ENGLAND were loving being back at Wembley as Harry Kane’s hat-trick all but sealed a place at the 2022 World Cup.
Gareth Southgate’s side can secure their spot in Qatar if they draw with minnows San Marino.
And now Crystal Palace midfielder Conor Gallagher is on the brink of being called up to the Three Lions squad, with an announcement expected later today.
Dani Alves has completed an emotional free transfer back to Barcelona.
But his new team-mate Sergio Aguero is at risk of never playing football again after an irregular heartbeat was discovered.
The Argentina will have to sit out a minimum of three further months of action but it is touch and go as to whether we see the former Manchester City star on the field again.
Meanwhile Frank Lampard has rejected the chance to take over Norwich at the 11th hour.
As a result of the former Chelsea boss’ decision, the Canaries are set to offer recently dismissed Aston Villa chief Dean Smith the manager’s job.
Norwich sacked Daniel Farke last week, despite him earning a crucial first win of the season at Brentford away.
But one manager who will be going nowhere is England’s Gareth Southgate.
The FA are set to tie Southgate down to a new deal which will take him through to Euro 2024 and make him one of the highest paid Three Lions bosses ever.
We’ve also got all the latest on a potential transfer for Declan Rice as well as updates from Chelsea, who are eyeing a swoop for Attila Szalai in January.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
FLO RIDA
Arsenal and Man Utd are just two clubs that are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz.
According to El Nacional, Chelsea, Man City, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keen on the 18-year-old midfielder.
It has been claimed that the Blues and Los Blancos have shown the most interest in prising the midfielder away from Germany.
Though the player is said to be keen on a move to Barca, with the youngster a fan of new boss Xavi.
Though any potential suitor may have to wait until 2023 to sign Wirtz, who has chipped in with seven goals and as many assists from 14 games this season.
SQUAD SUPPORT
Gareth Bale and his team-mates paid tribute to two Welsh players who have been hit by cancer.
Senior star David Brooks of Bournemouth, 24, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last month.
Then Wales U21 and Norwich goalkeeper Daniel Barden was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Wales captain, 32, Bale and his pals wore t-shirts pre-match with messages of support.
The t-shirt read in Welsh: “I David. I Dan.” which means ‘For David. For Dan”.
Bale and co made the gesture just minutes before the Real Madrid forward led his side out to prior to winning his 100th cap against Belarus in the 5-1 win.
Both players are currently undergoing treatment in a bid to cure the illness.
NICK OF TYNE
EXCLUSIVE – Newcastle head of recruitment Steve Nickson is staying in the Toon revolution.
Boss Eddie Howe wants to shake up the staff but Nickson looks set to remain in his post.
Nickson was hugely influential under Steve Bruce and although they clashed on a couple of targets, the former boss often lost.
And, despite a possible new director of football being appointed, it seems sure he will carry on.
Liverpool’s Michael Edwards is a dream target on Newcastle’s shortlist but has other interest.
Adviser Frank McParland may be ruled out as he has links to Phil Foden’s agents.
TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Man Utd are reportedly back in talks to sign Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier.
The England international was linked with a move to the Red Devils in the summer.
But the LaLiga side demanded United to activate his whopping £51.2million release clause, which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were unwilling to do.
According to Il Tempo, United are in negotiations to bring the 31-year-old to Old Trafford.
And this would allow Roma to sign Diogo Dalot, who has played second fiddle to Aaron Win-Bissaka this term.
United would only allow Dalot to depart if they are able to sign the ex-Tottenham defender.
TAKING THE MICH
Rangers have been told to consider Man Utd coach Michael Carrick to succeed Steve Gerrard as manager at Ibrox.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam said: “I’ll throw a name in the hat.
“Michael Carrick – he has been at Man United, a big club, good coach. It was a gamble with Steven.
“Will they go down that same route? Will they go for an experienced name?
“There will only be three or four people that know.”
SEAD TO SEE
Arsenal defender Sead Kolasinac suffered a ‘shocking’ injury while playing for Bosnia and Herzegovina against Finland.
Kolasinac was forced off injured after just 39 minutes following the nasty challenge from Minnesota United’s Jukka Raitala.
