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    Chelsea tracking Nico Williams as they look to beat Arsenal to £43m Athletic Bilbao winger

    CHELSEA are on the trail of Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams as they start ramping up summer transfer plans.The Blues need a bustling centre forward but are acutely aware of how much that would cost them with Brentord’s Ivan Toney rated at around £100million.Chelsea are tracking Nico WilliamsCredit: EPAThe winger plays alongside his brother Inaki, right, at Athletic BilbaoCredit: EPAWilliams, 21, has a get-out clause in his contract set at around £43 million but he does earn around £100k a week after tax in Spain.He would also fit into Chelsea’s transfer strategy of buying up young, promising players and putting them on long contracts to help subsidise the wage bill.Williams can play on either flank and has scored six goals in LaLiga this season.Chelsea have plenty of widemen and may have to sell before they can buy new players in the summer.READ MORE ON CHELSEAMykhailo Mudryk, Raheem Sterling, Noni Madueke and even forward Christopher Nkunku have been employed on the flanks this season. Williams has also attracted interest from Arsenal.Liverpool have also been credited with interest in the winger to provide further competition to the likes of Cody Gakpo and Diogo Jota.Chelsea have been linked with a move for Toney and also Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres.Williams is currently playing alongside his brother Inaki Williams in Spain.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe two are arguably the best players at Bilbao and prove to be an exciting pair of wingers.Inaki represents Ghana on an international while Nico plays for Spain.They are also keen on giving back to their community back in Ghana.The brothers built a school in their native country to help provide opportunities to local children.The school is based in Pokuase, a suburb of capital city Accra.Along with the construction, the footballers also donated an amount of Bilbao shirts to the community.They have also entered the hospitality industry having built a hotel in Accra, named after the Bilbao 39,000 seater San Names stadium. More

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    Sheffield Wednesday announce controversial transfer for Nico Schulz is OVER after fan fury over domestic violence charge

    SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY have decided against the controversial transfer signing of Nico Schulz amid fan pressure.The 30-year-old former Borussia Dortmund defender was charged with assaulting his former partner on three separate occasions in 2020 in court last month.Sheffield Wednesday have opted against the controversial signing of Nico SchulzCredit: GettySchulz, who has been capped 12 times by Germany, was ordered to donate over £128,000 to five different charity organisations over a three-month period.That was for the case to be discontinued after his ex-partner refused to testify, according to various reports.Amid that investigation, Schulz was released by Dortmund following a four-year period there last summer.He has since been unemployed but spent time training with Championship strugglers Sheffield Wednesday last month.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHowever an open letter was posted on social media by the Sheffield Wednesday Women’s Supporters Group in which the club was urged not to sign the player.And now the club’s German coach confirmed after the Owls’ win over Plymouth that he would not be pursuing a deal amid the outcry from supporters.Danny Rohl told The Star: “I would not normally speak after a game about a player who is not here, that’s not in my mind, but I have made a final decision.“I’ve said before with transfers that I always look to the whole picture, and that was the same in this case.Most read in Championship“I’m very happy with my team here, I know Kristian Pedersen will come back soon, and that’s the reason why I will stay with my squad… Nico Schulz will not be coming.”Schulz came through the ranks at Hertha Berlin before leaving for Gladbach in 2015.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersHe spent two years there prior to signing for Hoffenheim but it was not long before he was on the move again.In 2019 Dortmund swooped with a £22m transfer deal and he went on to lift both the DFB Pokal and DFL Supercup with the Yellow Submarine.Meanwhile, last night’s victory was Wednesday’s fourth-straight triumph.It is only goal difference that now separates them from safety as they sit on 38 points along with Stoke, Huddersfield and QPR.They are next in action on Friday when they host promotion hopefuls and neighbours Leeds United. More

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    Real Madrid’s secret weapon ‘falls in love’ with Phil Foden after Man City star runs the show in crunch Man Utd clash

