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    Chelsea vs Leicester LIVE: Stream free, TV channel, score, kick-off time, and teams – FA Cup final latest as Kepa starts

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    CHELSEA are taking on Leicester in the FA Cup final and Thomas Tuchel has decided to stick with Kepa in the starting line-up.The Blues’ record signing came lost his place under former boss Frank Lampard but edges out Edouard Mendy for today’s game.
    Tuchel has been with the Blues for less than four months but has a chance to win a first trophy as their manager today.
    Leicester meanwhile have not reached an FA Cup final since 1969 and have never won the competition.
    But they’ll have their fans at Wembley supporting them today, with the match to be played in front of 21,000 supporters of both teams.
    That’s the highest capacity in UK sport since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

    The FA Cup final will kick off at 5.15pm BST.
    Chelsea vs Leicester is live for free on BBC One in the UK. You can also watch on BT Sport.
    If you want to live stream, the BBC iPlayer and BT Sport apps will allow you to watch on your mobile, tablet or laptop.
    You can also get a three-month free trial of BT Sport if you have an EE phone contract or get it included if you have Smart Benefits.
    Chelsea XI: Kepa, Azpilicueta, Silva, Rudiger, James, Jorginho, Kante, Alonso, Ziyech, Werner, Mount
    Leicester XI: Schmeichel, Castagne, Soyuncu, Evans, Fofana, Thomas, Ndidi, Tielemans, Perez, Iheanacho, Vardy

    THAT’S A KEEPER
    This is a big day for Leicester star Kasper Schmeichel…
    It’s also a big day for goalkeepers in English football.
    Schmeichel is the first keeper to start as captain since David James for Portsmouth in 2010.
    More below:

    KEL-ING IT
    Jamie Vardy is Leicester’s top danger man but Kelechi Iheanacho has been a major force in the FA Cup.
    Since the start of the 2015-2016 campaign, Iheanacho has scored more FA Cup goals than any other player.
    The striker has netted a total of 14 crackers, which means Chelsea will have to keep an extra eye on the Nigeria international.
    The ex-Manchester City ace has registered a total of 18 goals and seven assists in 36 matches across all competitions this season
    GETTY IMAGES
    NICE TUCH
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel makes history tonight as he becomes the first ever German manager to coach in an FA Cup Final.
    Tuchel has turned things around ever since replacing Frank Lampard at the Blues’ dugout in January as he has won a whopping 17 out of all his 26 matches across all competitions, of which he has only lost a mere three.
    The 47-year-old boss has also amassed 11 clean sheets out of all of his 17 Premier League matches, which makes the west Londoners one of the toughest teams to score against.
    However, he has never faced Leicester before and today marks his first ever meeting with Brendan Rodgers in all of his 14 years in management.
    Tuchel told BT Sport before the game: ““I’ve had worse days in my life, clearly, it cannot get much better than this.
    “I’m grateful to arrive in the maybe the most prestigious cup final in the world with a strong team and strong club. It’s quite a big day, but the job is not finish. We absolutely want to win, we arrive to win, it’s going to be tough, but the mindset is clear. We want the trophy.
    “We cannot get the points back from Wednesday’s defeat to Arsenal, but we can play sharper and show we learned a lesson. It’s a cup final, we want to be at our very best, and we will have to against a strong Leicester side”
    GETTY IMAGES
    LEICESTER FORMATION
    Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers appears to have opted for a 4-3-3 as well with only one change to the team that beat Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday.
    Kasper Schmeichel starts in goal with Wesley Fofana, Caglar Soyuncu and Jonny Evans, who replaces Marc Albrighton, in defence.
    Timothy Castagne starts as a right wing-back with Luke Thomas on the other side, while Youri Tielemans and Wilfred Ndidi link up in defence.
    Ayoze Perez, Kelechi Iheanacho and Jamie Vardy lead the attack
    CHELSEA FORMATION
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel appears to have opted for a 3-4-3 formation with five changes to the team that lost to Arsenal at home on Wednesday.
    Kepa Arrizabalaga starts in goal with captain Cesar Azpilicueta, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger, who replaces Kurt Zouma, in defence.
    Reece James plays as right wing-back with Marcos Alonso, on for Ben Chilwell on the other side, while Jorginho and N’Golo Kante, who takes Billy Gilmour’s place, team up in midfield.
    Masoun Mount, Timo Werner, who replaces Christian Pulisic, and Hakim Ziyech, who takes Kai Havertz’s place, lead the attack
    LEICESTER SUBS
    12 Ward, 5 Morgan, 18 Amartey, 21 Ricardo, 20 Choudhury, 24 Mendy, 26 Praet, 10 Maddison, 11 Albrighton.
    CHELSEA SUBS
    16 Mendy, 21 Chilwell, 33 Emerson, 15 Zouma, 23 Gilmour, 29 Havertz, 20 Hudson-Odoi, 10 Pulisic, 18 Giroud
    LEICESTER XI
    1 Schmeichel; 27 Castagne, 4 Soyuncu, 6 Evans, 3 Fofana; 33 Thomas, 25 Ndidi, 8 Tielemans; 17 Perez, 14 Iheanacho, 9 Vardy

    CHELSEA XI
    1 Kepa; 28 Azpilicueta, 6 Silva, 2 Rudiger; 24 James, 7 Kante, 5 Jorginho, 3 Alonso; 22 Ziyech, 19 Mount, 11 Werner

    THE TEAM SHEETS ARE IN!!!
    FANS ARE BACK
    The FA Cup Final won’t be taking place with empty stands at Wembley Stadium as a total of 21,000 fans will be in attendance.
    That means that the legendary ground, which holds up to 90,000 fans, will be at an approximate 23 per cent capacity for the clash between Chelsea and Leicester.
    The allocation is made up of supporters from both teams as well as local residents and NHS staff, who were offered tickets as a way of saying thank you for their tireless work during the coronavirus pandemic.
    But the supporters had to take a Covid-19 test two or three days prior to the match before another one on the day of the final.
    Fans were also allowed to attend last month’s Carabao Cup Final between eventual winners Manchester City and Tottenham, although Wembley that day was at 8,000 capacity

    GETTY IMAGES
    GATTY IMAGES
    GETTY IMAGES
    LEICESTER STATS
    Leicester are third in the Premier League table with two points separating them from fourth-placed Chelsea.
    The Foxes have been impressive in the FA Cup as they have scored 12 goals, one more than the Blues, and conceded a mere two.
    Brendan Rodgers’ men have won 20 out of 36 Premier League matches and lost 10, which makes it the joint-worst return of the top four.
    Leicester have scored a total of 65 goals and conceded 44, which means that Kasper Schmeichel has picked up the ball out of his own net more times than anyone else in the top five
    GETTY IMAGES

    CHELSEA STATS
    Chelsea are fourth in the Premier League table with four points separating them from fifth-placed Liverpool and two from third-placed Leicester, whom they will also face in the Premier League at home on Tuesday.
    The Foxes have their work cut out as the Blues hold the joint-highest number of clean sheets (18) in the Premier League and have only conceded one goal in all of their five FA Cup matches, where they have scored 11 goals.
    The west Londoners have won a total of 18 out of 36 matches in the Premier League where they have lost eight times, which is the joint-worst return of the top four.
    However, they have scored a total of 55 goals in the top flight and conceded a mere 33, which is the second lowest tally behind Manchester City
    GETTY IMAGES
    HEAD -TO-HEAD
    Chelsea and Leicester’s first ever encounter took place way back in 1905 during a second division match in the East Midlands that the Blues won 1-0.
    Since then, the two sides have faced off a total of 118 times across all competitions with the west Londoners winning a majority of 57 games, compared to the Foxes’ 27 victories.
    The two Premier League giants have met nine times in the FA Cup and Chelsea won seven of the exchange whereas Leicester have yet to beat their Wembley opponents in the competition.
    The Blues overcame Brendan Rodgers’ men in the sixth round last year with a score of 1-0 thanks to Ross Barkley’s winner.
    However, Leicester should still be feeling confident as they defeated Thomas Tuchel’s men 2-0 in their Premier League clash five months ago in Frank Lampard’s penultimate match in charge

