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      Chelsea face ‘more severe’ points deduction than Everton and Nottingham Forest over Premier League financial rules

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      A FINANCIAL expert has warned that Chelsea face a “more severe” points deduction than Everton and Nottingham Forest if they are found guilty of breaking Premier League financial rules.The Blues have spent over £1billion on new signings since Todd Boehly’s arrival in 2022.Chelsea have been warned they face a huge points deduction if they breach financial rulesCredit: ReutersBut clubs cannot record a loss of more than £105million over a three-year period under the League’s profit and sustainability rules.Everton and Forest have both fallen foul this season, with each side receiving a points deduction.Everton have been docked six points by the league following an appeal.While Forest have been plunged into the relegation zone after a four-point hit.READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea are yet to face any charges, with the club having also sold plenty of players.More are likely to go this summer, with big earners such as Romelu Lukaku and Kepa Arrizabalaga linked with Saudi Arabia.However, the Blues could miss out on European qualification for the second season running.That would see their finances take a huge hit, especially with Boehly hoping to land a world-class striker.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd financial expert Stefan Borson reckons Chelsea would face a huge points deduction if they are eventually charged and found guilty of breaching Premier League financial rules.He told talkSPORT: “Possibly more severe (than Forest and Everton).Chelsea fans turn on Mauricio Pochettino – but Blues boss uses prop in press conference to defend himselfTHE PSR STATE OF PLAYWhere clubs in danger stand…

      Nottingham Forest
      Deducted four points for breaching spending limit by £34.563m. Appeal is likely with final decision then expected by early May.
      Everton
      Initial 10 point deduction for 2021-22 breaches reduced to six points on appeal. But the club will have a hearing into its admitted 2022-23 breach next week and faces further points loss
      Manchester City
      Etihad club emphatically denies the 115 allegations laid against them in February 2023. The lengthy Commission case has been scheduled to start in October or November but a final decision is not expected until March or April 2025.
      Chelsea
      Blues chiefs flagged up illicit payments made to agents and others during the Roman Abramovich era. Fined £8.6m by Uefa but still to be formally charged by the Prem despite an ongoing investigation.
      Leicester
      Foxes breached Prem PSR loss limits last season but did not have to report their 2022-23 accounts until this month because of their relegation. That puts the timetable back and means that they will probably face a Prem points deduction next term if they are promoted back to the top flight.

      “I think the scale of the losses they’re currently forecasting, to me, appear to be vastly in excess of both Everton and Nottingham Forest.”Explaining there’s already a black hole in Chelsea’s finances, he continued: “There was an assumption with Mason Mount, because he was announced on Manchester United’s website on July 1 that [his sale] had been put into this current season.”So the £55million of profit was in this season. It now transpires that Mason Mount appears to have been transacted in 2022/23 and that is how they got through [FFP rules].”Host Simon Jordan said: “Which means they’ve now got a £55m bigger hole this season.”Borson continued: “Correct, because we also know from the BlueCo accounts that they are currently, from the post-balance sheet events, that they are something like £48m in profit for this year.”But of course, this year from an operating perspective, is going to be even worse than last year because they’ve got no Champions League and no Europe at all.”Reflecting on potential Chelsea exits, he said: “It’s those sort of deals that need to be done. And by the way, they all need to be done by June 30. That, as we know, is articulated within the Forest decision.”There’s a whole conversation about how hard it is to sell players in the period before June. The Premier League actually suggested that more or less that it was impossible.”READ MORE SUN STORIESJordan then noted: “What Stefan is basically saying in the shortest of terms is that is absolutely inconceivable that by December of next year that Chelsea won’t be facing a charge from the Premier League for breaching Financial Fair Play, unless there’s a complete sea change in the rules or a complete re-rowing back from that perspective.”If you’re looking at Chelsea’s numbers, unless they’re going to sell somewhere in the region of £200m worth of players, so the players you think they’re least likely to sell, then Chelsea are going to be in the situation Nottingham Forest and Everton have been in this time next year.” More

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      England’s best XI according to stats revealed with no place for Man Utd wonderkid Mainoo and new centre-back partnership

