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      Chelsea ‘face staff exodus’ if they go through with transfer firesale of homegrown stars like Mason Mount

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      SEVERAL members of Chelsea’s academy staff could reportedly quit the club if they sell a host of homegrown stars like Mason Mount this summer.The Blues are set to undergo a firesale as owner Todd Boehly looks to trim his inflated squad.
      Mason Mount is no closer to agreeing a new deal at Chelsea so could leave this summerCredit: Rex
      A plethora of players could be forced out with more big money signings expected along with the predicted arrival of new manager Mauricio Pochettino.
      Plenty of stars that have come through the ranks at the club could be sold – to the anger of academy coaches.
      Those that have worked hard to nurture the likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Trevor Chalobah will be reportedly fuming if them and more are pushed out by new buys, claim The Times.
      Chelsea also need to balance the books after spending £600million on players over the last two transfer windows.
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      Mount is supposedly set to leave this summer with the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle and Arsenal interested.
      The midfielder has just one more year on his contract and he is no closer to penning a new deal.

      Meanwhile, Loftus-Cheek could also leave Stamford Bridge for good after failing to nail down a starting place this term.
      Chalobah has come back into the fold under Frank Lampard but after the January signing of Benoit Badiashile, he may go for more assurances over first-team action.
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      Callum Hudson-Odoi could also depart, having not impressed while on loan at Bayer Leverkusen.
      Armando Broja remains out with a long-term injury, but he is also up for sale this summer with Chelsea surely set to sign a new striker at the end of the season.
      Reece James has also been linked with a switch to Real Madrid.
      It’s not just homegrown stars that Boehly could get rid of in his mass clearout.
      Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arizzabalaga and Mateo Kovacic have all been linked with moves away in recent weeks. More

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      Female footballer Sydney Leroux demands FIFA ‘deflate her boobs’ after making character too ‘chesty’

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      FEMALE footballer Sydney Leroux has called on FIFA to “deflate my boobs” after taking issue with her “chesty” in-game character. Leroux, 32, has enjoyed a long career playing in North America after beginning her journey with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2005.
      Striker Sydney Leroux has played for a number of clubs in North America, including the Seattle Sounders, Kansas City and Orlando PrideCredit: Getty
      Leroux was not at all convinced by her video game likenessCredit: EA Sports FIFA 16 via Twitter / @sydneyleroux
      FIFA has included women players since 2016 and went a step further with FIFA 23 by including the Women’s Super League and French Division 1 Feminine.
      A recent update has also seen the women’s Champions League and the National Women’s Soccer League, the top flight of football in America, added to the popular video game.
      But Leroux, who currently stars for Angel City FC, believed her animated character did not accurately represent her.
      She said on Twitter: “They had the headband, the braid, the neck tattoo, the overly plucked brows and someone even made me CHESTYYYY!!!!
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      “Deflate my boobs a bit and put a different jersey on.”
      But she added: “I’ll keep the brows at this point.”
      Fans weighed in with their thoughts of her botched game character.
      One admirer said: “No video game render can ever capture the grace and beauty of Sydney Leroux…”
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      While another said: “The eyebrows are in point for LA! I agree, let’s keep them!”
      Leroux is not the first player to hit out at the game’s 3D models since the new leagues were added.
      Houston Dash defender Caprice Dydasco and Liverpool striker Katie Stengel have both been left unimpressed with their depictions.
      This is set to be the last FIFA game in its current guise after game developers EA Sports split from the governing body. More

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      Mikel Arteta ‘plans to lead Declan Rice talks himself and believes he can convince midfielder to make Arsenal transfer’

