THE ill-fated European Super League could make way for a British Super League with Rangers and Celtic.
SunSport can exclusively reveal that an offer to the Old Firm to join is top of the list of plans being actively discussed for reform of the Premier League.
We’re bringing you ALL of the twists and turns from this explosive story here.
Follow ALL of the latest updates below from this developing story…
GREAT SCOT
Rangers and Celtic’s rivals are thought likely to back their departure for a British Super League.
These clubs are said to feel that the Old Firm’s departure would allow them to win the title and have a shot at qualifying for the revamped Champions League.
Meanwhile a Premier League club source told SunSport: “Whether or not the Super League was going to happen, we all feel that the Premier League has to be changed and improved.
“It is time we opened it up to Rangers and Celtic. That would make sense for everyone.”
NEW FIRM
Executives at the Premier League’s top six are keen on an 18-team Premier League, in addition to inviting Celtic and Rangers, writes Martin Lipton.
A club chief told SunSport: “We have never wavered from the belief that 18 clubs is the only sensible way forward.
“It is also what Uefa, Fifa and the European Club Association have long called for.”
However that proposal would likely face stiff resistance from the 14 clubs who teamed up to block the top six’s Super League plans.
The Premier League would also be interested in introducing an MLS-style playoff system for the British Super League.
EXCLUSIVE BY NEIL CUSTIS AND RICHARD MORIARTY
Bruno Fernandes will commit himself to Manchester United — but only if Paul Pogba does the same.
Fernandes sees Pogba’s future as key if United are going to make up the gap to Manchester City, with the Frenchman out of contract in 2022.
SunSport revealed on March 10 how the club had approached Fernandes over a new double-your-money five-year contract worth £200,000 a week.
But he did not want to enter talks until he saw the club’s ambition in the transfer market this summer, with Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho targets.
Now he wants assurances over Pogba’s future too as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer plans for an assault on the title next season.
Bruno Fernandes is waiting to see if Paul Pogba stays at Man Utd before committing himself
EXCLUSIVE BY MARTIN LIPTON
Celtic and Rangers are wanted to join a BRITISH League as part of the fall-out of the failed Euro breakaway plot.
While the Big Six led the humiliating retreat from the Super League debacle, they remain convinced that reform of the Prem is essential.
Top of the list of plans being actively discussed is an offer to the two Glasgow giants to come south of Hadrian’s Wall.
Celtic and Rangers would jump at the chance to take a slice of the Prem cake, while their inclusion would also see a spike in interest from fans across the world, sponsors and broadcasters.
One club source said: “Whether or not the Super League was going to happen, we all feel that the Premier League has to be changed and improved.
“It is time we opened it up to Rangers and Celtic. That would make sense for everyone.”
Celtic and Rangers are being lined up to join a British league FROM SUNSPORT’S KEN LAWRENCE
Furious fans have refused to accept grovelling European Super League apologies from the billionaire American owners of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal.
Powerful supporters group Spirit of Shankly blasted: “These crocodile tears will not wash.
“We have always asked for honesty, integrity and transparency from club owners FSG, but the arrogance and deception they have shown behind this money-grab is frightening, but not surprising.
“We have noted John W Henry’s apology, but this PR exercise is too little, too late.
“Our owners have thrown everyone under the bus, supporters, manager, players and staff, and humiliated themselves through sheer greed and arrogance.
“This debacle must be a catalyst for real change, not an exercise in damage limitation.
“We need a fundamental change in football governance, one that is fair for the whole football pyramid, not just the rapacious elite.”
Football fans have rejected apologies from American owners including John W Henry ASTON VILLA 1 MAN CITY 2
Pep Guardiola’s men are closing in on the Premier League title after a narrow 2-1 win at Villa Park.
John McGinn put the hosts ahead with just 20 seconds on the clock in dramatic scenes.
Phil Foden and Rodri then scored to put City 2-1 up before John Stones was sent off in the 44th minute.
However, Villa failed to capitalise as Matty Cash saw red in the 57th minute, allowing City to hold on for the win.
RAPH AND READY
Chelsea have reportedly joined Man Utd in the race for Raphael Varane.
Bild claims the Real Madrid defender is on Thomas Tuchel’s shortlist as he approaches the final year of his contract.
The Red Devils have been long-time fans of Varane, believed to be available for £50million.
But Chelsea have now entered the running and are set to submit an enquiry for the World Cup winner.
Chelsea will rival Man Utd for Raphael Varane BILLY NO MORE
FC Cologne have announced their iconic goat mascot has had to be put down.
The legendary Hennes had been at every single home match for an 11-year period until 2019.
Now he will be laid to rest after the Bundesliga side confirmed the sad news earlier.
ERL GREY
Premier League target Erling Haaland is set to stay at Borussia Dortmund this summer.
That’s according to sporting director Michael Zorc.
