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      Ex-Chelsea star Paul Canoville rushed to hospital after ‘serious decline in physical health’

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      FORMER Chelsea star Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospital after a “serious decline in physical health.”The 63-year-old was the first black footballer to play for the Blues after signing from Hillingdon Borough in 1981.Chelsea icon Paul Canoville has been rushed to hospitalCredit: GettyCanoville was the first black footballer to play for the BluesCredit: Sporting PicturesThe former winger led Chelsea to the Second Division title in 1984Credit: Getty – ContributorAnd after winning over the boo boys, Canoville became a club icon by leading them to the Second Division title in 1984.However, the former Chelsea winger — who went on to score 15 goals in 103 games before joining Reading in 1986 — is now in hospital after a major health setback.He has been forced to cancel several charitable appearances, including the premiere of a documentary about his own life on Thursday.And Canoville, who battled crack cocaine addiction and cancer later in his career, is now looking to recuperate after also suffering a “significant toll on his mental well-being.”READ MORE IN FOOTBALLA statement from the Paul Canoville Foundation read: “It is with a heavy heart that I share an update on the health of our Founder, Paul Canoville.“Paul is currently in hospital due to a serious decline in his physical health, which has also taken a significant toll on his mental well-being. “As someone who has overcome extraordinary challenges throughout his life, Paul remains determined — but he now needs time, care, and space to recover.“His recent absence from school visits and, most heartbreakingly, the Show Racism the Red Card reception at Downing Street earlier this week, has been deeply upsetting for him. Most read in Football”We also want to prepare friends and supporters that Paul is very unlikely to attend the premiere of the new documentary about his life tomorrow evening (Thursday) at Regent Street Cinema — something he had been immensely looking forward to.“Out of respect for his need to rest and heal, we kindly ask that people refrain from contacting Paul directly at this time. Canoville later battled crack cocaine addiction and cancerCredit: PAHe now runs the Paul Canoville FoundationCredit: Beats by Dre and Chelsea FC“Any messages of support can be shared as comments on our social posts and we will ensure Paul sees these once well enough.“Paul’s regular public appearances are an important part of his income. While he takes this time away, we’re asking for donations to help ease that burden and continue the Foundation’s impactful work.“Thank you for your compassion, your understanding, and your continued support.”Chelsea sent their best wishes to their former star and paid tribute to him in a statement.It read: “Our thoughts are with Paul Canoville and his family at this difficult time.”Paul’s incredible endurance as a player and through his Foundation’s work has provided inspiration for so many.”After his time at Reading, Canoville turned out for Enfield, Maidenhead, Burnham, Northwood and Egham Town before retiring in 1994.Towards the end of his career Canoville became addicted to crack cocaine and had several stints in rehab.The ace was also twice diagnosed with cancer in 1996 and 2004, making a full recovery each time.Read More on The SunIn 2015, he set up the Paul Canoville Foundation to support vulnerable children and young people.And in 2021, Canoville was hospitalised after complications from emergency surgery before returning to his Foundation work. More

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      Aston Villa ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 DAYS after ex-Barcelona star last played for them

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      ASTON VILLA are ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 days after he last played for them.The playmaker, 32, is currently on loan at Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, where he’s scored eight times in 43 outings.Aston Villa are trying to terminate Philippe Coutinho’s monster contractCredit: GettyHe has spent the last year on loan with Brazilian side Vasco de GamaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCoutinho, who also spent last season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, has not played for Villa since the start of the 2023/24 campaign — exactly 654 days ago.But he still has a year remaining on his lucrative £125,000-a-week contract, which Coutinho signed in 2022 after making his shock Barcelona loan permanent for £17million.And the Athletic claims Villa chiefs have now made it a priority to get his high wages off their books ahead of another summer splurge.Coutinho hit the ground running when he moved to Villa Park on loan in January 2022, scoring five goals in 19 games under Steven Gerrard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut standards slipped after his move became permanent, with the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich star netting just once in the following 24 outings.And Coutinho now looks set to become a free agent if Villa can agree a deal to terminate his contract this month.He’s not the only potential outgoing as Unai Emery’s men look to balance the books.Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey could be sold for the right price, with Emi Buendia, Leander Dendocker, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior up for grabs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThere is also interest in Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, but Villa are desperate to keep all three.Emery is preparing for several incomings too.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!Marco Asensio’s loan from Paris Saint-Germain could be made permanent.While Villa are huge fans of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. More

