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Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe nearly severed his thumb last week and needed surgery in order to keep hold of it.

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• Tunazebe missed Ipswich's fixture against West Ham
• Suffered freak kitchen accident
• Had to undergo surgery to save his thumb

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  According to the the unusual injury took place while the Ipswich Town defender was engaged in a routine household chore of washing dishes. As he was cleaning, a glass shattered and one of the shards caused a deep laceration to his hand which forced him to undergo surgery. There were fears he could have lost his thumb altogether, but swift medical attention ensured he kept it.

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• WHAT KIERAN MCKENNA SAID

  Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna disclosed some of the details of Tuanzebe's injury over the weekend. The Premier League newcomers were without the defender during their recent 4-1 defeat to West Ham United as he was advised to rest after the surgery on his hand.

  "He's done a hand injury, a very unfortunate accident," McKenna explained.

  "He's had surgery and will be out for a while. It's not going to be a couple of weeks, probably longer. There are still discussions with the specialists. He's naturally a miss with the way he's started the season. He's going to be out for a little while."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Since Ipswich's promotion to the Premier League, Tuanzebe has been a crucial part of their defence, starting in all six of the team's matches before this accident sidelined him. His strong performances made him a standout player, and his absence is undoubtedly a significant loss for the team. However, the two-week international break gives him valuable time to recover and miss fewer games.

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• WHAT NEXT FOR IPSWICH?

  Though Tuanzebe’s injury initially raised fears about the potential long-term damage to his hand, especially the possibility of losing his thumb, the surgical team’s quick action has left room for optimism. However, it remains to be seen if he will be available when the Tractor Boys host Everton at Portman Road on October 19.

Paul Pogba has confirmed his shock move into acting, with the World Cup winner attending the premiere of ‘4 Zeros’ while serving a doping ban.

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• Four-year suspension reduced on appeal
• Free to resume career in March 2025
• Has been working on other projects

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Pogba is being prevented from doing his day job at present as he serves a suspension from all football-related activity. That sanction had initially been set at four years, leading to questions of the 31-year-old’s future, but has been reduced to 18 months following an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  As things stand, Pogba will be free to resume his professional career from March 2025. It has been suggested, by the BBC, that the France international midfielder will be allowed to start training again in January.

• THE GOSSIP

  For now, he is focused on other activities. It was reported back in May that Pogba was dipping his toe into the world of acting. Having been spotted filming scenes in a suburb of Paris, a crew member said: “He amazed everyone with his naturalness and simplicity. He visibly appreciated the experience.”

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• WHAT POGBA SAID

  Pogba has now made his bow on the big screen official, with the Frenchman gracing the red carpet at Pathe Palace in Paris alongside his wife Zulay. He has posted on Instagram: “Super happy to appear in the movie 4 Zeros.”

Since Todd Boehly became the owner of Chelsea Football Club, they have spent an extraordinary £1b on new signings to try and return the club to the top of English football. So far, they have had little success.

Boehly’s first season at the club, 2023/23, saw the Blues collect their lowest points since 1987/88, with 44 and register their lowest Premier League finish in a 38-game season, as per Opta Joe. Last term was a slight improvement. The Blues finished sixth in the table, which helped them qualify for the Europa Conference League. However, for all the money spent by their American owners, they are yet to have a trophy to show for it.

Twice in Boehly’s reign, the Blues have broken the British transfer record. First, they signed Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for £107m, before splashing £115m just seven months later to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton, after he rejected a move to Liverpool.

All those expensive incomings mean Chelsea need to balance the books, which has led to major outgoings like Mason Mount. The Cobham graduate joined Manchester United last summer for £55m.

With a similar issue on the cards this summer, it means further sales could occur at Stamford Bridge. There is already one player who could be on his way out of the club.

Chelsea could sell winger to Premier League club

The player in question here is Chelsea’s England under-21 international winger Noni Madueke. The former PSV Eindhoven man could depart Stamford Bridge this summer in search of more regular game time.

According to a report from Mark Douglas of i Newspaper, Newcastle United are targeting Madueke, 'who may become available' for a transfer this summer, provided Chelsea complete the signing of Michael Olise, who himself could be an option for the Magpies if the Blues or Man United fail to land him.

However, Eddie Howe’s side could well target Madueke as an alternative to the France under-21 international, who may become third choice on the right wing at Stamford Bridge if they sign Olise. He would have to compete against the Crystal Palace man, and Cole Palmer for a spot in the side.

