Sport Live Blogs

MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly made contact with Karim Benzema’s entourage over a huge January move.Pep Guardiola’s side are also said to be keen on luring Pedri from Barcelona, even though the Spain international has just signed a new deal.
One way to push the transfer through could be to offer Ferran Torres in return, with the winger said to be Barca’s top target.
And Neymar is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he was forced onto crutches after suffering a horror injury for PSG at Saint-Etienne.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
ED STRONG
Arsenal sporting director Edu admits he has already talked to Arsene Wenger over a return to the club.
Echoing Mikel Arteta’s sentiments, Edu said: “It was great to see Arsene Wenger the other day at the screening for his new documentary.
“We had a good conversation, and I said to him that he cannot realise how important he is for my career.
“I told him I would like to see him a bit closer to the club and to myself as well in the future. 
“That would be a real, real pleasure and special for everyone here.”
FER REAL
Jamie Carragher claims Rio Ferdinand once tried to push through a sensational transfer to Chelsea.
Hitting back at the Man Utd icon for comments about never winning a title, Carragher tweeted: “Not talking titles but the deal for Ronaldo to Man Utd which you arranged.
“No Premier League for me but Sky like my opinions!
“No trophy in your career without Alex Ferguson and when you stopped winning Premier League at Manchester United you tried to move to Chelsea so please stop giving it the big United fan one! #olesatthewheel.”
BALLON D’OR 2021
Real Madrid fans are fuming after their hero Sergio Ramos backed team-mate and former Barcelona star Lionel Messi to win the Ballon d’Or, writes JOHN HUTCHINSON.
The two players were bitter rivals for years while playing for Spain’s top two clubs.
But now they are winding down their careers playing for Paris Saint-Germain, with the pair playing in the same team for the first time at the weekend.
Messi bagged three assists to overshadow Ramos’ debut in a 3-1 away win at St Etienne.
And speaking after the game Ramos, 35, is tipping his new mate to win football’s top prize.
The 180-cap Spain international told ESPN: He’s in good shape, and I think he’s the kind of player who really makes a difference.
“He’s a unique player and it’s a privilege to have him in the team.
“I think that bit by bit, each of us is going to bring our own quality to make Paris Saint-Germain even greater and achieve the things we want to achieve.”
The ceremony starts around 7PM tonight.
Will Messi win his seventh Ballon d’Or to go two clear of Ronaldo, or will Robert Lewandowski claim his first?
Where will Ronaldo finish? Top five?

BARC-ING MAD
Barcelona have reportedly reached a verbal agreement with Arsenal striker Alexandre Lacazette.
The Frenchman’s contract expires in the summer of 2022, and isn’t showing any signs of agreeing to new terms.
According to Caught Offside, the Catalan giants are on course to win the race for Lacazette’s signature.
Barca are testing a cost-effective transfer model where they pick up talent for free.
The signing of Memphis Depay is a prime example of it.
Depay has become Barca’s main man instantly.
SARR LONG
Chelsea forgotten man Malang Sarr is reportedly set to be thrown a career lifeline by Inter Milan, writes STEVE GOODMAN & JUSTIN LAWRENCE.
Sarr, 22, joined the Blues from Nice amid great expectations 15 months ago.
The French centre-back penned a five-year deal with the Blues, but was shipped out on loan to Porto last season.
The U21 international finally made his Chelsea debut in September, but has started just three games for Thomas Tuchel’s side.
Two of those were Carabao Cup ties, while his Premier League bow against Brentford only happened due to both Antonio Rudiger and Thiago Silva being out.
The Nice native was not even in the Blues’ 20-man squad for Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Manchester United.
Italian media now claim talks have been held between the league leaders and Inter about a January loan for the defender.
Inter are thought to be seeking an option to make Sarr’s move permanent next summer for around £13million.
LACA THREAT
West Ham hold an interest in Arsenal’s Alexandre Lacazette, whose contract expires next summer.
The Hammers are in search of a solid back-up striker for Michail Antonio, who has nine goal contributions in 12 games.

NOT SURE HOWE
Eddie Howe admitted rock-bottom Newcastle will struggle to attract players in January, writes OSCAR PAUL.
The mega rich Saudi-owned Magpies desperately need reinforcements to avoid relegation.
Toon’s new boss dismissed talkSPORT pundit Gabby Agbonlahor’s claim that ‘players don’t want to live in Newcastle….they want to be close to London’.
But he said: “I’ve heard from everyone how nice the area is to live in.
“We’ll have no problem attracting players to Newcastle for a whole host of reasons. I don’t think that’s going to be an issue.
“What is an issue is our league position in attracting players in January.
“It’s very difficult to make any promises in the sense that we will definitely spend money and sign players.
“You have to attract players, they have to want to come and they have to be the right players to improve the squad.
“That is why January is an incredibly difficult window to recruit players in, especially when your league position is difficult.
“I can’t make any promises on that but I can promise that the people above me, the owners, will support the team and me in trying to achieve what we need.
“But we can’t focus on that yet. 
“We are going to have the group of players we have until January – we need to get more out of them and help them in every way we can.
“I still believe we have the players we need to get results.”
BREAKING: O-MI
Manchester United’s Champions League clash with Young Boys could be moved from Old Trafford because of the Omicron strain, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
Travel from Switzerland to the UK is banned and that means the Young Boys squad will be unable to make the trip to Manchester.
As a result, the tie could be moved to a neutral venue in Europe.
Uefa have asked the Swiss government whether Young Boys will have to quarantine ahead of their clash at Old Trafford, according to The Telegraph.
United have already played the Swiss side away and lost 2-1 but lead Group F by three points over Villarreal.
‘FULL OF TALENT’
Ralf Rangnick has hailed the Man Utd squad as ‘full of talent’ after being appointed interim manager.
The 63-year-old said: “I am excited to be joining Manchester United and focused on making this a successful season for the club.
“The squad is full of talent and has a great balance of youth and experience. 
“All my efforts for the next six months will be on helping these players fulfil their potential, both individually and, most importantly, as a team.
“Beyond that, I look forward to supporting the club’s longer-term goals on a consultancy basis.”

