Sport Live Blogs

NEWCASTLE are reportedly interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard.And Chelsea are considering selling Andreas Christensen with Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
The Blues are said to be ready to go back in for top target Jules Kounde in January and other reports suggest they have been offered Matthijs de Ligt by Juventus.
That would make Antonio Rudiger, who has not been regularly in the team this season, surplus to requirements.
Tottenham are ready to sell Dele Alli with the former England midfielder struggling to find his form of old.
Meanwhile, Newcastle are said to be keen on hiring former Dortmund boss Lucien Favre and pairing him with Marc Overmars as director of football.
Title rivals Man City are Liverpool are both reportedly keen on snapping up the German.
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
RODGERS REACTS

Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers insists he remains focused on the Foxes despite reports linking him with Manchester United’s dugout.

Rodgers appears to be the United hierarchy’s top pick to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Rodgers said: “My focus is always here with Leicester and developing the football club and challenging for honours.

“The directors, staff and players all have the same vision”OLE IN

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has reached out to struggling Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who has come under fire.

Arteta said: “It’s always about the results, and we all know that and the rest it doesn’t really matter.

“So when you are having difficulties getting results, then you’re going to be in that position. There’s nothing new for anybody.

“But yes, obviously you feel [for them] because you know what you have to go through.

“So you feel that obviously, it’s not a nice moment for those that are going through that”

GETTY IMAGESSMOOTH SAL-ING

Liverpool legend John Barnes doesn’t expect Mohamed Salah to get “carried away” by his current form.

Barnes told BonusCodeBets: “For Salah to break Vardy’s goalscoring record, he won’t see it as ‘Brighton and West Ham to come’, it’s just Brighton.

“He won’t be thinking about the West Ham game to break the record when there’s the Brighton game up first.

“If you back Liverpool to score in a game, then you back Salah to score as well, but it doesn’t mean he’s going to because that’s football.

“At this moment in time, he’s playing as well as he ever has but we’re not even halfway through the season yet.

“We have to take each game as it comes and over the last 10 or 11 games, he’s probably been the best player in the world.

“However, it’s a long season and if Liverpool don’t win a trophy, and his scoring form dries up, the fact he scored in 11 consecutive games will mean nothing and he knows that.

“He is the best player in the world right now, but Liverpool need him to do that for the whole of the season and I’m sure he will. He won’t get carried away, he’ll stay hungry and focused”OH MAN

Liverpool and Newcastle look set to go head to head for Barcelona ace Ousmane Dembele.

That is according to Sport, who report that the Reds are still in the running to sign Dembele when his contract expires in the summer.

However, both Premier League giants will also have to fend off against Juventus.

It seems like the striker will leave at the end of the season as talks over an extension are not really movingOUT OF LAC

Arsenal ace Alexandre Lacazette will snub a new contract offer and leave the club at the end of the season.

That is according to Fichajes, who claims Lacazette will depart from the Emirates this summer.

The striker has less than 12 months remaining on his deal with the north Londoners.

The France international looks determined to leave even though he has recently been a key player under Mikel ArtetaCON HEIR

Manchester United are leaning towards hiring Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers and NOT Antonio Conte.

According to ESPN, United’s hierarchy prefer Rodgers because of Conte’s “abrasive” personality.

SunSport exclusively revealed the Red Devils had drawn-up a four-man shortlist to succeed under-fire manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Those are Conte, Rodgers, Zinedine Zidane and Erik ten Hag, all of whom pose as early front-runners

GETTY IMAGESTOTTENHAM TEAM NEWS

Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo will make a late assessment on Bryan Gil ahead of Saturday’s clash with Manchester United.

Gil limped off during the midweek Carabao Cup win at Burnley with a hamstring injury.

The winger now faces an uphill battle to be fit for tomorrow’s game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Ryan Sessegnon, on the other hand, will definitely be sidelined due to a hamstring issue of his ownTOTTENHAM VS MAN UTD PREVIEW

Manchester United visit Tottenham on Saturday for a big Premier League clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium

Under-fire United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has received a major injury boost as Raphael Varane is included in the squad.

Varane is fit again after missing the last two fixtures due to a thigh injury he picked up during the Nations League finals with France.

But fellow Frenchman Paul Pogba is suspended following his red card in the loss against LiverpoolLEICESTER TEAM NEWS

Leicester star Jamie Vardy will be back in Brendan Rodgers’ squad for Saturday’s Premier League clash with Arsenal.

Vardy sat out the Carabao Cup victory against Brighton due to a knee problem after he was taken off as a precaution at Brentford.

Ricardo Pereira and Ayoze Perez, on the other hand, are set for a late assessment.

That is because Pereira has been experiencing some tightness and Perez has been illLEICESTER VS ARSENAL PREVIEW

Arsenal visit Leicester on Saturday for a major Premier League game at King Power Stadium.

Gunners manager Mikel Arteta has been dealt with a blow as the squad is facing a sickness bug.

So far, Pablo Mari and Ben White appear to have been struck by the illness as the former was ruled out from the Carabao Cup win over Leeds and the latter was taken off.

Granit Xhaka is still sidelined with a knee injury whereas Kieran Tierney faces a late fitness test for his ankle problem

GETTY IMAGESGOING RON AND ON

Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo wants to make history by playing in a record SIXTH World Cup, reports SunSport’s Daniel Cutts.

Ronaldo has already had a stellar international career with Portugal as he has won Euro 2016.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner is also the all-time top international goalscorer with a whopping 115 goals in 182 appearances for his country.

SunSport understand the forward is keen to play up in the 2026 tournament, being hosted in the US, Canada and Mexico.

