Your Premier League headlines for Wednesday, May 18.
Abramovich deal reached
Roman Abramovich and the UK Government have ironed out the issue holding up the sale of Chelsea to a US-based consortium. Confusion over how the £1.5billion debt will be handled was the rumoured sticking point, with the Russian oligarch previously stating he does not want the money repaid.
Chelsea’s assets have been frozen but remain in operation under a special licence - valid until May 31. There were fears the sale to an American consortium - led by billionaire Todd Boehly - was in jeopardy but all parties are now optimistic about finalising the deal.
Read more: James Tavernier and other Leeds United academy hopefuls who made the grade elsewhere
The proposed regime still have to undertake the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test - the first time this has been enforced since the government-backed an independent regulator to come into force by 2024.
Ezri Konsa blow
Steven Gerrard has confirmed Aston Villa will be without first-choice centre-back Ezri Konsa for their huge clash against Burnley tomorrow night. While the game means little for Villa, for Leeds United, the game is monumental. Supporters will be tuned in apprehensively as the Clarets get their chance to move out of the relegation zone.
Currently, Leeds are just one point above the bottom three but Burnley’s game in hand could redefine the landscape ahead of the final day of the season on Sunday. Whites fans are praying for Villa to do them a favour but Konsa’s absence is a big blow ahead of the game.
The defender suffered a knee injury in their 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace and Gerrard revealed he could miss the start of 2021-22. He told BirminghamLive : “Ezri’s got a bad knee issue so he’ll be out for anything between 12 to 16 weeks, which isn’t great news, but we’re quite relieved because we thought we were dealing with an ACL but, thankfully, it’s not that. He should return, all being well, at the backend of August, beginning of September.”
Hoddle 'scared' for Leeds
Glenn Hoddle says he is “scared” for Leeds’ Premier League status when asked who he thought will be relegated. Jesse Marsch’s men remain the bookies’ favourite for the drop due to having just one remaining fixture - a tricky trip to Brentford this weekend.
Everton and Burnley play their game in hand tomorrow and the worst-case scenario would be Leeds requiring a win on the final day. Former England boss Hoddle admits he is fearing the worst for Leeds ahead of a pivotal week.
He told The Analysis Show : “I'm scared for Leeds. Brentford are playing so well, with a lot of confidence, I just don’t see them winning.”
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