty kicks for that in the biggest club competition on the planet, it’s a disgrace.Ally McCoist
      “It’s not a penalty when it hits his chest first and then hits his hand which is low.
      “I’m not allowed to sum it up. I can’t say my inner thoughts obviously…
      “I thought the referee was having a good game up until this moment. He had been strong.”
      Pitch-side pundits Ally McCoist and Jermaine Jenas were far less diplomatic as they fumed over the decision.
      Commentator McCoist said: “That is absolutely never a penalty.
      “If we’re giving penalty kicks for that in the biggest club competition on the planet, it’s a disgrace.”
      Ex-Newcastle midfielder Jenas added: “What is Livramento meant to do with his arms? Wrap them round his back? I’m fuming.
      “The players threw everything at it and it should have been one of those historic wins. Newcastle have been robbed.”

      Joelinton looks on in dejectionCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea transfer target Victor Osimhen’s agent fly out to Madrid while Napoli star takes in Bernabeu on his own

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      VICTOR OSIMHEN was joined by his agent in Madrid for Napoli’s Champions League clash. The striker’s future in Italy remains in doubt amid a row with the club but he travelled to Spain for tomorrow’s group stage match.
      Victor Osimhen at Real Madrid’s Bernabeu
      He wondered the pitch on his own
      Osimhen, 24, was captured taking in the Bernabeu stadium all on his own, joined by none of his team-mates.
      And Spanish reports suggest the Nigerian’s agent, Roberto Calenda, has jetted in too for transfer talks with Los Blancos after the game.
      And that would come a huge blow to suitors Chelsea.
      Osimhen scored 26 goals in 32 matches last season to help Napoli to the Serie A title.
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      But his relationship with the Italian champion has soured in the last few months – including with manager Rudi Garcia.
      Then the club mocking him on social media just added to the uncertainty over his future.
      Still Osimhen has six goals in 11 matches this season but he nine games with a hamstring injury.
      He returned in Napoli’s 2-1 win over Atalanta but did so strongly linked with a move to Chelsea in the winter window.
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      Osimhen is believed to be the Blues’ top target as they struggle for goals.
      Liverpool and Arsenal are also among those linked but Chelsea could be preparing for a bid when the market opens in January.
      But Osimhen could demand as much as £120m for the attacker, which would be a Premier League record fee.
      Chelsea have already spent £1billion since Boehly took over in May 2022.
      Osimhen is linked with a transfer to ChelseaCredit: Alamy More

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      I’m a former Newcastle star who scored vs Sunderland but it all went wrong and I left to live with my mum

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      FORMER Newcastle star Didier Domi has opened up about his controversial exit from Newcastle in 2001.The former left-back sat down with The Athletic to put the record straight on his story.
      Didier Domi was signed by Ruud GullitCredit: PA:Press Association
      Domi joined the Magpies from PSG in 1998 and made 70 appearances for the club.
      He is perhaps best remembered for his goal against Sunderland and starting in Newcastle’s 1999 FA Cup Final.
      But he left abruptly in 2001 and went AWOL after an interview was published in French media which alleged him to have criticised Sir Bobby Robson.
      He was quoted as saying that Robson’s training methods were “like those of days gone by” before saying: “I’m not going to fulfil my true potential at Newcastle”.
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      The club hastily arranged a press conference to deny the quotes, with Robson reading out a statement from Domi that said: “The stories are a total distortion… a total fabrication of an interview I did.
      “They are neither fair, nor accurate.”
      While that looked to have sorted things, Domi’s next move only made things much worse.
      Rather than return to Tyneside, the defender moved back to Paris to live with his mother before leaving for PSG in January.
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      Newcastle were furious at his strike with then-chairman Freddy Shepherd threatening to appeal to Fifa to withhold Domi’s playing registration.
      Domi was loved on Tyneside for his goal against SunderlandCredit: PA:Press Association
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      According to Domi, he only went AWOL because he was so hurt by the situation.
      He said: “I just expected to go back to Paris. I was really hurt by the situation. It was a misunderstanding but I was so hurt. And I was young and impatient.”
      He continued: “What I had said was Bobby was like a grandpa to the players, who takes care of us, and has old but good methods. The way they turned it, it was as if I disrespected Bobby and said he was past it. But I didn’t.
      “The fact Bobby didn’t believe me, it hurt me a lot. That’s why I left, because the trust wasn’t there. Bobby was like a father figure to me and he didn’t understand that I’d been played by the way the quotes were used.”
      Domi said he loved life in Newcastle, where he shared a house with Nobby Solano and Nikos Dabizas.
      On leaving the club because he wasn’t happy in Newcastle he said: “It’s a lie, total lies. I was really happy. Newcastle is such a special club. I saw Arsene Wenger in Qatar recently and we agreed that Newcastle fans are among the best in England. I was feeling so good there, why would I leave?
      “This is the time people hear the truth. The thing is, Bobby will never know how much he meant to me, how much he means to me now. I always say he was one of my best coaches, but it was a big misunderstanding and I felt pain because he did not believe me.
      “I had the best time at Newcastle and I should have stayed a long time. But I was hurt, I was young and I overreacted. I should have let time heal things. I do regret it — not going back to Paris, but leaving Newcastle, yes.” More

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      Arsenal star Jurrien Timber posts positive injury update sending fans and Love Island star into meltdown

