ERLING HAALAND might be out of action injured at the moment – but that is not stopping speculation about his future.
A number of Premier League clubs are said to be circling the Dortmund superstar, with reports from Spain suggested Real Madrid are expecting him to head to England next.
Chelsea have been handed a boost with Romelu Lukaku returning to training from his recent injury, putting him in contention to face Juventus and Man Utd after the international break.
And the Blues have resumed talks with Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana ahead of a potential summer transfer, reports say.
Newcastle are also putting their January transfer plans into place, with reports linking them to Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic and Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
STEVIE DREAM
Steven Gerrard can’t wait to tackle the greatest managers in the world as Aston Villa’s new boss.
He said: “This is the best league in the world and why is it the best league in the world?
“It’s because the best teams are in there and the best coaches.
“We all accept it’s a tough, challenging league but that excites me rather than scares me and I’m ready to prove I’m the right man for this job.
“A lot of people will put added pressure on my shoulders but I can’t wait.
“The long term plan is to be successful. This is where I want to be, it’s where I want to challenge myself.”
PARTEY TIME
Arsenal have been handed a major fitness boost with Thomas Partey available to face Liverpool.
The midfielder had been struggling with a groin issue ahead of this weekend’s crunch clash.
But Mikel Arteta will be able to call upon Partey after he returned to full training this week.
FREEDOM DAY
Jesse Lingard appears to be nearing the Manchester United exit door after talks over a contract extension collapsed.
The 28-year-old’s current deal expires in the summer but he allegedly has ‘no intention’ of restarting negotiations.
That is due to his frustration at United’s behaviour during discussions earlier this season, according to The Times.
The first offer made to the England international was worth less than his current package.
He now looks set to walk away from Old Trafford for nothing in June and is also believed to be considering asking to leave on loan in January for the last six months of his contract due to a lack of action.
LU BEAUTY
Newcastle are reportedly set to appoint a new sporting director – and the man ‘who discovered Kylian Mbappe’ is keen to join them.
Luis Campos is a free agent following his departure from Lille last year.
But the 57-year-old was credited with assembling the squad that lifted the Ligue 1 title back in May.
And that was not his only success – he also played a vital role in helping AS Monaco win the league during the 2016/17 season after the likes of Mbappe were promoted to the first-team.
LU BEAUTIES
Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz has confirmed he is dating Women’s ace Alisha Lehmann after the pair uploaded a loved-up snap on social media.
Switzerland international Lehmann, 22, took to her Instagram story where the pair could be seen enjoying a smooch.
And Brazilian ace Luiz, 23, then shared the same boomerang post on his story to his 529,000 Instagram followers.
Adding a caption, he simply stated: “Princess.”
Lehmann had been in a relationship with ex-Chelsea Ladies striker Ramona Bachmann.
However the duo, who play alongside each other for the Swiss national team, broke up earlier this year.
MAGNIFICENT
Newcastle are reportedly plotting an ambitious transfer swoop for three top Serie A players.
The Times claims Eddie Howe wants Inter Milan defender Stefan de Vrij and midfield teammate Marcelo Brozovic.
Newcastle are also keen on Lazio goalkeeper Thomas Strakosha as they look to spend big in January.
WE WANT WES
Chelsea have resumed talks with Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana ahead of a potential summer transfer, reports say.
The Champions League winners have four key centre-backs out of contract at the end of this season.
And according to Footmercato, Chelsea are eyeing Fofana as a potential replacement and have resumed talks with the defender.
However, they face a battle with Man United and Real Madrid for the highly-rated ace.
FOR PETE SAKE
Hollywood superstar Tom Holland has revealed he’s a huge Tottenham fan.
But the Spiderman actor isn’t too confident in his side right now.
That’s because he reckons newly-promoted Brentford would beat them in a Champions League final!
Holland told GQ: “I want to see Tottenham play Brentford.
“Tottenham is my team and Brentford is my uncle’s team and probably right now we wouldn’t beat Brentford but I’d fancy our chances.”
GIO THE GER
Rangers have confirmed the appointment of Giovanni van Bronckhorst as new boss to replace Steven Gerrard.
He said: “I am absolutely delighted to be returning to Rangers as the club’s new manager.
“I feel so lucky to be going to work with a squad which is in a great position on all fronts and largely has that experience of being winners.
“I look forward to carrying on and enhancing the work that has been done already alongside Ross Wilson and the board of the club, and I’m grateful for the chance to work again at this huge football club.
“I cannot wait to meet the club’s incredible supporters again and begin this new era for us all.”
TIMO TIMO
Chelsea have been handed a huge fitness boost ahead of Saturday’s trip to Leicester after Timo Werner returned to training today.
The striker, 25, has missed Chelsea’s last five games after injuring his hamstring against Malmo last month.
Werner has two goals in 10 games for Thomas Tuchel’s side this season.
And he was looking sharp in a partnership with Romelu Lukaku before his setback.
