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    Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital

    ITALY World Cup star Toto Schillaci has sparked fears for his wellbeing after being admitted to hospital.The former Juventus striker hit six goals at Italia 90. He denied England a bronze-medal finish by scoring the Azzurri’s winner in the third-place match.Italy World Cup star Toto Schillaci has been admitted to hospitalCredit: GettySchillaci was taken to hospital after reportedly suffering from pneumoniaCredit: GettySchillaci denied England a bronze medal at the 1990 World CupCredit: AFPSchillaci, 59, was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022. He has since undergone two operations.And the 16-cap international was taken to the Civico hospital in his home city Palermo after reportedly suffering from pneumonia.His first wife Barbara, who he has remarried, has been the only person allowed to visit him.She told reporters: “There’s no fresh news, either negative or positive, about Toto. His situation is stationary.Read More on Football”I know how much he is in people’s hearts. I understand all the concern for him.”But I ask you to respect our private moment.”Schillaci, whose official name is Salvatore, won UEFA Cups with both Juve and Inter Milan.His family issued a statement on social media.Most read in FootballThey wrote: “Given the innumerable calls from media and the confused reports doing the rounds, we confirm that our beloved Toto is in a stable condition.”He is being continually looked after by a team of doctors, day and night. Stay strong, Toto.”Schillaci was little known outside Italy before the country staged the 1990 World Cup finals.But he went on to score against Austria, Czechoslovakia, Uruguay, the Republic of Ireland and Argentina before denying England in the third-place game in Bari. More

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    Victor Osimhen is ‘a few little details’ away from joining Chelsea, claims Mikel as he hints at January transfer

    CHELSEA legend John Obi Mikel claims Victor Osimhen remains “very, very close” to joining the club.The 25-year-old was heavily linked with a move from Napoli to Stamford Bridge over the summer.Victor Osimhen nearly joined Chelsea and talks are set to resume in the futureCredit: GettyChelsea legend John Obi Mikel lifted the lid on negotiationsBut the switch failed to materialise and after he was left out of the Italian side’s squad, he joined Galatasaray on loan until the end of the season.However, the transfer saga is not over yet as Mikel hinted that Osimhen could still join Chelsea.The retired icon, who knows the striker from their days together in the Nigeria team and was involved in talks, told his podcast: “We were very, very close to getting this deal done.”But it was just slight issues, slight little problems that we just couldn’t get over the line. READ MORE ON CHELSEA”I know what Victor wanted, I know what the club offered him, I know where we got to.”We finally got to a compromise. Both sides had to compromise – paperwork, medical and a few issues that we just couldn’t get over the line and then we didn’t have much time.”I think both sides really played their part in terms of getting the deal done and I commend Chelsea for that because I could see the ambition of where they can take this club.”Also on Victor’s side, I think we have to pick this up again. Whatever it is, January or next summer. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”We know where we are, we know where we’ve stopped and it’s just little details that need to be finalised and the deal will be done.”So for me, the club is in a very happy place with Victor and he is in a very happy place.”Chaos as Victor Osimhen is greeted by flare-wielding Galatasaray fans as he leads them in chant at 4am after transferMikel said playing in the Premier League is Osimhen’s dream.But SunSport revealed that the player’s astonishing £500,000-a-week wage demands held up the deal.It would make Osimhen, who has a £110million release clause in his Napoli contract, the highest paid player in the Prem.Mikel said: “Victor is not a greedy boy. He’s not a greedy guy.”He just wants to play football and get what he deserves and that’s not a problem. “A player knowing what he’s worth and demanding to be paid what he what he’s worth, that’s not a problem.” More

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    Tottenham suffer major Europa League blow with key man suspended after getting red card two seasons ago

    TOTTENHAM’S Europa League hopes have been hit by a long-delayed ban for a key defender.Cristian Romero will miss Spurs’ group opener against Qarabag on September 26 – due to being sent off in the Champions League TWO SEASONS ago.  Cristian Romero’s absence will further weaken Spurs options in defenceCredit: RexIt’s all because Romero saw red for two bookings on Tottenham’s last European game, a Champions League draw at home to AC Milan in March 2023Credit: RexUefa have confirmed that European bans can kick in as late as two years after an offence – which adds to headaches at the back for Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou.Romero was sent off for two bookings in Spurs’ last European adventure, in March 2023.Having lost 1-0 away to AC Milan in the Champions League round-of-16, the Argentinian World Cup-winner’s woe then helped kill off their hopes in the second leg.Romero, now 26, earned his first yellow card after just 17 minutes of a poor Tottenham display.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSAnd a reckless challenge on Theo Hernandez late on meant his second booking in a tame 0-0 draw.Spurs have been out of Europe since then, so it’s only now that Romero’s suspension comes into play.His absence at home to Azerbaijan Premier League side Qarabag later this month means Postecoglou could face selection problems at centre-back.Dutch centre-back  Micky van de Ven has been troubled by injury.Most read in Europa LeagueFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSHowever, Postecoglou is confident the 23-year-old will be back by the end of September.He said: “Micky was close in training this week but with the international break he’s not quite 100 per cent.”Tottenham flop Steven Bergwijn signs for Saudi Arabian club Al-IttihadRadu Dragusin is Tottenham’s other main option in central defence.And if needed Ben Davies, usually a left-back, could switch inside.Spurs decided to leave right-back Djed Spence out of their 23-man Europa League squad. More

