CHELSEA are reportedly interested in a move for Wolves defender Max Kilman, following his impressive performances this season.
Kilman is a boyhood Blues fan and could be open to the move if he hears the club are in for him.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe is said to have been offered whopping £1m-a-week wages to stay with PSG.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who he scored a winner in the Champions League against last week.
Having missed out on Kane, Barcelona wonderkid Nico Gonzalez is next on Guardiola’s shopping list.
Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
DE STAYA
David de Gea returns home this week claiming he feels more like a Manc than a Madrileno.
Not surprising after over a decade at Old Trafford as he prepares to return to his birthplace and the club where it all began – Atletico Madrid.
De Gea says: “I like the fact I was born in Madrid, but at the end of the day, it’s just a city.
“Now I feel as if I’m from Manchester; I just feel like anyone else from Manchester.
“Where you are loved and welcomed is your home.
“I’ve been here for many years and, obviously, anything can happen in life, in the world of football, but honestly I don’t see myself away from Manchester United.”
De Gea’s declaration of love for Manchester will be a huge blow for his Spanish girlfriend Edurne Garcia who once slated the city for its appearance.
Pop star Edurne expressed her distaste for Manchester in an interview in 2015 where she agreed with a Spanish TV hosts’ assessment that the region is, “uglier than the back of a fridge.”
Sancho now showing his potential
Manchester United star Jadon Sancho is starting to figure things out at Old Trafford.
The England winger endured a difficult start to the season, failing to score a single goal under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
But he has shown promising signs in recent matches, having seemed to gain confidence under Ralf Rangnick.
And the stats back this theory up, with his numbers improved across the board.
Sancho’s goals per game stat is up from 0.14 across his first 23 matches to 0.4 over his last five. His assists per game are also up across the same period, from registering none at all to now averaging 0.4 in each match.
The 21-year-old is now creating two chances per game, compared to 1.8 previously.
His shooting volume is also up, from 1.15 a game to 2.2 in each contest, while his attempts on target have risen from an average of 0.36 to 1.
A sign of his renewed confidence is the fact that he appears to be taking on his man more. Before he was attempting 3.53 dribbles per match, compared to 5.4 now. He is completing 2.4 in each game, up from 1.58 before.
Kilman: My bruv’s even better
Max Kilman is being tipped for another England call-up — and mum Maria reckons his little brother has even more potential.
But Chelsea Under-10s star Michael has plenty to do before he follows his older sibling into the Premier League.
Wolves centre-half Kilman has already made 25 appearances for England’s futsal team and has been linked with a call-up for Gareth Southgate’s World Cup-bound Three Lions.
The 6ft 5in defender has been an ever-present in a Wolves defence that has the second best defensive record in the Prem this season behind leaders and reigning champions Manchester City.
His latest reputation-boosting display came in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Leicester, which has left Wanderers seventh in the table.
But the 24-year-old says his little borther is the one to really keep an eye on.
He said: “My mum says he’s like the upgraded version of me as a kid – he’s always been bigger, faster, stronger and more confident.
“It’s good. I want him to be better than me. I’ll be happy if he is.”
Arteta still keen on Alvaro
Mikel Arteta hasn’t given up hope of bringing Alvaro Morata despite last month’s failing to materialise, according to reports in Italy.
The Spanish striker was one name being considered by the Gunners as they looked to bolster their forward line in the wake of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure.
However, Morata instead decided to remain with Juventus, who had already beaten Arsenal to the signature of Dusan Vlahovic.
The north London club may face competition from Barcelona come the summer with the suggestion that it may take a £29million offer to get the deal done.
Tuchel to Luk after striker
Romelu Lukaku found himself the focus of football’s ridicule this weekend after he set a record low for registered touches in a Premier League match.
The Belgian striker touched the ball just seven times in Chelsea’s 1-0 win at Crystal Palace – despite playing the whole 90 minutes.
But Thomas Tuchel has vowed to protect his forward, insisting that now is ‘not the time to laugh about’ him.
The Chelsea boss said: “He is our player and we will protect him. What can I do? I don’t know. Well, we have to deal with it. The data is out there and speaks the language that he wasn’t in our game. With strikers, it can be like this when they lack confidence or depending on the game.”
