Haaland ‘green light’ to join Chelsea, Man Utd draw Milan in Europa League, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham transfer news

WALES CHIEFS IN URGENT TALKS OVER GIGGS

Wales will hold urgent talks over boss Ryan Giggs’ future after his bail was extended until May 1.

The Dragons face Belgium and the Czech Republic in their opening World Cup qualifiers next month.

The Welsh FA will hold urgent talks over Ryan Giggs’ future

But their preparations for the Qatar 2022 qualifying clashes were rocked after Greater Manchester Police announced Giggs’ bail extension.

Now Welsh FA chiefs will discuss whether Giggs – arrested on November 1 on suspicion of assaulting his on-off girlfriend – will be in charge for the March double-header and beyond with this summer’s Euros looming.

The news capped a miserable week for Wales after chief executive Jonathan Ford received a vote of no confidence from the FAW council on Monday.

It is understood Ford is on gardening leave with the FAW’s board set to decide on how to move forward.

A statement from Greater Manchester Police on Friday afternoon read: “A 46-year-old man (now aged 47) arrested on suspicion of section 39 common assault and section 47 assault in November 2020 has had his bail extended until Saturday 1 May 2021.

“This relates to an incident reported to police at 10.05pm on Sunday 1 November 2020 on Chatsworth Road, Worsley. A file remains with the CPS and a decision is expected in due course.”

Manchester United legend Giggs, who denies the allegations, is still on ‘special leave’ having missed Wales’ three internationals last November.

GRILL YOUR BOOTS

EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea players are using a microwave oven to warm their boots before matches.

And the squad hope the secret weapon means they won’t get cold feet in the battle for a top-four finish this season.

The microwave is in the home dressing room at the club’s Stamford Bridge ground and even has a timer which pings when their boots are ready.

It is also unplugged and taken on the team bus to domestic away games and is an integral part of pre-match preparations.

The oven is used to soften the players’ boots and make them more supple and comfortable to wear.

A club insider said: “Modern football boots seem to be pull-on types with much tighter fitting leather relying on a squeeze effect to stay on rather than the laces.

“So when cold they can be quite tough, quite stiff and awkward to wear at least when they first go on.

“The players put their boots in the microwave for a minute or two and the timer pings when they are soft enough. It’s actually a valuable addition to their equipment.

“It’s not about Premier League millionaires being pampered. It’s about getting the best from the boots as quickly as possible, making the players comfortable so they can perform to their best as quickly as possible.”

JOSE: BALE HAPPIER THAN EVER

Jose Mourinho reckons Gareth Bale is in his best shape since he arrived back at Tottenham.

And the Spurs boss insists the Welsh superstar’s goal against Wolfsberger in the Europa League on Wednesday shows he is finally playing with freedom again.

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is encouraged by Gareth Bale’s condition, physically and mentally

Form and fitness restricted Bale, 31, to just two Prem starts since he rejoined the Londoners on loan from Real Madrid in September.

But he is set to start tomorrow’s home clash against Burnley —  following his recent upturn in performances and attitude.

Mourinho said: “Mentality is a consequence of the physical.

“If a player feels great, if he is playing 100 per cent and if his feelings are all good, then there are no more psychological problems, fears or barriers.

“When you have little worries, and especially when you have a recent history of injuries, it’s normal to have some fears — and these fears have consequences.

“But lately he has been fine. It’s a question of how many minutes he can play and how many days he needs to recover between matches.

“He looks happier than ever, he looks confident. In training you can see he has his confidence back, the way he hits shots.

“You could see from his goal on Wednesday. It was a confident shot.”

TOON MISS CALLUM

DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM’S ANALYSIS: Newcastle will need to hold their nerve if they are going to survive in the Premier League.

Earlier this season Newcastle looked as if they were always waiting for the opposition to score first.

But while Steve Bruce continues to be criticised, in their last five games they have shown fight using a diamond formation.

And they have come out on the front foot with it, after scoring seven in their last five games, winning two and losing three.

It should be noted two of the defeats came against a rejuvenated Chelsea side and Manchester United, who they performed well against.

Prior to the change they had not won in nine and only scored seven in ten matches, so they are definitely an improvement.

However, the loss of Callum Wilson has put Bruce in a tough situation.

