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      Edouard Mendy ‘told he can leave Chelsea in summer transfer purge as Graham Potter plots major squad overhaul’

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      CHELSEA have reportedly told Edouard Mendy that he can leave this summer as boss Graham Potter plots a squad overhaul.The West London club need to cut costs after their heavy outlay on new additions.
      Edouard Mendy has reportedly been told that he can leave ChelseaCredit: Rex
      The Blues have switched No1s this season under Potter, with Kepa Arrizabalaga reclaiming first choice status over Mendy.
      Mendy, 30, snubbed a new six-year contract over the salary offered – which did not rival Kepa’s.
      The Senegal international has returned to full training this week after a lengthy time on the sidelines following surgery on his finger in January.
      But his future at Stamford Bridge remains up in the air as he prepares for crunch talks with the club
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      Now the Daily Mirror claims that the stopper, who has 18 months left on his deal, has been told he can go.
      Mendy, who has kept 49 clean sheets in 104 games for the Blues, arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2020 and helped them to Champions League and Club World Cup success before falling out of favour. 
      Meanwhile, we reported earlier that Chelsea are allegedly “prepared to out-bid their rivals” to sign Leeds United’s Illan Meslier as a replacement.
      The 23-year-old goalkeeper joined Leeds on a season-long loan from Lorient in 2019 – a move which became permanent the following year for around £5m.
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      The Elland Road side want to keep the Frenchman if they beat the drop but have placed an asking price of over £30m on his head amid mounting interest.
      We have previously reported how Manchester United have been monitoring Meslier’s situation.
      Newcastle are also believed to be keen on him while Chelsea were linked with a move for him in January and now seem set to try for him again. More

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      Sunderland wonderkid Tom Watson, 16, on verge of first-team debut after impressing boss Tony Mowbray

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      SUNDERLAND are planning to give young winger Tom Watson a first-team start in the run-in.England youth-capped Watson, 16, has been in squads but is pencilled in for some game time by Tony Mowbray, along with fellow youngster Chris Rigg.
      Tony Mowbray could hand more game time to exiting prospects Tom Watson and Chris RiggCredit: Alamy
      Rigg has already played for the Sunderland first teamCredit: Getty
      Watson has impressed at the club’s youth levels this season, firing in four goals and making four assists in 11 U18 Premier League games.
      He has also made the step to the Premier League 2, in which he has scored once and assisted three goals in six appearances.
      Watson is able to play as a left-winger or as a central striker.
      Rigg, 15, on the other hand, has made his debut in the senior side, making three appearances in the FA Cup.
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      The midfielder has already caught the eye of rivals Newcastle United.
      The Magpies were linked with a move for Rigg in January as they hope to fill their academy with players with the potential to break into the first team.
      Newcastle also think they have one advantage to signing him, as Rigg’s dad has been revealed to be a supporter of the St James’ Park side.
      Sunderland remain in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs, but after winning one of their last five games, they have dropped off the pace.
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      The Black Cats are now seven points and five places behind sixth-placed Millwall.
      Should the club fall further behind, then it could benefit the youngsters as there will be less pressure on the team. More

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      Fraser Forster given shock England call up with Tottenham goalkeeper drafted in after Nick Pope injury

