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    Moises Caicedo ‘will ask Brighton to lower £100m asking price’ just days after Chelsea have £80m transfer bid rejected

    MOISES CAICEDO and his representatives will ask Brighton to bring their asking price down from £100million, according to reports.Chelsea had an £80m bid for Caicedo rejected on Thursday and Brighton’s resistance has frustrated the player.
    Moises Caicedo is wanted by ChelseaCredit: Getty
    The Blues have now had three offers turned down and it remains unclear whether they will go in for the midfielder again.
    Chelsea have long been interested in Southampton’s Romeo Lavia, as are Liverpool.
    But according to Fabrizio Romano, the West Londoners are not yet ready to walk away from the deal.
    Brighton’s owner Tony Bloom and manager Roberto De Zerbi want to keep Caicedo.
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    It comes after they lost World Cup winner Alexis Mac Allister, who joined Liverpool for £35m in June.
    But there was a release clause in Mac Allister’s contract that limited Brighton’s negotiating power.
    The Times say Caicedo and his reps will look to handle the matter sensitively in respect for Brighton and after he publicly plead to leave in January.
    Arsenal had bids of £60m and £70m rejected and subsequently they would sign Jorginho from Chelsea instead.
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    Caicedo did play in Brighton’s pre-season friendly with Brentford on Wednesday night in Atlanta and he is expected to feature against Newcastle on Friday.
    De Zerbi admitted Caicedo will have to be replaced if he is sold ahead of their first Premier League game of the season against Luton Town in two weeks.
    He said: “If you asked me what I would like, I would like him to stay with us but it is not my work.
    “My work is to tell my owner that if Caicedo leaves we need another big, important midfielder.”
    Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi wants to keep Moises CaicedoCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea handed huge Uefa fine for FFP breaches and ‘potentially incomplete financial reporting’ under Abramovich

    CHELSEA have been hit with an £8.6million fine for Financial Fair Play breaches stretching back to the Roman Abramovich era.A Uefa probe into the club’s finances was opened after the Stamford Bridge outfit’s new owners, led by Todd Boehly, reported the issues last summer.
    Chelsea have been handed a fine by Uefa for Financial Fair Play breachesCredit: PA
    The irregularities have to do with the period between the 2012 and 2019 season while under Roman AbramovichCredit: Alamy
    In a statement, Uefa said: “Following the club’s sale in May 2022, the new ownership identified, and proactively reported to Uefa, instances of potentially incomplete financial reporting under the club’s previous ownership. 
    “The reported matters related to historical transactions which took place between 2012 and 2019.”

    While the precise nature of the infractions is not clear, it is understood that a number of relatively minor historical elements emerged during the sale process.
    While there is believed to have been no deliberate attempts to circumvent the rules, the breaches were discovered.
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    With Uefa having a three-year statute of limitations over FFP breaches, Chelsea only faced punishment for the rule-breaking in the 2018-2019 season.
    Meanwhile, Italian giants Juventus have, as expected, been banned from this season’s Europa Conference League.
    That is due to a “capital gains” transfer scam that saw them deducted 10 Serie A points to finish seventh.
    Juve were also fined £17.2m, half of which was suspended if they comply with Uefa financial rules up until the end of the 2024-25 season.
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    The Bianconeri’s European ban will last for a year and the club has confirmed there will be no appeal.
    Juventus president Gianluca Ferrero said: “We regret the decision of the Uefa Club Financial Control Body.
    “We do not share the interpretation that has been given of our defense, and we remain firmly convinced of the legitimacy of our actions and the validity of our arguments.
    “However, we have decided not to appeal this judgment. This decision is in line with the one taken last May in the context of the disputes with the FIGC.
    “As in that case, we prefer to put an end to the period of uncertainty and ensure full visibility and certainty to our internal and external stakeholders about the club’s participation in future international competitions.
    “Lodging an appeal, possibly to other levels of judgement, with uncertain outcomes and timing, would increase the uncertainty with respect to our eventual participation in the 2024-25 Champions League.
    “Instead, we want the first team, our fans, our sponsors, suppliers and financial partners to be able to experience the 2023-24 season with the utmost serenity and certainty with respect to the results achievable on the pitch, especially after the turbulent past season.” More

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    Man Utd star Fred ‘agrees deal with European giants’ as Red Devils line up immediate replacement transfer

    FRED has agreed personal terms with Galatasaray, according to reports.The midfielder has emerged as a top target for the Turkish side, who recently signed Wilfred Zaha.
    Fred is set to leave Man Utd this summer with Galatasaray keenCredit: Reuters
    According to Sky Sports, personal terms with Galatasaray are not an issue with both parties already in agreement.
    But the two clubs have suffered a disagreement in valuation, which is yet to be resolved.
    Fulham are another club linked with Fred, who United are open to allowing to leave this summer.
    It is believed Fiorentina’s Sofyan Amrabat is their preferred replacement.
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    The Moroccan has only a year left on his contract but Fiorentina have the option to extend for a further 12 months.
    Amrabat, 26, impressed at last year’s World Cup in Qatar – putting himself on big clubs’ radars around Europe.

