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    Kante set for transfer talks to link up with Benzema at new club as ‘chiefs fly to London for meeting with Chelsea ace’

    CHELSEA midfielder N’Golo Kane is on the verge of a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad, reports claim.According to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, representatives will travel to London this week to speak to the Frenchman’s entourage.
    Al Ittihad want to sign KanteCredit: Getty
    The Tigers are confident that an agreement will be made quickly, with Kante’s Chelsea contract set to expire at the end of this month.
    Kante joined Chelsea in a £30million transfer from Leicester in 2016 and has since made 269 appearances for the west London club.
    However, he was limited to just nine outings this season due to a severe hamstring injury.
    Chelsea had hoped to keep Kante on board by offering him a two-year contract extension, but the 32-year-old now looks set to leave Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis.
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    The Frenchman is now expected to link-up with his international teammate Karim Benzema at Al Ittihad.
    Real Madrid announced Benzema’s departure from the club on Sunday morning.
    An official statement read: “Real Madrid CF and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to end his brilliant and unforgettable period as a player for our club.
    “Real Madrid wants to show its gratitude and all its affection for who is already one of our greatest legends.”
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    Benzema, who has been a fan favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu for the last 14 years, reportedly agreed contract terms with Al Ittihad this week.
    The Saudi side are also attempting to sign Wolves winger Adama Traore.
    Real Madrid announced Benzema’s departure on SundayCredit: AFP More

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    Kai Havertz ‘on verge of shock Real Madrid transfer’ in ‘mega-deal’ from Chelsea after Karim Benzema exit

    KAI HAVERTZ is on the verge of signing for Real Madrid in a “mega-deal” from Chelsea, reports in Germany say. The LaLiga giants have lost star striker Karim Benzema, 35, whose Bernabeu exit was revealed by the club.
    Kai Havertz is linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: AFP
    And Chelsea’s Havertz emerged as a shock contender to replace the Frenchman, who leaves after 14 years in the Spanish capital.
    Now according to Bild, the Germany international can “quickly” become a Real player.
    It is claimed manager Carlo Ancelotti and President Florentino Perez are both admirers of the forward.
    And with Chelsea open to selling Havertz, 23, an agreement with Real is expected to follow.
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    The playmaker joined Chelsea in 2020 for a then-club record £75m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
    And despite scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final in his first season, he has lacked consistency.
    It leaves the Blues ready to sell Havertz after just three years in West London as they look to clear their squad out this summer.
    Real are also doing so, after ex-Chelsea star Eden Hazard, 32, terminated his contract.
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    And Benzema’s exit shortly followed while the attacker is linked with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia.
    A statement read: “Real Madrid Football Club and our captain Karim Benzema have agreed to bring his brilliant and unforgettable time as a player at our club to a close.
    “Real Madrid would like to show our gratitude and affection to a player who is already one of our greatest legends.”
    Karim Benzema is leaving Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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    PSG weighing up huge transfer for Arsenal defender and could approach his representatives over summer transfer

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN are considering a swoop for Arsenal defender Gabriel Magalhaes, according to reports.The Ligue 1 champions expressed an interest in signing the Brazilian last summer, but Mikel Arteta refused to let him go.
    PSG are considering a move for GabrielCredit: Getty
    Instead, Gabriel penned a new long-term contract with the north London side.
    The defender is committed to the club until June 2027, but PSG are hoping to tempt him to the Parc des Princes this summer.
    According to GOAL, the Parisians are considering an offer for Gabriel.
    PSG have not yet made an approach, but Luis Campos – the club’s sporting director – is understood to be keen on the prospect of signing him.
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    However, the defender wants to stay at the Emirates Stadium.
    Gabriel joined Arsenal in a £27million transfer from Lille three years ago.
    He has since made 118 appearances for the Gunners.
    When the Brazilian signed his new contract in October, Arsenal sporting director Edu revealed that he will be a key player for the club’s long-term future.
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    He said: “It’s great that we’ve agreed a new deal with Gabi. At 24, he’s still a young player and is part of our future.
    “His performances since he joined us in 2020 have been very strong and his positive impact on our results have been clear for everyone to see.
    “He has grown so much on and off the pitch, with both his contribution and communication on and off the pitch.
    “We all look forward to seeing Gabi continue to grow as an important part of our club.” More