With 15 goal involvements from the 26 Newcastle have scored this season, he is vital and without him the goals disappear.

So do they continue without their star player or revert back to their old ways?

The pragmatic smash and grab approach seemed to have run its course as only West Brom have conceded more.

So now Bruce will be hoping the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton and Almiron to step up and fill that void.

DERBY 1 NOTTM FOREST 1

Colin Kazim-Richards snatched Derby a point with six minutes left as Wayne Rooney took charge of his first East Midlands derby.

Forest were looking comfortable after James Garner scored his first senior goal by firing them into a 33rd-minute lead.

And a solid disciplined Forest performance looked to be rewarded before Kazim-Richard belted home a leveller.

The striker had only just signed a new contract extension earlier in the day.

But Forest retain the Brian Clough Trophy – which the two clubs play for each time they play – after stretching their unbeaten run over Derby to eight games.

LIFE’S TOUGH WITHOUT INN BONUS

Richie Wellens knows one of the best ways to get into a player’s head is to get a drink into him.

And if he could do that with his whole team, he might be able to break the mental block that he fears could cost him and Salford City promotion.

How Richie Wellens’ pub sign might look

But the normal getting–to–know-you exercise he and most managers use to build team spirit and understanding is still impossible because of Covid restrictions.

Wellens, who quit Swindon for the Ammies on November 4, would by now have had a few nights  out with his squad and staff.

He declared: “Getting the lads out for a bite and a bit of a bevvy is a great way to find out what makes each individual tick.

“Nobody is talking about throwing loads of alcohol down necks. But it’s amazing how people start relaxing and letting themselves go a little when they’ve had a couple.

“Having a good time is great for team bonding. Not only do you get to know your players better, but they get a better picture of who you are.

“But with the lockdown that hasn’t happened.

“Things are complicated enough for all of the managers in these times — but more difficult still when you are taking over a new set of players.”

THE ZATE ESCAPE

EXCLUSIVE: Relegation dogfights are nothing new to Steven Alzate.

In fact, his introduction to professional football was a scrap for survival — and one far graver than Brighton face this season.

The Albion midfielder, 22, made his bow four years ago playing for Leyton Orient in League Two.

To call it a madcap campaign would be a huge understatement, as the O’s dropped out of the Football League to the backdrop of internal chaos.

Alzate reflected: “I remember that season being a bit hectic, a bit crazy. I must have had at least four different managers.

“At one point, quite a few of the youngsters got chucked in to play because the squad wasn’t getting paid, so a few players refused to play.

“I had made my debut just before that madness. So it was a bit of a crazy one but I had to make the most of my opportunity and show what I could do.”

Alzate said of Brighton: “I feel we shouldn’t be panicking too much because we have been playing good football.

“Sometimes we have lacked that cutting edge. We haven’t scored as many as we want to. But we are aiming to keep working well as a team, keep playing well and I’m sure the goals will come.”

FULHAM TAKE IT ON THE CHIM

EXCLUSIVE: Joachim Anderson loves to hear people dismiss Fulham as goners this season.

And no, the Dane has not chucked in the towel on staying up already.

Instead, skipper Andersen is using it as fuel to fire the Cottagers’ fight for survival.

After a week that saw them pick up two wins and a draw against Everton, Burnley and Sheffield United, Scott Parker’s side are now just three points from safety.

The Great Escape II is very much a possibility, 13 years on from the original one under Roy Hodgson, whose Crystal Palace side host Fulham.

Andersen told SunSport: “I love when people are saying that we are going down because it fires me up. I want to show it’s not going to be the case.

“One week can change everything. We got seven points last week and we’re now three points behind Newcastle.

“There’s no need to stress. In football, you always get what you deserve. When we played like we did for months, at some point it had to turn.

“It’s such a big, big goal to keep this club in the Premier League and I feel that from every single player in the squad.”

WE CAN’T JUST RELY ON DELE AND BALE

Eric Dier insists it is not down to Dele Alli and Gareth Bale to save Tottenham’s season.

Spurs fans have been raving about the pair’s resurgence in recent weeks, with many claiming it will result in Jose Mourinho’s stuttering side finishing in the top four.

