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 for a return to action this weekend.
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 Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
MOST BACKED
More bets have been taken on Manchester United to win the Premier League title than any other top-flight team, according to Betfair.
Despite struggling in recent weeks, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side have been backed more than Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool for 2021-22 glory.
he Red Devils are anchored in sixth position and trail leaders Chelsea by nine points having won just ONE of their last SIX.
But clearly punters think a drastic change of fortunes could be just around the corner with 19 per cent of all bets placed going for the Old Trafford heavyweights.
United were available at 8/1 to wrestle the title away from City at the beginning of the campaign.
However, they can now be backed at a whopping 109/1 on Betfair Exchange, despite boasting one of the strongest squads in the division.
Pep Guardiola’s side are currently the favourites to retain the title at 8/11.
Despite not having the most amount of bets placed on them, they are the team with the most money wagered on them, at £2.2million.
Chelsea and Liverpool are the next most popular at 14 per cent and 13 per cent respectively.
SEARCHING FOR MAUR
Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino has hit back at claims his side have no identity and labelled Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea a ‘defensive’ team.
The French outfit are already 10 points clear at the top of the Ligue 1 table with just 13 games played.
But the lack of a style of play from Pochettino’s men has still led some to critique their performances.
However, the Argentine does not understand that assessment of his team.
When asked why they do not appear to have an identity, he told L’Equipe: “I say this with a lot of respect, but this question translates into a certain lack of respect
“It is like saying that you have no style in your writing.
“Of course you have one, you are professional and that is why you are sat here.
“Every manager, at the highest level and down to amateur, has a style.
“When you work to become a manager, you develop your style: your tastes, your management, your methods with you staff.
“We are a staff who have a defined style, a philosophy, ideas. Aside from that, the question is to know how and at what moment you can put on show what truly corresponds with you.
“And that, that depends on the demands of the club, like we were talking about earlier on.
“If you look at what I have done at Espanyol, Southampton or Tottenham, you will see the style of play that we like.
“If you watch a match from our first and one from our third season at Tottenham, it is not the same thing. Because there was a strategy to get to this point.”
CONT SHOWER
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has suggested Tanguy Ndombele needs to become more of a team player and warned him he has to work “much more” than others.
Ndombele joined Spurs two years ago following a club record £53.8million deal with Lyon but has struggled to shine under Conte’s predecessors Mauricio Pochettino, Jose Mourinho and Nuno Espirito Santo.
he Italian head coach admits the midfielder has talent but suggested he needs to show more team spirit.
The former Chelsea manager hasn’t given up on the Frenchman yet but insists he has to work harder than his team-mates to catch up on his demands.
Conte said: “Yeah, I have seen that many managers struggle about this situation, about the position.
“For sure Tanguy has the quality. At the same time he has to understand that there is a team and he has to play into the team.
“I think it means that it is important to keep order and to do what the position asks you to do.
“For sure with Tanguy we are working. We are working very hard. He has to work much more than the others, because as you say he has talent but he has to put this talent into the team for the best of the team, not for the single player.”
HEY JESSE
Jesse Lingard looks to be on his way to West Ham in the New Year in a £10million move.
The Manchester United midfielder has already begun making personal arrangements for the permanent move back to the capital.
The England international rejected a new contract offer in early September at United and has barely figured in Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s plans recently.
Lingard enjoyed a successful loan spell at the high flying West Ham in the second half of last season.
His nine goals and five assists in the Premier League helped propel David Moyes side into Europe.
Moyes wanted to sign Lingard permanently in the summer but said he couldn’t as Solskjaer wanted him back.
ER HOW MUCH?
Erling Haaland’s transfer will cost a staggering £295MILLION with the fee and wages combined, according to reports.
The Borussia Dortmund striker, 21, is one of the hottest talents in world football with plenty of admirers at the biggest clubs.
Chelsea and Manchester United are among the sides leading the chase for his signature next summer – with Manchester City and Real Madrid also interested.
But whoever can successfully lure the Norwegian away from Dortmund knows it will not be cheap.
It is well documented Haaland has a £64m release clause in his contract which kicks in next summer – although AS state clubs may have to pay up to £85m.
And although that will mean the transfer fee is relatively cheap for a potential Ballon d’Or winner and guaranteed goalscorer, that would be just a fraction of the overall cost.
Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola will ensure the best deal for himself and the player.
And according to AS, that is likely to mean more than £210m more in investment through wages alone.
A five-year deal would be a likely contract length for any agreement reached.
That would equate to Haaland pocketting a whopping £42m per year – or more than £800,000 per week.
Add into the mix agent fees and bonuses and the total figure would far exceed £300m overall across five years.
DOUBLE DEAL
Premier League clubs are celebrating a stunning £2BILLION mega-deal for their US TV rights.
The six-year agreement with NBC — starting next season — almost TREBLES the value of the broadcast giant’s current contract.
But with the news coming just hours after a £100million payout to struggling lower-league teams was confirmed, the Prem will now be under intense pressure to hand them more from the Stateside cash jackpot.
Clubs had been hoping to double the value of the existing deal.
But NBC’s desperation to keep the contract helped the bidding soar as they beat off CBS, ESPN and other rivals.
The arrangement bolsters the authority of under-pressure Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, who saw chairman Gary Hoffman quit after losing the confidence of the clubs.
SAUCE OF AMUSEMENT
Antonio Conte chuckled as he was asked about the effects of his ketchup ban at Tottenham.