    TEAM NEWS
    It is a glorious day at Wembley as a total of 21,000 supporters return to the stands for this major clash between the Blues and the Foxes after a long absence due to the coronavirus pandemic.
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel will get the opportunity to win his first piece of silverware in west London after turning things around at Stamford Bridge five months ago when he replaced Frank Lampard at the helm.
    But Tuchel is facing the prospect of missing midfield star N’Golo Kante, who’s suffering Achilles trouble that kept him out of the midweek defeat by Arsenal.
    Andreas Christensen also poses as a doubt as he is dealing with a tendon problem and the same goes for Mateo Kovacic after his recent bout with a hamstring injury.
    Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers, on the other hand, will be without long-term absentees Harvey Barnes and James Justin who are both out with a knee injury.
    Meanwhile, Jonny Evans is hoping to recover in time from a recent foot injury while star midfielder James Maddison is expected to return to the starting line-up after overcoming a hip problem
    GETTY IMAGES
    FAN-TASTIC
    Isn’t this a sight for sore eyes?
    The first fans descending on Wembley after over 14 months without watching their teams.
    These Leicester City supporters have already seen their team cause arguably the biggest shock in football history by lifting the Premier League title in 2016.
    And they’ll be looking for their team to defy expectations once again as they face Champions League finalists Chelsea.

    BLUE IS THE COLOUR
    It’s a battle of the Blues as Chelsea take on Leicester in the FA Cup final.
    The West Londoners are looking for a first trophy under Thomas Tuchel as they take on the Foxes at Wembley.
    And with victory they can go one better than they managed under Frank Lampard when they were edged out 2-1 in last year’s final.
    Leicester meanwhile have not appeared at an FA Cup final since 1969.On that day, they were beaten 1-0 by Manchester City.
    But the club has big ambitions and are looking for a first trophy under Brendan Rodgers.
    This match will also mark the largest capacity at an English football match since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis last year.
    21,000 fans will be out in force cheering their teams on at Wembley today.
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      Watch Robert Lewandowski get mid-game guard of honour for 40TH Bundesliga strike of season… before missing OPEN GOAL

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      ROBERT LEWANDOWSKI matched Gerd Muller’s incredible record of 40 goals in a single Bundesliga season on Saturday.And there is still one more week to go as the Bayern Munich star chases the all-time German top-flight record.
      Robert Lewandowski was given a mid-game guard of honour on SaturdayCredit: AFP

      The Pole won the Fifa Men’s Player of the Year gong for 2020 having smashed 34 goals in 31 league appearances as Bayern won the Treble.
      Somehow, he has managed to top that tally this time around with 40 strikes in just 28 games.
      In Saturday’s clash with Freiburg, the Bundesliga champions were ahead early on thanks to Lewandowski.
      A 26th-minute penalty was tucked away by the 32-year-old to match Munich legend Muller’s feat.
      The Bayern team and coaching staff immediately formed a guard of honour for Lewandowski, who appeared genuinely touched by the tribute.
      The player himself revealed a ‘4EVER GERD’ T-shirt tribute to five-time Bundesliga champion Muller, 75.
      Amazingly, his finishing talents let him down as the opportunity for the outright record evaded him.
      Leroy Sane’s goal either side of a Manuel Gulde strike and a late Christian Gunter equaliser made it 2-2 going into the final minutes.
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      Lewandowski was handed an open goal to seal the win and the recordCredit: AFP
      The Pole somehow scuffed his effort into the hands of the Freiburg goalkeeperCredit: Getty
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer

      Kingsley Coman then put it on a plate for Lewandowski to bury the triumphant winner – but he mishit his effort with the goal gaping and the ball landed gently in the goalkeeper’s gloves.
      Bayern had already wrapped up the title and the striker should get one more opportunity to claim the record.
      Munich host Augsburg next Saturday to round off another successful Bundesliga season.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski delighted with FIFA award after outstanding year More

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      Memphis Depay ‘will seal Barcelona transfer this summer from Lyon but only if Ronald Koeman stays in charge of club’

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      MEMPHIS DEPAY will reportedly seal a switch to Barcelona this summer, but only if Ronald Koeman remains as the club’s manager.Marca claim the Lyon captain has reached an agreement to sign for the Catalans – with a major factor being the prospect of reuniting with his former Netherlands boss.
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      Lyon captain Memphis Depay is nearing a move to BarcelonaCredit: EPA
      The Dutchman is keen on reuniting with his former Netherlands manager Ronald KoemanCredit: EPA
      Yet doubts have emerged around Koeman’s future at the Nou Camp following a difficult first season in charge.
      Barcelona’s 3-3 draw with Levante on Tuesday night have effectively ended hopes of winning LaLiga this season.
      The Spanish giants trail Atletico Madrid by four points with two games left while they also crashed out of the Champions League in the round of 16.
      But Koeman still has a contract through until the end of next season, and has eyed reunions at Barcelona with several of his former Dutch charges.
      Depay was heavily linked with a move to Barca at the start of this season, as he entered the final year of his contract.
      However, while he stayed in France for the current campaign, he is set to leave Lyon as a free agent this summer after refusing to sign a new deal.
      The 27-year-old has enjoyed a stunning season with Rudi Garcia’s side having scored 19 league goals and provided 10 assists.
      SunSport previously reported that Depay has already started house hunting in Barcelona been advised by his countryman Frenkie de Jong.

      However, the attacker is reportedly not being offered the same terms as in previous talks due to the club’s financial problems.
      Barcelona’s money woes have meant Koeman will largely have to rely on free agents this summer with Sergio Aguero another rumoured to join.
      Meanwhile, Depay could be handed a boost with Dutch teammate Georginio Wijnaldum also linked with leaving Liverpool for Barca for nothing.
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      Lyon star Memphis Depay works out in football training More

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      Man Utd in for £16m Arambarri, Sancho for Lingard transfer swap EXCLUSIVE, Keane slams Bruno Fernandes, Haaland updates

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      JESSE LINGARD could be used as bait in Manchester United’s pursuit of Jadon Sancho, SunSport can exclusively reveal.Dortmund are keeping tabs on 28-year-old Lingard and are big admirers – which United may use in a move for one of their top targets in Sancho.
      The 21-year-old ex-Man City ace is high on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s wish list again, after a failed swoop last summer.
      The German giants are understood to want £100m – but that price could be brought down with the inclusion of Lingard.
      Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
      ARAM AND A LEG
      Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri, according to reports.
      The Premier League giants are believed to have made contact with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a possible summer move.
      According to AS, the Red Devils are one of many big European clubs monitoring the Uruguay international.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, however, are said to be the most keen on a move and have made contact with Arambarri’s people.
      The report claims United see him as a player that can complement Bruno Fernandes’ abilities.
      And as Arambarri has a rumoured €25million release clause – around £21.5m – he would come relatively cheap in today’s market.
      There are even rumours that Getafe would accept as little as £17m for the midfielder.
      Mauro Arambarri, 25, is said to be a target for Manchester United
      GREEN GROCER
      Edinson Cavani believes Mason Greenwood can achieve big things in the future.
      Speaking of Greenwood, he said: “I believe that as players, when we reach a certain point in the elite level of the game, as we are today, I think that if you set yourself targets, if you really want something, if you focus on something that you really want to achieve for yourself and for your team, you can achieve it.
      “You can improve, you can grow as a player, you can be even better.
      “It depends on him, as it depends on each one of our forwards.
      “They’re all young strikers who have a long career ahead of them, and it will be down to them how they want to improve and blossom as players.”
      GOAL OF THE DAY
      What a strike this was from Mark Hughes in the European Cup Winners’ Cup final against Barcelona in 1991.
      Take a look at his finish below.

