Soccer

CHELSEA are reportedly set to go back in for Jules Kounde this January, after missing out on the Sevilla man in summer.Antonio Rudiger is closing in on a move away from the club after holding exploratory talks with Man City, according to reports.
But should Sevilla hold firm in their valuation of Kounde, the Blues may have the option of turning to Matthijs de Ligt.
Juventus are said to be keen to get the £280,000-a-week Dutch centre-back off their books.
Meanwhile Newcastle are still looking for a new permanent manager with Paulo Fonseca the favourite but Lucien Favre another man linked to the job.
And finally Rangers fans are in mourning after legendary boss Walter Smith passed away at the age of 73.
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
BEL TOLLS

Arsenal and Tottenham have received a boost in their pursuit of Andrea Belotti after Torino boss Ivan Juric announced he will not sign a new deal.

The 27-year-old is in the final year of his contract in Turin and is free to talk to foreign clubs in January.

Juric confirmed: said: “Belotti won’t sign the contract extension.

“He won’t leave in January, he’ll see himself here till the end of the season.

“It’s useless to speculate, nothing will happen.

“I hope he will have a great season, then we will look each other in the eyes and he will choose his future.

“There will be no approaches, I hope he will have a good year and then we’ll see.”DEAL ME IN

Mo Salah is reportedly demanding a £450,000-a-week contract as Liverpool look to tie him down to a new deal.

The Reds are believed to have entered negotiations with the Real Madrid target, 29, in August to make him the highest-paid player in their history.

According to journalist Ekrem Konur, Salah is looking to pocket £450k-per-week in order to remain a Liverpool player.

He states that the Egypt international is very happy in Merseyside, but wants a pay rise to reflect his importance in the team.

But Liverpool aren’t willing to offer him that much and are negotiating a lower wage salary.THREE’S COMPANY

Man Utd are reportedly targeting THREE transfers for next summer… regardless of who their manager will be at the time.

Fichajes claims Old Trafford chiefs have identified Juventus forward Federico Chiesa, Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella and Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier as three players who can take United back to the top.

Current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to remain in charge for this weekend’s crunch clash against Tottenham.

SunSport understands four managers have already been contacted by United’s board, including Antonio Conte and Brendan Rodgers.

But Fichajes claims no matter who is in the hot seat next year, United already have their summer wishlist drawn up.

HAZARD IN TOON

Newcastle United are thought to be keen on a swoop for Eden Hazard, according to reports.

Spanish outlet El Chiringuito claim the club are eyeing the Belgium ace as a potential star of new look they hope to build.

The club, who face Chelsea next, are yet to win a game in the top-flight this term.CASH’S POLE POSITION

Aston Villa’s Matty Cash could be in line to make an appearance for Poland in next month’s World Cup qualifiers.

The Athletic reports the right-back could be poised to feature in Paulo Sousa’s squad after the Polish FA confirmed his citizenship this afternoon.

And the Polish FA say it was Cash who first approached them about representing the country of his mother’s birth “two or three years ago”.

FAVRE IS FAV

Newcastle are rumoured to be eyeing ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre as a possible Toons boss contender.

The Switzerland-born gaffer is reported to be highly regarded by the club’s Saudi owners.

German sports news outlet Bild says the 63-year-old is favourite to replace Steve Bruce after he was sacked last week.

Favre is currently without a club after being fired by Dortmund in December 2020.RON’S RAGE

Ronald Koeman says he was tempted to confront fans who attacked his car after Barcelona’s 2-1 loss to Real Madrid on Sunday.

A group of irate supporters were seen surrounding the Nou Camp chief’s vehicle and shouting abuse at him.

Koeman said: “I wasn’t scared. There was a moment I thought about getting out, but it was better not to.

“There were a lot of people filming and [making] Tik-Tok [videos] and they want you to get involved.

“I don’t think there is a solution. For me, it’s more of a social problem, an education problem for people who don’t have morals or values.”NUNO PRAISE

Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo has been named on this year’s Football Black List alongside Brentford ace Ivan Toney and Arsenal star Nikita Parris.

Established in 1988, the list aims to celebrate black role models in football both on and off the pitch.

The list drawn up by experts from across the sport was announced at the National Football Museum in Manchester.

Other names on the list include Fulham and Republic of Ireland defender Cyrus Christie and QPR assistant Paul Hall. PALACE LET OFF

Crystal Palace could be set to escape FA sanctions for a banner unfurled by Eagles fans criticising the Toons’ new Saudi Arabian owners.

The banner, which also takes a swipe at the Premier League, includes a drawing of a man dressed in traditional Arabic clothing with an illustration of Prem chief executive Richard Masters.

The Metropolitan Police commenced an investigation into the matter.

However, police officials have confirmed that no charges will be filed.