The 36-year-old is totally fit and keeps in top shape while having an outstanding injury-free recordDEL ON EARTH

Tottenham are ‘open’ to allowing Dele Alli to leave in the upcoming January transfer window.

Alli has fallen out of favour under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo after a series of underwhelming performances in recent years, which also cost him a place in the England squad.

According to The Athletic, Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is now more open on letting the midfielder go after snubbing a bid from Paris Saint-Germain last January.

PSG are no longer keeping tabs on the 25-year-old but Newcastle are said to be keen BLUE DEAL

Chelsea risk losing Andreas Christensen, whose contract expires in June 2022, if they fail to act soon.

Talks over a new contract for Christensen are understood to have stalled, leaving the centre-back free to speak to rivals as early as January.

According to Goal, there has been no contact between the Blues and the Denmark international in two months.

Manager Thomas Tuchel is desperate to keep the 25-year-old, who is understood to be keen to stay in west London, and Chelsea have offered a new four-year deal with an option to extend for a fifth.

But the proposal currently on the table would keep the Dane among the lowest earners in the squadKOUL MAN

Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly is open to joining either Manchester City, Real Madrid or Barcelona.

However, Koulibaly has turned down the prospect of moving to Juventus out of loyalty to the Partenopei.

Italian journalist Valter De Maggio quoted the defender via Arena Napoli, saying: “Koulibaly answered me like this: ‘Me at Juventus? Are you crazy?! I would never go and play for another Italian club.

“‘If I decided to leave Napoli, I would only do it for two, maximum three clubs in the world.

“‘I’m talking about [Pep] Guardiola’s Manchester City, Real Madrid, Barcelona at the most.

“‘But believe me: I would never go to Juventus: I could not betray the Napoli fans’.

“From these words, you can understand the value of the man Koulibaly”

GETTY IMAGESNEWCASTLE LING

Newcastle are interested in signing Manchester United star Jesse Lingard ahead of the January transfer window.

Lingard has been struggling to make Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s starting line-up and appears to be looking for more minutes.

The winger has been linked with a number of teams, including the Magpies who have just turned into the world’s most expensive club after a £300million takeover.

West Ham are also said to be keeping tabs on the England international after his impressive loan stint last seasonTCHOU AND GO

Aurelien Tchouameni is reportedly at the centre of a tug-of-war between Premier League rivals Chelsea and Liverpool.

The 21-year-old, who will cost £38million from Monaco, has seen his stock rise rapidly following his Nations League win with France earlier this month.

Tchouameni has already become a regular in the Ligue 1 side’s first-team this season, featuring in 17 games in all competitions and chipping in with two goals.

And his career ascent has impressed both the Reds and Blues who are both keen on bringing him to the Prem, according to Tuttosport.

Tchouameni plays alongside former Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas at Monaco.

And the three-time Premier League winner is not keen to see one of his side’s top assets leave, issuing a hands-off warning when Chelsea’s interest was mentioned in the summer.KOE BLOW

Ronald Koeman is officially Barcelona’s worst manager since 2003 – and has the stats to prove it.

The Dutchman was shown the door a few days ago by Barca after a dismal start to the season which saw the Catalan giants languishing in ninth place in LaLiga.

His exit had been looming over the past few months but things finally came to a head following Barca’s embarrassing defeat at the hands of Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night.

Not only did Koeman leave the Nou Camp with his tail between his legs, he also left with the worst points-per-game tally at the club in 17 YEARS, according to Reddit.

The 58-year-old could only muster a paltry 1.96 points per game out of the 67 matches he was in charge of since taking over last August.

Koemans’s shocking ratio includes 40 wins, 11 draws and a staggering 16 losses, which make him even worst than his Barca predecessor Quique Setien and place him way behind current Manchester City coach Pep Guardiola in the rankings.FEELING BLUE

Chelsea will be hoping to keep their place at the top of the Premier League table this weekend, but they’ll have to get past Newcastle at St James’ Park first.

Thomas Tuchel’s Blues breezed past strugglers Norwich 7-0 in their last league outing WITHOUT club record signing Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

Club captain Cesar Azpilicueta could return to Tuchel’s starting line-up to face the Magpies, meaning academy product Trevoh Chalobah could lose his place.

The rest of the team that comfortably dispatched of Norwich have a good chance of keeping their place.

Here is how the West London outfit could start.

LUUK NO FURTHER

Barcelona want to get rid of Luuk de Jong after just two months with the club, according to reports.

The Catalans have just sacked Dutchman Ronald Koeman and want to terminate De Jong’s loan deal in January despite it running until the end of the season.

De Jong, 31, was a last minute summer signing from Sevilla that baffled the majority of football fans.

But Koeman backed his man and played him nine times.

However, the former Newcastle striker has scored just once in that time and, now Koeman has left, Nou Camp chiefs want to get rid, according to Sport.

Barca are said to be looking to bolster their attack in January and plan to get rid of the Dutchman by then as they see his Nou Camp career as over.

Club legend Xavi is tipped to take over from Koeman and the former midfielder is also not a fan of De Jong.

UP FOR THE CUP

The draw for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals will take place on Saturday – and SunSport’s simulated one in preparation threw up some bumper ties.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Sunderland all booked their spot in the last eight on Tuesday.

A day later they were joined by Brentford, Tottenham, West Ham, Liverpool and Leicester City.

 they will all have to wait until Soccer AM airs on Sky Sports for the 10.30am Carabao Cup draw to discover who they will play in the week commencing December 20.

There will be no seeding – meaning anyone can draw anyone – and that means that the prospect of some blockbuster clashes is very real.

In anticipation of it, SunSport used a knockout stage simulator to take a look at what the potential ties could be.

