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      Mason Greenwood ‘is too toxic for Saudi’ as Steven Gerrard DENIES move – and José Mourinho ‘doesn’t want him’

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      MANCHESTER United exile Mason Greenwood is facing two snubs with Steven Gerrard rejecting a potential move to Saudi Arabia and Jose Mourinho also not wanting him.The ex-England striker has been linked with a possible transfer to Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, now managed by Liverpool legend Gerrard.
      Mason Greenwood has two escape options from Manchester United closed offCredit: EPA
      Al-Ettifaq manager Steven Gerrard has rejected talk of signing GreenwoodCredit: AFP
      AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho has also reportedly ruled out any interestCredit: Getty
      There has also been talk of a reunion with former United boss Mourinho, now in charge of Italy’s Serie A side AS Roma.
      Yet Gerrard has moved to deny any interest in the player after yesterday’s announcement Greenwood would be leaving Old Trafford.
      It comes amid suggestions the player is “too toxic” even for Saudi Arabia, The Telegraph reports.
      Gerrard, who took over at Al-Ettifaq last month, posted an Instagram story branding reports of a Greenwood move “fake news”.
      Read More On Manchester United
      And Italian outlet Il Tempo, via Roma Press, says Mourinho and Roma have no interest in being associated with Greenwood.
      Saudi clubs were said to be considering signing Greenwood but now others as well as Al-Ettifaq are reportedly backing away.
      Greenwood hasn’t played for United since his arrest in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      He remained suspended by the club despite all charges against him being dropped in February.
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      United announced yesterday a “collaborative decision” with Greenwood that he would depart.
      They did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be sold or loaned out.
      Greenwood issued a statement saying he had “made mistakes”.
      United now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood by the end of this month or face losing millions.
      Football’s summer transfer window closes on September 1 – and if no one has signed him by then, United could have to pay Greenwood millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
      Yet they could go beyond the deadline if a Saudi club goes for Greenwood because their window runs until September 20.
      Recent Saudi league recruits include ex-United colleague Cristiano Ronaldo, France striker Karim Benzema from Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian forward Neymar.
      Al-Ettifaq have swooped this summer for England midfielder Jordan Henderson from Liverpool, now being paid £700,000 per week.
      Greenwood has also been linked with a move to some of Turkey’s leading clubs including Galatasaray and Istanbul Basaksehir.
      Among those welcoming the decision by United to cut ties with Greenwood have been ex-England and United defender Gary Neville.
      But the Sky Sports pundit also called the club’s handling “horrible”.
      The BBC’s Match Of The Day presenter and ex-England captain Gary Lineker described Greenwood’s exit as an “inevitable and right” end to an “untenable situation”.
      Meanwhile, women’s charities urged football clubs to be better at dealing with similar situations.
      Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley last week threatened to stop supporting United if Greenwood was allowed to return.
      The lifelong Red Devils fan today welcomed his exit but said the club had “handled this appallingly”.
      Greenwood’s last game for the Red Devils came on January 22, 2022, in a 1-0 Premier League victory over West Ham United.
      The Crown Prosecution Service charged him in October last year and he was scheduled to go on trial this November.
      But the case was withdrawn on February 2 after Greenwood’s alleged victim and 12 more witnesses declined to co-operate.
      Greenwood, born in Bradford in West Yorkshire, joined United aged six and went on to score 35 goals in 129 games for the club.
      Read More on The Sun
      England manager Gareth Southgate gave him his international debut as a late sub against Iceland in September 2020, his solitary cap.
      Greenwood first appeared for the Red Devils’ senior side in a July 2018 pre-season friendly in the US, when Mourinho was manager.
      Charges were dropped against the striker in February but he remained suspendedCredit: EPA More

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      Mason Greenwood ‘wanted by Steven Gerrard’s mega-rich Saudi club’ but ex-Man Utd boss & Turkish side also ‘interested’

