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    Chelsea legend William Gallas reveals transfer ‘mistake’ Blues made with star who would have brought ‘winning mentality’

    WILLIAM GALLAS believes Chelsea made a “mistake” not signing Cristiano Ronaldo and his “winning mentality.”The Portugal legend is plying his trade in Saudi Arabia for Al-Nassr.William Gallas reckons Chelsea made a ‘mistake’ not signing Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AFPGallas feels Chelsea could use Ronaldo’s ‘winning mentality’ right nowCredit: ReutersAnd despite turning 39 years old last month, he is still performing at the highest level.Ronaldo has 48 goals in 56 games for his side after a dismal second spell at Manchester United.But Gallas, who played 225 games in west London, feels things could have turned out different for club and player had Ronaldo joined Chelsea instead.The Blues were strongly linked with a move for the striker when he was released by United in November 2022.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, they opted to wait until the summer before signing Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku.The latter has barely featured after picking up several major injury problems.While Jackson has shown he is more adept at playing in a supporting role.And with Chelsea struggling for consistency, Gallas feels they messed up by snubbing Ronaldo.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGThe two-time Premier League winner told Genting Casino: “Chelsea made a mistake by not signing Cristiano Ronaldo. He was available to sign and Chelsea would have been a good club for him.“Everyone knows how important Ronaldo can be in the dressing room, he brings a winning mentality and it could have benefitted the squad. It was a mistake by Chelsea.”Cristiano Ronaldo BANNED for alleged offensive gesture in Saudi Pro League as ex-Man Utd star also hit with fineGallas also reckons Chelsea should relive their golden days under Roman Abramovich by launching audacious moves for Man City’s Erling Haaland and PSG’S Kylian Mbappe.He added: “I’d sign them both! They’re both unbelievable players who have completely different styles for scoring goals.“I’d sign both to win a treble at a club like Arsenal or Chelsea. Every opponent would be in trouble if they played together.” More

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    Mason Greenwood could still return to Man Utd with club yet to make final decision on future amid transfer interest

    MANCHESTER UNITED are yet to make a decision on the future of Mason Greenwood.A return to Old Trafford for the 22-year-old remains a possibility.Mason Greenwood could still play again for Man UtdCredit: GETTYFabrizio Romano reports that Ineos have not made a verdict on Greenwood despite internal discussions taking place.However, Man Utd are open to considering transfer bids and they could cash-in this summer.New chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe was asked about Greenwood’s future last month and he said: “We will make a decision. I don’t know if he could still have a future.”All I can do is talk about the principle of how we will approach decisions like that.READ MORE ON MAN UTD“Is he the right type of footballer? Are we happy with that? Is he a good person or not?“Greenwood is a Manchester United footballer and we are in charge of football. “So the answer is it’s quite clear we have to make a decision. “There is no decision that’s been made. He’s on loan obviously but he’s not the only one. Most read in Football“The process will be – understand the facts not the hype and then try and come to a fair decision on the basis of values – which is basically whether he is a good guy or not. “Could he play sincerely for Manchester United well and would we be comfortable with it and the fans be comfortable with it?Mason Greenwood wants an investigation into whether Jude Bellingham called him a “rapist” dropped“I can talk about the principle. The principle is the important one because we will have other issues going forwards. “You are dealing with young people who have not always been brought up in the best circumstances, who have a lot of money and don’t always have the guidance they should have. “What we need to do when we have issues like that is to understand the real effects, not the hype.“Then we need to make a fair decision in the light of the club’s values. “That’s what we need to do and that’s how we will deal with it.”Greenwood is currently on loan in Spain with Getafe and he has scored eight goals in 26 games this season.They are impressed by his performances but may struggle to afford him amid interest from Barcelona and several other LaLiga sides like Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid.READ MORE SUN STORIESGreenwood has not featured for United since he was suspended after being arrested on suspicion of rape and sexual assault in January 2022.All charges were subsequently dropped. More

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    Brentford eyeing Ivan Toney transfer replacement by lining up free-scoring Championship striker

    SAMMIE SZMODICS is on Brentford’s radar as the Bees plan for life after Ivan Toney.Blackburn striker Szmodics, 28, is in the form of his life, with 21 goals in 35 league games making him leading scorer in the Championship.Sammie Szmodics slots past Michael CooperCredit: RexIvan Toney has been linked with ArsenalCredit: GettyBees boss Thomas Frank has admitted that he expects England striker Toney to leave the club this summer, with Arsenal and Chelsea leading the hunt.Frank’s top spy, Mick Priest, saw Szmodics score the leveller in Rovers’ 1-1 draw with Millwall last week — and  he is now on their shortlist of targets.The Bees are in the market for a couple of new attacking players for their squad and have also checked out Josh Sargent at Norwich.Luton are also looking at Szmodics but cannot commit until they know which division they will be in next season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe forward, who like Toney previously played for Peterborough, was in action yesterday.Szmodics lined up against Plymouth Argyle in a relegation six-pointer at Ewood Park.He took just seven minutes to get on the scoresheet, bending a right-footed effort beyond Michael Cooper.Kyle McFadzean’s 54th minute red card made matters difficult for John Eustace’s side.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Argyle eventually found an equaliser via Morgan Whittaker, who himself has attracted plenty of interest.Toney, meanwhile, played the full 90 minutes as Brentford lost 2-1 at Arsenal.Inside Ivan Toney’s Life As A FootballerThe Gunners took the lead through Declan Rice on 19 minutes.Yoane Wissa levelled on the stroke of half-time, before Kai Havertz won it with an 86th minute header. More

