Sport Live Blogs

CHELSEA have been handed a mega boost with Romelu Lukaku returning to training ahead of schedule.And that means the Belgian could take part in the Blues’ crucial clashes with Juventus and Man Utd next week.
Things are also looking good for the West Londoners on the transfer front, with reports from Spain suggesting Real Madrid are resigned to Erling Haaland joining a Premier League club.
Meanwhile, Tottenham are reportedly set to challenge Arsenal in the race for Juventus playmaker Dejan Kulusevski.
And Antonio Rudiger maintains he is 100% focused on Chelsea, despite the contract rebel being a target for Bayern Munich.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
MISSING QAT
As teams book their place for the 2022 World Cup, here are some of the best names who could miss out on a trip to Qatar…

TERR UP
Diego Costa convinced John Terry that he would help Chelsea win the Premier League during a PRE-SEASON sparring contest with the Blues’ physio.
Terry had fans in stitches after posting the brilliant clip of former striker Costa flooring team masseur Billy ‘Blood’ McCulloch.
Costa always had the reputation of being a bit of a loose cannon, but he had Terry convinced early on that he’d lead Chelsea to Prem glory.
The Stamford Bridge legend captioned the video on Twitter: “@diegocosta Vs Billy (AKA) Rocky Pre season 2014/15. After this I knew we would win the league.
“What a Legend. I’m crying watching this,” followed by laughing emojis.
The pair can be seen throwing punches at each other as the theme song from Rocky blares in the background.
John Terry shares hilarious video of Diego Costa flooring Chelsea masseur which convinced him Blues would win Premier League
AZ IF
New Barcelona boss Xavi is looking to weave some more magic by snapping up Cesar Azpilicueta on a free transfer.
Dani Alves has already been recruited for free, with Chelsea man Azpilicueta reportedly his next target.
According to ESPN, Barca are keeping a keen eye on how contract talks progress between the Blues and club captain Azpilicueta.
The 32-year-olds current deal at Stamford Bridge runs out at the end of the season.
If a new deal has not been agreed before January 1 the Spaniard is free to begin talks with foreign clubs regarding a pre-contract agreement.
The Blues though are thought to be keen to tie him down to a new deal and extend his stay at the club with talks currently ongoing between Blues chiefs and Azpilicueta’s representatives.
But he could decide to run down his contract and pursue a new challenge after NINE years at the club.
ERL OF ENGLAND
Manchester United and Chelsea have received a boost in their pursuit of Erling Haaland after it was reported Real Madrid have ‘accepted he is going to the Premier League’.
The Spanish giants were thought to be interested in signing the Norwegian, whose release clause enables him to leave Borussia Dortmund for £64million.
But now it has been reported that Madrid believe Haaland will join an English club when he leaves the German outfit.
As reported by Sport, journalist Josep Pedrerol said: “Real Madrid assumes that Haaland will play in England next year and they have it ruled out.”
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez had previously stated he wanted to sign both Haaland and Paris Saint-Germain forward Kylian Mbappe.
He said: “Which one do I choose to build a new project? I take both without a doubt.
“At Real Madrid, there are always the best players in the world. Florentino will bring them both back.”

WHEEL TROUBLE
Louis van Gaal will not be pitch-side for the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier against Norway on Tuesday evening.
His side can secure a place at Qatar 2022 with a point, but the wheelchair-bound boss will not be in the dugout because it would take TOO LONG to push him across the pitch.
The De Kuip stadium in Rotterdam is the venue for the clash.
But because walking to the dugouts involves crossing the pitch after leaving the dressing room, ex-Manchester United boss Van Gaal will have to watch on from a box.
Dutch outlet AD report that Van Gaal will be with the players before the game and at half time because his box is close to the changing rooms.
But the awkward positioning of the dugouts means there wouldn’t be time to wheel the 70-year-old across the grass at half time and then back again for the start of the second half.
Van Gaal will be in contact with his coaching team from his box via radio.

LAU AND ORDER
Ex-Arsenal star Lauren is working for his old boss Arsene Wenger again after taking up a job at Fifa.
The two-time Premier League winner, 44, has been appointed as a technical expert for talent development in Africa for the world football governing body.
In his new role, the former right-back will be tasked with making African football more competitive on the international stage.
Invincibles star Lauren said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be taking up the role.
“I feel proud to be joining the Fifa family and there’s also a great sense of responsibility.”

CAL HIM UP
Everton could make a January move for Arsenal defender Calum Chambers if they can’t resurrect a loan agreement for Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Manager Rafa Benitez is in the market for a right-back to take over from veteran captain Seamus Coleman.
But his hands are tied by a lack of cash and he is now exploring the possibility of signing Chambers for a nominal fee.
The 26-year-old former England international is currently in the final few months of his Arsenal contract and the club have yet to take up the option to extend his deal by a further year.
He has not even made the subs’ bench in the Premier League for the last two months and has been pushed further down the Emirates queue by the arrival of £19.5million summer signing Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Manager Mikel Arteta is not looking to make any changes to his squad in January and is reluctant to let anyone leave but accepts that Chambers needs regular football to revive his career after seven years at the Emirates.
And there is a chance that Arsenal could sell him in January for a fee in the region of £5million rather than lose him as a free agent in the summer.

MR. MOTIVATOR
England captain Harry Kane has revealed how he uses his hat-trick balls to motivate his children – after bagging a record sixth against San Marino.
Kane, 28, earned his second England match ball in a row last night as the Three Lions sealed qualification to next year’s World Cup in Qatar with a 10-0 win.
Kane revealed what these records mean to him to talkSPORT, saying: “It’s fantastic. I always say these are the bonuses that come with the games when you are winning and scoring goals.
“To be up there with the names you are up there with, it’s fantastic. Every time I wear an England shirt, I’m proud, and every time I score, it’s one of the greatest feelings of my career.
“I hope I can keep doing it for many more years. We’ve obviously got a big year ahead leading up to Qatar. Any time I can help the team, I will try and do so.
“To get the feeling of putting the ball into the back of the net, every striker wants to be doing that. It’s a good feeling.”

