LIONEL MESSI could yet stay at Barcelona despite being linked with a big-money move away from the Nou Camp.
Also on the transfer front, we’ve the very latest on Erling Haaland as well as updates from all the top Premier League clubs.
BET OF THE DAY: GET HARRY KANE TO SCORE OR ASSIST VS BURNLEY AT HUGE 25/1
Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
GREAT TUCH
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed he tried to sign Bruno Fernandes when he was manager of PSG.
Tuchel will be facing off against the Portuguese playmaker as the Blues host Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
But Fernandes could have been playing for the French champions if the German manager had had his way.
“With my first sporting director in Paris, Antero Henrique, a Portuguese sporting director, and he knew [Fernandes] very well,” Tuchel revealed.
“We fought hard to have a connection to him and to bring him to our team. I got made aware of him more in detail, so we watched more and more games about him and followed him and tried to be in touch with him to make it happen.
“Obviously, he decided [to sign for Man Utd] and I was never personally in touch with him, but we tried and he went another way. [It is] bad for us that we have to play against him.”
FORGET GIROUD
Notts County star Eli Sam could be an unlikely contender for the Puskas Award after scoring a stunning scorpion kick goal.
His incredible strike in Saturday’s 3-1 FA Trophy quarter-final win against Oxford City brings back memories of Olivier Giroud’s strike for Arsenal against Crystal Palace in 2017.
Check out the strike below.
‘ANGRY’
Chelsea star Reece James has demanded that social media companies do more to clamp down on racism on their platforms.
The defender and his sister Lauren have faced disgusting taunts from social media users this season.
And James has revealed he’s been left furious that nothing appears to be done.
James told beIN Sport: “It’s terrible that it obviously still happens and I receive the messages that I received.
“It made me very upset and angry when I got them, and I think we can do a lot more to help put an end to it.
“I think media platforms can do more.
“When anything happens, they should be able to help track the person and go from there.
“I think more people are getting racist abuse and it only makes sense to put a stop to it and the people that are capable of doing that, I think they should take action.
“The people that are affecting lives, they should be named and punished as well.”
JUVE FAILED
Cristiano Ronaldo has made Juventus worse since signing from Real Madrid, Italian legend Antonio Cassano has laimed.
Ronaldo, 35, joined the Serie A champions in 2018 as the European giants set their sights on winning a first Champions League title since 1996.
And while the Portuguese superstar has netted a sensational 90 goals in 117 games for Juventus, European glory continues to allude them.
But that hasn’t impressed Cassano in the slightest.
“Juventus signed him to win the Champions League, but they’ve done worse with him than they’ve done before,” he told Corriere dello Sport.
“They’d also won the Scudetto [Serie A title] without him. I think he’s been a failure.
“It’s been a mistake [pitting Ronaldo and Pirlo together]. Juve have only been interested in winning for 120 years, but [Maurizio] Sarri and Pirlo tried to change their identity.
“They’ve tried to improve their style of play rather than win. Cristiano just doesn’t work in the same way as Andrea.
“He’ll keep scoring goals because he knows how to do that no matter what. He’ll cut in from the left, get the ball on his right foot and fire it in.
“But Pirlo wants to build the play, pressure the opposition and play between the lines, and this means Cristiano doesn’t participate much.
“I think Cristiano has done terribly over the last three years.”
MONEY MONEY MONEY
Ralph Hasenhuttl has called for Southampton to loosen the purse strings in the upcoming transfer windows.
The Austrian football manager is desperate to build a squad capable of challenging for honours.
“We want to be more successful and this is only possible if you have a bigger squad and better players in the width (depth) of the squad.
“This is the goal for the future I think, otherwise you will never make a step forward.”
BY JORG
Chelsea midfielder Jorginho has insisted he is ‘very happy’ to be working under Thomas Tuchel.
The Italian has been one of Tuchel’s star performers since the German arrived at Stamford Bridge last month.
And after a tactical switch, Jorginho is enjoying his football with his new boss.
“I’m very happy because the team is doing very well, working hard, trying to understand what the coach wants,” Jorginho told Chelsea’s website.
“I think it’s the right way to move forward.
“He understood the characteristics of the players and the way he wants to play is good for our characteristics.
“So he understood that and he’s trying to give us the advice and the right way to work and then the results are coming.”
HERO OR VILLAN
Sheffield United midfielder Sander Berge is a target for Aston Villa, according to a report.
The Norwegian midfielder, 23, has been one of the Blades’ standout performers in a what has been a miserable season for Chris Wilder’s side.
And according to Todofichajes, Dean Smith is confident he can prise Berge away from Brammal Lane.
Sheffield United are said to be reluctant to let the £22million signing go, but could be forced to sell if they are relegated from the Premier League.
MADRID BOUND?
Eduardo Camavinga is willing to sign a new Rennes deal if it helps eventually seal a move to Real Madrid, reports claim.
The French teenager is among Europe’s most highly-coveted players.
And with his contract set to expire in June 2022, current club Rennes could be under pressure to sell.
