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    How Chelsea could line-up next season with Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland transfers – but does Reece James fit in?

    CHELSEA are set for another summer of spending with Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland said to be the Blues’ top targets.And if Thomas Tuchel lands the two superstars his starting XI could look totally different but it would likely mean far less game time for Reece James and Timo Werner.
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    How Chelsea could line up if they land top summer targets Achraf Hakimi and Erling Haaland
    Inter Milan’s Moroccan star right-back Hakimi is valued at £70million by the Italian giants.
    The Blues and Paris Saint-Germain have both had bids of around £56m rejected by the Serie A champs, who are battling debts.
    And the West Londoners may now look to swing the deal their way by offering players in part-exchange.
    However, Hakimi’s arrival could spell trouble for England ace James who plays in the 22-year-old’s preferred position.
    But fortunately for James, Hakimi can also play on the left side of defence so the two could theoretically take to the field at the same time.
    Tuchel admitted he wants ‘two or three’ new players this summer to freshen things up and ‘challenge our ideas in training’.
    The financial fallout from Covid and a £220m transfer spree last summer will rein in Chelsea’s spending.
    But they will still go all out to land one or two marquee stars and flex their muscles as the new kings of Europe.
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    The Blues are among the clutch of top clubs chasing Borussia Dortmund’s superstar striker Haaland.
    He is one of the most wanted players in Europe this summer and is said to be keen on a switch to Chelsea.
    Dortmund are willing to listen to offers in the region of £150million this summer.
    That is because his bargain £68m release clause will come into effect by the end of next campaign.
    According to the Telegraph, Haaland would be open to holding talks over a potential switch to the European champions.
    But that could spell the end of Werner’s Chelsea career.
    Despite leading the line as the Blues claimed Champions League glory, many have questioned his ability after repeated struggles in front of goal.
    And with one of the best strikers on the planet in the side, the former RB Leipzig star would undoubtedly get a lot less minutes on the pitch.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Watch Cristiano Ronaldo’s ‘worst free kick ever’ as Portugal captain mocked after Israel win ahead of Euro 2020

    CRISTIANO RONALDO was mocked for the ‘worst free-kick’ of his entire career during Portugal’s friendly with Israel. The Juventus superstar was renowned for his set-piece taking, especially earlier in his career with Manchester United and Real Madrid.

    Some think it was Ronaldo’s worst free-kick attempt everCredit: AFP
    Cristiano Ronaldo couldn’t hide his disappointmentCredit: AFP
    But he woefully dropped his standards in Portugal’s final game before the delayed European Championships.
    The legendary forward, 36, completed his iconic run up to the ball but riffled one right into the empty stands.
    Ronaldo was ruthlessly slammed by fans online, who called for him to stop taking free-kicks all together.
    One tweeted: “Who has video of that Ronaldo free kick? That’s the worst free kick I’ve ever seen him take.”
    Another commented: “Why does he continue to take them?”
    One posted: “He really needs to let go of the free kick duties now.”
    Another wrote: “He shouldn’t be allowed to take free-kicks once the crowd returns. It’s too dangerous. The ball can literally hit anyone.”

    He shouldn’t be allowed to take free-kicks once the crowd returns. It’s too dangerous. The ball can literally hit anyone. 💀 https://t.co/K4D634f514— Harvey (@LaPulga__10) June 10, 2021

    Who has video of that Ronaldo free kick? That’s the worst free kick I’ve ever seen him take 🤣🤣🤣— ElPadrino (@unDSthemkickz) June 9, 2021

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    The failed free-kick mattered little, as Ronaldo was on the scoresheet in the 4-0 win, with Bruno Fernandes scoring twice.
    Manchester City’s Juan Cancelo also grabbed a goal giving Portugal a boost going into the Euros.
    They have a what many consider ‘The Group of Death’ with fixtures against France, Germany and Hungary.
    Portugal open against Hungary and their manager Fernando Santos admitted his side must improve before next Tuesday’s clash.
    He told RTP: “In the second I changed things a little, I tried to put one more man next to Ronaldo and two midfielders coming in from the inside, but it didn’t work.
    “We started to miss a lot of passes and the ball circulation was not so good. There are many things to improve, certainly.
    “Now lets rest and calmly prepare for the Euros. This team has a huge will and an excellent team spirit.”
    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘contacts Man Utd, PSG and Real Madrid to find out transfer plans’ as he considers shock Juventus exit More