A CITY UNITED
Manchester United and Manchester City discussed plans to merge and form a super club in the 1960s.
City vice-chairman Frank Johnson proposed the idea in 1964 when his club were in the Second Division and the Red Devils had just finished runners-up in the top flight.
The idea came about just two decades after City allowed United to use their Maine Road stadium while Old Trafford was being rebuilt after the Second World War.
But the red side of Manchester gave the plan very little consideration as they opted against merging to form one team.
Speaking to Manchester Evening News in 2013, football historian Gary James said: “The idea was killed by both clubs before it ever became public.
“I spoke to Eric Alexander whose dad Albert was chairman at the time, and he said Frank Johnson, who came up with the idea, often came up with crazy ideas.
“Another of his plans was to make the entire league regionalised into north and south.
“But City were at a real low in their history at the time. In terms of league position, it wasn’t as bad as 1998-99, but in terms of general morale, atmosphere and support it was by far the lowest point in the club’s history.”

BALE HELL
Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Wales’ crunch World Cup qualifier with Belgium.
The Real Madrid superstar played 45 mins against Belarus on Saturday to win his 100th cap following a two-month hamstring layoff.
But Uefa released Wales’ 23-man squad for tonight’s Cardiff showdown on their website on Tuesday morning and Bale – as well as Mark Harris and the suspended Ethan Ampadu – were not included.
Wales boss Robert Page claimed captain Bale was never going to be fit to start both qualifiers.
But the fact he has not even been included in the squad is a blow for the Dragons.
Wales need a point to finish second in Group E and win a home play-off semi-final above Poland.
An away tie could see Bale and co face the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and Euro 2020 champions Italy.
CAN’T BELL-IEVE IT
A gutted England fan has missed out on Jude Bellingham’s shirt after lugging an enormous homemade sign to San Marino.
Bellingham instead chose to give the shirt to a fan standing NEXT to the spectator with the sign asking for his shirt, but the Three Lions sensation did have good reason to.
The 18-year-old former Birmingham star spotted a ‘Redditch Blues’ England flag in the crowd.
And he ran over at full time to give his match worn shirt to a lucky Birmingham City fan who had made the journey over to San Marino.
Bellingham is a Birmingham hero and even had his shirt number retired by the club after moving to Borussia Dortmund.
It’s just unfortunate that standing right next to them was another big Bellingham fan holding a handmade sign asking for shirt.

HAMMER TIME
West Ham lead a clutch of clubs looking to sign Manchester United outcast Jesse Lingard.
That’s according to bookmakers Sky Bet, who’ve installed David Moyes’ side at 2/1 to recapture the attacking star.
But Eddie Howe’s Newcastle have also entered the running and could prove stern competition under their new owners.
Lingard enjoyed a phenomenal loan spell at the London Stadium last season.
The 28-year-old scored nine goals and provided five assists in 16 appearances in all competitions and returned to the England setup.
However, he has been unable to replicate that form since returning to Old Trafford.
Lingard has started ONCE under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer this campaign and made five top-flight appearances – totalling just 63 minutes of action.

CAL HIM UP
Ashley Cole hopes Callum Hudson-Odoi will rethink his strategy of ducking out of Under-21 duty after seeing the senior promotion of Emile Smith Rowe and Conor Gallagher.
Hudson-Odoi, who has three senior caps, has opted not to turn out for the Young Lions this term and focus instead on breaking into the Chelsea first team.
The Three Lions legend said: “Him not coming here is a big loss for us because he is a top quality player and of course he would add a lot of quality to this group.
“He felt maybe he wanted to stay behind and get his fitness up to try to get into the Chelsea team first. We have to be understanding within that.
“The door is always open for young quality players. I feel maybe him seeing Emile or Conor getting the opportunity hopefully now he will change his mind and come and join us.”
SEEING DOUBLE 
Cristiano Ronaldo was consoled by his Serbian replica Nemanja Radonjic after the underdog’s shock victory over Portugal on Sunday.
Ronaldo, 36, held back tears following Serbia’s last-gasp 2-1 win in the World Cup qualifier which saw Portugal crash into the play-offs.
But as the Manchester United star sat in a heap, Serbian winger Radonjic, dubbed ‘SR7’ for his similarities on the pitch to Ronaldo, ran over to give him a helping hand.
The heart-warming moment was captured on camera and posted to Radonjic’s Instagram account with the caption: “Hand to the greatest, ” accompanied by the goat emoji.
Radonjic, 25, earned the ‘SR7’ moniker while playing for Marseille last season where he scored five goals and provided one assist.
Speaking on his comparison to the five-time Ballon d’Or, Radonjic previously said: “I saw that my team-mates compared me to Ronaldo on Instagram.
“It may be because we have a similar game during games and training.”

‘RAPIST’ FOOTIE STAR
Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been charged with two rapes – on top of the four he is already facing.
The £52million France international has been accused of attacking four women – all over 16 – between October 2020 and August 2021.
He is also facing one count of sexual assault.
A second man has also been charged alongside Mendy.
Louis Saha Matturie, 40, was handed two additional counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.
Both Mendy and Matturie will appear at Stockport Magistrates’ Court on November 17.
Last month, Mendy was denied bail by a judge at a 50-minute hearing at Chester Crown Court.
He is being held on remand at HMP Altcourse, Liverpool.

RON-SOLATION
Jonathan Woodgate has revealed Brazilian Ronaldo was the first team-mate to speak to him after his nightmare Real Madrid debut 16 years ago.
Having arrived in the Spanish capital in 2004, the England defender was injured for his entire first season at the Bernabeu.
Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes at its launch of the 5-A-Side Bet on Tottenham v Leeds, Woodgate said: “I was 24 when I made my debut at Real Madrid – the main thing people forget about that game is that we won, thankfully. I was over the moon about that, to be honest with you.
“Ronaldo was the first one to come and talk to me after that game. He asked how I was, and obviously I told him I was disappointed with myself.
“He saw the positives, though. I’d obviously missed a whole season through injury, and he told me not to be disappointed with myself, because my leg was fine.
“That was the most important thing; that I’d got through my debut without getting injured. ‘You’re on the up, now’ he told me.
“That was great to hear, especially from a player of that stature. It really helped me get over things, and I quickly realised everyone makes mistakes throughout their career.
“I was just glad we won the game.”

