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    Chelsea and Man City set to pounce for Bayern golden boy Jamal Musiala with ex-England youth star keen on return to Prem

    MANCHESTER CITY and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Jamal Musiala’s ongoing contract talks at Bayern Munich.And they are ready to go head-to-head for the German golden boy if he fails to agree a new deal with the Bundesliga giants.Jamal Musiala has interest from Premier League clubsCredit: RexMusiala, 21, has two years left on his current terms, and although Bayern want to tie him down to an extension, there is still no sign of an agreement.Sources claim the highly-rated Stuttgart-born midfielder fancies a return to England.He previously spent seven years in Chelsea’s Academy.Musiala lived over here for nearly a decade, after his parents moved from Germany when he was seven, and his old club would love to take him back.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut City are equally keen and sent a delegation to watch him in Bayern’s recent 3-0 defeat to leaders Bayer Leverkusen.Talks over a £150,000-a-week new deal have been going on since October.Yet Musiala is aware of the Premier League interest and knows he is in a strong bargaining position.He has scored nine goals and registered four assists in all competitions so far this season.Most read in BundesligaHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALLMusiala netted the title-winning goal for Bayern last season and was their second top scorer.He has also been capped 25 times by Germany after changing his allegiance from England while he was an Under-21 international.Gareth Southgate says he would have liked Jamal Musiala to stay as an England player instead of playing for Germany More

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    Chelsea set for major coaching shake-up with new special role despite Mauricio Pochettino insisting they don’t need it

    CHELSEA are set to sign set-piece specialists despite manager Mauricio Pochettino dismissing their importance.The Blues have lagged this season under Pochettino as they are 11th in the Premier League and lost the Carabao Cup final to Jurgen Klopp’s young Liverpool side – despite splashing £1billion in two years.Chelsea co-owner Todd Boehly is set to sign set-piece specialistsCredit: GettyChelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino insisted there is no need for set-piece specialistsCredit: RexThe West Londoners are also struggling in set-pieces as Pochettino’s men have only scored six times from set plays this term, while other teams are already in double figures.According to The Telegraph, Chelsea’s co-owners Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali have already sounded out candidates to work within the new department.The set-piece department will operate across the entire club, rather than focusing solely on the senior team.However, there is no indications as to how closely those coaches would work with Pochettino and his staff.Read More on ChelseaThe Argentine tactician insisted he doesn’t need that kind of help by declaring “football belongs to the players, not to the specialists”.Pochettino said last month: “We work a lot on set-pieces. We have specialists. “We are a coaching staff in charge of everything. We have a group of analysts for set-pieces. “After that, it is about the quality of the player. It is about the takers. We don’t have a specialist. Maybe Chilly [Ben Chilwell] is good in the delivery, but we don’t have a specialist after that.Most read in Football“When you have good takers, and of course, Wolves have good takers, and like Manchester City have or other clubs. “It is not down to the work. We work similarly. But the problem is to have good takers.”Jade Lebeouf’s most liked Instagram postsThis turn of events raises questions as to how much influence Pochettino currently has at Chelsea.When asked about Conor Gallagher’s contract, which runs out in 2025, the ex-Tottenham boss suggested this is between the club and the player as he has to stay “in his place”.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPochettino said on Friday: “It’s only between the club and Conor that can make the deal. I am the coach that needs to be in my place. I cannot say nothing.”Asked why he would not comment, the ex-Southampton boss said: “Because there is nothing to win for me. What am I going to say? I am the head coach. “My job is to coach the team and to pick the decisions for tomorrow [against Brentford], for the starting 11 and squad, and try to improve the players and try to win games. That is my job.“We have a very good relationship with the owners and sporting directors. “My office is always open and we have a very good relationship and dialogue. We are open to help in the way they think or believe we can help.” More

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    Barcelona ‘open talks’ with Prem legend about becoming manager with bizarre clause that will let him keep current job

