STEVEN GERRARD is on the verge of becoming Aston Villa’s new manager, with an announcement expected imminently.
Liverpool hero Gerrard leaves his position as Rangers boss to replace Dean Smith.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are looking to sign Raheem Sterling, Edinson Cavani and Timo Werner in January, according to reports.
We’ve also got all the latest on a potential transfer for Declan rice as well as updates from Chelsea, who are eyeing a swoop for Attila Szalai in January.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
JUVE KEEN ON MARTIAL AND LACAZETTE
Anthony Martial and Alexandre Lacazette are both reportedly being targeted by Juventus if they fail to land Dusan Vlahovic.
The Old Lady are battling both Arsenal and Tottenham to sign the Serbian striker from Fiorentina.
The 21-year-old is out of contract in 2023 and has so far resisted penning an extension, leading to speculation he could soon be departing for £68million.
Juventus are desperate to snatch him from their Serie A rivals – however they have also allegedly drawn-up a list of five potential alternatives.
Calciomercato claims boss Max Allegri has identified both Manchester United outcast Martial and Arsenal’s Lacazette as other options.
CARRA’S SON HURT IN ONLY HIS THIRD GAME
Jamie Carragher’s son James had to be carried off on a stretcher as Wigan beat Shrewsbury in the EFL Trophy.
Carragher Jr was injured Just 22 minutes into the game at the DW after a heavy collision in a 50-50.
Appearing in some pain, the centre-back fell to the ground before immediately waving for help.
After treatment on the pitch, the defender – who’s 19 this week – was carried off the field on a stretcher.
Wigan are yet to announce any update on his condition either on their social media pages or club website.
It was only Carragher’s third professional appearance after starting his youth career with Liverpool before moving to Wigan in 2017, aged 15.
He signed his first pro contract in August after captaining the Latics’ Under-18s to the Professional Development League title last season.
Adam Long scored his first goal for Wigan in a 2-0 win, with Chris Sze adding the second.
TOON IN FOR RABIOT
Newcastle are reportedly lining up an ambitious £13million move for Juventus star Adrien Rabiot.
But they face a fight to convince the Frenchman to join them over fellow suitors Real Madrid.
Calciomercato claims Rabiot has emerged as a top target for new Toon boss Eddie Howe in January.
The ex-Paris Saint-Germain star has failed to convince Max Allegri after scoring zero goals in ten games.
And with Juventus targeting reinforcements of their own this winter, Rabiot will be allowed to leave for just £13m.
It’s believed the player is hoping to link up with Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid.
But Newcastle believe they are in with a shot of luring Rabiot to St James’ Park.
New boss Howe is ready to splash out in January after replacing Steve Bruce.
JACK THE GLAD
Jack Rodwell has signed a two-year deal with Australian side Western Sydney Wanderers.
The former Manchester City and Everton midfielder hasn’t played in 16 MONTHS, after missing all last season with Sheffield United.
He made just two appearances for the Blades in all after signing for them in 2019, with the most recent coming as a substitute during a 1-1 draw with Burnley in July 2020.
Rodwell, 30, made the bench for their FA Cup clash with Plymouth Argyle back in January, but didn’t get on.
He will now have an opportunity to re-ignite his career abroad.
Western Sydney Wanderers came eighth last season, and are managed by former Scotland striker Kenny Miller.
Their squad features ex-Brighton ace Tomer Hemed, as well as former Middlesbrough duo Rhys Williams and Tomas Mejias.
Rodwell burst onto the scene with Everton as a teenager, going on to make 109 appearances for the Goodison club.
FRIEND AND FO
England wideman Phil Foden has shared an amazing throwback photo alongside Arsenal midfielder Emile Smith Rowe when the pair were kids.
Manchester City star Foden has represented England at various age levels and was first called up to the senior team in 2020.
Now pal Smith Rowe, also 21, has been given his chance by Gareth Southgate – providing him with the opportunity to reunite with Foden.
The duo have played in the same England team before when they were youngsters.
And Foden shared a photo on Facebook – seemingly from around 2015 when the pair would have been Under-16s – of those days alongside a more up to date version which was taken this week.
