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    Chelsea ‘extend Enzo Fernandez’s deal until 2032’ just months after £106m transfer to be longest contract in football

    CHELSEA have extended Enzo Fernandez’s contract by another year to keep him at the club until 2032, according to reports.The 22-year-old joined the Blues from Benfica at the end of the January transfer window for a British transfer record £107million.
    Enzo Fernandez’s lengthy contract has been extended by another yearCredit: Alamy
    Fernandez agreed an eight-and-a-half-year deal until 2031 as the club amortised the lucrative fee – which works out at around £11m per season – over a lengthy period in order to circumvent Financial Fair Play regulations.
    The option of an additional year was also included within Fernandez’s deal.
    And now TyC Sports journalist Cesar Luis Merlo is reporting that has been triggered by Chelsea.
    It means Fernandez is now under contract with Chelsea until the summer of 2032 – when he will be 31 years of age.
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    The decision to extend his contract just three months after joining the club comes as Uefa are reportedly preparing to change the rules regarding the length of contracts.
    Europe’s governing body are looking at implementing a five-year limit on the length of a player’s deal in a bid to close the loophole being exploited around amortisation and Financial Fair Play.
    That could mean Chelsea also look to extend the deals of January signings Mykhailo Mudryk and Benoit Badiashile in the coming months.
    Mudryk’s contract runs until 2031, while Badiashile’s ends just 12 months earlier.
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    Meanwhile, Fernandez has hit the ground running at Stamford Bridge by impressing in the heart of Chelsea’s midfield.
    Speaking about the World Cup winner acting as a key figure in the dressing room, interim boss Frank Lampard said: “Enzo is becoming a leader, but he’s 22, I think it’s quite difficult for us to talk about that, he’ll have to find his way.

    “Games like [the quarter-final first-leg tie at the Bernabeu] are a great chance to perform and show the personality that makes you a proper leader.”
    In response, Fernandez said: “I always dream to be a leader because when I started, I always wanted to be an example.
    “To be defined like that so young makes me really proud. I always give my best and try to be an example for everyone.”
    Chelsea will look to end a run of five games without a win when they host Brighton on Saturday.
    Lampard’s side could move back into the top half of the Premier League table with a positive result against the high-flying Seagulls. More

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    Real Madrid ‘step up £44m hunt for Reece James transfer but fans joke the Chelsea man ‘failed the Vinicius test’ in loss

    REAL MADRID have reportedly stepped up their chase of Reece James.The Chelsea star could be available for just £44million this summer.
    Real Madrid believe they can land Chelsea star Reece James for just £44mCredit: Rex
    Fans joked James has already failed the Vinicius Jr testCredit: AFP
    But some fans jokingly fear James may not be up to the mark after “failing the Vinicius Jr test.”
    James, 23, has become one of Chelsea’s most important players after working his way through the academy.
    He has already won a Champions League, Super Cup and Club World Cup after 145 games.
    And Chelsea rewarded James’ talent by doubling his wages on a new five-year deal in September.
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    However, the Blues face a fire-sale this summer after Todd Boehly’s £600million spending spree unbalanced the books.
    Real Madrid are big fans of James as they eye a new right-back to replace Dani Carvajal.
    And Marca claims Los Blancos are ready to step up their pursuit by making a £44m bid, with Bayern Munich left-back Alphonso Davies also on their radar.
    They believe it could be enough to secure James’ signature with Chelsea needing a quick cash injection.
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    Real got the chance to witness the defender first-hand in last night’s Champions League win over the Blues.
    But James’ attacking threat was nullified by Carlo Ancelotti’s clever tactics.
    And he also struggled to keep up with flying winger Vinicius Jr, who had a field day on the left wing.
    Indeed, some supporters jokingly fear James may not be good enough for Real after his below-par performance.
    One said: “Reece was being evaluated without knowing yesterday and it doesn’t look good.
    “He failed the Vini test.”
    Another declared: “He had a stinker this week.”
    One added: “James is finished, should not be a target at all.” More

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    Liverpool ‘could axe 13 PLAYERS to fund summer rebuild’ with a host of first-team stars set to be flogged

