CRISTIANO RONALDO could have played his last European game for Juventus.
Juve were dumped out of the Champions League by 10-man Porto last night.
Meanwhile Real Madrid are among the favourites to sign Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez and Manchester United are reportedly chasing Leeds ace Raphinha.
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Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
KOUNDE DELAY
Manchester United will wait until the summer to make a decision regarding a move for Sevilla star Jules Kounde, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bring in a top-quality centre-back to partner Harry Maguire next season.
Victor Lindelof, 26, has been solid if unspectacular alongside the skipper this season.
Old Trafford legend Gary Neville recently described the partnership between Maguire and Lindelof as a big ‘problem’.
Eric Bailly, also 26, has looked more impressive when fit.
The Ivorian’s form has led Man Utd officials to believe he could be the man to partner Maguire, 28, in the heart of defence if he can finally stay injury-free.
Bailly is likely to be given until the end of the season to prove Solskjaer can spend his summer funds elsewhere.
TRICK OR TREAT
Patrick van Aanholt says “all options are open” regarding his future this summer.
The Dutchman, 30, is currently on course to be a free agent when his Crystal Palace contract expires in the summer.
He has been linked to Arsenal, while it has not been ruled out that the ex-Chelsea left-back could sign a new deal at Selhurst Park.
Van Aanholt revealed he has had talks with Eredivisie giants PSV when quizzed on where his career will take him next.
He said: “I spoke with PSV in the winter last year, that was an option. I have not spoken with Ajax yet.
“I’m transfer-free in the summer, so I’ll keep all options open. We’ll see what will happen.”
OUT OF OUR LEAGUE
EFL chairman Rick Parry has warned Uefa its Champions League expansion plans risk decimating the fabric of English football.
European chiefs are set to confirm the new plans to come into effect from 2024 after getting the backing of Europe’s biggest clubs.
But Parry, who was supported by Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish, suggested the planned extra 100 Champions League games per season would destroy the League Cup and be potentially fatal for some of English football’s most historic clubs.
Parry told the European League’s Club Advisory Platform virtual meeting: “The 72 clubs in the EFL are at the heart of their communities
“The League Cup has been in existence for 60 years and is owned and managed by the EFL.
“One of the conditions on the formation of the Premier League was that all clubs would play in it.
“But Uefa proposal poses a major threat to the League Cup, especially with regard to the teams in the Champions League – and it will have a massive effect on EFL revenues
“We estimate we could lose one third of the revenues we distribute to our clubs – which could pose a very real threat to the existence of those clubs.”
FIRING BACK
Jose Mourinho has scoffed at Arsenal’s claims their Europa League switch has given Tottenham the advantage for Sunday’s North London derby.
Spurs will play their last-16 first leg against Dinamo Zagreb at home tomorrow after originally being drawn away.
UEFA switched the tie to avoid a clash with the Gunners, who were also drawn away to Greek champs Olympiakos.
Arsenal believe this will hamper their bid to avoid a second defeat of the season to their bitter local rivals.
But Tottenham chief Mourinho said: “On the 6th of December we played against Arsenal at our stadium.
“On the 3rd of December Arsenal played at home against Rapid Vienna and at the same time we were playing at Linz in Austria against LASK.
“We landed in London at 3am – was that an advantage for Arsenal?”
LUK-Y MAN
Lukasz Fabianski has signed a new one-year deal as West Ham step up planning for next season when they hope to be playing European football.
Fabianksi, 35, would have been out of contract at the London Stadium this summer but has now agreed a new deal keeping him at the club for a further 12 months.
Boss David Moye had been keen to get the talks sorted as soon as possible to avoid any chance that the Polish goalkeeper would be tempted to find another club elsewhere.
There had been interest in Fabianski from clubs across Europe, but he has enjoyed his time in East London and was keen to stay and try to help the club build on their impressive form this season.
West Ham lie fifth in the Premier League with a game in hand, and there is now a growing confidence the side will secure at least a place in the Europa League next year.
Fabianski said: “I think it has been a really good move for me and since I came here, I’ve felt very settled.
“The transition for me was very easy and I really enjoy playing for this Football Club, so I am happy I can stay a bit longer and continue to do my best on and off the pitch.”
CRYSTAL BALL
Crystal Palace are reportedly ready to launch a summer bid for Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher.
The 21-year-old starred on loan at Charlton and Swansea last term before moving into the Premier League with a stint at West Brom.
