Harry Kane transfer latest, Conor Gallagher called up to England squad, Dean Smith to Norwich imminent updates

GOR-Y TACKLE

Germany star Leon Goretzka was kicked in the FACE during his side’s 9-0 win over Liechtenstein on Thursday.

The 26-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder went down clutching his face in the eighth minute after Jens Hofer’s high boot caught Goretzka in the neck and face.

The Liechtenstein defender was subsequently sent off for the challenge and a penalty was awarded.

After the match, Goretzka revealed that he gave Hofer his shirt as the pair made amends.

He said: “He was completely exhausted and buckled, I was really sorry for him. That’s why I gave him my jersey after the game.”

ROWE ON

England boss Gareth Southgate is banking on Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe and Crystal Palace ace Conor Gallagher being the future of the Three Lions.

Rowe and Gallagher were handed their England debuts this week and Southgate envisions the pair being the national team’s spine.

Southgate said: “We think Conor [Gallagher] and Emile [Smith Rowe] are playing better than others we could have called in. Simple as that. The door is never closed.

“I like the idea of bringing young players in because you’re investing in England’s future.

“It would be easier perhaps in the short term to bring in an old player but I’m not certain there are older players playing better than those two in the positions they’re playing.”

HEE’S OURS 

Wolves are facing are fight to hang on to loan star Hwang Hee-Chan with Liverpool and Manchester City tracking him.

The last two Premier League champions are just a couple of the big clubs likely to be interested in the South Korea star, according to the Mirror.

The striker is Wanderers’ top scorer this season with four goals in seven Premier League games since joining on a season’s loan from RB Leipzig in the summer.

Now Wolves are trying to make his loan move permanent ‘amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester City’, the Mirror says.

Their report reveals both clubs ‘have had him watched several times’ as they explore options to strengthen their attacking options.

FOWL PLAY

Ex-Liverpool star Robbie Fowler reckons new Aston Villa boss has all the right qualities to succeed in the Midlands.

Gerrard replaced ex-Villa boss Dean Smith last week and Fowler believes Gerrard along with the staff he brought along from former club Rangers will do a great job.

Fowler wrote in his column for the Mirror: “He has the character, he has the personality, and he also has the right team around him.

“That is vital. He’s taken a lot of his staff from Rangers, and trusts them. I know most of them, and I know they have quality.

“That will be key. Being a truly great player doesn’t make you a great manager. It maybe gives you a head start with players, maybe gives you a tiny bit more time. But you have to deliver in the end.”

ALL DON WRONG

Paris Saint-Germain stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed his frustration at not being the club’s No.1.

Donnarumma arrived in Paris fresh off the back of winning Euro 2020 with Italy.

But he’s hardly had a run-in at PSG with Keylor Navas holding onto the current No.1 spot.

Speaking on his battle with Navas, Donnarumma told TNT Sports: “It has no effect on my performances, but it disturbs me

“It’s not easy, because I was used to always starting and sometimes it hurts to be on the bench, but I’m sure the situation will be resolved.”

GAB-SMACKED

Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has leapt to the defence of England’s Harry Maguire after his goal celebration against Albania was blasted by critics.

Pundit Roy Keane was one of the most vocal in slandering Maguire, labelling the United captain’s theatrics as embarassing.

However, Agbonlahor doesn’t feel the same and revealed he’d behave in the same manner if he scored after facing criticism.

He told talkSPORT: “Harry Maguire has been under a lot of pressure, not very good performance for Manchester United, the next game available to prove you’re a good centre-half, yes it’s Albania, but he still had a job to do.

“He scores, and the excitement of scoring, you’re going to celebrate. If I was going through a run of bad form and I scored the goal, I’m going to do the exact same celebrations, hands on your ears to the critics.”

“I thought his defending was very good, and he scored a goal, so every time he does something now, it feels like everyone is against him.

BALE PRIDE

Tottenham defender Ben Davies has hailed Welsh team-mate Gareth Bale a role model for attaining 100 caps for the country.

Bale gained his centurion cap for Wales as they trounced Belarus 5-1 on Saturday, becoming only the second Welsh star to do so in the process.

And Davies thinks he and the rest of the Welsh squad can learn alot from the Real Madrid star.

He said: “For all the commitment he has shown to Wales over the years, the determination to reach this milestone, it is nothing more than he deserves.

“What he has done for Welsh football has been incredible.

“To reach the 100 mark, which I know he has really been pushing for a while, is amazing.

“For us as a squad, what a role model we have in him.”

RED RAGE

Liverpool keeper Alisson has aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Premier League referees after conceding a contentious goal against West Ham.

Alisson was left raging after he felt he had been impeded at the corner which led to West Ham’s opening goal against Liverpool.

Pablo Fornals’ inswinging corner was flapped at by Alisson as the ball found its way into the back of the net.

The Brazilian felt he had been blocked by Angelo Ogbonna, but ref Craig Pawson was unmoved.

