HARRY KANE is set to stay at Spurs – as he believes Antonio Conte can end Tottenham’s long search for silverware.
SunSport understands striker Kane, along with the rest of the squad, is delighted the club have nabbed the former Chelsea and Inter Milan coach following Nuno Espirito Santo’s sacking.
Nuno Espirito Santo was sacked on Monday morning and Daniel Levy has wasted no time in bringing in his successor.
Meanwhile, Unai Emery has reportedly snubbed Newcastle, despite the club’s new owners hoping to have had him in charge this weekend.
The Villarreal boss was said to be concerned that the club had “no clear vision”.
And we’ve the very latest from Chelsea as Thomas Tuchel eyes reinforcements in January for their title push.
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
HAKIM’S DREAM
Hakim Ziyech is hoping his struggles are over after showing Thomas Tuchel that he is ready to play a leading role at Chelsea again.
The Moroccan international has been hampered for months by the shoulder injury suffered during the Super Cup victory at the start of the season.
But now he is ready to relaunch his career after scoring a crucial Champions League winner in Malmo last night.
He said: “I have had some hard times behind me because I didn’t really fully recover from my injury and I’ve never been able to find my rhythm again.
“Chelsea have not seen the best of me yet because I know what I can do and what my highest level is.
“But I have always believed in myself and I have worked really hard every day even when things have not been going as they’re supposed to.
“I am trying to be important for the team with goals and assists and I’m happy I was able to help in what was a pretty difficult match for us.”
MAKING A MESS
Paris Saint-Germain’s goalscoring statistics are worse when Lionel Messi is on the pitch than they are when he is off.
According to The National, PSG hit the back of the net every 110 minutes when Messi plays but when he doesn’t they find themselves on target every 32 minutes.
That means Mauricio Pochettino’s team score less than a goal per match when the Argentine legend is on the field.
The numbers are damning for the six-time Ballon d’Or winner, who netted a staggering 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions.
TOON TROUBLE
Newcastle have been dealt a major blow in their hunt for a new manager with Antonio Conte, Xavi and Joachim Low joining Unai Emery in turning down the job, according to reports.
The Toon are still trying to find their replacement for Steve Bruce at St James’ Park.
As reported by the BBC, four of their targets rejected the new Saudi owners’ approaches.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague revealed Conte, Xavi and Low were all contacted by Newcastle about taking over.
But all three made it clear they were not interested in the vacant position.
ACE ON BAIL
PREMIER League ace Yves Bissouma today had his bail extended for another five weeks following his dramatic nightclub arrest.
The in-form Brighton midfielder, 25, was led away in handcuffs by uniformed cops in the early hours of October 6 after he was detained on suspicion of assault.
Shocked revellers at The Arch, on the seafront in Brighton, told how they saw Bissouma being marched out of a packed nightclub in handcuffs by police officers.
The Man Utd and Liverpool target spent a night in the cells with a pal in his 40s.
The pair were bailed until today.
But Sussex Police confirmed they’ve extended the date as investigations continue.
EM RESCUE PLAN
Newcastle are said to be desperately trying to salvage their pursuit of Villarreal boss Unai Emery.
Emery reportedly turned down the chance to become the Magpies’ new manager because the club’s Saudi owners were lacking vision.
However, the Toons new hierarchy are still keen on the ex-Arsenal head coach and are reportedly embroiled in a last-ditch attempt to change his mind, according to the Daily Mail.
The Mail claim phone calls are now frantically being exchanged between the two parties as the Toon supremos look to rectify the situation.
BACK FROM THE DEAD
Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets made a miraculous recovery to get up and defend a Dynamo Kiev attack after going down clutching his left shin.
Busquets, 33, collided with Kiev right-back Oleksandr Karavayev contesting a loose ball.
Both went to ground and rolled around, but it was Busquets who got back up to his feet quickest when he realised his side were a little short defending the attack.
Karavayev rolled around some more hoping to win a free-kick 30 yards from goal, but once the referee passed him he swiftly got back up to his feet.
Some fans saw the funny side to the play-acting, but others think the experienced midfielder should be banned.
BEN BROTHERS
Ben Chilwell insists Chelsea’s red-hot form is down to the humility within the squad – with no egos plaguing the camp.
