Paulo Fonseca advanced Newcastle talks as Ousmane Dembele seeks Toon transfer, Lukaku injury update, Haaland to Chelsea

NO PRESSURE

Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati has revealed he feels no pressure after being given Lionel Messi’s old No.10 shirt.

The 18-year-old just penned a six-year deal with Barca with a staggering €1BILLION (£846million) release clause.

And he’s been awarded Messi’s old jersey as a reward for his loyalty, but Fati isn’t phased by the number.

He said: “It’s true that the No. 10 jersey has been worn by Leo [Messi] and many players but I’m calm.

“For me it’s not a pressure. No one is going to equal what Leo has done.

“I’m going to follow my own journey. I still haven’t done anything.”

WENG WILL DO

Ex-Newcastle United owner John Hall reckons his old club should appoint Arsene Wenger as their new manager.

The Magpies are on the hunt for a new boss following the dismissal of Steve Bruce whose days were numbered once new owners came in.

Speaking on talkSport, Hall revealed what he would do if he was still in charge pn Tyneside, and said: “If I was looking out for a manager, in my day I had the utmost regard for Arsene Wenger.

“I thought he was an intellectual in the game. The game has changed and you need thinkers for the game.

“I would be looking for someone of the calibre of Arsene Wenger.”

NOT HAMMAN IT

Dietmar Hamman has slammed Liverpool star Naby Kieta who he doesn’t think is good enough to wear the club’s shirt.

Kieta scored a stunner in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but ex-Red Hamman reckons he was at fault for both of his teams conceded goals.

Speaking after the game to talkSPORT, the German fumed: “I’ve got to say, I think Keita was at fault for both goals.

“I know he’s had some injuries, but I don’t think he’s good enough for Liverpool.

“If you score a goal like he did, you should be full of confidence, you have to do your defensive duties and I get the feeling he just wants to play with the ball and when Liverpool have got possession.

“You just can’t do that and he’s not good enough to do that. The way he got beaten for the first two goals was just too easy.”

LAP CLAP

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has heaped praise on wonderkid Ansu after the club tied him down to a new long-term deal.

The Catalan giants convinced the 18-yearold to sign a six-year contract it was revealed today.

And he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon because Barca inserted a staggering €1BILLION (£846million) release clause into the agreement.

Upon the deals completion, an elated Laporta beamed: “It’s a huge day for Barca because we have signed the present and the future.

“We are very excited. For us, it was very important to regularise this situation.

“At just 18 years, he has an extraordinary maturity and a super talent.

“Your objectives are our objectives. Thank you to your family and your agent for their efforts because everyone has played their part.

“We have found an agreement and here we are.”

REISS ON RISE

Arsenal star Reiss Nelson’s next chapter finally began this weekend with his long-awaited debu on loan at Feyenoord.

And there were hints in his 30-minute cameo in the 2-2 draw with RKC Waalwijk that his nightmare start and middle to this year could have a happy ending.

The 21-year-old was full of energy, tricks and, most encouragingly, confidence, as he teed up a team-mate to hit the post before having a powerful effort well-saved himself.

The level in the Eredivisie may be below that of the Premier League but it served as a reminder of what this largely-forgotten young talent can do.

MINI MESSI

Arsenal are wasting no time in getting their hands on an Instagram sensation dubbed ‘little Messi’ for his talents when he was just FOUR-years-old.

Zayn Ali Salman, now five, became Arsenal’s youngest-ever recruit when they signed him to their pre-academy after his dazzling skills went viral on Instagram.

Speaking on the Gunners’ historic coup, their coach scout Stephen Deans said: “He was doing things you shouldn’t be doing at that age.

“When I saw him, I called a friend who confirmed he was four. I couldn’t believe that he is still in nursery.

“Then I spoke to his parents and brought him to a few sessions. He is no fluke.”

MAR TALK 

Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez is interested in returning to the Premier League to manage Newcastle, according to reports.

Should the Spaniard return to England to manage the Magpies, he’d be reunited with ex-Belgium assistant Graeme Jones.

According to The Guardian, Belgium boss Martinez is open to replacing Steve Bruce – who was sacked yesterday – as Newcastle manager.

But there’s a host of names being looked at, including former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is also being linked with a move to Newcastle.

