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    ‘Nobody would turn down an offer from Chelsea’ – Brighton star Moises Caicedo opens door to transfer reunion with Potter

    MOISES CAICEDO has admitted it would be a “dream” to move to Chelsea and work with Graham Potter again.The Blues were keen on the 20-year-old even before Potter left Brighton to replace Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge.
    Moises Caicedo says ‘nobody would turn down’ a move to Chelsea and could reunite with Graham Potter at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    And now the Ecuadorian is said to be a target in the January window, when the new boss can put his own stamp on things through the transfer market.
    Caicedo spoke to Argentine outlet Ole about the possibility of a reunion at the Premier League giants later in the season.
    He said: “It made me very sad now that Potter left for Chelsea, because he helped me a lot and I wanted to continue having him as a manager, but that’s football.
    “You never know. Today you can be here and tomorrow somewhere else, that’s the job of a footballer and a coach.
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    “At Brighton he worked very well and people love him very much. I’m very happy for him and for the great opportunity that was presented to him. 
    “Right now I’m very focused on Brighton and the World Cup. I want to have a great World Cup and then we’ll see what happens.
    “I think they are one of the best teams in the world and nobody would turn down an offer from Chelsea or any other club like that.
    “It’d be a dream to be in the best teams in the world and succeed there.”
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    The midfielder spent 18 months playing under Potter at Brighton.
    Caicedo had started every league game this term before the Englishman departed the Amex.
    The youngster was starting to flourish, fulfilling his dream of playing in the top flight.
    He revealed he wants to play at the very top and will do what he can to accomplish his ambition of winning a title.
    Caicedo added: “From a very young age I have dreamed of doing things very well in order to be at the top.
    “I like to win titles and it would be a dream to win the Premier League. That is why I have come here, not only to compete, but to win titles.
    “I want to be the Ecuadorian who has won the most titles in his career. I am working very hard for it and I want to achieve it.” More

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    Chelsea set to be joined by Man City in January transfer move for Rafael Leao after AC Milan rejected summer approach

    MANCHESTER CITY are set to join Chelsea in the hunt for AC Milan star Rafael Leao, according to reports.San Siro technical director Paolo Maldini has confirmed the Blues had an approach for the winger knocked back in the summer.
    Rafael Leao is a reported target for Chelsea and Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
    And now City are hoping to pounce.
    The 23-year-old is “liked” by Pep Guardiola and his Premier League champions, according to Calciomercato.
    But Guardiola and Co will face stiff competition from Chelsea if they decide to swoop for the Portugal international.
    Exciting winger Leao was linked with a move to Stamford Bridge throughout the course of the summer.
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    Reports claimed the Blues had lodged a late offer for Leao in the final days of the window.
    And AC Milan technical director Maldini has revealed an official bid never arrived, but the Blues did discuss an informal offer.
    The proposal was immediately rebuffed by the Serie A champions.
    Maldini told Sky Italia, via SempreMilan: “Rafa knows that to become even stronger the solution is to stay with us. We are a young and growing team.
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    “We intend to do great things and grow with him. If he then reaches a higher level than Milan, we can think about it.
    “An official offer from Chelsea never arrived, but on an informal level it did. Of course, it was refused.”
    Leao has not let the speculation get to him with the winger enjoying a stunning start to the campaign.
    The winger has scored three goals and provided six assists in just eight games this season.
    But in a blow to Chelsea and City, AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli has confirmed the club intend to offer Leao a new contract. More

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    Arsenal joined by Newcastle in Youri Tielemans transfer race as Eddie Howe plots £17m January bid for Leicester star

    NEWCASTLE have entered the race to sign Leicester star Youri Tielemans, according to reports.The Belgian, 25, has entered the final 12 months of his contract at the King Power Stadium.
    Youri Tielemans has started five of Leicester’s opening six matches this seasonCredit: Reuters
    He has shown no indications of wanting to sign a new one and will look to end his Leicester stay.
    Arsenal have held a long-term interest in the midfield ace, while Manchester United have also been linked.
    But neither opted to meet the Foxes’ £25million valuation in the summer.
    According to French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Newcastle could sneak ahead of both and secure Tielemans’ signature in January.
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    They claim that the Toon are readying a £17m bid for the highly-rated star.
    Leicester could be under pressure to sell mid-season, rather than letting him walk for free next June.
    Club bosses are understood to want to recoup at least some of the £40m they splashed out to sign him in 2019.
    Whether Tielemans would accept a move to St James’ Park remains to be seen.
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    He has previously indicated that he wants to leave Leicester for a team competing in the Champions League.
    The Foxes lost Wesley Fofana to Chelsea last month, while stalwart Kasper Schmeichel left for Nice.
    Brendan Rodgers’ side sit bottom of the Premier League after picking up just one point from their opening six games.
    Of these matches, Tielemans has started five – remaining a key man despite doubts lingering over his future.
    Newcastle, meanwhile, have had an indifferent start – winning one, drawing four and losing one of their opening half a dozen matches.
    Tielemans could gather more interest over the winter months, as he competes for Belgium at the World Cup in Qatar. More

