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THOMAS TUCHEL will have showdown talks with Romelu Lukaku after the striker sensationally revealed he was ‘not happy’ at Chelsea.The Belgian striker also admitted in a bombshell interview he would be open for a return to Inter Milan one day, with the Chelsea boss branding his words ‘not helpful’.
Meanwhile, the Blues are reportedly eyeing a move for AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez.
And Erling Haaland is a summer target for Real Madrid, who are confident they can land both him and Kylian Mbappe.
We’ve also the very latest on Newcastle’s potential bumper January, with Sven Botman the latest star to be linked.
When does the January transfer window open and close?
The transfer window opens on January 1 and closes on the 31st at 11pm.
Clubs will be able to sign and sell players during that time, with the Premier League’s winter break due to take place while the final week of the window is going on.
Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates here…

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Fixture change for Hammers fans
It’s all change at West Ham for their rearranged fixtures.
Their game against Norwich City, that was cancelled on Dec 18 because of Covid sweeping through the camp will now be played on January 12.
West Ham Fan Zone tweeted: “West Ham’s home fixture against Norwich City will now be played on Wednesday 12th January, with a 7.45pm kick-off.
“Our home game against Newcastle United on Saturday 19th February will now kick-off at 12.30pm, and will be live on BT Sport.”
Lukaku urges Martinez snub
Romelu has revealed that he would urge former strike partner Lautaro Martinez to snub potential interest from Chelsea.
As the Belgian would rather team up with the Argentine again at Inter Milan.
He told Sky Sports: “I miss Lautaro Martinez, I could die on the pitch for him since day one I met him.
“Lautaro Martinez coming here with me at Chelsea in the future?
“No… Lautaro, you can stay in Milan, I’ll be back there (laughs).”
Cute Kante
Ruben Loftus-Cheek has hailed ‘cute’ Chelsea team-mate N’Golo Kante.
Asked by Chunkz if Kante makes the whole Blues squad ‘smile every day’, for the latest episode of Assumptions on the UMM YouTube channel, the England international replied: “He does.
“He don’t even try (to make everyone smile).
“You know, he’s not even trying, we just see him and he looks all cute.
“Smiling and you’re just like ‘aww’.
“But then he’ll come on the pitch and just rattle you.”
Sick Vertonghen
Jan Vertonghen gave football fans a nasty surprise when the camera zoomed in on him early in the second half of Benfica’s clash against Porto on Thursday.
The former Tottenham man was caught bending over and vomiting onto the pitch, before casually continuing to get stuck into the action.
Vertonghen’s incident came five minutes into the second half of the clash between bitter Portuguese rivals Benfica and Porto.
But the 34-year-old still managed to complete the whole 90 minutes, despite his unfortunate mishap.
Ex-Tottenham star Jan Vertonghen VOMITS on pitch during Benfica match against Porto and casually carries on
Covid affects Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has been dealt a blow after three new suspected positive cases of Covid-19 have been recorded among his Liverpool squad.
Liverpool travel to Chelsea on Sunday in a mouthwatering Premier League clash, but Klopp will forced to field an under strength side if the game goes ahead.
Klopp also revealed that there were ‘a few’ positive cases within the staff at the club.
The Liverpool boss currently ‘doesn’t know’ if the Reds will call for Sunday’s game to be postponed, but didn’t rule it out.
Saints v Newcastle off
Newcastle United’s trip to Southampton has been postponed due to Covid.
The injury-hit Magpies were due to travel to St Mary’s on January 2 to face Ralph Hassenhuttl’s side.
But an outbreak of Covid in Eddie Howe’s squad has led to the postponement of the match, the clubs’ first of 2022.
On Friday afternoon, Newcastle’s official Twitter account tweeted: “#NUFC’s fixture against Southampton at St. Mary’s on Sunday has been postponed due to ongoing Covid-19 cases and injuries amongst the Magpies’ first-team squad.”
Ramsey’s next club
Aaron Ramsey is set to leave Juventus, who are desperate to remove his £400,000-per-week salary off their wage bill.
Newcastle appear to be the favourites, but the bookies believe Palace, Everton and Leeds are in the running for his signature.
Where do you think he will end up?

Fresh Lukaku quotes
Lukaku revealed his loyalty to Inter after snubbing Manchester City in his interview with Sky Sports in Italy.
Fresh quotes reveal: “When I was at Inter, at the end of the first year, I turned down an offer from Manchester City which was higher than Chelsea’s this summer.
“I did it because it had only been a year, it wasn’t the right time to leave and I didn’t want to.
“I wanted to do something good for Inter, because I have to say that Inter saved my career to some extent.”
Lukaku turned down Man City
Romelu Lukaku declared he turned down a lucrative move to Manchester City in 2020 and only departed Inter Milan after they refused to offer him a new deal.
The 28-year-old eventually joined Chelsea in the summer in a club-record £97.5million transfer where he spoke of his delight at returning to Stamford Bridge.
But the Belgium international has since sensationally revealed he wishes to return to the San Siro after stating he is unhappy in West London.
His explosive comments infuriated boss Thomas Tuchel, who has promised showdown talks with the ex-Manchester United centre-forward.
Lukaku to stay… for now
Romelu Lukaku will reportedly NOT be leaving Chelsea in January, despite his sensational tell-all interview with Italian media.
Lukaku admitted that he was unhappy under Thomas Tuchel, and vowed to return to Inter in the future.
However, Tuchel is planning clear the air talks with Lukaku, and the Telegraph report that the 28-year-old has ‘no intention’ of leaving the club next month.
He’s understood to be frustrated playing under Tuchel’s tactics, with the German notorious for operating a 3-4-3 system.
But despite his anger, Lukaku is expected to stay put at Chelsea.
England fans World Cup blow
England fans face a scramble for hotels at the Qatar World Cup – with the entire country almost completely sold out already.
The Three Lions sealed their place at next year’s finals in November.
But supporters hoping to follow Gareth Southgate’s men to the Middle East at the end of 2022 could be left disappointed.
As reported by the Associated Press, there are virtually no rooms available throughout the month-long tournament from November 21 to December 18.
It is understood the majority have been taken by World Cup organisers block-booking to supply teams, Fifa officials, sponsors and media.

