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      Chelsea lining up Porto’s Iranian strike sensation Mehdi Taremi who stunned Blues with Puskas-nominated bicycle kick

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      CHELSEA are lining up a beat-the-deadline move for Porto strike sensation Mehdi Taremi, according to reports.The Iran international bagged 26 goals in 48 games as his club won the Portuguese league and cup double last season.
      Mehdi Taremi’s stunning bicycle kick goal against Chelsea came second in the 2021 Puskas awardsCredit: Getty
      Stamford Bridge boss Thomas Tuchel is desperately seeking reinforcements following the Blues’ poor start to the season.
      They lost 2-1 at Southampton on Tuesday to slump to eighth in the Premier League.
      And Lisbon sports daily A Bola claims the German has targeted 30-year-old Taremi.
      Under contract until 2024, the frontman is valued at £22million.
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      The Iran ace is likely to face England at the World Cup finals in November. 
      He has 58 caps and 27 goals for his country.
      All told Taremi has an impressive 53 goals from 101 Porto appearances.
      He hit a stunning bicycle-kick winner as Porto beat Chelsea 1-0 in the Champions League in April 2021, although the Blues won the quarter-final 2-1 on aggregate.
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      The Persian goal machine was a bargain £4.25m buy from Portuguese side Rio Ave in 2020.
      He previously played for three Iranian clubs and Qatari side Al-Gharafa. More

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      What is a semi-automatic offside and will it be used in the Champions League?

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      THERE is nothing worse than a long nail biting VAR check for an offside when your football team has just scored the winner – but this new piece of technology is about to put an end to all of that.FIFA have reportedly spent the last three years testing its semi-automatic offside tool.
      The semi-automatic offside tool will assist match officialsCredit: Getty – Contributor
      And it has now been approved for use at major tournaments such as the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      But what is the semi-automatic offside tool and will it be used in this season’s Champions League?
      What is a semi-automatic offside?
      The semi-automatic offside tool is a piece of technology being introduced to make VAR decisions quicker and more accurate.
      It will be done by a system using computer tracker of 29 body parts of each player, combined with a microchip inside the ball.
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      This is expected to determine the positions of the players at the exact moment the ball has been played.
      So in the case of an offside situation, the video operations room will receive an automated alert alongside an automatic selected point and an instant drawn lines within seconds of the incident.
      Match officials will then have to validate the proposed selected kick point and the drawn offside line before VAR communicates the final decision on the pitch.
      Extra VAR officials will be in charge of calling offsides with the algorithm providing a 3D animation to explain a call in a average of 25 seconds.
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      And that illustration is then available on the giant screens within the stadium and for TV viewers to take a look at in the next stoppage of play.
      Will it be used in the Champions League?
      The semi-automatic offside technology was initially meant to be rolled out for the opening fixture of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
      Karim Benzema had his goal ruled out for offside after a VAR checkCredit: Richard Pelham / The Sun
      However, UEFA have stolen a march on FIFA as it was deployed in the Super Cup fixture between Real Madrid and Eintracht Frankfurt.
      And now, it has been revealed that they will use the new tool in this season’s Champions League.
      What has been said?
      UEFA’S refereeing chief Roberto Rosetti believes that the semi-automatic offside technology will be beneficial to the match officials, players and fans.
      Rosetti said: “We are constantly looking for new technological solutions to improve the game and support the work of the referees. 
      “This innovative system will allow VAR teams to determine offside situations quickly and more accurately, enhancing the flow of the game and the consistency of the decisions.
      “The system is ready to be used in official matches and implemented at each Champions League venue.” More

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      Why Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will be delighted Rangers and Celtic will BOTH be in Champions League this season

