GARETH SOUTHGATE has signed a new contract with England, keeping him in the job until after Euro 2024.
The Three Lions boss has done a top job since taking the post in 2016 and will now lead England at the World Cup in 2022 and the Euros.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign £70m Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Newcastle are also putting their January transfer plans into place, with reports linking them to Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic and Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule.
We’ve also the very latest on Chelsea’s transfer plans, while Romelu Lukaku is a major doubt for the clash with Juventus.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
ZINEDINE ZI-DONE
Zinedine Zidane is not interested in becoming the next Manchester United head coach.
That is according to BBC Sport, who claim that Zidane is not keen on replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the United dugout.
The Red Devils have reportedly made contact with the ex-Real Madrid manager, who is currently a free agent.
The French head coach experienced immense success at Real as he won two LaLiga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies
GETTY IMAGES MAUR AMBITION
Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is open to taking over at Manchester United.
That is according to Manchester Evening News, who also report that Pochettino is prepared to join United mid-season.
The same reports claims the Argentine coach always had the ambition of managing the Red Devils.
The former Tottenham boss was the board’s top choice to replace Jose Mourinho in 2018 but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer impressed them during his stint as caretaker manager
NEV-ER SAY NEVER
Gary Neville believes Mauricio Pochettino would quit Paris Saint-Germain for Manchester United in an instant.
Neville told Sky Sports: “I think Mauricio Pochettino — although he’d never say it — would leave to come to Man United on a five-year deal tomorrow.
“He’d look at that group of players, he’d look at the club and he’d realise he’d probably be able to achieve more than he wants at Man United in terms of a project.
“At PSG you are on season by season, ‘you’ve got to win the Champions League or you’re out’ — type of model. I don’t think that suits Pochettino. I think he would absolutely come to Man United on a five-year deal, with backing behind him”
JUVENTUS TEAM NEWS
Juventus will be looking to seal first place in Group H when they visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
But Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri will be without Danilo, who is sidelined for two months with a thigh injury.
However, Allegri will have Paulo Dybala, Alex Sandro, Dejan Kulusevski and Weston McKennie at his disposal.
The Blues need at least a point to seal qualification to the Champions League’s Last 16
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Chelsea are set to host Juventus in a crucial Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Blues manager Thomas Tuchel will make a late call on Romelu Lukaku’s fitness but chances are he won’t be part of the squad.
Lukaku has been out with an ankle injury and returned to team training on Monday.
Kai Havertz is also a doubt due to a hamstring problem but Jorginho is fit and available.
The same goes for Timo Werner, who had been out with a hamstring injury
GETTY IMAGES VILLARREAL TEAM NEWS
Villarreal boss Unai Emery will again be without the services of star player Gerard Moreno due to a hamstring injury.
Former Tottenham star Serge Aurier also won’t feature as he is ineligible for the Champions League.
The Yellow Submarine may have to make a late call on the fitness of both Arnaut Danjuma and Etienne Capoue.
But there is confidence that Dnjuma and Capoue will pass fit for the big match at the Madrigal
MAN UTD TEAM NEWS
Manchester United face Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday at the Madrigal.
This marks United’s first game following former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal and so Michael Carrick has been placed in charge for the time being.
Carrick will be without Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane, who are out with a tendon, thigh, head and hamstring injury respectively.
Mason Greenwood is also unavailable as he recently tested positive for COVID-19
‘IT SNOWBALLED’
Paul Merson stated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign as Manchester United manager was ruined by Cristiano Ronaldo’s comeback.
Merson told Sky Sports: “I feel sorry for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“He had a plan at the start of the season, having finished second last season.
“He’s chased Jadon Sancho for a long time, got him in, and he’s given Edinson Cavani another year.
“Then, just before the season starts, he gets given Ronaldo. I think he’s thrown it all out of the window. From day one, they’re not a better team with Ronaldo in it.
“You don’t go 29 games unbeaten away without playing a certain way, and bringing Sancho in gave them another weapon to play that way.
“With Ronaldo up there, you don’t have that weapon to play on the counter-attack any more.