Lo Celso swap deal on
Tottenham could swap Giovani Lo Celso for Dejan Kulusevski, according to reports.
Spurs are believed to be competing with North London rivals Arsenal for Kulusevski’s signature.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Conte’s side have the upper hand.
They point out that Tottenham managing director Fabio Paratici knows all the details about Kulusevski’s contract, having brought him to Juventus himself.
Garth Crooks Prem team
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has been ridiculed for his Premier League team of the year.
Incredibly, he left out Liverpool star Mo Salah from his team, which caused uproar on Twitter.
One fan said: “No Salah – embarrassing.”
Another wrote: “Saka over Salah that is levels even for Garth.”

Mbappe transfer
Kylian Mbappe is out-of-contract at the end of the season, and widely expected to be joining Real Madrid when his PSG deal expires.
The man himself has even not-so-subtly hinted on multiple occasions that he will be swapping PSG for Real Madrid.
Mbappe, 23, is allowed to sign a pre-contract agreement with Real Madrid from tomorrow.
And if events over the last 12 months are anything to go by, Marca report it may not be long until Mbappe is officially announced as a Real Madrid player.
Here are just some of the clues he’s given us.
Morata on the move
Juventus star Alvaro Morata has agreed to join Barcelona ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.
However, Juve would only agree to let Morata go if they manage to find a replacement, such as Manchester United ace Edinson Cavani who has been linked.
That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who report that Barca have agreed personal terms with the striker and are waiting on the Serie A giants.
Stunned Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel says he was disappointed and  stunned to see Romelu Lukaku give an interview where he claimed he was unhappy with life at Chelsea.
He said:  “The dressing room is not necessary to be always in harmony. It is not necessary to be successful. We don’t have to love each other, hug each other every single day.
“Sometimes it’s good to be on the edge, to be a bit like in disharmony when it’s between certain boundaries.
“The thing with Romelu, I don’t think anyone in this building is aware that he’s unhappy and that’s what makes us very surprised about this statement because I can see no reason why this should be like this.
“I don’t feel him unhappy. I feel the exact opposite. If you had asked me yesterday morning I would say I feel the exact opposite, that’s why it is a surprise, but I am the wrong person to ask.”
Fuming Tuchel
Thomas Tuchel has responded to Romelu Lukaku’s comments that he is ‘not happy’ at Chelsea, and promised showdown talks with the striker.
The £97.5million summer signing made the shocking admission yesterday, claiming he was unhappy with how things were panning out at Chelsea.
“Yes, we don’t like it. It brings noise we don’t need. It is not helpful but we don’t want to make more of it than it actually is,” he told the press.
“It is very easy to take lines out of context, make headlines. I don’t feel him unhappy, so I am surprised. We will not just read the headlines.
“We, here, will take time to see what’s going on. It doesn’t reflect his daily work at Cobham.
“We will [discuss it]. But we will do it behind closed doors.”
Dembele’s Newcastle offer
Newcastle have reportedly submitted a ‘monster’ offer for Barcelona winger Ousmane Dembele.
The 24-year-old is out-of-contract at the end of the season, and has been linked with both Newcastle and Manchester United.
And the Magpies have seemingly made their move for Dembele, as journalist Rudy Galetti reports a mind-boggling contract proposal has been tabled.
It would have to be some offer though, as Marca claim Dembele’s agent is demanding £485,000-A-WEEK for his client to sign a new deal at Barcelona.
Virgil Van Dijk stars on Netflix
Virgil Van Dijk has put his acting chops to good use to star in a trailer for Dutch cop series Undercover that’ll drop on Netflix soon.
It’s not clear if the giant Liverpool defender has a cameo in the show or just shot the trailer, but in the clip he gets roughed up by a detective who demands he plays for PSV against rivals Ajax.
That’s after the detective leaves Van Dijk with a bloody nose after punching him in the face when he opens the door to his home.
Now not even a Premier League striker has roughed Virgil up this much… but, we guess, it is acting after all. Watch the clip below.