Both players are in the England camp at present and could line up together in the same team at Wembley on Friday.
Foden is an England regular after proving himself at Manchester City over the last few years.
Smith Rowe, meanwhile, took a little longer to break through at Arsenal but he is now playing so well it is impossible for Southgate to ignore him.
NEYMAR SHOWS OFF BATMAN LOGO ON HEAD
Neymar has showed off his latest flashy accessory – a dodgy Batman logo on his HEAD.
But the superhero symbol goes perfectly with an amazing back tattoo he had done in 2018 of the Caped Crusader and fellow comic book character Spiderman.
Neymar looked to be in a playful mood in Brazil’s training session on Wednesday.
The South Americans are preparing to take on rivals Argentina, pitting Neymar against his Paris Saint-Germain pal Lionel Messi.
But Neymar will be hoping his latest superhero-inspired feature fires Brazil to glory.
Boasting a cheeky grin, Neymar adorned his bleached barnet with a black spray in the shape of the iconic Batman logo.
And it goes nicely with the comic book tattoo he had done three years ago.
On one shoulder blade, Neymar now has Batman himself emerging forward.
And the other shows Spiderman firing his web as he swings along.
Neymar is a big fan of tattoos, getting one of the Champions League after winning it with Barcelona.
And he also has one of his mum’s face on his bicep.
But there was a more sombre moment for Neymar at the weekend as he paid tribute to tragic Brazilian singer Marilia Mendonca.
EDWARDS QUITTING LIVERPOOL
Michael Edwards is quitting as Liverpool sporting director at the end of the season, having been at Anfield since November 2011.
Deputy sporting director Julian Ward will step into the job after Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group failed in repeated bids to persuade Edwards to stay.
Sky Sports say Edwards is not planning to move to newly-rich Newcastle.
PA News report him as saying: “To be part of this club during this period has been a privilege due to the people I have been fortunate enough to work with and the success we have enjoyed. But all good things must come to an end.”
Credit: PA:Press Association 5 CLUBS RON COULD JOIN
Cristiano Ronaldo has several options available to him if he decides to quit Manchester United at the end of the season.
The Portuguese, 36, is reportedly open to leaving if United fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.
And with the Red Devils struggling at present and six points off the top four, CR7 could be heading for an early exit.
But given he still has a burning desire to win the big trophies, that could mean he stays in Europe and possibly even England.
He was linked to Manchester City in the summer and could make a daring switch across the city, or perhaps return to one of his former employers.
Here are five clubs Ronaldo could join if he leaves Old Trafford:
MANCHESTER CITY
REAL MADRID
PSG
SPORTING LISBON
INTER MIAMICLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL LOWDOWN ON THESE POTENTIAL MOVES
JU BEAUTIES
Anthony Martial and Alexandre Lacazette are both reportedly being targeted by Juventus if they fail to land Dusan Vlahovic.
The Old Lady are battling both Arsenal and Tottenham to sign the Serbian striker from Fiorentina.
The 21-year-old is out of contract in 2023 and has so far resisted penning an extension, leading to speculation he could soon be departing for £68million.
Juventus are desperate to snatch him from their Serie A rivals – however they have also allegedly drawn-up a list of five potential alternatives.
Calciomercato claims boss Max Allegri has identified both Manchester United outcast Martial and Arsenal’s Lacazette as other options.
ZLATAN IBRAHI-MOVIE
Zlatan Ibrahimovic declared ‘the wait is over’ as he unveiled the poster for the movie about his journey to the summit of football.
‘I Am Zlatan’ tells the story of the Swedish legend’s rise in the beautiful game, starting from his childhood and focusing on his time with Ajax.
Uploading the movie poster on Twitter, the ex-Manchester United and PSG striker told fans: “When you come out of nowhere, you have to fight for everything.
“November 11, the wait is over…”
The film stars numerous actors as Ibrahimovic over the course of many years.
And super-agent Mino Raiola is even portrayed in the piece.