Both Dele and Bale have had campaigns to forget, as they were frozen out by their manager.

But Dele impressed in Wednesday’s 4-0 Europa League win over Austrian no-hopers Wolfsberger when he capped a fine display with a superb overhead kick and two assists, including a goal for Bale.

That followed the Welsh superstar, on a season loan from Real Madrid, almost inspiring a second-half comeback for Spurs at West Ham on Sunday with a cracking display after his introduction as a half-time sub.

But defender Dier said: “As a team we need to do better. Within that individuals will step up and do great things in moments and Gareth and Dele have done that in the past.

“They have that quality to do that – but it is not up to them to change our season, it is up to us as a collective.”

MICK AIMS TO ‘P*** OFF’ PAL WARNOCK

Mick McCarthy has counted Neil Warnock as a close friend for 44 years.

But on Saturday will go head-to-head yet again both hoping to p*** each other off.

Neil Warnock, then Cardiff manager, and Mick McCarthy, then Ipswich boss, will get to grips again in the Championship on Saturday

Cardiff boss McCarthy and Middlesbrough gaffer Warnock were team-mates at Barnsley. McCarthy even used to clean Warnock’s boots as he came through the ranks at Oakwell.

McCarthy said: “I have been in football a long time, but I still have that desire to get the best out of people. I’m 62. Neil is 72, so maybe I have got him in my sights!

“I’ve gone up against him many times and he’s a good friend of mine. For 90 minutes on Saturday he won’t be. It will be the same for him. He’s always been bright and innovative.

“His teams are likewise. If we come off the pitch on Saturday and I say to him ‘That was a nice game Neil, you were really nice to play against’ I think he’d be as p***** off as I would be.

“If I can be half as successful as Neil here, I will be delighted.”

PLEASE, NO MORE SAD TWISTS IN TAYL

Steven Taylor has twice endured the anguish of relegation with Newcastle.

And the Geordie admitted that if they suffer the same fate for the third time in the Mike Ashley era, it will sicken him just as much as when he was wearing the black-and-white stripes.

Steven Taylor was devastated when Newcastle were relegated in 2009

Failure to beat Wolves at St James’ Park tonight could see them in the bottom three if Fulham win at Crystal Palace tomorrow.

Defender Taylor, 35, is now captaining  Odisha in the Indian Super League, having left Wellington Phoenix last year when coronavirus led to an exodus from New  Zealand’s A League.

But he told SunSport: “Relegation would still hurt me as a fan. You never lose your love for Newcastle. I still get upset when the team loses, even though I’m thousands of miles away rather than out there on the pitch.”

The Toon diehard knows from bitter experience how traumatic relegation can be, though his  memories of the 2009 and 2016 campaigns felt very different. In both cases, redemption quickly  followed.

He recalled: “When we lost at Aston Villa on the final day of the 2008-09 season, it was the worst feeling in the world.

“I don’t think I’ve ever  felt as low as I did  when the referee blew the whistle and it suddenly hits you that you’re down. It was a horrible, horrible afternoon and I was inconsolable for days.”

‘UTD CAN HURT US AT ANY SECOND’

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says victory for either side would be huge as second-placed Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

And he warned the Blues that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United can strike like a snake on the break.

Tuchel said: “They are a team that can hurt you in any second with individual quality, a team that can hurt you at any second with speed.

“They are a strong side away from home because they can defend compactly and are very good in transition with their wingers and Marcus Rashford.

“Bruno Fernandes has excellent delivery and then there’s Mason Greenwood, Edi Cavani, Anthony Martial, and whoever else plays will be a challenge to defend.

“So the implication is huge. If we get a win out of this game it’s huge for us, if they win it’s huge for them to put more points between us.”

BARTON AND EVANS CLASHED OVER COMEDY SKIT

Nigel Pearson has never been a man to suffer fools. So when he pays someone like Joey Barton warm compliments, they should be taken very seriously.

The pair arrived in Bristol on the same day, Pearson taking over his eighth club at City, Barton moving into his second job as a manager with Rovers.

Once the ink was dry on their contracts Pearson found he had been messaged by Barton,  who he worked with at Newcastle.

He said: “Me and Joey exchanged a few messages. I have a lot of time and respect for him. He’s a very intelligent man. I think he’s got a bright future.