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    Rangers cleared to sign forgotten Man Utd player after Crystal Palace rule themselves out of running

    RANGERS are clear to sign former England keeper Jack Butland after Crystal Palace passed on the chance to extend his contract.The Eagles had the option of triggering a new one-year deal with Butland — who has been on loan with Manchester United — but decided against it.
    Jack Butland is edging closer to a Rangers moveCredit: Getty
    Palace already have two top keepers in Sam Johnstone and Vicente Guaita, making that department well covered and also expensive to run.
    Rangers have been keen on Butland, 30, for a year but only pressed on with a deal in recent weeks.
    Their initial interest faded when Allan McGregor returned to their plans.
    But his belated exit left them in need of an experienced replacement.
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    The former Stoke shot-stopper failed to make any appearances at Palace or United this season.
    Butland made nine league appearances for Palace in the league last season.
    He reportedly held talks over a move to Scotland on Tuesday night – the same day Gers confirmed the capture of Dujon Sterling.
    Last month we revealed how Man Utd were prepared to DOUBLE the wages offered by the Ibrox side in order to keep him at Old Trafford.
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    Butland has been capped nine times by England.
    Overall he has made 87 appearances in the Premier League, while making a further 161 in the Championship.
    Butland joined Man Utd on loan in January but hasn’t made an appearanceCredit: Getty More

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    Fans have theory Eden Hazard ‘sacrificed himself’ by terminating Real Madrid contract for good of Chelsea

    CHELSEA fans have a theory that Eden Hazard “sacrificed himself” by leaving Real Madrid for the good of his former club. Hazard saw his Real contract terminated by mutual consent after a horror four seasons in the Spanish capital.
    Eden Hazard has left Real MadridCredit: Getty
    And the move comes with the LaLiga giants linked with Chelsea’s Kai Havertz.
    So some Blues fans reckon Hazard has paved the way for Havertz to be sold after Real cleared space in their squad.
    One said: “Hazard sacrificed himself so Chelsea could get rid of Havertz… club legend.”
    Another agreed: “Hazard sacrificed himself for the greater good. Proper Chels.”
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    One added: “Hazard sacrificed himself so Madrid had to sign Havertz. F*****g trooper man.”
    Another joked: “Hazard sacrificed his soul so we get rid of Havertz.”
    Hazard, 32, left Chelsea for Real in 2019 in a deal worth up to £150million.
    But the Belgian struggled for form and with injuries, scoring just seven goals in his 76 appearances.
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    And after suffering a strained relationship with manager Carlo Ancelotti the club and player parted ways.
    Havertz, 23, meanwhile, joined Chelsea in 2020 for a then-club record £75m deal from Bayer Leverkusen.
    And despite scoring the winning goal in the Champions League final in his first season, the German has lacked consistency.
    It leaves Chelsea open to selling him in the summer, with Real leading the race for Havertz.
    Star striker Karim Benzema, 35, has left Madrid and is linked with a mega-money move to Saudi Arabia, leaving the side in search of a new No9.
    Kai Havertz is linked with a move to Real MadridCredit: AFP More

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    Incoming Spurs boss Postecoglou ready to raid Celtic for £30million striker as long-term replacement for Harry Kane

