KURT ZOUMA has been condemned by club West Ham after a shocking video of him attacking his cat was revealed by The Sun.
And Bayern Munich’s Thomas Muller has also been accused of animal cruelty after his racehorse was injured while “rehearsing” for the breeding season.
Meanwhile, Chelsea will have to sell N’Golo Kante to sign Declan Rice, according to reports.
The Blues are also said to have offered Antonio Rudiger a bumper deal worth almost £200,000-a-week to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
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Newcastle vs Aston Villa delayed
Newcastle clash against Aston Villa was temporarily halted following a medical emergency in the stands.
Play was stopped late in the second half after referee Craig Pawson was alerted to the situation.
Magpies gaffer Eddie Howe and Villans manager Steven Gerrard were seen pointing towards the fan in an attempt to stop the match.
Commenting on the incident, Newcastle tweeted: “Play has been halted due to an incident in the Gallowgate Stand.”
Pawson suspended play in the 74th minute to allow the supporter to receive attention.
He then resumed the match two minutes later.
Wayne of the game
Wayne Rooney posed for a selfie with a young pitch invader after the plucky fan dodged stewards to sprint halfway up the pitch.
The Derby manager, 36, took charge of his side away at Middlesbrough on Saturday.
And with his side 3-1 down in the 84th minute, Wazza was suddenly joined in the dugout by the kid wearing a Manchester United home shirt.
The lad then leaned up against his hero Rooney with his phone in hand to grab the priceless photo.
The United and England record goalscorer put his arm around the youngster, almost shielding him from security personnel.
And once he had got the snap, Rooney twizzled him around away from the approaching fourth official.
The cheeky supporter then darted back down the touchline at the Riverside, cutting across the corner of the pitch then hopping the advertising boardings to get back to his seat.
Tuch of class
Thomas Tuchel has dedicated the Club World Cup win to Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich.
Abramovich, 55, was in Abu Dhabi to celebrate the Blues becoming world champions.
And Tuchel, who has had instant success since joining the West London club, took the time to congratulate Abramovich.
The German boss admitted: “I said, ‘It is for you and it is your club. Your input and passion that made it possible.’
“The trophy is for him.”
Ll-ou gotta be kidding
Hugo Lloris made two blunders inside the opening 18 minutes to gift Wolves a 2-0 lead at The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
First the Tottenham captain failed to deal two Wolves shots, parring the ball out to Raul Jimenez who volleyed in from 12 yards out.
And the goalkeeper did not respond well, giving away possession too easily to Daniel Podence, whose shot was turned in by Leonardo Dendoncker on the rebound.
His performance was so bad Wolves fans sarcastically cheered when he managed to catch a cross.
Spurs fans defy owners
Tottenham fans ignored their club’s orders by chanting the Y-word in the first minute of their match against Wolves.
Spurs were playing for the first time since a statement posted on Thursday.
And a large section of the supporters inside the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium refused to follow the advice.
There were loud chants of: “Thing I love most is being Y**.”
This was followed by: “We’ll sing what we want.”
And another rendition of ‘Y** Army’ was belted out by the home faithful.
Chelsea join elite group
Chelsea’s victory over Palmeiras in the Club World Cup final means they have now won EVERY major trophy.
And in becoming world champions Chelsea have become part of an elite club – only four other European teams have won every major trophy.
It is a difficult feat to achieve with Real Madrid missing out because they never won the Cup Winners Cup.
That means they will never be part of the group which boasts Manchester United, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Ajax as members.
Jot gonna make it
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has explained why Diogo Jota won’t be in the Reds’ starting line-up against Burnley today.
Jota picked up a dead leg when Liverpool beat Leicester mid-week, and now Sadio Mane will replace the ex-Wolves star.
Klopp said: “Jota was due to start, with Sadio coming from the bench today but Jota had a dead leg and couldn’t train yesterday.
“Now he looks fine but we were not sure.”
Luk to me
Didier Drogba has backed Romelu Lukaku to finally become a Chelsea hit.
Lukaku has been a disappointment since his £97.5million return to the club from Inter Milan but scored the first goal – his tenth of the season – in Saturday’s 2-1 Club World Cup final success over Palmeiras.
Chelsea ambassador Drogba, who was in the UAE, said: “Is it a turning point? Yes, I hope. We all hope for that because it is important for the club.
“He put himself under a certain amount of pressure by coming back to the club where he started.
“It is difficult and you come back because you want to prove a point, but he’s winning and I think he’s going to make it.”
Tierney ‘good enough’ for Real
Rangers icon Barry Ferguson reckons Kieran Tierney is capable of making a step up to represent football giants Real Madrid.
The Scot was linked with a move to the Bernabeu this week by Spanish outlet El Espanyol.
Ferguson told Go Radio: “I could 100% see him playing at Real Madrid. Arsenal are a big club but they are struggling to force their way into England’s top four.