Botman to Toon
Newcastle have reportedly intensified their pursuit of Lille defender Sven Botman.
Botman has been linked with Newcastle in recent weeks as Eddie Howe desperately seeks reinforcements to help shore up his leaky defence.
And now the Magpies have ramped up negotiations with Lille regarding a £30million move, according to the Mail.
The 21-year-old Dutchman is understood to be ‘keen’ on a move to Newcastle, despite the club’s perilous league position.
United’s talks with Alvarez agent
Manchester United look set to meet with River Plate star Julian Alvarez’s agent to arrange a transfer, reports suggest.
United have joined the transfer race for Alvarez, who has amassed a staggering 18 goals and seven assists in 21 matches so far this season.
According to TyC Sports, the Red Devils have contacted the striker’s agent Fernando Hidalgo with a ‘clear intention’, to arrange a meeting, which is scheduled to take place after December 31st.
The 21-year-old sensation has a contract with the Argentine giants until December 31, 2022.
But River Plate are not willing to let the Argentina international go in January and his release clause includes a €20million (£17m) fee.
However, the Manchester giants don’t think this is a “crazy amount” and their “interest would not be to buy the forward now” but in the summer.
Lukaku bombshell as striker not happy
Romelu Lukaku dropped a bombshell on boss Thomas Tuchel, saying he is ‘not happy’ with his situation at Chelsea.
And the Blues’ record buy also talked up a return to Inter Milan.
Lukaku’s stunning revelation was made public on the day Chelsea announced a post-tax loss of £145.6million, despite banking £95m for winning the Champions League.
The Belgian striker said: “Physically I am fine. But I’m not happy with the situation, this is normal.
“The manager has chosen to play with another system. I just have to continue to work and be professional.
“I am not happy with the situation but I am a worker and I can’t give up now.”
Good morning football fans
Romelu Lukaku has risked the wrath of Chelsea fans in a bombshell interview. 
The Belgian striker told Sky Sports in Italy: “Physically I’m doing great. I’m just not very happy with the situation, but that’s normal. 
“I think the boss has decided to play a different formation but I have to stick at it and get on with it professionally.
“I’m not happy with the situation but it’s my job and I mustn’t give up.”
Lukaku, 28, re-signed for Chelsea in the summer from Inter Milan for £97.5m – but has now opened the door to a return to Italy. 
He said: “I don’t think any of it should have happened the way it did. 
“The way I left Inter and the way I communicated with the Inter fans. I’m annoyed about that because it’s not the right time now but it wasn’t the right time when I left either.  
“I always said that I love Inter and I’ll play for them again. I really hope so. I fell in love with Italy.
“Now is the right time to talk about it and tell people what really happened, without saying anything bad about anyone, because I’m not like that.  
“I want to really apologise to the Inter fans because I don’t think I should have left Inter the way I did. 
“I should have spoken to you guys first, especially after everything you did for me, for my family, my mum, my son. I’ll never forget that.  
“I hope from the bottom of my heart to go back to Inter and not at the end of my career but when I’m still at a good enough level to win more trophies.”
TAKE SHAQ
Lyon are reportedly willing to let go of Xherdan Shaqiri just months after signing him.
The former Liverpool man has only made 13 appearances for the French side so far but, according to L’Equipe, they are willing to let him leave already.
His £75k-a-week salary is proving to be too much for Lyon, who are currently experiencing financial issues.
Keeping the 30-year-old could be a risk with little reward.
Lyon currently sit 13th in the Ligue 1 table with 24 points from 18 games.
Shaqiri joined the club for £9.5million in August following a three-year spell at Liverpool which saw him win both the Premier League and the Champions League.
He was Lyon’s only summer signing that came with a fee and arrived to much fanfare from supporters.

COMEBACK TRAIL
Christian Eriksen is reportedly training with Swiss third tier outfit FC Chiasso as he continues to look for a new club.
The ex-Tottenham star, 29, is yet to play since his cardiac arrest on the pitch for Denmark at Euro 2020.
His contract at Inter Milan was terminated this month as footballers with an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) are banned from playing in Italy.
The device monitors his heart rhythm and sends shocks to the heart if necessary.
Eriksen’s agent Martin Schoots has already confirmed there are some teams willing to sign the playmaker.
The Great Dane returned to training this month with former club Odense Boldklub.
Now Chiasso are allowing him to train with them in order to keep fit, according to Swiss outlet Le Matin.
He is using the facilities at the Swiss Promotion League side to ‘keep in shape before bouncing back’ with a club at a higher level.

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ROMELU LUKAKU has expressed his desire to return to Inter Milan in an interview where he admitted he wasn’t happy with his role at Chelsea over the past few weeks. Meanwhile, the Blues are reportedly eyeing a move for AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez.
With Ben Chilwell out for the remainder of the season, the Blues are looking for full-back options but will have to shell out around £50m to land their man.
Real Madrid are reportedly confident of landing BOTH Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
The Spanish giants look set to swoop for the PSG star on a free transfer at the end of the season, while they are also confident of grabbing Haaland due to a ‘special relationship’ with Dortmund.
And Newcastle are interested in a January swoop for big names Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti.
When does the January transfer window open and close?
The transfer window opens on January 1 and closes on the 31st at 11pm.
Clubs will be able to sign and sell players during that time, with the Premier League’s winter break due to take place while the final week of the window is going on.
Get all the latest transfer news, gossip and updates here…

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TAKE SHAQ
Lyon are reportedly willing to let go of Xherdan Shaqiri just months after signing him.
The former Liverpool man has only made 13 appearances for the French side so far but, according to L’Equipe, they are willing to let him leave already.
His £75k-a-week salary is proving to be too much for Lyon, who are currently experiencing financial issues.
Keeping the 30-year-old could be a risk with little reward.
Lyon currently sit 13th in the Ligue 1 table with 24 points from 18 games.
Shaqiri joined the club for £9.5million in August following a three-year spell at Liverpool which saw him win both the Premier League and the Champions League.
He was Lyon’s only summer signing that came with a fee and arrived to much fanfare from supporters.

COMEBACK TRAIL
Christian Eriksen is reportedly training with Swiss third tier outfit FC Chiasso as he continues to look for a new club.
The ex-Tottenham star, 29, is yet to play since his cardiac arrest on the pitch for Denmark at Euro 2020.
His contract at Inter Milan was terminated this month as footballers with an ICD (Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator) are banned from playing in Italy.
The device monitors his heart rhythm and sends shocks to the heart if necessary.
Eriksen’s agent Martin Schoots has already confirmed there are some teams willing to sign the playmaker.
The Great Dane returned to training this month with former club Odense Boldklub.
Now Chiasso are allowing him to train with them in order to keep fit, according to Swiss outlet Le Matin.
He is using the facilities at the Swiss Promotion League side to ‘keep in shape before bouncing back’ with a club at a higher level.