And the results were brilliant. Click HERE to see.ART DEALER

Mikel Arteta has spoken on the pressure surrounding Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Nuno Espirito Santo.

He said: “It’s always about the results.

“We all know that and the rest it doesn’t really matter.

“When you are having difficulty getting results it’s the same for everybody.

“It’s not a nice moment for those who are going through that.”SET THE BAR

Xavi is expected to be named Ronald Koeman’s permanent successor at Barcelona in the coming weeks.

But the Nou Camp legend, 41, will inherit a very different squad to the one he last played in, having reportedly agreed to return to the club.

Xavi bid an emotional farewell to Barca in 2015 before joining Qatari side Al-Sadd – whom he now manages.

The midfield superstar last took to the Nou Camp pitch wearing the blue and red of Barcelona in the Copa del Rey win over Athletic Bilbao, before bringing down the curtain on his career in the Champions League final a week later.

But how did Barcelona line up those evenings?

Take a look below,

FERGIE TIME

Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has lifted the lid on why Sir Alex Ferguson was at Carrington this week.

He said: “Sir Alex came to do some commercial stuff and I met him afterwards and spoke to him for a brief moment.

“I’ve been through some very bad moments here as a player – and when I’ve been a coach and a manager as well – and I’ve had to deal with setbacks.

“There have been two or three crises at least since I became the manager here.

“One thing I can say is I’ll always give it a good shot and fight back.”SPENDING SPREE

Newcastle are keen to make Erik ten Hag their next manager and the Magpies could look a lot different if the Dutchman arrived.

Paulo Fonseca and Lucien Favre have also been tipped to take over from Steve Bruce.

But Newcastle are reportedly willing to offer ten Hag £11million a year in an attempt to lure him away from Ajax.

Manchester United have also been linked to ten Hag with pressure mounting on Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

So if Newcastle are to land him, they may need to make certain promises with regard to signings – that could see a number of ten Hag’s former players join him in the north-east.

Here’s how the Toon could look.

SAL SEARCHING

Mikel Arteta has revealed the club have been keeping tabs on Willian Saliba during his loan spell at Marseille.

Asked whether the club saw him in action against PSG last week, he said: “As a club we are always in touch.

“Edu and Ben were there to watch him and keep a close eye on the progress he’s making.

“I think there is room. It will depend on what happens with other players and that’s not a conversation to have now.”Load more entries… More

TOTTENHAM are ready to sell Dele Alli in January, according to reports.Meanwhile, Newcastle are said to be keen on hiring former Dortmund boss Lucien Favre and pairing him with Marc Overmars as director of football.
And it could be all change for Chelsea on the centre-back front.
The Blues are said to be ready to go back in for top target Jules Kounde in January and other reports suggest they have been offered Matthijs de Ligt by Juventus.
That would make Antonio Rudiger, who has not been regularly in the team this season, surplus to requirements.
Title rivals Man City are Liverpool are both reportedly keen on snapping up the German.
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
CESC: WERNER LOOKS ‘FED UP’

Ex-Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has revealed why he believes ‘fed up’ striker Timo Werner has struggled at Stamford Bridge.

Former Spain star Fabregas marked the 18th anniversary of his senior debut for the Gunners with a Twitter Q&A.

Asked about summer buy Werner, Fabregas replied: “He makes so many good runs but sometimes they either don’t see him or don’t play the pass.

“He looks fed up sometimes.”

Chelsea have coped well in the absence of Werner and Lukaku after drafting in Kai Havertz from out wide – a Mason Mount hat-trick leading a 7-0 defeat of Norwich last Saturday.

RON’S MUM CONGRATULATES COUPLE

Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum Dolores Aveiro congratulated her son and his partner Georgina Rodriguez on Instagram after they announced they were expecting twins.

She wrote “Let my grandchildren be born healthy. That’s what matters the most.”

MESSAGES FLOOD IN FOR RON AND GEORGINA

Manchester United superstar and Georgina Rodriguez might soon not have as much time for social media as usual…

But as they announced Georgina is expecting twins – meaning Ronaldo will have six kids – it was online where messages flooded in.

DONNY AND BAILLY WANT ANSWERS

Donny van de Beek and Eric Bailly are seeking assurances over their futures after feeling exiled at Manchester United.

Van De Beek, 24, has started just four Premier League games since he arrived in a £35million switch from Ajax in the summer of 2020 and only one as sub this season.

This despite United crying out for some creativity in midfield.

And while the Red Devils leak goals like a sieve, Bailly has been rooted to the bench making just one appearance in the League Cup defeat to West Ham.

The 27-year-old was particularly angry not to start the away game at Leicester with Harry Maguire rushed back from injury after just one training session instead.

United would go on to lose the game 4-2 with Maguire having a stinker.

Captain Maguire’s form has gone with question marks over whether he has fully recovered from his calf injury.

It has left Ivory Coast star Bailly wondering why he was encouraged to sign a new contract last April keeping him at the club until 2024.JOY OF SIX FOR CRIS

Expectant father Cristiano Ronaldo already has four children.

Ronaldo is a dad to Cristiano Jr, 11, twins Eva and Mateo, four, and three-year-old Alana Martina, who he had with girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez.

The Old Trafford superstar met Georgina in 2016 when she worked in a Gucci store in Madrid.

And the twins Georgina is expecting means Ron will be busier than ever – with six kids.

RONALDO AND GEORGINA EXPECTING TWINS

BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo has announced he and Georgina Rodriguez are expecting TWINS, writes TOBY GANNON.

Model Georgina, 27, is three months pregnant with the Manchester United star’s babies.

Ronaldo, 36, is already a dad of four with three of his children born to two surrogate mothers.