Bernardo bound for the Bernabeu?
Bernardo Silva has been one of the pivotal factors behind Manchester City’s stunning form this season, but could he be set for a move away from the Etihad?
The Portuguese midfielder appeared on the way out of City last year, but won back his place in Pep Guardiola’s first team and has repaid his manager’s faith this term with ten goals in all competitions.
But now reports in Italy suggest that Bernardo has his heart set on a dream move to Real Madrid and could depart as early as this summer.
The player still has three years to run on his contract with the Premier League champions.
Leeds condemn fans throwing objects
Leeds United have vowed to ban any fan who threw objects on to the pitch during their 4-2 defeat to Manchester United at Elland Road on Sunday afternoon.
A number of crowd incidents marred an enthralling contest, most notably during the celebrations that followed the visitors’ third goal.
As Manchester United huddled by the touchline, 19-year-old forward Anthony Elanga appeared to be struck on the head by a coin thrown from a section of home supporters.
A strong statement from the club reads: “Leeds United are reviewing CCTV footage and we will do everything possible to find those supporters who are throwing objects on to the field of play.
“Any supporters caught throwing objects on to the pitch will be issued a lifetime ban from attending our fixtures.”
Koch to miss Anfield trip
Robin Koch will be unavailable for Leeds United’s trip to Anfield to face Liverpool on Wednesday following the head injury he sustained in yesterday’s defeat to Manchester United.
The German defender played on for 15 minutes on Sunday after clashing heads with Scott McTominay before he was eventually substituted.
Leeds claim that they followed all the protocols in assessing Koch’s wellbeing, but have come in for criticism this morning with the PFA stating that the current measures in place for head injuries ‘are not working.’
Koch himself took to Twitter to praise the Leeds doctors, saying: “Thank you for your many messages. I wanted to support the team for longer yesterday, but unfortunately I couldn’t do it. Thanks to our medical staff for the good care. I feel much better today and will be back soon.”
Boss Brendan has board’s backing
Brendan Rodgers’ job is not under threat despite Leicester City’s alarming run of form, according to reports in The Telegraph.
The Foxes have not won in five Premier League games, and have lost five of the last eight.
The slump has left the FA Cup holders in the bottom half of the table, but there are no plans to replace Rodgers as manager.
Leicester have been plagued by injuries this term with Wesley Forfana and Justin James long-term casualties. Rodgers has also been without key players such as Jonny Evans, Timothy Castagne and Jamie Vardy in recent weeks.
The sheer quantity of players that Leicester have lost to the treatment room is said to be one of the major factors in the board wishing to persist with Rodgers.
Two Premier League games rearranged
The Premier League have announced new dates for two fixtures, subject to the progress of clubs in the FA Cup.
The top-flight have several matches to confirm dates for following a multitude of postponements due to Covid-19 throughout December and January.
Watford’s home game with Everton and Crystal Palace’s trip to Newcastle have both been put back 23 hours, and will now kick-off at 2pm on Sunday, March 20.
However, both Everton and Crystal Palace remain in the FA Cup, and if they make it through the fifth round, then these games will move again to allow for the quarter-final ties.
Rod hits out at Rafa
James Rodriguez has blamed Rafa Benitez for bringing his Everton career to an abrupt end.
The Colombian playmaker departed Goodison Park for Qatar in the summer, disappointing fans who had taken the 30-year-old to their hearts.
Now Rodriguez has explained his reasons for leaving Merseyside in an astonishing revelation on Twitch.
He said: “I would have liked to have been at Everton for much longer. It’s a spectacular club, and the fans are incredible, but unfortunately I ran into a coach who didn’t want to count on me. I wanted to be there.”
Rodriguez contributed six goals and nine assists in 26 apps during his one season with the Toffees.
Conte considering De Vrij reunion
Tottenham manager Antonio Conte has enquired about bringing his former centre-back Stefan De Vrij to north London.
The Dutchman was a key part of Conte’s title-winning Inter Milan last season, but could be set for a big-money move away from the San Siro with just a year to run on his deal.
A number of clubs including Barcelona are also interested in the defender, but De Vrij is thought to favour a link up with his old boss.