PREM RACE FOR RON
Newcastle are monitoring Aaron Ramsey’s situation at Juventus – with the Italian giants desperate to bin the Welsh midfielder.
Ramsey has played just 112 minutes all season and Juve want to offload his £400,000-per-week wages.
Toon’s new mega-rich Saudi owners are eyeing up a move – along with West Ham and Everton – with the Serie A club open to a loan or cut-price deal.
Ramsey, 31, is believed to be keen on a Prem return having left Arsenal for Italy on a free transfer in 2019.
However, the Welshman would need to accept a pay cut with Toon unwilling to match his current earnings.
A new midfielder is high on Magpies manager Eddie Howe’s wishlist as they prepare to splash the cash when the transfer window opens on Saturday.
France international Jordan Veretout has also been linked but, as a regular for Roma this season, boss Jose Mourinho looks unlikely to sanction a move.
Manchester United’s Jesse Lingard has long been tipped as a target.
Newcastle want to strike early in January and continue to work on deals for Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier and Lille centre-back Sven Botman.

GAME OFF
Leicester vs Norwich on New Year’s Day has been postponed.
The Canaries asked the Premier League to call-off Saturday’s trip to the King Power.
The Premier League’s rock-bottom side have once again been hit with Covid-19 cases, injuries and illness.
Norwich had 10 first team players missing in their 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Tuesday.
But they were able to call off their visit to West Ham on December 18 due to having so few players available.
And now, with Dean Smith’s decimated and few players even training, Norwich have had their request accepted.

CON-FUSED
Harry Winks looks to have saved his Tottenham career.
The midfielder, who seemed to be heading out of the club under previous boss Nuno Espirito Santo, has been hailed as Mr Reliable by new gaffer Antonio Conte, who insisted the rejuvenated star would now be staying in N17.
But the Spurs chief was not so gushing about Tanguy Ndombele.
When asked at his Press conference what role he sees the Frenchman having in his squad, Conte answered bluntly: “He is a midfielder. I think… he is a midfielder.”
Ouch! It was another blow for record £65million buy Ndombele, who has hardly had a look-in since Conte arrived nearly two months ago.
He could do with taking a leaf out of Winks’ book.
The homegrown academy product has come in from the cold to become one of Tottenham’s key men in recent matches.
Conte said: “Winksy is playing well. And Winks has shown to be a reliable player. And for this reason, Winksy will stay here.
“I find players that are reliable, and then I can count on them and Winksy showed me that I can count on him.”

AYM HIGH
Aymeric Laporte is the latest Manchester City player wanted by Barcelona.
The Etihad defender, 27, was unhappy at losing his regular place last season to John Stones.
But the Spain international has reclaimed a starting berth during the first half of this campaign.
However, Barca hope to get another cash injection next summer and make a move for him after signing Ferran Torres.
The Nou Camp giants announced the £55m capture of the 21-year-old Man City star earlier this week.
The cash-strapped side had to take out a loan to afford the attacker.
And they expect to get more money next summer to be able to afford new signings.
Barca want to link up Laporte with his former defensive colleague Eric Garcia again in Spain.

RIQ ROLL
Arsenal have reportedly reignited their interest in Tariq Lamptey with the Brighton right-back available for the right price.
The 21-year-old has been starring for the Seagulls since recovering from his hamstring injury, with the youngster chipping in with one assist from 11 Premier League outings.
And he once again impressed on Wednesday night as he helped the south coast side earn a point away at former employers Chelsea.
Following his dazzling displays last term, the England youth international was linked with a switch to the Emirates in the winter transfer window as a possible replacement for Hector Bellerin.
But the Spanish defender, who was rumoured to be a target for Barcelona, failed to secure a transfer back to Catalonia, which ended a potential move for Lamptey.
A summer swoop for the ex-Blues academy ace was then speculated, but Mikel Arteta opted instead to bring in versatile Japanese star Takehiro Tomiyasu from Bologna.
However it has been claimed that Lamptey is now back on Arsenal’s radar with Bellerin out on loan and Ainsley Maitland-Niles poised to join Roma.
And according to transfer guru Duncan Castles, Brighton are happy to sell the player should their asking price be met.

MITCH PICKINGS
Monaco director of football Paul Mitchell who discovered Arsenal hero Emile Smith Rowe – has ‘offered himself’ to Newcastle.
That’s the claim from reports on Thursday night as the lowly Magpies hunt a top talent-spotter and prepare to spend big in January.
Englishmen Mitchell moved to French giants Monaco from Tottenham in 2017 after three years at the Red Bull set-up – with Leipzig, New York and RB Bragantino.
He was previously MK Dons Chief Scout and Southampton’s Head of Recruitment, before assisting Spurs from 2009-2017.
Now the former Wigan and MK player, 40, is said to be keen to join Newcastle’s Saudi-led transformation.

MORE BAD LUK
Romelu Lukaku has sensationally opened the door to an Inter Milan return – only six months after leaving them to join Chelsea.
Lukaku told Sky Sport Italy: “I think everything that happened last summer was not supposed to happen like this… how I left Inter, the way I left the club, how I communicated with Inter fans – this bothers me because it was not the right time.
“Now it’s the right time to share my feelings. I have always said that I have Inter in my heart: I know I will RETURN to Inter, I really hope so.
“I am in love with Italy, this is the right moment to talk and let people know what really happened.
“I really hope from bottom of my heart to return to Inter not at the end of my career, but when I’m still at top level to win more together”.

STRIKING A DEAL
Real Madrid are confident that they are on the verge of signing Kylian Mbappe, according to reports.
The Frenchman’s Paris Saint-Germain contract is set to expire in June.
PSG are desperate to keep the talismanic forward, and rejected several big-money bids from Madrid last summer.
But the Spaniards now have ‘total belief’ that they will get their man for free in the summer.
According to AS, however, they will wait until after the Champions League round of 16 to announce the transfer.
Mbappe is free to talk to other clubs and even sign a pre-contract from January 1.
But PSG drawing Madrid in Europe has complicated matters.
Both Madrid and Mbappe want to avoid suggestions of a conflict of interests.