He and Georgina shared a cute snap of themselves holding their baby scans, captioned: “Delighted to announce we are expecting twins👶🏻👶🏻. Our hearts are full of love – we can’t wait to meet you ❤️🏠”

Ronaldo admitted in 2017 he wanted SEVEN children while Georgina last year said: “My desire for motherhood is stronger than anything.

“I hope to have more children.”HAMMERS’ CHEQUE MATE

Czech billionaire Daniel Kretinsky is reportedly close to buying a significant stake in West Ham.

And Sky Sports News reports the businessman could be eyeing a full takeover of the club.

Kretinsky is thought to be in advanced talks to acquire a 27 per cent stake in the club.

It is claimed an announcement could be made by the first weekend of November.

Reports claim West Ham is valued between £600m and £700m.

BARCA BOSS

Barcelona have appointed Sergi Barjuan as their interim manager following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.

However, it is thought the Catalan giants are still keen on hiring Xavi to become their next long term boss despite rumours of interest in Antonio Conte and Roberto Martinez.

Barjuan, 49, currently works as Barcelona’s B team coach.

He will be tasked with helping the underperforming Nou Camp side bounce back from their loss to Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona are due to play Alaves on Saturday.

BARTON APOLOGY

Joey Barton has apologised for causing offence by making a reference to the Holocaust following Bristol Rovers’ loss to Newquay.

Barton’s Bristol side had been beaten 3-1 at home notching up four games without a win.

After the match, the former Newcastle midfielder said: “I said to the lads during the week, the team’s almost like musical chairs.

“Someone gets in and does well but then gets suspended or injured. Someone gets in for a game, does well but then has a holocaust, a nightmare, an absolute disaster.”

The remark led some to call for Barton to quit the club. DEFFO BACKING CITY

Jermaine Defoe reckons Manchester City are favourites for the Premier League title despite Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s impressive starts.

The Blues are currently top of the table with 22 points with Liverpool a point behind them and Manchester City two points off top spot.

Defoe, 39, told The Winner.com: “I still think that Manchester City are the team to beat.

“I know Liverpool are looking good, and the front three are frightening – I think the front three of (Roberto) Firmino, (Mohamed) Salah and (Sadio) Mane are back to where they were before – but I still think that Man City are the team to beat.”

NOU CAMP CONTE

Antonio Conte and Roberto Martinez are reportedly in the frame for the Barcelona manager’s job alongside club legend Xavi.

The LaLiga giants are looking for a new boss with the club currently ninth in their division and having won just four of their opening ten games.

It is thought Belgium boss Martinez and former Inter and Chelsea chief Conte are among the contenders being eyed for the role.

STERLING WISH

Raheem Sterling is thought to be on Xavi’s transfer shopping list with Nou Camp midfield icon reportedly set to manage Barcelona.

Reports claim the LaLiga giants have an agreement in place to install Xavi as the club’s new boss following the sacking of Ronald Koeman.

And it is thought Sterling and Sevilla’s Jules Kounde are targets for the Catalan side.

MOURA WARNING

Tottenham’s Lucas Moura reckons Spurs could face a backlash from Manchester United following the team’s hefty 5-0 loss to Liverpool.

Lucas netted for Nuno Espirito Santos’ side in their narrow 1-0 win against Burnley in the Carabao Cup.

And the Brazil winger reckons United’s experience of bouncing back from poor results could be a threat to Spurs when the teams play each other on Saturday.

Moura told the Evening Standard: “It is always a dangerous time to play against them.

“They are hungry because of the game against Liverpool and we are hungry because of the game against West Ham.

“They have very good players, they have good experience in football and they’ll know how to pass this moment.”

TOONS EYE PROWSE

Newcastle are thought to be keen on luring James Ward-Prowse to St James’ Park.

Football Insider says the Southampton captain has emerged as a “firm target” for the Magpies following a £300million takeover of the club by the Saudi Public Investment fund.

The midfielder was reportedly a summer transfer target for Aston Villa.

However, Southampton are reported to have turned down a £25million bid from their league rivals. KLOPP DORTMUND DOUBLE

Liverpool are being urged to make a double swoop for two of Borussia Dortmund biggest stars.

The Anfield giants are reportedly keen on bringing England starlet Jude Bellingham, 18, to Merseyside.

And Liverpool and Chelsea full-back Glen Johnson reckons the club should make a move for Erling Haaland, 20, too.

Johnson told William Hill: “I’d love to see Haaland and Bellingham at Liverpool.

“They are two young guys who are built for the Premier League and for a club like Liverpool.

“They could develop over the years under a manager like Jurgen Klopp and I could see them becoming massive names in football for a long, long time.

“There’ll be competition from other clubs across Europe for sure, but I think it’d be appealing to come to Anfield, the challenge for trophies and work under a top class manager like Klopp.”

TOLISSO SPURRED ON

Tottenham are rumoured to be ahead of Juventus and Jose Mourinho’s Roma in the race to sign Corentin Tolisso.

Calciomercato claims the Bayern Munich midfielder, 27, is reluctant to sign a new deal with the German giants with his contract expiring in June 2022.

Football Italia reports Spurs director Fabricio Paratici is an admirer of the France international.

And it is thought Tottenham have already made contact with Tolisso’s agents concerning a free transfer move next summer. DORT EYE ODOI

Callum Hudson-Odoi is one of three Chelsea aces attracting interest from Borussia Dortmund, according to reports.

TeamTalk claims the German club is mulling over a possible move for the Blues ace as well as his team-mates Timo Werner and Christian Pulisic.

Dortmund are thought to be planning for a future without the services of Erling Haaland with the Norway star emerging as a transfer target for several European giants.

