Sport Live Blogs

CHELSEA put Norwich to the sword as Thomas Tuchel’s men hit SEVEN in the early Premier League offering.Mason Mount scored a hat-trick as injured pair Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner watched on from the sidelines.
We’ve the very latest on Newcastle’s potential new boss, while Everton are reportedly eyeing a swoop for Alexis Sanchez.
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
EVERTON 2 WATFORD 5

Watford have turned things around at Goodison Park and are on their way to a massive victory.

Juraj Kucka equalised for the Hornets 15 minutes after Richarlison’s goal and Joshua King went on to complete a hat-trick.

Emmanuel Bonaventure scored the visitors’ fifth, which practically sealed the Toffees’ fate

GOALS, GOALS, GOALS

Things are getting lively at Selhurst Park as both Crystal Palace and Newcastle have scored.

Christian Benteke opened the scoring for Palace on 56 minutes but Callum Wilson equalised for the Magpies – the score is still 1-1.

Everton have regained the lead against Watford at Goodison Park thanks to Richarlison’s strike.

Wolves still lead at Leeds whereas Southampton and Burnley are tiedSOUTHAMPTON 2 BURNLEY 2

Burnley have equalised at St Mary’s with Maxwel Cornet’s second of the day!

For the record, Cornet opened the scoring on 13 minutes before Tino Livramento’s equaliser.

Armanda Broja turned things around for Southampton but the Clarets managed to hit back just now.

What an exciting match!

LIVE RESULTS

As everyone knows, Chelsea thrashed Norwich with a score of 7-0 at Stamford Bridge in a match that saw only English stars scoring.

But there’s more Premier League action taking place as Crystal Palace and Newcastle are still goalless.

Everton and Watford are tied 1-1 following goals by Tom Davies and Joshua King.

Wolves still lead 1-0 at Leeds thanks to Hwang Hee-chan’s openerSUPPORTER SCARE

West Brom’s game with Bristol City was delayed by 15 minutes due to a ‘medical emergency involving a fan’.

Kick-off at The Hawthorns went ahead at 3.15pm instead after medical teams were needed to assist the stricken supporter.

The promotion-chasing Baggies tweeted: “Owing to a medical emergency involving a fan inside the stadium, kick-off has been delayed by 15 minutes.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the supporter. We’re all with you.”

Bristol City reiterated the message and added: “The thoughts of Bristol City are with those affected.”HALF TIME SCORES

Here’s an update on the 3pm Premier League kick offs as the half time whistles are sounding up and down the country.

Crystal Palace 0-0 NewcastleEverton 1-1 WatfordLeeds 0-1 WolvesSouthampton 1-1 BurnleyPALACE PROTEST

Crystal Palace fans unfurled a huge banner protesting at the new ownership of Newcastle – accusing them of terrorism, beheadings and murder.

The supporters in the Holmesdale Road end held the giant mural aloft just before the two sides entered the pitch at Selhurst Park ahead of their Premier League game.

On it was an image of the Saudi Investment Fund PIF brandishing a sword, with Premier League chief executive Richard Masters holding a dagger with blood dripping at his feet around a bag of money.

There was also a checklist of offences human rights organisations say the Saudi regime is responsible for, with a tick next to each one.

The offences were: terrorism, beheadings, civil rights abuse, murder, persecution and censorship.

Newcastle were then roundly booed by the home crowd as they entered the field.

NICE TUCH

Thomas Tuchel admitted ‘feeling horrible’ for Norwich boss Daniel Farke as Chelsea ‘did not want to stop’ scoring in their 7-0 thrashing.

Tuchel once worked with Farke at Borussia Dortmund and could not help but admit feeling sorry for his old friend.

He told BT Sport: “The focus was that we keep the same intensity and we create opportunities.

“This is what we demanded. You need luck to score and you need the moment. That’s why I’m happy because the intensity was high and the rhythm was high.

“I feel very sorry because we did not stop and we didn’t want to stop. We said at half-time we wanted to keep going.

“It feels horrible for Daniel today – I hope he keeps his head up and puts his team back on track. He deserves it and he’s a good guy.”YOUR UP

THREE Premier League clubs are being linked with a move for Leicester City star Youri Tielemans.

The 24-year-old has less than two years remaining on his current contract, and rejected the Foxes latest offer of a new deal.

Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool are monitoring the playmaker, according to Calciomercato.

And there’s interest from Europe too.

Juventus, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid AND Atletico Madrid are all reportedly keen on a move for the Leicester man.

GOAL!

After a lengthy VAR check Watford have an equaliser against Everton!

Josh King’s strike was initially ruled out for offside, but following a VAR review the goal is given.

Watford are up and running under Claudio Ranieri. HAT’S OFF

Mason Mount admitted to putting himself under heavy pressure to get back to scoring goals – but returned to the scoresheet with a hat-trick.

Before Norwich’s visit to Stamford Bridge, Mount had not scored since May, in Chelsea’s Champions League semi-final win against Real Madrid.

And ahead of the match, the England international said it was ‘about time’ he put one into the back of the net.

But after then going on to get THREE, Mount told BT Sport: “Before the game I put pressure on myself to get on the scoresheet, then three came around in the same game.

“It’s obviously a massive moment for me. I’ll remember this one for a long time.

“I was always getting in positions to score, but I just wasn’t putting it in the back of the net.”

PEEEEEEP!

The 3pm kick offs are underway!

And there’s already been a goal!

Everton are leading Watford after just TWO minutes thanks to a Tom Davies goal. FORWARDS

Callum Hudson-Odoi – 9He was very lively and did the hard work with his directness to help setup Mount’s first goal and then followed that up with a beautiful run and finish of his own to put Chelsea 2-0 up.