Ibrahimovic scored 48 goals in 110 games for Ajax, where he faced questions over his ability before gaining a huge move to Juventus in 2004.
Now 40, he is still doing the business in a second spell with AC Milan.
CITY LINKED TO ARSENAL TARGET NKUNKU
Manchester City have enquired about Arsenal and Chelsea target Christopher Nkunku, reports say.
Sport Bild claim RB Leipzig midfielder Nkunku, 23, is also being monitored by PSG, Real Madrid, and Juventus.
But it is the Citizens who are believed to have taken the lead in the race for his signature.
City are reportedly ready to enter negotiations for Nkunku, who does not have a release clause in his contract.
He signed for Leipzig for around £11.7million in 2019 and the German outfit are said to be seeking a huge profit with his sale.
And given there is significant interest in Nkunku, Leipzig may be able to drive up their asking price.
Nkunku has been a long-term transfer target of Arsenal and recent reports indicated Chelsea had opened talks to sign him.
UTD STARS ‘DON’T SEEM TO CARE’
John Arne Riise has blasted Manchester United players for ‘not seeming to care’ while defending his Norwegian compatriot Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
The Red Devils boss is under mounting pressure after his side’s latest Old Trafford embarrassment, this time at the hands of Manchester City, on Saturday.
But Liverpool icon Riise, 41, believes that United‘s players should be taking a long, hard look at themselves.
He told talkSPORT: “I do feel for him, as a person, of course, but he’s stepped into one of the biggest jobs in the world.
“And when things are not going well, like they are now, it’s so easy to learn and manage it but, at the same time, I’ve watched the last three or four games of Man Utd and the attitude from the players – you can’t always blame the manager for everything.
“Look at the aggression, the tightness, the willingness to fight for the club – it’s not there from the players, and that annoys me because like, myself, I was not the most technical player, but at least I gave 110%, no matter how I was playing.
“Look at the Man Utd players now, they don’t seem to care.”
Riise, who won the Champions League during his seven years at Anfield, doesn’t think that the likes of Steven Gerrard or Jamie Carragher would have put up with slipping standards.
MARCUS VOW
Marcus Rashford insists Manchester United’s players are not lowering their standards despite fading form.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under rising pressure after Saturday’s 2-0 derby home los to City dropped United to sixth.
But striker Solskjaer said: “Those things remain the same whether you’re in good spells or bad spells.
“I know at the moment we’re in a difficult patch, but the desire and ambition never changes.
“The Man United team is the Man United team, and we all play for the badge and the club, something for me I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Marcus said.
“And for the players that we sign, they see Manchester United as the great club it is and they want to give everything they can for the badge.”
HOWE WON’T PROMISE PREM SURVIVAL
Eddie Howe refused to guarantee he’ll keep Newcastle up.
The former Bournemouth boss penned a two-and-a-half year deal at St James’ Park on Monday to succeed Steve Bruce on Tyneside.
Newcastle’s ambitious new Saudi Arabian owners will give Howe £50million to spend in January alone.
He said: “I’m absolutely confident that we can survive but I make no promises.
“The task ahead is huge. It’s a very, very difficult challenge – I’m under no illusions.
“We have a very difficult fixture list ahead in December – it’s not going to be easy. There’s no magic wand – it’s going to take a lot of hard work.
“All I can do is lead the club to my best of my abilities.
“The position in the table is what we have to look at. The aim is to stay in the league, to avoid relegation.
“That’s what I’ll be working towards – that’s my main focus and everything else can wait.”
LIGUE 1 MAUR PHYSICAL THAN PREM
Mauricio Pochettino believes Ligue 1 is MORE physical than the Premier League and has ‘amazing talent’.
The Paris Saint-Germain chief, 49, bossed Spurs from 2014-19 and could not quite say which top-flight he thought was better.
But he told the Ligue 1 website: “My impression is that it is a very complicated league. The quality is there.
“I think it’s the most physical league in the world. I think the talent is amazing, and there are great coaches too.
“Every single game you can see all the teams have quality, have the capacity to win the games, never give up.
“I think it’s a very, very good league, and we are so happy to be here.
