Sport Live Blogs

CHELSEA have reportedly made Jules Kounde their top summer transfer target.The Blues are also said to have offered Antonio Rudiger a bumper deal worth almost £200,000-a-week to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, reports from Spain claim Real Madrid have leapfrogged Man Utd and Man City in the race for Erling Haaland following a constructive meeting.
And Arsenal and Man Utd are both reported to be battling to sign Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.
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PSG prepare huge Mbappe offer
Kylian Mbappe could be about to bring an end to months of transfer speculation by staying put at Paris Saint-Germain.
The France boy wonder has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid when his PSG contract expires this summer.
The Independent reports PSG are prepared to make the striker the highest-paid player in the world in order to convince him to stay.
The report claims the Ligue 1 leaders are ready to pay him a basic wage of close to £1million A WEEK in any new deal.
Aguero leaps to Messi defence
Sergio Aguero has slammed French media over their treatment of friend Lionel Messi at PSG.
L’Equipe gave Messi a 3/10 rating for his performance against Real Madrid on Tuesday night.
Aguero said on Twitch: “Leo played well. He broke it, and not because he’s my friend.
“He was very good, he was very active, too bad about the penalty, but then he broke it. The magazines and newspapers in France killed him, they are as.
“Now I’m going to Paris, I had an interview with a magazine from France but I phoned and told them: ‘No… Leo Messi.'”
Bacary Sagna praises Arsenal’s character
Bacary Sagna believes Arsenal have a good chance of finishing in the top four and praised the mentality and character shown since the poor start to the season.
“I think they have shown some character, they’ve shown some great team spirit. They have the right mentality and they have the right commitment.
“They totally deserve to be where they are today, and honestly, if they keep going that way, playing without any fear in them, keeping the strong basics they have at the minute, I think they have a chance.
“When they played Manchester City, I thought they deserved to win. They played quite well and outplayed City until the red card at least.
“It shows the quality they have. It shows the quality and mentality now compared to the beginning of the season.”
Conte not scared of challenge
Antonio Conte has admitted that managing Tottenham is ‘different’ because the club lacks ‘confidence’.
While praising January arrivals Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur as ‘ideal’ signings for Tottenham, Conte also insisted that there will be no quick fix to his ‘weakened’ side’s problems.
Asked about how his start to life at Spurs compares to when he joined Inter in 2019, he said: “It is always difficult to make comparisons, but surely when you take the job in a team that hasn’t won for a long time it is inevitable that you will lack confidence.
“The confidence is down and many times, at the first obstacle, you throw yourself down and many times the negativity increases even more. Sometimes you grant goals that you struggle to accept.
“This has been happening to us in the last period. This is part of a process of a team that has to grow a lot to try to be competitive.
“Right now we are one of the many teams that are in the middle. They need to work a lot and this does not scare me at all.”
Hasenhuttl not interested in United
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has rubbished suggestions that he’s in line for a move to Manchester United.
The Austrian has been linked with the United hot seat by various voices in the media after his side’s impressive showing at Old Trafford on Saturday.
The 54-year-old also previously worked with Ralf Rangnick at RB Leipzig, leading many to suggest that he’d be the ideal choice to help replicate their success together at the Theatre of Dreams.
However, the Saints boss gave the idea short shrift in his press conference ahead of the weekend’s match with Everton.
“This is not on my mind and is not something that is interesting me. I don’t want to speak about my future.“
Last week, Hasenhuttl responded to an interview he’d given with German media, laughing off suggestions that he’d retire from the game when his Southampton contract comes to an end in 2024.

Frank sings Borja’s praises
Everton manager Frank Lampard has spoken highly of Southampton’s Armando Broja in his press conference ahead of their meeting at St Mary’s on Saturday.
Lampard was Broja’s manager at Chelsea, and handed the striker his senior debut as a substitute in a 4-0 home win against, ironically enough, Everton.
The Albanian has caught the eye on loan at St Mary’s this season, and his performances have come as no surprise to the new Toffees boss.
“I gave him his debut at Chelsea. He’s a very talented young boy.
“He came into us at the start of Covid and started training with us and showed the attributes you’re seeing now at Southampton. He’s fast, he’s strong, he’s got a real eye for goal. I’m very aware of his talents.”
Blues preparing for Mount negotiations
Chelsea are preparing to open discussions with midfielder Mason Mount over a bumper new contract, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
The England international still has 18 months to run on his current deal, but the Blues don’t want to waste any time in tying Mount down long-term.
Officials at Stamford Bridge hope to begin negotiations with the 23-year-old in the coming months in order to avoid any issues, although the player is considered happy and keen to extend his stay beyond 2024.
Toon to do the Botman
Another hour, another story of Newcastle being willing to spend big in order to see off the opposition in the transfer market.
This time the player in question is Sven Botman with Tottenham and AC Milan the clubs unlikely to be able to compete if the Toon decide to splash the cash.
The Dutchman, who plays on the left side of central defence, was a Ligue 1 champion with Lille last season, and has continued to impress this term despite his club’s faltering defence of their title.
Newcastle did enquire about the 22-year-old during the January transfer window as Eddie Howe sought defensive reinforcements, but are now expected to go back in for the player in the summer.

Molineux to host Three Lions
England will play two matches at Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Molineux Stadium in June when Gareth Southgate’s men take on Italy and then Hungary in the Nations League.
The match against the Azzurri will be played behind closed doors as punishment for fan behaviour at the final of Euro 2020.
The games will be first England men’s international to be played at Wolves’ famous old stadium since a World Cup qualifier against Denmark in December 1956.
Mark McGhee back in the game
But not necessarily in the dugout.
Scottish Premiership side Dundee have this morning announced Mark McGhee as their new manager, replacing James McPake, who was sacked on Wednesday.
Second from bottom in the table, Dee have 13 league games left to save their season, but McGhee won’t be able to appear pitchside for the first six as he still has a touchline ban to serve from his time at Motherwell in 2017.
If you want to see how well the fans at Dens Park are taking the news, head on over to Twitter.
Arsenal battle Spurs for Sosa
Arsenal are ready to slog it out with Tottenham once again, but this time in the boardroom as the two north London clubs prepare to battle for Croatian left-back Borna Sosa.
That’s the understanding of Bild’s Christian Falk, who has taken time out from his Twitter beef with Marcus Rashford to reveal the transfer story.
The Stuttgart defender has attracted plenty of attention this season, and was the subject of an enquiry from Chelsea in January as they sought replacements for the stricken Ben Chilwell.
An asking price of £25million put the Blues off in the first instance, but is unlikely to deter their rivals in the capital with both the Gunners and Spurs in need of reinforcements.
Mbappe considering Liverpool u-turn
Kylian Mbappe may yet line up in the red of Liverpool next season, according to reports coming out of Spain.
The French sensation had been poised to sign a deal with Real Madrid following the conclusion of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain in June.
However, the 23-year-old is supposedly now having second thoughts after being disillusioned by the standard of Madrid’s performance when they visited PSG in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Los Blancos produced an incredibly defensive display at the Parc des Princes, eventually going down 1-0 to Mbappe’s stoppage time goal.
The lack of quality in Real’s ranks is now forcing the forward to reconsider long-time suitors Liverpool as an option.