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      ‘Couldn’t pay me to wear it’ – Man Utd’s 2025/26 third kit LEAKED but fans are not happy with design

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      FANS declared “you couldn’t pay me to wear it” after Manchester United’s new third kit was leaked online.The Red Devils are looking to make amends after enduring a miserable campaign both domestically and abroad.Manchester United fans hit out at the club’s new third kit after it was leaked onlineCredit: GettyRuben Amorim’s misfits floundered to a 15th place finish with just 11 wins.They were then handed a chance at redemption by setting up a Europa League final showdown against fellow strugglers Tottenham, with the winner also securing Champions League qualification.But a turgid performance against the Londoners saw United miss out.And fans are now bracing themselves for a fresh round of expensive summer signings, with £62.5million Wolves forward Matheus Cunha already making his Old Trafford entrance.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, any supporter looking to find solace in United’s new third kit will be left sorely disappointed.That’s after fellow fans hit out at the latest design for the alternative jersey, which features a bizarre black-and-yellow colour combination.The black shirt is flecked with yellow piping, a yellow club badge and a large yellow Snapdragon logo — possibly evoking images of a giant bumble bee.It was leaked online following United’s disastrous post-season tour of Asia, which saw them lose one of their two matches while being subjected to more boos.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSAnd fans were quick to hit out at the third jersey’s design.One said: “The worst shirt I’ve ever seen, couldn’t pay me to wear it.”Bruno Fernandes reveals role his wife played in £200m Al-Hilal transfer snub even though Man Utd were ready to cash inThe new jersey features a bizarre black-and-yellow colour schemeCredit: TwitterIt appears to have been inspired by United’s away kit in the 1994/95 seasonCredit: GettyEric Cantona made it infamous when he kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace fanCredit: Getty – ContributorAnother declared: “Third shirt for what? We ain’t in Europe.”One noted: “United slowly losing its identity.”Another added: “F****** ugly.”However, the kit appears to have been directly inspired by United’s away shirt from the 1994/95 campaign.Eric Cantona made the top infamous when he kung-fu kicked a Crystal Palace fan in January 1995, resulting in a nine-month ban.Elsewhere, there has been one major boost to morale at United after captain Bruno Fernandes declared he had snubbed a mega-money offer to move to Saudi Arabia.He said: “There was that possibility, the president of Al Hilal called me a month ago to ask“There was a waiting period on my part to think about what the future would hold. I would be open to it, if Manchester United felt it was my time.”I spoke with Mister Ruben Amorim, who really tried to talk me out of it. I spoke with the club, which wasn’t willing to sell, only if I truly wanted to leave.”We never talked about money; that was all handled by my agent, not me.“I spoke with my family to understand if that was what I wanted for my future.”It was actually my wife who asked me — I never said yes or no. She put my professional priorities ahead of everything else.Read More on The Sun“It would have been an easy move. I had Ruben Neves and Joao Cancelo there, two people I have a great friendship with.”But I want to stay at the highest level, play in big competitions, because I still feel capable. I want to keep being happy, I’m still very passionate about this sport, and I’m happy with my decision.” More

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      Chelsea pair were like ‘Mr and Mrs’ and ‘drove each other mad’ in rows over moisturiser… but arguments HELPED squad