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      SCOTTISH giants Celtic and Rangers will BOTH appear in the Champions League this season for the first time in 15 years.Arguably football’s greatest rivalry will now be showcased on the biggest stage with both clubs set to take on Europe’s best.
      Celtic and Rangers have both qualified for the Champions League his seasonCredit: AFP
      Celtic, who qualified by winning the Scottish Premiership, have been placed in Group F with RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donetsk and the reigning champions Real Madrid.
      Meanwhile, Rangers, who earned qualification via the Champions League play-offs, are in one of the toughest groups alongside Ajax, Napoli and Liverpool.
      Whether you’re a fan of Scottish football or not, there is no doubt that the presence of these two historic clubs will add a new level of excitement to this year’s competition.
      Many of Europe’s finest prospects have travelled to both Celtic Park and Ibrox during their careers – including Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – and each have offered rave reviews of the unique atmosphere that both grounds hold.
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      After taking to the pitch at Celtic Park in 2007 with Barcelona, seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi admitted it produced the “best atmosphere” in Europe.
      He said: “The games against Celtic were special and I want to remember them.

      “We know we would get a tough game if we drew them in the Champions League, but everybody involved in those Barcelona v Celtic games wants to go and play there again.
      “It is the best atmosphere in Europe and we all want to experience that again.”
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      Messi previously admitted that Celtic Park produces the “best atmosphere” in EuropeCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo has also praised the atmosphere in GlasgowCredit: Getty
      Ronaldo, who made an appearance at Celtic’s iconic stadium in 2008, also revealed that it was “great” to play there.
      Some legends of the game have also praised Rangers fans for the atmosphere at Ibrox, including Chelsea icon Didier Drogba.
      The former Ivory Coast international said: “All I can say when I try to imagine what it will be like at Ibrox is ‘Ooh la la!’.
      “I played against Rangers at Ibrox with Chelsea in the summer (2011) and we lost 2-0, I have told Perrin that the atmosphere at Ibrox is absolutely magical.
      “To my way of appreciating football, it’s truly really beautiful. That’s how to support your team!”
      While Celtic and Rangers have both enjoyed individual stints in Uefa’s most prestigious club competition, this season will mark the first time since the 2007/08 campaign that both sides have competed at the same time.
      Rangers are yet to experience winning a Champions League title, but Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s side came agonisingly close to clinching the Europa League last season.
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      The Gers made it all the way to the final but lost out to Eintracht Frankfurt on penalties.
      Meanwhile, Celtic lifted the Champions League trophy – then called the European Cup – in 1967 after defeating Inter Milan in the final. More

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      Cristiano Ronaldo ‘annoyed with 25 per cent pay cut written into contract for Man United missing Champions League’

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      CRISTIANO RONALDO is reportedly annoyed with Manchester United after having to take a 25 per cent pay cut.That’s due to the Red Devils missing out on Champions League football this season.
      Cristiano Ronaldo is upset at having to take a 25 per cent pay cut at Man UtdCredit: Getty
      The Sunday Times claims Ronaldo, 37, was left fuming when United finished sixth in the Premier League last term.
      The dud ending to Ralf Rangnick’s tenure not only saw the club miss out on the continent’s top competition.
      But it also ensured Ronaldo saw his wages drop from £480,000-a-week to £360k-a-week.
      The clause was written into his contract when Ronnie rejoined United from Juventus last year.
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      And the Portuguese legend has been giving out about the 25 per cent deduction since it kicked in two months ago.
      Unhappy Ronaldo has been pushing for an exit this summer despite Erik ten Hag implementing a new style at Old Trafford.
      He’s started just one of United’s four league games under the Dutchman.
      And the striker could only muster a brief appearance from the bench in yesterday’s win at Southampton.
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      But Ronaldo has failed to attract a transfer offer from a big side, despite being linked with Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
      His best option could be a return to boyhood club Sporting Lisbon.
      Yet reports claim Italian giants Napoli could soon make an offer, with Victor Osimhen moving the other way.
      United won’t be left light in attack should Ronaldo leave though.
      That’s because they are finally closing in on Ajax winger Antony.
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      The Dutch club rejected a £75million bid from United on Friday.
      But reports claim they have now accepted an £85m offer after Antony went public with his fury at being denied a move. More

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      Maccabi Haifa players forced to delete Instagram post after begging Messi and Neymar for shirts BEFORE PSG clash

