CHELSEA will have to sell N’Golo Kante to sign Declan Rice, according to reports.
And the Africa Cup of Nations final did not disappoint with drama involving Mo Salah and Sadio Mane.
Egypt star Salah told his keeper Gabaski which way to dive to stop Mane’s early spot kick, but he Senegalese star had the last laugh after extra time as he scored the winning penalty after 120 minutes without a goal for either side.
For Barcelona, Dani Alves had a rollercoaster afternoon during their 4-2 win over Atletico Madrid as he provided an early assist, then scored but was later sent off for foul play.
Antonio Rudiger has REJECTED Chelsea’s new offer of a £200,000 per week contract, according to reports.
The Blues star defender is out of contract in the summer, with Spanish giants Real Madrid interested.
While Liverpool are eyeing Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka after the Reds added Porto’s Luis Diaz in the January window.
Though the Reds may MISS out on Fabio Carvalho this summer, who came agonisingly close to joining from Fulham on deadline day.
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Reece misses Club World Cup
Reece James is OUT of Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad – despite travelling to Abu Dhabi.
But Edouard Mendy looks set to feature in the tournament just days after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.
James, 22, was included in the travelling party heading out to the Middle East on Sunday.
The right-back has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury against Brighton in December.
But despite returning to training and being in the UAE, the updated Fifa squad list does not include ten-cap England international James.
However, it does include goalkeeper Mendy.
The shot-stopper made one save during the penalty shootout, parrying Mohanad Lasheen’s tame effort away.
That set Sadio Mane up with the winning penalty, smashing into the bottom corner to get one over his Liverpool pal Mo Salah.
Nike drop Greenwood
Nike have dropped their sponsorship deal with disgraced Mason Greenwood after he was arrested on suspicion of rape and GBH.
His lucrative agreement with the company was suspended last week following the allegations, but the sports giant has now completely cut ties with the Manchester United striker.
Greenwood, 20, was quizzed by cops and spent three nights in a police cell after being re-arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and threats to kill.
He was arrested at his home in Bowden, Greater Manchester, after a series of allegations were made on social media.
The images and allegations were reportedly visible on the woman’s Instagram on January 30, but have since been deleted.
Greenwood has since been bailed, but the sportswear giants, who provided his boots, have now completely dropped him.
A spokesman for Nike told the Athletic: “Mason Greenwood is no longer a Nike athlete”.
The company previously said that they would be “monitoring” the situation after the “disturbing” allegations were made.
Rodgers is shock favourite for aack
Leicester’s humiliating 4-1 FA Cup defeat to Nottingham Forest has left boss Brendan Rodgers as the surprise favourite to be the next Premier League chief sacked.
Rodgers, who has been linked with top rivals in recent months, is rated 7/2 ahead of no manager to leave at 4/1, with Burnley’s Sean Dyche 6/1.
Next come Eddie Howe and Roy Hodgson at 8/1, with Antonio Conte at 9/1.
Ladbrokes’ Alex Apati said: “Brendan Rodgers looked set to leave Leicester of his own accord just a few months ago, seemingly having his pick of a range of top jobs.
“But a humiliating defeat at the hands of Forest, coupled with a poor season in the Premier League suggests he could ultimately pay the price in the coming weeks.”
Hard Call to make
Newcastle United’s survival hopes have been hit today by the revelation that injured striker Callum Wilson has only just come off his crutches and is unlikely to return until ‘the last few games of the season.’
Eddie Howe initially hoped to have Wilson back in training this month, but now admits that his inclusion in his 25-man squad is something of a risk.
The news has also left the Toon Army short in the attacking department despite the arrival of Chris Wood from Burnley for £25million.
A move for Reims’ Hugo Etikite collapsed on deadline day, leaving only Dwight Gayle as a centre-forward to provide competition to Wood.
Sadio the main Mane
Sadio Mane scored the winning penalty to crown Senegal African Cup of Nations champions last night, and then picked up the Player of the Tournament award.
The Liverpool forward went from zero to hero as he made up for his penalty miss in normal time by netting the decisive kick to earn his country their first Afcon title.
“It’s the best day of my life and the best trophy of my life,” the 29-year-old said after the match.
“I have won the Champions League and other trophies, but this is the special one for me. This is most important for me.”
The Senegal star was even seen commiserating with his clubmate Mo Salah, a runner-up with Egypt, following the conclusion of the shootout.
Johnstone tipped for Premier League return
West Bromwich Albion goalkeeper is preparing for Premier League football next season – even if the Baggies aren’t.
West Ham and Southampton are said to be heading the queue to sign the goalkeeper, who has three England caps, on a free transfer.
The 28-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and has turned down a new deal at the Hawthorns.
Johnstone’s reluctance to put pen to paper led to him being dropped by Valerien Ismael, but he will now be targeting game time following Steve Bruce arriving as the Frenchman’s replacement.
Bielsa baffled by Bamford injury
Another striker who looks to be no nearer to regaining fitness is Leeds’ Patrick Bamford with manager Marcelo Bielsa admitting the situation is a real concern.