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre is also one of the names in the running for the job.

Favre almost came to the Premier League in the summer to manage Crystal Palace.

Paulo Fonseca – who was the frontrunner for the Tottenham job in the summer before the plug was pulled on the deal – has emerged as one of the favourites for the job.

VARDY INSPIRATION

Leicester City striker Patson Daka has credited teammate Jamie Vardy for inspiring him to grab a hat-trick against Spartak Moscow in the Europa League.

The Zambian’s quick-fire treble helped the Foxes to a 4-3 victory over Spartak, but it wouldn’t of been possible without the help of Vardy. Daka revealed.

Speaking after the game, Daka said: Jamie has been one of my inspirations.

“I am sure you can tell with the kind of playing style that I have, which is similar to him.

“It is a big privilege for me to be working alongside him. He helps me a lot in training.

“I keep learning each and every day and I am blessed to be in this position.”

SUPER BLOW

The European Super League initiative has been dealt with another blow as 16 EU countries have rejected it.

Back in April, 12 clubs signed up to the controversial breakaway competition that sparked a furious reaction by players, legends, fans, pundits, football governing bodies and politicians.

Among the ESL founders were six Premier League teams, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.

The ferocious backlash forced the big six, as well as AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid to pull back.

However, Real, Barca and Juve refuse to admit defeat and are still pushing for this unpopular project.

Los Blancos’ president Florentino Perez is the main driving force behind the three rebels’ effort to revive the initiative.

According to AP, though 16 out of 27 EU countries, including Spain and Italy, have pulled the breaks on the initiative.

Germany is also expected to submit a statement to the European Court of Justice.

SO SU ME

Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati confirmed that he turned down offers from the Premier League to stay at the Nou Camp.

Fati was linked with a move to Manchester United and Manchester City but his constant priority was to stay at Barca.

And so the Blaugrana managed to tie the winger down to a six-year deal with a staggering €1BILLION (£846million) release clause.

The Spain international confirmed that he did receive offers from abroad, such as England, but told his agent Jorge Mendes that he wishes to stay in Catalonia.

Fati said: “Yes, I’ve had offers from abroad, but my dream was to be here.

“From the first day I told Jorge Mendes that my first option was always to stay at Barca.

“He understood it perfectly and I am very happy that the club has trusted me”.

BRUCE DEFENCE

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta isn’t happy about how ex-Newcastle United boss was treated during his reign at the club.

Bruce was sacked by the Magpies new regime yesterday and in his leaving statement, the 60-year-old lashed out at the club’s fans for their alleged verbal assaults aimed towards him.

After reading how Bruce felt, Arteta revealed he was saddened because he knows him on a personal level.

Speaking before Arsenal take on Aston Villa on Friday, he said: “I was really sad after reading that statement from Steve.

“First of all, because I know him personally, and secondly, because of what he transmitted in his words.

“You’re talking about somebody who has been in the game for over 40 years as a player and as a manager.

“He’s managed over 1,000 games and he’s telling you, with that experience, with that level of expertise that he has – because you have to to be able to sustain yourself at that level – that he struggles with that kind of situation, with that kind of abuse.”

SPENDING POWER

German clubs are struggling to keep up with the Premier League’s spending power in the transfer market, according to Bayer Leverkusen’s chief Fernando Carro.

Carro is worried that the Bundesliga could end up being a development league for the Prem because at the moment only Bayern Munich can compete with English sides when it comes to buying players.

Leverkusen made an attempt to buy a player this summer but were stumped by a newly-promoted Prem side who beat them to the punch.

And Carro reckons that’s a situation that will repeat itself in future.

He explained to the Guardian: “We tried to buy a player in the summer and in the end a promoted side from the Premier League was able to pay more money and a higher salary than us, a top four side in Germany.

“The Premier League has so much more money and resources than any other country. This is not good for us. Definitely not.”

YOUR OFF?

Manchester United lead a group of clubs looking to sign Youri Tielemans.

That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve installed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side as favourites to clinch his signature.

90min claim he’s rejected Leicester’s latest proposal and has told club officials that he’s ‘not in the right place’ to sign a long-term deal.

And United are the frontrunners at odds of 6/1 to complete a deal before February 3 with Betfair.

