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NEWCASTLE are 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.”
Reports after Bruce’s dismissal stated that players had nicknamed him ‘Mike Bassett’ after the fictional comedy England boss, due to his uncomfortable media appearances.
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 along with Timo Werner after the pair picked up injuries in the 4-0 win over Malmo.
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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.”YOUR OFF?

Manchester United lead a group of clubs looking to sign Youri Tielemans.

That’s according to bookmakers Betfair, who’ve installed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side as favourites to clinch his signature.

90min claim he’s rejected Leicester’s latest proposal and has told club officials that he’s ‘not in the right place’ to sign a long-term deal.

And United are the frontrunners at odds of 6/1 to complete a deal before February 3 with Betfair.

Barcelona are next in the betting market at 8/1 with Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool in behind at a double-figure 16/1.

Real Madrid are the outsiders of the pack at 20/1.DAN THE MAN 

Manchester United are keeping tabs on RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo, reports suggest.

Olmo has attracted the interest of some of Europe’s biggest hitters, such as cash-strapped Barcelona.

United are monitoring the situation and look set to pounce if Barca’s financial woes get in the way once more.

That is according to BILD’s head of football Christian Falk, who claims that the Red Devils could be set for a bidding war over the attacking midfielder with rivals Manchester City.

He added that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer sent scouts to watch the Spaniard in action in Germany.

Falk tweeted: “If Barca can‘t pay him: [United] and [City] are interested in [Olmo] of [Leipzig]. Scouts of United watched Olmo at many matches.”GUNNER WAY

Arsenal youngster Josh Robinson has revealed he turned down the chance to join Everton before heading to North London

The defender who started off at a development centre has now established himself as a regular in the Gunners U18 side.

His performances at the development centre attracted the likes of the Toffees and Queens Park Ranger, but when the Gunners came calling it was a no-brainer for Robinson.

He explained: “I was there for about six months and that’s when I was asked if I wanted to trial for Arsenal. Of course my answer was yes! But it didn’t go to plan at first.

“I played with them for a little while and teams like QPR and Everton were interested, but when Arsenal invited me for another trial, I had to take it.

“They liked me, signed me up and I’ve been here ever since!”TIME WILL TIEL

Youri Tielemans has rejected a new contract offer at Leicester, according to reports.

And that puts Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool on red alert.

According to 90min.com, the Belgian star turned down the Foxes’ latest deal.

The East Midlands club are unsurprisingly desperate to tie down their influential midfielder and fend off transfer interest.

But although Tielemans is not demanding a move away, he is thought to be holding off putting pen to paper on an extension with his current deal expiring in June 2023.IN THREE FALL

England’s flop draw with Hungary has seen them drop to fifth in the new Fifa rankings.

The Three Lions were at an all-time high of third in the world when they moved up in September.

But their disappointing Wembley stalemate last week has cost them.

England lost 5.28 points to slip to 1750.16 in the complicated Fifa system.

And gains made by Nations League winners France and Euro 2020 champs Italy saw both countries leapfrog Gareth Southgate’s side into third and fourth respectively.

Belgium, who have been top of the list for more than three years, retain their place at the summit despite back-to-back defeats by France and Italy.

But their advantage over second-placed Brazil was cut to just 12 points after Tite’s team beat Uruguay in Manaus on Friday.OVER THE TOON

Newcastle reportedly want to bring in ex-Arsenal star Marc Overmars as their new director.

The Magpies are undergoing a massive overhaul of personnel since their Saudi takeover which began with the sacking of Steve Bruce.

And now the Express claim the Toon side are eyeing Ajax director Overmars to come in and oversee their transfer activity.

Overmars has orchestrated some shrewd deals during his time with the Dutch side and Newcastle’s new owners hope he can bring his expertise to Tyneside.

SEEING DOUBLE

Liverpool star Mo Salah was stunned after coming face to face with his waxwork double at London’s Madame Tussauds wax museum.

The Egyptian striker was so blown away by his replica that he thought he was seeing double.

He gasped: “That looks exactly like me, it is like I am looking into the mirror. Does he have abs or no?”

The 29-year-old then expressed his gratitude for the waxwork and said: “It’s a blessing to be recognised and immortalised in this way.”WEAKNESS

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer needs to be tougher on Manchester United’s star players to get the best out of them, according to Peter Crouch.

