Messi to Man City transfer back on EXCLUSIVE, Tielemans contract LATEST, Real ‘contact with Allegri to replace Zidane’

RIO TRIPPS WALKER

RIO FERDINAND believes Gareth Southgate should pick Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold as England’s right-backs for this summer’s Euros.

Explaining his decision on BT Sport, Ferdinand said: “[Kyle] Walker I think would be the unlucky one in my squad – and he’d have really good grounds to ring me up and give me a piece of his mind.

“I like youth, I want to give youth a chance.

“I’m looking ahead as well, not just this tournament. This has been a bit of a weird lead-up – I’m looking at this as almost a free hit for someone like Gareth.

“You can introduce some young players, give them experience, really expose them to what a tournament is like.”

RON HIS WAY OUT

BARCELONA are ’99 per cent’ sure they will sack manager Ronald Koeman at the end of the season.

RAC1 report that the only way he will remain at the Nou Camp is if they cannot find a suitable replacement.

Koeman’s reign at Barca has been a disappointing one since he arrived at the beginning of the 2020-21 season.

Along with their LaLiga troubles, they were also thumped 5-2 by Paris Saint-Germain across the two legs of their Champions League last 16 tie.

OUT THE BLUE

CHELSEA are weighing up a move for non-league starlet Seb Drozd.

The Blues have been keeping close tabs on the 18-year-old, who is on the books of Isthmian League side Uxbridge, but is currently on trial with Brentford’s B team.

Drozd’s abilities were first spotted by the Blues when he featured in a showcase organised by the AG Football Academy.

The versatile left-footed teen can play as a full-back, wingback or in midfield.

And after shining in front of Chelsea’s scouts , Drozd also impressed in two games for QPR’s U18s last autumn.

A source close to Drozd said: “His style is perhaps a throwback and is similar to Damien Duff or Chris Waddle when in wide areas, but he has pace.”

GERS IN TROUBLE

Rangers have condemned the fan violence that erupted after the team was crowned champions on Saturday

An official statement read: “We are grateful to Scottish Government officials, Glasgow City Council and Police Scotland for the constructive engagement in the lead up to the weekend’s game

“A small minority of people behaved inappropriately and in a manner not reflective of our support. Some of the scenes were unacceptable and have besmirched the good name of Rangers Football Club.

“These so-called ‘fans’ should reflect upon the values and ethos of our club, and consider the damage this does to the reputation of the club.

“We will continue to engage with authorities as required.”

THE REAL DEAL

REAL MADRID are reportedly set to axe TEN players this summer in a huge transfer cull.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, top of the list is former Chelsea winger Eden Hazard.

Defender Raphael Varane, 28, could be following Hazard out the exit door.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have all been linked with what would like be a £40m-plus transfer.

And the big names don’t end there. Gareth Bale, who also has another year left, will be flogged too.

EXTRA SECURITY

Exclusive by Paul Jiggins: Tottenham are to beef up security at Wednesday’s home clash with Aston Villa amid fears of more fans protests against chairman Daniel Levy and his board.

Around 500 supporters demonstrated outside their stadium on Saturday.

Another smaller protest also took place before their 2-0 home win over Wolves on Sunday – when two protestors tried to get inside the ground.

Although both protests passed without major incident, Spurs fear the mood could turn ugly when fans return for their final home match of the season against Villa.

A limited crowd of 10,000 will be at the game – the first time supporters will be allowed inside the stadium this season.

Supporters, unhappy with the way Levy and his executive board are running the club following another trophyless season and their involvement in the European Super League scandal, are planning to vent their anger again.

So the club will draft in extra stewards in a bid to ensure any protests do not get out of hand inside the stadium.

FAN THE FLAMES

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is excited to see fans back for the last two games of the season.

HOME HORROR

Neymar’s mansion was broken into BEFORE the Paris Saint-Germain star played and scored in a 4-0 thrashing of Reims.

That victory meant the Ligue 1 title will be settled on the final game – but it wouldn’t be surprising for Neymar’s focus to be temporarily elsewhere.

According to French newspaper L’Equipe, a man managed to scale a perimeter wall and came ‘within metres’ of the front door.

There are various reports that he was ‘clutching bibles’ and ‘spreading the word of God’.

AL OUT

Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to miss out on England’s Euro 2020 squad, it’s claimed.

The report comes despite his impressive performances during the season run-in.

And while Alexander-Arnold has made a strong case to be selected, The Athletic have reported that it remains ‘improbable’ he will land a place in the 26-man squad.

This is because Southgate is still unsure about his ability to balance his attacking qualities with the defensive solidity required.

The decision is not said to be a reflection of the Liverpool man’s talent or character, more a result of the way Southgate wants his England team to play.

NOT GUNNAR HELP

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says his players have been suffering due to fans protests.

Thousands laid siege to Old Trafford and the team hotel forcing their game with Liverpool to be postponed.

