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      ‘Deal on’ – Kevin De Bruyne approached over free transfer after confirming plans to leave Man City

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      MANCHESTER CITY midfielder Kevin De Bruyne has reportedly emerged as a target for MLS outfit Chicago Fire.De Bruyne will leave the Etihad as a free agent this summer, putting an end to his 10-year spell with City.Kevin De Bruyne is a target for Chicago FireCredit: GettyClub officials and Pep Guardiola decided against renewing his contract, despite the midfielder wanting to stay.De Bruyne has insisted that he will not hang up his boots after leaving Manchester, putting many clubs on red alert regarding a potential move.And Chicago Fire are among those interested.According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Fire have already made an approach for the 33-year-old.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey are showing a strong interest and will propose a specific project to him in due course.De Bruyne is set to assess his options in the coming weeks before coming to a final decision.Inter Miami are also known to be considering a move for the Belgium international.SunSport revealed last week that Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi could spoil the plan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSDavid Beckham and Co would like to open talks with De Bruyne now that his plans to leave City are confirmed.But star man and captain Messi will instead attempt to persuade the owners to go for Di Maria instead, who will also become a free agent.Man City legend Kevin De Bruyne talks about his contract situation at the club It is likely that Inter Miami will only be able to afford one of the players this summer.The club already have Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez on their books. More

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      Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline for Newcastle vs Crystal Palace

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      NEWCASTLE welcome Crystal Palace to St James’ Park for a crunching Premier League encounter – but there’ll be no Eddie Howe on the touchline.The Toon have been flying since ending their 70-year trophy drought with a Carabao Cup win against Liverpool in March.Eddie Howe will be absent from the touchline against Crystal PalaceCredit: GettyHarvey Barnes’ double sandwiched by strikes from Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães, saw off Manchester United on the weekend to reaffirm Newcastle’s position in the Champions League race. The Tyneside club return back to St James’ Park to host Crystal Palace in their game in hand, which was initially postponed due to League Cup final involvement. But Howe is absent from the match today and SunSport can explain why.Why is Eddie Howe not on the touchline vs Crystal Palace?As announced on Newcastle’s social media account, Eddie Howe is recovering in the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.Read more on Eddie HoweA club statement read, “The club continues to extend its best wishes and support to Eddie and his family as he continues his recovery.”Howe was absent for the game against Manchester United with what the club cited as an “illness” at the time. The 47-year-old was admitted to the hospital last Friday evening, having felt unwell for a number of days. In the club’s joint statement, Howe said: “A huge thank you to everyone connected with Newcastle United and the wider football community for your messages and warm wishes. They have meant a lot to me and my family.Most read in Football”I also want to pay tribute to our incredible NHS and the hospital staff who have treated me. I’m immensely grateful for the specialist care I’m receiving and, after a period of recovery, I look forward to being back as soon as possible.”Who will step in for Eddie Howe?Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones will step in for Eddie Howe while the Newcastle boss recovers.And Tindall gave a re-update on Howe with the club’s in-house media ahead of the Wednesday night game. The Toon assistant manager said: “He’s in the best possible hands and he’ll be back as soon as he feels he’s ready to come back. “Your health is the most important thing, that’s why it’s so important that when he comes back he is able to lead the team as we know he does, which I’m sure he will do.”What time does Newcastle vs Crystal Palace kick-off?Newcastle vs Crystal Palace kicks off at 7:30pm BSTSt James’ Park is the allocated venue for this huge match and it can host 52,000 fans.Fans can watch the entire action on Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Premier League.An own goal from Newcastle transfer target Marc Guéhi was cancelled out late by Daniel Muñoz when the sides last met in November 2024. More

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      Chelsea star Moises Caicedo, 23, ‘targeted by Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in shock transfer worth over £100million’

