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      Rudiger COMPLETES Madrid move, Tuchel hauls Chelsea players into training on day off, Kounde ‘wants’ Blues move – latest

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      ANTONIO RUDIGER has reportedly COMPLETED his move to Spanish giants Real Madrid.The Chelsea defender is out of contract at the end of the season, and Los Blancos seem to have finally secured his services.
      Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel decided to drag the players into training on their day off.
      And Jules Kounde is eager for a move to Stamford Bridge this summer according to reports.
      Chelsea hoped to land a deal for the Sevilla defender last summer but the asking fee of £51 million scared the Blues away.
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      Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the takeover in our live blog…
      Tuchel makes Lukaku declaration
      Romelu Lukaku has been ordered to stop thinking and start shooting by Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
      He said: “He has been scoring goals since he was six years old. It is in his body and this is what I tell him all the time – ‘trust your body, trust your brain, trust your instincts. You know how to do it, you will never forget how to score’.
      “But he needs a spark and hopefully this was it and he can continue. Many strikers once they start thinking it is not a good thing because they should trust their instincts.
      “When they do not get enough minutes on the pitch they start thinking about their situation and it starts a cycle and it is hard to climb out.
      “He is very committed in training, he is committed as a team player. That is what we love about him. No ego at all.”
      Kounde wants Chelsea move
      Chelsea are still the top choice for Sevilla ace Jules Kounde, according to reports.
      The Blues were on the brink of signing the defender last summer but the move collapsed at the final hurdle.
      But he’s still keen on a move to Stamford Bridge despite interest from a slew of other clubs, Football Talk reported.
      The report states that Chelsea are the ‘main suitors’ for Kounde.
      However, he won’t come cheap as Sevilla are demanding £51.4m for the centre-back.
      Chelsea’s FA Cup final boost
      Liverpool star Fabinho is a huge doubt for this weekend’s FA Cup final after being forced off injured at Vila Park.
      The Brazilian midfielder limped off just 28 minutes into the Reds’ trip to Aston Villa on Tuesday evening.
      While the nature of the injury is not yet clear, hobbling off the field just four days before the FA Cup final against Chelsea is a worrying sight for Liverpool fans.
      Conor Gallagher wins award
      Chelsea star Conor Gallagher has won the player of the season award at Crystal Palace.
      The Blues midfielder has shone at Selhurst Park whilst on loan.
      And the Eagles have awarded his contribution with the accolade.

      Chelsea offered Rudiger more
      Chelsea were willing to pay Rudiger MORE in wages than Real Madrid, according to reports.
      But Real managed to woo Rudiger by offering him a larger signing-on fee than the Blues did, Nizaar Kinsella reported.
      Real’s enticing proposal has resulted in Rudiger agreeing terms with the Spanish giants.
      Tuchel hasn’t met new owners
      Thomas Tuchel has revealed he’s yet to meet new proposed Blues owner Todd Boehly.
      Tuchel said: “Absolutely not. Maybe if I had, I would not tell you! But I do not have so I don’t need to lie.
      “Nothing has changed for us at Cobham, we are still waiting for the confirmation, for things to progress, to hopefully have news for you and for us, for the team, to inject some positive energy.”
      Tuchel’s not a happy spectator
      Thomas Tuchel has admitted it’s hard for Chelsea to be spectators in the transfer market whilst the club’s rivals are actively recruiting players.
      Tuchel said, via talkSPORT: “You can always end up in a situation where players at the end of the season can have talks with other clubs, have different ideas and maybe get distracted because they sign for other teams. It happens.
      “It’s a bit easier if you are also free to act and be more involved in the talks.
      “Now it feels like we are spectators of the development, we don’t like. It’s a passive role and a bit strange. You can feel it.”
      Tuchel refuses to help Haaland
      Thomas Tuchel has refused to give Erling Haaland any tips on how to succeed in the Premier League.
      Haaland is on the verge of completing his move to Man City.
      But Tuchel won’t be on hand to assist the Norwegian during his transition from Germany to England.
      Tuchel said when asked to give Haaland some tips: “Me? Giving advice to Haaland?
      He added whilst chuckling: “No advice. If he does not play for us I will not offer any advice.”
      Rudiger to Real Madrid COMPLETED
      Rudiger has completed his free transfer to Real Madrid, according to reports.
      The Chelsea defender will join the La Liga Champions when his deal expires with the Blues upon the season’s conclusion, according to The Athletic.
      The departing Blues ace penned a four-year contract with Los Blancos worth between £7-8m per year AFTER TAX, the report added.
      And the German international’s deal will also include a £342m release clause, it was also claimed in the report.
      Chelsea and Man United comparison
      Man United have not got an identity like Chelsea or several other Prem clubs.
      That’s according to retired footballer Jonathan Woodgate who was assessing the Red Devils’ problems of late.
      He told Britishgambler.co.uk: “Recruitment has gone out the window at United.
      “Look at City – you know how they play, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea. You don’t know how United play, they don’t have an identity.”
      Real Madrid CONFIRM Rudiger transfer
      Real Madrid have COMPLETED a deal to sign Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger, according to reports.
      Spanish giants Real Madrid have now finally secured his services after snapping up the free transfer on a four-year deal.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Everything is now done between Real Madrid and Toni Rüdiger. The deal has been completed, club sources confirm: he will play for Real.
      “Contract until 2026, there’s no option for further season.
      “Official announcement: end of the season. Here we go confirmed.”
      Chelsea bidder supports Spurs
      Chelsea bidder Jonathan Goldstein will not take up a place on the club’s board because he is a Tottenham fan, according to reports.
      The businessman, who has a close relationship with Chelsea’s incoming owner Todd Boehly, was being talked about as a potential successor to Blues chairman Bruce Buck.
      But it has since been revealed that Buck is set to remain in his role when Boehly buys the club from Roman Abramovich.
      It was then thought that Goldstein could assume a position on the board at Stamford Bridge.
      But according to The Times, he will not take up the role because he is a Spurs supporter.
      The report states that he is a Tottenham season ticket holder.
      Blues’ Clarke-Salter wanted
      Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter is wanted by top clubs across Europe including Leeds and PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer, writes PHIL CADDEN.
      The 24-year-old centre-back has had an impressive season on loan at Championship outfit Coventry.
      Clarke-Salter is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but Thomas Tuchel‘s side do have the option to extend his deal for another 12 months.

      Chelsea‘s ownership issues means the Blues cannot currently activate new deals under the sanctions imposed by the UK government.
      But American billionaire Todd Boehly still needs his deal to be rubber-stamped with Government approval with the completion of the sale expected in late May.
      That means Clarke-Salter can speak to other clubs with Leeds and Sheffield United already enquiring for his services.
      If the former England Under-21 captain is on a free, Coventry boss Mark Robins has also stated the Sky Blues will be in the market.
      Clarke-Salter made 31 appearances last season, 29 of those in the Championship
      More on Hudson-Odoi Ghana switch
      Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah are set to switch from England to Ghana ahead of the 2022 World Cup, reports suggest.
      That is according to Football London, who claim that both players have been convinced to link up with the African nation, for which they are eligible to play.
      Arsenal ace Nketiah, 22, leads the Three Lions’ Under-21 all-time scoring list with 16 goals in 17 appearances but has never played for the senior team.
      Chelsea star Hudson-Odoi, 21, on the other hand, has only amassed three caps as a teenager.

      A FIFA rule change in 2020 allows players with no more than three international appearances to change their allegiance if those caps came before their 21st birthday.
      Therefore, both players can complete the switch, which would boost their hopes of playing in the winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
      The Ghanaians have advanced for the tournament and will face off against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
      Palace set to agree new deal with Olise
      Crystal Palace are set to agree a new deal with Chelsea target Michael Olise to ramp his price up above £50million, writes Jack Rosser.
      The winger, 20, has been a sensation since his £8m move from Championship side Reading last summer.
      London-born Olise, a France Under-21 international, has hit four goals and laid on eight assists this term — and his form is attracting attention from Prem rivals.

      Michael Olise has been impressive under boss Patrick Vieira this campaign and has earned a new contractThe Eagles have already rebuffed several approaches and are now planning to agree a one-year extension to his initial five-year deal.
      That would keep him at Selhurst Park until June 2027.
      Olise’s new Crystal Palace contract will see his release clause rocket from £35m to £50m-plus.
      The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Lille and Bayern Munich were all said to be interested in Olise earlier in the campaign.
      Mour memories?
      Jose Mourinho has vowed to keep his home next door to Stamford Bridge and says his old club will return to the top, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
      Few managers know Chelsea better than the Special One, who has just led Roma to the Conference League Final, after his two spells in charge there.
      He loved life in London so much that he has kept his family home just a stone’s throw from Chelsea’s stadium.
      And when quizzed by Sky Sports about his old team’s future after several traumatic months, he insisted that they will return to the top.