BLUE BOMBSHELL
Romelu Lukaku says his move to Chelsea has been a mistake and that he wants to return to Inter Milan while still in his prime.
The Belgian striker, 28, left the Italian side after helping them to Serie A glory last season for the Blues.
But despite an explosive start to life back at Stamford Bridge, the striker has now admitted that he is ‘not happy with the situation at Chelsea’ as he blasted Thomas Tuchel’s tactics in an explosive interview.
Lukaku has scored five goals in eight Premier League starts for the Blues this term.
That includes a strike against Brighton last night as his team were held to a 1-1 draw to lose ground in the title race to Man City.
But Lukaku’s impact has been limited by injuries and coronavirus over recent months.
And Chelsea boss Tuchel has frequently left him out of the starting XI even when he has been fit on several occasions.
Speaking to Sky Sport Italy, Lukaku said: “Physically I am fine. But I’m NOT happy with the situation at Chelsea.
“Tuchel has chosen to play with another system – I won’t give up, I’ll be professional. I am not happy with the situation but I am professional – and I can’t give up now.”

NEW DAY
Nikos Dabizas has advised his former club to target Premier League players with limited game time during the January transfer window.
Dabizas told SunSport: “All 20 teams have [talented] players that don’t get enough minutes and that might be something Newcastle can take advantage of.
“[The January transfer window] is always tough for every team. That is when you can only make additional moves, not a general restructure for years to come. They will have to make careful moves to achieve the main goal, which is to avoid relegation.
“But under no circumstances will they be able to build a foundation in January because no one sells their best player mid-season and even if they do it won’t come cheap.
“The hierarchy and club need to find the suitable candidates so that they can gradually set the foundation that will allow them to become more competitive and climb through the ranks.
“What’s important for me is [the players’] motive. Surely the financial motive will come into play but if that’s the sole reason he chose Newcastle then he won’t be the right choice.
“For me, the appropriate mentality [is important] because Newcastle are a club with an intense, as well as loyal, crowd and the players they accept historically are the ones that identify and dedicate their soul for the team.
“If a player arrives just for an extra few zeroes on his contract then that won’t be healthy and [he] won’t elevate the squad. It needs to be an important combination of talent, personality, motive and character.”

Chelsea financial woe
Chelsea have felt the crippling impact of the pandemic by recording a post-tax loss of £145.6million for the financial year ending in June.
The bleak figure is largely put down to a near-complete loss of matchday revenue due to fans being shut out, as well as a decrease in profit from selling players.
t is in stark contrast to the previous financial year before Covid-19 struck when Roman Abramovich’s Blues made a profit of £39.5m.
Turnover actually went up by £29m to £416.8m – largely due to a broadcast income boost.
But matchday revenue was just £7.2m – constituting a whopping annual fall of £68.4m.
BLUES BLOW
Chelsea’s desperate attempt to recall Emerson Palmieri from his loan spell with Lyon has reportedly been blocked by the French club.
The Blues are in dire need of defensive cover following full-back Ben Chilwell’s ACL injury that’s ruled him out for the rest of the season.
To make matter worse for Thomas Tuchel’s side, Chilwell’s fellow wing-back Reece James went off injured during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Brighton.
The England star was seen hobbling down the tunnel on crutches with the Blues not certain how long he’ll need to recover.
Tuchel touched on his side’s defensive plight after the Brighton match by saying: “We have no more wingbacks. Everyone is injured.”
With his main full-back’s sidelined for the foreseeable future, Tuchel was hoping to cut Emerson’s season-long loan spell with Lyon short to plug the gaps in his defence.
However, the Ligue 1 side aren’t willing to let Emerson, who’s played 19 games for them this season, leave before his loan transfer ends according to Get France Football News.
Although the Italian is still a Chelsea player, the West Londoners do not have a formal recall clause inserted into the loan deal with Lyon, GFFN claim.

Lloris transfer
Hugo Lloris is considering rejoining Nice next year, according to reports.
The Tottenham goalkeeper and captain’s contract at White Hart Lane expires at the end of this season.
And if he decides against extending his stay in North London or is not offered an extension, he could return to his boyhood club.
According to Foot Mercato, Nice are lining up an approach to land the experienced stopper.
Credit: PA
James injury
Chelsea are sweating over scan results for Reece James.
The England star, 22, had to be helped off in the first half of Wednesday night’s 1-1 draw with Brighton after damaging his hamstring.
t looked a potentially serious injury as he hobbled very slowly down the tunnel on crutches assisted by two of the Blues’ physios.
Thomas Tuchel will be praying it is not as bad as first feared, particularly in the week when it was confirmed fellow flying wing-back Ben Chilwell requires surgery on a knee problem and will be out for the rest of the season.
Ben Chilwell on the mend
Chelsea star Ben Chilwell tweeted fans he’s ready to get back to full fitness after a successful surgery for a serious knee injury.
The left back tore his ACL in a Champions League match against Juventus.
It means the England defender is ruled out for the season.
Hi guys. Just wanted to let everyone know that the operation yesterday was successful. I feel very positive & motivated to work like a beast to get back on the pitch with my boys soon and help this great club win more trophies. Thank you all for the support and nice messages 💪🏼💙 pic.twitter.com/6fhTljqTkH— Ben Chilwell (@BenChilwell) December 30, 2021