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      CHELSEA midfielder Moises Caicedo has emerged as a top target for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.The 23-year-old is currently enjoying his second full season at Stamford Bridge having joined from Brighton in a huge £115million transfer almost two years ago.Moises Caicedo is wanted by Al-NassrCredit: PADespite a mixed start to his time in London, Caicedo has impressed for Chelsea this season.And his form has attracted interest from elsewhere.The Telegraph has reported that he is now the subject of transfer interest from Al-Nassr.Caicedo is understood to be considered a “dream target” for the Saudi Pro League side.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLIt is likely the midfielder would cost upwards of £100m, with Chelsea very reluctant to sell.Currently, the Blues have no intention of letting Caicedo leave.Earlier this month, Enzo Maresca praised the “fantastic” midfielder during a press conference.He said: “In this moment I think he is one of the best or the best defensive midfielders in the world. He is doing fantastic.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”The best thing about Moi is that everyday he is working serious, he is very humble, very kind, he is polite, he is a fantastic guy.”Meanwhile, Al-Nassr pulled off a huge signing from the Premier League back in January.Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundThe Saudi club landed 21-year-old striker Jhon Duran in a £64million transfer from Aston Villa.Duran joined the likes of Aymeric Laporte, Sadio Mane and Cristiano Ronaldo in Riyadh. More

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      Man Utd draft 18-year-old wonderkid into first-team training as Joshua Zirkzee ruled out for rest of season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED teenager Gabriele Biancheri joined Ruben Amorim’s first team training earlier today.The Red Devils boss, 40, was preparing his side for Thursday night’s crucial Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon.Gabriele Biancheri joined Man Utd’s first team training at CarringtonCredit: GettyBiancheri challenges Diogo Dalot in first team trainingCredit: GettyThe Welsh teenager is yet to make his senior Man Utd debutCredit: GettyMan Utd will go into the match without Joshua Zirkzee, after the forward was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring issue.Rasmus Hojlund is the only senior centre-forward available to Amorim for tomorrow night’s crunch clash with Lyon.In Zirkzee’s absence, Biancheri joined in with first team training at Carrington.The 18-year-old signed for Man Utd from Cardiff in February 2023.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBiancheri has been free scoring for the Red Devils’ academy sides this season, netting 20 goals in 30 appearances across the PL2, Under-18 Premier League, Uefa Youth League, FA Youth Cup and EFL Trophy.The Welshman is not part of Man Utd’s 25-man squad for the Europa League.But he is eligible to be added to the club’s B List and thus be available to play tomorrow night.To be added to the B List, a player must have been born on or later than January 1, 2003 – and have been at the club for two or more uninterrupted years.Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UKJoshua Zirkzee has been ruled out for the remainder of the seasonCredit: PAWhile Biancheri is eligible, fellow striker Chido Obi is not.The forward, who has made four first team appearances for United, only joined from Arsenal last September, meaning that he does not hit the B List criteria.Amorim is officially WORST Man Utd manager of post-Sir Alex Ferguson era as under-fire boss admits- I’m underperformingBiancheri has never been named in a first team matchday squad.In order to be available for tomorrow night’s game, Biancheri must be named on Man Utd’s B List by midnight.Speaking ahead of the Lyon second leg, Amorim gave an update on Zirkzee’s injury.The Portuguese said: “Joshua is out for the season. So he’s not going to play more this season. Let’s prepare him for the next one.”It’s tough, especially in this moment. I think he’s improving in all aspects of the game, so it’s hard for any player to stop, but this is football and he has to be ready now to recover.”Amorim also confirmed that Andre Onana would return between the sticks, having been given the weekend off following his blunders in last week’s 2-2 draw in France.Read More on The SunUnited’s No2 Altay Bayindir stepped in for Onana during Sunday’s 4-1 defeat at Newcastle.But asked about Onana, Amorim said: “He will play tomorrow.”Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances… More

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      Amorim is officially WORST Man Utd manager of post-Sir Alex Ferguson era as under-fire boss admits: I’m underperforming

