Man Utd may demand Lautaro Martinez as Lukaku compensation – Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham transfer news

FIRST TUCH

Borussia Monchengladbach ace Jonas Hofmann has hinted at a potential reunion with Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea.

He told Ruhr Nachrichten: “Basically, I feel good at Borussia, I’ve always emphasised that.

“It may be that one or the other club has expressed its interest.

“Nevertheless, for me, the absolute focus is on having a successful season with Borussia and dedicating myself fully to success. I put my personal situation under it.

“‘I think it’s clear that other clubs will notice you if you perform well. Therefore, it is possible that one or the other has already asked.”

BRU BE CAREFUL

Bruno Fernandes’ penchant for extra sessions after training could land him in fitness trouble, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been warned.

Former Sporting CP coach Jose Peseiro has revealed the playmaker’s amazing dedication to football.

The 60-year-old told BBC Sport: “Normally when training finished, he’d have lunch in the club and then he would go to watch the U19s or U23s play.

“He liked to see the matches more than the others. He wanted to see the new, young players and speak to them to learn who they are and what they are doing on the pitch.

“He liked too much to see football. He lives for football.

“He wants to train too much, he wants to train more than is possible.

“The coach needs to say, ‘Bruno, stop!’ because he wants to train every minute of the day.

“At the end of a training session he will want to stay out and shoot. If there is a ball there, he will want to do something whether it’s before training, during training or after training. He enjoys it so much.”

THREE’S COMPANY

Jurgen Klopp has been handed a welcome boost with Alisson, Diogo Jota and Fabinho all returning to training.

He said: “Alisson and Fabinho, I’m pretty sure [will be available for the match against Chelsea]

“With Diogo, he was with us in the hotel, but he got sick overnight and we had to send him home. It depends how quick he will recover, obviously.

“He was in the squad and as I said before, he trained with the team and it all looked really good but unfortunately he got sick overnight.

“I think he will be available, but I don’t know.”

BLUES LOSE

Chelsea have ‘no chance’ of signing Erling Haaland from Dortmund this summer – it’s been claimed.

The Norwegian striker, 20, is one of the hottest young properties in European football with transfer interest across the continent.

And respected German outlet Sport Bild say that Chelsea have ‘no chance’ to sign the £150m striker, and neither do Bayern Munich.

The report in Germany also says that Haaland has narrowed his choices down to six clubs.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City would be the only Premier League sides Haaland might join.

GLOVES ARE ON

Gianluigi Buffon could extend his career yet again this summer – but will finally hang up his gloves by 2023.

The Juventus star, who boasts a World Cup, ten Serie A titles and a host of other trophies and records from a long playing career, turned 43 in January.

The keeper told the Guardian: “I’ve learned nothing is certain in life.”

He added: “Look, in my head, there truly is a final stop sign.

“A maximum bar, which is June 2023, that is the maximum, really, really the maximum.

“But I could also stop playing in four months.”

BARC-ING UP THE WRONG TREE

Mikel Arteta insists he is ‘focused’ on Arsenal after sensational reports linking him with Barcelona.

He said: “There is always going to be speculation when there are elections in Barcelona. It’s a huge team.

“Obviously I was raised there as a player and they’re always going to be linked.

“I’m fully focused on the job that I have to do here, and we have a lot to do. I’m really enjoying it.

“I am the manager of Arsenal Football Club, and I’m really enjoying it. I want to do much better than what we’ve done.”

FERN FADE

Bruno Fernandes might be trying too hard to make an impact in big games, ex-Man Utd assistant coach Rene Meulensteen reckons.

He told Stadium Astro: “When he influences games, he’s on the ball a lot.

“He drifts everywhere, players are more than happy to give him the ball and he’s established a link with the front players like Rashford.

But the bigger teams do their homework.

“They know that if you can stop Fernandes getting on the ball or into danger areas and stop the passing lines he’s looking for, you basically stop Manchester United from creating anything.”

Meulensteen, 56, added: “He’s trying too hard maybe at times and that’s why things don’t work.

“Sometimes less is more. Be a little calmer, make sure you influence the game and keep it ticking over. That’s what I feel is missing to give United a real rhythm of play.”

YU BEAUTY

The FA reportedly believes England are in ‘pole position’ to seal Yunus Musah’s international future.

The Three Lions suffered a major blow last week when they lost out to Germany for youngster Jamal Musiala.

Despite playing for England at youth level, Bayern Munich’s former Chelsea ace opted to pledge his allegiance to their international rivals.

Now Gareth Southgate’s side are in a battle with USA for Valencia’s talented 18-year-old forward Musah, but the FA are believed to have received a boost following the loss of Musiala.

Musah has won two senior caps already for the USA, the country he was born in, but is eligible for England.

And the Daily Mail claims it is his preference to pursue an international career with England.

England are in ‘pole position’ to land Yunus Musah ahead of USA

GOOD SENS

Man City are keeping tabs on Atalanta ace Robin Gosens, according to reports.

