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      Chelsea to launch Declan Rice transfer raid which would push summer spend over £250m

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      CHELSEA are ready to push their summer spend above £250million by finally making a firm offer for Declan Rice.
      The Blues have already splashed out £131.3m to sign Timo Werner, plus Hakim Ziyech and Ben Chilwell.

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      West Ham’s versatile England star Declan Rice is now the top remaining target for Chelsea chief Frank LampardCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      West Ham manager David Moyes hopes to sell Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini, to help his attempts to keep Declan RiceCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Kai Havertz is also due, in a deal costing £72.2m before bonuses — with Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva arriving on frees.
      Boss Frank Lampard still wants Rice from West Ham, who rate him at £80m and will not make it easy to strike a deal.
      Lamps sees 21-year-old midfielder Rice — who also plays in defence — as the ideal man to help the club get back in the Premier League title mix.
      The Stamford Bridge outfit are prepared to play the long game, knowing West Ham need to sell before they buy.

      Rice is seen as perfect for the Blues squad — a natural leader willing to learn from experienced stars like former Paris Saint-Germain captain Silva, 35, who completed his Blues move yesterday.
      Hammers’ boss David Moyes is desperate to offload Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini to give him some cash to make improvements after a poor 2019-20.

      But there is limited interest, and unless bids come in soon selling Rice may be the only option.
      Chelsea know they are in a strong position — which is likely to see them try to push the fee well down from the £80m West Ham want.

      Leicester had wanted £70m for Chilwell before settling for £50m and the Blues hope they can get a similar discount on Rice.

      Chelsea signing Sarr visits hometown school as part of Adams Association charity More

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      in Soccer

      Harry Maguire adamant his ongoing Greek court case hell won’t affect performances for Man Utd or England

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      HARRY MAGUIRE vowed his ongoing Greek court case nightmare will not affect him on the pitch.
      The Manchester United skipper links up with his team-mates when they return to training on Monday.

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      Harry Maguire says he will not let his Greek nightmare affect his performancesCredit: PA:Press Association

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      The Manchester United skipper was axed from the England squad after a guilty verdict Credit: Twitter
      And their first Premier League game is against Crystal Palace on September 19.
      Maguire is fighting to clear his name with an appeal after being found guilty of repeated bodily harm, attempted bribery, violence against public employees and insult in Mykonos.
      He said: “I find it tough to speak about it. But my family would say I have probably been the strongest.
      “It will not affect my performances. I will get over it pretty quickly. It has been a whirlwind of a few days.

      “I will put it to one side.  When I speak about it I get a bit worked up because it makes me feel angry.”
      The defender, 27, now faces a retrial which could drag on for weeks.
      He should be linking up with England on Monday.

      Harry Maguire played more minutes than any other footballer in the world in 2019-20
      But after being named in the squad for Nations League games in Iceland and Denmark, boss Gareth Southgate removed him after the guilty verdict was announced.

      Maguire thanked United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and England chief Southgate for being so supportive.
      But he admitted speaking to both ahead of the initial court case was difficult. 
      He said: “It was really hard. I have great respect for both and they have been magnificent for my career.
      “Gareth showed great faith in me since giving me my debut. The club have been great with me and I thank them for that.
      “My main focus is family but the best thing after that is football, so playing for United is something I love.”
      Maguire, capped 26 times by England, was gutted to be axed from the squad.

      He added: “I love playing for my county but, mentally, I’ll get over this.”
      In a BBC interview, Maguire was asked if he was worried some fans might think he is lying about the events in Mykonos.
      He added: “It doesn’t bother me. My conscience is clear.”

      Harry Maguire denies being drunk during Mykonos brawl and says ‘I can handle a few drinks’ More

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      Jurgen Klopp warns Man City could be almost unstoppable with Lionel Messi transfer as Citizens eye £1.4m-a-week deal

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      JURGEN KLOPP warned Liverpool’s chances of retaining the title will take a serious hit if Manchester City land Lionel Messi.
      City are close to agreeing terms of £1.4million a week with the Barcelona superstar — made up of salary, signing-on fee, bonuses and image rights.

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      Jurgen Klopp fears Man City will be unstoppable with Lionel MessiCredit: AP:Associated Press
      There is still some way to go to prise him from the Nou Camp.
      But Reds boss Klopp said: “Messi would clearly help Manchester City and make it even more difficult to beat them, which was already very difficult.”
       Klopp, whose champions face FA Cup winners Arsenal in the Community Shield today, is not convinced  City will pull  off the mega deal.
      He added: “For the Premier League, it would be great to have the best player in the world in the League.

