STEVEN GERRARD has been CONFIRMED as Aston Villa’s new manager after the departure of Dean Smith.
The ex-Rangers boss has signed a two-and-a-half year deal with the Villains.
Meanwhile, his ex-midfield partner for England Frank Lampard looks set to be joining Norwich as their new manager, reports suggest.
We’ve also got all the latest on a potential transfer for Declan rice as well as updates from Chelsea, who are eyeing a swoop for Attila Szalai in January.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
‘MAIN CONCERN’
Arsenal legend Nigel Winterburn has urged the club’s board to back Mikel Arteta in the transfer market.
He told SunSport: “I think that the fans will always have a voice, particularly if they’re not happy with how things are being run behind the scenes.
“Arsenal are starting to invest a bit more money in the transfer market, they’ve certainly invested heavily this season.
“We have the owners there, we just need to make sure that we are starting to travel back in the right direction.
“We’ve fallen away from that top four, but now we need to go back in that direction.
“As long as Arteta has finances to keep improving the squad, then that would be my main concern.”
FEELING FRANK
Frank Lampard is set to be appointed Norwich City’s new manager.
The Canaries sacked Daniel Farke on Saturday – just hours after he guided them to their first win of the season.
Lamps held conversations with the Carrow Road board on Monday and has now agreed to take over the Premier League’s bottom club.
It is his first job back in the dug-out since he was axed by Chelsea in January following his 18-month stint in charge at Stamford Bridge.
The ex-Derby boss was linked with the Newcastle job before Eddie Howe’s appointment.
MAUR DIFFICULT
Mauricio Pochettino has raised some eyebrows by labelling Ligue 1 as the ‘most physical league in the world’.
The ex-Southampton and Spurs boss believes the football on the other side of the channel is tougher than the action in the Premier League.
Pochettino told getfootballnewsfrance: “My impression is that it is a very complicated league.
“The quality is there. I think it’s the most physical league in the world. I think the talent is amazing, and there are great coaches too.
“Every single game you can see all the teams have quality, have the capacity to win the games, never give up.
“I think it’s a very, very good league, and we are so happy to be here.
“I’m not saying that it’s a better league than the Premier League, but I think that in the way that the games are here – I think they are more physical than in the Premier League.”
RON BOD
Manchester City ace Ferran Torres has revealed he looks to Manchester United’s Cristiano Ronaldo as his physical and nutritional inspiration.
Torres reckons Ronaldo changed how footballers treat their bodies which has led him to get a personal trainer and nutritionist.
Speaking to El Desmarque, Torres said: “He [Ronaldo] is my point of reference.
He has changed football in terms of nutrition, taking care of yourself, investing in your body.
“This is a long-term process in which what you do today has repercussions for tomorrow. Football is more physical, and you have to be prepared.”
SPURS SLUR
Former Arsenal chief David Dein has revealed that Patrick Vieira’s first words in English was a Tottenham slur.
Dein brought Vieira to Arsenal in 1996 along with ex-boss Arsene Wenger.
And to get Vieira accustomed to life in London, Dein got the retired midfielder an English teacher to help the Frenchman master the language.
But Dein got a shock when he checked in on Vieira a few weeks later to see how he was getting on.
Dein recalled: “After a couple of weeks I went down to the dressing room and I said: ‘Patrick, can you speak something in English?’
“He said ‘yes Mr. Dein’. I said: ‘What can you say?’ He looked at me and he said: ‘Tottenham are [explicit].’
FEELING FRANK
Frank Lampard s set to be appointed Norwich City’s new manager.
The Canaries sacked Daniel Farke on Saturday – just hours after he guided them to their first win of the season.
Lamps held conversations with the Carrow Road board on Monday and has now agreed to take over the Premier League’s bottom club.
It is his first job back in the dug-out since he was axed by Chelsea in January following his 18-month stint in charge at Stamford Bridge.
TEAR GERRKER
Steven Gerrard has bid farewell to Rangers with a heartfelt post to Instagram.
The Liverpool legend was confirmed as Aston Villa boss today after a successful three years north of the border.
n an emotional post to Instagram, Gerrard said: “I want to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone associated with Glasgow Rangers, especially the fans, for the love and support you’ve all shown me during my time in Scotland.
“Winning “55” will always hold a special place in my heart – each and every one of you played a part in that and, believe me, there will be many more to come.
“I hope in time you can understand and accept my decision to move on but I honestly fell in love with the club and will always follow the team.
“Once a Ranger, always a Ranger #55”
FOOTBALL REVOLT
The Prem and other leading European leagues have joined forces with fan groups in a bid to block forced changes to football.
Supporters Direct Europe boss Antonia Hagemann said the tie up with the European Leagues umbrella group was a move to “save European football”.
The two sides agreed to work together to protect domestic football structures, governance of the international game and inclusion and diversity.
Jacco Swart, managing director of European Leagues, said: “Fans are a key stakeholder in football.
“It is a natural step to converge and work together to protect domestic football in the interest of all professional leagues and their clubs and fans across Europe.”