    And according to Italian outlet Corriere della Sera, Amrabat has decided to join United following talks between the Red Devils and his entourage.
    They add that Amrabat snubbed interest from the Red Devils’ bitter rivals Liverpool, after United made recent contact.
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    Fiorentina are demanding around £26million for their in-demand star.
    But United chiefs are hoping to drive the price down, with Gazzetta claiming they have offered an initial £21.5m. More

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    Man Utd make ‘improved Rasmus Hojlund bid worth over £51m with star very clear on wanting Old Trafford transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have improved their bid for Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund, according to reports.United have been desperate to land a striker ever since Cristiano Ronaldo had his contract ripped up following a tell-all interview that saw him slam the club from top to bottom in November.
    Manchester United have improved their bid for Atalanta star Rasmus HojlundCredit: Getty
    And Hojlund has been the Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag’s top target during the summer transfer window.
    And according to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Manchester giants have upped their offer after “direct talks”.
    United have now tabled €60million (£51m) and negotiations are still ongoing with the Serie A outfit.
    Ten Hag’s side wants to close the deal for the Denmark international as soon as possible.
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    That is because the Red Devils want to focus on other positions as the Dutch tactician wants his team to be completely ready in time for the Premier League curtain-raiser next month.
    Hojlund has been wanting to move to Old Trafford throughout the summer and has now made that feeling “very clear”.

    Atalanta, however, have previously demanded a whopping £86m for the 20-year-old.
    United have insisted they won’t go over £60m for the centre-forward.
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    The Premier League giants have been targeting Hojlund ever since Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy slapped a staggering £100m price tag on Harry Kane.
    This comes after reports suggesting Paris Saint-Germain tried to hijack a deal with a £43m bid.
    But that is unlikely to be accepted with United offering more, while PSG are prepared to walk away if they get turned down. More

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    Tottenham join Brennan Johnson transfer race as Nottingham Forest reject £35m bid from Premier League side

    TOTTENHAM have joined the race to sign Brennan Johnson from Nottingham Forest, according to reports.The Wales star has been in demand this summer, with Forest also rejecting a £35million bid from another Premier League side.
    Tottenham have joined the race to sign Brennan JohnsonCredit: Reuters
    According to The Athletic, Spurs are monitoring Johnson’s situation at the City Ground.
    Forest are keen to keep hold of Johnson ahead of their second season in the top flight.
    Johnson has three years remaining on his contract and was a key man in the club’s survival last term.
    His form for Steve Cooper’s side has increased demand in the 22-year-old this summer.
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    The Forest academy graduate scored eight league goals last season as his side finished four points above the relegation zone.
    Those goals have seen Brentford chase a move this summer and the Bees had a £30m bid rejected in June.
    The report adds, though, that Brentford have now had a £35m approach knocked back by Forest.
    Forest are said to value the midfielder at around £50m.
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    Their latest bid did include potential add-ons but was not equal to Forest’s asking price.
    Johnson is understood to have held talks with the club and Cooper over his future.
    He is currently sidelined with an ankle injury.
    Earlier this week, Forest signed another winger in the form of Anthony Elanga from Manchester United. More

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    Riyad Mahrez’s glam Wag Taylor Ward looks glum filling up at petrol station as husband signs £865k-a-week Saudi deal

    RIYAD MAHREZ’S wife Taylor Ward has been pictured looking glum filling her car despite her husband’s jaw-dropping new contract. Mahrez has now officially made his move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in a deal that will see him pocket £865,000 per week.
    Riyad Mahrez’s wife Taylor Ward has been spotted filling her car whilst her husband signs his mega money dealCredit: Splash
    Ward was looking glum despite the confirmation of Mahrez’s move to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Splash
    She was pictured in CheshireCredit: Splash
    Taylor Ward faces a huge change now that her hubby is moving to Saudi ArabiaCredit: Splash
    Life doesn’t seem to have changed for Ward though as she is still out running everyday errands.
    The 25-year-old was pictured looking bored as she filled up her massive Mercedes car at the petrol station in Cheshire.
    Mahrez proposed to Ward back in 2021 when he popped the question in Mykonos with a £400,000 custom made ring.
    The pair then secretly married in 2022 and announced the birth of their daughter Mila in July last year.
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    The tricky Algerian winger will be playing in the Middle East now as he becomes the second of Manchester City’s treble winning squad of last season to leave the club this summer.
    The 32-year-old joins Ilkay Gundogan in leaving the Etihad Stadium who joined Barcelona following their near perfect campaign last term.
    City will receive a £30million fee for Mahrez man who joined them from Leicester for £60million in 2018.
    The former PFA Player of the Year will play alongside other former Premier League stars Roberto Firmino, Eduoard Mendy and Ezgjan Alioski at his new club Al-Ahli.
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    Ward is a part time model and influencerCredit: Instagram @taylorwardx
    Mahrez has signed for Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in a deal worth £30millionCredit: Getty
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    There has been a huge number of big names heading to Saudi Arabia this summer after Cristiano Ronaldo seemingly started the trend last season.
    Sadio Mane is reportedly close to agreeing a move to Al-Nassr from Bayern Munich whilst Kylian Mbappe has turned down a world record £11.6m per week offer to make the switch from PSG.
    Mahrez and Ward have been married since last year
    She has a whopping 2.7million followers on InstagramCredit: Instagram
    The pair welcomed their first child in July 2022Credit: Instagram More