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      CHELSEA need brotherhood, shower gel and plenty of moisturising cream to get back to the summit of football.Legendary Blues midfielder John Obi Mikel believes dressing room chemistry is the key to success on the pitch. And he can see it brewing in the current squad.Chelsea legends John Obi Mikel and Salomon Kalou had a funny feudMikel and Kalou’s friendly feud created morale in Chelsea’s dressing roomHe was part of the all-conquering Chelsea team which landed title after title, cup after cup during his 11 years at Stamford Bridge.But small details are behind big wins and Mikel revealed how his bizarre relationship with Salomon Kalou epitomised the strong bonds between the players of the time.Together they won the Champions League, Premier League and four FA Cups when team spirit was the fear factor which often made the difference in key games.Mikel, 38, said: “It is very important, the friendship between your teammates in the squad, because It brings you guys together. Read More on Chelsea“The chemistry is there, not just the chemistry on the pitch, the chemistry outside the pitch because you already know your partner, your team-mates. “You know what they like and what they don’t like. How to approach them in terms of when they’re not performing,“How do you get them to wake up? Do you go to them? Do you scream at them, or is it like a quiet word you need to have and get them to keep going?“So that relationship is very important. And of course, Salomon Kalou, what can I say about the guy? Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford Bridge“Listen, we were Mr and Mrs at the football club, we were called Tom and Jerry.“He drives me mad, a guy I absolutely love. I can never say a bad word about Salomon Kalou.Here is why Liam Delap is the perfect striker for Chelsea “He never bought his own shower gel, his own cream, he always went to my locker and nicked mine. “I’d finish having a shower and I go to my locker trying to get my cream, it’s not there. Salomon Kalou’s nicked it.“Sometimes it’s fine to use it, but please, return it to my locker. He didn’t.“And when I go to him and ask where’s my cream? He says, ‘buy another one’. I’m like, ‘what? Why don’t you buy yourself your own cream?’“He just drove me mad. But then on the pitch, when you’re that honest and open with each other, on the pitch, you know each other so well, right and it helps so much. “I’d love to see the players create that friendship, that chemistry between each other. Looking at this team squad, They’re young but I can see a little bit that they have that.Mikel insists the current Chelsea team need a similar dressing roomKalou and Mikel had some hilarious exchanges“I need to see a bit more. It’s so important to create that atmosphere.”Where Mikel won, lost and partied alongside superstars like John Terry, Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba, modern day Chelsea is about building reputations through ambitious young players like Cole Palmer, Moises Caicedo and soon-to-arrive Liam Delap.Mikel said: “We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves.“That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together.“They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.”New Chelsea have started the process by qualifying for the Champions League and winning the Conference League. But the post-match party was tame by previous standards, mainly because a lot of the players are now on international duty before travelling to next week’s Club World Cup.I’d finish having a shower and I go to my locker trying to get my cream, it’s not there. Salomon Kalou’s nicked it.John Obi MikelThe month-long tournament in the US Club World Cup railroads through the traditional summer. Mikel said: “It’s silverware to be won and we want to go out and compete to win it. “We have to talk about the prize money as well.  Almost £100million. That puts you in a great advantage in terms of in the summer, transfer window, bringing in players, strengthening your squad. There’s a lot there for these players to think about.“I know we players talk about having a rest, which we should. But we actually don’t rest when we go on holidays.“We fly back to our different continents where we’re from, countries where we’re from.“And then we go back after a week or a few days, playing locally with the local teams where we grew up from, kicking the ball about, playing five-a-side, ten-a-side games.“You don’t want to rest for two, three weeks without doing anything. When you come back for pre-season, it takes you even longer to get in shape.“During the summer, you’re looking at yourself thinking, I need to get back into it. You start running, you start playing football and make sure you come back, so that it doesn’t take you a long time to get back into shape. We all did that. I get it, I understand. Read More on The Sun“The Club World Cup, for the teams involved, it’s a great opportunity, a great way for those teams to keep their players fit, keep them ticking over, knowing that when the season starts, they are almost half there.”John Obi Mikel was speaking ahead of the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup 2025. Watch all 63 games live on DAZN for free.  More

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      Man Utd miss out on their Coutinho moment as Bruno Fernandes snubs Al-Hilal – so where does he fit into their plans?

