Newcastle ‘want Moussa Dembele loan transfer’, Chelsea ‘lead De Ligt chase after failing with Marquinhos bid’

Saddle up Ferran Torres

Ferran Torres could be tempted by a move to Barcelona – and not just for the football.

The Manchester City striker is reportedly dating Sira Martinez, the daughter of ex-Barca boss Luis Enrique.

Sira is a professional show-jumper in the Catalan capital and a member of the swanky Barcelona Royal Polo Club.

Spanish outlet EnBlau reports Torres and Sira are conducting a long-distance relationship while he plays in Manchester.

But that could be about to change amid rumours the City striker is wanted at the Nou Camp.

Tottenham to consider Uefa appeal

Tottenham are threatening to take Uefa to court over their controversial Europa Conference League exit.

The North Londoners were dumped out of the competition after the governing body ruled they forfeited their final group match against Rennes.

Speaking for the first time about their elimination, Spurs boss Antonio Conte said: “There is another step. Now UEFA took this decision but there is another step.

“We are confident that in another step, they will take a normal decision. It was incredible what UEFA did but also the explanation about this defeat, I have read that Tottenham couldn’t play the game for Covid cases.

“Despite this, they took this decision. We are very, very confident for the next step. We deserved to play the qualification on the pitch. Not on the court. I’m very disappointed with UEFA.”

Asked to clarify if he was talking about court action, Conte said: “Yeah. yeah.”

Arsenal in for Barca’s Coutinho

Arsenal could reportedly be back in for Barcelona playmaker Philippe Coutinho.

The Brazilian was linked with a switch to the Emirates last year, with Barca keen to get him off their wage bill.

According to Sport, despite the impressive form of Martin Odegaard and Emile Smith Rowe, Coutinho remains a target.

They state that Arsenal are ‘working’ towards bringing the ex-Liverpool ace to the Emirates in January.

They would be willing to allow the player to leave on loan, with or without an obligatory purchase option.

Haard to take for Erling

Erling Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola has hinted the goal machine might stay at Borussia Dortmund in a huge blow to Manchester United.

The shock statement comes just days after the Norwegian sensation appearing to wave goodbye to Dortmund fans.

Raiola told NOS: “Could Haaland wait for Barcelona?

“He can wait for anybody. We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club.

“We’ll look for the best option for him and I can’t rule out another year at Dortmund. Theoretically, that’s still possible.”

Gianluca Vialli reveals cancer diagnosis

Chelsea icon Gianluca Vialli has revealed he is suffering from cancer for a second time.

The 59-cap former Italy striker played for and managed the Blues, leading them to Cup Winners’ Cup, FA Cup and League Cup success.

Vialli, 57, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2017, however, he was given the all-clear in April 2020.

But Vialli has now heartbreakingly admitted his health problems have returned to haunt him.

Speaking at a London book launch, he said: “I feel good, but my journey is not yet complete. The unwanted guest, as I call it, is still here with me. At this moment I am in maintenance mode.

“The tumour is still there. At times it is more noticeable, at others less so. I will keep fighting because I want to be here for many more years. 

“I want you to have to put up with me for a long time to come. I take that strength from my family, friends, and all those who give me such courage. I can’t thank them enough.”

Oldham ban fans for three years

Oldham have reportedly banned three fans for promoting NEGATIVITY about the club.

The supporters have been told they are excluded from first and youth team games for a minimum of three years.

The fans have been warned to stay away from the Latics’ Boundary Park home and any other ground the club is playing at.

The Oldham Times reports one of those caught up in the drastic action is Supporters Foundation director Bradley Knowles.

He has been a vocal critic of owner Abdallah Lemsagam but insisted he had not been part of more disruptive protests in recent months.

He said: “I was furious. I was shaking. I want the Lemsagams gone, but I’m there to support the team. I love this club and I love going to games.

“I’ve said what I needed to say about the ownership. I haven’t run on the pitch, I haven’t thrown tennis balls. 

“OASF made it clear that we don’t condone those protests and we won’t be involved in them.”

Tott of the pops

Tottenham are interested in signing Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet, according to reports.

The cash-strapped LaLiga giants are eager to raise funds as they try and deliver new boss Xavi some January transfers.

