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      in Soccer

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

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      LIONEL MESSI has spoken with Pep Guardiola as Manchester City wait to see if he wants to join them.
      City are prepared to make a move for the Argentine superstar after he told  Barcelona he wants to quit.

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      Lionel Messi has already spoken to his former manager Lionel Messi as Man City ponder a move for the Barcelona legendCredit: AFP – Getty

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      Spanish TV claims president Josep Bartomeu would stand aside if Lionel Messi agrees to stayCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Messi, 33,  and Guardiola held a telephone call earlier this week, although there is no suggestion a potential move was discussed.
      The pair remain close since their time together at the Nou Camp when they twice won the Champions League.
      Top Argentine newspaper La Nacion even claims Messi has told pals: “I’m going to talk to Pep so he can arrange my move to City. The soccer there is spectacular.”
      City are desperate to become kings of Europe and Messi is seen as the signing which may finally make that possible.

      He is understood to be open to a  City switch, but they are waiting for him to tell them that directly before starting negotiations.

      Barca are resigned to losing their star man despite Spanish TV claiming under-fire president Josep Bartomeu would stand aside if Messi agrees to stay.
      On Tuesday, Messi told the club  he wanted to leave after nearly two decades with the Catalan giants.
      He has grown increasingly frustrated at the team’s recent Champions League failures and his relationship with Bartomeu has deteriorated.

      Bartomeu has been a key figure in appointing Ronald Koeman as the new coach and  been a driving force in trying to push Luis Suarez and other  stars out.
      CONTRACT STAND-OFF
      Angry fans have been protesting since Messi handed in his transfer request on Tuesday.
      Bartomeu, 57, had already brought elections forward from next summer to March 2021 following an emergency board  meeting last week.
      But he could now depart his role even earlier.
      City remain the front-runners for Messi’s signature — if he can resolve the contractual stand-off with the club

      His deal stated he could leave Barcelona for free ten days after the  Champions League final on June 10.
      But with the season being extended due to the pandemic, Messi and his lawyers are arguing the clause should still stand.
      He is expected to return to training on Monday despite his plea to leave.

      Wayne Rooney says Messi can win Ballon d’Or at Man Utd or Man City if he joins the Premier League More

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      in Soccer

      Lampard’s bubble bursts with EIGHT Chelsea stars in Covid-19 self-isolation just two weeks before new Prem season

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      FRANK LAMPARD was rubbing his hands in anticipation of an exciting year ahead with Chelsea this time last week.
      New signings were rolling in with deals agreed for Ben Chilwell and Germany’s rising star Kai Havertz.

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      Eight of Frank Lampard’s Chelsea stars are in quarantineCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Timo Werner is looking to make his mark in the Premier League after joining from RB LeipzigCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Lampard was also sneaking under the radar to snap up the perfect man to fix his defence with a crafty freebie for the experienced Thiago Silva, 35.
      Everything Chelsea were touching was turning to gold.
      Now Lampard dare not touch anything down at the club’s hi-spec, Surrey training ground because his team is riddled with coronavirus once again after a fresh outbreak.
      Chelsea’s head coach may still be rubbing his hands together with  optimism — but only while elbow deep in hand sanitiser.

      Those meticulous preparations to lead his club back up to the position of being genuine title contenders will now face a massive early challenge.
      One far greater than defending champions Liverpool, ambitious Manchester City or any dogged opposition can mount on a matchday.
      Lampard is not alone among Premier League managers in counting the cost of virtually the entire combined force of the top-flight playing staff dropping their boots at the end of a tiring and  protracted season to flit off on luxury foreign holidays.
      QUARAN-TEAM
      Once abroad, and in most cases to destinations not  considered high risk, it seems normal rules such as social distancing did not apply.