A Croydon Met Police said: “On Saturday, a member of the public contacted us to raise concerns about a banner displayed at the Crystal Palace vs Newcastle match at Selhurst Park.

“On Saturday, a member of the public contacted us to raise concerns about a banner displayed at the Crystal Palace vs Newcastle match at Selhurst Park.”RELAXED ON VACS

Bayern Munich reportedly backs Covid-19 vaccinations for its players.

But according to Reuters the club reportedly says injections for its players are not mandatory.

This comes amid controversy surrounding Joshua Kimmich after the Germany star revealed he is not vaccinated.

The midfielder was heavily criticised for stating he had not had a Covid injection due to fears over long-term side effects.

On Monday Bayern chief Oliver Kahn said: “It is important to say that we can only advise everyone to get vaccinated.

“We have highlighted that through a number of actions.

“At the end of the day, one has to respect that others can have a different opinion.”MCCOIST ‘DEVASTATED’

Ally McCoist described Walter Smith as a second father after revealing the former Rangers’ boss’s passing had left him devastated.

The retired forward played for Rangers during Smith’s first stint as their manager and enjoyed success as Smith’s assistant manager between 2007 and 2011 before becoming club boss himself.

McCoist, 59, told talkSPORT: “He means everything to a lot of folk, myself included.

“He was my boss, my coach, my second father and then turned into one of my best friends. I can’t tell you how devastated I am.

“I could sit here and tell you about Walter Smith until the cows come home, about how good a manager, how good a coach and a football man he was.

“But what I will say he was the best husband, father, friend, everything you would expect from a man.”CELTIC’S SMITH TRIBUTE

Celtic put their fierce rivalry with Rangers aside to pay a warm-hearted tribute to Ibrox icon Walter Smith.

Earlier today Rangers announced their 73-year-old former club boss had passed away.

In a post shared on their official Twitter account Celtic said: “Walter was a tremendous servant to Scottish football and everyone at Celtics FC sends their heartfelt condolences.”

VIEWERS REACH THE SKY

Sky Sports claims it notched up its highest-ever viewing figures on Sunday.

And it is thought their numbers peaked at 4.5million with audiences tuning in to watch Liverpool trounce Manchester United at Old Trafford.

The dramatic encounter was part of the channel’s Super Sunday double with West Ham’s home match against Tottenham also broadcast.

BLUES JULES

Chelsea are rumoured to be set to make a fresh bid to sign Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

Football.london claims the move is coming amid uncertainty over the future of Antonio Rudiger.

The outlet claims Blues director Marina Granovskaia is preparing for the worst case scenario with Rudiger’s contract set to expire in June 2022. CAMPBELL’S SMITH TRIBUTE

Kevin Campbell is among the stars who have paid tribute to Glasgow Rangers legend Walter Smith following his death.

The Scot managed Everton from 1998 to 2002 and had the former Arsenal striker in his squad during that period.

In a post shared via his Twitter account, Campbell wrote: “R.I.P. Walter Smith you were such a great man and I can’t thank you enough for bringing me to Everton a true football great.”

RIP WALTER

Glasgow Rangers have announced the passing of their former chairman and manager Walter Smith.

The Lanark-born Ibrox legend has passed away at the age of 73.

Smith led the side to 10 top-flight titles as manager, five Scottish Cups and six League Cups and the Uefa Cup final in 2008.

Rangers chairman, Douglas Park said “On behalf of the Rangers board of directors, staff and players, I convey my deep condolences to the Smith family.

“Walter leaves behind a wife, children and grandchildren, all of whom are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.

“It is almost impossible to encapsulate what Walter meant to every one of us at Rangers. He embodied everything that a Ranger should be.

“His character and leadership was second to none, and will live long in the memory of everyone he worked with during his two terms as first team manager.”MO’ DOUGH

Mo Salah’s rumoured wage wishes could see him earn more than Lionel Messi according to reports.

The Daily Star says the on fire Liverpool forward could rake in more money if his contract demands are met.

And Football Insider claims the Egypt international is expecting to seal a deal valued at around £500,000-a-week to extend his stay at Anfield past 2023.

It is thought this would see the 2021 Ballon d’Or nominee become the highest-paid player in Premier League history earning more than Man United’s Cristiano Ronaldo. MATTHEW’S DE MAN

Chelsea could be in with a shot of landing Juventus ace Matthijs De Ligt.

The Serie A defender has reportedly been offered to the Blues, according to Goal.

It is thought the Turin giants, who signed the player in 2019, are keen to get his salary off their books.

The Dutchman is thought to earn around £280,000-a-week. BALE IN TOON

Steve McManaman reckons Gareth Bale would be a good transfer target for newly-minted Newcastle.

And the former Liverpool ace reckons the Toons will need to very careful in the transfer market and avoid spending big bucks on older players.