    REAL MADRID’S chief scout has reportedly “fallen in love” with Phil Foden after his latest Manchester City display.The midfielder ran the show in his side’s derby day victory over Manchester United.Phil Foden has reportedly caught the eye of Real Madrid’s chief scoutCredit: RexJuni Calafat has ‘fallen in love’ with Foden according to sensational reports in SpainFoden scored twice as City came from behind to secure a 3-1 win at the Etihad Stadium.According to sensational reports in Spain, Real Madrid’s Juni Calafat has been left enamoured with the 23-year-old.The Spanish giants’ chief scout believes Foden would make a great addition to their squad, claims Defensa Central.Their report adds that the England international is seen as an alternative to a “more complicated” deal for Erling Haaland.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCalafat has been dubbed Los Blancos’ secret weapon for his part in their transfer business across recent seasons.He is understood to have been key in the deals to sign Federico Valverde, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.The 51-year-old Spaniard, who grew up in Brazil, has also proved particularly crucial in their recruitment of Brazilian players.Calafat has been a Real Madrid scout for a decade and was promoted to chief scout in 2017.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis eye for Foden comes after the City academy graduate took his tally to 18 goals for the season on Sunday.Foden has also contributed 10 assists for Pep Guardiola’s side so far this term.Phil Foden ‘would walk into Arsenal’s starting XI’ after Pep Guardiola labelled Man City’s derby hero ‘Prem’s best player’ – but are two players better?The playmaker currently has over three years left on his City contract after penning a new deal in October 2022. More

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    Neymar flirts with transfer away from Al-Hilal just seven months after joining Saudi Pro League team

    NEYMAR is eyeing a move away from Al-Hilal just seven months on from joining, according to reports.The Brazilian, 32, signed for the Saudi Pro League side in a £77.6million deal from Paris Saint-Germain last summer.Neymar has made five appearances for Al-HilalCredit: GettyHe has so far played just five times for Al-Hilal, after suffering a devastating knee injury while on international duty last October.Doctors have already ruled the forward out for the rest of the season, which could mean that he never plays for Al-Hilal again.According to German outlet Bild, Neymar wants to join Inter Miami.David Beckham’s MLS franchise have a number of Neymar’s former Barcelona team-mates on their books, including Lionel Messi.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLSergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also ply their trades by South Beach, while Luis Suarez joined the gang ahead of this season.During a trip to the F1 last week, Neymar admitted that he’d love to reunite with Messi.He said: “I hope we will play together again. Leo is a great person. I hope he’s happy in Miami. If he is, I will be too.”Neymar has also been linked with former club Santos.Most read in FootballThe attacker began his career with the Brazilian side, scoring 72 goals in 140 appearances before leaving for Barcelona.He went to watch their 1-0 win over Corinthians last month, and even spoke with manager Marcelo Teixeira.’Not happy’ – F1 fans fume as Man Utd legend walks out on live TV grid interview with Martin Brundle to chat to NeymarOn their chat, Teixeira said: “It was a short conversation, but it’s always the short conversations that have a good effect.”Neymar is contracted to Al-Hilal until 2025, and it’s unlikely that the Saudi Pro League team will let him go without a fight.He is set to return to fitness for the start of the next European season in August, having already been ruled out of the Copa America.Neymar reunited with former Barca pal Lionel Messi at PSGCredit: ReutersNeymar, 32, visited the F1 last weekendCredit: Reuters More

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    Forgotten Premier League ace traded for £140k as Lionel Messi and star-studded Inter Miami squad left without key star

    INTER MIAMI have traded defender DeAndre Yedlin to FC Cincinnati.The former Newcastle star was stripped of the captaincy after Lionel Messi signed for the club last summer.DeAndre Yedlin was replaced as Inter Miami captain by Lionel Messi last yearCredit: GettyAnd his four-year contract, which he penned in 2022, has not been cut short.Inter Miami announced he has been traded to Cincinnati, and in return the club will gain “important roster flexibility”.David Beckham’s club will also acquire £136,117 in 2024 General Allocation Money.Yedlin, 30, made 82 appearances for Inter Miami and helped them win the Leagues Cup last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLInter Miami porting Director Chris Henderson said of the trade: “DeAndre has been a leader for us on and off the field, and we’re very thankful for everything he has done for Inter Miami.”I’ve known him since his academy days in Seattle, and have been proud to see his success here, including helping the team lift its first trophy.”This trade gives us the flexibility to continue building our roster. Our ambitions remain high and we will look to use the space created by this move to improve our squad as we aim to compete for titles.”While Cincinnati manager Chris Albright said: “We’re excited to welcome DeAndre and his family to Cincinnati.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He is a natural leader who will add valuable experience and quality to our group. We are confident he will be a great fit for us on and off the field, and we look forward to him joining us.”Yedlin said in a social media post: “Thank you Inter Miami for the opportunity! We miss you all.”Let’s get it Cincinnati!”Lionel Messi ‘hits toddler with wayward free-kick’ in latest MLS clash with Inter Miami but scores twice in 5-0 win More

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    Tottenham chasing transfer for former Man Utd target who has ARSENAL crest tattooed on body and idolised Patrick Vieira