UP FOR SAL
Arsenal are set to hold transfer talks with Marseille who are reportedly desperate to sign loan star William Saliba on a permanent basis.
The 20-year-old Arsenal defender is on a year-long loan at Marseille, but has been such a hit that they’re hoping to extend his stay past the end of this season.
Transfer expert Ekrem Konur has reported that the club are hoping to sign Saliba permanently and will open talks about a move with Arsenal soon.
Saliba joined the Gunners on a five-year deal for £27m from Saint Etienne in July 2019, but has yet to feature for them since making the switch to North London.
DERBY DEDUCTED
Derby county will have another NINE points deducted from their Championship tally.
It follows the 12-point deduction from September after the club entered into administration.
The latest deduction has a further three points suspended and is for breaching the League’s Profitability and Sustainability (P&S) rules.
Those historical financial breaches at Derby came while former owner Mel Morris was at the club.
It all but confirms Wayne Rooney’s side will be relegated to League One at the end of the campaign.
Rooney’s side are marooned to the bottom of the table on -3 points, EIGHTEEN off safety.

NO WAY JOSE
Sevilla president Jose Castro has reiterated that Jules Kounde will only be sold if his valuation is met in full.
The France international has been regularly linked with Chelsea and Manchester United in the past and supposedly remains a target for both clubs.
Chelsea are said to have been reluctant to trigger Kounde’s £68m release clause in the summer transfer window, with Sevilla refusing to negotiate.
Kounde still has two-and-a-half years to run on his deal at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, where he has spent three seasons, and the La Liga side are remaining firm on their stance.
Castro said: “We’re not going to change our position.
“If the proposal we receive is out of market, we will sell our players to sign new ones.”
BLUES BROS
Chelsea legend Petr Cech has claimed his side ‘were really lucky’ to win the Blues’ first ever Champions League trophy back in 2012.
Meanwhile the shot-stopper revealed Thomas Tuchel and Co ‘deserved’ to win the title in May, but said the two squads were similar in the close bonds between the players.
Cech told chelseafc.com: “In 2012, there were games when we were really lucky. 2021 is beautiful in the way that the team really deserved in every single game to win.”
But he added: “The similarity I would say was the togetherness of the group and the preparation and the atmosphere in the team, I think that was the same.”

NEVER EVRA
Patrice Evra warned ‘don’t ever go for lunch’ at Cristiano Ronaldo’s house… as it’s like a ‘second training session’.
The duo played together for three years at Manchester United between 2006 and 2009.
He told talkSPORT: “Cristiano, first of all, as a person and human being, is so generous, so nice and people don’t see that face. But he is a winner. He is addicted.
“For example, when we had training at 10am, Cristiano was already there for 8am. When we had finished training, he was still on the pitch practising.
“When he invited me for lunch… don’t ever go for lunch, because you are going to have one of the most boring lunches at Cristiano’s; it is salad, plain chicken and water. There isn’t even fizzy water.
“After that, we went into the garden, trained for a little bit, went swimming, went to the sauna and at one point I looked at him and said: ‘Bro, we have just finished a training session, why do we have to a second training session?'”

A SLICE OF HEAVEN
Fans were left gobsmacked by the stacks of pizza boxes in the England dressing room after last night’s record-breaking 10-0 win in San Marino.
Piles of pizzas can be spotted in the background of a video posted to the official England Instagram last night showing Gareth Southgate addressing his players.
The England boss was awarding debutants Aaron Ramsdale and Conor Gallagher their first caps, but fans couldn’t help but notice the insane amount of pizzas.
One fan commented: “Is it me. Or is that a stack of pizza boxes for the boys?”
While @nv_gv19 also chipped in, saying: “They have got enough pizza to feed the whole of San Marino.”

‘WAKE UP’
The president of the Jordan Football Association (JFA) has called for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to carry out a gender test on Iranian women’s goalkeeper Zohreh Koudaei.
Iran beat Jordan 4-2 on penalties in September, with Koudaei saving TWO spot kicks.
The heroics helped Iran to qualify for the 2022 Women’s Asia Cup for the first time in their history.
But the JFA have doubts over the ‘eligibility of a participating player,’ and have demanded a gender test on the shot-stopper.
They believe Koudaei was in fact a man impersonating as a woman.
In response Iran’s team selector Maryam Irandoost strongly denied the allegations.
Irandoost told sports news site Varzesh3: “The medical staff have carefully examined each player on the national team in terms of hormones to avoid any problems in this regard, and so I tell all fans not to worry.
“We will provide any documentation that the Asian Confederation of Football wishes without wasting time.”

GARY & HARRY
Gary Lineker congratulated Harry Kane on joining him in the 48 Club – but knows they will not be there together for long.
Kane, 28, smashed in four goals as England thumped San Marino 10-0 on Monday night.
Those strikes took him from 44 to 48 for the Three Lions – level with one ex-Spurs striker in Jimmy Greaves to another in Lineker.
Lineker, 60, tweeted: “Hello @HKane, welcome to the 48 goal club.
“I suspect your membership will expire within minutes, but it’s been a pleasure to have you alongside.”

BELL HELL
Craig Bellamy was the most difficult Premier League star to referee, according to current whistler Michael Oliver.
The Welshman, 42, represented the likes of Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester City during his top-flight career in England.
And Magpies fan Oliver, 36, has lifted the lid on what refereeing him was like.
He told The Athletic: “Craig Bellamy was incredibly difficult.
“What you find is that some teams are difficult.
“Teams that aren’t winning for a starter — that’s the same at every level — and teams who aren’t used to losing, the frustration level is higher for them.
“But one player, it would be Bellamy.
“I watched him for two or three years — I’m a Newcastle fan and you wanted him in your team because he was a winner.
“But he was a nightmare to referee because he would argue about everything. If you told him it was black, he’d tell you it was white.”