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      Klopp admits there’s no chance of Liverpool signing Messi from BarcelonaCredit: AP:Associated Press
      “I am not sure the Premier League needs a boost but it would be, for sure.
      “It would be interesting to see, as Messi has never played in another league other than Spain.
      “Football is different here. I would like to see it but I am not sure I will.”
      Klopp admitted there is no chance  Liverpool could sign the Argentine maestro, 33.

      He said: “Interest? Who doesn’t want to have Messi in their team? But no chance.
      “The numbers are absolutely not for us, so we don’t even have to start thinking about it!
      “It is clear, there is no chance. But he’s a good player, to be honest!”
      Sunsport understands lawyers representing both City and Messi’s representatives have made substantial progress on a deal which will satisfy the player’s financial demands.

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      Man City boss Pep Guardiola is favourite to land Messi this summerCredit: AFP or licensors
      The record six-time Ballon d’Or winner, would be contracted to  the club’s parent company — City Football Group — and have a clause which will allow him to join fellow stable club, New York City, after leaving the Etihad.
      Boss Pep Guardiola has a similar clause with regard to joining the MLS side when he leaves City.
      Messi’s representatives were in touch with Barcelona yesterday to  request a formal meeting next week to discuss how he can leave the Catalan giants.
      He is determined to win the Champions League for a third time before he leaves European football and sees City as a good option.

      Obstacles remain regarding the clause in Messi’s contract, which the player claims allows him to leave for free.
      The fax which informed Barca of his transfer request was a bureau document which is a legal requirement meaning it can be used in any future court  proceedings.
      City are prepared to foot Messi’s legal bills in his bid to force his way out, but are also preparing for the possibility of negotiating with Barca.

      That gesture has been received warmly by Messi and his father and agent, Jorge, who felt let down when Barca offered no support  during the player’s trial for tax avoidance.
      Messi intends to turn up for training on Monday in accordance with employment law but expects an update from the club on their  position beforehand.
      City have ruled out allowing  Bernando Silva, Riyad Mahrez and Gabriel Jesus being involved in any swap deal, but Angelino and Eric Garcia are available.

      Lionel Messi already in contact with Pep Guardiola as Man City lead transfer race for wantaway Barcelona superstar More

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      in Soccer

      Crystal Palace new-boy Eberechi Eze reveals watching Wilfried Zaha inspired his Premier League transfer

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      EBERECHI EZE revealed how watching Wilfried Zaha helped spur him to the top after sealing his Crystal Palace move.
      Playmaker Eze, 22, last night joined the Eagles from Championship side QPR  in   a   deal   worth   up   to  £19.5million.

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      Eberechi Eze says he’s delighted to be at the same club as Wilfried ZahaCredit: Rex Features
      The south Londoner now hopes to emulate the likes of Zaha and Yannick Bolasie — years after being inspired by them observing from the sidelines.
      Eze said: “I remember watching Bolasie and Zaha in the Championship  and just thinking ‘That’s where you want to be, that’s the goal.’
      “It’s a great opportunity for me to come and show what I’m about and follow in their steps.”
      Palace saw off competition from the likes of West Brom to sign Eze, who  put pen to paper on a five-year  contract.

      The transfer is understood to be a £16m fee  broken up into two instalments, with a further £3.5m in add-ons as well as a sell-on clause.
      And Eze explained it was Palace’s vision for  where he would fit in and his future that convinced him to join.
      The England Under-21 star added: “The deal definitely shows their belief in me and I want to be here.
      “I want to to do as well as I can for this club and it’s a brilliant opportunity.

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      Zaha has been linked with a move away from Palace this summerCredit: Rex Features
      “It was the plan that was set out for me and what they have said about me and it’s the most in-line with what I feel about myself.
      “For me, that’s the most important thing —  more than ‘what the club is’ or whatever.
      “It’s the position they want me to play, their goals, where they want to be,  what they want to become, how they see me fitting in that system.
      “The style of football they want to play suits me. It’s perfect for me. It’s a great place to come.”

