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      David Raya’s agent warns Brentford to slash £40million asking price as keeper eyes Chelsea transfer

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      BRENTFORD have been warned to lower their asking price for David Raya or risk losing him for nothing – after signing a potential replacement.The Bees goalkeeper has rejected several contract offers but Thomas Frank wants £40million for the Spaniard.
      David Raya’s agent has warned Brentford to lower his client’s asking priceCredit: Rex
      Brentford signed Dutch goalkeeper Mark Flekken in an £11m deal from Freiburg.
      Raya, who is a target for Tottenham and has been tracked by Chelsea, has one year left on his deal.
      His agent Jaume Munell said: “If Brentford does not lower the price tag for David Raya this summer, we’ll be ready to leave as free agent in one year.”
      Raya’s representatives are urging the Bees to cut their asking price by more than half, feeling a price-tag of around £15-20m is fair.
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      Following the signing of Flekken on a four-year-deal, Frank said: “We’re very happy to have signed Mark.
      “He’s a player with a lot of quality who will strengthen our goalkeeper group.
      “He has big experience and joins us after two great seasons with Freiburg, who have just had a top season in the Bundesliga, finishing fifth and qualifying for the Europa League.”
      Raya joined Brentford from Blackburn in 2019 and quickly rose to prominence at the Gtech Community Stadium.
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      The goalkeeper has since amassed a total of 54 clean sheets in 161 appearances.
      The Spain international has also been linked with Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.
      United reportedly consider the 27-year-old as a potential replacement for David de Gea who will be out of contract on June 30. More

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      Chelsea could have half the team of the tournament at U20 World Cup in welcome relief to Todd Boehly and Poch

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      NEW Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino will be delighted with six of the club’s talented teenagers currently starring at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup.The Blues appear to have hit the jackpot with all four of their overseas youngsters while two more homegrown prospects have been key for England’s Young Lions.
      Chelsea ace Harvey Vale has stood out at the Under-20 World Cup for EnglandCredit: Getty
      Cesare Casadei joined Chelsea last summer and is standing out for ItalyCredit: Getty
      Many of Chelsea’s domestic and European rivals have been amazed by the success rate of their global youth recruitment drive – with the club on course to provide HALF of the team of the tournament.
      Here, SunSport assesses the performances of the Stamford Bridge hopefuls so far.
      Andrey Santos (Brazil) 8/10
      The box-to-box midfielder has been excellent in all three of his starts without quite putting up the astonishing numbers he did when finishing as the joint-top scorer in South America’s qualifying tournament.
      His range and ability to solve problems shone through in the decisive Group D game against Nigeria when he made two key passes.
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      Prior to that, he was a whisker away from scoring and assisting further goals in Brazil’s 6-0 mauling of the Dominican Republic.
      Despite being taken off midway through the second half of that contest, the former Vasco da Gama starlet has covered almost 32km across the group stage — the most of any Brazil player.
      Gabriel Slonina (USA) 10/10
      The former Chicago Fire No1 has been the outstanding goalkeeper in the tournament with four clean sheets from four starts for the USA.
      And its not as if Slonina, who cost Chelsea an initial £8.1million fee that could rise even higher if performance-based add-ons are achieved, has had a quiet time of it behind a rock-solid defence.
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      He made a spectacular double save following a corner to prevent Fiji taking the lead in the States’ second group game and reprised his heroics with another key diving stop in the early moments of Tuesday’s 4-0 last-16 win over New Zealand when the game was in the balance.
      Having already starred on his full international debut earlier this year, Slonina looks so comfortable and assured at this level that it almost seems unfair on the strikers he has been facing in Argentina, although greater tests are to come.
      Cesare Casadei (Italy) 9/10
      Lured from Lombardy to London in August 2022 for a fee worth around £13m, Casadei hit the headlines with a stellar performance against his future Blues team-mate Santos in Italy’s opening game.
      The 20-year-old midfielder matched his brace against Brazil with a double against the Dominican Republic to send Italy through to the last-16 where they face England.
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      Chelsea will have Brazil starlet Andrey Santos at their disposal next seasonCredit: AFP
      Kendry Paez is seen as a promising talent at ChelseaCredit: AP
      He has been revelling in a hybrid role of both a midfielder and a winger that demands a lot of energy, but allows him to make devastating late runs into the box to support the forwards.
      Casadei has consequently covered an incredible 35.6km and made 190 sprints  — more than any other Azzurri player.
      Kendry Paez (Ecuador) 8/10
      The Blues sealed a £17m deal for the 16-year-old just before the tournament and nothing he has done so far has made anyone think he will not be worth that outlay.
      Paez became the youngest player to score at an Under-20 World Cup last week when he burst through a gap in the Fiji defence and finished off at the near post with his less-favoured right foot.
      He had almost done it in the previous game against Slovakia, but saw a snap shot strike the crossbar, having earlier laid on Ecuador’s winner with a sublime first-time cushioned pass.
      Paez exudes natural ability in the way that he can beat an opponent from a standing start and every pass he made against the Slovaks reached its target with unerring accuracy.
      He always shows for the ball, coming from the right-hand side to intelligently link play through the middle, but opponents will surely begin to double up on him to restrict his impact.
      Chelsea goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina has impressed between the sticks for USACredit: Getty
      Bashir Humphreys has been standing out for England at the World CupCredit: Getty
      Harvey Vale (England) 8/10
      The former Chelsea academy star captained England to wins over Tunisia and Uruguay before the Young Lions got the point they needed against Iraq to ensure they won their group.
      The source of so much of England’s attacking threat with his crosses into the box, Vale has produced an average of ten per game in Argentina.
      The former Hull City loanee whipped in a superb centre for Tottenham’s Dane Scarlett to head home the winner against Tunisia and he also put a gilt-edged chance on a plate for Liam Delap against Iraq in a game where he was denied a brilliant solo goal by a good save.
      Bashir Humphreys (England) 7/10
      The former Blues youth team skipper has been an asset to coach Ian Foster in both attack and defence with his bullet header getting England off to a flying start in the crunch clash with Uruguay.
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      The 20-year-old gained experience in Germany’s second tier with Paderborn last season, but is probably the furthest away of the six from a senior breakthrough as he is some distance behind first-team left-backs Ben Chilwell and Lewis Hall.
      Humphreys rarely dives in, but was caught out slightly in the move for Uruguay’s equaliser last week. More