    BARCELONA have contacted Portugal boss Roberto Martinez over the prospect of replacing Xavi in the dugout this summer, reports suggest.The Barca manager has announced he will leave his post in June once the season is complete and club chiefs are rigorously searching for his replacement.Barcelona have contacted Portugal manager Roberto MartinezCredit: GettyMartinez has been offered the chance to continue coaching Portugal after replacing XaviCredit: RexA number of candidates have been touted, including the likes of Barcelona B coach Rafa Marquez, ex-Germany and Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick and Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi.Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta has also been linked with the Blaugrana but he quickly dismissed those rumours as “totally fake news”.According to FootballTransfers, however, Barcelona have approached Martinez, 50, over the possibility of taking over the top job at the Nou Camp.The Catalan giants are offering the ex-Swansea, Wigan and Everton boss an initial one-year deal with the option for one more.Read More on FootballBarcelona are also on board with the Spanish tactician juggling his current job as Portugal’s head coach, which will allow him to continue working with Cristiano Ronaldo and Co.Barca have been keeping tabs on the Premier League hero for a long time as they almost signed him in 2021 before ultimately turning to Xavi following Ronald Koeman’s dismissal.Club president Joan Laporta is a big admirer of Martinez, who has close ties to Barcelona because of his relationship with the Cruyff family. The ex-Wigan star is godfather to one of the sons of Jordi Cruyff, who is the son of Barcelona legend Johan.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSReports suggest Martinez has previously expressed interest in coaching the Spanish giants.The Catalan head coach is no stranger to success as he shocked the world when he won the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 after beating Manchester City in the final.Sports reporter Melissa Reddy works up a sweat as she shows off her gym routineHe also led Belgium to third place in the 2018 World Cup as well as the top spot in the FIFA rankings.Roberto Martinez’s Managerial Record

    2007-2009: Swansea
    2009-2013: Wigan
    2013-2016: Everton
    2016-2022: Belgium
    2023-: Portugal

    Trophies: League One (Swansea – 2007-2008), FA Cup (Wigan-2013) More

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    Coventry ace Callum O’Hare ready to seal Premier League free transfer after snubbing Sky Blues contract offer

    SOUTHAMPTON are interested in signing Coventry star Callum O’Hare this summer but will face Premier League competition.O’Hare, 25, is available on a free transfer at the end of the season having snubbed a new contract at Coventry.Southampton are set to compete with Premier League clubs to sign Callum O’HareCredit: RexSouthampton have been tracking the attacking midfielder for while and considered a move in January, but O’Hare’s preference was to see out the season with Mark Robins’ side.Fulham have sent scouts to watch the former Aston Villa man of late while relegation battling Everton have also kept tabs.The midfielder is expected to attract far more interest as the summer window draws closer.O’Hare missed the start of the season with a cruciate ligament injury but has still managed to rack up nine goals and four assists in all competitions since returning in October.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCoventry are yet to fully give up on hopes of a new deal for their star man, but O’Hare has made it clear he wants to move on at the end of the season.Given the Premier League interest, Southampton’s chances may hinge on whether Russell Martin is successful in taking them back to the top flight or not.A poor recent run of form, losing three of their last four Championship games, has dented hopes of automatic promotion significantly.The Saints are on the lookout for a central midfielder after Carlos Alcaraz joined Italian giants Juventus in January.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAlcaraz had struggled for game time under Martin and the loan deal to Turin includes an option to buy this summer.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spot More

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    ‘Infectious’ former Newcastle star who ‘lived his dream’ at boyhood club given classy farewell by Eddie Howe

