Chelsea transfer news

ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has sensationally given up control of Chelsea amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.The Blues owner – who bought the club in July 2003 – released an incredible statement on their website tonight.
It comes on the eve of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.
Follow all the latest news on Abramovich’s announcement below..
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Bye Bielsa
Marcelo Bielsa has sensationally quit as Leeds boss after a shocking run of results.
The 66-year-old Argentine has spent four years at Elland Road, getting them promoted from the Championship.
He has struggled to help them kick-on this season, following a series of worrying performances.
They lost 4-0 at home to Tottenham on Saturday lunchtime, in another miserable display.
It left them having gained just one point from a possible 18 over the previous six matches.
The Yorkshire side are looking to bring in former RB Leipzig boss Jesse Marsch as his replacement.
It is understood the finalisation of Bielsa’s exit is currently being thrashed out between lawyers.
And according to Fabrizio Romano, 48-year-old American coach Marsch is hot favourite to take over.

Roman still reigns
Roman Abramovich reportedly remains Chelsea’s owner despite his bombshell statement that he has handed over the stewardship of the club.
The Russian billionaire announced the shock news on Saturday night following his country’s invasion of Ukraine.
A number of Russian oligarchs have had their assets frozen by the British government due to events in Ukraine, though Abramovich has not been sanctioned.
Abramovich, who bought the West London outfit in 2003, has stated that he has passed control of the Blues to their six trustees.
His announcement, which didn’t mention Ukraine, comes on the eve of Chelsea’s Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley on Sunday.
Those now overseeing the Champions League holders are chairman Bruce Buck, Women’s boss Emma Hayes, head of the National Lottery Sir Hugh Robertson, equality campaigner Piara Powar, lawyer John Devine and director of finance Paul Ramos.

Magic Tuch
Jurgen Klopp, 54, and Thomas Tuchel, 48, will do battle in what is somewhat-crudely being dubbed ‘Master vs Apprentice’ in the League Cup final.
The two have played against each other 17 times dating back to their time together in Germany, with Klopp winning NINE of their 17 encounters, losing three times.
Most-recently, Klopp’s Liverpool faced Tuchel’s Chelsea in a thrilling 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge at the beginning of January.
Klopp has taken charge of nearly TWICE as many matches as a football manager too, with 945 games under his belt to Tuchel’s 524.
Tuchel boasts the better win record at 57 per cent to 53.4 per cent – however, his stint at PSG (74.8 per cent) somewhat boosted his stats.
And the Chelsea boss is beginning to overtake Klopp in other areas too.
He equalled his compatriot’s one Champions League title by winning the competition last season.
And he followed that up with success in the Super Cup and Club World Cup which means he has now overtaken Klopp’s trophy count, with 10 to nine.
Klopp has won three Big Five league titles with one Premier League crown and two Bundesliga titles, while Tuchel has won just two (both Ligue 1).
All that goes out the window tonight though as the two go head-to-head knowing anything could happen in a final.
But who will come out on top? The ‘Master’ or the ‘Apprentice’?

Inside Chelsea’s six trustees in charge 
Here’s our look at a dramatically-different power centre for the Blues – including chairman Bruce Buck and women’s team manager Emma Hayes.
Russian billionaire Abramovich handed over ‘stewardship and care’ due to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
New Yorker Buck has been a Chelsea fan since 1983, while Hayes has bossed the Blues’ women to the Double during her ten-year reign.
John Devis is Head of the Sports Team at law firm Muckle LLP and equality campaigner Piara Powar used to be Chief Executive of Kick It Out.
Hayes has been Chelsea women’s manager since 2012, she won the FA Cup and Super League double three years later.
John Devine is a partner in the Sports Team at law firm Muckle LLP, he works with a huge range of sports and governing bodies.
Piara Powar is an executive director of anti-discrimination and social inclusion network FARE, he is also the former Chief Executive of Kick It Out.
Paul Ramos is Chelsea’s financial supremo has been with the club since September 2001.
Sir Hugh Robertson perhaps is the best-known of the six – although not for football reasons.
Sir Hugh is the vice-chair of the British Olympic Association and former Conservative Minister for both Sport and of the Olympics, notably overseeing London 2012.
He joined the Blues’ Board of Trustees in 2016.
Rushing Roman
Roman Abramovich’s statement passing over stewardship of Chelsea was just 110 words.
The Russian billionaire dropped his bombshell announcement on Saturday evening, days after his home country’s invasion of Ukraine.
He passed control and running of the West London football club to their six trustees.
They are chairman Bruce Buck, Blues’ women’s boss Emma Hayes, head of the National Lottery Sir Hugh Robertson, equality campaigner Piara Powar, lawyer John Devine and director of finance Paul Ramos.
But despite the major shift at Stamford Bridge, the wording was condensed to just five brief sentences.
The Abramovich message said: “During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.
“I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values.
“That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.
“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”

Feeling Blues
Chelsea fans have reacted to the news that long-time owner Roman Abramovich is giving up control of the club.
The Blues’ Russian owner – who bought the west London outfit in July 2003 – released an incredible statement on the side’s website on Saturday night.
It comes amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – which the UK government have responded to by freezing the assets of some Russian oligarchs.
Abramovich has not yet been sanctioned.
Some Chelsea supporters are concerned by Abramovich’s sudden departure.
One fan said: “Don’t sell Roman we love you.”
While another added: “Roman Abramovich is the best owner in club football.”

Ro-go
Chelsea fans reacted with shock at the news, and are confused if it means he has fully stepped away.
Abramovich remains the club’s owner and can still invest money into the club.
The decision is understood to be an attempt to distance the club from the controversy surround him.
Earlier this week Labour MP Chris Bryant stated Russian billionaire Abramovich should be barred from owning the club.
There were concerns over his links to “corrupt activity and practices”.
There was no mention of the war in Ukraine in the statement.

New Blues
Roman Abramovich’s shock Chelsea departure leaves six trustees in charge.
Here’s our look at a dramatically-different power centre for the Blues – including chairman Bruce Buck and women’s team manager Emma Hayes.
Russian billionaire Abramovich handed over ‘stewardship and care’ due to Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
And that thrusts these half-dozen figures into the limelight – ahead of Sunday’s Carabao Cup final with Liverpool.
New Yorker Buck has been a Chelsea fan since 1983, while Hayes has bossed the Blues’ women to the Double during her six-year reign.
John Devis is Head of the Sports Team at law firm Muckle LLP and equality campaigner Piara Powar used to be Chief Executive of Kick It Out
Completing the six are Chelsea’s Director of Finance Paul Ramos and lifelong Blues’ fan Sir Hugh Robertson, vice-chairman of the British Olympic Association.

Crissed off
Cristiano Ronaldo’s Manchester United plight was summed up as he turned into a statue to somehow block a Bruno Fernandes’ shot.
Ron stopped bolt upright in the middle of the penalty box in a 0-0 home draw with Watford – grinding to a halt like United’s progress in the Prem.
Fernandes’ angled effort cannoned away off his Portugal team-mate, who even remained reluctant to move afterwards.
Ronaldo then looked exasperated at the final whistle as the Red Devils were booed off following their latest wasteful stalemate.
But the only time United got the ball in the net from 22 shots was a Ronaldo ‘goal’ ruled out for offside.
And ironically, it was the the 37-year-old who had a goal-bound shot blocked by United teenanger Anthony Elanga.
It was Ronaldo too who struck a post from arguably the Red Devils’ best chance.

BREAKING NEWS
Roman Abramovich has sensationally given up control of Chelsea amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The Blues owner – who bought the club in 2004 – released an incredible statement on their website tonight.
It comes on the eve of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool at Wembley tomorrow afternoon.
He said: “During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities.
“I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values.
“That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC.
“I believe that currently they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”

Taking the Mik
Arsenal are facing another defensive dilemma with full-backs Kieran Tierney and Takehiro Tomiyasu both struggling with injury.
Japanese international Tomiyasu has suffered a second calf strain after missing his team’s last four games.
And Tierney pulled up clutching his thigh in the final minutes of Thursday’s 2-1 win over Wolves and had to be replaced by Nuno Tavares with the game still in the balance.
Now Arteta is sweating on both players being fit for his team’s next game away to struggling Watford a week on Sunday.
Because the Gunners boss is rapidly running out of options, with only 17 senior players currently available and unknown youngsters such as Zak Swanson and Omari Hutchinson having to fill the subs’ bench.
Now the fear is that the smallest squad in the Premier League could run out of steam in the increasingly frantic scrap to secure a top four finish and Champions League qualification.

Go with the flo
Flourent Malouda revealed he almost signed for Liverpool – before later joining Chelsea.
The former winger was coached by Gerard Houllier at the time and was nearly convinced by make a switch to Anfield.
Speaking exclusively to Genting Casino, Malouda said: “Gerard Houllier was my coach.
“Whenever I was training, I would always ask him questions about the Premier League and whether or not I play there.
“He said you have to go and experience the Premier League at least once in your career and then he grabbed his phone and called Liverpool – he literally made the deal for me.”
Liverpool were coached by Rafa Benitez at the time, who was keen on signing Malouda.
He revealed: “Liverpool were the first team to make an offer. Rafa was the coach and he really pushed for me to go to Liverpool.”
The Frenchman eventually joined Chelsea for £13m move in 2007.
Malouda said: “When Chelsea came in for me, I felt so much pride.
“I knew a lot of the players that were already there, and of course we would speak regularly on the phone, which helped my decision, so I knew Chelsea were the club that I really wanted to join.”
NINTCHDBPICT000004520375Credit: Times Newspapers Ltd
Being Frank
Cristiano Ronaldo should retire while still he’s still ‘at the top’, according to former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf.
The Manchester United striker has had an underwhelming season since making an emotional return to the club in the summer.
CR7 has scored 15 goals in 29 games in all competitions, but just nine in 22 league games.
Nevertheless the 37-year-old has previously revealed his intentions to continue playing well into his 40’s.
But Leboeuf reckons that could be a step too far.
He told ESPN: “Do you know what? I think there is a time where you have to think, ‘What do I do with my life and my career’.
“And maybe it’s time for Cristiano Ronaldo at the end of his career to wonder and have a discussion with himself, and maybe some of his family, to know what he has to do for the rest of his career, if there is a future in his career.”