Chelsea’s star man all game with his direct play and making things happen for them in the final third. Man of the Match.

Mason Mount – 9Took his first half goal excellently with a nicely drilled shot, then he setup Reece James for his goal with a perfectly weighted pass. He was really up for this game and really energetic and playing full of confidence. 

Kai Havertz – 6He was certainly the quieter and least effective of the front three but he also had some good moments and held the ball up well when he was asked to. Would have liked to have seen more effect from him today.FULL-BACKS

Reece James – 8Scored Chelsea’s third goal with a lovely little dink over the keeper, and his overall play was excellent throughout the game.

Links up really well with Mason Mount, obviously!

Ben Chilwell – 8He is thriving on this inverted wing back role he is playing and often looks like he is playing more in the ten role.

He looked to be struggling a bit with a niggle at the start of the game but soon sorted that out and contributed well and finished his goal superbly. MIDFIELDERS

Jorginho – 8Lovely assist for Mount’s goal in the first half and his overall play was energetic and influential. He helps dictate Chelsea’s play and control their press as they hunted in packs to get the ball back.

Mateo Kovacic – 9Inch perfect pass from him to setup Hudson-Odoi’s first half goal and his passing range going forward was excellent today, something he has really improved on this season. Great contributions for Chelsea on the ball and dribbling out of danger.CHELSEA PLAYER RATINGS

Here’s how SunSport rate the Chelsea players from the 7-0 thrashing against Norwich.

Edouard Mendy – 8He was largely just a bystander for Chelsea as they breezed past Norwich City, but all he did need to do he did well and was also very vocal from the back again and his block with his leg to stop a Norwich goal was superb.

Trevoh Chalobah – 8He has settled into this Chelsea team so well like he has been a mainstay in there for the last three seasons. He was calm, contributing in attack and midfield when stepping out, and good defensively.

Thiago Silva – 8He is the one that always instils calmness throughout the whole team. So good on the ball and making the right pass out of the back, helping to setup many Chelsea attacks and good moves.

Antonio Rudiger – 8The crowd kept calling for him to shoot from distance and he did have a couple of half decent efforts. So energetic and direct when on the ball in an offensive position and he was solid at the back as well.SATURDAY SCORES

So the first Premier League contest is complete, if you can call it a contest.

And here’s what is still to come in the top flight this afternoon:

Chelsea 7-0 Norwich (FT)Crystal Palace vs Newcastle (3pm)Everton vs Watford (3pm)Leeds vs Wolves (3pm)Southampton vs Burnley (3pm)Brighton vs Manchester City (5.30pm)BRILLIANT BLUES

This is the 18th time Chelsea have scored six or more goals in a Premier League match.

The Blues have achieved the feat more often than any other side in the competition’s history.

And based on today’s performance they look like doing it again in the not too distant future.

Thomas Tuchel’s side cruised to a 7-0 win, without first choice strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner. PEEEEEEP!

FULL TIME AT THE BRIDGE!

CHELSEA 7-0 NORWICH!GOAL!

Seventh heaven for Chelsea!

Mason Mount has sealed a hat-trick in stoppage time!

The 22-year-old hadn’t scored since May before today, but he’s more than made up for that this afternoon.

Thomas Tuchel’s side have been irresistible today. GOAL!

This time Mason Mount scores!

It’s six of the best for the Blues!

Mount goes for power, blasting the spot kick straight down the middle.

Krul gets a leg to it, but can only divert the ball into the back of the net. PENALTY MISSED!

Tim Krul has saved a Mason Mount penalty!

But it’s going to have to be re-taken!

Krul was off his line!

Mount will have another chance from twelve yards…BETTER CALL PAUL

Arsenal are reportedly interested in a move for Genk striker Paul Onuachu.

According to Mundo Deportive, Mikel Arteta’s side are one of a host of clubs in the race to sign the giants 6ft 7in striker.

The 27-year-old has scored 11 goals in 16 games so far this season for Genk, after netting 35 times in the last campaign.

He is said to be available for just £17million, with Tottenham and West Ham two other clubs showing an interest in a move for the forward.

RED CARD!

Oh dear Norwich fans, it’s gone from bad to worse.

Ben Gibson has been SENT OFF for a reckless sliding tackle on Reece James.

The centre-back was already on a booking, why did he go lunging in like that?

What a poor decision.

The Canaries are down by five goals, and have to play the final 25 minutes with ten men. GOAL!

ANOTHER one for Chelsea!

Max Aarons has diverted a Callum Hudson-Odoi cross into his own net.

That is so unlucky!

Thomas Tuchel’s side have now hit the Canaries for FIVE!

It’s the first time Chelsea have scored five goals at home in the Premier League since 2019. Load more entries… More

NEWCASTLE are reportedly in advanced talks with Paulo Fonseca after the club’s Saudi owners sacked Steve Bruce after his first match in charge.Upset Bruce told Toon fans: “I think this might be my last job. It’s not just about me; it’s taken its toll on my whole family because they are all Geordies and I can’t ignore that.
“They have been worried about me… especially my wife Jan.
“I’m 60 years old and I don’t know if I want to put her through it again.
“We’ve got a good life so, yeah, this will probably be me done as a manager – until I get a phone call from a chairman somewhere asking if I can give them a hand. Never say never, I’ve learnt that.”
However, Toon star Allan Saint-Maximin sent a big statement of support to his former boss, labelling him “one of the most gentle people that I have ever met”.
But the moneybags owners may be about to stiffen Saint-Maximin’s competition for places, with Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele reportedly seeking a move to Tyneside.
Meanwhile Thomas Tuchel has talked up a potential Erling Haaland-Romelu Lukaku strikeforce, with the Dortmund striker’s release clause set to kick in this summer.
For the time being however, Lukaku will be on the sidelines for the Blues next two games at least after picking up an injury in the win over Malmo.
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
TOON IN NO RUSH

Graeme Jones will take charge of Newcastle’s next two games as the new owners take their time to find a new manager.

