THE fallout from the European Super League continues after it was revealed Real Madrid and Barcelona were set to earn £52m MORE than the English big six.
Meanwhile, we’ve the very latest as Spotify founder Daniel Ek reveals that he wants to buy Arsenal.
Follow ALL of the latest updates below after an explosive week in the world of football…
HAA IS HE THIS GOOD?
Another day, another Erling Haaland masterclass.
The 20-year-old scored his 24th and 25th Bundesliga goals of the season today in Borussia Dortmund’s 2-0 win against Wolfsburg.
It wasn’t all good news for Dortmund, though, as Jude Bellingham was sent off.
Here’s Haaland’s second goal…
AGUER-GO
Inter Milan are in the hunt to sign Sergio Aguero, according to reports.
Barcelona are believed to be close to an agreement with the Manchester City striker, who is being chased by a number of clubs including Juventus.
Tottenham and Arsenal have both been linked with a move for the Argentine since City announced he would not receive a new deal.
And Serie A champions-elect Inter have now joined the battle for Aguero’s signature after the striker was offered to them, report Tuttosport.
TAG, YOU’RE IT
Manchester City are interested in signing Ajax defender Nicolas Tagliafico, according to reports.
The 28-year-old left back is said to be on Pep Guardiola’s radar, with Atletico Madrid, Inter Milan and Leeds United also reported to be keen.
According to AS, City are interested in the player and were considering a move last summer before Oleksandr Zinchenko decided to remain at the Etihad.
Guardiola has deployed several players, including Zinchenko, at left back due to Benjamin Mendy’s severe injury problems.
The French World Cup winner has made just 46 Premier League appearances since joining the club in July 2017.
The City boss may be keen to sign another left back to ensure Mendy has plenty of cover – and Tagliafico may just fit the bill.
Credit: Getty
RECKON THAT’S A YELLOW
Liverpool’s Champions League hopes have been dealt a huge blow after Newcastle’s Joe Willock scored a 95th-minute equaliser in today’s clash.
Shortly before Willock’s goal, Fabinho picked up a yellow card for cynical foul on Allan Saint-Maximin.
The French winger certainly felt that one…
DOR CLOSED
Borussia Dortmund will not sell ‘untouchable’ Jude Bellingham this summer, according to reports.
The English teenager has been linked with the likes of Chelsea, having impressed in his debut Bundesliga season.
But if Dortmund have their way, the former Birmingham City starlet will be going nowhere.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that Dortmund consider Bellingham, 17, ‘untouchable’ going into the summer window.
And the Italian ‘expects’ the German giants to keep their wonderkid this summer.
Credit: Getty PL-OTTING AGAINST EU
Arsene Wenger has sensationally claimed the rest of Europe ‘dream of destroying the Premier League’ as he took aim at the failed Super League plot.
The former Arsenal boss, 71, has taken another swing at the failed breakaway competition following its humiliating collapse having already launched a scathing attack earlier this week.
And now, Wenger has told The Telegraph: “It was born dead. From the start, I couldn’t believe it would work.
“The most surprising in all that was the English behaviour.
“Everybody dreams of destroying the Premier League in Europe. In England we do it ourselves.
“I can’t understand the rationality behind that because England voted for Brexit and now they want to bring a Super League.”
SOL DESTROYING
Rio Ferdinand has opened up on the ribbing he received from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after his £30million move to Manchester United in 2002.
The England star set a record as most expensive defender ever at the time as he swapped Leeds United for Old Trafford.
And the United dressing room, including current boss Solskjaer, demanded the highest standards immediately.
Speaking to the Mail, Ferdinand revealed that he immediately found passes being fired at his shins in training, as his new team-mates tested his skills. And when one didn’t stick, there was hell to pay.
Ferdinand, 42, said: “Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was the one who immediately went, ’30mill? Really? Wow’.
“It was intimidating but you have to cope. I have seen players walk in for England or United and you can see the fear. They can’t deal with it.”