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DEAN SMITH’S appointment has been confirmed by Norwich as the former Aston Villa boss walks straight back into a job.The Canaries fired Daniel Farke despite him beating Brentford and they have made a move for Smith on a two-and-a-half year deal.
Jules Kounde has opened up on his failed move to Chelsea last summer.
The Sevilla centre-back, 23, told French TV: “Has my failed transfer to Chelsea this summer affected me?
“Yes, a little bit, but now it’s digested.”
Meanwhile Conor Gallagher has been called up to the England squad for the first time.
The Crystal Palace midfielder, 21, is on loan at Selhurst Park from Chelsea and has scored four goals with two assists this season.
Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Jack Grealish have left the squad.
Wales are gearing up for their final World Cup qualifier against Belgium with Robert Page’s side needing just a point to get into the playoffs.
Meanwhile Harry Kane’s future at Tottenham is still in doubt with the England star a major target for Manchester City.
Gareth Southgate’s side can secure their spot in Qatar if they draw with minnows San Marino.
We’ve also got all the latest on a potential transfer for Declan Rice as well as updates from Chelsea, who are eyeing a swoop for Attila Szalai in January.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
KALVIN HAILS RICE LINK-UP
Kalvin Phillips is ‘happy’ for his England midfield partner Declan Rice, who is having another fine season with West Ham.
The pair played a pivotal role in England reaching their first senior men’s international tournament final since 1966.
But England unfortunately fell at the final hurdle, losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley.
On Rice, Phillips said: “I love playing with Declan.
“We’re two very similar players but work in different ways when we play together.
“Declan is almost a protector in front of the back four and I’m almost a dog that goes running after people that have got the ball.
“Declan is a very good player and you can see what he’s done this season with West Ham, the way he’s playing.
“He’s only going to get better and I’m very happy for him.”
Phillips has had to make do without Rice during November’s international break, with the Hammers man pulling out through illness.
England can book their place at next year’s World Cup tonight with a win over San Marino.
STEADY EDDIE
Two of Newcastle’s first-team coaches have left the club as the Eddie Howe revolution starts to gain momentum, writes GIACOMO PISA. 
Stephen Clemence and Steve Agnew have left their roles at St James’ Park as Howe continues to shake up his backroom staff.
According to The Athletic, Clemence and Agnew have departed and Howe will be joined by Jason Tindall, Stephen Purches, Simon Weatherstone and Dan Hodges.
Tindall will be his No2, with Purches and Weatherstone as first-team coaches and Hodges as head of sport science. 
Interim boss Graeme Jones, who took charge of the Toon’s last three games, will stay in a coaching role though.
TAKE YOUR SEAT
The World Cup is just over a year away with England on the verge of qualifying for the tournament, writes ALEX TERRELL.
And fans will be watching the Three Lions game against San Marino tonight with thoughts of booking flights to Qatar for the massive showpiece.
They could also be joined by home nations Wales and Scotland, but the two nations are guaranteed to have to go through some tricky play-offs, which will be a lottery.
Many nations are now getting their travel plans together after qualifying for Qatar and the fans are doing the same.
CLICK HERE to find out how I can buy tickets to watch England at World Cup 2022 in Qatar
BENCH BALE
Wales will give Gareth Bale until the last minute to prove he is fit to play some part in their crunch World Cup qualifier against Belgium on Tuesday, writes MARTIN BLACKBURN.
Dragons boss Rob Page has confirmed the Real Madrid superstar will NOTbe ready to start against Roberto Martinez’s side in Cardiff.
He is feeling the effects of his 45 minute run-out against Belarus on Saturday when he also picked up a minor calf complaint.
However the hope is Bale will take his place on the bench as his country go in search of the point they need to secure second place in the group.
Ideally Wales could do with winning the game to ensure a home draw in the play-offs in March – and to avoid the likes of Portugal.
Page said: “Gareth is going to be stiff, he’s not played at any level for a couple of months, so to throw him in on Saturday was big ask.
“He’s done his own recovery and we leave it until the last minute to see if he’s able to play any minutes.
“He was never going to start. The plan was always for him to get half and then maybe come on and have impact in second.
“So we are giving him some tender loving care and we’ll make the decision late on.”
THAT’S THE ESPIRITO
Nuno Espirito Santo is desperate for a quick return to the Premier League, SunSport’s JORDAN DAVIES exclusively reveals.
But the Portuguese coach’s agent Jorge Mendes is eyeing up a move to France – with Lyon and Lille possible destinations.
Nuno lasted just four months at Tottenham after joining from Wolves in the summer – losing five of his 10 Premier League games in charge.
SunSport understands he is now open to waiting for another managerial opening in the Prem with five sackings – including his own – already being made this season.
Nuno was not in the running for the recently vacant Norwich and Aston Villa positions, taken by Dean Smith and Steven Gerrard respectively.
But super-agent Mendes – who had eyed a new role for then-Wolves boss Nuno way back in January before landing his client the Spurs job in June – believes France is more viable.
PRE-MATCH WALK
England are enjoying a nice pre-match walk ahead of tonight’s game against San Marino.

CAPTAIN KANE
Harry Kane has scored the joint most England goals at a major international tournament.

ROAD TO QATAR
Here’s England’s World Cup schedule.

VICIOUS CYCLE
Louis van Gaal was taken to hospital after falling off his bike ahead of the Netherlands’ World Cup qualifier against Norway, writes TRISTAN BARCLAY.
The ex-Manchester United boss is understood to have hurt his hip after cycling back to the team hotel after training on Sunday night.
The 70-year-old underwent a hip replacement in 2012 and is now using a wheelchair to get around following the latest prang.
The injury is not thought to be too serious though and Van Gaal was back at Netherlands training on Monday.
He was driven around in a golf buggy by coach Henk Fraser while his other assistant Danny Blind took the warm-up.
STAT ATTACK
Harry Kane’s hat-trick against Albania took his World Cup qualifying tally up to five.
England can seal their place at next year’s World Cup with a win over San Marino tonight.

‘HAPPY FOR HIM’
Kalvin Phillips is ‘happy’ for his England midfield partner Declan Rice, who is having another fine season with West Ham.
The pair played a pivotal role in England reaching their first senior men’s international tournament final since 1966.
But England unfortunately fell at the final hurdle, losing to Italy on penalties at Wembley.
On Rice, Phillips said: “I love playing with Declan.
“We’re two very similar players but work in different ways when we play together.
“Declan is almost a protector in front of the back four and I’m almost a dog that goes running after people that have got the ball.
“Declan is a very good player and you can see what he’s done this season with West Ham, the way he’s playing.
“He’s only going to get better and I’m very happy for him.”
Phillips has had to make do without Rice during November’s international break, with the Hammers man pulling out through illness.
England can book their place at next year’s World Cup tonight with a win over San Marino.
ONE TO GO
England are almost at the finish line.
One game to go against San Marino and the Three Lions have booked their place at next year’s winter World Cup.
Unless a shock upset is on the cards.