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    Watford ramp up free transfer bid for River Plate striker Rafael Borre for Premier League return but Lazio also keen

    WATFORD are edging closer to signing River Plate striker Rafael Borre on a free transfer, according to reports.But the Hornets reportedly face competition from Italian giants Lazio who are also said to be keen on the Colombian.
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    Watford are close to signing River Plate striker Rafael Borre on a free transferCredit: Getty
    Borre, 25, is leaving Argentine side River Plate — where he played in the Copa Libertadores final in 2019 — and wants to come back to Europe.
    His contract expires on June 30 and despite the Buenos Aires based side wanting to extend, the forward will leave El Monumental.
    The Colombia international – who scored eight goals in 13 league appearances last season – was with Atletico Madrid early in his career before heading back to South America for more regular action.
    Watford boss Xisco Munoz is looking for a couple of new strikers and Borre would fit in neatly with his limited budget.
    The Columbian would become Watford’s fourth summer signing after midfielder Imran Louza from Nantes, winger Kwadwo Baah from Rochdale and defender Mattie Pollock from Grimsby Town.
    The Hornets signed Borre’s countryman Carlos Sanchez in the promotion run-in and could land the forward.
    Watford’s recruitment drive comes after they finished the season second in the Championship to secure an immediate return to the Premier League.
    But they will have to battle Lazio for his signature, according to TNT.
    The Romans appointed Maurizio Sarri as their new boss with a hilarious cigarette tweet on Wednesday.
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    The 62-year-old will take charge of the Serie A giants and they poked fun at the ex-Chelsea boss’ chain smoking habit on Twitter.
    Sarri has reportedly been offered a two-year deal worth around £2.5million-a-season.
    Earlier this week it emerged Sarri is planning to raid his old side Chelsea and wants to bring Marcos Alonso and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Lazio.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Thomas Tuchel to include Chelsea stars in improved Achraf Hakimi deal as Inter reject £56m transfer bid

    THOMAS TUCHEL wants £70million-rated Achraf Hakimi as his first Chelsea signing.And to spice it up he will battle former club Paris Saint-Germain for Inter Milan’s sought-after Moroccan full-back.
    Emerson Palmieri is one Chelsea star who could be offered to Inter MilanCredit: Getty
    Champions League winners Chelsea and PSG have both had bids of around £56m rejected by the Italian champs, who are battling debts.
    The Blues may now look to swing the deal their way by offering players in part-exchange.
    Left-back Emerson Palmieri has been a long-time target for Inter and came close to joining them several times when they were managed by ex-Chelsea boss Antonio Conte.
    Tuchel admitted he wants ‘two or three’ new players this summer to freshen things up and ‘challenge our ideas in training’.
    The financial fallout from Covid and a £220m transfer spree last summer will rein in Chelsea’s spending.
    But they will still go all out to land one or two marquee stars and flex their muscles as the new kings of Europe.
    The Blues are among the clutch of top clubs chasing Borussia Dortmund’s superstar striker Erling Haaland — but the Bundesliga side are adamant the Norwegian will not be leaving this summer.
    And Tuchel is playing catch-up to PSG in the battle for Hakimi, who won the Serie A title in his first season with Inter following a £36m move from Real Madrid.
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    Sources in Italy claim the French giants are still favourites to land the player, despite Chelsea’s late entry and their new status as Europe’s top team.
    Hakimi, 22, can operate at right-back or wing-back and Tuchel maybe sees Reece James playing inside Hakimi as the right-sided central defender in the future.
    That would also suggest he could be open to letting Danish centre-half Andreas Christensen also join Inter to bring the price down.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Chelsea, Arsenal and Man City in three-way Achraf Hakimi transfer fight with full-back up for £35m from Inter Milan More

