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      Chelsea ready to make shock £20m transfer bid for England U21 goalkeeper as they seek permanent No1

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      CHELSEA are ready to make a £20million bid for Burnley keeper and England hopeful James Trafford.The Stamford Bridge club see Trafford as a long-term No 1 despite a bumpy start to his Premier League career at Turf Moor.Chelsea are eyeing a move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford this summerCredit: GettyMany feel the stopper will come good even though he was dropped by Vincent Kompany before the Clarets slipped out of the top flight.Trafford, 21, is in the initial 33-man England squad for Euro 2024 and looks set to be thrown a Premier League lifeline.Chelsea want to sign future stars and Trafford is in that category.He joined Burnley from Manchester City for £15m last summer following his Young Lions heroics — not conceding a single goal as England won the Under-21 Euros.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLNewcastle fancy Trafford but sources close to the deal see Chelsea winning the race and Burnley will be happy to make a profit within 12 months.The young keeper made 28 appearances for the Clarets last season, keeping two clean sheets.Meanwhile, Chelsea stoppers Robert Sanchez and Djordje Petrovic made 21 and 31 appearances across all competitions respectively.The Blues are currently without a manager, though, following Mauricio Pochettino’s exit this week.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSPochettino’s Chelsea record
      MAURICIO POCHETTINO had just started to turn Chelsea around.
      An impressive run of end-of-season form saw the Blues leapfrog the likes of Manchester United and Newcastle to finish sixth in the Premier League – and earn a Europa League spot.
      But it wasn’t enough to keep him in a job as it was announced on Tuesday evening that the Argentine had left.
      Here are all Pochettino’s Stamford Bridge stats:
      Premier League – 6th
      FA Cup – Semi-finals (lost to Man City)
      Carabao Cup – Runners-up (Lost to Liverpool)
      Total record:
      Games 51Wins 26Draws 11Defeats 14
      Goals for 103Goals against 74

      Pochettino was sacked after guiding Chelsea to a sixth place finish and a return to Europe in his only season in charge.His replacement has yet to be appointed, with the club linked with a number of potential candidates.Chelsea’s top summer transfer targetsAccording to reports, Chelsea have identified Kieran McKenna, Thomas Frank and Enzo Maresca as managerial targets.The club have even held talks with Leicester boss Maresca as they look to announce Pochettino’s replacement next week. More

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      Steve Bruce, 63, ready to make return to management after ill-fated Newcastle and West Brom spells

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      STEVE BRUCE wants a return to club management two years after his departure from West Brom.Bruce, 63, isn’t daunted by all the latest managerial exits, as well as those that will soon follow, and insists he is still “itching to get back” at the helm of what would be his 12th team in charge.Steve Bruce wants to return to management after two years as a free agentCredit: RexBruce endured an ill-fated stint at Newcastle and West BromCredit: GettyWriting exclusively for SunSport, the Manchester United legend and former Premier League boss explains why he still has the managerial bug:I WOULD love to be involved with a club again on the management side.This has been my longest break from the game in 46 years after leaving West Brom in October 2022.You’d think the precarious nature of being a football manager might put me off in a week which has seen Mauricio Pochettino surprisingly leave Chelsea.Read More on FootballI saw a crazy fact that there were more Premier League manager departures 48 hours after the end of the league season last Sunday (four) than there were in the whole of the Prem campaign (three).It sums up football management.So why would I still want to be itching to get back on the training pitch and working with players?It’s something inbuilt in me — that adrenaline rush every time Saturday comes round. Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSI am hugely proud to have managed over 1,000 games at 12 clubs.Only five managers since the start of the Premier League in 1992 have taken charge of more matches.Man City WIN the Premier League for record fourth time in a row as they see off Arsenal on tense final dayI would hope to think an owner or CEO would see my experience as key in terms of being part of a management team or at the coal face itself.Steve Bruce’s managerial careerHere’s all the teams Steve Bruce has managed throughout his career:

      Sheffield United (1998-1999)
      Huddersfield (1999-2000)
      Wigan (2001)
      Crystal Palace (2001)
      Birmingham City (2001-2007)
      Wigan (2007-2009)
      Sunderland (2009-2011)
      Hull City (2012-2016)
      Aston Villa (2016-2018)
      Sheffield Wednesday (2019)
      Newcastle (2019-2021)
      West Brom (2022) More