      Mourinho said: “It’s a difficult moment and you can even feel it at the football level because they have lost that level of excellence and stability. But this is at the moment, you know.
      “If you ask me do I have someone I would like to take over my Chelsea? Then yes I have, but I close my mouth.
      “I just know the club has reached such a level that it doesn’t matter who it’s with, Chelsea will always be Chelsea. Chelsea will always be.
      “And my house will always be 200 metres from the stadium and I want to keep listening to the sound of happiness and success and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be like that.”
      Boehly’s priorities on the pitch
      The Blues failed to mount a title challenge this term, and with ‘serious concerns’ they are playing “catch-up” due to the ban on signing players, his desire to strengthen “has only increased”, the report says. 
      One of Boehly’s top priorities is to tie-down starlets Mason Mount and Reece James to new long-term deals.
      But with defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen due to depart as free agents, Chelsea desperately need to strengthen their backline.
      And a new striker also appears to be on the agenda after Romelu Lukaku’s £97.5m return at the start of the campaign failed to prove a success.
      The Belgian did score twice against Wolves, but frustrated boss Tuchel said afterwards: “Yeah but guys, OK, good performance but this is not the moment to talk about individual performances and praise individual players.
      “We do this as a team and we lost points, crucial points. This is not the moment to praise individuals.”
      Boehly is expected to be in attendance at Wembley on Saturday for the FA Cup Final against Liverpool.
      Boehly transfer boost
      Todd Boehly is reportedly set to give Thomas Tuchel a summer transfer warchest to rebuild Chelsea once his takeover goes through.
      The billionaire American was in attendance at Stamford Bridge to watch the Blues’ 2-2 draw with Wolves on Saturday after being confirmed as Roman Abramovich’s successor.
      The LA Dodgers baseball team owner is now set to inject “heavy investment” to bolster Chelsea’s squad, according to the Evening Standard.
      It comes amid fears that last season’s Champions League winners “have been left behind after months of crippling sanctions” against them.

      Nkunku to stay in Germany
      Boehly’s first bit of business won’t involve bringing RB Leipzig Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge.
      That’s because Leipzig’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has no intention of selling the £62million rated forward this summer.
      Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano tweeted a quote from Mintzlaff which says: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won’t let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent.”
      Big week for the Blues
      Chelsea need all three points from relegation-threatened Leeds tomorrow night.
      The Gunners are only a point behind them now but the Blues still sit five points clear of Spurs in fifth.
      Minds will be on Saturday’s FA Cup final with barnstorming Liverpool.
      It is a chance for Chelsea to get their first piece of silverware in the pots-Abramovich era.
      Chelsea women also compete in the Wembley showcase, on Sunday against Manchester City.

      Good morning Chelsea fans
      New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is planning ‘heavy investment’ in their squad to turn them into a Prem title force again, according to the Evening Standard.
      The American billionaire was confirmed as the successor to Roman Abramovich on Saturday and will kickstart their summer transfer plans once the takeover deal is rubberstamped.
      Boehly is set to be cleared to complete his Chelsea takeover before the end of the season.
      It needs Prem and government sign-off, and with all parties keen to draw the saga to a close it looks like the deal will be ratified before the Blues host Watford in their final game of the season on May 22.
      But Boehly’s first bit of business won’t involve bringing RB Leipzig Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge.
      That’s because Leipzig’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has no intention of selling the £62million rated forward this summer.
      Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano tweeted a quote from Mintzlaff which says: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won’t let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent.”
      Elsewhere, Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter is wanted by top clubs across Europe including Leeds and PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer.
      Clarke-Salter is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but Thomas Tuchel‘s side do have the option to extend his deal for another 12 months.
      And finally, Chelsea have been urged to make a double swoop for Harry Maguire and Declan Rice this summer.
      Both England stars will be welcome additions to the Blues’ squad, insists pundit Richard Keys.
      Keys explained: “They need a centre-back. Harry Maguire? What would he cost? £40/50 million? I’m pretty sure he’d jump at the chance of a new start. The obvious one in midfield would be Rice. Kante has all but run himself to a stand still.
      “Rice would be a perfect replacement. Would West Ham sell? Of course they will if the money is right. I’d give you £150m for him all day long. If Rice pushes hard it might not take that much.”
      Chelsea rift revealed
      Chelsea are battling dressing-room turmoil just as new American owners close in on a £4.25billion takeover.
      It follows claims the head coach had an exchange of words with left-back Marcos Alonso, who was substituted at half-time in the game.
      Chelsea deny any bust-up between the pair but sources claim Alonso felt he was made a scapegoat for a poor team display.
      Tuchel is angry that his players are unable to get themselves out of a rut which has cost ten points in the last five matches — putting a third-place finish in the league at risk.
      Sources at Stamford Bridge say the players were unhappy at being called in as they have played 59 games in a gruelling campaign.
      But Tuchel is determined to turn things around, even if it means getting heavy-handed with his squad in a forthright address at the Blues’ Surrey HQ.
      Rice tipped for key role
      Declan Rice is the man who will change the dynamics for Man United next season.
      That’s the opinion of football reporter Dean Jones.
      The journalist told Give Me Sport: “They’ve got to be careful about the budget because they don’t have hundreds of millions to just go and spend.
      “Declan Rice, for me, is the one that would change everything. I think that he wants to move, he’s ambitious, he’s young, and he would be a leader.”
      ‘No club needs Declan Rice’
      No Premier League club will have a use for Declan Rice next season.
      That’s the opinion of Stephen Warnock who reckons none of the Prem’s clubs have a need for Rice in their squads.
      Warnock said: “Chelsea was the team that we all thought would be in for him. Now the situation is at Chelsea that we don’t know what the new owners are going to put into the club, do we? There’s talk that they’re going to go in heavily but until we know and we see that first move from them.
      “You look at every other club and you think, would he go to Manchester United at the moment? Would that be an option for him? He’d benefit them, but would it benefit him at this moment, because again you don’t know what Ten Hag’s going to be like and you don’t know the influence he’s going to have.
      “United need to shift a load of players out in order to probably get him in as well, and it’s like where else? Does he go abroad? I don’t see anyone else in the Premier League needing him. I don’t see Manchester City needing him, I don’t see Liverpool needing him.”
      Tuchel speaks on Wolves draw
      Thomas Tuchel has spoken on Chelsea’s draw against Wolves.
      He said: “I thought we started both halves well with an offensive 5-3-2.
      “We knew about the risks and we needed to be disciplined. We showed discipline over most moments of the first half but in some situations we touch too much risk.
      “I was very happy with the way we started the second half, we created chances and enough situations to be in front but we were 2-0 up and then we took too much risk.
      “We invited the counter-attacks and big chances. Once you do this you lose confidence and invite the opponent to smell that something is possible when it is unnecessary.”
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      in Soccer

      Aston Villa 1 Liverpool 2 LIVE REACTION: Reds close gap on City as Mane’s header seals CRUCIAL win – updates

      by

      LIVERPOOL kept their quadruple hopes alive with a huge win over Villa – leaving Man City with very little room for error.The Reds fell behind to an early Douglas Luiz strike before two well-taken efforts from Joel Matip and Sadio Mane turned the game on its head.
      Which has meant that Jurgen Klopp’s men go level on points with league leaders Manchester City.
      But goal difference has kept the blue-machine at the top of the Premier League pile.

      RESULT: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      TV/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League
      Aston Villa XI: Martinez; Cash, Konsa, Mings, Digne; McGinn, Nakamba, Douglas Luiz; Coutinho; Ings, Watkins
      Liverpool XI: Alisson; Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Tsimikas; Fabinho, Keita, Jones; Diaz, Jota, Mane

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      This means more
      You could see with the reaction from everyone from players to manager to coaches how important this win was to all.
      All Jurgen Klopp and his team can do is win their games and see what happens.

      Go make a name for yourself
      Liverpool have four games remaining in all competitions this season.
      If they win all four, they will definitely win three trophies as a minimum with only the Premier League being where they require others to do them some favours.
      Any manager or player would take your arm off if offered this at the beginning of the season.
      If anyone is capable of this, surely it is Klopp and his band of men.
      The young pretender shows his worth
      Watching the two managers on the touchline today, you can see a lot of Jurgen Klopp traits within Steven Gerrard.
      The passion, the control, the need to convey his message to his players on the pitch throughout the game.
      Both managers sprinted to their changing rooms at half time also.
      Despite the defeat tonight, Gerrard and his Villa team have learned a lot about themselves this evening.

      It’s the final countdown
      Liverpool go level with Man City at the top of the table on 86 points.
      With a game in hand, Pep Guardiola’s City travel to Wolves tomorrow.
      The Premier League has a knack of throwing up the most dramatic ends to the season and who would we be to expect any different this season.
      One thing we have learnt from it, anything can happen!
      FT: Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      The referee blows the final whistle much to the delight of Klopp.
      Liverpool needed all three points today and they duly delivered.
      Like a tennis match between two greats, Liverpool return the ball to the baseline with power, over to Man City to see how they react.