Hammer blow
West Ham’s board are getting restless that manager David Moyes hasn’t presented a list of targets for the January transfer window.
David Sullivan, David Gold and new co-owner Daniel Kretinsky are said to be dismayed by Moyes’ lack of preparation going into the next month, according to Claret and Hugh.
The Hammers are suffering with injuries defensively, and moves in the transfer market could ease their issues.
While they are still in the hunt for a top 4 spot, so reinforcements could be crucial to their chances.
Dabizas advice
Newcastle legend Nikos Dabizas has advised his former club to target Premier League players with limited game time during the January transfer window.
The Magpies have found themselves in an intense relegation battle despite their recent £300million Saudi-led takeover as they have lost 10 and won just one out of 19 league matches.
Dabizas told SunSport: “All 20 teams have [talented] players that don’t get enough minutes and that might be something Newcastle can take advantage of.
“High-level players that don’t get enough opportunities could receive more playing time on a temporary basis or commit with a long-term deal at a club like Newcastle. If the club makes careful moves then it is possible to make good transfers in January.”
January signings best XI
On January 1 the transfer window opens, and the top Premier League clubs will hoping to do big business.
Here’s the best eleven of players we could see on the move, with Vlahovic upfront, Dele Alli swapping Spurs for West Ham and Ousmane Dembele coming to the Prem.

Scary Man City
Should Manchester City be successful in their pursuit of Harry Kane, here’s how they could line-up.
One word. Frightening.

Puskas contender
EX-RANGERS striker Greg Stewart made himself a sure contender for the illustrious Puskas Award with a stunning strike in the Indian Super League.
The 31-year-old gave current side Jamshedpur the lead against rivals Kerala Blasters with a sublime free-kick in the 14th minute of the riveting Boxing Day clash.
Check out the strike below.

Brighton kid set to leave
Brighton youngster Zak Sturge has turned down a contract extension from the club.
Sources have told SunSport that Sturge, who is considered as a highly-rated talent, decided against putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Seagulls.
The left-back has shown immense ability within the team’s youth ranks and has attracted interest from the Bundesliga.
Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg are among a few clubs keeping tabs on the 17-year-old ahead of the January transfer window.
Important Mount
Chelsea may be stuttering at the moment, but at least they can turn to their talisman, Mason Mount.
The playmaker has been directly involved in 12 Premier League goals this campaign.
That’s only bettered by Mo Salah and Emmanuel Dennis.

GUESS WHO
This Newcastle legend was a centre back at the club who scored a famous 30-yard lob against Manchester United.
The flamboyant defender sported a moustache during his heyday, and turned out for Belgium. But can you guess who it is? Scroll down for the reveal…

It’s Philippe Albert, of course, who is now a TV pundit in his homeland.
Load more entries… More

CHELSEA are reportedly eyeing a move for AC Milan full-back Theo Hernandez.With Ben Chilwell out for the remainder of the season, the Blues are looking for full-back options but will have to shell out around £50m to land their man.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are reportedly confident of landing BOTH Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland.
The Spanish giants look set to swoop for the PSG star on a free transfer at the end of the season, while they are also confident of grabbing Haaland due to a ‘special relationship’ with Dortmund.
And Newcastle are interested in a January swoop for big names Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti.
When does the January transfer window open and close?
The transfer window opens on January 1 and closes on the 31st at 11pm.
Clubs will be able to sign and sell players during that time, with the Premier League’s winter break due to take place while the final week of the window is going on.
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Chelsea financial woe
Chelsea have felt the crippling impact of the pandemic by recording a post-tax loss of £145.6million for the financial year ending in June.
The bleak figure is largely put down to a near-complete loss of matchday revenue due to fans being shut out, as well as a decrease in profit from selling players.
t is in stark contrast to the previous financial year before Covid-19 struck when Roman Abramovich’s Blues made a profit of £39.5m.
Turnover actually went up by £29m to £416.8m – largely due to a broadcast income boost.
But matchday revenue was just £7.2m – constituting a whopping annual fall of £68.4m.
January signings best XI
On January 1 the transfer window opens, and the top Premier League clubs will hoping to do big business.
Here’s the best eleven of players we could see on the move, with Vlahovic upfront, Dele Alli swapping Spurs for West Ham and Ousmane Dembele coming to the Prem.

Scary Man City
Should Manchester City be successful in their pursuit of Harry Kane, here’s how they could line-up.
One word. Frightening.

Puskas contender
EX-RANGERS striker Greg Stewart made himself a sure contender for the illustrious Puskas Award with a stunning strike in the Indian Super League.
The 31-year-old gave current side Jamshedpur the lead against rivals Kerala Blasters with a sublime free-kick in the 14th minute of the riveting Boxing Day clash.
Check out the strike below.

Brighton kid set to leave
Brighton youngster Zak Sturge has turned down a contract extension from the club.
Sources have told SunSport that Sturge, who is considered as a highly-rated talent, decided against putting pen to paper on a new deal with the Seagulls.
The left-back has shown immense ability within the team’s youth ranks and has attracted interest from the Bundesliga.
Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg are among a few clubs keeping tabs on the 17-year-old ahead of the January transfer window.
Important Mount
Chelsea may be stuttering at the moment, but at least they can turn to their talisman, Mason Mount.
The playmaker has been directly involved in 12 Premier League goals this campaign.
That’s only bettered by Mo Salah and Emmanuel Dennis.