The Finnish defender was rightfully sent off by Premier League official Michael Oliver.
Kolasinac, 28, has made only four appearances for Arsenal this season and he fights for his spot in Mikel Arteta’s squad.
But the horror tackle and subsequent injury will not help his case if he faces time on the sidelines.
CANARIES SINGING
Norwich are set to appoint Dean Smith at Carrow Road on a deal until 2024.
According to The Athletic, the ex-Aston Villa gaffer has verbally agreed to take charge of struggling Canaries.
Former Leicester and Villa assistant Craig Shakespeare is expected to come in as Smith’s No2.
The Norfolk outfit are rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table after 11 games played.
PAUL THE OTHER ONE
Paul Gascoigne has lifted the lid on the reason why he decided against joining Manchester United in 1988.
The 54-year-old eventually signed for Tottenham from Newcastle, despite giving Sir Alex Ferguson his word that he would ply his trade at Old Trafford.
Gascoigne told United’s website: “There was the Gaffer [Robson] and Neil Webb, always together [on England duty].
“I’m thinking – and I probably shouldn’t say this, because he’ll [Sir Alex Ferguson] probably be watching – but I thought: ‘I’m never going to get a game here’.
“And then Neil Webb did his ankle. He got taken off and I got the chance to play with the Gaffer [Robson] in midfield [for England], which, for me, was probably one of the best feelings ever.
“I think that’s one of the reasons I didn’t join Man United.
“Because it was just Neil Webb and the Gaffer, constantly [for England] – and Neil Webb obviously played for Man United – so I thought: maybe I’ll not get a game. That was one of the reasons.”
THE CONTE WAY
Tottenham could look like a very different proposition under Antonio Conte by the time the January transfer window slams shut.
Spurs have been boosted by the appointment of the 52-year-old Italian who has won league titles at Juventus, Chelsea and Inter Milan.
It is believed that one of Conte’s stipulations to taking the job was that he would have money to spend in the transfer market.
And the cash could begin to flow as early as January when he looks to improve his squad for the rest of the season.
Here is how Spurs could look in 2022.
GO GET HIM
Xavi wants to bring back another former Barcelona player to the club in shape of Liverpool’s Thiago, according to reports in Spain.
And Sport are reporting the Spain midfielder would ‘welcome’ a return to the Nou Camp.
He could be the second player to return to Barca under new boss Xavi after the club announced they have re-signed 38-year-old Dani Alves.
Alves played alongside Thiago and Xavi at Barcelona but his comeback is likely to be much more complicated than that of the Brazilian right-back, who was a free agent after leaving Sao Paulo in September.
The Sport report says Xavi ‘wants Thiago Alcantara back in Barcelona and the Liverpool midfielder welcomes his possible return’.
It adds the Barca boss has already told club president Joan Laporta he wants Thiago, 30, who was seen as the ‘generational replacement’ in their midfield for Xavi, who left to play for Al Sadd in 2015.
CAMP DE BEEK
Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell has urged his former club to take Donny van de Beek off Manchester United’s books.
De Beek’s had a torrid time at United but Campbell reckons the Dutch star is a hidden gem that could flourish with Arsenal.
“Speaking on the Highbury Squad YouTube channel, Campbell said: “There’s been a rumour about van de Beek at Manchester United.
“It’s (not playing under Solskjaer) not his fault, how is it his fault?
“He was at Ajax, he was unbelievable at Ajax. Gets signed by Manchester United and they won’t play him.
“I don’t know, I’m just saying it’s a rumour. I only want what’s best for Arsenal and I believe that van de Beek can play if given the opportunity. The boy can play.”
NEW MEN
Ex-Chelsea technical director Michael Emenalo is confident he will land a top job at Newcastle.
The Magpies are looking for a new director of football following the club’s whopping £300million Saudi-led takeover.
According to Eurosport, Emenalo thinks it’s highly likely he will be appointed to work directly above new Toon manager Eddie Howe.
Newcastle made the appointment of a new head coach their top priority after sacking Steve Bruce and sorted it out with Howe’s arrival.