      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      90+3. Things are getting a bit heated in the final moments.
      Liverpool are looking to play the clock while Villa try to rush their opponents.
      ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ rings out from the away end.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      90+1. Keita is receiving some treatment, running the clock down.
      Sadio Mane has been awarded the man of the match award.
      Liverpool need to make sure that his goal is a winning one.
      Ings almost getting a sight of goal again before van Dijk clears for a corner.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      90. Whether Liverpool have done enough to make this less of a contest today, you cannot fault the efforts of Gerrard’s side.
      They have asked questions of Klopp’s defensive line and created chances.
      We are going to have 4 minutes of time added on.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      88. Ings is causing his old employers a lot of problems in these closing stages.
      He still looks full of running with the clock ticking down.
      van Dijk and Matip are having their work cut out in keeping the England forward away from Alisson’s goal.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      86. Danny Ings has the ball in the back of the net with a sublime half-volley from a tight angle beating Alisson.
      Matip stepped up just at the right time as the replay shows Ings is a couple of yards offside.
      Still, what a finish!

      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      84. Cash does well down the right for Villa.
      He feeds Ings who does brilliantly amongst a sea of Liverpool defenders to find space to force a save from Alisson.
      Chukwuemeka is inches away from getting to the ball.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      82. Traore looks set to replace Watkins who seems a bit leggy.
      van Dijk has marshalled the Villa striker well today.
      Gerrard will feel they have gone toe-to-toe with Klopp’s side today.
      Mane plays a cheeky flick to Tsimikas but the full back’s cross is blocked for a Liverpool corner.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      80. You cannot help but think as it stands Liverpool are open to the classic sucker-punch.
      It all it takes is one moment of brilliance and the title charge is over.
      City still have to drop points but Liverpool need to put pressure on them to get those points.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      78. The corner is swung in and Matip manages to get his head to it.
      Martinez has no issue in saving the effort.
      Alexander-Arnold plays it into Jota with a great pass.
      He takes it on his chest and feeds Salah whose shot is blocked.

      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      76. Liverpool are pressing even higher with their fresh legs.
      Mings gets himself into trouble in his own box and has to hack the ball away for a Liverpool throw in.
      Mane plays the ball to the back post and almost scores as Cash manages to head it clear.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      74. Jurgen Klopp will be demanding his side put this to bed.
      They are dominating possession in this period of play.
      Thiago is switching play from one flank to the other.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      72. Salah had a chance immediately after coming on.
      The ball is played into space in front of him and he has a footrace with the defender.
      Salah’s first touch is poor and the chance evades him.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      70. Buendia comes on for Coutinho.
      Gerrard hoping the fresh legs can cause Liverpool problems.
      Diaz comes off for Mohamed Salah.
      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      68. Stick or twist time for Liverpool.
      They just want the three points but it can lead to a nervy finish if they sit back and invite Villa onto them.
      Danny Ings is threaded through and not for the first time, Alisson smothers the ball and prevents the Aston Villa striker.

      Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool
      66. Diaz does brilliantly down the left.
      He clips a cross on the outside of his right boot at pace.
      Mane heads it into the back of the net.
      That could be a massive goal in Liverpool’s season.
      Goal – Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
      Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool
      64. It is Curtis Jones who bows out for the oncoming Thiago.
      Still no Mohamed Salah to try and find that winning goal yet.
      If Thiago can start pulling the strings in the centre and open up the Villa back line, Klopp will be hoping he will not have to use his ‘Egyptian King’ this evening.
      Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool
      62. Chukwuemeka comes on for Nakamba.
      Liverpool look set to bring Thiago on for some creativity.
      He is receiving his instructions on the bench still at the moment.
      Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool
      60. Cash puts a good searching cross in from the right.
      He is looking for Watkins in the centre.
      Matip manages to read it and clear.
      Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool
      58. The longer this game goes on the more it seems it could well be decided by just one more goal.
      Villa are trying to probe but are all too often missing that final pass.
      Either that or a poor touch allows Liverpool to steal in.

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      Man Utd ‘set to pay Pau Torres £51m release clause’, Wan Bissaka Atletico Madrid transfer, Cristiano Ronaldo ‘to STAY’

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      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly weighing up a bid for highly-rated Villarreal defender Pau Torres to strengthen their defence.The Spain international has a release clause of £51m, making him an appealing option for the Red Devils and competitors Chelsea.
      Meanwhile, flop Wan Bissaka could reportedly earn himself a surprise move to Atletico Madrid.
      And Cristiano Ronaldo is said to be keen to stay at Old Trafford, so long as new boss Erik ten Hag wants him.
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      Get all the latest Man Utd news, gossip and transfer updates…
      Man United problems examined
      Man United’s problems are due to bad management over the years it’s been claimed.
      That’s the opinion of retired footballer Jonathan Woodgate.
      He told Britishgambler.co.uk: “I think they’ve been mis-managed, and the recruitment has been poor.
      “Look at the managers that have been in there – Mourinho, Van Gaal, Moyes, Solskjaer and now Ragnick – none of them have been able to produce the goods, and there hasn’t really been a plan at United.
      “On Ronaldo, if you’re gonna sign him, build a team around him. It was done that last minute and no one expected him to go there, it wasn’t planned – just because City wanted him and Untied said ‘you’re not having him, so we are having him’.
      “Recruitment has gone out the window at United. Look at City – you know how they play, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea. You don’t know how United play, they don’t have an identity.”
      Ferdinand slams Man United flops
      Rio Ferdinand has urged Manchester United players to “f**k off” if they do not care about the club.
      Speaking on his FIVE YouTube channel, he said: “If you asked Albert Morgan, the kit man, he would have said there would be a lot of cleaning up to do.
      “I would have messed up that changing room for starters. I would have gone nuts.
      “You have to question each other, asking questions of each other. Does anyone f*****g care? I want to know that those questions are being asked. Because if I smelt that somebody didn’t care, I would be calling them out.”
      ‘Big fish’ role for Lingard
      Jesse Lingard will be a ‘big fish’ at Newcastle if he decides to join the Magpies.
      That’s the opinion of Jonathan Woodgate who reckons Lingard will flourish on Tyneside as he will have a point to prove following a dismal spell with Man United.
      Woodgate told BritishGambler.co.uk: “I think if he comes to Newcastle he will be the big fish, and he’s not the big fish at [Manchester] United.
      “If he goes [to Newcastle] he will be one of the main men, and that might help him.
      “I like him and think he has great qualities, and great attitude. He will want to prove a few people wrong.”
      Man United transfer blow
      Man United transfer target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is not for sale.
      That’s the declaration made by Lazio’s president Claudio Lotito who says he’s already turned down a £120m transfer offer for the midfielder.
      Lotito told Rai Sport: “Milinkovic is not for sale. I turned down a €140million (£120m) bid for him.”
      But Lotito admitted that he would discuss a transfer with the Serbian international if a world-class club tables an enticing proposal.
      He added: “I’d ask Sergej what he wants to do in case we receive an important proposal from a world-class club,”
      One to watch – Ajejandro Garnacho
      In two years, Alejandro Garnacho has gone from promising youth star at Manchester United to getting picked by Argentina, writes JON BOON.
      The rapid left winger, 17, was handed a surprise call-up to Lionel Scaloni’s 44-man squad ahead of World Cup qualifying games against Venezuela and Ecuador back in March.
      The wonderkid has starred for United’s U18s this campaign, excelling in the FA Youth Cup with four goals.
      One of those strikes saw the talent run from his own half down the left flank to score against Everton with an astonishing solo goal.

      And now, after featuring as a late substitute for United in the Premier League at the end of April, he is preparing to be the talisman in Man Utd’s FA Youth Cup final against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Wednesday.
      The fleet-footed forward was the third La Liga starlet to join the club in 2020, signing from Atletico Madrid after the arrivals of Marc Jurado from Barcelona and Alvaro Fernandez from Real Madrid.
      Garnacho was called the ‘jewel’ of Atletico’s academy, and is working hard to emulate his idol growing up.
      He is obsessed by Cristiano Ronaldo, and even wore the same shirt number – No7 as his idol, although he’s had to accept No11 with the Red Devils.
      Still, that didn’t stop him celebrating that goal against Everton with CR7’s famous ‘SIUUU!’ roar.
      How Man Utd legends could line up in charity match
      Gary Neville will renew his rivalry with Liverpool after announcing that he will captain a Manchester United legends team against the Reds, writes Gary Stonehouse.
      The 47-year-old former England right-back, now a pundit for Sky Sports, will be back on the pitch at Old Trafford on Saturday 21 May for the Legends of the North charity clash.
      The match will raise valuable funds for the Manchester United Foundation.
      Bryan Robson will be in charge of the United side that will take on their Liverpool counterparts – and now it’s been confirmed Neville will be wearing the armband for the Red Devils team.