Royals scandal as fans protest
Furious Reading supporters surrounded the team bus last night as it attempted to leave Peterborough’s London Road following last night’s drab 0-0 draw, and demanded the club take action.
Fans have grown increasingly disgruntled with the direction of the Championship outfit, and refused to move until manager Veljko Paunovic had been sacked.
The Serbian coach has overseen Reading’s 12-game winless run, although did end an eight-game losing streak with a point against Posh.
The result ensured the Royals remained above Peterborough, and two points clear of the relegation zone.
The angry mob were eventually dispersed, and the bus was able to leave the stadium.
Leeds ace Raphinha rejects deal
Leeds United’s Brazilian star Raphinha has stalled on the prospect of negotiating a new contract at Elland Road.
The 25-year-old still has two years to run on his current deal, but the Yorkshire club are keen to tie the attacking midfielder down with some of Europe’s biggest clubs taking interest.
Liverpool are reportedly interested in taking the player to Anfield, and the news of the player’s unwillingness to commit his future to Leeds could tempt the Reds into a summer bid.
Reportedly wanting to compete regularly for silverware, Raphinha joined Leeds from Rennes for £17million in 2020, and has since scored 14 goals in 51 Premier League games.
Sources close to Leeds state the club are not worried, and maintain that talks are ongoing with the player’s representatives.
Saka stay dependent on success
Bukayo Saka will only commit his long-term future to Arsenal providing the club can prove they are ready to compete for silverware.
That’s the view of of former Premier League goalkeeper (and one-time striker) David James, who believes the north London club are stocked with exciting young talent.
James told GGRecon that “[Saka] is in an Arsenal team full of potential, but if that potential isn’t to be fulfilled in the next year or so, then I’m sure someone of his talent will desire success.
“If [Mikel] Arteta begins to show that Arsenal can be successful then Saka will have no reason to leave.”
The 20-year-old’s current deal at the Emirates runs out in 2024, and he has recently been linked with a move to Liverpool.
Pogba open to Premier stay
Paul Pogba’s departure from Old Trafford this summer looks all but certain with the Red Devils set to see the Frenchman leave on a free transfer for the second time in ten years.
The midfielder does not appear interested in signing a new contract with United, and had been readily expected to move to one of European football’s giants given his wage demands..
Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and former club Juventus have all been linked, but now it has been suggested in the Telegraph that the player would not be against remaining in the Premier League.
Few English clubs would have the finances to table a deal for the 28-year-old with Newcastle, Arsenal and Chelsea appearing the most likely to be able to make a move should the player want to stay in the country.
Eze money? Newcastle eye Ebe
Mega-rich Newcastle United are continuing their pursuit of Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, and are now preparing a £45million summer swoop for the exciting forward.
As we reported yesterday, the Toon Army have been tracking the 23-year-old since his return from a long-term achilles injury, and made enquiries about taking the player on loan in the January transfer window.
The Eagles are not keen to do business, but United’s new owners are confident that they can tempt the south London club into doing business with a whopping bid of around £45million.
The former QPR man hit four goals in 34 appearances during his debut Premier League season following a £17million move to Selhurst Park, before succumbing to the foot problem that kept him sidelined for six months.

Overnight round-up
Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe again lead the transfer talk.
Real Madrid reportedly believe they have agreed a deal with Borussia Dortmund to beat Manchester United and City to goal machine Haaland.
And it’s claimed PSG’s French World Cup winner Mbappe is ‘open’ to joining Liverpool.
So far Real have been favourites to land Mbappe, even if they also swoop for Haaland.
Meanwhile, Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are all said to be chasing Stuttgart defender Borna Sosa.
It’s been suggested Blues’ boss Thomas Tuchel failed with a January bid for the Croatia left-back.
The Gunners and Spurs are also being linked with RB Leipzig’s attacking midfielder Christopher Nkunku.
But some reports say Old Trafford chief Ralf Rangnick might meet resistance from the Old Trafford board if he pursues the exciting Frenchman.
Newcastle are lining up an improved £45million offer for Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze in the summer.
Finally, Liverpool struck twice late on to clinch a flattering 2-0 Champions League last-16 first-leg win at Inter Milan.
Roberto Firmino’s header and Mo Salah’s deflected shot seemingly left the Reds in command for the Anfield return on March 8.   
This is the moment City’s jet is rocked by winds
This is the worrying moment Manchester City’s private jet is ROCKED mid-air by turbulence as it struggles to land.
The terrifying footage was shot as City’s plane attempted to touch down in Manchester following Tuesday’s 5-0 win against Sporting Lisbon.
Worrying moment Man City’s jet is ROCKED mid-air by turbulence from Storm Dudley as it struggles to land in Manchester
Video shows shows the jet struggling to battle the strong winds caused by Storm Dudley.
City’s plane had to circle THREE times before it was deemed too dangerous to land.
And it was forced to change course mid-air to land in Liverpool instead.
High winds meant the plane could not touch down at Manchester Airport, leading to the late change 31 miles away.
The club released a short statement on Twitter that reads: “We can confirm the plane transporting the first team home from Lisbon has landed safely in Liverpool, after high winds forced a diversion from Manchester.”
Storm Dudley has brought severe weather conditions to Manchester with the Met Office issuing a ‘danger to life’ warning across the area.

Conte: We weakened Spurs squad
Antonio Conte has revealed he ‘now realises Tottenham’s vision’ in a frank assessment of their January transfer window.
Spurs brought in Juventus duo Dejan Kulusevski and Rodrigo Bentancur but also missed out on a number of targets.
These included Adam Traore, who ended up re-joining Barcelona, and Luis Diaz who was pinched by Liverpool.

And Conte has now spoken out about how challenging the window was for the club.
Speaking to Sky Sports Italia, he said: “It’s always difficult to make comparisons, but if I had to find something similar, it would be the lack of confidence that is inevitable when you start work at a club that hasn’t won in a long time.
“I saw some situations from the outside that could be developed, but when you get into it, you realise that something… What happened in January was not easy. We lost four players in January. Four important players for Tottenham, and we brought in only two.
“So even just in terms of numbers, rather than reinforce the squad, we on paper weakened it.
“Bentancur and Kulusevski are ideal prospects for Tottenham, because Tottenham are seeking young players they can develop and grow, not players who are ready. That is the issue.”
No Chelsea bonus for world glory
Chelsea players will not receive any bonuses despite the club receiving £7million for their Club World Cup and Uefa Super Cup triumphs, according to reports.
Members of the Blues’ squad are entitled to bonuses if they win the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup or League Cup.