Gosens has put together a string of impressive displays with the Serie A outfit with nine goals and six assists in 30 matches across all competitions under his belt.

According to Tuttomercato, the left-back has attracted interest from City, who see him as a “modern” player.

Manager Pep Guardiola seems set to open some space at left-back as the Manchester giants are reportedly listening to offers for Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Gosens’ contract expires next year and could find himself subject to a bidding war thanks to his sparkling form.

SKINTER MILAN

Inter Milan have MISSED their latest payment as part of the deal to sign Romelu Lukaku with Manchester United demanding ‘compensation’, according to reports in Italy.

The Serie A giants signed the Belgian striker, 27, in a £73million deal in 2019, and Inter are claimed to have £43m of that figure still to pay.

Corriere dello Sport have now alleged the San Siro side have missed an agreed upon bonus payment, worth around £4.3m.

Under the terms of the initial Lukaku deal, it’s alleged Inter must now pay the remaining £43m fee in full or accept United’s request for compensation.

According to the report in Italy, Man Utd have told Inter they’re willing to waive the outstanding balance in return for one of their star players.

Centre-back Milan Skriniar and striker Lautaro Martinez are the two players mentioned by name in Corriere dello Sport, with United desperate for star reinforcements in both positions.

However, SunSport understands United would not accept any player as a makeweight.

JU BEAUTY

Juventus have confirmed the permanent signing of Weston McKennie from Schalke.

The American midfielder has starred for the Old Lady on loan -chipping in with four goals and two assists in 21 Serie A matches.

And Juve have swiftly turned his loan into a permanent stay.

GUNS BLAZING

Mikel Arteta says Arsenal are already planning an ‘unprecedented’ summer transfer window to help take the club to ‘next level’.

He said: “We are planning what’s going to happen in the summer. It will depend on where we finish, how we finish.

“I think what we have to do in the summer is unprecedented for a club of this stature.

“To do the amount of transactions that we have to make it tells you as well where we are. I think it was very much needed and you want to improve, you want to do that.

“It’s where you have things in the house and you believe that you can improve on it.

“Externally acquiring players to go to the next level. Everything is planned and let’s see what the market can bring and what the last few months can bring to the club.”

RAPH WARS

Leeds have issued a hands off warning to Prem rivals for Brazilian star Raphinha.

Manchester United and Liverpool are among the sides keeping a close eye on the 24-year-old winger.

Raphinha joined from Rennes in October and has five goals and five assists for the Elland Road side.

And the Mirror report that Leeds are under no pressure to sell the Brazilian prospect to United.

Raphinha has been one of Leeds’ best players in their first season back in the Premier League.

The Whites forked out £17million for Raphinha last year following a single season in France.

LUC OUT

Real Madrid have been issued with a contract ultimatum by star winger Lucas Vazquez, according to reports.

Vazquez’s deal at the Santiago Bernabeu runs out at the end of the season and talks over a contract extension have hit a snag.

According to ABC, the Spain international is asking for a four-year extension with a 15 per cent increase in his wages and wants it all to be sorted within this month.

The 29-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Tottenham and Everton in the summer, turns 30 in July and wants to seal the last major contract of his career.

If Real meet his demands then Vazquez’s annual salary would rise north of €5million-a-year (£4m).

But Los Blancos are only willing to offer a three-year extension and have to impose a 10 per cent reduction on all players’ contracts due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

Real Madrid ace Lucas Vazquez has issued a contract ultimatum

KANT HAVE ME

N’Golo Kante has revealed the reasons behind his decision to snub a move to Thomas Tuchel’s Paris Saint-Germain.

The German is now Kante’s manager at Chelsea having left Ligue 1 late last year – where he had tried to land the midfield star.

But the 29-year-old’s happiness at Stamford Bridge meant he did not consider the offer.

Kante told the club website: “I knew in the past there was some contact with Paris Saint-Germain when he was the manager, but it was not something I wanted.

“It did not happen because I was happy at Chelsea and I stayed here.

“I haven’t spoken to the manager about it!”

I GOT SOL

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has vowed that he IS a sore loser amid criticism of his approach to big games.

Manchester United have played it safe against many of their ‘Big Six’ rivals this season, leading to a mixed response from fans.

But the Norwegian, 48, has maintained that he certainly does get fired up over dropped points – even more so than Bruno Fernandes.

Speaking last week, he told reporters: “If you are at Manchester United and enjoy losing, you are at the wrong place.

“I don’t show my frustration maybe so much as Bruno but I think maybe I am the worst loser at the club.

“You have probably not seen it but some of the players have.”

MIRACLE NO2

A survivor of the 2016 Chapecoense plane crash has miraculously cheated death AGAIN – after walking away from a coach smash that left 21 people dead.

Erwin Tumiri was one of just six people to survive the 2016 plane crash that tragically killed most of Brazilian football team Chapecoense.

It has now emerged that the 30-year-old has cheated death for a second time in less than five years after a packed coach careered down a hillside near the Bolivian city of Cochabamba.

The death toll from Tuesday morning’s tragedy currently stands at 21 and more than 30 people are said to have been injured.