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      MIKEL ARTETA reportedly plans to lead Arsenal’s quest to sign Declan Rice himself and believes he can convince the West Ham star to sign for him.Arsenal are stepping up plans to revamp the squad after guaranteeing a spot in next season’s Champions League.
      Mikel Arteta plans to lead Arsenal’s transfer charge to sign Declan RiceCredit: Rex
      The West Ham star wants to play Champions League footballCredit: Rex
      Arteta has made Rice, 24, his top pick to bolster his midfield due to his technical ability and strength.
      The Hammers ace will be out of contract next summer, although there is the option of another year, and has rejected attempts at an extension.
      He is keen to stay in London, with Chelsea also chasing him, and is believed to be interested in a switch across the capital to the Emirates.
      Now the Daily Mirror are stating that “Arteta wants to hold talks with Rice as soon as the season ends” this month.
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      They add that he believes “he can help convince £100million-rated Rice to join” the Gunners.
      And that he will also “urge Arsenal to make an official approach once the season has ended to try to tee up a huge transfer when the window opens” for summer business.
      The ace recently admitted on England duty that he is craving the opportunity to play Champions League football – something Chelsea are unable to offer like Arsenal.
      Rice said: “One hundred per cent I want to play in the Champions League. For the last two or three years, I’ve been saying that.
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      “I’ve been playing consistently well for my club, and I feel like I really want to keep pushing. I see my friends here who are playing Champions League and for big trophies.
      “You only get one career, and at the end, you want to look back at what you’ve won and the biggest games you’ve played in.”
      West Ham are looking at Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Djibril Sow as a potential replacement.
      Meanwhile, Arteta is also reportedly reconsidering Arsenal’s summer transfer strategy following last week’s painful defeat at Manchester City that severely dented their title hopes.
      The club had been planning to make just two major signings and had allocated up to £150m to bid for central midfielders Rice and Moises Caicedo.
      But Arteta feels other areas of his squad also need strengthening.
      And now they are exploring ways to finance moves for two more defenders and possibly another winger. More

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      Six pundits who could replace Graeme Souness on Sky Sports after his emotional farewell including three England legends

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      SKY SPORTS could be eyeing a new lead pundit after Graeme Souness’ retirement.The Scot spent 15 years working for the company and gave an emotional farewell after his last match – Liverpool’s 4-3 victory over Tottenham.
      Graeme Souness has spent 15 years working for Sky SportsCredit: Alamy
      Souness, 69, held back tears and revealed how much he had enjoyed working as a pundit following a mixed managerial career.
      Sky Sports have several pundits to call upon in his place – the likes of Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, Micah Richards and Jamie Redknapp are regulars on their Premier League coverage.
      While pundits such as Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Michael Dawson could be given more air time in Souness’ absence.
      It is also possible Sky Sports will promote a different pundit to a top role, and here SunSport looks at six potential candidates who could replace Souness.
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      Frank Lampard
      Lampard is interim manager at Chelsea but after losing his first five games in charge he will likely be looking for a new job in the summer.
      It is possible he will make a career switch too after also failing in his previous job at Everton, where he was sacked after less than a year in charge.
      The former England international, 44, has also worked as a pundit before – appearing on BT Sport’s coverage of the Champions League as well as working for the BBC at the 2018 World Cup.
      Frank Lampard is interim boss at ChelseaCredit: Getty
      Steven Gerrard
      Liverpool legend Gerrard, 42, is facing a similar dilemma after being sacked as Aston Villa boss in October.
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      Like Lampard he has experience working as a pundit for BT Sport and he has the reputation to replace a man of Souness’ pedigree.
      He is also part of Channel 4’s team covering England’s Euro 2024 qualifying campaign alongside ex-Lionness Jill Scott and Joe Cole.
      However he may turn down a regular punditry role in favour of returning to management as he experienced success at Rangers – winning the club’s first league title for ten years in 2021.
      Steven Gerrard has returned to punditry since leaving Aston VillaCredit: PA