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      Man City ‘open talks to sign Chelsea midfielder Mateo Kovacic’ as Mauricio Pochettino’s transfer clear-out continues

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      MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly opened talks with Chelsea over a deal for Mateo Kovacic.The Croatian midfielder is out of contract in 2024.
      Man City have opened talks with Chelsea for Mateo KovacicCredit: Reuters
      And Fabrizio Romano claims Pep Guardiola is keen on adding him to his stable of champions.
      City have already held positive transfer talks with Kovacic’s representatives over the past few days.
      Chelsea are open to selling the 29-year-old playmaker after he entered the final year of his Stamford Bridge deal.
      And “concrete talks” have now begun between the two Premier League rivals over a summer switch.
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      Kovacic has been with the Blues since 2018 after an initial loan from Real Madrid.
      He has six goals in 221 games, helping his side to Champions League and Europa League glory.
      But it appears new boss Mauricio Pochettino does not have room for the experienced ace in his future plans.
      The Argentine tactician has already shown the door to loanees Joao Felix and Denis Zakaria.
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      Ruben Loftus-Cheek is now on the verge of joining AC Milan.
      And Christian Pulisic could also be on his way to Italy with Juventus.
      Meanwhile, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang looks set to be released from his contract.
      Callum Hudson-Odoi is also attracting Premier League interest.
      And Cesar Azpilicueta may have played his last game for Chelsea after an emotional display in the final day draw against Newcastle.
      Todd Boehly is determined to cash in where possible after a £600million transfer splurge – with more reinforcements on the way.
      Conor Gallagher, Trevoh Chalobah and Hakim Ziyech are also likely to leave.
      And there are strong doubts over the futures of contract rebels Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante.
      Marc Cucurella, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga also face uncertain futures.
      And it’s still not known whether Romelu Lukaku, Ian Maatsen and Levi Colwill will be involved once their loan spells away end.
      As for incomings, Poch is hoping to add Sporting Lisbon anchorman Manuel Ugarte to his midfield.
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      He also wants a new goalkeeper, with Inter Milan’s Andre Onana and Aston Villa’s Emi Martinez eyed.
      And with RB Leipzig’s Christopher Nkunku already on his way with Lyon’s Malo Gusto, a new centre-forward will also be targeted. More