Haaland has been linked with Man United, Man City and Chelsea after another stunning season in Germany.
But Zorc is confident Haaland is staying put regardless of whether Dortmund qualify for the Champions League.
Zorc said: “No matter where we end up, Erling will continue to play with us.”
Borussia Dortmund are confident Erling Haaland will stay put this summer
EXCLUSIVE BY ANDY DILLON
Mark Warburton is close to agreeing an improved new deal as a reward for reviving QPR this season.
Warburton has lifted Rangers into eighth place in the Championship on one of the division’s smallest budgets.
He is also credited with the development of players such as keeper Timothy Dieng, Lyndon Dykes and winger Eberechi Eze who was sold to Crystal Palace last year for £20 million.
Talks have been ongoing between Warburton and the club for some time and he is expected to sign new terms shortly.
He has been at QPR since May 2019 on a rolling one-year deal and is now set to pick up a pay rise as a sign of the club’s appreciation of his work and to cement his future there.
Warburton had been linked with the vacant England Under-21 job recently but declared he is happy at QPR.
Mark Warburton is set for a new QPR contract EU WHAT?
The chaos caused by the Super League shambles meant far-reaching changes to the existing European competitions passed by almost unnoticed.
Uefa rubber-stamped its proposals, backed by national associations, for a major revamp to start from the 2024-25 season and to run for at least nine years.
Check out the Champions League changes below…
How the revamped tournament will look BROKE THE MALD
AC Milan director Paolo Maldini has revealed the European Super League plotters were so secretive he knew NOTHING of the plans.
He said: “I’m the director of AC Milan and I didn’t know anything about the Super League project.
“I want to say sorry to the fans again. There was confusion.
“Sport is about dreams and meritocracy: we have to take this as a lesson.
“I have never been involved in the discussions concerning the Super League.
“I’ve seen the news on Sunday evening with the statement of the clubs.
“The owners decided and not me. Despite this, I want to apologise to the fans”.
AC Milan chief Paolo Maldini claims he was left in the dark over the European Super League BIRDS OF A FEATHER
Sergio Aguero will only sign a two-year deal with Barcelona if close friend Lionel Messi confirms he is staying at the Nou Camp, reports in Spain claim.
Manchester City’s outgoing record scorer Aguero, 32, is already said to have received a draft contract from Barca.
But AS say the 32-year-old will not formalise his move unless he knows one-club legend and Argentina team-mate Messi has ‘committed his future’.
City and Aguero announced a month ago he would leave the Etihad in the summer on a free transfer.
FOLLOW ASTON VILLA VS MAN CITY WITH OUR LIVE BLOG
Barcelona’s hopes of signing Sergio Aguero rest on Lionel Messi’s future SPURS 2 SOUTHAMPTON 1
Son Heung-Min’s late penalty sealed a debut win for interim Tottenham boss Ryan Mason.
The former Spurs player was placed in charge until the end of the season following Jose Mourinho’s sacking on Monday.
Tottenham fell behind at home to a goal from Danny Ings, reported to have been a major target for Mourinho this summer.
But the Londoners got back on track thanks to a delightfully curled goal from Gareth Bale.
Sergio Reguilon was then brought down in the box late on, with Son stepping up to fire in Spurs’ winner.
PS-GLEE
PSG chief Nasser Al-Khelaifi has been named the new European Club Association chairman.
He takes over from Juventus supremo Andrea Agnelli, one of the European Super League ringleaders.
Agnelli resigned from the post after Sunday’s controversial announcement.
And Al-Khelaifi has been voted in as the man to replace him.
CLAUD NEIN
Claudio Ranieri has launched a scathing attack on the European Super League – insisting a similar competition would have excluded his title-winning Leicester side.
Slamming the Premier League clubs who signed up, he said: “My Leicester team would have not played in Europe under such a system.
“It would have been a glaring injustice, and an insult to the values of sport.
“These people must be kidding us. We finished first in the richest and most competitive league in the world.
“But this European league would have told us: ‘Sorry, you can’t come in – you don’t have the right CV.’
“It is madness, and a betrayal of one of the basic fundamentals of sport – meritocracy.
“The beauty of football lies in the fact that the poorest clubs can always beat the stronger ones.”
Claudio Ranieri has slammed the Prem’s Big Six over the European Super League RAM RAID
European Super League plotter Florentino Perez admits Man Utd target Sergio Ramos could leave Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer.
Perez explained: “I love him very much, but we are in a very bad situation. We have to be realistic.
“I did not say that Ramos is not going to continue. We are thinking about finishing this season, then we will see what happens.
“A lot of things can happen. First we are going to finish this season. We are talking to many players and many are voluntarily lowering their salary.
“Some have already lowered it, specifically the two who have left, Luka Jovic and Martin Odegaard.