It may not be a tough deal to complete, given 'Newcastle have already done business' with the Blues in the past. The price for Madueke is not clear, but he is valued at £42m by Football Observatory. This is a fee that seems realistic, given Chelsea will be hoping to make a profit on the £29m they paid PSV in January 2023.

Why Madueke could be a big loss

It is fair to say that Madueke’s involvement for Chelsea last season was not as much as he would have hoped. He played just 23 times in the Premier League and performed fairly well, finding the back of the net five times, and registering two assists. However, the 1052 minutes he played equated to just over 11 full 90 minutes.

Given Madueke is just 22 years old, it is in his interest to get as many minutes as possible, to ensure he hits the heights predicted for him. After all, he was called the “future of Chelsea” by Chelsea journalist Felix Johnston on X. He is a tricky winger, who loves to cut inside on his left foot and drive at defenders.

If Chelsea do decide to move Madueke on this summer, it could be a bigger loss for the Blues than Conor Gallagher, who seems destined to move away from the club this summer. The England international is linked with a transfer to London rivals Tottenham. The BBC believe he is valued at £50m by Chelsea.

Gallagher was a key player for the Blues last season featuring in all but one of their Premier League games. He also captained his boyhood club 30 times in all competitions. However, they could cut ties this summer.

If Chelsea do sell both Gallagher and Madueke, the loss of the latter could be felt more. This is because a shift from the right wing to attacking midfield could be on the cards for Palmer. The Premier League Young Player of the Year played there 18 times last season, and in Gallagher’s absence, he could well be in for a permanent switch as a number 10.

Regardless of whether they sign Olise or not, a future at Chelsea could still be on the cards for the 22-year-old on the right wing. As with any club, the Blues need squad depth, and with Palmer becoming the first choice number 10, it means Madueke’s sale could have long-term implications, because of a lack of options on the right.

Olise would be the only man holding down the fort on that side, a player who himself is injury-prone. Squad rotation will be vital for Chelsea, especially given the fact they are back in Europe next season.

It remains to be seen if Chelsea do commission the sale of Madueke this summer. However, the impact it could have on the squad is somewhat understated, and in a few months time the Blues could be regretting their decision to sell the exciting right-winger this summer.

Chelsea made mistake signing £60m ace who's now worth 2x less than Olise

The Chelsea player earns £175k per week.

By
Tom Lever

Jun 15, 2024

A £100,000-per-week Manchester United target has now agreed to join Chelsea, and talks are ongoing with his club over agreeing a formal deal.

Maresca and Chelsea sets sights on new attackers

Boosted by the arrival of new head coach Enzo Maresca, the west Londoners are getting to work on bringing in fresh senior faces for next season, in a bid to upgrade the squad and improve on Mauricio Pochettino's sole campaign in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

Ange beaten as Chelsea win race for second starlet signing after £60m man

Tottenham and Atletico were both interested.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 11, 2024

They've already sealed a deal for Tosin Adarabioyo, who joins Chelsea on a free transfer from Fulham, but it is believed that Maresca and co wish to add more firepower to the squad for next term.

A new striker signing is on the agenda at Chelsea over the next few weeks, but it won't be RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, as Fabrizio Romano first broke news that the Slovenia international is set to remain in the Bundesliga and sign a new long-term deal.

Chelsea are thought to be targeting Artem Doybyk of Girona as an alternative to Sesko, among others, so it will be interesting to see who Maresca and co decide to bring in as the Blues' new out-and-out frontman.

The likes of Cole Palmer and Nicolas Jackson impressed with their goal contributions last season, scoring 42 between them, but it is believed that Chelsea could also look to seal the signing of a new attacking midfielder/winger.

A firm transfer target in that regard, according to widespread reports in the last 10 days, is Crystal Palace star Michael Olise. The 22-year-old, who could leave Selhurst Park for the value of his £60 million release clause, starred under both Roy Hodgson and Oliver Glasner last term.

Olise agrees terms with Chelsea as Palace talks continue

Now, as per GiveMeSport, a significant update has come to light on his potential move to west London. It is believed that Olise has just agreed personal terms with Chelsea, and while Man United are still in the race for him, it is the Blues who have seized more control in the race for his signing.