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      MANCHESTER United exile Mason Greenwood is in line for a £10million Saudi Arabia deal with Steven Gerrard – or else a potential reunion with Jose Mourinho.The former England striker is being eyed up by Saudi club Al-Ettifaq, who this summer appointed Liverpool legend Gerrard as manager.
      Mason Greenwood could be offered a reunion with Jose MourinhoCredit: Getty
      Steven Gerrard’s new club are in line to offer a £10million-a-year dealCredit: AFP
      Former United boss Mourinho has been linked with signing the striker for RomaCredit: AFP
      United’s handling of the saga prompted Old Trafford protests last weekCredit: Getty
      Other Saudi clubs are also considering a move for the 21-year-old after United announced he’d be leaving, The Sun can reveal.
      He is on the radar of not only ex-United boss Mourinho’s Serie A side AS Roma in Italy but also one of Turkey’s leading clubs Galatasaray.
      The Sun understands several Saudi clubs are interested, including Gerrard’s side who are considering whether to offer a £10million-a-year deal.
      Al-Ettifaq’s signings this summer include England vice-captain Jordan Henderson from Liverpool, now being paid £700,000 per week.
      Read More On Manchester United
      Meanwhile, Galatasaray have recruited Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace on a free transfer and Hakim Ziyech on loan from Chelsea.
      Reports of the potential moves come just hours after the Old Trafford club announced Greenwood would be leaving – though it could cost the Premier League giants millions of pounds.
      United today revealed they had come to a “collaborative decision” with the 21-year-old forward for him to move on.
      But the club did not say whether his £75,000-a-week contract would be terminated or whether he would be put on loan or sold.
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      They now face a scramble to get rid of Greenwood in just ten days or face losing millions.
      If United haven’t sold or loaned him out by September 1 when football’s summer transfer window closes, they could have to pay him millions to cancel his contract which is due to expire in 2025.
      They could only go beyond the deadline if Greenwood is picked up by a club in Saudi Arabia because their window closes on September 20.
      But Roma have re-emerged tonight as a potential top contender for Greenwood’s signing, according to talkSPORT.
      The Sun revealed in July how Mourinho had telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to Roma.
      A source said at the time: “Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason.
      “He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football — and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.
      “Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits.
      “He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds.”
      Former Red Devils defender Chris Smalling — who played with Greenwood — left Old Trafford for Roma on loan in 2019.
      United are said to have had contact with other Italian teams Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan about Greenwood.
      Mourinho gave Greenwood his Red Devils first-team debut in July 2018, during a pre-season friendly tour of the United States.
      NEVILLE CONDEMNS ‘HORRIBLE’ HANDLING
      Greenwood hasn’t played for the first team since being arrested in January last year on suspicion of attempted rape, assault and coercive control.
      All charges against him were dropped in February but the footballer remained suspended by United.
      Members of Manchester United Women’s team reportedly raised concerns about Greenwood returning to the training ground.
      Women’s charities have welcomed today’s decision and told of “relief” but say more must be done by football clubs.
      The move was also tonight praised by Channel 4’s Countdown co-host and Strictly Come Dancing star Rachel Riley, who said last week she would stop supporting United if they allowed Greenwood back.
      United legend Gary Neville tonight condemned the club for its “horrible” handling of the Greenwood saga but described the player’s departure as “the right decision”.
      His comments came after the BBC’s Match Of The Day host and ex-Three Lions skipper Gary Lineker broke his silence on the news.
      Lineker posted on X, formerly named Twitter, how he felt United’s move was the “inevitable and right” end to an “untenable situation”.
      Greenwood’s last game was on January 22, 2022, in a Premier League clash against West Ham United, which United won 1-0.
      He was charged in October last year and was due to stand trial in November this year.
      But prosecutors withdrew the case on February 2 after his alleged victim and a dozen more witnesses refused to co-operate.
      United said today they had taken into account the “wishes, rights and perspective of the alleged victim along with the club’s standards and values, and sought to collate as much information and context as possible”.
      The club added: “Based on the evidence available to us, we have concluded that the material alleged did not provide a full picture and that Mason did not commit the offences in respect of which he was originally charged
      “That said, as Mason publicly acknowledges today, he has made mistakes which he is taking responsibility for.
      “All those involved, including Mason, recognise the difficulties with him recommencing his career at Manchester United.”
      GREENWOOD ADMITS MAKING ‘MISTAKES’
      Greenwood also released a statement insisting he had not done what he was accused of but was “learning to understand” his “responsibilities as a professional footballer”.
      He added: “I want to start by saying I understand that people will judge me and I know people will think the worst.
      “I was brought up to know that violence or abuse is wrong.
      “I did not do the things I was accused of, and in February I was cleared of all charges.
      “However, I fully accept I made mistakes.”
      He added: “I intend to be a better footballer, but most importantly a good father, a better person, and to use my talents in a positive way on and off the pitch.”
      Read More on The Sun
      Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
      He was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for the country since.
      Mourinho brought Greenwood into the United first team in summer 2018Credit: Getty – Contributor
      The forward has not played for United since they faced West Ham in January last yearCredit: Getty
      The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against him in FebruaryCredit: AFP More

