ROY KEANE wants a sensational return to Scottish football to take the vacant Celtic manager’s job.
While we have the latest on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus future and Sergio Aguero’s Barcelona link.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
FULL TIME: LEICESTER 5-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
A totally one-sided game comes to an end as Leicester climb up to second after thrashing doomed Sheffield United.
Kelechi Iheanacho scored a hat-trick for the Foxes with Ayoze Perez also on target.
The final effort was an own goal by Ethan Ampadu to complete a miserable day for interim boss Paul Heckingbottom.
I wonder what Chris Wilder is thinking after his former club’s capitulation.
Leicester thrashed Sheffield United to move second in the table
LEICESTER 5-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
This is turning very ugly for the visitors as Leicester add two more goals.
First Kelechi Iheanacho fires home again to complete his hat-trick.
And the Blades barely had time to restart before Jamie Vardy’s effort is turned into his own net by Ethan Ampadu.
This game cannot end soon enough for Sheffield United. Mind you, their fans will probably saying the same thing about the entire season.
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring a hat-trick
ARSENAL v TOTTENHAM: TEAM NEWS
The teams are in and the surprising news for Arsenal is Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang starts on the bench. Aubameyang is dropped for disciplinary reasons as Alexandre Lacazette comes into the side.
Tottenham have named a strong team with Gareth Bale starting alongside Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.
LEICESTER 3-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
It’s raining goals at the King Power Stadium as Leicester add a quick third goal.
For the second time in the match Jamie Vardy turns provider for Kelechi Iheanacho and he fires home again.
Sheffield United have not been able to cope with the Foxes and Brendan Rodgers’ side will be going second.
Kelechi Iheanacho has scored twice for the hostsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
LEICESTER 2-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
That is surely that as Leicester extend their lead with a superb breakaway goal.
The ball is played to Ayoze Perez and he drills a low shot into the bottom corner of the net.
The Foxes are heading up to second while it is more misery for the Blades at the bottom.
Ayoze Perez scored Leicester’s second goal
GUNNER GET YA
We are not too far away from the North London Derby getting underway and Tottenham will be feeling confident about their chances.
After all, Harry Kane and Gareth Bale boast a superb record against Arsenal.
Kane has a stunning record of 11 goals against Arsenal in 12 matches.
And Bale has also enjoyed plenty of success with five goals in ten North London derbies.
Surely Jose Mourinho will unleash Bale in this afternoon’s game as Spurs look to boost their top-four hopes?
Harry Kane and Gareth Bale’s superb record against Arsenal
LEICESTER 1-0 SHEFFIELD UNITED
It’s taken almost 40 minutes but the breakthrough has come as Leicester take the lead against Sheffield United.
The Blades had looked relatively comfortable but Jamie Vardy broke clear and played a ball across for Kelechi Iheanacho to tap in from close range.
What have Sheffield United got in response? They have only scored 16 goals so the odds don’t look great for their chances.
Kelechi Iheanacho celebrates scoring the opener
POINT THE FINGER
Alexandre Lacazette was spotted wearing Mesut Ozil branded merchandise during Gunners training ahead of the North London Derby and has left fans divided.
Mikel Arteta’s side host bitter rivals Tottenham this afternoon in a key clash for both sides.
But it is Lacazette’s attire ahead of the game which has caught the eye of Arsenal fans after he wore an Ozil-branded bandage on his finger.
Ozil departed the Emirates for Fenerbahce in the January window following a turbulent last 12 months at the club.
And it is Ozil’s tumultuous relationship with the Gunners faithful that has led many of them to question the striker’s decision to wear the bandage during training.
LEICESTER v SHEFFIELD UNITED
Next up Leicester will bid to strengthen their top-four claims against bottom side Sheffield United.
The Blades are under new management with Paul Heckingbottom taking over on an interim basis after the departure of Chris Wilder.
Sheffield United are heading for relegation and not even a shock win this afternoon will be enough.
But can the visitors dent Brendan Rodgers’ side’s Champions League hopes?
FULL TIME: SOUTHAMPTON 1-2 BRIGHTON
A BIG win for Brighton as they claim their first league win in six matches.
Graham Potter’s side have moved three points clear of the bottom three and jumped above Newcastle in the battle to avoid the drop.
Brighton opened the scoring through Lewis Dunk’s thumping header but Che Adams’ strike levelled the match.
But the Seagulls found another gear and claimed the winner in the 56th minute when Leandro Trossard fired home.
The Saints could not find an equaliser and it is a huge result for Brighton as they claim a sixth win of the season.