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      MACCABI HAIFA forced players to delete an Instagram post pleading for Paris Saint-Germain duo Lionel Messi and Neymar’s shirts before their Champions League clash.The draw for the elite competition took place on Thursday – with the tournament to begin on September 6.
      Maccabi Haifa stars were forced to take down a post begging Messi and Neymar for their shirts ahead of the Israeli club’s Champions League tie with PSGCredit: Not known, clear with picture desk
      PSG and Maccabi are both in Group H of this season’s Champions League tournamentCredit: Getty
      Premier League clubs Liverpool, Chelsea, Man City, and Tottenham all found out their fixture dates in the Champions League on Saturday morning.
      The Reds face a double header against Rangers in Group A, as they brace themselves for a gruelling six-game schedule spread across eight days.
      It was a special occasion for Israeli Champions Maccabi, who haven’t qualified for the competition in 13 years.
      And they’ll have a hard time getting past PSG, Juventus, and Benfica in Group H.
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      But Maccabi duo Dolev Haziza and Omer Atzili were more concerned about getting signed shirts from Messi and Neymar when they meet.
      Upon hearing that they’ll get the chance to play against Messi and Neymar, Maccabi ace Atzili posted a pic with Haziza, adding the caption: “T-shirt to us please.”
      The caption included Messi’s name, alongside a goat emoji, and Neymar’s with a kiss emoji.
      But the pair’s enthusiasm wasn’t shared by Maccabi boss Barak Bakhar who demanded the post was swiftly taken down.
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      His request was met with no resistance and the pic was removed from Atzili’s account.
      Speaking of his adulation over Messi and Neymar, Haziza gushed via Bild: “We watched the draw in our locker room. It was absolutely amazing, like a volcano.
      “We play against three of the best players in the world. That’s just huge! I still can’t quite believe it.
      “It’s no secret that Neymar is my favorite player and I learned a few things from him. He and Messi are just football gods!”
      Messi will have the chance to hijack rival Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo’s record as the Champions League’s all-time top scorer in this season’s competition.
      That’s if Ronaldo doesn’t move to a team participating in the tournament this summer. More

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      Arsenal, Chelsea and Man Utd’s Europa and Champions League fixtures out with Battle of Britain double header for Klopp

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      LIVERPOOL will play their Champions League double header with Rangers in the space of just eight days in the middle of the six-game schedule.But Manchester City star signing Erling Haaland must wait until the end of October for his return to Borussia Dortmund.
      Liverpool are set for a double header with Rangers in a gruelling six-game schedule after the Champions League and Europa League fixtures dates were revealed by UefaCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
      Uefa finally unveiled the confirmed fixture dates for all three European competitions this morning.
      It means Chelsea will be the first Prem side in Champions League action, with the early evening kick-off at 5.45pm UK time on Tuesday September 6 for their trip to Croatia’s Dinamo Zagreb.
      Pep Guardiola’s City are also away on the opening day, facing the prospect of Sevilla.
      The following evening, Liverpool and Spurs begin their campaigns, with Jurgen Klopp’s men travelling to meet Napoli in the renamed Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
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      Tottenham, though, are the only Prem side to start at home, with Marseille the visitors to N17.
      Spurs will play just one “early” game, their trip to Sporting Lisbon on September 13, with City’s game in Copenhagen on October 11 a 5.45pm kick-off. All Liverpool’s matches will start at 8pm.