      Covid testing and bio-secure bubbles were abandoned in favour of far more earthy behaviour.
      The heady mix of sunshine and sense of release from lockdown and then the final completion of the fixture list must have been overwhelming, making it feel like the pandemic belonged to another world. If only.
      England captain Harry Kane is in enforced quarantine following a break in the Bahamas when it was added to the list of countries requiring isolation while he was there.
      His Tottenham team-mate Tanguy Ndombele actually has the disease.
      Lampard is missing EIGHT players with Ross Barkley, Jorginho, Emerson and Michy Batshuayi joining the initial four of Tammy Abraham, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori sitting it out in quarantine after holidaying in  the Greek islands.
      Abraham and Mount’s inclusion in the England squad for the forthcoming Nations League games against Iceland and Denmark must be in question.

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      The Blues are preparing for the opening fixture of the Premier League season in two weeksCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Blues fans cannot wait to see Hakim Ziyech in action following his switch from AjaxCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has tested positive for the virus and must follow the rules like everybody else for the next fortnight by staying put.
      One way of making sure he remains at Old Trafford this summer, perhaps.
      Ironically, Chelsea were the first English club hit by coronavirus as it ripped through normality in March.
      Midfielder Callum Hudson-Odoi detected a slight sniffle, had a swab jammed up his nose and was then hastily sent packing home.
      Even though he had not been near the training ground and did not actually feel ill.
      The gates to the Cobham complex were immediately slammed shut and the place deep-cleaned.
      The rest of the squad were banished to boring home workouts for weeks before anyone was allowed near the place again.

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      Chelsea are one of the favourites to win the Premier League in the upcoming campaignCredit: Getty Images – Getty

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      Reece James is looking to nail down a starting spot at right-back ahead of Cesar AzpilicuetaCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Chelsea, with maybe more players in quarantine to come, are continuing  pre-season training as best they can.
      The club, understandably, will not and maybe cannot pinpoint the precise source  of the second wave of coronavirus, which has rocked them far more than the first.
      Testing of the players left working is proceeding as per usual, so no panicky measures this time.
      Lampard, with his coaching staff, is doing his best to soldier on — even though it will soon be easier to name the Chelsea players who are not in quarantine rather than those who are.
      Football is learning to deal with Covid and that could be the nub of the latest problem.
      The players, like a lot of people in this country, believe that the worst is over — that it will not happen to them.
      Blues midfielder N’Golo Kante downed tools with justifiable fright and asked not to train because of health concerns at the outset of lockdown in the spring.

      But he is now believed to be going in normally and is relatively unconcerned.
      His inclusion in the latest France squad underlines that he is fit and raring to go, even though there are spikes everywhere.
      In just a few months the approach to this deadly disease has changed dramatically with experience.
      But if many more players start getting the kind of results they dread from the wave of testing now being carried out as they return from truncated summer  holidays, things may start to look a little more shaky.
      Not just for Chelsea but for all clubs…
      There is a long way to go before serious doubts arise about starting the season on September 12.
      The Premier League remains calm about the latest wave of fresh cases and  quarantines.

      And Chelsea have no plans to ask for their opening game at Brighton on September 14 to be postponed.
      But coronavirus is like the bone-dry brush in Northern California — ready to reignite any minute.
      Footballers, like everyone else, might just need to curb their jet-set lifestyles for now to keep everyone safe.

      Chelsea confirm £50m Ben Chilwell transfer from Leicester City as he becomes Frank Lampard’s third addition to squad More

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      in Soccer

      Premier League at war with Man Utd and Chelsea among clubs pushing for FIVE substitutions next season

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      PREMIER LEAGUE clubs are at war over a NEW plan to bring in more subs next season.
      Manchester United and Manchester City along with Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal are part of a group to table a request to allow FIVE replacements.