According to the Express, Gallagher has caught the eye of the Eagles as they plot a summer overhaul.
Speculation over the future of manager Roy Hodgson persists and the squad is also thought to be set for a revamp.
A staggering 11 players are out of contract at Selhurst Park this summer.
Chelsea would reportedly want around £9million for Gallagher with the midfielder under contract until 2025.
AFTER ERLING
Manchester City are the leading contenders to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
The Norwegian talent continued his meteoric rise by registering his 19th and 20th Champions League goals in 14 appearances during Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla.
In doing so, Haaland become the quickest player to reach 20 goals in the competition, and in 10 fewer appearances than the previous record holder Harry Kane.
The 20-year-old has now bagged 31 goals and provided eight assists in 29 appearances this season.
And his exploits have Europe’s elite clambering for his signature.
Bookmakers Betfair have installed Premier League leaders Manchester City as the odds-on 4/6 favourites to be Haaland’s next destination.
RAISE THE BAR
Barcelona have reportedly offered Sergio Aguero a contract to link up with Lionel Messi next season.
The Argentine pair are good friends off the pitch and the club hope to reunite them in attack.
Newly elected Barcelona president Joan Laporta is said by Argentina’s TyCSports to have approached Aguero over the switch.
With his Manchester City contract expiring in less than six months, he is free to pre-agree a move to any club outside England and SunSport first revealed the Catalans’ interest in January.
Laporta reportedly hopes that delivering a new ally to Messi in the Camp Nou dressing room will help convince the talisman to stay.
The 33-year-old’s own deal is up at the end of the season.
PERFECT PEPE
Veteran Porto defender Pepe has been hailed for his performance in his side’s stunning Champions League triumph over Juventus.
And this 120th-minute overhead kick clearance summed up just how heroic the 38-year-old’s defending was on a magical night.
Porto lost the second leg 3-2, but a 2-1 win in the home leg meant the Portuguese side went through on away goals.
And while Sergio Oliveira will rightly get the plaudits for his crucial 115th-minute free-kick goal that sealed their passage through, Pepe was sensational at the back.
GOT THE LOWDOWN
Chelsea are reportedly hoping to pip Manchester United to the signing of RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate.
The Blues believe they have an edge in negotiations as Thomas Tuchel’s assistant coach Zsolt Low knows the player from their time at Leipzig together.
And Bild journalist Christian Falk reports Chelsea are still interested in signing 21-year-old Konate
The report states Hungarian Low, 41, will try to convince the Frenchman that his future lies in West London.
Low was No2 at Leipzig between 2015 and 2018, before linking up with Tuchel at PSG.
Konate has also impressed Real Madrid and Arsenal with his assured displays in the heart of the defence.
United have made no secret of their desire to sign a star centre-back this summer.
ART TO ART
Mikel Arteta admitted defeat to Olympiacos last year ’emotionally drained’ Arsenal – but they are now out to put it right.
The Gunners were knocked out of the Europa League last season on away goals, having won the first leg 1-0, but losing the second 2-1 at the Emirates.
A late Youssef El-Arabi winner, and last-gasp miss from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, made the result all the more painful.
But by chance, Arsenal have an immediate opportunity for revenge, by returning the favour and dumping Olympiacos – who they play on Thursday – out of Europe.
Arteta said: “Obviously it was a really tough one to swallow. The way it happened at the end, it was really cruel.
“After everything we did in the two games, to lose the way we did and with the late chance Auba had.
“But we moved on. We have some feelings towards that team and we want to put it right in the next round.
“Emotionally it really drained us because it was a rollercoaster during the game and with what happened, it could have ended in a beautiful way, but it ended in a really harsh way for us.”
RAPH-LE TICKET
Raphael Varane is reportedly considering his Real Madrid future amid rumours of a move to Manchester United.
The Red Devils are keen to strengthen their defence this summer by landing a big name to partner Harry Maguire.
Kalidou Koulibaly and Jules Kounde are just two of several names linked to the club but Varane is thought to be the number one target.
And reports out of Spain suggest the Frenchman is keen on a summer transfer.
Madrid-based daily AS detail Varane increasingly preferring a move to try his hand in a new league.
At 27, the centre-back has played almost a decade of his career in LaLiga and is coming to a crossroads in his career.
NOT GOT THE GIGG
Ryan Giggs will miss the start of Wales’ World Cup qualifying campaign later this month with his ‘assault’ case still under investigation.