BARCA HAVE XAV

Barcelona have reportedly reached an agreement to make Xavi their new manager.

The Nou Camp hero is widely thought to be the favourite to replace Ronald Koeman after club chiefs called time on the Dutchman’s reign.

Spanish outlet Sport claims Xavi has already come to an arrangement with the LaLiga side.

And it is thought officials are now working on the termination of his managerial contract with Qatar-based club Al-Sadd, which could cost Barcelona around £840,000.FAITH IN FARKE

Daniel Farke has told his job as Norwich boss is safe for now despite his side’s winless start to the season.

The Canaries have picked up just two points from their opening nine games this term.

And they were beaten 7-0 by league leaders Chelsea last time out with a match against Leeds up next.

Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber said: “Daniel and the guys have been here for about 210 matches.

“And we’ve had bad spells, and we’ve had incredibly good spells within that. And I think as a club, it’s important that we stay level and we understand the bigger picture.

“It’s about supporting and being together and trying to get through this not finger-pointing.”XAVI’S SAVVY

Xavi Alonso is emerging as the favourite contender to replace Ronald Koeman as Barcelona boss, according to Al Jazeera.

The Dutchman, 58, was sacked by the club after his team fell to a 1-0 loss away at Rayo Vallecano.

Barcelona have won just two of their last seven games under Koeman this season.

It is thought Xavi, 41, will reintroduce a playing style still similar to the one developed during Pep Guardiola’s reign as Nou Camp boss.

The former Barcelona midfielder is currently managing Qatari club Al-Sadd.

ANCELOTTI BACKS KOEMAN

Carlo Ancelotti reckons Ronald Koeman gave “everything” in his role as Barcelona and has backed the Dutchman to move forward with “a clear conscience”.

Koeman was sacked from his job as Nou Camp boss after Barcelona lost 1-0 away to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night.

The club, who are ninth, have experienced a torrid start to their season winning only four of their first ten LaLiga games and losing three matches.

Real Madrid boss Ancelotti told reporters: “I have been dismissed many times and I am still here alive, happy.

“It’s part of the job to be fired and you have to give it your all until you are a coach. 

“The day after they throw you out, go ahead with the clear conscience that you have given everything.

“I believe that Koeman is giving everything he can.”MORNING FOOTBALL FANS

Borussia Dortmund have confirmed Liverpool want Jude Bellingham – while Manchester United and Newcastle are eyeing Ajax chief Erik ten Hag.

The mega-rich, managerless Magpies are reportedly willing to pay the 51-year-odl £6million AFTER TAX.

Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola (£21m) and Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp (£15m) are the only Premier League bosses to currently earn more.

Under-fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is tipped to take charge for United at Tottenham.

But the Norwegian remains the bookies’ overwhelming favourite to be the next Prem boss sacked.

And although Ten Hag is reluctant to leave Ajax, United are said to be highly-impressed with his four-year reign in Holland.

On the transfer front, Dortmund admit there is a “lot of interest” in England midfielder Bellingham – but will fight to keep him.

Chelsea are pondering a double swoop for centre-backs Matthijs de Ligt and Jules Kounde.

That’s in case Antonio Rudiger and/or Andreas Christensen depart when their contracts run out next summer.

Finally, in the Carabao Cup last night, West Ham KO’d holders Manchester City on penalties and Leicester also reached the last eight in a shootout – against visitors Brighton.

Superb second-half finishes from Takumi Minamino and Divock Origi sunk Preston 2-0 for much-changed Liverpool.

Sub Lucas Moura headed the only goal as Tottenham triumphed 1-0 at Burnley.

And Brentford won 2-1 away to Stoke, in-form striker Ivan Toney notching an assist and a goal.DORTMUND CONFIRM LIVERPOOL WANT BELLINGHAM

Liverpool are among the Premier League giants eyeing Jude Bellingham — but have been warned he will cost mega money.

Borussia Dortmund confirmed England’s teenage sensation is on the Anfield radar.

England international Bellingham, 18, announced himself to the world at Euro 2020 with three solid displays for Gareth Southgate’s side.

He has starred for the Bundesliga giants after arriving from Birmingham last year in a £30million deal. More

BARCELONA have SACKED manager Ronald Koeman following his side’s loss to Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night. Meanwhile, Newcastle are interested in bringing in Marc Overmars to be their new Director of Football.
Overmars has been working with Edwin van der Sar in the Ajax boardroom to bring success and stability to the Amsterdam club and the Magpies are keen to recruit his extra knowledge.
Jude Bellingham is scouting out potential English clubs during his second full season at Borussia Dortmund.
Liverpool are current front-runners after the midfielder was heavily courted by Manchester United before he moved to the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile Chelsea are said to be ready to go back in for Jules Kounde this January, after missing out on the Sevilla man in summer.
Antonio Rudiger is closing in on a move away from the club after holding exploratory talks with Man City, according to reports.
But should Sevilla hold firm in their valuation of Kounde, the Blues may have the option of turning to Matthijs de Ligt.
Juventus are said to be keen to get the £280,000-a-week Dutch centre-back off their books.
Meanwhile Newcastle are still looking for a new permanent manager with Paulo Fonseca the favourite but Lucien Favre another man linked to the job.
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
DORTMUND CONFIRM LIVERPOOL WANT BELLINGHAM

Liverpool are among the Premier League giants eyeing Jude Bellingham — but have been warned he will cost mega money.

Borussia Dortmund confirmed England’s teenage sensation is on the Anfield radar.

England international Bellingham, 18, announced himself to the world at Euro 2020 with three solid displays for Gareth Southgate’s side.

