Chelsea may target £84m Chiesa, Tottenham stunned by Mura, Haaland LATEST, Newcastle transfer news – updates

ROARING DRAGONS

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey have been tipped to deliver World Cup play-off glory for Wales.

The Dragons will find out their opponents for March’s home semi-final in today’s Zurich draw.

Ex-Wales striker Earnshaw said: “Whoever we play we have to be positive in our approach because we have some very good players.

“It’s different from a normal game because you know the prize at the end of it is huge. When you go into the play-offs you have to make sure you handle everything. The pressure is big.

“It’s great we have the likes of Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey because they are two people who are great footballers but the one thing that doesn’t get highlighted is the amount of pressure and weight of the nation on their shoulders always but they deliver consistently.

“To qualify for a World Cup would be amazing and unbelievable for the whole country.”

CONTE BELIEVE IT

Angry Antonio Conte saw his Spurs flops produce the biggest Euro horror show in the club’s history and said: “I am not a magician.”

he was given a reality shock in the defeat to Mura and acknowledged there is a lot of work to do to improve the side.

After the match he said: “After three weeks I am starting to understand the situation. It is not simple.

“At this moment the level at Tottenham is not so high.

“I am happy to stay here but we have to work a lot to improve the quality of the squad. We are Tottenham but there is an important gap with the top teams but I am not scared.

“I want to reduce the time to try and win something. The situation now is starting to be very clear in my mind.

“I like to win, I play to win in every competition that we have to play. This must be the same for my players.”

FAN TROUBLE

Ugly scenes broke out in Leicester’s Europa League game with Legia Warsaw as away fans attacked police.

The Foxes were leading the game 3-1 when the travelling supporters clashed with security and police.

Flares were set off as they attempted to storm the home stands where Leicester fans were sitting and threw objects.

3 PINTS FOR A WIN

Footie fans could be allowed to drink during games again for the first time in 36 years, writes NATASHA CLARK and NICHOLAS GUTTERIDGE.

The law banning booze in stands could be axed as part of a wide-ranging review of the sport.

Among recommendations is a test scheme for fans to be able to drink alcohol during matches at League Two and National League clubs.

Ministers have welcomed the move, part of a fan-led review headed by ex-sports minister Tracey Crouch.

She said a “small scale and limited pilot” on the sale of alcohol “in sight of the pitch” would help struggling clubs rake in extra cash.

Ms Crouch added yesterday: “This is about the financial sustainability of the lowest parts of the league — such a small change would make a huge difference.”

Research suggests an average League Two club loses around £184,000 a season by not being able to sell booze to fans watching matches.

NOT SHAW

Ralf Rangnick raised concern over Manchester United star Luke Shaw in an interview in 2020, writes KEALAN HUGHES.

The coach, 63, is set to take over as interim boss after agreeing a deal with the club.

And he could be keen to improve the defence judging by an answer he gave in regard to where the Red Devils need to improve.

“I think on the market there are a few young central defenders.

“They (United) could do with a left-back.

“I know they have Luke Shaw but I’m not so sure if he’s still on the same kind of level you need for a club like Manchester United.”

IRON GRIP

West Ham got the job done with victory over Rapid to seal top spot in qualifying and a place in the last 16 of the Europa League, DUNCAN WRIGHT.

Two goals late in the first half set the Hammers on course for the win which ensured they topped Group H and avoided a play-off tie against a Champions League team.

With Borussia Dortmund already dropping down and the likes of Barcelona and Atletico Madrid also in danger, safe passage is a major boost for the London club.

And it ensures boss David Moyes has the luxury of resting all his big players in the final match next month with the club in the middle of a hectic run of fixtures through to the new year.

It takes their run to four wins and one draw in Europea – not bad for a club enjoying their first experience in the group stages of the competition.

