Willian goal gives Maurizio Sarri first win in Europe

Willian's early goal hands new Chelsea coach Maurizio Sarri first European victory in 1-0 win over PAOK on Thursday night at the Toumba Stadium in the Europa League Group L opener.

The Brazil international who captain the dethroned Premier League for the encounter scored in the seventh minute after being played through on goal by Ross Barkley who impressed in Thessaloniki.

Former Napoli manager Sarri named a strong starting lineup, including the likes of N'Golo Kante, Jorginho and Alvaro Morata as Cesc Fabregas Victor Moses, Ruben Loftus Cheek Callum Hudson-Odoi and Ethan Ampadu return match day squad.

Willian's early strike sees him notched fourth goals in his last five European matches followed a surging run from England international but Alvaro Morata has so many opportunities in the first half to extend Chelsea the lead.

Ex-Shakhtar Donetsk forward also waste plenty goalscoring chance as the Blues went in search of a second. Marcos Alonso missed a good second-half chance as they looked to double their lead, while substitute Olivier Giroud forced a smart save late on.

Pedro Rodriguez was taken off in injury time, having seemingly injured both his shoulder and wrist after an awkward fall and collision with the PAOK 'keeper.

Chelsea accepts €75m bid for Willian to Manchester United

The Brazilian international worked under Jose Mourinho when he was manager at Chelsea, and the Portuguese want him in his sides.

The 29-year-old Willian was also on the radar of Barcelona who have now opted out of the deal following their signing of Malcom from Bordeaux.

However, TuttoSport, as cited by SportWitness, is reporting that Chelsea have accepted a bid of €75million from Manchester United.
The Sun recently claimed that the former Shakhtar star has decided to leave Chelsea, despite Maurizio Sarri’s appointment as new boss.

Sarri however recently revealed he is hopeful of keeping Willian: “It’s a pleasure to have Courtois, to have Willian, to have Hazard, but it [their futures] doesn’t depend on me, not only on me. “So, we have to wait. I’m confident.”

SPORTS: DAVID LUIZ aim to stop Barcelona move for Willian

Chelsea defender David Luiz aim to stop Barcelona move for Willian and ensure the that his fellow countryman remains in London for another season.

Luiz wants Willian to remain with the Champions League outfit despite a valid interest from Barcelona.
The La Liga Champions have table three bids for the attacker whom they feel is deem fit to fit into their plans at Camp Nou.

Chelsea new boss Maurizio Sarri is also unwilling to let Willian depart the club.
Luiz hopes key men can be retained, with the likes of Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois also generating unwelcome exit talk.

He told Sky Sports on the Willian rumours: "[We speak] almost every day, he loves playing for Chelsea, I don't let him go! I think he's going to stay.

"Seriously I'm not joking, Chelsea has to keep the best players and these three players are key players for our team so in a serious way, I want them to stay.
"They are fantastic players and fantastic talents, we need the best players at Chelsea.