ERLING HAALAND might be out of action injured at the moment – but that is not stopping speculation about his future.
A number of Premier League clubs are said to be circling the Dortmund superstar, with reports from Spain suggested Real Madrid are expecting him to head to England next.
Chelsea have been handed a boost with Romelu Lukaku returning to training from his recent injury, putting him in contention to face Juventus and Man Utd after the international break.
However, one man who appears a long way away from the Blues first team is Saul Niguez.
And reports from Spain suggest the Blues only signed the Atletico Madrid man on loan as a “favour” to his representatives.
Meanwhile, veteran defenders Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta could be set for moves away from Stamford Bridge when their contracts end this summer.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
NEW DRI-M
Barcelona star Pedri shared a funny story about how much he idolised club legend Andres Iniesta as a child.
The midfielder has been compared to Iniesta ever since busting onto the scene at the Nou Camp last year thanks to his attacking prowess.
And the Spain international considers that a major compliment as he grew up admiring Iniesta so much so that he even wanted to look like him.
The 18-year-old asked his barber to cut his hair the exact same way as his hero but his father immediately pulled the plug because the Vissel Kobe star was bald at the time.
Pedri said: “I was at the barbers with my father and there was a Barca match on the TV.
“I asked the barber to give me Andres Iniesta’s haircut because he is my idol.
“My dad said no we can’t do that because Iniesta is bald.”
DE JONG ONES
Manchester City are closing in on signing Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong for £75million as the Spanish side are ready to cash in, according to reports.
The 24-year-old joined the Catalan giants for £65m in the summer of 2019 but he has not set the world alight.
And after a difficult start to the season he is being linked with a move away from Barcelona as the club continue to try and climb out of their financial crisis.
According to El Chiringuito, the LaLiga side are ready to sell De Jong in an attempt to raise funds during their economic downturn.
And Man City have been discussed as a potential destination for the Dutch midfielder.
A swap deal with De Jong and Raheem Sterling has been rumoured, but it appears Barca’s financial situation means they would be more inclined to accept a cash offer.
POOR SAUL
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel reportedly had no interest in Saul Niguez and only signed him from Atletico as a favour to his agents.
Niguez joined the Blues on loan until the end of the season but has hardly got a look in so far in Tuchel’s first-team.
And it’s now been alleged by Cadena SER, that the Blues boss didn’t see Niguez in his vision for the club before bringing him to West London.
If the rumours are true. it’s turned out to be costly favour on Tuchel’s behalf as the Blues paid £4million to complete Niguez’s transfer from Atletico and keep the midfielder’s agents happy.
SUITS HIM
Dani Alves donned a pair of flip flops for his second Barcelona presentation… 13 years after doing so the first time around.
The Brazilian, 38, completed a shock return to Catalonia this week, following old pal Xavi back to the club.
Alves may be a much sharper dresser this time around, but in his own words ‘some things can change, but others can’t’.
The flying full-back arrived at Barca in 2008 from Sevilla.
And for his presentation, he wore a pair of FLIP FLOPS along with blue jeans and a red polo shirt.
This time around Alves went for a far more suave outfit, looking dapper in a turtleneck shirt, blazer and trousers
But he couldn’t resist again donning a pair of Barca branded flip flops.
In a cheeky video for the club’s social media platforms, the popular star said: “I’m wearing flip flops because some things can change, but others can’t.”
LEW AND BEHOLD
Robert Lewandowski reportedly cornered Matty Cash while on international duty with Poland to quiz him all about life in the Premier League.
The 24-year-old defender, who has Polish grandparents, recently switched his allegiance from England and won his first two caps for them over the past week.
After coming on as sub in the 4-1 win over Andorra, he was hooked at half time of their World Cup qualifying defeat to Hungary.
However, away from the pitch, a fresh report states that at the team hotel he was pulled aside for a lengthy chat with his adopted country’s biggest superstar.
And The Athletic claims the star, who was previously linked with a transfer to Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, wanted to know all about life in England’s top-flight from the Villa ace.
LIGT WORK
Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt continues to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge as agent Mino Raiola remains coy about his future.
Chelsea are desperate for reinforcements at the back with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen out of contract at the end of the season.
And after failing with a move for Jules Kounde in the summer Thomas Tuchel has now reportedly turned his attention to the 22-year-old De Ligt.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Mino Raiola on Matthijs de Ligt future: ‘Staying at Juventus or leaving? We should do this interview in May… it’s November now. It’s not time to talk about it.'”