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      OH, to be a fly on the wall of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s office when news broke that Bruno Fernandes had snubbed a mega £100million bid from Saudi Arabia.Manchester United’s part-owner could not have believed his luck when Al-Hilal offered to take captain Fernandes, who turns 31 in September, off their hands and give the Red Devils a much-needed cash injection.Bruno Fernandes snubbed a mega £100million bid from Saudi ArabiaMan Utd missed their chance of a major sale like Liverpool with Philippe CoutinhoRatcliffe, who claimed the “bloated” club was set to go “bust at Christmas”, has led a ruthless cost-cutting drive at Old Trafford — culling 450 staff including the much-loved receptionists and also withdrew free canteen food for workers at the ground.So to have the potential of receiving a nine-figure sum for a player whose legs are only going to get wearier was almost too good to be true.And it turned out to be . . . but only because Fernandes rejected Al-Hilal’s advances.Even the offer of tax-free £700,000-a-week wages was not enough to lure the Portuguese star to the Middle East.Read More on Man Utd Yet Fernandes’ admirable resistance has thrown United’s chaotic transfer plans up in the air once again.It is back to the drawing board for Ratcliffe and manager Ruben Amorim, who are under pressure to juggle the books with Profit and Sustainability Rules after their failure to qualify for Europe.Despite Fernandes turning down the Saudi riches, the midfielder could still be a target for European clubs this summer — although the offers are unlikely to be even half the astonishing transfer fee on offer from Al-Hilal.And even if he stays, Red Devils fans will now be debating where  Fernandes fits into Amorim’s rebuild next season? Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordAmorim is wedded to his 3-4-3 formation and his early transfer activity seems to match up.Wolves’ Matheus Cunha has signed in a £62.5m deal and Bryan Mbeumo is now a £50m target from Brentford, with the duo  expected to play in the attacking positions behind the lone striker.Bruno Fernandes enjoys dinner with Al-Hilal ‘secret agent’ Joao Cancelo as he faces Man Utd exit decisionAmad Diallo and Alejandro Garnacho, linked with Chelsea and Napoli, are other options for the wide forward roles.That quartet is likely to see Fernandes move further back to one of the two central midfield berths which he fulfilled in the Europa League final loss to Tottenham.Amorim has other options in the centre of the park, including Manuel Ugarte, Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount.Casemiro is on big wages, Amorim knows Ugarte well from their time together at Sporting Lisbon and the United boss lavished praise on Mount following his return to fitness towards the end of the season.While homegrown talent Mainoo, 20, is an intriguing prospect.Star signings Liverpool made after Philippe Coutinho saleLIVERPOOL sold Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for an eye-watering £142million back in 2018.Here how the Reds rejuvenated their team into title winners after that massive windfall:1. VIRGIL VAN DIJK – £75m2. FABINHO – £40m3. ALISSON – £56mSo where will Fernandes play on a regular basis? In last season’s disastrous campaign, Amorim relied heavily on  talismanic Fernandes to dig his woeful 15th-placed Prem side out of the mire, netting 19 times in all competitions.Fernandes’ quality and consistency led to the eye-watering bid from Saudi and the  £100m fee will play on Ratcliffe’s mind in their ‘Mission 21’ operation to  knock Liverpool “off their perch” once again.The Reds went through a similar scenario over seven years ago when they sold star man Philippe Coutinho to Barcelona for a staggering £142m.The transfer fee gave Jurgen Klopp the chance to rebuild as the German used that money to bring in Virgil van Dijk and Alisson, and his new spine delivered the Champions League and Premier League titles.If Fernandes remains at United then club legend Gary Neville believes Garnacho, Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho must all leave.Even if he stays, Red Devils fans will now be debating where Fernandes fits into Amorim’s rebuild next season?Garnacho clashed with Amorim after the Bilbao loss to Tottenham, while the other three have all been out on loan this season.Neville said: “If players are taking on and questioning the manager in public through social media, the manager has to win.“If the manager doesn’t win, the manager has to leave and I don’t think that’s going to happen this time. That’s happened far too many times before. I think Garnacho will leave purely because of that, I think they’ve had enough.“Marcus has to leave for him and the club. I think that ship has sailed and he needs to find himself another club.“It  sounds to me like Villa aren’t going to keep him. I would say for Marcus’ and United’s sake that it feels like that path has come to an end.“I feel a little bit similarly with Jadon as I do with Marcus. I’d be a bit concerned that Chelsea haven’t made the noises that they’re going to keep him.  United have to make sure they part ways with him.Read More on The Sun“Antony has gone to Spain and having seen a couple of players that I played with not do it Old Trafford but do it in Spain . . . I think he’s suited down to the ground and it’s been proven.”Ratcliffe may have canned hundreds of local staff but he will soon discover it’s much harder to get rid of superstar players who are tied down to huge contracts. More