      ALL ABROAD
      Man Utd have boasted some of the finest foreign players to ever grace the Premier League.
      The likes of Eric Cantona, Jaap Stam and Cristiano Ronaldo have all cemented their legacy at Old Trafford.
      Bruno Fernandes is undoubtedly the star man for the current crop of Red Devils, managed by another iconic foreign import Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      But just who are the club’s greatest non-British players?
      United End editor Tom McDermott has already given his say on the club’s best British XI in the Premier League, and now he’s chosen a star-studded line up made up of foreigners.
      Only one player from the current Manchester United side has made the XI
      ZLAT’S ENOUGH
      Former Man Utd striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will NOT be taking part in the delayed Euro 2020 tournament for Sweden in the summer.
      The AC Milan ace will miss out due to a knee injury.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Sweden have decided that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will NOT take part to the Euros.
      “After the announcement of the conservative therapy needed by Zlatan to recover after his knee injury, he’ll be OUT of the Euros. Official.”
      Sweden boss Janne Andersson told Expressen: “It’s sad but Zlatan is gonna miss the Euros because of his injury.”
      MAGUIRE MISSED
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has admitted that his side miss club captain Harry Maguire.
      He said: “Harry [Maguire] has been really important for us so of course we’re going to miss him but he’s out so we have to deal with that.
      “It’s about regrouping and building our own confidence again as we have two games and a final.
      “The attitude was right and the focus was fine, we were ready for it. We didn’t build on the good times.
      “We should have gone more for it at the start of the game. Sometimes we let them off the hook and let them play out.
      “Tuesday. We need to find ourselves straight away. We need to build that momentum and confidence. We should go into that final ready.”
      FREDY, SET, GO
      Brazil coach Tite has lifted the lid on why he called Fred back to the national team set-up.
      He told ESPN: “It’s because of his performances.
      “The high level that he has been showing at United, a team that is runner-up in the Premier League.”
      Fred has started 26 top-flight games for the Red Devils this term having forced his way back into the starting XI under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      CAV SOME OF THAT
      Edinson Cavani has revealed why he rushed in to protect Mason Greenwood during the youngster’s scuffle with Gianluca Mancini and Rick Karsdorp away at Roma.
      He said: “There are times when you’re out there when I believe you need to protect and stand up for one of your team-mates.
      “Sometimes because it might be down to a lack of experience on their part, and they might make a mistake. Many times, it is because you believe that a situation that they are involved in during a stand-off just isn’t fair.
      “In that incident against Roma, what I felt was that he was arguing face to face with the Roma defender which is something that can happen in football.
      “The next minute, a third guy came on the scene and began pushing him when he clearly wasn’t part of the original argument. I told him he should keep out of the incident and that’s why I went to help Mason and offer him some protection. 
      “I also tried to separate the players so the incident would calm down. We were in a key period of the game and he could have been given a red card.
      “I got a yellow card for my trouble, but the main thing was really to protect and defend him and to try to prevent everything escalating further.”
      RON HIS WAY?
      Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be returning to Sporting Lisbon in the summer, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.
      This works as a major boost for Manchester United, who are reportedly keen on a reunion with Ronaldo ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The 36-year-old’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, fuelled speculation that Ronaldo could return to Sporting after they won their first Primeira Liga title for the first time in 19 years.
      She said: “I’ll talk to him to bring him back. Next year he will play in Alvalade [Sporting’s stadium].”
      But agent Mendes poured cold water on that prospect, as he remarked: “Cristiano is proud of the title won by Sporting, in fact, as he has publicly demonstrated.
      “But at the moment his career plans do not go through Portugal.”
      BIRTHDAY BOY
      Man Utd legend Patrice Evra has turned 40 today.
      The Frenchman won five Premier League titles during his time with the Red Devils, as well as three League Cups and one Champions League.
      He left in 2014 to join Juventus after scoring ten goals in 379 appearances.

      JAM FILLING
      James Garner is hoping his loan spells at Watford and Nottingham Forest this season will see him be a regular for Man Utd next term.
      Speaking to the Red Devils’ official magazine Inside United, he said: “I’ve been working hard, physically and mentally, and it’s something I’m trying to add into my game.
      “Hopefully, when I come back at the end of the season, I’ll sit down with the coaches and see what’s best for me and what’s going to be best for my development. I’ll take it from there really.”
      Commenting on his dream of being a regular United starter, he said: “I think that’s ultimately the dream.
      “I’ve been at the club since seven or eight and the main focus is to be in the first team and do whatever takes to be with the first team.
      “Like I’ve said, I’ll just keep working hard, keep my head down and have to see what is going to be best for my development. But, ultimately, my dream is to be with the first-team and play for United.”
      FRED DEVIL
      Man Utd midfielder Fred has earned himself a call-up to the Brazilian national team following his fine form.
      The 28-year-old has not featured for the Selecao in almost two-and-a-half-years.
      His last of his 11 outings came in October 2018 where he played 45 minutes against Saudi Arabia.
      Taking to Twitter, Fred expressed his delight at being named in Tite’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay.
      He said: “Great joy to represent my country again. Always proud to be summoned. Let’s go again!”
      VAR-CICAL
      Man Utd are reportedly battling Liverpool for the signing of Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.
      According to the Manchester Evening News, the Reds have held talks with the Frenchman’s entourage about a move to Anfield in the summer.
      Los Blancos could cash in on the defender with the player having just a year left on his contract.
      Real president Florentino Perez recently fuelled speculation the World Cup winner could depart.
      He said: “Varane? I’m happy with our team. But if players don’t want to stay at Madrid they can leave.”
      United are determined to sign a centre-half in the upcoming window as Ole Gunnar looks to find a partner for Harry Maguire.
      DAY AND NIGHT
      RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano has revealed that he nearly joined Premier League giants Man Utd.
      But his parents advised him to ‘think carefully’ about the potential move.
      Upamencano will link up with Bayern Munich in the summer.
      Speaking to The Athletic, the Frenchman said: “I was a young boy. I wanted to sign for them straight away. Manchester United!
      “But then my parents took me aside and said: ‘Let’s think carefully about this.
      “We thought about it for a long time and then decided that going ‘etape par etape’ [step by step] was the best option for me.
      “Everything Ralf [Rangnick] said came true.”
      LLOR AND ORDER
      Manchester United are reportedly preparing a £68million bid for Atletico Madrid’s Marcos Llorente.
      The Red Devils are known to be huge admirers of the 26-year-old, having first targeted the midfielder in January 2020.
      Llorente has been instrumental for Diego Simeone’s men this season with Atletico on the brink of winning their first LaLiga title since 2014.
      The ex-Real Madrid ace – who won the 2018 Champions League with Los Blancos – has chipped in with 13 goals and 12 assists in 43 games in all competitions this term.
      His fine form hasn’t gone unnoticed, and United were reportedly set to turn their interest into a formal offer in March.
      And now the Mirror have stated the Europa League finalists are ready to make a £68m bid to secure Llorente’s services.
      GOOD MORNING RED DEVILS FANS
      Manchester United have lined up Jadon Sancho and are willing to use Jesse Lingard as part of the deal to sign the Borussia Dortmund attacker.
      West Ham boss David Moyes hopes Lingard will consider a permanent move from United after his success on loan.
      The Red Devils have been linked with a move for Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri.
      United are preparing to make an offer for Atletico Madrid midfielder Marcos Llorente.
      The Europa League finalists are stepping their pursuit of Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane.
      NEAR AND VAR
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly lining up a £40million swoop for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.
      Despite seeming certain to finish second in the Premier League and reaching the Europa League final, Manchester United are keen to strengthen their backline.
      Missing Harry Maguire against Liverpool, United were ripped apart in their home defeat on Thursday.
      Solskjaer wants to launch a move for Varane to play alongside captain Maguire in central defence.
      The Frenchman, 28, has only 12 months left on his contract at the Bernabeu with talks over an extension having broken down.
      And United believe they can secure his signature this summer for a fee of around £40m.
      Credit: Getty
      VILE ABUSE
      Manchester United midfielder Fred has been subjected to more horrific racist abuse on social media just two weeks after the social media boycott.
      The Brazilian started for the Red Devils in their home defeat to Liverpool on Thursday evening.
      And after the match he was sent the vile racist abuse via the comment section of an Instagram post from Man Utd’s win over Aston Villa on Sunday.
      Fred was subjected to vile abuse onlineCredit: Reuters
      The shocking remarks included racial slurs and ‘monkey emojis’.
      A Facebook spokesperson told Sky Sports: “The racist abuse on Fred’s post is unacceptable and we don’t want it on Instagram.
      “We’ve removed a number of comments and taken action against the accounts that posted them.
      “We encourage people to use our safety features, including Comment Filters and Message Controls, which can meaningfully decrease the abuse people experience.
      “No single thing will fix this challenge overnight but we’re committed to doing what we can to keep our community safe from abuse.”
      RED GREG
      Has Conor McGregor thrown his hat in the ring to invest in Manchester United?
      This might be a stretch but the UFC superstar has highlighted his support for the club by posting an image of him as a kid wearing a United shirt.