But according to the Daily Mail, no negotiations were made before the season started about bonuses being dished out for claiming the Super Cup or Club World Cup.
Chelsea agree a bonus schedule with their players prior to the start of each campaign.
And the West London outfit have one of the most stringent bonus structures as they generally only pay out when trophies have been won – although they are also expected to receive one if they reach the Champions League final.
When they are received, some players often pass them on to lower-paid team-mates or young prospects.
But Chelsea’s squad are not set to receive any for their two European wins this season, despite the club earning as much as £7m for the triumphs – £3.7m for the Super Cup and £3.6m for the Club World Cup.
They secured the Super Cup back in August with a penalty shootout victory over Villarreal.
Kop in Mbappe hunt
Kylian Mbappe is reportedly ‘open to a Liverpool transfer offer’ after his winner for Paris Saint-Germain over Real Madrid ‘radically’ changed his plans.
The French superstar scored a stunning late winner against the LaLiga giants on Tuesday night to secure a 1-0 victory in the Champions League round of 16 first leg clash.
The build-up to the match had been dominated by Mbappe’s future, amid talk that he will agree a contract with Madrid when his deal at Parc des Princes expires in June.https://imasdk.googleapis.com/js/core/bridge3.500.0_en.html#goog_73045457Play Video
However, Sport are now claiming that Tuesday’s result has ‘radically changed the scenario’.
And the report offers Liverpool plenty of encouragement in their pursuit of the 23-year-old World Cup winner. It adds that Mbappe’s camp have offered assurances that no contract has been agreed with Madrid.
They also state that they have ‘opened the door’ to him staying at PSG. And they are willing to listen to any offer made by Liverpool – ‘a club that attracts Mbappe a lot’.
Speaking to Movistar after the win over Madrid, he said: “I’ve not decided my future. I play for Paris Saint-Germain, one of the best clubs in the world.
“This game to influence my future? No – I’ve not decided. I give my best and then we will see what happens next season.
“I said I would give it my all. I had to show it with actions. I did it the first time, we’ll have to show it a second time at the Bernabeu.”
Newcastle in for Palace ace
Newcastle are lining up a fresh £45million summer swoop for Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze.
The newly-rich Toon offered the Eagles £5m in the January window to take their playmaker on loan for the rest of the season with a view to a £35m permanent switch at the end of the season.
That was flatly rejected by Palace because they did not want to sell one of their players mid-campaign, especially to a top flight rival.
But Newcastle, with cash to splash on new signings following their megabucks Saudi takeover, are confident they can get a deal done for one of the Premier League’s hottest properties once this season is over.
And Palace could be tempted to more than double their money on a player they signed from QPR 18 months ago for £17m.
Greenwich-born Eze, 23, scored four goals in 34 Premier League appearances last season before suffering an Achilles injury in May.
That has restricted him to just one Premier League start so far this term.
Eze was an unused substitute in Palace’s 0-0 draw with Prem newcomers Brentford.
Hasenthuttl tipped to boss top club
Jan Bednarek has tipped Ralph Hasenhuttl to manage one of football’s big beasts one day, writes TOM BARCLAY.
Hasenhuttl, 54, has had an outstanding campaign at Southampton, guiding them to tenth in the Premier League and the fifth round of the FA Cup.
He has masterminded an excellent run of just one defeat in Saints last ten games in all competitions, including draws against both Manchester clubs and a win at Tottenham.
The Austrian is contracted until 2024, after which he has hinted he could even quit life as a manager. 
Yet defender Bednarek is hoping Hasenhuttl’s talents will one day land him a top role.
The Pole said: “You can see with our performances against the biggest teams, he has got the idea and the philosophy of playing football that could suit a big team.
“If we keep going like this and keep performing like this, the big teams will look at him, and analyse the way he plays, the way he is managing the team. 
“If they like him – I don’t see many things against that. Hopefully, I keep my fingers crossed, one day he will  become the manager of some bigger team.”
Big Sam hails Arteta over Auba exit
Sam Allardyce reckons Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta handled Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s ban and resulting sale to Barcelona ‘magnificently’.
Arteta dumped club record-earner Aubameyang as skipper and out of the first-team for disciplinary reasons before the striker departed on transfer deadline for free.
And ex-Newcastle, West Ham and Everton manager Allardyce praised the Spaniard’s treatment of the Gabon superstar, 32.
He said: “He dealt with that magnificently well, because it shows the rest of the team that there’s a certain level of expectation when it comes to discipline, and if you’re not going to adhere to that, you’re gone.”