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      Carlo Mazzone dead at 86: Gianluigi Buffon leads tributes as icon of Italian football passes away

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      LEGENDARY Italian football manager Carlo Mazzone has died aged 86.World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon has led the tributes for Mazzone.
      Carlo Mazzone has died aged 86Credit: AP:Associated Press
      Mazzone was a hugely popular figure in Italian footballCredit: Getty
      Mazzone managed the likes of Roma, Bologna and Brescia during his storied career.
      Paying tribute to the legendary former boss, Buffon wrote on Twitter: “Carlo Mazzone represents a football icon that has captured my heart. The overwhelming passion he poured into the teams was truly unique and unrepeatable.
      “As proof of his magnificent temperament, I have a fantastic anecdote on the sidelines of a Parma-Brescia finished 3-0.
      “On the score of 1 to 0 and 15 minutes from the end I made a triple save that saved the result.
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      “At the end of the race he met me and in the middle of about thirty people and he told me
      “To Buffon… what have I done to you?? Today you looked like Lazarus to me… who always got up!
      “The news of his passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but his impact will remain forever.”
      A centre-back in his playing days, Mazzone played for Roma, Latina, SPAL, Siena and Ascoli during the 1950s and 60s.
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      𝑪𝒊𝒂𝒐 𝑴𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒅𝒂 𝒕𝒆 𝒂𝒃𝒃𝒊𝒂𝒎𝒐 𝒊𝒎𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒐 𝒂 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒖𝒕𝒕𝒊 𝒔𝒆𝒏𝒛𝒂 𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒖𝒏𝒐🖤 #CarloMazzone pic.twitter.com/P3GddCQm6Z— U.S. Lecce (@OfficialUSLecce) August 19, 2023

      He embarked on a 38-year managerial career with Ascoli in 1968, going on to manage Fiorentina, Catanzaro, Bologna, Lecce, Pescara, Cagliari, Roma, Napoli, Perugia and Brescia.
      Mazzone finished his managerial career with Livorno in 2006.
      Paying tribute to Mazzone, Lecce posted a classic clip of their old boss running down the touchline in sheer delight.
      During his time managing Roma, Mazzone forged a special bond with up and coming superstar Francesco Totti.
      Wishing him a happy 80th birthday a few years ago, Roma legend Totti said to Mazzone: “Mister, we met when I was 16-years-old, I was a kid!
      Who knows how my career and my life would’ve gone if you hadn’t been there?Francesco Totti on Carlo Mazzone
      “But you helped me to grow as a man and as a player. You defended me, pushed me onwards and made sure I had my head on my shoulders at a difficult age.
      “Who knows how my career and my life would’ve gone if you hadn’t been there… But you were there and I feel fortunate, honoured and proud to have known such a wonderful person as you and I will never stop thanking you!
      “We could do with many more Carletto Mazzone’s in today’s football! Happy birthday for your ‘first’ 80 years!”
      Each Serie A match this weekend will feature a pre-game minute’s silence in Mazzone’s memory.
      Roma wrote on social media this afternoon: “Hi Mister.
      Read More on The Sun
      “We will always love you immensely.
      “Go Rome!”
      Mazzone had a 38-year managerial careerCredit: Getty More

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      World’s sexiest ref Claudia Romani shows off underboob in raunchy beach pics but fans are more interested in her socks

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      THE WORLD’S sexiest referee flaunted plenty of underboob in a series of raunchy beach snaps – but fans were more interested in her socks.Former Playboy cover model Claudia Romani has previously risked an Instagram red card with her revealing lingerie snaps.
      The world’s sexiest ref has caused a stir again on social mediaCredit: BackGrid
      But fans were more preoccupied with Claudia’s socksCredit: BackGrid
      And Claudia, a Serie A-qualified official, has pushed the rules of social media to the limit again with a new set of photos.
      The 41-year-old, who boasts 1.3 million followers, is currently holidaying in Miami.
      Claudia took the opportunity to hit the beach while in Florida.
      And, of course, the Italian captured every inch of herself on the sand and shared it online.
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      Dressed in the traditional colours of a referee, black, she stunned in a sexy bikini.
      And she appeared to be having the time of her life as she frolicked in the sand and even leant forward to show off her peachy bottom.
      However, this time it was the pink socks with a green alien image on them that got her fans talking.
      Claudia had the footwear pulled up almost to her knees, and the comments soon flooded in.
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      “Love the socks,” wrote one as another called them “beautiful”.
      Another hailed them as “sexy” while a fellow admirer claimed they “suited” her.
      However, one follower wrote: “Cute socks, but the picture of your booty and soles is really what does it for us guys!”
      Claudia previously showed off her bottom in a bright pink bikini in February and was snapped in a skimpy ref-themed outfit four months later.
      And, two years after graduating to Serie B and A in 2014, she pushed the boundaries a lot more more seriously on a professional level.
      She posed for a leggy shot in an AC Milan shirt – and nowadays she openly boasts of her support for Milan on Instagram
      But in recent posts she has revealed her admiration for INTER… albeit David Beckham’s club, not Milan’s fiercest rivals back at the San Siro.
      Inter Miami are preparing for their most exciting season ever after signing Lionel Messi.
      And Claudia posed in an outfit with their team badge as she sat on a matching towel, posting: “So happy for great soccer heading this way!!!” 
      Claudia has been dubbed the world’s sexiest refereeCredit: Splash News
      Her beach snaps have helped her amass a huge following onlineCredit: Instagram @claudia_romani
      The 41-year-old previously caused a stir by wearing an AC Milan kitCredit: Splash News More