Bamford has been out with a foot problem since December, sustained when celebrating a late goal versus Brentford on his return from another injury.
The forward has played only six games in total this campaign, and his absence has been felt by Leeds, who are languishing near the relegation zone.
He hasn’t played for 15 games now, how can I not worry? We can’t predict when he will return because it depends on the pain going away so he can start jogging again.
Marcelo Bielsa
Toon dealt further Wilson blow
Newcastle United’s survival hopes have been hit today by the revelation that injured striker Callum Wilson has only just come off his crutches and is unlikely to return until ‘the last few games of the season.’
Eddie Howe initially hoped to have Wilson back in training this month, but now admits that his inclusion in his 25-man squad is something of a risk.
The news has also left the Toon Army short in the attacking department despite the arrival of Chris Wood from Burnley for £25million.
A move for Reims’ Hugo Etikite collapsed on deadline day, leaving only Dwight Gayle as a centre-forward to provide competition to Wood.
Breaking – Ashworth resigns from Brighton
Dan Ashworth has resigned from his role as Technical Director at Brighton and Hove Albion, and will soon take on a similar role at an unnamed Premier League club.
The former FA Director of Elite Development had been linked with a move to Newcastle United, who recently bought defender Dan Burn from Brighton for a fee of £13million.
Former Everton and Rangers centre-back David Weir will take over as acting Technical Director at the AMEX as Albion begin searching for Ashworth’s replacement.
Good morning football fans!
West Ham boss David Moyes warned the Premier League big boys interested in Declan Rice that they will have to splash more than £100million.
Rice has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window.
Moyes said: “You will need humongous money to get close.
“I said in the summer that I thought Declan Rice was £100m. That was your chance to get him cheap. You can make your mind up over what I’m talking about now.
“I feel his commitment. He’s under contract and we’re really pleased to have him. He’s here for certainly a few years.
“He’s like a special edition Declan Rice, there’s not many like him.
“He’s arguably playing as well as any midfielder in European football, and the prices were expensive in January weren’t they?”
Elsewhere, Real Madrid have pulled out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland this summer.
Real have long been favourites to beat the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City to Haaland’s signature.
But according to the Star, Los Blancos have decided against making a move for the striker.
They claim that Madrid have deemed it too expensive to land Norway international and No1 target Kylian Mbappe in the same summer transfer window.
Real are set to sign Mbappe on a free transfer at the end of the season, with some reports claiming that the Paris Saint-Germain superstar has agreed a contract worth £800,000-a-week.
Another striker is also attracting interest with Manchester United and Chelsea joining Arsenal in the bidding war for Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak.
Isak has a £75million release clause in his deal with Sociedad and has a host of admirers across the continent such as United, the Gunners and the Blues.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils are looking to swoop in for the centre-forward.
The Manchester giants view the Sweden international as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who turned 37 on Saturday, should the club legend leave this summer.
The west Londoners may also be on the look-out for a forward at the end of the season if Romelu Lukaku fails to hit top form.
And, of course, Arsenal require a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he signed with Barcelona.
De Ligt transfer war
Manchester United, Barcelona and Bayern Munich are interested in landing Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt in the summer.
According to Calciomercato, United, Barca and Bayern have entered a bidding war for De Ligt.
The Italian outlet reports: “Juventus is preparing for a summer in which Matthijs de Ligt will be considered as one of the most valuable pieces in the market.”
The Red Devils’ interim boss Ralf Rangnick, who is expected to take over as a consultant in June, is keen to bring in another defender to increase his team’s chances of challenging for silverware
Tevez on the move
Ex-Manchester United and Manchester City star Carlos Tevez is ‘in talks’ with DC United over a potential move to the MLS.
Tevez is currently a free agent after leaving Boca Juniors in the summer.
But now Wayne Rooney’s former team DC United have offered the 38-year-old a return to football, according to The Athletic.
They claim a move is ’25 per cent’ likely to happen, and hinges on whether the club and centre-forward can thrash out an agreement over a financial package.
The former Argentina international’s representatives are said to have offered their client to the American side ‘multiple’ times in the last few years, but the club declined on each occasion
Mertens situation
Napoli star Dries Mertens, who has been previously linked with Arsenal and Chelsea, is out of contract in June.
Cristiano Giuntoli told DAZN: “We’ve an option to extend Mertens current contract until June 2023.
“We’ll decide together with Dries.
“We’re gonna meet at the end of the season to make a decision on Dries’ future”
GETTY IMAGES Martial problems
Manchester United loanee Anthony Martial has been told he ‘has to give more’ by his new Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui following his innocuous debut against Osasuna.
Lopetegui said: “He has to give us more.
“It was his first game, it’s not easy to adapt.
“He comes with a bit of baggage because he’s hardly played. Bit by bit he has to get up to speed”
Chelsea injury worries
Chelsea are sweating on the fitness of three key players going into the Club World Cup.
The Blues could be without Mason Mount, captain Cesar Azpilicueta and Hakim Ziyech.