Now the club’s new owners are looking for a new director of football before tackling the January transfer window.
HAA LA LAND
Erling Haaland could be set to double his wages at Borussia Dortmund as the Bundesliga outfit fight to keep him.
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away BVB in 2022 with the striker boasting a £64million release clause in his contract.
Manchester United and Chelsea are just two Premier League clubs known to be interested in the Norway international.
And Manchester City are also understood to be keeping tabs on the ex-Red Bull Salzburg centre-forward as a replacement for Sergio Aguero.
Meanwhile LaLiga giants Real Madrid are claimed to be one of the leading frontrunners to secure his services.
But potential suitors have been warned that any deal could cost as much as £250m after wages and agent fees.
Such is their desire to avoid selling him, BVB are prepared to doubles his wages, according to Bild via Inside Futbol.
It has been stated that Dortmund are willing to offer him £15million-a-season to convince him to stay.
ON THE BRONCK
Gianni Van Bronckhorst has been pictured in London after jetting into the UK to kick off talks that could see him named Rangers manager.
The former Feyenoord boss is the short-priced favourite to replace Steven Gerrard following his departure for Aston Villa.
Video footage posted by The Ibrox Channel Twitter account confirms SunSport’s exclusive story that the Dutchman was jetting in for key talks TODAY.
Van Bronckhorst spent four seasons in charge at Feyenoord, leading the club to their first Dutch title in 18 years.
He hopes to bring in Jean-Paul van Gastel, who worked with him at Feyenoord, and Jan Wouters as part of his backroom staff.
Reports in the Netherlands this morning say both Rangers and van Bronckhorst are hoping for a quick resolution and for a deal to be thrashed out this weekend.
They say the 46-year-old hopes to stand in front of the squad ASAP and begin plans for next weekend’s semi-final against Hampden.
TRIPLE THREAT
Barcelona are reportedly targeting one of Chelsea trio Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech or Callum Hudson-Odoi if they can’t land key target Raheem Sterling.
The Catalan giants are eyeing a rebuild under new boss and legendary midfielder Xavi.
According to Sport, Barca have already drafted up a list of alternatives should they fail to land the England international.
Barca could turn to Ziyech, Hudson-Odoi or Pulisic to bolster their attacking ranks.
Ziyech or Pulisic seem more realistic, with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel desperate to hold onto academy product Hudson-Odoi.
BRUY OH BOY
Kevin De Bruyne doesn’t believe that Fifa’s plans for a World Cup every two years is a ‘bad idea’.
Football’s governing body are trying to change the annual calendar for 2024 and beyond, with a change to bi-annual World Cups on the agenda.
But Manchester City star De Bruyne, 30, doesn’t necessarily dislike the idea.
While away on international duty, he told Belga: “At the start of the season, I had a meeting with Fifa and Arsene Wenger to explain to us what they wanted to do.
I told them that they had to keep a real period of rest for us, the players, at the end of the season.
“The idea isn’t bad in itself, as long as everyone works together.”
DIALLO SPEAKS
Paris Saint-Germain footballer Aminata Diallo has broken her silence after being released by police without charge.
The PSG Feminine star, 26, was held for 36 hours by cops over claims that she hired armed thugs to attack her team-mate.
The French international has denied all claims, however, and has vowed to clear her name.
In a statement issued by her lawyers, Diallo said that she: “Hopes that judicial authorities conclude their investigation quickly and is sure that this will end up showing her complete and total innocence.”
She then rubbished a: “totally artificial suggestion of a rivalry between her and Mme Kheira Hamraoui that would explain why she would target her team-mate.
“This theory does not reflect at all the reality of their relationship.”
MAJOR REGRET
Manchester United icon Bryan Robson admits that it was ‘the biggest mistake of his life’ to turn down the England manager’s job.
Robson was offered the chance to lead the Three Lions when Terry Venables was given the boot, but the 64-year-old opted to stay with Middlesbrough.
When asked if he’d be interested in the role by ex-Arsenal coach Don Howe, who would’ve set-up the move, Robson declined in what turned out to be his biggest regret.