Chiefs at Juve are eager to get De Ligt’s £280,000-a-week wages off the books and are open to letting him leave.
With just under three years remaining on his current deal the Turin outfit aren’t keen on paying his mammoth wages until the end of his deal.
Fortunately for them De Ligt one of three on a transfer shortlist drawn up by Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia.
KAMBA JAILED
Former Schalke player Hiannick Kamba has been jailed for faking his own death in a life insurance scam that netted him and his wife over £1million.
Kamba, 35, and his wife, identified only as 41-year-old Christina von G. due to strict local privacy laws, were yesterday sentenced to three years and 10 months in prison for an insurance scam that allegedly won them £1.01m.
The elaborate scam began in 2016 when Kamba travelled to his native Democratic Republic of the Congo and supposedly died in a car crash, according to German media outlet Bild.
Following Kamba’s supposed death, his wife made a claim on his life insurance and collected the hefty payout using a death certificate from the DR Congo as proof of his death.
The couple had previously taken out an insurance policy of £505k, which doubled in the event of accidental death.
The couple had also tried to take out a £3.37m policy, but the company rejected the application.
Kamba’s wife also received £84.2k in compensation from Evonik, a chemical plant where Kamba worked after ending his professional football career.
TOP SCOTT
England boss Gareth Southgate marked England’s qualification for next year’s World Cup with a trip to fancy Mayfair restaurant Scott’s.
The England manager returned from San Marino and was pictured with wife Alison, 54, and son Flynn, 17 at the London celeb hotspot.
They enjoyed a celebratory meal after the 51-year-old guided England to next year’s World Cup finals following the thumping 10-0 win against minnows San Marino.
Scott’s is a plush seafood restaurant in the centre of Mayfair, which serves the likes of Beluga caviar – priced at £875 for 125grams.
Meanwhile grilled lobster sets you back £54, with Morecombe Bay oysters priced at £44 per-dozen.
Or if Southgate decided to go down the meat route Scott’s Bannockburn ribsteak would have cost him a cool £45.
FLAIR FORCE ONE
Brazil’sPremier League stars all travelled back to the UK together after Tuesday’s 0-0 World Cup qualifier against Argentina.
The five-time World Cup winners secured their place at the Qatar-based tournament last week with a tight win over Colombia.
But they were unable to exact revenge on Argentina – who they lost to in the Copa America final – as they played out a feisty draw.
The point secured Argentina’s place at the World Cup too, leaving just three South American qualifying spots left with four fixtures to go.
And after the game, Liverpool pair Fabinho and Alisson travelled back on a private jet with Manchester City duo Ederson and Gabriel Jesus, as well as Man Utd‘s Fred and Leeds‘ Raphinha.
Alisson captioned the Instagram story: “Let’s go home.”
OOPSIE DAISY
Harry Maguire’s sister appears to like a tweet mocking Manchester United legend Roy Keane after his criticism of her brother.
Keane blasted Maguire’s start to the season for Man Utd as a ‘disgrace’ and labelled his goal celebration against Albania as ’embarrassing’.
Although Maguire hasn’t directly responded to Keane’s comments, his celebration could be seen as a rebuttal to the criticism.
And sister Daisy didn’t hold back in digging back at Keane in her own way.
The 21-year-old liked a Tweet comparing Keane’s contribution towards Ireland on the international stage against Maguire’s.
The tweet read: “Roy Keane for his country vs Harry Maguire for his country.”
A photo of Keane after he was infamously sent home from the Republic of Ireland squad at the 2002 World Cup accompanied the tweet.
Whereas a photo of Maguire holding a Man of the Match award during England’s Euro 2020 campaign was put up next to it.
RAPH CLASH
Leeds star Raphinha needed FIVE stitches after catching en elbow to the mouth by Nicolas Otamendi during last night’s Superclasico between Argentina and Brazil.
The two rival nations locked horns in their World Cup qualifier at the Estadio San Juan del Bicentenario, which ended goalless and thus didn’t have many highlights to show.
Except for one controversial incident that occurred in the first half when Raphinha and Otamendi wrestled for the ball in the Albiceleste’s area after 34 minutes.
During their tussle, the feisty Argentine elbowed the Brazilian in the face in his bid to clear the ball.