    LIVERPOOL may have to offload up to 13 players this summer, reports suggest.The Reds are enduring a turbulent season that could see them missing out on the top four.
    Liverpool have been enduring a turbulent campaign in the Premier LeagueCredit: Getty
    Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp may axe up to 13 players in the summerCredit: Alamy
    The Daily Express predicts that manager Jurgen Klopp may have to wield the axe on several players to raise funds for reinforcement, especially if the Merseysiders miss out on Champions League cash.
    Liverpool may start by letting go of players whose contracts run out in June.
    Adrian, Naby Keita, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Roberto Firmino could all leave.
    Arthur is highly likely to return to Juventus after an unsuccessful loan stint at Anfield.
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    Caoimhen Kelleher, Sepp van den Berg, Rhys Williams and Nat Phillips could all find themselves on the chopping block as well after failing to earn first-team opportunities.
    Joel Matip has struggled for fitness in the last 18 months and may have to make way if Klopp is able to get an upgrade at centre-back.
    The same goes for Kostas Tsimikas, even though the left-back has shone bright while deputising for Andy Robertson.
    James Milner and Joe Gomez help Liverpool meet the criteria for homegrown players in their Premier League and European squads.
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    But both of them could be on the way out, especially Milner whose deal comes to an end in June.
    Liverpool are currently eighth in the Premier League table with 12 points separating them from fourth place.
    The Reds are facing immense competition for Champions League qualification with the likes of Newcastle and Manchester United also making a strong case. More

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    Man Utd step up pursuit of £60m-rated Joao Palhinha as Fulham target Porto star as replacement

    FULHAM are eyeing a move for Porto midfielder Mateus Uribe – as a potential replacement for Manchester United target Joao Palhinha.The Cottagers are wary that Palhinha’s incredible form is attracting several suitors – despite the midfielder only arriving in west London from Sporting Lisbon for £20million last summer.
    Manchester United continue to monitor Fulham star Joao PalhinhaCredit: Rex
    Fulham have identified Porto ace Mateus Uribe as Palhinha’s replacementCredit: Reuters
    United are monitoring the Portugal international’s situation, with Fulham expected to demand at least £60m for his services.
    And SunSport understands that 32-year-old Uribe is seen as the perfect man to step in should they lose Palhinha earlier than expected.
    Fulham have made contact with Porto and Uribe’s representatives already, and with the Colombian’s contract expiring at the end of June, a deal would be simple to execute.
    However, Atletico Madrid and Lazio are also believed to be in the mix to land the player on a free.
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    Boss Marco Silva is a big fan of Uribe, and in an ideal world would like to partner him with Palhinha, but knows it will be a tough ask to keep the latter at the club next season.
    Uribe joined Porto from Mexican side Club America back in 2019, and has helped the Portuguese giants to six major trophies, including two league titles.
    Meanwhile, Palhinha has been a mainstay in the Fulham midfield in his debut Premier League campaign, and a big factor in the club rising up the table.
    The 27-year-old was close to joining Wolves before Fulham nabbed him at the last minute.
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    But it is now anticipated United will make their move in the coming weeks.
    Palhinha has amassed a total of four goals in 31 appearances this season.
    Uribe, on the other hand, has registered four goals and one assist in 42 matches across all competitions. More

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    Tottenham join Man Utd and Arsenal in Ansu Fati transfer race after wonderkid falls down Barcelona pecking order

    TOTTENHAM have joined Manchester United and Arsenal in the bidding war for Barcelona’s out-of-favour wonderkid Ansu Fati, reports suggest.Spurs will also rival Bayern Munich for Fati, who has slipped down the pecking order at Barca shortly after being handed Lionel Messi’s legendary No10 jersey.
    Tottenham have rivalled Arsenal and Manchester United for Barcelona star Ansu FatiCredit: Rex
    The 20-year-old has struggled for minutes under manager Xavi due to inconsistent form and nagging injury setbacks.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, the winger’s struggles have led to the Blaugrana giving his agent Jorge Mendes permission to explore offers from other clubs. 
    That works as a major boost for Tottenham, United, Arsenal and Bayern ahead of the summer transfer window.
    However, the Premier League giants and reigning Bundesliga champions may have to cough up a whopping £90million for his signature.
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    Spurs will need reinforcement in attack with star man Harry Kane’s future in doubt after another trophyless season.
    Kane’s contract also runs out next year, which means the North Londoners are facing the prospect of losing him for free.
    Tottenham have also been lacking the brilliance of last season’s Premier League joint-top goalscorer Son Heung-min, while star signing Richarlison hasn’t lived up to expectations.
    United are also looking for reinforcement after losing Cristiano Ronaldo, while the Gunners want to form a frontline that will help establish them as Prem title contenders.
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    However, Fati appears keen to stay at Barcelona and prove he is worthy of a spot in the starting line-up.
    That is despite the Catalan giants’ need to raise £178m to sign new players amid their ongoing financial woes.
    The Spain international insists on his wish to prove himself even after his father Bori urged him to leave the Nou Camp due to a lack of minutes. More

