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TOTTENHAM’S Europa Conference League clash against Rennes is OFF.Covid-19 has ravaged the Spurs squad – with ELEVEN cases including staff.
And after talks with Health Security Agency and the Government on Wednesday night, Tottenham announced the Group G clash was postponed, with the club’s Hotspur Way training ground closed.
As a result, Spurs’ Premier League fixture against Brighton at the Amex on Sunday will be in doubt.
And Eddie Howe is eyeing up Stoke striker Tyrese Campbell as his first signing at Newcastle.
The son of former Everton forward Kevin Campbell, Tyrese has scored twice in nine games for the Potters this season.

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RAM RAID
Everton are lining up a January swoop for ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey.
CalcioMercato claims the Juventus midfielder is no longer wanted by Max Allegri.
And he will be allowed to quit Turin this winter for a Premier League return.
Rafa Benitez is keen on bringing Ramsey to Goodison Park as he looks to get Everton’s season back on track.
And the Welshman could jump at the chance to play for the Toffees.
SPURRED OFF
Tottenham are facing a Christmas fixture nightmare after tonight’s game against Rennes was called off.
Spurs, who have been hit by a Covid outbreak, have been ordered to play the French side BEFORE December 31.
Antonio Conte’s side have already seen their Premier League game against Burnley postponed due to a snow storm.
But just how are Tottenham going to fit all those fixtures in?

NEW TOON
Rob Lee urged Newcastle to sign English trio Jesse Lingard, James Tarkowski and Kieran Trippier in January.
The former Toon midfielder warned that mega rich Newcastle will be relegated unless they splash the cash when the transfer window opens.
Lee said: “If they keep this team, as much as they’ve improved under Eddie Howe, they’ll go down without a doubt. They need people to help them.
“I’d like to see them sign Jesse Lingard – he did brilliantly at West Ham.
“James Tarkowski at Burnley, it’s well known that he can leave for a certain amount of money.
“Kieran Trippier [at Atletico Madrid], he’d like to come back from Spain and Newcastle would be a great opportunity for him.
“So they need to sign those sorts of players that have played in the Premier League and will hit the ground running.”
NEW RESTRICTIONS 
Prem clubs are involved in another ruck with League chiefs over who refunds fans who miss games because of the latest Covid restrictions.
PM Boris Johnson confirmed the introduction of the Government’s Plan B against the Omicron variant in Downing Street.
That will see “vaccine passports” introduced for entry to all sporting events with crowds of more than 10,000 from Wednesday.
Initially, fans will have to show they are double vaccinated or proof of a negative test within 24 hours of a game to be allowed entry.
It is not clear if that means every fan being checked or a continuation of spot tests, with the Government weighing up whether it should delegate decisions to local Safety Advisory Groups to make a final call.
But a number of Prem clubs fear that fans may want rebates on their match or season tickets if they feel the restrictions are too onerous.
That might become even more pressing if, as the PM hinted on Wednesday, the Government does move to a policy of mandatory vaccinations.
And the clubs are urging Prem chiefs to stump up the money rather than seeing their funds take another Covid hit.
EL OF A PLAYER
Arsenal star Mohamed Eleny is a January transfer target for mega-rich Newcastle, according to reports.
The Egyptian midfielder has been a bit-part player under Gunners boss Mikel Arteta since he took charge.
He has been resigned to the substitutes bench this season, and has barely featured in the Premier League.
And the Mirror report that Toon chief Eddie Howe is targeting the 29-year-old in a deal next month.
His contract runs out next June, but the Magpies want to land him six months earlier for a small fee.
Elneny is one of five players Howe is understood to have put on his wishlist ahead of the new transfer window.
ONE OF THE BEST
Manchester United legend Andy Cole doesn’t think he gets the credit for his career despite being one of the ‘best striker’s of his generation.’
Cole scored 187 goals in 414 Premier League games for United and he feels he should be mentioned among the greats.
Speaking to the Original Penguin X Campaign Against Living Miserably Under The Surface podcast, Cole said: “No, I’m very vocal about it, but I don’t get the credit I deserve for my footballing career.
“When it comes to being a goal scorer, I was one of the best of my generation, it’s that simple.
“I know that. I’m not going to have anyone try and fudge that and tell me anything else.”
LET HIM GO
Furious Barcelona fans called for Clement Lenglet’s contract to be ripped up as he was seen laughing with Robert Lewandowski after the Catalans crashed out the Champions League.
Barca were walloped 3-0 in Germany on Wednesday and ended up finishing third in Group E – their earliest Champions League exit for 21 years.
‘P***** off’ Barca boss Xavi blasted his players after the defeat and urged them to ‘start from scratch’ in the Europa League.
But the result did not appear to affect Lenglet as much – as he was seen sharing a joke with Bayern goal machine Lewandowski after the final whistle.
The incident did not go down well with Barca fans already fuming at the European humiliation.
One tweeted: “Smiling after being knocked out in group stage? Rip his contract up tomorrow, let him walk for free. F**k outta here.”
Another added: “He’s lucky I am not the Barcelona president because he’d not get on the plane back with the team, and tomorrow, I’d terminate his contract.”
TIME TO MOVE JONG
Barcelona starlet Frenkie De Jong is being encouraged to quit the club, with Dutch legends arguing the Nou Camp is not the right fit for him.
The 24-year-old signed for Barcelona in 2019 but has failed to live up to the high expectations that fans put on him.
He has only scored one goal so far this season for Xavi’s side who currently sit 7th in the LaLiga table.
Former Dutch international footballers Ron Vlaar and Dirk Kuyt have both criticised the former Ajax man and have suggested that he would be best suited elsewhere.
De Jong has been linked recently with a move to Manchester United as new interim manager Ralph Rangnick plans to sign a number of players in January.
United reportedly want the 24-year-old for a cut-price of £47million, but Barcelona do not want to sell him for less than £60m as his contract does not run out until 2026.
He is said to be the ideal replacement for Paul Pogba, whose contract expires next summer.
OH MAN!
Man City could face a tricky Champions League last 16 draw against Atletico Madrid or Inter Milan.
Pep Guardiola’s side won Group A by a single point – pipping French giants Paris Saint-Germain to top spot despite a 2-1 defeat at RB Leipzig on Tuesday.
Uefa rules state teams cannot draw clubs from their own country until the quarter-finals.
Nor can they face sides from their group in the last 16.
This rules out PSG who beat Club Brugge 4-1 on Tuesday.
And it also means all-Premier League clashes with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool are off the cards for now.
Having come top of their group, Guardiola’s men are in a pot with the other group winners and can only be drawn against runners up.
But that doesn’t mean they’ll avoid some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

SWEET 16 
Liverpool could have the easiest Champions League last 16 draw of all the Premier League clubs.
The Reds topped Group B after winning all six of their matches and they look set to avoid all of Europe’s big boys in the next round with Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Milan the only ‘giants’ they can draw.
Uefa rules state teams cannot draw clubs from their own country until the quarter-finals.
Nor can they face sides from their group.
This rules out Atletico Madrid who finished second – 11 points behind the Reds.
And it also means all-Premier League clashes with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are off the cards for now.

AZ IF
Glen Johnson can’t see Thomas Tuchel letting go of club captain Cesar Azpilicueta despite the defender’s contract ending next summer.
The Spaniard has yet to be offered a contract extension by the Blues, sparking rumours he may be on his way out Stamford Bridge.
But Johnson doubts Tuchel will let his prized asset leave without a fight.
He told Bettingodds.com: “First of all I don’t think Tuchel will let him go anyway. Azpilucueta’s one of those guys – it’s a strange thing to say – whereby it’s not that he’s happy to not play but he’s the sort of guy who will still do the right things when he’s not playing.
“He’ll keep the squad going and be there for everyone. Other people would just straight-up sulk and throw their toys out.”
BREAKING
Denmark legendary goalkeeper Lars Hogh has died at the age of 62.
Hogh spent his entire career playing for Odense, whom he led to an unforgettable victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Cup back in 1994.
He also stood out during Denmark’s impressive showing at the 1986 World Cup that saw them making it to the Last 16 after topping West Germany and Uruguay.
Tributes have been pouring in for the the Danish hero from a number of famous football personalities.
TOUGH TEST
All four Premier League teams competing in the Champions League are safely through to the knockout stages of the competition.
But some Prem outfits face easier draws than others, with Chelsea in particular at risk of landing a nightmare tie, and Manchester United also in danger of being handed a banana skin clash.
Liverpool, Manchester City and United all topped their groups, and the Blues too appeared on track for the same fate until Matchday Six.
Chelsea’s dramatic 3-3 draw against Zenit on Wednesday night means the defending champions are unseeded for the next round.
December 13 is the date for the Champions League last-sixteen draw, although the knockout stages to not get underway until February.
Teams who finished top of their group will be drawn against a team that finished second, and vice-versa.
And teams cannot be drawn against a team from the same nation, or against teams from their group.
So there won’t be any mouth-watering all-English ties to look forward to… yet.
OH MAN!
Manchester United could face a horror Champions League last 16 draw against Atletico Madrid or mega-rich Paris Saint-Germain.
The Red Devils won Group F after a 1-1 home draw with Young Boys on Wednesday night and focus has now switched to who they will play next.
Uefa rules state teams cannot draw clubs from their own country until the quarter-finals.
Nor can they face sides from their group in the last 16.
This rules out Villarreal or Atalanta – whichever one qualifies after their match was postponed because of snow on Wednesday.
And it also means all-Premier League clashes with Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool are off the cards for now.
As winners of their group, Ralf Rangnick’s men are in a pot with the other group winners and can only be drawn against runners up.
But that doesn’t mean they’ll avoid some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

