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    Chelsea ‘set to raid Ligue 1 for Man Utd transfer target in shock swoop to bolster shaky defensive ranks’

    CHELSEA are lining up a move for Leny Yoro to replace Thiago Silva, it’s claimed. Silva, 39, is entering the final few months of his contract and could leave for nothing in the summer. Leny Yoro of Lille is linked to ChelseaCredit: GettyAccording to The Standard, Chelsea are interested in Yoro as they weigh up their defensive options. Yoro has enjoyed a breakthrough season in France, causing Real Madrid and PSG to also keep tabs on the 18-year-old. The centre-back – dubbed the Raphael Varane – has made 34 appearances this season with two goals.Manchester United and Liverpool have also been linked with the teenage defender in the past. READ MORE ON CHELSEAChelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino dropped Silva to the bench for their last two Premier League matches.But the Blues still had a defensive crisis with Wesley Fofana, Reece James and Levi Colwill still out. Chelsea have already spent over £1BILLION since American Todd Boehly took over the club. But it is claimed Boehly and co-owner Behdad Eghbali want to recruit two or three of the world’s best players under the age 23 for every position.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAlternatives to Yoro are said to include Sporting Lisbon’s Ousmane Diomande and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo. And both are believed to have been sounded out as Chelsea plot another big summer of spending.Chelsea also in the market for a striker and a left-back, with seemingly no concerns about breaching Premier League profit and sustainability rules.Fans can’t believe what Tim Sherwood said to Cole Palmer on live TV as Chelsea star is left looking awkward More

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    Jurgen Klopp reveals he told Mo Salah to do something he’s ‘never asked a player to do before’ in Liverpool win

    JURGEN KLOPP told Mohamed Salah to do something he’s never asked a player to do before in their 6-1 win against Sparta Prague.The winger scored his 20th goal of the term during the Europa League clash becoming the first player to do so for the seventh consecutive season.Jurgen Klopp asked Mo Salah to do something he has never asked a player to do beforeCredit: EPASalah scored his 20th goal of the season in Liverpool’s 6-1 win against Sparta PragueCredit: ReutersSalah, 31, played the full 90 minutes of the round of 16 clash on Thursday night – the first time in two months.But Klopp asked the Egyptian to do something that he had never asked his players to do before.The German said: “It was not the plan he plays 90 minutes, the plan was to take him off when we brought on Mateusz (Musialowski).”But Bobby Clark said (he felt something) and Mo is experienced enough that he recovers during the game.     “I told him not to defend any more – I never told a player that before.”Thursday night’s Europa League clash saw Salah provide two assists for Bobby Clark and Cody Gakpo, who scored twice, plus stunning strikes from Darwin Nunez and Dominik Szoboszlai.Klopp continued: “Mo is just delivering and delivering and delivering, his desire doesn’t stop, his quality is there and his desire to score doesn’t stop.”He has improved in so many aspects since he started here. That’s how it is, he will not stop.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL”I’m less surprised than maybe some others, I thought it had already happened to be honest but he was injured for a while, otherwise he would have done it in January or February. But great, very good, and great to have him back.”Klopp who announced in January he will be leaving Anfield at the end of the term praised Salah.Jurgen Klopp calls out Gareth Southgate with brutal message on live TV after Liverpool held by Man CityHe added: “In seven years together with him, the one problem we never had was consistency.”Salah made his first start since New Year’s Day after a hamstring injury against Sparta.Liverpool sailed through to the quarter-finals 11-2 on aggregate and will now face Atalanta on April 11. More

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    Ex-Premier League star in public cry for help as he says ‘my life is slipping out my hands’ over drink and drugs battle