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    Why Chelsea need Newcastle to finish above 15th in Premier League

    THE bizarre reason why Chelsea have secretly been supporting Newcastle has been revealed.Blues fans will not be cheering on the Toon when they go head-to-head on Monday night.Chelsea want Newcastle to finish strongly in order to secure more money for Lewis HallCredit: AlamyHowever, for the rest of the season they will be hoping Newcastle pick up enough points to finish above 15th.That’s because of an unusual clause in the deal that saw Lewis Hall move to St James’ Park from Chelsea in the summer.The 19-year-old joined the club for an initial loan fee of £4million with an obligation to pay a further £24m to make it a permanent switch.But the transfer has not yet been completed as the deal depends on Newcastle’s league finish, according to The Telegraph.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThey need to end the season above 15th in order for the move to go through.Chelsea will be desperate for them to do enough to sign Hall amid financial pressures.Todd Boehly needs to balance the books this summer in order to comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules.Selling Hall will count as 100 per cent profit as he is a homegrown player.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNewcastle currently sit eighth in the table and are 14 points above Brentford in 15th.Hall has played just 11 times in all competitions for Eddie Howe’s side this season.Chelsea scout names the forgotten star who was supposed to be a world beaterReports suggest that director of football Dan Ashworth was the driving force behind the signing. More

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    Chelsea ‘steal march on Arsenal and Newcastle in race for £68m Sporting star Ousmane Diomande’

    CHELSEA are leading the race to sign Ousmane Diomande, according to reports.The defender, 20, has impressed since joining Sporting Lisbon from Midtjylland last year.Ousmane Diomande has impressed for Sporting Lisbon this seasonCredit: GettyHis strong performances for Sporting have already attracted plenty of Premier League interest.According to Portuguese paper Record, Chelsea are very keen on Diomande.They claim that the Blues have already made contact with his representatives ahead of potentially getting a deal done.Chelsea would reportedly be willing to pay around £51million up-front for the Ivory Coast international.READ MORE ON CHELSEASporting are claimed to want a further £17m in add-ons, which Record claim Chelsea would be willing to pay.Newcastle and Arsenal are also interested in Diomande.And should Chelsea’s potential FFP concerns lead to them having to tighten the purse strings this summer, Diomande could move to the Toon or Gunners.Elsewhere, Juventus are also believed to be interested in the commanding 6ft 3in ace.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL But the Serie A side would be unlikely to be able to match Sporting’s asking price.Diomande has made 43 appearances for the Portuguese giants since signing in January 2023.Pochettino reacts to Chelsea_s draw at Brentford, PAHis side currently top their league, while they are also fighting on the European front.Earlier this week Diomande featured as they drew 1-1 with Atalanta in the Europa League round of 16.They will travel to Italy next week for the second leg.Diomande, 20, was in action for Sporting earlier this weekCredit: Getty More

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    Chelsea set for £28m windfall as transfer exit for forgotten star is all-but confirmed

    EDDIE HOWE insists it’s “nailed on” that Lewis Hall WILL be a Newcastle player next season.Toon have agreed to pay Chelsea £28million this summer following the end of his season-long loan.Lewis Hall will stay with Newcastle beyond the summerCredit: GettyEddie Howe insists the left-back is one to watch for the futureCredit: GettyThe situation is complicated given left-back Hall, 19, has not met all the criteria for the move to be made permanent.Given the highly-rated youngster has only made 11 appearances across all competitions, it was thought the Magpies may send him back to Stamford Bridge.But Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said: “It’s nailed on. I’m preparing for Lewis to be at Newcastle for many years.“He was always brought in with a long-term view and I’m delighted because he has many qualities we are looking for.READ MORE ON CHELSEA“Something we just need some patience. Players develop at different speeds, but we’re delighted with the progress he’s made.“We have always believed in him and his quality, and we have been working really hard with him on his game. He’s a really talented lad. I believe in him and my vision is that he will be here for many years.”Fans have questioned why Howe has been so reluctant to play Hall, especially given the injury crisis that has dogged their campaign.Yet the Mags manager admits it has been a tricky adaptation for the boyhood Newcastle supporter to move from London to the North East at such a young age.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Hall has been limited to five Premier League appearances this seasonHowe added: “I have no doubt it’s been hard. When you look at someone of that age moving away from home, you can’t underestimate the challenges that come with that.“He’s handled himself really well and it’s been a season of growth for him although the external view would not necessarily have seen that.Chelsea’s plans for £1bn new stadium“We have seen that internally so it’s been a really powerful, positive year for him. A lot of work has been put into him and I do believe in him long-term.”Howe also revealed that club captain Jamaal Lascelles has triggered a one-year contract extension to extend his stay on Tyneside. More

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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