“I’m not saying that it’s a better league than the Premier League, but I think that in the way that the games are here – I think they are more physical than in the Premier League.”
ANDREAS ADMITS DOUBTS OVER CHELSEA FUTURE
Andreas Christensen has ‘no idea’ if his Chelsea deal will be extended past this season.
Boss Thomas Tuchel has transformed the 25-year-old into one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs.
But Christensen will be free to agree a deal with foreign clubs as early as January.
Reports last month claimed Chelsea are eager to tie Christensen down for the future.
But it was also suggested there’s been NO contact between the Dane and his club over a new deal for over two months.
Meanwhile, teammate Antonio Rudiger is also out of contract, while Trevoh Chalobah has penned an extension.
Yet Christensen admits he is still in the dark over his Stamford Bridge future, with the likes of Juventus and Atletico Madrid circling.
WENGER: EVERYONE WAS SCARED OF FERGIE
Arsene Wenger has lifted the lid on his iconic rivalry with Sir Alex Ferguson.
The duo did battle 49 times across 17 years as Arsenal and Manchester United duelled at the top of the English game.
They certainly didn’t always see eye to eye, with their relationship turning ‘toxic’ at times.
And in the ‘Arsene Wenger: Invincible’ documentary, Wenger says: “Alex Ferguson was the dominant figure in English football.
“Everyone was scared of him, from the press to the referees.
“I thought that’s a good opportunity for me to show that it’s not only in England that you know how to play football. I was ready for the fight.
“It was sometimes very aggressive, especially after the games.
“When you’re fighting to win, you are two lions. Your only one desire is to eat the lion who is against you.
“I was not scared of anybody in football.”
Wenger managed to win three league titles during his 22-year tenure at Arsenal, while Ferguson managed an incredible 13 at United.
The Scot also had the better of their 49 clashes, winning 23 of them compared to Wenger’s 16, with ten draws.
During the documentary, Ferguson admits: “It became toxic for a while.
“The big change that made Arsenal was reinventing [Thierry] Henry. And the goals… he was fantastic.
“You’re always looking in the rear-view mirror to see who’s coming up behind you, and when you see someone you accelerate.
“Arsenal were catching us up, and their team was good enough to go above us, there’s no question about that.”
‘CAVANI AND STERLING ON BARCA LIST’
Barcelona are desperate to add some firepower when the transfer window opens in January.
Marca claim the ailing giants are targeting a trio of forwards this winter, with Timo Werner, Edinson Cavani and Raheem Sterling on the wishlist.
Barca are languishing ninth in LaLiga and recently sacked manager Ronald Koeman after a woeful start to the season.
Club legend Xavi has been brought in to steady the ship but his transfer options will be limited with the club in a dire financial state.
The Catalans are struggling under a mountain of debt and any signings in January are likely to rely on players leaving too.
EDD-ING BACH TO THE FUTURE?
Borussia Monchengladbach are hoping to sign Eddie Nketiah on a pre-contract agreement in January, according to The Mirror.
Nketiah has a deal until 2022, so he’ll be a free agent by the summer.
Foreign clubs can start to talk to him in January, which is less than eight weeks away now, and English clubs will be free to pick him up just a few more months after that.
And to strike a deal Gladbach could be willing to let midfielder Dennis Zakaria move the other way.
GUNNERS JOINS SPURS HUNT FOR DUSAN
Arsenal are being linked with a January move for Tottenham target Dusan Vlahovic.
But it’s claimed Fiorentina’s Serbia striker wants to wait until the summer before deciding on his future.
The 21-year-old has reportedly rejected a new Fiorentina contract and been rated up to £68million.
Spurs boss Antonio Conte is thought to have Vlahovic high up his wishlist.
And Italian outlet Calciomercato.com suggest he would be unwilling to join the Gunners in the next transfer window, partly as he aims to see if other European giants come on for him.
CAVANI HAPPY TO BE BOOKED
Edinson Cavani has swapped Manchester United’s childish mistakes for kids’ literature – by writing a book for youngsters, writes STEVE GOODMAN.
