FRANK LAMPARD is in talks over becoming the new Norwich manager, according to reports.
The Canaries dismissed Daniel Farke last weekend, despite their first Premier League win of the season.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe has been named as Newcastle manager after travelling North East to finalise his contract.
Former Bournemouth and Burnley manager Howe, 43, will replace Steve Bruce at the helm after spending most of his career as a player and boss on the South Coast.
And we’ve also the very latest from Chelsea who are eyeing a swoop for Attila Szalai in January.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
PAUL OVER
EXCLUSIVE – Paul Pogba could have played his last game for Manchester United.
The club’s £89million record signing is expected to be sidelined for up to two months after injuring his right thigh in training with France on Monday.
That would take the World Cup winner into January, when he can begin talking to other clubs about a move in the summer — when his United deal ends.
Discussions over a new contract at Old Trafford have been completely shelved.
United’s hierarchy are fed up of the circus that surrounds him, particularly with his agent Mino Raiola.
They are now happy to let the 28-year-old midfielder’s contract expire, leave him out of the team if necessary and allow him to go as a free agent.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Emile Smith Rowe has broken into the England squad after ditching Nando’s, chocolate bars — and his mum’s cooking.
Arsenal have dispatched a personal chef to the home Smith Rowe shares with his mother Fiona, who has been elbowed out of her own kitchen to improve her son’s diet.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta claims his No10’s outstanding recent form — five goals in his last eight games — has been down to an improvement in his lifestyle.
And Smith Rowe, 21, admitted: “I think he was talking about my diet. I didn’t used to eat that well. I used to get cramp after 60 minutes.
“I wasn’t eating great, I wasn’t drinking that well, before games I wasn’t really that hydrated but since then I’ve tried to focus so much on it.
“There’s loads of stuff we should be drinking before a game but before I was a bit too lazy.
“It was mainly my diet, nutrition and stuff like that. That’s really helped me. The club have sorted me out a chef, Chris, and he comes to my house every day.
“He’s got a couple of pasta dishes and that’s good for carbs. I didn’t used to like fish but now I am into it — salmon and stuff.”
THE RICE IS RIGHT
West Ham want to build their future around Declan Rice as they eye regular Champions League football.
England star Rice is maturing into one of the Premier League’s most complete players — and the Hammers are not even entertaining the idea of letting him leave the club.
Instead they believe they can become a real force in the top flight by making the 22-year-old the key part of their plans going forward.
SunSport understands he is seen as a symbol of what the club stands for — and with investment from a Czech billionaire in the pipeline the Hammers are setting their sights high.
Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United have all been tracking the classy midfielder but no bid has ever been submitted.
And even if one came in for as much as £100million, the Hammers board have no intention of doing business, believing they can satisfy the player’s ambitions themselves.
SOCCER-ADE
Jonjo Shelvey has signed an autograph for a fan… on a discount lemonade can.
The Newcastle star was driving out of the club’s training ground on Tuesday when he was stopped by fans asking for a signature.
Shelvey, who had just taken part in Eddie Howe’s first session, obliged as he rolled down his window and held his hand out.
But instead of receiving some paper or even a shirt, the ex-Liverpool man was instead handed a 25p can of lemonade.
The other supporters laughed as the tin made its way into Shelvey’s vehicle.
But despite looking confused, the playmaker calmly penned his autograph on the tin.
Shelvey then drove off as fans cheered the newly-adorned can of pop.
And one even quipped: “It’s worth more than 25p now!”
Jonjo Shelvey signs Newcastle fan’s discount lemonade can as he leaves training‘NORWICH ARE MORE AMBITIOUS’
Manchester United have been savaged by Chris Sutton after Norwich sacked Daniel Farke while Ole Gunnar Solskjaer remains in his job despite their shocking form.
He said on BBC Radio Five Live: “Norwich are more ambitious than Manchester United because at least they’ve been decisive.
“Their expectation is to stay in the Premier League but they have made a change, rightly or wrongly.
“But Manchester United – what is the expectation, are they going to win something with the current manager and this squad? No, everyone can see that.
“Manchester United are still living off the history of when they were a good team and that’s the issue and there are no excuses, there is nowhere to hide this season.
