NEWCASTLE have reportedly joined the race to sign £70m Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Newcastle are also putting their January transfer plans into place, with reports linking them to Inter’s Marcelo Brozovic and Bayern Munich’s Niklas Sule.
Meanwhile, Erling Haaland might be out of action injured at the moment – but that is not stopping speculation about his future.
A number of Premier League clubs are said to be circling the Dortmund superstar, with reports from Spain suggested Real Madrid are expecting him to head to England next.
Chelsea have been handed a boost with Romelu Lukaku returning to training from his recent injury, putting him in contention for a return to action this weekend.
And the Blues have resumed talks with Leicester City defender Wesley Fofana ahead of a potential summer transfer, reports say.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
CASH WOE
Derby are a staggering £83MILLION in debt and have just £630,000 in the bank as they anxiously await a saviour.
The extent of the financial mess at County is revealed by the administrator’s official report and makes grim reading about the way former owner Mel Morris ran the rock-bottom Championship club.
A statement from Quantuma, reveals the Rams’ £83m debt does NOT include a further £153m due to the share premium account, a ‘soft loan’ from Morris who is set to write off that loss.
However, as US businessman Chris Kirchner tries to close a deal in a hurry it is obvious that the cash is running out fast at Pride Park.
Wayne Rooney’s squad have not been asked to take pay cuts yet, but unless there is a quick rescue plan that seems certain in the near future.
The administrators are currently in talks with HMRC who are waiting on £26m in tax with a further VAT bill of £554,774 to come.
American financiers MSD are due £20m but that will be repaid by Morris out of the sale of the stadium to a new buyer.
There are transfer fees of £8.3m pending to various clubs.
NOT SO FUN
Aberdeen midfielder Funso Ojo was sent off after clashing with a Dundee United fan yesterday.
Ojo, 30, was pushed by a Dundee United supporter as he tumbled over the hoardings and into the stands at Tannadice Park.
Ojo was almost knocked off his feet and reacted angrily to the push, confronting the fan before being dragged away by his team-mates.
The United fans continued to hurl abuse at the player as he returned to the pitch, with one fan appeared to throw something at Ojo from the stands.
Dundee’s Charlie Mulgrew put his arm around Ojo in what appeared to be an attempt to calm him down.
But Ojo was nevertheless shown a second yellow card by referee Bobby Madden, leaving both sides with ten men each.
Dundee’s Calum Butcher had been sent off in the first half, and the home side eventually went on to win 1-0 thanks to a late goal from Ian Harkes.
G-REALLY INJURED
Jack Grealish is OUT of Manchester City’s clash with Everton this afternoon with a knock sustained on international duty.
The England star has been in the headlines this week, after his love triangle drama emerged in The Sun.
We revealed last weekend that Grealish, 26, has been enjoying secret dates with former Inbetweeners star Emily Atack.
These revelations led to showdown talks with on/off girlfriend and childhood sweetheart Sasha Attwood.
It then emerged that Grealish has enjoyed dates with Love Island star Amber Gill, as well as Emily and Sasha.
But we exclusively revealed yesterday that Jack and Sasha have vowed to rise above the drama, and are plotting a future as the new ‘Posh and Becks’.
MAN FOR THE JOB
Gary Neville reckons Mauricio Pochettino would take over at Manchester United in a heartbeat despite the turmoil at Old Trafford.
The United legend made the claim after previous boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was finally sacked following a shocking run of results.
He said on Sky Sports: “I think Mauricio Pochettino – although he’d never say it – he’d leave to come to Man United on a five-year deal tomorrow.
“He’d look at that group of players, he’d look at the club and he’d realise he’d probably be able to achieve more than he wants at Man United in terms of a project.
“At PSG you are on season by season. ‘You’ve got to win the Champions League or you’re out’ type of model. I don’t think that suits Pochettino.
“I think he would absolutely come to Man Utd on a five-year deal, with backing behind him. How he’d fit in with the current coaches who are still there and left, I’m not sure.”
KANE PAIN
Arsenal legend Paul Merson reckons Tottenham ace Harry Kane will get back to scoring ways in the Prem against Leeds today.
Kane’s been quiet for Spurs this season upfront but after a goal-fest for England in their last run of games, Merson thinks the striker’s got the scoring bug once again.
Merson told Sky Sports: “If I was Harry Kane, I’d be licking my lips. He’ll get chances but at the same time, Leeds will get chances
“I’d be really shocked if Harry Kane doesn’t score in this game. The international break was really good for him – it doesn’t get any better than seven goals from two games.
“It could turn out to be the kick-start he needs to get his scoring boots on in the Premier League and the way Leeds United play could also work in his favour.”
RAHEEM DREAM
Raheem Sterling has reportedly asked Manchester City to let him join Barcelona this January.
The winger has fallen down the pecking order at the Etihad this season and City boss Pep Guardiola has refused to promise him more playing time.
