ERLING HAALAND has decided that Real Madrid is his preferred destination, according to reports in Spain.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi could be offered a Barcelona contract that would see him continue to be paid by the club for the rest of his life.
And David Luiz has undergone successful knee surgery, Arsenal have confirmed.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Stay up to date with all the latest football news in our rolling blog…
NEWCASTLE 2 TOTTENHAM 2
Newcastle’s Arsenal loanee Joe Willock pounced late on for a point-saver – after Harry Kane’s clinical double for Spurs.
Joelinton threaded lowly Toon’s neat opener from Sean Longstaff’s fine pass before Kane promptly struck on 30 and 34 minutes and later hit a post.
Midfielder Joe Willock celebrates his late equaliser for lowly NewcastleCredit: AFP But Willock levelled five minutes from time after after Miguel Almiron’s shot was cleared from the line.
Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho told BBC Radio 5 Live: “I am frustrated. We needed to win the match and we came to win. We were not far from winning but… created some instability with so many individual defensive mistakes.”
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce said: “I thought we were the better team and had an edge and energy about us.
“They deserved to win the game and it was the performance I was delighted with.”
.
VAN NOT MOVING
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek is set to stay at the club this summer after re-discovering his form during the international break.
The Dutch star scored in Netherlands’ 7-0 victory over Gibraltar on Tuesday.
Van de Beek will be hoping to kick on as he returns to Old Trafford But he has failed to find his form throughout his first season with Man Utd, featuring in just 13 Premier League games since arriving at the start of the campaign.
That has led to rumours around Van de Beek’s future at the Theatre of Dreams. But according to The Telegraph, Solskjaer insists Van de Beek is in no mood to give up.
The Red Devils boss said: “Donny scored some absolute crackers when we were all back in training on Friday.
“He scored some absolute top, top goals that I’d be really proud of myself and it’s done him the world of good, going away and scoring a goal for Holland.
“We hope we can see a lot of that for the next eight weeks of the season and then to kick on again.
“Sometimes it’s natural that if you don’t play and have injuries you lose a little bit of confidence and spark.
“Then you go away with your national team and feel good. I can talk from my own experience, sometimes I went back to play for Norway and you get the feel about yourself better.”
NEYMAR ‘KEEN ON MESSI REUNION’
Neymar has reportedly put talks over a new Paris Saint-Germain contract on hold.
Catalan newspaper Ara claim the Brazilian is keen on reuniting with Lionel Messi and is confident the Argentine will remain at Barcelona.
The report adds that Neymar believes his ex-MSN partner will pen a new deal at the Camp Now.
And the 29-year-old is also said to have informed his former employer Barca of his willingness to return to Spain.
The stance marks a dramatic U-turn following reports last month that Neymar was closing in on a new mega-money PSG contract.
The forward was said to be is in the final stages of agreeing terms on a new five-year deal to keep him in France until 2026.
That itself came amid stories that Neymar could be set for a stunning exit this summer with his current contract expiring in 2022.
The PSG star, who is already the top earner in Ligue 1 on £607,000-a-week, would be in line for further Champions League-related bonuses.
His new pay packet is unlikely to see him overtake Cristiano Ronaldo and Messi, who are the two top earners in European football.
PIRLO CRUNCH TIME
Andrea Pirlo could lose his job as Juventus boss if they are beaten by Napoli on Wednesday, according to reports in Italy.
The Serie A champions dropped yet more points in the league on Saturday as they were held to a 2-2 draw away at Torino.
The result leaves Juventus, who have won the title in each of the last nine seasons, clinging on to a Champions League qualification place with just ten games remaining.
And in midweek they will travel to fifth place Napoli who are only behind Pirlo’s side on goal difference.
According to Tuttosport ‘alarm bells are ringing’ at Juve and Pirlo could find himself out the door if they lose in Naples.
As well as their domestic struggles, Juve were dumped out of the Champions League last month.
In a quite incredible second leg against Porto, the Italian champions lost on away goals despite beating the Portuguese side 3-2 in Turin.
It is the second successive season that the Old Lady have failed to reach the quarter-finals in Europe.
MINA OPPORTUNITY
Everton centre-half Yerry Mina wants a move to Italy’s Serie A, REPORTS ALAN NIXON.
The Colombian seems set to leave Goodison in the summer and both Inter Milan and Fiorentina have been alerted.
Mina, 26, joined the Toffees from Barcelona in a £28.5million deal in 2018.
Everton are also on the lookout for a new keeper as Swede Robin Olsens loan from Roma ends soon.
Meanwhile, Mina, who scored against England in the World Cup, has had a mixed time on Merseyside with injuries and some inconsistent form.
The towering defender only recently returned following a calf issue he picked up in Everton’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in February.
HAALAND BOOST
Erling Haaland’s future at Borussia Dortmund was put in more doubt on Saturday as his side fell further behind in pursuit of a Champions League place.
Eintracht Frankfurt struck three minutes from time to hand Dortmund a tenth Bundesliga defeat of the season, going down 2-1 at home.