      Paul Scholes, Dimitar Berbatov, Nicky Butt, Jaap Stam, Patrice Evra, Antonio Valencia and Dwight Yorke have all agreed to take part.
      And Diego Forlan, John O’Shea, Mikael Silvestre, Karel Poborsky, Wes Brown, Louis Saha, Ronny Johnsen, Jesper Blomqvist and Quinton Fortune will also represent United.
      Edwin van der Sar and Peter Schmeichel have both lined up in goal for the legends side over recent years, but the club have yet to confirm which keepers will be involved next week.
      Phillips set to reject United, say reports
      Kalvin Phillips is reportedly set to reject a move to Manchester United this summer.
      Phillips, 26, has been on the Red Devils’ radar for three years.
      The club have now made him a priority transfer target, and chiefs are prepared to make an offer of around £50million.
      United see him as the perfect solution to their midfield problems, especially considering the upcoming departures of Nemanja Matic and Paul Pogba.
      However, according to MailOnline, Phillips is likely to snub any offers out of loyalty to Leeds.
      The midfielder is said to be keen to stay however his hands may be tied if the Yorkshire club are relegated to the Championship.
      Put it on R-ice
      Manchester United target Declan Rice has given the biggest hint yet he will stay at West Ham next season, writes Jordan Davies.
      The Hammers midfielder has been linked with mega-money moves away to the likes of United, Chelsea and Manchester City this summer.
      Rice, 23, has turned down three improved contract offers that would make him the highest paid player in the club’s history on around £200k-a-week.
      Rice’s current deal has two years left with the club having the option of extending that by a further year – while boss David Moyes has valued Rice at “north of £150m”.

      And speaking at the club’s end-of-season awards last night, Rice picked up the Hammer of the Year before being asked if they will see him for the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
      Rice smiled and replied: “Yeah of course.”
      After the crowd started chanting his name, he added: “There has been so much speculation but you can see every time I put on a shirt what this club means to me.
      “Every time I step onto that pitch, every time I leave the pitch, I will always walk off having given 100 per cent and I will always give everything for this club and the manager and my teammates.”
      Free agent XI targets for Man Utd
      Manchester United have told agents to find the best FREE TRANSFERS this summer — as they do not have a bottomless pit of cash.
      Interim manager Ralf Rangnick said as many as ten new players were needed to make the Red Devils competitive again.
      And with United set to explore the free agent market this summer and there is no shortage of options for the Red Devils.
      In fact, a top-class XI could be compiled of the players whose contracts are set to expire in the summer.

      Manchester United’s worst moment of the season
      What has been the worst moment of the season Man Utd fans?
      The 4-1 away at Watford which saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sacked and Bruno Fernandes pulled away from the United supporters?
      The dross 1-0 home loss to Wolves?
      or maybe when Middlesbrough dumped Rangnick’s side out of the FA Cup and Old Trafford stopped serving food or drink?
      Or was it the humiliating 4-0 at the Amex on Saturday?
      United forced to delete Ten Hag tweet
      Manchester United deleted a tweet about new boss Erik ten Hag following a furious fan backlash, writes Etienne Fermie.
      The Red Devils posted about their incoming manager’s Ajax side on Monday.
      But with fans unready to move on from Saturday’s 4-0 battering at Brighton, the replies to the tweet were seething.
      United’s tweet had read: “Erik ten Hag’s side maintained their advantage in a dramatic afternoon in the race for the Eredivisie title.”

      The post caused irate fans to vent online.
      One wrote: “Imagine posting this on the clubs official twitter. No wonder they deleted it. Absolute f***ing embarrassment we are!”
      To which another replied: “I dont know how many times this season ive said surely it cant get worse and it does.”
      Mitchell van der Gaag talks ‘getting closer’
      Manchester United are “working on contract details” with Mitchell van der Gaag, who was Ten Hag’s assistant at Ajax.
      Van der Gaag, 50, has been Ten Hag’s assistant since the summer of 2021, after moving up from the reserves at the club.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported the details this morning.
      He wrote: “Manchester United are working on the details of the contract to bring Mitchell van der Gaag at the club from Ajax, as part of Erik ten Hag coaching staff.
      “Van der Gaag has been considered an important addition for months – agreement getting closer. Talks ongoing.”
      Now 50-years-old, Van der Gaag enjoyed a successful playing career spanning 18 years between 1989 and 2007.
      Van der Gaag was a centre-back, as was Ten Hag, and spent time playing for clubs in his native Holland, Portugal and Saudi Arabia.
      But he also enjoyed a two-year spell in Scotland with Motherwell between 1995 and 1997.
      Becks backs Ronaldo to stay
      David Beckham, who is now co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami, watched the city’s inaugural Grand Prix on Sunday.
      He spoke to Man Utd’s official site about the latest famous No7 at Old Trafford.
      The 47-year-old said: “Obviously, Cristiano is one of the best players over the last 15 years, with Leo Messi.
      Credit: Eroteme
      “To see him stay, hopefully staying on at United, is important for the fans. I think it’s important to him.
      “We all know how much Manchester United means to him.
      “He is still doing what he does best, scoring goals and creating and that’s what Cristiano does, even at his age.
      “To be doing what he’s doing is really incredible. Hopefully, it continues and, hopefully, he stays for another year or two.”
      Pow, Pow, Pau
      Man United have reportedly shortlisted Villarreal defender Pau Torres as a potential summer target.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United have bookmarked Torres as one of three or four potential new centre-back options.

      The 25-year-old Spaniard has a £51million release clause in his contract.
      The Red Devils have not tabled anything concrete as of yet as they are waiting for Erik ten Hag to take up his position as head coach.
      Possible changes in the boardroom also mean negotiations with the LaLiga side over a deal for Torres are yet to get underway.
      Good morning Man United fans
      French giants Paris Saint-Germain are favourites to sign Paul Pogba, according to Betfair.
      The bookies have Mauricio Pochettino’s Ligue 1 champions best priced at 4/5 to secure the services of Manchester United’s unsettled France superstar.
      Pogba, 29, has reportedly turned down a move to Manchester City but looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer at the end of his contract.
      Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has reportedly made his first Manchester United signing in the form of Stevenage wonderkid Elyh Harrison.
      The 16-year-old keeper has made a name for himself in the League Two side’s U18s team.
      And at just 15 years of age, he joined up with the senior squad for training earlier this season as his rapid progression continued.
      Now UtdDistrict are reporting that he has agreed a deal to join Man Utd.
      Elsewhere, Man United’s pursuit of Red Bull Salzburg hotshot Karim Adeyemi is as good as over.
      Adeyemi’s agent Thomas Solomon has confirmed a switch to Dortmund is “close” to completion, as revealed by Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      Solomon said: “We’re now close to complete the deal with Borussia Dortmund.
      “There will be no release clause included into his five-year deal.”
      Finally, Man United have reportedly shortlisted Villarreal defender Pau Torres as a potential summer target.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United have bookmarked Torres as one of three or four potential new centre-back options.
      The 25-year-old Spaniard has a £51million release clause in his contract.
      The Red Devils have not tabled anything concrete as of yet as they are waiting for Erik ten Hag to take up his position as head coach.
      Possible changes in the boardroom also mean negotiations with the LaLiga side over a deal for Torres are yet to get underway.
      Rice tipped for key role
      Declan Rice is the man who will change the dynamics for Man United next season.
      That’s the opinion of football reporter Dean Jones.
      The journalist told Give Me Sport: “They’ve got to be careful about the budget because they don’t have hundreds of millions to just go and spend.
      “Declan Rice, for me, is the one that would change everything. I think that he wants to move, he’s ambitious, he’s young, and he would be a leader.”
      Man United chase free transfers
      Man United have told agents to find the best FREE TRANSFERS this summer — as they do not have a bottomless pit of cash.
      Incoming boss Erik ten Hag will be given a budget of around £100million, which is not enough to fund a major overhaul.
      So new chief executive Richard Arnold is leading a major overhaul of the recruitment department.
      Scouting heads Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout, along with chief negotiator Matt Judge, have gone.
      Football director John Murtough and technical director Darren Fletcher now have more power to identify and sign targets.
      The likes of Juventus forward Paulo Dybala, AC Milan’s Franck Kessie and Ousmane Dembele of Barcelona are among a number of stellar names whose contracts expire this summer, although it’s not known if United will target any of those stars.
      Neville warns Lingard
      Gary Neville has told Jesse Lingard that no player warrants the right to a send-off.
      Neville highlighted that neither he – nor club legends Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce were given special send-offs when they left the club.
      Neville said on his podcast: “But I saw Bryan Robson and Steve Bruce not play their last games for the club and not get a send-off.
      “They were two of the greatest captains, one of them is probably the greatest ever captain Manchester United have ever had.
      “The other is one of the greatest captains they have ever had. They did not get the send-off they wanted, a farewell from the fans.
      “I’m not quite sure why Jesse Lingard deserves it. I was thrown away at West Brom in a toilet!
      Lautaro Martinez wants Inter stay
      Lautaro Martinez has no intention of leaving Inter Milan this summer.
      That’s according to the Argentine’s agent, Alejandro Camano who claims his client is happy in Milan despite reports in the media linking him with a Prem move.
      Camano said, via Football Italia: “Sometimes the media publishes stories about his possible transfer, but Lautaro is only focused on Inter, giving the fans joy and making them champions again, then he can start preparing for the World Cup with Argentina.
      “We are not expecting or looking for a transfer. He is at Inter, he is happy, the city is wonderful. We are thinking only of Inter.”
      ‘No club needs Declan Rice’
      No Premier League club will have a use for Declan Rice next season.
      That’s the opinion of Stephen Warnock who reckons none of the Prem’s clubs have a need for Rice in their squads.
      Warnock said: “Chelsea was the team that we all thought would be in for him. Now the situation is at Chelsea that we don’t know what the new owners are going to put into the club, do we? There’s talk that they’re going to go in heavily but until we know and we see that first move from them.
      “You look at every other club and you think, would he go to Manchester United at the moment? Would that be an option for him? He’d benefit them, but would it benefit him at this moment, because again you don’t know what Ten Hag’s going to be like and you don’t know the influence he’s going to have.
      “United need to shift a load of players out in order to probably get him in as well, and it’s like where else? Does he go abroad? I don’t see anyone else in the Premier League needing him. I don’t see Manchester City needing him, I don’t see Liverpool needing him.”
      Rio apologises to Mourinho
      Rio Ferdinand has apologised to Jose Mourinho for criticising the Portuguese boss during his ill-fated reign as Man United boss.
      Ferdinand said: “But in terms of looking behind the scenes, that quote he said in 2019 on finishing second in the Premier League, that has aged so well.
      “We can see that there’s been stuff going on that’s wrong behind the scenes, but at that time we didn’t know the extent of it. Obviously Jose Mourinho did.
      ‘He wanted to get rid of numerous players and he wanted to bring in certain players, and obviously big wages and contracts were handed out to certain players and he’s thinking, “Woah, woah, woah, what’s going on?!”
      Man United chase Pau Torres
      Man United have reportedly shortlisted Villarreal defender Pau Torres as a potential summer target.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United have bookmarked Torres as one of three or four potential new centre-back options.
      The 25-year-old Spaniard has a £51million release clause in his contract.
      The Red Devils have not tabled anything concrete as of yet as they are waiting for Erik ten Hag to take up his position as head coach.
      Possible changes in the boardroom also mean negotiations with the LaLiga side over a deal for Torres are yet to get underway.
      Ronaldo’s sister fuels exit fears
      Fears that Cristiano Ronaldo may leave Man United this summer have been heightened by his sister.
      A post urging CR7 to exit United before Ten Hag arrives was put up on social media.
      And the post was liked by Ronaldo’s sister Katia, the Daily Express reported.
      Gary Neville slams Man United
      Gary Neville thinks Man United players threw the towel in against Brighton.
      He told Sky Sports: “The players are only damaging themselves. With every minute they play football for that club they’re just damaging themselves to a point whereby fans won’t forget.
      “The fans last night were singing ‘you’re not fit to wear the shirt’. I’ve never, ever heard Manchester United fans resort to that chant.
      “I’ve never in my time known the fanbase turn on the team like this one. But it’s now really clear that they’ve thrown the towel in.”
      Fergie’s ex-assistant slams United
      Sir Alex Ferguson’s former assistant Rene Meulentseen has hit out at Manchester United, claiming the club is “lost completely”.
      The ex-Fulham gaffer and current Australia assistant manager told talkSPORT: “When I see United play, I see a team that is lost. They are lost completely.
      “There is no cohesion, no organisation, no structure, any basic thing that you need in any successful performance is not there.”
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      in Soccer