The Blues have won their last seven matches in all competitions, sitting three points clear at the top of the Premier League and on course to progress into the Champions League knockouts.
The left-back reckons the strong cohesion and unity among all the players, in and out of the team, and coaches is playing a pivotal factor in their recent success.
Reflecting on the Blues’ ascent, he said: “I think that’s a sign of the fact we’ve got such a strong group that’s doing well at the moment because there are no egos in this squad.
“There is a group of players that want to work hard for the manager, work hard for the club and for each other and whoever gets their opportunity they’re ready.”
PAPER CHASE
Antonio Conte hasn’t yet started work at Tottenham – because he’s waiting for his visa.
The Italian boss was named as Spurs’ new boss on Tuesday on a £15m-a-year deal.
His first game in charge is expected to be on Thursday against Vitesse Arnhem in the Europa Conference League.
But Conte, 52, is still waiting for a visa to allow him to start working.
He will not take charge of the press conference scheduled for Wednesday while the paperwork finalised.
BBC report that the visa process normally takes up to 48 hours and Conte is expected to be in the dugout on Thursday.
UNAI SAYS NO
Unai Emery has sensationally REJECTED the Newcastle job – because the new Saudi owners ‘have no clear vision’.
According to the BBC, the former Arsenal manager, 50, will turn down the approaches because of the lack of clear direction after the £305million takeover.
Spanish football expert Guillem Balague said: “Emery felt a huge pressure on the day of their match [against Young Boys on Tuesday].
“And then there was the lack of a clear vision from the club.”
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
SunSport can reveal Harry Kane is ready to abandon all plans to quit Tottenham – after the arrival of new boss Antonio Conte.
The England captain, 28, believes the Italian’s appointment can help Spurs now challenge for trophies, which is why he tried to force a summer move to Manchester City.
Conte, 52, was officially unveiled yesterday and will be handed a huge £150million transfer war chest.
Meanwhile, across North London, Mikel Arteta is said to be interested in taking Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic on loan.
The Gunners are preparing for life without want-away forward Alexandre Lacazette who’s only got eight months left on his contract.
Despite the Frenchman coming to the end of his current deal, the Gunners still haven’t offered him an extension.
And Arsenal fans will also have been interested to see developments up north, as Newcastle want Unai Emery to be their new manager – and it seems the feeling is mutual.
Toon chiefs have narrowed the search down to Emery and Eddie Howe.
And reports claim Emery, 49, will be in the hotseat for this weekend’s game with Brighton.
And a video of an awe-struck Emery taking the ground in for the first time in September 2018 – prior to a 2-1 win over the Toon – has left Newcastle fans beaming.
In the video, Emery can be seen standing at the heart of the iconic stadium, drinking in the impressive vista.
LEW, WHAT A SCORCHER
Hat-trick hero Robert Lewandowski got one over Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as he reached 81 goals in 100 Champions League ties.
Bayern’s Polish striker scorched to 80 in record time for Europe’s top domestic competition despite missing a penalty in a 5-2 rout of Benfica.
But Manchester United legend Ronaldo has 139 overall, thanks to his dramatic double in Tuesday’s 2-2 draw with Atalanta, while Messi is on 123.
Lewandowski, though, is well clear of the 73 scored by Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema in fourth place after Bayern made the KO stages with their fourth win in four group matches.
GOING DUTCH
Christian Eriksen could reportedly make an emotional return to Ajax – with him currently banned from playing for Inter Milan.
The midfielder, 30, collapsed during Denmark’s match against Finland at Euro 2020 and was rushed to hospital.
The Italian FA have ruled Eriksen’s fitness cannot rely on a ICD heart-starter, and therefore he is not allowed to play in Serie A.
That could lead to a sensational move back to Ajax, who he played for between 2010-13.
Corriere dello Sport reports that Eriksen is ‘tempted’ by a return to the Dutch giants.
It is believed he would be allowed to play in Holland with the device fitted., alongside Ajax star Daley Blind , who has also been fitted with an ICD.
CONT LEAVE NOW
Harry Kane is ready to abandon all plans to quit Tottenham – after the arrival of new boss Antonio Conte.
The England captain, 28, believes the Italian’s appointment can help Spurs now challenge for trophies, which is why he tried to force a summer move to Manchester City.
