Chelsea

Chelsea

Premier League • England

Transfer Gossip: Todd Boehly sanctions £100m Chelsea swoop to ruin Liverpool dream; report names four candidates to replace Antonio Conte at Tottenham

Jude Bellingham on the ball and watched by Declan Rice and Jamal Musiala during UEFA Nations League group stage for final tournament Group A3 between Germany 1-1 England at the Allianz Arena in Munich

Chelsea are ready to out-spend Liverpool and smash their transfer record for Jude Bellingham, Tottenham have a list of four managers to replace Antonio Conte amid claims he may be lured away, while Saturday’s Transfer Gossip has news of Manchester United interest in a Brazilian midfielder.

TODD BOEHLY WANTS CHELSEA TO SIGN JUDE BELLINGHAM

Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is planning to launch a £100m bid to beat Liverpool to Jude Bellingham in 2023.

The Borussia Dortmund star is likely to become the big transfer story of next year with the race already heating up.

The teenager was on the scoresheet in midweek as the Bundesliga side gave Manchester City a Champions League scare. And while City hit back to win, the performance of Bellingham wowed Pep Guardiola.

As such, it’s little surprise to see demand for Bellingham seemingly growing by the week. He now has 13 goals in 99 games for Dortmund – some record for a player who won’t turn 20 until next June.

That race is seemingly being led by Liverpool, who have long since dreamed of his signing. To that end, their efforts to sign him were given a significant kick forward on Thursday.

Manchester United have also been long-time admirers of Bellingham and tried to sign him before his move to Dortmund. They will again be i the mix to sign him again if the chance arises next year.

However, Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl remains determined to keep him. He insists Bellingham remains happy at Dortmund and the club are ready to abandon their annual sale of their best stars to keep the player.

That desire to keep him, however, will be pushed to the limit next summer amid claims Chelsea are to muscle their way to the front of the queue.

Chelsea steam into Jude Bellingham race

As per The Sun, Chelsea owner Boehly is ready to sanction a £100m offer for his signature.

He, alongside new manager Graham Potter, are huge admirers of the England international.

And they are ready to break their transfer record to try and lure him to Stamford Bridge. They are reportedly willing to spend in excess of £100m – making the player not just their record signing but also the most costly British transfer in history.

The Blues are ready to invest in signing the best young talent in the country, with Carney Chukwuemeka arriving this summer from ASton Villa.

And with the clock ticking on N’Golo Kante’s future – he is out of contract next summer and is yet to agree a new deal – Chelsea are ready to break the bank to sign Bellingham.

That kind of money will blow Liverpool out of the water and will likely see Klopp miss out on a player he has long been dreaming of signing.

Asked about his future earlier this week, Bellingham insists he is only focusing on helping Dortmund be as successful as they can.

He said: “The club have done loads for me and made me feel very welcome since I first came and gave me the opportunities to develop even further.

“To look past that and into the future would be disrespectful.”

TOTTENHAM COMPILE FOUR-MAN LIST TO SUCCEED CONTE – REPORT

Tottenham have reportedly drawn up a four-man target list to succeed Antonio Conte should the Italian be lured away.

The Italian coach has taken Spurs back into the Champions League and is regarded as one of the best coaches in the game. They have made a solid start to the season, though did suffer a first defeat of the season in a lame performance at Sporting Lisbon.

However, his year at Tottenham has been dogged by rumours that his stay at the club will only be a short one. Indeed, reports earlier this week suggested he is being lined up by Juventus as a replacement for Massimiliano Allegri.

His compatriot is struggling to revive the Bianconeri to their past glories. As such, reports claim the hierarchy at the Serie A giants are already planning for Conte’s return.

The former Italy boss was in charge there for three seasons between 2011 and 2014. During that period Juve won three consecutive Scudettos.

As a contingency plan to Conte departing, the Daily Express claims Tottenham have drawn up a list of potential successors.

Pochettino tops Tottenham wishlist

That list is headed by former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who remains out of work after leaving PSG over the summer.

He famously led Tottenham to the 2019 Champions League final and remains hugely popular among fans.

Spurs are also considering Julian Nagelsmann, who has previously been linked to the job. Luring him away from Bayern Munich will prove tough, however. And it may only be possible were Bayern to consider calling time on his reign themselves.

Recently-sacked Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel would also come under Tottenham’s considerations. That is, of course, assuming he does not land another job in the meantime.

And finally, Spurs will also be keeping a close watch on Brendan Rodgers’ situation at Leicester. The Irishman has also been strongly linked with the job in the past.

Man Utd to battle Liverpool for Joao Gomes

Liverpool will have competition for Joao Gomes in the shape of Manchester United.

The 21-year-old Flamengo midfielder is reportedly on the Reds’ transfer wishlist ahead of the January window. Jurgen Klopp’s side are looking for more midfield additions, despite the deadline-day arrival of Arthur Melo.

And it seems sporting director Julian Ward is a huge fan of Joao Gomes. He has been compared with Liverpool star Fabinho, having already clocked up 100 appearances for the Brazilian club.

Joao Gomes Flamengo

Any move would likely cost in excess of £30m were they to make their move.

However, the Liverpool Echo claims the Reds will face strong competition for Gomes from Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag is also an admirer of his and is reportedly prepping an offer in the winter window.

That said, Gomes seemingly only has eyes for Liverpool as he recently told ESPN Brazil.

Liverpool are a team I’d play for. I have the greatest desire to play,” he said. “Playing in the Champions League is my biggest dream and that of my family, my biggest dream in football.”