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    Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus WILL play Champions League next season as Uefa halt ESL disciplinary proceedings

    UEFA have suspended their disciplinary investigation into Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus following a Swiss court warning.The trio looked set to be handed a severe punishment for their role in the European Super League breakaway plot.
    English fans helped quash the European Super League but three clubs remain intentCredit: EPA
    Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus are fighting any punishmentCredit: Getty
    That could have seen them banned from next season’s Champions League – but any sanctions have been put on hold.
    Uefa confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that they will attempt to restart the proceedings in due course.
    It read: “Following the opening of disciplinary proceedings against Barcelona, Juventus and Real Madrid for a potential violation of Uefa’s legal framework in connection with the so-called ‘Super League’ project, the Uefa Appeals Body has decided to stay the proceedings until further notice.
    “Uefa understands why the disciplinary proceedings needed to be suspended for the time being, but remains confident in and will continue to defend its position in all the relevant jurisdictions.
    “Uefa will take all necessary steps in strict accordance with national and EU law in order for the Uefa Appeals Body to be in a position to resume the disciplinary proceedings as soon as possible.”
    Earlier this week, reports in Spain detailed a warning from the Swiss Justice Ministry against Nyon-based Uefa taking action on the trio.

    Those involved claim a court ruling in Madrid legitimised the ESL bid and the judge responsible is said to be looking for the European Court of Justice to back the judgement.
    There is a fear that anti-monopoly laws would mean any punishment is revoked on appeal.
    Nevertheless, Uefa have already obtained an apology and reduced the prize money of the other nine clubs involved in April’s debacle.
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    The six Premier League clubs, plus Inter Milan, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid have all formally apologised and accepted a five per cent cut in prize money for next season – worth as much as £6million.
    Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham, Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City settled the issue with the Prem on Wednesday.
    Each club will pay a £3.6m fine for their role in the plot – with a further £25m and 30 points lost if they do it again.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Man Utd’s ‘sexiest fan’ urges club to seal Cristiano Ronaldo transfer return from Juventus

    GLAMOUR model Katrina Maria has urged Manchester United to bring back Cristiano Ronaldo amid uncertainty over his future.The 36-year-old has been linked with a move away from Juventus in the summer as he approaches the final year of his contract in Turin.

    Manchester United fan Katrina Maria has urged the club to sign Cristiano RonaldoCredit: Instagram
    Juventus ace Ronaldo faces an uncertain future with his contract to expire in 2022Credit: Rex
    And Red Devils fan Maria has been left dreaming of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner returning to Old Trafford 12 years after departing for Real Madrid.
    Faroe Islands native Maria – dubbed as United’s ‘Sexiest Fan’ by the Daily Star – took to social media to beg her hero to come back.
    The 29-year-old shared snaps of herself wearing a United shirt with the Portugal international’s name on the back to her 87,000 Instagram followers.
    Captioning the upload, she said: “It would be legendary if Ronaldo returned back home one day.”
    Her followers were quick to approve of her post, as one commented: “It would be so special.”
    Another messaged: “Would love to have him back.”
    A third added: “I would love it. It’s currently my biggest wish.”
    Meanwhile one simply stated: “One day hopefully.”
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    Maria regularly shares snaps of herself in United shirts to her 87,000 Instagram followersCredit: Instagram
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    It has been claimed that Ronaldo’s representatives have contacted United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain over a potential switch.
    His future will likely become clearer after Euro 2020, though any move could prove tricky given his hefty wages.
    Corriere dello Sport suggests the Theatre of Dreams is one possible destination for him, but United would only be able to offer him a reduced salary.
    It is also possible Paul Pogba could be used in an exchange for the forward. 