GUESS WHO
This Newcastle legend was a centre back at the club who scored a famous 30-yard lob against Manchester United.
The flamboyant defender sported a moustache during his heyday, and turned out for Belgium. But can you guess who it is? Scroll down for the reveal…

It’s Philippe Albert, of course, who is now a TV pundit in his homeland.
Mike Dean slammed
Thomas Tuchel has slammed referee Mike Dean after Chelsea were denied a penalty in their 1-1 draw with Brighton on Wednesday.
The Blues’ boss was adamant that his team deserved a penalty in the 50th minute after Christian Pulisic was tripped by Joel Veltman in the box.
However, Mike Dean did not have the same view and the challenge was not looked at by VAR.
“We have a 100 per cent penalty against Christian Pulisic,” Tuchel challenged.
Tractor boy
Chelsea fans have fond memories of Diego Costa on the pitch, but he’s also got quite the reputation off it.
The former Chelsea striker’s latest stunt involved driving around the streets of Brazil behind the wheel of an enormous yellow tractor.
Costa is even joined in the vehicle by three children, with one perched on his lap and a further two sat behind him, in a clip originally posted to his Instagram.
Eccentric former Chelsea star Diego Costa drives around streets of Brazil in a tractor

Exclusive: EFL scraps Covid tests
The EFL have scrapped Covid tests on the day of a game to stop late call-offs.
This move is coming into force immediately after several matches were left in the balance by a wait for checks that have led to postponements.
There has been anger among the 72 clubs and the EFL that this has led to fans going to matches and being left frustrated by results that lead to games being shelved.
Under the new protocols, no player will be tested on a matchday unless he is showing symptoms. 
Toney jokes about Man City
Ivan Toney might be waking up with sore legs after spending 90 minutes chasing shadows against Manchester City on Wednesday night.
Brentford put up a good fight against the champions, but went down 1-0 thanks to an early Phil Foden goal.
But Toney likened City’s possession to playing in the school playground.
The 25-year-old joked on Twitter: “Not the best kick about year 11s Stole our ball.
“But we go again next year. Fans were behind us right till the end. Happy new year everyone stay safe. 🐝 ❤️ @BrentfordFC.”
Tuchel’s moan
Thomas Tuchel believes it is “stupid” to think his Chelsea side are in the title race as injuries and illness robs him of his top talents.
He told BBC Sport: “We have seven Covid cases. We have five or six players out for six or more weeks. How should we compete in a title race?
“Everyone else who has a full squad, everybody in training has the full power to come through this league.
“We would be stupid to think we can do it out of Covid and injuries. Just play and everybody would be stupid to do it without 23 fit players.”
Morata to Barcelona?
Alvaro Morata has been linked with a shock move to Barcelona in January as Xavi looks to bolster his attack.
The Blaugrana boss remains keen to strengthen his frontline having already landed Ferran Torres from Manchester City in a deal worth up to £55million.
And Marca state that he has now turned his attention to compatriot Morata, who is currently in the second year of his loan spell at Juventus from Atletico Madrid.
Should the 29-year-old link up with the Catalan outfit, he would be the 38th player to have signed for both Barca and Real Madrid.

China bans footballers tattoos
China have banned footballers from getting tattoos and told national team players who have been inked to remove or cover them up to set a ‘good example for society’.
A growing number of high-profile Chinese players have been sporting tattoos, including international defender Zhang Linpeng.
He has previously been told to cover up while appearing for both the national team and club side Guangzhou FC.
The General Administration of Sport of China (GAS) published a statement titled, ‘Suggestions for strengthening the management of football players’.
It stated that the Chinese Football Association would set out disciplinary requirements for national team players.
Hudson-Odoi slated
Callum Hudson-Odoi was slated for his ‘very strange’ pass trying to pick out Mason Mount.
And the bizarre decision came back to bite the Chelsea winger and his team as Brighton snatched an injury-time equaliser.
And after Lukaku headed the Blues in front on 28 minutes, the winger, 21, looked destined to double their lead ten minutes after half-time.
But running through the middle to the edge of the area, rather than pulling the trigger to shoot, the academy graduate attempted a convoluted ball across for Mount.
However, rather than intricately threading for his mate, Hudson-Odoi proceeded simply in gifting possession to Seagulls defender Joel Veltman.

Biggest transfers
In just two days, clubs around the world will be able to trade players again.
Over the years we’ve seen some mega transfer fees spent.
Will any January sales make it into this list?

Newcastle in for Dembele
Barcelona contract rebel Ousmane Dembele has reportedly been approached by Newcastle over a potential move to Tyneside.
Dembele is out-of-contract at the end of the season, although Barcelona boss Xavi remains determined to tie him down to a new deal.
However, after a long-meeting with club bosses whereby nothing was agreed, two Premier League clubs are said to be in the running for his signature.
One of those is Newcastle, with Eddie Howe keen to make a marquee signing at St. James’ Park.
Messi dancer
Lionel Messi showed he’s got the moves on a night on the tiles with missus Antonella at a concert in their homeland.
The Paris Saint-Germain forward, 34, last played on December 22 and does not take to the field again until January 3.
And he has made the most of the time off to head back to Argentina on holiday with his family.
There, he treated his partner to a night out, with a video on social media showing the pair having fun.
Watch Lionel Messi sing and dance with stunning wife Antonela at concert during winter holiday back to Argentina
Kane still on City’s radar
Man City could potentially go from having no strikers to boasting two of the most lethal finishers on the planet.
Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are both on City’s radar to replace the departing Ferran Torres, reports suggest.
City won’t sign a Torres replacement in January, but will instead wait to bring in a marquee signing up front in the summer, according to ESPN.
And it’s claimed the club ‘still hold an interest’ in Kane, after failing to sign the England captain six months ago.
Lloris transfer
Hugo Lloris is considering rejoining Nice next year, according to reports.
The Tottenham goalkeeper and captain’s contract at White Hart Lane expires at the end of this season.
And if he decides against extending his stay in North London or is not offered an extension, he could return to his boyhood club.
According to Foot Mercato, Nice are lining up an approach to land the experienced stopper.
MORNING FOOTY FANS
Manchester City soared eight points clear as Thomas Tuchel claimed it was ‘stupid’ to think his Covid-hit Chelsea side could keep pace at the top.
Phil Foden shone with an early tap-in winner and a disallowed effort – VAR confirming both decisions – as City triumphed 1-0 at Brentford.
But sub Danny Wellbeck rewarded Brighton’s 18 chances at Stamford Bridge by heading their 91st-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw.
Fit-again striker Romelu Lukaku had celebrated his first top-flight start since October by nodding the Blues in front.
But Tuchel reckons Chelsea can’t sustain a title bid, saying: “We would be stupid to think we can do it out of Covid and injuries.”
To make it worse, defenders Reece James and Andreas Christensen went off crocked against the Seagulls.
As for tonight, Manchester United will leapfrog Spurs into sixth place if they defeat third-bottom Burnley at Old Trafford.
Fit-again striker Edinson Cavani is pressing for a start after suggesting he should only be a sub in Monday’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle… when he came on to rescue a point.
Off the pitch, the Red Devils could move for Barcelona’s in-form centre-back Ronald Araujo after his contract stand off.
The Uruguay superstar has a £168million release clause amid his superb campaign.
Lastly, it’s been suggested Liverpool will consider a move for Arsenal’s main man Bukayo Saka. 
Samir reveals huge Mancini bust-up
Samir Nasri claims he almost wrecked Manchester City’s first top-flight title in 34 years… by threatening to beat up boss Roberto Mancini’s KIDS.
The ex-France midfielder repeatedly clashed with Mancini following his £25million move from Arsenal in 2011.
And newly-retired Nasri has now revealed his side of the story over the duo’s explosive feud as City closed in on the 2012 Premier League crown.
The 34-year-old said he told Mancini he would attack the current Italy coach’s sons Filippo and Andrea, who were allowed to train with City.