The pundit is concerned with the lack of discipline occasionally on show amongst United’s attacking players.

The Red Devils produced a stunning comeback to beat Atalanta 3-2 in the Champions League group stage on Wednesday after going 2-0 down.

But Crouch noticed a lack of effort amongst United’s attacking front four and implied Solskjaer needs to be tougher when his stars display poor body language.

Crouch said on BT Sport: “I think if Pep and Klopp are in charge of this (United) team, I think the front four would work a lot harder, no way they would get away with it.

“(I) don’t think Ole will upset players.

“I see body language on some players that under Pep and Klopp they would be hauled off.”ON THE PAUL

Manchester United legend Paul Scholes has declared Jurgen Klopp will be “rubbing his hands together” following the 3-2 win against Atalanta.

The Red Devils once again came back from behind in the Champions League to win late on at Old Trafford having trailed 2-0 going into the break.

It was a disastrous display from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men in the opening 45 minutes as they were outclassed by their Italian opponents, who could have scored more.

And Scholes has stated they will be not be able to get away with a similar outing against rivals Liverpool on Sunday at the Theatre of Dreams.

The BT Sport pundit said: “The first half put me off the second half. It was worrying, it looked anything but a team and lacked unity.

“Imagine Jurgen Klopp during that first half at home, watching rubbing his hands together.”GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS

Manchester United’s late comeback triumph saved Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s job, while Chelsea’s romp showed why Thomas Tuchel has no such worries over his future.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s prodigious leap for a matchwinning header followed up fine strikes from Marcus Rashford and Harry Maguire after Atalanta led a dramatic Champions League group tie 2-0.

And Jorginho’s two penalties led holders Chelsea’s one-sided 4-0 home victory over Malmo, Andreas Christensen and Kai Havertz also netting.

But Blues’ boss Tuchel confirmed hitmen Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner face lay-offs after being taken off injured.

Pundits and former Old Trafford stars had rounded on United’s opening-period performance, before they triumphed 3-2.

But Solskjaer said: “I thought we played well first half too. Two chances, two goals. It has to stop if we are to survive. 

“Marcus had chances in the first half but kept on going. He got a knock but he is going to be very important for us. It was an instinctive finish from Harry. 

“And Cristiano is great in front of goal. If anyone wants to criticise him for effort and work-rate just watch this game. Watch how he runs around.”

Earlier Patson Daka hit four goals, including a nine-minute treble, as Leicester roared back from 2-0 down to win 4-3 at Spartak Moscow in the Europa League.

Yet the modest Zambia striker said: “I have a lot of things I want to improve on.”

Tonight West Ham host Genk in the Europa League, while Tottenham travel to Vitesse in the Europa Conference League.

Transfer-wise, the main gossip surrounds Arsenal and Newcastle being linked with a summer duel for Everton’s England striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.STEWARDS STOP PITCH INVADER NEAR RON

Manchester United stewards wrestled a pitch invader to the ground just INCHES away from a shocked Cristiano Ronaldo after an incredible chase, writes DAVE FRASER.

The Portugal legend, 36, scored a towering header in the 81st minute to complete a dramatic 3-2 comeback success against Atalanta.

United had trailed 2-0 at half-time following goals from Mario Pasalic and Merih Demiral and were booed off the pitch by disgruntled fans.

But supporters were in buoyant mood less than an hour later after Marcus Rashford, Harry Maguire and Ronaldo all found the net.

At the sound of the full-time whistle, Ronaldo celebrated into the TV camera with a passionate roar.

But the five-time Champions League winner was blissfully unaware one partying fan was charging towards him.

In the background, the supporter can be seen leading Old Trafford stewards on an incredible, pitch-long chase.

Eventually, one steward manages to catch up and wrestle him to the floor just centimetres from Ronaldo.LUKAKU AND WERNER FACE INJURY LAY-OFFS

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has confirmed his main strikers Romelu Lukaku and Timo Werner face injury lay-offs after limping off in the 4-0 defeat of Malmo.

The woefully out-of-form Lukaku had hoped to rekindle his magic against the Swedish minnows.