    EDDIE HOWE has delivered a classy farewell message to ex-Newcastle United star Matt Longstaff, who has finally landed a new club.Older brother Sean Longstaff has been tipped for an England call-up by the Toon boss due to his displays in both the Premier League and Champions League this term.Ex-Newcastle ace Matty Longstaff has landed himself a new clubCredit: AFPThe star famously burst on the scene with a winning goal against Man UtdCredit: GettyThe midfielder, 26, has been cheered on from the stands by his younger brother Matty, 23, who could quite easily have been the one making the headlines after his own dramatic breakthrough into the Newcastle first-team.Matty, who says he “lived his dream” playing for his hometown team, burst on the scene in October 2019 with a debut man of the match display and the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.Back then he was only earning £850-a-week and a host of big clubs were soon circling as they chased his signature with Italian sides Inter Milan and Udinese both allegedly keen as were French giants Marseille.However, things failed to pan out as expected when his development contract ran out in 2020 after three goals in 15 appearances during his maiden campaign.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLA downward spiral then led to him ending up unemployed after he finally agreed a two-year contract.Matty suffered a big drop in form and injuries restricted his progress and he failed to shine in loan spells at Scottish club Aberdeen and in League Two with Mansfield.Then last season he headed to the fourth tier again to try to reignite his career at Colchester United but suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Boxing Day.The Geordie was released by Newcastle in June when his contract expired – but the Magpies did not turn their back on him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHowe and his staff allowed him to continue coming into the training ground while undergoing his rehab and now that gesture has paid off after Matty landed himself a new club.He has joined MLS side Toronto FC on a two-year deal, with an option of a further year.Fan’s baffling request to Alan Shearer picked up by BBC mic on live TV during Blackburn’s FA Cup clash with NewcastleAnd after the news emerged this morning, Howe said: “I’m delighted for Matty. He’s an inspirational character.“We obviously have close connections with the family with Sean, but Matty has worked incredibly hard and is an infectious guy. We wish him all the best.”His new manager John Herdman said: “I’m thrilled to welcome Matty to our squad.“His Premier League experience and dynamic playing style will add depth to our midfield and complement our tactical blueprint.”Eddie Howe delivered a classy message to the star after the transfer announcementCredit: PA More

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    Victor Osimhen ‘wants to join Chelsea’ over Man Utd and Arsenal, reveals Blues icon who is trying to seal transfer

    VICTOR OSIMHEN wants to join Chelsea, a Blues legend has claimed.The 25-year-old Nigerian earned legendary status last season and was instrumental in Napoli ending their 33-year wait for the Serie A title.Reports are mounting that Chelsea are winning the race to sign Victor OsimhenCredit: GettyJohn Obi Mikel says his fellow Nigerian wants to join the BluesCredit: GettyOsimhen scored 26 goals in 32 top-flight matches and has continued that red-hot form this term despite several controversies.The hotshot was linked with a host of Europe’s biggest clubs over the summer as both Manchester United and Chelsea chased his signature.After a move failed to materialise, the Premier League duo and rivals Arsenal were then put on red alert after a controversial TikTok post left the player contemplating SUING his employers back in September.Then it emerged that Chelsea were leading the race to try and sign him – despite Napoli working hard to secure their talisman to a new long-term deal.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLLiverpool were another club linked with him despite him eventually agreeing an extension with Napoli until 2026.However, the Italian media appear to be convinced that Osimhen is heading to Chelsea in the summer transfer window.And a compatriot of the star who enjoys legendary status with the Blues has claimed that the hotshot wants to move to West London.According to Calciomercato, John Obi Mikel appeared to be trying his best to get Osimhen to join his old side Chelsea in quotes he reportedly said at the Web Summit Qatar event.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe 2012 Champions League winner said: “I think there is genuine interest on both sides.“I am convinced that Victor wants to come to Chelsea.Watch Man Utd and Chelsea transfer target Osimhen ‘cook’ three players with ‘casual elite tekkers’ during kickabout“He obviously wants to follow in my footsteps and the footsteps of the Nigerian players who played for Chelsea, like Victor Moses and Celestine Babayaro.“And there is London, a fantastic city: there is no comparison with Liverpool or places like that.”Mikel then added: “He has so many clubs interested in him, like Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, but I’m pushing, sending him messages, trying to make sure there is only one club in his mind: the Blues!”Osimhen is believed to be prioritising a move to the Premier League and is seeking around £250,000-a-week wages, which both Arsenal and Chelsea would be willing to pay.He reportedly has a release clause worth £111m that Chelsea are willing to activate. More