Hagemann added: “Fans and leagues share common principles and we now want to put them into action. This relationship is crucial. To save European football we all need to work together.”
HOPE UTD
Marcus Rashford says lack of education is to blame for the racist trolling he and other players get on social media.
Rashford was targeted along with Manchester United teammate Jadon Sancho and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka after all three missed penalties in the Euros final shoot-out against Italy in the summer.
Rashford, said: “I think educating ourselves on, and championing other, cultures can only benefit our understanding. Discrimination usually stems from a lack of education. It’s a defence mechanism.
“Instead of stigmatising differences, we should be celebrating them. How boring would the world be if we were all the same?
“Books are a great source for us to highlight different characters and better understand background and journey.”
HOLIDALE
Aaron Ramsdale has revealed England’s heroes were treated to an incredible ‘lads holiday’ during their Euro 2020 campaign – including a private Ed Sheeran gig.
The Three Lions reached the final only to lose to Italy on penalties.
But Arsenal stopper Ramsdale, 23, has recalled the amazing treat day they enjoyed between their final group game against Czech Republic and last 16 win over Germany.
The England ace – pushing Jordan Pickford for the No1 jersey amid a red-hot run of form – revealed their St George’s training facility was turned into the perfect play area for big kids.
He even revealed the national team FaceTimed Tom Cruise before being treated to an advanced screening of Top Gun: Maverick.
PLEASED AZEEZ
Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette has praised Portsmouth loanee Miguel Azeez for scoring his debut goal for the club.
19-year-old Azeez, who’s on loan from Arsenal got on the scoresheet for Pompey against Crystal Palace’s under-21s, and took to Twitter to celebrate his achievement after the game.
Azeez posted “Win, goal, assist, last night.”
His goal caught the attention of Lacazette who chipped in with three smiling face emojis and love hearts.
SCOT THIS TIME
Scott McTominay will miss Scotland’s World Cup clash against Moldova tomorrow after picking up an injury.
It’s been revealed that the Manchester United midfielder has picked up a throat infection that will keep him out of the tie.
However, reports suggest that McTominay could be back in the Scotland squad by the weekend if he recovers.
McTominay’s absence will be a huge loss for Steve Clarke’s side as the 24-year-old scored the winning goal in Scotland’s previous World Cup tie last month against Israel.
NO RETURN
Dani Alves’ return to Barcelona is set to be BLOCKED by LaLiga chiefs as they do not believe the claim his salary will be ONE EURO.
The Brazilian full-back enjoyed eight supremely impressive years at the Nou Camp between 2008 and 2016.
And, despite the Catalan giants’ current financial crisis, they are keen to try and secure his return at the age of 38.
However, according to Esport 3, LaLiga are expected to refuse Alves’ second spell at Barcelona as they do not accept the club’s proposal that his wage will be just one euro.
The links with a second stint at Barca come two months after the ex-Juventus and PSG man had his Sao Paulo contract ripped up.
KOP24
Steven Gerrard has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at Aston Villa.
The former Rangers boss, 41, was confirmed as Villa’s new manager on Thursday morning.
He has put pen to paper on a contract which could see him stay at Villa Park until the summer of 2024, according to Sky Sports’ Andrew Dickson.
Coincidentally, that is also when Jurgen Klopp’s contract expires at Liverpool.
First Gerrard will have to impress with Villa after they invested heavily in the squad last summer.
SIGN POGBA
Liverpool legend Steve McManaman has urged Real Madrid to sign Manchester United ace Paul Pogba.
Pogba’s contract runs out next summer so McManaman reckons the Frenchman won’t be a gamble for Los Blancos.
And the 28-year-old will also bring a fresh pair of legs to Real’s ageing midfielder, according to McManaman.
The ex-Real ace told Horseracing.net: “It’s an easy move for Real Madrid to take him. You’re getting him on a free so you’re really not taking much of a gamble.
“So you take into account what you have in the team -they’ve got Luka Modric who’s 36, Toni Kroos is into his thirties, Casemiro will be 30 in February.
“That’s what you’re looking at. Of course you’ve got a number of players in and around the squad as well. I don’t think it would be a big issue to bring Pogba in.”
NOT HAPPY
Virgil van Dijk has declared war on Arsene Wenger – insisting: Your World Cup plans will wreck players’ health.
And the Liverpool defender said he and his Kop teammates will hold showdown talks with the former Arsenal boss.
VVD said: “A meeting is planned for the near future between Liverpool players, including myself, and Arsene Wenger.
“It is to do with the plan to stage the World Cup finals every two years, and we will give our opinions as players.
“I think that when senior players from Liverpool and other clubs give their opinions, the authorities have to listen to us.
“The numbers of matches are piling up. On the one hand, playing in games is the greatest thing we can do.
“But we also need to take a good look at players’ health and safety, and the gap between the end of one season and the start of another.
“That is in order that everybody can recover properly.”
TYL HIM UP
Arsenal are keen on a move for RB Leipzig’s American sensation Tyler Adams.
The versatile 22-year-old has a reported release clause of just £32.25million.
