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    Mauricio Pochettino hopes to become Chelsea manager THIS WEEK with Todd Boehly set to name fifth boss of season

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO is hoping to land the Chelsea job this week.And the ex-Tottenham boss believes he can transform the struggling Blues into Prem title contenders next season.
    Mauricio Pochettino is hoping to land the Chelsea job this weekCredit: Getty
    Pochettino has held talks with Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly who is looking for a fifth boss of the seasonCredit: Alamy
    The Argentine, 51, is now in pole position to take over at Stamford Bridge following the sacking of Graham Potter.
    Interim boss Frank Lampard will remain for tomorrow’s home clash with Brentford.
    But Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly has held extensive talks with Pochettino about becoming the FIFTH manager since the American billionaire took over last summer.
    Pochettino is likely to bring long-serving assistants Jesus Perez, Toni Jiminez plus sports scientist son Sebastiano with him to the club.
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    Pochettino, Luis Enrique and Julian Nagelsmann – all currently without a job – have been interviewed for the job, but ex-Bayern Munich chief Nagelsmann is understood to have ruled himself out.
    But Poch, who spent five years at Tottenham and has been out of work since leaving French giants Paris Saint-Germain last summer, continues to have strong links with London as he still lives in the city.
    Some Tottenham fans will be angry if he takes over at their rivals.
    But he has not received any approach from Spurs chairman Daniel Levy.
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    Pochettino’s reputation of developing young players, forward-thinking coaching, attractive style of play and communication is an attractive option for Chelsea, who need someone to sort out a huge, talented squad – but needs trimming.
    He took Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final, but the strength of Chelsea’s squad and Boehly’s spending power could provide him with the foundations to win his first trophy in English football.
    Lampard took charge of the Blues after they sacked Potter at the start of April, but has lost all four of his games in charge.
    Pochettino managed Spurs for five years from 2014 and led them to the 2019 Champions League final, which they lost to Liverpool.
    He was sacked by Tottenham in November 2019 after they made a disappointing start to the following campaign and were 14th in the Premier League at the time of his departure.
    During his time with Spurs, he also guided them to the League Cup final in 2015 and a Premier League runners-up spot in 2016-17, with his side missing out on winning both to Chelsea.
    Mauricio Pochettino is the frontrunner to take over at ChelseaCredit: MATTHEW CHILDS More

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    Bruno Fernandes’ wife releases worrying Instagram snap with crutches and boot as Man Utd fans fear their ‘season’s over’

    BRUNO FERNANDES’ wife Ana Pinho has posted a picture of the Portuguese star with a protective boot and crutches.The snap, uploaded to Ana’s Instagram account, comes just a day after Fernandes was forced off during Manchester United’s FA Cup semi-final victory over Brighton.
    Bruno Fernandes was pictured with crutches and a protective bootCredit: INSTAGRAM / @anaapinho_
    Fernandes was substituted during extra time of Sunday’s FA Cup semi finalCredit: Rex
    Fernandes, 28, hurt his ankle during the first half of the Wembley clash.
    He battled on until the 101st minute, before being replaced by Wout Weghorst.
    According to ESPN, Erik ten Hag considered taking the attacking midfielder off both as the incident occurred and at half-time.
    But Fernandes himself was determined to stay on.
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    The injury sparked fears that he could miss Thursday night’s trip to Tottenham.
    And Ana’s post has done nothing to allay those worries.

    In the image, Fernandes can be seen lying on the sofa with his right foot raised while wearing ankle support.
    On the carpet next to the sofa can be seen a pair of crutches and a protective boot.
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    Fernandes picked up a knock in the first halfCredit: Alamy
    Ana captioned her post: “Recharging.”
    Fernandes was seen limping as he left Wembley on Sunday night, following his side’s penalty shoot-out win.
    But at that stage he had not been issued with a protective boot.
    The key playmaker is now set to miss Thursday’s trip to Tottenham in a crucial clash for a place in the top four of the Premier League.
    He must also be a doubt for next Sunday’s home game with Aston Villa.
    Manager Ten Hag already has injury problems with Lisandro Martinez out for the rest of the season and fellow centre-back partner Raphael Varane also sidelined.
    Fernandes has started all bar four of United’s matches this season.
    He was absent for last Thursday’s abject 3-0 Europa League defeat against Sevilla. More

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    Man Utd keeping tabs on Neymar after enquiry, with PSG star a big name transfer target if Sheikh Jassim takes over