“People have preconceived ideas but the reality can be different.”

But Barton headed out of Fleetwood under a cloud.

Cod Army chairman Andy Pilley who, on appointing him two-and-a-half years earlier described him as a potential great in management, dumped him.

The decision came after a dressing room bust–up with Ched Evans and clashes with other senior players. The pair are understood to have come to blows over a comedy skit created by the striker that Barton did not find funny and he was dispatched to Preston.

LEGIT HITS THE FAN

David Moyes fears allowing fans back on the last day of the season would damage the Premier League’s integrity – even if it could benefit West Ham.

The government have announced 10,000 supporters or 25 per cent capacity can return in May – which means the top-flight finale.

The Hammers entertain Southampton in their last Prem match, which could decide whether they qualify for the Champions League.

But Moyes says it is unfair some sides would benefit from home support.

He said: “I am a little bit uneasy about them coming back for the last game of the season because it would be an advantage for one team and not the other to have them.

“We use the word integrity many times in different periods of this pandemic.

“And I would be really worried about one club getting an advantage. So I think it is something that needs to be considered.

“For the integrity of the game we just need to make sure there is a situation where people can’t say ‘this is an unfair advantage to one team or the other’ if we are only talking about one game of the season.”

DELE LOVE SPLIT ‘DUE TO FORTNITE’

Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has split from his pin-up lover Ruby Mae — with mates blaming the amount of time he spent playing online video game Fortnite.

The 24-year-olds have separated after a series of heated rows and she has moved out of their £2million pad.

Model Ruby Mae has split up with her footballer boyfriend Dele Alli

Friends said model Ruby was “incensed” over the England star’s recent behaviour, including “spending too much time playing Fortnite.”

One friend told The Sun: “Dele and Ruby Mae are finished.

“Their relationship has been turbulent, but it now feels very much like the end. Ruby is sad but looking out for herself now.

“She had enough of Dele’s good-time nature, and packed up her things. She’s looking after number one from here.”

They broke up just before Valentine’s Day and have unfollowed each other on social media.

Ruby, who has modelled for Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, began dating Dele in 2016. They briefly split in 2018.

Pals said Ruby got fed up with video game fan Dele’s lifestyle

TRIBUTES TO DEAN

Tottenham and Wolves have been playing tribute to their ex-defender Dean Richards, who died on this day ten years ago, aged just 36.

The former England Under-21 star had been forced to retire six years before that, in 2005, due to health concerns.

Amongst those remembering him was former Spurs and England centre-back Ledley King, who said he was “privileged” to have played alongside such a “great guy”.

WHAT BAM TAM!

Tammy Abraham warmed up for Sunday’s home Premier League clash with Manchester United in clinical style.

And the Blues were quick to show off his finishing prowess in training.

ARTETA HAILS SAKA

Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal ace chipped in with two assists in the 3-2 win against Benfica.

Speaking of the 19-year-old, he said: “How good can he be is a question nobody can answer.

“How good he is and how good he wants to be, that is probably where we can find a lot of answers for why he is doing so well.

“He is a boy that is constantly willing to learn, to get better, to work on the things he can do better and he is a very humble and hard working boy.

“When that happens normally, and you have the talent he has, you can go a long way.”

THIGH AND DRY

Paul Pogba will remain on the sidelines for a number of weeks, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.

The Red Devils were without the midfielder for Thursday night’s draw with Real Sociedad in the Europa League.

It was the fifth game he has missed since coming off early in the draw with Everton at the start of the month.

A thigh injury has kept Pogba, 27, out of action and his recovery will run into March.

Solskjaer admitted to BT Sport after the Sociedad match: “Paul is still out for a few weeks.”

Pogba will definitely miss Sunday’s crucial trip to Chelsea and the following midweek game away to Crystal Palace.

BIG MAN HOLE

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United are still nowhere near where they should be.

A third place league finish and three semi-finals last season showed how far they have come and how far they still have to go.

Old Trafford chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says winning silverware will be the hallmark of success

Currently they are second, still in the Europa League, drawing AC Milan in the last 16, and face Leicester in an FA Cup quarter-final.

But without that top spot and some silverware to show for his work, the Manchester United boss will not be satisfied.

