Emery REJECTS Newcastle, Xavi to Barcelona LATEST, Kane to STAY at Tottenham, Chelsea transfer news

HAARD SELL

Man Utd and Chelsea have been warned Erling Haaland’s £64million transfer could actually cost more than a QUARTER OF A BILLION pounds.

The Norwegian is set be the hottest property in the summer transfer window – but his wages and Mino Raiola’s agent fee may mean the buying club have to cough up more than £250m.

He has a cut-price £64m release clause that kicks in at the end of this season.

But Timo Werner’s agent Volker Struth reckons Haaland will be nothing like the bargain some people seem to think.

He told Bild: “Haaland has a release clause. The entire package with five-year salary and commission for the agent will probably be on the border of €250-300m [£254million].

“Even if Bayern Munich had the money, they would not do it. All hell would break out if a player in Germany [was paid] €50million.”

FULL-TIME RESULTS

Manchester City showed their class in the second half as they beat Club Brugge 4-1.

And Liverpool proved to be too good for the ten men of Atletico Madrid to qualify for the knockout stages.

Jurgen Klopp’s side have won all four of their group stage matches.

Here are the results from all of tonight’s clashes below.

GUNNER STAY

Arsenal are reportedly set to trigger a contract extension for youngster Daniel Ballard.

The centre-back, 22, has never played for the Gunners but is well regarded at the club and has represented Northern Ireland ten times.

And after impressing on loan at Millwall this season, Arsenal are keen to keep Ballard at the club beyond next summer when his current contract comes to an end.

According to Football.London, Per Mertesacker and Edu have decided to trigger a clause in Ballard’s deal to keep him with the Gunners.

It is believed the clause will extend his stay by a further two years.

Ballard has started all but one league game for Millwall this term and has looked comfortable with the rigours of the Championship.

HALF-TIME RESULTS

Here are how the half-time results look in the Champions League.

Man City have work to do in their clash against Club Brugge, while Liverpool are beating Atletico Madrid.

SPURRED ON

Jamie Redknapp believes Tottenham MUST sell Harry Kane if Antonio Conte cannot get him on board.

He told Sky Sports: “Get Harry Kane going, that’s the big thing.

“If I was the manager of that club right now [I’d be thinking] how do I get Kane going?

“You need to have a conversation with him, do you want to be here? Are you part of my plans? If he says no I’d try to sell him in January.

“If he doesn’t want to be there I think you’ve got to look at the situation.

“That would be your first objective – can I get Kane playing well.”

RETURN OF THE KING

Barcelona are set to announce Xavi Hernandez as their next manager, according to reports.

The former Barcelona player, 41, has been heavily linked with a move back to the Nou Camp.

And according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, a deal has been reached between the club and Xavi’s representatives, as well as his current club Al-Sadd.

A photo has emerged of Barcelona chiefs Mateu Alemany and Rafa Yuste talking to Al-Sadd chairman Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Thani in the stadium prior to a match tonight, which Xavi will take charge of.

But Al-Sadd CEO Turki Al-Alli has played down talk of Xavi leaving.

He said: “We welcome the visit of the administrative delegation from #Barcelona, ​​and we appreciate and respect this.

“The club’s position is clear from the beginning – we are committed to keeping our coach Xavi with us and we cannot have him leave at this sensitive time of the season.”

RESULTS

Two Champions League games have just finished.

Take a look below how the teams got on.

TOFFEES LIFT THE IDD

Everton are being linked with a January swoop for Real Mallorca midfielder Iddrisu Baba.

Goodison boss Rafa Benitez tried to sign the Ghana international during his time as Real Madrid coach.

And Toffees scouts watched Baba score in Mallorca’s 1-1 La Liga draw at Cadiz on Sunday.

Everton officials have reportedly opened talks with their Spanish counterparts.

The Accra-born ace is under contract with his Palma-based club until 2024 and has a £38million release clause.

But Everton are expected to open with a £10m offer for the 25-year-old.

RAPH BLOW

Man Utd have confirmed that defender Raphael Varane will be out for a month due to injury.

A statement read: “The club confirms that Raphael sustained a hamstring injury, which is expected to keep him out of action for around a month.