    EX-PREMIER LEAGUE star Dani Osvaldo has admitted “my life is slipping out of my hands” as he lifted the lid on his battles with drugs, drink and depression.The Italy striker joined Southampton from Roma in a £13million deal in 2013.Dani Osvaldo was Southampton’s club-record signing back in 2013Credit: Action ImagesHe became a rock star and fronted a band after retiring from playingCredit: Instagram daniosvaldobvHis time on the South Coast proved to be controversial as he landed a ban for his part in a touchline fracas against Newcastle and then copped a club suspension for a training-ground clash with teammate Jose Fonte.He managed just three goals in 13 Saints appearances, and was shipped out on loan three times before having his contract terminated in 2015.Osvaldo went on to play for Porto, plus Boca Juniors and Banfield in his native Argentina, before retiring in 2020.The 38-year-old has now revealed how his life has spiralled out of control in a video on Instagram.”It’s hard for me to make this video because I’ve never done anything like this before,” the 14-cap international admitted.”But I think the time has come because I’m quite desperate and I’m not doing well. I don’t know if it’s a cry for help or if I just feel the need to talk about it because I’ve been dealing with a lot of depression for a long time.”This depression made me fall into some addictions – alcohol and drugs. And the truth is that I’m at a point where my life is slipping out of my hands.”I’m undergoing psychiatric treatment and taking medication. I have a very specific illness. Lack of self-esteem, depression. I often fall back into my addictions.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER”Out of anger I end up self-destructing, and this also affects the people around me. It’s often difficult to get out of this situation and I isolate myself from the people I love. It’s very difficult for me to move on.”I practically live alone, locked up at home. I don’t go out anywhere, I don’t do anything productive with my life and sometimes I don’t even feel like getting out of bed.The Biggest January Flop Signings In Premier League History”Sometimes I don’t even feel like taking a shower. I’ve fallen into very ugly addictions that only make my depression grow more and more.”It has made me distance myself from people who loved me very much, who love me very much, who I also loved and love very much.”And that makes me not want to see my family, not want to share things with my children.”Osvaldo continued: “The anger I feel towards the world and towards many people has to do with me, my illness, my lack of self-esteem, my depression and my bad decisions.”I was an elite footballer. I was a completely different person, full of security, confidence, and I’m a person I don’t recognize.”I still don’t understand how I got here, honestly, but it can happen to anyone. I don’t have a stable job, I’ve spent practically all my savings because, as I have no income, money doesn’t last forever.”But that’s the least of it, because I’ve never been interested in money. I was born poor and I could die poor, and that doesn’t matter to me.”What hurts me most is that I’m getting poorer in my soul and I’ve always been a good friend and a good companion. I wanted to be a good father, although I often didn’t succeed.”READ MORE SUN STORIESOsvaldo won a Serie A title while on loan to Juventus in 2014. He first made his name with Fiorentina, Bologna and Espanyol before moving on to Roma and Saints.He has played alongside pals in Argentine rock band Barrio Viejo since hanging up his boots.The Italian has opened up on his battle with drink and drugsCredit: Instagram daniosvaldobv More

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    Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley issues grovelling apology to Steve Bruce for saying he ‘didn’t want to come to work’

    NEWCASTLE owner Amanda Staveley has issued a grovelling apology to former boss Steve Bruce.Staveley claimed last week that Bruce “didn’t even want to come to work” when she bought the Magpies with Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund in October 2021.Amanda Staveley has issued an apology to Steve BruceCredit: GettySteve Bruce was sacked by Newcastle following the club’s Saudi takeoverCredit: Getty Images – GettyBruce left after just one game following the takeover with an £8million payout before Eddie Howe arrived.Speaking at the Bloomberg Power Players’ Summit in Jeddah, Staveley was speaking about the state of the club when she arrived.She said: “We had few commercial revenues, we had a team that was ageing, a fan base that was angry, and a coach who basically didn’t even want to come to work.”But Staveley backtracked on Instagram, saying: “I would like to clarify a comment I made during a recent speaking engagement.“While commenting on Newcastle United at the time of the club’s change in ownership I suggested the club had a coach who did not want to come to work.“This suggestion was not correct; Steve Bruce was fully committed to his role at the club and always came to work during this period.“I would like to make my intention to question or undermine the professionalism of Steve, who was always professional throughout my deals with him and committed to achieving the best for Newcastle United.“I am happy to clarify my comments and I offer an apology to Steve for my comments and any unintended consequences.”Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVALBruce was replaced by Howe within just a few weeks of Newcastle’s Saudi takeover.The Magpies finished fourth in the Premier League table last season and qualified for the Champions League.Every Premier League club’s most famous and also most surprising fan More

