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    Chelsea ‘offer three players and cash’ for Inter Milan captain Lautaro Martinez as boss Maresca tries to trim squad

    INTER MILAN skipper Lautaro Martinez is reportedly a January transfer target for Chelsea. The Argentine striker has spent the last seven years in Italy after joining the Serie A giants from Racing Club. Lautaro Martinez is reportedly a surprise target for ChelseaCredit: GettyThe Argentine striker has been out of form this seasonCredit: GettyMartinez has been prolific in an Inter shirt, netting over 100 times in 220 appearances. The 27-year-old penned a new five-year deal with the club in August, signing until 2029. But after a poor run of form this season, reports in Martinez’s native Argentina suggest Chelsea are ready to pounce – and trim their bloated squad in the process. According to El Grafico, the Blues are willing to offer Inter three players plus cash to tempt the 27-year-old to West London. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLThe outlet claims Benoit Badiashile, Carney Chukwuemeka and Mykhailo Mudryk could all be used as leverage by boss Enzo Maresca.Despite their strong form in Serie A, Martinez has not found the net for the Nerazzurri since October. He joined the club as a teenager in 2018, costing a cut-price £20.7million. The fan favourite has netted over 20 times in the last three seasons but has just 5 goals in 15 games this term.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSMilan currently sit third in the league – three points behind leaders Atalanta – as they target back-to-back titles.Mudryk’s future at the Bridge remains uncertain after the Ukrainian failed a drugs test earlier this month.Lautaro Martinez celebrates into the night after Inter victory on the Serie AChelsea boss Maresca has publically supported his winger after a positive test for the banned substance meldonium.Mudryk, who insists he is innocent, is awaiting the results of a ‘B’ sample taken while on Ukraine duty.Mykhailo Mudryk could reportedly be used as part of a deal for MartinezCredit: APChelsea ratings vs Everton as Enzo continues to shine but Jackson costs Blues chance to winCHELSEA extended their unbeaten run to nine Premier League games with a performance that will quickly be forgotten.Chances on goal were few and far between but Nicolas Jackson had two opportunities to put the Blues ahead in the first half.SunSport’s Kealan Hughes provides his ratings of the Chelsea squad…Robert Sanchez – 7Smart stop down to his right to deny Orel Mangala shortly before the break.Pulled off an even better save when Jack Harrison looked certain to score in the second half.Axel Disasi – 6Dealt with the tricky Iliman Ndiaye reasonably well. Lacked an attacking threat which hindered Blues going forward.Tosin Adarabioyo – 8Made a brilliant block 15 minutes from time to stop Ndiaye finding the net with Sanchez beaten.He also looked assured on the ball and comfortable doing the nitty-gritty every time he plays. Deserves more game time.Levi Colwill – 7An accomplished display as he limited Everton’s chances on goal, worked well with Adarabioyo.Malo Gusto – 5Was caught out a few times by Harrison, who should have scored when he got in behind the left-back.Almost opened the scoring in the first half but Pickford charged down his shot well.Moises Caicedo – 7Protected the defence well and cut out a lot of loose balls to prevent Everton getting near the Chelsea box.Enzo Fernandez – 8Perhaps Chelsea’s best player. Saw a lot of the ball and kept possession nicely.Had one shooting opportunity he aimed straight at the keeper.Cole Palmer – 5Squared well for Jackson’s chance. Failed to influence the match in his usual manner, which is a credit to the Everton defence.Pedro Neto – 5Plenty of effort and endeavour but not really his day. Every time he did threaten he was quickly fouled.Jadon Sancho – 5Some nice touches and passes but rarely posed a threat.Nicolas Jackson – 4Spurned a big chance first half as Pickford was equal to a close range effort.He then missed an even easier opportunity minutes later as he directed his header onto the post with the goal gaping.SubsChristopher Nkunku (for Jackson, 76mins) – 5Noni Madueke (for Neto, 76mins) – 5High-flying Chelsea have spent more than £1billion under the current ownership.Maresca said: “We have three league games before January.“After these we are going to sit and decide if we need to do something.” More

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    Cesc Fabregas could offer Dele Alli a return to football as Arsenal legend ‘likes ex-England star a lot’

