Jules Kounde to Chelsea LATEST, Newcastle want Digne and Umtiti EXCLUSIVE, Ferran Torres to complete Barcelona transfer

SEAN IT ALL

Sean Dyche insists he will not be jumping on Jurgen Klopp’s bandwagon – claiming top players have never had it so good.

Klopp fears that the combination of Covid and festive fixture congestion is a danger to the health and well-being of Prem stars.

The Liverpool boss also name-checked Burnley twice as he called for an increase from three to five subs – as was the case during the Coronavirus lockdown of last season.

Anfield skipper Jordan Henderson has said that football powers aren’t serious about caring for players.

But Clarets manager Dyche bit back declaring: “The thing that I find interesting is that I keep hearing this term player welfare.

“And I’ve got to be honest, my players here are fantastically looked after.

“There are lots of demands on the superpowers.

“But we’ve got strength and conditioning, psychologist support, health and wellbeing, dietitians, a lot of players have home chefs.

“Players are really well looked after.

“They’ve got the best medical support. It makes me question this idea of player welfare.

“The welfare is off the scale for me.”

GOAL MACHINE

Erling Haaland has been backed to break Alan Shearer’s Premier League goal record should he move to England.

Alan Shearer scored an incredible 260 goals in the top flight during his playing days at Blackburn and Newcastle United.

But former West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool ace Joe Cole believes that figure will be smashed by Haaland should he switch to the Prem.

Speaking as part of a promotion for bookmakers Coral, he said: “I think if he comes over, at the age he is at now, he will go and break Shearer’s record.

“If he stays for 10 years, I think he will break all records.”

Chelsea in defensive injury blow

The Blues have been dealt a massive injury blow with Ben Chilwell set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.

The England international sustained a partial ACL tear after colliding with Adrien Rabiot in the 4-0 Champions League group win over Juventus.

And the Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law has confirmed Chilwell is set to undergo surgery this week.

Chelsea could look to sign a new left wing-back in January – with Lucas Digne linked.

Arsenal ace ‘signing of season’

Aaron Ramsdale has been picked as the signing of the season by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.

The 23-year-old’s £30million transfer from Sheffield United was branded a ‘mess’ by fans and ex-pros.

But speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “I went for Ramsdale because it was almost the biggest surprise to me.

“When they brought him in I thought they were bringing him in as back up and because he was an English player for the quota.

“He hadn’t impressed me in his Premier League time at Sheffield United and Bournemouth.

“But it’s not just the saves he’s made. He’s a personality, he’s a character.

“Already, to go into that dressing room – yes, there’s young players in there but it’s still a huge club, going into Arsenal as a young lad, a young goalkeeper.

“He’s got a presence about him that I didn’t see that he had and he’s had a big impact on the team.”

BREAKING: City star seals Barca move

Ferran Torres has sealed a return to Spain by joining Barcelona from Manchester City for £55million.

A deal – which includes an amazing ONE BILLION EURO (£842m) buyout clause – was agreed between the two clubs last week.

And former Valencia wide man Torres, 21, posted footage of himself training back in his homeland on Sunday evening.

He underwent medical at the Nou Camp and signed a five-year deal soon afterwards.

The Spanish international told Pep Guardiola earlier this month that he wants to return home after finding first team opportunities limited at the Etihad.

And the cash-strapped Catalan giants have agreed to pay around £46.7 million up front.

In addition there are around £8.5 million of add-ons relating to how he performs – with City almost guaranteed £6 million out of that.

The Premier League champions will also be entitled to a sizeable windfall of upto £8.5 million if Torres leaves the Nou Camp for big money in the future.

Man United reject Martial bid

Manchester United have reportedly rejected a loan bid for Anthony Martial from Sevilla.

The Spanish club are said to have made a straight loan proposal with no option or obligation to buy clauses.

According to Sky Sports News, the Spanish club wanted the French forward until the end of the season.

However, ESPN later reported that the deal had been batted away by United over wages.

United are said to want ALL of Martial’s wages covered in the deal, with a loan fee on top.

Sevilla are claimed to have only offered to pay half of Martial’s reported weekly wage of £250,000.

Alexandre Lacazette to leave Gunners

French striker Alexandre Lacazette is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, according to reports.

Lacazette, 30, has six months remaining on his current deal.

With the forward having worn the captain’s armband in recent matches, there has been optimism that an agreement can be reached over an extension.

But according to L’Equipe, he has decided to see out the final six months of his deal before pursuing other opportunities.

Neville and Carragher pick XIs

Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane have not made Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher’s Premier League teams of the season so far.

The dynamic duo agree Liverpool’s Diogo Jota is the man to lead the line ahead of fellow compatriot Ronaldo and the misfiring Tottenham ace.

But Carragher and Neville disagreed on three key positions and even opted for different formations.

Freebie transfer bargains for 2022

Some of football’s biggest names will be able to agree to join which ever club they want next month – and there is not a thing their current sides can do to stop them.

Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Gareth Bale head the superstar list of players entering the last six months of their contracts on January 1, leaving them free to sign pre-contract agreements elsewhere.