SALI-BAN
William Saliba has been hit with a suspended one-month ban by the French FA for his role in an X-rated video scandal.
In February, a leaked Snapchat video resurfaced which showed the young Arsenal defender, 20, filming a team-mate masturbating in the dressing room.
The original clip is believed to have been from 2018 but only did the rounds on social media earlier this year. Saliba has now been hit with a suspended one-month ban following a disciplinary hearing.
That means he will NOT miss any playing time for Nice – where he is currently on loan – or France unless he breaches any rules again, say RMC Sport.
Meanwhile, Brighton ace Ulrick Eneme Ella, 19, has been banned for three months for his role in the video. In Ella’s case, just ONE of those months has been suspended, meaning he will serve a two-month ban.
The forward – who has not yet played for Brighton since his 2020 move from Amiens – is permitted to play for his club. But Ella will not be allowed to feature in any of France’s youth or senior squads.
SEEING RED
Manchester United fans have headed to Old Trafford in their droves to protest against the club owners.
Supporters are furious following the foiled plans for the European Super League.
Red Devil fans arranged the protest on Twitter for 3pm on Saturday – exactly 123 years after the club was founded.
Manchester United even shut the Old Trafford megastore earlier in the afternoon ahead of the expected protests.
The loyal fanbase were vocal in their anger towards American owners The Glazers which was further fuelled following the fallout of the ESL.
They set off smoke bombs, chanted against the Glazers and held banners such as ‘Glazer Out Now’ and ‘Enough is Enough.’
MOUR FIGHT
Jamie Carragher revealed the details of his X-rated first meeting with Jose Mourinho – and hailed him as ‘one of the greatest coaches of all time’.
The Special One was sacked by Tottenham on Monday less than a week before the Carabao Cup final where the North Londoners will be looking to end their 13-year trophy drought.
And writing in his column for The Telegraph, Liverpool legend Carragher reminisced on the first time he locked horns with the Portuguese during his early Chelsea days. He said: “I will never forget my first encounter with Jose Mourinho.
“It was in Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium during the 2005 League Cup Final, and the Chelsea manager rushed to the technical area to accuse my team-mate, Luis Garcia, of diving.
“Dashing to the scene, I let rip. ‘Don’t you f***ing start about diving,’ I shouted. ‘Your Porto side was the f***ing worst.’ The altercation lasted 30 seconds. The Chelsea and Liverpool fans loved it.
“Chelsea beat us after extra-time and I was distraught. After the game Mourinho found me. His mood was much different as he offered me his commiserations. ‘You know I was just fighting for my team, don’t you?’ he said.”
‘STAND WITH THEM’
Ian Wright has claimed the Kroenke family ‘are not fit to run’ Arsenal as he backed supporters’ protests.
Police were forced to intervene as thousands of Arsenal fans gathered at the Emirates to call for Stan Kroenke’s departure ahead of the defeat to Everton on Friday. A huge group expressed their outrage at the failed European Super League breakaway attempt and general running of the club in North London on Friday.
Fans HUNG an effigy of Stan Kroenke outside the ground prior to Bernd Leno’s own goal gifting the Toffees the points. Now the legendary Gunners striker, who has tweeted ‘Kroenke Out’ this week, has further offered his backing for the American chief to sell up.
Wright told Dazn: “I stand with them. I made it clear what I think about the owner. I think they’re right to be outside there. The statement from the manager as well, fans have every right to be out there saying what they’re saying.
“KSE are not fit, for me, not fit to run the club, not fit to own the club. We’ve heard Josh Kroenke saying they’re not selling the club – and I wouldn’t expect them to, it’s a massive cash cow for them.
“But if they are going to stay and run the club then it’s going to have to be done under different terms. The only thing I can seek solace from is that the government are going to be doing a review on club ownership. Everything to do with what owners like that do and what they don’t do.”
FULL-TIME!