      Karen Carney
      Carney went straight into punditry after retiring from football in 2019, working for ITV at the Qatar World Cup and for Sky Sports.
      The former England star appears regularly on Sky Sports’ coverage of the WSL and recently featured on Monday Night Football.
      Carney, 35, has also risen to prominence alongside Neville, Carragher and Kelly Cates on Sky Sports’ Friday Night Football show, so replacing Souness is a logical next step for her career.
      Karen Carney has worked as a pundit on multiple Sky Sports showsCredit: Alamy
      Robbie Keane
      The former Tottenham and Liverpool striker worked for the Republic of Ireland as assistant manager between 2018-20 after hanging up his boots.
      He has since moved into punditry and provides insight in his role as a Betway ambassador.
      Keane, 42, has also appeared on Sky Sports more often this season and worked alongside Souness at Liverpool vs Tottenham on Sunday.
      Robbie Keane, centre, has worked in punditry since leaving his coaching role at IrelandCredit: PA
      Kieron Dyer
      Dyer, 44, is another pundit who has been brought on by Sky Sports this season after stepping down from his coaching role at Ipswich in March 2022.
      He has seen his role increase following Newcastle’s rise up the league – the former midfielder made 250 appearances for Toon between 1999-2007.
      Kieron Dyer, centre, has appeared on Sky Sports this seasonCredit: AFP
      Sue Smith
      Former England international Smith worked for BBC Sport before switching to Sky Sports, where she provides analysis of the WSL.
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      She also features regularly as a pundit on Soccer Saturday alongside the likes of Paul Merson, Clinton Morrison and Kris Boyd.
      Soccer Saturday presenter Jeff Stelling is stepping down at the end of the season and Sky Sports could decide to revamp the show and offer Smith a more prominent punditry role.
      Sue Smith appears on Soccer Saturday and Sky Sports’ WSL showCredit: Getty More

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      Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani tells fan ‘I am responsible for this s***’ in leaked DM during Bournemouth mauling

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      ANDREA RADRIZZANI says he is “responsible for this s***” after Leeds suffered a fifth-straight defeat.Javi Gracia’s side are a point above the drop zone after they were battered 4-1 at Bournemouth on Sunday.
      Andrea Radrizzani has taken responsible for Leeds’ current slump toward relegationCredit: Reuters
      A supporter has leaked a DM convo with the Elland Road chief on TwitterCredit: https://twitter.com/ConorMcGilligxn
      And that slight advantage is set to be cut today with relegation rivals Leicester City and Everton colliding tonight.
      The defeat meant Leeds, whose players have also been slammed for ignoring fans at the team hotel, conceded an astonishing 23 GOALS in seven games in April — the most in a single month in Premier League history. 
      Fed-up supporters are fearing the worst with games against title-chasing Manchester City, high-flying Newcastle, a trip to West Ham and then sixth-placed Tottenham to come.
      Angry fans were heard chanting “you’re not fit to wear to the shirt” to Gracia’s team as they crumbled on the South Coast yesterday.

      One supporter called Conor McGilligan, who works for Manchester Evening News, then shared a screenshot of a DM exchange with Leeds’ CEO Radrizzani.
      It began with: “Can’t believe you’ve got this so wrong Andrea.”
      And the Italian sensationally replied with: “I am broken. I am responsible for this s***.
      “Unacceptable. You don’t deserve this. Ridiculous.”
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      McGilligan then went on to share another shot that confirmed Radrizzani does follow him on Twitter as well as a screen recording of his DMs with the chief to offer further proof that the messages were legitimate.
      Meanwhile Gracia, who replaced Jesse Marsch in February, admits he has no idea if he will still be Leeds boss when they face Manchester City on Saturday.
      The Leeds United Supporters Advisory Board have called for the Spaniard to be sacked now.
      They said: “We are asking for immediate changes to be made to the first team coach and to those responsible for the recruitment of the managers and players over the last 14 months.”
      When Gracia, who is celebrating his 53rd birthday today, was asked if he had the board’s backing, he replied: “If I’m here I suppose so.
      “Leeds supporters are always with the team but they prefer not to be in this situation because they expect to be winning not listening to me.” More

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      Leeds stars ‘sorry’ for ignoring fans including little boy as Piers Morgan brands them ‘selfish, arrogant p****s’