Talks are now ongoing with Palace over scheduled payments for the £100,000-per-week star's release clause, so if the Red Devils want to hijack a move, they need to get moving.

"What I make of him is that I think he is an enormous talent," said Hodgson on Olise last year.

"He has got a great possibility to have a wonderful career and a wonderful future. We can only hope we at Crystal Palace can give him that platform.”

Cristiano Ronaldo stole the show with a late penalty as the Portuguese sealed a 2-1 win for Al-Nassr against Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League.

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• Al-Nassr beat Al-Shabab 2-1
• Ronaldo converted a penalty deep in injury time
• Hamdallah turned villain as he missed from the spot

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  TELL ME MORE

  The ill effects of the recently concluded international break reared its ugly head as Stefano Pioli's men looked disjointed and fatigued for most of the match against a more inspirational Al-Shabab side. Chances came at a premium and if it was not for a stunning reaction save from Bento to deny Mohammed Al-Thani from a corner, Ronaldo & Co would have found themselves chasing the game from early on.

  It was a drab first half and the match did not spring to life until Aymeric Laporte opened the scoring in the 69th minute. After the first goal went in, both teams looked more competitive and in the final quarter, Al-Shabab started enjoying more of the possession. Pioli was quick to react and replaced Otavio with Ali Alhassan. However, the defender messed up a clearance in the final minute of regulation time and ended up putting the ball into his net, much to the fury of his manager on the sidelines.

  When both teams were looking to settle for a point each, hardly did they know the drama had just begun. Robert Renan lunged into a needless challenge on Abdulrahman Ghareeb just inside the box and the referee had no qualms pointing to the spot. Ronaldo stepped up to take the penalty and the 39-year-old sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to score his sixth goal of the league campaign in the seventh minute of stoppage time. However, it was not yet over as Mohamed Simakan handed Al-Shabab a lifeline as he got himself sent off after stamping on Nader Al-Sharari inside the box. But Abderrazak Hamdallah succumbed to the pressure and hit the woodwork from 12 yards to hand vital three points to the visitors who are chasing Al-Hilal in the standings.

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  THE MVP

  Cometh the hour, cometh the man! Ronaldo kept his calm when it mattered the most and delivered the goods, as he mostly does, for Al-Nassr. A stuttered run-up, a good look in the eyes of the keeper, and a well-placed penalty turned out to be the difference-maker between the two sides.

• THE BIG LOSER

  Hamdallah had a decent game to be fair to the Moroccan. But when his side needed a hero, the striker failed them. He looked under pressure before he took his shot and despite sending Bento the other way, he hit the woodwork which condemned his team to a heart-breaking defeat.

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• WHAT COMES NEXT FOR AL-NASSR?

  After a thrilling victory in the domestic league, Ronaldo & Co will now shift his focus to the AFC Champions League as they are set to face Esteghlal in Dubai on Tuesday.

Kylian Mbappe was denied his first Clasico goal by an offside flag as Barcelona's high line persistently troubled Real Madrid stars.

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• Mbappe thought he had first Clasico goal
• VAR intervened to chalk it off
• Flick's high-line paid off magnificently

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mbappe put his feet on the gas pedal and darted inside the box through the right flank to find himself in a one-on-one situation with Inaki Pena. The French star kept his calm and dinked the ball over his head into the bottom left corner before running towards the corner flag in jubilation.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  However, Mbappe's celebrations were short-lived as VAR chalked off the goal after a lengthy check. He was just found offside between Inigo Martinez and Pau Cubarsi and the forward was left crestfallen.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Madrid were caught offside eight times in the first half with Mbappe alone fluffing his lines on six occasions. In fact, in the first 25 minutes of the match, Mbappe had five touches and all of them were followed by the assistant's flag.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MBAPPE?

  The French attacker will hope to have more luck beating the offside trap in the second half of the clash at the Santiago Bernabeu as Madrid look to catch up to their rivals in La Liga.

Tottenham are reportedly ready to try an audacious swap deal this summer as they look to bolster their midfield on a budget, it has been claimed.

Spurs in need of additions

After a promising season under Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham's Premier League campaign fizzled out and they were forced to accept Europa League football next season, despite at one point seeming nailed on for a return to the Champions League. Now, all attention is set to turn to the summer transfer window, and the club are set to be busy.