Barcelona are next in the betting market at 8/1 with Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool in behind at a double-figure 16/1.

Real Madrid are the outsiders of the pack at 20/1.

DAN THE MAN 

Manchester United are keeping tabs on RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo, reports suggest.

Olmo has attracted the interest of some of Europe’s biggest hitters, such as cash-strapped Barcelona.

United are monitoring the situation and look set to pounce if Barca’s financial woes get in the way once more.

That is according to BILD’s head of football Christian Falk, who claims that the Red Devils could be set for a bidding war over the attacking midfielder with rivals Manchester City.

He added that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent scouts to watch the Spaniard in action in Germany.

Falk tweeted: “If Barca can‘t pay him: [United] and [City] are interested in [Olmo] of [Leipzig]. Scouts of United watched Olmo at many matches.”

GUNNER WAY

Arsenal youngster Josh Robinson has revealed he turned down the chance to join Everton before heading to North London

The defender who started off at a development centre has now established himself as a regular in the Gunners U18 side.

His performances at the development centre attracted the likes of the Toffees and Queens Park Ranger, but when the Gunners came calling it was a no-brainer for Robinson.

He explained: “I was there for about six months and that’s when I was asked if I wanted to trial for Arsenal. Of course my answer was yes! But it didn’t go to plan at first.

“I played with them for a little while and teams like QPR and Everton were interested, but when Arsenal invited me for another trial, I had to take it.

“They liked me, signed me up and I’ve been here ever since!”

TIME WILL TIEL

Youri Tielemans has rejected a new contract offer at Leicester, according to reports.

And that puts Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool on red alert.

According to 90min.com, the Belgian star turned down the Foxes’ latest deal.

The East Midlands club are unsurprisingly desperate to tie down their influential midfielder and fend off transfer interest.

But although Tielemans is not demanding a move away, he is thought to be holding off putting pen to paper on an extension with his current deal expiring in June 2023.

IN THREE FALL

England’s flop draw with Hungary has seen them drop to fifth in the new Fifa rankings.

The Three Lions were at an all-time high of third in the world when they moved up in September.

But their disappointing Wembley stalemate last week has cost them.

England lost 5.28 points to slip to 1750.16 in the complicated Fifa system.

And gains made by Nations League winners France and Euro 2020 champs Italy saw both countries leapfrog Gareth Southgate’s side into third and fourth respectively.

Belgium, who have been top of the list for more than three years, retain their place at the summit despite back-to-back defeats by France and Italy.

But their advantage over second-placed Brazil was cut to just 12 points after Tite’s team beat Uruguay in Manaus on Friday.

OVER THE TOON

Newcastle reportedly want to bring in ex-Arsenal star Marc Overmars as their new director.

The Magpies are undergoing a massive overhaul of personnel since their Saudi takeover which began with the sacking of Steve Bruce.

And now the Express claim the Toon side are eyeing Ajax director Overmars to come in and oversee their transfer activity.

Overmars has orchestrated some shrewd deals during his time with the Dutch side and Newcastle’s new owners hope he can bring his expertise to Tyneside.

SEEING DOUBLE

Liverpool star Mo Salah was stunned after coming face to face with his waxwork double at London’s Madame Tussauds wax museum.

The Egyptian striker was so blown away by his replica that he thought he was seeing double.

He gasped: “That looks exactly like me, it is like I am looking into the mirror. Does he have abs or no?”

The 29-year-old then expressed his gratitude for the waxwork and said: “It’s a blessing to be recognised and immortalised in this way.”

WEAKNESS

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to be tougher on Manchester United’s star players to get the best out of them, according to Peter Crouch.

The pundit is concerned with the lack of discipline occasionally on show amongst United’s attacking players.

The Red Devils produced a stunning comeback to beat Atalanta 3-2 in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday after going 2-0 down.

But Crouch noticed a lack of effort amongst United’s attacking front four and implied Solskjaer needs to be tougher when his stars display poor body language.

Crouch said on BT Sport: “I think if Pep and Klopp are in charge of this (United) team, I think the front four would work a lot harder, no way they would get away with it.

“(I) don’t think Ole will upset players.

“I see body language on some players that under Pep and Klopp they would be hauled off.”