      Erling Haaland to Man City CONFIRMED, Kylian Mbappe in Madrid, Aston Villa £12m Coutinho transfer bid

      by

      ERLING HAALAND has COMPLETED his medical ahead of his imminent transfer to Manchester City this summer.The Norwegian’s switch to the Etihad is set to be announced as soon as this week.
      Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are reportedly eyeing up a shocking move for Liverpool star Sadio Mane with his current deal in Merseyside coming to an end next summer.
      And Kylian Mbappe has been spotted leaving a restaurant in Madrid ahead of a potential move to the Bernabeu.
      Aston Villa are also busy ahead of the summer and have reportedly bid £12m for loanee Philippe Coutinho.
      Should the transfer go through, it would represent a world record £130m loss for Barcelona on the fee they paid to sign the Brazilian from Liverpool.
      Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
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      Haaland compared to Shearer
      Incoming Man City star Erling Haaland has been tipped to make a big impact in the Premier League like Alan Shearer.
      The bold prediction was made by Shearer’s ex-Toon team-mate Steve Howey.
      He told Football Daily: “I mean Alan [Shearer] wasn’t slow, by any means but obviously the lad’s [Haaland] very quick.
      “The similarities when you do look at the goals that he scores, Al scored a big range of goals and all the goals. He was aggressive, he was strong, he did like the physicality of it as well.
      “But not only that, he was a very good player. I think, the way that City play football with the intricate passing, I think that suits his game as well because he pretty much is the all around package. When you watch him, he has got everything.”
      ‘Big fish’ role for Lingard
      Jesse Lingard will be a ‘big fish’ at Newcastle if he decides to join the Magpies.
      That’s the opinion of Jonathan Woodgate who reckons Lingard will flourish on Tyneside as he will have a point to prove following a dismal spell with Man United.
      Woodgate told BritishGambler.co.uk: “I think if he comes to Newcastle he will be the big fish, and he’s not the big fish at [Manchester] United.
      “If he goes [to Newcastle] he will be one of the main men, and that might help him.
      “I like him and think he has great qualities, and great attitude. He will want to prove a few people wrong.”
      City release Haaland statement
      Man City have confirmed they have an “agreement in principle” to sign Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.
      If City and Haaland agree on terms, he will be unveiled by the club on July 1, 2022.
      A club statement read: “Manchester City can confirm we have reached an agreement in principle with Borussia Dortmund for the transfer of striker Erling Haaland to the Club on 1st July 2022.
      “The transfer remains subject to the Club finalising terms with the player.”
      Real Madrid CONFIRM Rudiger transfer
      Real Madrid have COMPLETED a deal to sign Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger, according to reports.
      Spanish giants Real Madrid have now finally secured his services after snapping up the free transfer on a four-year deal.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Everything is now done between Real Madrid and Toni Rüdiger. The deal has been completed, club sources confirm: he will play for Real.
      “Contract until 2026, there’s no option for further season.
      “Official announcement: end of the season. Here we go confirmed.”
      Haaland signs long-term deal
      Man City have tied Haaland down to a long-term deal, reports claim.
      The 21-year-old’s transfer to City was confirmed this afternoon.
      And City fans will have the pleasure of watching Haaland work his magic for the next five years, according to The National.
      Haaland’s wages revealed
      Haaland’s wage packet will reportedly put him amongst the highest earners at Man City.
      The attacker will pocket £400,000 weekly during his Etihad stay, according to The Times.
      And the eye-watering sum is similar to the amount City star Kevin De Bruyne earns on a weekly basis, the report added.
      Haaland transfer CONFIRMED
      Erling Haaland’s transfer to Man City has been CONFIRMED, according to reports.
      Borussia Dortmund and City are completing the final pieces of the transfer said to be worth £51million which will be announced this afternoon.
      It was previously thought that Haaland’s release clause was £64.1m, but The Times claim his exit fee is just over £51m.
      And the fee will rise to £85.6m when agents’ fees and bonuses are added into the mix, the report added.
      Chelsea bidder supports Spurs
      Chelsea bidder Jonathan Goldstein will not take up a place on the club’s board because he is a Tottenham fan, according to reports.
      The businessman, who has a close relationship with Chelsea’s incoming owner Todd Boehly, was being talked about as a potential successor to Blues chairman Bruce Buck.
      But it has since been revealed that Buck is set to remain in his role when Boehly buys the club from Roman Abramovich.
      It was then thought that Goldstein could assume a position on the board at Stamford Bridge.
      But according to The Times, he will not take up the role because he is a Spurs supporter.
      The report states that he is a Tottenham season ticket holder.
      Pep silenced over Haaland transfer
      PEP GUARDIOLA said he has been banned from talking about Erling Haaland until the deal to bring him to the Etihad is complete, writes MARTIN BLACKBURN.
      Manchester City are poised to activate the release clause – reported in Germany to be £64 million – to sign the Borussia Dortmund striker.
      But both clubs urged Guardiola not to speak about what he might bring to the champions until everything is agreed.
      Pep was speaking ahead of the trip to Wolves on Wednesday night and said: “Everybody knows the situation but I should not talk because I do not like to talk about the future, next season.
      Credit: GETTY
      “At the same time I should say something, but Borussia Dortmund and Man City told me I’m not allowed to say anything until the deal is completely done.
      “So I cannot talk, I’m sorry. We’ll have time to talk.
      “I would love to talk, honestly, but I can’t! They tell me don’t say anything for the legal actions or the legal situation, it’s far away from my perspective.
      “We’ll have time to talk about that. It’s not because I don’t want – but because I can’t.”
      Clarke-Salter wanted
      Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter is wanted by top clubs across Europe including Leeds and PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer, writes PHIL CADDEN.
      The 24-year-old centre-back has had an impressive season on loan at Championship outfit Coventry.
      Clarke-Salter is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but Thomas Tuchel’s side do have the option to extend his deal for another 12 months.