CAN LIV WITH THAT
Kalvin Phillips is ready to snub Manchester United for Liverpool in the summer.
The England international, 26, is a transfer target for the Red Devils who are desperate to bolster their midfield.
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are also keen on the Leeds United midfielder, who was outstanding at Euro 2020 for the Three Lions.
However, Phillips’ loyalty towards his current employers has made him wary of a move to the Yorkshire side’s bitter rivals.
SunSport has learned he is unwilling to upset Leeds fans and harm his status at the club by making a switch to Old Trafford.
He believes they would, instead, be much more accepting of a move to Anfield if he looks to progress his career.
BREAKING
Uefa have insisted Tottenham’s Europa Conference League group stage tie with Rennes must go ahead.
Antonio Conte revealed Spurs have 13 positive Covid cases – eight players and five members of staff – which left them with ELEVEN fit senior players.
And after talks with Health Security Agency and the Government on Wednesday night, Tottenham announced the Group G clash was postponed, with the club’s Hotspur Way training ground closed.
French rivals Rennes – who had already touched down in London – insisted the game was NOT off until Uefa said so.
And Uefa have now confirmed the game is ON, meaning Tottenham face being dumped out of Europe if they forfeit the match.
Uefa said: “The match is due to take place as scheduled.
“For further information regarding Tottenham’s COVID situation, please contact the club.
“We have no other comment to make at this stage.”
AZ IF? 
Chelsea face the prospect of losing FOUR centre-backs in the summer with club captain Cesar Azpilicueta yet to pen an extension at Stamford Bridge.
The Spaniard, along with Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and Andreas Christensen, is out of contract at the end of the season.
And Azpilicueta’s teammates have been left ‘bewildered’ as to why he has not been offered a new deal by the European champions, according to Eurosport.
With Rudiger and Christensen both the subject of intense speculation, Chelsea’s players had thought tying down Azpilicueta for another season would be a formality.
Rudiger has been rumoured to have ‘agreed’ a deal with Real Madrid, while Barcelona and AC Milan are monitoring Christensen.
But reports suggest a new contract is yet to be tabled, despite Azpilicueta himself being eager to stay on at Stamford Bridge.
LET THE GINI OUT
Arsenal could move for Georginio Wijnaldum as PSG’s ex-Liverpool midfielder ponders a swift Premier League return.
The Holland star is “not completely happy” at failing to start regularly for the French giants since his summer free transfer.
And Sky Sports suggest he would be interested in a January loan move back to England.
But it’s claimed PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino is unwilling to lose him.
Former Newcastle ace Wijnaldum, 31, left Liverpool at the end of last season after his contract expired.
But since then only ten of his 20 appearances for PSG have been starts.
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS!
You’re waking up to the aftermath of a night of high drama in the Champions League.
A complete shocker from keeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen confirmed Barcelona’s earliest Champions League exit for 21 years.
The last time Barca failed to progress to the Champions League last 16 was way back in 2000-01.
That season, current manager Xavi was a fresh-faced 20-year-old in the team alongside Pep Guardiola in midfield.
In other results, Manchester United were already through as Group F winners but they failed to avenge their defeat at the hands of Young Boys back in September.
The Red Devils could only manage a 1-1 draw with the Swiss visitors as new boss Ralf Rangnick sent out his own youngsters at Old Trafford.
Chelsea missed out on the chance to top their group with a dramatic 3-3 draw away to Zenit St Petersburg.
And in other news, the Government confirmed plans to introduce vaccine passports at English football grounds as part of their ‘Plan B’ response to growing Covid-19 fears.
BUNGLING BARCA
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s embarrassing shocker confirmed woeful Barcelona’s earliest Champions League exit for 21 years.
The German, 29, allowed compatriot Leroy Sane’s long-range effort to slip through his hands just before half-time in the flop 3-0 defeat away at Bayern Munich.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen turned in a poor performance between the sticksCredit: Reuters
The last time Barca failed to progress to the Champions League last-16 was way back in 2000-01.
That season, current manager Xavi was a fresh-faced 20-year-old in the team alongside Pep Guardiola in midfield.
AC Milan topped the group with Leeds, who went on to reach the semis, second, Barca third and Besiktas last.
Finishing third sees Barcelona drop into the Europa League where they could face the likes of Borussia Dortmund, West Ham or Leicester at some stage.
CONTE CRISIS
Tottenham’s Europa Conference League group stage tie with Rennes has been called off due to their Covid-19 crisis.
Antonio Conte revealed Spurs have 13 positive cases – eight players and five members of staff – which left them with ELEVEN fit senior players.
Antonio Conte earlier admitted the was fear around Tottenham over the virusCredit: Getty
After talks with the Health Security Agency and government last night, Tottenham announced the Group G clash was postponed with the club’s Hotspur Way training ground closed.
As a result, Spurs’ Premier League fixture against Brighton at the Amex on Sunday will be in doubt.
And Prem rivals Leicester have also been hit by the virus after Brendan Rodgers confirmed they have had some positive cases before tonight’s Europa League tie at Napoli.
Spurs would have to play the rearranged fixture before the end of the month to remain in the competition.
SNOW GO
ATALANTA’S Champions League tie with Villarreal was called off due to a snowstorm – with the showdown for a last-16 place set back to Thursday.
The two sides returned to the snow-laden pitch to applaud their fans for turning out after the fierce blizzard meant play was impossible.
Ref Anthony Taylor sheltered under an umbrella as he inspected the pitchCredit: Getty
Whoever wins the clash will finish Group F runners-up to Manchester United.
And football chiefs intend to play what will be the final group match of this year’s tournament 24 hours later.
Referee Anthony Taylor was covered by an umbrella as he inspected the pitch, with his fellow officials smiling.
And kick-off was initially put back 20 minutes before Taylor bowed to the elements and postponed the crucial encounter.
ZENIT 3 CHELSEA 3
Timo Werner gave Chelsea the perfect start but it turned into a long night as they surrendered top spot in their Champions League group.
Recent problems with concentration returned to haunt them as the reigning European champions twice threw away the lead for the second game in a row.
Thomas Tuchel’s men missed out on the chance to top the groupCredit: Reuters
They failed to capitalise on Werner’s opener after one minute and 23 seconds – the fastest goal in Chelsea’s Champions League history.
Zenit then took a surprise lead with two goals in three minutes and then pulled it back themselves four minutes into second-half injury time in a see-saw match that will feel like defeat for boss Thomas Tuchel.
Sloppy marking cost Chelsea dearly in the first half as on-loan midfielder Saul Niguez’s panicked clearance and rookie Malang Sarr’s slipshod marking gifted Zenit an equaliser in the 38th minute.
Three minutes after that Andreas Christensen, nutmegged for a goal at West Ham on Saturday, was caught in two minds which allowed Sardar Asmoun a perfect opportunity to make it 2-1 after rounding stand-in Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Romelu Lukaku’s first goal since spending five weeks out with an ankle injury pulled it level once more in the second half and Werner looked to have won it with a classy solo goal five minutes from time.
But yet another lapse in focus saw the Russians snatch a gutsy draw and deny Chelsea the luxury of first place in Group H by blasting home the third equaliser of the game deep into stoppage time.
MO WORRIES
Michael Owen has defended Chelsea’s decision to sell Mo Salah five years ago, insisting the Egyptian used to be an ‘average finisher’.
But Owen now believes Salah, 29, is an ‘unbelievable’ player, admitting the forward’s incredible rise has surprised him.
Mo Salah previously played at Chelsea and RomaCredit: EPA
Salah scored his 20th goal in 21 games this season as Liverpool beat AC Milan 2-1 last night.
He now has 145 goals in 224 matches for the Reds, including an incredible debut season that saw him hit the target 44 times.
But things were very different for Salah during his time at Stamford Bridge after a 2014 switch
The hitman managed just two goals in 19 games before being shipped off on loan to Fiorentina and Roma.
Italy’s capital club then snapped Salah from Chelsea in 2016 up before selling to Liverpool in 2017.
And Owen reckons the goal-machine has come on leaps and bounds, claiming Chelsea could not have known how good Salah would be as he was ‘average’ at best in London.
Reflecting on Salah’s goal against Milan, Owen said: “He makes it look so easy, it’s not an easy finish at all.
“He takes it as it’s coming down. A yard lower the keeper saves it, a yard higher he saves it.
“He just makes it look easy. He was an average finisher earlier in his career and now he is just unbelievable.”
PLAN B
FOOTBALL fans will be forced to show ‘vaccine passport’ to enter grounds from this weekend.
Boris Johnson confirmed on Wednesday even that the government is adopting its Covid “Plan B” in a bid to stop the spread of the new Omicron variant.
Fans will have to show proof of vaccination at Premier League groundsCredit: Getty
Now, people will have to prove they are double vaccinated to go to matches and nightclubs, as well as working from home and adopting more mask-wearing rules.
Football will feel the immediate effect – with clubs having to enforce the new rules or prevent supporters from entering grounds from Wednesday.
Boris Johnson announced tonight that the NHS Covid pass will be mandatory in England in venues where large crowds gather – including football games.
Premier League clubs were warned of the likely imposition of the new regulations during last Friday’s virtual ‘shareholder’ meeting.
But while the clubs are braced for backlash and potential issues from fans who are told they cannot take up seats they have paid for without proof of double vaccination or immune status – they are ready for the challenge.
Load more entries… More