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      Tottenham to step up Ange Postecoglou pursuit this weekend with Celtic boss available on the cheap

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      TOTTENHAM will look to step up their pursuit of Celtic chief Ange Postecoglou following Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final.Spurs are keen on the Greece-born Aussie, who will land a domestic treble this term with victory over Inverness at Hampden Park.
      Tottenham are set to up their efforts to land Ange PostecoglouCredit: Getty
      Though the North London club have maintained throughout the search for a permanent successor to Antonio Conte, there is no preferred candidate above any other.
      Postecoglou, 57, has hugely impressed during his two-year stay at the Bhoys and has implemented the kind of progressive playing style Daniel Levy has promised fans next term.
      The former Socceroos chief is known by incoming Spurs’ chief football officer Scott Munn, a fellow Aussie who will begin his new post on July 1.
      Both Munn and Postecoglou have worked for the City Football Group, with the former being chief executive of Melbourne City and the Chinese arm of CFG operation.
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      While Postecoglou spent three seasons at Yokohama F. Marinos, the Japanese side in CFG’s 12-club stable.
      He is on a one-year rolling contract at Celtic, meaning he would not prove too costly to prise from Parkhead.
      Ex-Barcelona and Spain chief Luis Enrique, 53, remains a contender for the Spurs job, which has been vacant since Conte left on March 27.
      Napoli are keen on Luis Enrique too but their president, Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed on Tuesday that he believed the Spaniard “prefers the Premier League”.
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      Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has also been considered but Portuguese reports insist he has a whopping £17.3million release clause for foreign clubs to sign him.
      Sources from Amorim’s home country also claim the 38-year-old is almost certain to spend another year with Sporting.
      He is said to be taking a very active role in the club’s pre-season plans, from picking hotels to the opposition for friendlies – hardly the behaviour of someone expecting to be leaving the club in the near future. More

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      Ruben Loftus-Cheek ‘AGREES’ AC Milan transfer as they prepare £13m bid after Chelsea star waved goodbye to fans

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      RUBEN LOFTUS-CHEEK has reportedly agreed a move to Serie A giants AC Milan.The Chelsea star will be allowed to leave the club as new manager Mauricio Pochettino rebuilds.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek has reportedly agreed to a move to AC MilanCredit: AFP
      Loftus-Cheek, 27, has given the green light to a switch to Italy, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
      The report claims that Milan are planning for RLC to replace Ismael Bennacer, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury which will probably keep him out of action until the end of the year.
      It is said that the clubs are in negotiations over a price for the midfielder, with Chelsea wanting £21million.
      However, Milan’s opening bid is much lower at £13m, though the San Siro giants are believed to be willing to raise their offer to £17.2m.
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      After Chelsea’s final home game of the season Loftus-Cheek appeared to wave goodbye to the club’s fans.
      His contract is set to expire at the end of next season.
      He made 25 appearances for the Blues in the recent campaign but only managed one assist and no goals.
      Loftus-Cheek was one of the many players in the squad that underperformed as they crumbled to a 12th-placed finish in the Premier League.
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      Milan are looking for reinforcements this summer after a fourth-placed Serie A finish.
      The club have already reportedly sealed deals to sign Eintracht Frankfurt midfielder Daichi Kamada and Atalanta’s Marco Sportiello on free transfers.
      Loftus-Cheek came through the academy at Chelsea and has made 275 appearances for the club, scoring 19 goals and providing 29 assists.
      He won the Premier League title in 2016/17 and the Europa League in 2018/19.
      He also has a Super Cup winners medal from the Blues’ triumph in 2021. More

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      Wrexham warned not to become a circus with ‘over the hill’ stars after Gareth Bale linked with shock transfer