      ‘JESSE HAS ENJOYED HIMSELF’
      West Ham boss David Moyes is hoping that on-loan Man Utd player Jesse Lingard considers a permanent move to the club in the summer.
      But has admitted that he is not sure how realistic a move is.
      “I am not actually sure how realistic it is,” said Moyes.
      “Obviously, I think Jesse has enjoyed himself, I hope he has… we have enjoyed having him and he is Manchester United’s player so they can decide what to do with him – and if they want to let him go then let’s hope he would consider us as one of his options.
      “We have enjoyed having him and I am sure he has enjoyed being here as well, he is getting a lot of accolades and is back in the England squad.
      “I hope he goes on to make the Euros and in time we will find out if Jesse is going to be a Manchester United player or if he will play for somebody else.”
      STAR MAN
      Aaron Wan-Bissaka has had a good season for Man Utd1

      MAUR THE MAN
      According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri in the summer.
      The 25-year-old has impressed this season despite Getafe struggling in LaLiga.
      And relegation is a possibility for the Spanish side.
      Atletico Madrid are also believed to be interested in the midfielder who could be available for around £16million.
      FERGUSON BACKS SOLSKJAER
      Former Man Utd manager and cub legend Sir Alex Ferguson has backed current boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Ferguson believes that Solskjaer understands the fundamental principles that the club is built on.
      “I think Ole was always very communicative,” Sir Alex told the BBC: “Even when he was on the bench – and he spent a lot of time on the bench!
      “He would take notes of training sessions and he had a will and way forward that he wanted to be a manager.
      “For a club like Manchester United, it’s a results industry. Without question. If you don’t get results, questions are going to be asked.
      “He is getting results and has really done very well and, which is really important for this club, is to introduce young people.
      “He has given young players a chance. I think that will always be the foundation of Manchester United.
      “From Matt Busby, from Alex Ferguson to what Ole is doing – the young guys, if they’re good enough, play them. It’s never a problem at this club.”
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      STAT ATTACK
      Bruno Fernandes is Man Utd’s top-scorer this season!
      The Portugal international also tops the charts in the assists department with 11. Important.

      JESSE SPEAKS
      Jesse Lingard has shared a video on Twitter thanking the fans for voting him Player of the Month, as well as voting for his goal against Wolves to win Goal of the Month.
      The Man Utd player – on loan at West Ham – preached a message of hope, and told fans to ‘be yourself’.
      He said: “This is a great moment for me on a personal level after the difficulties of the past, so for me to pick up these two awards – POTM & GOTM – proves with a positive attitude and staying strong, you can achieve anything.
      “This is for anyone who has ever been told they’re not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.
      “I would always say stay true to yourself, be yourself, you know, keep dancing, keep doing what you love and I’m sure you’ll reach your goals in the long run.”
      This is for anyone who has ever been told they’re not good enough, or that they need change who they are to fit in.Jesse Lingard
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      David Luiz and Xhaka ‘want to LEAVE’, Arsenal handed £35m Berge transfer price, Bissouma and Aarons news, new kit latest

      by

      ARSENAL’s away shirt for next season has been released – and it’s a beauty inspired by the 1971 FA Cup triumph.On the transfer front, the club are looking to make a big statement in the transfer market by securing Rennes wonderkid Eduardo Camavinga.
      Meanwhile, there are updates on chases for Yves Bissouma and Max Aarons.
      Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
      NOT WRIGHT DEAL
      Arsenal should not sign Dani Ceballos from Real Madrid on a permanent deal, according to club legend Ian Wright.
      The Spanish midfielder is currently on loan until the end of the season.
      Wright told Premier League Productions: “I don’t think we should be signing Ceballos, I just don’t think he’s what we need now.
      “I think that we’ve got young players coming through who should get an opportunity in front of Ceballos.
      “If he’s going to do anything to stay at Arsenal it would’ve been seen already by now.”
      Wright has not been convinced by Ceballos during his time at the Emirates and believes the club should put their faith in younger players.
      FIN LINE
      Real Betis favourite Finidi George has told Nabil Fekir to keep working hard if he wants to earn a move to Arsenal.
      Previously linked with the Gunners and Liverpool, Fekir has hit four goals for Betis this season.
      And ex-Nigeria international George told Tribal Football: “Nabil is young and he is a good player.
      “If he keeps working hard, keeps his cool and is disciplined, I think he might play for top clubs in Europe.
      “Going to Arsenal or Real Madrid depends on him. I think he has the quality. If he has the mindset, I think he can make it.
      “He has to continue to do his best for his club and hopefully the bigger clubs will come one day knocking at the door.”
      ELNENY CONTINUED
      In a statement to the JC, an Arsenal spokesman said: “As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms. 
      “That said, we are speaking to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.
      “As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”
      MO LAUGHING MATTER
      Arsenal sponsor Lavazza are holding ‘urgent talks’ with the club after a controversial tweet from Mohamed Elneny.
      The Egyptian midfielder posted a pro-Palestine message amid the worsening conflict with Israel.
      The Jewish Chronicle reported coffee group Lavazza’s insistence on urgent talks with the club following Elneny’s social media post.
      The post included an image with the text ‘Palestine Lives Matter’ which shows an outline of Israel with pro-Palestine images within.
      The Lavazza Group told the JC: “We’ll immediately reach out to Arsenal to remark we are concerned about the club associated with such a message.
      “Content of this post is totally not aligned with our company values.  Lavazza Group is fully committed against racism and antisemitism.”

      FOCUS ON IT
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus, becoming the show’s first permanent female host in its 47-year history.
      The former Arsenal and England star will take over from Dan Walker, who is stepping down after 12 years at the helm.
      The 36-year-old full-back made more than 200 club appearances during her playing career, earned 140 caps for her country and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
      Announcing the appointment in a column for BBC Sport, she wrote: “When I was a kid, I would never have watched television and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus.
      “For the BBC to trust me with this role and allow me to be my true, authentic self means a lot.”
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus
      PEPE TALK
      Nicolas Pepe could reportedly depart Arsenal in the summer should they receive a suitable offer.
      The Ivorian winger is in his second season at the Emirates, where he has chipped in with 12 goals and five assists in 45 games in all competitions.
      But he has yet to justify his £72million price tag, with the ex-Lille ace failing to nail down a regular starting spot under Mikel Arteta.
      Commenting on his future, Fabrizio Romano told the Arsenal Lounge: “The feeling around the player is that Arsenal will try again with him, will try with Arteta also to build this consideration in Europe and let’s see what happens next season.
      “But if an important bid will arrive Arsenal are open to consider, but at the moment it’s really difficult to have this money for this player.”
      MONEY SAVER
      Arsenal defender Dinos Mavropanos could extend his stay at Stuttgart beyond the summer IF he is not in boss Mikel Arteta’s plans going forward.
      The 23-year-old has impressed whilst on loan in Germany, and could prove a money saver if Arteta was to keep him and use him.
      Stuttgart manager Pellegrino Matarazzo loves him, and said: “He’s our gladiator!
      “He’s a monster in terms of physique. And when he makes a mistake, he hums around some Greek swear words. I like that. He’s just a tough dog.”
      The praise of Mavropanos didn’t just come from manager Matarazzo.
      Sporting director Sven Mislintat weighed in saying: “He (Mavropanos) says very clearly – if he doesn’t play a role in Arsenal’s planning, he wants to stay with us.”
      TALKING TACTICS
      Arsenal Women’s boss Joe Montemurro has discussed the winning tactics behind the Gunners’ title-winning side in 2019.
      Take a look at the clip below.
      Talking Tactics with @MontemurroJoe 🗣Our head coach dissects our title-winning side of 2018/19 🏆Get ready for detail and insight like you’ve never heard before! 🤯— Arsenal Women (@ArsenalWFC) May 14, 2021