He has starred for the Bundesliga giants after arriving from Birmingham last year in a £30million deal. More

NEWCASTLE want former Arsenal star Marc Overmars as their director of football, with the Dutchman reportedly set to start in January if he does accept.Overmars has been working with Edwin van der Sar in the Ajax boardroom to bring success and stability to the Amsterdam club and the Magpies are keen to recruit his extra knowledge.
Jude Bellingham is scouting out potential English clubs during his second full season at Borussia Dortmund.
Liverpool are current front-runners after the midfielder was heavily courted by Manchester United before he moved to the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile Chelsea are said to be ready to go back in for Jules Kounde this January, after missing out on the Sevilla man in summer.
Antonio Rudiger is closing in on a move away from the club after holding exploratory talks with Man City, according to reports.
But should Sevilla hold firm in their valuation of Kounde, the Blues may have the option of turning to Matthijs de Ligt.
Juventus are said to be keen to get the £280,000-a-week Dutch centre-back off their books.
Meanwhile Newcastle are still looking for a new permanent manager with Paulo Fonseca the favourite but Lucien Favre another man linked to the job.
And finally Rangers fans are in mourning after legendary boss Walter Smith passed away at the age of 73.
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
PEREIRA’S FLAMENGO FUTURE IN DOUBT

Manchester United flop Andreas Pereira’s future with Flamengo is in jeopardy with the Brazilian side refusing to confirm if they’ll make his loan switch permanent.

The 25-year-old joined Flamengo on loan until the end of the season in a deal that included a £14.5million option to buy.

But the Brazilian Serie A side aren’t sure if they plan to activate the buy option clause.

In fact, Flamengo haven’t even discussed whether signing Pereira, who’s played 14 games and scored three goals for them in all competitions, is a viable option yet, according to their vice-president of finance Rodrigo Tostes.

When asked about the Belgian-born Brazilian’s future, Tostes said, reported by Sports Witness: “I don’t know if Flamengo are going to buy him or not, it’s not even being discussed internally yet, there’s a huge deadline for us to look at this.

“What I can say is: Do Flamengo have the capacity to buy an athlete worth €20m today? Totally. There’s certainly the potential for that.

“There is no lack of people wanting to lend money to Flamengo, they can generate this revenue.

“But a series of other factors need to be considered, which you will have to give up in order to eventually be able to make this investment.

“Now, buying potential, we bought Pedro now for €14m. Are Flamengo able to buy another €20m athlete?

“Totally. Now, what has to be studied is whether this makes sense within the logic I explained to you, this positive spiral of having a super winning team and this team continuing, creating related revenues.

“Being able to continue making investments, and not putting all the investment inside a basket, for example.”HAALAND AND MBAPPE ‘WILL BOTH JOIN REAL’

Ex-Real Madrid striker Alfonso Perez claims they will sign Erling Haaland AND Kylian Mbappe next summer.

It was reported earlier in the week how Los Blancos were planning a swoop for the pair in 2022 to create a new era at the Bernabeu.

Madrid are ready to splash the cash, with Manchester United ‘target’ Haaland and Mbappe just two players being targeted by the LaLIga giants.

The Spanish side failed to secure Mbappe’s services in August, but are free to speak to him in January with the Paris Saint-Germain forward in the final year of his contract.

Meanwhile Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland is available for just £64million due to a release clause in his contract.

And ex-Real ace Perez, who won the top-flight title and Copa del Rey with Madrid, is adamant Haaland and Mbappe will be signed next year.

In an interview with Le Journal du Real, the former Barcelona man explained how Real president Florentino Perez will work his magic to get both deals done.

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.”TOON READY TO HAG-GLE FOR ‘MAN UTD TARGET’ ERIK

Newcastle are willing to make Manchester United ‘target’ Erik ten Hag the Premier League’s third-best paid boss.

That’s the claim from the Mail despite Paulo Fonseca and Lucien Favre remaining the bookies’ favourites to succeed sacked Steve Bruce.

The Toon‘s new Saudi owners are reportedly ready to offer Ajax manager Ten Hag more than £11million a year gross – about £6m AFTER tax.

But the 51-year-old is reluctant to quit the Dutch champs.

Only Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola (£20m a year) and Liverpool chief Jurgen Klopp (£15m) earn more than the package it’s claimed Newcastle have put together for Ten Hag.

But so far it appears the former Bayern Munich reserves and Twente boss is content to continue developing a dynasty at Ajax, after turning down Tottenham over the summer.

In four years with his home country giants, Ten Hag has won two titles and maintained Ajax‘s production line of brilliant youngsters.

And even if the Magpies pursue their interest, they could face powerful opposition from the Red Devils.

Old Trafford manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is tipped to be the next Premier League chief axed, following Sunday’s 5-0 home loss against Liverpool.

And for now ex-Roma boss Fonseca remains the favourite for the Toon job, havign been interviewed last Wednesday.

TOON OVER THE MOON ABOUT OVERMARS

Arsenal icon Marc Overmars will reportedly accept Newcastle’s offer to become their new director of football.

De Telegraaf claims the Ajax chief is ready to agree terms on a lucrative contract with mega-rich Toon following their £300million Saudi takeover.

Overmars is currently tied down to Ajax until 2024 in the same role.

But Newcastle have no qualms about paying hefty compensation to bring the Dutchman back to England.

Journalist Valentijn Driessen told Voetbalpraat: “Overmars will go, I think. If he gets the chance, he goes.

“Overmars has to start in January or February, because he has to put together the squad for the new season.

“And his successor must do that for Ajax.”

It was revealed last week that Newcastle were targeting Overmars to take charge of their transfer business.