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      FRASER FORSTER has received a shock England call-up after Nick Pope pulled out of the squad with injury.The Tottenham deputy has been in regular action in recent weeks following Hugo Lloris’ injury.
      Fraser Forster has made 12 appearances for Tottenham this seasonCredit: Getty
      Nick Pope has pulled out of the England squadCredit: Alamy
      Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate initially named Pope in his squad alongside first choice Jordan Pickford and Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale.
      Pope, 30, has been nursing a minor injury this week.
      He managed to play the full 90 minutes as Newcastle beat Nottingham Forest 2-1 on Friday night.
      But according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Pope has pulled out of the England squad in order to receive treatment.
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      He has been replaced by experienced six-cap stopper Forster at short notice.
      Forster was previously a regular in the Three Lions set up, but hasn’t played for his country since 2016.
      The imposing 6ft 7in stopper was included in Southgate’s squad for matches against Switzerland and Ivory Coast 12 months ago.
      That call-up had been Forster’s first in five years.
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      Forster, 35, earned his last England cap in 2016Credit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
      The former Celtic goalkeeper quit Southampton for Tottenham last summer.
      He made just one appearance in all competitions prior to the World Cup, but has filled in for Lloris frequently since.
      Forster made his Prem debut for Spurs against Brentford on Boxing Day, and also played in both legs of their Champions League round of 16 defeat to AC Milan.
      In total he has made 12 appearances for Tottenham this term, keeping five clean sheets.
      The experienced stopper was part of Roy Hodgson’s England squads for the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
      Pope, meanwhile, has earned ten England caps – the most recent coming in the 3-3 draw with Germany at Wembley last September.
      He has been part of Southgate’s squads for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, but missed Euro 2020 with a knee injury.
      Pope was in Three Lions action against Germany last SeptemberCredit: Getty More

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      Chelsea ‘hold talks’ with Premier League rival to share stadium for FOUR YEARS during £2bn Stamford Bridge upgrade

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      CHELSEA have reportedly been in talks with Premier League rivals Fulham over a four-year ground share while they redevelop Stamford Bridge.American billionaire Todd Boehly and his co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali are determined for the club to have one of the greatest stadiums on the planet by 2030.
      Chelsea have been in talks with Fulham over a Craven Cottage ground shareCredit: Getty
      The Blues could play away from Stamford Bridge for four yearsCredit: Alamy
      It is understood that the Blues currently have three options regarding their home ground.
      One is to start work and build on a completely new site.
      Another is knocking down their current home and rebuilding a new ground from scratch and the other is just to redevelop Stamford Bridge.
      We reported previously how demolishing their West London ground and building a brand new one in its place on the existing site is emerging as the most likely option.
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      The whole project could cost a mega £2bn and a fresh report today says it could mean them playing their home games away from Stamford Bridge for FOUR YEARS.
      And the Daily Mail says that will be at either Fulham’s Craven Cottage, Twickenham or Wembley.
      It states that Boehly has “informally approached fellow American billionaire Shahid Khan, the Fulham owner, about using his club’s ground” during that period.
      The report suggests that would involve the majority of Chelsea’s Premier League matches being played at Craven Cottage.
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      But Champions League and category A top-fight fixtures may be held at either Wembley or Twickenham instead.
      Chelsea have “also approached the Rugby Football Union, who are keen to expand the number of non-rugby events held at Twickenham” over the possibility.

      The RFU are keen to boost their own revenues and help pay for future refurbishments of the national rugby stadium.
      Craven Cottage is only around 1.6 miles walk away from Stamford Bridge but only has a capacity of 29,600 once their own stadium redevelopment work is finished this summer.
      Twickenham holds 82,000 spectators, while Wembley has a capacity of 90,000. More

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      Luxury housing development backed by ex-Premier League star covered in piles of rubble after three-year war with council