Robson told the Mail: “I gave him an instant, gut reaction ‘no’. I said I didn’t feel I was ready for England and I’d be going back to managing Middlesbrough.
“That was the biggest mistake of my life. I should have asked for the weekend to think it over and had I done so I would have agreed.
“Too late. The offer would never come again. They went and gave the job to Glenn Hoddle, who had even less experience of management than I did.”
SO KEANE
Tony Cascarino reckons Roy Keane was waiting for a reason to rip into Harry Maguire.
Keane blasted Maguire for his goal celebration after scoring for England yesterday, and Cascarino believes the retired centre-midfielder couldn’t wait to get stuck into the England star.
Cascarino told talkSPORT: “When he goes for you, he really goes for you. I always laugh.
“Unfortunately for Harry, Roy has only had a few months of watching him play badly.
“He’s probably thought, ‘If you do something like you just did, I’m going to give it to you’.”
MUM’S THE WORD
Emile Smith Rowe has revealed that his first England cap is going to his mum.
Rowe earned his first Three Lions cap following a string of impressive displays for Arsenal this season.
The 21-year-old made his debut as a second-half sub in England’s 5-0 win over Albania last night, but he wants to share the accolade with his mother.
When asked what he plans to do with the cap, Rowe said “It’s going straight to my mum, so thank you”
MAGUIRE DEFENCE
England boss Gareth Southgate has praised Harry Maguire’s character after the Three Lions win over Albania.
Maguire got on the scoresheet in England’s 5-0 rout against Albania, but his celebrations weren’t well-received by pundits such as Roy Keane.
However, Southgate leapt to Maguire’s defence saying: “It’s been a difficult period for him, coming back too early really but he’s a player that wants to be out there for his team.
“I think he’s shown huge responsibility in doing that, so he never ducks that challenge, and it was great to see him scoring tonight again.”
LOOKING BACK
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has shortlisted three of his former Bournemouth players, reports suggest.
Those are Manchester City ace Nathan Ake as well as Cherries duo Lloyd Kelly and Jefferson Lerma, who thrived during Howe’s eight-year stint at Dean Court.
According to 90 Min, the Magpies’ new boss is looking back at familiar faces in his bid to take his team out of the relegation zone and kick start a new era after their £300million Saudi-led takeover.
The Toon are reportedly keeping tabs on Burnley captain James Tarkowski but the Clarets are not at all keen on selling to fellow relegation strugglers.
So Newcastle have turned their attention on Ake, who has only managed three Premier League appearances this season having fallen down the pecking order behind City stars John Stones, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte.
Bournemouth stars Kelly and Lerma are also on his wish list and the prospect of playing Premier League football for the richest club in the world is likely to entice them.
Howe paid a total of £63m to sign the trio, with Lerma being his most expensive signing at £25m from Levante in 2018.
FRIENDLY FIRE
Brazilian midfielder Casemiro booted the ball off international team-mate Fred’s face.
Fred was a bit too close to the Real man as he attempted to hook the ball high into the air.
And it bounced clean off the United midfielders face, leaving him dazed.
Fred will have a sore lip today, that’s for sure.
Brazil went on to win the tight contest 1-0, maintaining their perfect unbeaten record in the qualifying group.
IDOL BECKS
Emile Smith Rowe has revealed that David Beckham is his favourite England player.
Arsenal star Rowe made his England debut this week and explained that he was in awe of Beckham when he was growing up.
When speaking to the Three Lions YouTube channel, he said: “My England hero? I’m gonna go for Becks.
“I have to, I have to say Beckham first.
“The set-pieces, the free-kicks and all that — everything about him man. I have to give it to him.”
KAN HAPPEN
Manchester City will reportedly test the waters for Harry Kane again in January in the hope Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will lower his £150million asking price.
The Premier League champions tried to lure Kane to the Etihad in the summer, but wouldn’t meet Spurs’ demands for the England captain.
But according to ESPN, City will return for the 28-year-old in January and are hoping Levy is more reasonable.
New Spurs boss Antonio Conte has been given assurances that Kane will be in his plans moving forward.
But should a big offer come in, Levy’s hand could be forced.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