BAST KNOWS BEST
Bastian Schweinsteiger has claimed that Manchester United’s David De Gea was fuming when he told him he wasn’t better than Manuel Neuer, writes GEORGE MOORE.
Schweinsteiger, 37, played alongside De Gea at Man Utd for just under two seasons and recently recounted when the Spaniard asked for his opinion.
Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Schweinsteiger said: “When I first came to Manchester United De Gea said, ‘Tell me, am I better than Neuer?’
“I was like ‘No, you’re not. It is a different level.’ He was angry, but I explained why. 
“Whenever he had a great game he would ask me again, I would still say he wasn’t on that level.”
TOON TCHOU CHASE
Monaco midfield sensation Aurelien Tchouameni has reportedly been promised a move next summer, with Newcastle the latest club to emerge as a potential destination, writes GIACOMO PISA.
Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and a host of Europe’s top clubs have also been linked with a transfer for the £43million rated French international.
But now Newcastle have ‘entered the scene,’ according to outlet El Nacional. 
The mega-rich Saudi owners have ‘planned’ a lucrative package to offer both Tchouameni himself and his club Monaco.
And the youngster may well be tempted by a move to Tyneside. 
A move to the Toon would make the 21-year-old the star of the show, with the Tchouameni keen to play a prominent role at his next club. 
He has his eyes firmly set on a 2022 World Cup spot with France, and a move to Stamford Bridge or a fellow European giant would not guarantee the same playing time that he would enjoy at Newcastle.
STRICTLY BUSINESS
England Boss Gareth Southgate insists it’s business as usual, no matter what opponent they face.
Ahead of San Marino tonight, he said: “We  set a very high standard of performance the other night and we have got to continue that.
“We want to make sure the team we start with is a statement that we’re here to do business, that we’re taking this seriously.
“No matter what the opponent, we are thinking about having the right  balance and leadership.”
NDIDI LINKED
Man Utd will make a move for Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi, according to reports.
Mundo Deportivo are reporting that United will move for the £60million Real Madrid target.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder is one of the best in his position in the Premier League.
And it’s an area which Man Utd are desperate to improve.
FRENCH CONNECTION
Manchester United are hoping Cristiano Ronaldo’s close relationship with Zinedine Zidane will be enough to tempt the French legend to take over at the club, writes TRISTAN BARCLAY.
United have reportedly contacted the former Real Madrid boss about replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at Old Trafford.
Ronaldo and new United man Raphael Varane won a hatful of trophies during Zidane’s two spells at the Bernabeu between 2016 and May this year.
And the Red Devils are said to be leaning on these ties in a bid to bring the 49-year-old to the Premier League.
Current boss Solskjaer is limping from one game to the next as United languish down in sixth with four defeats already this season.
Their most recent outing came in a dire 2-0 defeat by crosstown rivalsManchester City.
Old Trafford bosses are split over whether or not the Norwegian can turn things around.
JUVE GOT TO GO
Aaron Ramsey is reportedly eyeing a Premier League return in January, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
The Welshman left Arsenal to join Juventus on a free transfer in 2019.
ut it hasn’t worked out for the midfielder in Turin, with Ramsey having struggled to become a regular under Maurizio Sarri, Andrea Pirlo and now Massimiliano Allegri.
The 30-year-old is thought to be unhappy with Juve’s training methods, and reckons they are a key factor why he has sustained so many injuries.
According to the Mail, Ramsey wants to have returned to England by the time Wales potentially enter the World Cup qualifying play-offs in March.
He won’t be short of suitors in the Premier League.
But they add that he will need to agree to a substantial wage cut from a reported £400,000-a-week at Juve.
NOR BLIMEY
Norwich have confirmed the appointment of Dean Smith on a two-and-a-half year contract, writes ETIENNE FERMIE.
The Canaries have moved quickly to snap up Smith after the 50-year-old was sacked by boyhood club Aston Villa last week.
After being announced as Daniel Farke’s replacement, the former Villa boss admitted it has been a ‘whirlwind week’.
Smith will be joined the dugout by No2 Craig Shakespeare, after the pair were selected by Canaries sporting director Stuart Webber to lead their battle against the drop.
DEEP END
Alternatively, Conor Gallagher – who was called up for the game due to England’s injury crisis – could be thrown in at the deep end.
But the midfielder has proved at Crystal Palace this season that he doesn’t shy away from the big occasions. Just ask Pep Guardiola. 
Tyrone Mings and Conor Coady are Southgate’s reliable back-up centre-backs and they could be handed a start.

YOUNG LIONS
England could book their place at next year’s World Cup by playing their youngest team in 62 years against San Marino today, writes JOSHUA MBU.
Boss Gareth Southgate has limited players to pick from with a number of key stars missing through injury or illness.
Jack Grealish and Jordan Henderson are two of the latest casualties who are likely to miss Monday’s game.
But the injuries could pave the way for England to field their youngest team in 62 years. 
The average age of SunSport’s ‘likely’ XI is 23 years and 243 days.
Should Southgate pick that line-up, it will be the Three Lions’ youngest since November 1959 when they took on Northern Ireland. 
And the average age of that line-up was just 23 years and 59 days.

‘BROX CLEVER
Rangers should consider having Michael Carrick as their next manager, says Charlie Adam.
The defending Scottish champions are currently searching for a replacement boss after Steven Gerrard’s dramatic exit to Aston Villa.
Carrick, 40, is currently working as a first-team coach at Manchester United.
After retiring from a glittering playing career in Manchester, the five-time Premier League winner became a key member of the backroom staff.
Talking to BBC Radio Scotland, ex-Rangers and Liverpool man Adam advised Rangers to think about Carrick.
He said: “I’ll throw a name in the hat. Michael Carrick – he has been at Man United, a big club, good coach.
“It was a gamble with Steven.
“Will they go down that same route? Will they go for an experienced name? There will only be three or four people that know.”
FOOTBALL ROUND-UP
Harry Kane and Harry Maguire are itching to play at San Marino tonight as England aim to seal their World Cup qualification with an emphatic win.
Striker Kane is one short of George Hilsdon’s 12-goal calendar record for the Three Lions, set in 1908.
And centre-back Maguire wants to bury even deeper his recent struggles with Manchester United after heading the opener in England’s 5-0 win over Albania on Friday night.
But with the Three Lions needing just a point against the 210th and worst-ranked international team, boss Gareth Southgate seems sure to make changes. 
Southgate said: “We  set a very high standard of performance the other night and we have got to continue that.
“We want to make sure the team we start with is a statement that we’re here to do business, that we’re taking this seriously.
“No matter what the opponent, we are thinking about having the right  balance and leadership.”
On the transfer front, Chelsea are reportedly targeting Juventus central defender Matthijs De Ligt, 22, Manchester United defensive target Jules Kounde, 23, and Napoli frontman Lorenzo Insigne, 30.
Wolves face a fight to keep forward Hwang Hee-Chan, with Liverpool and Manchester City tracking the South Korean hero who is on loan from RB Leipzig.
Finally, Italy hero Gianluigi Donnarumma is ‘hurt’ and ‘disturbed’ at struggling to displace Keylor Navas as PSG No1. 
£140bn QATAR WORLD CUP LIKE NO OTHER
IMAGINE a World Cup that took place in the distance between Selhurst Park and Kenilworth Road, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
That is exactly what will happen when the 2022 World Cup kicks off in Qatar on November 21 next year.
Eight stadiums all within the space of 41 miles, the distance between Crystal Palace and Luton’s football grounds.
One hour along the four-lane motorways from the Bedouin Tent design of Al Bayt in the north to the 40,000-capacity Al Janoub in the south.