      The fixtures mean City will have 24 hours extra to prepare for their home game with Spurs on September 10 and Liverpool have an extra day of recovery ahead of their trip to Chelsea the following weekend.
      It also gives City a potential edge ahead of their clash with Liverpool on October 15, with Jurgen Klopp’s side in Glasgow the day after the Champions play in Denmark.
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      European fixture dates (English clubs)Champions League fixtures
      Group A: 
      Weds Sep 7 Ajax v Rangers (5.45pm), Napoli v Liverpool (8pm)
      Tues Sep 13 Liverpool v Ajax (8pm), Rangers v Napoli (8pm)
      Tues Oct 4 Liverpool v Rangers (8pm), Ajax v Napoli (8pm)
      Weds Oct 12 Rangers v Liverpool (8pm), Napoli v Ajax (5.45pm)
      Weds Oct 26 Ajax v Liverpool (8pm), Napoli v Rangers (8pm)
      Tues Nov 1 Liverpool v Napoli (8pm), Rangers v Ajax (8pm)
      Group D:
      Weds Sep 7 Eintracht Frankfurt v Sporting Lisbon (5.45pm), Tottenham v Marseille (8pm)
      Tues Sep 13 Sporting Lisbon v Tottenham (5.45pm), Marseille v Eintracht Frankfurt (8pm)
      Tues Oct 4 Eintracht Frankfurt v Tottenham (8pm), Marseille v Sporting Lisbon (5.45pm)
      Weds Oct 12 Tottenham v Eintracht Frankfurt (8pm), Sporting Lisbon v Marseille (8pm)
      Weds Oct 26 Tottenham v Sporting Lisbon (8pm), Eintracht Frankfurt v Marseille (8pm)
      Tues Nov 1 Marseille v Tottenham (8pm), Sporting Lisbon v Eintracht Frankfurt (8pm)
      Group E:
      Tues Sep 6 Dinamo Zagreb v Chelsea (5.45pm), Salzburg v Milan (8pm)
      Weds Sep 14 Milan v D Zagreb (5.45pm), Chelsea v Salzburg (8pm)
      Weds Oct 5 Salzburg v D Zagreb (5.45pm), Chelsea v Milan (8pm)
      Tues Oct 11 Milan v Chelsea (8pm), D Zagreb v Salzburg (8pm)
      Tues Oct 25 Salzburg v Chelsea (5.45pm), D Zagreb v Milan (8pm)
      Weds Nov 2 Chelsea v D Zagreb (8pm), Milan v Salzburg (8pm)
      Group G:
      Tues Sep 6 Borussia Dortmund v Copenhagen (5.45pm), Sevilla v Man City (8pm)
      Weds Sep 14 Man City v Borussia Dortmund (8pm), Copenhagen v Sevilla (8pm)
      Weds Oct 5 Man City v Copenhagen (8pm), Sevilla v Dortmund (8pm)
      Tues Oct 11 Copenhagen v Man City (5.45pm), Dortmund v Sevilla (8pm)
      Tues Oct 25 Sevilla v Copenhagen (5.45pm), Dortmund v Man City (8pm)
      Weds Nov 2 Man City v Sevilla (8pm), Copenhagen v Sevilla (8pm)
      Europa League
      Group A:
      Thur Sep 8 Zurich v Arsenal (5.45pm)
      Thur Sep 15 Arsenal v PSV Eindhoven (8pm)
      Thur Oct 6 Arsenal v Bodo/Glimt (8pm)
      Thur Oct 13 Bodo/Glimt v Arsenal (5.45pm)
      Thur Oct 27 PSV Eindhoven v Arsenal (5.45pm)
      Thur Nov 3 Arsenal v Zurich (8pm)
      Group E:
      Thur Sep 8 Man Utd v Real Sociedad (8pm)
      Thur Sep 15 Sheriff Tiraspol v Man Utd (5.45pm)
      Thur Oct 6 Omonoia Nicosia v Man Utd (5.45pm)
      Thur Oct 13 Man Utd v Omonoia Nicosia (8pm)
      Thur Oct 27 Man Utd v Sheriff (8pm)
      Thur Nov 3 Real Sociedad v Man Utd (5.45pm)
      Conference League Group B:
      Thur Sep 8 West Ham v Steaua Bucharest (8pm)
      Thur Sep 15 Silkeborg v West Ham (8pm)
      Thur Oct 6 Anderlecht v West Ham (5.45pm)
      Thur Oct 13 West Ham v Anderlecht (8pm)
      Thur Oct 27 West Ham v Silkeborg (8pm)
      Thur Nov 3 Steaua Bucharest v West Ham (8pm)