But both he and fellow striker Werner were forced off injured during the 4-0 win.

And they are likely to miss several games, according to boss Tuchel.

He said: “We have a twist of the ankle for Romelu and hamstring for Timo. They will be some days out, I guess.

“We only had Christian Pulisic, we miss everybody but we have to find excuses. We have no excuses.

“Romelu twisted his ankle with the foul in the box, Timo has a hamstring injury. It will take a while for both of them. They will be out for some matches.

“I don’t regret it. It was the moment to give him [Lukaku] confidence. Things like this can happen, it is bad luck.”RESULT: CHELSEA 4 MALMO 0

Dominant Chelsea made it six points from three games.

Andreas Christensen and Jorginho’s penalty struck before half-time.

Kai Havertz’s stylish finish and Jorginho’s second spot-kick confirmed a one-sided victory.

For all the reaction click on our live blog HERE.Load more entries… More

NEWCASTLE have SACKED Steve Bruce after just one game in charge under the new owners, but Brucie certainly saw it coming.The Magpies board are lining up either Paolo Fonseca, Lucien Favre or Eddie Howe as their next manager.
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.”
Reports after Bruce’s dismissal stated that players had nicknamed him ‘Mike Bassett’ after the fictional comedy England boss, due to his uncomfortable media appearances.
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”.
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.
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BELL RING

Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea have reportedly been told they’ll have to stump up around £109million for Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham.

The Prem trio have been linked with a move for Bellingham this summer, but his contract isn’t up until 2025 and Dortmund won’t take any less than £109m for the 18-year-old, according to Fichajes.

The 18-year-old could turn out to be worth his weight in gold as he’s already closing in on 50 appearances in the Bundesliga while winning eight caps for the English national team.

He is also one of the top candidates to win the Golden Boy Award this year, alongside other talented youngsters like Pedri, Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.VAN BLIGHT

Virgil Van Dijk had his worst game in a Liverpool shirt against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last night, according to ex-Reds defender Steve Nicol.

The Reds scraped a 3-2 win over Atletico, but Nicol was horrified by what he saw from Liverpool’s defence and Van Dijk in particular.

The Dutch defender spent most of last season out injured and Nicols doesn’t think he’s recovered yet – physically or mentally.

Nicols said: “I’ve never seen Liverpool defend as badly since Virgil van Dijk arrived at Anfield and particularly him as well, that’s easily his worst game defensively in a Liverpool jersey.

“From a personal point of view, he’s just not back to where he is physically and mentally, he’s not.”

RAM RACE

Manchester United and Arsenal will reportedly have to fend off competition from Aston Villa to sign Aberdeen full-back Calvin Ramsay.

The 18-year-old has impressed the Prem sides after breaking into the Scottish side’s first team this year.

And now, the Gunners along with Villa and United are eager to bring him to England, according to football journalist Ekrem Konur.

“Calvin Ramsay is the new favorite of the Premier League teams

“Manchester United, Arsenal and Aston Villa are all after the young talent.”FON THE WAY 

Newcastle united are back in talks with Paulo Fonseca about becoming their manager.

Steve Bruce was put out his misery and sacked by the Magpies on Wednesday morning and Toon chiefs are already on the hunt for a new boss.

Club chiefs have wasted no time and are already talking to former Shakhtar Donetsk and Roma boss Fonseca, 48.

The Portuguese has been out of work since leaving Roma at the end of last season but he did come close to taking over at Tottenham in the summer.

SunSport understands Fonseca is in pole position to take the job and appeals to Toon chiefs because of his attacking style of play.SHEARER SALUTES BRUCE EFFORTS

Alan Shearer has thanked Steve Bruce for his contribution to Newcastle after he was sacked as manager this morning.

The ex-Toon striker acknowledged how hard it must’ve been for Bruce to make things work on Tyneside with limited resources.

But despite the insurmountable difficulties, Bruce tried his best to make things work, Shearer claimed.

He tweeted: “I know how tough it was for any manager at Newcastle for the last 14 years.

“I also know how badly Steve & his family wanted it to work. In difficult circumstances for everybody, he kept #NUFC up for two seasons.

“It’s a new era now, but thank you, Steve, for your effort & commitment.”SAFE AND SOUND

The family of a supporter who required emergency medical care during the Premier League fixture between Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday have released a statement to update supporters on his condition.