The Lilywhites recruited full-back Emerson Royal from Barca back in August.

And according to Spanish paper Sport, they want to raid the Catalan side again.

They claim that Spurs have held a long-term interest in Lenglet, which could be revived next month.

Barcelona are understood to be willing to give him up for the right price, if it means being able to afford their targets.

Gav some of that

Barcelona wonderkid Gavi earns just £1,600-a-week, according to reports.

The 17-year-old is still on his youth team salary but is reportedly in line for a bumper new deal which will make him a multi-millionaire in no time.

He will also be given a signing on fee of up to £1.7million.

The youngster was given his debut by Ronald Koeman and has continued to develop under new boss Xavi.

His new contract will see him commit his future to the Catalans until 2026, according to ‘Què t’hi jugues’ on Cadena SER.

He pulls in just £85k-a-year at the moment despite having played 21 times in LaLiga and the Champions League this season.

View to a Kyl

Kylian Mbappe could RETIRE at Paris Saint-Germain – if his cheeky team-mates have anything to do with it.

The Ligue 1 leaders gathered to celebrate the France superstar’s 23rd birthday on Sunday.

And the squad hilariously chipped in to give him a PSG home shirt with ‘Mbappe 2050’ printed on the back.

That would mean the striker staying at the Parcs des Princes for another 29 years.

But reports suggest he is unlikely to remain a PSG player this SUMMER as Real Madrid look set to announce his signature.

The wonderkid is out of contract in the French capital at the end of the season and looks set to move to Spain.

Heartbreak call for Chelsea’s Musonda

Charly Musonda has revealed that he broke down in tears after deciding to leave Chelsea.

The 25-year-old arrived at Stamford Bridge back in 2012 with the Blues having huge hopes for the Belgian.

However, last month he revealed on Instagram that he will become a free agent and leave the club once his contract expires at the end of the season.

Speaking to The Beautiful Game Podcast, Musonda said: “It’s been a difficult one.

“Even the post on Instagram, I wasn’t going to be too emotional with it because I didn’t want to go long into the details and go long into the memories of everything.

“I spoke with Petr Cech in August on the phone and after those talks, I knew straight away, okay, I’m going to leave in August here, there is nothing else I can do.  

“After the phone call, I was literally crying because I’d been there for a while. Even now, it’s going to take some time to get around it.”

Life’s a beach for some

Ronaldinho and Romario show they’ve lost none of the sublime skills as they enjoy themselves at a Rio de Janeiro beach tournament.

The retired stars wowed the crowds and showed their appreciation for each other with high fives and hugs – despite being rivals on the day.

Barcelona legend Ronaldinho, 41, displayed one of his trademark tricks by looking away before trying to surprise the 55-year-old Romario with a kicked-in serve.

Ronaldinho’s team-mate even went down on one knee to hero-worship him after the ex-AC Milan striker set him up for a winning point with a mid-air flick.

But Romario, now a politician in Brazil, had the last laugh as he and his partner took victory in the footvolley match.

The scenic beach setting near Rio’s iconic Copacabana beach was a world away from the Paraguayan prison where Ronaldinho was pictured playing footvolley in March last year.

Read more HERE.

Newcastle in for Lyon’s Dembele

Eddie Howe will reportedly look to bring Lyon striker Moussa Dembele to St James’ Park in the New Year.

The Magpies are in need of a new centre-forward to compete with Callum Wilson up top.

Flop club-record singing Joelinton has scored just once in 17 Premier League games this term.

According to the Daily Mail, Dembele is a loan target for the Toon in January.

And Newcastle are also said to be in for Lille centre-back Sven Botman and Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier.

Chelsea shot down for Marquinhos

Chelsea reportedly had a bid rejected by Paris Saint-Germain in the summer for centre-back Marquinhos.

According to L’Equipe, the Blues saw their £72.5million offer for the Brazilian turned down by Les Parisiens.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side were unwilling to negotiate a deal as they declared he was not for sale.

Should Marquinhos have linked up with Chelsea, he would have been reunited with former defensive partner Thiago Silva, who joined the club on a free transfer last year.

Lew being serious right now?

Chelsea’s forgotten man Lewis Baker could play his second game for the club… almost EIGHT years after his debut.