      In the Europa League, Manchester United begin with a home match against Real Sociedad while Arsenal travel to Zurich.
      United’s long distance journey to face Sheriff Tiraspol in Chisinau is on September 15, followed by the even longer flight to Neil Lennon’s Omonoia Nicosia in the third game on October 6.
      Like United, all three of Arsenal’s away games will kick off at 5.45pm.
      West Ham, who start against Steaua Bucharest, have just one early game, their trip to Anderlecht on October 6. More

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      Man Utd’s £70m signing Casemiro gives brilliant response when asked about not playing in Champions League this season

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      MANCHESTER UNITED’S Casemiro provided a brilliant response when he was asked about not playing in this season’s Champions League.The new man at Old Trafford will have to face Europa League football until at least next year after the Red Devils failed to make it to Europe’s premier competition.
      Casemiro, 30, is a serial Champions League winnerCredit: Reuters
      In contrast, the team Casemiro left in Real Madrid won last season’s Champions League and have been victorious in Europe in five of the last nine seasons.
      But the 30-year-old has no qualms about being left out of the historic competition this year.
      When asked about missing out on the Champions League in his first season at United, he told ESPN Brasil: “Well.. I already have five, don’t I?”
      The witty response caught the attention of United fans who were fans of the cheekiness.
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      One wrote on Twitter: “Nah that’s the most legendary response I’ve ever seen.”
      Another said: “Ownnnn, yes case!”
      One United fan quipped: “Next thing for him is to win the Europa league 5 times.”
      Casemiro was an important part to all of Madrid’s European wins, although he did miss the 2014 final.
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      He started all the other finals alongside Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, and even scored one against Juventus in 2017’s 4-1 trouncing.
      Casemiro was paraded around Old Trafford before the Red Devils stunned Liverpool.
      Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford did the damage as Erik ten Hag got his first win as United boss – and arrested the club’s worrying early-season form.
      The Dutch manager will be hoping Casemiro can help beef up a midfield that was found wanting in losses against Brighton and Brentford.
      He may not be the last man into Old Trafford either with moves for Antony and Cody Gakpo believed to be in the making. More

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      Bayern Munich chief Kahn spotted ‘smirking’ at Champions League draw sparking Barcelona press to slam lack of respect

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      BAYERN MUNICH chief Oliver Kahn was seen smirking after his side drew Barcelona in Champions League group C.There is plenty of recent history between the two sides with Bayern infamously beating Barca 8-2 just two years ago.
      Oliver Kahn was spotted smirking after Bayern Munich drew Barcelona
      Spanish outlet Sport accused Kahn of lacking respectCredit: Sport
      Robert Lewandowski is set to come up against his former club after signing for Barcelona this summerCredit: Getty
      The pair met last season too with Bayern winning both group matches 3-0.
      In fact, Barcelona have won just one of their last eight games against Bayern – which is perhaps what has prompted some sections of the Spanish press to react badly to Kahn’s smile.
      Catalan newspaper Sport accused the former goalkeeper of lacking respect – an accusation he has denied.
      In response Kahn said: “This interpretation is really completely out of thin air.”
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      Others have reacted more positively to the draw, such as Bayern star Thomas Muller who is looking forward to a showdown with former team-mate Robert Lewandowski after the striker moved to the Nou Camp this summer.
      Muller wrote on Instagram: “Mr Lewangoalski, see you soon in Munich. I’m looking forward to it.”
      Group C has been labelled the group of death as both teams will have to overcome Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen to progress.
      Meanwhile, there will be another high profile return in Germany as Manchester City’s Erling Haaland has been drawn against former club Borussia Dortmund.
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      City will fancy their chances of winning a group that also contains Sevilla and Copenhagen.
      The three other English sides in the competition – Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham – will also be quietly confident.
      The Reds have been drawn against Ajax and Napoli and have a mouth-watering all-British tie against Rangers to look forward to.
      Chelsea also have favourable fixtures against AC Milan, RB Salzburg and Dinamo Zagreb – but Tottenham arguably have the easiest opponents.
      Spurs will face Eintracht Frankfurt, Sporting Lisbon, Marseille – a draw some fans feel is so easy they have jokingly accused Tottenham youth coach Yaya Toure of fixing the draw. More