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    Chelsea set to sign 18-year-old Norwich star Alex Matos on a free transfer but fans are all saying the same thing

    CHELSEA are set to sign Norwich wonderkid Alex Matos on a free transfer.But fans all said the same thing in response to the possible deal.
    Another young prodigy is set to join the Chelsea academy in Alex MatosCredit: Getty
    EXCL: Chelsea are in advanced talks to sign U-18 talent Alex Matos (2004) from Norwich 🚨🔵 #CFCDeal entering closing stages, it will be done on a free transfer with add-ons.English winger will become part of Jim Fraser project, pushing for signing to build top U21 squad. pic.twitter.com/Dj8WosbGx2— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 24, 2023

    As reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Blues are closing in on securing a contract for Matos.
    The versatile 18-year-old winger and midfielder, born in 2004, can join for nothing – although some add-ons are expected.
    At Chelsea, the Englishman will link up with Jim Fraser’s project to build a strong Under-21s team.
    Head of youth development and recruitment Fraser identified Matos as the perfect candidate with bags of potential.
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    But supporters are convinced he will fall into the trap of plenty of other Chelsea youth stars over the years.
    One said: “Why are these kids joining Chelsea, zero pathway, just stocking piling talent. At this point will they even get consistent game time at youth-team level?”
    Another wrote: “Why do kids sign for Chelsea. No chance ever of progressing. Out on loans to Darlington in 6 months. One day kids will learn.”
    And a third added: “Suspect we will never hear from him again. So sad these young lads’ heads are turned.”
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    Matos started out at Luton before switching to Norwich at U12s level.
    He has progressed through the ranks, featuring for the U18s as a schoolboy and signing a scholarship at Carrow Road in 2021.
    This season, he has racked up an impressive three assists in 13 appearances for the Canaries in the Premier League 2.
    At international level, he has appeared for England U15s.
    Matos would link up with Jimmy-Jay Morgan in the Chelsea academy.
    The striker turned down the advances of Manchester City and Arsenal to join Chelsea from Southampton for £6million in February.
    Within weeks of joining the Blues, though, Morgan flew out to Los Angeles to have surgery on a knee problem found during his medical.
    Jimmy-Jay Morgan joined Chelsea from Southampton in FebruaryCredit: Getty More

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    European giants want to sign Lionel Messi in shock free transfer as he edges closer to PSG exit

    LIONEL MESSI could be set to leave Paris Saint-Germain and join Inter Milan this summer, according to reports.The Argentinian legend sees his deal expire at the Ligue 1 club at the end of the season.
    Lionel Messi is wanted by Inter MilanCredit: Reuters
    Messi has the option to extend his stay at PSG by a further year, but he is expected to quit after they were knocked out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
    Inter Milan are keen on trying their luck at signing the 35-year-old on a free transfer, claim Calcio Mercato.
    The Serie A side believe they can use the relationship their chief and former player Javier Zanetti has with Messi from their days playing together for the Argentina national team.
    Meanwhile, Barcelona want to bring the attacker back to the Nou Camp where he spent 21 years.
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    However, the Catalan giants may not be able to sign him due to ongoing financial issues.
    Barca have essentially been placed under a transfer ban by LaLiga until they balance their books and could be forced into selling a number of players.
    Retired striker and Messi’s best mate Sergio Aguero remains hopeful that the World Cup hero can go back and finish his career at the club.
    Aguero said: “My feeling is that there is a 50 per cent chance that Leo Messi will return. I think that Leo should retire at Barca. Barcelona is his home, he has to finish his career here.”
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    The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has also been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami.
    Rumours linking Messi with a switch to a Saudi Arabian club have been shut down by his father, Jorge, who labelled the reports as “fake news”. More

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    Arsenal’s on-fire striker Folarin Balogun refuses to close door on quitting club after lighting up Ligue 1 on loan

    FOLARIN BALOGUN has fuelled speculation he could leave Arsenal by revealing he would be open to returning to Stade Reims.The striker has been a hit on loan at the Ligue Un club with 17 goals in 27 league games.
    Folarin Balogun is open to returning to Stade Reims next seasonCredit: AFP
    His form could encourage Mikel Arteta to use the youngster in the first team next season.
    But Balogun is not closing the door to a potential exit and would be open to moving back to Reims.
    When asked about his future in an interview with Ligue Un he said: “Contractually I have to go back because the loan was only for one year so that was always the agreement.
    “I’m not sure what is going to happen in the future.
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    “A lot could happen in football, a lot could change, and it just depends on the conversations we have between me and the club in the summer, and we’ll see what happens.
    “I mean there’s no door that’s closed. Of course I have had a good year here and to a lot of people it makes sense for me to come back here. So yeah I mean I don’t know what the future will bring.”
    Balogun also needs to decide his international future after being left out of the England squad.
    He appeared to be frustrated by his omission and posted a message hinting at a potential switch to the USA saying: “In life go where you are appreciated.”
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    The 21-year-old then jetted out to Orlando, Florida this week – where the USMNT had a training camp.
    USA interim boss Anthony Hudson also revealed he had held talks with Balogun over a potential switch.
    He said: “As I said before, we’ve had dialogue we’ve spoken.
    “He’s out here, having a bit of a break and some training, and we’ve had some discussions. So yeah, now it’s about him just enjoying the rest of his trip.
    “It’s been good, because it’s been an opportunity for us just to share about our program and who we are and what we do.
    “And look, that’s it, I hope we get the chance to speak to him again. So it’s been good to meet him, and I know a few of the guys who have spoke to him as well.” More