TOTTENHAM’S Europa Conference League clash against Rennes is OFF.Covid-19 has ravaged the Spurs squad – with ELEVEN cases including staff.
And after talks with Health Security Agency and the Government on Wednesday night, Tottenham announced the Group G clash was postponed, with the club’s Hotspur Way training ground closed.
As a result, Spurs’ Premier League fixture against Brighton at the Amex on Sunday will be in doubt.
And Eddie Howe is eyeing up Stoke striker Tyrese Campbell as his first signing at Newcastle.
The son of former Everton forward Kevin Campbell, Tyrese has scored twice in nine games for the Potters this season.

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Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
BUNGLING BARCA
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen’s embarrassing shocker confirmed woeful Barcelona’s earliest Champions League exit for 21 years.
The German, 29, allowed compatriot Leroy Sane’s long-range effort to slip through his hands just before half-time in the flop 3-0 defeat away at Bayern Munich.
Marc-Andre Ter Stegen turned in a poor performance between the sticksCredit: Reuters
The last time Barca failed to progress to the Champions League last-16 was way back in 2000-01.
That season, current manager Xavi was a fresh-faced 20-year-old in the team alongside Pep Guardiola in midfield.
AC Milan topped the group with Leeds, who went on to reach the semis, second, Barca third and Besiktas last.
Finishing third sees Barcelona drop into the Europa League where they could face the likes of Borussia Dortmund, West Ham or Leicester at some stage.
CONTE CRISIS
Tottenham’s Europa Conference League group stage tie with Rennes has been called off due to their Covid-19 crisis.
Antonio Conte revealed Spurs have 13 positive cases – eight players and five members of staff – which left them with ELEVEN fit senior players.
Antonio Conte earlier admitted the was fear around Tottenham over the virusCredit: Getty
After talks with the Health Security Agency and government last night, Tottenham announced the Group G clash was postponed with the club’s Hotspur Way training ground closed.
As a result, Spurs’ Premier League fixture against Brighton at the Amex on Sunday will be in doubt.
And Prem rivals Leicester have also been hit by the virus after Brendan Rodgers confirmed they have had some positive cases before tonight’s Europa League tie at Napoli.
Spurs would have to play the rearranged fixture before the end of the month to remain in the competition.
SNOW GO
ATALANTA’S Champions League tie with Villarreal was called off due to a snowstorm – with the showdown for a last-16 place set back to Thursday.
The two sides returned to the snow-laden pitch to applaud their fans for turning out after the fierce blizzard meant play was impossible.
Ref Anthony Taylor sheltered under an umbrella as he inspected the pitchCredit: Getty
Whoever wins the clash will finish Group F runners-up to Manchester United.
And football chiefs intend to play what will be the final group match of this year’s tournament 24 hours later.
Referee Anthony Taylor was covered by an umbrella as he inspected the pitch, with his fellow officials smiling.
And kick-off was initially put back 20 minutes before Taylor bowed to the elements and postponed the crucial encounter.
ZENIT 3 CHELSEA 3
Timo Werner gave Chelsea the perfect start but it turned into a long night as they surrendered top spot in their Champions League group.
Recent problems with concentration returned to haunt them as the reigning European champions twice threw away the lead for the second game in a row.
Thomas Tuchel’s men missed out on the chance to top the groupCredit: Reuters
They failed to capitalise on Werner’s opener after one minute and 23 seconds – the fastest goal in Chelsea’s Champions League history.
Zenit then took a surprise lead with two goals in three minutes and then pulled it back themselves four minutes into second-half injury time in a see-saw match that will feel like defeat for boss Thomas Tuchel.
Sloppy marking cost Chelsea dearly in the first half as on-loan midfielder Saul Niguez’s panicked clearance and rookie Malang Sarr’s slipshod marking gifted Zenit an equaliser in the 38th minute.
Three minutes after that Andreas Christensen, nutmegged for a goal at West Ham on Saturday, was caught in two minds which allowed Sardar Asmoun a perfect opportunity to make it 2-1 after rounding stand-in Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Romelu Lukaku’s first goal since spending five weeks out with an ankle injury pulled it level once more in the second half and Werner looked to have won it with a classy solo goal five minutes from time.
But yet another lapse in focus saw the Russians snatch a gutsy draw and deny Chelsea the luxury of first place in Group H by blasting home the third equaliser of the game deep into stoppage time.
MO WORRIES
Michael Owen has defended Chelsea’s decision to sell Mo Salah five years ago, insisting the Egyptian used to be an ‘average finisher’.
But Owen now believes Salah, 29, is an ‘unbelievable’ player, admitting the forward’s incredible rise has surprised him.
Mo Salah previously played at Chelsea and RomaCredit: EPA
Salah scored his 20th goal in 21 games this season as Liverpool beat AC Milan 2-1 last night.
He now has 145 goals in 224 matches for the Reds, including an incredible debut season that saw him hit the target 44 times.
But things were very different for Salah during his time at Stamford Bridge after a 2014 switch
The hitman managed just two goals in 19 games before being shipped off on loan to Fiorentina and Roma.
Italy’s capital club then snapped Salah from Chelsea in 2016 up before selling to Liverpool in 2017.
And Owen reckons the goal-machine has come on leaps and bounds, claiming Chelsea could not have known how good Salah would be as he was ‘average’ at best in London.
Reflecting on Salah’s goal against Milan, Owen said: “He makes it look so easy, it’s not an easy finish at all.
“He takes it as it’s coming down. A yard lower the keeper saves it, a yard higher he saves it.
“He just makes it look easy. He was an average finisher earlier in his career and now he is just unbelievable.”
PLAN B
FOOTBALL fans will be forced to show ‘vaccine passport’ to enter grounds from this weekend.
Boris Johnson confirmed on Wednesday even that the government is adopting its Covid “Plan B” in a bid to stop the spread of the new Omicron variant.
Fans will have to show proof of vaccination at Premier League groundsCredit: Getty
Now, people will have to prove they are double vaccinated to go to matches and nightclubs, as well as working from home and adopting more mask-wearing rules.
Football will feel the immediate effect – with clubs having to enforce the new rules or prevent supporters from entering grounds from Wednesday.
Boris Johnson announced tonight that the NHS Covid pass will be mandatory in England in venues where large crowds gather – including football games.
Premier League clubs were warned of the likely imposition of the new regulations during last Friday’s virtual ‘shareholder’ meeting.
But while the clubs are braced for backlash and potential issues from fans who are told they cannot take up seats they have paid for without proof of double vaccination or immune status – they are ready for the challenge.
WALK THIS WAY
Kyle Walker faces an anxious wait to discover if he can play any part in Manchester City’s Champions League last 16 tie.
England ace Walker saw red for a wild kick at Leipzig’s Andre Silva as City slumped to a shock 2-1 defeat in their final group game. 
Kyle Walker was given his marching orders for a wild kick at Andre SilvaCredit: PA
Under Uefa rules, it means Walker will serve a minimum one-match Euro ban for his dismissal.
But there is no fixed penalty for red cards in Europe, unlike in the Prem, with each case assessed separately by the control and disciplinary committee.
Walker could still escape with a single match ban.