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    Man Utd want Jan Oblak transfer as Erik ten Hag targets Atletico Madrid keeper to replace David de Gea as new No1

    MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting a move for Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak, according to reports.Erik ten Hag is said to be on the lookout for a new No1 between the sticks.
    Manchester United are reportedly keen on Atletico Madrid star Jan OblakCredit: Reuters
    Current first choice David de Gea is out of contract at the end of the season, although there is an option for a further 12 months.
    But, Jeunes Footeux say since taking over the reigns at United, Ten Hag has not been “convinced” by the Spaniard.
    The Dutchman is already reported to be looking ahead to next season and is on the hunt for a top-level goalie.
    And he is claimed to be eyeing a swoop for Oblak.
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    Oblak himself is out of contract at Atletico Madrid at the end of the current campaign.
    The 29-year-old could be available for a cut-price fee in January or on a free in the summer if he doesn’t sign a new deal.
    Slovenian goalkeeper Oblak is widely regarded as one of the best stopper’s in world football.
    It’s claimed the Red Devils are even prepared to double Oblak’s wages to £300k-a-week in order to lure him to Old Trafford.
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    Although that wouldn’t even be enough to get into the top five earners at United.
    But the Red Devils aren’t the only team in the hunt for Oblak’s signature.
    Paris Saint-Germain are also reported to be interested, with the French club not 100 per cent convinced by Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma.
    The Red Devils are also reportedly set to battle it out with Liverpool for teenage sensation Jude Bellingham.
    The two bitter rivals are poised to go head-to-head to try and snap up the England star next summer. More

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    Shakhtar Donetsk rejected £26m Everton transfer bid for ‘Ukrainian Neymar’ Mudryk who has heart set on Arsenal

    SHAKHTAR DONETSK rejected a £26million from Everton for Mykhaylo Mudryk in the summer transfer window.The 21-year-old winger – nicknamed the “Ukrainian Neymar” – is one of the most highly-rated attackers in Europe and has received interest from the likes of Brentford and Arsenal.
    Mudryk has been heavily linked with a move to EnglandCredit: AFP
    He has started the season in fine form, scoring once and assisting twice against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, before adding another goal in last night’s 1-1 draw with Celtic.
    And it has now been revealed by Shakhtar’s director of football Darijo Srna that Everton submitted a formal offer for the player in the summer.
    He told CBS Sports: “We received an offer of €30million [from Everton]. And when our president doesn’t sell a player for €30m, especially in such difficult times, he is sending a message to everyone that he wants to progress in the Champions League and to win the championship.
    “Mudryk is a serious talent. After Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr, he’s the best player in Europe in his position.
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    “If someone wants to buy Mudryk they must spend a lot, a lot, a lot of money and respect our club and our president.”
    Mudryk has previously spoken about a potential move to the Premier League.
    And he name-checked Arsenal as a club who he would not be able to reject if they came calling.
    He said: “Arsenal is a very good team with very good coach and I like the way they play.
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    “From my side, I can’t say no [to Arsenal] but the transfer is not only my decision. It’s a lot of people, like the president of Shakhtar and the club. 
    “Every guy dreams about the Premier League. It’s a top league and everyone wants to play in it. But the speculation has passed and I must move forward and focus on Shakhtar and in winter we will see what will happen.
    “There was a lot of discussions about a transfer and clubs who want me, but it’s normal. Now I am at Shakhtar and I want to play in this team. I love this team. I love every guy in this team.
    “Shakhtar for me is home, but I want to always improve myself and achieve new goals. Now, all my thoughts are only about Shakhtar but in the winter we will see.”
    Mudryk also talked about being compared with Neymar.
    “It’s not the Ukrainian Neymar. It’s Ukrainian Mudryk. This sounds better,” he said.
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    “I think the nickname and the comparison with Neymar is a big compliment. But I am my own player.
    “I work hard every day. My vision hasn’t changed. I need to keep improving my individual game and working hard if I want to earn that praise and be compared to top players.” More

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    Chelsea confirm Graham Potter’s backroom staff with manager raiding Brighton for key coaches

    CHELSEA have confirmed new manager Graham Potter’s backroom staff ahead of his first game in charge on Wednesday.The ex-Brighton boss replaced Thomas Tuchel last week after the German was sacked after a poor start to the campaign.
    Potter’s backroom staff has been confirmed after his move to ChelseaCredit: PA
    Within 24 hours of Tuchel’s dismissal Potter was confirmed as his successor.
    And he was due to kickstart his spell at Stamford Bridge away at Fulham on Saturday.
    But football was postponed over the weekend following the death of The Queen.
    It means Potter’s first game in charge now comes at home to RB Salzburg in the Champions League this evening.
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    And just hours before the clash, Chelsea announced their new manager’s seven key lieutenants.
    His confirmed backroom staff is as follows:

    Billy Reid – Assistant Coach
    Bjorn Hamberg – Assistant Coach
    Bruno – Assistant Coach
    Anthony Barry – Assistant Coach
    Hilario – Goalkeeper Coach
    Ben Roberts – Goalkeeper Coach
    Kyle Macaulay – Recruitment

