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…
CLOCK’S TICKING
Thomas Tuchel has warned his struggling strikers they are running out of time to start delivering goals.
Tuchel said: “We create enough chances and half- chances to win games.
“We had by far enough chances, touches in the box and deliveries against Leeds to win this game comfortably with two goals.
“If you arrive at elite football at the highest level then there is no time to perform. The time simply doesn’t exist.
“You are simply in a competition with other players in your team.
“There is no time to get four or five matches in a row to score regularly. That simply does not exist.”
Thomas Tuchel warns his strikers must start scoring goals soon FINAL BELL
Dortmund have warned the FA they will block Jude Bellingham from linking up with the England team.
The England camp were on Monday assured by officials at Dortmund that they would be okay to pick Bellingham.
They believed he would not have to quarantine for 14 days when returning to Germany after the three matches.
But after speaking to their local health officials, Dortmund have altered their stance.
And they insisted they would not allow Bellingham to join up with the England squad or Gio Reyna with the United States.
Jude Bellingham could be prevented from going on England duty EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT
Jurgen Klopp and his Liverpool players have now got used to their new £50million training ground in Kirkby.
It boasts three full-size pitches, two gyms, a full-size sports hall, pool, hydrotherapy and specialist rehabilitation suites.
A dining room has a balcony overlooking the pitches. There is even a beach volleyball area which the players joke is in tribute to the Brazilians Alisson, Fabinho and Roberto Firmino.
But there is one problem with the new HQ — the players hate it.
They would rather be at the famous old Melwood site. There is nothing wrong with the facilities. It is just windy. Really windy.
For the players there is no place like home. That was Melwood.
Liverpool are not enjoying the wind at their new training base
EXCLUSIVE BY PHIL CADDEN
Mark Halsey has called for delayed offside flag guidelines to be changed — before a player is seriously injured.
Rui Patricio’s head collision with Wolves team-mate Conor Coady in Monday’s 1-0 home loss to Liverpool came as a result of new Premier League rules to enable VAR checks.
The SunSport refereeing expert said: “I have had major concerns with the protocol all season, it’s been an accident waiting to happen.
“Rui Patricio was lucky because the incident looked very serious. If this protocol is not changed now I fear more serious injuries.
“I remember other incidents when Ben Mee and Eric Bailly have suffered injuries trying to recover to make a last-ditch challenge.
“In those cases the flag did not go up but the forward was later deemed to be offside.
“Player safety is paramount and we need to learn from what happened to Patricio.”
Mark Halsey has called for delayed offside flag guidelines to be changed QUARTER POUNDERS
Manchester City and Real Madrid both booked a place in the Champions League quarters tonight.
City beat Gladbach 2-0 thanks to early goals from Kevin De Bruyne and Ilkay Gundogan, handing them a 4-0 aggregate win.
Meanwhile, Real dismantled Atalanta 3-1 with goals from Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos and Marcos Asensio for a 4-1 aggregate victory.
DOUBLE JOY
Man Utd have received a huge boost as Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani both returned to training today.
The Red Devils face a crucial few days as they travel to AC Milan with the score tied at 1-1 for the second-leg of their Europa League last-16 clash on Thursday.
And then they travel to Leicester City for an FA Cup quarter-final on Sunday as they aim to end the season with silverware – as well as Champions League qualification.
Now they have received some positive news on two fronts as both stars took part in this morning’s session at Carrington.
Paul Pogba and Edinson Cavani provided a double boost for Man Utd BOW RETURN
Lee Bowyer has been confirmed as the new boss of Championship strugglers Birmingham City.
Brum sacked Aitor Karanka after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Bristol City left them 23rd in the second tier.
Now they have turned to their former midfielder, who quit his job at Charlton over the weekend, to save them from the drop.
ERL OF MANCHESTER
Man Utd will prioritise signing Erling Haaland over Harry Kane, according to reports.
Manchester Evening News claim John Murtough and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer agree that Haaland is the ‘ideal long-term replacement for Romelu Lukaku’.
Haaland has a £66million release clause that comes into effect in 2022 but the Bundesliga giants could be open to selling him this summer.