      GUNNING FOR MORE
      Arsenal are reportedly ready to bring a handful of players to the club in the summer, according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano.
      Speaking on the Arsenal Lounge YouTube channel, he said: “I can guarantee you 100 per cent that they are working on some positions in particular.
      “Right-back, centre-back, midfielder and number 10, if Odegaard will leave, since February. So they are already talking with people, with agents and with clubs to be prepared.
      “The market this summer will be particular, as always when we have the Euros or the World Cup, the summer will be the end of May or the start of June, they will start something and I expect Arsenal to do something at the beginning of the market.
      “At the beginning of the market, Arsenal will be ready to do something, let’s see if it will be the right-back, the absolute priority is at right-back at the moment, that and the midfield.
      “So I expect that at the beginning of the market they will be close to signing two players in these positions.”
      HEART AND SOL
      Sol Campbell met with England officials on Thursday for discussions over the vacant Under-21s job.
      SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the ex-Arsenal defender, 46, had thrown his hat in the ring to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.
      It remains to be seen whether he will get the nod over the likes of current Under-17s chief Justin Cochrane and Liam Rosenior, who are also in the frame.
      Campbell, who won 73 caps for the Three Lions, previously bossed Macclesfield and Southend.
      Boothroyd is leaving this summer when his contract expires after presiding over a second successive group-stage exit from the Euros.
      Prospective candidates have been encouraged to apply as the FA conducts a ‘formal open process’ to appoint the new boss.
      Sol Campbell has been linked with the England Under-21s job
      TRANSFER BATTLE
      Arsenal will reportedly go toe-to-toe with bitter rivals Tottenham to sign Lyon defender Joachim Andersen.
      Anderson, 24, spent the season on loan with the recently-relegated Fulham but impressed in what was a disappointing campaign for the Cottagers.
      The centre-back’s displays for the west Londoners are said to have caught the eye of Arsenal, who are on the lookout for defensive reinforcements following a dismal season.
      But they’re also said to have impressed the Gunners’ north London neighbours Tottenham.
      And according to The Daily Telegraph, Spurs are ‘in pole position’ to sign the Denmark international.
      It’s been reported Tottenham are willing to splash out close to £35million to add Andersen to their collection of centre-backs.
      Tottenham are reportedly in pole position to sign Joachim Andersen
      TAKE XHAK
      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly seeking an exit away from the Emirates in the summer.
      The Gunners midfielder could be on of a number of players that could depart North London in what looks set to be a busy window for the Gunners.
      According to The Athletic, the Swiss international ‘intends’ to leave the club he has been at since 2016.
      Xhaka has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent midfielder this season.
      Should he depart, Arsenal could replace him with either Yves Bissouma or Sander Berge.
      RYAN AIR
      Leicester have joined Arsenal in the bidding war over the departing Southampton ace Ryan Bertrand.
      Bertrand confirmed on Wednesday that he will be leaving St Mary’s once his contract expires on June 30 and a raft of clubs have reportedly shown interest.
      West Ham and Crystal Palace are said to be keeping tabs on the left-back, who will be available for a free transfer in the summer, and the same also goes for Arsenal.
      The Gunners have been long-term admirers and manager Mikel Arteta is believed to still be keen on the 31-year-old.
      According to the Evening Standard, the same goes for Leicester, who were linked with Bertrand last year.
      Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers was reportedly open to reuniting with the player he worked with during his time at Chelsea’s coaching staff.
      NOT THE MAINE MAN
      Jermaine Jenas believes it is right for Arsenal not to offer David Luiz a new contract.
      The Brazilian defender will depart the Emirates after two seasons when his deal expires at the end of the season.
      Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live if he is surprised about the news, Jenas said: “Probably not.
      “Making 30 appearances I wouldn’t have thought it’s based on his age, I know he has had more injuries than he would have liked this year.
      “I think Arsenal do need to start rebuilding. I would imagine David Luiz is one of the higher earners at that football club.
      “And I think it’s a smart move from them to free up some cash and go a bit younger and try and start that rebuild essentially.”
      WRIGHT WARNS AGAINST SIGNING CEBALLOS
      Arsenal Legend Ian Wright has warned against signing on-loan Real Madrid midfielder Dani Ceballos in the summer.
      Wright believes that Arsenal have some very talented players who could fill the void left by the Spaniards departure.
      Speaking to Premier League Productions, Wright said: “I don’t think we should be signing Ceballos, I just don’t think he’s what we need now.
      ‘I think that we’ve got young players coming through who should get an opportunity in front of Ceballos.
      “If he’s going to do anything to stay at Arsenal, it would’ve been seen already by now.”
      ARTETA TO STAY
      Mikel Arteta will remain as Arsenal boss with the backing of the club’s hierarchy, according to Fabrizio Romano.
      Arsenal look set for one of their worst seasons in recent years but the Spaniard is being backed to turn it around at the Emirates.
      Arsenal are still backing Mikel Arteta and he’ll stay. The club is planning with the Spanish manager about next transfers window and new signings. ⚪️🔴 #AFCThe decision to not offer David Luiz a new contract was made together between player, board and approved by Arteta. 🇧🇷— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 15, 2021

      GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
      David Luiz is set to leave Arsenal this summer with the Brazil defender informing the club he wants to exit when his contract expires.
      The Gunners are reportedly ready to hand defender Calum Chambers a new deal after impressing this season.
      Arsenal will have to pay Sander Berge’s £35million release clause if they want to sign the Sheffield United midfielder.
      Berge is one of five players Arsenal have lined up to revamp their squad this summer.
      PRE-SEASON DATES
      Arsenal will reportedly play two of their fiercest rivals in pre-season as well as head out to America.
      The Gunners have yet to complete what has been a disappointing Premier League campaign that looks set to result in no European football for the first time in 25 years.
      However, supporters will have two whopping friendlies to look forward to ahead of the next one.
      Mikel Arteta’s side are reported to be part of a three-team London tournament that will see them collide with Tottenham and Chelsea.
      All proceeds from that mini showpiece, set for the first week of August, will go towards charities in the capital.
      Credit: AFP
      DEAL ME IN
      Arsenal rising star Emile Smith Rowe is reportedly close to signing a new five-year deal.
      The England talent has been one of the few success stories for the Gunners this season.
      Mikel Arteta wants to make sure the 20-year-old is a major part of the club’s future.
      And Smith Rowe is reportedly close to agreeing a new contract to commit his future to Arsenal.
      Credit: Getty
      ALL GUNNS BLAZING
      Arsenal are reportedly looking to bring in five players to revamp the squad this summer.
      Mikel Arteta is keen to strengthen in five areas with Norwich defender Max Aarons high on their shortlist.
      Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Sheffield United’s Sander Berge have also been linked with a potential move to Arsenal.
      Credit: Focus Images
      LUIZ LEAVING
      David Luiz is leaving Arsenal at the end of the season, according to the Daily Mail.
      The Brazilian held talks with the club today and he has notified them that he wishes to leave the Emirates this summer.
      The 34-year-olds contract comes to an end this summer, ending his two year spell at the club.
      Luiz helped Arsenal win the FA Cup last season, defeating his former club Chelsea where he spent six years of his professional career.
      Credit: GETTY IMAGES
      NEW DEAL
      Arsenal will hand defender Calum Chambers a new contract, according to Football.London.
      Chambers’ contract was due to expire at the end of next season.
      But his form has changed the tide of his Arsenal career and he’s set to be handed an extension.