There were more protests against the club’s owners the Glazers before the game against Leicester last week too.

And Solskjaer said: “I think the mood in any club and the relationship between the team and the fans is vital to what happens on the pitch.”

Solskjaer believes the protests and subsequent fixture pile up was the reason for them losing their last two games at home to Leicester and Liverpool.

He said: “I just didn’t want to use it as an excuse because we lost two games but surely it’s a reason behind the performances.”

NOTHING RON

Cristiano Ronaldo was ‘happy to be subbed’ for the first time ever, according to Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo.

The Portuguese superstar was replaced by Alvaro Morata with 20 minutes left of Juve’s dramatic 3-2 win over Inter Milan on Saturday but apparently remained ‘happy and smiling’ in the dressing room.

Pirlo told Sky Italia: “I think it was the first time he was happy to be subbed off.

“We were one man down, and he’d have been chasing shadows. He was happy and smiling in the dressing room.”

TUCH UP NEEDED

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel faces some huge selection decisions ahead of his side’s crunch Premier League clash with Leicester on Tuesday night.

Mateo Kovacic is continuing his return to fitness after 10 games out and will hope to be back for this one in place of Jorginho.

Here’s how the Blues could line up…

CITY SLICKER

Riyad Mahrez has handed Manchester City a huge pre-Champions League final boost – by insisting he wants to see out his career at the Etihad.

The Algeria winger has won six trophies with Pep Guardiola’s side since arriving from Leicester in 2018.

And the former Foxes ace has no intention of moving on to pastures new, telling RMC: “I feel great at Manchester City, and I have no wish to look elsewhere.

“I don’t yet know what my situation will be, but I am happy at City – and they are the club where I want to be.

“People have spoken about me ending my career with Marseille, but that is not something I think about.

“I want to finish my career in England, with City. I don’t foresee myself at Marseille.”

A-MAD FOR IT

Alternatively, Amad Diallo could be given another chance to impress following his exploits in the defeat at Leicester.

As a result, Mason Greenwood would be pushed up-top with Cavani rested.

RED RESHUFFLE

Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford on Tuesday night and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is without four big names.

Harry Magure, Anthony Martial, Phil Jones and Dan James are all out with the Norwegian set to hand Axel Tuanzebe a start at centre-back.

The Cottagers are already relegated and with United focused on the Europa League final it is being billed as something of a dead rubber.

Here’s how they could line-up…

NOT GONNA KEP HIM

Chelsea outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga is attracting interest from Lazio ahead of a summer exit, according to reports.

The Spaniard has been demoted to No 2 behind Edouard Mendy at Stamford Bridge and the Serie A side are reportedly looking to pounce at the end of the season.

Pepe Reina, 38, is currently Lazio’s No 1 but they are said to be looking for a longer term solution.

The ex-Liverpool keeper is on loan from AC Milan and his deal expires at the end of the season.

Current No 2 Thomas Strakosha is not viewed as a viable permanent solution and Lazio are monitoring Kepa’s situation, according to Lazio News.

RETURN TRIP

Kieran Trippier is reportedly ready to quit Atletico Madrid and return to England.

SunSport understands there to be interest from Manchester United for the former Tottenham right-back.

They are desperate to bring in some competition for current first-choice Aaron Wan-Bissaka.

According to The Athletic, Tripper ‘is minded to return to England in the summer’.

LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN

Gary Neville has joined the list of people calling for an independent regulator in football following the collapse of the European Super League.

KAN’T HATE HIM

Paul Pogba says N’Golo Kante is the most lovable man in football but joked that he actually ‘cheats a lot’.

Manchester United star Pogba plays alongside Chelsea ace Kante for France and says it is impossible to hate the ‘cunning’ former Leicester man.

The 28-year-old told BeIN Sports: “He cheats a lot. A lot.

“At card games, board games. Honestly, I’m telling the truth. He cheats. He says he doesn’t cheat, but he does.

“He uses cunning. He’s a smart kid, N’Golo. But it’s okay. You have to love him.

“He’s the most beloved player in the history of football. You’ve got to love him, you cannot hate him, it is not possible. He is humble, kind, professional. He will never complain, he will work.

“He’s got everything. He’s good technically, with a good passing quality, and he’s everywhere on the pitch.

“I even say he appears out of the ground. You don’t see him, and – poof – he’s out. He gets the ball, he has the finish. He’s everywhere. To have a player like that by your side, what more can you ask for?”

YOURI IN THE MONEY

Youri Tielemans is set for talks over a new Leicester contract which will make him one of the club’s highest earners, according to reports.

Belgian Tielemans blasted a rocket into the top corner at Wembley on Saturday as the Foxes lifted the FA Cup for the first time in history with a 1-0 win over Chelsea.

He still has two years left on his deal but the Midlands side are keen to agree fresh terms to secure his long term future, according to the Mail.

