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      Chelsea ‘set to INCREASE ticket prices to fund Todd Boehly’s £1bn-plus transfer spree’ – despite lying tenth in table

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      CHELSEA are set to increase their ticket prices next season following Todd Boehly’s £1BILLION spending spree, according to reports.The Blues have splashed a remarkable amount of cash since the American, 50, took over from Roman Abramovich last year.
      Todd Boehly has spent more than £1billion on transfers since taking over last yearCredit: Rex
      But it has failed to amount to much on the pitch as they finished 12th in the Premier League last season, just 10 points above the relegation zone.
      And new manager Mauricio Pochettino has struggled since arriving in the summer, with Chelsea sitting 10th after just seven wins from 19 matches.
      Yet the on-field difficulties are not the only aspects of the club that will anger Blues fans.
      That is because The Standard are reporting the club are preparing to increase ticket prices ahead of the 2024/25 campaign.
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      No “firm decisions” have been made, but talks in recent meetings with elected fans and club officials have left supporters expecting a price rise.
      It comes after Boehly and Clearlake froze ticket prices last season.
      Revenue streams such as matchday income need to be increased to ensure a sustainable business model following their seismic spending across the last three transfer windows.
      Inflation is another major reason why Chelsea need to raise ticket prices as the cost of maintaining and operating Stamford Bridge has increased by 31 per cent over the past five years.
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      The Blues have the lowest operating margin out of the tradition top six clubs in the Premier League.
      The club’s general admission tickets have not risen since the 2011/12 season.
      This means they have effectively reduced by 32 per cent over the past 11 years.
      Chelsea have the second-lowest ticket prices out of the top six after Manchester City.
      Just three of the 20 Premier League clubs did not choose to increase their ticket prices ahead of the new season.
      Earlier this month, a survey conducted by the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust revealed most supporters would accept a four per cent increase in ticket prices.
      However, most also believe the existing prices to be fair, while the club has also been criticised by the CST after they opted to remove coach subsidies for away travel.
      And the Chelsea Women Supporters Group slammed the decision to raise ticket prices to watch the league champions. More

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      Carlo Ancelotti signs new Real Madrid deal as boss, 64, snubs Brazil following Jude Bellingham praise

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      REAL MADRID boss Carlo Ancelotti has signed a new contract until 2026.The Italian manager, 64, had been wanted by Brazil ahead of the 2025 Copa America and the World Cup in 2026, but Madrid have managed to tie him down for another two-and-a-half years.
      Carlo Ancelotti has penned a new deal with Real MadridCredit: Getty
      Jude Bellingham has heaped praise on AncelottiCredit: Reuters
      Over two spells as Real Madrid boss the former Chelsea and Everton manager has won the Champions League twice and has one LaLiga title.
      But with English star Jude Bellingham lighting up Spanish football, Los Blancos could be on their way to another title – sitting top going into their winter break.
      And Real sensation Bellingham has put his excellent start down to Ancelotti.
      He said recently: “I put in my efforts and a fierce commitment to excel at work, but the credit goes to Mr. Ancelotti who found the right position for me and gave me more freedom on the field.
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      “So now I’m flying on the field.”
      Real Madrid won the LaLiga title and Champions League in 2022 under Ancelotti – who began his second spell in June 2021.
      And while they failed to secure either of those trophies last season, he did scoop the Copa del Rey.
      During his first stint as boss, Ancelotti won the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
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      Meanwhile, Brazil were eliminated from last year’s World Cup by Croatia in the quarter-finals.
      The five-time champions have not reached a World Cup final since they last won the tournament in 2002.
      But they have claimed three Copa Americas in that time – in 2004, 2007 and 2019.
      Brazil are waiting anxiously on the fitness of all-time top scorer Neymar – who is in a race to make their Copa America squad after suffering an ACL injury while playing for Al-Nassr in October. More

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      David Moyes set to sign new West Ham deal as board move to end contract speculation after stunning Arsenal win