But Article 15 of Uefa regulations states that suspension can be imposed for ‘a specified period’ for offences including ‘rough play’, with an extra game added to the mandatory minimum.
A date for the committee to sit has yet to be set and it could be as early as this week.
But with Uefa competitions now going into their winter break, Walker may have to wait until early in the New Year before discovering the full price of his moment of madness.
WAITING GAME
Tottenham’s match with Rennes is reportedly set to go ahead despite a Covid outbreak in the Spurs camp.
A total of 13 people at the club have tested positive for coronavirus, including eight players.
Antonio Conte is down to the bare bones of his Tottenham squadCredit: Getty
That means Antonio Conte could be down to a threadbare squad for the visit of Rennes.
Uefa are monitoring the situation but the match has not been called off, according to BBC reporter Simon Stone.
It is Spurs’ final group game of the Europa Conference League with the French side already confirmed as Group G winners.
Tottenham are level on points with Vitesse following their last-minute defeat to Mura last time out.
And with Rennes currently unbeaten in the competition, Conte faces a big task to qualify.
From the photos emerging from Spurs training on Wednesday it appears there could be a number of important players missing.
JABS FOR THE BOYS
Some pointed comments from West Ham manager David Moyes on the growing unease around Covid-19 this Christmas.
The Hammers boss says it’s time for the Premier League to introduce vaccine passports and only allow fans into grounds if they’ve been jabbed.
West Ham boss David Moyes said he’d had enough of CovidCredit: Reuters
He believes, after two years being blighted by the virus, the game must help do its bit to eradicate the illness from the world.
And that includes demanding fans be vaccinated if they want to attend matches.
Moyes said: “I do feel that I think we’re getting to a stage now where we don’t want any more Covid. There’s been too many deaths throughout the world.
“I think we need to try and make sure we try and eliminate it the best we can.
“If I was a football supporter, I’d want to go and sit next to somebody who I know had been vaccinated and gives me the best chance of not contracting the virus.
“I’m a football supporter, I watch games and I really want to go to games. I want to keep going. I think the crowds are so important to football.
“I know that people have a right to make their own choices and I respect that.
“But I actually think it’s something now which we would seriously have to consider because if I was a supporter I’d really would want to go to a game next to someone who I knew had been vaccinated.”
BLUE MOVERS
Chelsea take on Zenit St Petersburg in the Champions League tonight as they attempt to finish top of Group H.
Victory would almost certainly see them go through to the knockout stages as group winners, given their superior goal difference over second-place Juventus.
If they do manage to top the group, that would make it four from four for English teams in Europe’s elite competition.
Liverpool, Manchester City and Man United are all through to the last-16 after breezing through the first round.
And those Premier League heavyweights are packed full of ex-Chelsea talent.
Every time Kevin De Bruyne or Mo Salah put in a Man of the Match performance, for example – Blues fans are hit with a pinch of sadness.
SunSport decided to run the rule over which Chelsea youngsters are now starring for different clubs.
Who knows how dominant Thomas Tuchel’s side would be if they’d kept this band of brothers together…
LEGEND TREATED
Brazil legend Pele is back in hospital for colon cancer treatment.
The 81-year-old was hospitalised for nearly a month earlier this year after having a tumour removed.
Pele has previously been in hospital for cancer treatmentCredit: AFP
And the three-time World Cup-winner has been readmitted for further treatment this week.
His condition is described as stable and he is expected to be discharged from  Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital within a few days.
‘WE’RE SCARED’ 
Tottenham are reportedly set to ask the Premier League to postpone their match with Brighton this Sunday as EIGHT players and five members of staff have tested positive for coronavirus.
On Tuesday it was reported that seven players and two members of staff had tested positive for Covid.
And now it has been confirmed by Antonio Conte that a total of 13 members of the squad have returned positive tests.
Spurs face Rennes in the Europa Conference League on Thursday – a fixture they will have to fulfil providing they have 13 players and a registered keeper available.
But there is no such rule for Premier League games as they are decided on a case-by-case basis.
And The Athletic are reporting that Spurs will request the match against Brighton at the Amex Stadium be postponed due to the Covid chaos.
IT’S EASY
Kylian Mbappe has switched allegiance in the GOAT debate from Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi.
The French star previously revealed he preferred Manchester United ace Ronaldo but having played with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, he appears to have had a change of heart.
Mbappe scored twice in the first eight minutes as PSG beat Club Brugge 4-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Messi scored twice more to complete the thrashing and after the match, Mbappe, 22, heaped praise on the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He said: “It’s easy to play with Lionel Messi.
“He’s the best player in the world.
“He won the Ballon d’Or a few days ago, he scored two goals today and he is happy.”
Mbappe’s apparent change of stance came after he labelled Ronaldo the GOAT and his idol in 2020.
NOT GUNNER HAPPEN
Ex-Blackburn Rovers Chris Sutton doesn’t think Liverpool super-sub Divorick Origi can fit into Arsenal’s first team.
Sutton also doubts Origi would make it at Chelsea, but does see the Belgian doing well at clubs like Aston Villa or Norwich.
He said: “It’s all about playing. “I am not saying Origi can go to Chelsea. I am not saying he can go to an Arsenal.
“But maybe an Aston Villa or a Norwich City where he would play regularly. I am not comparing Villa and Norwich, by the way.
“Villa are well ahead of Norwich in the table.
“But a team like that where he is playing week in and week out. That’s what you want to do is play regular football.”
TOP FIVE
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has named Liverpool and Manchester City among the five clubs he reckons can lift the Champions League this season.
However, Manchester United and Chelsea didn’t make Allegri’s cut along with his own club Juve.
Instead, Allegri thinks Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are in the running to clinch the European prize.
He said to 90min: “I think the favourites for this edition of the Champions League are: Liverpool, Bayern, Manchester City, Real [Madrid] and PSG.”
MAREN MISSED
Maren Mjelde looks set to miss Chelsea’s Champions League duel with Juventus this evening.
And Emma Hayes revealed fans are unlikely to see the right-back in action before Christmas with the club wanting the player to boost her strength.
Mjelde, 32, made her long-awaited return in November in Chelsea’s 7-0 thumping of Servette after suffering a painful knee injury during their Conti Cup trophy win in March.
Blues chief Hayes, 44, whose side host Juve at home, said: “Maren has still got a little bit of work to do on developing her strength.
“We’re taking that time to do that so I don’t think Maren will play this side of Christmas.”
BLUE CHILL
Chelsea’s stars braced the Russian snow as they prepared for their Champions League tie against Zenit today.
The Blues were captured trudging through thick snow with just puffer jackets to keep them warm in the extreme weather conditions in Russia.
But Thomas Tuchel’s men were all smiles despite the snow as they top the group going into tonight’s clash.