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE is casting his eye over his squad ahead of the Euros – but what would his team look like if he based it on WhoScored ratings?The England boss has handed out first time call-ups to three players in his latest squad – Kobbie Mainoo, Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon – but two of those miss out based on the stats.England would have a very different look if Gareth Southgate based his team on WhoScored ratingsCredit: PAThere would be no place for Kobbie MainooCredit: GettyThere are plenty of familiar faces in Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka, but the defence looks markedly different.Mainoo, 18, does not feature despite impressing for Manchester United, and neither does England No1 Jordan Pickford.Here is how England would line up if Southgate picked the team using WhoScored ratings.Nick Pope – 6.72The Newcastle goalkeeper has been injured since December and his side having really missed his presence between the sticks.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLPope has 10 England caps to his name but faces a race against time to be fit in time for the Euros.Trent Alexander-Arnold – 7.18Alexander-Arnold was fancied by Southgate in the last international break and even played in midfield against Malta.He hit a purple patch for Liverpool across winter and has two goals and four assists from right-back this season.Trent Alexander-Arnold will battle Kyle Walker for a place in the sideBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERJames Tarkowski – 7.07The Everton stalwart has won two caps under Southgate and has returned to his best this season, helping the Toffees keep eight clean sheets this term.Most read in FootballJarrad Branthwaite – 6.88The youngster has also impressed playing alongside Tarkowski at Goodison Park.And it is likely his ability to play as a left-side centre-back, as well as his youth, that has led to him being given the nod over his Everton team-mate.Kieran Trippier – 7.18The defender’s inclusion may raise some eyebrows as he has been rather error prone this season.But he has produced 11 assists for Toon in all competitions so is included ahead of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell, who have been less reliable due to their injury problems.Declan Rice – 7.4Rice has gone from strength to strength since joining Arsenal and has started to add goals to his game in recent weeks, finding the net six times in the Premier League.James Maddison – 7.38Maddison staked an early claim for player of the season with his early season form before injury curtailed his season.He has four goals and eight assists this term but he will likely need to rekindle his previous form to make Southgate’s starting line-up.James Maddison offers England flexibilityJude Bellingham – 7.78Bellingham has been the star of the season for Real Madrid with an incredible 20 goals in his debut campaign.Bukayo Saka – 7.69The winger is finding his best form during a pivotal point in the season for the Gunners, and his 16 goals and 15 assists make him a shoo-in for the Three Lions.Phil Foden – 7.42Foden is arguably enjoying his best season to date. He has been one of Manchester City’s best players and has fulfilled a number of roles, scoring 18 goals in the process.Harry Kane – 7.87The England captain has the best WhoScored rating of any Englishman this season.That is no surprise considering he has scored 37 goals in 35 games in what has been an astonishing debut season for Bayern Munich.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland would have a new-look defence based on WhoScored ratingsKobbie Mainoo called up to England squad for first time as Man Utd wonderkid is late addition to Gareth Southgate’s camp
      WhoScored base their player ratings on every single event recorded in a game. These are calculated live automatically using their own algorithms, which comprise over 200 raw statistics. More

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      England fans think Premier League legend will replace Southgate as manager after spotting him watching training

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      ENGLAND fans reckon Frank Lampard could be set to replace Gareth Southgate as England manager after he was spotted watching the Three Lions train.The Chelsea legend was joined by his former assistant Joe Edwards at St George’s Park after being invited by FA technical director John McDermott.Chelsea legend Frank Lampard watched on as Gareth Southgate took England trainingCredit: GettySome fans reckon Lampard is set to replace Southgate as Three Lions bossCredit: GettyThe trio watched on as Southgate put stars like Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo through their paces on the training field.England’s manager has emerged as the strong favourite to take charge at Old Trafford this summer.His contract expires later this year and could result in an approach from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.If Southgate does leave England, it means the FA would need a new gaffer in the dugout.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Lampard’s presence at St George’s Park set tongues wagging amongst fans.One said: “Could it mean… Lampard to take over from Southgate?”Another declared: “Lampard might be the next England manager.”One noted: “Love that these guys were invited.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnother added: “Will the FA renew Southgate’s contract or will Lampard be his successor?”Lampard has been out of work since his brief stint as Chelsea interim boss last season.Man Utd legend Paul Scholes claims Phil Foden is ‘much better footballer’ than Frank LampardLampard’s former assistant Joe Edwards was also present with FA chief John McDermottCredit: GettyPal Edwards, his No2 at Chelsea and Everton, is also available after his time as Millwall boss this term.Several weeks ago, Lampard teased a return to the dugout.He said: “I’m enjoying being with the family and looking to get back at some point.“Hopefully something comes up that feels right for me, I’m keen to get working again but as I reiterate, I’m enjoying family life.“It’s an intense job so when you’re out of it, it’s nice to appreciate being around all my children.“You love the job. you understand the rigours of it in the modern day. I’ve enjoyed all the clubs I’ve worked with.“They’ve all been big challenges for different reasons. I enjoy working with players, improve players and the team, so let’s see what comes.”Frank Lampard’s managerial statsThose numbers in full…