    DELE ALLI could be set for a major return to football in Serie A by Premier League legend Cesc Fabregas.Dele, 28, has been a free agent since June but continued to train with former club Everton while looking for his next challenge.Dele Alli could return to football after leaving Everton in JuneCredit: GettyComo manager Cesc Fabregas is keen to sign Dele in the Serie ACredit: RexThe versatile midfielder used to be one of the best players in the English top flight thanks to some stunning performances with Tottenham, where he spent seven years.The ex-England international burst onto the scene in 2015 and went on to amass 67 goals and 58 assists in 269 appearances, which included a place in Spurs’ starting line-up in the 2019 Champions League final.However, Dele fell out of favour and ended up leaving the North Londoners in 2022 to move to Everton where he underwent a series of injury setbacks and a hapless loan stint at Besiktas.The playmaker then revealed in a brave and heartbreaking interview that he became addicted to sleeping pills after his rough spell in Turkey and opened up about his difficult childhood.Read More on FootballAfter that, the ex-Tottenham star revealed he is determined to make a dynamic comeback and is now targeting a return to England ahead of the 2026 World Cup.Dele’s resurgence could be put together by one of his beloved Spurs’ biggest rivals in Arsenal and Chelsea legend Fabregas, 37.The Barcelona hero manages Italian outfit Como, where he is also a minority shareholder.Dele was spotted in the stands alongside Hollywood A-listers Keira Knightley, Adrien Brody and Michael Fassbender at the Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia watching Como beat Roma 2-0 on Sunday.Most read in FootballThat led to reports suggesting the fallen England star would start training with Fabregas and co come Boxing Day before signing a deal with the club.And Como sporting director Carlalberto Ludi confirmed “something interesting could develop” and revealed the manager “likes him a lot”.Dele Alli hailed for opening up on mental health battles as Everton star joins Monday Night Football panelLudi told TMW Radio: “In ideal conditions, he’s of interest to everyone.“We have an excellent relationship with his agent, and something interesting could develop, but we can’t know for sure yet.“We need a few weeks, including time to get to know each other, and then we’ll make the best decision. “A percentage? It’s too early to say. We’ll go through a period of training and mutual understanding, but Fabregas likes him a lot.” More

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    Dele Alli joins Hollywood A-listers in stands at Como vs Roma and could begin training with new club

    DELE ALLI rubbed shoulders with the Hollywood A-list at Como’s drama-packed Serie A win over Roma.But the former England midfielder might be more interested in finding out if he’ll be on an Italian club’s PLAYER list after Christmas.Dele Alli must have been impressed by Como’s spirit in beating RomaKeira Knightley and James Righton were also at Como’s 2-0 home winCredit: GettyMichael Fassbender was another acting star at the Serie A gameCredit: GettyCesc Fabregas’ Como have been inviting big names to help make them more fashionable.Actors Keira Knightley, Adrien Brody and Michael Fassbender were there on Sunday – all looking pretty glam.In contrast, Alli went for a more low-key watching brief – with a cap as well as his hoodie covering his head as he sat in the stands.But there was a promising hint that the ex-Tottenham ace, 28, could soon take the first step towards reviving his career.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAlli saw striker Alessandro Gabrielloni and Argentina midfielder Nico Paz strike on 93 and 97 minutes to sink Roma.Then he heard Fabregas speak on his future, after he was released by Everton last summer following months out injured.The Arsenal and Chelsea legend said: “I met him yesterday.”There’s a chance he could train with us after Christmas, but only to get back into shape.”Most read in FootballComo chief Cesc Fabregas suggested Alli might train after XmasCredit: RexFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSThe former Spain midfielder added he “didn’t want to talk about it” more about it at this stage.That’s not too surprising as Fabegas will want most of the attention on a victory that lifted Como one point above the drop zone.Cesc Fabregas shuts down England position debate as World Cup winner ‘shows why he got over 100 caps’ He said: “The important thing is the team, Gabrielloni’s goal and the feeling of playing face to face against a great team. “The boys and the city deserved a night like this. “Sometimes it’s not a question of tactics, but of resilience and desire. We are Como and to get a result against these teams you have to do more than them.”Knightley and Righton added glamour to the sporting occasionCredit: GettyPeaky Blinders star Adrien Brody looked transfixed by the matchCredit: Getty More

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    Man Utd scout Olympiacos wonderkid, 17, who’s already a European champion but face transfer battle for striker