      Eze becomes Palace’s second summer signing following the arrival of right-back Nathan Ferguson, 19, from West Brom.
      Boss Roy Hodgson said: “We are assembling the pieces of our jigsaw with regard to bringing in some fresh, young players who will provide  quality and energy.
      “Eberechi is an ambitious and  dedicated young man whose future looks extremely bright.”

      Crystal Palace complete £15m transfer for QPR ace Eberechi Eze after beating Premier League rivals to the attacker More

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      Aston Villa star John McGinn admits jealousy of Midlands rivals Wolves and Leicester is driving him on

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      JOHN McGINN plans to harness the power of pure JEALOUSY to drive standards up at Aston Villa this season.
      The midfield dynamo is not ashamed to confess he was filled with envy last season.

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      Scotland star John McGinn says a club of Villa’s stature and history should be matching high-flying Midlands’ rivals Wolves and Leicester

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      Hard-grafting midfielder John McGinn believes Villa will make big leaps over the next couple of seasons
      The sight of Midlands rivals Wolves progressing to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, falling to eventual winners Sevilla, raised the Scot’s hackles.
      And the green-eyed monster in him roared in frustration when Leicester took the Premier League by storm — before finishing fifth.
      Former European champions Villa celebrated an unseemly last-day scrap for survival, when a draw at West Ham saw them scramble clear of relegation by the skin of their teeth.
      McGinn accepts that simply is not good enough for a club of Villa’s stature and tradition and promises he — plus billionaire owners Wes Edens and Nassef Sawiris — will not rest until they re-emerge as a force domestically and on the Continent.

      The 25-year-old Glaswegian told SunSport: “I’ll be brutally honest, it hurt to see Leicester and Wolves flying the flag so brilliantly for the Midlands.

      I’m sure we can attract the kind of players we’ll be trying to sign this summer. Hopefully, in a couple of years, Leicester and Wolves will be jealous of us.
      John McGinn

      “It makes me jealous to see them competing at such a high level, home and abroad. They are already where we want to be.
      “They have worked hard and are there on merit. However they don’t have the same history as Aston Villa so it does make you envious — because we want to be competing in the Champions League.
      “But there are no excuses. The standard of our training ground is exceptional.

      “We’ve got a brilliant stadium. Throw in our support and the stature of this club — and I’m sure we can attract the kind of players we’ll be trying to sign this summer.
      “Seeing Wolves going so far in Europe shows us what’s possible and we must take inspiration from that — then do it our way.
      “Hopefully, in a couple of years, Leicester and Wolves will be jealous of us.”

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      Former St Mirren and Hibs star John McGinn says Villa’s wild last day celebrations at staying up were due to euphoria

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      Going down would have been catastrophic, says John McGinn
      Dean Smith’s players were criticised for celebrating wildly on the final day of the season — but McGinn takes it on the chin.
      And he says that narrow escape marked ground zero for the club who spent £140million last year — and who plan to spend another £100m this summer.
      Former Hibs ace McGinn is one deal where Villa most certainly got their money’s worth.
      He was snapped up for just £2.75m in the summer of 2018 — and has not for a moment looked out of place among the Premier League’s array of stars.
      McGinn said: “Last season was a massive crossroads.

      “People accused us of over-celebrating. But everyone knows relegation would have been catastrophic.
      “I’ve won cups and trophies with St Mirren and Hibs. I scored the winner at Wembley in the Championship play-off final — the feeling is pure euphoria.
      “Surviving is very different. I was relegated with St Mirren so I know the effect it has, especially on the staff behind the scenes.
      “There are cuts after relegation and people lose their jobs.
      “It would have happened on a much larger scale at Aston Villa.
      NEW PLAYERS PROMISED
      “I never want to experience that again, so the feeling at West Ham was one of relief. But also of pride — because it’s naive to think we don’t listen to criticism or read negative stories.
      “We were driving to games and, whether it was talkSPORT or some other station, not one person gave us a chance of staying up with four games to go when we were seven points behind.
      “We used that negativity to stay up. It came down to professional pride.“No one gave us a chance — and that made it even sweeter.
      “Wes Edens private-messaged a lot of us after West Ham to say congratulations.
      “And basically to tell us that the club wasn’t going to rest there.

      “He said they’d support us with new players and improve the depth of the squad to kick on.
      “The owners made it clear that they want Villa back where we belong, challenging at the top end of English and European football.
      “It’s not going to be easy. But we’re behind each other, backing each other. We’re on the same page.”

