CHELSEA are reportedly battling Tottenham for Paulo Dybala’s signature, while Cristiano Ronaldo’s Juventus future also hangs in the balance.
All these and the latest updates ahead of three nights of Champions League and Europa League action coming up.
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Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
CRIS AND TELL
Cristiano Ronaldo is ‘not scared to laugh at himself’, Rio Ferdinand has revealed.
The ex-Man Utd star said on his Vibe with Five YouTube show: “Yeah man we have a laugh.
“If I see something funny or a meme on Instagram it gets smashed onto WhatsApp to make sure he sees it so you can take the mick out of him.
“He’s always been like that, even as a kid when he came to United, he ain’t scared to laugh at himself.
“He don’t take nothing personal, he’s just one of the lads – but he’s the best.”
PREDICTED XI
Mason Mount and Jorginho are suspended for Chelsea’s Champions League last-16 tie against Atletico Madrid.
That means Mateo Kovacic is likely to partner N’Golo Kante in midfield, with Kai Havertz set to continue in attack.
Thomas Tuchel could also opt to put Reece James at right wing-back, allowing Callum Hudson-Odoi to line up further forward.
How Chelsea could line up against Atletico Madrid EXCLUSIVE BY DAN CUTTS
Man United have received a boost in the race for Jules Kounde – with Sevilla lowering their asking price to around £50million.
Sevilla had originally wanted around £70m up front for the former Bordeaux ace, with clauses and add-ons included on top of that.
But SunSport understands it has been indicated that United would be able to land one of their key summer targets for less than they thought.
United would also be willing to at least double Kounde’s current £70,000-a-week wages if he was to join, alongside incentives for appearances, clean sheets and winning trophies.
Man Utd could land Sevilla star Jules Kounde for £50m
BRU BEAUTY
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has likened Bruno Fernandes to three of his former team-mates including Juan Sebastian Veron.
The 26-year-old has enjoyed a stunning first full season in England – chipping in with 23 goals and 13 assists in 43 games in all competitions.
Solskjaer was asked by a fan on which player does Fernandes resemble the most from his playing and coaching days at the Theatre of Dreams.
He said: “Bruno has the attributes of many of my team-mates, I feel.
“Part of it is Juan Sebastian Veron, part of it is Paul Scholes, part of it is Eric Cantona.
“So those are probably the three players. He has their attributes as a leader and a winner.”
DRY RUN
Banned ref Darren Drysdale is being handed a low-key return to action as fourth official at Scunthorpe on Saturday, Andy Dillon reveals.
Drysdale was suspended after being found guilty of improper conduct during a heated clash with Ipswich midfielder Alan Judge last month.
He is free to start work again but is being sent to Scunthorpe’s League Two relegation home game against Southend United where he won’t even be on the pitch.
An FA disciplinary panel heard that Judge called Drysdale a ‘cheating bald c***’ as they locked heads during Ipswich’s match against Northampton on February 16.
Judge disputes that account strongly and says his club has audio footage to prove he did not swear or label Drysdale a cheat.
Darren Drysdale will return to action as fourth official at Scunthorpe on SaturdayCredit: Getty HURTS A SCOTT
Scott McTominay conceded it’s hard to look at the Premier League table and not feel title regret.
The Manchester United midfielder admitted it’s ‘difficult’ to see their cross town rivals so far ahead of them.
McTominay and Co had title aspirations at the turn of the year before seeing Manchester City pull clear.
The Red Devils are 14 points adrift of Pep Guardiola’s men and looking just to seal a top-four spot.
The midfielder said: “It’s difficult to look at top four at the minute because we had a time when we were looking at the league.
“It was the chance for all of us to have a big push and show really what good players we are.
“But Man City have had a terrific run of games and we’re just trying our best to keep on them.”
Scott McTominay admits it hurts seeing Manchester City running away with the titleCredit: Getty AT A LOSS
PSG goalkeeper Keylor Navas has been accused of trying to lose games to get Jorge Luis Pinto sacked as Costa Rica manager.
Navas and two other players – Bryan Ruiz and Celso Borges – appeared at a defamation trial that began last Friday in capital city San Jose.
Former Costa Rican football president Eduardo Li alleged that Navas, 34, warned he would intentionally lose games if Pinto stayed on as coach after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Li said in his court appearance: “The players took out the confidentiality clause that we had with Pinto that said that if the National Team lost three games, the contract would be terminated.
“And when Football Federation did not find reasons to dismiss him, Keylor Navas was the one who said we lose all three games.”
Navas, appearing from Paris, and Ruiz denied the accusations of threatening to lose games on purpose.
PEACE OF MIND
Paris Saint-Germain are set to pay for round-the-clock security for their stars after Angel Di Maria and Marquinhos’ families were caught up in terrifying break-ins.
On Sunday night, Di Maria’s home was the subject of a ‘violent robbery’ with his wife and kids inside as the the winger played during the 2-1 defeat at home to Nantes.
Simultaneouly, Marquinhos’ parents had their home broken into – with the defender’s dad claimed to have been ‘battered in the face, chest and ribs’.