Sak em off
Paul Merson reckons star duo Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe should be sold in the summer if they refuse to sign new deals.
Merson has urged Arsenal to tie the pair down to long-term contracts as soon as possible.
Saka’s current deal expires in the summer of 2024, and the 20-year-old is reportedly a target for Liverpool and Manchester City.
Smith Rowe on the other hand is contracted up until 2026, but that’s still not enough for Merson’s liking.
And rather than let the pair run down their contracts, Merson has made the bold claim that they should be sold in the summer if they aren’t penned down long-term.
He wrote in the Daily Star: “They are top drawer and they are going to be vital to Arsenal finishing in the top four this season. But I think Arsenal should get them tied down now.
“They should be talking now about five year contracts. Get them signed, and if they don’t want to sign, then sell them in the summer.
“Don’t hang around and let them run their contracts down and let them go for next to nothing. Test the water because there will be teams chasing them.”

Something is Ron
Cristiano Ronaldo was left kicking the net in anger after missing a sitter during Manchester United’s clash with Watford.
On the hour mark, the Portuguese superstar found himself eight yards out with the goal at his mercy, but failed to convert the gilt-edged opportunity.
And he was reduced to whacking the net in frustration as he spurned the chance to break the deadlock.
Football fans on social media were gobsmacked by Ronaldo’s wastefulness as they slammed him for the miss.
Speaking during the game, one person said: “So many chances wasted already. Never seen Ronaldo miss so many.”
While another added: “I guess Ronaldo will first have to miss 100 clear chances before someone of authority realises he’s a problem.”

Angel Delight
Arsenal are reportedly in competition with rivals Tottenham in the race to bring RB Leipzig full-back Angelino back to the Premier League.
The 25-year-old has been earning rave reviews in the Bundesliga since arriving on an initial loan deal from Manchester City in January 2020.
His loan at the Red Bull Arena was extended until the end of the 20-21 campaign having established himself as a key player under then-boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Leipzig then turned his temporary stay into a permanent switch in February 2021 in a bargain £15.8million deal.
Though the Citizens do have a buy-back clause for around £35m.
However they are unlikely to bring him back to the Etihad for a third time due to the dazzling displays from Joao Cancelo.
But North London giants Arsenal and Spurs are claimed to be eyeing up a summer swoop for the Spain youth international.
According to Calciomercato, the two teams are keen on the defender following his standout performances this term.

Sal or nothing
William Saliba will reportedly be rewarded with a new long-term contract at Arsenal following his impressive loan spell at Marseille.
The 20-year-old, who joined the Gunners from Saint-Etienne in 2019 for £27million, is tied down at the Emirates until 2024.
Saliba is yet to feature for the North London outfit, with the Frenchman currently on his third loan spell away from the club.
His future in England has been in question, with Real Madrid claimed to be eyeing up a move for the centre-back in the summer.
But Arsenal are understood to be desperate to keep hold of the youngster with Mikel Arteta looking to integrate him back into his team.
And according to French news outlet ButFootball, Arsenal are set to open contract talks with Saliba about extending his stay.
It has been stated that Arteta has been left convinced that the defender has a part to play in his side after starring at Marseille.
Though the report adds that should the club and player fail to agree terms over a new deal, Arsenal would consider selling Saliba.

Wij-n or lose
PSG midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum could be set for a return to the Premier League, according to reports.
Aston Villa and Newcastle have both been linked with a move for the former Liverpool man as he continues to struggle in France.
According to Calciomercato, Villa and Newcastle are interested in bringing the Dutchman in.
But they face stiff competition from fellow Premier League rivals West Ham if they are to secure his signature.
And LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid are also thought to be keen on the Holland international.
Klopp vs Tuchel
Liverpool face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final on Sunday.
And in what could be a tense affair, it could all come down to which manager gets their tactics right.
Jurgen Klopp, 54, and Thomas Tuchel, 48, will do battle in what is somewhat-crudely being dubbed ‘Master vs Apprentice’.