The Magpies’ interim boss will be in the dug-out tomorrow at Crystal Palace and next week at home to Chelsea after Steve Bruce’s sacking.

Paulo Fonseca held talks with the club on Wednesday but they plan to speak to a number of other candidates before making a final decision.

And Jones said: “I spoke to the owners on Wednesday morning, and they asked me to take the team on an interim basis for the next two games.

“I’m fully focussed on preparing the team as best I can. I’m motivated in a completely different way than anywhere I’ve ever been.

“I came as a four year old with my father watching Supermac (Malcolm Macdonald) in 1974/75 and was a supporter in the Gallowgate during the Kevin Keegan era.

“I know the culture of this club. Whether I was here or not, I would still only be interested in their results.”‘SUSPICIOUS MOVEMENTS’

Juventus star Paulo Dybala had his house burgled and his luxury watch collection stolen, according to reports.

The Argentine was not in the property when the alleged robbery took place overnight on Tuesday into Wednesday.

Juventus won 1-0 at Zenit in the Champions League on Wednesday but Dybala, 27, is injured so did not make the trip to Russia.

The robbers reportedly planned the heist assuming he would be out the country and although he was not, fortunately neither him or his partner Oriana Sabatini were in the property when they struck.

Italian reports say a local security guard was patrolling the area when he saw ‘suspicious movements’ inside the property.

The alarm was raised as he knew Dybala was not home.

But the burglars managed to escape his swanky Turin home with the haul of watches, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

They are said to have gained entry by forcing a ground floor window.ELUSIVE GOAL

Mason Mount has promised Chelsea fans his elusive goal is coming – and when it does more will follow.

The 22-year-old has not scored since May but has vowed to step up in the absence of the stricken Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner.

Mount has pledged to start scoring soon, per the MailOnline, saying: “Getting goals from all areas is a big thing for us, a big positive.

“We can be dangerous from different parts of the team. We can be dangerous from set-pieces and the way we play we get people in the box and create chances.

“It’s about time I got on the scoresheet. I’m getting in the right areas but it’s just not falling for me.

“Hopefully when the first one goes in the floodgates will open.”GER KIDDING ME 

Steven Gerrard has shut down speculation linking him to the vacant Newcastle job and insists he’s happy at Rangers after their Europa League win.

Gerrard, 41, refused to entertain any talk about him taking the vacant Newcastle job when speaking to the media after Rangers’ 2-0 victory over Brondby last night.

When questioned on the subject by a BT Sport reporter, he answered bluntly, completely shutting them down.

Gerrard said: “Do I look happy? Do I look settled? Don’t ask me silly questions then.”AMERICAN DREAM 

Jack Wilshere is keen to join David Beckham’s MLS franchise Inter Miami in the January transfer window.

Wilshere has been a free agent since the end of last season when he was released by Bournemouth and is currently training with Arsenal in a bid to keep up his fitness levels.

The midfielder was interviewed by talkSPORT about his upcoming plans and was asked by co-presenter Darren Bent, who played with him for England, whether he would be keen to joining Inter Miami.

The former Arsenal star responded by jokingly asking Bent if he could put in a good word with Beckham.

Wilshere said: “Oh, that would be nice. You must know Becks? You played with him! Give him a call. Any chance, 10 per cent?”‘WITH YOU’

Pep Guardiola had a message for stricken Manchester City fan Guido de Pauw on his T-shirt on Friday.

The Etihad boss arrived at his press conference to preview Saturday’s trip to Brighton sporting the words ‘We’re With You Guido”.

Hours after City’s game in Brugge on Tuesday night, De Pauw, 63, was attacked outside a shop as he returned home.

He was immediately rushed to hospital and placed in a coma with doctors declaring he had life-threatening injuries.

Five men have appeared in court over the incident and two remain in custody – while the victim’s condition is described as ‘stable’.

Guardiola is praying Guido will continue to improve and that he will be able to join them at the Etihad in the future.NO RUBBING

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has dismissed Paul Scholes claims that he was rubbing his hands in anticipation of Manchester United playing his team this week.

United struggled to scrape a 3-2 late draw against Atalanta this week and Scholes reckons Klopp was watching the game with pleasure as his side head to Old Trafford on Sunday.

But Klopp says that isn’t true because he’s aware that United will be formidable opponents.

Klopp said: “No, I was not rubbing my hands. I prepare the team for a tough game against a really good opponent. I don’t prepare them now for ‘Man United and battle of Britain’ and all these things.

“We are long enough together that we know the importance of this game. We prepare them for a really good football team. Plus it’s an away game for us and a home game for them.”LU-NEY TOONS

Luis Diaz looks set to become the first signing of Newcastle’s new era with the Toon ready to splash out £68m on the in-form Porto striker.

Reports in Portugal suggest that Newcastle are preparing to activate Diaz’s release clause in January, smashing their transfer record of £40m for Joelinton back in 2019.

Diaz could be the first of several Newcastle January signings, with the Saudi owners reportedly prepared to give the new boss a transfer kitty of up to £200m.

