ALEXANDRE LACAZETTE heads up a list of 10 players available for sale from Arsenal this summer.
And in a SunSport exclusive, Manchester United could move for Real Madrid star Federico Valverde this summer with uncertainty over Paul Pogba.
BETS OF THE DAY: GET MAN CITY AT 6/1 TO WIN TONIGHT – PLUS RONALDO TO SCORE 2+ GOALS BOOSTED
Read our live blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
STRIKE OUT
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has called on his strikers to up their game.
Solskjaer said: “We are the top scorers in the league, but our forwards have not scored as much as we would have liked.
“In a way that’s a big positive because as we go into the final stretch of the season because if we can get them firing again it will give us another edge in our game.
“We have not been at our best for the last four or five games and we are waiting for them to show what they are showing in training.
“They are working hard. Maybe the form is not the best but that will come, that is the positive thing.”
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KOP THAT
Rio Ferdinand has warned Liverpool teams will still fancy their chances against Jurgen Klopp’s side in the Champions League despite brushing RB Leipzig aside 2-0 on Tuesday night.
He told BT Sport: “I think other teams who are looking at them won’t be too carried away with the way Liverpool played today because they’ve still going to get chances.
“I think Leipzig could have had one or two goals, if you’re being hugely critical. They were getting in.”
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NO ROON
Wayne Rooney has turned down the chance to sign Ravel Morrison after it was revealed that he pinched his boots while at Man Utd.
The Derby boss said: “Obviously I know Ravel because I played with him, but I am happy with the squad I’ve got, it’s a good squad of players.
“I hope Ravel can find a club which he deserves, because he’s a fantastic player, and I wish him all the best.
“I can’t recall him taking my boots, so he can have them.”
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KYLLER INSTINCT
Kylian Mbappe’s breathtaking display against Barcelona has stunned the footballing world after he scored a hat-trick at the Nou Camp.
The likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Neymar heaped praise on the Frenchman after he put PSG on the verge of a quarter-final place.
ALL ON THE BOX
A Premier League statement reads: “The Premier League today confirmed all fixtures for the 2020/21 season will continue to be made available to fans to watch live in the UK. This arrangement will be extended until Government guidance permits supporters to return to stadiums.
“All matches will be shown via existing broadcast partners Sky Sports, BT Sport, Amazon Prime Video and BBC, who continue to work with us to deliver these additional matches while stadiums are missing the supporters who are such an integral part of the game.
“Details of broadcast selections for March and the rearrangement of previously postponed matches will be announced in due course.
“The Premier League and its clubs remain committed to an accessible solution for fans. The UK live broadcast arrangements will be reviewed in consultation with clubs and in line with any decisions made by Government regarding the return of spectators to stadiums.”
BREAKING NEWS
Some more big news just confirmed…
All Premier League matches will be televised until fans are allowed to return to grounds.
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
WAITING NEYM
Neymar is facing a two-game ban for slamming the penalty decision given to Barcelona on Tuesday night.
The injured Brazilian star could be made to explain his tweets during the 4-1 win for his PSG side.
Neymar tweeted: “Joke that penalty,” accompanied by laughing emojis after Frenkie de Jong was awarded a spot-kick.
The tweet was quickly spotted by fans, who shared it on social media – but it wasn’t live for long, with Neymar deleting it.
And Uefa could act with a ban of up to two games for the 29-year-old.
The UEFA disciplinary code stops players from ‘insults or other conduct that violates the basic rules of conduct’.
Neymar was given a three-game ban in March 2019 for insulting match officials, but it was reduced to two by CAS.
GLAD TO HEAR IT
In more United transfer news, Bundesliga star Rami Bensebaini has sent Manchester United a ‘come and get me’ appeal.
The Borussia Monchengladbach defender and former Arsenal triallist said he has been a lifelong Red Devils fan – and wants to play in England.
Left-back Bensebaini, who won the Africa Cup of Nations with Algeria and is rated at £20million, helped Borussia into the Champions League last 16.
The 25-year-old told BBC Afrique: “I have been a Manchester United fan since I was very little.
“The Premier League has always attracted me. Everyone knows that I am a United fan.
“I am with Gladbach for now, and I am happy with them.
“But if one day I get the opportunity to make an upward step, and have a change of scene, I will seriously think about it.”
CARM-AGE
Sticking with United and they reportedly face a transfer battle with Real Madrid for Braga’s £36m-rated defender David Carmo as the Spanish giants look for a Sergio Ramos replacement.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men have been tracking the 21-year-old star this season, having watched his excellent performances in the Portuguese Primeira Liga.
Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof were heavily criticised for their performance in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at strugglers West Brom, with pundits once again claiming Solskjaer needs reinforcements at centre back.
But now Real are heading to the front of the queue for Carmo, with the La Liga side’s president Florentino Perez friends with his Braga counterpart, Antonio Salvador, according to AS.