The Dragons manager remains on ‘special leave’ from the Welsh FA following his arrest on November 1 on suspicion of assaulting his on-off girlfriend.
As a result, Manchester United legend Giggs will sit out the qualifying opener against Belgium in Leuven on March 24 and the home clash with Czech Republic on March 30.
He will also miss a Cardiff friendly with Mexico sandwiched in between.
Giggs’ assistant Robert Page will continue as caretaker boss.
HUNGARY FOR MORE
Manchester City have lost home advantage for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie with Borussia Monchengladbach.
And just like Liverpool, Pep Guardiola’s side will play both legs of the tie in the SAME neutral stadium in Hungary.
Uefa have confirmed that Germany’s Covid restrictions mean the Bundesliga club are unable to travel to the UK without having to quarantine on their return.
It means both teams will again fly to the Hungarian capital Budapest to play in the Puskas Arena for the game on Tuesday.
City lead 2-0 from the “away” leg two weeks ago.
ERLI BIRD
Erling Haaland bagged yet another brace in the Champions League on Tuesday night – blitzing a record in the process.
Borussia Dortmund secured a 5-4 aggregate win over Sevilla in the last-16 with four of their goals scored by the Norwegian.
A pair in the first leg was followed by a simple finish back in Germany and a controversial second that sealed the tie.
A strong run and finish by the 20-year-old was cancelled out by VAR awarding a penalty for an earlier infringement on him.
Haaland missed from the spot but Bono had stepped off his line too early, leading to a retake that was scored before the striker yelled in his rival’s face.
Sevilla players were unhappy with the celebration, with the Borussia star shouting ‘unlucky’ at the goalkeeper and earning a booking for his troubles.
The moment put Haaland on 20 Champions League goals in only his 14th match – a remarkably quicker pace than any of his attacking predecessors.
THEY WANT GIM
Jose Gimenez is a transfer target for Chelsea, according to reports.
The Atletico Madrid defender, 26, joins three others on the shortlist as Thomas Tuchel eyes another leader at the back.
According to The Athletic, Chelsea have been keeping tabs on the Uruguayan centre-back since 2016.
The 60-cap international enjoyed his breakthrough season under Diego Simeone in 2014-15 after arriving from Danubio in his homeland in 2013.
Gimenez has been a mainstay in the Atleti side this season when available – but a series of injuries and a positive coronavirus test have limited him to 17 appearances.
The report adds Bayern Munich man Niklas Sule and Ibrahima Konate of RB Leipzig are both high on the Stamford Bridge wishlist.
BYE FOR BRU?
EXCLUSIVE: Bruno Fernandes has demanded assurances about Manchester United’s plans before he commits to a new long-term deal.
And Edinson Cavani wants to quit Old Trafford, with his dad insisting he “does not feel comfortable” in England after being banned following the “negrito” Twitter storm.
United have approached Fernandes about a double-your-money £200,000-a-week five-year contract.
But the 26-year-old Portuguese playmaker has asked about the club’s intentions in the transfer market.
Last week United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer warned fans to forget about a big summer spending spree due to the financial impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, Fernandes wants to know there is a commitment in the boardroom to do what it takes to get the Red Devils back to the top at home and in Europe.
PUL-LED AWAY
Christian Pulisic will look to quit Chelsea this summer unless he gets proper game time.
The American attacker has yet to start a single Premier League game under Thomas Tuchel, his former Borussia Dortmund boss.
And Manchester United are among a host of clubs who are watching unsettled Pulisic’s situation closely.
He only played a minute of Monday’s 2-0 win over Everton and has come off the bench six more times.
His only start came in the Blues’ 1-0 FA Cup win against Barnsley a month ago — and he was subbed off in that.
Now the £58million signing from Dortmund is growing increasingly impatient.
And 22-year-old Pulisic is even now prepared to take a pay cut on his £150,000-a-week wages to secure regular first-team action.
MACHETE RAID
A Premier League goalkeeper and his family were confronted by a gang with machetes during a terrifying burglary.
Everton’s reserve stopper Robin Olsen, 31, was at home with his wife and two young children when the gang wearing balaclavas smashed their way in and demanded valuables.
Make-up artist Mia, their five-year-old daughter Alicia and son Alexander, two, were held by the gang while another robber armed with a knife marched Robin around the property.