The former Barcelona star had also been linked with a return to Arsenal.

But Overmars is instead looking set to link up with a new boss at St James’ Park.

Graeme Jones is interim gaffer at Newcastle following Steve Bruce’s exit.CASH NO LONGER ACCEPTED

Matty Cash has reportedly been given a brand new name following his successful application for Polish citizenship.

The Aston Villa star, whose mother hails from Poland, has now become Mateusz Gotówka.

The Villa Park ace has committed his international future to Poland with the team set to face World Cup qualifying matches against Andorra or Hungary in November.OVERMARS IN TOON

Marc Overmars is reportedly due to hold talks with Newcastle over the plans to create a director of football role at the club.

It is thought the former Arsenal star is high on their list of targets for the job.

Dutch football expert Valentijn Driessen told the sports show Voetbalpraat: “That is a great new challenge.

“He has now been at Ajax for ten years, he has shown all the tricks there.

“And he also knows that with Ajax he will never become the new Bayern Munich, or the new Paris Saint-Germain and therein ultimately lies his challenge, to possibly do the trick again with a step to another club, but then to get even higher.”

Overmars is rumoured to be keen to leave Ajax next year.TWO BLUES

Chelsea are thought to be gearing up for a double swoop for Sevilla ace Jules Kounde and Juventus ace Matthijs de Ligt.

Reports claim the Premier League leaders are making contingency plans with the contracts of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christiensen set to expire in 2022.

Eurosport claims Kounde and De Ligt are being eyed as potential replacements for the pair should they opt to leave Stamford Bridge next summer. BALLON D’OR LEAK

SportBible claims a sheet leaked online appears to show the winner of this year’s Ballon d’Or awards and players named as the world’s 26 best footballers.

This year’s award presentation is due to take place on November 29 with last year’s ceremony cancelled due to Covid.

The leaked post has Robert Lewandowski down as the winner of this year’s award, according to SportBible.

The post has the Poland international and Bayern Munich star named ahead of Lionel Messi and Karim Benzema. LLOR OF LA LIGA

Fernando Llorente’s football career looks to be back on track with the former Tottenham striker set to join Spanish second-tier side Eibar.

The 36-year-old is reportedly due to join the club on a short term deal until the end of the season.

Eibar are currently one point behind leaders Almeria in Spain’s Segunda division. HERRERA ROBBED

Anders Herrera was reportedly robbed in France’s capital Paris on Tuesday.

The former Manchester United star is thought to have had his wallet and phone taken when a prostitute entered his car, according to French news outlet Parisien.

The 32-year-old is reported to have been waiting at a red light in the Bois de Boulogne public park, in West Paris when the incident took place.

Police were called at 8:00 pm and it is claimed £169 was taken from the player.COAD CALL

Gabriel Agbonlahor reckons Newcastle should aim higher in the market for defensive targets rather than eyeing Conor Coady.

The Wolves centre-back, 28, is thought to be attracting interest from the Magpies following a £320billion takeover of the Tyneside outfit.

Former Aston Villa Agbonlahor told Football Insider: “Conor Coady is a good player but I don’t think he’s going to improve the Newcastle United defence.

“They need a no-nonsense centre-half who’s going not going to stand for anything, not a Conor Coady.

“They need to look at better defenders than that.”HEY JUDE

Liverpool are thought to be interested in bringing Jude Bellingham to Anfield according to reports.

The 18-year-old has impressed with his performances for Borussia Dortmund forming a solid partnership with goal machine Erling Haaland.

The midfielder has notched up three goals and seven assists in 15 Dortmund appearances this term.

The club’s Player Licence Director Sebastian Kehl told Sports 1: “There’s a lot of interest around Jude Bellingham, not only Liverpool.”

NOT IN TOON

Erik Ten Hag is reportedly being told to ignore overtures from Newcastle.

Dutch football expert Hugo Borst reckons the Ajax chief should consider offers from a top club.

It is rumoured the Ajax manager is on a shortlist of potential replacements for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should he be moved on from Manchester United.

Borst told the AD Voetbalpodcast: “His next club should really be a top club. Chelsea, for instance, because I think Bayern Munich is still a while away

“I would welcome that (a long stay at Ajax). If Ajax keeps working with those enormous salaries, they can keep getting special players.”

CASH TRANSFER

Matty Cash has reportedly been given a brand new name following his successful application for Polish citizenship.

The Aston Villa star, whose mother hails from Poland, has now become Mateusz Gotówka.

The Villa Park ace has committed his international future to Poland with the team set to face World Cup qualifying matches against Andorra or Hungary in November. MESS MEET

Lionel Messi had a chance to catch up with one of his closest former Barcelona chums in France.

The Argentina skipper was pictured reuniting with Brazil icon Ronaldinho in l Paris.

Ronaldinho was a special guest at the Parc des Princes for Paris Saint Germain’s Champions League win over RB Leipzig.

The former PSG and Nou Camp star said: “It makes me very happy to see him at the club where I started in Europe.

“It’s something that I thought would never happen, I was sure that he would end his career with Barcelona.”

DYER IN HOSPITAL

Ipswich Under-23s boss Kieron Dyer is currently in hospital undergoing tests.

The Ipswich Town have reportedly not gone into details as to why the former England midfielder was admitted to hospital.

In a statement, Ipswich said: “The club can confirm that Town U23 manager Kieron Dyer is currently undertaking tests in hospital.

“Everyone at Ipswich Town Football Club sends their best wishes to Kieron at this time.

“We ask everyone to respect Kieron’s privacy, and we will be making no further comment on the matter.”TITLE RACE TWO

Paul Scholes fears the battle for this year’s Premier League title could be a two-horse race following Liverpool’s 5-0 trouncing of Manchester United on Sunday.