LION KIL
Max Kilman is reportedly in line for a shock call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England side after a string of impressive performances for Wolves this season.
The 24-year-old versatile defender’s robust displays have helped Wolves jump to sixth in the Premier League.
Kilman’s also built a solid partnership with team-mate Conor Coady, who’s already earned his stripes with the Three Lions, which has seen Wolves achieve the Prem’s fourth-best defensive record at the stage of the campaign.
Kilman’s contribution at the Molineux under Bruno Lage hasn’t gone unnoticed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, according to The Athletic.
They report that Kilman could be used to bolster Southgate’s injury-ravaged back four going into next winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
CHAMPION
Lionel Messi is set to win his seventh Ballon d’Or title later today, according to reports, writes KEALAN HUGHES.
And organiser France Football has already informed the Argentine of his victory, as per tradition.
Each year editor-in-chief Pascal Ferré calls up the winner or their agent to inform them of their victory so they know how the ceremony will work.
And according to Italian journalist Matteo Moretto Messi has already received the good news.
Moretto tweeted: “Messi, his friends already know,” in response to fan suggesting France Football have misled people about the winner of the Ballon d’Or.
Messi, 34, already holds the record for most Ballon d’Or titles with six, and victory this year would put him two ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo.
Rumours hinted at a new name on the trophy in 2021, with Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski a heavy favourite.
BREAKING: RANGNICK ANNOUNCED
Man Utd have announced Ralf Rangnick as interim manager. 
The club have also announced Rangnick will take up an advisory role at the end of the season, all but confirming another managerial appointment will take place in the next year.
John Murtough, United football director, said: “Ralf is one of the most respected coaches and innovators in European football. He was our number one candidate for interim manager, reflecting the invaluable leadership and technical skills he will bring from almost four decades of experience in management and coaching.
“Everyone at the club is looking forward to working with him during the season ahead, and then for a further two years in his advisory role.”
Welcome to Manchester United, Ralf Rangnick 🔴🇩🇪#MUFC— Manchester United (@ManUtd) November 29, 2021

ROYAL STANDARD
New Reading hero Andy Carroll is reportedly earning 75 times LESS than he was pocketing at Newcastle, writes JOHN HUTCHINSON.
The former England striker scored on his debut at the weekend to help his new side to an exciting 3-2 win away at Swansea.
And according to The Athletic, Carroll is earning just £1,000-a-week at the Madejski Stadium. At Newcastle he was believed to be on £75,000.
Reading are currently under a transfer embargo after being found to have breached financial rules, with Carroll earning the maximum permitted wage.
The 32-year-old had been a free agent since his second stint with boyhood club Newcastle ended in the summer.
He was keen to get back into the game and has been given a chance in the Championship by the Royals, who have snapped him up on a deal until mid-January.
PHIL YOUR BOOTS
Marcelo Bielsa said that no Leeds player is undroppable – including axed “idol” Kalvin Phillips, writes OSCAR PAUL. 
Whites fans were alarmed to see Phillips hooked at half-time against Brighton last Saturday. 
Playing in an unfamiliar defensive role, the England star was replaced by Pascal Struijk – with Leeds much better after the break and able to cling on for a 0-0.
Bielsa’s experiment of moving Phillips to centre-back in the last two games has backfired, and pundit Jamie Redknapp said there is “something not quite right” between the pair. 
But the Leeds boss hit back: “It’s very difficult to imagine that a player can never be substituted. 
“I thought Pascal was better suited to the second half than Kalvin. That doesn’t mean I was correct, but I did what I thought was best. 
“But in no way does that mean there’s a difficulty. 
“It’s never good for a player or a team to think that the positions are immovable and that the hierarchies within a team can’t be altered
“It’s not only bad for the player, who is untouchable, but it’s bad for those (players) who want to alter the positions within a team. 
“It’s bad for Kalvin to think that he’d never be substituted like any other component of the team.”
GAME CHANGER
Chelsea are facing a fixture pile-up after the Fifa Club World Cup dates were announced, writes JOHN HUTCHINSON.
Thomas Tuchel will take his team to the United Arab Emirates for the tournament between February 3 and 12.
That means the Blues’ games away at Brighton and at home to Arsenal will have to be rearranged.
Seven clubs will take part in the Club World Cup, the six winners of each confederation’s continental cup and the UAE league champions.
Alongside Chelsea in the tournament will be Al Hilal, Al Ahly, Monterrey, Auckland City, Al Jazira Club and Palmeiras.
The Londoners enter the competition in the semi-finals, on the opposite side of the draw to Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras.
CARRA BLIMEY
Jamie Carragher has posted a snap of Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink laughing in between Roy Keane and himself rowing on Sky Sports, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The Liverpool legend and ex-Manchester United captain had viewers in hysterics yesterday as they got into a heated debate regarding Cristiano Ronaldo.
The Portuguese forward, 36, was left on the bench by interim boss Michael Carrick for the 1-1 draw at Chelsea.
Keane and Carragher were debating the importance of winning trophies and whether second place is good enough for a club the size of United.
Keane asked Carragher: “Did you win the FA Cup?”
To which Carragher responded with: “Yeah I did.”
The Irishman then said: “Yeah so go back to winning the FA Cup. They got through to the next round of the Champions League, how much you think that’s worth to the club.
“The Glazers and share prices- that’s what he’s come back for!”
Carragher thit back with: “You finish 2nd and sign Ronaldo at 36 you’re not going to win the League in four years.
“If you sign someone at 36 it’s to win right now. If you sign Varane a four-time Champions League winner, it’s to win right now. Are they any closer to winning the league?”