They would NOT move to their new club until the summer, but there would be no transfer fee.

An astonishing 539 players from Europe’s top five leagues are entering the last six months of their current contracts, meaning they can agree free transfers abroad on the first day of the New Year.

Players moving for nothing is not something new, but few years have seen such a stellar cast of talent who are counting down the days until they become free agents at the end of the season.

Which leaves some of the biggest clubs desperately trying to wrap up contract talks or spending the next month hawking the players around in the hope of at least getting a small fee for assets they will lose without a fee in the summer.

Newcastle ‘in the mix’ for Gunners star

Relegation-threatened Toon are interested in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.

The Gabonese striker is currently in Arsenal exile following a disciplinary breach earlier this month.

Aubameyang could leave North London during the January transfer window.

According to the Star, Newcastle are in the mix to prise Aubameyang away from Emirates Stadium.

But the 32-year-old is claimed to prefer other destinations.

LaLiga side in Martial bid

Sevilla have submitted a loan bid for Man United ace Anthony Martial, according to reports.

The Frenchman wants to leave Old Trafford in January because of a lack of game time.

According to Sky Sports, Sevilla are his preferred destination.

The loan bid does not include an option or obligation to buy at the end of the season.

Barcelona and Juventus are also reportedly keen.

United stars blasted by pundit

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has blasted Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes for running straight down the tunnel at full-time after the 1-1 draw against Newcastle.

On Sky Sports, he said: “It’s annoyed me for about two months.

“The best players in your team, it’s devastating when they’re showing that look and body language to the younger ones. They have to help them.

“They have to be the father, the grandparent in the team.

“I made massive mistakes at Man Utd but I had great senior players who would have a go at me but also put their arm around me I think there’s something wrong.

“You can’t run off at the end of a game. Bruno is whinging all the time; he’s been sensational for Man Utd.

“The two centre-backs were poor at the back, Maguire is having a nightmare season.

“You’ve got to be there when your team-mates need you in those moments.

“At the end of the day, I love that lad [Ronaldo], he’s the best I’ve ever seen in my life at times, but don’t run off like that. I’m not having that.”

Loan star set for Blues return

Conor Gallagher looks set to return to Chelsea and fight for a spot in the starting XI next season.

Thomas Tuchel revealed the club ‘love’ the 21-year-old after his superb spell on loan at Crystal Palace this season.

The German said: “We love Conor. We are convinced about him. We took the decision for Conor because when we looked at the midfield – Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante – he was considered number four in the group.

“Conor knew this all the way. An opportunity came up where he could clearly see more minutes and more responsibility.

“Would he be the same Conor if he had stayed here? Obviously not, because the situation will then be different. Maybe, then, the same people would say, ‘How can they rely on Conor Gallagher?’, or ‘Why don’t they give him more minutes?’.

“If Mateo hadn’t been injured, it wouldn’t really matter. So, no, you cannot go back to these decisions that are made for the club and for the player. Everybody agreed on it.

“And it’s obviously a good decision because he is doing so well and everybody is happy. That’s because he plays every single game, and knows how important he is to the team at Crystal Palace.

“This is a huge part of being at the best level you can be.”

Ex-England star tips Haaland for Gunners

Carlton Palmer has tipped Arsenal to make a shock move for Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at the north London club is in doubt after his latest ‘disciplinary’ breach.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Palmer said: “They will be looking to bring in a striker.

“Maybe they’ll be in a position to bring in Haaland, I don’t know.

“I think a lot of people will do because, you see, what it represents, what you’ve got to understand is Haaland’s 22.

“So if you get him out of his clause at £62million. If you give him say, £30m-£40m – you’re still at £100m.

“If you’re buying Harry Kane at £110m, and then £50m on top is £160m, and then he’ll be 32-33 at the end of his contract.”

Former Gooner on the move

Dani Ceballos is reportedly set for an £8.5million January transfer from Real Madrid to Real Betis.

The Spaniard has not played a minute for Los Blancos this season and his Bernabeu career looks to be over.

Betis are willing to cough up £8.5m while Real want around £12.5m, according to Mundo Deportivo.

Despite the difference in valuation, both sides are optimistic a deal can be done.

Ceballos, 25, is said to have a ‘burning desire’ to return to his old club.

Chelsea starlet wanted by Sarri

Blues winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is wanted by ex-boss Maurizio Sarri in Lazio, according to reports.

The 21-year-old is back in Chelsea’s starting XI and attracting the attention of former boss Sarri in the Italian capital.

As reported by Football Italia, Lazio have identified Hudson-Odoi as one of their top targets going into the January transfer window.

Back in 2018-19, Sarri managed a Blues side that included a very young Hudson-Odoi.

Chelsea finished third that season but won the Europa League and it seems that Sarri wants a reunion.

Saying Bay bye to Leeds?

Bayern Munich are stepping up their interest in Leeds star Raphinha.

The German giants are ready to test Leeds’ resolve in January but are prepared to wait until next summer.

Leeds value the Brazilian winger at around £60m and insist they have had no contact with Bayern.

The Yorkshire club are hopeful of agreeing an extension to Raphinha’s contract with his agent Deco, which expires in June 2024.