DIALLO ON THE PLANE
Amad Diallo will travel with Manchester United for their Europa League away trip to Turin to face Real Sociedad.
The teenager arrived from Atalanta in January and has been on fire for the Under-23s.
He was on the bench against West Ham in the FA Cup last week.
Academy youngster Shola Shoretire, 17, also be on the plane with the senior squad for the European away fixture.
The Red Devils are due to fly from Manchester Airport on Wednesday afternoon.
Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek and Paul Pogba have all been ruled out through injury.
AL ABOARD
Chelsea’s secret transfer weapon is at it again – with Blues defender Antonio Rudiger admitting he is trying to lure Bayern Munich’s David Alaba to Stamford Bridge.
He was branded ‘agent Rudiger’ by fans after admitting he chatted to Timo Werner and Kai Havertz to help secure their moves in the summer – with Alaba his latest target.
The Bayern star has confirmed he is leaving the Allianz Arena after 11 years this summer with Real Madrid favourites to secure his signature.
Alaba wants an eye-watering £400,000-a-week at his new club after growing frustrated with the German champions’ low-ball offers to stay with Real Madrid favourites to sign the free agent.
But Rudiger told Bild he has already been in contact with the Austrian as he plots his next move, while also revealing he is ready to chat to Jerome Boateng and Niklas Sule if moves for them materialise.
MOUR TO IT
Gareth Bale’s agent says Jose Mourinho has to answer for the Welsh superstar’s issues at Spurs.
Bale has made just two Prem starts since arriving at the end of the summer transfer window.
Asked why Bale was having a tough time, Jonathan Barnett said: “He’s towards the end of his career.
“But you have to ask Mourinho that.”
WELCOME MAT
Paul Pogba’s brother Mathias has joined his 12th club after being unveiled by NK Tabor Sezana.
The Slovenian side announced the signing of the 30-year-old on their Twitter feed yesterday.
Pogba posted on Instagram: “Another team, another mission. Thanks god for that opportunity you gave me.”
His transfer to Tabor Sezana makes it his 12th club in as many years.
Mathias has also previously played for Wrexham, Crewe, Crawley Town and Partick Thistle.
JUDGE & JURY
Bit more breaking news…
Referee Darren Drysdale has apologised for his ‘unprofessional manner’ after he SQUARED UP to Ipswich Town star Alan Judge.
We shared earlier the shocking incident after Judge was booked for diving inside the area on 90 minutes in his team’s clash against Northampton.
The Tractor Boys midfielder protested strongly, pointing at Drysdale – prompting him to push his HEAD into Judge’s face.
Now in a statement released by the PGMOL, who represent the referees, Drysdale has issued a grovelling apology.
The 49-year-old said: “I fully understand that it is important to maintain our composure throughout the game and always engage with players in a professional manner.
“I’m sorry that I did not do that last night and I can only apologise to Alan and Ipswich Town.”
The FA have also confirmed they are investigating the incident.
DIM VIEW
Dimitar Berbatov believes Manchester United are OUT of the title race – and fears they could even miss out on the top four.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are seven points behind league leaders Manchester City – who have a game in hand.
The former Old Trafford star told Betfair: “You see what happens when you don’t win games against the smaller teams?
“Sheffield United and West Brom were two matches that United were expected to take all the points from, but they weren’t concentrated enough and now there is no point talking about their title chances.
“Sometimes people talk about records against the top four teams, but it is equally as important to beat the teams in the bottom four.
“City are seven points ahead with a game in hand, and with the performances that thy have shown recently I think it will be impossible for them to lose it, and at this moment the title is theirs.
“It just goes to show that it really pays when you are inconsistent.”
FERGIE’S FEAR
Sir Alex Ferguson feared he would lose his memory after suffering a brain haemorrhage in 2018.
The world of football held it’s breath after the legendary former Manchester United manager was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery.
But thankfully the procedure was a success, and after less than a month Fergie was back at home being nursed back to health by his loved ones.
Speaking about an upcoming documentary about the Scot, Fergie said: “Losing my memory was my biggest fear when I suffered a brain haemorrhage in 2018.
“In the making of this film I was able to revisit the most important moments of my life, good and bad.
“Having my son Jason direct this film has ensured an honest and intimate account.”
INFLUENCER
Marcus Rashford features in TIME magazine for being one of the world’s most influential people.
The Manchester United striker has campaigned tirelessly to support the UK’s children by forcing the Government into U-turns on the free school meals.
‘FEEL PERSONALLY LET DOWN’
Gerrard continued: “We’ll certainly move forward from it. I think we’re at a real critical stage in terms of the games coming up and where we are as a club.
“It won’t affect us as a group. I’ve been absolutely delighted with the group in terms of their application.
