EXCL: Chelsea eye up Premier League alternative to Osimhen

Chelsea’s bid to sign Napoli striker Victor Osimhen is being held up by his extraordinary £500,000-a-week demands.

SunSport understands the Nigerian international is asking for a wage packet which would make him the highest paid player in the Premier League.

Chelsea have been negotiating with Napoli and Osimhen’s representatives for most of the summer, but have yet to reach an agreement.

Blues have tried to take Osimhen on loan as they are reluctant to pay his £110million release clause.

That loan proposal was rejected by Napoli, who have agreed a separate £38m deal to sign Romelu Lukaku.

Osimhen, 25, is expected to leave the Italian club after submitting a formal transfer request, with Paris Saint Germain also interested.

Andersen slams ‘cold’ Crystal Palace

Joachim Andersen has said Crystal Palace were ‘cold and cynical’ in how they dealt with his sale.

After completing his move to Fulham, he told TV2: “Palace weren’t really interested in selling, but I’m 28 years old and I had two years left.

“When they get a great offer, financially it was also a good change for them.

“It was more the length that was important to me, and five years is a long time in the football world.

“That was actually what decided it for me. And I had a lot of talks with both parties, but I came to the conclusion that this was the best for me.

“I was a little disappointed that Palace could not offer me such a deal (as Fulham could,) in relation to the length.

“It was really a cold and cynical change from Palace, so that they could also earn the last coins from me. But that’s how it is, it’s business from Palace’s side.”

Ipswich confirm O’Shea signing

Ipswich have confirmed the transfer of defender Dara O’Shea from Burnely.

O’Shea, 25, has signed a five-year deal with Town.

He told TownTV: “I’m really excited to sign for the club.

“It was really hard not to pay attention to everything the team was able to achieve last season and to have the chance to join a club with such ambition and momentum was really attractive. 

“The Manager (Kieran McKenna) was a huge part of why I wanted to come here and I’ve really admired what he and the team have done over the last couple of seasons, so at this stage of my career it’s the perfect time to make the move. 

“I want to play in the Premier League and test myself against the best players in the world, which is something I want to do for as long as possible, and I can’t think of a better place to do that. 

“I know quite a few of the lads in the squad and the style of play really suits me, where I can show my strengths and improve my weaknesses, so I’m looking forward getting to work as soon as possible and being part of the culture.”