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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.
Chelsea are looking for left-back replacements for Ben Chilwell and have Lucas Digne near the top of their shopping list, it’s been reported.
Meanwhile, Barcelona secured the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City.
The Nou Camp club are looking at a range of full backs with Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta among the names on Xavi’s wishlist.
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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Bees hope Mud doesn’t stick with Shakhtar
Brentford target Mykhaylo Mudryk has personally confirmed the West Londoners have made ‘offers’ for his services.
The 20-year-old Ukrainian plays for Shakhtar Donetsk, and has Champions League experience under his belt.
Mudryk told Ukrainian outlet Sport Arena: “I want to thank Brentford for the offers.
“To end up in the Premier League at 20-years-old is fantastic but the final decision is down to the club President.
“Had the offer come in a year or 18 months ago, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought – I’d have asked the club to let me go without hesitation.”
Barca plagued with Covid cases
Coronavirus has ripped through Barcelona’s squad in the past 24 hours, robbing the Catalans of several stars.
This morning, the club released a statement revealing Ousmane Dembele, Samuel Umtiti and Gavi are now self-isolating after returning positive tests.
The Catalans added that the players are in good health, but that now means seven members of the playing squad have returned positive tests.
Recently, Dani Alves, Clement Lenglet, Jordi Alba and Alejandro Balde were forced into self-isolation after contracting the coronavirus.
Barcelona have serious concerns that number could rise further, ahead of their next match in LaLiga.
Xavi’s side are due to play Real Mallorca on January 2.
Norwich could get rid of Cantwell
Norwich are open to selling Todd Cantwell next month.
SunSport understands the Canaries have even been in touch with other clubs to discuss a switch – but as yet there has been no concrete interest.
Cantwell, 23, netted six Premier League goals during the Canaries’ last season in the top flight two years ago but has hardly featured this term, let alone found the back of the net.
He fell out with manager Daniel Farke, who was sacked in November, and was banished to the club’s Under-23s.
Farke’s successor Dean Smith restored him to the first team but Cantwell did not impress when heading straight down the tunnel after being subbed in the 2-0 home defeat to Aston Villa a fortnight ago.
The midfielder is out of contract in the summer, although Norwich have an option of extending his deal by an extra year.
Lukuka leads Chelsea title charge
Romelu Lukaku has “single-handedly” put Chelsea back in the Premier League title race.
That is according to Jamie Redknapp, who claims Lukaku’s performance on Sunday at Aston Villa has given the Blues significant hope of overtaking Manchester City at the top.
The striker came on after half-time with the score 1-1 and netted his first goal since September on 56 minutes before earning a penalty that Jorginho converted during stoppage time.
The 28-year-old returned to action only recently for Chelsea following a long battle with injury and COVID-19.
Redknapp was mesmerised by the Belgium international’s performance against Villa and hinted he could be a focal point behind a potential title push.
CONT THE COST
Harry Redknapp has urged Antonio Conte not to panic buy in his first January transfer window at Tottenham. 
New boss Conte has been linked with a string of players as he continues a push for the top four.
The former Tottenham gaffer said: “Conte will look to improve the team at Spurs but I don’t think they’ll dive in and they’ve got no need to panic buy because they’ve still got a chance of finishing in the top four.
“The title race is wide open this year. 
“Conte may try to improve them a little, get one or two in and push for the Champions League spots but they’ve got a strong enough squad anyway.
“I don’t think they’ll panic buy in January, they’ll be looking more long-term in the summer.”
United won’t make top four
Man United won’t make it into the Prem top four this season, according to Nigel De Jong.
The Red Devils have been in turmoil for most the season and De Jong can’t see them turning things around to clinch Champions League qualification.
Instead, the ex-Man City star reckons Arsenal and West Ham will be the ones battling it out for the fourth spot.
He exclusively told Ladbrokes: “I don’t see Man United finishing in fourth this season, even if they’re currently favourites behind Man City, Liverpool and Chelsea to do so.
“I really don’t. I think it’ll be a battle between Arsenal and West Ham.”
Norwich launch racism investigation
Norwich have launched an investigation after a fan allegedly racially abused Crystal Palace players.
And the Carrow Road side are also looking into racist comments made on social media by Canaries supporters targeting their own stars.
the club are now probing the claims racism targeted at both sets of players in the ground and online.
A Canaries statement said: “Following our game at Crystal Palace, the club were disappointed to learn of both online racist comments directed at some of our players, as well as alleged in-stadia racist comments directed at opposing players by our supporters.
“Such behaviour is not welcome in following and supporting Norwich City.
Prem rivals to battle for Kulusevski
Arsenal, Tottenham and Bayern Munich reportedly have their sights set on Juventus star Dejan Kulusevski.
The 21-year-old Swede has struggled in the Serie A and Juve are prepared to offload him for the right price, according to Football Italia.
Juve signed the midfielder for a total of £36million plus add-ons and want no less than £29m to start negotiations.
However, Spurs have the upper hand in proceedings as their transfer supremo Fabio Paratici initally brought Kulusevski to Juve.
Chelsea may recall loan stars
Chelsea could recall Emerson Palmieri or Ian Maatsen back from loan to replace Ben Chilwell, reports suggest.
Chilwell has been ruled out for the rest of the season as he will require knee surgery after damaging his ACL during last month’s 4-0 win over Juventus in the Champions League.
The Blues were originally planning to let the left-back heal with a “conservative rehab approach” but that didn’t work out and he will thus go under the knife, which will in turn sideline him until the summer.
Chelsea issued the following statement: “After a knee injury in the match against Juventus the Chelsea medical department, in collaboration with their knee specialist, took the decision to attempt a conservative rehab approach.
“Unfortunately Ben was unable to progress and so collectively the decision has been taken to proceed this week with a surgical repair.”
Brentford approach midfielder Mykhaylo Mudryk
Brentford target Mykhaylo Mudryk has personally confirmed the West Londoners have made ‘offers’ for his services.
The 20-year-old Ukrainian plays for Shakhtar Donetsk, and has Champions League experience under his belt.
Mudryk told Ukrainian outlet Sport Arena: “I want to thank Brentford for the offers.
“To end up in the Premier League at 20-years-old is fantastic but the final decision is down to the club President.
“Had the offer come in a year or 18 months ago, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought – I’d have asked the club to let me go without hesitation.”
Klopp questions Liverpool’s title credentials
Jurgen Klopp watched his Liverpool team shoot themselves in the foot – and then admitted the gap with Manchester City is now massive.
Mohamed Salah missed a first-half penalty before Ademola Lookman struck a second-half winner for Leicester just 178 seconds after he arrived as a substitute.
City will go nine points ahead with a win at Brentford tonight and Reds boss Klopp said: “It’s a big gap. We have to learn and we will.
“The first thing is not to do it ever again like this. We lost our rhythm and weren’t calm enough to get it back. That’s our fault.
“We were just not really ourselves. It was well deserved for Leicester. I did not like a lot of what we did and that is not cool.”
YOUTH WAVE
Gary Neville has called on Premier League teams to “get on with it” and stop postponing games due to COVID-19.
So far, a total of 15 Prem matches have been called off this month alone due to rising cases caused by the Omicron variant and that has brought the fixtures list in disarray.
This comes after the Premier League confirmed that a record 103 tests came back positive from December 20-26.
Rules in the top flight state that clubs are required to fulfil their fixtures if they have a minimum of 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper available within their squad.
And Neville believes there is “no way” those teams don’t have enough players to complete a squad.
The Sky Sports pundit also urged the clubs to place faith on their younger talent, who are craving for an opportunity in the top flight.
Chelsea confirm John Terry return
Chelsea have confirmed John Terry is returning to the club.
The Blues legend will undertake an academy coach consultancy job four years after he quit for Aston Villa.
Terry tweeted: “I’m delighted to announce that I’m coming home, and have taken up a consultancy role @ChelseaFC academy.
“As well as delivering on field coaching sessions I will be involved in coaching discussions and mentoring our academy players.”
Arteta catches Covid before City game
Mikel Arteta will miss Arsenal’s crucial home game against Manchester City on Saturday after testing positive for Covid.
The 39-year-old Spaniard has gone into isolation after Tuesday’s test and will be absent from the club for the next seven days.
Arteta was the first person in British football to contract coronavirus when his positive test in March 2020 led to the game being completely closed down.
Yet though it is believed he has had both vaccinations and the booster.
However he has still gone down with the virus for a second time.
Assistants Steve Round and Albert Stuivenberg will now take charge for the Saturday lunchtime meeting with League leaders City.
Prem clubs battle over Schick
Arsenal are part of the bidding war for Bayer Leverkusen star Patrik Schick ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.
According to 90min, Manchester City, Tottenham, West Ham, Everton and the Gunners have been keeping tabs on Schick for months.
Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick is also a well-known fan of the striker, whom he signed at RB Leipzig on loan from Roma in 2019.
However, Leverkusen are in no hurry to sell and have little interest to hear offers for the Czech Republic international next month.
The 25-year-old is enjoying a stunning campaign as he is the second highest goalscorer in the Bundesliga and has netted more times than Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
Prem clubs prepare for AFCON departures
The Africa Cup of Nations 2021 is almost upon us after twice being delayed.
Originally slated for June this year, the tournament was first moved to February before the Covid-19 pandemic forced yet another delay.
With AFCON taking place mid-season, a number of Premier League clubs are going to be affected by their players leaving.
The competition runs between Sunday, January 9 to Sunday, February 6.
This year there are 24 nations competing, with the group stage featuring six groups of four teams.
Following that will be the traditional knockouts, before the final itself on February 6 in Olembe.
Sterling says stay off social media
Raheem Sterling has revealed the advice he would have given his teenage self during a radio interview with England boss Gareth Southgate.
And the forward opened up on the racist abuse aimed at England players at Euro 2020 in the honest conversation.
As guest editor on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme, Sterling sat down to talk with Three Lions boss Southgate.
Asked by his manager what advice he would have said to himself when he was 19, the 27-year-old said: “Come off social media, don’t read anything about yourself.”
Life has peaked
John Terry and his wife Toni splashed out nearly £150,000 to rent a stunning chalet in the Swiss Alps.
The former Blues ace whisked his family away for a luxury winter break and shared snaps on social media.
Catered chalets on Les Petit Crans – Crans Montana resort sleep up to 16 guests.
Peak season runs from December 18 to January 3.
And they can be hired for exclusive stays in that period for £146,000-per-week.
In one shot, Terry and Toni took a selfie on the balcony with a glass of wine and the snowy peaks in the background.
Another saw the couple posing under an illuminated ‘LOVE’ sign.