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    Ex-Premier League star says Vidic was ‘nowhere near’ elite level after tearing Man Utd legend apart twice in a season

    FORMER Blackpool striker Gary Taylor-Fletcher has taken aim at Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic.Vidic, who won five league titles during his glittering eight-year spell at the Red Devils, is nowhere near “elite” according to the ex-Tangerine star.Gary Taylor-Fletcher says Nemanja Vidic was nowhere near the ‘elite’ levelCredit: Getty – ContributorThe ex-Blackpool striker claimed he ‘tore’ Vidic apart twice in the 2010/11 seasonCredit: PA:Empics SportDespite Blackpool being relegated in the 2010-11 season Taylor-Fletcher reckons he “tore” Vidic apart – despite the defender going on to win his fourth Premier League title that same season.This followed a post that went viral on X comparing Vidic’s achievements to Virgil van Dijk’s achievements during his career as a centre-back.Fans were reminded how great of a defender the Serbian was after winning five Premier League titles when strikers such as Thierry Henry, Didier Drogba, Robin van Persie, Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez were playing.While Van Dijk has only won one against strikers such as Harry Kane, Olivier Giroud, Aguero and even Ashley Barnes and Danny Ings.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut one person in particular did not seem to agree and that was Blackpool’s former No9 Taylor-Fletcher.He replied to the tweet saying: “Yeah and I tore him apart twice for Blackpool in the 2010/11 season. “He was nowhere near levels of Ferdinand, Terry & VVD [Virgil van Dyke]. “He was the same level as skrtel. Solid good player. Not elite.”Most read in FootballTo remind fans, United beat Blackpool twice that season – first 3-2 at Bloomfield Road then 4-2 at Old Trafford.CHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVALTaylor-Fletcher did manage to foul Vidic and break down his backline during the away clash when he scored the second goal for the Tangerines.However, the current AFC Crewe boss headed straight to the Championship after that game while Manchester United lifted their 19th league title.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryThis game marked United’s coronation as English football’s most successful domestic club.In contrast, this was Blackpool’s first season in the Premier League and were the first club to gain promotion from every division of the Football League via the play-off system.Taylor-Fletcher ended up leaving the Tangerines in 2013 for Leicester then went on the play for Tranmere Rovers, Accrington Stanley and Welsh sides Bangor City and Llaundudno. More

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    Man Utd plot raid on Bournemouth for Milos Kerkez but face transfer battle with Chelsea over left-back

    MANCHESTER UNITED is set to raid Bournemouth for Chelsea transfer target and left-back Milos Kerkez, a report claims.The Red Devils are desperate to bolster their backline this summer with new owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos drawing up the club’s summer transfer plan.Man Utd and Chelsea are both interested in Bournemouth left-back Milos KerkezCredit: ReutersKerkez has become popular amongst Premier League clubs who are looking to revamp their defence for the next season.Man Utd are expecting to offset many of their players including defenders Raphael Varane, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Jonny Evans.Plus fitness concerns around Lisandro Martinez mean Erik ten Hag is eyeing up defenders.And Cherries man Kerkez has caught the Red Devils’ attention since moving to the Vitality Stadium last summer, according to the Mirror.READ MORE ON MAN UTDSince his arrival from AZ Alkmaar the Hungary international has started in 16 games for Andoni Iraola’s side this term.And United certainly need to bolster their backline as they have conceded 467 shots in the Premier League this term with only Sheffield United and Luton conceding more.But the report claims Red Devils are not the only team tracking the left-back as Chelsea have already revealed they are chasing the 20-year-old.The Blues have already sent scouts to the south coast to watch the young star.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAnd if Mauricio Pochettino’s side chooses to make a move on Kerkez Bournemouth will certainly make a profit after only paying a small fee of £15.5million for him in July.Chelsea have already conceded 45 goals this season and with their disappointing performance, Poch is likely to make some big changes in his defenders this summer.Who could be Chelsea’s next manager after Pochettino?The left-back spot is definitely needing an upgrade as Ian Matseen who is out on loan at Borussia Dortmund is edging closer to leaving Stamford Bridge.Potentially joining the Dutchman is Marc Cucurella who has failed to impress since arriving from Brighton 18 months ago. More