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      Chelsea files: Why Blues snubbed Luis Enrique and how Conference League karaoke party was too boring for club icon

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      CHELSEA’S triumphant squad enjoyed a night of team bonding after their Conference League win over Real Betis last week.But even karaoke until 4AM is tame by comparison to what club hero John Obi Mikel and his old team-mates used to get up to after winning one of their many cups or titles.Chelsea celebrated the Conference League with karaokeChelsea hero John Obi Mikel looked back at legendary celebrations after the Conference League triumphMikel, 38, was part of a formidable Blues squad that won the Champions League, Premier League, three FA Cups and the Europa League.He told SunSport: “We enjoyed good times together. We went out to central London every time we won a trophy. We celebrated quite heavily because we were successful and were given a licence to go out and enjoy ourselves.“That brought that chemistry together because every year, every other year, we had something to celebrate. We were always winning something. So we were always having a massive party come the end of the season. That brought us together.“They have to win trophies in order to be able to bring that chemistry in the squad.”Most of Enzo Maresca’s squad were up and out of the team hotel in Poland to report for international duty before reuniting at the Club World Cup in the US later this month.A singalong is not Mikel’s idea of fun to toast victory.He said: “Well, listen, it is the kind of party they wanted to have. But I know back in our days, it wouldn’t have been that. It would have gone full on.”New Chelsea are becoming a stronger team but they still have a lot to learn off the pitch it seems.DEL OF A BUYLIAM DELAP is the perfect striker signing for Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea side and here’s why…When the Blues signed Cole Palmer in what now looks like a cut price deal, not many knew the talent that they had on their hands – but anyone who had watched Manchester City’s EDS sides knew, one of whom of course was Maresca.Chelsea have a history of spending big on star names to fill the number 9 spot, of which the majority have failed to do so.From Alvaro Morata to Gonzalo Higuain to Timo Werner, no one has been able to fill the boots of Diego Costa since he left.Nicolas Jackson has – all things considered – been pretty good so far, but many fans have concerns over his finishing ability and dominance in the box.Liam Delap is set to sign for the BluesDelap is a signing that addresses that issue, a physical penalty box presence with an incredible ball striking ability and a lethal burst of pace – which means at LAST the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke will have a target to aim those curling crosses at in the middle.However, it’s likely his understanding of Chelsea and Maresca’s style that really secured the deal for a star who was a hot commodity in the transfer market.Having played under his new gaffer at City, he also starred alongside Romeo Lavia and Cole Palmer in the EDS, his understanding with the latter potentially being what will make him such a potent threat next season, but also improve Palmer too.It wasn’t always a Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa, or Harry Kane and Son Heung-min partnership, where both would rack up huge direct goal contribution numbers, but one where Delap’s movement and inter play would allow Palmer to be even more dangerous and get into the box with more ease.We’ve seen in games at times this season where because Palmer has been almost a lone threat, he can be doubled up on and nullified, but with Delap in the side that becomes much more difficult.When you add the incoming Estevao Willian to that mix, as well as the ever improving Madueke and Enzo Fernandez, Chelsea can be a real threat next season.OL’ TIMERIT’S OFFICIAL, Chelsea will play LAFC in their first Club World Cup fixture on June 16th.The Blues will be re-united with Champions League and Europa League hero Olivier Giroud, as