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      Roberto De Zerbi ‘NOT ruled out by Chelsea’ as they work through four-man shortlist to replace Pochettino

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      CHELSEA have not ruled Roberto De Zerbi out as a potential candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino in the dugout ahead of next term.The Blues are looking for a new manager after Pochettino suddenly left Stamford Bridge after only a season in charge despite leading the club to European qualification.Chelsea have not yet ruled Roberto De Zerbi out as replacement for Mauricio PochettinoCredit: EPAWho could be the next Chelsea manager?

      HERE are the seven names in the running to replace Mauricio Pochettino after his shock exit from Chelsea.
      Roberto De Zerbi
      The Italian left Brighton at the end of the season after a year and a half in charge. He was linked with a host of top jobs earlier in the campaign but a difficult run of results saw him fall out of contention for the likes of Liverpool. De Zerbi’s attacking, front-foot style would be popular at Stamford Bridge.
      Kieran McKenna
      The former Manchester United assistant has led Ipswich to back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League. That has seen his stock shoot through the roof and he may be tempted to jump ship for a big job.
      Enzo Maresca
      Maresca was Pep Guardiola’s assistant at Manchester City and has worked wonders at Leicester, settling the ship to send the Foxes back to the Premier League at the first attempt. Appointing a Pep disciple has turned Arsenal into title contenders, so it could work for Chelsea too.
      Hansi Flick
      Flick was one of football’s most in-demand managers after winning the Champions League with Bayern Munich. But it all went wrong in his next role becoming the first manager ever to be sacked by Germany. Now he’s ready to return and could be a smart move for the Blues
      Sebastian Hoeness
      Chelsea fans may not have heard of him, but Hoeness is Germany’s next big thing. Hoeness has transformed Stuttgart from relegation candidates to the second best team in the Bundesliga, finishing above Bayern Munich. Only invincible Bayer Leverkusen got in the way of a miracle.
      Michel
      Michel Sanchez has worked wonders with little Girona in Spain. The minnows were right in the LaLiga title race at Christmas before watching Real Madrid shoot into the distance. But they ran illustrious Catalan neighbours Barcelona all the way for second and are guaranteed a spot on the Champions League. Reports in Spain say that has caught Chelsea’s attention.
      Jose Mourinho
      Still adored by fans at Stamford Bridge, who never warmed to former Spurs boss Pochettino, Mourinho would be a popular pick. Winner of three Premier League with the Blues across two topsy-turvy spells, could he be the man to take Chelsea back to the top?

      According to The Telegraph, the West Londoners have narrowed their search down to four candidates.That includes Leicester’s Enzo Maresca, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna and Brentford’s Thomas Frank.There has been no confirmation whether or not De Zerbi, 44, is officially the fourth unnamed coach.However, the same source claims the Italian tactician has not yet been chalked off.Read More on FootballNevertheless, the ex-Brighton boss is currently considered to be an “outlier”.If Chelsea signed De Zerbi then the Seagulls could still be due around £5million in compensation, which is much cheaper than the £15m he would have cost if he was still working at the Amex Stadium.The ex-Shakhtar Donetsk manager would have to demonstrate that he could work within Chelsea’s club structure and cooperate with sporting directors Paul Winstanley as well as Laurence Stewart.This comes after De Zerbi expressed frustration in the Brighton model last season while many within football view him as a challenging character.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNevertheless, there is still no clear favourite to replace Pochettino at the helm.However, Maresca, McKenna and Frank all have internal support within Chelsea.Who could be Chelsea’s next boss after Pochettino exit?Director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields worked with Maresca at Manchester City when the Italian was Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager at a time when Cole Palmer played under him.McKenna’s stunning progress at Ipswich has been tracked by the Premier League giants for some time.And Chelsea’s incoming set-piece specialist Bernardo Cueva worked closely with Frank at Brentford.But De Zerbi is well known by director of global recruitment Sam Jewell as they worked together at Brighton.Moises Caicedo also played under him last season whereas Mykhailo Mudryk and the Italian head coach go way back during their time together at Shakhtar.Chelsea are beyond a laughing stockBy Andy Dillon
      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.
      The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.
      You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.
      When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.
      It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Read Andy Dillon’s full take on the sacking of Pochettino and what it means here. More