“The centre-back was withdrawn during the first half of the game in Bergamo, with Atalanta leading 1-0. He was replaced by Mason Greenwood and the Reds went on to secure a valuable point against the Serie A side courtesy of a brace from Cristiano Ronaldo.

“United’s next game is on Saturday, against Manchester City at Old Trafford, prior to the two-week international break.

“We then resume our Premier League campaign with a visit to Watford, before travelling to Villarreal in the Champions League.

“November closes out with another away game, against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the league.

“We’d like to wish Raphael all the best as he works on his recovery.”

SON OF A GUN

Crystal Palace will have to pay just £900,000 for Nathan Ferguson following a tribunal.

The right-back, 21, joined from West Brom after his contract expired in the summer of 2020.

That was after Palace had agreed an £8million fee in the January of that year, only to pull out of the deal when a knee problem was flagged up in a medical.

Ferguson is still yet to play for the Eagles with the knee issue keeping him out until the end of last season before suffering a torn Achilles in May.

The news will come as a blow to Championship side Albion, who will have been hoping to land far more for a highly-rated young prospect.

Ferguson has returned to light training but it may be some time yet before Palace fans see him in action as the club remain ultra cautious with the defender.

ENDS

WAIT GOES ON

Tottenham have not won a major trophy for 5,001 days.

But the glory-shy North Londoners are actually only seventh in the list of Premier League clubs who have bagged a piece of silverware most recently.

Chelsea fans have had to wait the least time of all the Prem clubs – just 158 days – after the Blues beat City 1-0 in May’s Champions League final thanks to Kai Havertz’s goal.

Leicester come in second at just 172 days after they denied Chelsea a double at Wembley in May with a 1-0 FA Cup final win.

City complete the top three having won last season’s Premier League.

Arsenal’s 2020 FA Cup and Liverpool’s Premier League title that same year see them fill out the top five.

And Manchester United are the only team to have waited less time than Spurs – 1,624 days – since their 2-0 Europa League final win over Ajax in May 2017.

Aston Villa and Everton are the only other sides for who it’s been less than 10,000 days.

COU-TYNE-HP

Barcelona are ready to accept an offer from Newcastle United for Philippe Coutinho, according to reports.

The move is said to be a loan deal with a compulsory permanent switch included.

The 29-year-old Brazilian is expected to be one of the first players through the door in January, following the Toon Army’s £300m takeover.

Spanish newspaper Sport states that Barcelona are ready to transfer him ‘once and for all.

The view from the Nou Camp is for Coutinho to go out on loan as soon as the January transfer window opens.

AUBA AND OUT

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has revealed that he is NOT the fast player in the Arsenal squad as he stated that Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares are quicker.

Speaking to celebrity car customiser Yianni, he said: “I think no [not the fastest in the Arsenal team], I think we’ve got some players that are really quick.

“We have never done a real race, because if we do that I have my chances

“At 80-100 metres I’m sure I’m one of the best, but in 30 metres, yeah we’ve got some quick players, like Kieran Tierney and Nuno Tavares, they are really quick in their first steps.

“When I was 18-19 years old I’d kill them, 100 percent.”

TEV-ER COMING BACK?

Carlos Tevez has revealed he has no plans to return to football yet after cutting short his third spell at Boca Juniors.

The 37-year-old departed his boyhood side in June after stating he was mentally ‘not ready’ to be playing competitive football, despite being physically fit.

And five months on, the ex-Manchester United and City centre-forward has declared he is enjoying him break away from the beautiful game.

Tevez has declared that he is struggling to find the motivation to return to the pitch, though he has yet to announce his retirement from football.

Speaking to ESPN, the West Ham cult hero said: “I don’t feel the desire to be there when the ball is rolling.

“On Saturday I had a wedding while Boca were playing and inside I thought that, if I were playing, I’d be missing the wedding.

“Am I thinking about coming back? All my friends and family ask me, but I don’t know where to start. Right now I am enjoying the moment.”

RY NOT

Will Ferrell wants Wrexham to make it big in Hollywood against LA FC.

The American actor is a part-owner of the Major League Soccer outfit managed by Bob Bradley in California.