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    Former Everton star Ben Godfrey ‘already rejected’ by Atalanta and could be axed in January transfer window

    BEN GODFREY could be axed by Atalanta in January, it’s been sensationally claimed.The defender joined the Italian outfit from Everton in June for a fee in the region of £10million.Ben Godfrey joined Atalanta from Everton earlier this summerCredit: GETTYBut the Serie A club are reportedly not impressed with the 26-year-oldCredit: REXLast season’s Europa League winners had high hopes for the 26-year-old, who can play across the backline.But the Serie A club are said to have not been impressed by what they’ve seen of him so far.According to TuttoAtalanta, Godfrey is “struggling” to adapt to the system deployed by manager Gian Piero Gasperini.And they claim he could be lined up for a loan move after being “rejected” and deemed a “flop” by his gaffer.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSGodfrey’s Italian adventure hasn’t gone to plan, with the England international only playing 22 minutes of first-team football this season.But he was full of optimism after his move to Bergamo was announced, writing on Instagram: “My new home @atalantabc.”So happy to be here, looking forward to meeting everyone at the club! Forza Atalanta!!!”Shortly after expressing his delight at moving to Serie A, he issued a heartfelt message to the Goodison Park faithful.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBen Godfrey has only played 22 minutes of football so far this seasonCredit: GettyHe said: “When I joined the club in 2020, everyone at the club from fans, staff and players made me feel welcome.”I’ve made some great memories at this football club and will always appreciate my time there.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese model”And I feel like I can leave knowing I gave 100%.”Now it’s time to move onto my next challenge.”Thank you for all your support. All the best Everton.” More

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    Chris Smalling to make shock Roma exit with former Man Utd star to have medical before ending five-year spell in Italy

    CHRIS SMALLING is on the brink of ending his Italian love affair, it’s been claimed.The former England defender joined Serie A big boys Roma from Manchester United in October 2019 for a fee of £18million.Chris Smalling joined Roma in October 2019 from Manchester UnitedCredit: REXThe defender is reportedly on the verge of moving to the Saudi Pro LeagueCredit: GETTYSmalling breathed new life into his career in the Italian capital, making 155 appearances for the Giallorossi.But he’s set to move on to new pastures in the coming days as a move to the Saudi Pro League on the brink of coming to fruition.Smalling, who has one year left on his contract at the Stadio Olimpico – is reportedly on course to join Al-Fayha.The centre-back is set to undergo a medical on Monday ahead of the move.READ MORE TRANSFER NEWSSmalling was restricted to a mere 12 appearances for Daniele De Rossi’s side last season due to injury.His lack of football last season sparked speculation he could leave Rome this summer.But the veteran defender revealed to fans he was eager to extend his stay at the club.When pressed about his future, he said: “I would like to stay at Roma.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSInjury restricted Chris Smalling to just 12 appearances in all competitions last seasonCredit: GettyJust a few weeks earlier, he said: “I’m feeling good.”It’s no secret I’ve missed a lot of games this season, which is unusual for me. Raphael Varane removed from Como’s Serie A squad as Man Utd flop’s transfer turns into nightmare after nasty injury”I am feeling fit, ready to contribute.””The ultras saw off the team with fireworks, flares, flags and chants at the Trigoria training ground this afternoon.“There are very few clubs in the world who have a fanbase that can do things like that.” More

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    Raphael Varane removed from Como’s Serie A squad as Man Utd flop’s transfer turns into nightmare after nasty injury