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      Luton release 14 PLAYERS including long-serving star in ruthless squad cull after relegation from Premier League

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      LUTON TOWN have put together a brutal clearout following their Premier League relegation that has seen a total of 14 players leaving Kenilworth Road.Luton finished 18th in the Prem table with six points separating them from safety and will be returning to the Championship just a year after their stunning promotion.Long-serving star Dan Potts has left Luton Town after the club’s relegationCredit: GettyLuke Berry will be leaving Luton Town after his contract runs outCredit: AlamyThe Hatters’ manager Rob Edwards will have to do it all over again but will be without long-serving duo Dan Potts and Luke Berry this time around.Potts, 30, has been with the club since 2015 while Berry, 31, joined in 2017Both veterans will be leaving once their contracts expire on June 30.They will be joined by Fred Onyedinma, Elliot Thorpe and Admiral Muskwe, whose deals also run out next month.Read More on FootballMeanwhile, Josh Allen, Tobias Braney, Oliver Camis, Archie Heron, Millar Matthews-Lewis and Ben Tompkins have been released.And Will Houghton, Max Scott and Marcus Warren will be leaving the club’s academy.Issa Kabore and Albert Sambi Lokonga will be returning to their parent clubs at Manchester City and Arsenal respectively at the end of their loan stints. Meanwhile, Allan Campbell, Ryan Giles, Tom Holmes, John McAtee, Aribim Pepple, Dion Pereira, Joe Taylor, Jack Walton and Louie Watson’s loan deals away will expire next month.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSLuton continue talks over a new contract with Gabe Osho, whose deal runs out next month, after the relegated club exercised its option to extend James Shea’s stint.Extended terms have been accepted by Under-21 stars Jack Bateson, Josh Odell-Bature, Jacob Pinnington and Dominic Dos Santos Martins.Huge pitch invasion as Man City win title despite players begging supporters not to and Gary Neville calls it a ‘shame’And from the Under-18s, Claude Kayibanda and Jack Lorentzen-Jones have accepted their offers of professional contracts, while Tyrell Giwa’s scholarship has been extended for a third year.Under-16 aces Archie Shepherd, Benedict Benagr, Charlie Booth, Christian Chigozie, Harry Fox, Kyron Roberts-Edema, Leon Routh, Lucas Thomas and Samuel Hincapie Alfonso have been offered first-year scholarships.Luton Town’s released listHere’s who Luton Town have released after their Premier League relegation:

      Dan Potts
      Luke Berry
      Fred Onyedinma
      Elliot Thorpe
      Admiral Muskwe
      Josh Allen
      Tobias Braney
      Oliver Camis
      Archie Heron
      Millar Matthews-Lewis
      Ben Tompkins
      Will Houghton
      Max Scott
      Marcus Warren More

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      Bruno Fernandes drops biggest hint he could QUIT Man Utd as he tells club to match his ‘expectations’

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      BRUNO FERNANDES has dropped a huge hint that he could leave Manchester United amid the club’s turmoil.Earlier this month, SunSport exclusively revealed that Fernandes is considering a summer move after four-and-a-half seasons at Old Trafford.Bruno Fernandes has hinted that he could leave Man UtdCredit: GettyThe midfielder had previously admitted that he will think about his future after this summer’s European Championship.And now he insists Man Utd’s standards must be set much higher for him to stay.In a piece for The Players’ Tribune, Fernandes wrote: “I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club.”If you go talk to any fan, they will tell you the same thing. We want to compete for the league.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”We want to be playing Champions League football. We want to be in cup finals. That is the standard.”That is what I want. That is what you all deserve.”I just want my expectations to fit with the expectations of the club.”Bruno FernandesThe Players’ TribuneMan Utd ended the Premier League season eighth in the table, the club’s lowest-ever finish.Erik ten Hag’s side will face local rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Sunday.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSShould the Red Devils win, they will qualify for a spot in next season’s Europa League.However, a defeat will see them miss out on European football altogether.Man Utd fans in fresh Bruno Fernandes fears as captain waits until almost midnight with supporters outside Old TraffordFernandes has been one of Man Utd’s most impressive players this seasonFernandes has lifted just one trophy since joining United in January 2020 – the 2022-23 Carabao Cup.The 29-year-old agreed a new four-year deal in 2022 after receiving assurances that the club was going in the right direction.However, his future at Old Trafford is now uncertain.Cristiano Ronaldo has reportedly urged Al-Nassr to sign Fernandes this summer.The Saudi Pro League side are willing to do whatever it takes to sign him. More