Coach Michel Arnos, who took charge in manager Thomas Tuchel’s absence, admitted afterwards: “We have a few problems.
“Mason we had to take out, Hakim we had to take out, Azpi felt his hamstring.
“We had a few muscle problems, but they’re hopefully only little ones”
Liverpool eye promising talent
Liverpool are keeping tabs on Le Havre youngster Andy Elysee Logbo, dubbed the next Romelu Lukaku – reports suggest.
That is according to Foot Mercato, who report that the Reds are lining up a bid to bring Logbo over to Anfield during the summer transfer window.
The striker is seen by the second-division club as the next big thing as he has amassed eight goals and four assists in 13 appearances for the youth side this season.
The Frenchman has also attracted comparisons to Chelsea star Lukaku due to his imposing stature as he stands at 1,88m
Lyon on Lacazette
Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas confirmed the team’s interest in bringing Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette back.
Lacazette’s deal with the Gunners expires in the summer and he is expected to become a free agent.
Aulas said: “We will do our best to sign Lacazette in June.
“We will make every effort possible for his return to Lyon”
GETTY IMAGES Lacazette transfer future
Arsenal star Alexandre Lacazette has started ‘discussions with Lyon’ over a potential return this summer.
Lacazette will become a free agent in June and football.london states he has already begun discussing personal terms with his former team regarding a transfer.
The reports claims the centre-forward is ‘currently in discussions with several European teams’.
However, Lyon ‘remain the frontrunners’ in the chase to re-sign the France international
Isak reacts to transfer rumours
Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak didn’t rule out a move amid interest from Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.
Isak told Mundo Deportivo: “I am not talking about other clubs.
“I am a Real player, I work here and this is my club. My work is on the pitch, and as I told you before, there are other people who work outside.
“You can never be sure of anything.
“As I always say, you never know what can happen in football but in the end I’m here, happy, and nothing more”
GETTY IMAGES Isak transfer war
Manchester United and Chelsea have joined Arsenal in the bidding war for Real Sociedad star Alexander Isak.
Isak has a £75million release clause in his deal with Sociedad and has a host of admirers across the continent such as United, the Gunners and the Blues.
According to the Daily Mirror, the Red Devils are looking to swoop in for the centre-forward.
The Manchester giants view the Sweden international as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who turned 37 on Saturday, should the club legend leave this summer.
The west Londoners may also be on the look-out for a forward at the end of the season if Romelu Lukaku fails to hit top form.
And, of course, Arsenal require a replacement for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after he signed with Barcelona
Man Utd’s Pochettino hope
Manchester United are ‘growing increasingly confident’ that they will appoint Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino at the dugout.
Pochettino is coming under more pressure in France following PSG’s penalty shoot-out elimination to Nice in the Coupe de France.
According to Le Parisien, the Argentine head coach’s final hope is winning the Champions League this season.
But the former Tottenham boss’ future will hinge on whether they progress past 13-time winners Real Madrid in the Last-16.
The Mirror reports Pochettino is the ‘No1 candidate’ to take over from interim manager Ralf Rangnick at Old Trafford.
Rangnick is set to move into a consultancy role for the club at the end of the season
Haaland transfer boost
Real Madrid have pulled out of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland this summer.
Real have long been favourites to beat the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Juventus, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester City to Haaland’s signature.
But according to the Star, Los Blancos have decided against making a move for the striker.
They claim that Madrid have deemed it too expensive to land Norway international and No1 target Kylian Mbappe in the same summer transfer window.
Real are set to sign Mbappe on a free transfer at the end of the season, with some reports claiming that the Paris Saint-Germain superstar has agreed a contract worth £800,000-a-week
Triple Summer Splash reminder
Arsenal are planning the largest spending spree in their history with up to £180million for summer signings at the end of the season.
The Gunners’ owner Stan Kroenke is keen to show his faith in boss Mikel Arteta by providing the funds for a major squad upgrade.
SunSport understand Real Sociedad’s Alexander Isak, Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Wolves’ Ruben Neves have been identified as the players required to take the north Londoners to the next level.
But Arteta understands he will need to secure Champions League qualification this season if he is going to land such targets
GETTY IMAGES Liverpool Carvalho blow
Liverpool may MISS out on Fulham wonderkid Fabio Carvalho.
Carvalho is reportedly attracting interest from the Serie A, specifically AC Milan.
A move before the January window slammed shut failed to materialise meaning the Reds will have to agree a pre-contract.
But according to Calciomercato, Milan are looking to hijack any potential deal
Moyes advice reminder
West Ham boss David Moyes warned the Premier League big boys interested in Declan Rice that they will have to splash more than £100million.
Rice has been linked with Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window.
Moyes said: “You will need humongous money to get close.
“I said in the summer that I thought Declan Rice was £100m. That was your chance to get him cheap. You can make your mind up over what I’m talking about now.
“I feel his commitment. He’s under contract and we’re really pleased to have him. He’s here for certainly a few years.
“He’s like a special edition Declan Rice, there’s not many like him.
“He’s arguably playing as well as any midfielder in European football, and the prices were expensive in January weren’t they?”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