Liverpool 1 – 1 Newcastle
Incredible stuff!
After Callum Wilson had a goal disallowed deep into stoppage time for handball, justice was served as Willock stabbed home from 12 yards.
Mo Salah’s strike gave the Reds the lead early in the first half.
They had plenty of chances from then on but the Magpies made them pay at the death.
Liverpool go sixth with the draw and miss the chance to go into the top four.
Newcastle stay 15th but move nine points clear of the drop zone.
LIVERPOOL 1-1 NEWCASTLE
- In the SIXTH minute of added time Newcastle have their goal!
The ball is floated into the box before falling to the feet of Joe Willock twelve yards out.
His effort is deflected by Fabinho, wrongfooting Alisson and salvaging a point for Newcastle!
That is an incredible finish to a brilliant game!
GOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL!
JOE WILLOCK DOES IT AGAIN FOR NEWCASTLE!
FEELING BLUE
Southend United fans are out in force protesting against floundering owner Ron Martin.
The Blues were relegated from League One last season and will be drop into non-league for the first time in their history today if they lose to bitter rivals Leyton Orient.
Deluded Martin has overseen the recent downfall and appeared determined to keep his head in the sand with a recent statement in response to an offer of help from former Shrimper Stan Collymore.
Supporters gathered at Roots Hall ahead of kick-off today chanting ‘we want Martin out’ and ‘we want our Southend back’ as first team players Alan McCormack and Jason Demetriou came out to meet the disgruntled group.
But as the rest of the first team gathered at the stadium entrance, the protesters made it clear their anger was aimed at Martin rather than the players.
KLOWNING AROUND
Gary Lineker has hit out at Jurgen Klopp for being ‘spectacularly tone deaf’ over the European Super League fallout.
The Liverpool boss was further asked his thoughts following the fierce backlash and collapse of the money-making farce.
A hundred or so angry Liverpool fans protested against their American owners before kick-off against Newcastle on Saturday afternoon.
Arsenal and Chelsea supporters protested outside their stadiums while a group of Manchester United fans also blocked the player’s access to the Carrington training ground – all in protest against the ESL plans.
Klopp was eager to remind supporters that the blame lies only at the feet of the owners while asking the public to ‘calm down’ with their opinions.
Lineker was far from impressed with Klopp’s reasoning and believe the fans have every right to continue making their voices heard.
RAPH AND READY
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes always talks about rumoured target Raphinha, team-mate Fred has revealed.
The Leeds United winger is reportedly on the Red Devils’ radar, having impressed since joining Marcelo Bielsa’s side from Rennes. And having played alongside Raphinha at Sporting Lisbon, Fernandes hasn’t forgotten his talent.
Fred, who played for Raphinha’s boyhood club Internacional, told Man United’s official website: “Bruno’s been talking about Raphinha ever since he arrived. They played together at Sporting.
“He’s a great player having an amazing season and a lot of clubs have their eye on him. I met him recently, great guy, excellent player but… I hope he won’t be lining up against us!
“I wish him a quick recovery and a lot of success in his career. He’s a stand-out star player for Leeds so, of course, it’s better for us if he’s not on the pitch.
“If he does play, we’ll look to mark him carefully and work on our game-plan as best as possible. We’ll try to nullify his threat to come out on top in this game.”
Raphinha and Bruno Fernandes were team-mates at Sporting IN A HARRY
Harry Kane revealed his shock at Jose Mourinho’s sacking – and only found out five minutes before Tottenham wielded the axe.
The Special One, 58, was dismissed on Monday – just six days before the Carabao Cup final. Kane broke the Spurs players’ silence with a post on social media to thank Mourinho for his 17 months in charge.
And speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the Carabao Cup final, the striker provided further details about how events unfolded. Kane, in a race to be fit for the Wembley showdown, said: “I was surprised (by Mourinho’s sacking) – I’ll be totally honest.