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      A LUXURY housing development backed by a former Premier League star is bogged down in a three-year planning fiasco with mounds of rubble and broken fences. Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler is an ambassador for the scheme to build 300 new homes on the edge of Liverpool city centre.
      Elatus Developments have said that they are still committed to the scheme on the edge of Liverpool city centreCredit: CHRIS NEILL
      The scheme was set to be delivered in 2021 but nothing has been built so farCredit: CHRIS NEILL
      Mounds of rubble inside the scheme where the developer hopes to build 300 new homesCredit: CHRIS NEILL
      Collapsed hoardings at the site on the corner of St Anne Street on the edge of Liverpool city centreCredit: CHRIS NEILL
      Robbie Fowler appears inside a corporate brochure promoting the property schemeCredit: Elatus Developments
      But after years of delay the homes have not been built.
      Pictures show collapsed hoardings and mounds of rubble at the site on St Anne Street.
      Photographs of smiling ex-England international Fowler holding a football initially surrounded the site.
      Elatus Developments, owned by Liverpool businessman Robert Taylor, initially hoped to deliver the scheme in autumn 2021.
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      A glossy sales brochure promoting the posh development set a new completion date of spring this year.
      Elatus has been working with the council over recent years to try and conform to the city’s planning policies.
      Councillor Steve Radford, who has spoken out about planning issues in the city, said: “I have been advised that the scheme is held up in planning.”
      A spokesman for Elatus Developments said: “We are still committed to delivering this scheme.
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      “Unfortunately the planning process has been complex and we have had to work to conform to the council’s Local Plan.
      “But we are still hopeful that an agreement can be reached and that we can start work as soon as possible.”
      Track Capital, who are marketing the scheme, have said in a sales document that block B has been ‘sold out.’
      A spokesman for Elatus said that ‘reservation fees’ had been accepted but that buyers had not been asked for deposits.
      The spokesman said that Elatus has been negotiating with the local authority on the inclusion of affordable housing within the scheme.
      Prices start at around £90,000 for a studio and go up to £190,000 for a two bedroom apartment.
      Buyers will pay around £15,000 for a parking space facility.
      The sales brochure includes a quote from Fowler, who scored 183 goals for Liverpool and was nicknamed ‘God’ by adoring Reds’ fans.
      It reads: “I’m delighted to announce that I have teamed up with Elatus Development Group to develop St Anne’s Gardens, a prime residential development in Liverpool, offering a range of spacious studios, 1 & 2 bedroom apartments, all currently below market value.
      “The aim is to build out numerous developments throughout Liverpool over the next couple of years, with St Anne’s Gardens being the first.
      “I have always had a passion for property development and to be part of a big project like this is not only great for my personal ambition but will be great for the Liverpool region.
      “St. Anne’s Gardens presents an ideal opportunity for both residential and buy-to-let investors. The apartments offer the highest quality and affordability and are conveniently located just minutes from Liverpool city centre and Anfield Stadium.”
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      Images of Fowler which initially surrounded the site have now been taken down.
      The Sun approached Mr Fowler for comment.
      Fowler scored 183 goals for Liverpool and became a cult figure amongst fans during his playing careerCredit: PA:Press Association
      Images of Fowler which initially surrounded the site have now been taken downCredit: AP:Associated Press More

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      Emotional scenes as BOTH sets of fans give David Brooks standing ovation as he plays for first time after cancer battle

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      DAVID BROOKS received a standing ovation from both sets of fans as he made his first appearance since beating cancer.The Bournemouth star, 25, was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin lymphoma in October 2021.
      David Brooks came on for Bournemouth in the 78th minuteCredit: PA
      Fans rose to applaud Brooks onto the pitch at Villa ParkCredit: Getty
      He announced that he had made a full recovery at the end of last season, and has since been working his way back to full fitness.
      Brooks was on the bench for the first time since beating cancer during his side’s 1-0 win over Liverpool last week.
      And he made his first appearance in 525 days yesterday when he came on in the 78th minute of his side’s 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa.
      Both sets of fans recognised that Brooks’ battle had been bigger than football, with the Villa faithful, as well as Bournemouth’s, getting off their seats to applaud the Wales international onto the pitch.
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      Prior to the match, Cherries boss Gary O’Neil admitted that Brooks had been “itching” to return to action.
      He said: “Everyone is also delighted for David Brooks and his family.
      “He’s itching, but he’s sensibly itching. He knows there’s things to do, but he’ll be involved again tomorrow.”
      After last week’s match against Liverpool, Brooks took to Instagram to admit how “special” it felt to be back among the group again.
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      Brooks played for the first time 535 daysCredit: Getty
      Brooks, 25, was back in Bournemouth’s matchday squad for their win over Liverpool last weekCredit: Getty
      He wrote: “529 days I’ve had to wait for that feeling… been a long wait and a very difficult period for me and my family but to be able to step back on that football pitch and feel part of the team again was special!
      “Thank you to all the fans for the great reception and hope you enjoyed that immense performance from the boys.”
      Prior to his illness, Brooks was a key player for the Cherries.
      The right winger has made 91 appearances for Bournemouth, scoring 17 goals and laying on 12 assists.
      Brooks’ importance to the Cherries was underlined last summer, when they rewarded him with a new four-year contract.
      At the time, the Welshman said: “I am so pleased to have signed this deal and am looking forward to the next few years with this great club.
      “Of course, the last year has been extremely difficult for myself, my family and friends but I’m now in a position to resume my career, and getting this deal over the line is the icing on the cake.
      “I am working hard alongside the excellent coaching team at AFC Bournemouth and am hoping to be back on the pitch soon.
      “In the meantime, I’ll be supporting the lads every step of the way.”
      Brooks penned a new four-year deal with Bournemouth last AugustCredit: Getty More