Solskjaer said: “Every club will have to run their own journey, we’re on a good path we feel we have improved but we’re nowhere near where we want to be and that’s higher up the table and winning trophies.

“The hunger in the group and the mentality in the group is good and that’s the main thing now that we keep on improving.”

£35m MAX IS OVER THE LIMIT

Man Utd may be put off signing Max Aarons due to Norwich’s £35million asking price, according to reports.

The Red Devils are one of a number of clubs interested in the full=back, 21, ahead of the summer transfer window.

England Under-21 star Max Aarons has been linked with Man Utd after helping Norwich to the top of the ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press Association

But despite Aarons appearing certain for a move, Championship table-toppers Norwich won’t budge on their valuation.

According to the Express, club chiefs may deem a £35m outlay on Aarons ‘unnecessary’ – choosing to target a new striker and centre-back instead.

SunSport revealed this week that Norwich turned down a £20m bid from Roma last month.

Everton and Bayern Munich are also interested in the England youth international.

BELLERIN TIPPED FOR SUMMER EXIT

Hector Bellerin could leave Arsenal in the summer as he will have Mikel Arteta’s blessing to do so.

Spanish right-back Hector Bellerin has spent almost 10 years at the Emirates

The pair have a close relationship and Bellerin promised he would stay for one more season in the summer of 2020.

Barcelona and PSG were reported suitors of the right-back at the beginning of the season, and Bellerin was keen to make the switch.

His manager persuaded him to stay, promising the Spaniard he would get his move if the clubs made a bid in the summer coming up, according to ESPN.

PSG have denied a claim suggesting they made a £30million bid for the 25-year-old.

His former club Barcelona have frequently been linked with a move for Bellerin, so much so that the Gunners have targeted a replacement.

The likes of Max Aarons, Tariq Lamptey and Hacrif Hakimi could all be suitable additions for Arsenal if Bellerin was to leave. Bellerin and his teammates have struggled this season, and Arteta’s side have gone backwards in the league.

SAINTS’ ROM BLOW

Southampton have suffered a major blow after Oriol Romeu was ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Spanish midfielder suffered an ankle injury during Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds United. 

Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu has been ruled out for the rest of the season

Now the Saints have been dealt a hammer blow with the news he needs surgery to fix the problem.

Boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “He has a fracture on his ankle. It will take a minimum of three months until he is back.”

Romeu is the latest name to be added to the South Coast club’s ever-growing casualty list.

On-loan Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino also picked up a hamstring problem suffered against Leeds.

He came off the bench for the final half hour of the loss at Elland Road and completed the game but Hasenhuttl also confirmed he is out of Monday’s game against Everton.

He said: “Taki Minamino is out for the weekend with a light muscle injury. Hamstring, slight problem in the hamstring. He maybe comes back next week. It is not a big injury.”

ROM GREEN LIGHT FOR HAALAND BID

Chelsea are rated increasingly serious candidates to sign Erling Haaland.

German outlet Bild suggest Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich has cleared the path for a summer bid for the Manchester United target and Borussia Dortmund striker.

Norway superstar Erling Haaland could be the centre of a summer duelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

SHEARER: KEANE WAITED FOR ME AFTER RED CARD

Alan Shearer says Roy Keane waited for him in the tunnel after the game having been sent off for throwing a punch.

Newcastle legend Shearer infamously clashed with the Manchester United captain when the sides met in 2001.

With the Magpies hanging on for a 4-3 victory, Keane took a swing at Shearer and missed but was shown the red card soon after.

And Shearer revealed that the Manchester United legend was waiting for him at the top of the stairs in St James’ Park following the final whistle.

He wrote in the Athletic: “Towards the end of Newcastle’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester United and in a moment of frustration, Roy threw the ball at me, there was a delicate, polite conversation (OK, it wasn’t either of those things), he took a swing and missed and was then shown the red card.

“When you went from the pitch into the tunnel at St James’, there were a set of steps and then you split towards the home or away dressing-rooms.

“When the final whistle went, Roy was standing at the top of the stairs waiting for me.

“I’m pretty sure a few more choice words exchanged, there was some bustling and scrambling, but there were way too many people between us for anything physical to actually happen. That’s usually how it pans out in football.”