      Chelsea’s ownership issues means the Blues cannot currently activate new deals under the sanctions imposed by the UK government.
      But American billionaire Todd Boehly still needs his deal to be rubber-stamped with Government approval with the completion of the sale expected in late May.
      That means Clarke-Salter can speak to other clubs with Leeds and Sheffield United already enquiring for his services.
      If the former England Under-21 captain is on a free, Coventry boss Mark Robins has also stated the Sky Blues will be in the market.
      Clarke-Salter made 31 appearances last season, 29 of those in the Championship.
      Villa ‘closing in’ on Coutinho deal
      Aston Villa are “closing in” on a permanent deal for Philippe Coutinho, say reports.
      The Brazilian has impressed since linking up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard in January.
      Coutinho, 29, joined from Barcelona on an initial loan deal, with Villa possessing an option to buy for £33million.
      Credit: Instagram / @ainee.c
      And transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has tweeted an update on the Coutinho situation.
      He wrote: “Aston Villa are closing on Philippe Coutinho permanent deal.
      “It’s fully agreed on player side – he wants to stay as he’s more than happy with Gerrard.
      “Aston Villa fee will be close to €20m, as per @gerardromero@ffpolo. Final detail to be discussed with Barcelona on payment terms.”
      Watkins top of the Hammers transfer shortlist
      Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins has emerged as an ambitious target for top six chasing West Ham, writes Jack Rosser.
      Hammers boss David Moyes is desperate to add competition for Michail Antonio this summer having failed to do so in January.
      Former Bees striker Watkins, 26, fits the profile for the kind of established player Moyes wants to add this summer but Aston Villa have grand ambitions themselves and are reluctant to sell.
      The England striker has 26 goals in 72 games for Villa since his then club-record £28million move from Brentford two years ago.
      Moyes is exploring a number of options this summer with centre-forward a priority having missed out on Benfica’s Darwin Nunez and Atalanta’s Duvan Zapata on deadline day during the last window.
      Chelsea striker Armando Broja, who has impressed on loan at Southampton, is well liked at the London Stadium while Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah has been linked.
      Mega money for Haaland
      Manchester City could pay £300MILLION for Erling Haaland, despite snapping him up for a transfer fee worth £64m, writes Dylan Terry.
      On the face of it, the deal for Haaland appears to be a financially sound one as Man City have been able to trigger his £64m release clause at Dortmund.
      But according to Marca, Haaland’s wages will be in the region of £34m annually – meaning he will collect around £170m if he sees out his contract.
      That works out as £2.8m per month and £700,000 per week, although SunSport understands his wages will be closer to £385,000 a week.
      Haaland’s agents will then receive £42m for their part in facilitating the deal.
      And the Dortmund striker’s father Alf-Inge – who played for Man City between 2000 and 2003 – will also receive around £25m.
      Put it on R-ice
      Declan Rice has given the biggest hint yet he will stay at West Ham next season. writes Jordan Davies.
      The Hammers midfielder has been linked with mega-money moves away to the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City this summer.
      Rice, 23, has turned down three improved contract offers that would make him the highest paid player in the club’s history on around £200k-a-week.
      Rice’s current deal has two years left with the club having the option of extending that by a further year – while boss David Moyes has valued Rice at “north of £150m”.

      And speaking at the club’s end-of-season awards last night, Rice picked up the Hammer of the Year before being asked if they will see him for the start of the 2022/23 campaign.
      Rice smiled and replied: “Yeah of course.”
      After the crowd started chanting his name, he added: “There has been so much speculation but you can see every time I put on a shirt what this club means to me.
      “Every time I step onto that pitch, every time I leave the pitch, I will always walk off having given 100 per cent and I will always give everything for this club and the manager and my teammates.”
      Palace set to agree new deal with Olise
      Crystal Palace are set to agree a new deal with Michael Olise to ramp his price up above £50million writes Jack Rosser.
      The winger, 20, has been a sensation since his £8m move from Championship side Reading last summer.
      London-born Olise, a France Under-21 international, has hit four goals and laid on eight assists this term — and his form is attracting attention from Prem rivals.

      The Eagles have already rebuffed several approaches and are now planning to agree a one-year extension to his initial five-year deal.
      That would keep him at Selhurst Park until June 2027.
      Olise’s new Crystal Palace contract will see his release clause rocket from £35m to £50m-plus.
      The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Lille and Bayern Munich were all said to be interested in Olise earlier in the campaign.
      Villa chase a permanent deal for Coutinho
      Aston Villa have launched a £12million bid for Philippe Coutinho, according to reports, writes Etienne Fermie.
      The Brazilian has impressed since linking up with former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard in January.
      Coutinho, 29, joined from Barcelona on an initial loan deal, with Villa possessing an option to buy for £33million.
      Credit: Reuters
      Villa Park chiefs believe they can get him for far less, however.
      Reports claim the Midlands club have made an opening bid of £12m for the attacking midfielder.
      Talks remain ongoing between the two clubs, with Villa confident a deal can be done.
      Haaland deal to be wrapped up ‘over the next week’
      Erling Haaland, 21, has scored an impressive 85 goals in 88 appearances for the Bundesliga giants, making him one of the most highly sought-after talents in world football.
      Dortmund told Sport1 on Monday: “The players have no training today and we allowed Erling to take care of personal matters.” 
      Sources in Germany say Dortmund are now aware that the Manchester City plan to activate the release clause in his contract.
      Haaland, who has a £64million release clause and is expected to sign a five-year deal, is believed to have visited the Erasmus Hospital in Brussels on Monday for some tests connected to the move.

      The Bundesliga club’s director Sebastian Kehl said at the weekend that he expects “clarity over the next week”.
      And Haaland is believed to be happy with the financial package on offer at the Etihad.
      SunSport understands these will fall in line with the wage structure currently in place.
      Mbappe welcomed in Madrid
      Kylian Mbappe has sparked rumours he could be closing in on a move to Real Madrid after being spotted in the Spanish capital, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
      The striker, 23, was snapped heading into a Madrid restaurant alongside Paris Saint-Germain team-mate Achraf Hakimi on Monday.
      Mbappe has been heavily linked with a move to Real and his presence in Madrid has fuelled speculation he could be set to make a summer switch.
      The Frenchman confirmed his presence in Spain on Instagram, posing for a photo with Hakimi and the defender’s brother.

      Mbappe captioned the post: “Off” – a possible hint that the forward is set to make a move.
      Bolton make first summer signing
      League One Bolton have announced Jack Iredale as their first signing of the summer transfer window.
      Iredale, 26, has spent the past two years at Cambridge United.
      The left-back made 89 appearances for the U’s and chipped in with five goals.
      He was a key feature in Cambridge’s promotion in 2020/21.

      Boehly transfer boost
      Todd Boehly is reportedly set to give Thomas Tuchel a summer transfer warchest to rebuild Chelsea once his takeover goes through.
      The billionaire American was in attendance at Stamford Bridge to watch the Blues’ 2-2 draw with Wolves on Saturday after being confirmed as Roman Abramovich’s successor.
      The LA Dodgers baseball team owner is now set to inject “heavy investment” to bolster Chelsea’s squad, according to the Evening Standard.
      It comes amid fears that last season’s Champions League winners “have been left behind after months of crippling sanctions” against them.

      Potential City XI next season with Haaland
      Manchester City are set to announce the signing of Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland THIS WEEK after the German side allowed him to take care of “personal matters” on Monday.
      Haaland is believed to have already met with Man City officials in Brussels and COMPLETED a medical ahead of the move, which he wants done by the end of the week.
      City are also lining up a sensational move for free agent Paul Pogba this summer.
      Sunsport revealed City bosses have asked to be kept informed on Pogba’s situation in the coming weeks.
      Villareal centre-back Pau Torres has received interest from both cross-city rivals in Manchester.
      Frenkie de Jong is on City’s wishlist and there is talk of a swap deal for Bernardo Silva.

      Mitchell van der Gaag talks ‘getting closer’
      Manchester United are “working on contract details” with Mitchell van der Gaag, who was Ten Hag’s assistant at Ajax.
      Van der Gaag, 50, has been Ten Hag’s assistant since the summer of 2021, after moving up from the reserves at the club.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported the details this morning.
      He wrote: “Manchester United are working on the details of the contract to bring Mitchell van der Gaag at the club from Ajax, as part of Erik ten Hag coaching staff.
      “Van der Gaag has been considered an important addition for months – agreement getting closer. Talks ongoing.”
      Now 50-years-old, Van der Gaag enjoyed a successful playing career spanning 18 years between 1989 and 2007.
      Van der Gaag was a centre-back, as was Ten Hag, and spent time playing for clubs in his native Holland, Portugal and Saudi Arabia.
      But he also enjoyed a two-year spell in Scotland with Motherwell between 1995 and 1997.
      Pow, Pow, Pau
      Man United have reportedly shortlisted Villarreal defender Pau Torres as a potential summer target.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Manchester United have bookmarked Torres as one of three or four potential new centre-back options.

      The 25-year-old Spaniard has a £51million release clause in his contract.
      The Red Devils have not tabled anything concrete as of yet as they are waiting for Erik ten Hag to take up his position as head coach.
      Possible changes in the boardroom also mean negotiations with the LaLiga side over a deal for Torres are yet to get underway.
      Haa-land of the century
      Anyone not talking about the potential move of Erling Haaland to City this morning?