EUROPEAN SCORES

Tottenham have just lost 2-1 to Slovenian side NS Mura in the Europa Conference League……

Here’s the scores from the Europa League:

• Crvena Zvezda 1-0 Ludogorets FT
• Rapid Wien 0-2 West Ham FT
• Midtjylland 3-2 Braga FT
• Lokomotiv Moscow 0-3 Lazio FT
• Dinamo Zagreb 1-1 Genk FT
• Real Betis 2-0 Ferencvaros FT
• Galatasaray 4-2 Marseille FT
• Bayer Leverkusen 3-2 Celtic FT
• Olympiacos vs Fenerbahce 8PM
• PSV vs Sturm Graz 8PM
• Rangers vs Sparta Prague 8PM
• Leicester City vs Legia Warsaw 8PM
• Eintracht Frankfurt vs Antwerp 8PM
• Monaco vs Real Sociedad 8PM
• Brondby vs Lyon 8PM

And the only real relevant result in the Europa Conference League:

• Mura 2-1 Tottenham FT

WRECK IT RALF

Should Man Utd land Ralf Rangnick and line him up for a future ‘consultancy’ role supporting a top class manager, it might just be the best bit of business the club has done since Fergie left.

SESSPITT

Ryan Sessegnon suffered a nightmare on his big chance to impress new Tottenham boss Antonio Conte, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.

The 21-year-old was handed an opportunity to shine when he was named in the starting line-up for the Europa Conference League clash away to Slovenian minnows NS Mura.

But the former Fulham star’s night was over after just half an hour after he was given his marching orders.

Sessegnon was firstly booked after only 11 minutes for a mistimed tackle.

The wing-back was then sent-off for a second booking 20 minutes later.

HAMMERS WONT SPEND BIG

Daniel Kretinsky may have purchased 27 per cent of West Ham, but he has warned fans big money won’t be spent in the transfer market yet.

He told the Evening Standard: “Our investment will bring a positive improvement to the club’s capital structure, initially enabling a reduction of its long-term debt and increasing the ability to further direct funds generated into key areas.

“I hope our business acumen and experience of football will also prove beneficial to West Ham United.

“We have come to support the club but – so as to manage supporters’ expectations – that doesn’t mean big spending in the January transfer window.

“I’m hugely impressed by the work of David Moyes and his team who have improved results over a long period of time.

“This gradual evolution is, in my opinion, the most healthy way to build a strong club on a firm basis and with the right attitudes and culture.

“I speak from experience. We tried to rush the development of Sparta Prague a couple of years ago and the results were disappointing.

“Improving the quality of the squad is great, of course. But we prefer a gradual way that preserves and protects the ethos of the club and its values. Including team spirit.”

RED ALERT

Liverpool and Juventus have sent scouts to watch Olympiacos wonderkid Aguibou Camara in action against Fenerbahce, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.

The Greek champions take on the Turkish outfit tonight at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in a crucial encounter and Camara is set to start for Pedro Martins’ side.

According to Greek journalist and editor of Sportime Giannis Chorianopoulos, the Reds have sent a representative to Athens to keep tabs on the talented attacking midfielder.

SunSport revealed recently that the Merseysiders are interested in signing the versatile midfielder, who can also play as a winger.

However, Liverpool look set for an intense bidding war as fellow Premier League clubs Leicester and Newcastle are also eyeing the Guinea international.

Sources have told SunSport the Prem trio have made contact with the player’s agent.

RON WORRY

Some Manchester United fans are fearing for legend Cristiano Ronaldo after it emerged Ralf Rangnick is set to become interim manager.

The German, 63, will sign a six-month contract with the Red Devils, after the club sacked Norwegian boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

However, the news that Rangnick is set to arrive at United has led to many wondering where the 36-year-old Ronaldo would fit in under the new man.

Especially after Rangnick labelled the Portuguese icon as ‘too old’ five years ago while he was RB Leipzig.

Back then he asked whether he would ever consider signing Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

And he replied: “It would be absurd to think that it could work with them here. They are both too old and too expensive.”

‘DISGUSTING’ 

Gareth Bale agent Jonathan Barnett has lashed out at Real Madrid fans who abused his client last week.

Bale was leaving Real’s Valdebebas training facility on Friday when one furious supporter appeared to throw a marker pen at his car window with cries of ‘F**k you’ heard.

Barnett was furious with that incident and branded that small group of yobs as “disgusting” when he landed in Madrid.

He told El Chiringuito when asked if he considers the opinion of Real fans: “I don’t, why should I care?