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    Man Utd ‘draw up two-man centre-back transfer shortlist including Premier League rival and Brazil international’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are on the hunt to sign a centre back and have drawn up a two-man shortlist for the summer transfer window, a report claims.The Red Devils have revealed both Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Juventus’ Bremer are on the clubs radar as they aim to bolster their backline.Man Utd are plottting to sign Jarrad Branthwaite this summerCredit: GettyThe Red Devils are also keeping tabs on Juventus’ BremerCredit: RexNew United small stake owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are keen to revamp the squad next season.And the Red Devils defense has been identified as an area that needs speical attention.With inews claiming that Old Trafford are targetting Branthwaite and Bremer to solve the clubs defensive woes.But United have revealed Bremer has become an option as a “cut-price” due to Financial Fair Play regulations.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe 26-year-old Brazil international only signed for the Serie A giants last term however has a £43million release clause in his contract.Reports in Italy have suggested Juventus are alreayd searching for Bremer’s replacement but United will not be able to secure him that easily.As inews claimed Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham are also considering the defender. Meanwhile 21-year-old Branthwaite – who this week earned his first England call up – is set to be priced at £75million but United will be hoping they can convince the Toffees to sell him for £50m.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSigning for Everton in 2020 fom Carlisle Branthwaite went on two loan spells at Blackburn and PSV before becoming a regular starter for Sean Dyche’s side this season.Ratcliffe has been eyeing up the youngster for some time now and is keen to keep homegrown players at the top of his shortlist.11 forgotten stars who define Liverpool vs Man Utd rivalryUnited are looking to offset many players this summer including defenders Raphael Varane, Scott McTominay and Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Therefore, signing both players should not be ruled out as Ineos are looking to clear the decks with United’s inconsistent squad. More

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    ‘He’s not leaving the earth or retiring’ – Fans blast ‘cringe’ Arsenal tribute video for Ben White as he signs new deal

    ARSENAL’S “cringe” Ben White tribute video has been slammed by rival fans on social media.The Gunners announced the defender has signed a new deal at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday.Ben White’s contract extension video has been slammed by rival fansCredit: GettyWhite has extended his stay in North London through to 2028 with the option of a further year.To celebrate the news, Arsenal shared a video of White’s team-mates talking about the 26-year-old.Amongst the tributes, Gabriel Martinelli explained: “Every team would love to have Ben White in the team.”Meanwhile, when asked to describe him in three words, Martinelli, Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe all dubbed White a “warrior”.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAaron Ramsdale then goes on to call him a “plonker” and “a person who will do anything to win”.However, rival supporters have taken aim at the clip on social media.One fan commented: “Such a performative club. Everything they do is cringe personified. This is a RIGHT BACK signing a contract extension. He’s not leaving the earth or retiring. Unbearable club.”Another added: “Everything about this club is cringe. They overdo the happy family gimmick so much, it’s a Ben White contract extension.”Most read in FootballA supporter also wrote: “This is one of the cringiest things I have ever seen. He’s signed a new deal, not passed away.”White’s previous deal had been due to expire in 2026, having been signed after his arrival from Brighton three years ago.Gareth Southgate reveals Ben White told England he did not want to be called up but boss denies rift with Arsenal star He has since made 122 appearances for Arsenal and missed just one match across all competitions this season.His extension comes after Gareth Southgate left the defender out of his latest England squad.The Three Lions boss explained White had told him he did not want to be called up for friendlies.As a result, Southgate has also ruled out handing the Arsenal man a spot in his squad for this summer’s Euros.White has won four caps since Southgate handed him his debut in 2021, but has not featured for England since March 2022.White has penned a new deal through to the summer of 2028Credit: Getty More