Conte, 52, was officially unveiled yesterday and will be handed a huge £150million transfer war chest.
SunSport understands striker Kane, along with the rest of the squad, is delighted Tottenham have nabbed the former Chelsea and Inter Milan coach following Nuno Espirito Santo’s sacking.
Kane was angry with Daniel Levy in the summer as he believed the Spurs chairman had backed down from a gentleman’s agreement that he could leave the North London club for City if the right offer came in.
Tottenham did not feel that City’s £125m bid was enough, so a frustrated Kane remained at the club.
DAN BOOST
Brighton have received a huge boost as Dan Burn’s injury is not as bad as first feared.
There were worries the giant defender could be out for a lengthy period after landing awkwardly on his knee when going up for a header in last week’s 2-2 Carabao Cup draw at Leicester.
But SunSport understands the results of a scan have shown the versatile Geordie, 29, suffered only swelling rather than something more serious.
The damage could still keep him out of Saturday’s home clash against Newcastle.
But he should be available for selection again after the international break.
ATALANTA 2 MANCHESTER UNITED 2
Cristiano Ronaldo saved his side again with a brilliant last-minute equaliser.
United twice fell behind but Ronaldo got them level twice, with his late 20-yard volley nestling in the bottom corner.
SCHOL-BOY ERRORS
Paul Scholes claimed Paul Pogba was lucky to stay on the field for the second half against Atalanta.
The Frenchman started in Italy alongside Scott McTominay, but was not at his brilliant best.
Having given the ball away several times and being guilty of some wayward passing, Pogba had a 45 minutes to forget.
And nobody knows that more than Old Trafford legend Scholes, one of the finest midfielders in Premier League history.
He said on BT Sport: “United have been sloppy at times.
“There have been a lot of mistakes in that half, I don’t think Paul Pogba will be particularly enthralled by his performance.
“He’s given the ball away a lot and that goal has maybe made him survive into the second half.”
RIO HAILS RUBEN
Rio Ferdinand claims Ruben Loftus-Cheek can emulate Yaya Toure.
Recalled Loftus-Cheek showed why Ferdinand rates him ‘unplayable at times’ in Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Malmo.
The former England superstar told BT Sport: “I love him. He’s a fantastic specimen, first and foremost.
“I liken him, in full flow, to someone like Yaya Toure.
“‘He can intimidate players. When he turns and goes full pelt, it’s unplayable at times.
“As a centre back that’s one of your biggest fears.
‘He’s a fantastic talent. He’s as comfortable in the wide areas of a front three as he is in front of the defence.”
VAR REAL?
Raphael Varane has suffered ANOTHER injury blow as the Manchester United defender was forced off at Atalanta.
The Frenchman limped off after just 38 minutes in Italy with United 1-0 down as Mason Greenwood came on in replacement.
It mounts more frustration for Varane, who has already missed five games with injury this season.
He did return to United’s backline for their 3-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday, which eased the pressure off manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But Varane faces another setback after being forced off as he went down off the ball, just before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised.
The defender arrived from Real Madrid this summer for £42million, but has so far made just nine appearances.
GLOBAL CITIZENS
Manchester City have held talks over acquiring a minority stake in Russian giants Spartak Moscow.
Representatives from City Football Group met last weekend with the general director of Spartak, whose current owner Leonid Fedun is looking to sell up.
Russian reports have suggested City are interested in buying 20 per cent of the capital-based outfit.
City sources confirmed preliminary talks have taken place but insist nothing has been decided.
Should a deal be agreed, it would extend the number of clubs in City Football Group’s worldwide roster to ELEVEN.
As well as flagship side Manchester City, the umbrella organisation also has stakes in New York City, Melbourne City, Yokohama F Marinos in Japan, Montevideo City Torque in Uruguay, Spanish side Girona, Sichuan Jiuniu in China, India’s Mumbai City, Lommel SK In Belgium and French minnows ES Troyes
ON GUARD
Pep Guardiola says Wednesday’s clash with Club Brugge is “much more important” than Saturday’s Manchester derby.
Having thrashed Philippe Clement’s team 5-1 just a fortnight ago, some managers may look to keep their squad fresh for a cross-city clash but Pep insists this Champions League tie is the bigger game.