      Good morning footy fans
      Manchester City are reportedly about to bring a successful conclusion to their chase of Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
      City are set to announce the signing of the Norway striker, 21, this week according to The Athletic.
      Belgian outlet DH claim the 21-year-old completed a medical at a Brussels hospital on Monday.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp insists Haaland’s proposed transfer to Man City will set new levels.
      He told Sky Sports: “If Erling Haaland goes there, that will not weaken them. Definitely not.
      “I know in the moment that other people talk about money, but this transfer will set new levels. Let me say this.”
      Meanwhile, Man United ace Paul Pogba won’t be joining Haaland at the Etihad next season amid interest from Pep Guardiola’s side.
      The France star looks set to leave Old Trafford this summer at the end of his contract.
      But according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Pogba’s representatives have informed City he will be heading elsewhere.
      However, French giants Paris Saint-Germain are favourites to sign Pogba, according to Betfair.
      The bookies have Mauricio Pochettino’s Ligue 1 champions best priced at 4/5 to secure the services of the midfielder.
      Elsewhere, Fulham have opened talks over a new deal for Tosin Adarabioyo to ward off any interest this summer.
      The defender played almost every game as Marco Silva’s side won the Championship title at a canter but has just one year remaining on his current contract.
      Silva is now keen for the club to quickly tie the towering centre-back down to a fresh long-term deal.
      Finally, Kylian Mbappe has fuelled speculation of a transfer to Real Madrid after he was spotted dining in the Spanish capital.
      The PSG ace’s contract is up this summer and he’s been incessantly linked with a move to the La Liga champions.
      And now, the France international has been seen leaving a restaurant in Madrid.
      But Mbappe wasn’t alone, his PSG pal Achraf Hakimi was also snapped at the venue, reported the Daily Express.
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      Fuming Tuchel hauls Chelsea players into training on day off, Boehly to hold talks with Marina – transfer latest

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      TODD BOEHLY is set to hold talks with Marina Granovskaia as the American reportedly prepares to hand Thomas Tuchel a transfer war chest.Any increase in budget would be timely for Tuchel, who was so angry with Chelsea’s performances against Wolves and Everton that he hauled the players in for extra training.
      And Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow in their quest for Christopher Nkunku as RB Leipzig have no intention of parting ways with their talisman this summer.
      SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
      Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the takeover in our live blog…
      Chelsea and Man United comparison
      Man United have not got an identity like Chelsea or several other Prem clubs.
      That’s according to retired footballer Jonathan Woodgate who was assessing the Red Devils’ problems of late.
      He told Britishgambler.co.uk: “Recruitment has gone out the window at United.
      “Look at City – you know how they play, Liverpool, Spurs, Chelsea. You don’t know how United play, they don’t have an identity.”
      Real Madrid CONFIRM Rudiger transfer
      Real Madrid have COMPLETED a deal to sign Chelsea centre-back Antonio Rudiger, according to reports.
      Spanish giants Real Madrid have now finally secured his services after snapping up the free transfer on a four-year deal.
      Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Everything is now done between Real Madrid and Toni Rüdiger. The deal has been completed, club sources confirm: he will play for Real.
      “Contract until 2026, there’s no option for further season.
      “Official announcement: end of the season. Here we go confirmed.”
      Chelsea bidder supports Spurs
      Chelsea bidder Jonathan Goldstein will not take up a place on the club’s board because he is a Tottenham fan, according to reports.
      The businessman, who has a close relationship with Chelsea’s incoming owner Todd Boehly, was being talked about as a potential successor to Blues chairman Bruce Buck.
      But it has since been revealed that Buck is set to remain in his role when Boehly buys the club from Roman Abramovich.
      It was then thought that Goldstein could assume a position on the board at Stamford Bridge.
      But according to The Times, he will not take up the role because he is a Spurs supporter.
      The report states that he is a Tottenham season ticket holder.
      Blues’ Clarke-Salter wanted
      Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter is wanted by top clubs across Europe including Leeds and PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer, writes PHIL CADDEN.
      The 24-year-old centre-back has had an impressive season on loan at Championship outfit Coventry.
      Clarke-Salter is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but Thomas Tuchel‘s side do have the option to extend his deal for another 12 months.

      Chelsea‘s ownership issues means the Blues cannot currently activate new deals under the sanctions imposed by the UK government.
      But American billionaire Todd Boehly still needs his deal to be rubber-stamped with Government approval with the completion of the sale expected in late May.
      That means Clarke-Salter can speak to other clubs with Leeds and Sheffield United already enquiring for his services.
      If the former England Under-21 captain is on a free, Coventry boss Mark Robins has also stated the Sky Blues will be in the market.
      Clarke-Salter made 31 appearances last season, 29 of those in the Championship
      More on Hudson-Odoi Ghana switch
      Callum Hudson-Odoi and Eddie Nketiah are set to switch from England to Ghana ahead of the 2022 World Cup, reports suggest.
      That is according to Football London, who claim that both players have been convinced to link up with the African nation, for which they are eligible to play.
      Arsenal ace Nketiah, 22, leads the Three Lions’ Under-21 all-time scoring list with 16 goals in 17 appearances but has never played for the senior team.
      Chelsea star Hudson-Odoi, 21, on the other hand, has only amassed three caps as a teenager.

      A FIFA rule change in 2020 allows players with no more than three international appearances to change their allegiance if those caps came before their 21st birthday.
      Therefore, both players can complete the switch, which would boost their hopes of playing in the winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
      The Ghanaians have advanced for the tournament and will face off against Portugal, Uruguay and South Korea in Group H.
      Palace set to agree new deal with Olise
      Crystal Palace are set to agree a new deal with Chelsea target Michael Olise to ramp his price up above £50million, writes Jack Rosser.
      The winger, 20, has been a sensation since his £8m move from Championship side Reading last summer.
      London-born Olise, a France Under-21 international, has hit four goals and laid on eight assists this term — and his form is attracting attention from Prem rivals.

      Michael Olise has been impressive under boss Patrick Vieira this campaign and has earned a new contractThe Eagles have already rebuffed several approaches and are now planning to agree a one-year extension to his initial five-year deal.
      That would keep him at Selhurst Park until June 2027.
      Olise’s new Crystal Palace contract will see his release clause rocket from £35m to £50m-plus.
      The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Lille and Bayern Munich were all said to be interested in Olise earlier in the campaign.
      Mour memories?
      Jose Mourinho has vowed to keep his home next door to Stamford Bridge and says his old club will return to the top, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
      Few managers know Chelsea better than the Special One, who has just led Roma to the Conference League Final, after his two spells in charge there.
      He loved life in London so much that he has kept his family home just a stone’s throw from Chelsea’s stadium.
      And when quizzed by Sky Sports about his old team’s future after several traumatic months, he insisted that they will return to the top.

      Mourinho said: “It’s a difficult moment and you can even feel it at the football level because they have lost that level of excellence and stability. But this is at the moment, you know.
      “If you ask me do I have someone I would like to take over my Chelsea? Then yes I have, but I close my mouth.
      “I just know the club has reached such a level that it doesn’t matter who it’s with, Chelsea will always be Chelsea. Chelsea will always be.
      “And my house will always be 200 metres from the stadium and I want to keep listening to the sound of happiness and success and I’m pretty sure it’s going to be like that.”
      Boehly’s priorities on the pitch
      The Blues failed to mount a title challenge this term, and with ‘serious concerns’ they are playing “catch-up” due to the ban on signing players, his desire to strengthen “has only increased”, the report says. 
      One of Boehly’s top priorities is to tie-down starlets Mason Mount and Reece James to new long-term deals.
      But with defenders Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen due to depart as free agents, Chelsea desperately need to strengthen their backline.
      And a new striker also appears to be on the agenda after Romelu Lukaku’s £97.5m return at the start of the campaign failed to prove a success.
      The Belgian did score twice against Wolves, but frustrated boss Tuchel said afterwards: “Yeah but guys, OK, good performance but this is not the moment to talk about individual performances and praise individual players.
      “We do this as a team and we lost points, crucial points. This is not the moment to praise individuals.”
      Boehly is expected to be in attendance at Wembley on Saturday for the FA Cup Final against Liverpool.
      Boehly transfer boost
      Todd Boehly is reportedly set to give Thomas Tuchel a summer transfer warchest to rebuild Chelsea once his takeover goes through.
      The billionaire American was in attendance at Stamford Bridge to watch the Blues’ 2-2 draw with Wolves on Saturday after being confirmed as Roman Abramovich’s successor.
      The LA Dodgers baseball team owner is now set to inject “heavy investment” to bolster Chelsea’s squad, according to the Evening Standard.
      It comes amid fears that last season’s Champions League winners “have been left behind after months of crippling sanctions” against them.