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      JURRIEN TIMBER released a positive injury update after revealing his gruelling road to recovery. The defender suffered a knee injury at the start of the season and is facing the remainder of the campaign sidelined.
      Jurrien Timber released a positive injury update after revealing his road to recovery
      Timber, 22, pulled up with an off-the-ball injury during his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest.
      But the centre-back has given fans something to smile about by posting a clip of his recovery regime.
      He captioned it: “ProjectComeback 𝐕𝐨𝐥. ❷ Ⅰ Putting the work in.”
      It won the hearts of fans as one said: “We can’t wait to have you back on the pitch.”
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      Another added: “Can’t wait to have you back.”
      Love Island star Marcel Somerville wrote: “Let’s goooooooo.”
      The £38million signing arrived from Ajax during the summer to strengthen Mikel Arteta’s backline.
      But a worrying update from the Dutch outlet AD claimed the Netherland international is likely to miss out on a place in the Euro 2024 squad.
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      There was hope the Gunners’ new boy could return for at least the last part of the season.
      But following surgery on his ACL his playing time this term looks uncertain.
      Despite the setback, Gunners boss Arteta seemed more hopeful when probed on Timber’s recovery.
      Arteta said: “Well I hope so. He’s been for a few walks out on the field. He’s still a bit far from competing but he’s in a good place.”
      Timber faces the rest of the season on the sidelinesCredit: Alamy More

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      Wrexham hero Paul Mullin told Ryan Reynolds ‘you f***ed up more than me’ after Hollywood legend’s filming blunder

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      WREXHAM star Paul Mullin has revealed all on what it’s like to film with Ryan Reynolds after the two shot an advert together.Deadpool star Reynolds co-owns the Welsh club alongside Hollywood pal Rob McElhenney.
      Paul Mullin has a close relationship with Ryan ReynoldsCredit: Getty
      Mullin was the pair’s first marquee signing, with the two enticing him to drop down from League Two to the National League after he had won the league’s player of the season while playing for Cambridge.
      When Mullin arrived at the Racecourse, filming for the Disney documentary series ‘Welcome To Wrexham’ was already well underway.
      He has opened up about the ups and downs of having his playing career filmed at all times by a camera team in his new book: “My Wrexham Story”.
      He wrote about the first time the players shot an trailer for the show alongside Reynolds, saying: “Ryan wanted to do an advert for the show and use a couple of the lads.
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      “The idea was he’d burst into a full changing-room and deliver a monologue about how cold it was outside and how we needed to get out of this league that plays in the winter, in so doing, showing his own (feigned) ignorance – of course every league plays through the winter.
      “My role in this little drama is to mutter, ‘Idiot!’ Nose-to-nose he then launches into me. ‘Mullin! I will shove a red card so far up your a** people will think it’s your tongue!’ It was mad sitting there and seeing him acting in front of us, to see close up just how good he is at what he does.

      “My problem was that, compared to him, I could only see me making a fool of myself. Sounds mad, but I do worry generally about making a show of myself.”
      Mullin has a close relationship with the team’s Hollywood owners and recuperated in McElhenney’s home after suffering a punctured lung against Manchester United in pre-season.
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      Paul Mullin recovered from a punctured lung in Rob McElhenney’s homeCredit: Instagram @robmcelhenney
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      Mullin has established himself as a firm fan favourite at Wrexham since joining, scoring 88 goals in 111 appearances for the Red Dragons so far.
      Wrexham are currently second in League Two after making a great start to life back in the league system. More

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      Ex-England star spent three months in hospital ‘as yellow as Bart Simpson’ before life-saving operation

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      FORMER England star Kieron Dyer nearly died 11 weeks ago but a transplant saved his life.The 44-year-old played for Ipswich, Newcastle, West Ham, QPR and Middlesbrough during his career.
      Kieron Dyer underwent an operation to save his lifeCredit: Getty
      Dyer played 33 times for EnglandCredit: Getty
      But just three months ago he was lying in hospital with a rare liver disease named primary sclerosing cholangitis.
      The illness sees bile ducts inside and outside the liver decrease due to inflammation and scarring.
      Time was running out for Dyer and his mother, wife Hollie, two kids and friends were preparing for the worst.
      But on September 18 a compatible liver was found after somebody else had passed away.
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      The operation to save the 33-time capped England international took nine hours and when he eventually came round, he was in so much pain that he told doctors to stop trying to save him.
      However, the next day he was sat up in bed and three weeks later he was allowed to go home.
      Dyer is now on the road to a full recovery and regular tests are showing that his body is reacting well to the new organ.
      The amount of pills he needs is being reduced and he’s been able to watch his youngest son Kody, 12, play football from the sidelines.
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      Dyer would often hide his emotions but was in floods of tears as he reflected on being given a second chance at life.
      He told the Mail he was “as yellow as Bart Simpson” at the worst point of his illness.
      Dyer said: “The fact that someone else died so that I might live is something I still can’t process.
      “To have that responsibility and burden to do that person justice is… I still can’t come to terms with it.
      “There are days where I just cry. I am happy. I am not sad. It is just such a powerful thought that someone had to die.
      “People say already they can see a difference in my mood and my mannerisms.
      “To be given a second chance, I have got to grasp it and make each day count.
      “I will try and live every day to the fullest, try not to waste a single day. I have got a lot more positive outlook on life now.
      “It’s a shame that it took someone else’s tragedy for me to be able to see it.
      On the support he has received from loved ones, Dyer added: “I was at my lowest. I was a nightmare to deal with. I was dying so you can imagine how moody and erratic I was and not once did my family take it personally.
      “All they showed was love, love, love. How could they put up with me?
      “They drove three hours a day every day for three months to see me. That’s unconditional love.”
      He has had well wishes from a range of football clubs, from his former side Ipswich to their bitter rivals Norwich, which left Dyer shocked.
      Managers Kieran McKenna and Paul Cook have visited him, both of whom he worked alongside as a coach at the Tractor Boys and then Chesterfield.
      Dyer now wants to write a letter to the family he got his new liver from but is struggling to find the words to thank them and process his emotions. More