    Cristiano Ronaldo ‘contacts Man Utd, PSG and Real Madrid to find out transfer plans’ as he considers shock Juventus exit More

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    Maurizio Sarri confirmed as new Lazio manager with brilliant cigarette tweet about chain-smoking ex-Chelsea boss

    LAZIO have confirmed Maurizio Sarri will be their new manager with a hilarious cigarette tweet.The 62-year-old will take charge of the Serie A giants and they poked fun at the ex-Chelsea boss’ chain smoking habit on Twitter.
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    Lazio have confirmed ex-Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri will be their manager next seasonCredit: AFP
    The Rome based side were said to be in advanced talks with the Italian last week.
    And they have all-but confirmed he will take the reins.
    Lazio simply tweeted the cigarette emoji.
    And then they added: “Anyone got a light?”
    Sarri has reportedly been offered a two-year deal worth around £2.5million-a-season.
    The ex-Napoli manager has been jobless since Juventus sacked him last August following 14 months in charge.
    Juve’s Champions League last-16 exit to Lyon proved costly for the wily old Italian.
    Lazio were reportedly unwilling to increase their basic salary offer to Sarri.

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    Chi ha da accendere? 🚬— S.S.Lazio (@OfficialSSLazio) June 9, 2021

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    But there are potential add-ons – depending on qualification for Europe and winning Serie A.
    Lazio – who will compete in the Europa League alongside West Ham and Leicester next season – were said to be monitoring other options, including meeting with former Porto coach Vitor Pereira.
    Reports in Italy also say Sarri was interesting Tottenham and Turkish clubs but preferred to stay in his home country.
    Earlier this week it emerged Sarri is planning to raid his old side Chelsea and wants to bring Marcos Alonso and Ruben Loftus-Cheek to Lazio.
    Both players were regulars during the Italian’s single season at Stamford Bridge but have not been guaranteed a starting spot since.
    A bad heel injury ended Loftus-Cheek’s 2018-19 campaign before the Europa League final win over Arsenal, after a career-high 40 appearances during the season.
    Alonso played 39 times but was subsequently outcast by Frank Lampard, only to be brought back in having suited Thomas Tuchel’s 3-4-2-1 system.
    According to Calciomercato, the full-back position is the first priority for Sarri at Lazio.
    The coach is said to see Alonso, 30, as a top target but the financial aspects of the deal have not yet been revealed.
    A bid for Loftus-Cheek would initially be on a loan basis, as reported by Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
    But, like Fikayo Tomori’s switch to AC Milan, Lazio reportedly want to agree an option to buy the midfielder permanently at the end of next season.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Aaron Ramsey ‘offered back to Arsenal by Juventus’ as part of shock swap transfer for Hector Bellerin

    AARON RAMSEY has been offered back to Arsenal by Juventus, according to reports.And Hector Bellerin could be involved in a swap deal heading the other way.
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    Aaron Ramsey could make a dramatic reutrn to Arsenal with Hector Bellerin heading the other way to JuventusCredit: PA:Empics Sport
    The Welshman, 30, left the Emirates for Turin on a free transfer in 2019 when his contract expired.
    But two years on, Sport in Spain say he could be in line for a stunning comeback in exchange for his former team-mate.
    Ramsey – currently preparing for Euro 2020 – has made 65 Juventus appearances across his two seasons in Italy, but just 22 in Serie A this term scoring two goals.
    It is not quite the impact he was hoping to have and the report suggests he is considering his future.
    Despite running down his deal and leaving for nothing, Ramsey was a popular figure at Arsenal and would surely be welcomed back with open arms if a return was on the cards.
    He scored 64 goals in 369 Gunners games, winning three FA Cups and two Community Shields.
    Bellerin’s future, however, appears to be away from the club.
    Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid have been linked with moves for the Spanish right-back, 26.

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    Arsenal have let £163.5m worth of signings quit for free since January 2018

    However, PSG’s pursuit of Inter man Achraf Hakimi could mean they end the chase for Bellerin.
    And that could open the door for Juventus to make a swoop, especially if they can do a swap transfer.
    The Old Lady do already have Danilo and Juan Cuadrado, with the former playing more minutes for the club in 2020-21 than any other player. More