“I like Ole, he’s a nice bloke but he’s being outcoached and out-thought by the top guys.”
‘BRILLIANT’
Former Manchester United star Kleberson believes Declan Rice would be better suited to rivals City than the Red Devils.
He told Paddy Power: “Declan Rice could play for any of the top Premier League teams. He had a brilliant season last year, a great Euros with England and has started this season incredibly well.
“He’s still young so will continue to grow and become a better player, but already in his career, you can see how much he’s improved and grown up as a midfielder, especially technically.
“The top teams are always looking for players who have Premier League experience and have had strong performances over a long period of time, which is exactly what Declan Rice has had.
“The best teams are always on the lookout for players as they need a big squad due to the number of games that they play throughout the season.
“It would be good to see Declan Rice play for Manchester City as they base their play around keeping the ball for long periods of time, which is something that Declan Rice likes to do.
“The style of play that Pep Guardiola creates would be perfect for him and the way Pep interacts with his players, is something that Rice would benefit from massively.”
‘SEE YOU SOON’
Liverpool starlet Harvey Elliott has issued a fresh injury update on social media as he takes the next step in his recovery.
The 18-year-old has been sidelined since September after he sustained a serious ankle injury in Liverpool’s Premier League clash with Leeds United.
Elliott, who had forced himself into Jurgen Klopp’s plans this season, has shared regular updates with supporters on his social media as he eyes a return to full fitness this season.
In his most recent post, the youngster could be seen working with leg weights at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre in Kirkby.
He captioned those clips: “Another day of improving. We’re getting there. Thank you for all your support so far Reds! As always I appreciate it. See you soon.”
NOT VERY WISE
Mason Mount has posted a hilarious video showing the aftermath of his dental surgery.
The England star has had a wisdom tooth taken out following an infection which kept him out of recent Chelsea games.
In the video he says: “If I got punched right now I wouldn’t even feel it.”
A woman, not featuring on camera, asks: “Should I try?”
And after initially replying yes Mount quickly backtracked.
JERSEY BOYS
Edinson Cavani has reportedly ‘put out’ by Jadon Sancho asking for his No7 shirt at Manchester United.
But the veteran striker had no issues giving it up for Cristiano Ronaldo when the club legend returned on deadline day.
When the issue of the No7 jersey came to light, Cavani is said to have been ‘put out’.
The Uruguayan instead held on tightly to his squad number as Sancho was eventually given the No25 upon completing of his ££73m switch.
HOMME POINT
Fashionable Dominic Calvert-Lewin showed off his latest look while posing in a shirt, blazer and flared shorts for the cover of Homme Plus.
As well as scoring goals on the pitch, the Everton striker is passionate about stylish clobber off it.
And no look is too daring for the confident frontman.
Calvert-Lewin, 24, is willing to be experimental with what he wears – and isn’t bothered about perceived gender norms or dated expectations.
In snaps for Homme Plus, he poses in a Prada outfit comprising of a white polka-dot shirt, blazer, black tie and flared shorts.
The look was put together by stylist Harry Lambert.
On expressing himself through what he wears, DCL previously told style magazine The Face: “As a footballer you’re so in a routine, and you do the same things every day.
“It’s that bit of freedom. If you want to wear a suit for no reason, why not?”
MARTIAL OFF?
Italian giants Juventus have placed Manchester United striker Anthony Martial on a five-man shortlist of strikers viewed as an alternative to Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic.
The 21-year-old Serbian international is thought to be the ‘Old Lady’s’ number one target, but could prove difficult to entice given the Premier League interest circulating.
Vlahovic has already confirmed he has no plans to extend his stay in Florence, as a result a number of Europe’s top sides have declared an interest – including Atletico Madrid, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
In turn, Juve have drawn up contingency plans in the scenario they fail to get the Fiorentina star – with Martial named as one of the back-up strikers.
EUROPE IS BLUE?
Former Bayern Munich midfielder Lothar Matthaus has suggested that Chelsea are among the favourites to lift the Champions League this season.
The Blues have kicked off the defence of their crown in a relatively positive manner, having won three out of their four group games – with the only defeat coming away from home against Juventus.
