CHELSEA are reportedly one of a number of clubs interested in signing Juventus loanee Merih Demiral.
The defender has caught the eye of Europe's biggest sides and the Blues could be tempted into luring him to Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are set to need a new centre-back following confirmation that Antonio Rudiger is leaving the club this summer.
And Lewis Hamilton has confirmed his interest in purchasing a stake in the club.
Keep up to date with all of the latest gossip from the takeover in our live blog…
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
- Ian Tuckey
Government back plan to block rogue owners
Powers to stop rogue owners buying clubs at all levels will be formally backed by the Government today, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
Sports Minister Nigel Huddleston will announce the 10 main recommendations of November’s “fan-led review” are to be introduced in a Parliamentary Bill.
That will see the legal establishment of an “independent regulator” with powers to oversee the game at all levels.
Former Sports Minister Tracey Crouch and her team urged the adoption of a new “integrity test” for owners.
That is aimed at ensuring no repeat of the chaos that saw Bury go bust after more than a century of football at Gigg Lane.
Huddleston wants to “protect clubs and their fans from unscrupulous owners” amid concetat the number of clubs throughout the pyramid living beyond their means.
Huddleston said: “Radical change is needed to protect the future of our national game.
“We will establish a strong, independent regulator but the football authorities can take action now to tackle issues currently facing the game.”
- Ian Tuckey
Swansong coming up for the Rudi Blues
Manchester United target Antonio Rudiger has told Chelsea he WILL leave the club at the end of the season, Thomas Tuchel confirmed.
The German defender’s contract expires at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
And manager Tuchel revealed the pair had a “private talk” where it was decided his future would be away from the club.
The Blues boss said: “Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club.
“He informed me of this in a private talk.
“We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of the actions.
“Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied.
“We don’t take it personally. It is his decision.”
- Ian Tuckey
Tuchel's astonishing claim
Thomas Tuchel put Chelsea’s last-gasp victory over West Ham down to ‘patience’ – and claimed they ‘couldn’t take risks’ due to their recent poor home form.
Christian Pulisic bagged the only goal in stoppage time, soon after the Hammers had Craig Dawson sent off for a foul from which Jorginho missed a penalty.
Blues’ boss Tuchel told Sky Sports: “It’s not easy to have good games against them (West Ham).
“They defend with eight to nine players around their box and it’s tough to find spaces to accelerate. I did not expect a spectacular game.
“First half was a bit stuck but I think that was because of a bit of uncertainty with the latest results at home. We grew into it, never lost patience.”
“West Ham defend with a lot of bodies and discipline. We have to wait for the moments.
“We had some accelerations with Mason (Mount) from midfield but nobody was joining. We controlled it but could not find spaces.
“It was also not the moment to take every risk after our recent results.
“The red card maybe opened more space to allow the late answer.”
- Ian Tuckey
Pulisic relief
Matchwinning Chelsea sub Christian Pulisic admits it is a huge relief to have ended a run of three successive home defeats.
The stoppage-time hero revealed Blues' boss Thomas Tuchel told him to go and grab a winner.
Pulisic said: “He just said to make a difference. To combine and make opportunities.
“It feels good to be more secure in the top four. We need a win at home and it feels great in front of our fans.
“We need to finish the season strong. Some good league games and then a final.
“I needed to come in and make a difference and show I want to be playing."
- Ian Tuckey
Tuchel clears Jorginho for penalties despite horror miss
Thomas Tuchel backed Jorginho despite his spot kick shocker, writes ANDY DILLON.
The Chelsea midfielder wasted a golden opportunity to give his team the lead against dogged West Ham by fluffing a penalty three minutes from time.
Sub Christian Pulisic got his Italian team-mate out of jail by scoring in the last seconds of normal time but boss Tuchel admits his player is ‘upset’ at his miss.
Tuchel said: “Jorgi had a perfect record with us so normally you believe and we all believed we had finally the chance to score the goal we needed.
“He has a certain style of shooting. When he scores it looks unbelievable, cool, calm, composed.
“When he misses a penalty, it looks like: could he have done better?
“But it’s his style and he’s right to stick with it. He’s very upset with himself.”
- Ian Tuckey
Top 17 players for errors leading to shots
Four Manchester United players feature among the players who have made the most errors leading to shots in the Premier League, writes JOSHUA JONES.