      Ally McCoist believes £80m would be too much to pay for Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish More

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      Gareth Bale joins crew of football legends including Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy for new BT Sport ad

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      GARETH Bale joins a number of football’s famous faces in a new TV ad — and dials it in from the golf course.
      The Real Madrid ace, 31, spent much of last season on the bench, but plays a starring role in promoting BT Sport.

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      Gareth Bale has joined a number of football’s famous faces in a new TV adCredit: BT

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      Man United’s Marcus Rashford appears in the ad
      The ad starts with Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti leaking notes from a secret meeting discussing unlimited substitions in football.
      Word of the fictional rule change spreads and pundits including Gary Lineker and Rio Ferdinand are seen reacting.
      It then cuts to Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and wife Rebekah on the sofa on their holiday villa in Mykonos.
      Man United’s Marcus Rashford and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold also appear.

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      Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold also features

      The latter then video-calls avid-golfer Bale on the course and quips: “You might actually get a game now.”
      BT Sport is introducing a method of toggling subscriptions to its channels, Sky Sports and Amazon Prime to watch more Premier League footie.
      But Bale might be more interested in golf coverage.

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      The ad starts with Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti leaking notes from a secret meeting

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      Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy and wife Rebekah feature in the BT Sport ad from the sofa of their holiday villa in Mykonos

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      Gary Lineker makes an appearance too

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      GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk More

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      in Boxing

      Dubois confident he can ‘take over soon’ after seeing heavyweight rivals Anthony Joshua and Whyte suffer shock defeats

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      DANIEL DUBOIS has warned his wobbling heavyweight targets that his growing confidence will help him topple them and become king.
      The 22-year-old was shoved into the limelight three years ago by promoter Frank Warren and was painfully shy about being the boy who had allegedly KO’d Anthony Joshua in Team GB sparring.

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      Daniel Dubois has enjoyed seeing ‘older targets and potential opponents lose’

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      Fellow British heavyweight Dillian Whyte saw his world title hopes rocked by a shock defeat against Alexander Povetkin
      Three years on he is the 14-0 British champion, with a couple of impressive scalps and he has watched from the wings as AJ and fellow Brit rival Dillian Whyte have suffered shock KO losses.
      Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ricardo Snijders, Dynamite Dubois told SunSport: “It may not have come across but I am ferociously confident in my ability because of the work done in the gym.
      “I was a boy among men when I sparred on the GB team, I am a baby in terms of experience now in the pro game but don’t mistake my quietness for self doubt.
      “I’m not even that quiet or shy, you can’t afford to be when you are one of ten siblings and want to get fed. But when it comes to boxing my approach has been strictly business.

      I need to start driving soon because we’re out in the sticks now and I won’t fancy running to and from the gym through the rain and snow in the winter.
      Daniel Dubois

      “Beating Nathan Gorman for the British title – in a fight a lot of people thought was going to be 50-50 – just confirmed what I already knew about my potential.
      “And seeing older targets and potential opponents lose – in very good and hard fights – only makes me more confident I can take over soon.”
      Dubois is a product of the iconic Peacock Gym in Canning Town and his success has helped play a part in the Bowers family opening a second pro-only base in Epping.
      The state-of-the-art facility is also now only 20 minutes from the new Dubois family home.

      And DDD hopes getting into the heavyweight driving seat will make his commutes much easier.

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      Joe Joyce is in the sights of rival unbeaten British boxer Daniel Dubois
      He laughed: “My dad used to drive me to and from the old gym but this is close enough that he and my coach Martin could end up telling me to run over.
      “I need to start driving soon because we’re out in the sticks now and I won’t fancy running to and from the gym through the rain and snow in the winter.
      “There aren’t too many pavements or street lights out here so it’s great inspiration to pass my test soon.”
      The BT Studio bout should be little more than a lockdown keep-warm win ahead of the planned October 24 showdown against Joe Joyce.
      But Dubois wants to make a statement nonetheless.

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      He said: “Joe has already had his warm-up fight and thankfully he won but he wasn’t convincing
      “It was the same Slow Joe we have always seen walking forward, taking shots and bullying people out.
      “This fight is one last chance for me to fine tune things and send Joe a final message: I am coming for you.”

