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      Chelsea and Newcastle ‘fighting for Gregor Kobel with Dortmund star’s agent set to fly to London for transfer talks’

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      BORUSSIA Dortmund goalkeeper Gregor Kobel is reportedly set to leave the club this summer, with both Chelsea and Newcastle United interested.The Swiss shot-stopper has caught the eye of some of Europe’s top clubs with impressive performances in the Bundesliga, and now it looks like his days in Germany are numbered.Gregor Kobel has been brilliant for Dortmund this seasonCredit: GettyGregor Kobel is a man in demand after top performances for DortmundCredit: RexGregor Kobel was sensational in the Champions LeagueCredit: ReutersThe 27-year-old has missed only two league games all season, made 72 saves and kept five clean sheets. Chelsea are reportedly in the market to replace No1 goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who divides opinion within the fanbase due to some erratic performances this season.The Blues are expected to be aggressive in the summer transfer window again, despite already spending over £1billion on new players in the last two seasons.Meanwhile, Newcastle United, who are hoping to qualify for Champions League football, are looking to generate some competition for Nick Pope.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAccording to journalist Santi Aouna on X, Kobel’s agent will be in London next week to meet with some clubs with Newcastle and Chelsea already making inquiries.The summer transfer window is just around the corner, all eyes will be on Kobel’s next move.There is no doubt that if he were to depart, it would be a massive blow to Dortmund, who have struggled in the Bundesliga this season.The eight-time German champions are in real danger of missing out on European football entirely next season, and losing one of their few shining stars would be a huge setback.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKHowever, the Premier League is a massive pull, with many players dreaming of making a move for a variety of reasons.Chelsea currently have Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen, Marcus Bettinelli, and Lucas Bergström in their squad, but none have convinced massively.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleThis has led to the need for Chelsea to return to the market this summer to try and sign someone with experience and exceptional skill.Since their PIF takeover in 2021, Newcastle have the cash to spend but have bought carefully and wisely.It will be interesting to see what moves Eddie Howe makes in the summer. More

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      Former Chelsea starlet quits football aged 24 to join the army after admitting ‘I lost the taste for the sport’

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      FORMER Chelsea goalkeeper Nicolas Tie has quit football aged 24 to join the French army.Tie was on the Blues’ books between 2017 and 2020.Nicolas Tie was on Chelsea’s books between 2017 and 2020Credit: GettyThe Frenchman, now 24, featured for various Blues academy sidesCredit: GettyThe Lille-born stopper did not crack Chelsea’s first team, but did feature for their various academy age groups in the Premier League 2, Uefa Youth League and Under-18 Premier League.Tie, who was called up to the Ivory Coast national team in 2018, left Stamford Bridge in 2020 for Portuguese side Vitoria.After failing to make the first team in Portugal, the 6ft 1in goalkeeper has opted to hang up his boots.In an interview with French paper Ouest France, Tie revealed that he has joined the army.READ MORE ON CHELSEA”I’ve had some good tests, I’ve got the regiment I asked for,” Tie said.”I’m ready, I’m training every day for this.”On what led him to such a drastic career change, the former Blue admitted: “I lost my taste for football.”I always liked military careers, so I said to myself: ‘Why not join the army?’Most read in FootballEUBANK JR VS BENN – BETTING TIPS AND LATEST ODDS”My stepfather is a paratrooper in Ivory Coast; I would go to the barracks to observe… It inspired me.”Tie, who claimed to be “proud” of his “little career” also revealed that he would be willing to serve in Ukraine.Enzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final The goalkeeper-turned-soldier said: “I don’t do politics. I have committed to treating the problem at the source.”If the OPEX (external operations) in Ukraine is open, let’s go! It doesn’t scare me.”Join SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeTie has signed up for the French armyCredit: AFP More

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      How Tyrique George rose from Chelsea prospect with ‘dynamite’ shot to wonderkid outshining multi-million pound stars