BAD PHILL-ING
England and Leeds star Kalvin Phillips is reportedly set for two months out with a hamstring injury.
The Three Lions midfield ace limped off 55 minutes into the Whites’ 2-2 draw with Brentford and looks likely to be out until the new year.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa was unable to confirm the nature of Phillips’ injury after Sunday’s match at Elland Road.
But it has now emerged it was a hamstring injury which could keep him out until February, according to the Mail.
FESTIVE BLOW
Football fans are set to be forced to show “vaccine passport” to enter grounds from this weekend.
The Government is understood to be on the verge of confirming it is adopting its Covid “Plan B” in a bid to stop the spread of the new Omicron variant.
That will see people needing to prove they are double vaccinated to enter public buildings as well as working from home directives and more mask-wearing rules.
And football will feel the immediate effect with clubs expected to enforce the new rules or prevent supporters entering grounds.
Premier League clubs were warned of the likely imposition of the new regulations during last Friday’s virtual “shareholder” meeting.
League officials explained that extra measures were likely to be brought in before Christmas, adding to the pressures on clubs.
SUPER SUB
Rio Ferdinand has compared Divock Origi to a few of his old Manchester United team-mates after the Belgian’s late heroics for Liverpool.
Origi was on song last night to help the Reds maintain their 100% record in the Champions League against AC Milan.
And Ferdinand had to admit that Origi reminded him of United super subs Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Javier Hernandez who used to come on and help the Red Devils seal victories with crucial goals.
Ferdinand told BT Sport: “I’ve played with players that have done what he does coming off the bench, the Chicaritos, the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s.
“The appreciation for them within the squad, all the players love players like that because you need them – they’re so integral if you’re going to win multiple competitions.
“You need people to be able to come off the bench and have an impact.”
STRETCH THE RULES
Ralf Rangnick has been fighting for 15 YEARS to change one of the most fundamental rules in football – the size of the goal.
The Manchester United boss, 63, is well-known as a revolutionary within the beautiful game.
His pioneering tactics – considered the father of Gegenpress – has helped influence a generation of managers, including Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.
But Rangnick isn’t content to just change the way footballers play, he wants to change the very game itself.
Incredibly, the German chief wants to make the goals BIGGER – claiming humans are, on average, 10cm bigger than when the dimensions of the goalposts were drawn up.
MARC HIM OUT
Ajax have issued a stern hands-off warning to clubs seeking to lure Marc Overmars away after the Dutchman signed a contract extension.
The club’s director of football will now stay with Ajax until 2026 amid reports linking him to the Newcastle job.
And now that the ex-Arsenal star has penned a new deal with Ajax, the club warned potential suitors to ‘stop calling Marc’ on Twitter.
Overmars also expressed his joy at committing to Ajax.
He said: “I still feel very excited by my work and get a lot of satisfaction out of it.
“The cooperation with my fellow board members is very good, as well as with the people at the Toekomst (the Ajax sports complex) with whom I work together in the fields of scouting, youth, transfers, and the like.
“I have a feeling that my work at Ajax is not done yet, so I would like to continue here.”
NAT’S BACK
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips sent social media into meltdown on Tuesday night after bamboozling Zlatan Ibrahimovic with an audacious Cruyff turn.
The 24-year-old starred in his first Champions League start of the season as the Reds beat AC Milan 2-1 at the San Siro.
The ex-Stuttgart loanee dazzled supporters with an outrageous piece of skill inside his own box in the 69th minute.
Phillips reacted quickly after Konate intercepted a pass, before calmly performing a Cruyff turn which sent Ibrahimovic and Franck Kessie the wrong way.
Commenting on the incident, one user tweeted: “Just Nat Phillips sending Zlatan Ibrahimovic into the next dimension with a Cruyff turn.”
Another remarked: “Nat Phillips doing Cruyff turns in the San Siro is the content we are here for!”
MO MONEY 
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah should demand to be the best-paid player in the Premier League, according to Peter Crouch.
The Reds star has 18 months left on his contract and is currently in discussions with the Merseyside outfit over a new deal.
And ex-Liverpool striker Crouch believes the Egyptian deserves to earn the most of any player in English football.
Speaking on BT Sport, the former England striker said: “There’s nobody better in the league at the moment.
“Whatever the best player in the league is on, give him that.”
WALK OF SHAME
Pep Guardiola slammed Kyle Walker for his needless red card in Leipzig — and says his ban will hurt Manchester City in the Champions League last 16.
The England full-back, 31, was sent off for stupidly kicking out at RB Leipzig goalscorer Andre Silva eight minutes from time.
Walker came steaming in from behind, deliberately and brutally swiping the striker’s legs from beneath him.
He will now face a minimum one-match suspension for the knock-out tie in February — and Guardiola has told him to learn from the mistake.
City still progressed as group winners but Pep said: “The red card hurts us, especially for the round of 16.
“Kyle is an important player and it is unnecessary to lose him like this.
“I hope he learns from this. It was a red card, definitely.”
Load more entries… More

VACCINE passports will reportedly be required to enter Premier League grounds from THIS weekend.The Government is understood to be on the verge of confirming it is adopting its Covid “Plan B” in a bid to stop the spread of the new Omicron variant.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have been hit with a covid outbreak that has reportedly brought down a ‘number of players and staff’.
Their matches this week against Rennes and Brighton could be in peril as a result of up to SEVEN positive tests.
And Eddie Howe is eyeing up Stoke striker Tyrese Campbell as his first signing at Newcastle.
The son of former Everton forward Kevin Campbell, Tyrese has scored twice in nine games for the Potters this season.

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Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
LEGEND TREATED
Brazil legend Pele is back in hospital for colon cancer treatment.
The 81-year-old was hospitalised for nearly a month earlier this year after having a tumour removed.
Pele has previously been in hospital for cancer treatmentCredit: AFP
And the three-time World Cup-winner has been readmitted for further treatment this week.
His condition is described as stable and he is expected to be discharged from  Sao Paulo’s Albert Einstein Hospital within a few days.
‘WE’RE SCARED’ 
Tottenham are reportedly set to ask the Premier League to postpone their match with Brighton this Sunday as EIGHT players and five members of staff have tested positive for coronavirus.
On Tuesday it was reported that seven players and two members of staff had tested positive for Covid.
And now it has been confirmed by Antonio Conte that a total of 13 members of the squad have returned positive tests.
Spurs face Rennes in the Europa Conference League on Thursday – a fixture they will have to fulfil providing they have 13 players and a registered keeper available.
But there is no such rule for Premier League games as they are decided on a case-by-case basis.
And The Athletic are reporting that Spurs will request the match against Brighton at the Amex Stadium be postponed due to the Covid chaos.
IT’S EASY
Kylian Mbappe has switched allegiance in the GOAT debate from Cristiano Ronaldo to Lionel Messi.
The French star previously revealed he preferred Manchester United ace Ronaldo but having played with Messi at Paris Saint-Germain, he appears to have had a change of heart.
Mbappe scored twice in the first eight minutes as PSG beat Club Brugge 4-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Messi scored twice more to complete the thrashing and after the match, Mbappe, 22, heaped praise on the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner.
He said: “It’s easy to play with Lionel Messi.
“He’s the best player in the world.
“He won the Ballon d’Or a few days ago, he scored two goals today and he is happy.”
Mbappe’s apparent change of stance came after he labelled Ronaldo the GOAT and his idol in 2020.
NOT GUNNER HAPPEN
Ex-Blackburn Rovers Chris Sutton doesn’t think Liverpool super-sub Divorick Origi can fit into Arsenal’s first team.
Sutton also doubts Origi would make it at Chelsea, but does see the Belgian doing well at clubs like Aston Villa or Norwich.
He said: “It’s all about playing. “I am not saying Origi can go to Chelsea. I am not saying he can go to an Arsenal.
“But maybe an Aston Villa or a Norwich City where he would play regularly. I am not comparing Villa and Norwich, by the way.
“Villa are well ahead of Norwich in the table.
“But a team like that where he is playing week in and week out. That’s what you want to do is play regular football.”
TOP FIVE
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has named Liverpool and Manchester City among the five clubs he reckons can lift the Champions League this season.
However, Manchester United and Chelsea didn’t make Allegri’s cut along with his own club Juve.
Instead, Allegri thinks Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are in the running to clinch the European prize.
He said to 90min: “I think the favourites for this edition of the Champions League are: Liverpool, Bayern, Manchester City, Real [Madrid] and PSG.”
MAREN MISSED
Maren Mjelde looks set to miss Chelsea’s Champions League duel with Juventus this evening.
And Emma Hayes revealed fans are unlikely to see the right-back in action before Christmas with the club wanting the player to boost her strength.
Mjelde, 32, made her long-awaited return in November in Chelsea’s 7-0 thumping of Servette after suffering a painful knee injury during their Conti Cup trophy win in March.
Blues chief Hayes, 44, whose side host Juve at home, said: “Maren has still got a little bit of work to do on developing her strength.
“We’re taking that time to do that so I don’t think Maren will play this side of Christmas.”
BLUE CHILL
Chelsea’s stars braced the Russian snow as they prepared for their Champions League tie against Zenit today.
The Blues were captured trudging through thick snow with just puffer jackets to keep them warm in the extreme weather conditions in Russia.
But Thomas Tuchel’s men were all smiles despite the snow as they top the group going into tonight’s clash.