And now he appears to have referenced the decision following Brazil’s win over Colombia.

Speaking on Instagram alongside a picture of him claiming a ball in the air, he said: “When you can use your hands, the job it’s not so hard.”

FUMING JULE

Sevilla star Jules Kounde has revealed that he was affected when his proposed move to Chelsea fell through this summer.

Kounde was all set to join the Blues on transfer deadline day but Sevilla pulled the plug at the last minute.

And now Kounde has explained that he was upset at the time but he’s now gotten over his initial dismay.

The defender told TF1: “Did it affect me? Yes, a little bit, but now I’ve dealt with it.”

BITE STRIKE

Roma star Tammy Abraham has revealed that boss Jose Mourinho told him to be a monster on the pitch.

Abraham’s been a revelation at Roma, scoring three goals since joining from Chelsea in the summer.

And the English international credits Mourinho for helping him be more aggresive in front of goal.

Abraham told The Telegraph that Mourinho said: “Just be a monster, really.

“I think one of the things he said was I was too much of a nice player and that you have to show that aggressiveness as you’re getting older as a striker.

“It’s not always about being nice on the pitch. You need that character; you need that presence to frighten defenders and I think that’s something I’m learning and getting better at.”

REAL MESS

Gareth Bale has been blasted by the Spanish media after playing 45 minutes for Wales last night – despite missing Real Madrid’s last 13 games.

The Welsh superstar, 32, picked up a serious hamstring injury in September and has not featured for the Spanish giants since the end of August.

The Spanish press lambasted Bale for choosing to play for Wales, despite missing so many crucial games for Los Blancos.

Antonio Romero of El Sanhedrin de Carrusel Deportivo said: “His attitude is unacceptable to be the highest-paid player in Real Madrid.

“It is unfortunate that today he is a starter with the national team after more than two months without playing in Madrid.

“He is making fun of the shield he defends.”

SEAL OF APPROVAL

Paul Scholes named Papa Bouba Diop as one of the toughest opponents he came up against.

The former Fulham, Portsmouth and Senegal international sadly passed away at the age of 42 in November 2020.

Over his 718 appearances for the Red Devils, Scholes faced virtually every great player of his generation.

But he has revealed it was former Fulham man Bouba Diop – who was nicknamed The Wardrobe – along with Patrick Vieira that caused him the most problems.

Scholes told Savage Social: “Do you remember Papa Bouba Diop? Big, massive. They used to call him The Wardrobe!

“You get involved physically with him and you’re wasting your time.

“I always found him awkward to play against. He wasn’t a Vieira, of course he wasn’t, but he still had talent.”

NEYM’S THE BEST

Brazil legend Cafu reckons fellow countryman Neymar is ‘technically better’ than both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Ronaldo and Messi are usually at the forefront of the world’s best debates but Cafu thinks the pair don’t possess the same technical abilities as Neymar.

But the Paris Saint-Germain star has to become more of a leader to assume his rightful position ahead of Messi and Ronaldo.

Cafu told Marca: “Neymar is technically better than Messi, better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but he must assume the responsibility of a leader,’ Cafu told Marca.

“One must dedicate themselves 100 per cent to football. I’m not better than Neymar, but I am better than other right-backs because I dedicated myself to that.

“He (Neymar) has to become a captain.”

DOUBLE TROUBLE 

Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is eyeing a double swoop for two or his former Rangers players, according to reports.

And the Liverpool and England legend could make his move in January to bolster Villa’s attacking and midfield ranks.

According to the Daily Mail, Gerrard has made winger Ryan Kent a priority signing in the winter window.

Villa will also ‘renew’ their interest in midfielder Glen Kamara, according to the Daily Record.

ED-ING OFF

Chelsea have made a £34million bid for Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao, according to reports.

The 23-year-old has broken through into Carlo Ancelotti’s first team this season, starting all 12 of their LaLiga matches.

Yet despite coming into favour at the Bernabeu, Chelsea are trying to tempt him to Stamford Bridge with an offer that would see his wages increase significantly.

Militao signed a six-year deal with Real Madrid in 2019 and so remains under contract until 2025.

But, according to El Nacional, interest from the Blues is pressuring Los Blancos president Florentino Perez into renegotiating an improved deal for Militao.

HOW RUD

Antonio Rudiger has declared he owes Chelsea his unwavering focus during their contract discussions.

The defender has been embroiled in contract talks with the Blues which seemed to have hit a brick wall.

However, when asked about his future, Rudiger refused to speak about a possible move elsewhere out of respect for Chelsea.

Rudiger told Welt am Sonntag: “For now I am only concentrating on what is happening right now. I owe that to the club, the coach and the team.

But despite his commitment to the Blues, Rudiger wouldn’t rule out a future transfer.

He added: “I’m currently only focused on Chelsea. We’ll see what happens.”

THREE LIONS

Conor Gallagher has been handed his first senior England call-up.