A host of top European clubs including Man City and Real Madrid will scrap for his signature – especially if Dortmund fail to qualify for the Champions League.
The 20-year-old knows competition for his signing is rife and is likely to demand wages in the region of £350,000-a-week.
Erling Haaland remains Man United’s No1 transfer target this summer LOTT MORE TO COME
Carlo Ancelotti has told Everton he wants to spend at least three more years with the Toffees.
Toffees chief executive Denise Barrett-Baxendale said: “Carlo has told us he wants to be with us when we go into our new stadium.
“That is a sign that we have got things right – and Carlo says he absolutely loves the club.”
Carlo Ancelotti wants to stay on as Everton boss for at least the next three years
NEV-ER IN DOUBT
Gary Neville claims the Premier League top four is done and dusted already – despite the challengers having up to ten games left.
He said on his podcast: “Leicester are the ones that I think you’d be most nervous about because they did blow up last season.
“They had a really difficult run-in. I don’t see West Ham catching Leicester. The teams below that are so inconsistent and seem to be all over the place.
“I’m not sure which one of them is capable of putting a run together.
“They’re capable of it, some of them, but I would think that Leicester this year would hang on and cement the fact that Brendan Rodgers has done a brilliant job two years on the bounce.
“Last year, they were so unlucky to miss out on the final day against Manchester United.
“This year, I think they’ll get in the top four. I think it’ll be Chelsea third and Leicester will be fourth.”
Neville expects the current top four to hold off the challengers RUD NOT TO
Jose Mourinho held talks with Antonio Rudiger over a summer switch from Chelsea to Tottenham, the defender has admitted.
Rudiger said: “I was obviously shocked, though maybe shocked is the wrong word.
“Some things I saw coming, obviously not being in the squad at all was not something I saw coming.
“But at the end of the day I took it on the chin. There were two teams – but mainly one team I was considering. That was PSG.
“There was a call with Mourinho, and with [Thomas] Tuchel, but this is something that didn’t happen.”
Antonio Rudiger was offered a route out of Chelsea in the summer BELE ACHE
Barcelona are reportedly set to reward Man Utd target Ousmane Dembele with a new contract after seeing the attacker finally find some form.
Dembele’s current contract expires in the summer of 2022.
And they could be forced to sell him this summer to avoid losing him for nothing.
But Mundo Deportivo say Barca are writing up a new contract, with club chiefs seeing him as a crucial member of the team for the future.
Barcelona are ready to offer Ousmane Dembele a new contract MAN HUNT
Man Utd are facing a battle with neighbours Man City for Sporting Lisbon whizkid Nuno Mendes.
The 18-year-old left-back is regarded as one of the rising stars in Europe with a number of elite scouts watching his every appearance.
The Red Devils have been long-term admirers of the Portuguese ace, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hoping he could provide competition for Luke Shaw after Alex Telles’ uninspiring start at Old Trafford.
Spanish giants Real Madrid are also known to have him on their radar.
But now AS claims City have ‘approached Mendes at Pep Guardiola’s request to initiate the negotiations’ over a summer transfer.
Man City are trying to beat rivals United to sign Sporting Lisbon’s Nuno Mendes DON’T LEWK GOOD
Bayern Munich are reportedly considering blocking Robert Lewandowski from playing for Poland against England on March 31.
Under German quarantine regulations Lewandowski would have to isolate for 14-days upon arrival back in Germany after the World Cup qualifier at Wembley.
There is currently a blanket ban on travel to the UK from Germany. And from Wednesday until at least March 28, people have to isolate for two-weeks once they return to Germany.
But the Bavarian giants have no interest in releasing Lewandowski for the game if it means he will miss games for them, according to Polish outlet ONET Sport.
Robert Lewandowski may not face England when they play Poland FIOR BLIMEY
Man United have opened talks with the agent of Nikola Milenkovic over a £30million summer move – with Fiorentina ready to sell, according to reports.
The Red Devils have contacted Milenkovic’s agent in a bid to sort a move well before the summer window opens, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
Milenkovic is under contract at Fiorentina until the end of next season.