Maddison message puts Salah off
James Maddison was caught whispering in Mo Salah’s ear before his penalty miss against Leicester.
Salah himself won the first-half penalty after being tripped in the area by stand-in centre-back Wilfred Ndidi.
Schmeichel guessed the right way to deny the tame effort, before the Egyptian could only head the rebound onto the crossbar.
But prior to that Maddison can be seen whispering a message into Salah’s ear.
And the one-cap England international clearly got into his head, as the Liverpool star fired a weak effort on goal.
They toot…they score
Footy thugs high on cocaine are fuelling a terrifying surge in violence at stadiums, a Sun investigation has found.
Every ground we swabbed had traces of the class A drug, which sparked the shameful scenes at Wembley in July’s showpiece Euro 2020 final.
We discovered lines had been racked up on top of loo roll holders at Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, while our reporter was offered “charlie” outside a Brighton match earlier this month.
At The Etihad — home of Premier League champions Manchester City — empty drug bags and one containing cocaine were found on a cubicle floor.
Traces of the drug were also found on top of toilets at Arsenal’s Emirates stadium.

Real believe they can sign Mbappe and Haaland
Real Madrid reportedly reckon they can secure transfers for Kylian Mbappe AND Erling Haaland due to their special relationship with Borussia Dortmund.
The Spanish giants are the red-hot favourites to land Mbappe on a free from Paris Saint-Germain.
His contract expires at the end of the season and does not look likely to sign an extension, with his heart set on the Bernabeu.
But Marca report Real’s strong relationship with Dortmund will help them land Haaland too, with LaLiga chief Javier Tebas admitting: “Real Madrid have the capacity to sign Mbappe and Haaland.”
Aki Watzke, the CEO of the German club, is good friends with his Real Madrid counterpart Jose Angel Sanches and president Florentino Perez.

Messi’s wife Antonela shows off new look 
Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo has wowed fans with a brand new blonde hairstyle.
The usually brunette bombshell has been snapped in an adorable family picture alongside PSG star Messi and their three children, showing off her different coloured locks.
Messi posted the family shot to Instagram, in which 33-year-old stunner Roccuzzo is sporting a new blonde look.
But the new hairstyle is nowhere near as bright as the fluorescent outfits on display by the Messi family.

GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
The Premier League announced on Tuesday that Everton vs Newcastle will not go ahead on Wednesday.
Newcastle were already down to the bare bones for Monday night’s match with Manchester United, only to lose Callum Wilson and Alain Saint-Maximin during the game through injury.
As it stands, with Covid and injuries they can’t field a team.
Georginio Wijnaldum is reportedly ‘destined for a Premier League return’ just five months after moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
The midfielder headed to France on a free transfer in the summer after his Liverpool contract expired.
Tutto Mercato claim that he is ‘destined’ to come back to England once the transfer window re-opens.
And relegation strugglers Newcastle want Wijnaldum back at St James’ Park for a second stint, according to L’Equipe.
Tottenham were able to screen their Boxing Day clash with Crystal Palace live on BT Sport at incredibly short notice.
And that was all down to the forward planning of chairman Daniel Levy.
Ahead of building Spurs’ stunning new £850million home, it was decided it must be the most technologically-advanced sports arena in the world.
So matches can be beamed live from the stadium effectively at the flick of the switch, when these games normally need days of planning by TV companies.
Prem return for Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum is reportedly ‘destined for a Premier League return’ just five months after moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
The midfielder headed to France on a free transfer in the summer after his Liverpool contract expired.
Tutto Mercato claim that he is ‘destined’ to come back to England once the transfer window re-opens.
And relegation strugglers Newcastle want Wijnaldum back at St James’ Park for a second stint, according to L’Equipe.
Reds suffer blip
Liverpool have lost to Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
Ademola Lookman’s second half goal was enough to defeat the Reds, who will rue a missed a penalty from Mo Salah.
But Leicester were really solid at the back, after shipping six in against Manchester City on Boxing day.
Huge blow in the title race for the Reds though.
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CHELSEA are looking for left-back replacements for Ben Chilwell and have Lucas Digne near the top of their shopping list, it’s been reported. Meanwhile, Barcelona secured the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City.
The Nou Camp club are looking at a range of full backs with Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta among the names on Xavi’s wishlist.
Meanwhile Newcastle are interested in a January swoop for big names Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti.
And we have all the latest updates on Chelsea’s pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
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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Prem return for Wijnaldum
Georginio Wijnaldum is reportedly ‘destined for a Premier League return’ just five months after moving to Paris Saint-Germain.
The midfielder headed to France on a free transfer in the summer after his Liverpool contract expired.
Tutto Mercato claim that he is ‘destined’ to come back to England once the transfer window re-opens.
And relegation strugglers Newcastle want Wijnaldum back at St James’ Park for a second stint, according to L’Equipe.
Reds suffer blip
Liverpool have lost to Leicester at the King Power Stadium.
Ademola Lookman’s second half goal was enough to defeat the Reds, who will rue a missed a penalty from Mo Salah.
But Leicester were really solid at the back, after shipping six in against Manchester City on Boxing day.
Huge blow in the title race for the Reds though.
Leicester 1-0 Liverpool
The Reds have suffered a blow in their pursuit of Man City at the top/
Ademola Lookman, a former Everton man, has given Leicester the lead in the 59th minute.
Liverpool, who have scored in 34 consecutive matches, need to find an equaliser.
Spurs’ ground TV ready
Tottenham were able to screen their Boxing Day clash with Crystal Palace live on BT Sport at incredibly short notice.
And that was all down to the forward planning of chairman Daniel Levy.
Ahead of building Spurs’ stunning new £850million home, it was decided it must be the most technologically-advanced sports arena in the world.
So matches can be beamed live from the stadium effectively at the flick of the switch, when these games normally need days of planning by TV companies.
This is because all the cables and infrastructure needed were built into the stadium so when Liverpool’s Boxing Day lunchtime match with Leeds was postponed, BT — who were set to show the Anfield clash — were able to effortlessly switch to covering the 3pm game at White Hart Lane without the need to send loads of trucks with cables to North London.
Breaking: Everton v Newcastle postponed
Eddie Howe has got his wish.
The Premier League has announced that Everton vs Newcastle will not go ahead tomorrow.
Newcastle were already down to the bare bones for last night’s match with Manchester United, only to lose Callum Wilson and Alain Saint-Maximin during the game through injury.
Salah misses pen
Mo Salah has missed from the penalty spot against Leicester City in tonight’s evening game.
Kasper Schmeichel with the save, before the Liverpool ace heads the rebound against the bar.
Leicester let off.
It’s still 0-0.
Mbappe denies Real move
Kylian Mbappe has quashed reports he’s ready to join Real Madrid when the January transfer window opens.
The France World Cup winner has been continually linked with a move to the LaLiga giants, and with his contract set to expire in the summer could be available for nothing.
However, Mbappé told CNN: “No, I’m not joining Real Madrid in January. In January it’s not happening.
“I’m in Paris Saint-Germain, I’m really happy and I will 100% finish the season as PSG player. I’ll give everything to win with Paris all titles this year”.
Barkley’s Everton return
Ross Barkley could be on his way back to boyhood club Everton in January.
That’s if reports of a loan deal for the Chelsea outcast are to be believed.
The Telegraph suggests Barkley is set for a return to Goodison Park in the shape of a temporary move for the second half of the season.
The 28-year-old left Merseyside for Stamford Bridge in a £15million deal back in January 2018.
Conte disappointed after Spurs draw
Antonio Conte couldn’t hide his disappointment as Spurs could only draw against 10-men Southampton.
James Ward-Prowse gave the Saints the lead, but the hosts had to play with a man less from the 39th minute when Mohammed Salisu committed a professional foul, which led to Harry Kane’s equaliser from the spot.
But despite battering Southampton in the latter stages, Tottenham couldn’t find a winner.
“My demands are high because I am used to being competitive and to win,” Conte told Amazon Prime after the game.
“For me there is a big disappointment when we don’t win. We need to work a lot because it won’t be easy to fight for something this season.”
Newcastle want game called off
Decimated Newcastle are waiting on a Premier League decision over whether Thursday’s clash at Everton will be postponed. 
Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin and Ryan Fraser were all added to Toon’s lengthy absentee list after Monday’s draw against Manchester United.
With a host of other players out with Covid, injury or suspension, the Magpies do not believe they can field the 13 outfield players and a goalkeeper needed to fulfil the fixture.
Eddie Howe’s side were down to the bare bones before Monday and could only name eight subs – two of whom were goalkeepers.
Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie, Joe Willock and Karl Darlow were all missing, joining Paul Dummett, Jamal Lewis and Federico Fernandez on the sidelines. 
Billy Gilmour’s struggles at Norwich
Norwich fans made their ill feelings known towards Chelsea loanee Billy Gilmour and his team-mates as Crystal Palace put them to the sword today.
The Canaries were soundly beaten 3-0 by the Eagles, with Gilmour disappointing.
His stats so far make for interesting reading too.

Kante’s setbacks
N’Golo Kante credits ‘a lot of setbacks’ and early career struggles for helping him become the player he is today.
Kante, 30, told Chelsea’s website: “To get here, to join Chelsea, to join the French team, was a long journey with a lot of setbacks.
“From a young age, training centres didn’t accept me, and I failed numerous times at my attempts to join professional teams.
The French World Cup winner has blossomed into one of the world’s best players.
Digne deal
Chelsea have reportedly cast their eyes at Lucas Digne as one option to replace the crocked Ben Chilwell.
The Blues lost their star left-back to a serious knee injury that will likely keep him out for the rest of the season.
Manager Thomas Tuchel now seems likely to dip into the January transfer market to bring in cover for his remaining option on the left, Marcos Alonso.
Reports suggest one possible target is Everton defender Digne, who has fallen out of favour at Goodison Park.
The 28-year-old moved to Merseyside from Barcelona back in August 2018 and quickly became an established regular.
Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest in the Frenchman.
FINAL FAREWELL
Marcelo could hang up his boots at the end of the season when his contract at Real Madrid comes to an end.
The left-back, 33, is Real’s captain but he has found himself surplus to requirements this season.
In fact, he has played just 140 minutes of football this term and made just one start under Carlo Ancelotti.
That has sparked talk of the Brazilian leaving the Bernabeu at the end of the season.
It was rumoured that Marcelo could move to Fluminense in his native Brazil.
But his loyalty to Real, having joined Los Blancos in 2007, means Marcelo may decide to retire instead, according to Marca.
SEAN IT ALL
Sean Dyche insists he will not be jumping on Jurgen Klopp’s bandwagon – claiming top players have never had it so good.
Klopp fears that the combination of Covid and festive fixture congestion is a danger to the health and well-being of Prem stars.
The Liverpool boss also name-checked Burnley twice as he called for an increase from three to five subs – as was the case during the Coronavirus lockdown of last season.
Anfield skipper Jordan Henderson has said that football powers aren’t serious about caring for players.
But Clarets manager Dyche bit back declaring: “The thing that I find interesting is that I keep hearing this term player welfare.
“And I’ve got to be honest, my players here are fantastically looked after.
“There are lots of demands on the superpowers.
“But we’ve got strength and conditioning, psychologist support, health and wellbeing, dietitians, a lot of players have home chefs.
“Players are really well looked after.
“They’ve got the best medical support. It makes me question this idea of player welfare.
“The welfare is off the scale for me.”
GOAL MACHINE
Erling Haaland has been backed to break Alan Shearer’s Premier League goal record should he move to England.
Alan Shearer scored an incredible 260 goals in the top flight during his playing days at Blackburn and Newcastle United.
But former West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool ace Joe Cole believes that figure will be smashed by Haaland should he switch to the Prem.
Speaking as part of a promotion for bookmakers Coral, he said: “I think if he comes over, at the age he is at now, he will go and break Shearer’s record.
“If he stays for 10 years, I think he will break all records.”
Chelsea in defensive injury blow
The Blues have been dealt a massive injury blow with Ben Chilwell set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
The England international sustained a partial ACL tear after colliding with Adrien Rabiot in the 4-0 Champions League group win over Juventus.
And the Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law has confirmed Chilwell is set to undergo surgery this week.
Chelsea could look to sign a new left wing-back in January – with Lucas Digne linked.
Arsenal ace ‘signing of season’
Aaron Ramsdale has been picked as the signing of the season by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
The 23-year-old’s £30million transfer from Sheffield United was branded a ‘mess’ by fans and ex-pros.
But speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “I went for Ramsdale because it was almost the biggest surprise to me.
“When they brought him in I thought they were bringing him in as back up and because he was an English player for the quota.
“He hadn’t impressed me in his Premier League time at Sheffield United and Bournemouth.
“But it’s not just the saves he’s made. He’s a personality, he’s a character.
“Already, to go into that dressing room – yes, there’s young players in there but it’s still a huge club, going into Arsenal as a young lad, a young goalkeeper.
“He’s got a presence about him that I didn’t see that he had and he’s had a big impact on the team.”