      Nkunku to stay in Germany
      Boehly’s first bit of business won’t involve bringing RB Leipzig Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge.
      That’s because Leipzig’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has no intention of selling the £62million rated forward this summer.
      Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano tweeted a quote from Mintzlaff which says: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won’t let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent.”
      Big week for the Blues
      Chelsea need all three points from relegation-threatened Leeds tomorrow night.
      The Gunners are only a point behind them now but the Blues still sit five points clear of Spurs in fifth.
      Minds will be on Saturday’s FA Cup final with barnstorming Liverpool.
      It is a chance for Chelsea to get their first piece of silverware in the pots-Abramovich era.
      Chelsea women also compete in the Wembley showcase, on Sunday against Manchester City.

      Good morning Chelsea fans
      New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is planning ‘heavy investment’ in their squad to turn them into a Prem title force again, according to the Evening Standard.
      The American billionaire was confirmed as the successor to Roman Abramovich on Saturday and will kickstart their summer transfer plans once the takeover deal is rubberstamped.
      Boehly is set to be cleared to complete his Chelsea takeover before the end of the season.
      It needs Prem and government sign-off, and with all parties keen to draw the saga to a close it looks like the deal will be ratified before the Blues host Watford in their final game of the season on May 22.
      But Boehly’s first bit of business won’t involve bringing RB Leipzig Christopher Nkunku to Stamford Bridge.
      That’s because Leipzig’s CEO Oliver Mintzlaff has no intention of selling the £62million rated forward this summer.
      Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano tweeted a quote from Mintzlaff which says: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won’t let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent.”
      Elsewhere, Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter is wanted by top clubs across Europe including Leeds and PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer.
      Clarke-Salter is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but Thomas Tuchel‘s side do have the option to extend his deal for another 12 months.
      And finally, Chelsea have been urged to make a double swoop for Harry Maguire and Declan Rice this summer.
      Both England stars will be welcome additions to the Blues’ squad, insists pundit Richard Keys.
      Keys explained: “They need a centre-back. Harry Maguire? What would he cost? £40/50 million? I’m pretty sure he’d jump at the chance of a new start. The obvious one in midfield would be Rice. Kante has all but run himself to a stand still.
      “Rice would be a perfect replacement. Would West Ham sell? Of course they will if the money is right. I’d give you £150m for him all day long. If Rice pushes hard it might not take that much.”
      Chelsea rift revealed
      Chelsea are battling dressing-room turmoil just as new American owners close in on a £4.25billion takeover.
      It follows claims the head coach had an exchange of words with left-back Marcos Alonso, who was substituted at half-time in the game.
      Chelsea deny any bust-up between the pair but sources claim Alonso felt he was made a scapegoat for a poor team display.
      Tuchel is angry that his players are unable to get themselves out of a rut which has cost ten points in the last five matches — putting a third-place finish in the league at risk.
      Sources at Stamford Bridge say the players were unhappy at being called in as they have played 59 games in a gruelling campaign.
      But Tuchel is determined to turn things around, even if it means getting heavy-handed with his squad in a forthright address at the Blues’ Surrey HQ.
      Rice tipped for key role
      Declan Rice is the man who will change the dynamics for Man United next season.
      That’s the opinion of football reporter Dean Jones.
      The journalist told Give Me Sport: “They’ve got to be careful about the budget because they don’t have hundreds of millions to just go and spend.
      “Declan Rice, for me, is the one that would change everything. I think that he wants to move, he’s ambitious, he’s young, and he would be a leader.”
      ‘No club needs Declan Rice’
      No Premier League club will have a use for Declan Rice next season.
      That’s the opinion of Stephen Warnock who reckons none of the Prem’s clubs have a need for Rice in their squads.
      Warnock said: “Chelsea was the team that we all thought would be in for him. Now the situation is at Chelsea that we don’t know what the new owners are going to put into the club, do we? There’s talk that they’re going to go in heavily but until we know and we see that first move from them.
      “You look at every other club and you think, would he go to Manchester United at the moment? Would that be an option for him? He’d benefit them, but would it benefit him at this moment, because again you don’t know what Ten Hag’s going to be like and you don’t know the influence he’s going to have.
      “United need to shift a load of players out in order to probably get him in as well, and it’s like where else? Does he go abroad? I don’t see anyone else in the Premier League needing him. I don’t see Manchester City needing him, I don’t see Liverpool needing him.”
      Tuchel speaks on Wolves draw
      Thomas Tuchel has spoken on Chelsea’s draw against Wolves.
      He said: “I thought we started both halves well with an offensive 5-3-2.
      “We knew about the risks and we needed to be disciplined. We showed discipline over most moments of the first half but in some situations we touch too much risk.
      “I was very happy with the way we started the second half, we created chances and enough situations to be in front but we were 2-0 up and then we took too much risk.
      “We invited the counter-attacks and big chances. Once you do this you lose confidence and invite the opponent to smell that something is possible when it is unnecessary.”
      Four Chelsea stars slammed
      Four Chelsea stars have been slammed for their lack of contribution on the pitch this season.
      Outgoing players Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, along with want-away striker Romelu Lukaku, and Timo Werner were singled out by football legend Tony Cascarino.
      He told talkSPORT: “Christensen’s not played well in the second part of the season. (Antonio) Rudiger’s leaving. There always seems to be an issue.
      “Watching Lukaku get two yesterday (against Wolves), would’ve been a relief for him, but Lukaku’s had a really bad season.
      “You spend £100m on someone who has found it hard to even get into the team.
      “Timo Werner’s not played well. (Kai) Havertz looks a decent player but he doesn’t look like a regular goal scorer.”
      Chelsea star courts interest
      Chelsea’s Jake Clarke-Salter is wanted by top clubs across Europe including Leeds and PSV Eindhoven on a free transfer.
      Clarke-Salter is out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer but Thomas Tuchel’s side do have the option to extend his deal for another 12 months.
      But Chelsea’s ownership issues means the Blues cannot currently activate new deals under the sanctions imposed by the UK government.
      That means Clarke-Salter can speak to other clubs with Leeds and Sheffield United already enquiring for his services.
      Chelsea transfer suggestions
      Chelsea have been urged to make a double swoop for Harry Maguire and Declan Rice this summer.
      Both England stars will be welcome additions to the Blues’ squad, insists pundit Richard Keys.
      Keys explained: “They need a centre-back. Harry Maguire? What would he cost? £40/50 million? I’m pretty sure he’d jump at the chance of a new start. The obvious one in midfield would be Rice. Kante has all but run himself to a stand still.
      “Rice would be a perfect replacement. Would West Ham sell? Of course they will if the money is right. I’d give you £150m for him all day long. If Rice pushes hard it might not take that much.”
      Leipzig warn Chelsea off Nkunku
      RB Leipzig CEO Oliver Mintzlaff says they have no intention of selling £62million rated forward Christopher Nkunku to Chelsea this summer.
      Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano tweeted a quote from Mintzlaff which says: “We have clearly discussed it internally: we won’t let Nkunku leave this summer, we told him and his agent.”
      Sheva’s support for Ukrainian footballers
      Andriy Shevchenko has reached out to two Premier League Ukrainian football stars to offer his support in the wake of Russia’s invasion of their country.
      Former Chelsea striker and ex-Ukraine national team boss Sheva has contacted West Ham winger Andriy Yarmolenko and Manchester City midfielder Oleksandr Zinchenko.
      Shevchenko told LADbible: “I know how it’s been difficult for the boys.
      “I tried to support and call them and encourage them to not give up, to think about the game.
      “Just try to go in the stadium and play for your country, play for your fans who are supporting you, which club you’re playing.
      “The boys are representing Ukraine and then we need that visibility in the world, that Ukrainian athletes can do very well.”
      Boehly takeover set for approval
      Todd Boehly is set to be cleared to complete his Chelsea takeover before the end of the season.
      The LA Dodgers co-owner is leading a consortium which has signed a £4.25billion deal to buy Roman Abramovich’s shares in the Blues.
      It needs Prem and government sign-off, and with all parties keen to draw the saga to a close it looks like the deal will be ratified before the Blues host Watford in their final game of the season on May 22.
      Boehly to ‘invest heavily’
      New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is planning ‘heavy investment’ in their squad to turn them into a Prem title force again, according to the Evening Standard.
      The American billionaire was confirmed as the successor to Roman Abramovich on Saturday and will kickstart their summer transfer plans once the takeover deal is rubberstamped.
      Hayes ‘drained’ by WSL win
      Chelsea Women’s boss Emma Hayes says their dramatic final-day WSL title win left her feeling “mentally drained”.
      The Blues twice came from behind to beat Manchester United 4-2 to pip Arsenal to the championship.
      Hayes told the Blues’ club website: “I’m absolutely mentally drained right now but I will just go home, have a cup of tea as usual and get ready for tomorrow.”
      Chelsea will look to complete the double in next Sunday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City.
      Palmieiri tipped for Chelsea return
      Emerson Palmieiri looks set to return to Chelsea next season after his successful loan spell with Lyon.
      The Italian left-back, 27, made a temporary switch to the French giants last summer and has impressed in Ligue 1.
      Juventus are also said to be keen but the Blues may want to retain him as part of a squad built for the new era of Todd Boehly’s ownership.
      Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Emerson Palmieri will leave OL [Lyon] at the end of current season and will return to Chelsea – he’s definitely not gonna stay at OL next year.”
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