The break-ins are just the latest in a string of burglaries among PSG players in recent years.
Mauro Icardi, Thiago Silva, Dani Alves and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting have also all had their properties burgled during their time at the Parc des Princes.
And in a bid to keep them and their loved ones safe – as well as some much-needed peace of mind – the club now laying on security for their stars, say L’Equipe.
Angel Di Maria was playing for PSG with his wife and children at home when robbers raidedCredit: Instagram / @angeldimariajm Marquinhos’ parents were also targeted on the same nightCredit: Instagram / @marquinhosm5 NOT SO MAG-NIFICENT
Rio Ferdinand believes that Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘can’t trust’ Harry Maguire in one-on-one situations.
The England centre-back has been virtually ever-present since joining the Red Devils in 2019.
Solskjaer, 48, appointed Maguire, 28, his new club captain last season, following the departure of previous skipper Ashley Young.
But that hasn’t stopped Ferdinand, 42, raising concerns over the current incumbent of his old No5 shirt.
He told his YouTube channel: “I think that’s Ole’s biggest concern – can he leave Maguire one-v-one on the halfway line? Or Lindelof?
“It’s proven that you can’t as that’s not their main attributes.
“Harry Maguire is good at a lot of other things but that area, that’s one of his weak points.”
RASHFORD SURPRISE
Marcus Rashford surprised ten-year-old Ben with an appearance during the youngster’s interview with Sky Sports News.
Rashford’s tireless campaigning to support those in need inspired Ben to raise £3,000 for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.
Watch the full clip here…
AGENT AUBA
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has talked up his Gabon team-mate Aaron Boupendza to Arsenal chiefs ahead of a potential move, according to reports.
The striker is being courted by a number of clubs, having had a stunning season with Turkish side Hatayspor.
Hatayspor recently accepted a £7million bid from Krasnodar for the frontman – but Boupendza, 24, turned down the Russian side.
According to 90min, the forward is being chased by Tottenham, Leicester, Crystal Palace, Brighton, Wolves, Newcastle and West Ham.
But Aubameyang’s influence could see him head to Arsenal instead.
MORE BREAKING NEWS
Some sad news this lunchtime…
Cristiano Ronaldo is mourning the death of an uncle.
The Juventus superstar’s sisters Katia and Elma Aveiro both paid tribute in emotional statements on Instagram.
Katia, who lives in Brazil, wrote: “I didn’t expect news like this. Today my heart is in mourning and now just memories are left.
“Rest in peace my dear uncle. I will remember our good moments together.
“I thought I was going to see you again, to laugh with you, to give you a hug again.”
The unnamed uncle has been described as a brother of Cristiano’s mum Dolores Aveiro – who suffered her own health scare last year.
Ronaldo has yet to make any comment.
HAZARD AHEAD
Eden Hazard reportedly wants to undergo ankle surgery AGAIN just a year after his last op.
The Belgian has struggled with injuries since leave Chelsea for Real Madrid and this latest setback could see him miss this summer’s Euros.
Hazard, 30, has a persistent problem with his left ankle.
And he is said to have been in pain – which has got worse recently – since his procedure on it last March.
Hazard’s running and movement style are said to have been affected by the issue which could have led to the increase in muscle injuries.
And as a result, the former Lille man is said to be resigned to another surgery and sees it as his only option even though it was almost certain to see him miss Belgium’s Euros campaign.
BREAKING NEWS
A bit of breaking news…
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has come out of his five-year international retirement to boost Sweden’s Euro 2020 hopes.
The AC Milan star has ended his exile and will return for his country at the age of 39.
The former Manchester United striker has to decided return to the international fold with the rescheduled European Championships looming this summer.
Sweden’s record goalscorer has been named in his country’s latest squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Kosovo.
The iconic star scored 62 goals in 116 internationals for Sweden before retiring after their group stage exit at Euro 2016.
In typically-humble fashion, Zlatan tweeted: “The return of the God.”
XAV TO BE HONEST
Barcelona legend Xavi is in regular contact with the Catalans’ new president Joan Laporta.
The legendary midfielder, 41, is widely backed to become Barca boss one day and this latest revelation will only fuel that fire.
Xavi, currently in charge of Qatari side Al Saad, admitted it’s his dream to manage Barca and recently revealed he stays in touch with ‘the best president I ever had’ in Laporta.
Xavi told beIN Sports: “Laporta is a good friend. I know him very well.
“He is the best president I have ever had. Barca will return both in terms of sporting and economic results.
“There are problems to solve but you can do it all. I wish him well. I am in contact with him and I am very happy.”
PUL OUT ALL THE STOPS
Chelsea star Christian Pulisic is reportedly determined to fight for his spot at Stamford Bridge under Thomas Tuchel.
SunSport revealed that Manchester United will target a move for the American winger if he decides to quit the Blues this summer.
But according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Pulisic will not make any decision on his own future until the end of the season.
He tweeted: “Christian Pulisic has always been respectful with Chelsea – great professional.
“There’s interest from top clubs in case he’ll leave, normal for this kind of talent.
“But Pulisic is still fighting for Chelsea… and nothing will be decided before June.”