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    Liverpool star Luis Diaz in line for shock transfer exit as Reds make Mo Salah decision and line up three new deals

    LUIS DIAZ is in line to be the biggest name exit from Liverpool this summer — if they can tie down Mo Salah to a new deal.Several Spanish clubs have their eyes on Kop forward Diaz.A number of Spanish clubs have an eye on Luis Diaz ahead of a shock summer transferCredit: GettyLiverpool are keen to agree a new contract with Mohamed SalahCredit: APThe Reds are prepared to listen to offers due to their wealth of attacking options.The top priority for Jurgen Klopp’s successor is new contracts for Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Virgil van Dijk.And the outcome relating to Salah in particular will have a bearing on the future of 27-year-old Colombia ace Diaz.He struggled in the first half of the season — even before his parents were kidnapped in his homeland.READ MORE LIVERPOOL NEWSBut Diaz has recently shown glimpses of his  initial form after moving from Porto for £37m in January 2022.Thiago Alcantara and Joel Matip are set to leave Anfield when their contracts expire this summer.Salah, Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk all have just one full season left on their current deals.Saudi Pro League clubs and Paris Saint-Germain want Salah while captain Van Dijk has rowed back on comments that he was unsure of his future after Klopp’s exit.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe Reds realise they can have only sensible conversations with their stars once a new sporting director and Klopp’s replacement are in place.The sporting director, who could be named in the coming fortnight, will have input into the identity of the new manager.Liverpool 3 Southampton 0: Jayden Danns scores twice after Lewis Koumas goal as Klopp’s kids set up Man Utd FA Cup clashBayer Leverkusen chief Xabi Alonso — a former Kop hero — is favourite to get Klopp’s job.Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi and Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim are also candidates.No direct approaches have yet been made but it is believed Alonso’s camp have been kept informed of Liverpool’s timetable.Chiefs expect a relatively quiet summer in the transfer market although Bayern Munich are eyeing left-back Andy Robertson.And the Reds are braced for bids for back-up keeper Caoimhin Kelleher, who has shone in Alisson’s absence. More

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    Chelsea star Levi Colwill ‘lined up for shock Champions League transfer’ as Blues look to comply with FFP

    LEVI COLWILL is being lined up for a shock move to French giants Paris Saint-Germain.The 21-year-old has emerged as a long-term transfer target for the Ligue 1 champions.Paris Saint-Germain are lining up a move for Chelsea defender Levi ColwillCredit: AlamyColwill has made 31 appearances for Chelsea so far this season, scoring once from defence.The academy graduate has established himself in the first-team after shining on loan at Brighton last season.His performances for the Seagulls saw him rewarded with a new six-year deal at Stamford Bridge back in the summer.Meanwhile, he was handed his senior England debut by Gareth Southgate in October.READ MORE CHELSEA NEWSAccording to Jonathan Johnson, though, he could now be set to leave the Premier League.Colwill is said to have emerged as a target for PSG, who are willing to play a long game to land their man, with the Blues unlikely to sell this summer.The report adds that he is seen as an alternative to first-choice defensive target Leny Yoro.Yoro, 18, has broken into the Lille first-team this season, sparking a transfer race involving PSG, Real Madrid and Liverpool.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSManchester United were also linked with a move before the January transfer window.The interest in Colwill comes after reports Chelsea may have to sell a host of players this summer in order to comply with Financial Fair Play (FFP) rules.Chelsea 3 Leeds 2: Gallagher nets last-gasp winner ease pressure on Pochettino as Blues edge out brave Whites in FA CupIn addition, homegrown player sales are seen to provide greater value when adhering to FFP.This is because there are no reductions to the value of the sale in FFP calculations due to the price of the player’s initial contract.However, Colwill is not thought to be one of the stars Chelsea are willing to sell this summer. More