But with just a little over a year left on his current deal, the in-demand Serbian has reportedly told the club he has no intention of extending his contract.
Milenkovic has also popped up on the radar of reigning Premier League champions Liverpool and Tottenham.
But United are believed to have first kicked off talks with Milenkovic’s agent a YEAR ago and easily lead the race for his signature.
Man Utd are in contact with Nikola Milenkovic’s agent ahead of a £30m summer move
JORD BLOW
Jordan Pickford has been ruled out of Everton’s FA Cup quarter-final and England’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
The 27-year-old was forced off after just 43 minutes of Saturday’s home defeat to Burnley after suffering an injury.
He underwent a scan to assess the damage and it has been discovered he has injured his oblique abdominal muscle.
That has ruled him out of the Toffees’ crunch cup clash with Manchester City this weekend.
And it will also be a bitter blow to England boss Gareth Southgate.
Jordan Pickford has been ruled out for the next three weeks through injury MAR-SELLO
Inter Miami owner David Beckham is reportedly eyeing a move for Real Madrid star Marcelo.
France Football claim Manchester United legend Becks has already approached the veteran Brazilian over a switch to the MLS.
The report adds that Marcelo – who hasn’t featured for Madrid for over a month – is yet to respond to the offer to play for Miami.
Marcelo’s contract expires in June 2022 meaning Madrid will have to offload him this summer if they are to receive any fee for the Brazil international.
Inter Miami are interested in a move for Real Madrid defender Marcelo KAI IN THE SKY
Kai Havertz admits there are ‘no excuses’ for his Chelsea form but believes he can make a ‘big turnaround’.
He said: “The coronavirus is now over [for me] and I feel good.
“I had a little injury in the past few weeks but it’s now time to play good.
“I have to improve my game. It has not been easy for me but there are no excuses.
“I just have to keep on working and hopefully there will be a big turnaround soon. I will give it my best.”
Kai Havertz believes the good times are just around the corner for him at Chelsea TOP PHWOAR
The Premier League season is racing towards what should be a thrilling finale.
While Manchester City are almost-certain to be crowned champions there is still plenty to play for at both ends of the table.
But above all, the race for the top-four looks set to go down to the wire.
Incredibly, should all teams win their games in hand, there are just 13 points separating second from TENTH.
But who will grab those all-important places?
TAKE A LOOK AT EACH CLUB’S RUN-IN HERE
Man Utd and Chelsea are two of NINE clubs fighting for a top-four spot EVAN ALMIGHTY
Arsenal have been warned that any deal for Eintracht Frankfurt star Evan N’Dicka will ‘certainly not be cheap’.
Frankfurter Neue Presse claim the Bundesliga side currently value the defender at £19million but that price is expected to rise by the summer.
The report adds that Frankfurt have ‘no pressure’ to sell N’Dicka this year as he’s tied down on a contract until 2023.
This means that Arsenal would have to ‘dig deep into their pockets’ if they want to sign the ‘defensive gem’ at the end of the season.
German outlet FNP even state that the 21-year-old would suffer a ‘setback’ in his development if he moved to north London for less playing time.
Arsenal have been linked with a move for Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan N’Dicka RAPID FIRE
Man Utd and neighbours Man City are locked in a transfer tug-of-war for wonderkid Yusuf Demir, according to reports.
According to Bild, the Manchester duo are also joined by Europe’s giants in a scrap for the Rapid Vienna winger’s signature.
Juventus, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all closely monitoring his progress.
But it appears United could be leading the chase ahead of their rivals.
Defensa Central report how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are the ‘most attentive’ in the transfer race.
Manchester United and Man City are locked in a transfer scrap for Yusuf Demir
SON THE MEND
Tottenham forward Son Heung-min’s injury is ‘not as bad as first feared’.
The South Korean superstar limped off clutching his hamstring just 17 minutes into Sunday’s North London derby defeat to Arsenal.
His exit prompted fears from Spurs fans that their No7 could be missing for a number of weeks.
But according to Football London’s Alasdair Gold, the issue isn’t as bad as it initially seemed.
In fact, Son could even return for this weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.
Son suffered a hamstring injury against Arsenal 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
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
