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    Chelsea wonderkid Cesare Casadei ‘AGREES to permanent transfer exit as Torino launch bargain £10m bid’

    CHELSEA look set to offload wonderkid Cesare Casadei after he AGREED a permanent transfer away. The 21-year-old midfielder was signed in 2022 from Inter Milan in a deal worth £12.6m after he was touted for big things. Cesare Casadei could be on his way out of ChelseaCredit: GettyCasadei was named player of the tournament at the Under-20 World Cup for Italy and looked to be a star of the future. He spent time on loan at Reading and Leicester before being recalled to the Blues squad in January 2024. Incoming manager Enzo Maresca decided to keep Casadei in his side after taking over in the summer. But the player has been limited to just six appearances all season – five in the Europa Conference League and one in the Carabao Cup.READ MORE IN football Casadei has only made Chelsea’s Premier League bench four times – failing to make an appearance. It has led to speculation over his future and now Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Casadei has agreed to join Torino back home in Italy. A deal between the two clubs is now being thrashed out – believed to be in the region of £10m. Chelsea’s terms with Torino is also set to include a buy-back option.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSCasadei is said to have attracted attention from Napoli, Lazio and Monza as well with the player keen on a return home. Maresca did not sign Casadei at Chelsea but the two worked together at Leicester – where the midfielder was played in a more advanced role. Moment Luke Littler copies Chelsea legend’s celebration during World Darts Championship clash with Nathan Aspinall The Stamford Bridge boss praised Casadei in October following a run of Conference League performances. Maresca said: “I am very happy with the way he is playing. “I had Cesare last year and he was playing a little bit in different position. This year, we are using him like a holding midfielder. “The reason why is because I think we go in the direction where the middle you need physical players. Cesare is very big, physically strong and helps us when we want to press. “On the ball, he is improving a lot. Tonight he played one touch, so we are very happy. “For him, it’s the same as the rest; many things he can do better but he is in the right direction.”Enzo Maresca has worked with Casadei at Chelsea and LeicesterCredit: Getty More

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    How Marcus Rashford and Victor Osimhen compare as Man Utd look at stunning swap transfer for Napoli striker

    MARCUS RASHFORD and Victor Osimhen could be involved in a stunning swap this month.The Manchester United star, 27, recently admitted that he is ready for a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford.Marcus Rashford has hardly featured under Ruben AmorimCredit: GettyVictor Osimhen has spent this season on loan in TurkeyCredit: GettyRashford has received plenty of interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia, who would be willing to pay him as much as £675,000 a week.But the forward has snubbed a Middle East switch as he is keen to impress new England boss Thomas Tuchel – which could open the door to Napoli.Their boss Antonio Conte is keen on Rashford, and could look to reunite him with his former United team-mates Scott McTominay and Romelu Lukaku.Osimhen, 26, was previously Napoli’s star man.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBut after moves to Saudi Arabia and Chelsea fell through in the summer, the Nigerian was frozen out by Conte and shunted out on loan to Galatasaray.United could land Osimhen this month, however, with the striker possessing a £62million release clause.Flogging Rashford to Napoli, meanwhile, would give the Red Devils a huge PSR boost, while affording Amorim the ability to add extra fire-power in Osimhen.Since Osimhen joined Napoli from Lille in 2020, he has scored far more goals than Rashford.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSWhile the United man has been playing mainly off the wing, Osimhen has been Napoli’s, and now Galatasaray’s, main man up front.He scored 76 goals in 133 games for the Serie A side, helping them end their 33-year title drought in 2023.Ruben Amorim explains why Marcus Rashford is still exiled at Man Utd despite ‘wanting to play’ Osimhen has also added a further 12 goals for Galatasaray, with his overall record since 2020 standing at 88 strikes in 148 games.Rashford, meanwhile, has scored 71 times in 214 appearances during the same period, having notched four this term.Naturally, having played wide, Rashford has far more assists than Osimhen.Since his Napoli switch Osimhen has laid on 16 assists in total, compared to Rashford’s 31.The Man Utd man has also created 197 chances, more than Osimhen’s tally of 136, albeit with the Nigerian having played far fewer games.Rashford edges Osimhen in big chances created with 36 compared to 30 – not a huge advantage given the latter’s 66 fewer appearances.The 60-cap England international has taken 462 shots with 206 on target, with a conversion rate of 15.37 per cent.Osimhen, meanwhile, had a conversion rate of 17.43 per cent at Napoli, with 176 shots on target from 436 attempts.This season at Galatasaray his numbers are slightly down, having hit the target 33 times out of 76 shots, with an overall conversion rate of 15.79 per cent.READ MORE SUN STORIESBoth stars have out-performed their xGs – with Rashford’s 71 goals having come from an xG of 59.37.Osimhen’s 88 goals, meanwhile, have been achieved from an xG of 81.45. More