Manchester United target Christian Pulisic wants to win over Chelsea boss Thomas TuchelCredit: Reuters RIO CALL
Rio Ferdinand joined the growing list of people calling on Manchester United to sign Erling Haaland.
The Borussia Dortmund is one of the hottest properties in world football.
United are among the clubs desperate to sign him – and former defender Ferdinand called on the Red Devils to get a deal done.
‘SPEECHLESS’
Rui Patricio’s wife Vera has thanks fans for their ‘love and support’ after the Wolves star was taken off on a stretcher with a horror head injury on Monday night.
The Portuguese goalkeeper, 33, took a knee to the head as Conor Coady attempted to clear his lines during the 1-0 defeat against Liverpool.
And now the stopper’s wife has taken to Instagram to thank his fans for their kind words during the terrifying ordeal.
Vera wrote: “Thank you for all the messages, love and support we are receiving.
“I’m speechless. Rui is fine and will recover fast.”
Rui Patricio’s wife Vera took to Instagram to thank fans for their support ANEL BATTLE
United and Chelsea are reportedly scouting Malmo centre-back Anel Ahmedhodzic.
However, the Premier League giants face transfer battle to land him ahead of Atalanta, who are already in talks.
According to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, there has been no official bid from United or Chelsea for the Bosnian just yet.
FRENCH LOYALTY
And Henry was also on hand to provide some expert analysis of two of the best strikers around.
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland got the full Monday Night Football treatment from Henry and Jamie Carragher.
The Gunners legend was loyal to his compatriot when it came to picking between the pair.
He joked: “I can’t go against my fellow countryman.
“It’s very difficult to choose, I think they’re different strikers.”
THIER HIM APART
Thierry Henry took no time at all to have laugh at Jamie Carragher’s expense as he returned to Sky Sports punditry following two years away.
The Arsenal legend is back in the UK, after leaving his post at CF Montreal last month for ‘personal reasons’.
And upon his return, the 43-year-old quickly eased back into things.
The studio set-up has noticeably changed during Henry’s time away, with pundits now two metres apart for social distancing purposes.
And Henry didn’t miss this chance to lightheartedly mock Carragher.
The Frenchman said: “I’m happy to be here, two meters away from Jamie like in the game,” referencing the famous time where he raced past a sluggish Carra.
PSG PAST
Cavani also spoke about his time at PSG, where he played alongside the likes of Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
He added: “I’ve been lucky enough to have played alongside some great footballers. And when you do play with top players, it allows you to grow and improve.
“I’ve always had that desire to improve and develop my game, and to take things from one player or another.
“If I were to start listing each of their attributes, I reckon it would be an awfully long interview because they all have their own individual qualities.
“You had a player like Zlatan who was highly competitive. He was always up for the fight and he really hated to lose. None of us like losing but he has always shown that even more than most, through his character and how he is.
“I played with Ney also, as well as with Kylian. Everyone knows about Ney, don’t they… he has magic in his feet. Kylian has huge skill and technique as well as great pace. They are really top-class players.”
Cavani played alongside some of the world’s best players at PSGCredit: Getty CAV SOME OF THAT
Edinson Cavani revealed he almost joined Manchester United in 2010.
The Uruguayan was with Palermo at the time but ended up joining Napoli and then Paris Saint-Germain – before signing for United a decade later.
Discussing it with Inside United, Cavani said: “Just imagine it! I can’t remember exactly what happened.
“I do remember there was talk about one or two different teams, but hey, if I’d had that opportunity [to join United], I would have taken it, of course I would, without giving it a second thought.
“I don’t remember definitively if that was the case.
“But what I do remember is that I was due to travel to the World Cup in South Africa, and during that tournament, I had a conversation with Napoli, and well, told them if they had faith in me and wanted me to go there, trust and confidence are worth a lot to me, and so I made my decision and after Palermo I made the move to Napoli.”
Edinson Cavani almost joined Manchester United from Palermo in 2010Credit: Getty RIGHT GAARD
Arsenal will try to keep Martin Odegaard at the Emirates next season, according to reports.
Mikel Arteta has been delighted by the Norwegian’s impact since arriving on loan from Real Madrid in January and will reportedly try to extend the deal or sign him permanently.
The 22-year-old capped a near perfect week when he scored in the Gunners’ 2-1 North London derby win over Tottenham on Sunday – his first Premier League goal for the club.
He bagged his first ever Arsenal goal in Thursday’s 3-1 Europa League win at Olympiakos – and he was named captain of Norway.
The midfielder has had such an impact since his arrival, the North Londoners plan to enter transfer talks with Real Madrid at the end of the season in order to help keep him on board, according to the Mail.
CLARKE WANTS CHE
Staying with international football and Che Adams could pledge his allegiance to Scotland.
The Southampton striker, 24, was born and bred in Leicester and featured for England Under-20s.
But with Adams increasingly unlikely to get his shot for the Three Lions, he could earn a first Scottish call-up.
He qualifies for the Tartan Army through a grandparent.
Che Adams could be in store for his first senior international cap with ScotlandCredit: AFP
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