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      DAVID MOYES is set to sign a new West Ham contract after taking the Hammers into the top six.The Scot, 60, delivered West Ham’s first trophy in 43 years winning the Europa Conference League in June but has been under huge pressure at times over the past 12 months.
      David Moyes is set to secure a new West Ham contractCredit: Getty
      West Ham clinched a famous win over Arsenal on Thursday eveningCredit: AFP
      Moyes’ current deal expires at the end of the season and, while all sides have been relaxed about the situation, he is set to agree a new two-and-a-half year contract and put any speculation to bed.
      Having flirted with relegation at times last season, the board at the London Stadium came close to sacking the former Manchester United boss on more than one occasion but stuck by him and have been rewarded.
      The veteran manager could well have left the club had he not won the Conference League title in Prague.
      Fans have criticised Moyes’ pragmatic playing style at times this season, but his record with the club cannot be argued with.
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      The ex-Everton manager returned to the club four years ago this week to get the out of relegation trouble and has since taken them into Europe for three straight seasons.
      And the Hammers capped their calendar year with an impressive 2-0 win over title challengers Arsenal, following last weekend’s victory against Manchester United.
      West Ham’s tally of 33 points is the most the East Londoners have ever managed at the halfway point of a Premier League season.
      And the Hammers’ top three Premier League points hauls after 19 games in a season have all come under Moyes.
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      Asked about his contract following the win at the Emirates, Moyes said: “There’s plenty of time to talk about that. We’re not in any great rush. We can get that done when we’re ready. I’m enjoying my time.
      “When we came back here, we came back to make sure West Ham didn’t get relegated.
      “That was four years ago now. Since then, we’ve grown and I think the team are growing and getting better.
      “We won’t be challenging all the top teams all the time because we’re not dining at that table but we’re coming now and again to these teams and giving them a game.”
      He then went on to add: “I’m really happy with the environment I’m working in here.
      “I’ve got a great team of players we have built over the four years and had some success and we’ll see if we can keep it going.
      “I’m sure the contract will be sorted in due course. We’ll find how things go.”
      The Hammers boss recently raised concerns over how players in his squad would cope with the uncertainty over his future, while a lack of clarity over who would be in charge at the London Stadium could have impacted business in the January window as well as next summer. More

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      Kalvin Phillips handed major transfer blow as Eddie Howe reveals Newcastle deal ‘certainly not close’ amid FFP woes

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      EDDIE HOWE admits he “hasn’t had assurances” that he will be handed a January transfer kitty to arrest Newcastle’s slump.The underfire Magpies boss is desperate to add to his struggling squad with so many injuries but he says Financial Fair Play will impact any business next month.
      Kalvin Phillips is hoping to secure a loan move away from Manchester CityCredit: AFP
      Eddie Howe has cast doubt on Newcastle’s ability to spend in the January windowCredit: Alamy
      A defensive midfielder is top of Howe’s wishlist, with Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips on loan their main target.
      Toon are also in the market for a forward to compete alongside Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak as well as a goalkeeper to replace the injured Nick Pope.
      The pressure is rising on Howe after six defeats in seven leaves them ninth in the Premier League and eight points off the top four.
      But asked if the Saudi owners have made money available, Howe said: “No we haven’t had those assurances.
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      “It’s a difficult month as we always say when January comes around, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
      “Financial Fair Play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see.
      “FFP is part of our future and isn’t going anywhere, we need to navigate it.”
      Asked about Man City’s England midfielder Phillips, Howe replied: “If nothing’s close, that one’s certainly not close.”
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      Phillips joined Man City from Leeds for £45million in the summer of 2022 but has played very little since arriving at the Etihad.
      He has featured 31 times – all but six of which have come as a substitute.
      And after just one goal and no assists, he is seeking a way out as he bids to secure his spot in Gareth Southgate’s England team for the Euros next summer. More

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      Newcastle could complete stunning Arsenal double-transfer as Eddie Howe ‘tracks two stars frozen out by Arteta’