So now Sterling and wants the chance to revamp his career with the Spanish giants under their new boss Xavi, the Daily Mail report.
Barca have expressed interest in helping Sterling salvage his career, and he reckons giving it a go at the Nou Camp would be foolish to turn down, according to the Mail.
TEENAGE KICKS
Crewe youngster Zac Williams was awarded Man of the Match in their victory over Gillingham yesterday – and was given Jaffa Cakes as a prize.
Williams, 16, put in an impressive performance in defence for the Railwaymen as they overcame fellow League One strugglers Gillingham 2-0 at Gresty Road.
His display earned him the Man of the Match award, he was unable to be given the traditional prize of champagne as he is still underage.
He was instead hilariously given a packet of Jaffa cakes and some ready salted crisps and was pictured looking delighted with his haul post-match.
BARC-ING BACK
Barcelona denied rumours suggesting Sergio Aguero is set to announce his retirement next week.
Aguero suffered breathing problems during Barca’s LaLiga clash with Alaves last month at the Nou Camp and was replaced by Philippe Coutinho on 42 minutes.
The Manchester City legend was taken to hospital for tests before being ruled out of action for at least three months to undergo a period of observation after being diagnosed with cardiac arrhythmia.
Shocking reports from Spain later claimed the forward is going to hang up his boots in the coming days.
However, Barcelona vice-president Rafa Yuste denied those reports claiming that Aguero will use the next three months to decide his next move.
Yuste said: “I deny these reports. Aguero has three months to see how this anomaly evolves.”
SHEAR TALENT
Alan Shearer reckons Jorgino and N’golo Kante can help Chelsea lift the Premier League this season.
Shearer’s in awe of the Blues’ array of central talent from their defensive to midfield and feels they work together like a well-oiled machine for the club.
Speaking on Match Of The Day, Shearer said: “They’ve got three very good centre halves they can rely on and two midfielders in Jorginho and Kante who they can rely on when the strikers go forward.
“Some of the times the full backs were playing in midfield.”
“And what you see with Jorginho and Kante is that Kante is ten yards ahead of Jorginho just in case he needs to win the ball and press again.
“Some of the play from Chelsea was absolutely superb.”
GERRARD ON VILLA’S WIN
Steven Gerrard celebrated his side’s 2-0 win over Brighton with plenty of glee on the sidelines.
“I will always be as authentic as I can,” he said. “If anyone doubts me watch me after those goals. That is real.
“They are the buzzes, the highs you miss as a player. They are why you want to stay in the game. They are my medicine.”
SACKED!
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been sacked as Man Utd boss after the club’s 4-1 loss to Watford in the Premier League on Saturday.
MORNING, FOOTBALL FANS
Jurgen Klopp has had his say on the touchline spat he had with Mikel Arteta during Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Arsenal.
The pair locked horns when the Spanish boss was incensed by an aerial challenge by Sadio Mane on Takehiro Tomiyasu, insisting it was a foul.
But Klopp disagreed. “It was a completely clean situation. Two players jumped in the air. And the bench of Arsenal is going for whatever,” Klopp said.
And I just asked ‘what do you want for that?’ I’m really sick of these situations. Everyone goes for Sadio.”
Newcastle have joined the race for in-demand Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic.
The newly minted Toon Army won’t baulk at the reported £70m fee.
There was drama at Sunderland, as the club revealed they were forced to work with emergency services for a serious incident outside the stadium.
Earlier, the Black Cats had defeated Ipswich 2-0.
Finally, Lionel Messi has opened his Ligue 1 account with PSG with his 21st goal attempt.
The Argentine scored a trademark curling effort in a 3-1 win over Nantes.
PRICE OF STERLING
Man City chiefs have dismissed any idea Raheem Sterling could join Barcelona in January.
The Catalans would love to sign Sterling and SunSport revealed they are planning a player fire sale to fund a move.
Yet even if they could raise the cash — which in itself is highly unlikely — City insiders insist there is NO chance the England striker will be heading to the Nou Camp.
Sterling, 26, is still showing no signs of penning a new deal with 18 months left on his current contract — and admitted the prospect of playing abroad does appeal.
Barca were even hoping to get him on loan in January, with financial woes meaning they cannot make any transfers until their situation improves.
But City will KO an approach of any kind and rate even the suggestion of weakening the squad by letting anyone leave in January as ‘ludicrous’.
TOON BARMY
Newcastle will step up their interest in Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic.
As SunSport previously revealed, they’ll be in the hunt when Fiorentina start an auction.
Toon’s top spies watched the hitman in action as his country qualified for the World Cup by beating Portugal.
Vlahovic, 21, could be sold in January if the price is right.
The fee will be large but reports of £70million are over the top, according to those near the deal.
BAY HIM
David Moyes is revving up a move for Guinea striker Mohamed Bayo with West Ham’s new cash backing, The Sun exclusively reports.
Moyes wants an extra forward to help West Ham build on their brilliant start.