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    Mitrovic ‘cost himself big money move to MAN UTD as club shelve plans to sign him’ after Old Trafford red card shame

    ALEKSANDAR MITROVIC has reportedly cost himself a big-money move to Manchester United.That’s after being charged by the FA for shoving a referee while playing the Red Devils.
    Man Utd have ended interest in Aleksandar Mitrovic after his red card at Old TraffordCredit: Getty
    Mitrovic, 28, lost his head in Fulham’s 3-1 FA Cup defeat to United at Old Trafford earlier this month.
    The Serbian reacted furiously when teammate Willian was sent off for a penalty handball.
    Mitrovic was shown a straight red card for shoving Chris Kavanagh before aggressively shouting in his face.
    And the striker now faces a 10-match ban after being pulled up by FA chiefs.
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    However, Mitrovic’s implosion could cost him a whole lot more.
    The Daily Star claims he was being lined up by Man United for a big-money move this summer.
    Erik ten Hag had been left impressed by Mitrovic’s impressive haul of 11 strikes – not to mention last season’s record-breaking 43 goals in the Championship.
    And Mitro was seen as an alternative to loanee Wout Weghorst, who could return to Burnley this summer.
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    But Ten Hag and fellow United transfer gurus have now struck Mitrovic off their list after his total lack of discipline on the field.
    It’s reckoned Chelsea, Tottenham and Barcelona were also keeping tabs on the hitman.
    And they too may now look elsewhere as Mitrovic prepares to serve a lengthy ban.
    The 80-cap Serbia international has been at Fulham since 2018 following an initial loan move from Newcastle.
    Mitrovic has 94 goals in 169 games for the Cottagers and has twice been crowned Club Player of the Year. More

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    Aubameyang ‘willing to accept a minimum salary’ to end Chelsea nightmare and return to cash-strapped Barcelona

    PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG is reportedly willing to accept a huge wage cut to return to Barcelona.The striker is under contract with Chelsea until 2024 but the Blues are believed to be open to terminating his contract.
    Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is happy to accept a massive wage cut to join BarcelonaCredit: Rex
    Aubameyang has played just 18 games since arriving from Barca for £10million last summer.
    A return of three goals has led to the 33-year-old being frozen out, and he could return to the Nou Camp at the end of the season.
    According to Sport, Aubameyang is willing to accept a minimum salary at Barcelona, who are still in financial difficulty.
    The cash-strapped club were fined £700,000 for breaching Financial Fair Play rules after exceeding salary limits for the free signings of Dani Alves and Andreas Christensen, plus Ronald Araujo’s contract extension.
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    That means they may not be able to get anywhere close to the reported £160,000 a week Aubameyang earns at Chelsea.
    But Aubameyang appears to have an affinity to the club and was warmly welcomed back into the dressing room after he watched Barca beat Real Madrid 2-1 in El Classico last week.
    He posed for photos with a delighted Ferran Torres and would likely be a welcome signing after he scored 13 goals in 23 games for the Blaugurana last season.
    Manager Xavi admitted he was sad to see Aubameyang leave after he helped his side qualify for the Champions League.
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    He said: “I feel bad because he helped us a lot. He was an example on and off the pitch.”
    Barcelona reportedly tried to re-sign the Gabon international in January but LaLiga rules prevent a player being registered three different times in one season. More

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    Dejan Kulusevski can join Tottenham for just £31m transfer fee from Juventus as long as Spurs meet one condition

    TOTTENHAM star Dejan Kulusevski is set to join the club permanently providing they qualify for the Champions League, according to reports.The winger joined Spurs in January 2021 on an 18-month loan deal from Juventus that expires at the end of the season.
    Dejan Kulusevski could join Spurs permanently this summerCredit: Getty
    Tottenham paid £9million to have him temporarily and they already have an agreement in place to sign him for £31million.
    However, the deal only becomes possible providing Spurs finish in the top four this term, claim Calciomercato.
    The club currently sit fourth in the Premier League table but face a battle with Newcastle for the position.
    Eddie Howe’s men are just two points behind and have two games in hand.
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    There is also concern regarding Spurs’ current form as they have won just one of their last five matches.
    Additionally, the future of manager Antonio Conte is uncertain, which could prevent the team enjoying a strong finish to the campaign.
    Kulusevksi also reportedly needs to feature in at least 50 per cent of Tottenham games for the agreement to be in place come the summer, which he is set to do having played 27 games this season.
    The Swede has only found the back of the net twice this term.
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    However, he is supposedly still happy at the club and is open to staying.
    Juventus could also need to balance the books this summer amid financial pressure and Kulusevski is likely to be sold. More