    MANCHESTER UNITED are keeping tabs on Neymar, French reports say.The Brazilian superstar has seen another season hampered by ankle injuries, despite netting 18 times in 29 games.
    Neymar is being linked with a move to Man UtdCredit: Getty
    Neymar’s inconsistency has led to increased speculation over his future, with Chelsea continually linked with the forward.
    But now, according to Footmercato in France, United are ready to join the hunt for the former £198million star.
    They say Old Trafford bosses made enquiries about the attacker at the start of the season but decided against a concrete approach.
    However, it is claimed that, should Qatari investors be successful in their bid to take over at United this summer, then Neymar could be seen as a marquee signing to signal their intentions.
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    Neymar’s contract runs out in 2025 and he does have the option to extend it to 2027.
    But it is claimed PSG want to part with the player sooner rather than later despite the player wanting to stay.
    Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Al Thani – a member of the Gulf state’s ruling royal family – is a front-runner in the race to take over at Old Trafford as the Glazers hold out for a £6billion fee.
    Al Thani’s bid is reportedly worth £5bn but he is promising to wipe the club’s debt and fund upgrades for both Old Trafford and Carrington.
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    The Glazers are set to sanction a THIRD round of bidding after refusing to accept any offer so far.
    TalkSPORT claims interested parties have been informed they have until the end of the month to submit revised offers.
    The Glazer family are looking to sell Man UtdCredit: AFP More

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    Man Utd ‘hold Alexis Mac Allister transfer talks’ but fans instantly spot massive red flag in move for Argentina star

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly opened talks with Alexis Mac Allister over a summer move – but fans aren’t convinced by his reported transfer demand.The Brighton midfielder has caught the eye of several teams over the last 18 months with a string of impressive displays.
    Manchester United have reportedly opened talks with Alexis Mac AllisterCredit: REX
    But not all Red Devils fans are keen on the potential signingCredit: REX
    Mac Allister really put himself in the shop window and in Argentina’s successful World Cup campaign last December.
    And, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Red Devils have already made overtures to sign the 24-year-old.
    Some of the Old Trafford faithful, however, aren’t convinced by the potential acquisition of Mac Allister.
    One tweeted: “[Moises] Caceido is a better choice.”
    READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
    Another said: “No and no to that please.”
    And another said: “No, F**K No.”

    One remarked: “Caicedo or [Declan] Rice should be first priority.”
    Another chimed in: “[Lionel] Messi made him look good. He’s a fraud we’ve seen him yesterday.”
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    Some supporters were fine with the idea of Mac Allister coming in – but scoffed at the idea of United actually getting a deal done.
    One fan joked: “So that’s us out of the picture then.”
    Another remarked: “There’s no way we’re signing him then. We don’t conclude deals early in the transfer window.”
    One chimed in: “United making early transfers, pahahah.”
    Mac Allister inked a bumper new five-year deal – with the option of another 12 months – at the Amex weeks before last winter’s World Cup.
    But the Seagulls are seemingly open to cashing in on their star midfielder – for the right price.
    Club CEO Paul Barber told talkSPORT: “With Alexis, we sat down before the World Cup with his father, Carlos, and his agent.
    “That was about making sure Alexis was as settled as possible before the World Cup goal.
    “And afterwards, we ensured he got back focused on the Premier League – to his credit he absolutely has done. Has performed very, very well.
    “What the summer brings? We don’t know. What we do know is our players will come under a lot of scrutiny and interest.
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    “And we will manage that, as we always do, when and if it happens.”
    Brighton will be back in action on Wednesday, travelling to the City Ground to take on Prem strugglers Nottingham Forest. More

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    Tottenham fans nickname Levy ‘Uncle Daniel’ as they fume at bizarre statement sacking Stellini