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    Fulham ‘to hijack Lazio’s Callum Hudson-Odoi transfer’ but fans can’t believe the fee for Chelsea star once valued £70m

    FULHAM have made a “verbal proposal” to sign Chelsea forward Callum Hudson-Odoi, according to reports.The 22-year-old, who received three England caps in 2019, has stalled at Stamford Bridge in recent years.
    Callum Hudson-Odoi is being linked with a move away from Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    He spent last season on loan at Bayer Leverkusen, but registered just one goal in 21 games.
    As a result, his stock has fallen considerably – and with it his price tag.
    Back in 2020, Chelsea rejected a loan offer from Bayern Munich which included a £70MILLION option to buy.
    Now Fabrizio Romano is reporting Fulham have offered £4m for the attacker.
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    It comes amid interest elsewhere from Italian side Lazio and Saudi Arabia.
    Chelsea are not thought to be happy with the bid from their West London rivals.
    However, they are only believed to be holding out for £8m.
    And Fulham are said to be confident of securing a deal in the “next days”, with negotiations at an “advanced” stage.
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    But fans are in disbelief at just how much Hudson-Odoi’s value has fallen over three years.
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    Reacting on social media, one person said: “Mad to think Chelsea rejected a £70m from Bayern Munich just a few seasons ago.”
    Another added: “Can someone tell me what happen to Hudson-Odoi?😭😭😭”
    A third replied: “Four million is approximately free to me. Funny how Hudson-Odoi used to be Chelsea’s saviour some seasons ago.”
    And a fourth responded: “£8m for Hudson-Odoi?! That’s a bargain and a half. But the disrespect from Chelsea.”
    Hudson-Odoi, who joined the Blues as a young boy in 2007, has racked up 126 appearances and 16 goals for the first team, winning the Champions League, Europa League, Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup.
    Meanwhile, Chelsea are in the middle of a mass exodus this summer.
    They have already axed high-profile stars such as N’Golo Kante, Kai Havertz, Mason Mount, Mateo Kovacic, Kalidou Koulibaly, Christian Pulisic, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Cesar Azpilicueta and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
    The likes of Conor Gallagher, Hakim Ziyech and Romelu Lukaku are also being linked with moves. More

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    James Rodriguez jets in to complete transfer to TENTH club after being released four times in four years

    JAMES RODRIGUEZ is set to join his TENTH club after having another contract ripped up.The ex-Real Madrid and Everton star is moving on a free transfer to Sao Paulo, one of Brazil’s most successful teams.
    James Rodriguez has failed to shine at his last four clubsCredit: Getty
    The Colombian last played for Olympiakos in GreeceCredit: Rex
    Sao Paulo will be the Colombian international’s tenth club in his professional career.
    He spent only seven months in his most recent stint with Olympiakos.
    The 31-year-old’s contract was cut short at the Greek club after making only 23 appearances and scoring five goals.
    It has been confirmed by transfer guru Fabrizio Romano that Rodriguez is on his way to South America today to formalise the deal.
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    Rodriguez began his senior career at only 14-years-old for Colombian second division side Envigado.
    He then made his way to Europe after signing for Portuguese giants Porto back in 2010.
    The striker made a breakthrough at the two-time Champions League winners making 63 appearances, scoring 25 goals and winning eight trophies along the way.
    In 2013 he moved to Monaco alongside team-mate and ex-Wolves star Joao Moutinho in a combined £60m deal.
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    Real Madrid was Rodriguez’s next stop when he joined Los Blancos in 2014 for £63m.
    But he failed to set the world alight in his time in LaLiga and was shipped out on loan to Bayern Munich.
    Since 2020 Rodriguez has toured the world, playing for Everton, then Qatar’s Al-Raayan and Olympiacos.
    He now jets away again but a step closer to his home country of Colombia.
    The 32-year-old is embarking on a new adventure in South AmericaCredit: Instagram @jamesrodriguez10
    Big things were expected of Rodriguez when he joined Everton in 2020Credit: Reuters
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