The result leaves Haaland and co seven points adrift of Frankfurt, who occupy the all-important fourth Champions League qualification place.
Dortmund’s domestic struggles have arisen despite Haaland’s truly sensational campaign.
The Norwegian has scored 33 goals in 32 games so far this season, 21 of which have come in the Bundesliga.
The best route now for Dortmund to get into the Champions League next season may well be to win the competition.
The German side have progressed through to the last eight but face the ominous task of taking on Pep Guardiola’s ruthless Manchester City side.
‘TOP FELLA’
Manchester United goalkeeper Dean Henderson has rubbished suggestions of Paul Pogba being a bad influence, insisting the midfielder is a ‘top fella’.
The France international’s commitment to the Red Devils has been questioned by many over the years, with several pundits branding the former Juve man as ‘lazy’.
Paul Pogba is a ‘top fella’, according to team-mate Dean HendersonCredit: Getty World Cup winner Pogba has also been accused of being a negative influence in the dressing room.
But according to Henderson, both claims couldn’t be any further from the truth.
During an appearance on YouTube channel UMM, he said: “It’s not true what a lot of people say about him, he’s a real, real top fella.
“I’ve got a lot of time for Paul and he’s always willing to help me and stuff like that.
“So shout out to him as well.”
EVAN SENT – EXCLUSIVE
Middlesbrough boss Neil Warnock is hoping to snatch striker Ched Evans from Preston , WRITES ALAN NIXON.
The Boro gaffer fancies the 32-year-old on a free transfer.
The Wales international’s deal at Deepdale expires at the end of the season.
Boro are also targeting Oxford goalkeeper Jack Stevens as well as Evans.
Evans only joined the Lilywhites on an initial loan transfer from League One outfit Fleetwood Town in January.
Preston turned his deal into a permanent stay a month later, but it remains to be seen whether he will offered a contract extension.
The ex-Sheffield United ace has impressed during his short stay – chipping in with three goals in 14 Championship appearances.
KNEE BOTHER
David Luiz will miss both legs of Arsenal’s Europa League quarter-final against Slavia Prague after undergoing a knee operation.
The Brazilian defender, 33, went under the knife today after suffering the injury in training last week.
David Luiz has had a knee op after an injury in trainingCredit: Getty An Arsenal spokesman confirmed: “David underwent a small procedure on his right knee on Sunday morning.
“The procedure has been a success and David is now back at home rehabilitating.
“He will be able to return to daily support and recovery with our medical team at the training centre in the coming days.
“He is expected to be back to full fitness and available for selection in the upcoming weeks.”
HEND OF THE ROAD
Dean Henderson is thought to have been selected to start against Brighton over David De Gea, according to reports.
The Manchester Evening News reports Henderson will get the nod tonight in a sign he is the new No1.
Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood are fit for the game and were pictured arriving at The Lowry Hotel with the rest of the squad.
Victor Lindelof is also thought to have been included despite not training on Friday.
LOST HIS TUCH
Thomas Tuchel was two games short of equalling Maurizio Sarri’s Prem record for the best unbeaten start to a season.
But the shock 5-2 hammering at home to West Brom left him stuck in third place on the leaderboard of best Premier League starts.
TAKING THE MIK
Mikel Arteta’s first 50 Prem games have been WORSE than Unai Emery’s.
ITALY FOR YERR – EXCLUSIVE
Everton centre-half Yerry Mina wants a move to Italy’s Serie A, REPORTS ALAN NIXON.
The Colombian seems set to leave Goodison in the summer and both Inter Milan and Fiorentina have been alerted.
Yerry Mina fancies an Italian JobCredit: Getty Mina, 26, joined the Toffees from Barcelona in a £28.5million deal in 2018.
Everton are also on the lookout for a new keeper as Swede Robin Olsens loan from Roma ends soon.
Meanwhile, Mina, who scored against England in the World Cup, has had a mixed time on Merseyside with injuries and some inconsistent form.
The towering defender only recently returned following a calf issue he picked up in Everton’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City in February.
CATS OUT OF THE (MONEY) BAG – EXCLUSIVE
Black Cats owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is itching to spend if they go up, REPORTS ALAN NIXON.
Contacts close to Louis-Dreyfus in France reveal that he has earmarked £60million for new faces for Sunderland.
But that cash will NOT be spent all at once.
The 23-year-old vowed to rebuild Sunderland earlier this year after slamming his predecessors for “asset-stripping” the League One club.
Heir to an estimated £4billion fortune, the new Black Cats owner acquired a majority stake from Stewart Donald back in February.
REAL PASSION
How about this for a celebration from Real Sociedad boss Imanol Alguacil after his side one last season’s delayed Copa Del Rey final.
Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil puts on club shirt and passionately chants during press conference after guiding side to Copa Del Rey glory
FOLLOW THE TRENT
Check out Trent Alexander-Arnold’s roaring celebration after a wonderful assist for Diogo Jota’s opener against Arsenal last night.
A message to Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate?
SUPER HALF!