BREAKING: City star seals Barca move
Ferran Torres has sealed a return to Spain by joining Barcelona from Manchester City for £55million.
A deal – which includes an amazing ONE BILLION EURO (£842m) buyout clause – was agreed between the two clubs last week.
And former Valencia wide man Torres, 21, posted footage of himself training back in his homeland on Sunday evening.
He underwent medical at the Nou Camp and signed a five-year deal soon afterwards.
The Spanish international told Pep Guardiola earlier this month that he wants to return home after finding first team opportunities limited at the Etihad.
And the cash-strapped Catalan giants have agreed to pay around £46.7 million up front.
In addition there are around £8.5 million of add-ons relating to how he performs – with City almost guaranteed £6 million out of that.
The Premier League champions will also be entitled to a sizeable windfall of upto £8.5 million if Torres leaves the Nou Camp for big money in the future.

Man United reject Martial bid
Manchester United have reportedly rejected a loan bid for Anthony Martial from Sevilla.
The Spanish club are said to have made a straight loan proposal with no option or obligation to buy clauses.
According to Sky Sports News, the Spanish club wanted the French forward until the end of the season.
However, ESPN later reported that the deal had been batted away by United over wages.
United are said to want ALL of Martial’s wages covered in the deal, with a loan fee on top.
Sevilla are claimed to have only offered to pay half of Martial’s reported weekly wage of £250,000.
Alexandre Lacazette to leave Gunners
French striker Alexandre Lacazette is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, according to reports.
Lacazette, 30, has six months remaining on his current deal.
With the forward having worn the captain’s armband in recent matches, there has been optimism that an agreement can be reached over an extension.
But according to L’Equipe, he has decided to see out the final six months of his deal before pursuing other opportunities.
Neville and Carragher pick XIs
Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane have not made Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher’s Premier League teams of the season so far.
The dynamic duo agree Liverpool’s Diogo Jota is the man to lead the line ahead of fellow compatriot Ronaldo and the misfiring Tottenham ace.
But Carragher and Neville disagreed on three key positions and even opted for different formations.

Freebie transfer bargains for 2022
Some of football’s biggest names will be able to agree to join which ever club they want next month – and there is not a thing their current sides can do to stop them.
Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Gareth Bale head the superstar list of players entering the last six months of their contracts on January 1, leaving them free to sign pre-contract agreements elsewhere.
They would NOT move to their new club until the summer, but there would be no transfer fee.
An astonishing 539 players from Europe’s top five leagues are entering the last six months of their current contracts, meaning they can agree free transfers abroad on the first day of the New Year.
Players moving for nothing is not something new, but few years have seen such a stellar cast of talent who are counting down the days until they become free agents at the end of the season.
Which leaves some of the biggest clubs desperately trying to wrap up contract talks or spending the next month hawking the players around in the hope of at least getting a small fee for assets they will lose without a fee in the summer.

Newcastle ‘in the mix’ for Gunners star
Relegation-threatened Toon are interested in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
The Gabonese striker is currently in Arsenal exile following a disciplinary breach earlier this month.
Aubameyang could leave North London during the January transfer window.
According to the Star, Newcastle are in the mix to prise Aubameyang away from Emirates Stadium.
But the 32-year-old is claimed to prefer other destinations.
LaLiga side in Martial bid
Sevilla have submitted a loan bid for Man United ace Anthony Martial, according to reports.
The Frenchman wants to leave Old Trafford in January because of a lack of game time.
According to Sky Sports, Sevilla are his preferred destination.
The loan bid does not include an option or obligation to buy at the end of the season.
Barcelona and Juventus are also reportedly keen.
Load more entries… More

BARCELONA appear to be ready to continue their spending spree in January after securing the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City.The Nou Camp club are looking at a range of full backs with Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta among the names on Xavi’s wishlist.
Meanwhile Newcastle are interested in a January swoop for big names Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti.
And we have all the latest updates on Chelsea’s pursuit of Sevilla defender Jules Kounde.
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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SEAN IT ALL
Sean Dyche insists he will not be jumping on Jurgen Klopp’s bandwagon – claiming top players have never had it so good.
Klopp fears that the combination of Covid and festive fixture congestion is a danger to the health and well-being of Prem stars.
The Liverpool boss also name-checked Burnley twice as he called for an increase from three to five subs – as was the case during the Coronavirus lockdown of last season.
Anfield skipper Jordan Henderson has said that football powers aren’t serious about caring for players.
But Clarets manager Dyche bit back declaring: “The thing that I find interesting is that I keep hearing this term player welfare.
“And I’ve got to be honest, my players here are fantastically looked after.
“There are lots of demands on the superpowers.
“But we’ve got strength and conditioning, psychologist support, health and wellbeing, dietitians, a lot of players have home chefs.
“Players are really well looked after.
“They’ve got the best medical support. It makes me question this idea of player welfare.
“The welfare is off the scale for me.”
GOAL MACHINE
Erling Haaland has been backed to break Alan Shearer’s Premier League goal record should he move to England.
Alan Shearer scored an incredible 260 goals in the top flight during his playing days at Blackburn and Newcastle United.
But former West Ham, Chelsea and Liverpool ace Joe Cole believes that figure will be smashed by Haaland should he switch to the Prem.
Speaking as part of a promotion for bookmakers Coral, he said: “I think if he comes over, at the age he is at now, he will go and break Shearer’s record.
“If he stays for 10 years, I think he will break all records.”
Chelsea in defensive injury blow
The Blues have been dealt a massive injury blow with Ben Chilwell set to miss the rest of the season after undergoing knee surgery.
The England international sustained a partial ACL tear after colliding with Adrien Rabiot in the 4-0 Champions League group win over Juventus.
And the Daily Telegraph’s Matt Law has confirmed Chilwell is set to undergo surgery this week.
Chelsea could look to sign a new left wing-back in January – with Lucas Digne linked.
Arsenal ace ‘signing of season’
Aaron Ramsdale has been picked as the signing of the season by Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher.
The 23-year-old’s £30million transfer from Sheffield United was branded a ‘mess’ by fans and ex-pros.
But speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: “I went for Ramsdale because it was almost the biggest surprise to me.
“When they brought him in I thought they were bringing him in as back up and because he was an English player for the quota.
“He hadn’t impressed me in his Premier League time at Sheffield United and Bournemouth.
“But it’s not just the saves he’s made. He’s a personality, he’s a character.
“Already, to go into that dressing room – yes, there’s young players in there but it’s still a huge club, going into Arsenal as a young lad, a young goalkeeper.
“He’s got a presence about him that I didn’t see that he had and he’s had a big impact on the team.”