Kant have him
PSG are reportedly keen on a summer transfer for N’Golo Kante.
The Chelsea man has been in stunning form again for the Blues this campaign after helping them win the Champions League last summer.
Kante’s contract expires at the end of next season, with PSG ‘chalking off the years’ from his deal, according to The Telegraph.
And were Kante not to pen an extension at Stamford Bridge, the club may be forced into a sale this summer to receive maximum profit.
There are just two transfer windows left to play out before the Frenchman can leave for free.
Nice touch from Toffees
Everton are set to ditch their usual pre-match routine against Manchester City out of respect for Ukrainian players on both teams.
The Toffees usually play air raid sirens at Goodison Park as part of their hype music ahead of kick-off.
They were used as part of Evertonian boxer Tony Bellew’s ring walk song with a variation of Z Cars.
But it is expected the club have decided against using the sirens for this evening’s kick-off due to the need for the emergency sounds this week in Ukraine amid the invasion by Russia in a complete abandonment of the Minsk agreements.
On a similar note, Leicester City removed the song Fire by local band Kasabian as their goal music following the tragic helicopter crash which claimed the lives of five people including chairman Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha in 2018.
Beckham jokes on Higuain
David Beckham heaped praise on Inter Miami star Gonzalo Higuain while poking fun at the striker.
The Miami owner held a press conference to preview the upcoming MLS season ahead of the opening game of the season against Chicago Fire on Saturday.
Beckham said: “Gonzalo is a great player, he’s a great professional and I think especially last year he performed.
“He has to live up to those expectations of being the figurehead of this team. He is a leader but his actions on the field also give the other players and the young players an opportunity to perform at a higher level. He has that power.
“He’s always scored goals wherever he’s played but he’s an important part of this club because his actions set the tone of our games. If Gonzalo plays well and works hard then everybody works hard.
“My relationship with him has always been good. My relationship with him will be even better if he scores more goals.”
Toon dream
Newcastle owners Mehrdad Ghodoussi and Amanda Staveley plan to emulate the success of Prem giants Man United, Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the next five years.
Speaking to The Athletic, Ghodoussi said: “There is no reason why Newcastle in the next five years should not be a Man City or a Man Utd or a Liverpool or a Chelsea.”
And Staveley, also revealed she was inspired to deliver success to the Magpies’ loyal supporters after a recent visit to Man City’s Etihad stadium.
Speaking of her trip to the Prem Champions, Staveley gushed: “Just to talk to them and see their training facilities, to see what we can do.
“I was thinking, ‘God, I can’t wait for our guys to get their trophies, I can’t wait to deliver what the fans really deserve’.”
Haz about that
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe are BOTH being tipped to join Real Madrid this summer, with the club reportedly confident of a double swoop.
It is thought the duo could become the team’s new additions in June with Real hoping to sell Eden Hazard, according to Marca.
It is thought the sale of Eden Hazard could also help to finance swoops for the duo with Marca claiming the Belgium winger could return to Chelsea.
Prem giants in Asensio battle
Arsenal and Liverpool are battling to sign Real Madrid star Marco Asensio on a free transfer.
Real have offered him a new deal on his existing terms, believed to be £3.7million a year, according to Spanish outlet Super Deporte.
The deal would include an additional £1.2m in bonuses and would extend Asensio’s stay at the Bernabeu for another four years.
But the winger could quit Los Blancos amid Premier League interest.
Liverpool and Arsenal would offer him £5.8m per annum – 50% more than what Real are prepared to pay.
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SAINT PETERSBURG will be stripped of the Champions League final in an emergency Uefa meeting tomorrow.Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine has sparked a backlash against Uefa, who are sponsored by gas supplier Gazprom, whose name is also on the 64,000-capacity stadium in the Russian city.
Chelsea are on the verge of losing experienced defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen for FREE this summer.
However, the West London outfit are reportedly interested in a move for Wolves defender Max Kilman, following his impressive performances this season.
Kilman is a boyhood Blues fan and could be open to the move if he hears the club are in for him.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe is said to have been offered whopping £1m-a-week wages to stay with PSG.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who he scored a winner in the Champions League against last week.
Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
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How Aub-some is that
Barcelona booked their spot in the Europa League last-16 with a 5-3 aggregate win over Napoli in final 32 of the competition.
The Catalan giants convincingly put Gli Azzurri to the sword scoring four on the night and five on aggregate.
Ex-Gunner Aubameyang put the game to bed for Barca just before the hour mark with a sweet strike.
Trophy in range
Rangers reached the last-16 of the Europa League after drawing 2-2 with Borussia Dortmund in the second leg of their tie at Ibrox.
The result meant Gio van Bronckhorst’s side won 6-4 on aggregate and secured Rangers a historic victory against the German side.
Rangers stunned the German giants last week at Signal Iduna Park in a 4-2 victory in the first leg.
Tripping over Kane treatment
Newcastle star Kieran Trippier has hit out at critics of Tottenham star Harry Kane.
Trippier said: “Harry’s Harry, but it gets to me when people are criticising him because Harry’s a goalscorer. He always will be.
“Strikers go through periods of not scoring. But I would back Harry to score so many goals.
“Like he has shown throughout his career. He was unbelievable against Manchester City, not just his goals. But the way he plays. When he is dropping deep and bringing other players into it.”
Leeds fan’s fork plight
A desperate Leeds fan had to use a BANK CARD to eat his matchday grub – because Anfield ran out of forks.
The travelling supporters had a miserable time on Merseyside on Wednesday night.
They saw their defenders ship six goals against Jurgen Klopp’s rampant Reds.
And one even had to take creative measures to finish off his football scran, digging back into his wallet.
A picture shared on social media showed the bloke holding the tray of Scouse Pie in one hand… and the makeshift fork in the other.
It is understood the catering facilities in the concourse had no plastic cutlery leaving the genius Leeds supporter to take things into his own hands.
There was, unsurprisingly, a load of reaction on social media with plenty of bemused users.
Celtic crash out of Europe
Celtic are OUT of the Europa Conference League after suffering a humiliating 5-1 defeat to Bodo/Glimt on aggregate.
Coming into this game, Ange Postecoglou’s men were left needing two goals to at least bring the score level in Norway.
But his team selection raised eyebrows as many fans wondered whether he had an eye on the Hoops’ upcoming Premiership fixtures.
Callum McGregor, Josip Juranovic and Liel Abada were among those left on the bench as Nir Bitton, Tony Ralston and Liam Scales all started.
And none of the latter three were able to make an impact on the tie as Celtic were made to suffer yet more heartbreak in a European knockout tie.
Foxes trot on
Leicester romped into the Europa Conference League last 16 with a comfortable 7-2 win against Randers over two legs.
The Foxes won 3-1 on Thursday night in the competition’s second leg.
A James Maddison double coupled with a goal from Harvey Barnes ensured victory for Brendan Rodgers’ side.
Despite the scoreline, Randers caused the Prem side some trouble and pulled one back late on in the game.
Shevchenko’s call for peace
Former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko has called for peace following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
That’s after ex-Liverpool ace Andriy Voronin urged Vladimir Putin to ‘stop what you are doing’ after sharing the realities of the horrors unfurling in Ukraine’s capital Kiev.
And Shevchenko, a former Blues player and a close friend of the Russian billionaire, urged for a quick and peaceful resolution with his ‘family under attack’.
The former Ukraine star, capped 111 times by his country, wrote on social media: “In the early hours a full scale war was initiated by Russia. 
“My people and my family are under attack. Ukraine and its population want peace and territorial integrity. 
“Please I ask you to support our country and call the Russian government to stop their aggression and violation of international law. 
“We only want peace. War is not the answer.”
Martinez future debated
Lautaro Martinez agent claims the Inter Milan striker is happy at the club despite reports linking him with a move to the Premier League.
Liverpool and Manchester City are two of the clubs reportedly interested in the 24-year-old’s signature.
However, his agent Alejandro Camano said: “There are no problems. Lautaro Martinez is not going to leave as he’s really happy at Inter.
“Lautaro doesn’t think about himself, he only thinks about Inter.
“He wants to help and wants fans to be happy.
“Lautaro wants Inter to win, he is not interested in personal success. We must remain calm because Lautaro is happy at Inter and is happy with Inter fans.”
Camano continued to claim his client was committed to the current Serie A title holders despite recent poor form in front of goal.
He said: “He will return to scoring, that’s for sure.”
On the Jase
Newcastle are reportedly set to make a move for Lyon and Belgium centre-back Jason Denayer after failing to secure deals for Sven Botman and Diego Carlos in January.
Denayer has featured 17 times for Lyon this season, scoring three goals, but looks set to be a free agent this summer as his contract expires in July.
According to RMC Sport, talks have stalled with the French club and the 26-year-old wants a new challenge.
Mourinho keen on Xhaka
Roma boss Jose Mourinho is reportedly intent on signing Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, reports suggest.
Mourinho’s initial bid for the Swiss midfielder was unsuccessful – but the Portuguese tactician hasn’t thrown in the towel just yet.
Instead, the former Chelsea boss will swoop again on Xhaka when the season ends, according to calciomercato.
Fletcher eyes New York transfer
Watford striker Ashley Fletcher is close to joining New York Red Bulls on loan.
SunSport understands MLS giants NY Red Bulls are confident of snapping up the ex-Manchester United and West Ham forward in a temporary move.
Head coach Gerhard Struber is understood to be a big fan of the Englishman as he looks to strengthen his squad.
Chelsea plan Dembele Barca raid
Chelsea are reportedly planning on going ‘all out’ to sign Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele this summer.
The World Cup winner is set to become a free agent when his contract expires in June, which will reportedly prompt an all-out charm offensive from the Blues.
That’s according to Spanish newspaper Sport, who claim the west Londoners tried to acquire the winger’s services in January.
Blues will be safe for now
Chelsea will NOT suffer any immediate problems even if owner Roman Abramovich is placed on a potential UK Russia sanctions list.
Blues owner Abramovich and Everton training ground sponsor Alisher Usmanov were both named by Lib Dem MP Layla Moran among 35 prominent Russians she believes should have their assets frozen and confiscated.
But even were it to happen, it is understood to be unlikely there would be ANY impact on Chelsea – at least in the short term.
Legal experts believe that the Government would agree an official “carve out” of Chelsea from any prospective actions to avoid significant impact on a club that employs hundreds of people and is supported by thousands.
That would mean Chelsea could continue as a business, including receiving future broadcast money from the Premier League and Uefa – and paying out wages to staff.
Without the “carve out”, things could get tricky, as it would be illegal for anybody to provide any benefit “directly or indirectly” to sanctioned individuals or their companies.
Clichy’s managerial ambitions
Gael Clichy has hinted he will return to the Premier League as a manager after saying he has been inspired by Pep Guardiola and Arsene Wenger.
Clichy said: “My aim is to become a manager. I have been lucky enough to play alongside great footballers who have gone on to management.
“They include Patrick Vieira, Vincent Kompany, Kolo Toure and Thierry Henry. I don’t know whether I will be as good as them, but I’m learning from their experiences.
“I’d like to be a blend of all my previous coaches. Guardiola for sure – he changed my perspective on football inside 10 months.”
Prem giants chase Asensio
Liverpool and Arsenal are locked in a battle to prise Marco Asensio away from Real Madrid.
Real are keen to hold onto the versatile midfielder whose contract runs out in 2023.
And Los Blancos have offered him the same amount of cash that the Prem giants have in the hopes of convincing the Spaniard to stay put.
But both the Gunners and Reds are willing to bump up their contract offers by 50 percent in a bid to lure Asensio away from the Bernabeu, according to journalist Eduardo Inda, reported by Super Deporte.
And this may give the English clubs an edge in any possible proceedings as Inda claims Real are not willing to do the same to keep hold of Asensio.
Tam to come back
Tammy Abraham ‘hopes to return’ to his boyhood club Chelsea in the future, according to reports.
The 24-year-old striker joined Serie A outfit Roma in the summer for £34million, linking up with legendary Premier League boss Jose Mourinho.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Abraham ‘hopes to return’ to Chelsea in the future.
Abraham might get his wish in a year’s time with Chelsea’s £68m buy-back option becoming active.
Newcastle receive Rabiot boost
Newcastle have received a boost in their pursuit of Adrien Rabiot with Juventus ‘ready to say goodbye’ to the midfielder.
The 26-year-old France international moved to Turin from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
However, he has come under fire recently from supporters following his poor performance in last week’s Champions League clash with Villarreal.
That has not deterred Newcastle, who are eyeing up a summer swoop for Rabiot.
Now Calciomercato claims Juventus are ready to sell should they receive an ‘adequate’ offer.
They state that a transfer bid between £8.3million and £12.5m would be enough for them ‘say goodbye’ to the star.
Hamman: Klopp will outlast Tuchel
Didi Hamman is adamant that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel won’t be at Stamford Bridge for aslong as Liverpool compatriot Jurgen Klopp will remain at Anfield.
Hamman reckons Klopp’s man-management skills are better than Tuchel’s – and that’s the reason why the Liverpool man will outlast his German peer.
Speaking to Genting Casino, Hamman said: “Tuchel, when he left Dortmund there was always talk that he didn’t have that relationship with the players, and I don’t think Tuchel will be at Chelsea as long as Klopp has been at Liverpool, because I don’t think he’s that type of manager.
“He’s a very strategic manager, where man management comes second, or third.
“With Klopp, it’s first, and this is why I think they are two completely different coaches, with two completely different teams. I don’t think Tuchel will achieve what Klopp did at Liverpool.”
Ajax’s cash cow
Man United transfer target Ryan Gravenberch has claimed he will not leave Ajax unless they get good cash for him.
He told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad: “It is up to my agent and father, I don’t know whether I will leave Ajax next summer.
“What I know for sure is that I will not leave if Ajax are not earning anything from me.
“I have played here all my career. Ajax have been good to me and I owe a lot to the club.
“I cannot just leave on a free transfer. That will not happen.”
United to drop Russian airline
Manchester United are the latest club to distance themselves from Russian sponsors following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Old Trafford officials confirmed that they were reviewing their deal with airline Aeroflot, now with the intention of bringing the partnership to an end 12 months earlier than intended.
The company have been one of United’s main sponsors for nine years, and would have been expecting to renegotiate that deal in 2023 before recent developments.
Earlier this afternoon, German club Schalke dropped Russian energy corporation Gazprom as their main shirt sponsors.
Foxes fan banned for decade
The Leicester City supporter than ran on to the pitch and assaulted three Nottingham Forest players in a recent FA Cup match has been given a four-month sentence and banned from attending football games for ten years.
Nineteen-year-old Cameron Toner was charged with three counts of common assault on appearing at a Nottinghamshire court.
He will serve half of his four-month sentence for assault, and then be released on licence. The teenager was also handed a £100 fine for entering the field of play.
Toner ran on to the pitch as Forest players celebrated their third goal in this month’s FA Cup fourth round tie, and assaulted Brennan Johnson, Djed Spence and Keinan Davis.
Schalke drop Gazprom as sponsors
The world of sport continues to react to developments in Ukraine, and the latest announcement has now seen 2. Bundesliga club Schalke drop Gazprom as their main sponsors.
Gazprom, a Russian majority state-owned multinational energy corporation, were the shirt sponsors of the Royal Blues.
The company are also heavily linked with the UEFA Champions League, and own the naming rights to the Krestovsky Stadium, where this season’s final was due to take place.
A tweet from the German outfit said: “FC Schalke 04 have decided to remove the logo of main sponsor GAZPROM from the club’s shirts. It will be replaced by lettering reading ‘Schalke 04’ instead.”
Brazilians plead for Ukraine evacuation
Several Brazilian footballers have appealed to their government for safe evacuation out of Ukraine, according to the Daily Mail.
Video footage has surfaced of Brazilian players from Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv gathered together inside a hotel in the Ukrainian capital in the hope that they will be offered a route out of the war-torn country.
Shakhtar’s Junior Moraes is reported as describing a ‘situation of despair’, and pleased in a message: “I ask you to disclose this video so that it reaches the [Brazilian] government.”
“Borders are closed, banks [are shut], there is no fuel, there will be a shortage of food, there is no money.”
Zinchenko’s Instagram post deleted
Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has had an Instagram post in which he wished death upon Vladimir Putin deleted.
The Ukrainian international posted an image of the Russian president on his Instagram story along with the caption “I hope you die the most painful suffering death, creature.”
Zinchenko was originally thought to have deleted the post himself, but the player has since suggested that it was removed by the social media company themselves.
The three-time Premier League winner said on Tuesday that he ‘can’t stand back’ while ‘the whole civilised world is concerned about my country.’