But the new Spurs boss quickly turned serious as he warned his side need to improve across the board.
Conte was brought in after the struggling Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked just four months into his reign in North London.
The disciplinarian immediately made his presence felt as he banned ketchup and mayonnaise in a bid to cut flab from the Spurs squad.
Sandwiches, butter and fizzy drinks are also reported to be off the menu at the club’s Hotspur Way training ground.
Conte was asked about the ban in his press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Leeds.
And while he would only offer a cheeky grin in response, he was quick to call for improvements from his men as they return from the international break.
He said: “We are very focused to work on the pitch.”
NOT DAN’S PLAN
Dani Alves has denied he convinced Neymar to join Paris Saint-Germain, instead claiming it was the Brazilian who persuaded him.
In the summer of 2017, Alves transferred to the Ligue 1 side after just one season with Juventus.
Lthan one month later Neymar also signed for PSG as he left Barcelona for a world record fee.
But Alves insists he played no part in his fellow countryman’s decision to depart the Nou Camp and that it was in fact the other way around.
Speaking to Mundo Deportivo, he said: “It is the opposite of what people believe, I am grateful to Neymar because it was he who convinced me to sign for PSG.
“I have had nothing to do with his arrival. My only advice was to tell him to be happy.
“I swear by my children, that I have nothing to do with the decision.”
NOU ERA
Lionel Messi’s tears were not caused by his Barcelona exit and the club were right to let him go.
That’s according to Barca’s financial guarantor Jose Elias, who made the claims in a series of bombshell comments on Spanish radio.
Instead, the financier suggested Messi’s blubbering was down to the upheaval he was about to put his family through in moving to France.
He said: “Messi did not cry because he did not continue at Barca. He cried for a sum of things, not because he did not continue at Bara.
“Messi was running out of a cycle. And to that is added that he has made life in Barcelona and that people were integrated.”
CLAUSE FOR CONCERN
Argentina booked their spot at next year’s World Cup with four games to spare following a 0-0 draw against Brazil on Tuesday.
And captain Lionel Messi may not be called up for any of them after frustrating PSG chiefs by playing MORE minutes for his country this season than his club.
PSG and the Argentine FA have held talks on the matter and the French club have asked that he NOT be called up for the dead rubber games, according to Marca.
But part of Les Parisiens’ agreement to sign Messi in the summer was that they would let him prioritise his national team over Ligue 1.
Messi himself though is said to be eager to focus on club duty now World Cup qualification is secured.
His eyes are firmly focused on breaking his Ligue 1 duck having not scored in any of his five league games for Les Parisiens.
Although it remains to be seen whether his country’s FA agree and leave the 34-year-old out of Argentina’s next round of fixtures in January.
PSG sporting director Leonardo was not happy that Messi missed matches against RB Leipzig and Bordeaux this month by heading to Madrid for ‘regenerative therapy’.
AD YOUR CHANCE
Paris Saint-Germain chiefs have met with Liverpool target Karim Adeyemi’s agent regarding a potential transfer, according to reports.
The teenage striker has attracted plenty of interest with his red-hot form for RB Salzburg this season.
Adeyemi, 19, has banged in 15 goals in 22 matches in all competitions so far this term.
This goal return has attracted interest from the likes of Jurgen Klopp’s side.
But according to Sport1, his agent Manni Schwabl was in Paris yesterday to meet with the Ligue 1 giants over a potential move.
HOLD HAK BACK
Hakim Ziyech is unlikely to go out on loan when the January transfer window opens, according to reports.
The Chelsea winger, 28, has struggled to find his best form since arriving from Ajax for £33million last year.
nd there was reported interest from the likes of Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund to hand him the chance to reignite his career back on the continent.
But according to The Telegraph, there have been no conversations between the Blues and Ziyech’s representatives about a temporary switch away from Stamford Bridge.
That is especially the case because Chelsea are still in five competitions, with the Club World Cup set to be staged in Abu Dhabi in early February.
Although the report adds Chelsea may be willing to listen to permanent offers for the Morocco international.
HAZARD WARNING
Ex Chelsea forward Eden Hazard is ‘unhappy’ at Real Madrid, according to Belgium national team manager Roberto Martinez.
The 30-year-old arrived at the Bernabeu in 2019 but has failed to make any sort of impact at the Spanish giants.
However, Martinez hopes Madrid will stick by their man while he goes through a difficult period of his career.
Speaking on COPE’s show El Partidazo, he said: “Hazard is medically in his best moment since he arrived at Real Madrid.
“He is sad in football terms, this is the first time that he is experiencing this situation.”
TAKING ITS TOL
Tottenham have been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich midfielder Corentin Tolisso, according to reports.
The Frenchman is set to be out of contract with the Bundesliga champions next summer.
His chances of an extension appear to be dwindling, having started only one league match this term under Julian Nagelsmann.
And according to Kicker, Tolisso is being ‘touted’ to Spurs.
To sign the World Cup winner, however, Antonio Conte’s side will have to beat off competition from one of his former clubs.
The report also claims that Inter Milan are being offered Tolisso’s services.
He joined Bayern from Lyon in 2017, winning the World Cup as part of Didier Deschamps’ 23-man France squad a year later.
But his time since has been blighted with injuries.
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
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.
Meanwhile, 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.
Additional reports claim Howe also fancies Bayern Munich centre-half Niklas Sule.
Finally, 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 cannot wait to meet the club’s incredible supporters again and begin this new era for us all.”
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.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