The former Manchester City ace wasn’t done there as instead of apologising he picked the infuriated Leeds player up on his feet even though he suffered a serious cut on his lip and needed medical attention.
Blood poured down the winger’s mouth and even though he showed referee Andres Cunha the extent of his injuries no foul or card was given on Otamendi by the official or VAR.
Instead, Cunha called on the physios to enter the pitch and it was evident that stitches were needed at some point but manager Tite opted to keep the forward on the pitch.
Raphinha received treatment but had to play the rest of the first half with bandages in his mouth.
SLICK MOVES
Real Madrid are ‘desperate’ to sign Kylian Mbappe AND Erling Haaland, according to reports.
The Spanish giants are concerned that they are losing their grip at the top of European football, given the rise of oil-rich clubs.
President Florentino Perez is eager to protect his club against the rise of the likes of Manchester City and now Newcastle United, by securing the signatures of two of Europe’s best young players.
According to AS, Madrid want to seal a pre-contract agreement with Paris Saint-Germain star Mbappe in January, when they will be allowed to open negotiations with the French striker.
AS also claim that Madrid want to sign Haaland from Borussia Dortmund, when his rumoured £65m release clause kicks in.
RODGER THAT
Frank lampard is said to be keeping an eye on the situation at Leicester with Brendan Rodgers heavily linked with the Manchester United job.
The former Chelsea star is reportedly plotting his return to management and views Leicester as the ideal club to stage his Premier League comeback.
Lampard, 43, has been linked with managerial jobs at Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Norwich this season and reportedly turned down the job at Carrow Road.
According to The Mirror, Lampard viewed the Norwich job as too risky, with the Canaries rock-bottom and facing a tough relegation scrap this season.
It is believed that Lampard would prefer a return to the Premier League in any case, having only been sacked by Chelsea in January.
And with Man Utd boss Solskjaer’s job hanging by a thread and Rodgers the favourite to replace him, Lampard could soon get his wish.
GAV THAT
Barcelona have terminated the contract of Newcastle technical director target Ramon Planes – who spotted midfield wonderkids Gavi and Pedri.
The 54-year-old’s current deal was due to expire in the summer of 2022, but both parties have agreed to an earlier separation.
The decision to part sooner will allow new boss Xavi to have greater control over recruitment.
And the legendary Spanish midfielder has already brought his old team-mate Dani Alves back to the club on a short-term deal.
Planes’ exit from Barca opens up the possibility of a move to newly mega-rich Newcastle.
The Magpies are said to have ‘made contact’ with Planes with the view to giving the Spaniard a boardroom position.
Planes would play a key role behind the scenes, helping the club to rebuild under newly appointed Eddie Howe.
MOB RULE
The prison where Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy is being held is plagued with a “tangled web of gangs” with 29 inmate attacks a MONTH.
Mendy, 27, has been on remand in Liverpool’s HMP Altcourse since October as he faces a total of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
It’s now been revealed that there were nearly 340 inmate assaults in the last year – despite prisoners being locked up for the majority of the day during the pandemic.
The prison, where the footballer is being held, is riddled with warring “gangs” who have spent much of their limited out-of-cell time in the last year assaulting each other.
Mendy’s fellow inmates also attack one another with makeshift weapons – including razor blades concealed inside toothbrushes.
FURIOUS FLO
Real Madrid will wait until the summer to sign Kylian Mbappe for free after PSG rejected their £170million offer, president Florentino Perez has suggested.
The Spanish giants lodged a colossal bid in the summer, which was rejected by PSG despite Mbappe having only a year left on his contract.
Speaking to Spanish journalist Ramon Alvarez, Real Madrid president Perez, 74, criticised PSG’s rejection of their offer and made a dig at their ownership.
Perez said: “The state owned clubs don’t sell their players. It’s a madness.
“Now we offer €200m (£170m) for a single player and they don’t sell him. When players finish their contract it’s better.”
PHLIPPING HELL
Philippe Coutinho reportedly has no intention of leaving Barcelona in the January transfer window, dealing a blow to Newcastle who are desperate to bolster their squad.
Newcastle have just five points after 11 games, and have looked at Coutinho as a player who could help fire them back up the table.
But according to Sport, the Brazilian has no interest in leaving Barca in January.
And no matter how much the club try to push him out the door, Coutinho is certain a move won’t materialise.
The club will, however, look to move the £145million flop on in the summer with his huge wages an ongoing concern.