Since Newcastle’s £300m Saudi takeover earlier this month, they have been linked with a number of players – including Jesse Lingard, Niklas Sule, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Ross Barkley and Ousmane Dembele.

But with Diaz reportedly set to become their first major signing, they’ll need him to hit the ground running, with the club currently 19th and without a win in eight league games.SO LONG GREAVSIE

Harry Redknapp has joined fellow football legends for the funeral of Spurs and England great Jimmy Greaves.

The much loved striker sadly passed away on September 19 aged 81.

Tottenham’s record goal scorer netted 266 times for the club, and former Spurs boss Redknapp is at Greaves’ funeral to pay his respects.

The funeral is taking place today at Chelmsford Crematorium.

Spurs legend Ossie Ardiles has been pictured alongside Redknapp, as well as Graham Roberts.

Spurs icon Martin Chivers is also at the Crematorium to pay his respects to his former teammate.KEV IN HEAVEN

Kevin Keegan has spoken for the first time since the £300m Newcastle takeover and shared his delight at Mike Ashley’s departure.

Keegan, 70, has finally broken his silence on the Saudi-backed Newcastle takeover, revealing he believes the club will now be able to compete at the highest level.

Speaking at a sold-out event just six miles outside Newcastle, Keegan said: “Like everybody else I was absolutely delighted when Mike Ashley went.

“Anybody coming was going to be a plus. I think we have hit the jackpot, I really do. For a number of reasons.

“Obviously, one they have got money – but don’t let that worry you because that’s how all the other teams have done it. Man United, Chelsea and Man City…

“If you look at the top four or five and not just in this country, look at Spain – Barcelona, Real Madrid and Atletico.

“Why? Because they get the most money, the most sponsorship and they are on TV most.

“It’s the same in Italy and France, PSG have got the money – who wins the league? Newcastle are now in that league.”‘MOMENT OF MADNESS’

Jamie Carragher has opened up on his ’embarrassing’ high-profile spitting incident.

The Sky Sports pundit was suspended for five months in 2018 after a video went viral of him spitting on a 14-year-old girl.

Speaking to friend Gary Neville on The Overlap, Carragher revealed that the incident ‘knocked’ him – and that he attended therapy with former England and Liverpool psychologist Steve Peters to help bounce back.

He said: “Coming home from Old Trafford and then when I lost my job at Sky – I’m someone who’s quite on the front foot, if someone attacks me.

“But that knocked me for six months. For a good six months I wasn’t myself. I’d get up in the morning and just have that pain in my stomach, oh that did happen.

“I went to see Steve Peters after it. I felt really bad, embarrassed, my family, my Mum or Dad. And the kids. I remember getting back to the house that night when I’d been at Sky. I haven’t seen the kids, they’re at school, and you just get back and we all sat together and it was tough.

“Even though we’re in the public eye, we’re not the royals, Beckham, big stars. You read them on the front page. When it’s you, everywhere I went it felt like people were looking at me.”SAUL CRUSHING

Chelsea have ‘no intention’ of making Saul Niguez’s loan move a permanent one and are instead exploring different targets for next summer.

Saul signed late on transfer deadline day, with the Blues having the option to sign the 26-year-old permanently at the end of the season.

But after playing just 146 minutes of football so far, Thomas Tuchel is now eyeing a move for Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic, according to La Razon.

Saul’s lack of playing time means ‘everything indicates’ he will be heading back to the Wanda Metropolitano in the summer.

The 19-cap Spain international joined the Blues in a bid for more first team football, but has had limited opportunities at Stamford Bridge.LOW SPIRITS 

Harry Winks has launched a veiled attack on his Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo.

The midfielder pointed the finger at the Portuguese’s tactics in Spurs’ 1-0 Europa Conference defeat at Vitesse Arnhem by saying the Dutch underdogs were the better team and played more creative football.

Winks said: “It is tough, yeah. We’re meant to be a team. It’s meant to be competition. It’s meant to be competitive.

“Everybody should be fighting for weekend games and it’s difficult. Motivation should be everybody fighting for the same cause and the same thing.

“It’s difficult. But when we go out on that pitch and we’re not playing in the first team, we’ve got to put that right, make a point and show the manager we should be playing in the team.

“And when we lose in the way that we did, we don’t do that. It’s down to us but there’s a lot of factors behind that.”EDEN OFF

Lille academy director Jean-Michel Vandamme has told Real Madrid that Eden Hazard could leave the Bernabeu.

Vandamme was responsible for discovering Hazard in 2005, and has warned Los Blancos they must make him feel ‘important’ in the way they play if they want him to stay at the club.

Vandamme told Diario AS: “He needs to feel a leader. Not a dressing room leader, but a technical leader.

“He has to think he’s important in the style of play. You have to give Eden the keys to the play. He needs it.

“If not he’ll end up leaving Madrid.”ROTT MAYHEM

A staggering 75 arrests were made as Union Berlin fans were involved in violent clashes with police.

Supporters of the German side were in Rotterdam for their Europa Conference League tie with Feyenoord when chaos erupted.

According to Bild, huge numbers of arrests were made with some fans even BITTEN by police dogs.

Pictures emerged on social media in the aftermath of the game, which finished 3-1 to Feyenoord.

Visiting Union Berlin fans claimed they were the subject of ‘targeted attacks’ by the Dutch police, according to Deutschlandfunk.BE DONN WITH IT

Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer admits that Donny van de Beek isn’t happy at the club, putting Everton on high alert.

The Red Devils’ boss, 48, confirmed that Van de Beek is less than happy with his situation at the club, having played just six minutes in the league so far this season.