      Derby (May 2018 – July 2019): P57 W24 D17 L16

      Chelsea (July 2019 – January 2021): P84 W44 D17 L23

      Everton (January 2022 – January 2023): P44 W12 D8 L24

      Chelsea (April 2023 – May 2023): P11 W1 D2 L8 More

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      Jurgen Klopp rocks up at seaside village where iconic ITV show was filmed and leaves restaurant staff stunned

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      JURGEN KLOPP shocked restaurant diners with a surprise visit to Cornwall this week during the international break.The German was reeling on Sunday when his Liverpool side were dumped out of the FA Cup by Manchester United.Jurgen Klopp used the international break to head to the Cornish coastCredit: AlamyHe made a surprise appearance at the Mote Seafood Restaurant and BarCredit: The Mote Seafood Restaurant and BarKlopp even stormed out of an interview due to a “dumb question” following the 4-3 thriller at Old Trafford.His opposite number Erik ten Hag headed to his favourite Italian eatery to celebrate that victory afterwards.However, 24 hours later, Klopp and a group of ten companions were 317 miles away from Anfield surprising guests and staff at The Mote Seafood Restaurant and Bar in Port Isaac – the Cornish village where hit ITV show Doc Martin was filmed.The soon-to-be departing Liverpool boss was spotted outside the establishment by an excited kitchen porter, who asked for a photo.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLEven though they had no reservations, the former Borussia Dortmund chief and his group impulsively opted to go in and sample the delights on offer inside.Lindsay McAsey, the restaurant’s general manager, told Devon Live: “We just looked out the door and saw him and a big group. We went out with the kitchen porter who is a big Liverpool fan and wanted a photo with him.“They were just looking around the harbour and suddenly pointed and said they would eat here.“I wouldn’t have personally recognised him even though I’ve seen him on the telly a lot but loads of other people knew it was him.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDespite it being their night off, the head chef soon sprung into action after Klopp requested a table for dinner as word of his visit soon spread.Lindsay said: “I was a bit concerned at one point because people were coming in all the time to see him as word got around the village but he literally went out to everybody.’I have a real sneaky feeling,’ says smiling Man Utd legend as he tips Klopp for stunning Liverpool return in two years“That was really nice. There were no airs and graces and he was happy to do that for them.“He said ‘this is my job’ and respect to him really for that, and to be fair the whole group were really respectful.“You wouldn’t have known they were anything special, they were just like everybody people.“They were just a lovely bunch and because they hadn’t booked anywhere they said we’d saved their evening but they made ours too. I’m glad he chose us.”Klopp is currently preparing to leave Liverpool this summer and has already secured the Carabao Cup in his final season.Now he hopes to sign off after a packed final few months with a treble by leading the Reds to Europa League and Premier League title glory.Here is the menu that was on offer to Klopp and his groupCredit: The-Mote.co.ukKlopp visited the beautiful village of Port IsaacCredit: GettyHit ITV show Doc Martin was filmed in the seaside townCredit: ITV More

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      Arsenal and Chelsea transfer blow as top target to begin new contract negotiations including bumper £102m release clause

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      SPORTING LISBON are opening talks on a new mage transfer release clause for Viktor Gykores to “protect” them from the Premier League clubs circling.The Swedish striker cost a club-record £17m last summer from Coventry City but he has already repaid that faith with his scintillating form.Sporting’s hope to convince Viktor Gyokeres to sign a new deal with an improved release clauseCredit: AFPThe 25-year-old has scored 27 goals in 33 appearances, as well as recording double figures in assists, to catch the eye of Europe’s big guns.Both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked with the hotshot – with the latter allegedly having a £74m approach rejected in January.Previous reports had claimed that Sporting Lisbon were holding out for the £87m release clause fee that was part of his package.Now A Bola have claimed that the Portuguese league leaders want to secure him to a new agreement that would not only land Gyokeres a bumper pay rise but would also offer them “greater protection”.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThey are well aware of the growing interest in their star striker.As well as Arsenal and Chelsea, Bayern Munich are also keen to bring him to the Bundesliga while French giants Paris Saint-Germain have joined the transfer chase.This update also adds that several Spanish teams are in the hunt – but a host of the interested clubs may soon be ruled out of signing him.Sporting Lisbon are hoping that the reward of a pay rise would see Gykores pen his new contract and agree to a release clause of a whopping £102m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd that would ensure that any sale of their prized-asset would turn out to be a record departure for the club.The agents of Gykores, who was snapped up by Coventry in 2021 after failing to make the grade at Brighton, are also allegedly making a trip to Portugal in April.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersAnd Sporting will be looking to use that time to thrash out terms on the updated agreement.Meanwhile, the transfer speculation does not seem to be having any adverse effect on the player himself.He fired a hat-trick against Boavista on Sunday as the 6-1 victory ensured they remain a point ahead of rivals Benfica, who have played a game more, at the top of the table.The forward will now be hoping to take that form on to the international stage with Sweden, who he has scored five times in 19 caps for.They take on Portugal away tonight in a friendly before taking on Albania on home turf on Monday. More