Bayo, 23, has seven goals in 12 games for Ligue 1 side Clermont this term and Southampton, Brighton and Brentford are all keen.
However, the Hammers are gearing up for a bid in January with fresh funds available after the arrival of Daniel Kretinsky, who has bought a 27 per cent stake in the club.
Clermont turned down a £7million offer from West Ham a year ago and will look for around £15m in the next window.
STEVIE GLEE
Steven Gerrard got off to a winning start as Aston Villa boss – beating Brighton on Saturday 2-0.
And when Tyrone Mings sealed the point, the Liverpool legend was ecstatic on the bench.
“I will always be as authentic as I can,” he said.
“If anyone doubts me watch me after those goals. That is real.
“They are the buzzes, the highs you miss as a player. They are why you want to stay in the game. They are my medicine.”
MANE MAN
Jurgen Klopp has had his say on the touchline spat he had with Mikel Arteta during Liverpool’s 4-0 win over Arsenal.
The pair locked horns when the Spanish boss was incensed by an aerial challenge by Sadio Mane on Takehiro Tomiyasu, insisting it was a foul.
But Klopp disagreed. “It was a completely clean situation. Two players jumped in the air. And the bench of Arsenal is going for whatever,” Klopp said.
And I just asked ‘what do you want for that?’ I’m really sick of these situations. Everyone goes for Sadio.”
CONT US IN
Antonio Conte has reportedly thrown Tottenham’s hat into the ring for the signature of Jesse Lingard.
The Manchester United midfielder is seen as surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
And the England international seemed destined to join West Ham, after impressing on loan last season.
But the Hammers couldn’t agree a fee with Lingard, 28, who was forced to stay at Old Trafford.
Now, Tottenham are reportedly one of six clubs who have entered the race to sign the star.
MESSI BUSINESS
Lionel Messi finally got his first Ligue 1 goal with a spectacular effort from the edge of the box in Paris Sant-Germain’s 3-1 win over Nantes.
The Argentine was on a five-game goal drought, but turned in a stellar performance to help extend PSG’s lead at the top of the table to 13 points.
Surely it’s the first of many.
SERIOUS INCIDENT
SUNDERLAND say they are working with emergency services following a ‘serious medical incident’ outside the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats scored two late goals at home on Saturday to beat Ipswich 2-0.
But the club tweeted after the match that a medical emergency was taking place outside their stadium.
A message from Sunderland’s ‘Stadium of Light’ account read: “We are currently working with the emergency services following a serious medical incident outside the stadium.
“Fans are advised that there may be traffic delays as a result and motorists are asked to avoid the area where possible.”
SOLSKJAER ON THE ATTACK
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is refusing to be drawn into questions about his Man Utd future.
The Red Devils crashed to a 4-1 defeat at Vicarage Road to Watford.
The Norwegian manager was soon asked if he’s worried about losing his job, and pressure mounts.
“If the club are thinking about doing something, that’s a conversation between us and not you and me,” he revealed.
SACK RACE
OLE GUNNAR SOLSKJAER is huge 1/5 favourite to be the next manager sacked in the Premier League following the 4-1 defeat to Watford.
That’s according to bookmakers Betfair who’ve priced Solskjaer at 1/5 to be the SIXTH Premier League boss of the campaign to leave their position.
Next manager sacked odds – Betfair
- Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: 1/5
- Claudio Ranieri: 13/2
- Rafa Benitez: 8/1
- Brendan Rodgers: 12/1
- Marcelo Bielsa: 16/1
- Ralph Hasenhuttl: 20/1
- Dean Smith: 20/1
- Eddie Howe: 25/1
- Thomas Frank: 33/1
- No Manager To Leave: 33/1
PREM FULL-TIMES
Loads of goals today in the Prem. Here’s all the results.
Villa 2-0 Brighton
Burnley 3-3 Crystal Palace
Newcastle 3-3 Brentford
Watford 4-1 Man Utd
Norwich 2-1 Southampton
Wolves 1-0 West Ham
BREAKING NEWS
SERGIO AGUERO is set to announce his RETIREMENT next week, according to shock reports in Spain.
Manchester City’s all-time leading goal-scorer, still only 33, suffered breathing problems during Barcelona’s clash with Alaves last month.
Aguero was taken to hospital for tests before being ruled out of action for at least three months to undergo a period of observation.
But reports in Spain are now sensationally claiming Aguero is going to hang up his boots in the coming days.
Barcelona journalist and streamer Gerard Romero revealed the news, tweeting: “Kun Aguero retires.
“Heart problems force him to leave football activity.
“A press conference has been scheduled to announce his retirement next week.”
VILLA 2-0 BRIGHTON
The good times are back at Villa Park.
Steven Gerrard celebrates as Tyrone Mings secures the three points in the 89th minute.
It’s a huge three points for Villa and halts their bad run.
The Steven Gerrard effect has worked!
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