Spurs are said to be in the market for another central defender given Conte’s preference for a back-three. The Italian has been forced into using left-back Ben Davies in the role on multiple occasions this season.
New contract for Vinicius Junior
Vinicius Junior is set to be offered a new long-term contract that will keep him at Real Madrid until 2027.
The 21-year-old Brazilian still has three years to run on his current deal at the Bernabeu, but Los Blancos are keen to tie him down amid bubbling Premier League speculation.
Real’s jewel in the crown has been linked with a move to England with Chelsea most notably interested.
However, Fabrizio Romano reports that officials at Madrid, including president Florentino Perez, are big admirers of the forward, and want him at the club for the long haul.
Chelsea in for the Kil
European champions Chelsea are preparing to make a move for Wolves defender Max Kilman – a boyhood fan of the Blues.
Kilman was born and grew up in south-west London, and was part of Fulham’s youth academy before dropping into non-league.
However, according to talkSPORT sources, the 24-year-old is now on the verge of joining one of Europe’s elite clubs after impressing at Molineux since making the leap to the Premier League.
Kilman has played in all 24 league games for the Old Gold this season, scoring once in November’s 2-1 win over West Ham.
PFA hit out at head protocol
The Professional Footballers Association have released a statement criticising the current rules in place regarding head injuries to players in English football.
The response comes after yesterday’s match at Elland Road where Robin Koch played on for 15 minutes following a forceful clash of heads with Scott McTominay.
The Twitter thread reads: “The injury to Leeds United’s Robin Koch demonstrates again that the current concussion protocols within football are failing to prioritise player safety.
“The ‘if in doubt, sit them out’ protocol is not being applied consistently within the pressurised environment of elite competitive football.
“We see frequent incidents of players returning to play with a potential brain injury, only to be removed shortly afterwards once symptoms visibly worsen.
“As the representative voice of players in England, we have been clear to
IFAB that we want to see the introduction of temporary concussion substitutes.”
Eagles planning double swoop
Crystal Palace are preparing an audacious double deal that will bring Edson Alvarez and Brennan Johnson to Selhurst Park.
Patrick Vieira is first hoping that the south London club can steal Ajax’s Alvarez from under the noses of West Ham as he searches for a midfield enforcer in his mould.
The Eagles are ready to part with £20million to land the Mexican international, and will then return to the transfer market to land Nottingham Forest star Johnson.
The forward has caught the eye for Forest this season with some electric performances in both the Championship and FA Cup, having turned down the prospect of a January move to Brentford.
Frank ready to raid Blues
Chelsea legend Frank Lampard is planning to return to Stamford Bridge this summer – in order to pick up one of their prized youngsters.
The Everton boss has today been linked with moves for Armando Broja, Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour.
According to Givemesport, Lampard is likely to utilise the loan market to bring in at least one of his former players.
The former England international has built a reputation for bringing through youngsters during his fledgling managerial career, and handed both Gilmour and Broja their Premier League debuts when in charge of the Blues.
Barca’s De Jong staying put
Frenkie de Jong has committed his long-term future to Barcelona despite speculation that he was set for a big-money move away from Spain.
The Dutch international was poised to be the focus of a heated transfer battle this summer with the suggestion that Barca may be forced to sell their star as they continue to get their finances in order.
The speculation had Premier League pair Manchester United and Chelsea on red alert over a potential £50million move, as well as Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
However, the midfield playmaker – who can also operate in defence – has quashed the rumours by insisting that he intends to stay at the Nou Camp for ‘many more years.’
De Jong celebrated his commitment to the Spanish club by scoring in Sunday’s 4-1 La Liga win at Valencia.
Good morning football fans
Manchester United defeated Leeds 4-2 in a Premier League encounter at Elland Road.
Under-fire United skipper Harry Maguire opened the scoring on 34 minutes and Bruno Fernandes doubled the visitors’ lead in the fifth minute of stoppage time, just before half-time.
But the Red Devils surrendered their lead within just 60 seconds when Rodrigo hit the back of the net on 53 minutes and Raphinha equalised.
But United regained the lead with Fred in the 70th minute before Anthony Elanga sealed the victory two minutes before full-time.
Wolves defeated Leicester 2-1 at Molineux as they opened the scoring after just nine minutes with Ruben Neves, but the Foxes equalised four minutes before half-time thanks to Ademola Lookman.