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CHELSEA have reportedly made Jules Kounde their top summer transfer target.The Blues are also said to have offered Antonio Rudiger a bumper deal worth almost £200,000-a-week to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, reports from Spain claim Real Madrid have leapfrogged Man Utd and Man City in the race for Erling Haaland following a constructive meeting.
And Arsenal and Man Utd are both reported to be battling to sign Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.
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Spurs target Lingard fancies overseas move
Jesse Lingard is reportedly set to snub a move to Tottenham because he wants to head abroad this summer.
The United midfielder is soon to be out of contract at Old Trafford and appears certain to head for the exit.
He has notched 226 appearances for the Red Devils but this season has found game time hard to come by.
Spurs were mooted as a potential escape route in January but the indications coming out of the Lingard camp now suggest he wants to play overseas next term.
Zaha in the making
Could Arsenal be about to make a surprise move for Wilfried Zaha.
The Gunners have previously been linked with the Ivory Coast international but have never had much of a look in with the player happy at Crystal Palace.
Wilfried Zaha could be on his way out at Crystal PalaceCredit: Getty
That appears to have changed as Palace struggle to tie him down to a new contract.
And boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly considering a swoop for the forward in the summer.
Given his lack of attacking options, any attacking talent would be a welcome addition to Arteta’s squad.
But with the player pushing 30 there are concerns he may not fit into Arsenal’s youthful squad, which currently has the youngest average age in the Premier League.
‘Credit where it’s due’
Paul Merson has some advice for West Ham if they hope to qualify for the Champions League next season – be more like Newcastle.
The Arsenal legend has been impressed by the Toon’s recent run of form which has seen them win three on the bounce.
West Ham are going backwards in terms of a top four finish and now find themselves in fifth after being leapfrogged by Man United.
And Merson said: “Credit where credit is due, winning three games on the trot is some going when you’re virtually bottom of the league.
“If Arsenal did that, it’s a result. If West Ham were to do that now, they’ve got every chance of playing Champions League football next year. 
“The Premier League is hard, so to win three straight games is impressive.”
Man in the middle
Arsenal have reportedly entered the race for Leeds star Kalvin Phillips.
The England international is already the subject of interest from the likes of Man United and Liverpool.
But now reports suggest the Gunners could be in for the 26-year-old this summer.
Boss Mikel Arteta is looking for a midfielder he can rely on after seeing Granit Xhaka pick up too many cards this season.
Any transfer battle would likely push the asking price above the £36million Leeds reportedly value him at.
Dumb luck
Luke Shaw has admitted people will think he is ‘stupid’ for his bold Champions League prediction.
The Man United left-back has insisted the Red Devils still have a chance of winning the European title this season.
Winning the Champions League may be United’s best hope of qualifying for next season’s edition of the tournament – although yesterday’s victory over Brighton sees them move up to fourth for the time being.
And Shaw said: “This is the crunch time of the season and it is very important in the league to get some momentum. As a team we believe we can win the Champions League.
“Not many people on the outside will think it and some will think I’m stupid for saying that but we have that belief and confidence that we can win it.
“I’m sure everyone in this dressing room – the players, the staff and the management – all have that belief that we can. Now we need to pick some momentum up, get results and keep playing well.”
Max power
Wolves defender Max Kilman has called on his Molineux team-mates to use their victory over Tottenham on Sunday as a springboard for a run of results.
The Black Country side are currently seventh and have an outside chance of a top-four spot and qualification for next season’s Champions League.
They stunned Spurs 2-0 away from home on Sunday and now sit one place above the north London club in the Prem table.
And Kilman said: “It’s a good result but we must keep our form going and keep the consistency.
“If we want to be pushing to higher places in the league we need to start winning two or three games in a row and keeping up with the performances instead of winning and losing.
“If we keep winning and then losing it will be very difficult for us to get to higher places in the table at the end of the season.
Future planning
Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell reckons his former club have a real chance of landing talented youngster Armando Broja from Chelsea this summer.
The 20-year-old has been turning heads with his goal-scoring efforts while out on loan at Southampton this season.
And Campbell says the lure of regular first-team football in Arsenal’s youthful line-up could be enough to convince the youngster his future lies at the Emirates.
Campbell told Football Insider: “The thing is with Chelsea, they have so many players.
“They might well say they don’t want to sell him to a rival. But if the young man wants a career, then he won’t want to be going out on loan all the time or stuck in the reserves – he’ll want to move.
“I don’t know how strong the interest is, but he’s certainly performing brilliantly at Southampton. He looks a right handful and he’s a young striker, which ties into the model at Arsenal right now.
“I don’t know what their stance is on selling to a top-four rival, but Chelsea won’t be able to keep everybody happy this summer – that’s for sure.”
Left out in the cold
United legend Andy Cole isn’t impressed with the treatment of one Red Devil under Ralf Rangnick.
The former striker has given his backing to centre-back Victor Lindelof, who is currently rooted to the bench with skipper Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane ahead of him.
Victor Lindelof featured against Brighton last nightCredit: AFP
The Sweden international found himself out-of-favour when previous manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought in Varane last summer.
Now Cole has said: “For me personally, I would like to see him given a run in the team.
“I think when he plays well and he has got confidence, he is as good as any of them.
“I don’t think he has been given the run that he deserves.
“When Ole was the manager and he brought in Varane, he left Victor out straightaway.
“You just can’t just make your mind up like I bought Maguire for £80million, so regardless of how he plays he is going to play.
“And then Varane, I bought him for £40m, you can’t do that.
“Sometimes, you have got to look at it and say right, if these are the best combination I am going to go with it.”
‘Pain in the a**’
Pep Guardiola has identified the team he reckons has the best chance of halting his Manchester City juggernaut in this season’s Champions League.
The Sky Blues smashed last-16 opponents Sporting Lisbon 5-0 last night – and that was just the first leg.
But the City boss has refused to get complacent as he cited LIVERPOOL as his side’s biggest threat in their quest for a Champions League title this term.
When asked who he feared most, Pep said: “Liverpool. They are six points behind us. 
“They’ve been our biggest rivals in the past few seasons and are always there – a pain in the a**, all the time! They are a fantastic team in Europe.”
Domestic rivalry
Man United face a transfer shock this summer in the shape of out-of-contract star Paul Pogba.
The France international will become a free agent in July and is yet to sign a new deal to stay at Old Trafford.
Until now a move abroad had seemed the most likely outcome to Pogba’s contract situation, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain all vying for his signature.
But now reports are emerging the 28-year-old could sensationally consider offers from rival Premier League clubs.
The Express suggests unnamed English heavyweights are eyeing the midfielder’s services this summer.
That would come as quite a blow to the Red Devils faithful, who have had a fractious relationship with their academy graduate over the years.
Person of interest
Martin Odegaard has spoken of his excitement at the current crop of Arsenal players under boss Mikel Arteta.
The Norway international is part of the youngest squad in the Premier League after joining permanently from Real Madrid last summer.
Odegaard had been on loan from the Bernabeu before making the switch full-time and now can’t wait to see what his team-mates are capable of.
He said: “We’re a very, very interesting group: a lot of young players, and a lot of hungry players.
“I feel like we’re building something special here with all the players and the staff. 
“It’s really interesting what we’re trying to do and I’m happy with the situation, very happy to be part of the team and hopefully we can keep improving and get better each game. Then we’ll see where it takes us.”
Homecoming king
Son Heung-min says he cannot wait to return to South Korea with Tottenham this summer, writes Paul Jiggins.
Spurs have announced they will be playing two fixtures in the striker’s homeland in July as part of their preparations for the 2022-23 campaign.
Son and Spurs are eyeing their first pre-season tour in two yearsCredit: Getty
It will be the North Londoners’ first overseas tour for three years following the Covid pandemic.
Son said: “I am extremely excited to be returning home to South Korea this summer alongside my Spurs team-mates – for most of whom this will be their first visit.
“I can’t wait to see their reaction to the passionate Korean fans and the incredible atmosphere in what we are sure will be packed out stadiums for our matches.”
Tottenham claim they are the most supported English club in South Korea as they boast the captains of the country’s men and women’s national teams in Son and Cho So-hyun.
Spurs visited South Korea when they played in the 2005 Peace Cup.
They were planning to return in July 2020 before Covid struck.
It will be the club’s first tour since they played in Singapore and China under Mauricio Pochettino in 2019.
Antonio Conte’s side will play two exhibition matches as part of the Coupang Play Series, with dates, opposition and venues to be announced nearer the time.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy said: “We are delighted to be heading back out on tour after what has been such a challenging time for us all.
“Being able to take our team overseas during pre-season is always a key part of the preparation for any forthcoming season – I speak on behalf of all players and staff in saying we have missed being able to do so in recent years.
“A trip to Korea, in particular, is long overdue – we are well aware of the incredible support we have there, with many fans travelling to London to watch our matches in recent years.”
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Man United boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed the secret that transformed his side at half-time in their crucial 2-0 win over Brighton last night.
The Red Devils again looked lacklustre at Old Trafford and went into the break with the score at 0-0.
But during the break the German tactician called on wingers Jadon Sancho and Anthony Elanga to change their approach.
He said: “We told our two wingers to attack the centre-backs so our full-backs could jump to their full-backs.
“That paid off with Elanga and the red card. We should have killed off the game much earlier. We were not lethal enough.
“First half was Mr Hyde, second half Dr Jekyll and for a change it (the result) was different. In the end it was important to get the three points against an in-form team.”
Race for fourth
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has had his say on the Gunners’ top-four prospects this season.
Boss Mikel Arteta is desperate to finish inside the Champions League qualifying spots this term.
And his quest was given a huge boost with the narrow 1-0 win away at Wolves last week while rivals around them dropped points.
And Henry said: “West Ham didn’t take advantage of it. Tottenham has never taken advantage of it.
“But Arsenal had to go and win at Wolves. That was a massive win, so there are still a lot of games to go.
“For me, if they don’t do it, as I said at the start of the season, then it will be a failure.”
Italian job
Tottenham’s Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg could be on his way to Roma in the next transfer window, according to reports.
Italian paper Corriere della Sera says the 26-year-old could find himself on the market after failing to impress new boss Antonio Conte.
Former Spurs manager Jose Mourinho reportedly rates the Dane highly.
He was the Special One’s first signing in north London, joining from Southampton for a fee of around £15million in the summer of 2020.
Hojbjerg could be looking at a guaranteed place in the starting line-up at Roma, with Mourinho on the hunt for a new midfielder.
The 59-year-old has reportedly given up on his pursuit for Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka and is now looking elsewhere.
Out of control
Man United aren’t going to win anything until they sort out their midfield.
That’s the view of ex-England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright.
Fred started in the Man United midfield last nightCredit: AFP
The pundit reckons United need an upgrade on the likes of Paul Pogba, Fred and Scott McTominay, who all featured to some extent against Brighton last night.
He said: “I will always say until Man United get the midfield sorted where they can control the game when it’s going against them they are going to have problems.
“Brighton even with ten men, they were still causing Man United problems.
“That should not be happening, not at Old Trafford against eleven men.
“How many transfer windows everybody knows they need for that particular midfield for them to control games.
“If Man United can control games, they will take chances, they will make even more chances and they will win more comfortably.”
Change of schedule
United have reportedly axed plans to play a pre-season friendly in Hong Kong this summer due to Covid-19 restrictions still in place.
The Red Devils had been considering a stop in the city as part of their first ‘proper’ pre-season tour in two years.
But Hong Kong’s strict pandemic protocols don’t look like being relaxed any time soon and United aren’t prepared to gamble with booking in a stay this year.
Howling mad
Arsenal legend Ian Wright has slapped down Ruben Neves for comments the Wolves midfielder made in the aftermath of the Gunners’ narrow 1-0 victory over his side last week.
Neves poured scorn on the north London club for celebrating ‘as if they’d won the league’ when they held on for a vital three points despite going down to 10 men.
Now Wright has hit back, asking Neves what he was thinking when making those comments.
He said: “I was vexed with Neves, coming out and saying ‘look at how Arsenal are celebrating’. What’s wrong with you?
“That’s an unbelievable result for Arsenal the way that you lot have been playing. 
“1-0 nil down with 10 men away from home and we get the goal (to win it). That is cause for celebration!”
‘No one can get near them’
Owen Hargreaves has heaped praise on Pep Guardiola and his team after they smashed Sporting Lisbon 5-0 last night.
Man City have all but guaranteed their place in the Champions League quarters with the thumping first-leg win.
And pundit Hargreaves said: “There is no such thing as perfection, but they’re as close to a perfect team if there is one right now.
“When they’re that clinical and efficient as they were in the first half, I don’t think anyone can get near them.
“In the second half, if anything, they took their foot off the gas because they only had one shot on target.
“I don’t know how you beat them, I’ll be honest.”
Brotherly love
Bruno Fernandes has signalled his approval of Paul Pogba’s return to the Man United line-up.
The France superstar is back in action for the Red Devils having recovered from a long-term hamstring problem.
And he lined up alongside Fernandes in the United midfield for last night’s much-needed 2-0 victory over Brighton.
Now Fernandes has taken to Twitter to hail a duo he has labelled ‘Brogba’…