URGED TO LEAVE
Danny Mills has urged Alexandre Lacazette to leave Arsenal.
The Frenchman is out of contract next June and doesn’t look set to agree on new terms.
A host of Premier League clubs, as well as some from across Europe are interested in acquiring Lacazette’s services.
Mills told Football Insider: “They’re going to need some kind of replacement if they are to let him go.
“But is he doing enough at the moment to earn a new deal on big money? I don’t see it if I’m honest. It would be big to let him go, but they should.
“You look at the likes of Willian and Aubemayang. Is it the best move all around? If he wasn’t at Arsenal would you be thinking ‘We need to sign this player’? Probably not is the answer.”
‘COMPLETELY FALSE’
Mohamed Elneny father has attempted to play down talk of his son’s departure from Arsenal, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
Milli Gazete report Elneny senior saying to Al Hayat TV: “Mohamed’s contract with Arsenal expires at the end of the season.
“The club does not intend to terminate his contract. His playing in the Liverpool match proves his coach’s belief in him and his abilities.
“It is difficult for him to return to Egypt during this period.
“The reports that El Ahly made a deal with him are completely false.”
JOR DROPPING
Chelsea icon Jimmy Floyd Hasselbank blasted Jorginho for his ‘arrogant’ mistake that allowed Manchester United to score their opener, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
The Dutchman, 49, said on Sky Sports: “He should head it, he should head it back. You can’t take that chance and if you do it has to come off.
“I agree with Roy (Keane), it’s not a bit of arrogance… it is arrogance.
“Thinking ‘oh I will take it down out of the sky and play,’ no. Two men are coming at you, just head the ball back and get people behind the ball.
“Sancho takes the goal really well but this, you don’t do it.
“Also, you know yourself… yes technically he is a very good player but he is not somebody who is blessed with pace so he’s never going to be able to get behind Sancho so you don’t take the risk.
“Just head it back, have people behind you and don’t get a goal against [you] and you still have to score one goal to win the match. It’s silly.”
‘LESS RISKY’
Former Premier League defender Glen Johnson says a move to West Ham in January is ‘less risky’ than a transfer to Newcastle.
Exclusively speaking about the wantaway Manchester United to Bettingodds.com, Johnson said: “At West Ham we saw how much Jesse enjoyed his football and the performances he got back to.
“For £10million, I’m not being funny, who can you usually get for that price? You can’t get much of a player nowadays.
“So if they can take him, he knows what he’s walking into, the club are doing great at the moment, he knows the team, and it’s a lot less risky a move than it is to sign for Newcastle right now.
“I think he should go to West Ham, he clearly enjoyed it there and he knows what the club thought of him. Surely he’d want it all back.
“West Ham and Newcastle are in totally different positions at the moment but that could all quickly change with the plans Newcastle have got.
“But right now, with Newcastle, he doesn’t know what he’s walking into. Sometimes the grass ain’t greener.”
ANT & CHEQUE
Anthony Martial might reportedly secure a January transfer exit from Manchester United, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The 25-year-old has fallen out of favour at Old Trafford over the past year and has scored just eight times since the beginning of last season.
Despite Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s exit, new boss Ralf Rangnick is not expected to feature Martial heavily in his plans.
Now the French star could be about to quit Old Trafford and head to Spain.
That’s according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, who state Barcelonaare interested in signing Martial.
The Catalans are desperate to add to their attacking ranks and have identified the ex-Monaco man as their ideal target.
And this latest report claims Barca have already ‘contacted’ United about his availability.
BREAKING: RANGNICK UPDATE
Ralf Rangnick is due to be confirmed as interim Man Utd manager in the NEXT 24 hours, according to The Athletic.
The German is set to take charge of the team for the rest of the season and then be promoted into an ‘advisory’ role to allow a long-term manager to take over.
Rangnick’s first game in charge could be against league high flyers Arsenal at Old Trafford on December 2.
LIKE THE LUKA
Manchester City are reportedly plotting a swoop to bring Luka Modric back to the Premier League, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The veteran Croatian midfielder left Tottenham for Real Madrid back in 2012 but will become a free agent in June.
Modric, 36, is wanted by Newcastle United’s new Saudi owners but the star is ready to snub the riches on offer at St James’ Park.
According to SuperDeporte, Modric is now considering his options after talks over an extension at the Bernabeu stalled.
He is now believed to be heading to the USA – but not before a stop off in Manchester.
Modric is ‘open to’ following in Frank Lampard’s footsteps and have a spell at Man City before heading Stateside at New York City – a side within the Cityzens’ umbrella of clubs.

GUNNERS BID FOR TEENAGER
Arsenal have submitted a big for highly rated Romanian teenager Ianis Stoica, according to Team Talk.
The attacking midfielder has bagged six goals from 14 appearances in all competitions for Roș-albaștrii in Liga 1.
However, thee club’s owner, Gigi Becali, is a big fan of the Romania Under-21 ace, and he has no intention of selling one of his prized assets.
He said: “It is good that Arsenal are monitoring Ianis, but there is no point as he is not for sale.
“He could be in a year or two, but not yet. He is technically skilled, physically strong and very smart.
“To look at him, you’d think he is 23 years old – not 18.”
ALL GOING RON
Cristiano Ronaldo got a shock view of the future after the Manchester United superstar was axed for the draw at Chelsea, writes TRISTAN BARCLAY.
Furious Ronaldo stormed down the tunnel at full-time after being benched by caretaker Michael Carrick.
The Portuguese superstar struggled as a second-half sub, and incoming Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick claimed he was ‘too old’ FIVE YEARS AGO.
Rangnick, poised to sign an initial six-month deal as interim chief, demands intense pressing from his teams.
United legend Gary Neville claimed the German influenced the line-up for the draw at Stamford Bridge.
Carrick opted for three defensive midfielders — Fred, Scott McTominay and Nemanja Matic.
Neville tweeted: “A lot of people having a go at Carrick for dropping Ronaldo and picking that MDF.
“I’ve a feeling the incoming boss picked that team as it’s a huge departure from midweek.”
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MANCHESTER CITY have reportedly made contact with Karim Benzema’s entourage over a huge January move.Pep Guardiola’s side are also said to be keen on luring Pedri from Barcelona, even though the Spain international has just signed a new deal.
One way to push the transfer through could be to offer Ferran Torres in return, with the winger said to be Barca’s top target.
And Neymar is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he was forced onto crutches after suffering a horror injury for PSG at Saint-Etienne.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
KANE ENSURES THE SNOW MUST GO ON FOR YANK FAN
Harry Kane made sure a Tottenham fanatic’s epic journey did not go to waste after snow cancelled their game against Burnley.
The Spurs-mad supporter travelled all the way from Texas to Turf Moor to watch his team play – only for freezing weather to see the game postponed.