The Dutch midfielder, 24, has cut a hugely frustrated figure in recent weeks, but Solskjaer has praised his professionalism in dealing with his Old Trafford nightmare.

The Norwegian said: “At the moment it is hard, I understand Donny. He is frustrated, he is disappointed.

“I know he is not happy but he is a top professional! He doesn’t let himself down and he knows this is how it works in football.”ON THE MARC

Arsenal legend and Ajax director of football Marc Overmars is ‘open’ to ditching the Dutch giants for a role at Newcastle United, reports claim.

The 48-year-old is under consideration by the Magpies after overseeing a remarkable period of success in Amsterdam since his appointment in 2012.

Overmars has seen his side win four Eredivisie titles on his watch, in addition to building a squad featuring the likes of Frenkie de Jong, Matthijs de Ligt and Donny van de Beek that reached the 2019 Champions League semi-finals.

According to The Times, the former Highbury wing wizard is interested in working for a team with the financial clout of Newcastle, having had to watch his Ajax team dismantled of its best players year after year.

They also claim that Overmars enjoys a good working relationship with the Toon’s new board, which features Amanda Staveley, Yasir Al-Rumayyan and Jamie Reuben.

Overmars is under contract at Ajax until 2024.MONEY GRABBING LUK

Inter Milan chief Beppe Marotta has claimed Romelu Lukaku only moved to Chelsea for the money.

Lukaku returned to the Blues this summer from Inter for a whopping £92million, along with wages of £325,000-a-week.

But Inter couldn’t compete with that weekly figure which is why the Belgian striker decided to leave, according to Barotta.

He told Football Italia: “Lukaku left to double his salary, in Italy these figures can’t exist.

“Today, we can’t make important investments, I wouldn’t be allowed to sign Lukaku for £65m. We need reduced and specific investments.”MBAPPE WAR

Barcelona are reportedly planning to hijack rivals Real Madrid’s proposed transfer for Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe.

Mbappe looks certain to be joining Madrid next summer but Barca are looking to stage an audacious last-minute coup, according to 90min.

The Catalan giants are hoping to sway Mbappe by offering him a larger signing-on fee of £76million, 90min go on to say.

And that fee is a considerably higher amount than the alleged £42m Los Blancos are willing to give to the French superstar.

Although Barca are strapped for cash at the moment, the club hope their finances will be in better shape by the start of next season when they can pounce on their fierce rivals main target.

SOMETHING NEW

Newcastle’s new owners want to sell naming rights to St James’ Park, according to reports.

But they will only do so if they can get fans onboard with the idea.

Previous chief Mike Ashley briefly renamed the historic ground the ‘Sports Direct Arena’ back in 2011 – to uproar from the Geordie faithful.

The Toon’s new owners are exploring potential revenue streams, however, with a view to boosting spending power within Financial Fair Play rules.

According to the Mail, Newcastle’s new Saudi chiefs want to sell naming rights – but would keep the name St James’ Park ‘in some capacity’ within the rebrand.

Supporters can expect to be consulted regarding the idea.

A Saudi airline has been mooted as a potential commercial partner.

DOR SLAM

Thomas Tuchel has risked angering Borussia Dortmund with his public comments regarding Erling Haaland.

The German, 48, freely admitted that the Blues wanted to sign the Dortmund goal machine over the summer.

And he also hinted that they will return for the Norwegian’s signature.

According to Bild, Tuchel’s comments have frustrated his former club’s hierarchy.

They even claim that Dortmund see it as the ‘first public attack’ in the race to sign Haaland next summer.

And that this could ‘derail’ the Blues’ attempts to get their man.

Tuchel said: “We have talked about Haaland a couple of times also in the transfer window. It looked unrealistic and not possible to do.

“Of course we talk regularly about him because he is a fantastic player and a profile at Dortmund, which is a big rival for us in the Champions League.”

And when it came to potentially partnering Haaland with his current No9, he added: “Sign Haaland with (Romelu) Lukaku? I’ve no problem to talk about that.

“Let us see what will happen next weeks”

GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS

SunSport can exclusively reveal Romelu Lukaku faces a month out – dealing Chelsea a serious blow in the title race.

The club’s record £97.5million signing twisted his ankle during Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions League win over Malmo.

And he now faces three to four weeks on the sidelines during a key part of the season.

After a tough run of fixtures, the Premier League leaders have a favourable spell with games again Norwich, Newcastle, Burnley and Leicester.

But with Timo Werner also injured, Chelsea are now without a recognised striker.

Meanwhile, Man Utd or Chelsea will reportedly have to cough up £575,000-a-week to secure Erling Haaland’s signature.

He looks likely to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the campaign when a £64million release clause kicks into his deal.

Now ESPN say whichever club win the race will need to fork out over £30m per year to Haaland.

However, they also state that his wage demands have not put the big guns off from pursuing a swoop.

Finally, former Everton boss Roberto Martinez is interested in returning to the Premier League to manage Newcastle, according to reports.

Should the Spaniard return to England to manage the Magpies, he’d be reunited with ex-Belgium assistant Graeme Jones.

According to The Guardian, Belgium boss Martinez is open to replacing Steve Bruce – who was sacked yesterday – as Newcastle manager.

But there’s a host of names being looked at, including former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.ART OF THE MATTER

Mikel Arteta insists he was never going to sell Emile Smith Rowe to Aston Villa.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s match against Villa on Friday, he said: “Any club has the right to make an enquiry about a player and if they believe they have the financial power to get him, they are entitled to make a bid.

“There was communication between clubs regarding Emile and we made it really clear he was not for sale.