The Uruguay ace has witnessed the Red Devils‘ recent humiliations against arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
Cavani, 34, is currently sidelined with a tendon injury.
But the striker has done his bit to raise morale in his South American home country by bringing out children’s book La Luz de mi Nombre.
Translated as The Light Of My Name, it is inspired by the striker’s part near-namesake – US inventor Thomas Edison.
Cavani said: “It is all related to the fact I was named after a very famous person in Thomas Edison.
“He was a global genius, who invented the light bulb, and that is why the book has its name.
“It is about a curious and innocent young boy discovering life.
“I want to leave something behind, to offer a message of hope to poor children in every country.
“Knowing their identities will help them safely follow the paths of their lives.”
GI WHIZZING IN FOR GERS JOB
Giovanni van Bronckhorst is the new favourite to succeed Steven Gerrard as Rangers boss.
Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard looks set to replace Dean Smith at Aston Villa.
And Betfair have seen a big move in the market with former midfielder Van Bronckhorst ahead of Alex Neil and Derek McInnes as the most likely candidates to replace Gerrard.
Frank Lampard and John Terry were in the mix behind Gary McAllister – but have all lengthened.
McAllister is likely to go to Villa with Gerrard while Lampard has been linked with Norwich and is now out to 14/1 from 4/1.
Gerrard is Villa’s number one target following Smith’s sacking and knows Christian Purslow from his time at Liverpool.
Gerrard helped Rangers win the Scottish title last season – finishing the season unbeaten – to stop Celtic winning 10 in a row.
And they’re four points clear this season after a shaky start.
RASHFORD: UTD AMBITIONS STILL THE SAME
Marcus Rashford insists Manchester United’s players are not lowering their standards despite fading form.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under rising pressure after Saturday’s 2-0 derby home los to City dropped United to sixth.
But striker Solskjaer said: “Those things remain the same whether you’re in good spells or bad spells.
“I know at the moment we’re in a difficult patch, but the desire and ambition never changes.
“The Man United team is the Man United team, and we all play for the badge and the club, something for me I’ve dreamed of since I was a kid,” Marcus said.
“And for the players that we sign, they see Manchester United as the great club it is and they want to give everything they can for the badge.”
RICE DROPS OUT OF ENGLAND SQUAD
Declan Rice has withdrawn from the England squad to face Albania and San Marino due to illness.
The West Ham star, 22, initially trained away from the squad following an individual training programme, with Manchester City star Jack Grealish doing the same.But the midfielder fell ill on Tuesday and returned home on Wednesday, though he did test negative for Covid-19.
An FA statement said: “Declan Rice has withdrawn from the England squad.
“Having been unable to train due to illness since reporting to St. George’s Park, the midfielder has returned to West Ham United and will play no part in the forthcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
“No additions to the squad are planned at this moment in time. Mason Mount and Luke Shaw are still yet to link up with the group and continue to be assessed following dental surgery and concussion respectively.”
NO HEIR TODAY BUT GONGS TOMORROW?
Pep Guardiola insists his former midfield star Xavi does not ‘have to be my heir’ after he was appointed Barcelona’s new manager.
The Manchester City boss was in charge of the legendary star for four stunning years at the Nou Camp as they lifted every honour available to them.
They already had a close bond from when they played together for the Catalans at the turn of the century.
Guardiola stepped up from Barcelona B to take over the senior side in 2008 after just two years of experience coaching.
Now Xavi, who has left his Qatari club Al Sadd to return to Barca as Ronald Koeman’s replacement, has done the same after just 24 months in the dug-out.
But despite the parallels, Guardiola insists the 41-year-old should feel no added pressure to follow in his footsteps.
Speaking at a charity golf tournament, he said: “I wasn’t the heir to anybody and Xavi doesn’t have to be my heir.
“If [Barcelona president] Joan Laporta and the board have chosen Xavi then it’s because there are millions of pros and few cons.
“He knows the club and will bring positive energy, given how he enjoys football and because of his dedication. He always sees the positive side of things.
“With his class, dedication and effort, I’m sure he’ll improve the club’s situation.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