That threatened to leave the unlucky fan with nothing to show for his voyage across the pond.
But he had earlier tweeted details of his 31-hour journey as he homed in on Lancashire. 
And that tweet was picked up by Spurs skipper Harry Kane, who had already arrived in Burnley for the scheduled 2pm kick-off.
Clearly inspired by the spirit of giving ahead of Christmas, the striker offered to host the fan at the club’s next home game.
Kane replied on Twitter: “Just been sent this tweet and absolutely gutted for you! 
“For your commitment and to make up for the match being called off I’d like to invite you to a home game as my guest when you’re next in London.”
WOR FLOR
EXCLUSIVE: Newcastle want to beat Jose Mourinho’s Roma to sign Austrian star Florian Grillitsch in the window, writes ALAN NIXON.
The Toon are hoping to persuade versatile Grillitsch to choose them in January and add his class to Eddie Howe’s survival fight.

Hoffenheim’s Grillitsch can play defensive midfielder or even sweeper and is available to sign a pre-contract as he is a free agent next summer.
If Grillitsch fancies the challenge, Newcastle can then make an offer to buy him from the Germans for a bargain £3 or £4million.
The Toon have been chasing Grillitsch for months and he is one of the easier players for them to land right now – as prices are high in the domestic market when they take an interest.
Grillitsch also has Roma keen on him, but Newcastle have the money to tempt him their way – even if there are no guarantees that they stay up.
The talented Austrian will face Wales and possibly Scotland on the way to World Cup qualification and Grillitsch could be a Premier League player by then.
The Magpies are desperate for reinforcements when the window reopens to help them avoid a relegation dogfight.
BAILLY CONFIRMS RANGNICK COMING IN
Manchester United defender Eric Bailly has revealed Ralf Rangnick is arriving as interim boss.
Bailly told RMC Sport: “Yes, we’ve been told in the dressing room about the arrival of the new manager.”
Man United centre back Eric Bailly confirms to @LaurensJulien: “Yes, we’ve been told in the dressing room about the arrival of the new manager”, he told RMC Sport. 🔴 #MUFCWork in progress on contracts side this weekend in order to announce Ralf Rangnick arrival.— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 28, 2021

GR-EIGHT TAMMY
Tammy Abraham made it eight goals for Roma this season as he scored the winner against Torino.
The former Chelsea striker was set up by ex-Arsenal playmaker Henrikh Mkhitaryan on the half hour mark.

Abraham brilliantly controlled Mkhitaryan’s pass, turned and slotted past Torino keeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic.
The win leaves Jose Mourinho’s Roma fifth in the Serie A table, with Napoli ten points ahead in the lead.
Abraham, 24, signed for Mourinho this summer after leaving boyhood club Chelsea, who later signed Romelu Lukaku, 28, from Inter Milan.
He said: “I love AS Roma since day one. I feel home here at Roma, there’s nothing like scoring goals in this stadium, in front of our fans.”
Despite Abraham’s sole opener separating the sides, manager Mourinho said it should have been more.
He told DAZN: “It wasn’t easy for us to press them tonight because of how wide their defenders get, honestly I expected us to score more.
KEANE DISAGREES WITH ALL OF CARRICK’S INTERVIEW
Roy Keane disagreed ‘with everything’ Michael Carrick said in his post-match interview and claimed Manchester United are giving a ‘job for the boys’.
Carrick is currently filling in as temporary United boss following the sacking of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

And he saw his side leave Stamford Bridge with a point after holding Chelsea to a 1-1 draw.
Afterwards, Carrick told Sky Sports: “I’m disappointed actually when you’re in front in a game like this to have it taken away form you like it was is disappointing.
“I’m immensely proud of the players, the whole group, the staff all week in difficult situations trying to make the best of it.
“We can’t hide from the fact that it has been tough at times but we made the best of it and I’m immensely proud of how we have gone about it this week but it’s a little bit of a disappointing feeling.
“We came here to win a game. We were positive in our mindset and attitude so we are a bit disappointed I can’t lie.”
NEYMAR ON CRUTCHES
Neymar was spotted using crutches after Paris Saint-Germain’s Ligue 1 clash with St Etienne on Sunday.
The striker was stretchered off the pitch in the closing stages of PSG’s 3-1 win at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium following a nasty tackle from Yvann Macon.

Macon’s poor tackle trapped Neymar’s left ankle and left him writing in agony.
Thankfully for the former Barcelona man, his injury didn’t require a trip to the hospital.
But he did have to make use of a protective boot as well as crutches as he made his way to the team bus.
French champions PSG are currently unsure of the severity of Neymar’s latest injury.
Manager Mauricio Pochettino said: “We will have to see this tomorrow but from the images.
“I hope that it’s not a big deal and that he will be back with the squad quickly.
“But the action is not good.”
PEP RULES OUT BOSSING RIVAL PREM CLUB
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has all but ruled out ever managing another English club.
Champs City are just a point off the top after beating West Ham today before Manchester United held leaders Chelsea 1-1.
And Guardiola said: “In England being here, always I will be Man City manager – and if they ever want me back, I will come back to City.
“I don’t think I will train another club in England apart from this one.”
RESULT: CHELSEA 1 MAN UTD 1
The Red Devils clung on for a point – but Antonio Rudiger smashed a golden chance high for the Blues seconds from the end of stoppage time.
Jadon Sancho bagged United’s smooth breakaway opener on 50 minutes before Jorginho’s penalty leveller,
For all the reaction from Stamford Bridge click on our match blog HERE.
NEYMAR HORROR INJURY
PSG superstar Neymar has suffered a horror injury against St Etienne at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.
The star forward appeared to have badly sprained his ankle when his left foot bent in half once it touched the ground following a tackle by Yvann Macon five minutes before full-time.
The Brazil international was in absolute agony as he screamed in pain and appeared to be crying as well.
The 29-year-old was taken off on a stretcher and PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino was forced to replace him with Junior Dina Ebimbe.
Nothing is known about the former Barcelona star’s condition at the moment but it did look like a nasty injury.
MESSI’S TRIPLE ASSIST
Sergio Ramos finally made his Paris Saint-Germain debut – but saw his thunder stolen by an inspired Lionel Messi.
The former LaLiga sparring partners were both in action for the French giants in a 3-1 win at St Etienne.