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      HE was once just another face in the crowd at Cobham. Now, Tyrique George is lighting up the Premier League.Tyrique George has had to work hard from the age of eight to get to the topCredit: uniquefaTyrique George has come through the ranks and he could be the next big thingCredit: GettyTyrique George changed the game for Chelsea against Fulham with his first goalCredit: RexHe scored his first Premier League goal against neighbours Fulham last weekend – his story is the kind of tale that reminds us what football dreams are really made of.The 19-year-old winger has gone from academy promise to first-team Premier League baller, and it’s not just talent that got him there, it’s been years of grit, grind, and an unshakable family bond.At a time when Chelsea have spent more than £1billion on signing some of the best talents from around the world, it’s stories like Tyrique’s that give hope to Cobham and reassure young players that you can still rise through the ranks and make it.Born to a Ghanaian mother and Nigerian father, Tyrique’s roots run deep, and so does his support system. READ MORE ON CHELSEAThey’ve poured their lives into him. Ordinary jobs, extraordinary sacrifices. His dad hasn’t missed a single one of his first-team home games, and his mum turned down shifts just to get him across town for training.From North London to South, she ferried him to the training ground in Cobham, Surrey, like clockwork. And now, the boy she believed in is living the dream.George was 11 years old when he was photographed with Jadon Sancho, then 17, in the car park of a goals centre in south London.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeNow they are playing together in Chelsea’s youthful team under coach Enzo Maresca.Bismark Odoi, father of ex-Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi, remembers how George stood out from the pack at an early age.Bismark said: “He is a few years younger than my son but he was very noticeable from his early years.“We all used to take them, but I’m happy that he’s making his parents proud because I tell you it’s a lot of hard work,  people only see the results, but the work is massive.Tyrique George, aged 11, with 17-year-old Jadon Sancho pictured in 2017Credit: ChelseaEnzo Maresca is concerned with Chelsea’s missed ‘easy chances’ after limping into the Conference League semi-final “Tyrique was very close to another guy who was similar in stature to him, called Apau I think, a very good young player during their under-12 days.“Not everyone makes it, but yeah, he was there. I think he was one of the youngsters who played very well knowing their parents were watching too.”At youth level, George wasn’t just good. He was special. In 2023, he scored a 35-yard strike against Crystal Palace that would be nominated for the club’s Goal of the Season, announcing him to the top first-team players who might not have heard his name before.Sources at the club’s training base in Cobham, speaking on condition of anonymity to protect their relationship, say his ball-striking ability is one of the best they’ve ever seen come through.A source said: “His ball-striking is off the charts. People don’t expect it from him, but he’s got dynamite in that foot. “When we needed a goal at academy level, we gave it to him, and he’d just let it fly.”Tyrique George is starting to make an impression on the Premier LeagueTyrique George has alwways been highly rated in CobhamCredit: GettyTyrigue George is showing he can be special if given the chanceCredit: GettyRegular journalists Stamford Bridge this season say George has that confidence, not arrogance, but a self-assurance that whispers, “I’ve got it” when he speak to reporters.Across the U18s and U21s, George racked up a combined 33 goals and assists last season. But it wasn’t until his bullet finish against Fulham that the world truly took notice.To be fair, he’s benefited hugely from the suspension of Ukrainian winger Mykhailo Mudryk, who has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned substance while on international duty last year.But that’s the story of life… you need to be ready when your chance comes. And George, he’s been ready for a while.Saul Isaksson-Hurst, his former coach at Chelsea, tells SunSport how it was easy to see from a young age that he was special.He said: “I remember one tournament in Portugal where we took them, if I remember correctly, it was an under-9 tournament, and for a kid of that age to have the authority he had and the leadership skill he showed was a sign that he could make it.“Chelsea academy has the most rigorous recruitment process and an even tougher process to continue to get a contract. “So for him to keep his head down and do the work is a show of the ingredients that have made him.“He understands the opportunity that has been given to him, and he is determined to make good use of it. “And as coaches, that’s all we want to see after we take these kids from an early age and try to give them a good chance at life.”The feeling among everyone close to Tyrique is that he is just getting started. Read More on The SunBut his journey highlights the importance of self-belief, as well as the commitment-  and often unspoken roles of parents to guide and guard, especially in today’s world.The early starts and late finishes have given him the chance, and now the world is his oyster. More

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      ‘They attack his family’ – Man Utd’s Onana at centre of horror trolling but told to ‘shut out noise’ by ex-Chelsea star