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      Conor Bradley trying to give Liverpool edge in title race… by hunting for clues at Man City during international break

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      CONOR BRADLEY admits the last three months have been ‘mental’ as he reflects on an incredible rise at Liverpool.And the 20-year-old hopes to make another dream come true this week by scoring his first goal for Northern Ireland.Liverpool star Conor Bradley has been behind enemy lines while with Northern IrelandCredit: GettyBradley flew with the squad to Romania last night still dizzy over his Anfield breakthrough, which has included a first major trophy with this season’s Carabao Cup.The rookie, currently learning from world-class right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, said: “It’s been mental. I remember sitting on the bench at Arsenal dying to get on.“They moved Trent into midfield and I came on at right-back.“I was up against Gabriel Martinelli and it was a big test but I did OK and it has just kicked on from there.READ MORE ON FOOTBALL“It’s been brilliant. My dreams have come true in the last four months.“I want to keep going now and keep up this momentum. I’ve supported Liverpool since I was a boy so getting a trial with them was just mad when I was 16.“I’d love to get my first goal for Northern Ireland, that would be a dream too. But quite a few of my big dreams have been realised.“Especially scoring for Liverpool, getting my first assist and going out at Wembley was brilliant too.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERNot only that, Bradley scored in the 4-1 Premier League win against Chelsea and bagged two assists.He has fast established himself in the first team and in the hearts of the fans. And the County Tyrone lad is sure to add to his 13 caps in the two friendlies — tomorrow in Bucharest and against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday.Jamie Carragher reveals absolutely savage X-rated text Gary Neville sent over Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool exitHe said: “I definitely didn’t think it would go this well.“My pinch-myself moment was probably against Chelsea when I scored and got two assists and the fans were chanting my name.“I don’t think I’ll have a better night than that to be honest. But all the lads still treat me the same, they still slag me off!“It’s been a long time since I’ve been away with Northern Ireland, against Denmark in June. I’ve missed them and I’m buzzing to be back.”Northern Ireland did not qualify for Euro 2024 this summer but Bradley is enjoying working behind enemy lines with boss Michael O’Neill.Norn Iron have been at the Etihad Campus this week, the training base of Liverpool’s title rivals Manchester City. Bradley joked: “I’ve tried to see if there are any tactics around. It’s weird being there as a Liverpool player but the facilities are brilliant.“The future’s big, I’m really looking forward to the Premier League run-in. Hopefully I’ll have a medal at the end of the season.”But Bradley will miss Reds boss Jurgen Klopp when the manager moves on at the end of the season.READ MORE SUN STORIESHe added: “He’s helped me massively. He gave me my chance so I’ll be forever grateful.“When I found out he’s leaving I was shocked and sad as he’s the only Liverpool manager I’ve known.” More

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      Lucas Paqueta breaks silence on betting scandal hell that scuppered West Ham star’s £80m move to Man City