well as facing off against familiar foe Hugo Lloris.The MLS side secured their spot in the competition with a 2-1 win over Club America in extra time, with Giroud grabbing the game-winning assist.They join Chelsea’s group alongside Flamengo, who will be in action against Enzo Maresca’s men on June 20th, and El Tunis who they will play on June 24.Chelsea fans wonder ‘What if?’LUIS ENRIQUE’S Paris Saint-Germain Champions League win has left many Chelsea fans wondering, “What if?”When Graham Potter was sacked as the Blues’ head coach in April 2023, the now PSG boss was flown into London for talks with the head honchos at Stamford Bridge, only to be DENIED the job.Julian Nagelsmann was the favourite to get it at the time, but it ended up being Mauricio Pochettino who was bought in instead.Chelsea reportedly had doubts over Enrique who “made several demands” during talks, before deciding to go with the former Tottenham manager in his place.Paris Saint-Germain boss Luis Enrique almost joined ChelseaFast forward two years, and Enrique is a Champions League winner (again), using a model that admittedly is not too dissimilar to what the the Blues are trying to build – an incredibly young but talented team who can compete with the best.In fact the two teams have shared many transfer targets over the years, including Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Khvicha Kvaratshkelia.Enrique himself is now being lauded for his style of play and giving his young talent freedom on the pitch to express themselves, while Maresca is often criticised for the opposite.The Blues may well get to test themselves against the newly-crowned European champions at the Club World Cup, as if the most likely scenario takes place they will play PSG in the quarter-finals.It remains to be seen if Chelsea can build on their strong end to the season and become Champions of Europe for a third time in coming seasons.BLUE RINSESECTIONS of the Chelsea fan base have been left unhappy after the club announced further price increases for tickets ahead of next season.A report published by the Chelsea Supporters Trust has outlined the key details of the plan by those in charge at Stamford Bridge.The cost of tickets for members will increase by 4 per cent, while the total cost of tickets for season ticket holders will increase by 7 per cent.The senior concession age is also being raised from 65 to 66, while the discount for those eligible for those tickets is being reduced from 50 per cent to 25 per cent.A new tiered membership is being introduced, including a “premier membership” which can be purchased for priority access to tickets.In good news for supporters, a youth concession for those aged 20-22 is being introduced with a 25 per cent discount at least.Fans online reacted, and weren’t happy at all, with one fan claiming, “Premium membership LOL like I’m not ripped off enough as it is.” While another fumed: “A perfect lesson on how to undo the feel good factor after Wednesday. Wondered for a while if this ownership felt any loyalty to true fans. Here is the final proof they don’t.”JOE COLE delighted Chelsea fans drinking in Wroclaw ahead of their Conference League triumph.The night before the game, the Chelsea icon joined jubilant Blues fans along with his fellow TNT Sport pundits.Another ex-Chelsea man, Steve Sidwell, and West Ham’s Michail Antonio joined Cole in the bar opposite their hotel.But it was only Cole the Chelsea fans were interested in as they chanted his name over and over again.JT was back at a Chelsea European final – and again not on the pitch!The club’s legendary former skipper famously joined the celebrations in full kit after being suspended for the 2012 Champions League final and sitting in the stands.Last week, it was noted that JT was at the Wroclaw Stadium to see the team beat Real Betis 4-1 – only this time it was Joe Terry, a reporter for UEFA.com covering the game for Europe’s governing body.Surely that’s more than a coincidence? 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      West Ham ‘hold talks with Aaron Ramsdale’ with Southampton desperate to get £100k-a-week wages off payroll