Southampton recovered from two goals down to go in at 2-2 against Burnley in the Easter Sunday midday kick-off.
Stuart Armstrong and Danny Ings cancelled out a penalty from Chris Wood and Matej Vydra’s sizzler.
WEAR AN ATT
Fans mocked Prem ref Stuart Attwell’s Peaky Blinders style lockdown haircut.
The official sported a brazen shaved look in Liverpool’s 3-0 win over Arsenal.
Stuart Attwell had his hair shaved everywhere but the top!Credit: Kevin Quigley-The Daily Mail As many are left struggling to contain their out of control manes, Attwell decided to boldly shave his back and sides, while failing to attempt any fade on top.
And his new look caused quite a stir on social media, as one user stated it was more entertaining than the Reds’ one-sided affair at the Emirates.
They quipped: “Most entertaining thing I’ve seen in these 45 minutes is Stewart Atwell’s hair.”
Another added: “Someone tell Stuart Atwell that a #PeakyBlinders haircut is not for everyone.”
WHAT IS THE MATA?
Juan Mata is set to stay at Manchester United for another year – unless the Red Devils receive a bid of around £5million.
Mata joined from Chelsea in January 2014 but has struggled for game time this season.
Juan Mata is set to stay at Manchester United unless a suitable bid comes inCredit: AFP And the Daily Star reports United will trigger a one-year extension on the Spanish playmaker’s contract.
But should any potential clubs come calling Old Trafford chiefs will demand £5m to let the 32-year-old leave.
‘THE CHEEK’
Arsenal fans have jokingly accused Jurgen Klopp of ‘tapping up’ Martin Odegaard following Liverpool’s demolition of the Gunners.
The defending Premier League champions ran riot against the north Londoners on Saturday night, beating Mikel Arteta’s troops 3-0 at the Emirates.
Jurgen Klopp embraced Martin Odegaard on the Emirates pitchCredit: Getty But some of the Emirates faithful were more concerned about Klopp’s post-match conversation and embrace with Real Madrid loanee Odegaard than the team’s lacklustre display.
One Gunners fan tweeted: “Klopp tapping Odegaard up at the end lmao could that game get any worse?”
Another said: “Klopp adding insult to injury by tapping up Odegaard.”
IT’S A MI-NO FOR JUVE
Juventus have reportedly told Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola they can’t afford to re-sign the Manchester United midfielder.
The Red Devils brought Pogba back to Old Trafford from Turin in 2016 for £89million.
And Juve would reportedly love to have him back in Serie A.
But Stretty News reports the Old Lady have told super agent Raiola they do not have the cash required amid the pandemic.
AFTV RESPECT
Popular Arsenal fan platform AFTV honoured former star Claude Callegari after his death.
Claude died aged 58 from natural causes on March 29.
AFTV clapped for Claude in the 19th minuteCredit: AFCTV And AFTV chose the 19th minute to pay Callegari a heartfelt tribute as his birthday was on October 19, 1962.
When that time came during the match at the Emirates, all those watching from the AFTV studio stood up and applauded.
Those watching the YouTube stream also sent in messages of respect for Callegari, filling the comments section with “RIP Claude”.
HEAD TO HEAD
Both sides desperately need a win when Newcastle host Tottenham at 2.05pm today.
But the head to head records could barely be closer!
BEEK IN FORM
Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskajer reckons Donny van de Beek could finally hit his straps at the end of this season.
The Norwegian revealed the former Ajax man was rejuvenated by a stint with the Holland side during the international break.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tipped Donny van de Beek to come goodCredit: Reuters He even marked his return to Carrington by scoring some belters at Carringotn.
Solskjaer said: “He scored some absolute crackers in training [on Friday]. Sometimes it’s natural that if you don’t play and have injuries you lose a little bit of confidence and spark.
“Then you go away with your national team, and I can talk from my own experience, sometimes I went back to play for Norway and you get to feel better about yourself.
“In training Donny scored some absolutely top, top goals that I’d be really proud of myself. It’s done him the world of good, going away and scoring a goal for Holland.
“We hope we can see a lot of that for the next eight weeks of the season and then to kick on again.”
ART ATTACK
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has stated that his players need to show ‘big balls’ as he issued a personal apology to the club’s fan base following the Liverpool defeat.
The Reds eased to a 3-0 victory at the Emirates on Saturday as Diogo Jota helped himself to a brace off the bench, while Mo Salah also got in on the act.
Despite missing a number of key players, Arteta declared: “Liverpool completely deserved to win the game, probably by a bigger margin. They were better in every department.
“We need to apologise to our people, to our fans. I have to apologise for what we’ve done on that pitch. I am fully responsible. They were much better than us in every department.
“They won every duel, every second ball, every challenge. It was one of the worst (performances of Arteta’s time at Arsenal).
“I don’t have to use any excuses, that we don’t have five, six players – it’s not about that. I don’t care who was missing. I hate excuses. They were much better than us in every single department.
“The standard has to be higher for this football club and my job is to get them to perform at that level.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