In his Horseracing.net column, McManaman said: “Newcastle just have to be very careful. Everybody in the world knows that.

“Every agent will be trying to push their players into Newcastle. Gareth Bale would be very interesting, of course, he would, as he’s got a year left on his contract and he’s a super player.

“You’ve got to be careful that you don’t pay older players lots of money and then they don’t turn up.”GET GERRARD

Ryan Taylor is eager to see Newcastle appoint an English manager to replace Steve Bruce.

And the former Toons full-back thinks Rangers gaffer and Anfield icon Steven Gerrard would fit the bill.

Taylor, 37, told Sky Sports: “I would love to see someone like Steven Gerrard in charge of Newcastle.

“It’s so passionate up there and with coming from this city (Liverpool) we know what passion is all about.

“So for me, someone like Steven Gerrard because he plays football the right way, he knows who good players and I think he has done an unbelievable job at Rangers.”GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS

Chelsea’s contract talks with Andreas Christensen have reportedly stalled.

Goal claims the two parties have had ZERO contact for the last TWO months.

It leaves Christensen facing an uncertain future, with the Dane’s current deal up next summer.

Fellow defenders Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta can also sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs from January.

But Trevoh Chalobah is set to be handed a new deal after his impressive breakthrough this season.

Meanwhile, Man City boss Pep Guardiola reportedly wants to sign Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos.

According to El Nacional Guardiola is keen on a reunion with 31-year-old midfielder Kroos – who he managed for one season in 2013/14 at Bayern Munich.

And with Fernandinho out of contract at the end of the season, City could look to bring in an experienced midfielder.

The German is out of contract at the Bernabeu in 2024, meaning Los Blancos could be forced into a sale next summer to avoid losing him on a free 12 months later.

Finally, Super-rich Newcastle are reportedly in talks with Ousmane Dembele’s agent regarding a move for the 24-year-old.

According to outlet Sport, the Frenchman’s agent has contacted the Magpies and Juventus.

Demebele is out of contract with Barcelona in the summer, and has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou.

Chiefs at the club are eager to tie him down to a new deal, but the player is turning a ‘deaf ear’ to their offers.

He is free to begin negotiations with clubs outside of Spain from January 1 for a pre-contract agreement that would see him leave the Catalan giants upon the expiry of his contract.EXCLUSIVE BY MARTIN BLACKBURN

Shaun Wright-Phillips urged Raheem Sterling to commit his future to Manchester City — and get back to doing what he does best.

He told SunSport: “This season he has not played anywhere near as much as previous years.

“I am sure his time will come again. He just needs a goal to go in — however it comes — to get him firing again.

“You just need to look at what he’s done in six years and more for the club to see what he’s capable of.

“He’s made a massive contribution and I still feel like he’s got a huge part to play for City in the future.

“Maybe the contract thing is hanging over him. I would like to see him extend his contract and end the questions over his future. 

“I know he’s said he’d like to play abroad at some point but I don’t think there’s anywhere better to play football than the Premier League.

“And City are a club which is going to be looking to win silverware for many years to come.”MAN ON A MISSON

Donny van de Beek has changed his agent to increase his chances of leaving Manchester United, according to reports.

According to Dutch outlet Voetball International, van de Beek has appointed Ali Dursun as his new agent, replacing Guido Albers.

Dursun looks after Van de Beek’s team-mate Victor Lindelof, as well as Barcelona stars Frenkie De Jong and Martin Braithwaite.

And Van de Beek will hope his new agent can succeed in finding him a new club before the January transfer window opens.

EXCLUSIVE BY NEIL CUSTIS

Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte are being sounded out as successors to under-fire Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Worried Old Trafford chiefs want to know whether former Real Madrid boss Zidane and ex-Chelsea coach Conte – both out of work – would be interested in the job.

A leading agent has been instructed to contact some of the biggest names in the game, with Ajax boss Erik Ten Hag and Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers – a former Liverpool boss – also on the shortlist.

The agent has been told to discover each of the candidates’ plans for the club and their own contract demands.

While United chiefs are desperate not to sack Solskjaer, they can no longer ignore the shocking downturn in form and results.

A sudden upturn in results could yet save Solskjaer but faith in him at the top level has now waned following Sunday’s humiliation.EXCLUSIVE BY ALAN NIXON

American businessman Chris Kirchner has made a £50million bid for Wayne Rooney’s Derby County.

Super rich Kirchner wants the club and will try to take it out of administration after making a flying visit to the Midlands in his private jet to check them out.

Kirchner is also keen to deal with the EFL and appeal for the overall points penalties they face are at a sensible level.

But despite the major good news for Rooney, it can also be revealed that Derby County have been hit with a multi-million compensation claim from Wycombe for ‘relegating’ them.

The difference between TV money in the Championship and League One is around £6 million and insiders reveal the claim is in that range.Load more entries… More