      ICONIC
      Arsenal are continuing to promote their away kit for next season, but you’ll have to watch to see the short exchange between legend Patrick Vieira and Thomas Partey!

      RACE FOR EUROPE
      With the race for Europe heating up heading into the final 2/3 fixtures of the Premier League season, here’s what is up for grabs.

      ICE BERG
      Arsenal will have to pay Sander Berge’s full £35million release clause to land the midfielder despite Sheffield United’s relegation.
      Yorkshire Live refuted claims that the Norwegian could be available for a cut-price £12m after the Blades dropped out of the Premier League.
      Berge is still £10m cheaper than United’s original £45m asking price due to a relegation clause in his contract with the future Championship outfit.
      Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with moves for the 23-year-old, who has just returned to action following a lengthy injury.
      The 23-year-old appeared in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday in his first start since suffering a hamstring problem back in December.
      The Norway international became United’s club-record signing at £22million when he joined from Genk in January 2020.

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      Barcelona to sacrifice Messi talks for Haaland EXCLUSIVE, Ronaldo transfer LATEST, Chelsea kitty, Keita to Atletico news

      by

      THE transfer window is ramping up with news of Barcelona’s future as Lionel Messi weighs up signing a new deal while the club chase Erling Haaland.Meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo’s future is equally up in the air with the Portuguese ace reportedly looking at a Juventus exit.
      And Chelsea have been promised a £150million transfer kitty this summer, while Naby Keita could leave Liverpool for Atletico Madrid.
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
      SAINTS ROW
      Southampton have eased to a 3-1 win against Fulham to inflict further woe on Scott Parker’s men.
      Che Adams, Nathan Tella and Theo Walcott all got on the scoresheet for the Saints.
      Click HERE to read the SunSport match report.
      ARAM AND A LEG
      Man Utd are interested in signing Getafe midfielder Mauro Arambarri, according to reports.
      The Premier League giants are believed to have made contact with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a possible summer move.
      According to AS, the Red Devils are one of many big European clubs monitoring the Uruguay international.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, however, are said to be the most keen on a move and have made contact with Arambarri’s people.
      The report claims United see him as a player that can complement Bruno Fernandes’ abilities.
      And as Arambarri has a rumoured €25million release clause – around £21.5m – he would come relatively cheap in today’s market.
      There are even rumours that Getafe would accept as little as £17m for the midfielder.
      Mauro Arambarri, 25, is said to be a target for Manchester United
      TO BE FRANK
      Frank Lampard’s “fingerprints” are all over Chelsea’s transformation despite Thomas Tuchel succeeding him in January, claims Joe Cole.
      Lamps’ ex-England team-mate told the Mail: “Tuchel has come in and done an unbelievable job.
      “But you can’t disregard what Frank did – holding the fort during a difficult time, getting the club to a cup final last year, getting Champions League when they had lost their best player (Eden Hazard).
      “He brought in many of these young players in and put £200million of talent on the bottom line.
      “They were going through a bad spell earlier in the season and that’s Chelsea – you know if you go through a bad spell you could get the sack.
      “Frank’s fingerprints will be on this team but you have to credit Tuchel – to come in and have the impact he’s had is extraordinary. 
      “Chelsea is in a really healthy place at the moment so I am very happy, very confident.”
      TEAM NEWS
      This is how Chelsea and Leicester start for the FA Cup final.

      UP FOR THE CUP
      Leicester and Chelsea fans are enjoying a big day out at the football once again as Wembley opened its doors for the FA Cup final.
      Some 21,000 fans are attending Saturday’s clash between the Premier League clubs in the capital.
      It is the biggest crowd welcomed into a live event since the coronavirus pandemic led to multiple lockdowns and games being played behind closed doors.
      Those trekking up Wembley Way were asked to a Covid test in the days prior to the game before a lateral flow test this morning.
      The game itself kicks off at 5.15pm as Leicester look to win their first-ever FA Cup final after four defeats in the showpiece, the most recent in 1969.
      Wembley Way was back in business on Saturday
      ELNENY CONTINUED
      In a statement to the JC, an Arsenal spokesman said: “As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms. 
      “That said, we are speaking to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.
      “As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life.”
      MO LAUGHING MATTER
      Arsenal sponsor Lavazza are holding ‘urgent talks’ with the club after a controversial tweet from Mohamed Elneny.
      The Egyptian midfielder posted a pro-Palestine message amid the worsening conflict with Israel.
      The Jewish Chronicle reported coffee group Lavazza’s insistence on urgent talks with the club following Elneny’s social media post.
      The post included an image with the text ‘Palestine Lives Matter’ which shows an outline of Israel with pro-Palestine images within.
      The Lavazza Group told the JC: “We’ll immediately reach out to Arsenal to remark we are concerned about the club associated with such a message.
      “Content of this post is totally not aligned with our company values.  Lavazza Group is fully committed against racism and antisemitism.”

      FEEL THE BURN
      Leeds eased to a 4-0 win away at Burnley earlier this afternoon with Spanish striker Rodrigo scoring twice.
      The Whites are now two points behind ninth-placed Arsenal, and four points clear of Aston Villa in 11th.
      Click HERE to read the SunSport match report from Turf Moor.
      FOCUS ON IT
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus, becoming the show’s first permanent female host in its 47-year history.
      The former Arsenal and England star will take over from Dan Walker, who is stepping down after 12 years at the helm.
      The 36-year-old full-back made more than 200 club appearances during her playing career, earned 140 caps for her country and represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
      Announcing the appointment in a column for BBC Sport, she wrote: “When I was a kid, I would never have watched television and thought someone like me could be presenting a programme like Football Focus.
      “For the BBC to trust me with this role and allow me to be my true, authentic self means a lot.”
      Alex Scott has been named as the new host of the BBC’s Football Focus
      SPURS RAGE
      Furious Tottenham fans called for Daniel Levy to quit in protests outside the stadium.
      Supporters launched flares and unleashed their anger after the recent European Super League controversy.
      Tottenham fans vented their anger against chairman Levy after the recent attempt to take the club into the failed European Super League.
      A Spurs fans’ group snubbed Levy’s offer of a peace summit with Tottenham Hotspur Supporters’ Trust turning down the chance to meet him.
      The group insists it wants to meet owners ENIC directly to discuss the implementation of a six-point plan it has compiled “to lead the club into a new era.”
      And fans put up a banner at the protest which said ‘To dare is too dear – ENIC out’.
      Tottenham fans set off flares outside the ground
      ZLAT’S ENOUGH
      Former Man Utd striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic will NOT be taking part in the delayed Euro 2020 tournament for Sweden in the summer.
      The AC Milan ace will miss out due to a knee injury.
      Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Sweden have decided that Zlatan Ibrahimovic will NOT take part to the Euros.
      “After the announcement of the conservative therapy needed by Zlatan to recover after his knee injury, he’ll be OUT of the Euros. Official.”
      Sweden boss Janne Andersson told Expressen: “It’s sad but Zlatan is gonna miss the Euros because of his injury.”
      ERLI BID
      Barcelona are keen to sell Antoine Griezmann in the summer for the right price amid their bid to sign Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
      Barca are among Europe’s biggest hitters that are keeping tabs on Haaland, who is set to be a major talking point ahead of the summer transfer window.
      But first, the Blaugrana need to raise some funds in order to meet the star striker’s staggering €150million (£129m) asking price after the coronavirus pandemic’s financial impact.
      According to Matteo Moretto, who works for Italian Sky Sports and Di Marzio, the Catalan giants will listen to offers for Griezmann at the end of the season.
      The talismanic forward has failed to replicate his Atletico Madrid success at the Nou Camp ever since his €120m (£108m) move two years ago.
      The France international has improved this season with 19 goals and 12 assists in 49 matches across all competitions.
      FAN ZONE
      Hundreds of Rangers fans gathered outside Ibrox ahead of the club’s title celebrations amid warnings from cops and politicians.
      Supporters descended on the stadium first thing this morning, setting off smoke bombs and waving flags, one of them even climbed up a light post.
      This week police and politicians have been warning fans NOT to march from Ibrox to George Square to celebrate Premiership trophy day this weekend.
      The club asked fans to celebrate “in their community” and observe all social distancing rules.
      Supporters could be seen setting off flares outside the stadium before 10am this morning.
      And the crowd cheered as Steven Gerrard and the players arrived for their match against Aberdeen this afternoon.
      Rangers are celebrating the Scottish Premiership title
      DREAM TEAM
      Liverpool legends Robbie Fowler and Jamie Carragher have teamed up to launch a new academy at the club’s old Melwood training ground.
      The Fowler-Carragher academy will host a college offering training opportunities for youngsters in the city and wider region.
      The Reds left their long-standing home in August as they moved into a £50million purpose-built facility on the site of their own academy in Kirkby.
      Regeneration group Torus took ownership of Melwood and developed plans for a mixed-use affordable and sustainable housing scheme with community connections.
      Olympians Steve Parry and Beth Tweddle will also launch a sporting hub from the facility.
      Jamie Carragher and Robbie Fowler have teamed up to form the new academy
      Melwood will host the Fowler-Carragher academy