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      I played with Ronaldo and bought a club that was named after me in my homeland for £19,500 – I even signed myself

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      MOHAMED KALLON spent the 2001-02 season outscoring team-mate Ronaldo for Inter Milan. That summer, one of them scored both goals in the World Cup final.
      Mohamed Kallon starred for Inter Milan from 2001 to 2004Credit: Reuters
      He teamed up with legendary forward Ronaldo at the San SiroCredit: twitter @bashoverrated
      Still only 43, the footballer made his international debut way back in 1995Credit: Instagram
      The other bought a football club named after him in his homeland.
      A 22-year-old Kallon paid a cut-price £19,500 to purchase FC Kallon – a team in Sierra Leone rebranded from Sierra Fisheries to its new name in 2000.
      The striker had made a name for himself and was a national icon, scoring the winner on his senior Sierra Leone international debut in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifier aged just 15.
      And he had already represented ten club sides by 2001 spanning five countries.
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      But a change in non-EU player quota laws during the 2000-01 season enabled Kallon to return to the San Siro with Inter.
      The star-studded squad also had the luxury of picking from Christian Vieri, Ronaldo, Alvaro Recoba, Adriano, Hakan Sukur and Nicola Ventola up front – with Javier Zanetti, Clarence Seedorf and Laurent Blanc further back.
      However, injuries to Ronaldo and Recoba saw Kallon make 39 appearances across all competitions.
      And the star, who bizarrely wore the No3 shirt traditionally reserved for the left-back, notched up 15 goals – second only behind Vieri and more than double Ronaldo’s tally of seven.
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      Inter finished the Serie A season in third, just two points behind champions Juventus, and reached the Uefa Cup semis.
      But it was his decision to buy FC Kallon that raised eyebrows – especially when he announced he had sacked three officials “because they are incompetent” a month BEFORE taking over.
      On the pitch, Kallon the player struggled for form and fitness in 2002-03 despite Ronaldo’s exit to Real Madrid. Then the forward was banned alongside Colonel Gaddafi’s son Al-Saadi for a positive steroids drug test.
      He left Inter with 19 goals in 61 appearances and three years at Monaco followed before the Sierra Leone captain decided to sign himself for his very own FC Kallon in 2009.
      Kallon said at the time: “My homecoming is a temporary one and it’s just for three months but it’ll be fruitful for the Sierra Leone premier league.
      “I know my presence in the league will see many Sierra Leoneans get attracted to the Sierra Leone league and this will help the local game grow.
      “I’ll also use the league to keep myself fit for the next European transfer window in January.
      “Surely I have many offers on the table but I just need to be fully fit to accept one of them.”
      CARRYING KALL-ON
      It was meant to be a short-term solution but brief spells in China and India followed before Kallon returned to Kallon where he finished his career in 2014 amid a backdrop of a bitter feud with his nation’s FA.
      FC Kallon won their fourth Sierra Leone National Premier League title in 2006 – their first under Kallon’s ownership and name.
      They have also lifted the country’s FA Cup and reached the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederations Cup during his tenure.
      The league was put on hold from 2014 to 2018 due to the Ebola epidemic but is now back underway.
      Kallon, now 43, remains heavily involved as the owner and there are suggestions he has even taken over as manager of the side who play at the 45,000-seater National Stadium.
      Read More on The Sun
      And unlike his former striker partner Ronaldo, Kallon is showing no signs of wanting to sell up.
      Ronaldo bought Real Valladolid in 2018 but two relegations in three seasons have led to frustrations from fans.
      Ronaldo inspired Brazil to World Cup glory in 2002Credit: AFP
      Kallon scored 19 goals in 61 appearances for InterCredit: AFP
      Kallon bought FC Kallon for £19,500 in 2002 and remains the ownerCredit: Instagram More