Seven of the eight grounds are accessible in 50 minutes or so by Doha’s new £26billion Metro system.
All in a city that has grown from nothing to a teeming metropolis in barely two decades, funded by the world’s third-largest natural gas field and ensuring the most compact World Cup ever.
Many England fans, who are contemplating a journey to the Gulf to cheer on Gareth Southgate’s players, will have deep scepticism over why the world’s most eagerly anticipated sports event is taking place in a country half the size of Wales.
That will never go away. Nor will the questions over what has happened since that vote by the 22 members of Fifa’s executive committee in December 2010.
READ OUR FULL SPECIAL REPORT HERE
RON’S WORLD CUP SPOT IN DOUBT
Cristiano Ronaldo is in danger of missing out on what could be his last World Cup after Portugal dropped into the play-offs.
The Euro 2016 winners were stunned by Serbia in Lisbon as the visitors came back from behind to win 2-1 to finish top of Group A and seal their place in Qatar next year.
Manchester United star Ronaldo was reduced to tears after the full-time with the 36-year-old to potentially fail to play in a fifth World Cup.
He remarked in 2016: “I expect Qatar could be my final World Cup.
“I often go on holidays there, to Qatar as well as Dubai. I am happy because for sure it will be [my] last international tournament.”
Fernando Santos’ side went into Sunday night’s match needing only a point to qualify, but fell to a dramatic stoppage time goal from Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
Portugal got off to the perfect start at the Estadio da Luz after Renato Sanches broke the deadlock in the second minute.
But Serbia equalised just after the half-hour mark through Dusan Tadic after his deflected effort squirmed through the hands of Rui Patricio.