FIFA also urged to boot out Russia
Following news of UEFA’s emergency meeting, FIFA are now under huge pressure to boot Russia out of next month’s World Cup play-offs.
Valeri Karpin’s team are to face Poland over two legs with the first game due to be played in Moscow on March 24.
However, Polish FA chiefs have already signalled their ‘concerns’ at the prospect of being made to play in the Russian capital after their government condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
It now appears impossible for the match to take place as scheduled, and increasingly unlikely that other nations will accept Russia’s continued involvement in football.
Germany and Japan were both banned from entering qualification for the 1950 World Cup in the aftermath of World War Two, while South Africa was kicked out of FIFA in 1961 as the game sanctioned the Apartheid regime.
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SAINT PETERSBURG will be stripped of the Champions League final in an emergency Uefa meeting tomorrow.Russia’s invasion of the Ukraine has sparked a backlash against Uefa, who are sponsored by gas supplier Gazprom, whose name is also on the 64,000-capacity stadium in the Russian city.
Chelsea are on the verge of losing experienced defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen for FREE this summer.
However, the West London outfit are reportedly interested in a move for Wolves defender Max Kilman, following his impressive performances this season.
Kilman is a boyhood Blues fan and could be open to the move if he hears the club are in for him.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe is said to have been offered whopping £1m-a-week wages to stay with PSG.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who he scored a winner in the Champions League against last week.
Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
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Tam to come back
Tammy Abraham ‘hopes to return’ to his boyhood club Chelsea in the future, according to reports.
The 24-year-old striker joined Serie A outfit Roma in the summer for £34million, linking up with legendary Premier League boss Jose Mourinho.
According to Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport, Abraham ‘hopes to return’ to Chelsea in the future.
Abraham might get his wish in a year’s time with Chelsea’s £68m buy-back option becoming active.
Newcastle receive Rabiot boost
Newcastle have received a boost in their pursuit of Adrien Rabiot with Juventus ‘ready to say goodbye’ to the midfielder.
The 26-year-old France international moved to Turin from Paris Saint-Germain in 2019.
However, he has come under fire recently from supporters following his poor performance in last week’s Champions League clash with Villarreal.
That has not deterred Newcastle, who are eyeing up a summer swoop for Rabiot.
Now Calciomercato claims Juventus are ready to sell should they receive an ‘adequate’ offer.
They state that a transfer bid between £8.3million and £12.5m would be enough for them ‘say goodbye’ to the star.
Hamman: Klopp will outlast Tuchel
Didi Hamman is adamant that Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel won’t be at Stamford Bridge for aslong as Liverpool compatriot Jurgen Klopp will remain at Anfield.
Hamman reckons Klopp’s man-management skills are better than Tuchel’s – and that’s the reason why the Liverpool man will outlast his German peer.
Speaking to Genting Casino, Hamman said: “Tuchel, when he left Dortmund there was always talk that he didn’t have that relationship with the players, and I don’t think Tuchel will be at Chelsea as long as Klopp has been at Liverpool, because I don’t think he’s that type of manager.
“He’s a very strategic manager, where man management comes second, or third.
“With Klopp, it’s first, and this is why I think they are two completely different coaches, with two completely different teams. I don’t think Tuchel will achieve what Klopp did at Liverpool.”
Ajax’s cash cow
Man United transfer target Ryan Gravenberch has claimed he will not leave Ajax unless they get good cash for him.
He told Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad: “It is up to my agent and father, I don’t know whether I will leave Ajax next summer.
“What I know for sure is that I will not leave if Ajax are not earning anything from me.
“I have played here all my career. Ajax have been good to me and I owe a lot to the club.
“I cannot just leave on a free transfer. That will not happen.”
United to drop Russian airline
Manchester United are the latest club to distance themselves from Russian sponsors following the country’s invasion of Ukraine.
Old Trafford officials confirmed that they were reviewing their deal with airline Aeroflot, now with the intention of bringing the partnership to an end 12 months earlier than intended.
The company have been one of United’s main sponsors for nine years, and would have been expecting to renegotiate that deal in 2023 before recent developments.
Earlier this afternoon, German club Schalke dropped Russian energy corporation Gazprom as their main shirt sponsors.
Foxes fan banned for decade
The Leicester City supporter than ran on to the pitch and assaulted three Nottingham Forest players in a recent FA Cup match has been given a four-month sentence and banned from attending football games for ten years.
Nineteen-year-old Cameron Toner was charged with three counts of common assault on appearing at a Nottinghamshire court.
He will serve half of his four-month sentence for assault, and then be released on licence. The teenager was also handed a £100 fine for entering the field of play.
Toner ran on to the pitch as Forest players celebrated their third goal in this month’s FA Cup fourth round tie, and assaulted Brennan Johnson, Djed Spence and Keinan Davis.
Schalke drop Gazprom as sponsors
The world of sport continues to react to developments in Ukraine, and the latest announcement has now seen 2. Bundesliga club Schalke drop Gazprom as their main sponsors.
Gazprom, a Russian majority state-owned multinational energy corporation, were the shirt sponsors of the Royal Blues.
The company are also heavily linked with the UEFA Champions League, and own the naming rights to the Krestovsky Stadium, where this season’s final was due to take place.
A tweet from the German outfit said: “FC Schalke 04 have decided to remove the logo of main sponsor GAZPROM from the club’s shirts. It will be replaced by lettering reading ‘Schalke 04’ instead.”
Brazilians plead for Ukraine evacuation
Several Brazilian footballers have appealed to their government for safe evacuation out of Ukraine, according to the Daily Mail.
Video footage has surfaced of Brazilian players from Shakhtar Donetsk and Dynamo Kyiv gathered together inside a hotel in the Ukrainian capital in the hope that they will be offered a route out of the war-torn country.
Shakhtar’s Junior Moraes is reported as describing a ‘situation of despair’, and pleased in a message: “I ask you to disclose this video so that it reaches the [Brazilian] government.”
“Borders are closed, banks [are shut], there is no fuel, there will be a shortage of food, there is no money.”
Zinchenko’s Instagram post deleted
Manchester City left-back Oleksandr Zinchenko has had an Instagram post in which he wished death upon Vladimir Putin deleted.
The Ukrainian international posted an image of the Russian president on his Instagram story along with the caption “I hope you die the most painful suffering death, creature.”
Zinchenko was originally thought to have deleted the post himself, but the player has since suggested that it was removed by the social media company themselves.
The three-time Premier League winner said on Tuesday that he ‘can’t stand back’ while ‘the whole civilised world is concerned about my country.’

