Chelsea keen on £97.5m Lautaro Martinez transfer, Barcelona ‘meet Raiola to discuss Haaland’, Aguero RETIRES

BALE ONE OF SIX REAL ACES WITH COVID

Gareth Bale’s stop-start season continued after he was one of six Real Madrid players to test positive with Covid.

The Wales winger, 32, has only just recovered from a calf injury sustained when he won his 100th cap last month.

Bale has not played for Real since August and must now quarantine as he shakes off the illness.

The news follows a spate of cases at Premier League giants such as Manchester United and Tottenham.

Real revealed Bale’s senior team-mates Luka Modric and Marcelo, along with Marco Asensio, Rodrygo and Andriy Lunin are also positive cases.

And coaching assistant Davide Ancelotti – son of team boss Carlo – has also contracted the virus.

The LaLiga leaders are not due to play until Sunday night when they take on relegation-threatened Cadiz.

ELANGA LANDS NEW UTD DEAL

Swedish winger Anthony Elanga has landed another long-term Manchester United contract just nine months after his previous one.

The 19-year-old has notched five senior appearances for United and won eight Under-21 caps.

Now the Manchester Evening News say Old Trafford academy product Elanga has been further rewarded for his steady progress through the ranks.

UEFA WANT ALL PLAYERS VACCINATED

Euro chiefs are urging all players to get vaccinated – but they will NOT force anyone to be jabbed, writes MARTIN LIPTON.

Uefa has launched a video aimed at un-vaxxed players, using doctors to try to persuade them to take the anti-Covid injections.

President Aleksander Ceferin said: “We should promote the vaccinations and we will. 

“I believe in science, and I got vaccinated. I think they should get vaccinated, as soon as possible.

“But I still believe it’s a personal choice. We don’t have the power to force anyone to be vaccinated.

“In the video, we have doctors explaining why the vaccine is good, that the side effects are very rare and going through the figures and facts.

“We have to be smart and explain things. 

“People are not stupid – when you explain in a nice way, not judging them, but to explain why vaccination is good. 

“The facts are that vaccinated people are less likely to get infected and less likely to have the strong effects of Covid if they are infected. 

“I think that, sooner or later, if not all, then the vast majority of players will understand it.”

HENDERSON LINKED TO AJAX

Dean Henderson could leave Manchester United next month amid links to Ajax.

The England international is desperate for minutes as he sits below David De Gea in the United pecking order.

And the 24-year-old is reportedly wanted by Dutch giants Ajax, who are prepared to move for him next month.

The keeper is yet to cause a stir at Old Trafford but has made just two appearances this season – and none in the Premier League.

He had more of a chance last term as he vied with De Gea as United’s first-choice stopper.

But opportunities for first-team football have now dried up as the Spaniard reaffirms himself as No.1.

Reports suggest there has been no contact between Henderson and Ajax, but the Eredivisie champs have spoken to United about a possible loan.

However, new boss Ralf Rangnick is thought to be reluctant to lose the player before he has had a chance to work with him.

Ajax supremo and United legend Edwin van der Sar is a big admirer of the United academy graduate.

UTD COACH MCKENNA IN TALKS TO BOSS IPSWICH

Manchester United first team coach Kieran McKenna is reportedly in ‘advanced talks’ with Ipswich Town about becoming the club’s new manager.

The 35-year-old looks set to replace former boss Paul Cook who was sacked after nine months in charge following a poor run of form.

Northern Irishman McKenna has worked under Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.

And he has remained a part of the backroom staff following the arrival of Ralf Rangnick last month.

But now, according to Sky Sports, he looks set to depart for his first managerial role at League One outfit Ipswich.

The Tractor Boys currently sit 12th in the table with just seven victories from their opening 22 games of the season.

Ipswich were relegated from the Championship at the end of the 2018-19 campaign after finishing bottom of the table with just 31 points.

They came 11th last season after manager Cook took over from Paul Lambert.

AUBAMEYANG COULD BE REAL DEAL FOR BARCA

Barcelona are keen on exiled Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.

But the Gabon superstar has previously stated his desire to play for their fierce rivals Real Madrid.

Barca are ‘desperate’ to boost their firepower in January, after Sergio Aguero was forced to retire due to a heart issue.

According to the Independent, Xavi’s side could swoop for Aubameyang, offering him an Arsenal escape route.

But the 32-year-old’s promise to his late grandfather could throw a spanner in the works.

In 2016, Aubameyang told L’Equipe, as per AS: “Before he died two years ago I promised him that one day I would play for Real Madrid.

“My grandfather was from Avila, not far from Madrid.