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      NEWCASTLE are lining up a shock double transfer swoop on Arsenal, according to reports. The Magpies face a crucial January transfer window amid poor form, a depleted squad littered with injuries, Sandro Tonali banned and financial restrictions making money tight.
      Emile Smith Rowe has struggled for game time this season at ArsenalCredit: Getty
      Aaron Ramsdale could be reunited with Eddie Howe at Newcastle after losing his placeCredit: Reuters
      Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes and Tino Livramento all arrived for big money in the summer with Chris Wood and Allan Saint-Maximin the two significant departures.
      But with the Toon already close to profit and sustainability rules limits, it is understood Eddie Howe is targeting loan deals and free agents for the second half of the season.
      A versatile forward to add goals, a midfielder to cover for Tonali and a goalkeeper while Nick Pope is sidelined by his shoulder injury are among the key priorities.
      And according to The Athletic, two of those holes could be plugged by Arsenal outcasts – Aaron Ramsdale and Emile Smith Rowe.
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      Ramsdale, 25, is warming the bench this season following David Raya’s arrival from Brentford and, despite Mikel Arteta’s promise to rotate his goalkeepers, the £30million England international is barely getting a look in.
      Howe signed Ramsdale at Bournemouth and therefore the pair know each other well.
      And if a loan move can be negotiated, it could suit all parties.
      David De Gea has also been linked with a switch to St James’ Park.
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      But although a free agent, the Spaniard would demand big wages and be a direct threat to Pope as the No1 choice.
      Sam Johnstone at Crystal Palace and Tottenham’s forgotten man Hugo Lloris are other targets.
      Further forward, Smith Rowe could be lined up to inject some added creativity into the Newcastle team, especially with Tonali, Barnes and Jacob Murphy unavailable.
      Smith Rowe, 23, has struggled for game time this season with injuries and selection – limiting him to just 116 minutes of Premier League action across six appearances.
      His one assist came in his only start as the Gunners thumped Sheffield United 5-0 in October.
      Chelsea and West Ham have also been linked with the three-cap Three Lions international this season.
      ‘NO ASSURANCES’
      The Athletic report also names Athletic Bilbao ace Nico Williams, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Serhou Guirassy from Stuttgart and Boulaye Dia of Salernitana as other targets.
      Toon target Kalvin Phillips looks set to join Juventus on loan while Conor Gallagher’s £40m price tag set by Chelsea is simply too much for a January deal.
      Howe – who insists there will be no first-team exits from St James’ Park next month – is feeling the heat after six defeats in seven.
      And asked about money available for the upcoming window, he said: “No we haven’t had those assurances.
      “It’s a difficult month as we always say when January comes around, but it is a very difficult month to bring in quality players.
      Read more on The Sun
      “Financial fair play continues to affect our decision-making so let’s wait and see.
      “FFP is part of our future and isn’t going anywhere, we need to navigate it.”
      Newcastle’s squad has been struck by a wave of injuriesCredit: Reuters
      Smith Rowe and Ramsdale could both head to St James’ Park on loanCredit: Getty More

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      Roberto Firmino lined up for stunning Premier League return with Liverpool legend ‘frustrated’ after Saudi transfer

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      ROBERTO FIRMINO is being lined up for a stunning Premier League return, according to shock reports.The Brazilian forward, 32, left Liverpool as a free agent after 111 goals in 362 appearances across eight years in the summer.
      Roberto Firmino is considering leaving Al-Ahli just six months after joining the Saudi Pro League clubCredit: Getty
      He signed a mega-money, three-year contract with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli who also signed Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, Allan Saint-Maximin and Franck Kessie.
      New captain Firmino made the dream start when he scored a hat-trick on his competitive debut.
      But he is goalless in his subsequent 17 matches and has been dropped from the starting XI since October amid criticism from supporters.
      Now it is understood Firmino has already grown frustrated in the Middle East.
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      And, less than six months after arriving, the striker is considering leaving.
      According to talkSPORT, Sheffield United are keen to snap him up.
      Al-Ahli may be willing to arrange a loan transfer in January.
      The Blades’ Premier League return has been a struggle with the Bramall Lane side bottom of the table with just two wins from 19 matches.
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      The report adds Paul Heckingbottom was monitoring Firmino’s situation but with the manager replaced by Chris Wilder, it is unclear if a formal approach will be made.
      United have managed just 15 goals with Cameron Archer and Oli McBurnie leading the way with three each – Gustavo Hamer is the only other member of the squad with more than one.
      There is also interest from Turkey and other Saudi Pro League clubs, while Firmino would also consider heading home to Brazil.
      Al-Ahli ideally want the former Reds hero to stay in Saudi Arabia, though.
      Al-Shabab, Al-Ettifaq and Al-Fateh all remain linked with a swoop – especially as Al-Shabab have enough budget left to cover all of his wages.
      But Steven Gerrard can only bring in his fellow Anfield legend to struggling Al-Ettifaq if parent-club Al-Ahli cover at least half of Firmino’s wages.
      Gerrard told talkSPORT: “I obviously know Bobby extremely well, I’ve been a massive fan. I’ve followed him for years.
      “At the moment he’s Al-Ahli’s player so it’s very difficult for me to comment on that situation.
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      “But I’ve loved Bobby Firmino since the first day I watched him and I’m a huge fan.
      “He belongs to another club, so I won’t sit here and name names.”
      It has been a difficult return to the Premier League for Sheffield UnitedCredit: Reuters
      Steven Gerrard could try and lure Firmino to Al-EttifaqCredit: Getty More