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    Seven Man Utd stars who have just 12 games to save their club careers including McTominay and Maguire

    MANCHESTER UNITED manager Erik ten Hag has some major decisions to make at the end of the season.Ten Hag currently has a lot on his plate with United chasing a surprise treble, trying to land the FA Cup and Europa League after winning the Carabao Cup.
    Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is ready to wield the axeCredit: PA
    However, the Dutchman’s Old Trafford rebuild will continue in the summer and some players will have to make way for incoming stars.
    The 53-year-old gaffer will have to raise funds to make signings, especially if the Red Devils miss out on Champions League qualification.
    That is why some players, who have failed to impress Ten Hag, will be sold in the summer transfer window – unless they manage to change his mind in the next 12 Premier League games.
    SunSport take a look at the SEVEN players who could be on their way…
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    ANTHONY MARTIAL
    FRENCH striker enjoyed a little revival under Ten Hag, but nothing close to Marcus Rashford’s success.
    A raft of injuries have halted Martial’s resurgence and Ten Hag appears to be prioritising a striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer.
    The France international’s contract also runs out in 2024, and United may want to cash in on him at the end of the season.
    Man Utd ace Anthony Martial is likely to go with the team looking for a strikerCredit: PA
    SCOTT McTOMINAY
    THE midfielder has fallen down the pecking order with Ten Hag preferring the likes of Fred, Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Marcel Sabitzer in the centre of the park.
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    Manchester United ace Scott McTominay has fallen down the pecking order in midfieldCredit: Getty
    Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is a big admirer of McTominay, who would command a lucrative fee and appears keen to move to Tyneside in the summer as he would get more opportunities.
    WOUT WEGHORST
    THE Dutch striker joined United on loan from Burnley in January to fill in for Ronaldo but has so far failed to even come close to eclipsing the club legend.
    Weghorst is not the man to spearhead United’s attack and should be on his way back to Vincent Kompany’s Clarets once his deal runs out in June.
    Manchester United ace Wout Weghorst hasn’t managed to convince in attackCredit: Getty
    AARON WAN-BISSAKA
    TEN HAG doesn’t consider Wan-Bissaka as his starting right-back and prefers Diogo Dalot.
    Wan-Bissaka’s contract runs out next year and United might opt to cash in amid intense interest from his former club Crystal Palace.
    Manchester United ace Aaron Wan-Bissaka is behind Diogo DalotCredit: Alamy
    DAVID DE GEA
    THE Spanish keeper still inspires tremendous confidence between Manchester United’s sticks.
    But De Gea’s lucrative contract runs out in June and United will only extend his 12-year stay at Old Trafford if he agrees to a lower salary amid an upcoming wage restructure.
    That is a deal the Spain international is keen to take, but the Red Devils are keeping tabs on other goalkeepers as well.
    Manchester United keeper David de Gea will have to accept a lower salaryCredit: Getty
    HARRY MAGUIRE
    STILL Manchester United’s club captain but Maguire has fallen down the pecking order behind Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
    And Ten Hag has often preferred to start left-back Luke Shaw at centre-back even when Maguire was fit.
    The England international is running out of time and appears set for the exit door amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan.
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    Manchester United captain Harry Maguire has fallen out of favourCredit: Getty
    Marcel Sabitzer has joined Manchester United on loan until the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
    MARCEL SABITZER
    The Austrian joined Red Devils on loan from Bayern Munich to fill in for the injured Christian Eriksen in midfield.
    Eriksen looks bound to return to Ten Hag’s starting line-up next season as Sabitzer has yet to convince his manager and club’s hierarchy to meet his reported £18m release clause. More

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    Teenage wonderkid to snub huge transfer to Man Utd or Chelsea after fears over lack of first-team football

    BRIGHTON wonderkid Evan Ferguson is set to snub a host of suitors to stay on the South Coast.Manchester United will send scouts to watch the young Republic of Ireland international play against France tomorrow.
    Evan Ferguson is wanted by a number of top clubsCredit: AFP
    Tottenham and Chelsea are also admirers of Ferguson, who is having a breakout season for the Seagulls.
    But the 18-year-old is in no hurry to leave Brighton and believes his development will be better served by remaining at a club where he will have more opportunities to play first-team football.
    Ferguson followed up his two goals in the Seagulls’ 5-0 FA Cup win over Grimsby by scoring on his first start for the Republic of Ireland, in last week’s friendly win over Latvia.
    The teenager has netted seven goals in all competition for Brighton this season in 16 matches.
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    His good form is helping the the club mount a challenge for European qualification.
    Ferguson also has the chance to impress against Man Utd in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on April 22.
    The Red Devils view signing a striker as a priority in the summer and Ferguson may not be the only attacker through the door.
    Erik ten Hag is keen on the likes of Tottenham star Harry Kane and Benfica’s Goncalo Ramos.
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    However, adding youth seems to be important with United also being linked with Atalanta star Rasmus Hojlund.
    The Dane, who scored a hat-trick on his international debut for Denmark, has been compared to Erling Haaland and he is supposedly a Man Utd supporter. More