BAD PHILL-ING
England and Leeds star Kalvin Phillips is reportedly set for two months out with a hamstring injury.
The Three Lions midfield ace limped off 55 minutes into the Whites’ 2-2 draw with Brentford and looks likely to be out until the new year.
Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa was unable to confirm the nature of Phillips’ injury after Sunday’s match at Elland Road.
But it has now emerged it was a hamstring injury which could keep him out until February, according to the Mail.
FESTIVE BLOW
Football fans are set to be forced to show “vaccine passport” to enter grounds from this weekend.
The Government is understood to be on the verge of confirming it is adopting its Covid “Plan B” in a bid to stop the spread of the new Omicron variant.
That will see people needing to prove they are double vaccinated to enter public buildings as well as working from home directives and more mask-wearing rules.
And football will feel the immediate effect with clubs expected to enforce the new rules or prevent supporters entering grounds.
Premier League clubs were warned of the likely imposition of the new regulations during last Friday’s virtual “shareholder” meeting.
League officials explained that extra measures were likely to be brought in before Christmas, adding to the pressures on clubs.
SUPER SUB
Rio Ferdinand has compared Divock Origi to a few of his old Manchester United team-mates after the Belgian’s late heroics for Liverpool.
Origi was on song last night to help the Reds maintain their 100% record in the Champions League against AC Milan.
And Ferdinand had to admit that Origi reminded him of United super subs Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Javier Hernandez who used to come on and help the Red Devils seal victories with crucial goals.
Ferdinand told BT Sport: “I’ve played with players that have done what he does coming off the bench, the Chicaritos, the Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s.
“The appreciation for them within the squad, all the players love players like that because you need them – they’re so integral if you’re going to win multiple competitions.
“You need people to be able to come off the bench and have an impact.”
STRETCH THE RULES
Ralf Rangnick has been fighting for 15 YEARS to change one of the most fundamental rules in football – the size of the goal.
The Manchester United boss, 63, is well-known as a revolutionary within the beautiful game.
His pioneering tactics – considered the father of Gegenpress – has helped influence a generation of managers, including Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel.
But Rangnick isn’t content to just change the way footballers play, he wants to change the very game itself.
Incredibly, the German chief wants to make the goals BIGGER – claiming humans are, on average, 10cm bigger than when the dimensions of the goalposts were drawn up.
MARC HIM OUT
Ajax have issued a stern hands-off warning to clubs seeking to lure Marc Overmars away after the Dutchman signed a contract extension.
The club’s director of football will now stay with Ajax until 2026 amid reports linking him to the Newcastle job.
And now that the ex-Arsenal star has penned a new deal with Ajax, the club warned potential suitors to ‘stop calling Marc’ on Twitter.
Overmars also expressed his joy at committing to Ajax.
He said: “I still feel very excited by my work and get a lot of satisfaction out of it.
“The cooperation with my fellow board members is very good, as well as with the people at the Toekomst (the Ajax sports complex) with whom I work together in the fields of scouting, youth, transfers, and the like.
“I have a feeling that my work at Ajax is not done yet, so I would like to continue here.”
NAT’S BACK
Liverpool defender Nat Phillips sent social media into meltdown on Tuesday night after bamboozling Zlatan Ibrahimovic with an audacious Cruyff turn.
The 24-year-old starred in his first Champions League start of the season as the Reds beat AC Milan 2-1 at the San Siro.
The ex-Stuttgart loanee dazzled supporters with an outrageous piece of skill inside his own box in the 69th minute.
Phillips reacted quickly after Konate intercepted a pass, before calmly performing a Cruyff turn which sent Ibrahimovic and Franck Kessie the wrong way.
Commenting on the incident, one user tweeted: “Just Nat Phillips sending Zlatan Ibrahimovic into the next dimension with a Cruyff turn.”
Another remarked: “Nat Phillips doing Cruyff turns in the San Siro is the content we are here for!”
MO MONEY 
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah should demand to be the best-paid player in the Premier League, according to Peter Crouch.
The Reds star has 18 months left on his contract and is currently in discussions with the Merseyside outfit over a new deal.
And ex-Liverpool striker Crouch believes the Egyptian deserves to earn the most of any player in English football.
Speaking on BT Sport, the former England striker said: “There’s nobody better in the league at the moment.
“Whatever the best player in the league is on, give him that.”
WALK OF SHAME
Pep Guardiola slammed Kyle Walker for his needless red card in Leipzig — and says his ban will hurt Manchester City in the Champions League last 16.
The England full-back, 31, was sent off for stupidly kicking out at RB Leipzig goalscorer Andre Silva eight minutes from time.
Walker came steaming in from behind, deliberately and brutally swiping the striker’s legs from beneath him.
He will now face a minimum one-match suspension for the knock-out tie in February — and Guardiola has told him to learn from the mistake.
City still progressed as group winners but Pep said: “The red card hurts us, especially for the round of 16.
“Kyle is an important player and it is unnecessary to lose him like this.
“I hope he learns from this. It was a red card, definitely.”
WERNS FOR US 
Chelsea are in talks with Barcelona over loan deals for Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, according to reports.
But after initial willingness to do a deal, the Blues hierarchy have cooled their stance after Thoms Tuchel said he was reluctant to lose the pair in January.
Cash-strapped Barca are looking for low-cost ways of bolstering their attack in January now Xavi is in charge.
And they have highlighted Chelsea duo Werner and Ziyech as ideal candidates, according to Sport.
Blues director Marina Granovskaia was the first point of contact and was said to be open to talks.
But the West Londoners have ‘put the brakes on’ despite both men being eager for more game time.
MISINTERPRETED
Robert Lewandowski has been forced to deny a brewing rift with Lionel Messi following last week’s Ballon d’Or controversy.
The Paris Saint-Germain superstar, 34, picked up the most-prestigious individual prize in football for an incredible seventh time last week.
After winning the 2021 award, Messi claimed the Bayern Munich striker should be given the award for the missed year.
Lewandowksi, 33, was initially claimed to have called Messi’s kind gesture ’empty words’.
But the Bundesliga hotshot has now refuted those claims – calling it a ‘misinterpretation’.
PEPI MAX 
Manchester United and Liverpool are set to lock horns over American teenage striker Ricardo Pepi.
The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene with FC Dallas earlier this year.
The star has scored 13 goals in the MLS this term and his form has been rewarded at international level.
Pepi has three goals in six caps for USA and is already catching the eye of Europe’s big guns.
United and Liverpool have been watching the youngster for months with their scouts attending several FC Dallas matches.
Now both Premier League clubs could be about to launch a move for the hotshot.
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
SunSport can exclusively reveal West Ham are considering a loan bid for Nathan Ake after being rocked by the news Kurt Zouma faces months on the sidelines through injury.
The 26-year-old Dutchman has started just three games in the league this season and is fourth choice centre-back at City.
And the Hammers will hope they can tempt him with the offer of regular first team football.
They would be unable to come up with a large fee for the former Bournemouth star but a loan deal may suit all parties.
Meanwhile, Andreas Christensen is set to ease Chelsea’s contract headaches by signing an extension ‘within days’.
Reports suggest the 25-year-old is ready to pen a new long-term deal at the club he joined back in 2012.
That will come as a blow to the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan who have been tracking the centre-back for months.
But Antonio Rudiger is reportedly on the verge of joining Real Madrid.
The Independent says the LaLiga giants have reached an ‘informal agreement’ with the defender following a meeting last month.
And Chelsea’s injury problems continue with Mateo Kovacic testing positive from coronavirus just one day after recovering from a hamstring setback.
Finally, Liverpool hope to fly in under-the-radar and nab Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham while Premier League rivals are distracted by Erling Haaland.
But any move would likely cost the Reds a whopping club-record £90million.
Meanwhile, several of Liverpool’s rivals are thought to be intent on landing his team-mate Haaland instead.
Man United, Chelsea and Man City are understood to be tracking the prolific striker, who has a £64million release clause.
EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT
Jude Bellingham star Jude Bellingham has made himself a hero in Germany.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been fined £34,000 by the German Football Federation for his dig at referee Felix Zwayer after their 3-2 defeat by Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Bellingham claims Zwayer’s decisions were unsurprising as he was implicated in the worst match-fixing scandal in German history in 2005.
But SunSport understands that Dortmund are going to pay the fine for Bellingham as many within the club agree with his comments.
Privately among players and staff elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Bellingham is being hailed for having the bottle to speak out even though he was aged just two at the time of the scandal.
RANG THE CHANGES
Ralf Rangnick has told Manchester United’s fringe players ‘prove to me you have a future here’.
He said: “Everyone has the chance to perform and present himself.
“That is why I am happy to give game time to quite a few of those players to see them under pressure in a Champions League game in front of 75,000 in a sold-out stadium.
“This is a perfect opportunity to get to know the players, like I did last Sunday against Palace. We have only had a week of training so far.
“With every training session, every opportunity to see them in competitive games, I will get to know them better.”
FT – AC MILAN 1 LIVERPOOL 2
Divock Origi popped up with another winner as Liverpool ensured they finished the Champions League group stage with an amazing 100 per cent record.
The result also meant Atletico Madrid qualified for the knockout round in second place as they beat Porto 3-1.
The Portuguese side finished third, bagging the group’s Europa League spot.
And after returning to the Champions League after a lengthy absence, Milan find themselves immediately out of the competition.
RUD AWAKENING
Antonio Rudiger is on the verge of joining Real Madrid, according to reports.
The Independent says the LaLiga giants have reached an ‘informal agreement’ with the defender.
Rudiger is represented by his brother, Sahr Senesie, who met with Madrid in November.
He is understood to have reached an agreement with Florentino Perez.
But nothing has yet been signed.
HEY JUDE
Liverpool hope to fly in under-the-radar and nab Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham while Premier League rivals are distracted by Erling Haaland.
But any move would likely cost the Reds a whopping club-record £90million.
Meanwhile, several of Liverpool’s rivals are thought to be intent on landing his team-mate Haaland instead.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Man City are understood to be tracking the prolific striker, who has a £64million release clause.