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      MANCHESTER UNITED boss Ruben Amorim admits that he’s “underperforming” – so he desperately needs Europa League glory to save his season.Because right now Amorim is statistically the WORST of all the United managers to take the hot seat since Sir Alex Ferguson left 12 years ago.Ruben Amorim is statistically Man Utd’s worst manager since Sir Alex FergusonCredit: ReutersEven Ralf Rangnick has a been win percentage than Amorim as Man Utd bossCredit: ReutersUnited are already guaranteed to have their WORST Premier League seasonCredit: PAOnly victory over Lyon in the Europa League quarter-final second leg would be enough to take the Portuguese ahead of the much-mocked Ralf Rangnick in terms of win percentage in all competitions.And even that stat is padded by a friendly Europa League fixture list – with Amorim’s Premier League record, at just over ONE point per game, by FAR the worst of all bosses.Amorim is already guaranteed to lead United to their most dismal domestic record since Fergie left, after leading them to the 13th title of his reign in his farewell campaign of 2012/13.The 40-year-old has defended under-fire goalkeeper Andre Onana ahead of Thursday’s all-or-nothing clash at Old Trafford.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe refused to admit that Onana – who was dropped for the thrashing at Newcastle – will be put up for sale in the summer and instead pointed the blame at himself.Amorim said: “We can work with Andre. Sometimes we have some seasons where we are underperforming. If one player is underperforming and we have to change everything, that is not the process for now.”We are going to make that evaluation for every position. If we are talking about mistakes, you can see my record. “My record is the worst in our team. I’m also underperforming, but I think I’m the right guy to coach the team, so it’s the same for Andre.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordBut this season is likely to be United’s worst season since they were last relegated in 1974.To make matters even worse, hated rivals Liverpool are on the verge of winning their 20th English crown, which would draw them level with United and put them back on the perch that Ferguson knocked them off.Ruben Amorim responds to question about dropping Andre Onana after disasterclass against LyonAnd Liverpool fans are not so busy preparing to celebrate that they haven’t noticed one incredible comparison to their own days in the doldrums.Roy Hodgson’s short-lived reign at Anfield will forever be remembered as one the most disastrous of any manager at a Big Six club in history.Hodgson was sacked in January 2011 after replacing Rafael Benitez and somehow steering Liverpool into a relegation battle.But even he harvested 25 POINTS in 20 Premier League games before being axed.Amorim has just 23 POINTS from 21 games in charge – with just six wins and ten defeats.United were just four points off the Champions League spots in the Prem when Amorim arrived to much fanfare.The former Sporting boss was touted as the bright young thing who would steer the club into a better future.Instead he has presided over the worst run of any United boss in the Prem era.And United now sit 14th in the table, three points above 17th and a whole SEVENTEEN points behind neighbours Manchester City in fifth.In all competitions, Amorim’s record is worse even than Rangnick, who won just 37.9 per cent of his games in interim charge during that weird transitional season of 2021/22.The Austrian and Amorim are the only successors to Ferguson who have failed to win at least half of their games in charge.Even David Moyes, who lasted just one season as the direct replacement for his fellow Scot, managed that.And Jose Mourinho, who famously claimed taking United to second in the league in 2017/8 was one of his greatest achievements, sits proudly top of the table in the post-Fergie world.Amorim is well off matching countryman Mourinho’s Old Trafford record.But at least beating Lyon would give Amorim his 13th victory in 33 games, taking his overall win percentage to 39.4 – just ahead of Rangnick’s 37.9.Whatever the result against the French side, the United boss still has it all to do in the league.Only if Amorim wins ALL SIX remaining Prem matches will his win percentage reach 44.4 to overtake Rangnick’s.And even in that unlikely scenario, his points per game would still be lower, at 1.52 to the Austrian’s 1.54.In a season where up to 11 English clubs could qualify for European competition, United have been so bad that they have little chance of doing it by league position.They are already guaranteed to ‘beat’ their lowest finish of the Premier League era, which was seventh under Moyes.Read More on The SunAnd their only hope of a return to the Champions League is to win the Europa League title in May.It really is s**t or bust for Amorim and United against Lyon. Many fans fear that they will deliver the former.Man Utd ratings vs Newcastle as Zirkzee does well before injury but dropped Onana’s stand-in has a shockerMANCHESTER UNITED’S worst ever Premier League season was confirmed with a 4-1 defeat to Newcastle.The Red Devils are now guaranteed to finish on less than 56 points, which is their lowest ever Prem total.And they can only get that high if they win ALL of their last six games.If they’re not careful, they could even finish 17th – just one spot above the marooned bottom three.It was another dark day that reflects a poor campaign for United as Newcastle carved them open with ease in the second-half.Ruben Amorim dropped keeper Andre Onana after his horror show against Lyon midweek.But stand-in Altay Bayindir had a game to forget too.Sandro Tonali’s volley, a double by Harvey Barnes and a Bruno Guimaraes finish cancelled out Alejandro Garnacho’s goal.Here is how SunSport’s Gary Stonehouse rated the United performances… More

