Chelsea’s Kounde transfer boost as Barcelona PULL OUT, Rabiot and Militao LATEST, Richarlison ‘£50m bid prepared’

Blues' Mane pain

Chelsea transfer target Ousmane Dembele has reportedly told Barcelona boss Xavi that he would like to STAY at the Nou Camp, writes JOSHUA MBU.

The 25-year-old is out of contract at the end of the month.

A move to Stamford Bridge would see Dembele reunite with Thomas Tuchel, who he worked under at Borussia Dortmund.

However, according to Catalan paper , Dembele has communicated with Barca boss Xavi that he would like to stay.

On Barca's side, the club are not prepared to budge on the offer already on the table to the Frenchman.

Should Dembele re-sign with the Catalan giants, he'll play an integral role in Xavi's frontline.

In May, Xavi said on Dembele's situation: "Negotiations are ongoing and we are going to be optimistic.

"I hope he can stay – he has helped us a lot during the last six months.

"He's a decisive player with lots of assists and he has been excellent in many games.

"When he hasn't played, we've missed him. He is a football player that I like and we'd like to stay, but we'll have to see."

Footballers' Lizard XI

Prem stars Ben Chilwell and Dele Alli showed they weren't lounge lizards as they met iguanas while they were on holiday (the footballers, not the iguanas).

And what better way to honour such a trip than compiling a team of lizard-related stars?

Sadly and sensationally, lizard-fearing conspiracy theorist David Icke just missed out on selection - despite playing for Coventry City reserves and then Hereford from 1971-73.

Chelsea wing-back Chilwell and Everton midfielder Ali were at Little Water Cay – aka Iguana Island -on the Turks & Caicos Islands.

And the laidback England aces seemed to find it easier coping with the slippery creatures there than the wriggling menaces they face back home in the Prem.

The duo also took a trip on a boat, with Alli having a go behind the wheel.

Now he just needs to steer his floundering career back on course next season.

Chelsea target Ousmane 'wants to stay at Barca'

Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele, who has also been linked with Arsenal and Manchester United, has reportedly told Xavi he'd prefer to stay at Barcelona.

Nou Camp boss Xavi is now waiting to see if United are willing to bid big for their main transfer priority, Barca midfielder Frenkie de Jong.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's focus is likely to be on strengthening in central defence and up front.

They need to replace new Real Madrid centre-back Antonio Rudiger.

And with striker Romelu Lukaku on the brink of a loan return to Inter Milan, it's thought the Blues are monitoring Raheem Sterling and Richarlison.

Qatar chiefs boast of huge ticket sales

QATAR World Cup chiefs have claimed they could already have sold all the tickets for the November showpiece 13 TIMES over, writes MARTIN LIPTON.

Tournament boss Hassan Al Thawadi told the Qatar Economic Forum that 1.2million tickets have been sold of the 3m available across the 64 games in 28 days.

But Al Thawadi added that a staggering 40m ticket requests had been received across the first two ballot windows.

The remaining 1.8m tickets will go on sale soon, with the Gulf state expecting a total of 1.2m overseas visitors during the tournament, which kicks off on November 21.

Al Thawadi said: “I think the number of applications is a record for the World Cup, with about 1.2m already purchased.

“This shows that people want to buy tickets and come to Qatar. There can be no doubt about that.”

SunSport revealed that World Cup chiefs are keen for some fans to stay in neighbouring states including Dubai and Oman and fly to Doha on special in-out one day charters, although the country insists there is enough hotel and other accommodation available.

Beach on crest of a wave

Southampton keeper Eddie Beach is Chelsea's first signing under new owner Todd Boehly.

The Blues confirmed the 19-year-old will play in their academy squad.

Meanwhile, Finnish keeper  Lucas Bergstorm, 19, heads out of Stamford Bridge for a a season on loan with League One side Peterborough.

Chilwell refuses to be a lounge lizard

Ben Chilwell and Dele Alli are both cold-blooded ballers when playing on the pitch, writes Anthony Chapman

So it’s no surprise that the Chelsea and Everton stars enjoyed visiting some iguanas while on holiday in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

The pair looked to be loving life as they soaked up the Caribbean sunshine.

Chilwell and Dele are enjoying a well-deserved getaway together after a gruelling Premier League season.

And they spent the other day relaxing in the company of several reptilians at Little Water Cay - otherwise known as Iguana Island.

The curious creatures looked to be having plenty of fun in the sun.

And the iguanas appeared happy too, enjoying the weather amongst the glorious palm trees and sand.

Chilwell and Dele also took a trip on a boat, with the latter getting a go behind the wheel. And Chilwell took advantage of the warm water by diving off the side for a swim.

Earlier this month Chilwell was spotted amongst the sights and sounds of downtown Los Angeles with model Holly Scarfone.