And 41-cap ace Nasri admits calling the manager, now 57, ‘every name under the sun’ – as well as planning to hurl a boot at him.
The pair’s flare-ups reached boiling point as City prepared to face neighbours United the following week.
He said: “Mancini told me to defend one way, and his assistant David Platt said another way.
“Mancini insulted me in Italian, but I understood him so I swore back.  He told me to leave training, and I ripped off my bib and threw it at him.
“I went back to the dressing-room, then found him in the weights room. I told him to get up and talk with me.
“We went back to the dressing-room and began shouting at each other. I called him every name under the sun.
“At that time his sons used to play for our reserve team, and they sometimes trained with us.
“I told him, ‘I’ll get your kids when they are in the car park”.
“Patrick Vieira, who was a club ambassador at the time, came to my house.  He said, ‘I told you not to talk to Mancini – he is mad’.”
Rangnick backs Maguire and Varane
Ralf Rangnick will stick by his struggling centre backs Harry Maguire and Raphael Varane despite their horror show against Newcastle.
But the Manchester United interim coach has called on his star-studded squad to stand up and be counted – admitting they have not made as much progress as he would have liked.

The Red Devils put on a woeful display at St James’ Park as they scraped a 1-1 draw after Edinson Cavani cancelled out Allan Saint-Maximin’s stunning opener.
Varane made his comeback from a hamstring injury picked up on October 30 – but alongside Maguire was tormented by a struggling Toon attacking outfit.
The French World Cup winner was at fault in the build-up for Saint-Maximin’s goal, while Maguire looked a bag of nerves.
But with fellow defender Victor Lindelof a doubt after testing positive for Covid, German boss Rangnick is ready to give the pair another chance against Burnley tonight.
Rangnick said: “In three months Raphael has not played that much. Yes he made a mistake before the first goal but apart from that I think he was okay.
“He was not outstanding, and the same goes to Harry. They did okay.
“Our problem was that we allowed too many transitional moments – this is not the problem of just the centre backs but the whole team. It starts up front.
“You can speak of the role of the No10s in that kind of formation, so I don’t think it makes sense to speak about the individual performances of players. We need to get better as a team.”
Tuchel: ‘Stupid’ to think we can win title
Thomas Tuchel says it would be ‘stupid’ to think Chelsea can sustain a title charge with the amount of Covid and injury cases that have hit their squad.
His Blues side lost ground on Manchester City with a 1-1 draw against Brighton when Danny Welbeck’s last-gasp header chalked off Romelu Lukaku’s opener.
But an arguably bigger blow came when Reece James was forced off with a hamstring injury midway through the first half, while Andreas Christensen had to be subbed at half-time with a back problem.

The German said: “We have seven Covid cases. We have five or six players out for six or more weeks.
“How should we compete in a title race? 
“Everyone else who has a full squad, everybody in training has the full power to come through this league. 
“We would be stupid to think we can do it out of Covid and injuries. Just play and everybody would be stupid to do it without 23 fit players.
“We knew before that this was going to be a tough match against a strong side.
“They come well prepared, it is always like this. I have not seen one team play a nice match against them (Brighton).
“It was clear we would struggle, we have simply way too many players with who we don’t know what we can demand. 
“We have long injuries, they come from Covid, I simply don’t know what they are capable of doing.”
Dembele boost for Red Devils
Ousmane Dembele has rejected a new contract at Barcelona following a furious meeting with club bosses – as TWO Premier League clubs contacted the winger over a free transfer.
The French winger, 24, is believed to have agreed to personal terms last week and told Xavi and Co he wanted to stay.

But after a nervy, hours-long meeting, Dembele’s agent left WITHOUT his client putting pen to paper, according to Spanish outlet Sport.
Dembele has long been linked with a move away from the Nou Camp as injuries continue to hamper his progress following his £138million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2017.
But new boss Xavi has piled praise on the forward time and time again and is said to be fighting tooth and nail to keep him.
Last week, reports suggested Dembele had greed a new five-year deal at Barcelona on a LOWER weekly wage.
The cash-strapped club are desperate to trim back their sky-high wage bill, despite splashing £55m on Manchester City forward Ferran Torres.
Barca and Dembele were both confident the deal would be sealed by the end of the year.
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