And it is blundering captain Harry Maguire who tops the unwanted list. The 29-year-old is struggling to catch a break on the pitch at the moment – and was inexplicably sent a shocking bomb threat.
Now Opta's stats show Maguire has made seven mistakes in 62 appearances that have allowed opponents to take a shot since the start of last season.
That is more than any other outfield player in England's top flight.
And to make matters worse, Nemanja Matic is second on the list with six from 40 games. Red Devils full-backs Luke Shaw and Aaron Wan-Bissaka also feature among the top 17 with four errors each, from 52 and 54 appearances respectively, in a further blow for David De Gea.
Arsenal defender Gabriel and Luke Ayling both have made six mistakes.
- Ian Tuckey
Atletico linked to Alonso
Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso is a target for Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
Marca claim that Diego Simeone sees the Spaniard as a solution to the problem left-back position at the club.
In recent years, Filipe Luis and Lucas Hernandez have left a gaping hole in their defensive line.
Alonso’s contract runs out in 2023, and as yet has failed to agree to a new deal.
- Ian Tuckey
Jor-dropping miss dubbed 'worst penalty ever'
JORGINHO had his blushes spared by Christian Pulisic after the Chelsea midfielder missed a dreadful late penalty in the 1-0 win against West Ham, writes JAKE LAMBOURNE.
The Blues scored a dramatic injury-time winner at Stamford Bridge to extend their lead over fourth-placed Arsenal to five points.
It was a nervy end to the game for the hosts who were guilty of yet another below-par performance in front of their own fans.
And in the 87th minute the Blues were handed the game on a plate when Hammers centre-back Craig Dawson was sent off for hauling down Romelu Lukaku inside the box.
Up stepped Jorginho, who was looking to score his tenth goal of the season, with all nine of his previous strikes this term coming from the penalty spot.
Just like Bruno Fernandes against Arsenal on Saturday, the Italian did his usual hop, skip and jump run-up, with his tame effort easily saved by Lukasz Fabianski.
And after his latest missed penalty, Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness slammed his attempt from the spot.
He said: "It's pathetic. It's bouncing before it gets to the goalkeeper. I mean, that's an example of how not to take a penalty. There's no conviction.
"I'll just pass it into the net, centre of goal. It's easy for the goalkeeper to save it. Poor penalty.
"That was going to bounce twice before it got to the goalkeeper."
Fans were also quick to slam the ex-Napoli ace on social media, as one tweeted: "Think that might be the worst penalty I’ve ever seen."
- Ian Tuckey
Would-be buyer once faced 'inappropriate behaviour' claim
A billionaire in the running to buy Chelsea FC was once accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Hansjorg Wyss, 86, faced allegations over an incident said to have taken place in a hotel room in 2011.
He is part of the Todd Boehly consortium, being advised by ex-Chancellor George Osborne.
Jacqueline Long, 70, reported Wyss to the police in Morristown, New Jersey, it was confirmed by the prosecutor’s office.
No charges were brought against him.
The businessman — said to be worth £3.9billion — reached a settlement with her.
- Ian Tuckey
We 'couldn't task risks after recent results
Thomas Tuchel put Chelsea's last-gasp victory over West Ham down to 'patience' – and claimed they 'couldn't take risks' due to their recent poor home form.
Christian Pulisic bagged the only goal in stoppage time, soon after the Hammers had Craig Dawson sent off for a foul from which Jorginho missed a penalty.
Blues' boss Tuchel told Sky Sports: "It's not easy to have good games against them (West Ham).
"They defend with eight to nine players around their box and it's tough to find spaces to accelerate. I did not expect a spectacular game.
"First half was a bit stuck but I think that was because of a bit of uncertainty with the latest results at home. We grew into it, never lost patience."
"West Ham defend with a lot of bodies and discipline. We have to wait for the moments.
"We had some accelerations with Mason (Mount) from midfield but nobody was joining. We controlled it but could not find spaces.
"It was also not the moment to take every risk after our recent results.
"The red card maybe opened more space to allow the late answer."
- Ian Tuckey
AC are just not Inter Lu
AC Milan have reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Chelsea's ex-Inter striker Romelu Lukaku.
The Serie A league leaders have been linked with a move for the out-of-favour Chelsea striker.
However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport the club chose to sign Divock Origi instead.
Lukaku has struggled since returning to Stamford Bridge in a £97million deal.