PSG blow for Chelsea and Spurs over Skriniar

Chelsea and Tottenham have been dealt a blow after Paris Saint-Germain launched a second, improved bid for Milan Skriniar, according to reports.

The two Premier League sides are desperately seeking defensive reinforcements this summer.

Spurs have qualified for the Champions League after a three-year absence and will need to improve their squad depth to compete on all fronts.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have already lost Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen and are expected to lose both Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso before the start of the new season.

Both clubs have identified Skriniar, 27, as a target amid his stellar, five-year stint at Inter Milan.

However, PSG currently lead the race after launching another bid for the in-demand Slovakia international.

Inter are currently demanding around £68m for their star defender and are playing hardball as they face the prospect of losing fellow centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, potentially even to Chelsea or Spurs.

Two weeks ago, PSG are said to have launched a cheeky £43m offer - well shy of the target.

However, with Skriniar out of contract at the end of the coming season, Inter could accept a fee of closer to £50m.

And multiple reports in Italy claim PSG have come back with an improved offer of £43m up front, with a further £4.3m in add ons.

Chelsea only FOURTH favourites for title

Manchester City and Liverpool are favourites to be crowned 2022-23 Premier League champions.

That's according to bookmakers , who are predicting another two-horse race with Pep Guardiola's Citizens available at 4/7 and Liverpool at 12/5.

The dust has settled on the 2021-22 campaign with Manchester City landing their fourth title in the last five years.

But it's a quick turnaround with less than 50 days until the new 2022-23 season starts on August 6th, with the fixtures now released.

It will include a six-week mid-season break to accommodate the World Cup in Qatar with the final round of fixtures to be played on the final weekend in May.

Manchester City are odds-on favourites at 4/7 to defend their crown.

And it's easy to see why given they've already added Norwegian superstar Erling Haaland to their ranks.

Betfair odds

• Manchester City - 4/7
• Liverpool - 12/5
• Tottenham - 14/1
• Chelsea - 16/1
• Manchester United - 25/1
• Arsenal - 40/1
• Newcastle - 100/1

Blues vs Red Devils for Rabiot

Chelsea could battle Manchester United for Adrien Rabiot.

That’s after Thomas Tuchel made direct contact with the Juventus midfielder this week.

The  claims Rabiot is set for a fresh start after three years in Turin.

The France international joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.

And Rabiot has gone on to score six times in 129 appearances.

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is said to be a big fan of the resilient playmaker.

The  claims Rabiot is set for a fresh start after three years in Turin.

The France international joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.

And Rabiot has gone on to score six times in 129 appearances.

Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag is said to be a big fan of the resilient playmaker.

Ultras don't want proper Romelu welcome

Scorned Inter Milan Ultras have fired a warning at Romelu Lukaku ahead of his imminent return to Italy.

Chelsea have agreed to loan the Belgian back to the San Siro side for just £7million, a year after buying him for £97.5m.

While it would appear great business for Inter on the pitch, a section of supporters have told others not to celebrate the return of their deadly former No9 too much.

The Curva Nord were furious at the nature of Lukaku's departure 12 months ago. They wrote at the time: "Despite the fact we protected you like a son, like one of us, you too proved yourself to be just like all the rest, going to your knees for money."

Addressing fellow supporters now, Curva Nord have urged fans not to "run and drool" after him - instead claiming that he will have to earn their affection back with "humility and sweat".

They wrote: "Curva Nord supports Inter and will not make any objection to the player (despite last summer's behaviour). Given this no one should go to welcome him with scarves or banners of the Curva or of the groups that compose it.

"Everything that will eventually be done towards him in the future will have to earn it on the pitch with humility and sweat …

"He was supported (and treated) like a King, now he is one like many others."

Mour hope for Billy at Celtic

Celtic would be an ideal fit for Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour next season but his family wouldn’t allow him to move there, according to club legend Pat Nevin.

Nevil told the Scottish Sun: “I know Billy a bit and his family and yeah Rangers would suit his style and so would Celtic.

“Knowing his family though, the Celtic one is unlikely.

“He’s different class Billy, he’s a super player. But he needs to be playing for a team who plays good football which is suited to him.

“I think Celtic and Rangers style would work for him, but because of his family, it wouldn’t be Celtic for him.”

Chelsea target Militao

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Real Madrid star Eder Militao as they look to boost their bakline.

That is according to , who report that the Blues are preparing an offer for Militao.

However, Real are in no way keen on letting the centre-back go in the summer transfer window.

Los Blancos have also slapped a staggering €250million (£215m) asking price on the Brazil international, who has a contract until 2025

Kounde still linked

Sevilla star Jules Kounde is currently on holiday after reaching an agreement with Chelsea.

That is according to , who continue to claim that Kounde is very close to joining the Blues.

The Spanish outlet reports “all roads” lead the centre-back to Stamford Bridge this summer.