Jamie Vardy and Kasper Schmeichel are the club’s highest two earners on approximately £140-150k-per-week and Tielemans’ new deal would see him pocket around the same amount of cash.

SSOUMA LOVING

Exclusive by Duncan Wright: Liverpool and Arsenal have been told it will need at least £40million if they want to sign Brighton star Yves Bissouma.

The midfielder has become one of the hottest properties in the Premier League after his displays this season and but the Seagulls are determined to get top money if they have to sell.

Liverpool have tracked the 24-year-old all season as they search for a replacement for Gini Wijnaldum who is expected to leave when his contract expires this summer.

Boss Jurgen Klopp is understood to have gone as far as checking out his personality and professionalism after being convinced by his on-field abilities to dictate games.

But Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is also desperate to capture the services of the Mali international as he looks to overhaul his squad at the Emirates.

The Gunners want to pair Bissouma with Thomas Partey to produce a midfield capable of competing against the best teams in the Premier League from next year.

WINGING IT

Manchester United are set to rival Arsenal in the race to land Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby this summer.

Caught Offside claim the 21-year-old’s performances in the Bundesliga, have attracted interest from the Premier League.

Diaby has notched an impressive return of 10 goals and 13 assists this season and both United and Arsenal are looking to strengthen out wide.

Yet the report adds that Leverkusen won’t let him go on the cheap, with a fee of at least £45million required to convince them to sell.

TOP CHECKOUT

Exclusive by Justin Allen: Freddie Woodman wants to hit the bullseye with Swansea and then finish the season on a double.

His first target is to help the Welsh club win promotion to the Premier League. Then the keeper faces his hardest challenge … to beat the kit-man at darts!

Yet he is currently trailing Magic Mike – kitman Michael Eames – 46-30 in the season-long contest.

He told SunSport: “Mike’s the main man of darts so we started playing every day and this season have kept a running total.

“But he’s good. The other day he got his ninth 180. I’ve only managed three.

“I’ve been getting tips from Chris Dobey, a big Newcastle fan, and he sent me his darts to try to help me get in front of Mike.

“Hopefully I’ll reel him in before the end of the play-offs.”

‘FELT HELPLESS’

Fans never want to see their heroes vulnerable, frail, emotions revealed in the raw as life becomes a struggle.

So the film ‘Never Give In’ will tug at the heart strings of every Manchester United supporter, maybe every lover of football worldwide.

Never mind all the stuff about growing up in Govan, breaking the grip of the Old Firm, Mark Robins’ goal keeping him in a job at Old Trafford, and the Treble.

We know all that.

What we did not know was the details of how a brain haemorrhage on May 5, 2018 floored Sir Alex Ferguson and left him with a 20 per cent chance of survival.

How at the age of 76 he came round from an operation and felt the fear and despair that life may be nearing its end.

“I wondered how many sunny days I would see again. I found that difficult,” he said.

How the upset at his condition as he lay in hospital and lost his voice overwhelmed him.

“I was crying, felt helpless.

“I would have hated to lose my memory. I would have been a terrible burden on my family.”

GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS

Jack Grealish has handed Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate a massive boost ahead of the Euros after being declared fit.

Southgate names his 26-man squad on Tuesday, May 25 and will be concerned over winger Grealish’s lack of match action following his recent shin injury.

He was sidelined for three months. but Aston Villa boss Dean Smith has told Southgate his star will be fit for this summer’s showpiece.

Smith said: “I don’t pick the England squad but he will be fit enough for the Euros.

“I’m hopeful that Jack will be able to start one of our remaining two games.

“He’s pushing hard, he’s had no reaction to the injury and he’s building up those minutes.”

Elsewhere, Alisson Becker dedicated his astonishing stoppage-time winner at West Brom to his late father – and said he hoped he was watching somewhere.

After incredibly nodding Liverpool one point off the top four from a 95th-minute corner, the Brazilian’s first thoughts in an emotional post-match interview were for tragic Jose Agostinho Becker.

Becker Senior drowned aged just 57 at a lake on the family ranch in Brazil three months ago.

Coronavirus travel restrictions stopped the Reds’ keeper from attending the funeral.

But Alisson is certain his dad is “celebrating’ after the 28-year-old became the first Liverpool keeper EVER to score a competitive goal as he sealed a 2-1 comeback triumph.

He told Sky Sports: “I’m too emotional this last month, for everything that has happened with me and my family.

“But football is my life. I played since I can remember with my father.

“I hope he was here to see it, I’m sure he is celebrating with God at his side.”

And finally, Former Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri could succeed Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid manager if the Frenchman departs this summer.

Club legend Zidane’s future is uncertain after a disappointing campaign, with reports in Spain suggesting he had told his squad he will be leaving at the end of the season.

According to Sky Sports journalist Fabrizio Romano, the ex-Juve boss has been in ‘direct contact’ with Real Madrid since March.

He is also said to be wanted by some Italian clubs, but Allegri is waiting on how things will pan out with Zidane and Madrid.