Leandro Trossard scored the winner for Brighton
SOUTHAMPTON 1-2 BRIGHTON
Brighton are back in front with a superbly crafted goal. Danny Welbeck lays the ball off to Leandro Trossard and he fires his effort past Fraser Forster.
Can Graham Potter’s side hold on to their lead this time? It could be a massive three points for the side in the battle to stay up.
Leandro Trossard celebrates restoring Brighton’s lead
JACKETT OFF
Kenny Jackett is no longer Portsmouth manager after the League One club sacked him today.
Jackett leaves after almost four years with Pompey and a day after the side were beaten on penalties by Salford in the delayed 2020 Papa John’s Trophy final.
A run of one win in seven league games has forced the board to act with the side two points off the play-off spots.
Chief executive Mark Catlin told the club website: “Portsmouth would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Kenny for the work he has done during his near four-year spell at the club and we all wish him well for the future.
“It has been an emotional past few weeks for everyone associated with Pompey and we now begin the process – which will be as short as possible – of appointing someone who we believe can give us the best chance of finishing inside the top six. These talks begin today.”
Kenny Jackett has been sacked by Portsmouth
SOUTHAMPTON 1 BRIGHTON 1
That didn’t last long! Brighton just cannot hold onto a lead and Southampton have levelled the contest.
Ryan Bertrand’s header is deflected into the path of Che Adams and he lashes a volley into the net.
Excellent finish from Adams which gave Robert Sanchez no chance.
Che Adams celebrates volleying in the Saints’ equaliser
SOUTHAMPTON 0-1 BRIGHTON
We have our first goal of the day and Brighton have opened the scoring against Southampton.
Lewis Dunk powers a header from a corner into the net to give Graham Potter’s side a vital lead.
Brighton have dropped 17 points from winning positions this season, including last week against Leicester, so this one is far from over.
Lewis Dunk powers his header into the net
SOUTHAMPTON v BRIGHTON
The first Premier League game of the day is just about to get underway as rivals Southampton host Brighton.
It is a very important game for the Seagulls with the visitors only above the relegation zone on goal difference.
Graham Potter’s side have won plenty of plaudits for their style of football but points are all that matters and Brighton badly need a win.
GINI’S OUT
Barcelona believe they have all but secured the signing of Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum with the deal reportedly ’95 per cent done’.
Wijnaldum has been one of the stars of Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield revolution but looks certain to depart on a free transfer this summer.
The 30-year-old’s contract expires in June and Liverpool chiefs have not been able to agree new terms with the Holland international.
Wijnaldum claimed this week he would be upset to leave Liverpool but it seems inevitable he will move on this summer.
Speaking this week, the midfielder said: “It’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is to make some decisions about your future.
“You have to think about everything and then first negotiate with the clubs and it’s so difficult and it’s why it takes so long.”
Georginio Wijnaldum looks set to leave Liverpool this summer
REDKNAPP ON BALE
Harry Redknapp has been offering his views on Gareth Bale and thinks the Tottenham star will be a huge threat to Arsenal in the North London derby.
Bale has rediscovered top form in the last month and could be unleashed against the Gunners this afternoon.
Redknapp said: “With Gareth playing like he is, you see that Tottenham forward line and if you’re in the opposition dressing room you’re thinking, ‘Bloody hell, this is going to be a tough day’.
“There’s Gareth, Harry Kane, Son Heung-min, Dele Alli, Lucas Moura… that’s as good an attacking line-up as any in the country.
“The Arsenal back four will be looking at them ahead of the game and wondering how they’ll cope, because it’s been hard work for them at times this season.
“It’s not as though home advantage counts for a great deal at the moment.”
Gareth Bale could light up the North London derby
THE RIGHT TUCH
Thomas Tuchel has come up with a clever ‘secret’ trick to fool the opponents of Chelsea.
The German tells players to use code words when they attack, so that his men know where to run when they are going forward — and who to aim for.
It is a system that includes a group of these key ‘triggers’ to let Blues stars know what side they will go down, whether the ball is put in high or low and even if it is long or short.
It seems to be paying off with Chelsea unbeaten in 12 matches since his arrival.
The Blues were well below their best yesterday but still managed to claim a 0-0 draw at Leeds.
Thomas Tuchel’s secret ‘tricks’ are paying off at Chelsea
NO WILD DECISIONS
Paul Heckingbottom will get the chance to steer Sheffield United to safety and the FA Cup final with Jason Tindall to join as his sidekick.
Heckingbottom is to run the Blades side for the rest of the campaign after the departure of Chris Wilder, with no plans for a new manager before the summer.
The new management pair have an uphill task to stay up but they do have a shot at FA Cup glory, with United in the quarter finals.