The former Old Trafford midfielder reckons the fight for this term’s top tier crown will be between Manchester City and Liverpool despite Chelsea sitting top of the table.

Scholes told Premier League Productions: “Seeing Liverpool go to Old Trafford and win so convincingly, I think it will make City worry.

“Chelsea…I’m not sure (about), they have been great and I think they are better than I actually give them credit for but I think it’s between Liverpool and Manchester City.”WINKS JINXED

Harry Winks and Dele Alli have reportedly been left about of the Tottenham squad that is due to face Burney at Turf Moor in the Carabao Cup.

The Evening Standard reports this could be due to doubts over the pair’s futures at Spurs under Nuno Espirito Santo.

Both players are currently fully fit and made appearances for Tottenham in their 1-0 loss to Vitesse Arnhem in the Europa.

Following the game, Winks expressed his irritation at being left out of the Spurs squad that took on West Ham last weekend.

TOON UP FOR WIRTZ

Newcastle are rumoured to have joined the race to sign Florian Wirtz, according to reports in Germany.

Sports outlet Bild claims the newly-minted Tyneside giants are keen on adding on Bayer Leverkusen starlet to their ranks

And it is thought the club sent scout Geoff Lockhart to watch the playmaker, 18, in action against Cologne.

However, Bild reckons a potential Toons move for the Germany ace is unlikely to happen before 2023.

And a number of European clubs are also thought to be interested in the player. BEES BLOW

Brentford are set to face five months without the services of their number one goalkeeper David Raya.

The Bees stopper suffered a cruciate ligament injury to his left knee during Brentford’s 2-1 loss to Leicester last Sunday.

In a statement, the club’s medical chief Neil Greig said: “Positively, this type of injury usually heals well without the need for surgery.

“David has already begun using a brace specifically designed to aid this process.

“We anticipate the recovery period for an injury like this to be somewhere between four and five months, which will enable David to be back to his previous high levels well before the end of the season.”

XAVI PRAISE

Santi Cazorla reckons Barcelona fans could get a return to “pure Barca school” tiki-taka football if Xavi were in charge of the Nou Camp, according to reports.

The former Arsenal and Villarreal style was reportedly sharing his thoughts on Xavi as a manager.

The Spain star currently plays under Xavi for Qatar-based club Al Sadd.

Xavi has been heavily linked with a Barcelona return with current boss Ronald Koeman under pressure.

Cazorla told Marca: “He wants the ball and we train based on rondos, possession, position play…pure Barca school, to defend with the ball.

“I think that he understands football that way and he practices it. It’s not unique, but perhaps, in having the ball, Xavi is unique.

“At La Roja, when we were teammates, he always had that philosophy of football. It was very clear.”INJURY BLUES

Chelsea are facing injury problems ahead of their trip to Newcastle on Saturday.

Thomas Tuchel could be without Cesar Azpilicueta, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Andreas Christensen.

The trio missed the club’s league cup match win against Southampton on Tuesday night.

It is thought Azpilicueta has a shoulder problem while Loftus-Cheek is struggling with a hip injury. And Christiensen is expected to have a tooth operation.

However, it is reported the Blues captain could make a return to the squad along with Christiensen. GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS

Chelsea needed another penalty shootout win to progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup last night.

Kai Havertz’s opener at Stamford Bridge was cancelled out by Che Adams.

And it was Reece James who netted the winning spot-kick after Saints missed two of theirs in the shoot-out.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are reportedly ‘willing to make Erik ten Hag one of the highest-paid managers’ in the Premier League.

The Mail claims they would be willing to hand him ‘a salary of £6million after tax – totalling a gross wage of just over £11m’ to take over.

That would put Ten Hag just behind £20m-a-year Man City boss Pep Guardiola and Liverpool’s £15m-a-year Jurgen Klopp in the list of the Premier League’s best-paid managers.

Elsewhere, Man City and Bayern Munich are keeping tabs on Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong, reports suggest.

According to Calciomercato, City and Bayern have been monitoring the midfielder and are said to be very impressed with what they are seeing.

Both sides are looking to take advantage of Barca’s dire financial situation by launching bids next summer.

Finally, Mo Salah is reportedly demanding a £450,000-a-week contract as Liverpool look to tie him down to a new deal.

Ekrem Konur states that the Egypt international is very happy in Merseyside, but wants a pay rise to reflect his importance in the team.

But Liverpool aren’t willing to offer him that much and are negotiating a lower wage salary.OLE IN FERGIE TIME

Sir Alex Ferguson held emergency talks over the future of under-fire Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Tuesday — who is safe for now.

United boss Solskjaer is set to stay in charge for Saturday’s Premier League trip to Tottenham.

But another damaging defeat by Spurs could change that.

There are fears within the club that the atmosphere at training has become flat, with players uninspired by the coaching sessions.

And group managing director Richard Arnold is on a mission to discover what has gone wrong on the pitch after starting to take on some of Ed Woodward’s responsibilities.EXCLUSIVE BY CHARLIE WYETT

There could be another Bellingham playing for Borussia Dortmund.

Jude, 18, arrived from Birmingham in a deal worth up to £30million in July 2020.

And now the German giants are increasingly keen on signing younger brother Jobe, who only turned 16 last month, and is also emerging at St Andrew’s.

SunSport can reveal the Bundesliga club first registered their interest in Jobe when he   was   14,   during talks for Jude who chose Dortmund ahead of Manchester United.

For the time being, the family are keen for Jobe to stay in Birmingham but Dortmund seem confident they could reunite the siblings at some point.

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