The Chelsea midfielder – on loan at Crystal Palace – will be involved in England’s last World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

DUSAN DEMAND

Spurs and Manchester City have been told they can have Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic in January – if they cough up £70 million, writes PHIL THOMAS.

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has told his new employers Vlahovic, 21, is the first big-name signing he wants, to ease the pressure on Harry Kane.

But City are also keen, and have regularly run the rule over the Fiorentina forward, who turned down a new deal last month and is out of contract in 2023.

The Italians know they will lose the 21-year-old soon, and want to cash in at a premium in the upcoming window.

Vlahovic, who hit 21 goals last season, has carried on his impressive form this term, with 15 more in 19 games.

The Viola ace’s performances are said to have also caught the attention of Spurs’ bitter rivals Arsenal, who are also on the lookout for attacking reinforcements.

GOLDEN BOY

Jude Bellingham and Pedri will be two of the frontrunners to win the prestigious award.

MORNING, FOOTY FANS

Manchester City will ‘block’ a January move to Barcelona for winger Raheem Sterling, according to reports.

Sterling’s current deal is set to expire in 2023, and he wants assurances over his playing time before penning a new one.

But according to ESPN, City do still consider him a key man and aren’t open to letting him go mid-season.

The same news outlet states that the Citizens will also test Tottenham’s resolve of Harry Kane in the New Year should Daniel Levy lower his £150million asking price.

Meanwhile, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has been pictured in London after jetting into the UK to kick off talks that could see him named Rangers manager.

The former Feyenoord boss is the short-priced favourite to replace Steven Gerrard following his departure for Aston Villa.

Video footage posted by The Ibrox Channel Twitter account confirms SunSport’s exclusive story that the Dutchman was jetting in for key talks.

In other news, Norwich are set to appoint Dean Smith at Carrow Road on a deal until 2024.

According to The Athletic, the ex-Aston Villa gaffer has verbally agreed to take charge of struggling Canaries.

Former Leicester and Villa assistant Craig Shakespeare is expected to come in as Smith’s No2.

And finally, Xavi wants to bring back another former Barcelona player to the club in the shape of Liverpool’s Thiago, according to reports in Spain.

And Sport are reporting the Spain midfielder would ‘welcome’ a return to the Nou Camp.

He could be the second player to return to Barca under new boss Xavi after the club announced they have re-signed 38-year-old Dani Alves.

FLO RIDA

Arsenal and Man Utd are just two clubs that are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz.

According to El Nacional, Chelsea, Man City, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keen on the 18-year-old midfielder.

It has been claimed that the Blues and Los Blancos have shown the most interest in prising the midfielder away from Germany.

Though the player is said to be keen on a move to Barca, with the youngster a fan of new boss Xavi.

Though any potential suitor may have to wait until 2023 to sign Wirtz, who has chipped in with seven goals and as many assists from 14 games this season.

SQUAD SUPPORT

Gareth Bale and his team-mates paid tribute to two Welsh players who have been hit by cancer.

Senior star David Brooks of Bournemouth, 24, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last month.

Then Wales U21 and Norwich goalkeeper Daniel Barden was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

Wales captain, 32, Bale and his pals wore t-shirts pre-match with messages of support.

The t-shirt read in Welsh: “I David. I Dan.” which means ‘For David. For Dan”.

Bale and co made the gesture just minutes before the Real Madrid forward led his side out to prior to winning his 100th cap against Belarus in the 5-1 win.

Both players are currently undergoing treatment in a bid to cure the illness.

NICK OF TYNE

EXCLUSIVE – Newcastle head of recruitment Steve Nickson is staying in the Toon revolution.

Boss Eddie Howe wants to shake up the staff but Nickson looks set to remain in his post.

Nickson was hugely influential under Steve Bruce and although they clashed on a couple of targets, the former boss often lost.

And, despite a possible new director of football being appointed, it seems sure he will carry on.

Liverpool’s Michael Edwards is a dream target on Newcastle’s shortlist but has other interest.

Adviser Frank McParland may be ruled out as he has links to Phil Foden’s agents.

TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE

Man Utd are reportedly back in talks to sign Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier.

The England international was linked with a move to the Red Devils in the summer.

But the LaLiga side demanded United to activate his whopping £51.2million release clause, which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were unwilling to do.

According to Il Tempo, United are in negotiations to bring the 31-year-old to Old Trafford.

And this would allow Roma to sign Diogo Dalot, who has played second fiddle to Aaron Win-Bissaka this term.

United would only allow Dalot to depart if they are able to sign the ex-Tottenham defender.

TAKING THE MICH

Rangers have been told to consider Man Utd coach Michael Carrick to succeed Steve Gerrard as manager at Ibrox.

Speaking on BBC Sportsound, former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam said: “I’ll throw a name in the hat.

“Michael Carrick – he has been at Man United, a big club, good coach. It was a gamble with Steven.

“Will they go down that same route? Will they go for an experienced name?

“There will only be three or four people that know.”