FIFA also urged to boot out Russia
Following news of UEFA’s emergency meeting, FIFA are now under huge pressure to boot Russia out of next month’s World Cup play-offs.
Valeri Karpin’s team are to face Poland over two legs with the first game due to be played in Moscow on March 24.
However, Polish FA chiefs have already signalled their ‘concerns’ at the prospect of being made to play in the Russian capital after their government condemned Russia’s aggression against Ukraine.
It now appears impossible for the match to take place as scheduled, and increasingly unlikely that other nations will accept Russia’s continued involvement in football.
Germany and Japan were both banned from entering qualification for the 1950 World Cup in the aftermath of World War Two, while South Africa was kicked out of FIFA in 1961 as the game sanctioned the Apartheid regime.
Russia to lose Champions League final
UEFA will strip St Petersburg of their Champions League Final when they converge for an emergency meeting tomorrow.
The Russian city was due to host European football’s showpiece event next May, but an alternative venue will now be sought.
The move comes “following the evolution of the situation between Russia and Ukraine in the last 24 hours” and that the meeting would “evaluate the situation and take all necessary decisions”.
European football’s governing body confirmed President Aleksander Ceferin had summoned an “extraordinary meeting” of his ruling executive committee for 9am tomorrow morning.

Third time lucky for McCann
Grant McCann has been named as manager of Peterborough United for the third time.
The Championship club have officially announced the appointment of their new boss, who previously led them in 2015, and then again between 2016 and 2018.
McCann was recently sacked by Hull City, following the Tigers’ takeover by a Turkish consortium.
In a twist of football fate, McCann’s first game in charge of Posh will be at home to Hull on Saturday.
Peterborough are currently second-bottom in the second tier, and eight points from safety after losing to leaders Fulham last night.
Happy Hammers trigger Johnson extension
West Ham will trigger an automatic two-year extension to Ben Johnson’s contract in order to ward off interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Arsenal.
The 22-year-old has caught the eye for the Hammers this season when he has been called upon, pushing Vladimir Coufal as first choice right-back, and filling in admirably for Aaron Cresswell on the left.
The defender’s current deal was due to run out this summer, but his club had an option to activate a further two years and are set to do just that.
The Evening Standard report that the academy graduate will secure a significant pay rise as part of the extension.
Breaking: Hughes back as Bantam menace
Mark Hughes has been named as the new manager of League Two Bradford City after more than three-and-a-half years out of of the game.
The 58-year-old has previously managed Blackburn, Manchester City, Fulham, QPR, Stoke and Southampton in the Premier League, taking charge of over 450 games in the top-flight.
Hughes told the Bradford City website: “I am really pleased to be here and am looking forward to the role. It has been an exciting few days.
“It is maybe a little bit of a surprise that I have come in, but do not be put off by that!
“I am here for a reason: to make Bradford City a team people want to come and watch – and are proud to watch.”
The Bantams are currently 15th in League Two, ten points off the play-off positions. The West Yorkshire club recently parted company with previous boss Derek Adams.
Credit: bradfordcityafc.com
United prepared to spend big
Manchester United will push the boat out this summer to sign elite players – even if they FAIL to qualify for Champions League football.
The Red Devils’ transfer hopes were thought to rest on the club securing their place in Europe’s elite competition, but ESPN sources have been informed that United will spend big regardless of how this season pans out.
Declan Rice and Harry Kane are said to head United’s shopping list, and United officials are confident that they can bring in a series of marquee signings.
Premier pair in transfer Serge
Chelsea and Tottenham are preparing to pounce for Serge Gnabry after his contract negotiations with Bayern Munich hit the buffers.
With just one year to run on his current deal, the German international has been in talks with his club over an extension.
However, BILD suggest that discussions have become complicated, and that news has put the Premier League on red alert.
Arsenal had previously been linked with a move for their former player, but it’s their main London rivals that are now considered to be the most interested parties.

Glum Rom seeking Chelsea exit
Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea career (again) appears in serious doubt with Gazetta dello Sport reporting that the striker has made contact with former club Inter Milan about a return (again).
Earlier in the season, the Belgian apologised for an interview with Sky Italia when he expressed a desire to return to Inter amid his unhappiness with life at Stamford Bridge.
However, his relationship with Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is now said to be at rock bottom.
The German coach favoured Kai Havertz up front in Tuesday’s Champions League tie with Lille, and is likely to do so again for the weekend’s League Cup final against Liverpool.
Tuchel vowed to protect Lukaku after his seven-touch horror show at Crystal Palace last Saturday, but today’s news will infuriate Blues officials.
The striker has apparently offered to take a wage cut in order to rejoin Inter, but the Italian champions don’t see the player as part of their plans.
Roma return for Arsenal’s Xhaka
Serie A side Roma will revisit their interest in Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka this summer, according to reports in Italy.
The Switzerland midfielder was the subject of prolonged negotiations with the Italians last year, but a deal failed to materialise when the two clubs couldn’t agree upon a fee.
However, the Gunners are now expected to drop their asking price of £15million with just one year remaining on Xhaka’s contract.
Roma boss Jose Mourinho is understood to be an admirer of the 29-year-old, who first moved to the Emirates back in 2016.
Blues in fight for freebie
Chelsea face competition from Paris Saint-Germain to sign Ousmane Dembele on a free transfer when his Barcelona contract comes to an end this summer.
According to 90Min, the Blues have monitored the Frenchman since his time at Borussia Dortmund, and now plan to make a move to bring the forward to Stamford Bridge.
However, PSG has emerged as a potential destination for Dembele, and are one of few clubs in Europe that could meet the player’s wage demands after negotiations over an extended stay at Barca stalled.
Dembele’s time at the Nou Camp has been plagued by injuries since his £96million transfer in 2017.
Conte’s Spurs future in doubt
Just three days on from Tottenham’s fabulous win at Manchester City, it all came crashing down Antonio Conte.
Spurs were beaten 1-0 by relegation-threatened Burnley on Wednesday evening, and afterwards the emotional Italian made some bizarre comments that appeared to suggest he was willing to walk away after just three months in the job.
He said: “I am not used to this situation. I am trying everything but the situation is not changing. I am available and open with the club to do what the club wants.
“I want to help the club, I work a lot, I work very hard. I am giving 20 hours a day to Tottenham and the other four hours I sleep, but it is not enough.
“The performance can be good and the commitment was good but we lost. For me the situation is unacceptable. To lose four of five [games] for Tottenham has to be a disaster.
“I came in to try to improve the situation. Maybe in this moment I am not so good to improve the situation. I am too honest to close my eyes and continue in this way.
“For sure we are to speak and have a conversation with the club to try and find the best solution to help the team not have this type of situation.
“It is the right moment to make assessment. I repeat, I am really frustrated.”