    DANIEL LEVY’S bizarre club statement has done nothing to abate the fury directed his way from Tottenham fans.Spurs confirmed the dismissal of acting head coach Cristian Stellini on Monday afternoon following Sunday’s 6-1 defeat to Newcastle.
    Daniel Levy addressed fans in a short letter as he sacked Cristian StelliniCredit: Reuters
    Rather than the standard club statement, Levy sought to directly address fans in a short letter.
    Tottenham’s official Twitter account posted a link to the news, writing: “Club update from Daniel”.
    The short letter, which spoke of the devastating nature of the Newcastle defeat while confirming that Ryan Mason would now take charge, was bizarrely signed off: “COYS, Daniel.”
    Commenting on this unusual manner of announcing a sacking, one fan wrote: “‘[From Daniel.’ Like some benevolent uncle 🤮”
    READ MORE TOTTENHAM NEWS
    A second tweeted: “Levy seemingly dropped his second name to make him see more personable. ‘Uncle Daniel’ when he ditches Mason and rehires Harry Redknapp for the last game of the season.”
    Another joked: “Madonna, Oprah, Rihanna, Adele, Daniel.”
    While a fourth sarcastically tweeted: “From Daniel? That’s kind.”
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    Cristian Stellini was axed as acting head coach earlier todayCredit: AFP
    A further social media user scathingly added: “Unless it’s him leaving he can shut up.”
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    Loud anti-Levy chants have been heard at Tottenham’s last two home matches, while a protest was held outside their stadium ahead of their 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth.
    Supporters sang for former boss Mauricio Pochettino, who is now on the verge of joining rivals Chelsea after being snubbed by Spurs in their managerial hunt.
    Tottenham return to action on Thursday, when Mason will lead them against Manchester United.
    The North Londoners have been linked with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique in their managerial hunt.
    While Arne Slot, Vincent Kompany and Ange Postecoglou have also been mentioned.
    Ryan Mason will now take charge of SpursCredit: Rex More

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    Harry Kane asking price revealed with Man Utd set to be told to pay £20m MORE than Real Madrid and Bayern

    TOTTENHAM will make Manchester United pay a premium if they are to beat European suitors to Harry Kane this summer, according to reports.SunSport reported last month that the Red Devils are confident of landing Kane ahead of next season, should Spurs finish outside the top four.
    Harry Kane will have one year remaining on his Tottenham contract at the end of the season and European giants are circlingCredit: Getty
    With the North Londoners’ Champions League hopes in tatters following their 6-1 mauling at Newcastle, a result that saw Cristian Stellini’s stay as acting head coach come to an abrupt end, United feel that they are well placed to pounce.
    The Red Devils would be willing to significantly boost Kane’s current £200,000 a week salary.
    And they believe that the 29-year-old would be interested in making the switch after contacting his camp via a third party.
    The England captain is viewed as unlikely to extend his contract with Tottenham this summer.
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    As it stands, the Telegraph claim that Spurs would demand at least £100million from a fellow Premier League club for Kane this summer.
    A team from abroad, however, may only be charged around £80m.
    Kane is believed to want to stay in the Premier League, as he chases down Alan Shearer’s all-time leading goalscorer record.
    Shearer finished on 260, with Kane currently third in the all-time list on 207.
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    He will likely move to second before the end of the season, with yesterday’s consolation strike against Newcastle moving him to within one of Wayne Rooney.
    Kane said in January that there had “not been much talking” with Spurs over a new contract but he was “sure there will be conversations over the coming months”.
    Despite Spurs’ woes, their No10 has still managed to bag 24 Prem goals so far this season.
    In February he became their all-time leading goalscorer, overtaking the legendary Jimmy Greaves.
    Spurs made the decision to axe acting head coach Stellini on Monday following meetings between Daniel Levy and key players.
    Kane’s friend and former team-mate Ryan Mason, 31, will be in charge until the end of the season.
    Tottenham have been linked with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique in their managerial hunt.
    While Arne Slot, Vincent Kompany and Ange Postecoglou have also been mentioned.
    Popular former boss Mauricio Pochettino, whose name has been sung by fans at recent matches, was reportedly never considered and is on the verge of joining Chelsea.
    Cristian Stellini has been axed as Tottenham’s acting head coachCredit: Getty Images – Getty More

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    How Danny Welbeck sparked ‘crazy’ training ground bust-up on night before Man Utd’s Champions League win over Chelsea