“I was never worried he could leave because he is a big part of our future and what we’re trying to do as a club.

“He is really happy where he is and I’m delighted to have him in my team.”EXCLUSIVE BY NEIL CUSTIS

Bruno Fernandes is a shock injury doubt for Manchester United’s game against Liverpool.

Fernandes completed a full 90 minutes against Atalanta on Wednesday but was on the end of some strong challenges.

He went into Carrington for warm down training on Thursday but clearly by the afternoon the extent of his exertions had caught up with and he was limping heavily.

Now manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping it is nothing more than aches and pains when he is assessed on Friday so his Portuguese playmaker can line up in Sunday’s vital Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

WEST HAM 3 GENK 0

West Ham are on the brink of the Europa League knockout stages after smashing three goals past Genk in London.

Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Jarrod Bowen were all on the scoresheet for David Moyes’ men tonight.

West Ham have won all three of their group games so far, and need just four points from their final three games to seal top spot.Load more entries… More

NEWCASTLE are reportedly in advanced talks with Paulo Fonseca after the club’s Saudi owners sacked Steve Bruce after his first match in charge.Upset Bruce told Toon fans: “I think this might be my last job. It’s not just about me; it’s taken its toll on my whole family because they are all Geordies and I can’t ignore that.
“They have been worried about me… especially my wife Jan.
“I’m 60 years old and I don’t know if I want to put her through it again.
“We’ve got a good life so, yeah, this will probably be me done as a manager – until I get a phone call from a chairman somewhere asking if I can give them a hand. Never say never, I’ve learnt that.”
However, Toon star Allan Saint-Maximin sent a big statement of support to his former boss, labelling him “one of the most gentle people that I have ever met”.
But the moneybags owners may be about to stiffen Saint-Maximin’s competition for places, with Barcelona’s Ousmane Dembele reportedly seeking a move to Tyneside.
Meanwhile Thomas Tuchel has talked up a potential Erling Haaland-Romelu Lukaku strikeforce, with the Dortmund striker’s release clause set to kick in this summer.
For the time being however, Lukaku will be on the sidelines for up to a MONTH after picking up an injury in the win over Malmo.
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the clubs with our live blog…
ART OF THE MATTER

Mikel Arteta insists he was never going to sell Emile Smith Rowe to Aston Villa.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s match against Villa on Friday, he said: “Any club has the right to make an enquiry about a player and if they believe they have the financial power to get him, they are entitled to make a bid.

“There was communication between clubs regarding Emile and we made it really clear he was not for sale.

“I was never worried he could leave because he is a big part of our future and what we’re trying to do as a club.

“He is really happy where he is and I’m delighted to have him in my team.”EXCLUSIVE BY NEIL CUSTIS

Bruno Fernandes is a shock injury doubt for Manchester United’s game against Liverpool.

Fernandes completed a full 90 minutes against Atalanta on Wednesday but was on the end of some strong challenges.

He went into Carrington for warm down training on Thursday but clearly by the afternoon the extent of his exertions had caught up with and he was limping heavily.

Now manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will be hoping it is nothing more than aches and pains when he is assessed on Friday so his Portuguese playmaker can line up in Sunday’s vital Premier League clash at Old Trafford.

WEST HAM 3 GENK 0

West Ham are on the brink of the Europa League knockout stages after smashing three goals past Genk in London.

Craig Dawson, Issa Diop and Jarrod Bowen were all on the scoresheet for David Moyes’ men tonight.

West Ham have won all three of their group games so far, and need just four points from their final three games to seal top spot.TOON HOT TO HANDLE

Paulo Fonseca is reportedly closing in on the Newcastle job.

And the former Roma boss is set to splurge in January to transform the Toon’s squad.

Is this how Newcastle will line up in 2022?

COLE TO ARMS

Chelsea need Kai Havertz and Callum Hudson-Odoi to step up following injuries to Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner, according to former player Joe Cole.

He said: “Tuchel said that they’ve won matches without Timo and Romelu.

“Players like Kai Havertz and Callum Hudson-Odoi, they’ve come on tonight, they impacted the game, can they do that again on Saturday?

“All of a sudden you’re looking round and you can wait for Timo to get back, the manager’s not driving the physio mad by asking when’s he back, because you’re winning games and players are stepping up.”NO WAY, JOSE

Jose Mourinho has suffered the heaviest defeat of his managerial career after Roma were thumped 6-1 by Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt.

The Serie A side were outclassed by the Scandinavian outfit at the Aspmyra Stadion in their Europa Conference League clash.

Incredibly, Thursday’s affair is the first time a team coached by the Special One has shipped in six goals in a single game.

It’s a stat made even more staggering considering that was the 58-year-old’s 1008th match of his career.

His previous biggest loss was Real Madrid’s 5-0 mauling at the hands of rivals Barcelona in November 2010.VITESSE 1 TOTTENHAM 0

Second-string Spurs were humbled in Holland as they lost 1-0 to Vitesse in Thursday’s Europa Conference League clash.

Max Wittek scored the only goal of the game in the 78th minute as Tottenham made 11 changes from Sunday’s match at Newcastle.

And Nuno Espirito Santo’s bold selection backfired as his side struggled to get out of first gear.

GUNNER BE A STAR

Arsenal have denied signing a wonderkid who’s still at NURSERY.

The Gunners were reported to have taken their youth recruitment to a new level by snapping up Zayn Ali Salman, now five, when he was just four years old.

But a club spokesman said: “At his current age, Zayn is not part of the official Arsenal Academy.