Alan George Smith, 80, collapsed during the first half of the match at St. James’ Park and play was suspended while his condition was stabilised.

He was subsequently transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) in Newcastle city centre before being moved for specialist care at the Freeman Hospital.

Mr Smith’s son, Paul, said: “We are pleased to advise that Alan is making great progress, is now fully alert and is up and walking about. He will remain in hospital over the next few days while further tests are carried out.

“He and our family would like to say thank you to his friend, Don Williamson, who was with him at the time and alerted everyone to his condition.

“We would also like to thank and pay tribute to the doctors and nurses who administered CPR, the paramedics from North East Ambulance Service, St John’s Ambulance, fans and stewards at the scene, as well the medical staff at the RVI and Freeman Hospital. We will be forever grateful.

“We would also like to say thank you to all of the people who have wished Alan well on social media and the players and staff of both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur, especially Jamaal Lascelles who has sent a personal message. It meant so much to Alan.

“He is looking forward to getting back to St. James’ Park as soon as possible.”

The family has requested privacy at this time and requests that any media enquiries are directed to the club’s press office.HEN MESS

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has played with both Lionel Messi and Dennis Bergkamp.

The French icon and Bergkamp struck up a formidable partnership for Arsenal.

Then he went onto to play with Messi at Barcelona, but when asked who was better to play with out of the pair, Henry chose Bergkamp.

When asked by CBS Sports who was the best he played alongside, Henry said: “Dennis Bergkamp.”CLOSE THE TIEL

Youri Tielemans has reportedly rejected Leicester City’s new contract offer.

But Foxes fans shouldn’t be worried today as his departure won’t be imminent so he should feature against Spartak.

Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers admitted there’s nothing he could do to stop the Belgian leaving, and is only focused on helping him improve as a player.

Speaking to the media ahead of the European clash, Rodgers said: “There will obviously be talks with the club in terms of his contract but I continue to work with him and help him improve as a player. That’s my only focus.

“He is an outstanding player, one of Europe’s top midfielders. He is integral to our game and a joy to work with – a super professional. A young player with that focus is great to see.”MAXIMIM RESPECT

Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin has paid a touching tribute to former boss Steve Bruce.

Bruce was sacked by the Toon’s new owners this morning after a tough spell in charge.

And Maximim had nothing but kind words to say about his ex-manager on Twitter.

He wrote: “You are, without a doubt, one of the most gentle people that I have ever met in the world of football.

“You have been a man of your word, a caring man and a fair man who never hesitated to protect us.

“I will never forget how you treated me, for that I will be forever grateful.”DAN’S THE MAN

Chelsea appear to be ahead in the race to add Wrexham starlet Daniel Davies to their youth ranks.

The highly sought after left-back who has attracted interest from Liverpool is on a week-long trial with the Blues, according to Goal.

The 16-year-old, who recently played his first game for Wales’ Under-18, was also offered trials with Brighton and Stoke City.

But it is thought this year’s Champions League winners are a more appealing destination for the full-back.

HAARD TO GET

Thomas Tuchel has confirmed Chelsea are interested in signing wonderkid Erling Haaland from Borussia Dortmund.

Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and Barcelona are all tracking Haaland’s progress.

And now, Chelsea have thrown themselves into the mix.

Tuchel told Bild: “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.”SANTO’S SAD

Nuno Espirito Santo says he is sad Steve Bruce has been sacked by Newcastle – and has urged him not to retire.

Nuno’s Tottenham beat the Toon 3-2 at St James’ Park on Sunday in what was to prove Bruce’s last game.

Spurs manager Nuno said: “Bad news. Bad news. It’s always sad to see someone lose his job. 

“I have great respect and admiration for Steve. We started in the Championship together when I was at Wolves and one of our first games was against Aston Villa.

“I hope he doesn’t retire. He still has so much to give to the game.”CITY SHOCK

Manchester City have spoken out in disgust after one of their fans were attacked following their 5-1 win over Club Brugge.

The Etihad giants released a statement that read: “Everyone at Manchester City is shocked and saddened to hear reports of an attack on one of our supporters after the Champions League game in Bruges last night.