“It’s all snowballed for Solskjaer. He had a plan, and the Ronaldo situation threw it all out of the window, just before the season started.
“They only went for him because they heard Man City were after him.
“It’s not like United were calling Juventus to ask if he’s available because Ronaldo is the missing link for United winning the Premier League. He isn’t!”
OUT OF LAC
Arsenal will not discuss a new deal with Alexandre Lacazette until the end of the season even though they risk losing him for nothing in the summer, according to SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
Lacazette is in the final few months of his £200,000-a-week contract and will be free to open talks with overseas clubs in January.
Manager Mikel Arteta has not ruled out the possibility of extending the centre-forward’s deal but wants to put negotiations on hold for now.
That is a major transfer boost for Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Marseille and Newcastle, who are among the clubs monitoring the France international
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MAUR UPDATES
Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is ready to quit the Parc des Princes and take over at Manchester United.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that Pochettino is prepared to return to the UK and replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the helm.
That is because they claim the Argentine head coach is currently staying in a hotel in Paris, while his family still live in England following his six years here coaching Southampton and Tottenham.
United dismissed Solskjaer following a poor start to the season despite a successful summer transfer window
RODGERS AND OUT
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has been contacted by Manchester United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal, according to SunSport’s Neil Custis.
United are also prepared to splash £8million in compensation to the Foxes for Rodgers.
The former Liverpool head coach has a clause in his contract letting him speak to certain clubs if they come knocking — and the Red Devils are among them.
Solskjaer was sacked on Sunday morning following a poor start to the campaign
GAME OF KESS
Arsenal have joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the transfer war for AC Milan star Franck Kessie.
That is according to the Daily Mirror, who claim the Gunners will go toe-to-toe with European juggernauts to sign Kessie.
The 24-year-old midfielder’s deal at Milan expires next summer when he becomes a free agent.
The Ivory international can put pen to paper on a pre-contract from January 1
WES SIDE STORY
Chelsea are still holding talks with Leicester ace Wesley Fofana ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blues are looking for a centre-back as they have four key defenders out of contract at the end of this season – those are Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
And according to Footmercato, the west Londoners are eyeing Fofana as a potential replacement should any of the aforementioned players walk out of the club.
However, Chelsea would face stiff competition from a host of top European clubs, such as Manchester United and Real Madrid
GETTY IMAGES SOUTHGATE REACTS
England manager Gareth Southgate praised his coaching team after signing a new deal with the FA.
Southgate said: “I am delighted that Steve [Holland] and I have been able to extend our stay in our respective roles. It remains an incredible privilege to lead this team.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark [technical director], John [McDermott] and the Board for their support – and of course the players and support team for their hard work.
“We have a great opportunity in front of us and I know they and the fans are all excited about what this squad could achieve in future”
VLA VA TOON
Newcastle are set to join the bidding war for Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic, reveals SunSport’s Alan Nixon.
The Magpies are on extra alert for players abroad as they will find it hard to land Premier League talent from rivals.
That is why Toon spies watched Vlahovic in action during the international break as he helped Serbia qualify for the 2022 World Cup by beating Portugal.
The striker could be sold in the January transfer window if the price is right, with reports suggesting he will cost £70million.
Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham are said to also be keeping tabs on the 21-year-old
SOUTHGATE REMINDER
England manager Gareth Southgate has officially signed a new double-your-money £6million contract until December 2024, the FA has confirmed.
Southgate’s assistant Steve Holland has also penned a new deal, keeping the pair in charge of the Three Lions through until after the next European Championship.
The English head coach has been in charge at St George’s Park since 2016, when he stepped up from his role with the under-21s to replace Sam Allardyce.
And the 51-year-old has since taken England to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the final of Euro 2020, as well as recently sealing qualification for Qatar 2022.
ALL BARK, NO BITE
Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley reportedly has a number of keen Premier League suitors who will go head-to-head to secure his signature in January.
The 27-year-old has only had 126 minutes of Premier League action so far this season and Leeds are thought to be the frontrunners to land him in January.
Marcelo Bielsa’s injury depleted side find themselves one place above the relegation zone after Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Spurs.