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      Premier League clubs are in disagreement over how many subs should be allowed in the upcoming seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      The International Football Association board (IFAB) gave leagues the choice to extend the five subs rule for another season, with the Scottish Premier League opting to keep it.
      But the Premier League was against the proposal as clubs – including newly promoted West Brom, Leeds and Fulham – voted 13-7 last month to stick with the normal numbers.
      Many believed the five sub rule was unfair as it only benefited wealthier clubs with bigger squads.
      However it is back on the agenda for a Premier League zoom conference today after the unhappy leading clubs found enough support to raise it again.

      Now Rule 27 could be amended despite the majority being against it just a couple of weeks ago as some of them have changed sides.
      The move is angering those who think that it is too big an advantage for top clubs with big squad and benches full of talent that could win games late.
      Premier League bosses introduced the five sub rule alongside the increase of matchday squads from 18 to 20 in June to ease the blow of a condensed schedule on the back of a three-month break due to the coronavirus pandemic.
      If the original vote is overturned, it will join a host of rule changes introduced by the Premier League for the 2020-21 campaign.

      The Premier League opening day fixtures for 2020-21 have been revealed

      Alongside the substitution vote, clubs proved the implementation of VAR in line with the FIFA protocol, meaning officials will now be encouraged to use pitch-side monitors to come to decisions.
      Referees will also penalise goalkeepers for encroachment on penalties with retakes ordered if the keeper saves a spot-kick with their foot over the goal line.
      There will also continue to be no leeway on offsides as assistant referees will be encouraged to keep their flags down on marginal infringements.

      England’s Nations League preparations in chaos as THREE members of Gareth Southgate’s squad test positive for Covid-19 More

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      in Soccer

      Lionel Messi can finally win Champions League for Man City if he seals transfer from Barcelona, says Vincent Kompany

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      VINCENT KOMPANY has urged Lionel Messi to join Manchester City and lead the club to Champions League glory.
      Pep Guardiola’s men are leading the chase for the Argentine superstar after he stunned Barcelona with his shock transfer request.

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      Lionel Messi could be reunited with former Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola and rev up Man City’s Champions League chancesCredit: EPA

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      Former Man City skipper Vincent Kompany desperately hopes Argentina superstar Lionel Messi joins his former clubCredit: AFP
      And City legend Kompany, 34, declared: “It’d be incredible for the club to have a player like him — he could help them take the next step by winning the Champions League.
      “I know Guardiola’s way of thinking, so I can well imagine  the two of them will still have a rapport.”
      Former City skipper Kompany — now Anderlecht coach — won 12 major trophies during his 11 years at the Etihad, including four Premier League titles.
      Messi, 33, previously played under Guardiola when he was Barca boss.

      And  Kompany added: “If Messi has decided  to leave Barcelona then I can only respect his decision.
      “Let’s be clear — as a City fan, I hope Messi joins them.

      He has been linked with more clubs than any other player, but even if he comes to a Premier League rival it will be good for football.
      Mikel Arteta

      “I can imagine Pep and Messi still have one another’s phone numbers. So they can give one another a call.”
      Arsenal boss and former City assistant Mikel Arteta is also excited at the prospect of Messi coming to English football.

      Messi wants out of the Nou Camp following the Spanish giants’ 8-2 Champions League thrashing by Bayern Munich and his talks with new manager Ronald Koeman, who is said to have told him his privileged status at the club is over.
      Arteta has been closely monitoring developments at Barcelona since Messi’s transfer request.
      The Spaniard said: “If Messi comes to England we’re all going to enjoy it.
      “I have been a Barcelona fan since I was a young boy and it’s sad to see the best player in football history leaving that club.

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      Wayne Rooney, seen facing Lionel Messi in the 2009 Champions League final, rates the 33-year-old as in a class of his ownCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
      “He has been linked with more clubs than any other player in the world, but even if he comes to one of our Premier League rivals it will be good for football.
      “If you want to have the most competitive league in the world you need to have the best players. And in my opinion Messi is the greatest of all time.”
      Messi actually rejected the chance to join Arsenal back in 2003 when he was asked to accompany Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona’s La Masia academy.
      And Arteta added: “I remember the times I played against Cristiano Ronaldo when he was at Manchester United and it was great for all of us because he helped to raise the level of every individual and every team.”
      Manchester United icon Wayne Rooney has also urged Messi to come to the Premier League to win a seventh Ballon d’Or.
      Ex-United and England striker Rooney claims Messi pips his former Old Trafford team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as the best ever.