“We are currently working with our counterparts at Club Brugge as well as Belgian and Greater Manchester Police to establish more information.

“Our thoughts and best wishes go out to the family and friends of the Belgian-based supporter, who remains in hospital.”STEVE BASSET

Steve Bruce was reportedly privately referred to as fictional football coach Mike Bassett by his ex-Newcastle stars because of his media gaffes.

Bassett, played by actor Ricky Tomlinson was the boss of the England team in the self-titled comedy series.

He then went on to manage Newcastle just like Bruce and was subsequently sacked from the role.

And according to The Athletic, Bruce’s actions in the spotlight earned him the Basset label by the Toon’s squad.

SHEARER SYMPATHY

Alan Shearer has thanked Steve Bruce for his contribution to Newcastle after he was sacked as manager this morning.

The ex-Toon striker acknowledged how hard it must’ve been for Bruce to make things work on Tyneside with limited resources.

But despite the insurmountable difficulties, Bruce tried his best to make things work, Shearer claimed.

He tweeted: “I know how tough it was for any manager at Newcastle for the last 14 years.

“I also know how badly Steve & his family wanted it to work. In difficult circumstances for everybody, he kept #NUFC up for two seasons.

“It’s a new era now, but thank you, Steve, for your effort & commitment.”LINEKER SYMPATHY

Gary Lineker has wished Steve Bruce all the best for the future following his Newcastle dismissal.

Bruce was given the boot after weeks of speculation surrounding his future since the Magpies new owners came in.

But despite being fired, Lineker reckons Bruce has handled himself in a dignified manner and did the best he could with limited resources on Tyneside.

The footy pundit tweeted: “Steve Bruce has handled a difficult situation with great dignity during this period.

“Under trying circumstances and with generally poor recruitment by the club he did as well as realistically could be expected.

“Wish a very decent man all the very best.”BRUCE’S END

Steve Bruce has hinted at retirement after being sacked as boss of Newcastle while lashing out at Toon fans.

The Toon faithful had slammed Bruce during his ill-fated reign as being a ‘tactically inept cabbage head’.

Those jibes were hard for Bruce to swallow and he let Magpies fans know just how he felt as he departed.

He told The Telegraph: “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.

“By the time I got to Newcastle, I thought I could handle everything thrown at me but it has been very, very tough.

“To never really be wanted, to feel that people wanted me to fail, to read people constantly saying I would fail, that I was useless, a fat waste of space, a stupid, tactically inept cabbage head or whatever. And it was from day one.

“When we were doing ok results wise, it was ‘yeah but the style of football is rubbish’ or I was just ‘lucky.’ It was ridiculous and persistent, even when the results were good.”

RACE FOR BRUCE’S SPOT

Some of the biggest names in football have been linked with the vacant Newcastle United job after Steve Bruce was sacked.

Ex-Roma boss Paul Fonseca is in pole position to take the job, but Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are also among the favourites, according to Betfair.

Betfair also reckon Zinedine Zidane and Jose Mourinho are in with a shout of being the new Toon boss, here’s a full list of the odds:

Paulo Fonseca 6/4Eddie Howe4/1Lucien Favre 4/1Frank Lampard 11/1Steven Gerrard 14/1Unai Emery20/1Brendan Rodgers 25/1Jose Mourinho 25/1Roberto Martinez 25/1Antonio Conte 33/1Rafa Benitez 40/1Zinedine Zidane 40/1Roberto Mancini 40/1John Terry 50/1Chris Wilder 50/1Andre Villas-Boas50/1Ralf Rangnick50/1Graham Potter50/1Andriy Shevchenko 50/1Wayne Rooney 50/1Roy Hodgson 50/1TOON ODDS

Paul Fonseca is leading the race to be named Newcastle United’s manager following the sacking of Steve Bruce.

The ex-Roma coach is closely followed by Eddie Howe in the running, and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard has also been mentioned alongside Leicester coach Brendan Rodgers in the top five list, according to Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom.

He said: “Following the news that Steve Bruce is leaving Newcastle United, punters make Paulo Fonseca the 6/4 favourite to take over as the boss at St James’s Park.