Fearing for his family’s safety, the Swedish international, 31, handed over several expensive pieces of jewellery and a watch.
The raid, which comes weeks after Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti was targeted, happened on Saturday evening at the family’s rented home in Hale Barns, Cheshire.
WHAT A KOU
Bayern Munich have cleared the way for Manchester United to sign Kalidou Koulibaly by reportedly pulling out of the transfer race.
The Napoli star has long been linked with the two teams, as well as Manchester City and other top clubs.
In previous years, the Serie A outfit have demanded a fee in the region of £90million, successfully deterring a sale of the star player.
However, earlier this month reports in Italy suggested a deal could be cut at around £39m.
Interest could be sparked by Napoli’s apparent desire to cash in and cut their wage bill, with Bayern once again linked initially.
Yet, according to transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, the Bundesliga giants are not working on a deal.
MORNING FOOTY FANS
Cristiano Ronaldo failed to inspire Juventus to advance through to the Champions League quarter-finals.
Despite the Old Lady winning 3-2 against Porto in Turin, they lost on the away goals rule after the Portuguese side stunned them 2-1 last month.
And that could be Ronaldo’s final European game for the Italian giants with reports claiming he could be put up for sale in the summer.
Calciomercato state that the Serie A outfit are desperate to raise funds having been hit by the coronavirus pandemic.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland scored twice in Borussia Dortmund’s 2-2 draw with Sevilla to send the Germans into the last eight.
The Norwegian striker has become the quickest player in Champions League history to rack up 20 goals in the competitions.
In other news, Jurgen Klopp has ruled out replacing Joachim Low as Germany boss – insisting he will remain at Liverpool for years to come.
Low announced he will quit Germany this summer, ending his 15-year reign, which included a 2014 World Cup win.
Klopp said: “Am I available for the coach of the German national team in the summer? No. Joachim Low did an incredible job. I’m sure the German FA will find a good solution.
“I have three years left at LFC don’t I? It’s simple. You sign a contract and you stick to that contract. I stuck to contracts at Mainz and Dortmund.”
And finally, Arsenal and Chelsea are reportedly battling each other in the race to sign right-back Achraf Hakimi from Inter Milan.
According to the Telegraph, the Serie A side – like Juventus – need to sell players to help balance the books.
The Gunners see Hakimi as a possible replacement for Hector Bellerin, while the Blues believe the player could feature in a more advanced role under Thomas Tuchel.
ITALIAN JOB
It’s all over in Turin and Porto are through!
A mad end to the game saw Porto equalise through Sergio Oliveira, only for Adrien Rabiot to put Juventus ahead immediately.
But Porto held on as they advanced through to the next stage on the away goals rule.
The Old Lady have crashed out of this stage of the Champions League for the second season running.
POWER SERGE
Sergio Aguero would be “happy” to join Barcelona this summer – even with a pay cut.
That’s the sense from reports in Spain, with Barca also linked with Bayern Munich full-back David Alaba and Agueo’s Manchester City team-mate Eric Garcia.
PSG, Juventus, and Inter are among striker Aguero’s other admirers ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season.
Mundo Deportivo’s Edu Polo suggests the Argentina legend would accept lower wages to land a Nou Camp move.
But it is thought Aguero might demand a bonus sum to join the cash-strapped Catalans.
Polo claims Aguero’s agent alerted Joan Laporta even before he was elected Barcelona president that his client was interested in switching to the Spanish giants.
DOR SLAMMED SHUT
Borussia Dortmund have advanced through to the last-16.
Sevilla came down from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, but they have lose 5-4 on aggregate.
In tonight’s other game, Juventus and Porto have went to extra-time.
‘LAK THE MONEY
Man Utd are stepping up their pursuit of Atletico Madrid superstar Jan Oblak but look unlikely to be able to afford his staggering release clause, according to reports.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in the market for a new goalkeeper in the summer transfer window.
United have taken a look at Oblak – as well as AC Milan ace Gianluigi Donnarumma and Lille’s Mike Maignan – in a bid to fix their dilemma, according to Sky Sports.
The Red Devils have been tracking the Slovenian star, 28, for over a year, dating back to De Gea’s long-running contract saga.
However, it’s looking increasingly likely United will not be able to afford Oblak’s sensational £103million release clause.
The Atletico stopper – who is keen on the ‘attractive’ Premier League – still has over two years to run on his current contract, with the LaLiga leaders unlikely to allow him to leave for less.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