      Rooney claims Messi should join either Manchester City or United.
      He told talkSPORT: “I know he’s getting older but Messi is a player who no one has seen before.
      “Messi has everything – he can create goals, score goals, dictate the game and is the best player of all time.
      “He’s one of the only players I’ve sat there and watched and been in awe.
      “Him and Cristiano Ronaldo have set a standard which I don’t think we will ever see again but, for me, Messi is just different level.
      “The United States shouldn’t be in his mind because he’s too good.

      “He could come to the Premier League and be a Player of the Year. One million per cent.
      “If he surrounds himself with Bruno Fernandes or Kevin De Bruyne he could win a seventh Ballon d’Or, which would be incredible.”
      SunSport exclusively revealed City are prepared to move for Messi, but need to be sure he’s 100 per cent committed to making the move after getting burnt in the past.

      Inside Lionel Messi’s amazing Barcelona lifestyle with a modern £5.5m mansion, £26m hotel and stunning car collection More

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      in Boxing

      Dillian Whyte is not first boxer to be sucker-punched… now he must not let Povetkin loss KO title dream

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      YOU didn’t have to be a mind reader to know by the look on Dillian Whyte’s face that he was wondering: ‘What the hell hit me.’
      Whyte, knocked out cold by Alexander Povetkin’s perfect left uppercut that exploded on his chin like a  sniper’s bullet, didn’t see it coming.

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      World title hopeful Dillian Whyte can bounce back after this shock but thunderous knockout by Alexander PovetkinCredit: Mark Robinson Ltd

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      At least for now, Dillian Whyte’s dream of trying to dethrone Tyson Fury is off the agendaCredit: AFP – Getty
      The punch was so  powerful it lifted his 18st frame off his feet and dumped him on his back in such a deep sleep, it’s a wonder he wasn’t snoring.
      Last weekend in Brentwood, Whyte’s dream of challenging Tyson Fury, for his WBC world heavyweight title, was left in tatters.
      Dillian appeared on his way to a comfortable win against the Russian, 40, when he became a victim of that boxing rarity — a devastating single KO blow.
      It brought memories of other dramatic occasions I’ve seen when one shot  out of nowhere turns  certain victory into defeat.

      Purists admire silky skills but for most there’s no more spine-tingling sight than someone  flattened  unexpectedly.
      And perhaps most memorable of all was when 45-year-old George Foreman challenged unbeaten Michael Moorer — 19 years younger — for his WBA and IBF world heavyweight titles in  Las Vegas 26 years ago.

      Moorer must have seen all the lights of Vegas flashing before he landed senseless on the canvas and Foreman celebrated becoming the oldest-ever world heavyweight champ.

      Old man Foreman was having his head jabbed off while Moorer gave him a systematic beating.
      Three judges had Moorer far ahead as they came out for the tenth and it looked  doubtful Foreman would make the final bell.

      Little did we know Big George was seconds from history.
      Moorer lost his focus and Foreman, seeing the opening, let fly with a right-hand bomb straight as an arrow that crashed against the champ’s jaw.
      Moorer must have seen all the lights of Vegas flashing before he landed senseless on the canvas and  Foreman celebrated becoming the oldest-ever  world heavyweight champ.
      Fourteen years before  I watched in disbelief as the WBA heavyweight crown changed hands in Knoxville, Tennessee.
      John Tate’s first defence in front of his hometown fans saw him way ahead on points against the unheralded Mike Weaver.