“It’s what I said to him. I know it’s not easy but it’s something I keep in mind.

“I celebrate my goals with a cartwheel in honour of Hugo Sanchez.

“I’ve seen many videos of him on the internet and I’ve been following him since I was a boy.”

AUBA SET FOR A TUCH OF ADVICE

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says he will contact Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he was stripped of the captain’s armband by boss Mikel Arteta.

Tuchel, who worked with Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund, said after being asked whether he is planning to get in contact with the player: “I will at some point.

“I feel sorry that he is in trouble.

“I believe in his positive character but I am not involved in this situation or his club. It is just about my picture and relationship”

MAN UTD VS BRIGHTON POSTPONED

Manchester United’s Premier League match with Brighton at home has been postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak in the Red Devils’ camp.

United released the following statement: “Manchester United can confirm that our Premier League fixture against Brighton & Hove Albion, scheduled for Saturday 18 December at 12:30 GMT, has been postponed and will be rescheduled in due course.

“The health of players and staff is our priority. Given the number of players and support staff having to isolate due to COVID-19, the club had no option other than to request the match be rearranged. The Premier League Board took the decision to postpone based on guidance from medical advisors.

“We will also suspend football training operations at the Carrington Training Complex for a short period to help reduce risk of further transmission.

“We regret any disappointment and inconvenience caused to fans by the postponement”

WANTED VAN

Manchester United star Edinson Cavani has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford next summer when his contract expires.

That is according to Tuttosport, who are claiming Juventus have joined the transfer war for Cavani.

Barcelona and Corinthians are also said to be keeping tabs on the centre-forward.

Juve see the Uruguay international as the perfect partner for Paulo Dybala in attack

MORE COVID CASES

At least four Chelsea players have tested positive for coronavirus ahead of tonight’s Premier League match with Everton.

That is according to Football London, who claim the Blues’ players are undertaking daily lateral flow tests before entering Cobham’s training ground.

Those who tested positive were told to self-isolate at home as they awaited the PCR results.

There is currently no indication the west Londoners’ game will be postponed.

Chelsea’s positive tests come shortly after their Carabao Cup quarter-final opponents Brentford recorded 13 new Covid-19 cases

TRANSFER WARNING

Liverpool legend John Barnes has warned his former club to avoid making January signings just “for the sake of it” even though they are likely to lose Mohamed Salah, Naby Keita and Sadio Mane should Copa Africa go ahead.

Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “Liverpool’s injury situation last year was unique. It was mostly the defenders who were injured. That in turn, messed up the midfield because [Jordan] Henderson and Fabinho had to fill in at the back, but they don’t have that problem anymore.

“There’s no point buying players for the sake of it and Jurgen Klopp doesn’t want to do that, unless they can get a player like Diogo Jota who can come in and challenge for a starting place. Liverpool have faith in their squad to cope when the likes of Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane go to the African Cup of Nations.

“If someone is available who adds to the squad then Liverpool should move for them, but no team will get a superstar player this January.

“If an injury crisis arises, Liverpool will look at players they can bring in but without spending a lot of money”

AUBA SWAP

Arsenal are considering a swap deal with Barcelona involving the Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Ousmane Dembele.

That is according to The Independent, who claim that discussions have taken place through intermediaries regarding the exchange.

Barcelona are said to be interested in the striker, whose future at the Emirates looks uncertain after falling out of favour.

This comes after Gunners boss Mikel Arteta stripped him of the captain’s armband due to a disciplinary breach

RUDIGER SPEAKS OUT

Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger admits Thomas Tuchel played a key part in his decision to stay last summer.

Rudiger told Sky Sports: “He opened a new door, I would say it like that.

“At the end of the day, to save my career. You can go somewhere else and your career starts also new.

“To end your career, this is a bit too much. He was definitely important, he played a big role”

WOOD HE?

Manchester United wonderkid Mason Greenwood has been linked with a sensational exit from Old Trafford.

That is according to Elnacional, who report that Arsenal, Juventus and Barcelona are keeping tabs on Greenwood.

The north Londoners may need to add a centre-forward to their ranks next summer with both Eddie Nketiah and Alexandre Lacazette out of contract, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has fallen out of favour.

Arsenal, Juve and Barca won’t ‘hesitate’ to make an offer for the England international should he decide to go

LEICESTER VS TOTTENHAM POSTPONED

Leicester were scheduled to host Tottenham at the King Power Stadium tonight.

However, the Premier League match has been postponed due to COVID-19 outbreaks.

This marks the third consecutive postponement involving Spurs, after their Europa Conference League match against Rennes and last weekend’s Prem game with Brighton were also called off.

