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    Chelsea outcast Callum Hudson-Odoi set for reunion with old Blues boss as he closes on transfer to Serie A giant

    CHELSEA outcast Callum Hudson-Odoi looks set to reunite with a former boss at Serie A side Lazio.Hudson-Odoi, 22, had been tipped to be the latest player to join the Saudi Pro League – amid interest from multiple sides in the Gulf.
    Hudson Odoi has struggled for minutes at Chelsea in recent yearsCredit: Getty
    Sarri gave Hudson-Odoi his first break in the Chelsea first teamCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
    According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano though, he looks set to link up with former manager Maurizio Sarri in Rome.
    Romano said there is no truth in reports of a loan move with an obligation to buy as Chelsea are only willing to sell the winger permanently.
    His £120,000-a-week contract is set to expire next summer.
    Sarri managed Hudson Odoi during his stint as Chelsea manager between 2018 and 2019 – where the winger made 23 senior appearances for The Blues.
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    Much of these came in cup competitions, with the young winger particularly impressing in the Europa League at the time.
    His performances sparked a clamour from Chelsea fans to give Hudson-Odoi Premier League minutes, to which Sarri responded: “I don’t know if Hudson-Odoi is able for the Premier League at 18, especially in a big team.
    “If he’s good enough to play in a big team in the Premier League at 18 then he could be the best player in Europe in two years.”
    Hudson-Odoi was subject to extensive interest from Bayern Munich after he first broke into the Chelsea first team.
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    He was subject to a £70million transfer bid from Bayern in 2020.
    Hudson-Odoi ultimately remained at Chelsea however, penning a five-year-deal on £120k-a-week.
    Since then however, he has struggled to nail down a place in the Chelsea first team.
    The winger has struggled with injury throughout his Chelsea career and last year found himself out on loan at Bayer Leverkusen as he looked to kickstart his career.
    He struggled again with injury in Germany and was limited to just 14 appearances at Leverkusen.
    A move to Lazio to reunite with former boss Sarri could be just what the winger needs as he looks to reignite his faltering career. More

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    Man Utd outcast Alex Telles completes transfer to Saudi side Al Nassr to seal reunion with Cristiano Ronaldo

    ALEX TELLES has left Manchester United to sign for Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.He links back up with Cristiano Ronaldo after finding himself surplus to requirements under Erik ten Hag.
    Alex Telles has joined Al-NassrCredit: Instagram @alnassr
    The defender spent last season on loan at SevillaCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag cast Telles out of his squad after taking over last year, with the left-back joining Sevilla on loan for the season.
    The 30-year-old made 38 appearances for the Spanish club and helped them win the Europa League.
    But he is now set for a very different challenge after finalising a transfer to Al-Nassr.
    It is believed Telles will earn £7million a year at the Saudi outfit, with Al Nassr paying United £4m for his services.
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    Ten Hag has been trying to offload fringe players in an attempt to build transfer funds, and Telles was an obvious option given his last appearance came in the last game of the 2021-22 season.
    He could be joined at Al-Nassr by another forgotten man at United, Eric Bailly, who is in England training on his own.
    Bailly came to United from Villarreal for £30million but never really established himself in the side after a promising first season due to injuries.
    The defender is not expected to command a fee.
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    He has not played for United since December 2021 and spent last season on loan in Marseille.
    The Red Devils could also raise funds by selling both Dean Henderson and Anthony Elanga to Nottingham Forest.
    Goalkeeper Henderson would cost £30million with winger Elanga costing £15million. More

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    Tottenham ‘enter Kylian Mbappe transfer race’ as stunned fans say: ‘I have more chance of dating Margot Robbie’

    TOTTENHAM have emerged as surprise candidates to make a move for Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.Spanish outlet Marca broke the stunning news that Spurs were one of a host of Premier League clubs interested in the forward.
    Fans are unwilling to believe that Tottenham’s interest in Mbappe is seriousCredit: AFP
    PSG are determined to sell Mbappe this summer – and have left him out of their squad for their pre-season tour of Japan.
    News broke yesterday that Chelsea plus one unnamed Premier League club were set to enter the race to sign the forward, who has been heavily linked with Real Madrid.
    And according to Marca, Spurs and Manchester United are the other unnamed clubs willing to throw their hat in the ring for Mbappe’s signature.
    Marca report that PSG President Nasser Al-Khelaifi and Daniel Levy have a close working relationship and that Levy would leverage this to make a move.
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    Given Spurs’ 8th placed finish last season and the fact that Saudi side Al-Hilal are willing to offer £173million for Mbappe, fans were left stunned by the news that the North London club would move for one of the best players in the world.
    One Spurs fan on Twitter said: “I’m interested in Margot Robbie.
    “My transfer has slightly more chance than Mbappe coming to Spurs.”
    Another joked: “Levy will offer £15m + Eric Dier and Oliver Skipp.”
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    A third simply wrote: “You having a laugh?”
    While a fourth responded to tweets linking Spurs with Mbappe with a string of laughing emojis.
    Mbappe has entered the final year of his PSG contract and made it clear with the Parisian club that he has no intention of signing a new deal.
    PSG are unwilling to lose the forward for free and believe that doing so would force an exodus of stars as they would have to balance the books in Mbappe’s absence.
    The club want a swift sale and hope for a transfer to be sorted by July 31.
    Mbappe is reportedly willing to sit out the entirety of next season in order to make a move to Real Madrid happen next summer.
    It is looking increasingly likely that Spurs will be in the market for a striker this summer, with Harry Kane’s rumoured move to Bayern gathering pace.
    Kane’s wife, Kate, was reportedly in Munich this weekend looking at houses amid rumours that Kane had agreed personal terms with Bayern ahead of a move. More