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      Newcastle ‘line up sensational double transfer swoop for England stars Jarrod Bowen and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’

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      NEWCASTLE are preparing a sensational double bid for West Ham star Jarrod Bowen and Everton ace Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to reports.Bowen and Calvert-Lewin, both 27, feature prominently in the Magpies’ recruitment meetings and club chiefs know both moves are complicated as well as expensive and will require player sales.West Ham star Jarrod Bowen is a top target as Newcastle are prioritising a right wingerCredit: RexEverton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin is seen as Callum Wilson’s replacementCredit: RexAccording to The Telegraph, the Toon’s interest in both forwards is “genuine” and they are part of a “very short list” of summer transfer targets.Signing a right winger is a “top priority” for manager Eddie Howe and thus the Geordies have turned to longstanding target Bowen.Newcastle are also keeping tabs on Crystal Palace star Michael Olise but fear they will miss out on him ahead of an imminent bidding war for the Frenchman.That is why the Tyneside outfit are looking at the West Ham star – who scored 20 goals across all competitions this season.Read More on FootballThe Premier League giants almost signed the England international four years ago when he left Hull as he agreed terms with then-St James’ Park manager Steve Bruce.However, former owner Mike Ashley pulled the plug due to the winger’s £22million release clause, with the player now expected to be worth three times that figure.West Ham will be reluctant to let Bowen go but the player could be tempted to finally make the move following David Moyes’ departure from the the London Stadium.Calvert-Lewin is also a long-term target for Newcastle, with the club keeping tabs on him for the last two years.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd the club’s interest is expected to increase ahead of Callum Wilson’s imminent departure.Wilson is increasingly likely to be sold this summer, a year before his contract runs out.Footie For All Campaign With West Ham Player Jarrod BowenSaudi clubs have already been in talks with Newcastle over a potential deal for the striker.Calvert-Lewin is considered the perfect replacement but the club would first have to sell Wilson.DCL has been hit by various injury problems but still made 38 appearances for Everton this season, including 32 in the Premier League.And Howe believes the centre-forward will score a lot more goals as part of his attack-minded team.Bowen scored 20 goals across all competitions for West HamCalvert-Lewin played 32 Premier League games this season despite his injury woes More

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      Will Still in shock talks with Championship club as he targets first manager job in England

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      WILL STILL is in talks with Norwich City as he targets his first managerial role in England.The Championship club are looking for a new manager after axing David Wagner following the crushing 4-0 play-off loss to Leeds.Norwich has been in talks with former Reims manager Will StillCredit: GettyThe former Reims boss visited Norwich’s training ground earlier this week.But SunSport understands four other candidates are expected to be consulted.The targets include former AZ Alkmaar boss Pascal Jansen and Arsenal assistant Carlos Cuesta.Norwich’s sporting director Ben Knapper has previously dealt with Still, when he was Arsenal’s loans manager.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe 31-year-old took charge of Reims, where he was previously assistant to Oscar Garcia, in October 2022 with the side in a desperate Ligue 1 relegation fight.However, he led them to a 19-game unbeaten run and 11th-placed finish.But shortly before the end of the season, the French side announced his departure having won two of their last 14 games.Still was born in Belgium to English parents and admitted that his love of coaching was born through playing the much-loved Football Manager game.Most read in ChampionshipBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHis first gig was at Preston’s Myerscough College where he got the chance to coach North End’s Under-14 side.He then got in touch with Belgian contacts football asking if there were any opportunities.Jack Grealish lined up for sensational Bayern Munich transferSint-Truiden came up trumps – offering him work as an opposition analyst.Still took various jobs from 2017 – including roles at Standard Liege and second division Lierse.At 24, Liege promoted him to be their head coach – but he was forced to leave when they fell into financial difficulty.A short stint at Beerschot was followed by talk of him teaming up with Vincent Kompany at Anderlecht.But he then made his way to France to be Garcia’s right-hand man on a short-term deal.Earlier this season, he was spotted watching his beloved West Ham in action at the London Stadium – leading to fans calling him a “dream” replacement for David Moyes. More