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      FORMER Chelsea star Geremi has told Andre Onana to block out the abuse and back himself as Manchester United’s No1.Onana, 27, has come under intense pressure after a string of high-profile blunders and was axed for the Premier League clash against Newcastle before being reinstated.Andre Onana has had a nightmare monthCredit: PAGeremi, seen here after his Premier League title win with Chelsea in 2005/6, has backed his compatriotCredit: GettyOnana has regained his place in the United sideCredit: GettyTo add to his misery his wife Melanie was robbed of her £62k handbag and Rolex watch last month.Former Chelsea and Newcastle star Geremi, who played alongside Onana for Cameroon, has now slammed trolls who have targeted the keeper and says some have crossed the line.Speaking exclusively to The Sun from his base in Yaounde, Cameroon, the retired ace, 46, said: “Every player has to accept criticism, but with Onana people go beyond that and even attack his family.”FIFA does not allow that. FIFA frowns on discrimination and insults. This has to stop.”Read More footballGeremi, a Champions League winner with Real Madrid said the only way to handle the attacks is to stay focused.He added: “Onana must believe in himself, he is Manchester United’s No 1. He needs to shut out the noise. He’s done well to get to this level. Now he just has to block out the negativity.”Onana, who previously starred for Ajax and Inter Milan, joined United for £47.2million in the summer of 2023.His time at Old Trafford has been punctuated by errors, including two in the 2-2 Europa League draw with Lyon, and he has made a worrying ten mistakes in total that have cost United goals.Most read in FootballBut Geremi has no doubt the keeper will bounce back, saying: “Whatever happens, Onana will be a great goalkeeper. Just look at his career and what he’s achieved , there’s no doubt he deserves his spot. Every player goes through a rough patch, and this one will pass too.”Join SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordOnana looks a pale shadow of the man who shone in the 2023 Champions League final against Manchester City.He was brought back into the United fold by Ruben Amorim after being dropped following his horror show against Lyon earlier this month.And he could transform a frustrating campaign to an impressive one if he can find the form that helps them win the competition.Onana’s wife Melanie was targeted by robbersCredit: INSTAGRAM @melaniekamayou More

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      Humble Liverpool boss Arne Slot grabs a sandwich at Asda and looks relaxed ahead of Tottenham clash

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      IT Asda be Liverpool for the Premier League title.Arne Slot showed he has grape expectations for the clash with  Tottenham after bagging fruit and a sandwich at the supermarket.Arne Slot was pictured leaving an Asda yesterdayCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeHe grabbed a sandwich and some grapesCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeLiverpool look set to clinch the title on Sunday against SpursCredit: Eamonn and James ClarkeThe Reds boss was pictured heading out of Asda in Hale Barns, Cheshire yesterday.Slot was all smiles on his way home as he dressed casually in a white top and cream chinos.After picking up his lunch, the Dutchman hopped into his Aston Martin DBX 4×4 car worth £250,000.Slot looked relaxed when snapped yesterday afternoon and no wonder after watching Arsenal drop points in the 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace on Wednesday.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt means Liverpool can now clinch their 20th league triumph at Anfield on Sunday providing they avoid defeat to Spurs.It will be the first title the club celebrate with fans in 35 years after Covid ruined their 2019/20 success.And struggling Spurs are unlikely to stop Liverpool’s stunning home record, which has seen them lose just one Prem game at Anfield all season against Nottingham Forest in September.Though Slot will not let up until the title is confirmed, saying: “Everybody is looking forward to Sunday, but there’s still a job to be done, which is one point, that’s what we know and hopefully we win.”Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSLiverpool have cruised their way to glory and have remained in pole position since November 2.Slot is set to become just the fourth manager in Prem history to win the league in his debut season in England, joining Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Manuel Pellegrini in the exclusive club.Arne Slot shocked by errors as Liverpool’s Premier League run ends at Fulham More

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      Man Utd ‘make transfer approach for Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia’ as they look to replace Andre Onana

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have made a move to sign goalkeeper Joan Garcia, according to reports.The Red Devils could decide to cash-in on Andre Onana this summer amid interest from Saudi Arabian sides.Joan Garcia is wanted by Man UtdCredit: RexThe club are looking at replacements for Andre OnanaCredit: RexUnited’s No1 has had another season blighted by errors, but he is keen to stay and fight for his place under Ruben Amorim.However, Espanyol keeper Garcia has emerged as Onana’s possible replacement.Reports in Spain claim United have “made an approach” to “tempt” the 23-year-old into moving to Old Trafford before making an official offer.Garcia is said to have a £21million release clause that rises to £25m towards the end of the summer transfer window.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThough that figure is set to increase by £4.25m should he win his first senior cap for Spain.Garcia, who an Olympic gold medal with his nation at the Paris Games last year, is one of LaLiga’s top young talents.He became Espanyol’s main man during the second half of last term, helping them win promotion to the top-flight and taking home their player of the season award.Garcia has continued to impress this campaign, keeping seven clean sheets in 32 games.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSHe has won two LaLiga save of the month awards and he produced a man of the match performance as they shocked Real Madrid 1-0 in February.Arsenal and the Champions League holders are also keeping an eye on the stopper, but reports about interest from Bayern Munich are supposedly false.Nemanja Matic brands Andre Onana ‘one of worst keepers in Man Utd HISTORY’ in savage response to goalieEspanyol chief Fran Garagarza has not ruled out Garcia’s departure and said earlier this year: “There’s a lot of noise but nothing is happening. “There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous window.”There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm.”Meanwhile, United have also been linked with Porto No1 Diogo Costa.But bitter rivals Manchester City are set to swoop after Ineos chiefs were put off by his £64m release clause.Ederson has just a year remaining on his contract and is tempted by a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia. More