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    Ivan Toney could leave Brentford before return from eight-month ban as in-demand star weighs up big move

    BANNED Brentford star Ivan Toney is weighing up a big summer move – to a new agent.The England international striker is thought to be considering whether to join the huge stable of top players at CAA Stellar.
    Ivan Toney has been banned from football for eight months after betting breachesCredit: PA
    Toney may leave Brentford before his ban runs outCredit: Getty
    And that would be regarded as a sign that Toney is also preparing for a transfer to a new club, perhaps even before his eight-month suspension for betting offences runs out in January.
    Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester United are among the clubs to have been linked with the 27-year-old, who has two years left on his current Bees’ deal.
    Toney has enjoyed a successful relationship with agent Simon Kennedy and still appears on the website of Kennedy’s company, Pinnacle Sports and Entertainment Limited.
    CAA Stellar represents hundreds of players, including big names like £100million Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate and in-demand Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse.
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    Stellar, led by Jonathan Barnett and David Manasseh, also oversaw Gareth Bale’s then world-record £85.3m move from Tottenham to Real Madrid in 2013.
    Kennedy was unavailable for comment.
    Toney was charged with 232 breaches of FA regulations before he was hit with the eight-month ban.
    The centre-forward was also diagnosed with a gambling addiction after admitting to the offences.
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    The Brentford star is now prevented from playing until January 16 and is unable to train with his club until September.
    The penalty infuriated both Bees manager Thomas Frank and England boss Gareth Southgate.
    Toney will be a major absence for the club this coming season after registering a staggering 21 goals and five assists in 35 appearances last term. More

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    Aston Villa SIGN Moussa Diaby as Unai Emery beats big-spending Saudis to France winger transfer

    ASTON VILLA have completed another major signing after landing Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa Diaby.Villa beat interest from Saudi Arabia’s mega-bucks to make Diaby their fourth addition of the summer transfer window.
    Aston Villa have signed Bayer Leverkusen star Moussa DiabyCredit: Getty
    Diaby joins Aston Villa after the club beat interest from Saudi ArabiaCredit: Aston Villa
    The winger moves to Villa Park after putting pen to paper on a five-year deal.
    The Premier League outfit shook hands with Leverkusen after agreeing on an undisclosed fee.
    The 24-year-old’s move is now subject to international clearance and a work visa.
    The France international, however, has already linked up with Emery’s side in the US.
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    Villa announced on their official website: “Aston Villa is delighted to announce the signing of French international Moussa Diaby.
    “The 24-year-old winger joins Villa from Bayer Leverkusen for an undisclosed fee and has already linked up with his new team-mates on their tour of the United States.”
    Diaby reportedly turned down a move to Al-Nassr where he would have teamed up with Cristiano Ronaldo and a raft of other big names that moved to Saudi Arabia.
    That is despite the Saudi giants agreeing a fee in principle with Leverkusen.
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    Villa have been very active during the summer transfer window, which saw them adding Monchi as president of football operations.
    The Villans have already landed Rico Richards as well as Youri Tielemans after they left West Brom and Leicester respectively as free agents..
    Emery also brought Pau Torres from Villarreal following a £33million deal. More

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    Luton in transfer race for £10m Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez but move faces being scuppered – by Lionel Messi

    LIONEL MESSI has hit Luton’s hopes of signing Venezuelan striker Josef Martinez.The Hatters are trying for Inter Miami hitman Martinez but fell short of the £10million valuation —  so need the South American to push to leave.
    Luton want to sign MartinezCredit: Getty
    However, the move could be scuppered by MessiCredit: Reuters
    But Martinez, 30, has hit it off with Messi since the Argentine arrived in the MLS last week.
    The pair have been close in training and Martinez even jokingly called him his “new best friend”.
    Luton’s other hope is that David Beckham’s Inter also sign former Liverpool star Luis Suarez — which could edge Martinez closer to an exit.
    Messi agreed to join Inter Miami on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last month.
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    He was officially unveiled as an Inter player earlier this week after arriving in the US to an overwhelming reception.
    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner made his debut on Friday evening and announced himself to fans by scoring an outstanding free kick.
    Inter Miami won the match 2-1 thanks to Messi’s late contribution, which left Beckham and his family stunned.
    The Herons also completed the signing of former Barcelona star Sergio Busquets this week, who joined Messi in making his debut on Friday.
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    The Spaniard became the third ex-Barcelona star to join the club this summer.
    Jordi Alba made the switch earlier this week to become the fourth.
    And Spain legend Andres Iniesta is expected to join his former teammates at the DRV PNK Stadium before the summer concludes. More