BLUE SOON
Andreas Christensen is set to ease Chelsea’s contract headaches by signing an extension ‘within days’.
Reports suggest the 25-year-old is ready to pen a new long-term deal at the club he joined back in 2012.
That will come as a blow to the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan who have been tracking the centre-back for months.
Barca had been hoping to make a move for the defender if he became a free agent in the summer.
And Milan were even preparing to go earlier with a potential bid in January as a replacement for the injured Simon Kjaer.
Load more entries… More

TOTTENHAM stars Steven Bergwijn and Joe Rodon could both be set to leave the club this January, according to reports.The pair have failed to impress under new boss Antonio Conte, with the Italian looking to strengthen in the transfer window.
Meanwhile, Tottenham have been hit with a covid outbreak that has reportedly brought down a ‘number of players and staff’.
Their matches this week against Rennes and Brighton could be in peril as a result of up to SEVEN positive tests.
And Eddie Howe is eyeing up Stoke striker Tyrese Campbell as his first signing at Newcastle.
The son of former Everton forward Kevin Campbell, Tyrese has scored twice in nine games for the Potters this season.

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Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT
Jude Bellingham star Jude Bellingham has made himself a hero in Germany.
The Borussia Dortmund midfielder has been fined £34,000 by the German Football Federation for his dig at referee Felix Zwayer after their 3-2 defeat by Bayern Munich on Saturday.
Bellingham claims Zwayer’s decisions were unsurprising as he was implicated in the worst match-fixing scandal in German history in 2005.
But SunSport understands that Dortmund are going to pay the fine for Bellingham as many within the club agree with his comments.
Privately among players and staff elsewhere in the Bundesliga, Bellingham is being hailed for having the bottle to speak out even though he was aged just two at the time of the scandal.
RANG THE CHANGES
Ralf Rangnick has told Manchester United’s fringe players ‘prove to me you have a future here’.
He said: “Everyone has the chance to perform and present himself.
“That is why I am happy to give game time to quite a few of those players to see them under pressure in a Champions League game in front of 75,000 in a sold-out stadium.
“This is a perfect opportunity to get to know the players, like I did last Sunday against Palace. We have only had a week of training so far.
“With every training session, every opportunity to see them in competitive games, I will get to know them better.”
FT – AC MILAN 1 LIVERPOOL 2
Divock Origi popped up with another winner as Liverpool ensured they finished the Champions League group stage with an amazing 100 per cent record.
The result also meant Atletico Madrid qualified for the knockout round in second place as they beat Porto 3-1.
The Portuguese side finished third, bagging the group’s Europa League spot.
And after returning to the Champions League after a lengthy absence, Milan find themselves immediately out of the competition.
RUD AWAKENING
Antonio Rudiger is on the verge of joining Real Madrid, according to reports.
The Independent says the LaLiga giants have reached an ‘informal agreement’ with the defender.
Rudiger is represented by his brother, Sahr Senesie, who met with Madrid in November.
He is understood to have reached an agreement with Florentino Perez.
But nothing has yet been signed.
HEY JUDE
Liverpool hope to fly in under-the-radar and nab Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham while Premier League rivals are distracted by Erling Haaland.
But any move would likely cost the Reds a whopping club-record £90million.
Meanwhile, several of Liverpool’s rivals are thought to be intent on landing his team-mate Haaland instead.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Man City are understood to be tracking the prolific striker, who has a £64million release clause.

BLUE SOON
Andreas Christensen is set to ease Chelsea’s contract headaches by signing an extension ‘within days’.
Reports suggest the 25-year-old is ready to pen a new long-term deal at the club he joined back in 2012.
That will come as a blow to the likes of Barcelona and AC Milan who have been tracking the centre-back for months.
Barca had been hoping to make a move for the defender if he became a free agent in the summer.
And Milan were even preparing to go earlier with a potential bid in January as a replacement for the injured Simon Kjaer.
RB LEIPZIG 2 MAN CITY 1
Pep Guardiola’s ten men suffered their second defeat of the group stage with a 2-1 defeat in Germany.
Dominik Szoboszlai and Andre Silva were on target for Leipzig, who qualified for the Europa League, with City pulling one back through Riyad Mahrez before Kyle Walker saw red.
But City still finish top of the pile despite PSG thrashing Club Brugge 4-1.
Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi both scored twice in Paris, and the latter overtook Brazil legend Pele for most career goals with 758.
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AC MILAN: Maignan; Kalulu, Tomori, Romagnoli, Hernandez; Tonali, Kessie; Messias, Diaz, Krunic; Ibrahimovic
LIVERPOOL: Alisson; Williams, Konate, Phillips, Tsimikas; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Morton, Minamino; Salah, Origi, Mane
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DENNIS THE MENACE
Emmanuel Dennis’ agent Drew Uyi has declared the Watford striker could have been plying his trade at Arsenal or Manchester United.
He said: “Arsenal were interested (in signing Dennis) in the past.
“Manchester United were also interested, but Club Brugge wanted a ridiculous fee for him.
“They wanted £25m, while these clubs were prepared to pay £15m.
“In the end he joined Watford for £3.4m because his contract was running out. He was frustrated at Club Brugge.
“He was not happy because no young man would be if he were stopped from such opportunities.”

RUN FOR KOVA
Mateo Kovacic has dealt Chelsea another blow after testing positive for coronavirus just a DAY after returning to training following his hamstring injury.
Thomas Tuchel said: “We have bad news.
“Mateo was in training yesterday and with a big smile and it was a pure pleasure to have him back.
“But he tested positive today, for coronavirus, so he’s quarantining for a few days.
“So it’s a huge setback for him personally and for all of us.”
PERFECT TEN
Man City and Man United look set for a bidding war over Ajax manager Erik ten Hag, reports suggest.
According to the Telegraph, Ten Hag’s incredible work has attracted the attention of City after manager Pep Guardiola announced last summer that he intends to leave the club in 2023 when his contract expires.
Ten Hag is among the Citizens’ top candidates to take over at the Etihad if the Spanish head coach decides to leave.
But rivals United are also keeping tabs on the former Utrecht manager shortly after sacking Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
WAS LEW ROBBED?
Robert Lewandowski has been forced to deny a brewing rift with Lionel Messi following last week’s Ballon d’Or controversy.
He said: “My statement, which I made in an interview with a Polish TV / Via Play broadcaster, is currently being misinterpreted.
“I never say that Lionel Messi’s words were not sincere.
“On the contrary: Lionel Messi’s speech at the event in Paris, in which he expressed that, in his opinion, I deserved the Ballon d’Or 2020, really touched me and made me happy.
“With my statement, I just wanted to express that I would of course be very happy if Messi’s words were heard.
“I respect and appreciate Lionel Messi beyond measure and once again congratulate him on winning the Ballon d’Or 2021.”

FER REAL
Barcelona are preparing a £38million offer for Manchester City’s Spain international forward Ferran Torres.
And reports in Spain say the Nou Camp giants are ready to put the bid on the table for the start of the January transfer window.
The figure is short of where City value 21-year-old starlet Torres – which is said to be closer to the £50m mark.
But it would still represent a sizeable profit on a player who joined them in a bargain £20m deal from Valencia just 18 months ago.
EXCLUSIVE BY DUNCAN WRIGHT
West Ham are considering a loan bid for Nathan Ake after being rocked by the news Kurt Zouma faces months on the sidelines through injury.
The 26-year-old Dutchman has started just three games in the league this season and is fourth choice centre-back at City.
And the Hammers will hope they can tempt him with the offer of regular first team football.
They would be unable to come up with a large fee for the former Bournemouth star but a loan deal may suit all parties – if they can convince Pep Guardiola to release him from his squad.
MAT’S A PROBLEM
Premier League games are at real risk of being called off after Mateo Kovacic became the latest player to test positive for coronavirus.
It sparks fears of an outbreak at Chelsea akin to Tottenham’s current crisis.
Spurs are reportedly considering asking to postpone Sunday’s game against Brighton after at least SEVEN players and two members of staff returned positive tests.
In the latest figures, the Premier League reported their were 12 positive tests last week – the highest since the week of August 16-22, when there were 16.
And with another club seemingly struck by a potential outbreak, Prem officials may be forced to consider postponing games at the very least.
BLUE WITH COLD
Chelsea will be forced to battle icy -15C temperatures as they take on Zenit St Petersburg on Wednesday evening.
Worse yet, the HIGHEST temperature on Wednesday is a bracing -12C.
However, when they step into the stadium, they’ll be able to shed their winter layers.
That’s because the £700million Krestovsky Arena – also known as the Gazprom Stadium – will close its roof and control the temperature at a comfortable 20C.