“I think they’ve been disgusting to Gareth Bale.”

RED FACED

Jurgen Klopp was left red-faced after being called out by a furious reporter for his recent comments about the African Cup of Nations.

Klopp was forced to clarify his comments after he previously referred to AFCON as ‘a little tournament’, which he claimed was ironic and taken out of context.

But the description still landed him in hot water, with Ojora Babatunde of OJB Sports demanding an apology from Klopp in a heated exchange via Zoom.

Babatunde said: “Hi Jurgen, during your last pre-match presser, you deliberately regarded the Africa Cup of Nations as a ‘little tournament’.

“I think it’s an insult to the players, an insult to the fans, an insult to the people, an insult to the continent and I think you owe the continent an apology.”

Klopp, who was visibly stunned, replied: “I didn’t mean it like that. I didn’t mean it like that, I don’t know why you understand it like that to be honest…”

The two then proceeded to interrupt each other before Klopp allowed the reporter to get his point across.

Babatunde then pressed Klopp further, saying: “That was what you said, I listened to the presser and you said the continent in Africa [is little], that is what you said.”

The pair then went back and forth over the issue with neither party backing down from their point of view.

NICK OF TIME

Manchester United have agreed a deal to appoint Ralf Rangnick as interim manager, according to reports.

The move is subject to his current club Lokomotiv Moscow allowing him to leave, report The Athletic.

He is currently head of sports and development at the Russian club but it is believed that United do not think there will be any obstacle to prevent him from leaving.

Rangnick, 63, will sign on for six months as manager before moving into a consultancy role at the club at the end of the season.

However, the Red Devils have been unable to get a deal sorted prior to the visit to Chelsea on Sunday.

That means Michael Carrick will continue in the dugout and have the opportunity to win his first Premier League match as a manager.

PLAYER COLLAPSED

Wigan striker Charlie Wyke has been rushed to hospital after collapsing in training, the club has confirmed.

The 28-year-old collapsed and was attended to by Wigan’s medical staff before being taken to hospital where he will be monitored over the next few days.

On the incident, Wigan Athletic Chief Executive, Mal Brannigan, said: “First and foremost, the absolute priority for everyone associated with Wigan Athletic is Charlie’s health and wellbeing and providing support to him and his family.

“As a Club, we would like to place on record our sincere appreciation to all of the staff within the NHS who, within what we know are challenging times, were excellent in their response and subsequent care for Charlie, working together with our medical team.

“Clearly this news will cause alarm, though we would politely request that the privacy of Charlie and his family is respected.

“At the appropriate time, we will look to provide further updates to our supporters.”

VAN DER HEART

Rafael van der Vaart has questioned if Lionel Messi still has the same desire for football as Cristiano Ronaldo.

Both players made mega moves this summer with Cristiano heading to Man United and Messi joining Paris Saint-Germain.

But while Ronaldo’s hit the ground running at United, the same can’t be said of Messi in Paris.

And Van der Vaart reckons the difference between the two footballing greats lies in their hunger, which makes the Dutchman sad.

He said: “It makes me sad. It’s a question of desire. Does he [Messi] want it or not? When you compare him to Cristiano Ronaldo, one is fighting to take his team to the next level – and one isn’t.”

WHAT A JOK

Sheffield United have sacked Slavisa Jokanovic.

The former Fulham boss was only appointed by the Blades back in May.

But following an inconsistent start to the season, United have opted to get rid – hiring last season’s caretaker Paul Heckingbottom on a permanent basis until 2026.

In a brutal article that features a picture of Heckingbottom rather than Jokanovic, the Serb is hardly even mentioned.

There is no thank you for his efforts or any respectful parting words.

They wrote: “Sheffield United and Slavisa Jokanovic have parted company, with Paul Heckingbottom installed as the club’s football manager.

“Yorkshireman Heckingbottom takes charge of the club’s football business immediately after agreeing a contract through to the end of the 2025/26 season.

“He will begin by leading training at the Randox Health Academy on Friday and be in position for Sunday’s Sky Bet Championship fixture with Bristol City.

“Following several months of strategic planning and a lacklustre start to the season, the board decided that a change was in the best long-term interests of the club.”