- Ian Tuckey
Utd boost as Rudiger tells Chelsea he'll leave
Manchester United target Antonio Rudiger has told Chelsea he WILL leave the club at the end of the season, Thomas Tuchel confirmed.
The German defender's contract expires at Stamford Bridge in the summer.
And manager Tuchel revealed the pair had a "private talk" where it was decided his future would be away from the club.
The Blues boss said: "Toni, the media is on it. The situation is that he wants to leave the club.
"He informed me of this in a private talk.
"We gave everything – me and the club – but we could not fight anymore because of the actions.
"Without the sanctions we would at least be able to carry on fighting, but our hands are tied.
"We don't take it personally. It is his decision."
- Ian Tuckey
Sub ratings
Hakim Ziyech (for Loftus-Cheek) – 5
Quick to get on the ball and whip crosses in but had nothing to aim for or at.
Romelu Lukaku (Havertz) – 6
Made a huge impact to come on win Chelsea the winning penalty. Shame Jorginho could not hold his end of the bargain
Christian Pulisic (for Werner) – 7
Excellent finish to win the game on his weaker left foot, converting from an Alonso cross.
RATINGS BY SUNSPORT'S JACK FIGG
- Ian Tuckey
More ratings vs Chelsea
Kai Havertz – 4
Following a good run of games leading the line, the German could not get into the game.
He wasn't helped much by his colleagues but it felt like a backwards step for Chelsea's talisman.
Timo Werner – 5
Growing in confidence on the ball – opposed to making runs off it – which the German has lacked in his Chelsea career.
But missed two big chances at the end hitting in the side netting and striking into Fabianski.
- Ian Tuckey
Ratings continued
Jorginho – 3
Lacked inspiration from midfield, failing to show his ability to split defences with deep-lying passes.
His day went from bad to worse after his shockingly tame penalty was easily saved by Lukasz Fabianski.
Marcos Alonso – 6
Some menacing crosses down the left which later paid dividends, but is still a liability tracking back when the ball goes over the top.
Did provide the winning cross for Pulisic for finish home after a good showing going forward, where he is most comfortable.
Mason Mount – 5
Playing in between Timo Werner and Kai Havertz and had some nice link up with Loftus-Cheek, but only threatened in the last 20.
Was joined by his team-mates in failing to inspire, but usually the one Chelsea can turn to. Did set up Alonso to cross for Pulisic's winner.
- Ian Tuckey
More Chelsea ratings
Thiago Silva – 6
At times showed his experience to carry the ball further afield and intercept when West Ham looked to counter.
But there were times the Brazilian also lacked a yard of pace. Did importantly head onto Romelu Lukaku, who won a penalty.
Trevoh Chalobah – 6
Made an important block on 20 minutes to snuff out West Ham attack and won some key one-on-one battles.
Had an effort from long range saved just before hour mark, showing resemblances of contract-rebel Antonio Rudiger.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek – 7
Started at right-wing back in place of injured Reece James and was lively getting forward.
Stood up well to some one-on-one battles and was one of Chelsea's better performers on the day.
N'Golo Kante – 7
Another rare bright spark as the Frenchman appears to have gotten over what were otherwise a rare dip in form.
Carried the ball well, got stuck in and had efforts on goal blocked.
- Ian Tuckey
Chelsea ratings
Here's how the Blues fared individually, after Christian Pulisic's last-minute winner saw off a West Ham side who rested six players.
Hammers' defender Craig Dawson was sent off on VAR for fouling Romelu Lukaku on 86 minutes – with Jorginho missing the resulting penalty.
But Pulisic struck to sink highly-unfortunate West Ham.
Edouard Mendy – 7
Massive double save on 70 minutes to deny from Andriy Yarmolenko.
With little else to do in the game, the Cameroonian stayed alert and kept it goalless.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Started on the left of a three-man defence. Almost got caught out on 17 minutes after being disposed by Said Benrahma.
Covered well when Chelsea pressed forward looking for a goal but did not bomb forward like he usually likes to.
- Alex Cole
Chelsea starting XI
Here's the Blues line up this afternoon.
Follow the game via SunSport's live blog.
- Alex Cole
No drop off after Madrid, warns Tuchel
Boss Tuchel warns that Chelsea must not stop working hard in the lead up to the end of the season.
The Blues hunt for the third place finish and they continue today against West Ham.
The gaffer told Chelsea's official site: "It’s human to be tired, it's human to be a bit more alert if it's a knockout game than in a normal match.