“Last year Ramos accepted. This year he is in a different situation.”
Real Madrid admit Man Utd-linked Sergio Ramos could leave this summer WRITE AND WRONG
Tottenham still listed Jose Mourinho as manager in their match programme for today’s clash with Southampton.
That’s despite him being sacked on Monday and replaced by Ryan Mason!
Former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri is favourite to replace the Special One.
But Mourinho’s name lives on at Tottenham – on paper, anyway.
FOLLOW SPURS VS SAINTS WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG
Jose Mourinho was named in Spurs’ programme against Southampton despite being sacked WHERE THERE’S A WILL
Prince William has had his say after England’s ‘Top Six’ withdrew from the European Super League.
The Duke of Cambridge, who previously expressed concern at the plans, tweeted: “I’m glad the united voice of football fans has been heard and listened to.
“It is now really important that we use this moment to secure the future health of the game at all levels.
“As President of the FA, I’m committed to playing my part in that work.”
SPUR OF THE MOMENT
Raging Tottenham fans have protested outside their stadium with banners calling for Daniel Levy to leave the club.
Supporters descended on the north London arena ahead of tonight’s game against Southampton.
Fans held ‘Levy Out’ banners and also want owners, ENIC International Limited, to follow out the door.
FOLLOW SPURS VS SAINTS WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG
Spurs fans demanded Daniel Levy leave the club this evening Supporters descended on their stadium ahead of the game with Southampton Fans are fuming about the European Super League RON NOT ON WAY
Man United legend Cristiano Ronaldo will not be returning to Real Madrid from Juventus, according to disgraced Los Blancos president Florentino Perez.
He said: “They are very good players. Lionel Messi and Cristiano. It’s a historical thing.
“Cristiano’s return? No. He has a contract with Juventus.
“But it doesn’t make sense for him to come back. I love him a lot, he has given us a lot.”
Real Madrid are not looking to re-sign Cristiano Ronaldo
BLUE DEMANDS
Chairman Bruce Buck and chief executive Guy Laurence have been told to resign by Chelsea Supporters’ Trust after withdrawing from the planned European Super League.
A statement read: “The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is appalled with the tone and insincerity of the statement issued by CFC today.
“We request a full and in-depth explanation as to why the board took the decision to turn their back on the European competition and for CFC to explain why they signed up to the Super League without prior consultation with their loyal supporters.
“We are disappointed that an apology has not been included in the statement. The legacy of our club was put at risk for what appears to have been solely for financial gain.
“The CST presently have little or no confidence in our current leadership at board level. On Monday, Bruce Buck extensively defended CFC’s plan to remain in the Super League at a fans’ forum meeting.
“Buck, alongside Laurence, appears to have given no consideration towards the loyal supporters, so their positions would seem untenable moving forward.
“Our relations with CFC will remain frayed until we have a better understanding of why this decision happened and we are assured that change and safeguards are put in place.
“The CST will not rest until we are comfortable that change and protections are put in place, because 116 years of history was jeopardised. This is our club and will remain our club.”
Guy Laurence and Bruce Buck are under fire from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust GLAZE OVER
Man Utd chief Joel Glazer has written an apology letter to fans over the disastrous European Super League.
It read: “We got it wrong and we want to show that we can put things right.
“Although the wounds are raw and it will take time for the scars to heal, I am personally committed to rebuilding trust with our fans and learning from the message you delivered with such conviction.
“In seeking to create a more stable foundation for the game, we failed to show enough respect for its deep-rooted traditions and for that we are sorry.
“This is the world’s greatest football club and we apologise unreservedly for the unrest caused during these past few days.”
Joel Glazer has apologised for the European Super League plans SUMMER LOVIN’
Manchester United and Liverpool are reportedly in talks to battle it out in two pre-season friendlies this summer.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, both teams could miss out on playing abroad if travel restrictions remain in place.
And according to the Mirror, United and Liverpool are in negotiations over staging lucrative friendlies ahead of the 2021-2022 season.
They claim that a first meeting could take place at Old Trafford in late July, before Anfield hosts the second clash in early August.
It has also been suggested that the games could be used as test events for capacity crowds ahead of the new Premier League campaign which starts on August 14.
Man Utd and Liverpool could play each other twice in pre-season friendlies this summer NEW START
Arsenal fans are desperate for Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote to buy the club following Stan Kroenke’s involvement in the disastrous European Super League.
The magnate, worth £8.3billion, invested in an oil refinery and claimed it would be operational this year, allowing him to focus on new projects which could include buying Arsenal.
Dangote said in January 2020: “It is a team that yes, I would like to buy some day.
“I’m trying to finish building the company and then after we finish, maybe some time in 2021, we can.
“I’m not buying Arsenal right now, I’m buying Arsenal when I finish all these projects because I’m trying to take the company to the next level.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