Talking to Marca, he said: “For me, the favourites for the Champions League are Chelsea, Liverpool, City and Bayern Munich.
“Barcelona have their problems and Atletico have always been a dangerous team, but they are not as good a team as Liverpool or City.”
NO WAY JOSE
An Italian radio station is boycotting Jose Mourinho over the ‘unpleasant and inappropriate’ treatment of a journalist.
The Roma manager scolded a Retesport reporter for ‘not being intelligent at all’ following a question in a press conference.
Journalist Marco Juric asked: “It’s been six months since you signed for Roma, would you change anything that you’ve done in terms of choices, statements, requests or anything that you’ve done?”
Mourinho fired back: “You are here in practically every press conference, but either you are very intelligent and you want people to think you are not or you are not intelligent at all.
“I want to think you’re intelligent but you like to do what you do.”
Mourinho then got up from his seat and left the room, prematurely ending his interview time.
Retesport released a statement explaining their decision to snub the former Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham boss.
The broadcaster said: “Retesport, in expressing solidarity with Marco Juric regarding the unpleasant and inappropriate response received from Mr Jose Mourinho in the press room last Saturday, have decided to suspend its participation in press conferences in order to avoid further exploitation of questions posed in a polite and completely legitimate manner.”
GREAT DANE FOR VILLA?
Aston Villa have sacked head coach Dean Smith after five successive Premier League defeats and will consider Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand as they search for a successor.
Chief executive Christian Purslow says the club have opted to make a change during the next international break after “not seeing the continuous improvement in results, performances and league position” on last season.
Hjulmand helped galvanise Denmark to a Euro 2020 semi-final against England after Christian Eriksen’s cardiac arrest in the group stage, and he is expected to be considered alongside a number of others.
Rangers boss Steven Gerrard and Southampton head coach Ralph Hasenhuttl have also been linked with the vacancy already, after Smith became the fifth Premier League manager to lose his job this season.
Credit: EPA KLOPP KEEN
Liverpool have been told Jarrod Bowen won’t be available in January, though a patient approach could yield a breakthrough in a future window.
Jurgen Klopp has admitted his admiration for the winger. The German boss said: “I like Bowen a lot.
“He made his way up from Hull and took not too long to show exactly what kind of player he can be in the Premier League. He made big steps.”
And according to The Mirror, Klopp could be ‘at the front of the queue’ when the time comes.
J-TEASE
John Terry is seemingly preparing for his next role in football as he worked on tactics from his trophy bunker.
The Chelsea legend has been without a job since leaving Aston Villa, where he was Dean Smith’s No2.
And it’s reckoned Terry, who is gaining a reputation for his hilarious Twitter comebacks, is looking to finally become the main man after several jobs popped up in the top flight.
The former England captain showed he’s certainly studying hard for his next gig by posting a picture showing him working on tactics.
The white board had two different sets of colours on it, with one team appearing to line up in a 4-3-3 shape and the other in a 4-2-3-1.
A note pad full of scribbles could also be seen in the corner.
RAM IT HOME
Sergio Ramos participated in full PSG training for the first time today, according to reports.
The Spaniard joined the French giants four months ago already carrying an injury from the back end of his time at Real Madrid.
Such issues have lingered since, with the 35-year-old having already pocketed around £4million of his eyewatering PSG salary without having kicked a ball.
But boss Mauricio Pochettino is set to be boosted by the return of his experienced defender, according to Le Parisien.
They claim that Ramos took part in training today, albeit with PSG’s numbers heavily depleted by international call-ups.
NO WAY NO HOWE
Jack Wilshere has revealed Eddie Howe has a bizarre training ground rule – banning players from sitting on footballs.
The Toon announced the former Bournemouth boss as Steve Bruce’s replacement on Monday night – signing a three year deal at St James’ Park in his first job since August 2020.
Speaking about strict managers with Darren Bent, Wilshere told talkSPORT: “I’ve had a few managers like that…
“Eddie Howe was like that, wouldn’t let you sit on a football.”
When asked why, Wilshere replied: “I don’t know really…
“I remember my first day I sat on a ball and the lads were like ‘get up, get up, get up!’