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      Enzo Maresca emerges as top Chelsea target with Leicester braced for managerial approach

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      LEICESTER CITY manager Enzo Maresca has emerged as a shock candidate to replace Mauricio Pochettino at Chelsea.Pochettino left Chelsea by mutual consent on Tuesday following talks with Paul Winstanley, Laurence Stewart, Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali.Enzo Maresca has emerged as a top target for ChelseaCredit: GettyMauricio Pochettino left Chelsea this weekCredit: GettyClub officials are now on the hunt for a new permanent manager ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.And SunSport understands Maresca has emerged as a top candidate.Leicester are now braced for an approach from the Blues.Maresca reportedly has an £8.5million release clause in his contract.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe 44-year-old took over at the King Power Stadium last summer following Dean Smith’s departure.He guided Leicester back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, winning 31 out of 46 Championship games.However, some fans turned on him towards the end of the season due to a drop in form as Leicester stumbled to the title.Maresca could be tempted to make the move given Leicester’s current financial situation.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSMeet Pep Guardiola disciple Enzo MarescaEnzo Maresca is considered among the most exciting young coaches on the planet.
      Born in Italy in 1980, he managed to guide Leicester to the Championship title in his first season as Foxes boss.
      His management career started at Italian minnows Ascoli before he was snapped up by Man City in 2020 to manage their Elite Development Squad.
      He guided the youth team to the Premier League 2 title in his one season working for the Citizens – with Cole Palmer in the side.
      His first senior job was with Parma but he was sacked after just a few months after failing to impress.
      Despite the team playing in Serie B and Maresca having an impressive squad he was unable to get them on course for promotion.
      He returned to Man City and worked as one of Pep Guardiola’s assistants for the 2022/23 season as they won the Treble.
      He took over relegated Leicester last summer and made an immediate impact, with the Foxes winning the Championship title.
      Maresca showed his dedication to the job by living at the training ground for the first two months after his appointment.
      He’s considered something of a Pep disciple and has said: “For a coach, it’s important to have the mentality of a chess player.”
      During his playing career he played under Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi – and alongside ex-Brighton boss Roberto de Zerbi.

      The Foxes stand accused of breaking spending rules during their last three seasons in the Prem.That means they could potentially start the 2024-25 season on negative points.Who could be Chelsea’s next boss after Pochettino exit?The case has been referred to an independent commission, with a conclusion expected soon.Before joining Leicester, Maresca worked for Manchester City as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.He played an important role in guiding the club to the Treble last season.Maresca is one of several names linked with the Chelsea job.Names in the frameIpswich Town boss Kieran McKenna has been under consideration, but the Tractor Boys have just offered him a new lucrative deal in a bid to keep him at Portman Road.SunSport exclusively revealed on Wednesday that Ipswich chiefs have tabled a four-year contract worth £5million-a-year – quadruple what he currently earns.READ MORE SUN STORIESFormer Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi has also been discussed.De Zerbi left the Sussex side following Brighton’s final Premier League match at the weekend.Chelsea are beyond a laughing stockBy Andy Dillon
      CHELSEA’S longest serving manager under the club’s new owners has left by mutual consent.
      The fact that Mauricio Pochettino lasted only 325 days underlines what a basket case of a club it has become.
      You might expect a manager to lose his job after five games WITHOUT a win but only Chelsea could lose theirs after five wins on the spin.
      When the supporters wrote an open letter to chairman Todd Boehly and his sidekick Behdad Eghbali in March, they expressed fears that their beloved Chelsea was becoming a ‘laughing stock on and off the pitch’.
      It is way beyond that now with the departure of the manager who finally looked to be getting a tune out of a squad branded ‘£1billion bottle jobs’ just over two months ago as they crashed to defeat against Liverpool’s youth team in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Read Andy Dillon’s full take on the sacking of Pochettino and what it means here. More