The Premier League teams voted to continue the season on Monday meaning matches will go ahead as planned.

If sides are able to name 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper, their games must go ahead, even if that means calling up players from the Under-23s.

And with Chelsea’s squad decimated by injuries and Covid cases – at least seven players have tested positive – it could see Baker brought back into the fold.

The midfielder has been on Chelsea’s books since 2005 and made his only senior appearance in the FA Cup way back on January 5, 2014.

Since then, Baker has been a mainstay in the famous loans army out of Stamford Bridge with nine loan spells to the EFL, Holland, Germany and Turkey, making 36 appearances for Trabzonspor last season.

Out of Luc

Newcastle have reportedly been knocked back in their pursuit of Brazilian star Lucas Paqueta.

The midfielder is under contract at Lyon until 2025 but the French side are willing to cash in now.

Newcastle were allegedly keen on bringing him to the Premier League.

And Toon even offered the 24-year-old a whopping £180,000-a-week wage package to secure his services, it’s claimed.

However, Foot Mercato claims that Paqueta has rejected a switch to Newcastle.

This latest report states that he is happy to stay at Lyon instead and will only consider leaving if a bigger club comes in for him.

Vit for action

Everton have reportedly agreed a £17million deal for Vitaliy Mykolenko – paving the way for Lucas Digne to depart.

The Toffees have ‘completed negotiations’ with Dynamo Kiev for the Ukrainian international full-back.

And The Mirror also claims that the 22-year-old has already passed a medical at Goodison Park on Friday.

Mykolenko will Everton cost £15m up front, with a further £2m included in the package as add-ons.

His arrival could now signal the end of fan favourite Digne’s time on Merseyside.

The French star is wanted by both Leicester City and Newcastle United.

Mar to come

Mikel Arteta has gushed over in-form forward Gabriel Martinelli.

Ahead of tonight’s League Cup quarter-final against Sunderland, the Spaniard said: “You cannot play every action at 100mph, it is impossible.

“It is not very efficient for you because you burn yourself out after a few minutes, and then you just chasing a situation and not reading exactly what is needed.

“Gabi is doing much better at that. We have to try to [develop] that without losing the passion, the energy and this capacity he has to just affect the game with the way he acts on the pitch.

“He trains incredibly hard, he is always willing to do more and he is not scared or afraid to take risks, and that is what I like about him.

“I can imagine [playing against him] – you’re not going to have any time on the ball, every time the ball is 50/50 he is going to chase it and he’s going to use his body, his speed, his technical ability to get away from you.

“You have to be careful, because he can attack you one v one, he can attack your back, he can make movements off the ball… he is a real threat in front of goal.”

Looks Al-right

Manchester United have reportedly made contact with River Plate over signing their super-striker Julian Alvarez.

And the Red Devils could snap him up for just £17million – £4m less than his release clause – if they act fast.

United put in a call to the South American side in the last few weeks, according to Argentine newspaper Ole.

Alvarez, 21, has been in scintillating form – scoring 24 and providing 15 assists in 46 games.

Some of Europe’s biggest clubs are said to be keen on the five-cap Argentina international.

Bayern Munich, Juventus, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid have all been linked.

Playing the field

Erling Haaland hasn’t ruled out staying at Dortmund next season.

The in-demand striker’s agent Mino Raiola said: “Haaland can wait for everyone.

“We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club.

“We will look for the best option, and I also never ruled out another year at B. Dortmund”.

New Camp

Barcelona have approved a £1.3billion renovation of the Nou Camp despite the club being in financial crisis.

The Catalan giants’ first ever online vote was held on Sunday as the plan was passed through with 42,693 club members backing the stadium overhaul.

A total of 5,055 voted against the project while 875 abstained. More than 40 per cent of Barcelona’s members chose to have their say in the decision.

The project – which has been titled ‘Espai Barca’ – will be funded by a third-party loan.

And members had vocalised their concerns around the financial aspect of the plan, particularly given the club’s debt already stands at more than £1bn.

This forced president Joan Laporta to call the referendum to push the plan through.

The project is expected to be finished in 2025, with part of the stadium set to be closed for the 2022-23 season.