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      LEEDS UNITED’S squad have been slammed as “selfish, arrogant p****s” by Piers Morgan.The Sun columnist’s comments were echoed by hoards of fans after footage surfaced appearing to show players ignoring fans at their team hotel, including a young boy who was waving at them.
      Leeds United players have been slammed for ignoring supporters at the team hotelCredit: Twitter / @igrattan
      A host of supporters waited for autographs in reception before their game at BournemouthCredit: Twitter / @igrattan
      But players just walked straight past without even acknowledging themCredit: Twitter / @igrattan
      Javi Gracia’s woeful side are a point above the drop zone after they were battered 4-1 at Bournemouth on Sunday.
      But a number of die-hards were still keen to show their support and belief in the squad by greeting them at the team hotel as they headed to the game on Sunday.
      A clip has circulated of supporters, which included a young lad wearing a Leeds kit, waiting for autographs behind a barrier as their heroes left through the hotel reception.
      But not one player stopped for them or even acknowledged them despite the young fan waving at them as they came past.
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      Talk TV host and Sun columnist Morgan reacted to the clip by tweeting: “Selfish arrogant p****s.”
      And a host of other football fans joined him in slamming Leeds’ players.

      One wrote: “For most of these players 5-15 years ago, these would’ve been them on the other end.
      “It would’ve made their world to get a smile & hello from their favorite player. But now, they just walk past—head in the phone.”
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      Another said: “Should be ashamed of themselves. Football is nothing without the fans!”
      A fellow tweeter wrote: “Rude and the amount of money they get paid, smile say hello shake a few hands, sign a few autographs respect.”
      And another commented: “Didn’t even give the young boy the time of day! Talk about disrespectful!”
      Leeds United’s players have since released a statement expressing how sorry they feel.
      It read: “What is just as concerning to us as a group, is the video online of us leaving the hotel.
      “Words can’t express how sorry we are that the youngster in the video wearing the Leeds kit is not shown more love from the squad. On a matchday we do an activation walk, before and after this we stop for photos and autographs to ensure we interact with fans, but also that we are on time when leaving for games.
      “However, there is no excuse for not acknowledging fans and if the parents of the fan wearing the Leeds kit in the video could make themselves known to us, we would be grateful.”
      The Leeds United Trust are also attempting to find the family of the young boy in the clip after speaking to the club.
      They appealed on Twitter: “Has anyone managed to find the details of this family. If so please DM.
      “We’ve spoke to the club and they have been trying to get hold of him to put things right.”
      SunSport have approached Leeds United for comment on the incident.
      It comes just weeks after Arsenal’s squad were criticised for appearing to ignore and barely acknowledge a young girl as they signed her shirt before their recent draw at West Ham.
      The girl’s father has since taken to Twitter to insist she had a great afternoon, writing: “My daughter had a lovely time as mascot for Arsenal. There was only a small window to meet the players and she enjoyed it very much.
      “[Martin] Odegaard is her favourite player so to hold his hand onto the pitch was very special.”
      Leeds United’s on-pitch woes will get worse today with relegation rivals Leicester City and Everton colliding tonight.
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      The Monday night clash will see at least one of their rivals pick up points and put them in further trouble.
      Fed-up supporters are fearing the worst with games against title-chasing Manchester City, high-flying Newcastle, a trip to West Ham and then sixth-placed Tottenham to come. More

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      Playboy bunny and Chelsea’s ‘hottest fan’ told to cover boobs by security as she wears bold outfit for Brentford clash