      RYAN AIR
      Leicester have joined Arsenal in the bidding war over the departing Southampton ace Ryan Bertrand.
      Bertrand confirmed on Wednesday that he will be leaving St Mary’s once his contract expires on June 30 and a raft of clubs have reportedly shown interest.
      West Ham and Crystal Palace are said to be keeping tabs on the left-back, who will be available for a free transfer in the summer, and the same also goes for Arsenal.
      The Gunners have been long-term admirers and manager Mikel Arteta is believed to still be keen on the 31-year-old.
      According to the Evening Standard, the same goes for Leicester, who were linked with Bertrand last year.
      Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers was reportedly open to reuniting with the player he worked with during his time at Chelsea’s coaching staff.
      PARTY ON
      Jamie Vardy revealed he considered quitting Leicester to become an Ibiza party rep and laughed: ‘Thank God I didn’t.’
      The striker was so down in the dumps in 2012, that he requested to be loaned back before even contemplating packing it in all together for a life on the party isle.
      Ahead of Leicester’s FA Cup final with Chelsea, Vardy, 34, said: “Moving to Ibiza felt a good idea at the time. It felt a really good idea. Thank God I didn’t. It was one of those things.
      “I’d never been in that environment — playing in the Championship, struggling, the performances and the goals not coming and it does make you think.
      “I had a chat with Nigel Pearson at one point and I was trying to get him to loan me back to Fleetwood, just because I’d had success there.
      “He said, ‘Listen, you’re good enough, just knuckle down, you can play a lot higher’. At that stage I knew he believed in me and after that it all clicked together. It was a learning curve.
      “The big jump in standard took a bit of time getting used to and then the season after we got promoted.”
      RON HIS WAY?
      Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be returning to Sporting Lisbon in the summer, according to his agent Jorge Mendes.
      This works as a major boost for Manchester United, who are reportedly keen on a reunion with Ronaldo ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The 36-year-old’s mother, Dolores Aveiro, fuelled speculation that Ronaldo could return to Sporting after they won their first Primeira Liga title for the first time in 19 years.
      She said: “I’ll talk to him to bring him back. Next year he will play in Alvalade [Sporting’s stadium].”
      But agent Mendes poured cold water on that prospect, as he remarked: “Cristiano is proud of the title won by Sporting, in fact, as he has publicly demonstrated.
      “But at the moment his career plans do not go through Portugal.”
      SIGN ME UP
      Polish side Wisla Plock have quite possibly pulled off the greatest contract renewal announcement of all time.
      The Ekstraklasa outfit confirmed Piotr Tomasik’s new deal in Grand Theft Auto style.
      The 33-year-old – who joined the club in 2019 – has committed his future for another campaign until 2022.
      Take a look at the amazing clip below.

      HEART AND SOL
      Sol Campbell met with England officials on Thursday for discussions over the vacant Under-21s job.
      SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that the ex-Arsenal defender, 46, had thrown his hat in the ring to succeed Aidy Boothroyd.
      It remains to be seen whether he will get the nod over the likes of current Under-17s chief Justin Cochrane and Liam Rosenior, who are also in the frame.
      Campbell, who won 73 caps for the Three Lions, previously bossed Macclesfield and Southend.
      Boothroyd is leaving this summer when his contract expires after presiding over a second successive group-stage exit from the Euros.
      Prospective candidates have been encouraged to apply as the FA conducts a ‘formal open process’ to appoint the new boss.
      Former Chelsea star Joe Cole spoke of his interest in the role last month but this week revealed he was given a ‘polite no’.
      Sol Campbell has been linked with the England Under-21s job
      VAR-CICAL
      Liverpool have reportedly joined Man Utd in the race to sign Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.
      According to the Manchester Evening News, the Reds have held talks with the Frenchman’s entourage about a move to Anfield in the summer.
      Los Blancos could cash in on the defender with the player having just a year left on his contract.
      Real president Florentino Perez recently fuelled speculation the World Cup winner could depart.
      He said: “Varane? I’m happy with our team. But if players don’t want to stay at Madrid they can leave.”
      United are determined to sign a centre-half in the upcoming window as Ole Gunnar looks to find a partner for Harry Maguire.
      DAY AND NIGHT
      RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano has revealed that he nearly joined Premier League giants Man Utd.
      But his parents advised him to ‘think carefully’ about the potential move.
      Upamencano will link up with Bayern Munich in the summer.
      Speaking to The Athletic, the Frenchman said: “I was a young boy. I wanted to sign for them straight away. Manchester United!
      “But then my parents took me aside and said: ‘Let’s think carefully about this.
      “We thought about it for a long time and then decided that going ‘etape par etape’ [step by step] was the best option for me.
      “Everything Ralf [Rangnick] said came true.”
      TAKE XHAK
      Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is reportedly seeking an exit away from the Emirates in the summer.
      The Gunners midfielder could be on of a number of players that could depart North London in what looks set to be a busy window for the Gunners.
      According to The Athletic, the Swiss international ‘intends’ to leave the club he has been at since 2016.
      Xhaka has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent midfielder this season.
      Should he depart, Arsenal could replace him with either Yves Bissouma or Sander Berge.
      SCOTT SAYING
      EXCLUSIVE – Fulham will not sack Scott Parker despite  friction between the manager and the club’s ruling Khan family.
      Owner Shahid Khan and his son Tony, the club’s controversial director of football, are fuming with their 40-year-old manager after a late-season capitulation saw them relegated with three games to go.
      But former player Parker is under contract for two more years. And he will not be offered a pay-off.
      Parker has voiced concerns at the lack of communication with Tony Khan, who also works for his father’s NFL franchise Jacksonville Jaguars and in American wrestling.
      But it is understood Khan has no intention of stepping aside from his Fulham duties and believes that the club has backed Parker.
      Scott Parker will not be sacked by Fulham despite relegation
      FOR THE PEOPLE
      Brendan Rodgers claims Leicester have the backing of every neutral in the land for Saturday’s FA Cup final with Chelsea.
      He said: “We would love to continue growing and be the people’s club.
      “We want to be the club other supporters around the country look at and hope that their club can ‘do a Leicester.’
      “People will look at Chelsea versus Leicester and they will see us as the underdog and, in most walks of life, everyone likes to see the underdog to do well.
      “It has been pretty clear with the talk around the Super League and Super Clubs and how they have been defined.
      “The story here since winning the title has been one that has gone round the world. What we have tried to do here is build our own map and make the club sustainable.
      “I sense there is a lot of good will for a club like us challenging the elite of the game. We are the pioneers for the clubs outside the top six, as such.”
      Brendan Rodgers feels neutral fans will be cheering his side on to lift the FA Cup
      SAINTS’ TLC FOR RLC
      EXCLUSIVE – Ruben Loftus-Cheek has emerged as a loan target for Southampton this summer.
      Saints were keen on the England midfielder a year ago but lost out when Fulham borrowed him from Chelsea.
      Loftus-Cheek, 25, has struggled for form with the Cottagers, scoring just once and registering no assists as Scott Parker’s side were relegated.
      Yet Southampton boss Ralph Hasenhuttl remains a fan and is confident he can bring the best out of RLC should he land him in the close season.
      The Austrian even namechecked Loftus-Cheek ahead of Saturday’s home clash with Fulham when discussing the talent at Parker’s disposal.
      Load more entries… More