And big screen funnyman Ferrell is keen for the Western Conference MLS side to take on the Welsh National League club owned by fellow A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

Ferrell, 54, told Sky Sports: “I think I’m a catalyst in that regard. I think Ted (Lasso)’s team, Ryan (Reynolds)’s team and LA FC should all try to play each other in some way – like a three-team tournament.”

Elf and Anchorman star Ferrell and Reynolds have teamed up in the new Christmas movie musical ‘Spirited’.

Reynolds told a press conference at the Racecourse last week: “I would love to get Will Ferrell here, he’s a pal and a fan and I’ve just finished working with him, so I’d really like to get him here to the Racecourse.”

TOON BOUM

EX-NEWCASTLE star Jean-Alain Boumsong has stepped up his coaching studies in Wales.

The former France, Juventus and Rangers defender worked with the Dragons’ Under-15s who secured a 1-1 draw with Slovakia on Tuesday.

Boumsong has signed up for the Uefa Pro licence course with the Welsh FA as he continues his coaching journey.

Boumsong, who cost Newcastle £8million in 2005, tweeted: “I’m having a great time with U15 Wales. Thank you @FAWCoachEd, thank you @AdamsDavidFooty, @knight_craig5 and his staff.”

The 41-year-old offered tips of advice to Wales’ next generation and also revealed five ex-Premier League stars in his all-time team-mates eleven.

Boumsong picked ex-Arsenal duo Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira, former Chelsea pair William Gallas and Claude Makelele as well as Fabien Barthez, who played for Manchester United.

Boumsong also included Zinedine Zidane, Alessandro Del Piero, Pavel Nedved, Lillian Thuram, Eric Abidal and Philippe Mexes in his all-star team.

Football Association of Wales technical director David Adams tweeted: “Great to talk football with @FAWCoachEd Pro Licence candidate @JABoumsong supporting the young Wales players this week on his journey.”

EZE BACK INTO IT

Ebere Eze could make a shock return to first-team action for Crystal Palace this weekend.

The Eagles star, 23, damaged his Achilles in training only six months ago.

But he played 62 minutes for the Under-23s on Monday in a 2-1 home defeat to Blackburn.

And now SunSport understands the playmaker has a chance of being on the bench for Saturday’s hosting of Wolves.

If he does and makes an appearance as a substitute, Eze would play in front of fans at Crystal Palace for the first time since joining from QPR for £16million in August 2020.

CREDIT BARRED 

Antonio Conte will not be able to make any new signings in January according to Fabio Paratici – who insists they are happy with the current squad.

A reporter today asked Spurs’ director of football, Paratici, 49, whether he and Spurs’ new manager Antonio Conte intend to sign any new players in January.

To which Paratici replied: “Not at all. Not at all. Because we trust in our players, we trust a lot. So, we are focused to be better, like a club and like a team.”

He was then asked: “Do you think this current squad, as it is right now, is capable of challenging to win big trophies?”

And the Italian responded: “I think yes. Here are here to do our best to win a trophy.”

EMERY SPEAKS

Unai Emery has confirmed he won’t be joining Newcastle while pledging his future to Villarreal on Instagram.

Emery was one of the favourites to take on the vacant Toon role but after having talks with the club’s new owners the Spaniard opted to stay in Spain.

The ex-Arsenal coach had remained quiet throughout the saga but has now come out to dispel any rumours that he could possibly leave the Europa League Champions in favour of a move to Tyneside.

He wrote on Instagram: “No matter how much noise there was yesterday in another country there was transparency and loyalty within Villarreal and the Roig family [owners] and their staff.

“That is maximum for me and that is most important for me. Villarreal is my home and I am 100 percent committed to stay here.

“I am honestly grateful to the interest from a great club, but I am even more grateful to be here and that is why I communicated to Fernando Roig my decision to want to continue being part of this project because of the commitment and respect that I perceive from the club and from my players, which is mutual and reciprocal.

“I want to thank the fans for the support they have always shown me.

“On Sunday we have a very important game and I hope that together we can achieve victory. See you at the Estadio de la Cerámica.”

PLAYING BALL

Arsenal have reportedly extended defender Daniel Ballard’s contract.

The 22-year-defender’s contract was up at the end of the season, but the Gunners have decided to trigger an extension clause in his contract to keep him at the club for another two years, according to football.london.