“The former Roma manager was as big as 50/1 at the start of the month, but his odds have been slashed following a flurry of bets for him this week and in the past 24 hours, he has been very popular choice with punters who have backed him in from 9/1 yesterday.

“Another name that has been linked with the club recently is Edie Howe, who is joint second favourite for the job at 4/1 along with Lucien Favre.”TOON HOT SEAT

Newcastle are on the hunt for a new manager following the sacking of Steve Bruce.

Bruce was relieved of his duties at the Tyneside club after the Magpies lost 3-2 to Tottenham last weekend.

And former Tottenham target Paulo Fonseca is favourite for the job, with Dortmund’s Lucien Favre, Antonio Conte, Roberto Martinez, Graham Potter and Steven Gerrard all in the mix.

With no chief executive or sporting director in place yet – though Lokomotiv Moscow’s head of sport Ralf Rangnick is in line for the latter – the current board will have to find Bruce’s long-term replacement.

BRUCE’S FINAL WORDS

Steve Bruce has spoken out after being sacked by Newcastle United.

Speculation surrounded his job ever since the Magpies were subject to a £300m Saudi takeover in recent weeks.

The club had initially backed Bruce but finally wielded the axe on the 65-year-old this morning.

Speaking after his dismissal, Bruce said: “I am grateful to everyone connected with Newcastle United for the opportunity to manage this unique football club.

“I would like to thank my coaching team, the players and the support staff in particular for all their hard work. There have been highs and lows, but they have given everything even in difficult moments and should be proud of their efforts.

“This is a club with incredible support, and I hope the new owners can take it forward to where we all want it to be. I wish everyone the very best of luck for the rest of this season and beyond.”NOT THAT INTER YOU

Phil Neville is plotting a mass clear out at Inter Miami as his nightmare at David Beckham’s club continues.

The MLS side take on fellow strugglers Toronto tonight with just five games remaining of the campaign.

But they head into the clash in the middle of an awful six game losing streak which has left their play-off hopes hanging by a thread.

Neville, 44, was placed in charge by ex-Manchester United pal Beckham back in January and soon brought in a number of big hitters to join the already stacked ranks.

However, he has endured a miserable time in South Florida and as SunSport exclusively reported yesterday, the former England Women’s boss is already planning for next season and knows some tough decisions will have to be made.

Neville is determined to help Beckham realise his dream by launching an assault for the title next term – even if it means upsetting members of his squad.BREAKING 

STEVE BRUCE HAS BEEN SACKED BY NEWCASTLE.

The 60-year-old’s job has been hanging in the balance ever since the Magpies were bought.

And Bruce’s exit was confirmed by the club after two seasons in charge as they look to go in a different direction.

Graeme Jones will take charge of Newcastle for their trip to Crystal Palace on Saturday.

It is believed Bruce will receive around £8m in compensation after his axe.

BARCA LOVE

Samuel Umtiti has revealed that he has no intention of leaving Barcelona in January despite his lack of game time, while declaring his love for the club.

Barca had tried to offload Umtiti in the summer in a bid to raise cash but the defender didn’t want to leave.

But Barca fans wanted him gone and even booed the 27-year-old in pre-season.

Despite being out in the cold, Umtiti still has no plans of leaving the Catalan giants.

He said, reported by Football Espana: “I don’t plan to leave in January, I want to triumph here.

“I don’t see myself in another place. My intention is to complete my contract.

“I am waiting to have an opportunity to demonstrate that I am very well, though it’s a little hard.”NOT BOTHERED

Liverpool star Andy Roberston has revealed that neither he nor his teammates were bothered by Diego Simeone’s theatrics in the Champions League last night.

The Reds managed to clinch a 3-2 win over Simeone’s Atletico Madrid and the Argentine was far from amused.

He made his feelings clear by storming down the tunnel after the game, refusing to shake Kop boss Jurgen Klopp’s hand in the process.

However, Robertson claims the maturity the Liverpool squad have developed over the years gave them the ability to overlook Simeone’s strop.

The defender told LFCTV: “Luckily our squad is really experienced now, we’ve been to some really touchy places in Europe and in the Premier League and been able to cope with that (Simeone’s theatrics).

“I think that comes down to us being together for so long, and to us being a wee bit older and wiser than we once were, and that showed tonight.”Load more entries… More