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      Forgotten Arsenal flop set for Emirates return after injury nightmare with Sevilla unlikely to trigger transfer option

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      ARSENAL flop Albert Sambi Lokonga is set for a summer return to the Emirates after suffering his fourth injury of the season during his loan stint at Sevilla.Lokonga, 25, joined the Andalusian outfit in July for the 2024-25 campaign in a deal that includes a £10.25million buy option.Arsenal flop Albert Sambi Lokonga is set for a summer return to the EmiratesSevilla are not keen to trigger Lokonga’s release clause amid his loan stint due to injuryAccording to The Mirror, however, the LaLiga giants are unlikely to trigger that option due to persistent hamstring issues that have limited the midfielder to just 21 appearances across all competitions.That poses as a blow for the Gunners, who wish to raise funds to bolster their transfer budget for the summer market.Had that figure been met, the North Londoners would have also inherited a 25 per cent sell-on clause.The same source suggests Sevilla tried to negotiate a lower release clause.Read More on ArsenalHowever, chances of a permanent deal are growing slimmer after yet another injury setback Lokonga’s contract with Arsenal runs out in 2026, which means the Premier League giants will be determined to offload him one way or another this summer.That is because – as per the same source – there is no way back for the ex-Anderlecht star into Mikel Arteta’s first team.Nevertheless, the loan deal with Sevilla is paying off as it’s the Spaniards who are covering Lokonga’s wages.Most read in FootballBack in February, the player stated his desire to stay at Sevilla after turning down multiple offers from other clubs last summer.Lokonga said: “I feel very good. I’m growing. I feel better with each game. How Arsenal can outsmart PSG in Champions League semi-final”After leaving Anderlecht, Sevilla is the club where I feel very, very good. “I want to stay but it’s not just my decision. It’s early days and we’ll see each other at the end of the year.”Lokonga also had two uneventful loan stints at Crystal Palace and Luton Town these past couple of years.The Belgian has made 39 appearances for Arsenal since his arrival in 2021. More

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      Tottenham are just famous for being famous, like Gemma Collins – they should not be part of Premier League’s Big Six