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      George Foreman was 45 and being outclassed when he KO’d Michael Moorer, 26 Credit: AFP
      A tired and dispirited Weaver had never been 15 rounds.
      With 55 seconds left of the final round he threw a desperate right cross.
      It caught Tate right on the button and he crashed face down on the canvas,  out to the world, while Weaver celebrated.
      The most heartbreaking Brit defeat I saw was when Herol Graham threw away the vacant WBC middleweight title against Julian Jackson in Spain 30 years ago.
      Graham had brilliantly outclassed Jackson and  at the end of the third  Julian looked  beaten.
      Everyone thought it was going to be stopped but his trainer persuaded the ref to give Jackson three more minutes.
      All Herol had to do was jab and move but he tried to stop Jackson and the inevitable happened.
      He left himself wide open and Jackson landed  a howitzer of a right on Graham’s chin and he was out like a light.

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      England rocked as FIVE stars test positive for Covid-19 before Nations League

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      Herol is arguably the best British fighter never to win a world title.
      Whyte isn’t the first and won’t be the last to be sucker-punched.
      He may take consolation in the words of George S Patton, the US World  War II general who said “Success is measured by how high you bounced when you hit bottom”.

      Eddie Hearn says Dillian Whyte will rematch against Alexander Povetkin by the end of the year More

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      in Soccer

      Eight Chelsea stars including Mount, Abraham, Pulisic and Tomori in quarantine after Covid-19 outbreak at club

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      EIGHT Chelsea players are in quarantine amid a coronavirus outbreak at the club.
      SunSport told you England stars Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham plus Fikayo Tomori and Christian Pulisic are in isolation under Government guidelines.

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      Four Chelsea stars are in quarantine after a holiday on the Greek island of MykonosCredit: Instagram @tammyabraham1

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      Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori are all in quarantineCredit: AFP or licensors
      Jorginho, Ross Barkley, Emerson and Michy Batshuayi have also been placed in quarantine and are missing pre-season.
      Mount and Pulisic, both 21, and 22-year-olds Abraham and Tomori went on holiday to the Greek island of Mykonos before pre-season training began last weekend.
      Abraham, Pulisic and Tomori even posed for pictures together as they relaxed in the sunshine.
      None of them reported for duty at the Blues’ Surrey training ground yet in order to minimise the risk of any potential infection.

      Chelsea would not comment on whether the players involved have tested positive or negative for coronavirus but it is known there are a number of cases at the club.
      The club are now adhering to official protocols and guidelines to maintain the bio-secure bubble around the first-team squad.
      The new season starts for Chelsea in less than three weeks’ time so it is a big blow for boss Frank Lampard.
      Abraham and 21-year-old Mount’s quarantine also throws up issues for England boss Gareth Southgate who has named both players in his 24-man Uefa Nations League squad.

      Two of their un-named Three Lions team-mates have already tested positive for coronavirus after holidaying on the Greek islands.
      Mykonos is part of Greece which does not require a mandatory period in quarantine upon return to the UK.
      But if anyone has been in contact with someone who is positive while there, they must stay home for seven days.

      Chelsea confirm £50m Ben Chilwell transfer from Leicester City as he becomes Frank Lampard’s third addition to squad More

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      in Soccer

      Man City ready to go all-out for Lionel Messi transfer but fear Barcelona superstar will embarrass them again

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      MANCHESTER CITY will go all out to sign Lionel Messi  — as long as he  is committed to joining them.
      City have been burned twice before in their pursuit of the six-time Ballon d’Or winner and do not want to be embarrassed again.

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      Man City will try to sign Lionel Messi as long as he is committed to joining themCredit: AP:Associated Press
      Last night, top Argentine newspaper La Nacion claimed Messi told pals: “I’m going to talk to Pep so he can arrange my move to City.
      “The soccer there is spectacular and it adapts to what I want.”
      The Etihad club were asked about signing the Barcelona star, 33, ten days before he handed in his transfer request.
      An intermediary working for the Messi camp was instructed to gauge interest in the player.