Then for the 2023-24 campaign Barca will likely have to play elsewhere – potentially at the Olympic Stadium in Montjuic.

The kids are alright

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has called up TWELVE academy and Under-23 stars to train with the first team, according to reports.

The Blues’ squad has been decimated by injuries and Covid-related absences and the German has had to turn to their youth ranks to make up the numbers.

Teddy Sharman-Lowe, 18, Josh Brooking, 19, Xavier Mbuyamba, 19, Alfie Gilchrist, 18, Dion Rankine, 19, and Xavier Simons, 18, all trained with the available first team squad players on Monday, according to Football London.

As, reportedly, did Lewis Baker, 26, Lewis Hall, 17, Joe Haigh, 18, Harvey Vale, 18, Bryan Fiabema, 18, and Jay Wareham, 18.

Good morning football fans

Chelsea are on red alert as Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt is ready for a “new step”.

De Ligt is being tracked as a solution to the Blues’ defensive headache as Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen’s contracts expire in June.

De Ligt’s agent Mino Raiola has said his client is ready to look beyond Serie A.

Raiola told NRC: “[De Ligt] is ready for a new step… he thinks that too.”

Meanwhile, Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke confirmed Real Madrid’s interest in Erling Haaland.

Haaland has also been linked with Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester United, Barcelona, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

Watzke told BILD TV: “No matter where I go, everyone speaks to you about Erling Haaland.

“All I know is a guarantee that Real Madrid are very interested in him. I could name 25 others now.

“But I know for sure, it can be that he leaves, but it can also be that he stays.

“A few days ago I had a very good conversation with Mino Raiola. When we are in a corridor, the conversations are always quite friendly.

“And that phone call was quite friendly. We will certainly have another meeting in the next few weeks.

“The overall development of Haaland is in the foreground.

“Just like with [Robert] Lewandowski, I would like to be proud of Erling at some point if he wins the Champions League.

“Personally, I think it’s good for him if he stays in the Bundesliga a little longer.”

And Newcastle are keeping tabs on both Anthony Martial and Edin Dzeko ahead of the January transfer window, according to SunSport’s Phil Thomas and Duncan Wright.

The Magpies are willing to pay a hefty loan fee of around £6million to tempt United’s Martial to St James’ Park.

The Toon are also eyeing Inter Milan star Dzeko, who scored 50 goals and recorded 24 assists for City in the Premier League.

Finally, Arsenal’s out-of-favour star Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is being targeted by Juventus ahead of the January transfer window.

That is according to Tuttosport, who report that Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri is desperate for attacking reinforcements.

And Aubameyang is a serious option after falling out of favour at the Emirates.

A six-month loan deal has been touted, ahead of a possible permanent move in the summer.

Barcelona have also been credited with an interest in the centre-forward, who now seems destined to leave north London after his latest disciplinary breach, which cost him the captain’s armband

O-Mi not again

Premier League games could take place behind closed doors once more.

A meeting between Prem clubs decided matches would continue as normal after Christmas despite a rise in positive COVID-19 cases.

According to The Times, fixtures could end up taking place without the presence of fans.

Omicron cases are on the rise and although supporters have carried proof of a negative test or a coronavirus passport to gain admittance, they could soon be blocked from attending if the government steps in.

Fears around a high R figure mean the government could introduce further restrictions.

And if Premier League grounds are needed as makeshift vaccination centres, fans may have to be excluded from live matches for the foreseeable future.

In such a scenario, matches could be shown live on TV, as was the case from Project Restart until the end of last term

Out of the race

Newcastle have ‘pulled out of the race’ for Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard.

That is according to The Athletic, who claim that Lingard has opted to stay and ‘fight for his place’ after interim manager Ralf Rangnick replaced Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

That means the Toon, who have found themselves in a desperate bid to avoid relegation, will have to look for reinforcements elsewhere.

The England international is into the final months of his deal and is also targeted by West Ham

‘No pre-agreement’

Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland’s representative Mino Raiola confirmed his client doesn’t have a “pre-agreement” with any of his suitors, including Manchester United.

Raiola told NOS: “Haaland can wait for everyone.

“We don’t have a pre-agreement with any club.

“We will look for the best option, and I also never ruled out another year at Borussia Dortmund”