A total of eight players and five members of staff tested positive for coronavirus within the north Londoners’ ranks.

Leicester are also dealing with a crisis themselves, with manager Brendan Rodgers previously stating that he is “disappointed” the Premier League had rejected a request to postpone their upcoming fixture

PERFECT KAC

Liverpool are considering a £10million bid for Pogon Szczecin star Kacper Kozlowski.

That is according to Polish outlet Super Express, who claim Kozlowski is in the Reds’ radar.

It was recently claimed that Brighton are also in the running for the midfielder and are offering £8m.

However, the Merseysiders are looking to outbid the Seagulls for the Poland international

VLAHOVIC BLOW

Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic prefers to join a club with the ability to challenge in the Champions League.

That is according to Eurosport, who claim Vlahovic may not be keen to move to the Emirates or Old Trafford in the summer.

It’s been five years since Arsenal made it to the Champions League, which means they have an uphill battle ahead of them in their bid to sign the striker.

And Manchester United are sixth in the Premier League table following a poor start to the season

ZAK ATTACK

Borussia Monchengladbach ace and Liverpool transfer target Denis Zakaria could be available for just £6million during the January transfer window.

That is according to Sport Bild, who claim that Gladbach have decided to offload Zakaria next month.

That is in order to avoid having the midfielder run down his contract and leave for free in the summer.

The Switzerland international has been linked with a move to the Reds in recent weeks

SUL THING

Chelsea are keeping tabs on Bayern Munich ace Niklas Sule as Antonio Rudiger’s poitential replacement.

Rudiger’s contract with the Blues runs out in June and he has has yet to agree to fresh terms.

According to Football London, the west Londoners are keeping tabs on Sule, who is in a similar situation to Rudiger.

With his contract coming to an end in June 2022 – like his compatriot – the defender is permitted to talk to foreign clubs about a pre-contract agreement as early as January.

Reports in November suggested that he’d re-opened talks with Bayern over a new deal, but nothing has materialised

PREM-DEMIC

Here is exactly what is going on with the Covid-19 crisis in British football:

Burnley’s match against Watford was called off last night less than three hours before kick-off following an outbreak in the Hornets’ squad.

Three Championship games scheduled for Saturday — Reading vs Luton, Millwall against Preston and Swansea’s trip to QPR — have already been postponed as well.

And there are serious fears this could wipe out the festive programme, leaving the sport in crisis

BRIGHTON FIXTURE

Manchester United are expected to face Brighton on Saturday at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

However, United have been stricken by a coronavirus outbreak and reports suggest there has been a total of 19 cases between players and staff.

The Red Devils are keeping the Premier League informed over the status of their squad after they returned to practice at Carrington yesterday.

The Manchester giants remain in regular dialogue with the league after Tuesday’s match with Brentford was postponed.

Thus, the fixture with Brighton could also be called off as sources don’t expect the situation within Ralf Rangnick’s squad to have improved by then

‘TOTAL WAR’

Barcelona are keeping tabs on Arsenal ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

That is according to Sport, who report that Aubameyang is in Barca’s ‘orbit’ ahead of the January transfer window.

The report adds that the striker is in ‘total war’ with the Gunners and could leave in the coming months.

This comes after the Gabon international was stripped of the captain’s armband after another disciplinary breach

‘ONLY SERIOUS BIDDER’

Manchester United are the ‘only’ serious bidder for Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.

That is according to SportBild, who report that United are strong candidates for Haaland’s signature compared to other hitters, but will first have to seal Champions League qualification.

Chelsea have already landed Romelu Lukaku, while Real Madrid’s priority is to sign Kylian Mbappe.

Haaland could replace Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain but a transfer to Paris ‘would only be an alternative’ for him.

Manchester City were keen on signing Harry Kane in the summer and the Tottenham star remains a ‘dream’ target for Pep Guardiola.

Bayern Munich won’t be considered as long as Robert Lewandowski is still leading the attack, while Barcelona are still struggling financially

GETTING IN TUCH

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says he will contact Arsenal star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he was stripped of the captain’s armband by boss Mikel Arteta.

Tuchel, who worked with Aubameyang at Borussia Dortmund, said after being asked whether he is planning to get in contact with the player: “I will at some point.

“I feel sorry that he is in trouble.

“I believe in his positive character but I am not involved in this situation or his club. It is just about my picture and relationship”

FELIX BLOW

Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has dismissed rumours suggesting Joao Felix leaving.

That poses as a transfer blow for both Arsenal and Manchester United.

Cerezo told Mundo Deportivo: “He is a magnificent player.

“I think he does not want to go. For us he is non-transferable. We bet on him as in his day we bet with Sergio Aguero”