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      ‘He wasn’t happy’ – Micah Richards reveals England star told him to ‘liven up’ after damning Match of the Day analysis

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      MICAH RICHARDS has revealed that Aaron Ramsdale messaged him after he failed to acknowledge the goalkeeper’s two penalty saves on Match of the Day.Ramsdale stopped two spot-kicks from Aston Villa midfielder Marco Asensio on Saturday.Micah Richards revealed that Aaron Ramsdale messaged him after watching Match of the DayCredit: X / RestIsFootballRamsdale saved two penalties against Aston Villa – but did not get a mention on the highlights showCredit: GettyIt wasn’t enough to earn Southampton anything from the match, however, as the Saints went on to lose 3-0 at St Mary’s.Villa substitutes Ollie Watkins, Donyell Malen and John McGinn fired the visitors to the win.It was the first time in Premier League history that three different substitutes on the same team scored after coming on.And that was the main focus for Richards, Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer when they were discussing the result on Match of the Day.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey failed to mention the two penalty saves – much to the annoyance of Ramsdale.Richards even revealed that he received a message from the goalkeeper after the show.Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast this week, Richards explained: “I don’t normally bring people’s names into it because I don’t think it’s right.”But I think he’s got a point on this particular occasion… Villa win 3-0 and he saved two pens.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS”But my analysis was Villa’s substitutions, their squad really could impact the game.”So Watkins comes on and scores, Malen comes on and scores and McGinn comes on and scores.About to get sacked on air’ – Micah Richards stuns Kate Abdo into eight-second silence with crude innuendo”That is the bigger story. And because Southampton have had a bad time it was almost like, Villa have won, let’s leave Southampton alone.”However, he (Ramsdale) texts me. I won’t tell you what he texted me on.”Let’s just say he wasn’t happy. And he told us to basically liven up.”Lineker concluded by saying: “But well done, Aaron Ramsdale.”To save two penalties in one game is pretty rare.”SunSport revealed earlier this week that Manchester United are monitoring Ramsdale ahead of the summer transfer window.The England goalkeeper has also been linked with Bournemouth and West Ham. More

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      Chelsea Champions League winner, 38, could be set for emotional clash against Blues in Club World Cup after draw drama

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      FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has confirmed Chelsea’s opening Club World Cup opponents are set to be decided by a single game play-off.And that could bring a reunion with former Blues striker Olivier Giroud at MLS side LAFC.Chelsea could face Olivier Giroud and LAFC in the Club World CupCredit: GettyGiroud previously spent three years with the BluesCredit: APPlans for the 32-team tournament, offering a record £870m prize pot, were thrown in the air last month when Mexican outfit Club Leon were booted out of the event by world chiefs.Fifa’s regulations for the expanded tournament stated that no clubs under the same multi-club ownership umbrella could compete.Leon are part of the same group as fellow Mexican side Pachuca and have ignored demands for the club to be hived off from the overall ownership company.While Leon have lodged a complaint with the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to overturn the Fifa decision, it emerged last month that a play-off involving LAFC and another Mexican side, Club America, was being planned.READ MORE ON CHELSEAAnd despite claims from Spain that Barcelona were in the mix to take part, Infantino has now confirmed the play-off plan – as long as CAS rules in Fifa’s favour.Speaking on a visit to Atlanta’s Mercedes Benz Stadium, where Chelsea’s opening game will be played on June 16, the Fifa President said: “In a couple of weeks we will have the final and definitive decision, we will respect any decision.”What we are looking at is that, if CAS confirms the decision of the Appeals Committee, FIFA’s intention is to play a match, a playoff, between the team that lost the final of the Concacaf Champions League, LAFC, and the next team in the ranking, which is Club America.”Infantino’s announcement came despite the tournament regulations stating no country could have more than two participants UNLESS they were all winners of their confederation’s main club competition in the four year qualification cycle.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeThose regulations meant the likes of European giants Liverpool and Barcelona, who would have qualified through their four-year coefficient ranking, missed out in favour of teams including Ajax andSalzburg.Mexico already have Pachuca and Monterrey in the tournament as winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2024 and 2021 respectively – Leon were 2023 winners – while the US is represented by Seattle Sounders, who won in 2022 and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.Inside Chelsea’s Strasbourg talent factory as angry fans fight identity crisis That has brought a separate CAS suit by Costa Rican club Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, who argue that they are the highest-placed side in the Concacaf rankings who are not disqualified by representing either the US or Mexico.Fifa, though, appear to be dismissing that claim, with both potential replacements for Leon able to bring substantial value to the tournament.LAFC, who also include former Spurs skipper Hugo Lloris, are part-owned by US actor and comedian Will Ferrell, while Club America are the most widely supported club in Mexico.Fifa will not announce the date or venue of the play-off until after the CAS ruling but it is expected to be played in Los Angeles’ SoFi Stadium next month.Chelsea’s other two opponents in Group D are Brazilians Flamengo, who they meet in Philadelphia on June 20, and Tunisian outfit Esperance, with the final group game in the same venue four days later.The Blues have already been assured of around £30m in appearance money for the inaugural version of the expanded 32-team competition, with a further £67m up for grabs in potential prize money.England’s other representatives, Manchester City, start against Morocco’s Wydad in Philadelphia on June 18.They then meet Abu Dhabi outfit Al Ain in Atlanta before finishing against Juventus in Orlando on June 26.Read More on The SunFifa say there are no multi-club ownership issues despite Al Ain’s President being Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the BROTHER of City President Shaikh Mansour.If they win their respective groups, the two Prem sides cannot meet until the Final in New York on July 13. More