“He is currently enjoying football sessions at the West London Development Centre, one of the development centres that we run across London, providing local and fun football sessions for Under-6 to Under-8 year olds.

“The youngest age group at the Arsenal Hale End Academy is the under-9 age group.

“Our mission to be the most caring and challenging football academy is reflected in the way we develop our young people.

‘’The priority is to ensure that any child or young person attending the development centres or our Hale End Academy enjoys their football, with a focus on their all-round development and wellbeing.”HAAL THE MONEY

Man Utd or Chelsea will reportedly have to cough up £575,000-a-week to secure Erling Haaland’s signature.

He looks likely to leave Borussia Dortmund at the end of the campaign when a £64million release clause kicks into his deal.

Now ESPN say whichever club win the race will need to fork out over £30m per year to Haaland.

However, they also state that his wage demands have not put the big guns off from pursuing a swoop.DOUBLE WHAMMY

Man Utd have been fined a total of £7,400 for a pitch invasion and missile throwing during their Champions League comeback win over Villarreal.

And West Ham have been hit with a £50,500 fine after crowd trouble at their Europa League clash with Rapid Vienna last month.

United were charged after a pitch invader celebrated Cristiano Ronaldo’s late winner, as well as the throwing of objects at Old Trafford.

Meanwhile, The Hammers have been punished by Uefa after fans threw missiles at each other – some containing bottles of urine – throughout the game against Rapid at the London Stadium on September 30.

Uefa have hit the Austrian club with a similar fine, and also ordered their away fans to be banned from attending one match in the competition.DON THE WAY OUT

Donny van de Beek has a ‘huge chance’ of leaving Manchester United in January as Everton and Newcastle hover.

Fabrizio Romano ruled out links between the 24-year-old and his former club Ajax.

And he also dismissed ‘rumours’ of Van de Beek earning a fresh start with United in January as ‘fake’.

Instead he reckons there is a ‘huge chance’ the 19-cap playmaker will be sold or loaned out in the next transfer window.EXCLUSIVE BY ANDY DILLON

Romelu Lukaku faces a month out – dealing Chelsea a serious blow in the title race.

The club’s record £97.5million signing twisted his ankle during Wednesday’s 4-0 Champions League win over Malmo.

And he now faces three to four weeks on the sidelines during a key part of the season.

After a tough run of fixtures, the Premier League leaders have a favourable spell with games again Norwich, Newcastle, Burnley and Leicester.

But with Timo Werner also injured, Chelsea are now without a recognised striker.

FATI CHANCE

Man Utd were reportedly one of three clubs who launched bids for Ansu Fati before he signed a new Barcelona deal.

El Partidazo claims the Red Devils made a mega-money offer for the teenage sensation.

And there were also big bids from Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain.

The approaches saw Barca enter crisis mode after they lost club legend Lionel Messi on a free transfer to PSG.

And club chiefs frantically raced behind the scenes to prepare a new long-term deal for their latest starlet.

Fati finally signed his new six-year contract yesterday, inheriting Messi’s No10 shirt while being given a staggering £846million release clause.NO PRESSURE

Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati has revealed he feels no pressure after being given Lionel Messi’s old No.10 shirt.

The 18-year-old just penned a six-year deal with Barca with a staggering €1BILLION (£846million) release clause.

And he’s been awarded Messi’s old jersey as a reward for his loyalty, but Fati isn’t phased by the number.

He said: “It’s true that the No. 10 jersey has been worn by Leo [Messi] and many players but I’m calm.

“For me it’s not a pressure. No one is going to equal what Leo has done.

“I’m going to follow my own journey. I still haven’t done anything.”WENG WILL DO

Ex-Newcastle United owner John Hall reckons his old club should appoint Arsene Wenger as their new manager.

The Magpies are on the hunt for a new boss following the dismissal of Steve Bruce whose days were numbered once new owners came in.

Speaking on talkSport, Hall revealed what he would do if he was still in charge pn Tyneside, and said: “If I was looking out for a manager, in my day I had the utmost regard for Arsene Wenger.

“I thought he was an intellectual in the game. The game has changed and you need thinkers for the game.

“I would be looking for someone of the calibre of Arsene Wenger.”NOT HAMMAN IT

Dietmar Hamman has slammed Liverpool star Naby Kieta who he doesn’t think is good enough to wear the club’s shirt.

Kieta scored a stunner in Liverpool’s 3-2 win over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League, but ex-Red Hamman reckons he was at fault for both of his teams conceded goals.

Speaking after the game to talkSPORT, the German fumed: “I’ve got to say, I think Keita was at fault for both goals.

“I know he’s had some injuries, but I don’t think he’s good enough for Liverpool.

“If you score a goal like he did, you should be full of confidence, you have to do your defensive duties and I get the feeling he just wants to play with the ball and when Liverpool have got possession.

“You just can’t do that and he’s not good enough to do that. The way he got beaten for the first two goals was just too easy.”LAP CLAP

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has heaped praise on wonderkid Ansu after the club tied him down to a new long-term deal.

The Catalan giants convinced the 18-yearold to sign a six-year contract it was revealed today.

And he won’t be going anywhere anytime soon because Barca inserted a staggering €1BILLION (£846million) release clause into the agreement.

Upon the deals completion, an elated Laporta beamed: “It’s a huge day for Barca because we have signed the present and the future.

“We are very excited. For us, it was very important to regularise this situation.

“At just 18 years, he has an extraordinary maturity and a super talent.

“Your objectives are our objectives. Thank you to your family and your agent for their efforts because everyone has played their part.