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      A PLAYBOY model and Chelsea fan has claimed she was told to cover up after wearing a jaw-dropping outfit to Stamford Bridge. Maria Liman is a huge Blues supporter and has often taken selfies while visiting the ground.
      Maria claims security took issue with her outfitCredit: Instagram – @liman_maria
      The Russian beauty is a huge Chelsea fansCredit: Instagram – @liman_maria
      Maria has been branded as ‘Chelsea’s hottest fan’Credit: Instagram / @liman_maria
      The Russian stunner is also not afraid to wear eye-catching clothes when attending the football.
      And she claimed that security took issue with what she wore on her trip to west London last week as Chelsea hosted Brentford.
      Maria’s Instagram showed her hanging out with two fans drinking beer while wearing a dazzling royal blue outfit.
      She dons a bra under a jacket while also wearing a Chelsea hat on her head.
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      But she said on the photo’s caption: “We supported Chelsea as best we could.
      “But after this photo, the security of the stadium asked me to zip up my jacket.

      Maria had been in attendance for Chelsea’s pitiful 2-0 defeat to neighbours Brentford.
      An own goal by Cesar Azpilicueta and a brilliant solo strike by Bryan Mbeumo left Maria and her fellow fans watching the Blues suffer a fifth consecutive defeat.
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      Maria is a frequent visitor to the BridgeCredit: Instagram / @liman_maria
      Maria is a model who has appeared in publications like playboyCredit: Instagram / @liman_maria
      But Maria’s 1.1 million followers likely enjoyed her outstanding outfit even if it did not impress the stewards.
      It has not been an easy month for the 29-year-old who revealed that muggers snatched her phone in London.
      The Russian beauty was walking down the street in broad daylight when a man on a bike rode past and took the phone from her hands.
      Despite Maria screaming for help, the thief cycled across the road and robbed a second woman.
      Cops said the second victim was then pushed against a wall – leaving her with a head injury.
      Maria said it was the second time her phone has been stolen in the area.
      Maria has 1.1 million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram / @liman_maria
      The stunning model keeps her Instagram followers regularly entertained with her photosCredit: Instagram / @liman_maria
      Maria revealed that she had been mugged in London earlier this monthCredit: Instagram / @liman_maria More

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      Jurgen Klopp tries to walk out of interview early as Sky Sports reporter shouts ‘hang on’ at Liverpool manager

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      JURGEN KLOPP was told to “hang on” after trying to cut his post-match interview short.The Kop chief was on cloud nine following Liverpool’s last-gasp victory over Tottenham – who they beat 4-3 at Anfield on Sunday.
      Liverpool ran out 4-3 winners over Tottenham in a pulsating match at AnfieldCredit: GETTY
      But Kop chief Jurgen Klopp was far from happy with with ref Paul Tierney after the matchCredit: PA
      The German tried to cut his post-match interview early when discussing TierneryCredit: TWITTER@SKYSPORTSPL
      But his mood switched when the topic changed to referee Paul Tiernery’s decision to award a soft free kick to Spurs before Richarlison’s equaliser and his celebration following Jota’s stoppage-time winner.
      He told Sky Sports: “My celebration towards the fourth official, I didn’t say any bad words or nothing.
      “But it was unnecessary that I got punished immediately. I pulled my hamstring or abductor, or whatever. So fine, that’s fair.
      “But what he said to me when he gave me the yellow card – pfff.”
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      The interviewer tried to get the German to elaborate by saying: “Go on.”
      The former Borussia Dortmund chief replied: “No, that’s not possible. It’s absolutely not possible. But it’s not okay as well.”

      Klopp then tried to walk away, prompting the interviewer to say: “Hang on.”
      A fired-up Klopp then said: “I said what I wanted to say, so there’s no extra question.”
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      He added: “I stopped then there so that it’s. Okay, thanks.”
      Klopp didn’t hold back with his opinion on Tiernery before trying to prematurely end the interview.
      He said: “We have our history with Tierney, I really don’t know what he has against us.
      “He has said there [are] no problems but that cannot be true.
      “How he looks at me, I don’t understand it.
      “In England nobody has to clarify these situations, it’s really tricky and hard to understand.
      “What he said to me when he gave me the yellow card is not OK.”
      Liverpool will be back in action on Wednesday night, welcoming tenth-placed Fulham to Anfield. More