    MANCHESTER UNITED are scouting Olympiacos wonderkid Charalampos Kostoulas ahead of the January transfer window.Kostoulas, 17, is considered by many as the next big thing in Greek football after a stunning campaign with his club’s Under-19s last season and his current success with the senior squad.Manchester United are scouting Olympiacos wonderkid Charalampos KostoulasCredit: ReutersMan Utd sent scouts to watch Kostoulas during Olympiacos’ latest Europa League matchCredit: APSunSport can confirm that the striker’s impressive displays have led to interest from United who sent scouts to Piraeus to watch him in action against Twente in the Europa League last Thursday.Reports from Greece suggest Bayern Munich, Juventus, Fiorentina and Borussia Monchengladbach are also keeping tabs on the Greece Under-21 international.The same reports claim all the aforementioned clubs, bar Bayern, also sent representatives to watch the teenage sensation in action but SunSport can’t confirm at this time.Nevertheless, Olympiacos have big plans for their young star as they will offer him a new contract once he turns 18 in May after becoming a key member of Jose Luis Mendilibar’s squad – his current deal runs out in 2026.Read More on FootballAnd those close to Kostoulas, who counts two goals and an assist in 10 league matches, want him to remain focused and enjoy the holidays with his loved ones without getting distracted from the transfer rumour mill.The centre-forward put together a man-of-the-match performance during the goalless draw with Twente at Georgios Karaiskakis and even earned a penalty kick that Ayoub El Kaabi wasted.The versatile forward, who can lead the attack but also cover the wings and play behind the centre-forward, has already made history despite his young career.Kostoulas was part of Olympiacos’ reserve squad that won last season’s Uefa Youth League after beating AC Milan 3-0 in the final.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThat side also defeated the likes of Inter Milan, Lens and Bayern on their way to becoming the first ever Greek club to win a European title last April.The Under-19s completed that triumph one month before the seniors won the Europa Conference League by beating Fiorentina in the final that took place in Athens.Man Utd team-mates in furious on-pitch argument at final whistle after Red Devils scrape past Viktoria PlzenKostoulas was a focal point for Olympiacos’ young side as he registered five goals and two assists in eight appearances in the Youth LeagueThat led to Greek football chiefs awarding him as last season’s best young player in Greece’s second division, where Olympiacos’ B team compete.Kostoulas has stood along with fellow Youth League champion Christos Mouzakitis, who recently became the youngest ever ace to play for Greece in a competitive game at 17 years, 10 months and 23 days old.Man Utd have been investing a lot in young talent lately with the likes of Alejandro Garnacho, Kobbie Mainoo and Amad Diallo breaking into the starting line-up.Man Utd player ratings vs Man City as sensational Amad Diallo turns derby on its headAMAD DIALLO left Manchester City stunned as he turned the derby on its head.The flying winger won a penalty, converted by Bruno Fernandes, in the dying embers to level it up.But the best was yet to come as Amad flicked past an onrushing Ederson before expertly slotting in a dramatic winner from a tight angle deep into injury time.Here’s how SunSport’s Neil Custis rated the Man Utd players…Andre Onana – 6He just does not fill you with confidence. Does not command his area and as we found out midweek in Plzen, his distribution from the back is a major plus for the opposition.Wasn’t tested that much however.Lisandro Martinez – 7Looking a calmer presence under Amorim than he did before when he seemed to want to live up to his nickname from his Ajax days of ‘The Butcher of Amsterdam’.Great through ball at the end to pick out Amad’s run for the winner.Harry Maguire – 8Had a great battle with Erling Haaland which the United man won.The right call to bring the former captain in for such a big game. Looks like he suits the position in the centre of that back three.Matthijs de Ligt 78′ – 7A decent enough performance. Looked more comfortable alongside Maguire than other centre-back partners.Diogo Dalot – 5Mistimed his jump to be beaten to the ball by Josko Gvardiol for the City opener. Did not create enough going forward from his wing-back role.Bruno Fernandes – 8Missed a big chance after being put through by Hojlund and clipping the ball wide.But when the moment comes from the penalty spot he is a cool head in the hottest of atmospheres sending Ederson the wrong way to equaliseManuel Ugarte – 7Sat in front of the back four and negated much of what Phil Foden was trying to do for the home side.Noussair Mazraoui 78′ – 8The best of the summer buys. Used as the right wing back on this occasion and is able to adjust to whatever is asked of him. One of United’s bets performers on the day.Mason Mount 13′ – 6Looked very close to tears when he had to come off after early in the game. He is just getting no luck whatsoever with injuries and has not had a decent run since joining the club.Amad Diallo 90′ – 9The greatest moment of his career so far with a memorable derby winner. A brilliant run first of all to meet Martinez pass, he then clipped the ball past Edersonn and while it was a scuffed finish he got it on target.Had almost grabbed an equaliser with a flick header before that which was well saved by Ederson.Then was alert to Nunes back pass to win the penalty that did lead to United drawing level.Rasmus Hojlund 78′ – 6Most we saw of him was a head to head confrontation with Walker when the City player slumped to the ground and a little fall of his own when he tried to win a pen.But then he provided a great through ball for Fernandes which should have brought the equaliser.SubsKobbie Mainoo 13′ – 6Did a solid job as he came on ina deeper role than Mount and Fernandes moved forwardJoshua Zrikzee 78′ – 6Not the man who is going to come on and change a game, but he did well to hold onto possession in the closing seconds.Antony 78′ – 6Came on to try and make a difference but is lacking the confidence which a lack of starts brings.Leny Yoro 78′ – 6Continues to ease himself back to full fitness after that summer injury.Victor Lindelof 90′ – 6No time to have any influence on the game. 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    Ben Godrey willing to give up winning Serie A for Premier League return as two clubs lead transfer chase