“When Kieran Tierney went down to England and produced good performances, there was no doubt in my mind that he could go to the best about.”
Liverpool battle Tottenham for Zaniolo
Liverpool are reportedly considering a move to sign Roma midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo, according to Calciomercato.
The news will alert Spurs, who are thought to also be tracking the 22-year-old.
Zaniolo’s future with Roma is uncertain, with the Serie A club reportedly open to selling the midfielder.
And they have an asking price of £33.5million which could lead both clubs to challenge for his siganture.
‘Go and sign for Bournemouth’
Richard Keys has slammed Cristiano Ronaldo as being “part of the problem” at Manchester United.
And he thinks Ronaldo should leave now, claimign his attitude is having a negative effect on his team-mates.
Keys said on BeIN Sports: “Jorge Mendes was talking to senior Manchester United executives about (Ronaldo) leaving at the end of the season.
“My own view of that is that he should he leave now.
“I’ve been of the opinion all season long that I think he’s as much a part of the problem – not the whole problem – as anything and anybody else.
“The other night, when he went running down the tunnel at Turf Moor, having recently lectured everyone about being the leader he believes himself to be and that youngsters don’t do the sorts of things he does…how does that encourage team spirit in the dressing room?
“Go and sign for Bournemouth and you’ll play every week.”
Christensen linked to Bayern Munich
Bayern Munich are interested in Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen, according to German outlet Abendzeitung.
Christensen is out of contract in the summer and has attracted the interest of Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund.
But after Bayern centre-back Niklas Sule agreed a pre-contract deal with Dortmund the German champions could make a move for Christensen.
Chelsea have been keen to keep the Dane but so far he has not shown any signs of penning a new deal.
Milner to extend Liverpool stay
Liverpool are gearing up for another round of contract talks after Jurgen Klopp ruled out retirement for Reds general James Milner.
Liverpool have plans afoot to offer Milner a new contract which would see the midfielder enter his 20th season as a professional, and rule out the possibility of retirement.
In Klopp’s words, there is “no chance” the veteran hangs up his boots just yet.
He said: “Talks will happen with Milly. We will see.
“There is no chance he will retire next year. He is desperate to play on. I understand that. Life after football is much longer than your career so it makes sense to extend playing as long as you can, it is better than other things.
“Milly will be fine after his career as well but he obviously loves what he is doing and he will play football next year, definitely.”
Man City favourites for Haaland
Manchester City are increasingly confident about signing Erling Haaland this summer.
The Premier League champions believe they are in pole position to beat off competition from fellow European giants Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
City are ready to pay the £63million release clause in Haaland’s Borussia Dortmund contract, plus a further £35m in commissions to agent Mino Raiola and others.
That combined initial cost of nearly £100m, plus the Norway striker’s demands for a net annual salary of £30m, puts the deal out of reach for all but the richest clubs.
Real Madrid’s No1 summer target is PSG frontman Kylian Mbappe. If the Spanish side managed to strike that deal then PSG would be very much in the market for a high-profile replacement in the shape of Haaland.
Liverpool to hijack Spurs again?
Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur have made an offer to Franck Kessie, who is also wanted by Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, according to Sport.
The 25-year-old central midfielder is out of contact at Milan at the end of the season.
Barcelona are also keen on Kessie, according to Sport, who have added that Tottenham managing director of football Fabio Paratici wanted to sign him for Juventus and is now prioritising bringing him to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
However, Liverpool are reportedly a big threat from the Premier League to Tottenham for Kessie.
Marca reported this week that Liverpool are keen on signing the Ivory Coast international central midfielder on a free transfer in the summer of 2022.
Chelsea rival Newcastle for Webster
Newcastle United face a battle with Chelsea for the signature of Brighton defender Adam Webster, according to a report from the Sunday Mirror.
The Magpies signed Dan Burn from Brighton last month, having failed in a bid for Webster.
Newcastle continue to monitor Webster but Chelsea are also now said to be interested in signing the defender.
The Blues could lose Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen for nothing in the summer, so the club is targeting potential replacements.
West Ham chase Youri Tielemans
West Ham United are eyeing an audacious move for Leicester City star Youri Tielemans amid question marks over his future with the Foxes.
That’s according to 90Min, who claim that West Ham are keen on luring Tielemans to East London at the end of the season.
It’s stated that Tielemans isn’t interested in renewing his contract with Leicester and his representatives are making that stance clear.
Cavani to leave in summer
Edinson Cavani is eyeing a free transfer to LaLiga in the summer as he looks set to leave Manchester United.
The Uruguayan striker’s contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of the season.
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, he is not expected to sign a renewal to stay on in the North-West.
Instead, the report adds Cavani would prefer a switch to Spain.
Good morning all football fans
Chelsea have been crowned as Club World Cup champions after a 2-1 win against Brazilian side Palmeiras.