“I came in that morning and probably found out five or ten minutes before it was announced. A lot of the focus was on the Carabao Cup final and preparing for that but, look, it’s football.
“I’ve been here now where a couple of managers have been sacked and, as a player now, I don’t think you ever expect the boss to be sacked but it’s part of the game, you have to deal with it.
“I had a great relationship with Jose, I wish him all the best for whatever his next job is, but he knows as we know football can be cut-throat and we just have to look forward.”
HALF-TIME!
Liverpool 1 – 0 Newcastle
Mo Salah’s early strike sees former Super League side Liverpool take a slender lead in at the break.
The Reds have had the lion’s share of possession and chances but the vistors have also had glimmers of hope.
Sean Longstaff had Newcastle’s best chance but it looks like Liverpool will be going fourth if it stays like this.
AMERICAN DREAM
Lionel Messi has just splashed out £5million on an apartment fit for a king.
And it means the Argentinean superstar may have further dropped a hint that he is preparing to have a final swansong in America.
Messi, 33, has purchased the entire ninth floor of a luxury apartment in Florida that boasts all the facilities for a millionaire to live in paradise.
According to The Real Deal, the remarkable property sits on Sunny Isles Beach with beautiful views of the ocean. It has four bedrooms, four bathrooms, 360-degree views and even a 1,000-bottle wine cellar in 511 square metres of indoor space.
As well as his own private pool, Messi and his family have access to six pools in total.
There is also a spa, a fitness centre, a yoga studio, a children’s playhouse, and a champagne bar. And just to top it off, a private chef is on-site for when Messi wants to line his stomach before delving into his wine cellar.
FOOTBALL WHISPERS
The conversation between Erling Haaland and Phil Foden has allegedly finally been revealed.
The talented young duo were caught on camera embracing at full-time after Manchester City had defeated Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League earlier this month.
That followed a similar scene a week after the first-leg of the quarter final. They then departed the pitch separately, with Foden caught chuckling as he entered the tunnel.
Pep Guardiola’s City side are favourites to sign the in-demand Dortmund striker this summer. And that led to many speculating that Foden could have been trying to persuade the ace to line-up with him next season.
Seconds after the footage was aired, BT Sport’s Gary Lineker told BT Sport said: “I wonder what’s been said there… ‘see you next season?’” To which Rio Ferdinand replied: “See you next year, see you next year.”
Now the Daily Telegraph has claimed the pair were not talking about a potential transfer. They state Haaland told his rival Foden, who had found the net against Dortmund: “I’m the one who was supposed to score the goals.”
LIVERPOOL 1-0 NEWCASTLE
3. The Reds take the lead early on!
Mane floats a nothing cross into the box that Newcastle can only half clear.
It’s headed into the air and Salah eases Ritchie off the ball to take it down.
He swivels and smashes it left footed past Dubravka who has no chance!
Great finish!
GOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLL!
MO SALAH FIRES LIVERPOOL IN FRONT!
KICK-OFF!
Liverpool and Newcastle are off and underway at Anfield.
Follow kick-by-kick action on SunSport’s LIVE match blog HERE.
NINTCHDBPICT000649353600Credit: Reuters AV THAT UNITED
Avram Glazer refused to apologise to Manchester United fans over the European Super League plot.
And when asked whether he will sell the club, the Red Devils co-chairman ‘snapped’ in response. The Mirror tracked down the American near his £16million six-bedroom mansion in Palm Beach, Florida.
He was approached by a reporter as he visited a pharmacy in a black t-shirt, grey jeans and red trainers while driving his big, white Jeep Wrangler.
Glazer, 60, had not been seen since his club confirmed their intention to join the controversial breakaway competition last Sunday and subsequent withdrawal within 48 hours.
The Mirror reporter repeatedly asked him if he wanted to say sorry to fans – but he declined.
He was then asked if he would sell United following the debacle but the report adds he snapped back: “No comment.” Glazer got into his car alongside wife Jill and sped off and returned home.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