Fab news for Gunners fans
Arsenal are reportedly set for a busy summer when the transfer window reopens in June.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has told Gooners not to panic as he reckons boss Mikel Arteta is eyeing a new midfielder and top striker ahead of the new season.
He told the Que Golazo YouTube channel: “I want to tell Arsenal fans don’t worry, that the summer will be busy for Arsenal.
“They will go for a new midfielder, a new top striker, so don’t worry. They will do something important.”
Hu-goes there?
Newcastle could be blown out of the water by a Premier League rival in their bid to land Reims wonderkid Hugo Ekitike.
The Magpies reportedly made an offer of £25million for the striker last month but were rebuffed by the Ligue 1 club.
Borussia Dortmund are also thought to be tracking the starlet as a possible replacement for Erling Haaland, should the Norwary talisman depart this summer.
And now world champions Chelsea are said to be considering a move for the 19-year-old when the transfer window reopens.
The Blues are apparently ready to cough up the £33m needed to land his signature and could offer the lure of Champions League next season – something beyond the relegation-threatened Toon.
Hungry for more
He’s had his doubters in recent weeks but last night Cristiano Ronaldo responded in the only way he knows how – by hitting the back of the net.
The veteran striker hit the opener as Man United claimed a vital three points over a determined Brighton side at Old Trafford.
And one ex-United striker watching on couldn’t believe what he was seeing from the current Red Devil goal-getter.
Andy Cole said: “It’s incredible – to be playing at the highest level at 37 now and still scoring goals. The goals that he’s got. He’s done almost everything in his career.
“But to still have that hunger and desire – that tells you everything.”
Gunner sign him
Arsenal are reportedly ‘favourites’ to sign transfer target Rafael Leao this summer.
The Gunners are eager to bring in attacking reinforcements having waved goodbye to ex-skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in January.
Goal-shy Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah are both out of contract at the end of the season and boss Mikel Arteta is plotting striker moves when the window re-opens.
And AC Milan talent Leao is one of the names on his list.
Now reports in Italy suggest Arteta’s side are in pole position to land the 22-year-old’s signature, with the player said to be intrigued by the prospect of a move to England.
Ek of a player
Mega-rich Newcastle are reportedly interested in signing Reims wonderkid Hugo Ekitike.
But they face a potential transfer battle with Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund if they’re to land his signature.
Hugo Ekitike is wanted by both Newcastle and DortmundCredit: Getty
Dortmund are thought to be eyeing the 19-year-old as a possible replacement for goal machine Erling Haaland if the Norway striker leaves this summer.
The Magpies reportedly made a £25million bid for Ekitike last month but were rebuffed by the Ligue 1 club.
Reports in Germany now suggest the France U20 starlet is about to be the subject of a bidding war – with Newcastle’s deep-pocketed new owners eager to prove their credentials in the transfer market.
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CHELSEA have reportedly made Jules Kounde their top summer transfer target.The Blues are also said to have offered Antonio Rudiger a bumper deal worth almost £200,000-a-week to prevent him leaving on a free transfer.
Meanwhile, reports from Spain claim Real Madrid have leapfrogged Man Utd and Man City in the race for Erling Haaland following a constructive meeting.
And Arsenal and Man Utd are both reported to be battling to sign Leicester’s Youri Tielemans.
Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
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Bale tipped for summer exit
Gareth Bale is expected to depart Real Madrid this summer.
The Wales winger, 32, has been linked with a free transfer return to Tottenham.
Roman fortune drops £650m
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s fortune has dropped by about £650million in just one day due to mounting tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
The multi-billionaire Russian tycoon, 55, has seen the value of his 28.6 per cent stake in steel group Evraz, fall sharply.