Good morning football fans
Manchester United managed a 1-1 draw in their Champions League Last 16 first leg against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Atletico opened the scoring after just seven minutes with Joao Felix, but Anthony Elanga came off the bench and equalised for United 10 minutes before full-time.
Benfica and Ajax drew 2-2 at the Estadio da Luz with the visitors’ Dusan Tadic opening the scoring before Sebastien Haller doubled Erik ten Hag’s men’s lead, shortly after his own goal.
But the Portuguese giants managed to equalise on 72 minutes with Roman Yaremchuk.
There was also a lot of action in the Premier League as Burnley beat Tottenham 1-0 at Turf Moor thanks to Ben Mee’s winner on 71 minutes.
Crystal Palace thrashed Watford at Vicarage Road following a 4-1 score with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener, Conor Gallagher’s cracker and Wilfried Zaha’s brace – Moussa Sissoko equalised temporarily.
Liverpool thrashed Leeds at Anfield and added even more pressure on the visitors’ under-fire manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Mohamed Salah scored a brace from the penalty spot before Sadio Mane scored twice as well, while the Reds’ centre-back duo of Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk were also on target.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe could ultimately stay in Paris despite links with Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
According to The Independent, PSG are prepared to make Mbappe the highest-paid player in the world to convince him to stay at the Parc des Princes.
The report claims the French giants are ready to pay the striker a basic wage of close to £1million a week.
That would far outvalue anything Real – who are favourites to land the France international in the summer – could offer.
And United may re-ignite their interest in Tottenham superstar Harry Kane ahead of the summer transfer window.
But the Red Devils’ next managerial appointment can be crucial to any potential pursuit.
Kane made his desire to depart from Spurs clear last summer, with the Manchester giants being one of his main suitors.
According to ESPN, a move for the star striker this summer is said to be a ‘possibility’ though it will cost a fee in the region of £100million.
The likelihood of such a swoop being made would only increase should PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino be appointed as United’s new permanent head coach.
Finally, Barcelona could wreck Arsenal and Chelsea’s transfer plans if they miss out on Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.
According to Sport, Barca have identified Real Sociedad star and the Gunners’ target Alexander Isak should they fail to land Haaland.
The Blaugrana’s funds could also switch to Sevilla ace Jules Kounde, who has been linked with the Blues.
The west Londoners are looking to bolster their defence with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta out of contract in June
FT: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Man Utd
Manchester United managed to snatch an important draw against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Atletico opened the scoring with Joao Felix after just seven minutes into the first half.
But United ultimately equalised with Anthony Elanga 10 minutes before full-time.
The Red Devils picked up a positive score ahead of the Champions League second-leg at Old Trafford
GETTY IMAGES
Liverpool 6-0 Leeds
Liverpool thrashed Leeds at Anfield and added even more pressure on the visitors’ under-fire manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Mohamed Salah scored a brace from the penalty spot and Sadio Mane scored twice as well.
The Reds’ centre-back duo Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk were also on target.
The Merseysiders are now 13 points away from Premier League high-flyers Manchester City
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Man Utd
Manchester United have equalised against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Anthony Elanga levelled things up on 80 minutes and has given the visitors a positive score ahead of the Champions League’s second-leg at Old Trafford
Full-time scores
Burnley beat Tottenham 1-0 at Turf Moor thanks to Ben Mee’s winner on 71 minutes.
Crystal Palace thrashed Watford at Vicarage Road with a score of 4-1 with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener, Conor Gallagher’s cracker and Wilfried Zaha’s brace – Moussa Sissoko equalised temporarily.
Liverpool are still 4-0 ahead against Leeds at Anfield with Mohamed Salah’s brace as well as Joel Matip and Sadio Mane’s goals
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CHELSEA are on the verge of losing experienced defenders Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen for FREE this summer. However, the West London outfit are reportedly interested in a move for Wolves defender Max Kilman, following his impressive performances this season.
Kilman is a boyhood Blues fan and could be open to the move if he hears the club are in for him.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe is said to have been offered whopping £1m-a-week wages to stay with PSG.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who he scored a winner in the Champions League against last week.
Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
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FT: Atletico Madrid 1-1 Man Utd
Manchester United managed to snatch an important draw against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Atletico opened the scoring with Joao Felix after just seven minutes into the first half.
But United ultimately equalised with Anthony Elanga 10 minutes before full-time.
The Red Devils picked up a positive score ahead of the Champions League second-leg at Old Trafford
GETTY IMAGES
Liverpool 6-0 Leeds
Liverpool thrashed Leeds at Anfield and added even more pressure on the visitors’ under-fire manager Marcelo Bielsa.
Mohamed Salah scored a brace from the penalty spot and Sadio Mane scored twice as well.
The Reds’ centre-back duo Joel Matip and Virgil van Dijk were also on target.
The Merseysiders are now 13 points away from Premier League high-flyers Manchester City
Atletico Madrid 1-1 Man Utd
Manchester United have equalised against Atletico Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Anthony Elanga levelled things up on 80 minutes and has given the visitors a positive score ahead of the Champions League’s second-leg at Old Trafford
Full-time scores
Burnley beat Tottenham 1-0 at Turf Moor thanks to Ben Mee’s winner on 71 minutes.
Crystal Palace thrashed Watford at Vicarage Road with a score of 4-1 with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s opener, Conor Gallagher’s cracker and Wilfried Zaha’s brace – Moussa Sissoko equalised temporarily.
Liverpool are still 4-0 ahead against Leeds at Anfield with Mohamed Salah’s brace as well as Joel Matip and Sadio Mane’s goals
Burnley 1-0 Tottenham
Burnley have broken the deadlock against Tottenham at Turf Moor.
Ben Mee has put the Clarets ahead on 71 minutes in their Premier League clash with Antonio Conte’s men
GETTY IMAGES
Half-time across the board
Here’s how things are looking in the Champions League and Premier League:
Atletico Madrid 1-0 Manchester United
Benfica 1-2 Ajax
Burnley 0-0 Tottenham
Watford 1-2 Crystal Palace
Liverpool 3-0 Leeds
Liverpool 3-0 Leeds
Liverpool seem to be running away with it against Leeds at Anfield.
As mentioned earlier, Mohamed Salah opened the scoring on 15 minutes with a penalty kick.
Joel Matip doubled the Reds’ lead in the half-hour mark before Salah completed a brace from the penalty spot once more five minutes later.
A little note here, Ajax lead 2-1 at Benfica with Dusan Tadic opening the scoring on 18 minutes before Sebastien Haller made it two on 29 minutes, just after his own goal.
Goals, goals, goals
We already have goals across the board in the Premier League and Champions League.
Atletico Madrid have opened the scoring against Manchester United with Joao Felix after just seven minutes.
Liverpool broke the deadlock on 15 minutes with a Mohamed Salah penalty against Leeds at Anfield.
Crystal Palace are 2-1 ahead at Watford with Jean Philippe Mateta drawing first blood before Moussa Sissoko’s equaliser and Conor Gallagher’s cracker.
Burnley and Tottenham are goalless at Turf Moor
Barcing mad for Halland
Barcelona could wreck Arsenal and Chelsea’s transfer plans if they miss out on Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
According to Sport, Barca have identified Real Sociedad star and Gunners target Alexander Isak should they fail to land Haaland.
The Blaugrana’s funds could also switch to Sevilla ace Jules Kounde.
Kounde has been linked with the Blues, who are looking to bolster their defence with Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Chrsitensen and captain Cesar Azpilicueta out of contract in June
GETTY IMAGES
Pre-match fan trouble
Atletico Madrid fans attacked Manchester United supporters before tonight’s Champions League match at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
A shocking video showed the two groups clashing on Tuesday night on a narrow street in Madrid outside bars and restaurants.
One of the groups, which is believed to be Spanish ultras, wore mostly black with their faces covered by balaclavas and threw chairs at others.
Spanish authorities reported other clashes in the capital with officers having to intervene
Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd subs
And here’s how the benches will look at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium when Atletico Madrid and Manchester United clash:
Atletico Madrid subs: Lecomte, Christian, De Paul, Griezmann, Suarez, Lemar, Felipe, Hermoso, Javi Serrano.
Man Utd subs: Heaton, Henderson, Bailly, Jones, Mata, Lingard, Dalot, Telles, Wan-Bissaka, Matic, Elanga, Mejbri
Benfica vs Ajax XI
Benfica interim manager Nelson Verissimo and Ajax boss Erik ten Hag fielded the following line-ups at the Da Luz Stadium.
Benfica XI: Vlachodimos, Gilberto, Otamendi, Vertonghen, Grimaldo, Silva, Weigl, Taarabt, Everton, Nunez, Ramos
Ajax XI: Pasveer, Mazraoui, Timber, MartInez, Blind, Alvarez, Berghuis, Gravenberch, Antony, Haller, Tadic
Atletico Madrid vs Man Utd XI
Here is Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone and Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick’s starting line-ups for tonight’s Champions League clash at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
Atletico Madrid XI: Oblak, Gimenez, Vrsaljko, Savic, Lodi, Reinildo, Kondogbia, Herrera, Marcos Llorente, Correa, Felix.
Man Utd XI: De Gea, Shaw, Lindelof, Maguire, Varane, Fred, Pogba, Sancho, Fernandes, Rashford, Ronaldo

Liverpool vs Leeds XI
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp and Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa have chosen the following XI at Anfield:
Liverpool XI: Alisson, Alexander-Arnold, Matip, Van Dijk, Robertson, Fabinho, Thiago, Jones, Salah, Mane, Diaz
Leeds XI: Meslier, Ayling, Struijk, Firpo, James, Forshaw, Klich, Dallas, Harrison, Raphinha, Rodrigo.
Watford vs Crystal Palace XI
Here is who Watford manager Roy Hodgson and Crystal Palace boss Patrick Vieira are fielding tonight at Vicarage Road:
Watford XI: Foster, Femenia, Cathcart, Samir, Kamara, Sissoko, Louza, Cleverley, Sarr, King, Dennis
Crystal Palace XI: Butland, Clyne, Andersen, Guehi, Mitchell, Kouyate, Hughes, Olise, Gallagher, Zaha, Mateta
Burnley vs Tottenham XI
Here is how Burnley and Tottenham will line up at Turf Moor tonight:
Burnley XI: Pope, Roberts, Tarkowski, Mee, Pieters, Lennon, Cork, Brownhill, McNeil, Rodriguez, Weghorst.
Tottenham: Lloris, Romero, Dier, Davies, Emerson, Bentancur, Hojbjerg, Sessegnon, Kulusevski, Son, Kane

