FOOTBALL SHORTS

CHELSEA do not believe Cesar Azpilicueta will leave, despite talk in Spain of new Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde making him a top target. The Spain defender is contracted until 2020 and happy with life in London. Reports in Spain say Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin is another on Valverde’s list as he looks for a right back.

LIVERPOOL have pulled out of the race for Fulham’s Ryan Sessegnon as they believe he has opted to join Tottenham. The 17-year-old is due to sign a professional contract at Fulham, but that only looks set to delay his move to Spurs. No fee has been agreed, but Fulham value their academy product at £12m.

SWANSEA are closing on Ajax’s Kees de Boer. The 17-year-old will turn down interest from FC Twente and Utrecht to agree a threeyear deal and link up with Swansea’s Under 23s. Manager Paul Clement is also ready to reject renewed interest from Chelsea for Spanish striker Fernando Llorente this summer.

PORTSMOUTH manager Paul Cook has joined Wigan. Cook, 50, has signed a three-year deal along with assistant Leam Richardson.

EVERTON’S Ademola Lookman fired England to the Under 20 World Cup quarter-finals with a brace in a 2-1 win over Costa Rica.