It was former Real Madrid skipper Ramos’ long-awaited first competitive outing for the club after a muscle injury sidelined him for the start of the season.
The Spain defender, 35, joined the Ligue 1 side in the summer on a free from Real, and weeks later Argentina legend Messi arrived from Barcelona as a free agent.
Both started in a star-studded PSG line-up at the Stade Geoffroy-Guichard stadium and Ramos made a solid start – but it was Messi who stole the show by setting up all of their three goals.
The hosts had taken a 23rd-minute lead in snowy conditions with a goal from Denis Bouanga but they were up against it when they had Timothee Kolodziejczak sent off on the stroke of half-time for a trip on Kylian Mbappe.
Messi took control after that with a free-kick from that Kolodziejczak foul which was headed in by Marquinhos to make it 1-1.
They took the lead 11 minutes from time when Messi found Angel Di Maria and he curled a shot into the far corner.
And they sealed the win in stoppage time when Messi crossed for Marquinhos to head in his second goal.
The victory extended PSG’s Ligue 1 lead to 14 points but it was marred by an injury to Neymar.
The Brazil superstar was carried off on a stretcher with an ankle injury after a tackle from Yvann Macon five minutes from time.
THERE’S SNOW STOPPING SEAN
IT was snow holds barred for Sean Dyche’s hardman reputation.
The grinning Burnley manager wore just a shirt and tie on the snowy Turf Moor pitch as a blizzard forced off the clash with Tottenham.