More fixture changes
April 3’s Super Sunday will be a double-header as West Ham host Everton (2pm) and Tottenham host Newcastle (4.30pm).
Monday Night Football will then see Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace on April 4 at 8pm.
Newcastle host Wolves the following weekend on Friday Night Football on April 8 at 8pm.
Tottenham travel to Aston Villa on Saturday Night Football at 5.30pm – but that will be switched to the following day depending on Manchester City and Liverpool’s Champions League fixtures.
Norwich vs Burnley is also on Sky Sports on Super Sunday at 2pm on April 10.
Liverpool vs Watford has been moved to the 12:30 slot for BT Sport coverage on Saturday 2 April
On the box
The Premier League have announced a change of date for a number of important fixtures, including Manchester City and Liverpool’s potential title decider.
The Reds will now go to the Etihad to take on City on the weekend of April 9.
It is currently scheduled for a 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday April 10, but it will be moved to Saturday 9 April and a 5:30pm start if either club participates in the Champions League quarter-final second leg on Tuesday 12 April 12.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s home game with Leicester will kick-off April on Saturday Night Football on the 2nd at 5.30pm
Serge is on
Chelsea and Tottenham have been handed a transfer boost with Bayern Munich star Serge Gnabry’s contract talks with the German champions reportedly ‘hitting complications’.
Bayern are desperate to extend Gnabry’s contract at the Allianz Arena before it runs out next year.
But according to Bild, discussions are ‘getting complicated’ between the forward and club.
The report adds that the Blues and Spurs are ‘interested’ and that he ‘likes London’ after his stint at Arsenal
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Mik wants Fab Vic
Arsenal are interested in Napoli duo Victor Osimhen and Fabian Ruiz this summer in a £90million swoop.
According to Napoli Piu, Osimhen has been identified as a potential target for the Gunners, who will need a centre-forward after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s departure.
Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are also ready to become free agents.
The Nigeria international could be joined by current team-mate Ruiz, who is approaching the final year of his contract
United linked with Kane again
Manchester United may re-ignite their interest in Tottenham superstar Harry Kane.
But United’s next managerial appointment can be crucial to any potential pursuit.
Kane made his desire to depart from Spurs clear last summer, with the Red Devils being one of his main suitors.
According to ESPN, a move for the centre-forward this summer is said to be a ‘possibility’ though it will cost a fee in the region of £100million.
The likelihood of such a move being made would only increase should Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino be appointed as United’s new permanent head coach
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Threesy does it
Leeds are planning for life without Marcelo Bielsa and have identified three candidates that could replace him.
According to The Telegraph, former RB Leipzig manager Jesse Marsch, Huddersfield head coach Carlos Corberan and ex-Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde will be targeted if Bielsa leaves.
Marsch is a free agent following his departure from Leipzig last December.
Valverde has been out of management since he left Barca in 2020 and was recently linked with Manchester United as a potential interim manager before Ralf Rangnick’s arrival.
Unlike Marsch and Valverde, Corberan is actually employed in the Championship
Guardiola targets Barca wonderkid
Manchester City star Pep Guardiola is keeping tabs on Barcelona wonderkid Nico Gonzalez, whose father used to be a youth coach at the Etihad.
Gonzalez has broken into Barca’s first team this season but has a staggering £500million release clause.
City understand that is essentially a ‘hands off’ figure for the midfielder.
The Blaugrana have delayed a number of contract renewals, with Gonzalez and fellow golden boy Gavi chasing improved deals, due to their financial woes.
The Citizens know all about the young Spaniard, as his dad Fran remains friendly with Guardiola from their own playing days in LaLiga
Million-pound man
Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe could ultimately stay at Paris Saint-Germain despite links with Liverpool, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
According to The Independent, PSG are prepared to make Mbappe the highest-paid player in the world in order to convince him to stay in Paris.
The report claims the Parisians are ready to pay the striker a basic wage of close to £1million a week.
That would far outstrip anything Real – who are favourites to land the France international in the summer – could offer
Going for the Kil
Chelsea are considering an offer for in-form Wolves ace Max Kilman ahead of the summer transfer window.
Kilman was born in Chelsea and grew up supporting the Blues ever since he was a child.
The centre-back has been playing in a back three along with Conor Coady and Romain Saiss, and as a trio they have conceded just 18 Premier League goals with the in-form Jose Sa between the sticks – only Manchester City have let in fewer.
According to talkSPORT, the English defender is being scouted by the west Londoners ahead of the summer
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CHELSEA are reportedly interested in a move for Wolves defender Max Kilman, following his impressive performances this season. Kilman is a boyhood Blues fan and could be open to the move if he hears the club are in for him.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe is said to have been offered whopping £1m-a-week wages to stay with PSG.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who he scored a winner in the Champions League against last week.
Having missed out on Kane, Barcelona wonderkid Nico Gonzalez is next on Guardiola’s shopping list.
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Lille team news
Lille manager Jocelyn Gourvennec had to withdraw Angel Gomes after just 27 minutes against Metz due to a calf problem on Friday
Therefore, Hatem Ben Arfa or Timothy Weah could take Gomes’ place against Chelsea.
Edon Zhegrova is not expected to start but his red card last week will play no role at Stamford Bridge.
However, Jose Fonte and Burak Yilmaz will be out of the second leg if they get booked tonight
Chelsea vs Lille preview
Chelsea take on Lille at Stamford Bridge tonight in their Champions League Last 16 first leg.
The Blues’ captain Cesar Azpilicueta should be available after missing Saturday’s 1-0 victory at Crystal Palace due to injury.
Mason Mount is likely to be sidelined as he is pushing for a return to the Carabao Cup Final from an ankle injury.
The west Londoners may also play without Callum Hudson-Odoi after he missed the Palace game.
An of course, Reece James and Ben Chilwell are still sidelined
Going for the Kil
Chelsea are considering a bid for in-form Wolves ace Max Kilman ahead of the summer transfer window.
Kilman was born in Chelsea and grew up supporting the Blues ever since he was little.
The centre-back has been playing in a back three along with Conor Coady and Romain Saiss, and as a trio they have conceded just 18 Premier League goals with the in-form Jose Sa in goal – only Manchester City have let in fewer.
According to talkSPORT, the English defender is being scouted by the west Londoners
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Lampard plotting Chelsea midfielder raid
Frank Lampard has reportedly already spoken to Chelsea over the potential transfer of Conor Gallagher.
TEAMtalk reports that Frank Lampard has approached Chelsea to make sure Everton are top of the list of potential clubs if Gallagher is sent out on loan again next season. Rumours are that Thomas Tuchel is interested in promoting him to the first team but if Lampard’s Everton can offer more guaranteed first team football, it could make sense for all parties.
Gallagher is currently on loan at Crystal Palace and has been extremely impressive, leading to an England call up last November.
The young Englishman has added goals to his game, something we didn’t see a lot of previous to his transfer to Selhurst Park. He’s managed seven goals in the league from midfield as well as three assists.
Double injury blow for Liverpool
Liverpool forwards Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino remain considerable doubts for the Carabao Cup Final against Chelsea this weekend.
Portuguese international Jota hurt his ankle in the Champions League last-16 first-leg win over Inter Milan last week, being substituted at half-time at the San Siro and later spotted on crutches and wearing a medical boot.
Likewise Firmino, with the Brazilian also suffering a muscle injury against Inter and being absent against Norwich.
Neither player will be considered to face Leeds in a rearranged Premier League fixture on Wednesday evening, while Klopp appeared pessimistic over their chances of being fit to play a part against Chelsea.
Kane recalls ‘crazy’ Defoe story
Harry Kane has recalled how Jermain Defoe once unexpectedly pulled up for a street kickabout with him and his school pals as he outlined his ambition to become the Premier League’s all-time top scorer.
The Tottenham star and England captain took part in the latest episode of BT Sport’s What I Wore series and enjoyed a trip down memory lane.
Kane said: “Defoe is one of my favourite strikers and I was fortunate enough to play with him as well.
“The story was that I was in the street where I lived in Chingford just playing football with about 15 of my mates and a black Range Rover pulled up and Jermain Defoe got out.
“It was crazy. I was in the academy at the time but only about 11-years-old and he just got out and started playing with us for about 20 minutes.
“He signed a load of stuff, we were taking our trainers off and things like that and getting them signed, but it was amazing.”
Barca bid to keep Araujo
Barcelona are ready to make a fresh contract offer to Ronald Araujo with Man Utd very interested in the defender, according to reports.
The Uruguay international joined Barcelona in 2018. He signed a long-term deal when he joined the club and made his senior debut in 2019.
Araujo broke into the Barcelona first team last season and has established himself as a key part of their defence this term.
There have been reports that Barcelona boss Xavi is now prioritising a new deal for Araujo after 22-year-old entered the final 18 months of his contract.
He has been linked with Liverpool, Man Utd and Chelsea in recent months with Araujo looking for a pay rise to commit to the Catalan side.
Ferdinand piles praise on Rangnick
Rio Ferdinand has defended Ralf Rangnick by pointing out that only Manchester City have accumulated more points than Manchester United in the Premier League since the German’s arrival.
Speaking on his Vibe With Five podcast, Ferdinand said: “There’s a real Debbie Downer on Rangnick and Man United at the moment.
“Yes, I think the fixture list while he’s been there has been quite favourable to Man United, but only Man City have picked up more points since he’s come in.
“So he can’t be doing as badly as the way it’s spoken about in the media. In terms of points, you have to say he’s a pass at the moment.
“Everyone’s saying Liverpool are flying and oh my god it’s championship winning form, they haven’t had as many points in the bag as Rangnick in his term since he’s been here.”
Diego Costa being investigated
Police investigating former Chelsea striker Diego Costa over an alleged betting scandal have secured a court order to scrutinise his bank accounts.
His lawyer insisted once he was identified that the football star was innocent of any wrongdoing and would be contacting police himself to give a statement voluntarily.
A court in Sergipe has now approved a police request for the footballer’s confidential banking information, including details of his Spanish accounts, according to reports in Brazil.