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    David De Gea makes wonder save that ‘makes Vlahovic find religion’ as Man Utd fans ask ‘why did we let him go’

    DAVID DE GEA showed Manchester United fans he has still got it with a stunning save against Juventus.The 34-year-old goalkeeper is now at Italian side Fiorentina.David De Gea pulled off a stunning save to stop Juventus going aheadDusan Vlahovic was left in disbeliefDe Gea made three huge saves in the draw with JuveCredit: RexDe Gea starred in La Viola’s 2-2 draw with Juve last night, making three huge saves.His best came when the game was level at 1-1 in the first-half as he denied Dusan Vlahovic in stunning fashion.The striker chested the ball down and fired powerfully towards the near post from point blank range on the half volley.But De Gea stood firm and reacted smartly to get a strong right hand on the ball to divert it wide.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLVlahovic was in disbelief at how he had not found the back of the net and did the sign of the cross in shock.Fans were also stunned, with one saying: “Vlahovic questioning his footballing faith.”Another added: “De Gea with a save that made Vlahovic find religion.”United fans reacted: “Why did we let him go?”Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSA second wrote: “One of the best shot stoppers of all-time, just weak in other areas.”On the save, De Gea told DAZN: “I actually hurt myself with the landing on that save, but it all went well in the end.”Classy Ruben Amorim gives young Man Utd fan once-in-a-lifetime tour around Carrington training ground in his carThe Spaniard left Man Utd in 2023 to end a 12-year stay at Old Trafford.De Gea departed the club after United reportedly pulled out a contract agreement.He played 545 times for the Red Devils, winning the Premier League, FA Cup and Europa League. More

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    AC Milan sack Paulo Fonseca after less than six months in charge and confirm replacement just hours later

    AC MILAN have appointed Sergio Conceicao as their new boss just hours after sacking Paulo Fonseca.The Portuguese gaffer was given his marching orders after last night’s 1-1 Serie A draw with Roma.AC Milan have sacked manager Paulo Fonseca after less than six monthsCredit: AFPSergio Conceicao has been confirmed as his replacementCredit: GettyFonseca only joined Milan last summer as a replacement for Stefano Pioli after two years with French side Lille.Tasty fees were spent on Monaco midfielder Youssouf Fofana, Salzburg defender Stranhinja Pavlovic, Spurs right-back Emerson Royal and Atletico Madrid’s ex-Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata.And Fonseca even managed to bag a late loan deal for Roma forward Tammy Abraham, also once of Chelsea, while also making Blues icon Paulo Ferreira his assistant.But despite the haul of arrivals, Milan were only able to win 12 of 24 matches under their new boss.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 19-time Serie A champions find themselves eighth in the table, 14 points behind joint-leaders Atalanta and Napoli.They could fall 16 points off the pace if rivals Inter Milan win their game in hand.And San Siro chiefs issued a brutal 41-word statement on Monday to confirm that Fonseca had been given his marching orders.It read: “AC Milan announces that Paulo Fonseca has been relieved from his duties as Head Coach of the Men’s First Team. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”The Club extends its gratitude to Paulo for his great professionalism and wishes him the very best in his future endeavours.”Milan have not wasted any time appointing a successor, with fellow Portuguese ace Conceicao penning a contract until 2026.Watch AC Milan star stitch up her OWN gory wound in incredible video thanks to side hustle as a DOCTORHe starred for rivals Lazio, Parma and Inter as a player.While his son, 22-year-old winger Francisco, currently plays for Juventus.It marks his first role since leaving Porto in June.He spent seven years in the Portuguese capital, winning three titles and eight cups.Conceicao was renowned for his fiery attitude and bullish tactics.And he could opt for a 4-4-2 formation, potentially pairing ex-Chelsea duo Morata and Abraham together. More

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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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