Chelsea want Szalai in January, Howe to Newcastle DELAYED, Xavi Barcelona boss LATEST, Sterling transfer update

KICK-OFF PUSHED BACK

‘Technical issues’ at St Andrew’s delayed Birmingham’s Championship clash against Reading by 30 minutes.

The club advised supporters travelling to the ground for Saturday’s 3pm scheduled kick-off to ‘halt their journeys’.

Birmingham then confirmed with less than an hour to go that kick-off had been moved to half an hour later.

A system failure at around 1pm caused an issue with the ticket scanners and fans were kept outside the stadium.

The technical issue also affected the ground’s CCTV.

On-site engineers were on hand to help fix the issues and supporters began entering the stadium at around 2.20pm.

Both teams are floating middle of the pack in the second tier.

TROUBLE DUTCH

Wesley Sneijder’s family have been ‘threatened by gangsters’ as he and Dirk Kuyt were allegedly questioned by police as part of a criminal investigation.

The pair are reportedly embroiled in a major probe into illegal activity in the Netherlands.

According to Algemeen Dagblad via Voetbal Primeur in their homeland, Sneijder and Kuyt are witnesses as cops look into ‘The Hague Godfather’ known as Piet S.

Kuyt, 41, has already admitted to betting on an illegal gambling website while Sneijder denies any involvement.

Discontinued site Edobet is thought to have been set up by Piet S’s son.

Ex-Liverpool forward Kuyt was accused of waging up to £21,000 per day.

Meanwhile, it was quoted thugs said Sneijder and his family would be ‘kicked into hospital’ if he did not pay debts owed – even though the ex-Inter Milan man insists he has not bet on the website

KLOPP PRAISE

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has praised Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain for his contribution against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League.

Although the Reds head coach does want more from the ex-Arsenal midfielder.

He said: “He played a really good game against Atletico (in midweek), very mature.

“He had his ‘Oxlade-Chamberlain’ moments – good with the ball and all that kind of stuff – but we need ‘Mr Oxlade-Chamberlain’ as well, the mature one, the calm one, the closing one.

“We had a proper talk before the game about what we expect and he fulfilled the role really well and I was happy with him.

“The problem is, when you haven’t played for a long time and you consider the situation, you think you have to convince people.”

FLEETING VISIT

Barcelona scouts have made a startling trip to Fleetwood Town to watch young English centre-back James Hill.

The Catalan giants watched the 19-year-old’s performance with a keen eye during his side’s 1-0 defeat to Burton Albion last month.

Hill is out of contract at Fleetwood in the summer despite being offered a new deal at the end of last season.

Along with Barca, The Mail also believe he has attracted a lot of interest from Premier League clubs.

The revelation of Barca’s visit comes just days after he was selected in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21s squad for the first time.

REAL RUD

Real Madrid are prepared to offer Antonio Rudiger a deal worth £200,000 per week, according to reports.

The Spanish giants have identified the Chelsea centre-back as a key transfer target ahead of next season.

Rudiger is out of contract at Stamford Bridge next summer and discussions over a new deal with his current employers have stalled.

Bayern Munich, Tottenham and Manchester City have all been linked with the former Roma stopper.

TALK OF THE TON

Toni Kroos is expected to ‘end his career at Real Madrid,’ according to his agent – with the midfielder himself taking to social media to have his say on the matter.

It comes as a blow for Newcastle and Liverpool who have both been linked with a move for the 31-year-old World Cup winner.

Kroos’ agent, Volker Struth, told SPORT1 journalist Florian Plettenberg: “I think that Toni will end his career at Real Madrid.

“He hasn’t told me in any phone call that he would like to leave. He and his family are very happy in Madrid.”

And Kroos himself retweeted Plettenberg, captioning his post: “NEWS,” in quotation marks alongside a sleeping emoji.

BAILLY NIGHTMARE 

Eric Bailly created an unfortunate piece of history at the start of the Manchester derby as he comically turned the ball into his own net to give Man City the lead.

A cross from the left-hand side was inadvertently tucked away by the outstretched Bailly as the visitors took a seventh minute lead at Old Trafford.

It is the first own goal a United player has ever scored in the Manchester derby.

Reacting to the moment of madness, a depleted Gary Neville simply said: “Poor defending and poor goal.”

RIGHT AT THE TOP

Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of the three best right-backs in the world, according to Brazil legend Cafu.