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      LUCAS PAQUETA has opened up for the first time on his betting scandal hell – paying tribute to the support shown by “special” David Moyes.West Ham star Paqueta, 26, has been under an FA investigation since August over allegations of suspicious gambling activities.Lucas Paqueta has spoken ahead of Brazil’s clash with England this SaturdayCredit: PAPaqueta, 26, opened up on his relationship with Hammers boss David MoyesCredit: AFPThe furore prompted Manchester City to back out of a proposed £80million move for the playmaker – but they have been tipped to rekindle their interest this summer.It also saw him left out of the Brazil squad for all six of their autumn matches, though he is now back with the Samba Boys for this month’s friendlies against England and Spain.Paqueta revealed how tough the ordeal has been for him but praised Irons chief Moyes for his handling of the situation.The former Lyon ace said: “In the beginning it was hard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“But now I have grown a lot mentally and now I can live with that. I have left that behind and I can now focus on my performances.“(Moyes) was special for me. I have a good relationship with him. And his support was important for me.“He said he wanted me playing in the team. That confidence was very important for me.“Without a shadow of doubt, the support he gave me to leave all this behind, it was essential.”Most read in FootballPaqueta’s probe relates to bets placed on the midfielder to receive a yellow card in various Premier League matches.He denies any wrongdoing and was said to be shocked by the allegations when they first emerged – though could not elaborate on the ongoing investigation.Europa League quarter-final draw in full as Liverpool and West Ham learn their fate The former AC Milan attacker added: “I was told not to comment on this subject.“It’s been seven months since it happened and I’m cooperating, doing what’s in my power so that it can be resolved.”Paqueta has managed to be one of West Ham’s star performers this term, despite the probe, netting three goals and grabbing five assists in the Premier League.It has kept him on City’s radar who could look to exploit an alleged £85m release clause in his contract this summer – especially with Bernardo Silva’s future up in the air.Paqueta is just relieved to be back with his Selecao team-mates after his exile earlier this season.New boss Dorival Jnr brought the 42-cap ace straight back in for his new squad, which includes no fewer than ELEVEN uncapped players.(Moyes) was special for me. I have a good relationship with him. And his support was important for me.Lucas PaquetaManchester United midfielder Casemiro, not involved due to injury, took the time out to see his international colleagues at their Sopwell House base near St Albans.Paqueta said: “I’m very happy to be back. I hope I can help [the youngsters] in the best way possible.“I worked with the coach at the end of my time at Flamengo and it was an incredible experience. I’m happy to be called up for his recognition of my work.“Being in the national team has always been my dream, so when I return I feel even more privileged.”Paqueta will come up against West Ham team-mates past and present at Wembley on Saturday.Irons winger Jarrod Bowen, 27, is making a great case for inclusion in England’s Euros squad with 18 goals in all competitions.While Declan Rice, 25, is scaling new heights since his £105m switch from the London Stadium to Arsenal last summer.Paqueta added: “I have a lot of respect for them and I am fond of them. They are very good professionals.“Bowen is having an amazing season. I am happy to help him.“Declan is a great player. I am sure they will do the best they can for England and I will try to do the best I can for Brazil.READ MORE SUN STORIES“The Brazilian team will always be favourites, because of the history we have, the players we have.“It’s going to be a great game because there are two great teams and that respect has to be there.” More

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      Newcastle suffer another major injury blow as star man ruled out for SIX MONTHS and must undergo surgery for ACL tear

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      SVEN BOTMAN is set to be out for at least six months after suffering an ACL injury.The Newcastle star, 24, will undergo season-ending surgery next week.Sven Botman was in action for Newcastle against Man City last weekendCredit: GettyBotman suffered the horror knee injury during the Toon’s 2-0 FA Cup defeat at Manchester City last week.He was replaced by Emil Krafth 83 minutes into the contest.Toon chiefs hope to have Botman fit again in six months.But the injury could keep him out for as long as nine months.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIn a statement posted to their website, the Toon confirmed the Dutchman had ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.It said: “Newcastle United defender Sven Botman will undergo surgery next week after suffering a knee injury against Manchester City.”Following further assessment, a scan has confirmed that he sustained an injury to his ACL during Saturday’s match and he is expected to return to action within six-to-nine months.”The Dutch centre-back initially sustained a knee injury in September 2023 and elected for a non-surgical rehabilitation plan – a decision which saw him return to action in December.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Everyone at Newcastle United wishes Sven a full and speedy recovery.”In addition to ending his domestic season, Botman is now set to miss Euro 2024.‘He has a special place for Newcastle’ – Jose Mourinho tipped to replace Eddie Howe by former Premier League managerBotman is yet to be capped by the Netherlands due to stiff competition from the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Nathan Ake, Micky van de Ven and Matthijs de Ligt.But he was named in their Nations League squad last summer.Newcastle are 10th in the Premier League table, having struggled to live up to last season’s fourth-place finish.They are 16 points behind Aston Villa who currently occupy the final guaranteed Champions League spot.While they are four off West Ham in seventh, a position that would likely book a spot in the Europa Conference League.Botman has made 22 appearances in all competitions this season, with 17 coming in the Premier League.He was only available for one of the Toon’s Champions League matches, playing the full 90 minutes as they drew 0-0 with AC Milan at the San Siro. More