“I was like, ‘why?’ and they were like, ‘you’re not allowed to!’”
RETURN OF THE MAC
Supermac is back at his beloved Newcastle thanks to the new Saudi owners.
Malcolm Macdonald has been welcomed with open arms by Amanda Staveley and the United board.
An excited Macdonald is revelling in the new positive atmosphere surrounding St James’ Park after years of negativity.
And the former England and Arsenal star believes the arrival of new head coach Eddie Howe has lifted the club, anticipating an ‘amazing journey’ for the Geordies over the next decade.
Toon goalscoring legend Macdonald scored 95 goals in 187 appearances for the Magpies.
But he was barred FOUR times from the club by previous owner Mike Ashley and former manager Steve Bruce.
Now he’s back in favour with the new regime and is negotiating an ambassadorial role on match days.
PHIL-IN’ GOOD
Phil Foden sent England wild in training after scoring a sensational spinning overhead kick.
The Three Lions are currently preparing for their World Cup qualifying double-header against Albania and San Marino.
England need four points to be guaranteed a spot at next winter’s tournament.
But despite that they seemed in relaxed mood as Foden, 21, scored a worldie of a goal.
Phil Foden scores stunning overhead kick in England trainingHOWE DO YOU LIKE IT
Eddie Howe was all smiles as he took his first training session in charge of Newcastle United earlier today.
The former Bournemouth boss arrived at his new club’s training ground bright and early at 6:55am meaning business.
Howe, 43, returned to management yesterday when he penned a new two-and-a-half-year deal with the Toon.
He was all business today, as he ran the rule over his much-maligned new playing squad.
Newcastle sit a perilous 19th in the Premier League, and are yet to win any of their first 11 games this term.
‘MATTER CLOSED’
Liverpool have ended an investigation into an alleged spitting incident that occurred during their match with Manchester City last month.
Sky Sports News has now reported that Liverpool have concluded that nobody spat at a City member of staff.
The Premier League champions, who drew 2-2 in a thrilling encounter at Anfield, made an official complaint and claimed the incident occurred just after their first equaliser.
A Liverpool statement confirmed: “We have now completed a full and thorough investigation following a complaint of an alleged incident near the dugout area at our fixture against Manchester City at Anfield last month.
“The evidence gathered was substantial and included statements from Manchester City’s backroom staff, supporters, stewards, unredacted video footage and CCTV recordings.
“We have followed the club’s official sanctions processes and appropriate actions have been taken based on the evidence gathered and information received from the complainant.
“We would like to thank all parties who have supported this investigation and now consider this matter closed.”
MAGIC TUCH
Joe Cole has tipped Chelsea to win the Premier League title this season ahead of Manchester City and Liverpool.
He told Coral: “I am throwing it out there now, Chelsea will win the league.
“I watch them every game, a lot of the time live working as a pundit at the games, and they are just so strong.
“They are hardly conceding any goals and the defence is the most important part of the team for winning a title, they have the strongest defence by miles.”
OLE GONER
EXCLUSIVE – Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reign at Manchester United is hanging by a thread.
The question now is when not if he will be sacked by the club.
Solskjaer took advantage of the international break to fly back to Norway with his family and get away from the flak.
The mood at Old Trafford has turned to one of resignation among players and staff that he is on his way.
Solskjaer has lost six of his last 12 games including embarrassing back to back home defeat at the hands of their closest rivals.
Read more HERE.
VLAH FIGHT
Arsenal and Tottenham are just two clubs looking to prise Dusan Vlahovic away from Fioretnina.
He is refusing to sign a new contract and will become a free agent in the summer of 2023 but Fiorentina want to keep the star until at least June.
Juventus want him – but they are more interested in getting him in January.
However, AS claim that renowned journalist Alfredo Pedulla believes his departure is much more likely to occur at the end of the campaign.
And they also state that the 21-year-old prefers a move away from Italy for a new adventure abroad.
Both Arsenal and Tottenham are keen and will fight it out to secure his services, along with Liverpool.
And Atletico Madrid hope to bring the forward to LaLiga in Spain.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