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    Ex-Man Utd star, 36, likened to World Cup legend retires with heartfelt message saying: ‘My dreams have come true’

    GIUSEPPE ROSSI has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36 with a touching message.Rossi started out at Manchester United’s academy in 2004 and his talent led to comparisons to Italian legend Alessandro Del Piero thanks to his speed, technique, passing, dribbling and shooting.
    Ex-Manchester United ace Giuseppe Rossi announced his retirementCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Rossi has been previously compared to Alessandro Del PieroCredit: AFP
    The striker spent three years in United’s books but only managed a mere total of four goals and one assist in 14 appearances.
    The ex-Italy international was sent out on loan to Newcastle and Parma before his departure in 2007 when he joined Villarreal.
    Rossi went on to play for Fiorentina, Levante, Celta Vigo, Genoa, Real Salt Lake and SPAL, where he ended his career.
    Pepito issued a touching farewell message to fans stating his “dreams came true”.
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    Rossi posted on Instagram: “Today I announce my retirement from the beautiful game. It’s been an unforgettable journey!
    “From running around the backyard as a kid with a ball at my feet and having my father as a coach, to playing at the highest level of football possible, in the most beautiful stadiums football can offer and playing with/against the best players and clubs in the world….
    “I’m eternally grateful to have been a part of this game. My dreams came true. My life is fulfilled.
    “All I ever wanted was to be the best player I could be. I dedicated every ounce of me, shedded blood, sweat and tears for this game. I can leave the game peacefully, knowing I did all I can possibly do to achieve my goals.
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    “My journey is unique. A lot of ups but also some downs. Those down moments (mostly injuries) never defined me. My purpose was stronger than any obstacle that was in front of me.
    “I never stopped dreaming when things I couldn’t control got in my way. I love the game so much that I could’ve never given up.
    “That is why I’m writing this with a heavy heart but a big smile on face – I’m proud of what I accomplished!
    “To my family…your sacrifices and endless support gave me the strength and courage to achieve things I thought were unreachable. Thank you.
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    Rossi stated his “dreams came true” during a heartfelt farewell messageCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    “To my clubs…it was an honor being by your side and representing your shirt! I wore it proudly and gave it my all each and every game. Thank you for your trust in me.
    “To my teammates…so many battles on the field together, so many amazing moments shared off the field. Thank you for being important figures during my career that challenged me to be the best player I could be.
    “To the fans…the game wouldn’t be the beautiful game without you. You have all been by my side throughout my 19 year career. We shared some moments that will last a lifetime! Thank you.
    “I will truly miss the game but I know it’s time. On to the next chapter.. #PepitoOut.” More

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    Ex-Chelsea star and free agent shows off incredible body transformation as fans of former club say ‘bring him home’

    FORMER Chelsea and Everton star Ross Barkley has shown off his impressive body transformation ahead of the 2023-24 season.The 29-year-old midfielder took to Instagram to share three topless pictures of himself working out in the gym.
    Barkley shared three pictures of himself in the gym on InstagramCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu4rbR9swej/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA
    He captioned the post with ‘Preparing for the new season, feeling strong and ready.’Credit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu4rbR9swej/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA
    The midfielder is currently a free agentCredit: https://www.instagram.com/p/Cu4rbR9swej/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA
    He paired the images with a caption that read: “Preparing for the new season, feeling strong and ready.”
    Some of his former team-mates were quick to comment on the picture, with Davide Zappacosta writing: “Beast.”
    Danny Drinkwater added: “Geez!! Absolute machine”
    While Mario Lemina wrote: “Damn!!!!!”
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    Lifelong Everton fan and professional boxer Tony Bellew also took to the comments to beg the Toffees to re-sign Barkley.
    He wrote: “Bring him home @everton.”
    Barkley joined Everton’s academy at the age of 11 in 2005 and climbed up through the ranks before making his professional debut six years later.
    The midfielder went on to make 179 appearances for the Toffees, scoring 27 goals and providing 28 assists.
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    He left to join Chelsea in a £15million transfer in 2018 and made 100 appearances for the Blues during his four-year spell.
    Barkley became a free agent last summer when his contract at Stamford Bridge came to an end.
    He spent last season in France with Nice, but he was limited to just 28 outings.
    The former England international left the Ligue 1 side last month, meaning he is now without a club again.
    Barkley spent last season with NiceCredit: Getty More