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      Newcastle urged to sign former Man Utd star on FREE transfer by club legend Alan Shearer after Forest horror show

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      NEWCASTLE legend Alan Shearer has urged his former club to sign David de Gea in the January transfer window.Eddie Howe’s men have lost six of their last seven games in all competitions as their injury-stricken squad struggles to cope with a packed Christmas schedule.
      Alan Shearer has called on Newcastle to sign a keeper in the January windowCredit: Getty
      David de Gea has been a free agent since leaving Manchester United in the summerCredit: PA
      One of those sidelined for several months is England shot-stopper Nick Pope.
      The 31-year-old suffered a shoulder injury in the 1-0 win over Man Utd earlier this month and is not expected to be back until April.
      Martin Dubravka has been deputising for Pope, but some have been calling for a replacement to be brought in during the mid-season window.
      Now Shearer believes is the right time for Newcastle to sign former Red Devils No1 De Gea, 33.
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      The Spaniard departed Old Trafford at the end of last season after 12 years with the club.
      He played 545 games for Man Utd, winning the Premier League, FA Cup, two Carabao Cups and the Europa League.
      But over the last six months he has been unable to find a club that will match his wage demands.
      However, Shearer does not believe that should deter Newcastle from trying to sign De Gea.
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      Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live about what Newcastle need in the January window, Shearer said: “I would agree, goalkeeper and centre forward would be the two main priorities for me.
      “But good luck trying to find a good centre forward that you can bring in for a decent amount of money.”
      Shearer was then specifically asked whether he would want his former side to bring in De Gea.
      To which he replied: “Yeah, I would. I think Newcastle need a goalkeeper, and De Gea is out there.
      “I know the salary would be huge but they wouldn’t have to pay a fee for him.” More

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      Borussia Dortmund lead Premier League and European giants in race for 16-year-old Port Vale wonderkid Liam Brazier

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      BORUSSIA DORTMUND head a pack of top European and Premier League clubs chasing Port Vale wonderkid Liam Brazier.The 16-year-old attacking midfielder can’t sign pro forms until he turns 17 next month.
      Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is desperate to land Port Vale teenager Liam BrazierCredit: AFP
      But Port Vale are desperate to sign the youngster up and then cash in.
      SunSport understands the League One club can sell him in a £750,000 transfer to one of the stellar clubs currently tracking him.
      Brazier made his Vale debut against Crewe Alexandra in the EFL Trophy in September.
      The playmaker – who has even been compared to a young Jack Grealish – has gone on to make two further appearances in the competition.
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      However, his form in those games and for Vale’s reserves has attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest hitters.
      Premier League clubs Brentford, Wolves, West Ham, Bournemouth, Crystal Palace and Fulham are all keeping tabs on the fledgling talent.
      However, Champions League giants Dortmund are currently favourites to lure the kid to the Bundesliga, ahead of German rivals Bayern Munich and Bayer Leverkusen.
      Other top European outfits, including PSG, Marseille, Nice, Juventus, Benfica and Rangers are also well aware of Brazier’s progress.
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      Dortmund are currently at the front of the queue for Brazier and could sign the youngster in January and allow him to stay at Vale Park until the end of the season.
      Brazier has been on the brink of a call-up to England’s Under-17s.
      However, some niggling injuries mean he is still patiently waiting for his international breakthrough.
      But that hasn’t stopped the kid from racking up six goals and seven assists for Port Vale youngsters in his breakthrough season.
      Brazier, not pictured, has been shining for the Vale this seasonCredit: Getty More