But potential suitors like Real Madrid or Manchester United are unlikely to be able to fork out the £43million that the Ligue 1 club would demand for the 18-year-old this summer.
Rather than simply allow his contract to run down, however, AS claim that the midfielder would rather renew his deal at Rennes.
HUNGRY LION-EL
Lionel Messi fired Barcelona to a confidence-boosting 2-0 win at in-form Sevilla on Saturday to keep the pressure on LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid.
Ousmane Dembele latched on to a through ball from Messi and knocked it through the legs of Sevilla keeper Bono to give Barca a deserved lead in the 29th minute after dominating the first half and barely giving their hosts a hint of a chance.
Sevilla improved after the break and went close to equalising when Sergio Dest struck the post as the match approached the hour mark.
But Barca continued to have the edge and found a killer second goal six minutes from time when Messi played a one-two with teenage midfielder Ilaix Moriba before netting with a scrappy finish after having his first effort saved by Bono.
BAYERN RUMBLE ON
Robert Lewandowski and Serge Gnabry both scored twice as Bayern Munich routed Cologne 5-1 to stay two points clear at the top of the Bundesliga table.
Celebrating their 121st birthday, the German giants were keen to celebrate in style.
And goals from Lewandowski, Gnabry and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting ensured it was a happy birthday indeed.
Leon Goretzka was the unsung hero of the afternoon, chipping in three assists in a typically dominant midfield display.
CARRA AND NEV FOR FIFA?
Jamie Carragher has backed a petition to get him and Gary Neville added as commentators for the FIFA 22 game.
The popular football video game changed the voices for the FIFA 21 edition as they binned off Martin Tyler and Alan Smith.
They were replaced by Derek Rae and former Arsenal defender Lee Dixon, voices which are very rarely heard on live games.
And now an online petition has begun to endorse Carra and Nev for the upcoming edition of the game, something the Liverpool legend himself is in favour of.
Taking to Twitter, he said: “Where’s the pen & paper??!!!!”
A release date for FIFA 22 has not yet been released, but the video game is always released in either late September or early October.
BECK AND CALL
Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are top of David Beckham’s wishlist for new signings at Inter Miami.
The MLS club owner is desperate to ensure new boss Phil Neville has the right players at his disposal to turn the new franchise into a success.
Beckham, speaking as the club launched their new shirt, is also desperate for the Inter academy system to become one of the best in the world.
“I have said from day one that our academy system is a massive part of this club and if we can bring players through here that have lived and breathed Inter Miami then that is the goal.
“But we also know that being in Miami, our fans want to see the big stars.
“We already have players like Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi who add to the glitz and glamour but also going forward we want to have the opportunity to bring some great names in.
“Leo and Cristiano have been mentioned (in the question just asked), they have been at the top of their game and been the best for the last 15 years because of hard work. There is very little luck behind it.
“Sir Alex Ferguson was the master at choosing the right player, he didn’t always bring the best player in the world, he brought the right player for the club and that is one of the things that I have taken into this place.”
KEY POSITION
Chelsea transfer target David Alaba wants to be played in central midfield at his next club, according to a report.
The Bayern Munich ace, 28, is out of contract at the end of the season and a host of clubs are interested in securing his services, including the Blues, PSG and Real Madrid.
But, according to Le Parisien, the Austrian international will demand he is played in his preferred position before choosing where he moves to.
Alaba believes that this is his best position, despite having hardly been selected to play there for Bayern.
Of his 418 appearances for the German champions, just 39 have been in the middle of the park.
COULD NIK HIM
Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic is ‘open’ to a switch to Manchester United, according to reports.
The Serbian defender, 23, has been linked with a £30million move to Old Trafford.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be desperate to find a partner for Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s defence.
Reports last week claimed Red Devils representatives have been in touch with Milenkovic’s agent to discuss a potential deal.
And Corriere dello Sport claim Milenkovic will push for the move should United launch an offer.
SERGING AHEAD
Real Madrid are still hopeful of securing a new contract for Sergio Ramos, according to a report.
The Spain legend, 34, is available to leave the LaLiga giants in the summer with his current deal running down.
And according to Marca, Los Blancos are still holding talks with the player over extending his stay at the Bernabeu.
Ramos, who is the most capped European international after making 177 appearances for his country, is said to be wanted by Manchester United.
THAT’S RICH
Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys has sensationally claimed Pep Guardiola should have been sacked for his ‘reckless spending’ and says their domestic cup dominance ‘counts for nothing.’
The Manchester City boss has been criticised in the past for splashing the cash on defenders – paying an incredible £428million on full-backs and centre backs since 2016.
His most recent addition – Ruben Dias – was signed for £64million, but many have flopped.
And Keys is adamant Pep is lucky to still be in a job at the Etihad.
Speaking on BeIN Sports, Keys said: “He’s got the luxury of spending £500m before finding a centre-back. That’s reckless.
“In any other line of business you’d be sacked some considerable time before you got to spend £500m.”
City are also favourites for another FA Cup, but Keys believes constant success on the domestic cup front ‘counts for nothing’ considering all the money they spend.