And according to the Daily Mail, Leeds are closely monitoring Barkley’s situation at Stamford Bridge with a view to making a move in January.
Relegation-threatened Burnley are believed to be interested in acquiring the former England international’s signature, with Newcastle also reportedly keen.
Barkley could favour a move to Elland Road though, having played for the club briefly back in 2013 on loan from Everton.
The 33-cap England international made four appearances for Leeds under then boss Neil Warnock.
Credit: PA CHELSEA DOUBTS
Romelu Lukaku and Kai Havertz are both doubts for Chelsea’s Champions League clash with Juventus tomorrow.
The Belgian has been out for several weeks with an ankle injury picked up in a 4-0 win against Malmo last month.
He missed out on Chelsea’s 3-0 win against Leicester on Saturday and is not expected to return in time to start their clash with Juventus tomorrow.
He could be available from the bench, however, with several other key players potentially unavailable through injury.
Speaking about Lukaku, Tuchel said: “We will not rush things. We will take things seriously as always, we will have talks with the doctor and the physios and the player, and if there is something to be decided it will be on Monday evening.”
Havertz picked up a hamstring injury in the win against Leicester and is a doubt, but his fellow countryman Timo Werner could return to the starting line-up.
Mateo Kovacic is still injured, but Christian Pulisic should be available once again after featuring against Leicester from the bench on Saturday.
‘I TAKE THAT AS A COMPLIMENT’
Tottenham fans booed their side as they trailed 1-0 to Leeds thanks to a Dan James goal in the first half of yesterday’s 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Second half strikes by Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Sergio Reguilon eventually saw the North Londoners complete a fine comeback, inflicting Leeds’ fifth league defeat of the season.
Speaking about the booing, Hojbjerg said: “I kind of understand the boos… I hope it won’t happen again but I understand there are high demands, high pressure.
“The fans have great expectations because we’re a great team, so I take that as a compliment.
“We’re here to perform well and let the fans celebrate, which is the main thing. We did that in the second half and the fans were incredible in the second half also, so let’s try to do that from the start.”
He added: “I think the reaction after the game and the second goal showed how much it means to us.
“Technically, it wasn’t a perfect game from us. There were a couple of mistakes and I have to say the way Leeds play is very demanding and very aggressive. They cause these individual mistakes.
“But I thought collectively we came out for the second half very aggressively, on top with a good attitude. We got the stadium with us, with fantastic support.
“To come back the way we did, from a character and mental point of view, I thought was very important and very strong.”
Credit: PA NEW SOUTHGATE DEAL CONFIRMED
England boss Gareth Southgate has officially signed a new deal until December 2024, the FA has confirmed.
His assistant Steve Holland has also penned a new deal, keeping the pair in charge of the Three Lions through until after the next European Championship.
Southgate has been in charge at St. George’s Park since 2016, when he stepped up from his role with the under-21s to replace Roy Hodgson.
And he has since taken England to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the final of Euro 2020, as well as recently sealing qualification for Qatar 2022.
Discussing his new deal, Southgate said: “I am delighted that Steve and I have been able to extend our stay in our respective roles.
“It remains an incredible privilege to lead this team.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark, John and the Board for their support – and of course the players and support team for their hard work.
“We have a great opportunity in front of us and I know they and the fans are all excited about what this squad could achieve in future.”
Southgate is now the fourth longest-serving England manager of all-time with 68 games under his belt and an impressive win-rate of 64.7 percent.
He was also awarded an OBE in the Queen’s 2019 New Year Honours list and will continue his quest for silverware in Qatar next year and Germany in 2024.
THREE OF A KIND
Antoine Griezmann has recently spoken about how much he enjoys playing alongside Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema for the French national team.
The Atletico Madrid striker said: “Sometimes I stopped in the middle of the field to watch them play: it was wonderful!
“The more they associate, the better it will be for us, because we create spaces, chances and goals.”
Griezmann and Mbappe won the World Cup together for France in 2018, with Benzema still out in the cold from the national team at the time.
But the Real Madrid striker was welcomed back into the fold for Les Bleus for Euro 2020 and formed part of a fearsome trio involving Griezmann and Mbappe.