BREAKING: City star seals Barca move
Ferran Torres has sealed a return to Spain by joining Barcelona from Manchester City for £55million.
A deal – which includes an amazing ONE BILLION EURO (£842m) buyout clause – was agreed between the two clubs last week.
And former Valencia wide man Torres, 21, posted footage of himself training back in his homeland on Sunday evening.
He underwent medical at the Nou Camp and signed a five-year deal soon afterwards.
The Spanish international told Pep Guardiola earlier this month that he wants to return home after finding first team opportunities limited at the Etihad.
And the cash-strapped Catalan giants have agreed to pay around £46.7 million up front.
In addition there are around £8.5 million of add-ons relating to how he performs – with City almost guaranteed £6 million out of that.
The Premier League champions will also be entitled to a sizeable windfall of upto £8.5 million if Torres leaves the Nou Camp for big money in the future.

Man United reject Martial bid
Manchester United have reportedly rejected a loan bid for Anthony Martial from Sevilla.
The Spanish club are said to have made a straight loan proposal with no option or obligation to buy clauses.
According to Sky Sports News, the Spanish club wanted the French forward until the end of the season.
However, ESPN later reported that the deal had been batted away by United over wages.
United are said to want ALL of Martial’s wages covered in the deal, with a loan fee on top.
Sevilla are claimed to have only offered to pay half of Martial’s reported weekly wage of £250,000.
Alexandre Lacazette to leave Gunners
French striker Alexandre Lacazette is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season, according to reports.
Lacazette, 30, has six months remaining on his current deal.
With the forward having worn the captain’s armband in recent matches, there has been optimism that an agreement can be reached over an extension.
But according to L’Equipe, he has decided to see out the final six months of his deal before pursuing other opportunities.
Neville and Carragher pick XIs
Cristiano Ronaldo and Harry Kane have not made Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher’s Premier League teams of the season so far.
The dynamic duo agree Liverpool’s Diogo Jota is the man to lead the line ahead of fellow compatriot Ronaldo and the misfiring Tottenham ace.
But Carragher and Neville disagreed on three key positions and even opted for different formations.

Freebie transfer bargains for 2022
Some of football’s biggest names will be able to agree to join which ever club they want next month – and there is not a thing their current sides can do to stop them.
Kylian Mbappe, Paul Pogba and Gareth Bale head the superstar list of players entering the last six months of their contracts on January 1, leaving them free to sign pre-contract agreements elsewhere.
They would NOT move to their new club until the summer, but there would be no transfer fee.
An astonishing 539 players from Europe’s top five leagues are entering the last six months of their current contracts, meaning they can agree free transfers abroad on the first day of the New Year.
Players moving for nothing is not something new, but few years have seen such a stellar cast of talent who are counting down the days until they become free agents at the end of the season.
Which leaves some of the biggest clubs desperately trying to wrap up contract talks or spending the next month hawking the players around in the hope of at least getting a small fee for assets they will lose without a fee in the summer.

Newcastle ‘in the mix’ for Gunners star
Relegation-threatened Toon are interested in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, according to reports.
The Gabonese striker is currently in Arsenal exile following a disciplinary breach earlier this month.
Aubameyang could leave North London during the January transfer window.
According to the Star, Newcastle are in the mix to prise Aubameyang away from Emirates Stadium.
But the 32-year-old is claimed to prefer other destinations.
LaLiga side in Martial bid
Sevilla have submitted a loan bid for Man United ace Anthony Martial, according to reports.
The Frenchman wants to leave Old Trafford in January because of a lack of game time.
According to Sky Sports, Sevilla are his preferred destination.
The loan bid does not include an option or obligation to buy at the end of the season.
Barcelona and Juventus are also reportedly keen.
United stars blasted by pundit
Manchester United legend Gary Neville has blasted Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes for running straight down the tunnel at full-time after the 1-1 draw against Newcastle.
On Sky Sports, he said: “It’s annoyed me for about two months.
“The best players in your team, it’s devastating when they’re showing that look and body language to the younger ones. They have to help them.
“They have to be the father, the grandparent in the team.
“I made massive mistakes at Man Utd but I had great senior players who would have a go at me but also put their arm around me I think there’s something wrong.
“You can’t run off at the end of a game. Bruno is whinging all the time; he’s been sensational for Man Utd.
“The two centre-backs were poor at the back, Maguire is having a nightmare season.
“You’ve got to be there when your team-mates need you in those moments.
“At the end of the day, I love that lad [Ronaldo], he’s the best I’ve ever seen in my life at times, but don’t run off like that. I’m not having that.”
Loan star set for Blues return
Conor Gallagher looks set to return to Chelsea and fight for a spot in the starting XI next season.
Thomas Tuchel revealed the club ‘love’ the 21-year-old after his superb spell on loan at Crystal Palace this season.
The German said: “We love Conor. We are convinced about him. We took the decision for Conor because when we looked at the midfield – Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante – he was considered number four in the group.
“Conor knew this all the way. An opportunity came up where he could clearly see more minutes and more responsibility.
“Would he be the same Conor if he had stayed here? Obviously not, because the situation will then be different. Maybe, then, the same people would say, ‘How can they rely on Conor Gallagher?’, or ‘Why don’t they give him more minutes?’.
“If Mateo hadn’t been injured, it wouldn’t really matter. So, no, you cannot go back to these decisions that are made for the club and for the player. Everybody agreed on it.
“And it’s obviously a good decision because he is doing so well and everybody is happy. That’s because he plays every single game, and knows how important he is to the team at Crystal Palace.
“This is a huge part of being at the best level you can be.”
Ex-England star tips Haaland for Gunners
Carlton Palmer has tipped Arsenal to make a shock move for Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s future at the north London club is in doubt after his latest ‘disciplinary’ breach.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Palmer said: “They will be looking to bring in a striker.
“Maybe they’ll be in a position to bring in Haaland, I don’t know.
“I think a lot of people will do because, you see, what it represents, what you’ve got to understand is Haaland’s 22.
“So if you get him out of his clause at £62million. If you give him say, £30m-£40m – you’re still at £100m.
“If you’re buying Harry Kane at £110m, and then £50m on top is £160m, and then he’ll be 32-33 at the end of his contract.”
Former Gooner on the move
Dani Ceballos is reportedly set for an £8.5million January transfer from Real Madrid to Real Betis.
The Spaniard has not played a minute for Los Blancos this season and his Bernabeu career looks to be over.
Betis are willing to cough up £8.5m while Real want around £12.5m, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Despite the difference in valuation, both sides are optimistic a deal can be done.
Ceballos, 25, is said to have a ‘burning desire’ to return to his old club.
Chelsea starlet wanted by Sarri
Blues winger Callum Hudson-Odoi is wanted by ex-boss Maurizio Sarri in Lazio, according to reports.
The 21-year-old is back in Chelsea’s starting XI and attracting the attention of former boss Sarri in the Italian capital.
As reported by Football Italia, Lazio have identified Hudson-Odoi as one of their top targets going into the January transfer window.
Back in 2018-19, Sarri managed a Blues side that included a very young Hudson-Odoi.
Chelsea finished third that season but won the Europa League and it seems that Sarri wants a reunion.
Saying Bay bye to Leeds?
Bayern Munich are stepping up their interest in Leeds star Raphinha.
The German giants are ready to test Leeds’ resolve in January but are prepared to wait until next summer.
Leeds value the Brazilian winger at around £60m and insist they have had no contact with Bayern.
The Yorkshire club are hopeful of agreeing an extension to Raphinha’s contract with his agent Deco, which expires in June 2024.
Whites are desperate to keep hold of him but would be huge return on the £20.6m they paid Rennes in October 2020.
Liverpool have been monitoring over last 12 months and still keen.
The Reds are on the hunt for a new winger and both Raphina and West Ham star Jarrod Bowen are reportedly on Jurgen Klopp’s wishlist.
Spurs in for AC Milan ace
Tottenham are leading the race to sign Franck Kessie from AC Milan, according to reports.
Fellow Prem duo Arsenal and Manchester United are also keen on the Ivorian midfielder.
But according to the Express, Spurs are at the head of the queue.
With his contract set to expire next summer, Kessie will be eligible to sign a pre-contract on January 1.
And Tottenham reportedly want to tie up a deal quickly.
Gunners chase ex-Liverpool star
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reportedly given the green light to sign Barcelona outcast Philippe Coutinho.
The Gunners find themselves fourth in the Premier league and are looking to strengthen in January to sustain the push for European football.
And according to Fichajes.net, Barca outcast Coutinho is someone Arsenal are interested in signing.
Arteta gave ‘a resounding yes when approving the arrival’ of the former Liverpool man.
The Gunners are hoping Coutinho can recapture the world class form he showed in his last spell in the Prem.
And the 29-year-old could offer the ‘right solutions’ for Arsenal.
Arsenal ace heading to Italy
Ainsley Maitland-Niles is set to seal a loan move to Roma, according to reports.
The England international wanted to leave North London in the summer, but had a temporary switch to Everton blocked.
According to the Mirror he will finally get his wish in January, with Jose Mourinho’s side keen.
In Rome, Maitland-Niles will get to link up with fellow Englishmen Chris Smalling and Tammy Abraham.
The 24-year-old has made 11 appearances for the Gunners this term.
Sky pundit slams Man United
Gary Neville blasted Manchester United’s players for being ‘whinge bags’ against Newcastle.
Neville’s former side found themselves 1-0 down at St James Park after just seven minutes following Allan Saint-Maximin’s opener.
They went into half-time one goal behind and Sky Sports pundit Neville hit out at Ralf Rangnick’s players.
He said: “They’ve not done one single thing right as a team and not one player can go in at half-time and say they’ve done their job or even done themselves justice.
“They’ve not had a game in 16 days but I’m not really looking at that to be honest because there’s still a lot of basics they can do properly – which is win your battles, go in for tackles properly, show a bit of urgency and look like it matters.
“They’re whinging at each other, they’re a bunch of whinge bags. Their arms are up in the air, they’re complaining about everything.
“They got the last manager the sack Ralf Rangnick is not going to get the sack, but they’ll get a lot of managers the sack if they perform like that.”
MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
Kylian Mbappe has been named as the Men’s Player of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
The French star pipped rival Robert Lewandowski to the accolade, after starring for PSG and France.
Antonio Conte has hinted that he could return to Inter Milan one day.
After Inter rocketed back to the top of Serie A, Conte was quizzed by Sky Sport Italia about their progress.
To which he replied: “I am happy with Inter’s consistency because they are continuing what we’ve done in the best way.
“I can only compliment them, I think they have the basis to stay up there for a long time.
“Perhaps, one day, I could return to overturn the predictions again.”Meanwhile, the Premier League has announced a record 103 Covid cases were recorded from December 20-26.
It comes as stacks of games across the country have been postponed as a result of a spike in case numbers.
DIGNE DEAL
Lucas Digne could be on his way to Toon next month – but only if Eddie Howe inspires a quick improvement.
The Frenchman is in line to be sold by Rafa Benitez to raise desperately-needed funds for Goodison recruitment in the transfer window.
And after falling out with the hard-line Everton boss the left back bought for £18million from Barcelona in 2018 is very much on Newcastle United’s radar.
Yet while long-term money is no object at the world’s richest club following the Saudi takeover, the proposed budget for bringing in talent is around £50m.
Digne, valued at £25m, would take up half that proposed fund when Howe will be looking to bring in at least three more.
SAM’S THE MAN
World Cup winner and Barcelona misfit Samuel Umtiti has emerged as a £17million target for relegation-haunted Newcastle.
The 28-year-old defender has fallen out of favour with successive managers at the cash-strapped Spanish giants.
And they are desperate to offload Umtiti’s £220,000-a-week wages.
But following the takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium the Toon may be one of the few clubs willing to splash out on the France international centre-back.
Eddie Howe badly needs experienced reinforcements in the January transfer window as he seeks to drag Newcastle away from the drop-zone.
And shoring up a leaky defence is a priority with the Magpies having conceded more than any other side in the division.
RAPH RAFFLE
Bayern Munich are stepping up their interest in Leeds star Raphinha.
The German giants are ready to test Leeds’ resolve in January but are prepared to wait until next summer.
Leeds value the Brazilian winger at around £60m and insist they have had no contact with Bayern.
The Yorkshire club are hopeful of agreeing an extension to Raphinha’s contract with his agent Deco, which expires in June 2024.
Whites desperate to keep hold of him but would be huge return on the £20.6m they paid Rennes in October 2020.
Liverpool have been monitoring over last 12 months and still keen.
Load more entries… More