FRENCH FANCY
Manchester United remain ‘hopeful’ that Paul Pogba will extend his contract with the Red Devils.
The France World Cup winner’s deal expires in 2022, and the playmaker has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola revealed back in December that his client’s time at Old Trafford was ‘over’.
However, United ‘haven’t given up hope’ of putting pen to paper to extend his contract beyond 2022, according to ESPN.
JACK’S THE LAD
Manchester City are ready to sell Jack Harrison, according to a report in The Athletic.
The 24-year-old midfielder has been on loan to Leeds for three consecutive seasons.
And now, with chances at the Etihad appearing limited, Harrison could be set for a £11million switch in the summer.
Harrison’s deal at City expires in 2022, and his parent club do not want to miss out on a potential transfer fee.
‘VERY AVERAGE’
Ex-Arsenal star Laurent Koscielny has sensationally slammed his Bordeaux team-mates for their lack of effort.
The Ligue 1 side are on a terrible run and are currently seven games without a win.
And the defender has laid into his fellow squad members and questioned their desire.
Ahead of the Metz game, Koscielny pulled no punches when asked what was going on.
The ex-Gunner said: “The atmosphere is average, even very average, you have to be realistic.
“Some are at the end of their contract, and others want to leave, that’s the reality of the group.
“You have to stay with those who want to fight and progress.
“When you have so many players who don’t make you want to work, or progress, it’s difficult to get results. That’s why I can be mean in my words.”
CHERRY PICKED
Rafa Benitez snubbed a return to English football with Bournemouth, according to reports.
According to the Mail, the former Liverpool boss was approached by the Championship side after they sacked manager Jason Tindall.
The Spaniard is available after quitting his job in China with Dalian Pro to spend more time with his family, who are based in England.
However, Benitez is said to have turned down the offer because he wasn’t ready for a return to the dugout.
ONE GIANT LEIP
RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann is interested in the Tottenham job if Jose Mourinho is sacked, according to reports.
The highly-rated German coach, 33, has been linked with a move to North London in the past.
However, there is no suggestion Mourinho’s future is being considered.
But Nagelsmann has revealed in an interview with Bild that a move to the Premier League would be an attractive proposition.
He said: “The Premier League is a very interesting league and I can imagine it could be a big aim to be a big manager in the Premier League one day like Jurgen, who is very successful.
“It could be a step in the future. You know, in football it’s not that easy to plan ‘how long will you be a manager in Leipzig? When will you go to the Premier League?’.
“I could imagine going to the Premier League.
“I could imagine staying as a manager in the Bundesliga for my whole career. It’s cool to be a manager in my own country, I love it.
“Then perhaps in the future we can meet face-to-face in the Premier League, who knows.”
INTER THEM
Lautaro Martinez has pledged his future to Inter Milan, after talks for a move to Barcelona broke down.
The Argentinian hot-shot, 23, was in talks with the Spanish giants in 2020 and it looked like a move to LaLiga was on the cards.
However, Martinez has said he’s happy to stay with Antonio Conte’s Serie A title chasing side.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, he said: “It’s true, I was in negotiations with Barcelona.
“I was clear with [Antonio] Conte, I told him: ‘I am only thinking about Inter, this is not going to affect me’.
“However, it all belongs in the past. I am going to sign a contract extension with Inter.
“I don’t know when there will be an official announcement. Meanwhile, I play. My future is here, I see myself in Milan for a long time.
“I like everything about this city. The food, the fans, the team. I only have positive feelings.”
OUT ON BAIL
Manchester United are locked in talks with Eric Bailly over a new deal – with just 16 months left on his contract.
The Ivory Coast international, who has struggled with injuries at Old Trafford in the last two seasons, is said to be a target for clubs in Italy and Spain.
However, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be desperate to keep Bailly at the club – and a deal for a further three years is on the table.
The centre back has fallen down the pecking order – with Solskjaer preferring Victor Lindelof to partner Harry Maguire at the heart of United’s defence.
NELSON HIS WAY
Arsenal are open to offers for winger Reiss Nelson this summer, according to reports.
The 21-year-old has been limited to just finine first-team appearances this season, and former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell feels a move away would be the best thing for him.
Campbell said: “Going out on loan is difficult because there is so many players ahead of him right now.
“For me, he has got to play football and realistically he is not going to get that regularly at Arsenal.
“I would love the club to do a deal where we sell him but we have first refusal on him after, because he knows the Arsenal way.
“Getting game time is very difficult right now during this rebuild. Go away, get minutes, prove yourself and if we like what we see we will bring you back.”
RAPH DEAL
Real Madrid will consider bids of £61m this summer if the Frencham decides to leave the club.
The 28-year-old has 18 months left on his Real contract and is considering his future at the Bernabeu.
With the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain circling, Real do not want to lose a four-time Champions League winner for nothing.
Los Blancos also face an uncertain wait on the future of club captain Sergio Ramos, who has yet to agree new terms and could become a free agent at the end of the season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