"It's okay to feel less tension before a normal match in the Premier League than if you go to the Bernabeu.
"It's normal because it’s maybe less tension and it's less excitement and it's less pressure, but it cannot lead to having less investment.
"This can never happen. We cannot run more against Madrid or have more sprints or more effort."
- Alex Cole
Tuchel concerned about defensive woes
Boss Thomas Tuchel is anxious about the costly errors for the Blues this season.
He told the club's official site: "I'm worried about the amount of mistakes of course.
"In the Arsenal game the goals we concede are strange and we concede far more than we allow in expected goals against us since the international break.
"In 2022 we’ve had already eight big mistakes that led to goals and this is very untypical. Or maybe it is now typical for us, but it is strange.
"It costs us a lot because it not only costs you a goal for the other side, it costs you self-confidence and belief in what you're doing.
"Mendy knows that he can do better against Real Madrid and he normally does better.
"Christensen knows that it's the right decision to play the ball back.
"It’s not that we take crazy risks in situations and that's why it's really hard to analyse.
‘I would be more happy if we take risks in situations where it's not allowed.
"Then we can talk about this to the players, that we've been crazy dribbling or had crazy decisions where we should not do it, but actually the decisions are okay."
In 2022 we’ve had already eight big mistakes that led to goals and this is very untypical.
Thomas TuchelChelsea
- Alex Cole
Team news vs West Ham
Mateo Kovacic, Ben Chilwell, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Antonio Rudiger are all set to miss out on Chelsea's game against West Ham through injury.
But Andreas Christensen has a chance of returning to the squad.
For West Ham, former Blue Kurt Zouma suffered a twisted ankle against Brentford and will play no part in this one.
Fellow centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop are also out.
- Alex Cole
Chelsea vs West Ham info
Chelsea take on West Ham TODAY.
The match kicks off at 2pm UK time.
It takes place at Stamford Bridge.
When the sides last met in November, a horror show from Blues goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saw the Hammers run out 3-2 winners at the London Stadium.
- Alex Cole
Today's clash against the Hammers
Chelsea face a second Premier League London derby in a week, and they'll hope it goes better than the first one.
The Blues were thumped 4-2 by Arsenal at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday on a calamitous night which ended with captain Cesar Azpilicueta arguing with a fan.
After that result, Thomas Tuchel's men remain in third place and should still be able to claim a Champions League spot barring an end-of-season collapse.
West Ham will have one eye on Thursday's Europa League semi-final against Frankfurt but Hammers fans will still expect a big performance against their London rivals.
David Moyes' men's most likely route to the Champions League is through the Europa League, but they still have an outside chance of taking the league path to Europe's elite club competition.
- Etienne Fermie
Morning, Chelsea fans
A billionaire in the running to buy Chelsea FC was once accused of inappropriate sexual behaviour.
Hansjorg Wyss, 86, faced allegations over an incident said to have taken place in a hotel room in 2011.
He is part of the Todd Boehly consortium, being advised by ex-Chancellor George Osborne.
Jacqueline Long, 70, reported Wyss to the police in Morristown, New Jersey, it was confirmed by the prosecutor’s office.
No charges were brought against him.
The businessman — said to be worth £3.9billion — reached a settlement with her.
Antonio Rudiger will walk away from Chelsea and reveal who he will join as a free agent next week, according to reports.
The German international is out of contract at the end of the current campaign, and is no nearer to sorting out a new deal.
The Athletic report that failure to tie Rudiger down to a fresh contract before Roman Abramovich was sanctioned in the UK has ultimately cost them.
Now, Rudiger has proposals from a host of Europe’s top clubs worth £300,000-per-week, which the Blues can’t match.
Real Madrid and PSG are just two of the clubs rumoured to be interested in acquiring his services.
AC Milan have reportedly turned down the opportunity to sign Romelu Lukaku.
The Serie A league leaders have been linked with a move for the out-of-favour Chelsea striker.
However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport the club chose to sign Divock Origi instead.
- Jon Boon
Alonso wanted
Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso is a target for Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
Marca claim that Diego Simeone sees the Spaniard as a solution to the problem left-back position at the club.
In recent years, Filipe Luis and Lucas Hernandez have left a gaping hole in their defensive line.
Alonso's contract runs out in 2023, and as yet has failed to agree to a new deal.
Source: Read Full Article