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      WREXHAM have been warned to avoid becoming a “circus” by trying to sign “over-the-hill” stars.The Hollywood-owned Welsh club are preparing for League Two next season after winning the National League.
      Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have been encouraged not to sign older big-name playersCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Gareth Bale has retired from footballCredit: Reuters
      They have been linked with retired Gareth Bale, 33, Hal Robson-Kanu, 34, and 41-year-old Morten Gamst Pedersen.
      But ex-Wrexham and Wales defender Neil Taylor has told A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney to steer clear of veteran, big-name players.
      Taylor said: “It can’t become a circus. That’s the main thing.
      “Wrexham are at the stage now where I’ve seen a couple of my old friends offer to play for them – it shows the pull of the football club.
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      “They’ve got to be careful who they do get through the door because there’s no bigger pull than Wrexham below the Championship.
      “It’s still a football club that needs to be successful because no-one will pat you on the back if you don’t do it properly.
      “Leave those players that are over the hill. I’d say to Hal ‘I don’t think you’re getting in over Paul Mullin. You’re retired now and he’s a top-class striker’.
      “People think League One and League Two are easy, but they’re not.
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      “It’s really hard football, harder arguably than when you play higher up with the amount of games, travel and some of the grounds you play at.
      “So I’d say to Wrexham, stay clear and go for players who know the league and have been successful in it, players who are hungry to get higher up.”
      Neil Taylor believes Wrexham have huge appealCredit: Alamy Live News More

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      Chelsea loanee Joao Felix in line for transfer back to Prem days after rejection by Poch… if wages can be agreed

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      JOAO FELIX could be on his way straight back to England after being offered to Newcastle.The Portuguese forward was stunned to be bombed out by Chelsea as soon as the season finished and is now in limbo.
      Felix could join Newcastle this summerCredit: Getty
      He is surplus to requirements at parent club Atletico Madrid who are now trying to get him off the books again.
      Felix has also been touted to Paris Saint-Germain but wants to stay in the Premier League and play Champions League football with Newcastle.
      Atletico are ready to strike another loan deal with a modest fee plus the players wages of around £200K a week covered.
      That would be a sticking point as Toon boss Eddie Howe admits his club does struggle on pay. A split on the salary may have to be agreed.
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      Felix, 23, is on holiday in Ibiza at the moment while his agent and Atletico resolve his future. 
      He was under the impression that Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly would turn his six months loan into a full-time transfer this summer.
      Instead he has become the first casualty of the new regime under incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino.
      The Blues paid the players’ wages in full after signing him on loan in January for a fee of £9.7 million.
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      Felix was initially a big hit at the club but by the end of the season barely got a look in for games.
      He made 20 appearances for Chelsea during his short stay at Stamford Bridge. More

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      Lionel Messi ‘ready to play for Barcelona for FREE’ to secure transfer but LaLiga rules won’t allow it

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      LIONEL MESSI is ready to play for Barcelona FOR FREE but is being prevented by LaLiga rules, reports suggest. The Argentine superstar, 35, is set to leave Paris Saint-Germain when his contract expires in June.
      Lionel Messi would reportedly ‘gladly play for free’ at BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      But LaLiga rules are preventing such a deal from being completedCredit: PA
      A number of parties are interested in signing him, namely Inter Miami, clubs in Saudi Arabia and Barcelona.
      And according to CBS Sports reporter Ben Jacobs, Messi would “gladly” go back and play at his old stomping ground for free.
      However, writing in his column for CaughtOffside, Jacobs revealed La Liga rules would prevent such a transfer from materialising.
      He wrote: “Messi would likely and gladly play for free for Barcelona or with a massive pay cut, but this would be deemed as financial manipulation.”
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      Jacobs then went on to reveal there would likely be outgoings if a deal to bring Messi back could be found, including one of the club’s most valuable stars.
      He added: “So Barcelona’s problem is they need a lot of dominos to fall in place to pull off a Messi return, and that may also mean outgoings.
      “Ansu Fati could be one casualty even though he wants to stay at the club.”
      This could offer a boost to the likes of Manchester United, who have been linked with the Spanish winger in recent months.
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      But Jacobs believes any deal with Barcelona is “weeks” away from being hashed out, giving Middle Eastern interest a vital advantage.
      He concluded: “It’s hard to see Barcelona completing anything in a matter of weeks, and that’s what gives Saudi Arabia confidence.
      “A government-backed offer, supported by the Saudi Pro League, has been on the table since April.
      “Messi would earn around £320m-per-year [€370m], almost double Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary.
      “Many of the same dealmakers that took Ronaldo to Al-Nassr are involved.”
      Reports have suggested Messi has been offered an astonishing £1billion package to move to the Saudi league, which would see him DOUBLE Cristiano Ronaldo’s salary in the country.
      However, reports elsewhere suggest Inter Miami and Barcelona and concocting a plan which could see Messi sign for David Beckham’s Major League Soccer franchise before heading to Barca on loan.
      Messi could renew his rivalry with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi ArabiaCredit: Rex More