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      Ex-Premier League maverick Marko Arnautovic ‘agrees sensational transfer return to former club’

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      MARKO ARNAUTOVIC is set to return to Inter Milan. The Austrian – who had six years in the Premier League – spent a season on loan with Inter in 2009.
      Marko Arnautovic spent a season on loan with Inter MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But now he is in line to go back after Bologna agreed an £8.6million transfer with personal terms agreed last week, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Inter have been on the scout for a striker after pulling out of signing Romelu Lukaku, who entered talks with Juventus.
      Arnautovic, 34, scored 10 in 21 games last season but suffered a foot injury towards the back end.
      The forward made his name in England with Stoke and West Ham, where he infamously forced through a move to the Chinese Super League.
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      He was with Shanghai Port for two years before moving back to Italy with Bologna in 2021.
      Arnautovic was last summer linked with a move to Manchester United, which infuriated the Old Trafford faithful.
      After the move broke down, it was speculated that the United board pulled the plug amid supporter backlash.
      But Bologna’s director of football, Marco Di Vaio, claimed it was Arnautovic who rejected the move.
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      Di Vaio told Corriere dello Sport “No, no.
      “Manchester United did not back down because of those fans, but only because Arnautovic has understood that he is at the centre of our project now and in the coming years.
      “Marko behaved like a true champion, realising what he represents for Bologna as a team and a city.”
      Marko Arnautovic is set to return to Inter MilanCredit: Getty More

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      Ruben Loftus-Cheek scores 36-minute hat-trick for AC Milan as Chelsea fans moan ‘that’s a talent we lost’

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      CHELSEA fans are bemoaning Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s departure after he scored a hat-trick for AC Milan.The midfielder was one of several stars to leave Stamford Bridge in Chelsea’s summer clearout.
      Chelsea fans are rueing Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s exit after he hit a hat-trick for AC MilanCredit: Getty
      Loftus-Cheek, 27, joined Milan for around £15million and signed a long-term deal with the Italian giants.
      And he has hit the ground running by netting a hat-trick in a pre-season win over Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel.
      Some fans have reacted by praising the Cobham academy graduate and rue the club’s decision to let him leave.
      To make matters worse for supporters Loftus-Cheek combined with another former Chelsea player, Christian Pulisic, to score his first.
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      One fan reacted saying: “That’s a talent we lost 😢”
      Another added: “So talented. Wasn’t given the chances in his best position at Chelsea after his injury.”
      A third wrote: “Am I the only one regretting this? Lol I never wanted him to leave.”
      And another commented: “No surprises there he is class.”
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      Loftus-Cheek powered home a volley for his first from a Pulisic cross before tapping home a Rafael Leao pass for his second.
      He then linked up with Pulisic again before completing his hat-trick in 36 minutes, with Milan running out 4-0 winners after yet another ex-Blue Olivier Giroud scored a penalty. More

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      Chelsea starlet dubbed the ‘Italian Ballack’ completes loan transfer to Leicester after failing to convince Pochettino

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      CHELSEA’S starlet Cesare Casadei is said to be closing in on a loan move to Leicester City.The agreement is at its final stages despite interest from Serie A side Genoa.
      Leicester are closing in on loan deal for U20 World Cup Golden Boot winner Cesare CasadeiCredit: Getty
      Leicester have been working on a loan deal for the Italian midfielder after new boss Enzo Maresca made him his “top target”.
      Chelsea would rather loan Casadei as the prospect of him staying in English football is better all round for the Blues.
      The talented 20-year-old featured for Chelsea in pre-season.
      But the Premier League giants were always expected to let him depart on loan this summer.
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      The Foxes got their first win under new management last weekend in a thrilling 2-1 victory against Midlands rivals Coventry City.
      Leicester’s bench was named a “joke” by fans across the country for how strong it was.
      The likes of Patson Daka, Dennis Praet, James Justin and more were present.

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      However, midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall took the spotlight for his emphatic brace to get them over the line.
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      Casadei would bring a new level into the ex-Premier League champions’ team, adding flair and determination in that advanced playmaker role.
      The ex-Inter Milan youngster showed his prowess in the recent Under-20’s World Cup.
      Chelsea fans were calling him the “Italian Ballack” after their former German hero as he was crowned the player of the tournament and also won the Golden Boot. More