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    Arsenal want to re-sign former player who they gave up on after just one appearance in two years

    ARSENAL want to re-sign Ismael Bennacer, reports suggest.Bennacer is one of the main stars of reigning Italian champions AC Milan.
    Ismael Bennacer is wanted by ArsenalCredit: Alamy
    And he gave them one foot in the Champions League semi-final after rifling home the only goal of their 1-0 win over Napoli in the quarter-final.
    However, his good form is now attracting interest, with Arsenal and Liverpool both interested in his services.
    The reports from Italy, via Football 365, suggest Arsenal could even try to tempt Milan into a sale by offering Folarin Balogun in a swap deal.
    Bennacer, 25, was on the books at Arsenal between 2015 and 2017.
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    But he was never able to make a lasting impression, only making one appearance in the senior team.
    From Arsenal the Algerian international went to Empoli.
    And by 2019 he was picked up by AC Milan in a £14million deal.
    Since joining the San Siro club, he has made 139 appearances.
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    Bennacer did sign a new four-and-a-half-year deal at Milan only in January, and according to Transfermakrt, his market value now sits at £35m.
    Arsenal are in the market for the midfielder, having been heavily linked with both Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo.
    A shock report earlier today also suggested Arsenal had made contact with Chelsea’s N’Golo Kante. More

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    Alexis Mac Allister set to leave Brighton in summer with Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool all in race to sign him

    ALEX MAC ALLISTER is reportedly set to leave Brighton at the end of the season.And the World Cup winner is being pursued by Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool as they have already approached his representatives.
    Alexis Mac Allister is expected to depart Brighton in the summerCredit: Getty
    Fabrizio Romano revealed the news on Thursday afternoon, providing a shock update regarding Mac Allister’s future.
    He tweeted: “Alexis Mac Allister, expected to leave early this summer — understand there are three clubs in the race: Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United.
    “These clubs have approached player’s camp to discuss the project. Brighton will decide price tag soon.”
    And Mac Allister’s father, Carlos, has said: “Normally, the upcoming transfer market will find him playing for another club, we don’t know which one yet as the talks are starting.
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    “It’s very likely that Alexis will be playing in another team in the summer.”
    Mac Allister, 24, joined Brighton from South American side Argentinos Juniors for £7million in 2019 on a four-and-a-half-year deal.
    That was extended by a further 12 months in October, meaning he is under contract until June 2025.
    Brighton also have the option of adding an additional year.
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    It means they are in a strong position to negotiate a hefty fee if he is sold at the end of the campaign.
    Mac Allister has registered 26 goal contributions in 101 games for the Seagulls.
    That includes 10 goals and two assists this season.
    Mac Allister also played an integral part in Argentina’s World Cup triumph, helping his country to lift the trophy for the first time since 1986.
    Following a 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their tournament opener, Mac Allister was brought into the side as Argentina won six games in a row on their way to glory in Qatar.
    His performances on the world stage brought about interest from a host of Premier League clubs including Man Utd, Chelsea and Liverpool.
    And they are now all in pursuit of the diminutive forward as he prepares to embark on a new challenge away from the South Coast. More

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    Man Utd ready to rival Arsenal for £17.5m defender as they target Wan-Bissaka replacement

    MANCHESTER UNITED are set to go head-to-head with Arsenal over Galatasaray defender Sacha Boey. The 22-year-old is viewed as one Europe’s most promising full-backs and has been linked with a Premier League move.
    Sacha Boey’s stock is rising quickly in Europe and a big move could be on the cardsCredit: Getty
    Both United and Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a new right-back during the summer.
    And Turkish Football report that the Red Devils are prepared to elbow their rivals out the way to secure Boey.
    Newcastle are also reportedly in for the star who is valued at around £17.5m.
    Boey joined Galatasaray from Rennes in 2021 for just £1m but his value has soared after two impressive seasons out in Turkey.
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    He has been praised for his pace and crossing ability with Galatasaray six points clear at the top of the Super Lig.
    Boey plays alongside the likes of PSG loanee Mauro Icardi and former Roma star Nicolo Zaniolo at the club.
    He has also made appearances for France’s underage groups but is yet to receive a senior international call-up.
    United could have a vacancy at right-back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka repeatedly linked with moves away from Old Trafford.
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    The 25-year-old has been at Old Trafford since 2019 but is behind Diogo Dalot in the pecking order.
    Meanwhile, Arsenal are well-stocked in the full-back positions with Ben White and the versatile Takehiro Tomiyasu able to play there.
    But Boey would provide a more attacking alternative. More