Erwin, one of the crew on board the Chapecoense plane, told local media of his incredible new escape.

He said: “I was feeling a bit sleepy and listening to music on my mobile phone when I heard people screaming.

“The only thing I could do was hold onto the seat in front of me, broaden my shoulders and lean against the window so I wouldn’t move as the coach overturned.”

Erwin Tumiri in hospital Bolivia following Tuesday’s coach crash that left 21 dead

VIC’S TOP PICKS

Victor Moses has delivered a snub to Jose Mourinho by insisting Neil Warnock is a better manager than the Special One.

The Nigeria international, 30, is still under contract at Chelsea but is currently on loan at Spartak Moscow.

Moses was asked to name the top list of coaches he has worked under throughout his career, and he ranked both Warnock, 72, and Roberto Martinez higher than Mourinho.

He told Spartak’s official website: “[Antonio] Conte is on this list.

“He helped me to believe in myself. And that’s purely from a human perspective and not because he found me a new position on the right side of the defence.”

Moses continued: “Next Roberto Martinez, Rafael Benitez. Neil Warnock, with whom I made my debut at Crystal Palace. [Domenico] Tedesco. And also Mark Hughes.

BRU-NO

Bruno Fernandes should NOT win the PFA Player of the Year award, with Manchester City stars much more deserving, according to Paul Scholes.

Speaking on Optus Sport’s Matchday Live, Scholes said: “What he’s brought to this United team has been special.

He creates goals, scores – not in the big games – but in a lot of them.”

Before adding: “He should be right in the mix, there is no doubt about that.

“But I am always a believer the best players are the players playing for the team that wins the league.

“There are a few City players I’d go for before Bruno.”

LAP IT UP

Barcelona presidential candidate Joan Laporta has warned fans: No me, no Lionel Messi.

Over 110,000 clubs members will cast their votes for Barca’s next president when elections commence on March 7.

As reported by Marca, Laporta said: “I have a great relationship with Leo [Messi] and he will consider whatever proposal I make.

“If I don’t win, I am sure that Leo will not stay at Barcelona. Messi will weigh up the offer we make him.

“I’m convinced that if the other candidates win, Messi will not remain at Barcelona.

“He wasn’t happy during Freixa’s time on the board. He’s not guided just by money. He wants a competitive team to win.

“I’m sure he’ll listen to my offer, just as I am [sure] that if someone else wins he will leave.”

ART DEALER

Mikel Arteta has spoken of rumours linking him with the managerial role at Barcelona.

He said: “There is always going to speculation when there are elections in Barcelona. It’s a huge team.

“Obviously I was raised there as a player and they’re always going to be linked.

“I’m fully focused on the job that I have to do here, and we have a lot to do. I’m really enjoying it.”

Asked whether he could join the Blaugrana one day, he added: “Today and tomorrow, I am the manager of Arsenal Football Club, and I’m really enjoying it. I want to do much better than what we’ve done.”

TUCH ‘N GO

Chelsea travel to Anfield to take on Liverpool in a massive six-pointer in the race for a top-four spot on Wednesday night.

The Blues sit one point above Jurgen Klopp’s squad in fifth place with both clubs looking to bounce back from a tricky winter.

And Thomas Tuchel has a near-full-strength squad to choose from for the monster clash on Merseyside.

The West Londoners lost the reverse fixture 2-0 in September thanks to a Sadio Mane double.

But facing an injury-ravaged Reds, Chelsea will fancy their chances.

Here’s how the Blues could line-up.

EDS UP

Arsenal have reportedly made an enquiry to sign Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard.

The Gunners are looking for new options up front with Alexandre Lacazette likely to leave this summer.

And 23-year-old Celtic forward Edouard fits the bill for the Gunners, reports say.

The Transfer Window Podcast claim that Arsenal have made contact and Celtic are looking for £21.5million.

Edouard joined from PSG in 2018 having previously had a loan spell in Glasgow.

He has scored 21 goals in 34 appearances in all competitions this season at Celtic Park.

Odsonne Edouard has reportedly been lined up by Arsenal for a summer swoop

RICHARDSON CONTINUED

“A new owner could deliver that. If they want to stay in the league the best way would be to come and give new energy to the players.

“It is a great club, we have some great young players and it is still all to play for. 

“If you want to be here for 15 or 20 years I don’t think you should worry about what league you are in.

“This club has had lean times before but has grown quickly. The good times are only round the corner.”

RICH SPIRITS

Wigan boss Leam Richardson is pleading to the club’s Bahraini owners-in-waiting to step in and raise spirits.

The mystery Middle East group have been given the nod by the EFL but have stalled on completing a takeover with the administrators.

That has led to fears that the would-be buyers are reluctant to commit until finding out if Latics are to drop to League Two with a second successive relegation.

Richardson thinks a quick decision would help save them on the field and said: “The whole place has been waiting for a lift for nine months.

“Once we did get that I think people would step up to the plate and we would have things to play for. They would have direction and leadership.”