And according to German outlet SportBILD the Gunners are keeping a close eye on the midfielder.
Arsenal were linked with Adams in the summer but after splashing the cash on the likes of Ben White and Aaron Ramsdale a move never materialised.
However Mikel Arteta and Emirates chiefs are now eyeing another swoop for their long-term target.
SAK SPEED
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka has teased England teammate Kyle Walker about being faster than him.
Walker posted an image of himself and Saka on Instagram, and it seemed they were competing for who was the fastest.
He captioned the post: “Had to give him a head start!”
Saka posted in the comment section and joked that he beat his national teammate in the race.
He commented: “You lost bro” with laughing emojis.
STEVIE GLEE
Steven Gerrard has officially been named Aston Villa’s new manager – with the former Rangers chief to be backed in the January transfer window.
The 114-cap former England midfielder has replaced Dean Smith as manager after his sacking following a FIFTH consecutive Prem defeat at Southampton.
The Kop icon has signed a two-and-a-half year deal at Villa Park and will be in charge for the first time next Saturday at home to Brighton.
Gerrard said: “Aston Villa is a club with a rich history and tradition in English football and I am immensely proud to become its new Head Coach.
“In my conversations with Nassef, Wes and the rest of the Board, it was apparent how ambitious their plans are for the club and I am looking forward to helping them achieve their aims.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everybody associated with Glasgow Rangers for giving me the opportunity to manage such an iconic football club. Helping them secure a record-breaking 55th league title will always hold a special place in my heart.
“I would like to wish the players, staff and supporters the very best for the future.”
ATT WILL DO
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a £20million fee to sign Fenerbahce defender Attila Szalai.
According to CNN Turk, he will sign a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge and join up with Thomas Tuchel’s squad in January.
Szalai, dubbed the Hungarian Virgil van Dijk, is expected to earn an annual salary of around £3.4m.
He will likely be the eventual successor to 36-year-old Thiago Silva as the Brazilian’s contract comes to an end in the summer.
Szalai’s valuation has soared since joining Super Lig giants Fenerbache from Cypriots Apollon Limassol in January – for just £1.8m.
TCHOU ON THAT
Chelsea are monitoring Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni but several clubs are interested in the youngster, according to reports.
Monaco are now looking for £42million to let him leave but that fee could rise once again, according to Tuttosport.
And Chelsea could be rivalled in their transfer bid by Juventus, who have reportedly entered the race to sign the 21-year-old.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Real Madrid are also said to be keen on Tchouameni.
With more than two-and-a-half years left to run on his contract, Monaco possess a good deal of negotiating power.
And given multiple clubs want Tchouameni, the French outfit could use that to drive up their asking price even further.
GOING FOR GAZ
Antonio Conte wants to bring Gareth Bale back to Tottenham for a third spell, according to reports.
The Welshman’s contract expires in the summer but there is a chance Spurs may move in January, according to Spanish journalist Eduardo Inda.
He told El Chiringuito TV: “Daniel Levy would like to take a Real Madrid player who is always injured.
“He wanted to sign Eden Hazard, but Conte has told him ‘no’ because he knows him from when he trained at Chelsea and says that he has little intensity and that he is not a very hard worker.
“The most striking thing is the player that Conte has asked Levy to take him to London. He is Gareth Bale.
“Bale ends his contract at the end of the season, but in winter he would not be free.”
NOT HAPPY
Gary Neville has slammed Premier League bosses for decision to not support homeless charity Shelter.
Top-flight clubs were hoping to back Shelter’s #NoHomeKit initiative by all wearing their change kits on Boxing Day.
However, while the Football League has confirmed their support, the Premier League has said it goes against their rules.
Their stance infuriated Neville who raged on Twitter: “Imagine refusing a request to raise money and awareness for homelessness.”
But the ex-United star reckons Prem sides can change the league’s bosses mind and force them to ‘u-turn’ like prime minister Boris Johnson.
Neville added: “A Johnson-like U-turn on its way if the clubs push hard!”
HOWE AMBITION
Eddie Howe has revealed that he felt Newcastle was the perfect fit for him upon becoming their new boss.
Howe believes his and the Toon’s ambitions align and he can’t wait to get going on Tyneside.
speaking at his first press conference, he said: “Everything just felt right.
“The pull of the club is huge, the size and the history of the club and obviously the new ambitious plans. I just thought it was the perfect fit for me.”
SHAW’S IDOL
Manchester United ace Luke Shaw has revealed that ex-Chelsea star Ashley Cole was his idol growing up.
Cole was the Blues’ No.1 left-back when Shaw was a kid, and the sight of him bombing up and down the wing at Stamford Bridge was a huge inspiration for the United defender.
Shaw told Fan Nation: “With Ashley Cole, I looked up to him. He was one of the best left-backs in the world for a number of years.
“(He) obviously played for England and I used to go to Chelsea games when I was younger and watch him and with me being a left-back.
“I always looked up to him and wanted to be like him because if I could be anything like him then you know you are doing something right.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