Guardiola said: “This is much more important than United.
“This game can give us an incredible step to make the last 16.
“In the Premier League there are many games, here there are just six and only three are left.
“So we have to take it seriously to make a good performance and take a step forward in qualification.
“The group stages every year get more difficult. If you drop more than one or two defeats, we’re in trouble. We lost in Paris, so we have to take advantage of being at home.”
FRANCK-LY SPEAKING
Tottenham are ‘close’ to agreeing a £165,000-a-week deal with AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie, according to reports.
The North Londoners are said to be in talks with the Ivorian’s agent George Atangana with an £8.5million-a-year deal on the table.
The North Londoners appointed Antonio Conte as their new boss on Tuesday and the former Inter Milan chief has dipped straight back into the market with a raid on his old rivals, according to Rudy Galetti.
The Italian journalist tweeted: “Close agreement between #Atangana and #Tottenham for #Kessie.
“Engagement from €10M per season for the deal and max commission for the agent.”
WRONGS WRIGHTED
Ian Wright admits he strongly disliked Roy Keane and was hurt by his fierce rival’s jibe over ‘losers’ medals’.
Wrighty has revealed the mutual hostility extended off the pitch.
But he says as pundits the two have become mates – with Keane an ‘honest man’ the former England striker can discuss ‘serious things’ with.
Wright said: “I see him as my friend now, but like I say, when we played I didn’t like him. I didn’t like him at all.
“I remember when I won my Premier League medal, when the camera came in I remember saying ‘Roy Keane winners medal’ because Roy Keane one time said to me ‘Wrighty, you’ve got a cabinet full of losers medals!’
“It’s the kind of comment I would have said to him if the shoe was on the other foot.
“But when he said it, it hurts you but I was laughing deep down because it’s a killer, it finishes you, bam.
“Even when I reminded him, he said ‘nah I didn’t say that’. I said, ‘Roy, it’s not something you forget!’”
WORK IN PROCESS
New Tottenham boss Antonio Conte watched his new players train today – but wasn’t allowed to take the session.
The Italian has agreed a £15million-a-year contract with the Londoners to replace the axed Nuno Espirito Santo.
But as reported by The Telegraph, he is not quite READY to get his feet under the table.
The newspaper reported that former Chelsea gaffer ‘slept at the club’s training ground ahead of meeting Spurs staff and players’.
He addressed staff at lunchtime – but then watched on as the players were put through their paces because he is still waiting for his work permit.
SunSport understands he will be backed in the January transfer market, and given a £150million war chest to bring in his own players.
VAR-FETCHED
Romelu Lukaku joined Chelsea fans in utter confusion after BT Sport’s broadcast of the Malmo game was ‘hacked by VAR visuals’.
Midway through the first half of the Champions League group stage tie, viewers’ screens appeared to display ‘sparkly’ graphics across the pitch.
On closer look, it appears as though two camera angles appeared to be warring with each other, with the bright visuals simply the floodlights super-imposed over the main stream at a bizarre angle.
BT Sport presenter Jake Humphrey apologised for ‘technical difficulties’ during the half-time break.
Humphrey went on to say the feed was coming from Sweden, with BT Sport not at fault for the gaffe.
However, fans – including injured Chelsea striker Lukaku – were left initially baffled.
Lukaku tweeted: “D*mn i thought it was my TV that was tweaking.”
One viewer added: “Looked like BT Sport were temporarily hacked by VAR visuals.”
‘GO FOR IT’
Antonio Conte has been urged to go all out to bring the Europa League trophy to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Conte’s arrival in north London has left fans confident their 13-year trophy drought will soon come to an end.
And former Spurs manager Tim Sherwood reckons the Europa League is the club’s route to silverware this season.
Prior to Conte’s appointment, he told MyBettingSites: “If Spurs bring in Antonio Conte, I can see them winning a trophy this season.
“The Europa Conference League is there for the taking, the only other real competition is Roma.
“Tottenham have plenty of work to do in that competition, and aren’t sitting pretty.
“But, they have more than enough with the fixtures coming up to field a strong side and get the points to progress.
“With the right man in charge, they will win it, if they really go for it.
“They shouldn’t rest players, it is an easier route into the Europa League for them than their league position will be.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