DUS THE MAN 

Manchester United will battle it out with a host of Europe’s top clubs including Spurs to sign £70million-rated Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.

According to the Daily Mail, the Red Devils are the latest to join the list of clubs keeping tabs of Vlahovic – including Spurs, Newcastle, AC Milan and Juventus.

The 21-year-old striker is currently one of Europe’s most sought after players, having scored 12 goals in 14 games in all competitions so far this season.

He netted an impressive 21 goals in 37 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina last season, which saw him win the Serie A Best Young Player for 2020-21 award.

BLUE BUYS

Thomas Tuchel could be without Ben Chilwell for the rest of the season amid fears the left-back suffered a serious knee injury in the win against Juventus.

If Chilwell is out long-term, then Chelsea will be tempted to dip into the transfer market in January to sign a replacement.

Chilwell had to be helped from the pitch after jarring his leg in the 4-0 win over Juve and is undergoing scans to discover the extent of the injury.

It leaves Marcos Alonso as Tuchel’s only other current option in the position.

And with the Blues expected to challenge for silverware on multiple fronts this campaign another left-back could be a priority.

BABY ON BOARD 

Donny van de Beek and partner Estelle Bergkamp enjoyed a heartwarming, football-themed baby gender reveal.

The happy couple revealed earlier this month that they are expecting their first child.

And now they know that they will be welcoming a baby girl into the world.

In pictures shared to Instagram, Donny gave fans a look at his football-related reveal.

Pregnant Estelle, daughter of Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp, joined the Manchester United midfielder in a five-aside cage.

Donny, 24, then booted a football, with the mini ball designed to release smoke of a certain colour when kicked.

The couple colour coded blue for a boy and pink for a girl.

Their faces painted a joyful picture as pink smoke rose into the air.

They then posed for a sweet picture together, grinning at each other in delight.

PAUL OVER 

Real Madrid have halted their pursuit of Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, according to reports.

The 28-year-old Frenchman is set to leave Old Trafford for free in the summer when his contract expires.

And Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for the World Cup winner as they prepare to bolster their squad under Carlo Ancelotti.

But, according to AS, the Spanish giants are no longer interested in bringing Pogba to the club despite him being available for free.

TIME’S UP

Slavisa Jokanovic is set to be sacked by Sheffield United after just six months.

The Serbian replaced Chris Wilder as permanent manager following relegation from the Premier League.

But with the Blades 16th in the Championship, Jokaonovic has been axed with United eight points above the relegation zone and eight points below the final play-off place.

U23s coach Paul Heckingbottom is set to take charge on Sunday against Bristol City for a second caretaker spell after taking the reins for 11 games following Wilder’s exit.

And Heckingbottom will be given a chance to stake a claim for the job, with former Norwich and Preston boss Alex Neil also considered.

Tuesday’s win at Reading – where midfielder John Fleck was rushed to hospital after collapsing on the pitch – was Sheffield United’s sixth win from 19 games.

Jokanovic, who had won promotion to the Prem with Watford and Fulham, left Qatari side Al-Gharafa in May and was tasked with an immediate return to the top-flight.

Coming in after Heckingbotton’s interim spell at the end of last season, United have lost as many matches – eight – as they lost.

And whereas fellow relegated sides Fulham and West Brom are riding high, the South Yorkshire club have suffered a severe hangover since dropping down to the Championship.

Despite selling Aaron Ramsdale for £30million to Arsenal, the Blades kept the vast majority of the squad but have struggled for any form of consistency.

Jokanovic, 53, is believed to have been frustrated at the club’s summer transfer business, with only four players signed – all on loan – and the Serb failing to land the two wingers he was desperate for.

DRUM ROLL

The World Cup 2022 play-off draw will include ten nations who finished as runners up in qualifying.

And will also include two Nations League group winners who missed out on a spot in their respective group.

Just three sides will make it through the play-offs and play at the 2022 World Cup from the twelve who enter the play-off stage.

The teams in the hat are:

Seeded:

• Portugal
• Italy
• Scotland
• Russia
• Sweden
• Wales

Unseeded

• Austria
• North Macedonia
• Turkey
• Poland
• Ukraine
• Czech Republic