    DANNY WELBECK caused a “crazy” bust-up during Manchester United’s last training session before the 2008 Champions League Final.United legend Rio Ferdinand looked back at the Red Devils’ last European trophy and remembered the bad signs that preceded their big game in Russia.
    Danny Welbeck caused a training ground bust-up at Manchester UnitedCredit: AP:Associated Press
    Brighton star Welbeck scored a hat-trick in training before the 2008 Champions League FinalCredit: Getty
    United went on to win the Champions League after their ‘crazy’ argumentCredit: PA
    Ferdinand remembered the experienced players facing off against the young aces the night before their big clash with Chelsea at the Luzhniki Stadium.
    The experienced players were looking for a big morale boost but it all went south as current Brighton star Welbeck netted a hat-trick and delivered a major blow to the stars’ ego.
    That led to a major argument which “could not have gone any worse” for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side.
    Ferdinand told his FIVE show: “The night before, we used to play older team versus younger team.
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    “Welbeck scored a hat-trick. The night before the Luzhniki Stadium, he scored a hat-trick against us.
    “Big arguments on the pitch, everyone is going crazy. Wow that last session before the big Champions League final could not have gone any worse. Terrible.”
    However, United managed to overcome their training ground drama the next night.
    The Red Devils defeated Chelsea in a dramatic penalty shoot-out after a 1-1 draw.
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    Cristiano Ronaldo opened the scoring for the Manchester giants after 26 minutes.
    But Chelsea’s current interim manager Frank Lampard equalised for the West Londoners just before half-time.
    United went on to win 6-5 on penalties when John Terry’s disastrous slip saved Ronaldo’s blushes before sudden death.
    Then Edwin van der Sar denied Nicolas Anelka’s spot-kick to land the club’s third European title. More

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    Tottenham AXE Stellini as interim boss after Levy meets with senior players following ‘unacceptable’ Newcastle thrashing

    CRISTIAN STELLINI has been sacked as Tottenham’s acting head coach.Ryan Mason will take over with immediate effect following a meeting between Daniel Levy and senior players.
    Cristian Stellini has been sacked as acting head coach… with Ryan Mason taking overCredit: PA
    Stellini, 48, took charge of four matches after being appointed until the end of the season following Antonio Conte’s departure.
    The Italian had been Conte’s No2 at Spurs since November 2021.
    His coaching staff, aside from Mason, have also left the North Londoners.
    Although liked on a personal level, Stellini is believed to have lost the faith of the Tottenham squad.
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    Addressing supporters in an official statement, Levy described Sunday’s 6-1 mauling at Newcastle, in which they were 5-0 down after just 21 minutes, as “devastating”.
    He wrote: “Sunday’s performance against Newcastle was wholly unacceptable. It was devastating to see.

    “We can look at many reasons why it happened and whilst myself, the board, the coaches and players must all take collective responsibility, ultimately the responsibility is mine.
    “Cristian will leave his current role along with his coaching staff. Cristian stepped in at a difficult point in our season and I want to thank him for the professional manner in which he and his coaching staff have conducted themselves during such a challenging time. We wish him and his staff well.
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    Tottenham were humiliated by Newcastle on Sunday afternoonCredit: Getty
    Stellini oversaw Tottenham’s 6-1 humiliation at the hands of NewcastleCredit: Getty
    “Ryan Mason will take over head coach duties with immediate effect. Ryan knows the club and the players well. We shall update further on his coaching staff in due course.
    “I met with the player committee today – the squad is determined to pull together to ensure the strongest possible finish to the season.
    “We are all clear we need to deliver performances which earn your amazing support.”
    Conte departed after slamming his players in a ten minute rant following their 3-3 draw at Southampton last month.
    Stellini then oversaw a 1-1 draw at Everton and 2-1 home victory over Brighton before a dramatic, last-minute 3-2 defeat to Bournemouth.
    Mason, 31, previously took charge of the final seven matches of the 2020-21 season following the sacking of Jose Mourinho.
    He won four of his six Premier League matches at the helm, in addition to losing the Carabao Cup final 1-0 to Manchester City.
    The former midfielder returned to the academy set-up under Nuno Espirito Santo, but was promoted to the role of first team coach following Conte’s arrival.
    Tottenham are next in action on Thursday night, when they host Manchester United in North London.
    Spurs are fifth in the table but have fallen six points behind the top four, with both Man United and Newcastle possessing games in hand.
    The Lilywhites are just four points above eighth-placed Brighton, with the Seagulls having played three fewer matches.
    Tottenham have been linked with the likes of Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique in their managerial hunt.
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    While Arne Slot, Vincent Kompany and Ange Postecoglou have also been mentioned.
    Popular former boss Mauricio Pochettino, whose name has been sung by fans at recent matches, was reportedly never considered and is on the verge of joining Chelsea.
    Daniel Levy released a short statement to fans on Tottenham’s websiteCredit: Reuters More