BARCELONA appear to be ready to continue their spending spree in January after securing the signing of Ferran Torres from Manchester City.The Nou Camp club are looking at a range of full backs with Chelsea’s Cesar Azpilicueta among the names on Xavi’s wishlist.
Meanwhile Newcastle are interested in a January swoop for big names Lucas Digne and Samuel Umtiti.
And we have all the latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Jules Kounde.
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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DIGNE DEAL
Lucas Digne could be on his way to Toon next month – but only if Eddie Howe inspires a quick improvement.
The Frenchman is in line to be sold by Rafa Benitez to raise desperately-needed funds for Goodison recruitment in the transfer window.
And after falling out with the hard-line Everton boss the left back bought for £18million from Barcelona in 2018 is very much on Newcastle United’s radar.
Yet while long-term money is no object at the world’s richest club following the Saudi takeover, the proposed budget for bringing in talent is around £50m.
Digne, valued at £25m, would take up half that proposed fund when Howe will be looking to bring in at least three more.
SAM’S THE MAN
World Cup winner and Barcelona misfit Samuel Umtiti has emerged as a £17million target for relegation-haunted Newcastle.
The 28-year-old defender has fallen out of favour with successive managers at the cash-strapped Spanish giants.
And they are desperate to offload Umtiti’s £220,000-a-week wages.
But following the takeover by a Saudi-backed consortium the Toon may be one of the few clubs willing to splash out on the France international centre-back.
Eddie Howe badly needs experienced reinforcements in the January transfer window as he seeks to drag Newcastle away from the drop-zone.
And shoring up a leaky defence is a priority with the Magpies having conceded more than any other side in the division.
RAPH RAFFLE
Bayern Munich are stepping up their interest in Leeds star Raphinha.
The German giants are ready to test Leeds’ resolve in January but are prepared to wait until next summer.
Leeds value the Brazilian winger at around £60m and insist they have had no contact with Bayern.
The Yorkshire club are hopeful of agreeing an extension to Raphinha’s contract with his agent Deco, which expires in June 2024.
Whites desperate to keep hold of him but would be huge return on the £20.6m they paid Rennes in October 2020.
Liverpool have been monitoring over last 12 months and still keen.
SIGN HIM UP
A hopeful Newcastle fan urged Cristiano Ronaldo to join them from Manchester United in a hilarious sign.
The Toon army are hoping for a big few transfer windows ahead following their £300million Saudi takeover.
And one supporter has aimed high by attempting to convince 36-year-old Ronaldo across to St James Park.
The wishful thinker held up a banner which read: “It’s nearly 2022 NUFC is the club for you.”