And Mitrovic sparked wild scenes in the 90th minute after he nodded home Tadic’s corner in what was his 44th goal on the international stage.
A huge bundle occurred by the corner flag as players and staff celebrated in style as Serbia beat their opponents for the first time in their history.
The result is Portugal’s first loss of their World Cup qualifying campaign, while Serbia failed to taste defeat in their eight fixtures.
Portugal will now have to win in their play-off tie in March to book their place in next year’s global tournament.
As it stands, only Sweden, Scotland, Russia and North Macedonia have secured a play-off spot alongside Portugal.
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CONOR GALLAGHER has been called up to the England squad for the first time.The Crystal Palace midfielder, 21, is on loan at Selhurst Park from Chelsea and has scored four goals with two assists this season.
Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Jack Grealish have left the squad.
Meanwhile Harry Kane’s future at Tottenham is still in doubt with the England star a major target for Manchester City.
Gareth Southgate’s side can secure their spot in Qatar if they draw with minnows San Marino.
We’ve also got all the latest on a potential transfer for Declan Rice as well as updates from Chelsea, who are eyeing a swoop for Attila Szalai in January.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
GOR-Y TACKLE
Germany star Leon Goretzka was kicked in the FACE during his side’s 9-0 win over Liechtenstein on Thursday.
The 26-year-old Bayern Munich midfielder went down clutching his face in the eighth minute after Jens Hofer’s high boot caught Goretzka in the neck and face.
The Liechtenstein defender was subsequently sent off for the challenge and a penalty was awarded.
After the match, Goretzka revealed that he gave Hofer his shirt as the pair made amends.
He said: “He was completely exhausted and buckled, I was really sorry for him. That’s why I gave him my jersey after the game.”
ROWE ON
England boss Gareth Southgate is banking on Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe and Crystal Palace ace Conor Gallagher being the future of the Three Lions.
Rowe and Gallagher were handed their England debuts this week and Southgate envisions the pair being the national team’s spine.
Southgate said: “We think Conor [Gallagher] and Emile [Smith Rowe] are playing better than others we could have called in. Simple as that. The door is never closed.
“I like the idea of bringing young players in because you’re investing in England’s future.
“It would be easier perhaps in the short term to bring in an old player but I’m not certain there are older players playing better than those two in the positions they’re playing.”
HEE’S OURS 
Wolves are facing are fight to hang on to loan star Hwang Hee-Chan with Liverpool and Manchester City tracking him.
The last two Premier League champions are just a couple of the big clubs likely to be interested in the South Korea star, according to the Mirror.
The striker is Wanderers’ top scorer this season with four goals in seven Premier League games since joining on a season’s loan from RB Leipzig in the summer.
Now Wolves are trying to make his loan move permanent ‘amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester City’, the Mirror says.
Their report reveals both clubs ‘have had him watched several times’ as they explore options to strengthen their attacking options.
FOWL PLAY
Ex-Liverpool star Robbie Fowler reckons new Aston Villa boss has all the right qualities to succeed in the Midlands.
Gerrard replaced ex-Villa boss Dean Smith last week and Fowler believes Gerrard along with the staff he brought along from former club Rangers will do a great job.
Fowler wrote in his column for the Mirror: “He has the character, he has the personality, and he also has the right team around him.
“That is vital. He’s taken a lot of his staff from Rangers, and trusts them. I know most of them, and I know they have quality.
“That will be key. Being a truly great player doesn’t make you a great manager. It maybe gives you a head start with players, maybe gives you a tiny bit more time. But you have to deliver in the end.”
ALL DON WRONG
Paris Saint-Germain stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed his frustration at not being the club’s No.1.
Donnarumma arrived in Paris fresh off the back of winning Euro 2020 with Italy.
But he’s hardly had a run-in at PSG with Keylor Navas holding onto the current No.1 spot.
Speaking on his battle with Navas, Donnarumma told TNT Sports: “It has no effect on my performances, but it disturbs me
“It’s not easy, because I was used to always starting and sometimes it hurts to be on the bench, but I’m sure the situation will be resolved.”
GAB-SMACKED
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has leapt to the defence of England’s Harry Maguire after his goal celebration against Albania was blasted by critics.
Pundit Roy Keane was one of the most vocal in slandering Maguire, labelling the United captain’s theatrics as embarassing.
However, Agbonlahor doesn’t feel the same and revealed he’d behave in the same manner if he scored after facing criticism.
He told talkSPORT: “Harry Maguire has been under a lot of pressure, not very good performance for Manchester United, the next game available to prove you’re a good centre-half, yes it’s Albania, but he still had a job to do.
“He scores, and the excitement of scoring, you’re going to celebrate. If I was going through a run of bad form and I scored the goal, I’m going to do the exact same celebrations, hands on your ears to the critics.”
“I thought his defending was very good, and he scored a goal, so every time he does something now, it feels like everyone is against him.
BALE PRIDE
Tottenham defender Ben Davies has hailed Welsh team-mate Gareth Bale a role model for attaining 100 caps for the country.
Bale gained his centurion cap for Wales as they trounced Belarus 5-1 on Saturday, becoming only the second Welsh star to do so in the process.
And Davies thinks he and the rest of the Welsh squad can learn alot from the Real Madrid star.
He said: “For all the commitment he has shown to Wales over the years, the determination to reach this milestone, it is nothing more than he deserves.
“What he has done for Welsh football has been incredible.
“To reach the 100 mark, which I know he has really been pushing for a while, is amazing.
“For us as a squad, what a role model we have in him.”
RED RAGE
Liverpool keeper Alisson has aimed a thinly-veiled dig at Premier League referees after conceding a contentious goal against West Ham.
Alisson was left raging after he felt he had been impeded at the corner which led to West Ham’s opening goal against Liverpool.
Pablo Fornals’ inswinging corner was flapped at by Alisson as the ball found its way into the back of the net.
The Brazilian felt he had been blocked by Angelo Ogbonna, but ref Craig Pawson was unmoved.
And now he appears to have referenced the decision following Brazil’s win over Colombia.
Speaking on Instagram alongside a picture of him claiming a ball in the air, he said: “When you can use your hands, the job it’s not so hard.”
FUMING JULE
Sevilla star Jules Kounde has revealed that he was affected when his proposed move to Chelsea fell through this summer.
Kounde was all set to join the Blues on transfer deadline day but Sevilla pulled the plug at the last minute.
And now Kounde has explained that he was upset at the time but he’s now gotten over his initial dismay.
The defender told TF1: “Did it affect me? Yes, a little bit, but now I’ve dealt with it.”
BITE STRIKE
Roma star Tammy Abraham has revealed that boss Jose Mourinho told him to be a monster on the pitch.
Abraham’s been a revelation at Roma, scoring three goals since joining from Chelsea in the summer.
And the English international credits Mourinho for helping him be more aggresive in front of goal.
Abraham told The Telegraph that Mourinho said: “Just be a monster, really.
“I think one of the things he said was I was too much of a nice player and that you have to show that aggressiveness as you’re getting older as a striker.
“It’s not always about being nice on the pitch. You need that character; you need that presence to frighten defenders and I think that’s something I’m learning and getting better at.”
REAL MESS
Gareth Bale has been blasted by the Spanish media after playing 45 minutes for Wales last night – despite missing Real Madrid’s last 13 games.
The Welsh superstar, 32, picked up a serious hamstring injury in September and has not featured for the Spanish giants since the end of August.
The Spanish press lambasted Bale for choosing to play for Wales, despite missing so many crucial games for Los Blancos.
Antonio Romero of El Sanhedrin de Carrusel Deportivo said: “His attitude is unacceptable to be the highest-paid player in Real Madrid.
“It is unfortunate that today he is a starter with the national team after more than two months without playing in Madrid.
“He is making fun of the shield he defends.”
SEAL OF APPROVAL
Paul Scholes named Papa Bouba Diop as one of the toughest opponents he came up against.
The former Fulham, Portsmouth and Senegal international sadly passed away at the age of 42 in November 2020.
Over his 718 appearances for the Red Devils, Scholes faced virtually every great player of his generation.
But he has revealed it was former Fulham man Bouba Diop – who was nicknamed The Wardrobe – along with Patrick Vieira that caused him the most problems.
Scholes told Savage Social: “Do you remember Papa Bouba Diop? Big, massive. They used to call him The Wardrobe!
“You get involved physically with him and you’re wasting your time.
“I always found him awkward to play against. He wasn’t a Vieira, of course he wasn’t, but he still had talent.”
NEYM’S THE BEST
Brazil legend Cafu reckons fellow countryman Neymar is ‘technically better’ than both Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo and Messi are usually at the forefront of the world’s best debates but Cafu thinks the pair don’t possess the same technical abilities as Neymar.
But the Paris Saint-Germain star has to become more of a leader to assume his rightful position ahead of Messi and Ronaldo.
Cafu told Marca: “Neymar is technically better than Messi, better than Cristiano Ronaldo, but he must assume the responsibility of a leader,’ Cafu told Marca.
“One must dedicate themselves 100 per cent to football. I’m not better than Neymar, but I am better than other right-backs because I dedicated myself to that.
“He (Neymar) has to become a captain.”
DOUBLE TROUBLE 
Aston Villa manager Steven Gerrard is eyeing a double swoop for two or his former Rangers players, according to reports.
And the Liverpool and England legend could make his move in January to bolster Villa’s attacking and midfield ranks.
According to the Daily Mail, Gerrard has made winger Ryan Kent a priority signing in the winter window.
Villa will also ‘renew’ their interest in midfielder Glen Kamara, according to the Daily Record.
ED-ING OFF
Chelsea have made a £34million bid for Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao, according to reports.
The 23-year-old has broken through into Carlo Ancelotti’s first team this season, starting all 12 of their LaLiga matches.
Yet despite coming into favour at the Bernabeu, Chelsea are trying to tempt him to Stamford Bridge with an offer that would see his wages increase significantly.
Militao signed a six-year deal with Real Madrid in 2019 and so remains under contract until 2025.
But, according to El Nacional, interest from the Blues is pressuring Los Blancos president Florentino Perez into renegotiating an improved deal for Militao.
HOW RUD
Antonio Rudiger has declared he owes Chelsea his unwavering focus during their contract discussions.
The defender has been embroiled in contract talks with the Blues which seemed to have hit a brick wall.
However, when asked about his future, Rudiger refused to speak about a possible move elsewhere out of respect for Chelsea.
Rudiger told Welt am Sonntag: “For now I am only concentrating on what is happening right now. I owe that to the club, the coach and the team.
But despite his commitment to the Blues, Rudiger wouldn’t rule out a future transfer.
He added: “I’m currently only focused on Chelsea. We’ll see what happens.”
THREE LIONS
Conor Gallagher has been handed his first senior England call-up.
The Chelsea midfielder – on loan at Crystal Palace – will be involved in England’s last World Cup qualifier against San Marino.