    TOTTENHAM want Ange Postecoglou to bring Japan striker Kyogo Furuhashi with him from Celtic.The prolific marksman, who netted in the Scottish Cup final against Inverness, is already on Spurs’ wishlist as a partner, cover or even eventual replacement for club talisman Harry Kane.
    Tottenham’s incoming boss Ange Postecoglou could bring Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi with himCredit: Getty
    And if Postecoglou, 57, agrees to become Tottenham chief this week then that would vastly increase their chances of landing the Japanese ace.
    Furuhashi, 28, would be ideal for Spurs and they are prepared to pay around £25-30million to make him a major capture.
    Best known as Kyogo, the Hoops star has been one of the major successes in Postecoglou’s time in Scotland — with 23 goals in 31 league games.
    And, at his age, the chance of the Premier League may also be too good to refuse.
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    But there are other clubs in England with Kyogo in their sights because of his finishing, clever running and positive attitude.
    Postecoglou is currently waiting for permission to speak to Spurs supremo Daniel Levy.
    The Australian enjoys being boss at Celtic but may be open to a new challenge if the job is right.
    West Ham boss David Moyes has been backed as the front-runner for the Celtic post if Postecoglou leaves.
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    But Moyes insists he’s blanking it all out ahead of Wednesday’s Europa Conference League Final against Fiorentina.
    The Scottish tactician said: “I’ve never even considered it. I’m West Ham manager and I’m really enjoying my period here.
    “I’m hopefully trying to continue growing a really good football club so I’ve not given it any consideration.
    “Through my years I’ve been linked with lots of jobs at different times but I have to say I’m really happy at the moment and I’m settled where I am.
    “The club have been so good to me and we’re enjoying the journey we’re on.” More

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    Steven Gerrard lined up for return to management in Championship as Leeds are joined in race for Liverpool legend

    STEVEN GERRARD is the new name on the wanted list at relegated Leicester City.The Liverpool and England legend wants to get back into management after leaving Aston Villa and hopes his success at Rangers still makes him attractive.
    Steven Gerrard is wanted by both Leeds and Leicester CityCredit: PA
    The Foxes are looking for a boss to lead them out of the Championship at the first attempt and raise morale after the depressing end to the season.
    Gerrard’s camp are close to Leicester and he will have a strong chance.
    Graham Potter was their first choice when Brendan Rodgers left but he did not want to jump back into work after leaving Chelsea — though he has been sounded out again.
    The former Brighton boss has also been linked with a move to Ligue 1 side Nice, which prospective Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe owns.
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    Gerrard would also come with Foxes legend Gary McAllister on his backroom staff, which would appeal to fans.
    Leicester had considered Russell Martin for the post but relegated Southampton moved for him first and decisively.
    Gerrard has been linked with several jobs, including Leeds, and is even a possible future member of the England backroom staff.
    But the Leicester job may have the most appeal.
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    Leeds are on the hunt for a new boss after Sam Allardyce left after failing to keep them up in his four games in charge.
    His 25-day stint means he now holds the record for shortest time in charge of a Premier League club.
    Allardyce would have received a whopping £3million if he had kept Leeds in the top-flight. More

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    Chelsea ‘seal Mauricio Pochettino’s first transfer after triggering £52million release clause after beating PSG in race’

    CHELSEA will reportedly sign Manuel Ugarte after agreeing to pay his release clause.The Sporting Lisbon midfielder is rated as one of the best young midfielders in Europa after impressing with the Portuguese side.
    Chelsea have reportedly signed Mauricio Pochettino’s first player since becoming managerCredit: Reuters
    The Blues are believed to have paid the release clause for Manuel UgarteCredit: Getty
    The Blues have agreed to pay his £52 million release clause that will see him become Mauricio Pochettino’s first signing as manager, according to Portuguese outlet Record.
    The report claims that the Stamford Bridge side have beaten PSG to the midfielder’s signature.
    It goes as far as to say that the deal “is closed”, with Ugarte opting for a move to the Premier League over France.
    The outlet suggests that after two weeks of “intense” meetings, the chance to play against “top teams like Man City” is a dream for Ugarte.
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    However, it also claims that the deal is not done as details still need to be ironed out before the move is official.
    It would be hoped that Ugarte can provide more protection to the club’s defensive line that failed to impress last season
    The deal would be Chelsea’s first of the summer as they look to strengthen the squad after a disappointing season.
    The Blues finished the last Premier League campaign in the bottom half of the table and failed to go deep in any of the cups they competed for.
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    This was despite a £600m spend on talent by new owner Todd Boehly.
    The summer transfer window looks set to be a busy one for the Blues as they look to back Pochettino in the market.
    As well as incomings it is expected that there will be plenty of outgoings from Stamford Bridge.
    Mason Mount looked set for a move to Manchester United, while Ruben Loftus-Cheek has been linked with AC Milan.
    Trevoh Chalobah, Kepa Arrizabalaga and Édouard Mendy are all on the list that the club could cash in on. More