Investors fear sanctions will be imposed on Russian companies.
Shares in Evraz, which is listed on the London Stock Exchange, were down 129½p, or 29 per cent, at 315¼p.
Danni Hewson, a financial analyst at investment platform AJ Bell, said: “The new trading week has begun on a bad note across Europe and Asia.
“Investors fear the alarm clock is about to sound on a physical battle between Russia and Ukraine.”
Foxes sign Kolo’s son
Leicester are keeping it in the family after signing first team coach Kolo Toure’s son Yassine, writes GRAEME BRYCE.
The teen has joined on a two-year scholarship.
But unlike his defender father, Yassine is a right-winger who wears the number seven shirt.

He also qualifies to play for England and the Ivory Coast.
The youngster was born while Kolo was playing for Arsenal.
And he joined Leicester from Celtic as an under-14 after his dad arrived as part of Brendan Rodgers’ coaching staff.
In December, he was offered a two-year scholarship with the club.
That means he will play for City’s under-18s until the end of the 2023-24 season.
EXCLUSIVE: Pickford caught up in brawl
England goalie Jordan Pickford is at the ­centre of a police probe into a pub ruck after revellers mocked that he had short “T-Rex arms,” writes ROBIN PIERRE.
His pals were furious and a mass brawl broke out in East Boldon, South Tyneside.
One lad was left with a broken nose and another with a smashed phone.Police rushed to the scene but Pickford, 27, and his friends had already left. Officers are investigating and seeking witnesses.

There is no suggestion that £30million ace Pickford assaulted anyone.The ruck happened at around 9pm on Sunday at the Beggar’s Bridge pub, in East Boldon, South Tyneside.
A witness said: “He was getting goaded, like they do. All I heard was ‘little arms’ and then that’s it. It kicked off. It happened as soon as they walked in. They hadn’t even had time to get a drink. One lad suffered a broken nose.
“Pickford wasn’t hurt at all. He was out of the door as soon as it kicked off. Pickford’s group left by minibus before the police came.”
The witness added that a lad who was filming the incident had his phone smashed by one of the star’s group.
Crock Trippier sweats on return
Kieran Trippier faces a race to be fit for Newcastle’s survival fight after breaking his foot.
The England defender fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot after being stamped on in the second half of Sunday’s 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

Trippier, who scored with a free-kick, faces six weeks out.
He said: “It’s really frustrating to have picked up the injury. We’ve built some momentum and long may that continue.
“I will remain positive and work as hard as I can on my rehab to be back fit as quickly as possible.”
The 31-year-old went straight for an X-ray before returning to St James’ Park on crutches with his left foot in a protective boot, and now faces surgery.
Trippier, a £12million signing from Atletico Madrid in January, has been at the forefront of Toon’s revival under boss Eddie Howe.
He has scored the winning goal in the last two games and even captained the side against Villa in Jamaal Lascelles’ absence.
Rangnick: We’re scared to press
Ralf Rangnick admits Manchester United’s struggling players are crippled by anxiety trying to play the pressing game.
Club legend Paul Scholes let rip at the Red Devils’ work-rate after Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southampton, blasting: “They don’t want to put a shift in.”
Interim boss Rangnick, whose side host Brighton on Tuesday night, said: “It’s important we pick the right moments to be proactive to press.
“Even if it’s not possible, stay compact and don’t be too easy to be out-played. Too easily, some of them in transitional moments were almost over anxious.
“We were not ready at the right moment and then were saying ‘oh I should have pressed’, and then coming back one or two steps too late, giving the other team space on the counter attack.
“This is not only tactical discipline but also to be clever and smart enough to realise now it’s not possible so just stay in position.
“Keep your shape, keep your formation and make it difficult for the other team to play through our lines.”
Gooners want grand Stan gesture
Arsenal supporters who stayed up to watch the Super Bowl have flocked to social media to urge Stan Kroenke to show similar investment in the Premier League club.
Kroenke is also the owner of the LA Rams, who beat Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to win their first Super Bowl championship in the early hours of Monday morning.
The American tycoon is said to have invested around £5billion in the NFL franchise over the past decade.
Now Gunners fans want the 74-year-old businessman to show a similar commitment to his football club in order to end their 18 year spell without a league title.
One supporters wrote on Twitter: “If Stan Kroenke had invested half of the money he’s invested in LA Rams for them to reach the Super Bowl in Arsenal, Arsenal would’ve won the Champions League.”
Ralf: We’re not robo-flops
Ralf Rangnick admitted that Manchester United’s habit of throwing away leads has “affected the minds of the players”.
The German interim boss conceded that they now have no chance of catching Chelsea in third.
The Red Devils only came out with draws against Burnley and Southampton having bagged the opening goal.

And Rangnick, who brought in psychologist Sascha Lense in December, conceded they will only salvage something from their season if they improve their mental strength.
He said: ““They say we should have been 3-0 or 4-0 up and all of a sudden it’s 1-1 – it affects the mindset, it is obvious. They are human beings, not robots.
“The situation is clear, in 11 out of the 13 games we scored the first goal but only won half.
“We have to be more effective to score a second and a third goal and just kill the game off.
“But if that doesn’t happen stick to the game plan, stay solid and stay tactically disciplined. We’ve given away goals too easily and it was our own mistakes we made that allowed them to score.”
How Morgan responded
Piers Morgan doubled down on his criticism of David Beckham as his Twitter exchange wit Gary Lineker continued.
Morgan responded to Lineker:: “You might want to suck up to him, for whatever reason, but Beckham was the most overrated player in history. Wouldn’t have got onto the Arsenal Invincibles bench.”
But Lineker hit back by outlining Beckham’s long list of achievements: “Six Premier Leagues, two FA Cups, one Champions League, one La Liga, one Ligue Un. Balón d’Or runner up. 115 caps for England, 59 as captain.
“One of the best crossers of the ball the game has ever seen. Yeah, overrated.”
Morgan hit back again, saying: “Take away the crossing & free-kicks, he was a fame-hungry snail with dumb haircuts who only won that much because of the truly great players around him.”
Utd made Ron decision over Erling
Paul Ince has questioned why Manchester United signed Cristiano Ronaldo instead of going all out Erling Haaland.
Red Devils icon Ronaldo, 37, returned to Old Trafford to much fanfare in a £12.85m move from Juventus in August.
But the Portuguese superstar’s comeback has failed to inspire improvement as Ralf Rangnick’s side continue to stutter.