However, Bruno Lage’s men regained the lead on 66 minutes with Daniel Podence.
Meanwhile, United will NOT stand in Cristiano Ronaldo’s way if he decides to leave in the summer.
The Red Devils face a major battle to even reach the Champions League during another disappointing campaign.
Ronaldo has made his frustrations clear over the Manchester giants’ inability to challenge for the Premier League title.
According to the Mirror, the United will not stand in the five time Ballon d’Or winner’s way if he opts to leave Old Trafford this summer.
The 37-year-old would have one-year left on his contract, but the hierarchy would still let him go.
And Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa will walk away the moment he decides it is for the good of the club.
There are fears Bielsa has already decided to end his four-year Elland Road reign in just three months’ time.
The Argentine tactician insists he will know when to go while club insiders acknowledge a noticeable change recently.
The 66-year-old has yet to be offered another one-year deal and on Friday he again dodged questions about his plans, saying: “It is not a subject we should talk about at this moment.”
While Bielsa remains as committed as ever to securing Leeds’ place in the Premier League, sources close to him hint this will be his final campaign in charge.
Finally, ex- Arsenal star Jack Wilshere has signed with Danish club Aarhus Gymnastikforening.
Wilshere has been without a team ever since being released by Bournemouth last year.
The midfielder had been training with the Gunners as his search for a return to football dragged on.
But finally, the former England international has found his move with AGF confirming the deal
Art of the deal
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has revealed the reason why no additions were made in the January transfer window.
Arteta said: “Edu and his team did a fantastic job and they continue to do that.
“We only want the best players and the best people in this club.
“When we are in a rush and the reasons are not right for getting a player into the club, we decide not to do it”
This is Gunner sting
Arsenal have been left ‘angry’ after it was revealed that Juventus star signing Dusan Vlahovic’s representatives sabotaged a potential move to the Emirates from Fiorentina.
The Gunners were also keen on using Lucas Torreira in the deal, swapping his loan move for a permanent transfer to the Serie A side.
According to Torreira’s agent, Pablo Bentancur, the north Londoners are furious about the situation.
When speaking to Sport890, Bentancur said: “Now, Arsenal are a bit angry because they wanted Vlahovic.
“Fiorentina wanted to sell him, but the agents said he had to go to Juventus – you always do what the player wants”
Kyl-er Mbappe blow
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe could be about to bring an end to months of transfer speculation by staying put in France.
Mbappe has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid when his PSG contract expires this summer.
Reports also suggested the star striker is open to a possible Liverpool switch in June.
According to The Independent, however, PSG are prepared to make the France international the highest-paid player in the world in order to convince him to stay.
The report claims the Ligue 1 leaders are ready to pay Mbappe a basic wage of close to £1million A WEEK in any new deal – that would far outstrip anything Real could bid
GETTY IMAGES Roy not Keane
Manchester United hero Roy Keane snubbed a return to management with old club Sunderland because of the length of the contract.
SunSport understand that the Black Cats would only guarantee Keane a position for the season.
The legendary United skipper would have needed to shelve his lucrative TV deal to risk it all on gaining League One promotion.
The Irishman was not concerned about the drop in salary but there was no chance for him to plan ahead with the initial suggestion of a short-term stint
Wilshere reacts to move
Jack Wilshere has opened up on his move to Aarhus Gymnastikforening after spending almost a year as a free agent.
Wilshere said: “Since I started training with Arsenal, I have never hidden the fact that it was to be ready for 2022 and for a new club.
“Now the right club is here, and it will be an exciting new challenge for me. I am in a place in my career where I need to get started again after a difficult period and AGF have offered me that opportunity.
“For that I am very grateful, and I will do everything I can to live up to the expectations. I am very much looking forward to contributing to the team”
The Real deal
Real Madrid are planning to release seven players including Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard.
Real are pushing to sign Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe, whose contract expires in the summer, but the star striker would carry a heavy wage bill.
According to Marca, Bale could leave with Marcelo, Isco, Jesus Vallejo, Mariano Diaz and Dani Ceballos.
It is added that Los Blancos may also try to cash in on Hazard, who in the winter was linked with a return to Chelsea
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