But Chelsea should be able to call upon Werner when they face Leicester at the weekend.
HOT ROD
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has slammed speculation linking him to Manchester United as ‘really disrespectful’.
Responding to a reporter’s question, he said: “There’s two things. Firstly it is really disrespectful to ask the question when you have a manager in place, a good manager and a good man, who is working hard at the club.
“Secondly I can’t really comment on it, because it is not something that is real.
“I am here as the Leicester City manager, proud to be here, privileged to be here and fully committed to the players, the club, the ownership.
“That’s about it, all the other noise around that is something we can’t control.”
STAR CHARGED
Dutch star Quincy Promes has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a stabbing at a family gathering last year, it has been reported.
The Spartak Moscow forward, 29, was remanded in custody after the alleged victim, thought to be the suspect’s cousin, “was seriously wounded in the knee.”
Dutch media reports named the former Ajax player, who transferred to the Moscow team in February, as the suspect.
It’s understood that Promes was arrested in mid-December and later released in connection with the incident, which happened earlier last year at a family party in the scenic town of Abcoude, just outside Amsterdam.
He allegedly got into a scuffle after an argument with the relative and other family members immediately intervened, news reports said at the time.
The relative pressed charges last November.
After an investigation, prosecutors decided to charge Promes with attempted murder, or alternatively with aggravated assault.
“The suspect and his lawyer has been informed of the decision to prosecute,” a statement read.
NO BURN
Burnley boss Sean Dyche isn’t bothered by the transfer rumours linking James Tarkowski away from Turf Moor.
Dyche acknowledges that things happen fast in football nowadays so clubs have to adapt to the pace.
Dyche said: “Football changes; if it changes it changes, if it doesn’t then we are happy with that.
“It is just the way it goes, you can’t – especially in this modern time in football – contracts are a different ball game.
“Now, people sign a contract and six months later they are sold.
“All I would say about James is that he’s a fantastic professional, he has been ever since he’s been here and he continues to be.”
BISCUIT BASHING
John Terry has been savaged by Antonio Conte after the Italian coach told him to cut back on the biscuits.
The ex-Chelsea defender posted a picture of a couple of biscuits alongside a book and a cup of coffee.
And the 40-year-old added the caption: “5k Run. Some reading time and a couple of biscuits.
“Taking the dogs for a walk. Sunday lunch with the family down the pub.
“Have a great Sunday.”
But new Spurs boss Conte was quick to jokingly slam Terry as he gave a brilliant response on Instagram.
The former Chelsea boss simply replied to Terry’s post by saying: “John only 1 biscuit 😉😂💪.”
ALL OR NOTHING
Rio Ferdinand has issued a stern warning to Tottenham’s Dele Alli, suggesting that this could be his final chance in North London under new boss Antonio Conte.
Alli has been slipping under the radar at Spurs ever since Mauricio Pochettino left the club at the end of 2019.
His dramatic dip in form has not only been a concern for Tottenham fans, but also for former England captain Ferdinand.
On his FIVE podcast, he said: “Conte, he doesn’t suffer fools, he doesn’t accept standards that are below what he sets. So I’m sure this is again a great opportunity.
“He’s now got a manager who’s going to have huge demands, be demanding of him constantly every day. And that might be the turning point for Dele.”
SIMPLY THE BEST
West Ham star Declan Rice is the best player in the Premier League but Manchester City ace Phil Foden can become the best in the world.
That is according to former England manager Glenn Hoddle, who sang both internationals’ praises as they played a major part in the national team’s qualification for the 2022 World Cup.
Rice has been sensational for the Hammers in the Premier League as well as the Europa League, which is why Manchester United and Chelsea are desperate to sign him in the summer.
Foden, on the other hand, has been a stand-out performer at City and has been established as a key part of Pep Guardiola’s squad.
Hoddle is adamant that Rice will keep improving but expects Foden to achieve even greater things in just three years.
MAGPIES CALLING
Newcastle are prepared to spend big to lure Borussia Dormund star Axel Witsel to St James’ Park, according to reports.
The midfielder’s contract expires at the end of the season.
The 32-year-old is into his fourth year at Dortmund and he could be ready for a new challenge in a different league.
Juventus have been credited with an interest in Witsel.
But Newcastle’s proposal of £160,000 a week will completely trump what the Italian giants can afford, according to TuttoJuve.
To put that offer into context, the Belgian currently earns around £115,000 a week, a figure Juve could struggle to pay.
But Witsel will not want to join a Championship outfit, so first Newcastle must ensure they stay out of trouble.
‘AMAZING PEOPLE’
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani was hailed for rescuing a youth team from Afghanistan alongside…Kim Kardashian.
The unlikely duo helped 130 women’s footballers resettle in the UK having fled the Taliban.
American socialite Kardashian paid for a charter flight ensuring safe passage from Pakistan.