DUSAN DEMAND
Spurs and Manchester City have been told they can have Serbian striker Dusan Vlahovic in January – if they cough up £70 million, writes PHIL THOMAS.
Tottenham boss Antonio Conte has told his new employers Vlahovic, 21, is the first big-name signing he wants, to ease the pressure on Harry Kane.
But City are also keen, and have regularly run the rule over the Fiorentina forward, who turned down a new deal last month and is out of contract in 2023.
The Italians know they will lose the 21-year-old soon, and want to cash in at a premium in the upcoming window.
Vlahovic, who hit 21 goals last season, has carried on his impressive form this term, with 15 more in 19 games.
The Viola ace’s performances are said to have also caught the attention of Spurs’ bitter rivals Arsenal, who are also on the lookout for attacking reinforcements.
GOLDEN BOY
Jude Bellingham and Pedri will be two of the frontrunners to win the prestigious award.

MORNING, FOOTY FANS
Manchester City will ‘block’ a January move to Barcelona for winger Raheem Sterling, according to reports.
Sterling’s current deal is set to expire in 2023, and he wants assurances over his playing time before penning a new one.
But according to ESPN, City do still consider him a key man and aren’t open to letting him go mid-season.
The same news outlet states that the Citizens will also test Tottenham’s resolve of Harry Kane in the New Year should Daniel Levy lower his £150million asking price.
Meanwhile, Giovanni Van Bronckhorst has been pictured in London after jetting into the UK to kick off talks that could see him named Rangers manager.
The former Feyenoord boss is the short-priced favourite to replace Steven Gerrard following his departure for Aston Villa.
Video footage posted by The Ibrox Channel Twitter account confirms SunSport’s exclusive story that the Dutchman was jetting in for key talks.
In other news, Norwich are set to appoint Dean Smith at Carrow Road on a deal until 2024.
According to The Athletic, the ex-Aston Villa gaffer has verbally agreed to take charge of struggling Canaries.
Former Leicester and Villa assistant Craig Shakespeare is expected to come in as Smith’s No2.
And finally, Xavi wants to bring back another former Barcelona player to the club in the shape of Liverpool’s Thiago, according to reports in Spain.
And Sport are reporting the Spain midfielder would ‘welcome’ a return to the Nou Camp.
He could be the second player to return to Barca under new boss Xavi after the club announced they have re-signed 38-year-old Dani Alves.
FLO RIDA
Arsenal and Man Utd are just two clubs that are keeping tabs on Bayer Leverkusen starlet Florian Wirtz.
According to El Nacional, Chelsea, Man City, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keen on the 18-year-old midfielder.
It has been claimed that the Blues and Los Blancos have shown the most interest in prising the midfielder away from Germany.
Though the player is said to be keen on a move to Barca, with the youngster a fan of new boss Xavi.
Though any potential suitor may have to wait until 2023 to sign Wirtz, who has chipped in with seven goals and as many assists from 14 games this season.

SQUAD SUPPORT
Gareth Bale and his team-mates paid tribute to two Welsh players who have been hit by cancer.
Senior star David Brooks of Bournemouth, 24, was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma last month.
Then Wales U21 and Norwich goalkeeper Daniel Barden was diagnosed with testicular cancer.
Wales captain, 32, Bale and his pals wore t-shirts pre-match with messages of support.
The t-shirt read in Welsh: “I David. I Dan.” which means ‘For David. For Dan”.
Bale and co made the gesture just minutes before the Real Madrid forward led his side out to prior to winning his 100th cap against Belarus in the 5-1 win.
Both players are currently undergoing treatment in a bid to cure the illness.

NICK OF TYNE
EXCLUSIVE – Newcastle head of recruitment Steve Nickson is staying in the Toon revolution.
Boss Eddie Howe wants to shake up the staff but Nickson looks set to remain in his post.
Nickson was hugely influential under Steve Bruce and although they clashed on a couple of targets, the former boss often lost.
And, despite a possible new director of football being appointed, it seems sure he will carry on.
Liverpool’s Michael Edwards is a dream target on Newcastle’s shortlist but has other interest.
Adviser Frank McParland may be ruled out as he has links to Phil Foden’s agents.

TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
Man Utd are reportedly back in talks to sign Atletico Madrid right-back Kieran Trippier.
The England international was linked with a move to the Red Devils in the summer.
But the LaLiga side demanded United to activate his whopping £51.2million release clause, which Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were unwilling to do.
According to Il Tempo, United are in negotiations to bring the 31-year-old to Old Trafford.
And this would allow Roma to sign Diogo Dalot, who has played second fiddle to Aaron Win-Bissaka this term.
United would only allow Dalot to depart if they are able to sign the ex-Tottenham defender.
TAKING THE MICH
Rangers have been told to consider Man Utd coach Michael Carrick to succeed Steve Gerrard as manager at Ibrox.
Speaking on BBC Sportsound, former Liverpool midfielder Charlie Adam said: “I’ll throw a name in the hat.
“Michael Carrick – he has been at Man United, a big club, good coach. It was a gamble with Steven.
“Will they go down that same route? Will they go for an experienced name?
“There will only be three or four people that know.”
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