      Dillian Whyte slams Frank Warren’s Dubois fight offer and says ‘he’s just trying to deviate from me facing Tyson Fury’ More

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      Premier League plunged into crisis as Pogba and Ndombele test positive for Covid-19 and Chelsea aces self-isolate

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      THE Premier League was plunged into crisis tonight as more stars were poleaxed by coronavirus.
      Manchester United’s Paul Pogba and Tottenham’s Tanguy Ndombele were the latest confirmed to have Covid-19.

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      The Premiere League was thrown into chaos when aces including Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori were forced to quarantineCredit: Instagram

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      In another blow, it has been confirmed that Man Utd’s Paul Pogba has coronavirusCredit: BackGrid

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      And Tottenham’s Tanguy Ndombele tested positive for the bugCredit: Getty
      Eight Chelsea aces have been forced to stay at home after falling foul of government guidelines.
      Cases could rocket further after holidaying stars partied at pools, bars and clubs.
      Fans fear the new season — just 15 days away — may be delayed.
      Tonight ex-England star Chris Waddle called on the Uefa Nations League to be voided to give the Premier League a chance of kicking off on September 12 — eight weeks after the last season ended.

      Up to three England players are understood to have tested positive and may miss games against Iceland and Denmark.
      Waddle said: “It’s crazy and all about money. Why are we asking players to get on a plane and put themselves at risk of coronavirus to play meaningless friendlies?
      “It’s difficult enough with the Premier League starting so soon and players having to quarantine.”
      14 NEW CASES
      After the 2019/20 season restarted in June, players and staff were following strict coronavirus rules and tested twice a week.

      But many have been abroad since the season ended.

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      England’s Mason Mount (pictured with Didier Drogba) is isolating after a trip to MykonosCredit: Instagram @masonmount10

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      Jorginho is yet to report after holidaying in Capri, ItalyCredit: Instagram / @jorginhofrello

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      Midfielder Ross Barkley has been ordered to stay at homeCredit: The Mega Agency
      Up to seven out of 20 top-flight clubs reportedly have at least one player who has tested positive, or are quarantining with symptoms.
      Fourteen new cases have been reported at 12 clubs since teams returned to training.
      The figures are unofficial, with the league only expected to regularly publish test results when the campaign starts.
      England’s Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham, plus Fikayo Tomori and Christian Pulisic are among Chelsea aces in isolation.
      Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Emerson and Michy Batshuayi have also been ordered to stay at home.
      Dimitris Christoforidis said some Chelsea players visited his Sant Anna Beach Club in Mykonos, Greece, last week.
      He added: “They were going out a lot to bars, clubs and restaurants where there are other people and places are not properly ventilated.”
      None of the stars have reported for training yet to minimise the risk of infection.
      The club is due to play Brighton in a friendly on Saturday.

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      Left back Emerson Palmieri has missed training Credit: PA:Empics Sport

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      Michy Batshuayi is self-isolating following his trip to CannesCredit: Instagram / @mbatshuayi

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      United star Aaron Wan-Bissaka must isolate after travelling to DubaiCredit: Getty
      Chelsea would not comment but it is known there are a number of cases at the club.
      Two unnamed England stars have tested positive after holidaying in Greece.

      [Chelsea players] were going out a lot to bars, clubs and restaurants where there are other people and places are not properly ventilated.
      Dimitris Christoforidis

      Mykonos does not require a mandatory period of quarantine upon return to the UK.
      But anyone who has been in contact with someone who is positive while on the island must stay home for seven days.
      West Ham’s Declan Rice holidayed with pal Mount and the other Chelsea stars in Mykonos, as did ex-Leicester pair Danny Drinkwater and Ben Chilwell.
      Tottenham’s Dele Alli was seen with Leicester’s James Maddison and Villa’s Jack Grealish in Ibiza.
      There is no suggestion any player has tested positive, or that they contributed to the spread of Covid.
      France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed Pogba’s positive test today.
      United added: “Everybody wishes Paul a speedy recovery.”
      Pogba had been pictured out in London restaurant Cipriani with his pregnant wife last weekend.

      Red Devils’ defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka must isolate for 14 days after travelling to Dubai, which is on the UK’s warning list,
      Man City’s Raheem Sterling has tested negative after attending the birthday party of sprint champ Usain Bolt, who has the virus.
      All top-flight clubs face testing in the next few days. Players are expected to be tested only once a week when the new season starts.

      Premier League rocked by 14 new coronavirus cases at 12 pre-season camps with fears over players holidaying together
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