    BEN GODFREY is willing to give up winning Serie A for a return to the Premier League.The 26-year-old joined Italian table-toppers Atalanta from Everton in a £10million deal last summer.Ben Godfrey is keen on a move back to EnglandCredit: GettyBut Wolves and Nottingham Forest are leading the chase in bringing versatile defender Godfrey back to England.Godfrey has made just four appearances for last season’s Europa League winners Atalanta since the move to Italy.In his four games, only one came in Serie A, which came as a substitute in the 4-0 over Lecce in August.But the two-cap England ace has had to wait for minutes in Gian Piero Gasperini’s side because of the Italian club’s shock success in Serie A.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLGodfrey’s last appearance came in the 6-1 Champions League away victory over Young Boys last month.Atalanta currently have a two-point lead at the top and play Cagliari on Saturday afternoon while second-placed Napoli travel to Udinese.But SunSport understands Godfrey would be prepared to play football rather than sit on the bench and potentially collect a medal next May.Atalanta will also have to deal with the likes of Inter Milan and Fiorentina, who are hot on their heels.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSBoth teams are three points behind the Bergamo side with a game in hand.Back in September, it was claimed that Godrey had been “struggling” to adapt to Gian Piero Gasperini’s system.Ruben Amorim introduces rarely-seen pre-match training tactic ahead of 4-0 thrashing of Everton Godrey came through the youth academy at York City before hearing a move to Norwich City in 2016.He spent four years at Carrow Road and helped the club back into the Premier League in 2019.However, after suffering relegation in 2020, he remained in the top-flight after sealing a transfer to Everton for a potential £25m fee.Godrey went on to make 93 appearances for the Toffees before leaving the club for Italy.Who are these famous footballers? More

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    Former Premier League star Che Adams scores sublime goal from halfway line ‘you have to see to believe’

    FORMER Premier League star Che Adams scored an incredible goal from the halfway line last night.The Scotland international, 28, quit Southampton for Torino in the summer.Che Adams took aim from the centre circleCredit: X @SerieA_ENHis shot fizzed over the Empoli goalkeeperCredit: X @SerieA_ENAdams, 28, celebrates his wonder-strikeCredit: GettyAdams scored three goals in his first six games for the Serie A club, but was dropped to the bench for last night’s trip to Empoli having not netted since September.Just six minutes after coming on, the forward ended his goal drought in spectacular fashion.With the score level at 0-0, Adams collected the ball on the halfway line.Following one touch to set himself, the 33-cap international let fly.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis shot brilliantly fizzed over Empoli goalkeeper Devis Vasquez and into the net.Adams’ goal turned out to be the winner, with the home side reduced to ten men late on when former AC Milan and Juventus star Mattia De Sciglio was sent off.The magnificent strike went on to go viral on social media.One fan wrote: “Beautiful goal Beckham style.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile a second gushed: “Stunning goal!”Another added: “That was a wild goal, really shows his skill and vision.”Che Adams withdrawing despite not being injured is a turning point in Steve Clarke’s Scotland reignOne commented: “You have to see it to believe it!”Torino’s win saw them rise up to 11th in the Serie A table.They will be back in action next Saturday, when they host Bologna.Adams lets rip six minutes after coming onCredit: GettyThe Scotland star wheels away in celebrationCredit: Getty More

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    Sandro Tonali agent addresses transfer talk while Callum Wilson releases ’emotional’ 110-word statement after new injury