The 51-year-old played in three World Cup finals in a row on the right of a back four between 1994 and 2002, so is well qualified to judge today’s very best.

Asked about his favourite right-backs by Marca, he said: “I really like Achraf (Hakimi), from PSG, and (Dani) Carvajal. Dani seems very good to me.

Further quizzed on why he likes Carvajal, Cafu added: “Because he has personality.

“He is always at the forefront of attack, he defends very well, he attacks very well and, then, he is a boy who, taking away from this last period of injuries, has always maintained a regularity.

“Oh, and I’m not forgetting Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool, who is also very good.”

WAITING GAME

Antonio Conte waited for the Manchester United job to become available until the very last minute before joining Tottenham, according to reports.

The 52-year-old Italian was confirmed as Nuno Espirito Santo’s successor at Spurs earlier this week.

Journalist Roberto Gotta told Tuttomercatoweb: “I understand that there was a wait until the last moment; Manchester United have a better squad and more decisive players.

“However, Manchester United have never publicly lacked confidence in Solskjaer. Perhaps even to reassure him.

“Conte in Manchester should have won immediately, while in Tottenham, he should have prepared the team for next season.

“I think he did the right thing, or else he risked not doing half of it.”

EDIN OUT

Edinson Cavani has been DROPPED from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s squad ahead of the Manchester derby today.

The Uruguayan scored in Man Utd’s 3-0 victory over Tottenham last weekend as he partnered Cristiano Ronaldo up top.

But he is nowhere to be seen ahead of the highly-anticipated clash with Premier League champions Man City this afternoon as Mason Greenwood looks set to play alongside Ronaldo.

Reports in Uruguay have claimed Cavani is injured, but Solskjaer did not reference any form of problem in the pre-match press conference.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola has dropped Jack Grealish to the bench for the trip to Old Trafford.

City take on their local rivals in United’s first home game since they were trounced 5-0 by Liverpool 13 days ago.

ON THE SERG

Sergio Ramos will FINALLY start training for Paris Saint-Germain next week following a long-term calf injury.

The Spaniard joined the Parisians in the summer, ending his 16-year stay at Real Madrid.

But before Ramos could make a competitive appearance for his new club he picked up a calf injury leading to doubts over his future at the club.

The latest news comes as a boost for both the 35-year-old and the club.

Le Parisien reported this week that PSG were considering terminating Ramos’ contract as a result of his injury struggles.

Despite his return to training, fans won’t catch a glimpse of their summer signing in action until late November.

The centre-back has not played a competitive game in six months, so the home game against Nantes on November 20 is being targeted.

If Ramos gets through the Nantes game without a scratch, he could be in line to face Champions League group rivals Manchester City four days later.

BACK TO BASICS 

Rio Ferdinand missed BT Sport’s Champions League coverage recently, after having to rush to his local NHS hospital.

The Manchester United legend made the dash to his nearest clinic after pain from an old back injury became unbearable.

Ferdinand, 42, was forced to spend five days in hospital as doctors sought to ease his pain.

Further tests are required to fully diagnose his current issue.

During his stay, The Athletic reveal that starstruck fellow patients asked the former England stalwart for selfies.

Ferdinand joined BT Sport’s coverage of Man United’s 3-2 win over Atalanta from home, before rejoining their studio coverage for the latest round of games.

He is still dogged by pain as he walks, however, as he waits for a more long-term solution.

NOU CAV?

New Barcelona boss Xavi has drawn up a five-man shortlist as he prepares to bolster his squad over the next 12 months.

The legendary Spanish midfielder was confirmed as Ronald Koeman’s replacement in the early hours of Saturday morning.

According to Sport, Xavi has identified five players he is interested in bringing in to enhance the 4-3-3 formation he will vehemently stick to.

With Sergio Aguero out for three months, a proven No9 will be right at the top of Barca’s wishlist in the January window.

Manchester United striker Edinson Cavani and Arsenal man Alexandre Lacazette are both turning the head of Xavi as he looks for a player to lead the line.

FIOR GOODNESS SAKE

Arsenal are willing to match Fiorentina’s £68million asking price for Dusan Vlahovic in January, according to reports.

But the Serbian wants to wait for a better offer.

Arsenal are one of a number of clubs monitoring the 21-year-old’s situation.