“I feel personally let down by recent events, but I’m trying to move forward and focus on the important things which is to prepare the team for a huge game against Antwerp.
“I’m really excited, I’m looking forward to the game and so have the players. They’ve trained extremely well going into this game and it’s important that we focus on the important things, which is the games that are in front of us.”
Asked if he could confirm the identity of the players, he said: “Yes. Bungani Zungu is involved. Nathan Patterson, Calvin Bassey, Dapo [Mebude] – who is on loan at Queen of the South at the moment – and a young goalie who is an academy player but has spent some time around the first-team as well, Brian Kinnear.”
‘REALLY DISAPPOINTED’
Addressing the issue, Steven Gerrard told Rangers TV: “Well first and foremost we have to acknowledge that five of our players have been involved in a breach of the Covid regulations which, from the top to the bottom of the club, we are all really disappointed in.
“That will be dealt with internally. The players will be fined and we are involved with the SFA and the government to find the solution in terms of those boys.
“They’ve been removed from the club and the squad for a short time now while they isolate.
“I’ll sit down with all those boys face-to-face once the situation allows us to do so.”
BREAKING NEWS
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has confirmed that five players have breached coronavirus protocols.
The Liverpool legend named the Gers players involved in the alleged Covid party which was busted in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The players involved are Nathan Patterson, 19, Bongani Zungu, 28, Dapo Mebude, 19, Brian Kinnear, 20 and Calvin Bassey, 21.
The Ibrox club are now in dialogue with SFA and Scottish Government over the next steps involved regarding the rule breaches.
Cops raced to reports of an illegal bash in Glasgow’s West End on Sunday at around 1.10am.
Police Scotland confirmed they’d dished out fines to those they caught up in the lockdown breach party at the gaff in the city’s trendy Hyndland area.
STAT ATTACK
Manchester City will be aiming for victory No17 in a row when they head to Goodison Park – a game Carlo Ancelotti admitted his side have very little chance of winning.
Our friends at Opta have compiled these stats ahead of the match…
- Everton have won just one of their last 14 Premier League games against Manchester City (D4 L9), winning 4-0 in January 2017 at Goodison Park.
- Manchester City have won each of their last five Premier League games against Everton, netting at least twice each time. It’s their longest ever winning run against the Toffees in the top-flight.
- Everton have lost their last two home Premier League games, last losing three in a row back in March 2016 under Roberto Martinez, while manager Carlo Ancelotti hasn’t lost three home league games in a row since November 2006 when he was AC Milan boss.
- Manchester City have won their nine Premier League matches in 2021 – they could become the first team in top-flight history to win their opening 10 matches in a calendar year, breaking the record of nine wins set previously by Bolton Wanderers in 1906 and Manchester United in 2009.
- Among the 137 teams Carlo Ancelotti has faced more than once in the league in his managerial career, his worst losing percentage is in games against Man City, losing four of his five games against them (80%).
Credit: Getty Images – Getty
WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY
It’s going to take something special to match last night’s drama with the live action later on…
But there is plenty to look forward to.
In the Champions League, Porto host Juventus and Sevilla take on Borussia Dortmund (both 8pm).
It is Burnley vs Fulham (6pm) and Everton vs Manchester City (8.15pm) in the Premier League.
Elsewhere, the top two in the Championship – Norwich and Brentford – both face away games, two of six matches.
Sunderland face Lincoln in the EFL Trophy semi-final and Levante host leaders Atletico Madrid in LaLiga.
The pick of the remaining three EFL ties sees League One promotion hopefuls Hull go to strugglers Wigan, the Tigers desperate to get back on track after no goals and two defeats in their last three.
GUNNERS OR GONERS
We brought you news earlier of Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.
The clear-out could see Alexandre Lacazette, David Luiz, Lucas Torreira and Matteo Guendouzi all shipped out.
Mat Ryan, Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard, however, may make their loan moves permanent.
So here are a couple of possible starting XIs Mikel Arteta could use next season…
LONG WAY OFF
Mbappe, who now has 16 goals in all competitions this season for Mauricio Pochettino’s side, still has some way to match their overall records though.
Ronaldo has an incredible 134 goals in the competition – which he has won five times – and will be looking to add to that when Juventus play Porto tonight.
Messi is slightly behind his Portuguese rival on both goals and trophies, scoring 119 times and having a mere four Champions League winner’s medals to his name.
BAPPE IN TIME
Kylian Mbappe is far better than both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo were at the same age, his breathtaking Champions League record suggests.
His treble against Barca last night took his overall tally in the competition to 24 goals in just 41 appearances, to go with his 16 assists.
At the same age of 22 years and 58 days, Messi had only managed 17 goals and seven assists from his 33 Champions League appearances for Barca.
As for Ronaldo, he was still waiting to get off the mark in Europe’s premier club competition after making 26 appearances for Manchester United.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