Emerson Royal is thought to be free to leave and has admitted to enjoying the reports linking him with a move to AC Milan, while the club have already made their first signing of the summer by making Timo Werner's loan move valid for a further 12 months, extending his stay in north London.

Meanwhile, Tanguy Ndombele and Ryan Sessegnon have both been released, and decisions will have to be made on returning loanees Joe Rodon, Sergio Reguilon and Bryan Gil, all of whom seem to be out of Postecoglou's plans.

Spurs hit gold on £26m star who's now worth more than Romero & Eze

The Spurs ace is the club’s joint-highest valued player at the club.

By
Tom Lever

Jun 24, 2024

Another man expected to leave is Pierre-Emile Højbjerg, who was named man of the match for Denmark during their 1-1 draw with England at EURO 2024.

No decision will be made on his future until after the tournament, but the Dane's agent explained: “I am working on the many requests that we have already received, yes; but we will analyse all the possibilities after the Euros, during the holidays when we will spend some time together and then look forward to the next chapter”.

With that in mind, Tottenham are going to need midfield additions, and now they are trying to find a way to land one on the cheap.

Spurs target swap deal

That comes as The Sun claim Tottenham are eyeing up an audacious swap deal for Southampton's Carlos Alcaraz, in a move that would see Welsh defender Joe Rodon head the other way. Alcaraz was in and out of Russell Martin's side for the first half of the season, though the Saints boss did praise the Argentinian for his performances.

"His mentality has been great", he explained after one performance against Leeds United. “We wanted to free him up a little bit. We did that I think – he was amazing with it. I’m really proud of him and really pleased for him. He was outstanding."

He spent the second half of the season on loan with Juventus though, making three starts in what turned out to be a difficult spell in Turin, and his future seems unclear.

The 21-year-old still has four years left to run on his £25,000 a week deal on the south coast, but The Sun claim that he likely won't be there much longer, with Spurs keen to sign him this summer. Valued at £30m by Southampton, Spurs are willing to offer Rodon, who is wanted by the Saints and is valued at around £10m, in a bid to get a deal done.

However, they may also have to stump up some cash to get it over the line should they be serious about the young midfielder ahead of the new season.

Celtic and Brendan Rodgers are keen to add fresh blood to their ranks this summer, and may have found just their man as they line up a move for a former Premier League defender.

Concern at the back for Celtic

The retirement of Joe Hart has left the Scottish Premiership champions on the hunt for a new no.1 this summer, but there are also concerns in front of him.

Liam Scales has failed to impress during his time at Celtic Park despite playing for much of the campaign, while those behind him in the pecking order have done little to reverse their position in the squad and compete for a spot alongside Cameron Carter-Vickers.

Though plenty of options are available to Rodgers on paper, with six centre-backs currently on the books at Celtic Park, there is a feeling that more quality is needed.

The club could now be set to address that as they make a move for a new option at the back.

Rodgers chases O'Shea

Now, it has emerged that Celtic have made an approach for Burnley defender Dara O'Shea, who was part of Vincent Kompany's relegated Clarets side last season.

The 25-year-old made 33 Premier League appearances last season, scoring three goals and grabbing four assists, but he was unable to keep his side above the drop zone and is set to spend the upcoming campaign in the Championship again.

O'Shea remains a popular figure in the Midlands despite swapping West Brom for Burnley 12 months ago in a £7m move, with Baggies boss Carlos Corberan eulogising about the centre-back upon his departure.

"I wish Dara success and happiness in his future career. He has been a very, very special player for this club," the West Brom head coach explained.

Signed just last summer, the defender still has three years left to run on his £20,000 a week deal at Turf Moor, but that is not stopping Celtic.

Bad news for Yang: Celtic keen on signing 'impressive' replacement

The Scottish giants have been linked with an interest in the young sensation this summer.

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By
Dan Emery

Jul 1, 2024

As per the Daily Record, the Bhoys "have made an approach" for O'Shea. Rodgers appears to be driving the move, with the defender "on his wanted list" ahead of the new season, though it is added that a "major bid" would be needed to prise him away from Lancashire.

There is also the added confusion over Burnley's next manager following Kompany's departure to Bayern Munich, with the current role vacant, and it is claimed to be "unlikely" any final decision will be made over O'Shea until a new man is in charge.

A move for O'Shea, even for the £7m that Burnley shelled out for him, would place him firmly in Celtic's top 10 record signings. But with fresh revenue from the Champions League incoming, it may not be as far fetched as it seems.