Whites are desperate to keep hold of him but would be huge return on the £20.6m they paid Rennes in October 2020.

Liverpool have been monitoring over last 12 months and still keen.

The Reds are on the hunt for a new winger and both Raphina and West Ham star Jarrod Bowen are reportedly on Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist.

Spurs in for AC Milan ace

Tottenham are leading the race to sign Franck Kessie from AC Milan, according to reports.

Fellow Prem duo Arsenal and Manchester United are also keen on the Ivorian midfielder.

But according to the Express, Spurs are at the head of the queue.

With his contract set to expire next summer, Kessie will be eligible to sign a pre-contract on January 1.

And Tottenham reportedly want to tie up a deal quickly.

Gunners chase ex-Liverpool star

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly given the green light to sign Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho.

The Gunners find themselves fourth in the Premier league and are looking to strengthen in January to sustain the push for European football.

And according to Fichajes.net, Barca outcast Coutinho is someone Arsenal are interested in signing.

Arteta gave ‘a resounding yes when approving the arrival’ of the former Liverpool man.

The Gunners are hoping Coutinho can recapture the world class form he showed in his last spell in the Prem.

And the 29-year-old could offer the ‘right solutions’ for Arsenal.

Arsenal ace heading to Italy

Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set to seal a loan move to Roma, according to reports.

The England international wanted to leave North London in the summer, but had a temporary switch to Everton blocked.

According to the Mirror he will finally get his wish in January, with Jose Mourinho’s side keen.

In Rome, Maitland-Niles will get to link up with fellow Englishmen Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham.

The 24-year-old has made 11 appearances for the Gunners this term.

Sky pundit slams Man United

Gary Neville blasted Manchester United’s players for being ‘whinge bags’ against Newcastle.

Neville’s former side found themselves 1-0 down at St James Park after just seven minutes following Allan Saint-Maximin’s opener.

They went into half-time one goal behind and Sky Sports pundit Neville hit out at Ralf Rangnick’s players.

He said: “They’ve not done one single thing right as a team and not one player can go in at half-time and say they’ve done their job or even done themselves justice.

“They’ve not had a game in 16 days but I’m not really looking at that to be honest because there’s still a lot of basics they can do properly – which is win your battles, go in for tackles properly, show a bit of urgency and look like it matters.

“They’re whinging at each other, they’re a bunch of whinge bags. Their arms are up in the air, they’re complaining about everything.

“They got the last manager the sack Ralf Rangnick is not going to get the sack, but they’ll get a lot of managers the sack if they perform like that.”

MORNING FOOTBALL FANS

Kylian Mbappe has been named as the Men’s Player of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.

The French star pipped rival Robert Lewandowski to the accolade, after starring for PSG and France.

Antonio Conte has hinted that he could return to Inter Milan one day.

After Inter rocketed back to the top of Serie A, Conte was quizzed by Sky Sport Italia about their progress.

To which he replied: “I am happy with Inter’s consistency because they are continuing what we’ve done in the best way.

“I can only compliment them, I think they have the basis to stay up there for a long time.

“Perhaps, one day, I could return to overturn the predictions again.”Meanwhile, the Premier League has announced a record 103 Covid cases were recorded from December 20-26.

It comes as stacks of games across the country have been postponed as a result of a spike in case numbers.

DIGNE DEAL

Lucas Digne could be on his way to Toon next month – but only if Eddie Howe inspires a quick improvement.

The Frenchman is in line to be sold by Rafa Benitez to raise desperately-needed funds for Goodison recruitment in the transfer window.

And after falling out with the hard-line Everton boss the left back bought for £18million from Barcelona in 2018 is very much on Newcastle United’s radar.

Yet while long-term money is no object at the world’s richest club following the Saudi takeover, the proposed budget for bringing in talent is around £50m.

Digne, valued at £25m, would take up half that proposed fund when Howe will be looking to bring in at least three more.

SAM’S THE MAN

World Cup winner and Barcelona misfit Samuel Umtiti has emerged as a £17million target for relegation-haunted Newcastle.

The 28-year-old defender has fallen out of favour with successive managers at the cash-strapped Spanish giants.

And they are desperate to offload Umtiti’s £220,000-a-week wages.

But following the takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium the Toon may be one of the few clubs willing to splash out on the France international centre-back.

Eddie Howe badly needs experienced reinforcements in the January transfer window as he seeks to drag Newcastle away from the drop-zone.

And shoring up a leaky defence is a priority with the Magpies having conceded more than any other side in the division.

RAPH RAFFLE

Bayern Munich are stepping up their interest in Leeds star Raphinha.

The German giants are ready to test Leeds’ resolve in January but are prepared to wait until next summer.

Leeds value the Brazilian winger at around £60m and insist they have had no contact with Bayern.

The Yorkshire club are hopeful of agreeing an extension to Raphinha’s contract with his agent Deco, which expires in June 2024.

Whites desperate to keep hold of him but would be huge return on the £20.6m they paid Rennes in October 2020.

Liverpool have been monitoring over last 12 months and still keen.