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      Juventus vs Inter: Live stream, TV channel, teams, kick-off time for TODAY’S Serie A derby

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO and Juventus face the prospect of a season without Champions League football if they fail to beat champions Inter today. After nabbing the title off Juve against all odds, Inter will be looking to further rub their rivals’ noses in it by ensuring they miss out on the Champions League.
      Juventus are still hoping to finish in the Serie A Champions League spotsCredit: Reuters
      Juventus currently sit in 5th position, one point behind Napoli in the final Champions League spot.
      What time does Juventus vs Inter Milan kick-off?

      Juve’s big Serie A clash with Inter will get underway from 5pm UK time on Saturday, May 15.
      The game will take place at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.
      There will be no fans in attendance because of coronavirus restrictions.

      What channel is Juventus vs Inter Milan on and can I live stream it?

      Juventus vs Inter Milan will be shown live on Premier Sports 1.
      You can subscribe to Premier Sports for £11.99 a month by clicking HERE.
      The game is available for live streaming from the Premier Sports player, which can be downloaded onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.

      Team news
      Juventus XI: Szczesny, Danilo, De Ligt, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Cuadrado, Bentancur, Rabiot, Chiesa, Kulusevski, Ronaldo.

      Odds

      Juventus – 11/10
      Draw – 13/5
      Inter Milan – 11/5

      *Odds courtesy of Paddy Power and correct at time of publication. More

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      in Soccer

      Southampton 3 Fulham 1: Tella bags first Saints goal as relegated Cottagers slump again

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      SOUTHAMPTON showed no mercy as they made sure Fulham ended a week when they lost their top flight status with yet another defeat.Scott Parker’s side already knew they were plummeting down to the Championship and Saints made sure they were given another harsh lesson in why they are not good enough for the Premier League.
      Theo Walcott celebrates rounding off a comfortable win for the SaintsCredit: Reuters
      Nathan Tella steers Southampton into a 2-0 lead on the hourCredit: Getty
      Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side were a class above without ever needing to get into top gear as they secured back to back league wins for the first time since December.
      Given the way the past few months have gone for both sides, the end of this season probably cannot come soon enough.
      Top just before Christmas, 2021 has been one big slog for a Saints who’s threadbare squad was exposed by injuries and suspensions.
      Fulham’s plight has been obvious – they got themselves into position to challenge for safety and blew up when it mattered most.
      The summer will bring a complete overhaul of a squad which has carried for too many loan signings, and there was already a sign of preparing for next season about Parker’s team.
      For loan stars Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Ademola Lookman were left on the bench and there was a Premier League debut for 18-year-old Fabio Carvalho.
      Portuguese by birth, Carvalho has actually lived in England since the age of ten and has represented England at all age-groups from under-16s to under-18s.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game this summer
      Theo Walcott rounds off Southampton’s victory late onCredit: Reuters
      Midfielder Nathan Tella rejoices after doubling Southampton’s leadCredit: AFP
      Che Adams steers in the breakthrough goal for the Saints after 27 minutesCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      That he was preferred up front to Aleksandar Mitrovic and Josh Maja spoke volumes about where the manager’s thoughts have already turned.
      It was Fulham who carved out the first chance of the game on seven minutes when Josh Onama, another returning to the side, shot low into the side netting.
      But from then on Saints had it largely their own way for the remainder of the first half, but for  poked effort on goal from the willing Carvalho.
      Nathan Redmond fired high and wide when well placed before Takumi Minamino’s scuffed 16th minute shot was hacked off the line by Joachim Andersen.
      But the big Dane’s rash foul on Stuart Armstrong ultimately gifted Saints the lead on 27 minutes as Fulham’s defensive frailties were exposed once again.
      James Ward-Prowse delivered with usual aplomb and his cross was missed by three defenders allowing Adams to drill the ball into the top corner from close range.
      Ward-Prowse is right up there among the very best dead ball exponents in the Premier League, and he was denied a goal only by a flying save from Alphonse Areola to beat away his 25-yard free-kick ten minutes before the break.
      Che Adams celebrates his opener as relegated Fulham suffer at St Mary’sCredit: Rex
      Fulham teenager Fabio Carvalho calmly bags his first senior goal – but in defeatCredit: Getty
      This was a game when Danny Ings would have loved to have got on the scoresheet as he tries to how his form and persuade Gareth Southgate he should be in the England Euros squad.
      So the striker cut a frustrated figure on 59 minutes when he was substituted and replaced by Nathan Tella, shaking his head as he took his seat in the stands and not looking injured.
      But within 60 seconds he was leading the applause as 21-year-old Tella scored his first Premier League goal, turned home from close range a precise cross from Kyle Walker-Peters.
      That prompted Fulham into changes and sub Joe Bryan, another who was capable in the Championship but struggled in the top flight, sent a 20-yard shot inches wide of target.
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      Then 16 minutes from time Carvalho got the debut goal he was desperate for as he lashed a shot in off the underside of the bar to the delight of his teammates who mobbed the youngster.
      The goal came completely out of the blue and suddenly set up a tense finish in a game which Saints had been coasting through until that point.
      But Saints responded by restoring their two-goal advantage with eight minutes left when Tella backheeled into the path of sub Theo Walcott who whipped a shot from the edge of the box into the far corner.
      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Fulham keeper Alphonse Areola foils Southampton striker Danny IngsCredit: Jamie McPhilimey – The Sun
      Kyle Walker-Peters just beats Fulham striker Bobby De Cordova-Reid to the ball
      Jurgen Klopp reacts to Liverpool’s win against Southampton More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘abandoned’ by Juventus dressing room with team-mates ‘sick of his perks’ following Ferrari day trip

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO has reportedly been isolated by the Juventus dressing room as his team-mates believe he’s been given too much freedom.Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport claim tensions are boiling over in Turin after the Portuguese missed training on Monday.
      Cristiano Ronaldo could be about to play his last few games for Juventus if he leaves this summerCredit: Rex
      Cristiano Ronaldo is continuing to be linked with the exit door at JuventusCredit: AFP
      He was allowed a day off to collect his new £1.4million Ferrari Monza from the supercar manufacturer’s base in Maranello.
      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner was accompanied by Juventus’ President Andrea Agnelli and Exor Chairman and CEO John Elkann.
      Such a privilege is described as upsetting Ronaldo’s Old Lady pals, who were hauled in after they lost 3-0 to AC Milan on the weekend.
      And the report adds that many Juventus players believe the club give the former Real Madrid star too much freedom.
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      SunSport previously reported that Ronaldo was targeted by the Italian press after ‘one of his worst games EVER’ against AC Milan.
      That defeat left the Old Lady’s Champions League fate out of their own hands – one point adrift of fourth-placed Napoli with three games to go.
      And that could spell disaster for Juve, with Ronaldo potentially set to quit – with former club Sporting Lisbon said to be keen on a reunion.
      Another of his former teams, Manchester United, and Paris Saint-Germain are also rumoured to be monitoring the situation.

      Not only would Ronaldo reportedly have second thoughts about playing in the Europa League, Juventus may not be able to afford his wages.
      The Bianconeri are facing financial problems due to the pandemic that would only get worse by missing out on Europe’s top club competition.
      Talks are due to be held between the club and player at the end of the season, when there will be a year left on Ronaldo’s contract.

      ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘looking carefully’ at Man Utd transfer if Juventus fail to make the Champions League More