The Clarets hoped to sleigh struggling Spurs and rise above the drop zone.
But although ref Peter Bankes asked for the snow to be swept away, he eventually postponed Sunday’s match after speaking to Dyche and Tottenham chief Antonio Conte.
Dyche’s dramatic appearance, however, earned him new plaudits on social media – and even comparisons to a famous horror movie scene.
One fan posted: “Something about this reminded me of Jack Nicholson from The Shining. Sean Dyche take a bow.”
Another said: “Sean Dyche is the hardest bloke in football. I’m surprised he’s not topless.”
And one accolade suggested if the ex-defender can’t actually move mountains then he does at least have some super-human connection with nature.
It read: “Sean Dyche doesn’t feel the snow. The snow feels Sean Dyche.”
MAN CITY 2 WEST HAM 1
City went back up to second as midfielders Ilkay Gundogan and Fernandinho inflicted the fourth-placed Hammers’ second successive Prem loss.
Skipper Gundogan turned home Riyad Mahrez’s deflected shot on 33 minutes amid a first-half snow blizzard.
And anchorman Fernandinho drilled his first top-flight goal for three years in the 90th minute, just after coming on.
Manuel Lanzini replied for below-par West Ham with the final kick of the game four minutes into stoppage time.
THE HAND OF FOD
Phil Foden is one of the ‘most delightful football players’.
Ex-Hammers midfielder Jack Collison has tipped the Man City midfielder to go on and become one of the best players in world football.
Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-A-Side Bet on Man City v West Ham, Collison said: “But then on the other team you’ve got Phil Foden, who I think is one of the most delightful football players this country has seen for a long, long time.
“That England team is exciting, but Phil Foden really is at the forefront.
“I actually think he’s got the capabilities and the powers to go on and become on of the best players in the world.
“He’s already won so much at such a young age, it’s great to see him playing such a big part of Pep Guardiola’s teams/ Even as much as we know Pep loves to tinker with his line-ups, Phil Foden will always be there or thereabout in his starting line-ups for the big games.”
CHELSEA XI
As expected, Thomas Tuchel has been forced into making changes from the side who dealt with Juventus last Tuesday, but eyebrows will be raised as to why certain members of the side have been left on the bench.
The ever-present back three of Trevoh Chalobah, Thiago Silva and Antonio Rudiger remain the same.
N’Golo Kante’s knee hasn’t recovered in time so in steps Ruben Loftus Cheek to replace the French World Cup winner.
With no Ben Chilwell available, it gives the chance for Spanish international Marcos Alonso to show what he can do down that left channel.
But the surprise comes in the forward positions. Both Romelu Lukaku and Mason Mount will start this match from the bench which means that the only change is Timo Werner coming in for Christian Pulisic leaving Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi to keep their spots.
(3-4-3): 16 Mendy; 14 Chalobah, 6 Thiago Silva, 2 Rudiger; 24 James, 5 Jorginho, 12 Loftus-Cheek, 3 Alonso; 22 Ziyech, 11 Werner, 20 Hudson-Odoi.
RONALDO BENCHED
Cristiano Ronaldo has been BENCHED for Man Utd’s game against Chelsea.
Rashford will start up front for the Red Devils, with Bruno Fernandes captaining the side.
Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof start in the middle of the defence.
1 De Gea; 29 Wan-Bissaka, 2 Lindelof, 3 Bailly, 27 Telles; 17 Fred, 31 Matic, 39 McTominay; 18 Fernandes (c), 25 Sancho, 10 Rashford. 
LEICESTER CITY 4-2 WATFORD
Ademola Lookman gets himself a goal and it could be hard for Watford to find a way back.
SECOND HALF
All of the 2PM kick-offs are back underway for the second half.
INJURY BLOW
Paris Saint-Germain superstar Neymar has suffered a horror injury against St Etienne at the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium, writes KOSTAS LIANOS.
The star forward appeared to have badly sprained his ankle when his left foot bent in half once it touched the ground following a tackle by Yvann Macon five minutes before full-time.
The Brazil international was in absolute agony as he screamed in pain and appeared to be crying as well.
The 29-year-old was taken off on a stretcher and PSG manager Mauricio Pochettino was forced to replace him with Junior Dina Ebimbe.
Nothing is known about the former Barcelona star’s condition at the moment but it did look like a nasty injury.
LEICESTER CITY 3-1 WATFORD
Jamie Vardy has restored Leicester’s lead at the King Power.
And shortly after his first, Vardy grabs a second – there’s a chance of bagging a hat-trick against his old boss.
MAN CITY 1-0 WEST HAM
Man City finally have a breakthrough and it’s İlkay Gündoğan who gets the opening goal.
The snow is falling heavy at the Etihad.
LEICESTER CITY 1-1 WATFORD
Josh King has levelled the game at the King Power.
BRENTFORD 1-0 EVERTON
It’s the first time the two sides have met in the Premier League.
And it’s Brentford who have taken the lead.
Ivan Toney got the opener from the penalty spot with a predictable, cool finish.
LEICESTER CITY 1-0 WATFORD
Claudio Ranieri’s return to the King Power hasn’t got off to the best of starts.
James Maddison has given the Foxes an early lead!
KICK-OFF
Three 2PM Premier League kick-offs are underway around the country.
SunSport will keep you up to date with all the latest!
JUR GONNA BE SURPRISED
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is notoriously out-spoken when it comes to fixture congestion, and firmly believes the pile-up is too demanding on players, writes GIACOMO PISA. 
And he’s already told incoming Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick that he will have ‘no time’ to implement his famed Gegenpressing philosophy.
He said: “You have an idea but you have to adapt it to your team, and that is I found myself it’s not easy when you come in the middle of the season and there are pretty much 20 games between here and New Year’s Eve.
“That’s a massive challenge because the things you want to change on the pitch, we all don’t have time for that.
“So even if your team is already educated in that you still need long long long meetings and there’s no chance of that! It will be interesting.”
He also went on to say: “Like all coaches in the world, we need time to train with our teams and Ralf will pretty quickly realise he has no time to train because they play all the time so that makes it a bit trickier for him.”
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DANIEL KRETINSKY is in line for a £650million West Ham takeover after signing a deal for an optional buy out.The Czech tycoon, 46, could push through a full takeover by 2023 with David Sullivan and David Gold agree to the sale.
Kretinsky is already on the board after buying a 27 per cent stake at the board, has an Olympian showjumping girlfriend and has been branded the ‘Czech Sphinx’.
Meanwhile, Wales are potentially on course for a World Cup play-off showdown with Scotland after the pair were drawn in Path A in Friday’s draw.
And Chelsea could be in for £84million Federico Chiesa, with the Juventus star on the Blues’ radar.
Thomas Tuchel’s side qualified for the Champions League last 16 following their win and are in the hat for the draw on December 13.
In other news, Erling Haaland could be given a new contract at Borussia Dortmund, which would double the Norwegian’s wages.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City and Real Madrid are all interested in signing the goalscoring machine, 21.
And Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign £70m Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
WRECK IT RALF
Ralf Rangnick has not ruled out becoming Manchester United’s permanent boss in the summer, writes NEIL CUSTIS.
The German, 63, is yet to agree a move to Old Trafford, with details of his role at the end of the season still not finalised.
United have reached an agreement with Lokomotiv Moscow’s head of sports and development to become their interim manager.
The Red Devils made it clear he will then take on a similar role to his Lokomotiv job for the next two seasons.
But Rangnick’s side are still negotiating the final details of his contract, with a possible clause allowing him to continue as boss if he wants to.
If he does agree to a move into an overseeing role, he wants assurances over the power he will have in terms of player recruitment and development.
There is also no agreement as yet about any bonuses he will receive for United’s success during his time in an overseeing role.
He does not want his move to United just to be seen as a six-month interim term before being moved upstairs, but a serious longer-term project.
NIC OFF
Nicolas Pepe is running out of time to prove himself at Arsenal, writes MARK IRWIN.
It is more than two years since the Ivorian international became the club’s £72million record signing from Lille.
But he has still not been able to nail down a place in Mikel Arteta’s starting XI.
Pepe’s prospects are unlikely to change any time soon after finding himself behind fans’ favourites Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe in the Emirates pecking order.
And though he still has more than two years to run on his £140,000-a-week contract, Arsenal could soon consider selling him before his value drops much further.
POCH COULD BE BACK
Mauricio Pochettino could return to the Premier League to manage Man Utd long-term.

TICK TOCK
Incoming Man Utd interim Ralf Rangnick could reportedly install a ‘countdown clock’ at Carrington to force players practice their ‘Gegenpressing’, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
The Telegraph claims the German tactician will ‘revolutionise’ United’s training methods when his arrival is likely confirmed this weekend.
And it’s believed one way of getting players to understand his intense philosophy is to install a special countdown clock at United’s training ground.
Rangnick is credited as the godfather of the ‘Gegenpress’, a tactic used by many including Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.
It sees players counter-press high up the pitch in an effort to win the ball back.
And Rangnick will expect his newly-inherited United squad to get into a habit of reclaiming the ball EIGHT seconds after losing it.
GLOVE ACTUALLY
Chelsea are reportedly ready to loan out flop goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, writes ANTHONY CHAPMAN.
And former Blues boss Maurizio Sarri – now in charge of Lazio – is keen, despite their infamous Carabao Cup final fight.
Goal claims Kepa is desperate for minutes after finding himself playing second fiddle to Edouard Mendy.
However, the Senegal star has solidified his spot as arguably the best goalkeeper in Europe.
And there is no chance of Thomas Tuchel dropping him just to keep Kepa happy.
As a result, the Spaniard is apparently keen on a January loan move.
Even though they will lose Mendy to the African Cup of Nations, Chelsea are reportedly prepared to sanction Kepa’s exit.
One club thought to be keen are Lazio, now managed by ex-Blues gaffer Sarri.