They had a disappointing Euro 2020 campaign after being knocked out by Switzerland in the round of 16, with Mbappe missing the deciding penalty.
But they bounced back to win the Nations League in October, coming from behind to beat Spain 2-1.
Mbappe and Benzema both scored to earn France yet another trophy and they will go into the World Cup in Qatar next year as one of the hot favourites.
Although, Griezmann could end up facing Mbappe and Benzema next season if the PSG star’s long-awaited move to Real Madrid finally comes to fruition.
Credit: AFP
GOLDEN BOY
Barcelona and Spain midfielder Pedri has won the 2021 Golden Boy award.
The 18-year-old has been named as the winner of the coveted prize for Europe’s best young player for this year.
And has beat out the likes of Phil Foden, Eduardo Camavinga, Mason Greenwood, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
The Barca midfielder made 52 appearances in all competitions for La Blaugrana last season and has become a key player for them since joining in 2020.
Pedri joined the Catalan club from Las Palmas for just £4.2m and has since gone on to earn 10 Spain caps.
He starred in their team that reached the Euro 2020 semi-final and was named in the team of the tournament as well as being young player of the tournament.
Pedri then featured in Spain’s Tokyo 2020 Olympics side, who were beaten 2-1 in the final by Brazil after extra-time.
Previous winners include Erling Haaland, Joao Felix, Matthijs de Ligt, Kylian Mbappe and Renato Sanches.
Credit: AFP GOOD CHRISTIAN
Chelsea outcast Christian Pulisic is a target for Liverpool, according to the Daily Star.
The American has missed the majority of the season so far after suffering from a bout of coronavirus, as well as picking up an ankle injury on international duty.
As a result, he has fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and could find regular first-team football hard to come by in the coming months.
Jurgen Klopp is a big fan of Pulisic, and reportedly sees him as a long-term replacement for either Sadio Mane, 29, or Mo Salah, 30.
Salah is thought to be a target for both PSG and Real Madrid and contract talks with the Egyptian have stalled – with his current deal running out in 2023.
Pulisic, still only 23, is now in his third season at Chelsea, but has so far failed to live up to the huge expectations placed on him as Eden Hazard’s replacement.
He cost around £60m back in 2019 and is thought to be exactly the mould of attacking player that Liverpool look for – energetic, direct and technically gifted.
But Chelsea could be reluctant to sell to a Premier League title rival, which could force Liverpool to turn their attention to Villarreal winger Arnaut Danjuma.
Danjuma, who has previously played in the Premier League for Bournemouth, is a Dutch international and would reportedly be keen on a return to England.
GONE IN A WINK
Spurs midfielder Harry Winks, 25, is reportedly a key transfer target for Eddie Howe at Newcastle in January, who is desperate to shore up his midfield.
The 10-cap England international fell out of favour at Tottenham under Nuno Espirito Santo, starting just one of Spurs’ opening 11 league games.
But Winks played the whole 90 minutes in Spurs’ 2-1 victory over Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium yesterday under new boss Antonio Conte.
Conte and Spurs’ director of football Fabio Paratici will likely have a decision to make in January whether they should hold onto Winks, or let him leave.
The player is reportedly desperate for first-team football and could try to force through a move from his boyhood club if he continues to be left out.
But his preference would be to stay in North London and Conte is said to be willing to give Winks a chance to revive his Spurs career in the coming weeks.
Credit: Getty HOT TO TOT
According to Football Italia, Tottenham are leading the race to sign Bayern Munich’s French midfielder Corentin Tolisso.
Tolisso is out of contract in the summer and could be available on a free transfer if he does not sign a new deal at the Allianz Arena.
He is also thought to be a target for Italian clubs Inter Milan and Juventus.
But Spurs are said to be serious about signing him and will step up their pursuit of him in the coming weeks.
Tolisso will be free to sign a pre-contract agreement with foreign clubs from January.
And Tottenham director of football Fabio Paratici is thought to be a big fan of the Frenchman.
He previously attempted to sign him for Juventus back in 2017, when Tolisso was at Lyon.
And he would fit the mould of the kind of player new boss Antonio Conte is looking to build his squad with.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