Dortmund sensation Haaland has been a long-term target and United could have landed him last summer if they had broken the bank under now axed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
And Ince said: “When Ole first took the helm the project was about going young but all of a sudden they were bringing in 37-year-olds.
“You think, ‘why didn’t you just go and get Haaland?’ You didn’t need Ronaldo, but it’s just the fact that everyone thought he was going to Man City.
“Everyone thought it was great when he first came and if it wasn’t for Ronaldo, they wouldn’t still be in the Champions League.
“But the example he is setting, by throwing his toys out of the pram, is a bad one. Why would you listen to someone prepared to act the way he is? As we’ve seen on numerous occasions – running down the tunnel, not clapping fans, sulking – it’s not a good example.”
Lineker slams Morgan for slating Becks
Arsenal fan Piers Morgan launched a scathing attack on Manchester United legend David Beckham after watching Superbowl LVI.
The SunSport columnist enjoyed the event and marvelled at the performance of Odell Beckham Jr. as he helped the LA Rams to their win.
In typically provocative manner Morgan praised the wide receiver while putting down former England and Manchester United star David Beckham.

Morgan tweeted: “Great to watch a Beckham who can actually play football…#Superbowl.”
That led to a big backlash with many leaping to Beckham’s defence – suggesting Morgan had a bad memory.
Gary Lineker, who often clashes with Morgan on Twitter, said: “You might dislike him, for whatever reason, but David Beckham was a great footballer. One of our finest.”
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s transfer deadline day?
Tough-talking Neil Warnock showed off his romantic softer side as he read a love poem he wrote to his wife for Valentine’s Day.
The former Cardiff and Middlesbrough boss is known for no-nonsense management but caught talkSPORT presenter Laura Woods by surprise by revealing he often writes adoring rhymes for his wife.

Warnock advised listeners to do likewise before reading out his poem, which he insisted was written spontaneously.
The poem included the lines: “That smile said it all that’s why you’re my girl.”The look with those eyes sends my head in a whirl.
“I’m so in love with you at times I could cry, I find myself looking at you and boy do I sigh.”
Neil Warnock has Laura Woods close to tears as iconic boss reads Valentine’s Day poem he wrote for wife on live radio
Amorim is ‘next Mourinho’
Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim is the hottest coaching talent from Portugal since Jose Mourinho.
Amorim has the opportunity to prove he too is a “special one” tonight when he leads his side against Manchester City in the last 16 of the Champions League.

As SunSport first revealed, Amorim’s achievements have put him on the radar of Manchester United.
And when Guardiola calls it a day at City, Amorim could even be in the frame to take charge at the Etihad.
Filipe Dias, a senior editor at Lisbon-based sports newspaper Record, said: “Since Mourinho there hasn’t been a manager as captivating here in Portugal as Ruben Amorim.
“We’re a small country but we have had good managers, like Mourinho and now Bruno Lage, in the Premier League.
“I think Amorim is something special as well.”
Gunners ‘might not replace Auba & Laca’
Arsenal might not replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette in the summer, according to reports.
The Gunners shifted Aubameyang off the books in January, sending him to Spain to play for Barcelona.
But they could also lose Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, with both of their contracts up in the summer.

But according to football.london, youngster Gabriel Martinelli has been training as a No9, suggesting the Gunners may not necessarily splash out on a big money forward.
Martinelli’s blistering pace, technical and finishing ability could see him grow into a top class striker. The Brazilian has four goals to his name this term having found himself in good goal scoring positions as a result of his movement.Former Arsenal player Jack Wilshere – who is currently back at the club training to regain fitness – has been left impressed by Martinelli.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official club website, Wilshere said: “The one who I really like and think he’s going to be top, is Martinelli.
“I think what the manager has done with him has been genius as well.
“When I first went there he was training, coming on, not playing much, but training really well and I was thinking, ‘He’s going to get a chance here’ and he eventually got his chance and he’s been brilliant.”
Roo picks Tevez over Ron, Ruud and RVP
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney rates Carlos Tevez his favourite Old Trafford strike partner.
Ex-England skipper Rooney also developed frightening relationships with the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistlerooy and Robin van Persie.
But he reckons his line-up with Tevez was awesome all-round as they won SIX trophies from 2007-9.
That included back-to-back Premier League titles and Champions League glory.

And Rooney revealed the pair of them were ‘like bulls’ when trying to win the ball back from opponents, and ‘complimented’ each other perfectly.
He told Sport Bible: “I just loved our connection. The two of us up front, we complimented each other really well.
“Normally if I played with Louis Saha, Ruud van Nistelrooy or Robin van Persie – these strikers were always the No9 and I’d play as a No10.
“With Tevez we could rotate, I’d be the No9, he’d take the No9 spot and I’d be No10. When we lost the ball we’d be like two bulls trying to get it back.
“As a strike partner, he was the one I enjoyed playing with the most.”
‘Utd should feel embarrassed’
Gary Neville has slammed Manchester United players yet again following the draw with Southampton, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
After the match Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed an area of weakness in the United team he was able to exploit.
Hasenhuttl was critical of the Red Devils’ pressing game and exposed United’s players for their defensive work rate.

He said after the match: “It is not a big secret that when they lose the ball that the reverse gears are not the best from everybody.
“Then you have the chance to create something and we did.
“The pressing for them was good in the beginning, but they aren’t used to doing it for more than 30 or 40 minutes, we came into the game after that.”
Neville felt the United squad should be embarrassed by what the Austrian had to say, believing it reflected very badly on the players.
He wrote on Twitter: “Imagine being a Manchester United player and having a respected opposition manager say that about you.”
Hasenthutl criticism of Utd ‘worst type you can get’
Gary Neville has defended Southampton boss Ralph Hasenthutl for handing Manchester United the ‘ biggest criticism’ professional footballers can face.
Hasenthutl questioned United’s workrate as his Saints’ side fought back for a 1-1 draw.
Hasenthult said: “It is not a big secret that when they lose the ball that the reverse gears are not always the best from everybody.”
Old Trafford legend Neville responded by saying no sportsperson or an athlete’ can face a worse accusation ‘that you don’t work hard enough’.
The ex-England defender told Sky Sports: “He said essentially that not everyone mucks in when the reverse gears are put on.
“If I was a Manchester United player and had that said about me by a respected opposition manager, that would bite deep.
“The reason I don’t think it’s disrespectful is because it’s coming from someone with authority and it’s the feeling in the league.”
Flachi, 46, plays again after 12-year ban
An ex-Serie A star has made his return to football in the Italian fifth tier aged 46 after a 12-YEAR ban for cocaine use.
Francesco Flachi played for Fiorentina and Sampdoria in his pomp and was capped by Italy at youth level.
But a huge suspension in 2010 after traces of cocaine were found in his urine effectively ended his playing career.