      City officials were contacted and talks took place, which have put them in pole position to secure the Argentina captain.
      However, Messi’s people have also talked to Paris Saint-Germain, where his close friend Neymar plays.
      Reports in Argentina claim Messi’s transfer request was sparked by new boss Ronald Koeman, who told the Nou Camp talisman “your privileges in the squad are over”.

      It is also alleged Koeman, who replaced Quique Setien, told Messi: “You have to do everything for the team.

      “I’m going to be inflexible, you have to think about the team.”
      That frank exchange, as well as the embarrassing 8-2 Champions League defeat to Bayern Munich this month, has convinced Messi now is the time to leave the Spanish giants.
      No deal has yet been agreed with City, mainly because Messi’s legal team are trying to enforce the release clause in his contract, which would have allowed him to quit for free before June 10.
      Messi believes that clause can still be triggered because the coronavirus pandemic delayed the end to the Spanish season.

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      Pep Guardiola wants to be reunited with Messi at the EtihadCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      But  Barca insist they will attempt to enforce the £630million buy-out clause, which runs out next summer.
      The legal dispute could lead to all-out war.
      Messi’s camp are believed to have taken advice from a former member of the Court of Arbirtation in Sport.
      And the likelihood is that the Nou Camp club will instead lower the  asking price to £150m.
      It would cost around £70m a year for Messi’s  contract and image rights.

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      Messi does not want to play for new boss Ronald KoemanCredit: EPA
      He also wants a three-year deal, which would mean City would have to cough up £210m, even if there was no fee involved.
      Barca signed forward Francisco Trincao, 20, from Braga for £27.75m yesterday.
      But sporting director Ramon Planes still believes Messi could stay.
      He said: “Our idea is to build a team around the most important player in the world.
      “We’re not contemplating any kind of departure because what we want is for Messi to stay.

      “We only have enormous respect for Leo. Barca and Leo are like a marriage, both have given so much to each other and brought so much joy to fans.
      “We are putting every effort into ensuring the relationship will continue.
      “We are working internally to convince Leo.”

      Ally McCoist hopes that Messi will come to the Premier League More

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      Chelsea stars Mount, Abraham, Pulisic and Tomori in quarantine after Mykonos holiday amid Covid-19 outbreak at club

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      ENGLAND stars Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham plus two of their  club-mates are in quarantine amid a Covid-19 outbreak at Chelsea.
      Defender Fikayo Tomori, 22, and winger Christian Pulisic, 21, are also in isolation under Government guidelines.

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      Four Chelsea stars are in quarantine after a holiday on the Greek island of MykonosCredit: Instagram @tammyabraham1

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      Mason Mount, Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori are all in quarantineCredit: AFP or licensors
      All four went on holiday to the Greek island of Mykonos before pre-season training began last weekend.
      Abraham, 22, Pulisic and Tomori even posed for pictures together as they relaxed in the sunshine.
      None of them reported for duty at the Blues’ Surrey training ground yet in order to minimise the risk of any potential infection.
      Chelsea would not comment on whether the players involved have tested positive or negative for coronavirus but it is known there are a number of cases at the club.

      The club are now adhering to official protocols and guidelines to maintain the bio-secure bubble around the first-team squad.
      The new season starts for Chelsea in less than three weeks’ time so it is a big blow for boss Frank Lampard.
      Abraham and 21-year-old Mount’s quarantine also throws up issues for England boss Gareth Southgate who has named both players in his 24-man Uefa Nations League squad.
      Two of their un-named Three Lions team-mates have already tested positive for coronavirus after holidaying on the Greek islands.

      Mykonos is part of Greece which does not require a mandatory period in quarantine upon return to the UK.
      But if anyone has been in contact with someone who is positive while there, they must stay home for seven days.

      Chelsea confirm £50m Ben Chilwell transfer from Leicester City as he becomes Frank Lampard’s third addition to squad More