Despite Vlahovic being about to enter the final 18 months of his contract, Fiorentina will demand £68m for their star man in January.

According to DiMarzio, this asking price hasn’t deterred the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s side are willing to make a bid for the 6ft 3in ace.

MARC-ED MAN

Antonio Conte is ready to raid old club Inter Milan to bring Marcelo Brozovic to Tottenham, according to reports.

The midfielder is yet to sign a new contract in Milan and will be available on a free transfer in the summer.

Tuttomercatoweb now claim Spurs and Paris Saint-Germain are weighing up an offer.

Inter are unable to pay Brozovic, 28, the £125,000-a-week wages he is claimed to be demanding.

Conte is reportedly keeping an eye on the situation and could make a swoop for his former player.

The pair won Serie A together last season after the Italian transformed Brozovic into a playmaker just in front of the back four.

T-AKE A CHANCE

John Terry has revealed he told Chelsea boss Antonio Conte to leave him out of the squad for the entirety of his final season – in order to give Nathan Ake a chance.

JT was itching to see the Dutch youngster, 21 at the start of the 2016-17 campaign, given a chance at Stamford Bridge, even if it meant sacrificing his own minutes.

Speaking with snooker legend Stephen Hendry on an Instagram Live Q&A, Terry revealed he told Conte to give Ake the senior match-day experience, even if it was watching from the bench.

But Ake only played four times all season and was sold to Bournemouth in the summer after Terry’s retirement, having spent the first half of the season on loan on the South Coast.

Terry said: “I went to see [Conte] around Christmas time.

“I was like ‘gaffer, listen you’re putting me on the bench and we’ve got Nathan Ake’, who for me was an unbelievably talented young player.

“I said ‘put him on the bench because the chances of him coming on are really slim, it’s going to be great experience for him’.

“‘He was on the bench for about seven, eight or ten games, and he ended up playing against Spurs in the [FA Cup] semi-final that year.

“And it was just little stuff like that. I’m not sure players would have done what I did.”

LO BLOW 

Wanda Nara has strangely posted a throwback photo with her ex Maxi Lopez, days after splitting from hubby Mauro Icardi.

The pair were involved in a public spat where she accused Icardi of allegedly cheating with an Argentine model.

Wanda’s friend Yanina Latorre confirmed the couple had split, telling Los Angeles de la Manana: “Wanda Nara is separated, I spoke to her [on Wednesday] morning.

And now, Wanda has posted a pic with her ex Lopez on Instagram with a love heart and praying emoji.

GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS

Rivals Manchester United and Manchester City lock horns today at Old Trafford.

United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been dealt with an injury blow as Raphael Varane limped out of the midweek Champions League draw at Atalanta.

Varane faces four to five weeks out with a hamstring injury, while Victor Lindelof is set for a late fitness test due to a recent knock.

Paul Pogba is also sidelined as he serves the second game of a three-match ban following his red card against Liverpool two weeks ago.

City boss Pep Guardiola, on the other hand, will be without Aymeric Laporte as he is suspended.

Laporte was sent off during last week’s 2-0 loss to Crystal Palace at the Etihad.

Guardiola will also make a late decision on Kyle Walker, who suffered a foot injury against Club Brugge on Wednesday in the Champions League.
Ferran Torres is also dealing with a foot problem of his own and will be absent against United.

Meanwhile, Barcelona legend Xavi is set to replace Ronald Koeman in the Barca dugout after the Blaugrana agreed a deal for his release with current club Al-Sadd.

The Qatari outfit released the following statement: “The #AlSadd administration has agreed on Xavi’s move to Barcelona after the payment of the release clause stipulated in the contract.

“We’ve agreed on cooperation with Barcelona in the future. Xavi is an important part of Al-Sadd’s history and we wish him success.

“Xavi informed us a few days ago of his desire to go to Barcelona at this particular time, because of the critical stage his hometown club is going through, and we understand this and decided not to stand in his way.”

Finally, Newcastle have reached a verbal agreement with Eddie Howe, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Magpies are still putting together some final details regarding Howe’s technical staff.

The ex-Bournemouth manager looks set to put pen to paper on a contract until 2024.

Romano tweeted: “Eddie Howe not announced yet as new Newcastle manager as there’s still something to be fixed to reach an agreement with his technical staff members. Newcastle board on it since today morning.