Now, though, amateur outfit Signa 1914 have handed the 46-year-old the chance to play again.
He made his comeback for the side based near Florence in a 2-2 draw against Prato 2000 at the weekend.
Upon his return to football, Flachi told Italian outlet Gazzetta della Sport: “This day cancels 12 years of disqualification. It is my rebirth.
“This is the proof that I have also rebuilt. What have I felt? At first I felt dizzy, I haven’t slept for a week due to tension.
“Now I’m so happy, I want to thank everyone who made me feel like I was before: a football player.”
Uefa give 30,000 free tickets to finals
Uefa will hand out 30,000 free tickets for its European club competitions to ‘reward’ fans.
President Aleksander Ceferin revealed plans for the governing body to subsidise thousands of seats for the Champions League, Europa League, Europa Conference League and Women’s Champions League finals.
The tickets will be split between the two competing sides.
Uefa say it is a gift to the most loyal fans for their support during the coronavirus pandemic.

And clubs must not give the tickets away for corporate purposes.
Uefa also confirmed ticket prices for the next three years of finals would be frozen.
That means category four tickets will still cost £60 for 2022, 2023 and 2024, with category three tickets staying at £150.
Uefa chief Ceferin said: “Fans are the lifeblood of the game. And we thought it would be a nice way to recognise the difficulties they have experienced over the last two years.
“We must ensure that loyal travelling supporters can attend historical moments for their cherished teams at affordable prices.”
Trippier ‘frustrated’ by injury lay-off
In-form Kieran Trippier will miss Newcastle games due to the fractured foot he suffered after sinking Aston Villa on Sunday.
Trippier’s superb free-kick was his second goal in two matches as he underlined his value since arriving from Atletico Madrid in the transfer window.
Newcastle said: “Trippier underwent an X-ray immediately after the game and scans have shown a fracture to the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot.”
And the England wing-back posted a message to bemoan his ‘really frustrating’ injury.
He added: “We’ve built some momentum and long may that continue.
“I will remain positive and work as hard as I can on my rehab to be back fit as quickly as possible.
“Thank you all for your very kind messages of support!”
It’s really frustrating to have picked up the injury yesterday. We’ve built some momentum and long may that continue. I will remain positive and work as hard as I can on my rehab to be back fit as quickly as possible. Thank you all for your very kind messages of support! 🖤🤍 pic.twitter.com/FJ2LYyIynK— Kieran Trippier (@trippier2) February 14, 2022

Gunners ‘might not replace Auba & Laca’
Arsenal might not replace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang or Alexandre Lacazette in the summer, according to reports.
The Gunners shifted Aubameyang off the books in January, sending him to Spain to play for Barcelona.
But they could also lose Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, with both of their contracts up in the summer.

But according to football.london, youngster Gabriel Martinelli has been training as a No9, suggesting the Gunners may not necessarily splash out on a big money forward.
Martinelli’s blistering pace, technical and finishing ability could see him grow into a top class striker. The Brazilian has four goals to his name this term having found himself in good goal scoring positions as a result of his movement.Former Arsenal player Jack Wilshere – who is currently back at the club training to regain fitness – has been left impressed by Martinelli.
Speaking to Arsenal’s official club website, Wilshere said: “The one who I really like and think he’s going to be top, is Martinelli.
“I think what the manager has done with him has been genius as well.
“When I first went there he was training, coming on, not playing much, but training really well and I was thinking, ‘He’s going to get a chance here’ and he eventually got his chance and he’s been brilliant.”
Rudiger insists he’s happy at Chelsea
Antonio Rudiger has revealed he is happy to stay at Chelsea with his contract set to expire in the summer.
The centre-back, 28, is wanted by several high profile clubs across Europe.
But Chelsea are determined to keep him and have already offered Rudiger an extension – but he admits signing a new deal does not solely depend on him.

Rudiger told The Athletic: “I feel great here, I have always said it. I think the way I play you can see that I’m happy here.
“But there are also other people who have to make decisions.”
Rudiger reportedly wants £225,000 a week to stay at Stamford Bridge – a massive increase on his current weekly wage of £100,000.
He also wants a signing on fee having reportedly rejected an offer of £140,000 per week from the Blues as well as a £173,000-a-week deal from Real Madrid.
The Blues are believed to be preparing a contract extension worth £200,000 a week in a bid to keep him at the club.
Warnock: Cesar ‘lucky’ to win it all
Neil Warnock says Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta is ‘lucky’ to have had the trophy-laden career he has enjoyed so far.
The 32-year-old has claimed every trophy available to him both domestically and on the European stage.
In his near decade-long spell with the Blues, Azpilicueta has won the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Europa League, Champions League and the Club World Cup.

But former Prem manager Warnock insists the Spaniard has been ‘lucky’ to win the prestigious competitions as he doesn’t think he is ‘a great defender.’
Speaking on talkSPORT, the 73-year-old said: “I think it goes two ways to be honest.
“I think Azpilicueta has been a very fortunate lad to be a at a club like Chelsea. I don’t think he is a great defender. 
“Sometimes in football you need a bit of luck and I think he’s had a bit of luck at the right time and in the right place. 
“That’s what you need in football, you need a bit of luck to be successful.”
Eriksen returns to action in friendly
Christian Eriksen made an emotional return to the pitch today – eight months on from his cardiac arrest at Euro 2020.
The playmaker, who turned 30 years old on Valentine’s Day, celebrated his birthday by featuring in Brentford’s behind-closed-doors friendly against a Southend United XI.
Eriksen played for an hour in his first taste of action since last summer’s shocking incident.

And the Dane showed he’s still got it by laying on an assist in Brentford’s 3-2 win, with fellow midfielder Josh Dasilva continuing his own injury comeback with a hat-trick.
Eriksen completed a stunning free move to the Bees on deadline day after leaving Inter Milan.
He was unveiled to home fans before Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace.
And Eriksen has been training hard at Brentford’s Hounslow base to build up his fitness.
New manager Thomas Frank is sure to be delighted with the midfielder’s contribution in today’s friendly.
Rangnick: Utd players aren’t robots
Ralf Rangnick admitted that Manchester United’s habit of throwing away leads has “affected the minds of the players”.
The German interim boss conceded that they now have no chance of catching Chelsea in third.
The Red Devils only came out with draws against Burnley and Southampton having bagged the opening goal.

And Rangnick, who brought in psychologist Sascha Lense in December, conceded they will only salvage something from their season if they improve their mental strength.
He said: ““They say we should have been 3-0 or 4-0 up and all of a sudden it’s 1-1 – it affects the mindset, it is obvious. They are human beings, not robots.
“The situation is clear, in 11 out of the 13 games we scored the first goal but only won half.
“We have to be more effective to score a second and a third goal and just kill the game off.
“But if that doesn’t happen stick to the game plan, stay solid and stay tactically disciplined. We’ve given away goals too easily and it was our own mistakes we made that allowed them to score.”
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