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      Why is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace not on TV?

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      ARSENAL are facing Crystal Palace this afternoon in a huge Premier League clash at the Emirates.The Gunners could go EIGHT points clear at the top of the table with victory, as Manchester City played in the FA Cup this weekend.
      William Saliba is out for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Though Arsenal picked up two injuries in their Europa League exit during the week.
      William Saliba and Takehiro Tomiyasu are both out.
      And in centre-back Saliba’s case, the injury is worse than first feared.
      So Mikel Arteta will have to shuffle his pack for the vital visit of managerless Palace.
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      When is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace?
      Arsenal vs Crystal Palace takes place TODAY – Sunday, March 19.
      The match kicks off at 2pm.
      The Emirates Stadium in north London plays host.
      Gabriel Jesus is set to feature for ArsenalCredit: Getty
      What TV channel is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace on?
      Arsenal vs Crystal Palace is not on UK TV this afternoon.
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      Why is Arsenal vs Crystal Palace not on TV?
      Arsenal vs Crystal Palace is not on TV because Sky Sports had initially picked two other games for their Super Sunday coverage today.
      Brighton vs Manchester United was originally the early kick-off followed by Man City vs West Ham in the afternoon.
      But three of those teams are now in FA Cup action this weekend so their games have been rescheduled.
      Match of the Day 2 will have highlights from 10.30pm and we’ll be bringing you minute-by-minute coverage with SunSport’s live blog. More

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      Crystal Palace reserve keeper Sam Johnstone eyed by TWO Championship clubs for summer transfer but only if they go up

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      CRYSTAL PALACE’S forgotten keeper Sam Johnstone is a target for two Prem wannabes.Championship duo Sheffield United and West Brom both want a new No 1 if they go up.
      Sam Johnstone is wanted by both West Brom and Sheffield UnitedCredit: Getty
      Blades will review plans this summer, while the Baggies would love their former player back.
      Johnstone, 29, is behind first-choice Vicente Guaita, and Palace value him at about £5-6million.
      Neither suitor could afford him if they fail to go up, as both would have small budgets.
      During his tie at the Hawthorns, Johnstone was able to earn recognition from the England set-up making his senior debut in a friendly match against Romania in 2021.
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      The Blades would need to have their transfer embargo removed if they were to try and complete a deal to sign the goalkeeper.
      Meanwhile, Palace have talked caretaker boss Paddy McCarthy into staying after two approaches from rival clubs.
      Ex-Eagles skipper and defender McCarthy, 39, has stepped up from the Under-21s after Patrick Vieira’s sacking and the club want to keep him despite interest from Oxford and MK Dons.
      Former manager Roy Hodgson is in the frame to replace Vieira on a short-term contract until the end of the season.
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      The former England boss remains a popular figure with many first-team players at Palace.
      Meanwhile, attention will be focused on getting a result against league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates. More