MONSTER OFFER
Chelsea are preparing to make a monster offer for Juventus winger Federico Chiesa, reports say.
According to Calciomercato, Chelsea are preparing to offer the Old Lady £84million.
Bayern Munich also hold an interest in the explosive winger.
The potential move for Chiesa comes as no surprise, with Christian Pulisic, Hakim Ziyech and Kai Havertz not performing consistently.
DREAM TEAM
Italy and Portugal suffered a nightmare World Cup 2020 Play-Off draw and now look set to face each other in a shoot-out for Qatar, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The Euro 2020 winners and Cristiano Ronaldo’s nation both finished second in their qualifying groups, behind Switzerland and Serbia respectively.
Italy now face a home clash with North Macedonia in the Play-Off first round in March.
Turkey will visit Portugal, before the winners of both of those one-legged ties battle it out for a spot at next year’s World Cup.
Even if one of the two powerhouses falls at the first hurdle, the draw still means that at least one of the last two European Championship winners will not be at the World Cup.
Who would you change out of this combined XI?
NET SPEND
Man Utd have the biggest net spend since 2018.
Will Ralf Rangnick be given funds in January to strengthen the squad?

RAM RAID
Aaron Ramsdale wants to face a red-hot Cristiano Ronaldo when Arsenal travel to Manchester United next week, writes JOSHUA JONES. 
The Gunners head to Old Trafford on Thursday in what looks set to be Ralf Rangnick’s first game as interim boss.
Ronaldo, 36, has scored just one Premier League goal in his last SEVEN appearances, dating back to September.
But with his heroics for United in the Champions League, he is now just one strike shy of 800 career goals. 
Even so, Ramsdale insists he would prefer a ‘full-on battle’ with the Portuguese superstar than a quiet night between the sticks.
The Arsenal goalkeeper said: “I’d never thought I’d play against Ronaldo, but I really hope he’s on it against us because it gives me a chance to test myself. 
“As much as you want to go somewhere like Old Trafford, there’s no better feeling than getting on top of someone and saying I’ve had a full-on battle with Ronaldo.”

RON THE WAY
Barcelona are reportedly fearing that Manchester United or Liverpool could snatch highly-rated prospect Ronald Araujo, writes GARY STONEHOUSE.
The 22-year-old star arrived at the Nou Camp from Uruguayan side River Boston in 2018.
The defender has since broken into the first-team squad and the Uruguay national side.
He is out of contract in 2023 but Barcelona want to reward his progress with a new five-year deal.
However, ESPN claims that interest from the Premier League big boys and the centre-back’s wage demands could ‘complicate’ negotiations.
They claim that ‘sources said that during preliminary discussions with the player, there is a concern at Barcelona that they may not be able to meet the terms that he is requesting’ to stay.
Both Manchester United and Liverpool have been monitoring the starlet’s development closely over recent years.
GOAT DEBATE
Frank Lampard said back in 2020: “I’m gonna go Messi on this, on pure, natural talent. But what Ronaldo has done has been absolutely incredible.”
However, the ex-England international has now revealed a U-turn in his thinking after watching a recent episode of Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
And he explained why while speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap.
When asked the question again by the Manchester United legend, Lampard responded: “You know what, I’ve always been a Messi man… and then I watched your debate with Jamie Carragher recently.
“I actually think for Ronaldo’s output and actual numbers, and goals in big finals and semi-finals like we’ve seen, I think I maybe give him the edge.
“That’s going to start a load of hate, now!”
MIDFIELD MAESTROS
Jorginho could face Portuguese powerhouse Joao Palhinha in their World Cup play-off decider.
Despite Palhinha being the more defensive out of the two, he managed to chip in with two goals during qualifying.

RON LAST TIME
Man Utd’s Cristiano Ronaldo faces an almighty fight to play at the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
Portugal HAVE to beat Turkey to then face either ITALY or North Macedonia in the play-off final.
Ronaldo’s Euro 2016 winners will play at home should they make the final, though.
But facing Italy for a spot at next year’s tournament isn’t ideal.

WORLD CUP PLAY-OFF PATHWAYS CONFIRMED
Wow……
Three very, very tough paths to the Qatar World Cup.
Path A:

Scotland vs Ukraine
Wales vs Austria

Path B:

Russia vs Poland
Sweden vs Czech Republic

Path C:

Italy vs North Macedonia
Portugal vs Turkey

Who’ll play at home in the three play-off finals?

Wales or Austria vs Scotland or Ukraine
Russia or Poland vs Sweden or Czech Republic
Portugal or Turkey vs Italy or North Macedonia