ON THE PAUL

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has declared Jurgen Klopp will be “rubbing his hands together” following the 3-2 win against Atalanta.

The Red Devils once again came back from behind in the Champions League to win late on at Old Trafford having trailed 2-0 going into the break.

It was a disastrous display from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in the opening 45 minutes as they were outclassed by their Italian opponents, who could have scored more.

And Scholes has stated they will be not be able to get away with a similar outing against rivals Liverpool on Sunday at the Theatre of Dreams.

The BT Sport pundit said: “The first half put me off the second half. It was worrying, it looked anything but a team and lacked unity.

“Imagine Jurgen Klopp during that first half at home, watching rubbing his hands together.”

GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS

Manchester United’s late comeback triumph saved Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job, while Chelsea’s romp showed why Thomas Tuchel has no such worries over his future.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s prodigious leap for a matchwinning header followed up fine strikes from Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire after Atalanta led a dramatic Champions League group tie 2-0.

And Jorginho’s two penalties led holders Chelsea’s one-sided 4-0 home victory over Malmo, Andreas Christensen and Kai Havertz also netting.

But Blues’ boss Tuchel confirmed hitmen Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner face lay-offs after being taken off injured.

Pundits and former Old Trafford stars had rounded on United’s opening-period performance, before they triumphed 3-2.

But Solskjaer said: “I thought we played well first half too. Two chances, two goals. It has to stop if we are to survive. 

“Marcus had chances in the first half but kept on going. He got a knock but he is going to be very important for us. It was an instinctive finish from Harry. 

“And Cristiano is great in front of goal. If anyone wants to criticise him for effort and work-rate just watch this game. Watch how he runs around.”

Earlier Patson Daka hit four goals, including a nine-minute treble, as Leicester roared back from 2-0 down to win 4-3 at Spartak Moscow in the Europa League.

Yet the modest Zambia striker said: “I have a lot of things I want to improve on.”

Tonight West Ham host Genk in the Europa League, while Tottenham travel to Vitesse in the Europa Conference League.

Transfer-wise, the main gossip surrounds Arsenal and Newcastle being linked with a summer duel for Everton’s England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

STEWARDS STOP PITCH INVADER NEAR RON

Manchester United stewards wrestled a pitch invader to the ground just INCHES away from a shocked Cristiano Ronaldo after an incredible chase, writes DAVE FRASER.

The Portugal legend, 36, scored a towering header in the 81st minute to complete a dramatic 3-2 comeback success against Atalanta.

United had trailed 2-0 at half-time following goals from Mario Pasalic and Merih Demiral and were booed off the pitch by disgruntled fans.

But supporters were in buoyant mood less than an hour later after Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Ronaldo all found the net.

At the sound of the full-time whistle, Ronaldo celebrated into the TV camera with a passionate roar.

But the five-time Champions League winner was blissfully unaware one partying fan was charging towards him.

In the background, the supporter can be seen leading Old Trafford stewards on an incredible, pitch-long chase.

Eventually, one steward manages to catch up and wrestle him to the floor just centimetres from Ronaldo.

LUKAKU AND WERNER FACE INJURY LAY-OFFS

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his main strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner face injury lay-offs after limping off in the 4-0 defeat of Malmo.

The woefully out-of-form Lukaku had hoped to rekindle his magic against the Swedish minnows.

But both he and fellow striker Werner were forced off injured during the 4-0 win.

And they are likely to miss several games, according to boss Tuchel.

He said: “We have a twist of the ankle for Romelu and hamstring for Timo. They will be some days out, I guess.

“We only had Christian Pulisic, we miss everybody but we have to find excuses. We have no excuses.

“Romelu twisted his ankle with the foul in the box, Timo has a hamstring injury. It will take a while for both of them. They will be out for some matches.

“I don’t regret it. It was the moment to give him [Lukaku] confidence. Things like this can happen, it is bad luck.”

RESULT: CHELSEA 4 MALMO 0

Dominant Chelsea made it six points from three games.

Andreas Christensen and Jorginho’s penalty struck before half-time.

Kai Havertz’s stylish finish and Jorginho’s second spot-kick confirmed a one-sided victory.

For all the reaction click on our live blog HERE.