    Reid comes to West London having previously been Potter’s assistant at Ostersunds, Swansea City and Brighton, while Hamberg and Macaulay have been working alongside Potter for more than a decade.
    Brighton legend Bruno took up a role with Potter in 2019 after hanging up his boots as a player for the Seagulls.
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    But there are still a couple of familiar faces at Chelsea who have been kept on following the appointment of Potter.
    Barry, who has been a part of the backroom staff at Stamford Bridge since 2020, will remain an assistant coach.
    And goalkeeping coach Hilario, who made 39 appearances for the Blues between 2006 and 2012, will also stay at the club under Potter.
    He will be joined by Roberts – who was between the sticks for Middlesbrough against Chelsea in the 1997 FA Cup final.
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    Roberts, who arrives at Stamford Bridge with Potter, conceded the fastest-ever FA Cup final goal when Roberto Di Matteo scored after just 42 seconds at Wembley.
    Chelsea went on to beat Boro 2-0 and lift the trophy for a second time. More

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    AC Milan ‘already looking at new striker transfer for January amid Divock Origi struggles since Liverpool move’

    AC MILAN are reportedly looking to replace Divock Origi in January.That’s despite only signing the striker this summer.
    New AC Milan signing Divock Origi could find himself being replaced in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    Origi, 27, joined the Italian champions on a free transfer from Liverpool after his contract expired.
    The Belgian won the Premier League and Champions League during his seven years at Anfield while gaining cult icon status by the Kop faithful thanks to his string of vital goals.
    Milan fans were expecting big things in their bid to defend their Serie A title.
    However, Origi has made just three appearances so far this term – all from the bench.
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    He is yet to score a goal or register an assist.
    And Calciomercato claim Milan chiefs are beginning to regret handing Origi a four-year deal.
    The Italians are already without talisman Zlatan Ibrahimovic, leaving Olivier Giroud and Rafael Leao as the only reliable attackers.
    Origi is now expected to regain his composure and step up to the plate fast after several injuries.
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    But San Siro heads are already drawing up plans to sign a replacement in the winter window.
    Lille’s Jonathan David is understood to be Milan’s top choice, with four goals and two assists in seven games already this term.
    RB Salzburg’s Noah Okafor is another option for Stefano Pioli.
    And he could be available for a bargain £25million.
    But in the meantime, Pioli hopes Origi can overcome his personal problems and become an effective squad player.
    After leaving Origi out of the weekend win over Sampdoria due to injury, Pioli said: “It’s disappointing, because he’s a good player, but he didn’t feel right at the end of the training session.
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    “The muscle was hardening up, so it was best not to risk it. Olivier can play every game, and I have many other players who can also play in that position. 
    “I’m not worried about Origi’s injury. He is a player we strongly wanted and I’m now hoping to have him back after the [international] break.” More

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    Tottenham in line for cash boost over Marcus Edwards transfer clause with Sporting Lisbon star having £52m release fee

    TOTTENHAM could pocket £26million should former starlet Marcus Edwards depart Sporting Lisbon, according to reports.The 23-year-old, who made just one Spurs senior appearance after coming through the club’s academy, was let go in 2019.
    Sporting Lisbon ace Marcus Edwards starred against former employers Tottenham on TuesdayCredit: AFP
    Edwards showed Spurs what they are missing as he impressed in Sporting’s 2-0 Champions League group stage winCredit: Reuters
    He linked up with Portuguese side Vitoria on a free transfer – just three years after he was compared to Lionel Messi by Mauricio Pochettino.
    Spurs allowed him to make the move to Vitoria for nothing in exchange for a 50 per cent sell-on fee.
    And after impressing with the Primeira Liga outfit, he was snapped up by Sporting earlier this year for around £9m.
    According to the Telegraph, Antonio Conte’s side agreed with Sporting to transfer his sell-on clause to his new contract, instead of banking £4.5m.
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    Edwards’ new deal boasts a whopping £52m release clause, which Spurs would be eligible to receive £26m.
    Spurs would also be able to snap him up in theory for £26m if they wish to re-sign him.
    The England youth international – capable of playing as an attacking midfielder, winger or centre-forward – showed Tottenham what they are missing on Tuesday.
    Edwards starred in Sporting’s shock 2-0 victory against Conte’s men at the Jose Alvalade Stadium.
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    And he almost capped his impressive performance with an iconic solo goal, but he spurned his chance from close range.
    The former Norwich loanee picked up the ball near the halfway line, glided past Eric Dier, before shrugging the England international away and breezing past Ivan Perisic.
    He then played a neat one-two with Francisco Trincao, skipped past Cristian Romero in the box, only to see his close-range shot brilliantly saved by Hugo Lloris.

    Speaking after the match, Edwards revealed his desire to return to the Premier League one day.
    The youngster told BT Sport: “It feels great and I think we deserved it. We showed how we can play.
    “I wouldn’t say extra special, but it was a special feeling to play against Spurs. It was good to see people I know – players and coaching staff.
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    “I stayed the same. Focus was the same. It’s a proper family environment here and I couldn’t be happier.
    “It’s home, so of course I want to come back there [to the Premier League] one day. I just focus on what I’m doing here for now.” More