Romelu Lukaku broke the deadlock with a fine header, before Raphael Veiga equalised from the penalty spot.
And with the game heading for penalties after no goals in extra-time, the Blues were awarded a spot-kick in the 177th minute after Juan handled Cesar Azpilicueta’s shot.
Up stepped Kai Havertz – match-winner from the Champions League final over Manchester City – to tuck home into the bottom left corner.
The victory means that Chelsea have now won every major trophy there is to win at club level.
In other news, Tottenham have reportedly hijacked Barcelona’s move for Franck Kessie by tabling a ‘powerful offer’ for the AC Milan midfielder.
Kessie is out of contract at the end of the season and was thought to have agreed terms with Barcelona over a free transfer.
But now Spurs have put a spanner in the works with an offer of their own, according to Sport.
Meanwhile, Birmingham fans lobbed TENNIS BALLS onto the pitch in protest against the club’s owners.
The Blues welcomed Luton Town to St Andrew’s for the Championship clash on Saturday.
And players and stewards were left with a first-half clean-up job as supporters threw tennis balls from the stands.
And finally, Reading fans stormed onto the Madejski pitch following their 3-2 loss against Coventry to leave them two points above the relegation zone.
It was the Royals’ seventh Championship defeat in a row and supporters made their feelings known towards boss Veljko Paunovic.
A section of supporters raced onto the pitch as the club’s 150th anniversary game turned into a nightmare.
Inside Chelsea’s Club World Cup celebrations
Chelsea celebrated their Club World Cup triumph with injured team-mates – and some dodgy dancing.
The Blues dispatched cup rivals Palmeiras with a Kai Havertz penalty in extra-time.
Victory at Abu Dhabi’s Mohammed bin Zayed Stadium saw Chelsea clinch the one trophy that had evaded them in the Roman Abramovich era.
And it sparked jubilant scenes among their stars on the field and those who were still in the treatment room.
England’s flying full-backs Reece James and Ben Chilwell have been long-term absentees for boss Thomas Tuchel.
But they were able to join the squad in the Middle East to cheer on their mates.
And the pair were among the chief cheerleaders in the changing room once the trophy was secured.
Read more HERE.
Maguire’s pace worries Owen
Former Man Utd striker Michael Owen has spoke of his fear that Harry Maguire’s lack of pace is a real problem for the club.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw against Southampton, Owen told Premier League Productions: “I did fear for him and that was quite embarrassing.
“He’s got no pace at the best of times but he was outwitted there (by Armando Broja). Then you’re thinking don’t try to redeem your mistake, he just got away with it and I don’t think it was a penalty.
“But you are fearful when he’s running towards him man you think are you going to try to do something stupid but he just gets away with it.
“His lack of pace is a real problem. We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again. The goal, he could have been squeezing up but he’s petrified of that space in behind.”
Merson blasts Arsenal’s contract policy
Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to focus on securing the futures of their young stars like Buyako Saka instead of on older players like Alexandre Lacazette.
Merson said to the Daily Star: “Arsenal have young players who have come through the ranks and are getting paid next to nothing compared to him.
“They are the ones the club needs to be sorting out.
“It’s an absolute joke. Arsenal have got to tie these kids down. Give THEM the money.
“It’s players like Saka who need new contracts. Not players like Lacazette.”
Have it your way
Kai Havertz once again proved to be the hero as his 117th-minute penalty crowned Chelsea champions of the world.
The 22-year-old German held his nerve at the death in the 2-1 Club World Cup win over Palmeiras.
The game then looked to be heading for penalties, only for Cesar Azpilicueta’s effort to be handled by defender Luan.
With Jorginho on the bench and Lukaku already substituted, Havertz stepped up to take the crucial kick.
And he said: “I was the third penalty taker but I was the only one left on the pitch.
“My team-mates gave me trust. I dreamed always as a kid of this. This is an amazing feeling for me.”
De light of the show
Man United star Donny van de Beek was the star of the show on his debut for loan side Everton in their win over Leeds.
According to planetfootball, The Dutch ace passed with precision and achieved an accuracy rate of 89.5%.
He also won three aerial duels against The Whites, which was highest out of anyone on the pitch.
De Beek’s defensive talents were also on show and he recorded the most tackles during the Premier League clash with four successful challenges.
The 24-year-old rounded off his robust display by winning the most possession in the middle of the pitch on six occassions.
Grealish’s injury scare
Jack Grealish could be out of action for at least a MONTH after sustaining an injury during training this week.
The 26-year-old star was not in the squad for Man City’s fixture against Norwich on Saturday.
In his pre-match interview prior to City’s 4-0 win, Pep Guardiola confirmed that Grealish was unavailable due to the injury.
He said: “Jack Grealish is injured.
“He has the same problem that he had last season with Villa.
“He trained after the game against Brentford, we did a test but he was not ready today, but hopefully [he will be ready] next Tuesday.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