CRIS-IS
The curse of the international break has struck once again.
Tottenham centre-back Christian Romero is the latest casualty after picking up a hamstring injury while on Argentina duty.
It’s a blow for Antonio Conte and Spurs, with the 23-year-old impressing at the back since his £47million move from Atalanta.
The defender pulled up just after half time in the 0-0 draw against Brazil while in a foot race with Matheus Cunha.
After being tended to by medics he tried to play on but had to be replaced just moments later when it became clear he couldn’t continue.
According to football transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, the Spurs man will undergo scans today to discover the extent of the problem.
If it is a muscular injury then he is likely to miss Sunday’s clash against Leeds.
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Brazilian side Fluminense have reportedly opened talks with Thiago Silva’s agent as they try to seal an emotional return for the centre-back.
The 37-year-old is out of contract at Chelsea at the end of the season, although he could yet extend his stay in London.
According to football journalist Nicolo Shira the South American outfit have made contact with Silva’s agent Paulo Tonietto.
However Silva’s ‘priority’ remains to be Stamford Bridge.
The Blues are also set to kickstart talks regarding a one year extension to his deal in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, new Barcelona boss Xavi is looking to weave some more magic by snapping up Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer.
Dani Alves has already been recruited for free, with Chelsea man Azpilicueta reportedly his next target.
According to ESPN, Barca are keeping a keen eye on how contract talks progress between the Blues and club captain Azpilicueta.
The 32-year-old’s current deal at Stamford Bridge runs out at the end of the season.
Finally, Man Utd target Zinedine Zidane would reportedly prefer to manage an international team.
Journalist Pedro Almeida claims the Red Devils will find it hard to tempt the Frenchman to Old Trafford if their interest is serious.
That’s because Zidane is not keen on a return to club football after two spells with Real Madrid.
And with jobs sure to be opening up on the international scene during the next year, Zidane is instead hoping to take charge of a country.
STAY-NE ROONEY
Wayne Rooney is ready to battle on as Derby boss despite already looking doomed to relegation.
The Rams administrators agreed to take a nine-point penalty from the EFL for Financial Fair Play offences, putting their total to -3 in the Championship.
Derby have also dropped their appeal against a 12-point hit for going into administration, leaving them with a total loss of 21, with two further three-point punishments still hanging over their heads.
One would be for the late payment of wages and the other for any further breach of FFP rules.
Rooney’s under-strength squad have managed 18 points from 17 games, but are now 18 points from safety.
CON FLAIR
Conor Gallagher says Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira is behind his rise to become an England international.
He said: “Working under Patrick is amazing.
“He was one of the best midfielders in the Premier League so to learn from him and work under him is brilliant.
“He helps me a lot, tactically, and most importantly, which is really good, is how he knows my strengths and tells me what to do in terms of that.
“So I am allowed to make the box and do what I do best which is part of the reason why I’ve had a good start to the season.”
IN THE DOCK
Ex-England star Gareth Barry has been charged by the FA over an alleged secret deal to buy a half stake in Swindon.
The former Manchester City and Aston Villa hero could face a ban from working in football if the case goes against him.
Barry, 40, faced no action seven months ago when the League Two outfit, ex-chairman Lee Power and Barry’s agent Michael Standing were rapped by the FA.
But behind the scenes football’s ruling body have investigated claims made in court by Power that Barry stumped up £800,000 to buy into Swindon in 2013.
Barry has denied investing in Swindon or agreeing to a deal with Power.
At the time he was playing for Everton and such an investment would have breached FA club ownership rules.
TEAM TALK
There’s just one year to go until the 2022 World Cup.
And teams continue to cross the line by sealing their spot in Qatar.
Let’s take a look at the best possible XI of stars who have already qualified…
CROWN JULES
Sevilla chief Jose Castro insists Chelsea will have to pay top dollar to land Jules Kounde in January.
The Blues remain keen on signing the French defender after being priced out of a move on deadline day.
But Sevilla are refusing to budge from their £68million valuation.
Castro said: “We’re not going to change our position.
“If the proposal we receive is out of market, we will sell our players to sign new ones.”
RED REVAMP
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under severe pressure at Manchester United.
Zinedine Zidane, Brendan Rodgers, Mauricio Pochettino and Erik ten Hag are the main contenders to replace him.
And SunSport has explored how they stack up against each other…
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