Media giant Globo’s sports portal Ge said federal court officials agreed to the petition after the Spain international, who has been linked to clubs around the world including Arsenal and Benfica since he became a free agent last month, was ‘unable to explain’ his financial relationship with online betting site Esportenet.
Spain is said to have already been made aware of the Brazilian court decision, paving the way for the bank-client confidentiality that normally protects customers’ financial activities to be waived as part of the high-level probe.
Neymar plots future MLS move
Neymar says he would love to play in America’s Major League Soccer towards the end of his career – if only to get a longer off-season break.
The 30-year-old superstar spoke about his hopes for the future on the Fenomenos Podcast with retired Brazil legendary striker Ronaldo and Twitch star Gaules.
When asked by Ronaldo, 45, if he plans on retiring in Brazil, Neymar replied: “I don’t know, I have my doubts about that.
“I don’t know if I’ll play in Brazil again, but I’d love to play in the US actually.
“I’d love to play there for at least a season but I don’t know about Brazil – sometimes I want to, sometimes I don’t.”
Bielsa defence of Koch handling
Marcelo Bielsa has made an impassioned defence of how Leeds’ staff responded to Robin Koch’s head injury during Sunday’s defeat to Manchester United.
The Professional Footballer’s Association also raised concerns, saying that player safety is not prioritised.
Bielsa said: “If there’s something that the medical staff at Leeds have done, and I as an extension of their decisions, it’s to abide strictly by the rules whether by Covid or any knocks to the head or any other case.
“If any club has acted impeccably with the rules regards to health, it’s Leeds.
“We did nothing different to the protocol. We did everything according to the protocol. I was convinced it was just the bleeding from the cut. That was the first conclusion after the evaluation the player had.
“When he manifested different symptoms, he was substituted. The control the player receives when they get this type of knock, the protocol that is applied is what generates whether he should be substituted or not.”
‘Romelu Lukaku should feel embarrassed’
Chris Sutton has slammed Chelsea star Romelu Lukaku for ‘hiding’ in his seven-touch cameo against Crystal Palace.
The Belgian failed to score for the fourth Premier League game in a row and has been slammed for his poor performances for the European champions this season.
Sutton told the Daily Mail: “I had ever finished a game having had only seven touches of the ball, I’d feel embarrassed walking back into that training ground.
“For a striker to come out of 90 minutes with that sorry statistic screams ‘I’m hiding’ and there’s no escaping that for Romelu Lukaku.
“Maybe he will blame a lack of service, but that’s only part of the problem. If Lukaku wanted to touch the ball more than seven times against Crystal Palace, he could have done.
“He could have made better movements. He could have made it impossible for his team-mates to ignore him.”
Arsenal eye Atletico Madrid forward
Arsenal are keen on a deal for Atlético Madrid striker Joao Felix, with Mikel Arteta specifically asking for his signature.
That’s according to journalist Eduardo Inda, who says Atlético manager Diego Simeone is happy to let the Portuguese go if he can replace him with Valencia’s Goncalo Guedes.
Felix’s current deal with the Spanish side runs until 2026, but there are doubts about his future at the Wanda Metropolitano moving forwards.
Aguero to re-connect with City
Sergio Aguero has confirmed he is in talks for future roles with Manchester City and the Argentina national team following his retirement from football last year.
Now pursuing a career with his eSports company, Aguero has spoken about his future to Argentine media, where he has confirmed he intends to take ambassadorial roles with City and Argentina, as well as joining the Argentine coaching staff for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar in some capacity.
Aguero: “With Manchester City we are looking to go to three or four annual events.
“I’m looking for something similar with the Argentine national team.”
Declan Rice asking price increased
West Ham have bumped up Declan Rice’s valuation to more than £120million amid interest from Manchester United, according to The Times.
It’s also claimed 23-year-old Rice has put talks over his future at West Ham on hold until the summer.
The England star is said to be keen to assess his options come the end of the campaign.
A potential move at that figure would comfortably make him the most expensive Premier League signing of all time – ahead of Three Lions colleague Jack Grealish.
Rice’s current deal runs out in the summer of 2024, but the Londoners have the option to extend for a further year.
Ajax payout for Abdelhak Nouri
Ajax have reached a settlement worth £6.5million with Abdelhak Nouri’s family after he suffered serious brain damage due to inadequate medical care.
The midfielder’s career was cut short after he suffered a cardiac arrest in a 2017 pre-season game against Werder Bremen.
And despite being revived on the pitch and rushed to a hospital, Nouri suffered permanent brain damage.
Ajax have admitted that the medical care on the field was not adequate and have acknowledged liability.
General manager Edwin van der Sar said in a statement: “We all realise that the suffering for Abdelhak and his loved ones is not over. It remains a very sad situation, that’s how we feel here at Ajax too.
“We greatly appreciate the way the family takes care of Abdelhak day and night with a lot of love and attention.”
Conte hits back at Guardiola
Antonio Conte has hit back at Pep Guardiola’s claim Tottenham only enjoyed success on the counter-attack against Manchester City with a brilliant Instagram post.
Guardiola implied Tottenham’s only positive moments in the game came on the break.
Refusing to ignore the comments, Conte responded to Guardiola’s words in an Instagram post on Monday.
The Italian shared a video of Spurs’ first goal which saw them build up from a Hugo Lloris goal kick, before Cristian Romero, Ben Davies, Kane and Son Heung-min all played their parts in a sweeping move which Dejan Kulusevski tucked home.
It was the very antithesis of a counter-attacking goal, something Conte was quick to point out with his caption.
He simply said: “Counterattacks?!? Maybe not… 😂😂😂.”
Big clubs battle for Olise
Crystal Palace are facing a fight to keep Michael Olise this summer.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Lille and Bayern Munich are among those keeping tabs on the exciting 20-year-old Eagle.
Palace pulled off a coup by pipping a number of bigger Prem and European clubs to sign him from Reading in an £8million deal in July.
But the south Londoners are already staring at the prospect of losing him in the next window following his increasingly impressive displays for them this season.
Pele struggling to eat, sleep
Pele has remained in hospital due to a urinary tract infection as he continues to receive chemotherapy treatment for a tumour on his colon.
The 81-year-old Brazil legend was admitted for a session on his tumour on February 13 and has been kept in due to the urinary infection.
While his condition remains stable, he is also said to be “struggling to eat or sleep”. He has been left weakened after receiving an endoscopy last Wednesday – a procedure used in medicine to look inside the body.
A medical report obtained by ESPN reads: “Edson Arantes do Nascimento [Pele] was admitted to Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein on the 13th to continue the treatment of the colon tumor, identified in September 2021.
“During his stay, routine exams were performed, which indicated the presence of a urinary infection, a fact which extended the patient’s stay in the hospital.
“His clinical conditions are stable, and hospital discharge should take place in the next few days.”
Newcastle to renew pair’s contracts
Jonjo Shelvey and Fabian Schar are reportedly in line for new contracts at Newcastle.
Boss Eddie Howe has been impressed by the pair since taking up the reigns on Tyneside and is eager to tie them down to fresh deals.
The Telegraph report Schar’s return to form after being instilled at the back alongside £13million man Dan Burn has earned him an extension.
The 30-year-old is out of contract this summer, while Shelvey’s current deal expires 12 months later.
He too is likely to be rewarded with fresh terms by Newcastle after enjoying a resurgence in midfield as of late.
It’s claimed Howe is looking to ‘evolve rather than overhaul’ his squad after the £300m Saudi-backed takeover in October.
Arsenal given Martinez transfer boost
Arsenal have been put on red alert with Inter Milan reportedly prepared to sell star striker Lautaro Martinez in the summer.
The Gunners were linked with a move to bring the 24-year-old to the Emirates last year with the club prepared to offer him a £275,000-a-week deal.
It was reported last week how the North London outfit have reignited their interest in the 2021 Copa America champion.
And now Calciomercato have claimed that the player is facing an uncertain future in Italy.
They state that a number of Premier League teams are interested in Martinez, with Arsenal believed to be one of those clubs.
It is understood that the Serie A giants would be willing to part ways with Martinez should they receive a fee in the region of £67million.
Liverpool and City dealt Mbappe blow
Liverpool and Manchester City are out of the running to sign Paris Saint-Germain main man Kylian Mbappe, reports say.
The World Cup-winning Frenchman can leave PSG for FREE this summer when his contract expires.
But according to Sport, Mbappe’s options are narrowing with Liverpool and Man City out of the race to sign him.
A move to Barcelona won’t materialise either with all three interested clubs receiving a negative response ‘every time they opened the door’ to a move.
The only option left for Mbappe is a dream move to Real Madrid.
Possible Champions League final switch
The Champions League final could reportedly be moved to Wembley after Russia invaded Ukraine.
The showpiece is scheduled to take place at the Gazprom Arena in St Petersburg.
According to the Daily Star, Uefa bosses ‘would be left with no choice but to switch venues’ if Putin continues with his military aggression.
The chances of Wembley getting the nod, believed to be worth around £60m, would be heightened should two English teams reach the final.
Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United are still left in the competition.
The Star adds that ‘Uefa are monitoring the Ukrainian crisis closely, with a view to drawing up a contingency plan if needed’.
Brendan Rodgers not going anywhere
Leicester City’s winless start to the Premier League in 2022 is not going to cost Brendan Rodgers his job, according to The Telegraph.
The Foxes have failed to pick up three points in all five league games since the turn of the year, with Rodgers favourite to be the next Prem manager sacked.
It’s claimed club bosses do not have any plans to relieve the former Liverpool manager of his duties.
Rodgers is said to have held talks with chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha before and after the 4-1 Europa Conference League win over Randers.
And plans are already being put in place for a destination for pre-season training in the summer, as well as a winter camp during the Qatar World Cup.
Recruitment has also been discussed ahead of the upcoming transfer window.
Eddie Howe wants Liverpool star
Newcastle United and Aston Villa are likely to be near the front of the queue to sign Joe Gomez should Liverpool decide to sell the defender this summer, according to a report from The Athletic.
Gomez has endured a hugely frustrating season. He had barely played any minutes in the Premier League before getting through the 90 at the weekend as the Reds beat Norwich City.
The Athletic makes it clear that there has, so far, been no suggestion that Gomez is looking to leave Anfield. However, his contract will have two years left to run in the summer.
And should Liverpool decide to cash in on Gomez, Aston Villa and Newcastle may well make a move. The Magpies’ ability to enter the race, of course, will largely depend on whether they manage to stay up.
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