‘UNACCEPTABLE’
Harry Kane has branded Tottenham’s Euro embarrassment “unacceptable” – and accused his team-mates of being “immature”.
The Spurs striker was left reeling after Thursday’s shock 2-1 defeat at Slovenian minnows NS Mura – the lowest ranked team in the Europa Conference League.
The England captain, who also wore the armband for his club on their worst night in Euro competition, said: “It was unacceptable really.
“We didn’t start well, went behind and then went down to 10 men and made it difficult for ourselves.
“In the second half we showed some fight and spirit and got ourselves back into the game and if anyone looked like scoring it was going to be us.
“But an immature mistake at the end to concede a goal when we had all the play.
“It is unacceptable. A tough match for us, we just have to learn from it.”
CECH MATE
Chelsea legend Petr Cech has warned the Blues that they have to be wary of Manchester United’s new management setup on the weekend.
United look set to appoint Ralf Ragnick as new boss and Cech is aware of the danger someone with fresh ideas can pose to the West London outfit.
Cech said to Chelsea’s website: “We have a saying in Czech: ‘the new broom sweeps better’. It’s always tricky when you play teams with a new manager.
“That’s what our next opponents Manchester United will be hoping for on Sunday: when you get a change of manager, you always have a reaction.
“Suddenly, everybody starts from the same spot again. The new manager brings new ideas, about the team, about the tactics, about the strategy, but only when he gets involved in training does he start choosing his team.”
CR-IS THE BEST
Luis Figo cannot understand the criticism directed at Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United’s poor form this season.
The Portugal legend has slammed any suggestions that Ronaldo, 36, is to blame for Man Utd’s downfall.
Figo spoke to Portuguese news outlet A Bola: ‘It does not make sense. He is the best.
“Football lives on results and the team is not achieving the expected results.
“But he’s being one of the best in the team in terms of performance, so I don’t understand these criticisms.”
FIRING BLANCS 
Real Madrid fans have launched an astonishing broadside at superstar Gareth Bale and his agent.
The Madrid faithful are up in arms over comments made by his representative Jonathan Barnett.
And they reiterated a long-standing complaint that Bale appears more interested in playing for Wales than he does for the LaLiga leaders.
His case was not helped when he returned home from international duty last week with yet another injury.
A small group of fans then accosted the 32-year-old as he was leaving Real’s training ground – throwing a marker pen at his car amid cries of ‘f*** you’.
That led his agent to brand the supporters ‘disgusting’ and not worth his client’s time.
Those words have sparked fury amid the wider fanbase, with an official supporters’ group releasing a brutal statement against the pair.
In it, they claimed Barnett is a ‘fierce critic’ of the club and ignorant of its history – particularly after he locked horns with ex-boss Zinedine Zidane.
STERLING EFFORT
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is impressed with what he’s seen from Raheem Sterling recently.
Sterling’s had a tough time at the Etihad this season, but he got back on the scoresheet in City’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in the Champions League this week.
And Pep’s over the moon with the England winger’s contribution.
He said: “I am so glad for him, it helps us that’s for sure,” he said at his pre-match press conference ahead of City’s game against West Ham.
“He was decisive. He was completely decisive in what we have done in the last three years.
“This is a step to get back to his best form.”
BEN BLOW
Chelsea star Ben Chilwell will be out for at least six weeks with a partial ACL injury.
But the England left-back could miss even more action if he requires surgery next year.
Chilwell had just emerged as a key figure for Chelsea, reinventing the attacking wing-back role alongside teammate Reece James with three goals and an assist in just six league outings.
But the ex-Leicester ace’s delight turned to misery in Tuesday’s 3-0 win over Juventus.
Chilwell went down in agony clutching his knee after a collision with an opponent.
And he needed support from two medics to limp off the Stamford Bridge turf.
Chelsea were left sweating on scans amid fears Chilwell had fully ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, ruling him out for nine months.
However, Thomas Tuchel revealed on Friday the defender is hopefully set to miss just six weeks of action.
RAINBOW PRIDE
Leicester City will be celebrating Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign at Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Watford at King Power Stadium.
The initiative – which is backed by each top-flight club – demonstrates ongoing commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ inclusion and making it clear that football is for everyone.
All Premier League fixtures between 27 November and 2 December will be dedicated to Rainbow Laces, with clubs showing support through matchday activities, with branding visible at every stadium, while rainbow-themed captain’s armbands, laces and pin badges are also available.
In addition to this, City’s players will warm-up in rainbow t-shirts, with rainbow clappers to be left on each seat ahead of the game on Filbert Way for fans to show further support for the campaign.
Leicester City will be celebrating Stonewall’s Rainbow Laces campaign at Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Watford at King Power Stadium 🏳️‍🌈— Leicester City (@LCFC) November 26, 2021

PRIVATE PAGE
Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has revealed he is trying to ‘cut as many corners’ as possible in order to swiftly implement his philosophy at the club.
One of those corners is setting up a ‘secret’ Instagram account just for Aston Villa players that allows them to watch training videos and match analysis, as well as read motivational quotes.
The page is called ‘Bodymoor1,’ according to the Telegraph, and is followed by the majority of Villa’s first team-set up.
It currently has 35 followers that include the likes of Gerrard himself and forward Ollie Watkins, and is named after Aston Villa’s training ground.
Speaking on the secret page in his pre-Crystal Palace press conference, Liverpool legend Gerrard said: “Instagram is another way, alongside your likes of the WhatsApps to put in information and reminders to players.
“We’ve come in at a time where we haven’t had the luxury of a pre-season where you have five-six weeks to build your identity and the way you want it to look.
“So we’re trying to cut as many corners as we can to get the identity and the standards across to the players that we expect as a group of staff.”

JOEY IN THE DOCK
Joey Barton is set to go on trial accused of assaulting another football manager after a heated League One game.
The Bristol Rovers manager, 39, denies attacking then-Barnsley boss Daniel Stendel back in April 2019.
Prosecutors claim Barton – who was then managing Fleetwood – hit out in the tunnel after a Barnsley win.
Stendel was left with facial injuries after the alleged bust-up.
Ex-Premier League star Barton, of Widnes in Cheshire, was said to be furious after seeing one of his players sent off in a 4-2 defeat.
A steward and a cop stopped his BMW from leaving the ground.
He was later arrested after Barnsley complained to South Yorkshire Police about the alleged incident.
A trial will begin at Sheffield Crown Court on Monday after jurors were selected today.
RED RETURN
Ex-Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum could be set to return to the Premier League just six months after signing for PSG, according to reports.
The Dutch ace has only started three Ligue 1 matches for PSG.
And according to TeamTalk, Wijnaldum could be tempted into a move back to the Prem.
His representatives have allegedly already started to search for potential suitors with Newcastle said to be interested in the ex-Kop favourite.
But the Toon may face and uphill battle as PSG are said to be reluctant to sell Wijnaldum.
‘NOT GOOD NEWS’ 
Jurgen Klopp has praised Manchester United’s appointment of Ralf Rangnick by hailing him as an “organised and experienced coach”.
Klopp, whose managerial style was inspired by Rangnick, insists it is “not good news” for other Premier League clubs that the German has arrived in England.
When asked about Rangnick’s arrival, he said: “Unfortunately a good coach is coming to England, to Manchester United!
“He’s a really experienced manager, built two clubs from nowhere.
“Man United will be organised on the pitch. That’s obviously not good news for other teams.”
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