CLOSING IN
Spurs are confident they can secure a contract extension for Hugo Lloris, according to reports.
Lloris, 34, is Spurs’ record appearance holder in the Premier League but his current deal expires at the end of the season.
Last summer he confirmed there had been no talks over a new contract amid the loan signing of goalkeeper Pierluigi Gollini.
But Lloris has been in talks with the club over an extension over the last couple of months according to The Athletic, and those discussions are set to intensify.
It is believed the Frenchman could put pen to paper on a new one year deal.
That would extend his stay in North London beyond the ten year mark, with the keeper set for a testimonial next summer.
Lloris has been linked with a transfer and would be allowed to speak to foreign clubs from January 1.
And the keeper has reportedly considered his future at Spurs after becoming dispirited at the fact only he and Harry Kane offer any leadership in the squad.

HE’S A KEEPER
Dean Henderson is being eyed by Ajax, who want to sign him on loan in January.
According to the Manchester Evening News, talks between the Dutch champions and United were held while former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was still in charge.
Reports from the Netherlands confirm the Eredivisie giants’ interest and claim they also enquired about Henderson 18 months ago when his loan spell at Sheffield United came to an end.
The goalkeeper has been limited to just one appearance across all competitions so far this term after contracting COVID-19 during pre-season.
The 24-year-old is expected to start for the Red Devils on Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Young Boys at Old Trafford but wants more regular playing time.
That is why the England international is open to going out on loan for six or even 18 months.
It appears like he wouldn’t be against a permanent move either but new interim manager Ralf Rangnick appears unsure about letting him go.
Henderson is keen to impress Rangnick, who hasn’t decided what to do with him in January but will be showing intent if he starts him against Young Boys.

ED-ING OFF
Edison Cavani is moving closer towards a transfer to Barcelona in the January window, according to reports.
The 34-year-old Manchester United striker has started just two Premier League games so far this season.
And while he has suffered a couple of fitness problems, it looks now as if he is going to be third in line behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcus Rashford.
New Red Devils boss Ralf Rangnick started life as United manager by partnering Rashford and Ronaldo up front together in their 1-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday.
Cavani’s contract at Old Trafford expires in the summer after he signed a one-year extension at the end of last season.
And, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona see Cavani as an option as they look to bring in a recognised, proven striker that they can describe as a ‘killer’.
Sergio Aguero is considering retiring from football due to a heart problem, while new manager Xavi reportedly does not like the look of Luke de Jong.
And Memphis Depay is not considered an out and out No9, so the Catalan giants are searching for someone of the calibre of Cavani.

‘THAT WAS THE DIFFERENCE’
Gary Neville has explained how Ralf Rangnick’s new ‘box midfield’ is designed to stop Manchester United conceding.
The Red Devils beat Crystal Palace 1-0 on Sunday in the German’s first game in charge and Neville has heaped praise on his old club’s new disciplined look.
Speaking on Sky on Monday night, Nev said: “We’ll start with the classic box at the back, McTominay, Fred and the two centre-backs.
“No problem.
“It’s very difficult to counter-attack against that if you’ve got those four players compact together.
“The problem was with Man Utd and the reason I respected the 60 minutes yesterday was that after not scoring for 30 minutes, it’s easy for one of those midfield players to get drawn forward.
“It’s easy for one of them payers to come out of position and leave the centre-backs exposed.
“And that’s what happened against Aston Villa.
“Having to run back at Old Trafford… it feels like a massive pitch. Jamie will tell you that from when he played there.
“You have to sustain attacks in football and you’ve got to stop teams counter-attacking on you or it eats away at your confidence.
“And that was the difference yesterday.
“You had the box, so when Man Utd gave the ball away in the attacking third, they’d committed players forward.
“But as the ball got given away by Fred, those four players are there straight away to be able to sort out Crystal Palace.”
BRAND NEW
Everton manager Rafa Benitez suggested he now has more power over the club’s transfer activity after Marcel Brands’ departure.
Brands left his role as the Toffees’ director of football with immediate effect after a number of big-money transfer failures led to a major backlash.
Benitez told Sky Sports: “It means we have to prepare now for the future.
“It is short-term and January. Then we have to think long term. The club has changed managers in the past and now they want to do something long term with a clear idea of what we want to achieve.
“With my experience and the people we have in the club I think we can guide things in the direction that will hopefully be the right one.”

HIT IN THE POCKET
Jude Bellingham has avoided suspension but been hit with a £34,000 fine for accusing a referee of match fixing.
The 18-year-old was left incensed when ref Felix Zwayer pointed to the spot at 2-2 with 13 minutes remaining against Bayern Munich on Saturday after the ball struck Mats Hummels’ arm.
Robert Lewandowski converted the dubious penalty to condemn Bellingham’s Dortmund to defeat.
And after the final whistle, the former Birmingham ace blasted: “For me it wasn’t a penalty.
“Hummels is not even looking at the ball and he’s fighting to get it.
“It hits him, I don’t think he’s looking at the ball. You can look at a lot of the other decisions in the game.
“You give a referee that has, you know, match fixed before, the biggest game in Germany… What do you expect?”
German police confirmed they were investigating his remarks as the DFB control committee wrote to the England international asking him to comment on his statements ‘as soon as possible’ and have now announced their punishment.
PIER PRESSURE
Piers Morgan has yet again hit out at Mikel Arteta as he branded him as not ‘good enough’ following the 2-1 defeat against Everton.
The Gunners fell to an injury time strike from Demarai Gray at Goodison Park to condemn the North Londoners to a third Premier League defeat from their last four games.
Arteta’s side took the lead in their last two matches against Manchester United and the Toffees, only for the team to fall apart in the second half.
And TV presenter Morgan, who has insisted that anything lower than fourth place this season is a ‘failure’, has slammed Arteta following Arsenal’s dip in form.
Morgan was also heavily critical of the Spanish gaffer last month after Arsenal were smashed by Liverpool at Anfield.
The 56-year-old took to social media on Monday night, where he tweeted: “This is why I don’t think Arteta is good enough to be Arsenal manager.
“We’ve been completely outplayed by a side that hasn’t won for eight matches. Dreadful.”

TAKING THE NIC
Nicolas Pepe’s future at Arsenal is looking increasingly uncertain after the latest snub by boss Mikel Arteta.
The Gunners £72 million record signing was an unused sub for the 2-1 defeat at Everton on Monday night.
Most fans expected him to step in when Gabriel Martinelli went down with a hamstring problem with 19 minutes remaining.
But instead Arteta turned to youngster Eddie Nketiah – who looks certain to leave the Emirates in the summer after turning down a new contract.
The decision could have paid off as the sub wasted a golden chance to restore Arsenal’s lead – heading a point blank header against the post.
But it leaves questions over where Ivory Coast star Pepe is in the pecking order – as he has not featured at all since October 30.
Arteta was asked about the decision and said: “I decided to play Eddie today, to bring him on. He created three chances and hit the post in the space of 25 minutes I think.”
“He does everything in training what you saw him do in 25 minutes here. Every single day. That’s why I picked him.”
The decision will only intensify rumours there is a problem between the manager and Pepe – who has started only five Prem matches this season.
Club captain Pierre Emerick Aubameyang also stayed on the bench until the 85th minute with Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville suggesting there could be trouble ahead there too.

ULTI-MANE-UM
Barcelona have issued an ultimatum to Ousmane Dembele until December 31 to decide on his future, reports suggest.
Dembele’s contract with Barca expires in June and the club needs to know whether he will commit to a new deal by New Year’s Eve.
According to Sport, negotiations between the Blaugrana and the winger have hit a snag over the player’s financial demands, while other clubs are keeping tabs on him.
The France international’s agent has already met with Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Tottenham and Juventus to discuss their offer, while Liverpool also appear to be interested.
The 24-year-old claims he wants to stay put at Barcelona but his representative hint this will only happen for the right price.
Dembele has struggled to stand out at the Nou Camp ever since his arrival from Borussia Dortmund in 2017 due to a raft of injuries.
The Frenchman has also been rather inconsistent with only 30 goals and 21 assists in 122 appearances across all competitions to his name.
However, the Catalan giants would find it much easier and cheaper to renew the forward’s contract rather than finding a replacement amid their ongoing financial woes.

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