However, Barcelona continue to monitor the France international as manager Xavi is very keen to sign him

Arsenal keen on Morata

Former Chelsea star Alvaro Morata is said to be in London rivals Arsenal’s sights.

Atletico Madrid ace Morata has just enjoyed two reasonably successful seasons on loan with Juventus.

Fabio Vieira and Marquinhos have already joined the Gunners in the summer transfer window.

And Caught Offside report Arsenal have even made a bid for the former Real Madrid star

Chelsea's new board

Chelsea have confirmed their new board ahead of the 2022-2023 season after a consortium led by Todd Boehly bought the club from Roman Abramovich.

Director of football Marina Granovskaia is set to leave the club after the summer transfer window with chairman Bruce Buck also leaving imminently.

Boehly will take Buck's place with a number of familiar names from his own takeover added to the board.

Behdad Eghbali and Jose E. Feliciano will be the co-controlling owners of Chelsea.

Mark Walter, Hansjorg Wyss and Jonathan Goldstein will sit as the club's co-owners.

They will be joined by Barbara Charone, Lord Daniel Finkelstein and James Pade

Luk at that

Romelu Lukaku has given up a third of his £325,000-a-week wages to return to Inter Milan.

Chelsea forked out £97.5million for Lukaku 12 months ago but his second stint at Stamford Bridge turned into a nightmare.

Many fans have described the striker as "the worst transfer of all time" with some supporters now desperate for him to leave.

The 29-year-old, who still has four years remaining on his contract, has already made it clear that he wants to go back to Inter in his controversial interview last winter.

And now he is set to get his wish by returning on loan to the San Siro after an agreement was finally reached between the two clubs and the Belgium international

Lucas in Pia-n

Former Chelsea player Lucas Piazon dislocated his shoulder and was shown a red card after helping his new club win the Battle of Brazil.

Piazon spent nine seasons with the Blues, but made just three senior appearances.

The winger starred in the Rio outfit's 3-2 comeback win at Internacional on Sunday.

But the 28-year-old became one of four players red-carded after triggering an on-pitch brawl in added time, during which he suffered a dislocated shoulder, in footage shown by .

Chelsea target Clauss

Chelsea have made "initial contact" over signing Lens star Jonathan Clauss.

That is according to Goal reporter , who claims the Blues are keeping tabs on Clauss.

The West Londoners reportedly see the right-back at Cesar Azpilicueta's replacement.

The move would cost £10million and Atletico Madrid are also interested.

It has been added that the France international is also a Chelsea fan

Lukaku deal details

Chelsea ace Romelu Lukaku is set to rejoin Inter Milan on loan in the summer transfer window.

Transfer expert has shared the details of the deal between the Blues and Inter.

According to Romano, there is an €8million (£6.9m) loan fee guaranteed and €4m (£3.4m) in add-ons related to performances.

The striker's salary is reduced from €12m (£10.3m) net to €8m (£6.9m) net this season.

There is no buy option or obligation clause, while his medical takes place in Milan next week.

Tuchel's transfer power

Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel now has more control of transfers at the club following the exit of director of football Marina Granovskaia.

And the Blues' new owner Todd Boehly has immediately put his trust in Tuchel by sanctioning the decision to offload Romelu Lukaku to Inter Milan on loan.

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Granovskaia was keen to keep Lukaku for one more season as he had arrived for a club record £97.5million just 12 months earlier.

But her exit has seen the German head coach get his way, with  claiming that Boehly opted to back him by allowing the £7m loan move to Inter to take place.

The decision to get rid of the striker is the first sign that Tuchel has more power when it comes to signings and departures

Nev-er going to happen

Celtic would be an ideal fit for Chelsea ace Billy Gilmour next season but his family wouldn't allow him to move there, according to club legend Pat Nevin.

Nevin told the Scottish Sun: "I know Billy a bit and his family and yeah Rangers would suit his style and so would Celtic.

"Knowing his family though, the Celtic one is unlikely.

"He's different class Billy, he's a super player. But he needs to be playing for a team who plays good football which is suited to him.

"I think Celtic and Rangers style would work for him, but because of his family, it wouldn't be Celtic for him"

Barcelona still want Kounde

Barcelona are still pushing for Sevilla star and Chelsea target Jules Kounde.

According to , Barca could even make Kounde their first signing of the summer.

The Blaugrana are also confident they will land Robert Lewandowski, although Bayern Munich continue to resist.

The Catalan giants are also keeping tabs on Manchester City ace Bernardo Silva but will only move if they lose Frenkie de Jong

Toni's Rud choice

Former Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger has revealed that he rejected Barcelona in order to sign for Real Madrid.

But the centre-back insisted he only wanted to join Real in the summer.

Rudiger said during his official welcoming ceremony: “There was interest from Barcelona.

“I told my agent that it was Madrid or nothing”