“We have found an agreement and here we are.”REISS ON RISE

Arsenal star Reiss Nelson’s next chapter finally began this weekend with his long-awaited debu on loan at Feyenoord.

And there were hints in his 30-minute cameo in the 2-2 draw with RKC Waalwijk that his nightmare start and middle to this year could have a happy ending.

The 21-year-old was full of energy, tricks and, most encouragingly, confidence, as he teed up a team-mate to hit the post before having a powerful effort well-saved himself.

The level in the Eredivisie may be below that of the Premier League but it served as a reminder of what this largely-forgotten young talent can do.MINI MESSI

Arsenal are wasting no time in getting their hands on an Instagram sensation dubbed ‘little Messi’ for his talents when he was just FOUR-years-old.

Zayn Ali Salman, now five, became Arsenal’s youngest-ever recruit when they signed him to their pre-academy after his dazzling skills went viral on Instagram.

Speaking on the Gunners’ historic coup, their coach scout Stephen Deans said: “He was doing things you shouldn’t be doing at that age.

“When I saw him, I called a friend who confirmed he was four. I couldn’t believe that he is still in nursery.

“Then I spoke to his parents and brought him to a few sessions. He is no fluke.”MAR TALK 

Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez is interested in returning to the Premier League to manage Newcastle, according to reports.

Should the Spaniard return to England to manage the Magpies, he’d be reunited with ex-Belgium assistant Graeme Jones.

According to The Guardian, Belgium boss Martinez is open to replacing Steve Bruce – who was sacked yesterday – as Newcastle manager.

But there’s a host of names being looked at, including former Chelsea boss Frank Lampard.

Rangers boss Steven Gerrard is also being linked with a move to Newcastle.

Former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre is also one of the names in the running for the job.

Favre almost came to the Premier League in the summer to manage Crystal Palace.

Paulo Fonseca – who was the frontrunner for the Tottenham job in the summer before the plug was pulled on the deal – has emerged as one of the favourites for the job.VARDY INSPIRATION

Leicester City striker Patson Daka has credited teammate Jamie Vardy for inspiring him to grab a hat-trick against Spartak Moscow in the Europa League.

The Zambian’s quick-fire treble helped the Foxes to a 4-3 victory over Spartak, but it wouldn’t of been possible without the help of Vardy. Daka revealed.

Speaking after the game, Daka said: Jamie has been one of my inspirations.

“I am sure you can tell with the kind of playing style that I have, which is similar to him.

“It is a big privilege for me to be working alongside him. He helps me a lot in training.

“I keep learning each and every day and I am blessed to be in this position.”SUPER BLOW

The European Super League initiative has been dealt with another blow as 16 EU countries have rejected it.

Back in April, 12 clubs signed up to the controversial breakaway competition that sparked a furious reaction by players, legends, fans, pundits, football governing bodies and politicians.

Among the ESL founders were six Premier League teams, Manchester United, Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham.

The ferocious backlash forced the big six, as well as AC Milan, Atletico Madrid, Barcelona, Inter Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid to pull back.

However, Real, Barca and Juve refuse to admit defeat and are still pushing for this unpopular project.

Los Blancos’ president Florentino Perez is the main driving force behind the three rebels’ effort to revive the initiative.

According to AP, though 16 out of 27 EU countries, including Spain and Italy, have pulled the breaks on the initiative.

Germany is also expected to submit a statement to the European Court of Justice.SO SU ME

Barcelona wonderkid Ansu Fati confirmed that he turned down offers from the Premier League to stay at the Nou Camp.

Fati was linked with a move to Manchester United and Manchester City but his constant priority was to stay at Barca.

And so the Blaugrana managed to tie the winger down to a six-year deal with a staggering €1BILLION (£846million) release clause.

The Spain international confirmed that he did receive offers from abroad, such as England, but told his agent Jorge Mendes that he wishes to stay in Catalonia.

Fati said: “Yes, I’ve had offers from abroad, but my dream was to be here.

“From the first day I told Jorge Mendes that my first option was always to stay at Barca.

“He understood it perfectly and I am very happy that the club has trusted me”.BRUCE DEFENCE

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta isn’t happy about how ex-Newcastle United boss was treated during his reign at the club.

Bruce was sacked by the Magpies new regime yesterday and in his leaving statement, the 60-year-old lashed out at the club’s fans for their alleged verbal assaults aimed towards him.

After reading how Bruce felt, Arteta revealed he was saddened because he knows him on a personal level.

Speaking before Arsenal take on Aston Villa on Friday, he said: “I was really sad after reading that statement from Steve.

“First of all, because I know him personally, and secondly, because of what he transmitted in his words.

“You’re talking about somebody who has been in the game for over 40 years as a player and as a manager.

“He’s managed over 1,000 games and he’s telling you, with that experience, with that level of expertise that he has – because you have to to be able to sustain yourself at that level – that he struggles with that kind of situation, with that kind of abuse.”SPENDING POWER

German clubs are struggling to keep up with the Premier League’s spending power in the transfer market, according to Bayer Leverkusen’s chief Fernando Carro.

Carro is worried that the Bundesliga could end up being a development league for the Prem because at the moment only Bayern Munich can compete with English sides when it comes to buying players.

Leverkusen made an attempt to buy a player this summer but were stumped by a newly-promoted Prem side who beat them to the punch.

And Carro reckons that’s a situation that will repeat itself in future.

He explained to the Guardian: “We tried to buy a player in the summer and in the end a promoted side from the Premier League was able to pay more money and a higher salary than us, a top four side in Germany.

“The Premier League has so much more money and resources than any other country. This is not good for us. Definitely not.”Load more entries… More