Gossip: Chelsea could be an attractive move for Delap
Manchester United lead the race to sign 22-year-old Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap, but defeat in the Europa League final and consequential inability to offer him European football next season would hand Chelsea the advantage. (ESPN), externalChelsea are understood to have opened talks with Ajax over a potential transfer for 19-year-old Netherlands defender Jorrel Hato, who is also a target for Liverpool and Arsenal. (Caughtoffside), externalWant more transfer news? Read Wednesday's full gossip columnFollow the gossip column on BBC Sport
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Daily Mirror
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Club World Cup's importance is clear as Man City and Chelsea chase £97m jackpot
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Daily Mirror
14 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Joao Pedro's real transfer preference between Chelsea and Newcastle confirmed
Joao Pedro looks set to leave Brighton this season with a number of clubs having expressed their interest in the Brazilian but it appears that he has already picked his next club Joao Pedro has opened the door to a sensational move to Chelsea despite Newcastle 's growing interest. The Brazilian striker finds himself in the middle of a tug of war between the two clubs this summer. Reports have recently suggested that Newcastle are stepping up their attempts to sign him as Eddie Howe tries to bolster his front-line. Chelsea have also been linked with a £50m move this summer. And it appears that a switch to Stamford Bridge appeals more to Pedro, if his Brighton teammate Igor Julio is to be believed. The defender has suggested that the forward is prioritising a move to London despite his own attempts to get the former Watford man to sign for Liverpool. 'Joao Pedro had already told Brighton some time ago that his desire was to leave, seek new things, take the next step,' Igor told Trivela. 'It seems it will be difficult and complicated for him to stay here. 'We have to be honest, the club already knows that. (I'm) very happy for him. He deserves it. He's been here in England for five years and hasn't played for a big team yet. It's his moment, his time, so he can make the best decision and be happy wherever he is. 'He always told me that he really wants to live in London, so I think he will prioritise what comes from there first. 'I told [Pedro] that he has to think about what he wants from his career. In my opinion, if I were going to a 'Big Six' team, I would go to a team that fights for the Premier League, plays in the Champions League and is always in a position to win. 'I would go to a Liverpool team and I think he would fit in perfectly at Liverpool. It's because I've always dreamed of playing for Liverpool and I would go there.' Would Joao Pedro be a good signing for Chelsea? Share your thoughts in the comments below Pedro, 23, has scored 30 goals for Brighton having signed for the club in a £30m move from Watford two years ago. He still has three years left to run on his contract at the Amex Stadium. Despite reports suggesting he could be on the way out, Brighton boss Fabian Hurzeler hinted earlier this year that he would have the striker's services to call on next term. He said: 'Joao is still a young player and there's still a lot of potential where he will grow, and I'm sure that he will learn from this and come back strong next season. "I'm really looking forward to seeing him renewed and reinvigorated at his highest peak for us and that's all I will say on this.' Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
The Sun
38 minutes ago
- The Sun
Louis Tomlinson displayed ‘playground mentality' towards Sam Thompson during Soccer Aid, before love rival pulled out
LOUIS Tomlinson displayed "playground mentality" towards love rival Sam Thompson during Soccer Aid training. It comes after Sun revealed yesterday that the former Made in Chelsea star, 32, had been ruled out of playing in this year's match where he was due to play on the same team as Louis, 33. 7 7 7 Sam was due to play in the same England side as One Direction star Louis, 33, who is now dating his ex Zara McDermott. The former couple split in December, with Zara quickly moving on with Louis. The two men were both due to take part in Soccer Aid tomorrow, but it was revealed exclusively by The Sun yesterday that the I'm A Celeb champ had pull out due to injury. However, before Sam was forced to quit, he was he was pictured training with Louis this week at Soccer Aid HQ in Tring, Herts, where the England and Rest of the World teams have been preparing for the match. After looking at the pictures in detail, a body language expert believes that Louis displayed a "playground mentality" towards Sam on the pitch. Expert Judi James said that while Sam was smiling and happy, and get along with the other players, One Direction star Louis seemed "glum" and "separate". She told The Mail: 'There seems to be more of a playground dynamic growing from the body language here. "Sam seems to be very much part of the core group, sitting central and being the center of their attention while Louis walks by looking glum at times and rather peripheral to the social interaction. "As the guys club around Sam, who looks deep in the discussion, Louis seems to glance over with a rather hard-looking stare. "His eye direction might not be exclusively aimed at Sam, but he does seem to be checking the group out with an unsmiling facial expression." Louis Tomlinson admits feeling nervous ahead of Soccer Aid as Zara's ex Sam Thompson awkwardly hovers behind him Continuing she said: "When the two men meet on the pitch there is an unsmiling, reflective-looking gaze from Louis. "This shouldn't be over-dramatized into any form of specifically directed 'hard stare' as his eye direction does not seem to be aimed directly at Sam, but there could be seen to be a hint of some kind of 'atmosphere' brewing here. "With his hands on his hips, Louis does look really down and perhaps rather uncomfortable." 7 7 7 SAM QUITS SOCCER AID Meanwhile, yesterday The Sun exclusively revealed how Sam was no longer able to take part on Soccer Aid tomorrow. The popular star pulled out due to injuries sustained in his epic marathon challenge, in which he made the gruelling 260-mile trip from Stamford Bridge to Old Trafford via foot and bike. A source told us: 'Sam is gutted he can't play, but the match has just come too soon since his efforts. 'He's still going to be a presence and play a big part in the coverage but he won't be able to compete on the field.' They added: 'There is a small blessing in his withdrawal as the focus on him and Louis will disperse. 'Their every move will be watched so it's a relief in some ways they won't be on the pitch together.' Sam will play a 'ceremonial role' in tomorrow's match, kicking off the game before heading into the stands. Soccer Aid kicks off tomorrow night at 7.30pm on ITV and ITVX England team and coaching staff Here is a look at the full team for England for Soccer Aid 2025... Team: Steven Bartlett (Entrepreneur) Alex Brooker (TV personality) Jermain Defoe (Former footballer) Toni Duggan (Former footballer) Angry Ginge (YouTuber) Tom Grennan (Musician) Bear Grylls (TV personality) Joe Hart (Former footballer) Steph Houghton (Former footballer) Aaron Lennon (Former footballer) Dame Denise Lewis (Olympic gold medallist) Paddy McGuinness (TV personality) Sir Mo Farah (Former Olympian) Gary Neville (Former footballer) Sam Quek (Former hockey player/TV personality) Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager) Paul Scholes (Former footballer) Jill Scott (Former footballer) Sam Thompson (King of the Jungle) Louis Tomlinson (Musician) Michael Carrick (Former footballer) Phil Jagielka (Former footballer) Roman Kemp (Radio host) Jack Wilshere (Former footballer) Bella Ramsey (Actor) Coaches: Wayne Rooney (Former footballer and manager) Tyson Fury (Boxer) Harry Redknapp (Former football manager) Vicky McClure (Actor) Goalkeeping coach: David James (Former footballer)