CALL THE COPS
Callum Wilson insists he is not out to ‘slag anyone off’ on his new BBC podcast – after taking a dig at former boss Steve Bruce.
The striker claimed Newcastle were not fit enough for the first game of the Premier League season against West Ham on The Footballer’s Football Podcast with Michail Antonio.
But Wilson, 29, says it is not their intention to hurt anyone’s feelings.
Speaking in Newcastle’s matchday programme ahead of their clash against Manchester United, he said: “The BBC aren’t trying to trip anyone up – they’re not trying to catch us out or anything.
“They’re looking out for us as well.
“We’re not on to slag anyone off or anything like that – it’s all positive, really, and hopefully only positive things can come with it.”
LIVID KLOPP
Jurgen Klopp claims clubs who are blocking a return to five substitutions are putting players’ safety at risk – and pointed the finger at Burnley again.
The Liverpool boss insists the move would be crucial in heading off the double whammy of Covid and fixture congestion.
Yet he does not believe it will happen because clubs will block a rise from three subs in their own interests – and not those of the players.
The German, 54, said: “The decision needs 14 votes to change it and that’s something wrong.
“What we realised again in the managers meeting – and we know it has always been like that – is how 14 clubs make the decision to change.
“We have to put competition aside.
“[Five substitutes] is the right decision, especially in this moment, because you bring players back in this moment, after Covid infection or an injury, and because of the games they have to play you risk injury and they have to go out again, maybe after 60 minutes.
“That is a real problem. This wonderful game is so wonderful because usually the players on the pitch are in good shape, are well trained, are well recovered and go for it.
“That is why we love the game. Now the situation is much more difficult.”
Taking aim at Burnley, Klopp added: “There is something wrong. Here is an example.
“With Burnley, I am not too sure how many of their players play international football.
“When our players play three games, they [Burnley] have no game.
“They have 38 Premier League games and three or four cup games, to make around 42 games a season.
“So we are talking about an issue which some clubs and players definitely have, but it is decided by the other teams and we make a competition of it.
“They say, ‘well they are better than us’, and that is a real problem. It’s Premier League and can still cause us problems.
“How many games does a top-class player play? With the league, some cup games, Champions League, internationals – it’s 50 games. Higher.
“The further you go the harder it is on players. You need luck in these moments and you should not need luck.
“We do not stop discussing it because if we don’t discuss it, it just stays like this.”
INTER YOU
Antonio Conte has hinted that he could return to Inter Milan one day.
The Italian, 52, quit the Nerazzurri back in May just days after guiding them to their first Serie A title in 11 years.
He initially rejected advances from Tottenham Hotspur to succeed axed former boss Jose Mourinho, before accepting a second call after Nuno Espirito Santo was given the boot.
Conte has enjoyed an encouraging start to life at Spurs and is yet to taste defeat in a league game with his new side.
But if recent comments are anything to go by, he may already have half an eye on his next challenge.
After Inter rocketed back to the top of Serie A, Conte was quizzed by Sky Sport Italia about their progress.
To which he replied: “I am happy with Inter’s consistency because they are continuing what we’ve done in the best way.
“I can only compliment them, I think they have the basis to stay up there for a long time.
“Perhaps, one day, I could return to overturn the predictions again.”
RODGERS AND OUT
Brendan Rodgers has slammed the ‘ridiculous’ schedule facing his injury-hit Leicester side as they prepare to face Liverpool on Tuesday night.
The Foxes have no time to feel sorry for themselves after the 6-3 defeat to leaders Manchester City on Boxing Day.
Just over 50 hours after the full-time whistle at the Etihad, they will be lining up against second-placed Liverpool at the King Power.
And Rodgers admits he will not be able to make many changes to his starting line-up against his old club due to the number of players currently on the sidelines.
So the same players will have to go again – and that means they will put themselves at risk.
The Leicester chief said: “It’s a ridiculous schedule. We all know that players aren’t fully recovered for 72 hours after a game.
“So for us to be playing on Tuesday against Liverpool, it is ridiculous
“However, we have to play the game so there will be virtually no physical work, just recovery work and then we’ll look at some video images and prepare from there.”
KYL FOR THAT AWARD
Kylian Mbappe has been named as the Men’s Player of the Year at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.
The French star pipped rival Robert Lewandowski to the accolade, after starring for PSG and France.
Afterwards, Mbappe was asked to give his predictions for the forthcoming season – with PSG facing Real Madrid in the Champions League.
He told Sky Sport: “The only thing I can see or predict for Real Madrid-PSG is Paris Saint-Germain to win.
“It’s gonna be hard, complicated game – but I want to win both Champions League and World Cup in 2022.”
Elsewhere during the ceremony, Lewandowski didn’t go home empty-handed. He was the recipient of the Maradona award for best goalscorer.
HUDSON-OH JOY
Callum Hudson-Odoi has overtaken Arjen Robben to become the youngest Chelsea player to make 10 Premier League assists.
By winning a penalty in the first half of the Blues’ 3-1 at Aston Villa, the 21-year-old notched up another assist – his 10th since his debut in 2018.
Robben arrived at Stamford Bridge as a 20-year-old, and made nine assists in his debut campaign.
However, he had to wait until the beginning of the 2005/06 season to get his 10th.
Hudson-Odoi’s form has impressed boss Thomas Tuchel.
“I think he was brilliant,” the Chelsea gaffer revealed after yesterday’s game.
“I was never frustrated with him today. He had one bad decision under pressure when he tried to do a back-heel in front of the coaching staff, maybe there was an easier solution to escape the pressure with an easy pass, there was a clear pass to NG [N’Golo Kante]. But I was never frustrated with him today.
“I think he was brilliant today and we forced him. Normally it was clear he plays one half to the maximum of 60 minutes. This was already more than the recommendation of the fitness department but he was strong in training so I wanted to have him on the pitch.
“Hakim Ziyech has only one training session, Callum had two and a half, so we decided to put him in.
“He was involved. He overcame some obstacles today and some adversity. There was a big game a very important game from him.
“Also we took a risk because he only just came back from Covid.’
AZZURI LEGEND
Chelsea legend Gianluca Vialli picked up Italy’s team of year award at the Globe Awards in Dubai.
Roberto Mancini’s European Championship winning side were victorious in the best national team of the year category.
The magical moment can be seen on Twitter.
Vialli recently announced his cancer had sadly returned.