    SANDRO TONALI’S agent has rubbished reports that he is unhappy at Newcastle and wants a return to Italy next month.The midfielder, 24, returned from the ten-month betting ban in September that scuppered his first season following his £55m move from AC Milan.Sandro Tonali’s agent insists that the star is happy at NewcastleCredit: GettyWith that now over, and despite some impressive displays of late for club and country, Tonali has still struggled to nail down a place in Eddie Howe’s starting XI.That led to speculation in Tonali’s homeland that Newcastle could look to offload him to help with PSR issues while there were also claims he was not happy in the North East and wanted a loan switch back to the San Siro.However, his agent Guiseppe Riso says: “Sandro is absolutely not considering to return in Serie A.“He’s happy at Newcastle, happy to play in the best league in the world and he’s an idol for Newcastle fans who’ve always supported Sandro in every moment.”READ MORE ON FOOTBALLMeanwhile, an “emotional” Callum Wilson vowed to do “everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself” after his latest injury nightmare.Though his fresh setback has not changed Newcastle’s transfer stance in the January transfer window.The 32-year-old England international striker recently returned from a five-month lay-off with a back and hamstring problem and had been building up his fitness with four sub outings.But any hopes Eddie Howe had of Wilson being able to lighten the load on Swedish forward Alexander Isak have now gone up in smoke.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSI’m a former Newcastle striker who filled ex-England star’s car with rotten fish as revenge for him cutting up my clothes The ex-Bournemouth star, who becomes a free agent in June, is out for at least two months with a hamstring strain on his other leg.Wilson posted an emotional message to supporters on Thursday, saying: “Despite all the hard work I’ve put in pushing to get back to full fitness, I need to take a little step backwards unfortunately guys.“Frustrating as it is for everyone out there waiting for my return and to be able to help the team, these shortcomings also upset and frustrate me more than anybody else.“I will, and I am doing everything in my power to rediscover the best version of myself and finally get off this emotional rollercoaster, which I’m hoping 2025 will bring.“Appreciate the patience, love and support from all those closest that know how hard I really work and how professional I always am. Callum.”How ‘big angel’ Joelinton rescued boss after he fainted in SubwayNEWCASTLE cult hero Joelinton rescued his old boss after he fainted in Subway.And coach Pellegrino Matarazzo still calls the Brazilian his ‘angel’.Matarazzo was Joelinton assistant manager during the midfielder’s spell in Germany with Hoffenheim.Recalling the scary incident, the Matarazzo revealed: “I was standing in the queue and I wasn’t feeling well.“I tried to go over to the Coca-Cola machine to quickly get a drink.”I realised I was about to faint, and I did faint.“When I opened my eyes I saw Joelinton! ‘Rino, Rino, are you okay?'”He was like a small, no a big, angel – Joelinton, what are you doing here?”Read the full story…That leaves Howe low on options in attack, with winger Anthony Gordon now being the main back-up in front of William Osula, 21, as backup to Isak.However, Sun Sport understands that will not lead to a move to bring in more reinforcements up front once the window opens – unless there are further injuries.Instead, the Magpies will continue to prioritise a new right-winger and also focus on strengthening their centre-half options.Callum Wilson has opened up on his latest injury nightmareCredit: Getty More

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    Former Premier League star begins new career as rapper with debut album set to be released

    A FORMER Premier League star is set to release his debut album while competing in Serie A.The striker currently plays for Fiorentina but has found the way to share his time between the football pitch and the music stage.Fiorentina star Moise Kean is releasing his debut rap album ‘Chosen’Credit: Instagram @moise_keanKean used to play in the Premier League with EvertonCredit: GettyKean has been enjoying an impressive season with FiorentinaCredit: RexThat’s none other than Moise Kean, who made a name for himself during stints with Juventus, Everton and Paris Saint-Germain before linking up with the Viola.According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Kean, 24, will launch his debut album “Chosen” on December 16.The Italy international’s album comprises of a total of 11 rap tracks.The centre-forward has had a long passion for music and never hid it during his football career.Read More on FootballBack in 2019, the Italian appeared in a video by Turin rapper Boro Boro. And last year, Kean’s first single “Outfit” dropped and was seen performing with rap group 19F.The forward joins a group of footballers that have tried their luck in music.Fulham’s Alex Iwobi, Inter Milan’s Stefan de Vrij and Aston Villa’s Amadou Onana have all released songs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut Kean is one of few footballers to have managed to release an album.AC Milan star Rafael Leao also belongs in that small list as he dropped “Beginning” in 2021.Gutted Everton fan spent ‘all his savings’ travelling 10,000 miles for Merseyside derby before Storm Darragh KO’d matchIn fact, Kean recently revealed that he and Leao are working on an album together.The striker spent four years at Everton, three of which were out on loan, and only managed four goals and two assists in 39 appearances before his departure in 2023 for Juventus.Kean has rediscovered his goalscoring prowess in Italy as he’s stood out this season with Fiorentina by registering a total of 13 goals and one assist in 17 appearances.Who are these famous footballers? More