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      SHOULD Son Heung-min end up lifting the Europa League trophy for Tottenham, it will only start the argument —  not finish it.Win their first silverware since 2008 and some will claim Spurs are back among the Big Six, others may say English football’s ultimate fancy Dans never went away.Tottenham’s place in the Big Six comes with question marks that won’t go even if they win the Europa LeagueTottenham are famous for being famous — like Gemma CollinsAll while it’s a reasonable shout to suggest they should never have been in it in the first place.Spurs did well to overcome Eintracht Frankfurt in the last eight. A cracking achievement, given how hopeless they are on the home front this season.Monday night’s soulless surrender to Nottingham Forest came just four days after a stirring victory in Germany.The European quest is impressive of late and hopefully they’ll go all the way and bring the trophy back next month.Read More on FootballIf they do, it will finally end an agonising wait for glory stretching back 17 years — about the same time as it takes to walk from the ground to Seven Sisters Tube.The 2008 League Cup final success over Chelsea is a fast-fading and flimsy claim to historical fame.Because that came almost a decade after they had bagged the same trophy. North London’s original football club have never been serial winners.Tottenham try to play aesthetically. They have employed a few skilful  players — David Ginola, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne. But, ultimately, they are famous for being famous — like Gemma Collins.Most read in FootballSo what exactly is it that makes so many people within the game class them as members of the so-called Big Six?And in an age of fluid wealth, when clubs can be transformed overnight with foreign investment, maybe it’s time to dismiss the  idea of an elite enclave.How Enzo Maresca can transform Chelsea to challenge for Premier League titleDefining the size of a football club has no universal measure.It’s genuinely surprising that as football lurches towards total automation, some smart-arse has not conjured up a Stephen Hawking-style algorithm to calculate it to ten decimal places.Capacity of ground multiplied by number of honours, then dividing that by length of time between trophies is one possibility.Money in the bank, times international players, minus number of losses squared, all over position in the league table?Football today bears no resemblance to the 1980s. Back then it was easier to work it out as money didn’t muddy the equation so much. Life was simpler.Along with Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal and Everton, Tottenham were in a league of their own. It’s not so clear-cut now.Behind the competitionThey have a lovely, big ground.  Stamford Bridge is tiny by comparison — but Chelsea are now by far the most successful club in London.Newcastle are awash with Saudi cash and winning this season’s Carabao Cup means they have won as much as Tottenham since 2008. Aston Villa are waking up from a decades-long coma.They entertained us in the Champions League this season and are fighting hard to get back in it.Manchester City were poor neighbours of United for donkey’s years. Eddie Large was their most famous fan.Yet this season is a write-off, even though they may yet win the FA Cup and qualify for a 14th successive campaign in the Champions League.They have billions locked away in their Arab owners’ vaults  and have amassed four Premier League titles on the trot. The Etihad isn’t the biggest mind.ResentmentThere’s been just two seasons since 2010 when Spurs finished outside the top six. Yet they are 16th and every match at their enviable new ground is tainted by resentment towards the ownership.They will lose more league games this season than they will win.Even if Son does get his hands on that Europa League trophy, three cups in 26 years is hardly massive. Relegated Leicester have won bigger things — the title and FA Cup — in the past decade.It’s mind-bogglingly complex working out  who is the biggest and the best.Maybe it’s easier switching the sums around and instead of going mad deciding who is in the Big Six, work out who isn’t. The Tottenham conundrum is much simpler then.MARESCA CAN’T WINENZO MARESCA copped it from some fans for not joining in the post-match celebrations of Chelsea’s win at Fulham.Even though he had just been booked for overdoing it on the touchline when Pedro Neto smashed home the winner moments earlier.There is a palpable distance between the Chelsea supporters and the reserved Italian.I’ve yet to hear them sing his name and there is a feeling that whatever he does, they will never completely warm to him.With Chelsea trailing at half-time on Sunday, Maresca was forced to take the long walk past the away end at Craven Cottage and was roundly labelled a “w*****” by a noisy minority.I don’t blame him for not wanting to attend the post-match party and salute those who, 45 minutes earlier, were giving him such stick. It seems he cannot win, despite having just won.Meanwhile, over at all-but-relegated Ipswich, boss Kieran McKenna’s name was lustily cheered when read out before they were thumped 4-0 by Arsenal. It seems he cannot lose, despite losing a lot.ROCKET’S LAUNCHEDLEAST surprising result of the week is Ronnie O’Sullivan’s demolition of arch-adversary Ali Carter at snooker’s World Championship.The Rocket rocked up to the Crucible, typically out of form and playing the wounded animal, claiming he would be lucky to  pot even one red ball.A crushing 10-4 triumph later — having won five frames in   succession — and O’Sullivan is in the balls, as they say. And into the last 16.He is someone who changes his mind on a daily basis whether or not he wants to pick up a cue. But he has seven world titles dating back to 2001.O’Sullivan  turns 50 in December — and  there is a serious belief that he will be enjoying his eighth world crown, having surpassed the haul of his other great baize nemesis, Stephen Hendry.ENI’S WRIGHT JIBE IS JUST WRONGTHE BEST broadcasters choose their words carefully.Eni Aluko has not with her surprising attack on Ian Wright for “dominating” punditry in women’s football.Ex-Chelsea star Aluko says:  “If we had a situation where there was an equal opportunity for broadcasters and coaches that there is in the women’s game  but that’s not the case. I can’t dominate the men’s game.”No, she can’t but maybe that’s for individual reasons rather than sexism. Kelly Cates and Gabby Logan will be sharing the biggest presenting gig in football with Mark Chapman on Match of the Day from next season.Read More on The SunThat’s two women and one man hosting the country’s flagship highlights show  covering the biggest men’s league in the world, with a vast audience.Genuine question . . . am I missing something here? More