Football.london also report that Arsenal’s academy manager Per Mertesacker and technical director Edu played a huge role in the club’s decision to keep Ballard at the club.

But despite his new lengthened contract, it’s unlikely that the Northern Ireland international will break into the Gunners first-team, with the likes of Gabriel and Ben White ahead of him in the pecking order.

ANT’S DECK

Antonio Conte insists Tottenham’s team needs stability in an apparent slight dig at their recent shambles.

The Italian replaced Nuno Espirito Santo in the White Hart Lane dugout on Tuesday.

After penning his £15million-a-year contract until 2023, he sat down with the club’s media to discuss his aims and ambitions.

Conte, 52, said: “My coaching philosophy is very simple: to play good football, attractive football for our fans with passion, to have a stable team not up and down.

“I think the fans deserve to have a competitive team with the will to fight. I will do everything to deserve their support.”

WELL I NEV-ER 

Gary Neville admitted he would have played for arch-rivals Arsenal if Manchester United decided to sell him.

The former defender, 46, spent his entire career at Old Trafford, coming through the academy as part of the Class of ’92 before making 602 first-team appearances.

But speaking to Sky Sports’ Off Script last year, the pundit revealed there were four teams he willingly could have joined should he have been let go

The United legend said: “I’d made the decision quite early in my 30s that if Sir Alex had come and told me my time was up, I wouldn’t have played for anyone else. I was fortunate in that sense.

“However, if he’d come to me at say the age of 28, and told me my time was up, of course I would have played for another Premier League club.

If you’d said to me, in a perfect world, in my years of playing, which clubs in the Premier League have the tradition, a proper club? Arsenal would be No 1.

“The tradition of Highbury, I felt they did things the right way. Also in the Premier League, I like Aston Villa and Newcastle.”

SULE FOR SALE

Newcastle United are in discussions with Bayern Munich over the transfer of German international, Niklas Sule, according to reports.

Sule, 26, could become the club’s first confirmed star signing following the takeover which made them the richest club in the world.

Christian Falk of BILD Sport reports that the clubs are in transfer talks, with Sule said to be ‘interested in the project’ at St James’ Park.

The German jounalist tweeted: “TRUE. There were talks between
@NUFC and the Management of Niklas Süle (@FCBayern) three weeks ago. The defender is interested in the project of Newcastle.”

Niklas has less than a year remaining on his existing Bayern Munich contract, which ends in June 2022 and his future is said to be up in the air.

NDIDI DOUBT

Wilfred Ndidi has cast doubt over his longterm Leicester future by axing his agents for a high-powered new team of advisors.

And the news will alert Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid – who have all shown interest in the Nigeria international.

Midfielder Ndidi has excelled since joining Leicester from Belgian club Genk in a £17million deal four years ago.

He helped Brendan Rodgers’ Foxes win both the FA Cup and the Community Shield earlier this year.

Leicester value the Lagos-born ace, under contract until 2024, at £60m.

The 24-year-old was previously represented by German outfit FirstEleven International Sports Management.

He has now signed up with global management firm Octagon.

The American agency has 800 clients worldwide, and offices in London.

Company client manager Rory Rebbeck wrote on LinkedIn that he is “delighted” at Ndidi’s decision, adding that the player has “many great years ahead on and off the field.”

Ndidi has made 185 Leicester appearances, scoring nine goals.

He has won 41 caps for Nigeria.

HAAL DEMAND

Borussia Dortmund are confident they will keep Erling Haaland despite his cut-price £64million release clause, reports suggest.

Haaland has taken the world of football by storm with a series of stunning performances for Dortmund, where he has already registered a staggering 70 goals in 69 appearances across all competitions.

That has led to immense interest from some of Europe’s biggest hitters, such as Manchester United and Chelsea, who are looking to make a move in the summer as it looks like his asking price will dramatically reduce.

According to Manchester Evening News, however, the Premier League duo has cause for worry as Dortmund’s head of first-team football Sebastian Kehl is positive the star striker is staying put.

Kehl said: “Of course, we are trying to give him the feeling that Borussia Dortmund continues to be a top address for him and that he can still develop here.

“The decision has not yet been made, but I would bet €100 (£84.8) [on him staying].”