Their first task will be this afternoon with the bottom side away to Leicester City.
The Blades appear doomed to relegation with a return to the Championship looking a certainty.
KEANE AS MUSTARD
Roy Keane is plotting a return to management and has his eyes on the Celtic job.
The Manchester United and Republic of Ireland legend is up for the task of taking on Steven Gerrard’s Rangers if the call comes.
The Parkhead post is right up his street because of his strong links to the club.
The former Bhoys midfielder, 49, was offered the job before and declined, but he would say yes this time — and that might fit with Celtic’s requirements.
Senior Celtic chiefs want to keep the existing coaching staff and put a ‘figurehead’ in charge. Keane does not have a backroom team that he uses, so that would be ideal.
Roy Keane wants to return to the dugoutCredit: Getty Images – Getty
SUPER SUNDAY
Today’s Premier League fixtures, with West Ham’s trip to Old Trafford capping a busy day of action.
- Southampton vs Brighton (noon)
- Leicester vs Sheff Utd (2pm)
- Arsenal vs Tottenham (4.30pm)
- Man Utd vs West Ham (7.15pm)
ON GAARD
Mikel Arteta has a fully-fit squad to choose from for this afternoon’s north London derby with Tottenham.
Arsenal secured a 3-1 away win over Olympiacos in the Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday to take a commanding lead back to the Emirates Stadium.
The impressive result means Arteta should be able to rest several key players for next week’s second leg.
As a result, the Arsenal boss may be tempted to name an unchanged side against Spurs but Nicolas Pepe could replace Willian out wide.
How Arsenal could line up against Spurs
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Paul Heckingbottom will get the chance to steer Sheffield United to safety and the FA Cup final – with Jason Tindall joining as his sidekick.
Heckingbottom will run the Blades side for the rest of the campaign after Chris Wilder’s departure, with no plans for a new manager before the summer.
And former Bournemouth boss Tindall, axed after just half a season in charge, and Alan Knill will partner him at the helm at Bramall Lane.
His appointment will spark talk of Eddie Howe coming in as manager down the line, but insiders reveal that is not currently part of the plan.
Meanwhile, SunSport can exclusively reveal that Man Utd’s new technical team will hold a transfer summit with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this week to nail down their targets for the summer.
Top of the list is a new centre-forward.
Edinson Cavani will not be offered an extension to his current one-year deal while a decision will be made on whether to accept offers for Anthony Martial.
A new central midfielder is also wanted, with Nemanja Matic likely to be allowed to leave.
The club are looking to bring in someone to provide cover at right-back.
And a new top-class centre-back is also wanted to come in alongside Harry Maguire.
There is also likely to be discussion about the goalkeeping team.
Finally, we can also reveal Roy Keane wants the Celtic manager’s job — and a sensational return to Scottish football.
The United and Republic of Ireland legend is up for the task of taking on Steven Gerrard’s Rangers if the call comes.
The Parkhead post is right up his street because of his strong allegiance to the club.
The former Bhoys midfielder, 49, was offered the job before and declined, but he would say yes this time — and that might fit with Celtic’s requirements.
Senior Celtic chiefs want to keep the existing coaching staff and put a ‘figurehead’ in charge.
Keane does not have a backroom team that he uses, so that would be ideal.
EXCLUSIVE BY DUNCAN WRIGHT
Man Utd’s new technical team will hold a transfer summit with boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this week to nail down their targets for the summer.
Top of the list is a new centre-forward who will finally end the long search for a recognised goalscorer at Old Trafford.
Edinson Cavani will not be offered an extension to his current one-year deal while a decision will be made on whether to accept offers for Anthony Martial.
A new central midfielder is also wanted, with Nemanja Matic likely to be allowed to leave.
The reliance on Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back has been shown this season and the club are looking to bring in someone else to provide cover in that position.
And a new top-class centre-back is also wanted to come in alongside Harry Maguire.
There is also likely to be discussion about the goalkeeping team.
Man Utd are set to discuss transfer plans this summer
EXCLUSIVE BY ALAN NIXON
Thomas Tuchel has come up with a clever ‘secret’ trick to fool the opponents of Chelsea.
The German tells players to use code words when they attack, so that his men know where to run when they are going forward — and who to aim for.
A baffled rival told SunSport: “You have no idea what’s going on but they know exactly what they are doing.
“It just makes the attacks quicker and more deadly because sometimes a guy passing does not even have to look up to know where the runner will be.
“They use different words all the time too, so you can’t even work it out during the game.”
Thomas Tuchel has developed a secret code at Chelsea
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