    TOTTENHAM are interested in signing Sporting Lisbon star and huge Arsenal fan Morten Hjulmand, according to reports.Spurs are claimed to have sent scouts to watch the midfielder in action.Morten Hjulmand has impressed for Sporting LisbonCredit: GettyThe midfielder has the Arsenal crest tattooed on his left armCredit: RexHjulmand, 24, has made no secret of his Arsenal obsession, however, and even has their crest tattooed on his upper left arm.According to Portuguese paper Record, Spurs sent scouts to watch him in action as Sporting beat rivals Benfica 2-1 last Thursday.They add that the North Londoners could launch a summer bid for the Dane, as they look to upgrade on Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp.Hjulmand is claimed to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kid.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd speaking about how he got into the Gunners, he said: “My dad supported Arsenal and we watched games together when we were younger.”Hjulmand began his professional career with Austrian side Admira Wacker in 2018.He later earned a move to Italian side Lecce in 2021, before joining Sporting in a £15.4million deal last summer.The all-action ace has swiftly become a key man, making 36 appearances so far this term in all competitions.Most read in FootballManchester United are also claimed to be interested in Hjulmand.Earlier this year it was suggested that the Red Devils had sent scouts to watch him six times this season.Tottenham fans say ‘that’s just ridiculous’ as transfer deadline day signing runs rings around defenders in viral video In January it was reported that Erik ten Hag’s side tried to offer Facundo Pellistri in part exchange for Hjulmand.United star Christian Eriksen has even acted as a mentor for the Sporting star, who broke into the Danish national team set-up last year.Hjulmand, 24, is said to have idolised Patrick Vieira as a kidCredit: Getty More

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    Brentford lining up transfer for on-fire USA striker with Ivan Toney set to leave in summer

    BRENTFORD are checking on Norwich’s American striker Josh Sargent.The Bees will be in the market for a frontman with goalscorer Ivan Toney set to be sold in the summer.Josh Sargent is attracting interest from NorwichCredit: AlamyIvan Toney is set to leave the Bees in the summerCredit: GettyThe likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are in for the 27-year-old.Meanwhile, Sargent has improved at the Championship club and may be ready to make the step back up to the top flight.The 24-year-old star has previous Prem experience with Norwich and can lead the line like Toney.Sargent has scored 11 goals in 17 matches this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe netted 13 times last term and just two the year before while he was in the Premier League.Norwich currently sit seventh in the Championship and will likely keep hold of their star player should they earn promotion.Sargent has been capped 23 times by the United States. Any new Brentford striker will have to compete for a starting spot with Igor Thiago.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Brazilian will arrive in West London in the summer from Club Brugge.Thiago, 22, has agreed a five-year deal with Thomas Frank’s side.Arsenal transfer target Ivan Toney suggests Thomas Frank ‘doesn’t want me’ in cheeky interview after Brentford goal More

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    Chelsea ready to pay massive compensation fee for Brighton scout so he can help struggling Blues this summer

    CHELSEA are ready to pay the compensation for super-scout Sam Jewell and hire him this summer.Jewell, 34, is leaving Brighton and has been put on gardening leave.Sam Jewell will leave Brighton this summerCredit: Photograph: BHAFCTodd Boehly is set to pay a huge fee to bring him to Stamford BridgeCredit: ReutersBut the Blues can buy him out of his contract with a “big six-figure sum”.The fee is much less than Manchester United will have to pay for Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth.It has been reported that it will take £20million to lure him away from St James’ Park.As for Jewell, he has been working in a head of recruitment role at Brighton.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe moved up the ranks when the Seagulls lost Ashworth to the Toon at the start of last season.Jewell has been integral to Brighton’s ability to find emerging talents from across the globe.He has been involved in the signings of Moises Caicedo and Alexis Mac Allister, who have both left and generated the club huge profits.Should Jewell join Chelsea, he will be the latest to switch the South Coast for Stamford Bridge.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSCaicedo, Marc Cucurella and Robert Sanchez have all made the move on the pitch.Manager Graham Potter and coaches Billy Reid, Bjorn Hamberg, Bruno Saltor and Ben Roberts all changed Brighton for Chelsea before they were sacked by the Blues.’Chelsea are failures, Gary Neville was right’ Crystal Palace Youtuber Dee Kurnaz has his say on The Sun’s Tap InAnd Chelsea’s chief analyst Kyle Macauley and sporting director Paul Winstanley both joined the club from the Amex Stadium. More