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      WEST HAM have opened talks to sign Aaron Ramsdale with Southampton reportedly eager to offload the goalkeeper’s wages.The England international, 27, only joined the Saints from Arsenal last summer. Aaron Ramsdale carries the burden of being relegated with three different clubsCredit: RexHammers manager Graham Potter is a big admirer of RamsdaleCredit: GettyThe former Arsenal man wants to go to the World Cup next yearCredit: GettyBut the club’s relegation means he needs a move back to the Premier League to keep his World Cup hopes alive.Before joining Southampton, Ramsdale spent much of the 2023/24 campaign on the bench at Arsenal after falling out of favour. His spot was taken by David Raya whom Mikel Arteta preferred not only for his shot-stopping ability but also for his composure and distribution with the ball.In a bid to secure regular first-team football, Ramsdale moved to Southampton but things haven’t gone according to plan and now he’s seeking a fresh start.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS According to a report from talkSPORT, West Ham manager Graham Potter is a long-time admirer of the former Bournemouth and Sheffield United shot-stopper.Potter is open to bringing in Ramsdale to provide competition for Alphonse Areola. The Hammers are short in the goalkeeping department following the departure of long-serving keeper Lukasz Fabianski.Talks are still at an early stage with West Ham hoping to negotiate a cut-price deal or possibly arrange a loan with an option to buy.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSRamsdale is believed to be keen on securing regular game time knowing that’s his best route back into the England squad.This move could also offer him a path back into the limelight following his early success at Arsenal before Raya’s arrival.’Do you want me to swear-‘ – Graham Potter in meltdown as West Ham boss taunted with X-rated ‘the German’s right’ chantsThe Hammers endured a tough campaign under both Julen Lopetegui and Graham Potter, finishing a disappointing 14th in the Premier League.However, Potter is said to have credit in the bank with many believing he inherited a struggling side and will be judged more fairly on progress next season. More

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      Liverpool ‘saved £13MILLION’ by not giving Nunez final Premier League start with striker not record signing after all

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      LIVERPOOL saved a whopping £13MILLION thanks to a genius business decision regarding Darwin Nunez.Nunez, 25, joined the Reds from Benfica in 2022 following a huge deal that was expected to reach a club record £84million due to a series of clauses involved.Liverpool saved £13m on Darwin Nunez after not starting him in the final Premier League matchNunez is no longer Liverpool’s most expensive signingAccording to A Bola, however, that price will never be met after manager Arne Slot opted against starting the striker in the Merseysiders’ final match of the season.Liverpool drew 1-1 with Crystal Palace in the Premier League at Anfield two weeks ago – on the same day they lifted the title in front of the Kop.And Slot decided to bench Nunez in favour of Luis Diaz, who played as a false nine against Palace.A Bola report Benfica won’t be receiving one of the clause payments which were agreed three years ago.Read More on FootballThe Portuguese giants were set for a major cash windfall worth £13m that would have been triggered if the Uruguay international had started just one more Premier League or Champions League game.However, the centre-forward instead came on as a second-half substitute against the Eagles.Ultimately, Nunez cost the Premier League champions a total of £71m.That means the Uruguayan is no longer Liverpool’s most expensive signing of all time.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThat honour returns to captain Virgil van Dijk, who cost a staggering £75m in 2018 following his move from Southampton.Nunez has so far failed to live up to expectations at Anfield as he has only managed a total of 40 goals and 26 assists in 143 appearances since his arrival three years ago.Trent Alexander-Arnold breaks down in tears and kisses badge as he gets emotional send-off from Liverpool fansThe forward registered seven goals and seven assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season.This continues to cast doubt over his future at Liverpool, even though his contract runs out in 2028. More