Ian Wright issued a hilarious X-rated response to Alan Shearer after Arsenal suffered a narrow 1-0 loss to Newcastle at St James' Park.

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• Newcastle edged out Arsenal
• Isak scored winner against Gunners
• Wright & Shearer had a hilarious face-off after the game

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The Magpies emerged triumphant thanks to a first-half goal from Alexander Isak, which was a major blow to the title ambitions of the Gunners as they slipped to fourth place in the Premier League standings. Manchester City also went down to Bournemouth which allowed Liverpool to seize the top spot after their own comeback victory over Brighton.

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• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Former Newcastle striker Shearer was quick to capitalise on the win by poking fun at Wright, an Arsenal legend and a staunch supporter of the Gunners. Known for their history together on punditry, Shearer and Wright have a longstanding friendship that often spills over into good-natured banter, especially when their teams clash.

• WATCH THE CLIP

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• WHAT WRIGHT & SHEARER SAID

  This weekend, it was Shearer’s turn to boast after his former club triumphed over Arsenal. Recovering from a recent knee replacement surgery, Wright is currently using a wheelchair, but that didn’t stop him from giving Shearer a feisty response as he spotted the former striker filming a video with a mischievous grin.

  Wright, clearly unfazed, quipped "F*** off," as he chuckled, while Shearer, undeterred, replied, "It was only 1-0." Unamused by the continued taunting, Wright shot back, "F***ing shut your mouth," with a death stare at the ex-striker.

An intriguing report claims Chelsea have five days to sign an "incredible" forward for just £25 million, due to a unique clause in his contract.

Chelsea targeting new winger for Maresca this summer

After their failed attempt to sign former Crystal Palace star Michael Olise, who eventually joined Bayern Munich instead, it is back to the drawing board for co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley in their search for a new winger.

Better than Isak: Chelsea still want 'one of the best CFs in the world'

Chelsea could forget about Alexander Isak by swooping for a different big-money target.

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By
Matt Dawson

Jul 9, 2024

Chelsea were in talks over a deal for Olise earlier this summer, and some reports claimed that the likes of Raheem Sterling and Noni Madueke could've been used as makeweights in player-plus-cash bids.

However, with the 22-year-old opting for a move to Germany, the Blues have been forced to identify other targets. New manager Enzo Maresca already has quality to choose from out wide, but it is believed a top priority for the ex-Leicester boss is to bring in a new wide-man who can compete with the likes of Sterling, Madueke and Mykhailo Mudryk.

Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi is now further up Chelsea's transfer shortlist, with claims emerging this week they're plotting a move for him. Chelsea have held talks with Adeyemi's representatives as they push for a new winger, according to TEAMtalk, and the 22-year-old will cost somewhere around the £25 million mark.

Adeyemi racked up seven goal contributions for Dortmund in all competitions last term, five goals and two assists specifically, but the German did manage a pretty impressive 33 goals and 24 assists across 94 appearances for Red Bull Salzburg.

Chelsea have Rennes starlet Desire Doue on their transfer agenda as well, if a move for Adeyemi fails, but the competition for his signature is fierce with Man Utd, Tottenham, Bayern and Paris Saint-Germain all in the race to sign him (Rudy Galetti).

Now, according to Portuguese newspaper Record, FC Porto starlet Francisco Conceição is another winger Todd Boehly and co are targeting who could cost £25m – but only if the Blues act quickly.

Chelsea have just five days to sign Conceicao for £25 million

The outlet claims, via Sport Witness, that Chelsea are very aware of Conceicao with Stamford Bridge named as one of the possible destinations for him this summer.

Atletico Madrid and RB Leipzig are contenders as well, but perhaps a move to the Premier League would appeal more to the 21-year-old. There is an interesting catch to this story, as it is believed Chelsea have just five days to sign Conceicao for £25 million.

Indeed, the £25m release clause in his contract expires on Monday next week, which will then see his price shoot up to £38 million. The clock is therefore ticking for Boehly and co to do a deal at the cheapest price, and his exploits in Portugal suggest he could be worth the effort.

Conceicao racked up eight goals and eight assists across 43 appearances in all competitions for Porto last term, with Portugal manager Roberto Martinez hailing his "incredible maturity" at Euro 2024 too.