INHUMAN
Barcelona legend Gerard Pique has had his say on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi GOAT debate.
The centre-back said they are ‘two of the best in the history of the sport’ but gave one of them the edge.
Pique, 34, played with Ronaldo for a short time at Manchester United, and Messi, 34 for years at the Nou Camp. But he did not let that cloud his judgement.
The Spaniard told BT Sport: “I think that they are both amazing.
“We are talking about two of the best players, not just in the world but the history of this sport.
“I always said Messi has some talent that no one has.
“I mean, he has the ball and his speed controlling the ball.
“The ball doesn’t go two metres from his foot, it’s always there.
“It’s impossible to catch him, this talent I didn’t see from anyone.
“Cristiano Ronaldo is such a different player, they are very different.
“He is tall, strong, he’s really complete. He can do anything.
“He can do goals with the head, free-kicks, penalties, take one on one.
“But for me it’s like Messi is not human but Cristiano is the best of the humans.”
AWARDS SEASON
Robert Lewandowski is leading the way on the red carpet at the Globe Soccer Awards, that is currently under way.
The Bayern Munich striker, 33, will be hoping he can reclaim his title as Player of the Year, which he won in 2020.
He was joined by his stunning Wag, Anna looking dapper in a tuxedo and bow tie.
Also attending is Paris Saint-Germain striker Kylian Mbappe, as rumours continue over whether he will sign a new deal with the French side.
Liverpool legend Ian Rush is also in attendance with his wife Carol Anthony
Former England boss Fabio Capello looked happy to be invited as he posed with wife Laura Ghisi.
Football royalty such as Roberto Mancini, Patrick Kluivert and Italian star Leonardo Bonucci also seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Early winners on the night were Chelsea, who won the Team of the Year, and Italy, who were named the National Team of the Year.
RECORD COVID CASES
The Premier League has announced a record 103 Covid cases were recorded from December 20-26.
It comes as stacks of games across the country have been postponed as a result of a spike in case numbers.
A Prem statement on Monday read: “The safety of everyone is a priority and the Premier League is taking all precautionary steps in response to the impact of the Omicron variant.
“The League has reverted to its Emergency Measures, and has increased testing of players and club staff to daily Lateral Flow and twice-weekly PCR tests, having previously carried out Lateral Flow testing twice a week.
“The League can today confirm between Monday 20 December and Sunday 26 December, 15,186 COVID-19 tests were administered on players and club staff.
“Of these, there were 103 new positive cases.
“The Premier League’s COVID-19 Emergency Measures include protocols such as wearing face coverings while indoors, observing social distancing, limiting treatment time, as well as the increased testing.
“The League is continuing to work with clubs to keep people safe by helping mitigate the risks of COVID-19 within their squads.
“We are also liaising closely with the Government, local authorities and supporter groups, while being responsive to any future changes to national or local guidance.
“The Premier League is providing this aggregated information for the purposes of competition integrity and transparency.
“No specific details as to clubs or individuals will be provided by the League and results will be made public on a weekly basis.”
Plan B measures for Premier League
The Premier League’s Plan B measures now mean there are a few more things you will have to do before going to a game.
Here is what you need to do:

Pre-register your COVID status on your club’s website
Mobile phone Download your NHS COVID pass
Face with medical mask Take a mask with you
House building Don’t attend if you’re showing any COVID symptoms

Gallagher to return to Chelsea
Conor Gallagher looks set to return to Chelsea and fight for a spot in the starting XI next season.
Thomas Tuchel said: “We love Conor. We are convinced about him. We took the decision for Conor because when we looked at the midfield – Mateo Kovacic, Jorginho, N’Golo Kante – he was considered number four in the group.
“Conor knew this all the way. An opportunity came up where he could clearly see more minutes and more responsibility.
“Would he be the same Conor if he had stayed here? Obviously not, because the situation will then be different. Maybe, then, the same people would say, ‘How can they rely on Conor Gallagher?’, or ‘Why don’t they give him more minutes?’.
“If Mateo hadn’t been injured, it wouldn’t really matter. So, no, you cannot go back to these decisions that are made for the club and for the player. Everybody agreed on it. And it’s obviously a good decision because he is doing so well and everybody is happy.
“That’s because he plays every single game, and knows how important he is to the team at Crystal Palace. This is a huge part of being at the best level you can be.”
Eden Hazard set for Fenerbahce?
Eden Hazard has vowed to play for Turkish giants Fenerbahce before he retires, according to former club chief Hasan Cetinkaya.
The Belgium talisman, who moved to Real Madrid from Chelsea in a £150million deal in 2019, has told Cetinkaya he will play for the Turkish Super Lig side one day.
Last year, Cetinkaya revealed: “Eden Hazard is an old friend of mine, I’ve known him since he was 15 or 16 years old and still played for Lille.
“He had incredible sympathy for Fenerbahce and gave me his word: ‘Hasan, one day I’ll play for Fenerbahce, I just do not know when that will be’.
“He was 16 when he played for Lille, they had him, Gervinho and Sow, but we could only attract Sow to us.
“And then Hazard reached a different dimension, he was one of the greatest talents in Europe, and I wish he had, time will tell, Eden Hazard will one day play for Fenerbahce.”
Top of the flops
Arsene Wenger brought some incredible players to Arsenal in his early years as Gunners boss.
Patrick Vieira, Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, Robert Pires… the list goes on and on.
But even in his title-winning days not all of his signings were hits.
Igors Stepanovs arrived at Highbury from Latvian side Skonto Riga in September 2000.
The burly defender hardly arrived as a household name and he wouldn’t exactly leave as one either.
This is what he looked like then compared to now!

Pogba should focus on fitness
Ralf Rangnick says Paul Pogba needs to ‘get fit again’ before discussing his future at Manchester United.
The German said: “On the day he came back from Dubai we spoke in person.
“Right now, it’s about for him to get fit again.
“I think this will take as far as I know another couple of weeks + until then my full focus is on the players who are available in the upcoming games.”
As things stand, there have been no offers to buy Pogba early in January, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Xhak of the net
Granit Xhaka reached out to a gutted Gooner who only found out Arsenal’s games with Wolves was postponed as he was boarding a flight to the UK.
Jack Robinson booked a trip from the USA to London for the game as part of his 10th wedding anniversary celebrations and was devastated to learn the match had been axed.
Robinson and his wife Heather were sat on the runway about to take off from St Louis, Missouri for the trip they had arranged six months earlier when the crushing news broke.
A distraught Robinson tweeted: “This one hurts so bad. I have had this planned and booked for well over six months. First the summer tour was cancelled on me now this game, lost for words, sick. It’s me and my wife’s 10-year anniversary, and I wanted to show her something special, something she can remember forever.”
However, having seen the tweet, Swiss midfielder Xhaka replied: “Hi Jack. I just got home from the game [against Norwich] and I have seen your tweets that you and your wife were flying over from America for our game against Wolves.
“I could see you were upset about the game being cancelled as you had waited a long time to fly over to watch us. If you are still in London on January 1, I’d like to invite you to the Arsenal vs Manchester City game as my guest to thank you for your dedication to Arsenal. Would that be good for you? Granit.”
Premier League top scorers
Mo Salah still leads the way in the Premier League top scorer charts with 15 goals so far this season.
His teammate Diogo Jota is next up with 10, followed by Jamie Vardy, Raphinha and then Emile Smith Rowe.
No Manchester United or Chelsea players make the list.

Dusan Vlahovic to the Prem?
Fiorentina forward Dusan Vlahovic may price himself out of a Premier League move with the striker reportedly demanding £200,000-a-week.
The Serbian is being tracked by the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea after netting 18 goals in 22 games this term.
But according to the Daily Star, the 21-year-old may price himself out of a big money January move after demanding a huge £200k-a-week contract AFTER TAX.
Fiorentina are only willing to part ways with the striker for £70million too.
In a boost to Vlahovic’s potential buyers, Manchester City have already ruled out a potential move.
Grealish the £100million man
Will Jack Grealish’s Premier League transfer record be broken in the January window?

Conte hints at Inter return
Antonio Conte has hinted that he could return to Inter Milan one day.
After Inter rocketed back to the top of Serie A, Conte was quizzed by Sky Sport Italia about their progress.
To which he replied: “I am happy with Inter’s consistency because they are continuing what we’ve done in the best way.
“I can only compliment them, I think they have the basis to stay up there for a long time.
“Perhaps, one day, I could return to overturn the predictions again.”
More Premier League fixtures
And here are the Premier League games up until New Year’s Day.
As yet none have been postponed between December 29 and January 1, although that is subject to change.
Wednesday, December 29

Chelsea vs Brighton – 7.30pm – Amazon Prime
Brentford vs Man City – 8.15pm – Amazon Prime

Thursday, December 30

Everton vs Newcastle – 7.30pm – Amazon Prime
Manchester United vs Burnley – 8.15pm – Amazon Prime

Saturday, January 1

Arsenal vs Manchester City – 12.30pm – BT Sport
Leicester vs Norwich – 3pm
Watford vs Tottenham – 3pm
Crystal Palace vs West Ham – 5.30pm – Sky Sports

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