    RAPHAEL VARANE has been removed from Como’s Serie A squad after suffering an injury on his debut.Varane, 31, joined the Italian outfit following a turbulent three-year stint with United that ended once his contract expired.Raphael Varane has been removed from Como’s squad for the Serie A seasonCredit: GettyEx-Manchester United ace Varane got injured on his Como debutCredit: CBSThe centre-back made his debut three weeks ago as he started for Cesc Fabregas’ side during the first round of the Coppa Italia at Sampdoria.However, the ex-France international only lasted 23 minutes as he picked up a knee injury and had to be substituted.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Varane’s knock has led to Fabregas removing him from his squad for the season.The Frenchman suffered a raft of unfortunate injuries during his time with United.Read More on FootballThe ex-Real Madrid star never managed more than 24 Premier League appearances in each of his three seasons.In fact, since the start of the 2021/22 campaign the defender has picked up 12 separate injuries.In that time, Varane went on to miss a grand total of 49 matches.The 2018 World Cup winner amassed a total of two goals and one assist in 95 appearances with the Red Devils.Most read in FootballVarane helped the Manchester giants win the EFL Cup in 2023 and the FA Cup a year later.Fabregas was determined to sign him when he became a free agent in the summer.BREAKING: Raphael Varane will LEAVE Man Utd in summer on free transfer as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plans club overhaulThe Arsenal and Chelsea hero said: “Raphael is a special player and his signing is proof of the ambition we have for this club.”He is highly decorated and the experience he brings in two of the best leagues in the world can not be underestimated. I can’t wait to start working with him.” More

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    Chelsea target Osimhen stripped of No9 shirt, AXED from Serie A squad list and could rot in Napoli reserves for months

    NAPOLI superstar Victor Osimhen has been axed from the squad and stripped of his signature shirt number after his failed move to Chelsea.Osimhen, 25, has been the Italian side’s top star since his arrival from Lille in 2020 as he led them to their first Serie A title in 33 years and amassed a total of 76 goals and 18 assists in 133 appearances.Victor Osimhen has been removed from Napoli’s squad and stripped of his No9 shirtCredit: RexChelsea tried to sign Osinhen on transfer deadline day and so did Al-AhliCredit: RexHowever, the striker has now found himself out in the cold following the Blues’ failed last-ditch effort to sign him on Friday’s transfer deadline day.The Nigeria international also came close to moving to Saudi Arabia for Al-Ahli but they instead landed Ivan Toney from Brentford.According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Napoli’s new manager Antonio Conte has wielded the axe and removed Osimhen from his senior squad.Conte also took his No9 shirt away and gave it to his replacement in attack Romelu Lukaku, who reunited with the Italian tactician following his move from Chelsea.Read More on FootballNow Osimhen is facing the possibility of being sidelined with the reserves until January.The Nigerian’s contract with Napoli also doesn’t run out until 2026, meaning he might be stuck at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium until next summer.Chelsea made a final offer to the centre-forward in the dying hours of the summer window but did not hear back from him.There were even reports of club chiefs flying to Naples on Friday to persuade the forward to join, but to no avail.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSAl-Ahli were understood to have agreed a £67million deal with Napoli.Osimhen looked set to move to Saudi Arabia but demanded wages worth £500,000-a-week.Meet the new Wags of the Premier League season, from a Belgian interior designer to a Portuguese modelThat was a figure neither Chelsea nor Al-Ahli were willing to splash out.Osimhen’s options are running thin, however the Saudi transfer window isn’t running out until More

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    David De Gea axed by Fiorentina boss after just one game as ex-Man Utd star’s return to football becomes nightmare

    DAVID DE GEA has been axed by Fiorentina boss Raffaele Palladino after just one game.The former Manchester United goalkeeper joined the Serie A side earlier this month.David De Gea was dropped by Fiorentina for their Serie A clash with Venezia on SundayCredit: GettyHe had been without a club for over a year since leaving Old Trafford.However, he endured a disastrous debut on Thursday and his spell in Italy now appears to have gotten even worse.De Gea was dropped from the starting line-up for Sunday’s clash with Venezia.He was named on the bench, with Pietro Terracciano coming in for the Spaniard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLTerracciano went on to keep a clean sheet in a goalless draw for Palladino’s side.De Gea had made his Fiorentina debut in the Conference League three days earlier.His nightmare evening saw him concede two early goals against Hungarian side Puskas Akademia.The match went on to finish 3-3, with the second leg in Hungary coming up on Thursday.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA victory for Fiorentina will see them through to the league phase of this season’s competition.De Gea has signed a one-year deal with the option of a further year at Fiorentina after more than 12 months out of the game.David de Gea and popstar wife Edurne pose for their wedding day He was left without a club after leaving United at the end of the 2022/23 season.During his time in England, the 33-year-old made 545 appearances for the Red Devils.Across his 12-year stay, he also won eight major trophies, including a Premier League title.De Gea conceded two early goals on his debut as Fiorentina drew 3-3 with Puskas AkademiaCredit: Getty More