And after they landed yesterday, Radrizzani tweeted: “When I received a call asking for help to rescue the youth team from Afghanistan, I didn’t even know where to start.
“Today they flew to the UK. Proud to be part of the team to make this real. Let’s dream (that) one day they will play in @LUFC”.
“The players were evacuated out of Afghanistan to escape the Taliban in September following the departure of allied troops in August.”
REF RAP
The referee who took charge of the chaotic World Cup qualifier between Argentina and Brazil has been banned for making ‘serious’ errors.
And his VAR was also suspended by Conmebol.
The officials failed to punish Nicolas Otamendi for a brutal elbow in Raphinha’s face during the goalless draw in San Juan on Tuesday.
And the fiery Argentina defender wasn’t done there as instead of apologising he picked the infuriated Leeds star up on his feet – even though he suffered a serious cut on his lip and needed medical attention.
Blood poured out the winger’s mouth and even though he showed referee Andres Cunha the extent of his injuries no foul or card was given to Otamendi.
Brazil boss Tite raged at the ‘inconceivable’ decision by the VAR, adding it was ‘simply impossible’ for him not to see Otamendi’s horror smash.
In footage leaked by Conmebol, Esteban Ostojich can be heard telling Cunha that the offence was only a yellow due to ‘the average intensity of the blow’.
WES HIM IN
Leicester star Wesley Fofana has put Prem sides Chelsea and Manchester United on red alert by admitting playing for either team would be a dream.
The Prem giants have been keeping tabs on the Foxes defender, with Chelsea reportedly aiming to make a move in January.
And Fofana is open to a move to the Prem giants he revealed to Actu Foot.
Fofana said: “A club that makes me dream? There’s Marseille, Real Madrid, Barça. In the Premier League, there are Chelsea, United, City… But you have to work to make your dreams come true. Through work, you can achieve anything.”
KOUL JORG
Newcastle and Manchester United transfer target Kalidou Koulibaly revealed his fondness of Chelsea star Jorginho.
When Koulibaly joined Napoli in 2014, Jorginho was the first person he shared a room with.
And they had a telepathic bond on the pitch as Koulibaly explained it only took a glance for them to read each other.
The centre back told Football Italia: “It was the first person I shared the room with when I arrived in Naples. He taught me a little of Italian, I remember he used to correct me.
“He is an extraordinary player on the pitch, so important for Chelsea and Italy. I had fun playing with him. One stare was enough to understand each other.”
PEEVED STEVE
Steven Gerrard has shot down rumours that he took the Aston Villa job as a springboard to manage ex-club Liverpool in future.
Gerrard claims he’s honoured to be Villa’s boss and threw his weight behind the Reds current boss Jurgen Klopp.
When asked about the reports linking him with a switch back to Anfield, Gerrard said: “Very unfair. You’ll never hear me say its a stepping stone.
“I’m really honoured and proud, I’ll give this job everything it needs to be a success, I don’t think there’s anything wrong with having dreams and aspirations.
“Liverpool have a world class coach and if he was to sign a life time deal I would be very happy for them and him.”
WIG MAN
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa has thanked Wigan academy coach Gregor Rioch for the work he did in the development of Joe Gelhardt.
According to the Daily Telegraph, Bielsa called Rioch last week to show his appreciation for the time and effort the Latics dedicated for Gelhardt throughout the years.
The Whites youngster joined the League One outfit’s academy in 2013 and trained under the son of former Arsenal boss Bruce Rioch, who helped him rise through the ranks and make his senior debut five years later.
The forward’s performances at the DW Stadium caught the eye of the Yorkshire-based club, who signed him last year for a fee in the region of £1million.
BARTON ON TRIAL
Joey Barton will face trial after denying he allegedly grabbed his wife by the throat at a party.
The Bristol Rovers manager, 38, is accused of assaulting Georgia Barton by beating at a property in Kew, South West London on June 2 this year.
He allegedly kicked her in the head and left her with a head injury and bloody nose at a property where they had been with friends.
The trial date was set at Wimbledon Magistrates Court today and is due take place at the same venue on December 16.
RUD NOT TO
Emmanuel Petit has urged Chelsea to extend Antonio Rudiger’s contract by the end of the season to prevent him from leaving for free.
The defender is said to be extremely unhappy with the club after they fell short of his wage demands by £60,000.
Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich are all said to be interested in the Chelsea man, who has been a key player for Thomas Tuchel since he took over at the start of the year.
Rudiger has expressed his desire to remain at Stamford Bridge beyond the summer, but only if the Blues will increase his wages.
When speaking to Bookmakers.com, former Chelsea midfielder Petit said: “He looks like one of the best defenders around.
“He could leave on a free and Chelsea would have to spend a minimum of £30 million to find a new defender of his level, and there’s never a guarantee a buy will work out.
“This guy is a survivor. Since Tuchel has been the manager he’s been one of the top defenders in world football.
“If he asks for two more years, just give him the money.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