“Verbal agreement already reached with Eddie Howe deal until June 2024”

ANOTHER AGUERO REPLACEMENT

Barcelona are also keeping tabs on Arsenal superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

That is according to Fichajes, who claim Barca also see Aubameyang as a potential replacement for Sergio Aguero.

Manchester City record scorer Aguero is temporarily sidelined following a health scare.

The Argentina international faces at least three months out after being diagnosed with a heart problem

LACA FIREPOWER

Arsenal ace Alexandre Lacazette would be a perfect January solution to Manchester City’s striker shortage, Shaun Wright-Phillips told Etienne Fermie.

Wright-Phillips told SunSport: “Someone was talking to me about it the other day and I said ‘for me I would sign Ollie Watkins’.

“Or even Lacazette, he knows where the goal is. He knows how to bring people into play and I always believe that when he plays for Arsenal, their front three behind him seem to play better, there seems to be more of a link-up between them.

“I think he’s like someone that helps Liverpool tick, Roberto Firmino. “When Firmino plays with Sadio Mane and Mo Salah, there’s more space for them to run in behind because he’ll come short.He’ll turn and he’ll drag centre-backs with him and it creates space in-behind.

“The way Phil Foden plays, always running in-behind, Ilkay Gundogan, if Raheem Sterling plays, Riyad Mahrez, it’d just open the game up a little bit more [for them] and give the centre-backs something real to think about, instead of coming short or coming deep with that striker, they have to think about going in-behind as well”

SOUTHAMPTON 1 ASTON VILLA 0

Aston Villa suffered their fifth straight defeat as they lost 1-0 to Southampton at St Mary’s.

Adam Armstrong scored the winner after just three minutes when he fired a stunning left-footed shot from the edge of the area.

Armstrong’s goal works as quite an irony as the striker was signed from Blackburn as a replacement for Danny Ings, who joined Villa in the summer.

Pressure keeps piling up on Dean Smith, who has come under fire following a series of poor results for the Villans

WILL CAV HIM

Barcelona have been linked with a bid for Manchester United ace Edinson Cavani ahead of the January transfer window.

That is according to El Nacional, who report that Barca may try to sign Cavani, whose contract expires in June.

The Blaugrana consider the centre-forward as a replacement to Sergio Aguero, who is temporarily sidelined following a health scare.

Aguero faces at least three months out after being diagnosed with a heart problem

MO ONE BETTER

Liverpool legend Fernando Torres has no doubt that Mohamed Salah is the best footballer on the planet.

Torres told LFC TV when asked if Salah is the best in the world: “100 per cent. I think not only this year, the last two or three seasons have been amazing.

“You’re always talking about individual trophies for players when they win trophies at the same time, but I think he has been one of the best two or three players in the world in the past five or six years. It’s amazing, the consistency.

“You can see he breaks all the records and keeps scoring goals. We chat sometimes and I’m really happy for him because I saw him when he came to England – it was difficult at the beginning but he is a great guy and a great player and he is showing the world”

SHINER LIGHT

Liverpool star Kostas Tsimikas has revealed that the black eye he sported against Atletico Madrid was from an accidental training clash with Thiago Alcantara.

Tsimikas was given a somewhat surprise start by Reds manager Jurgen Klopp for Wednesday’s Champions League victory at Anfield.

The left-back was pictured training with a bruised eye the night before and many wondered how that occurred in the build-up to the big game against Atletico.

The Greece international broke his silence after his impressive performance against Atleti helped the Merseysiders win 2-0, thanks to goals by Diogo Jota and Sadio Mane.

The 25-year-old said he accidentally ‘crashed’ with team-mate Thiago during practice four days ago and showed there is absolutely no hard feelings.

Tsimikas laughed as he told LFC TV Go: “I think three days ago I crashed with Thiago in one exercise inside the pitch.”

TOP MAN

Arsenal great David Seaman believes Crystal Palace manager and former team-mate Patrick Vieira could one day take over the top job at Manchester City and the Emirates.

Seaman said on the latest installment of the Seaman Says Podcast: “Yeah, I think that could be a plan [Vieira replacing Pep Guardiola if he leaves City].

“Would Arsenal be looking at that situation as well? Patrick is proving that he knows what he is doing. He does not get too irate.

“He is disappointed with those last-minute equalisers, but you have definitely seen an improvement in Palace and it is not like a load of players who have gone in there, he has made the players that are already there so much better and that is a good sign”