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      Chelsea files: Blues ‘on a knife edge’ with club facing £70m black hole if poor form keeps them out of Champions League

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      CHELSEA’S stuttering bid to qualify for the Champions League may not impact Enzo Maresca’s role but it could wipe £70million off his summer budget.The Blues remain in the hunt for a top five finish but are convincing few that they will be able to get over the line.Chelsea could risk losing £70m if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: GettyEnzo Maresca’s job could also be at riskCredit: AlamyAnd another year away from Europe’s top table will come at quite the cost – with one financial expert saying they are on a “knife edge”.A run into the knockouts would – thanks to their coefficient ranking and gate receipts – net at least £90m for the west Londoners.But a year in the Europa League – which they are expected to qualify for via the league or winning the Conference League – would land them just £20m.And after having to sell hotels and the women’s team to the club’s holding company, BlueCo, in order to dance around the Premier League’s financial rules – things could get tricky.Chelsea’s latest financial results showed a profit of £129.6m, but Professor Rob Wilson, an academic lead at University Campus of Football Business, is concerned.He told SunSport: “Their reported profits are suggesting financial health, but the underlying losses basically indicate a reliance on accounting strategies.”You can’t trade on accounting strategies forever.”What you’re doing is essentially just putting off the inevitable, which is at some point you’re going to post a pretty significant loss or you’re going to have to have a big asset sale.”They are kind of protecting that with the longevity of the player contracts that they’ve been including.”They are properly on a knife edge in my view.”They are backing themselves or have already backed themselves into a pretty unmanageable corner.”Chelsea’s £115m ace Moises Caicedo has £160k Audi seized by cops after driving without valid licence near training groundKEEP KEPA?GOALKEEPING has been a hot topic at Chelsea this season and it’s not just restricted to those currently at the club.The future of Kepa Arrizabalaga is also of interest as his loan at Premier League side Bournemouth nears its end.The world’s most expensive keeper is desperate to stay on the South Coast to the extent that he would be willing to take a pay cut on his present wages of around £170,000 a week.Kepa, 30, has a year left on his contract at Chelsea but he knows there is no future for him at Stamford Bridge.Kepa Arrizabalaga is willing to accept a pay cut to stay at BournemouthCredit: AlamyEven though there are serious questions about the suitability of Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, there are other keepers further up the pecking order.Even untried teenager Mike Penders seems to be more popular with Chelsea coach Enzo Maresca than Spaniard Kepa, who cost a whopping £71.6 million in 2018.Bournemouth are keen on a permanent deal and it’s believed one could be struck for around £25 million.Kepa has played the last 14 games in all competitions for Bournemouth and is close to manager and fellow Spaniard Andoni Iraola.There has been speculation that Bournemouth fancy Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher but Kepa is more likely to be the club’s number one next season.BLUECO NO-GODROPPING into the Europa League would not only pose financial problems, but a mammoth headache for Chelsea’s American owners.Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali will be forced to place their shares in Ligue 1 side Strasbourg into a “blind trust” if both qualify for the Europa League.Strasbourg’s involvement in the Europa League could be a huge issue for Chelsea if they fail to qualify for the Champions LeagueCredit: AFPStrasbourg, managed by Englishman Liam Rosenior, have been a BlueCo success story and are just a point off of the Europa League places in Ligue 1.While their qualification would be celebrated, it would cause an awful lot of admin for the owners.Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe faced a similar problem.His company INEOS also owns Nice and Swiss side Lausanne-Sport.Their ownership of both has been placed into a blind trust, with Nice in the Europa League alongside Manchester United.Their both being in the same competition also saw UEFA block any transfers between the two – which put a stop to United’s move for defender Jean-Clair Todibo.Chelsea have sent a number of youth prospects on loan to Strasbourg since the two clubs were brought under the BlueCo umbrella.Kendry Paez, the Ecuadorian who will complete his move to Chelsea this summer, has been training with Rosenior’s side ahead of a possible loan move next season – which could be barred under these rules.SECURITY CONCERNSLEGIA WARSAW’S infamous ultras are on their way to London and the police are on high alert.Extra cops will be on duty for Thursday’s Conference League quarter-final second leg at Stamford Bridge.Legia Warsaw’s ultras caused chaos outside Villa Park in 2023Credit: GettyJust 1,000 fans of the Polish club are being allocated official tickets into the away section of the away end.Although with a sizeable Polish population in London already, there could be more in the home sections of the ground.Chelsea though are confident that their robust ticket policies will be enough to stop large scale infiltration by visiting supporters.Legia Warsaw have been dogged by controversy involving their fiery fans. They have been hit with travel bans.There was trouble in 2023 when the club played Aston Villa in the Conference League – several police officers were hurt in disturbances outside Villa Park.The Met won’t disclose details of their anti-hooligan policies but issued a statement to Sun Sport which read: “The Met works closely with partners to ensure the safety and security of those attending football matches in London. We want everyone to come and enjoy themselves but we will act decisively to deal with anyone intent on causing trouble.“We have increased the policing presence for Chelsea’s home match against Legia Warsaw this Thursday to ensure it takes place in a safe and secure environment. This decision was taken following a careful assessment of information and intelligence.”Warsaw have had their ticket allocation reduced on advice from the Safety Advisory Group and Chelsea.The statement continued: “We will continue to work with the club and our local partners to ensure the safety of those attending the match and those in the wider community.”NO PROBE FOR TODDDespite outraged Chelsea fans firing off a letter of complaint to the Premier League demanding a probe into the club chairman’s links to an unauthorised ticket resale site, the police won’t be knocking on Boehly’s door anytime soon.Supporters have openly protested about the fact the leading figure in the Stamford Bridge boardroom is cashing in with a 40 percent stake in Vivid Seats – a US-based outfit that passes on match tickets, often at vastly inflated prices.Todd Boehly has infuriated fans by earning money from Vivid Seats, a ticket resale siteCredit: ReutersThe Premier League is currently considering options on what to do about the tricky situation – after all on their own website they advise customers to exercise ‘extreme caution’ when dealing with companies like Vivid Seats.But any investigation is a long way off as so far, English football’s governing body will only confirm receipt of the letter from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust.However, it is still a delicate state of affairs with the Premier League under pressure to investigate the business dealings of one of the game’s most high profile players.LEAGUE OF THEIR OWNCHELSEA Women’s final away game of the WSL season has been selected for live broadcast by the BBC.And a kick off time has now been finalised with The Blues heading to Tottenham on Sunday, May 4 and it gets underway at 2.15pm.NEW INITIATIVEANYONE attending Sunday’s home game against Ipswich will have noticed the large number of brightly coloured flags fluttering in The Shed End before kick off.The plan to liven up Stamford Bridge comes from fans’ group We Are The Shed, who are also masterminding the creation of a singing section in the famous stand.While it’s not exactly keeping the blue flag flying high, it’s good to see that some supporters are not just giving up on the fading atmospheres at Premier League grounds.Where English stadiums were once revered for their noise and sway, they are now silent tourist attractions. Keep up the good work.Chelsea Women vs Tottenham will be broadcast on the BBCCredit: Reuters More