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    Chelsea vs Man City LIVE: Stream FREE, TV channel, team news and kick-off time – Champions League final latest updates

    CHELSEA and Manchester City are set to do battle in Portugal for the Champions League trophy.After a gruelling season, it all comes down to this as the two Premier League sides go for glory in a sun-drenched Lisbon.

    Kick-off time: 8pm BST
    Chelsea XI: To follow
    Man City XI: To follow

    Follow ALL the build-up and action with our live blog below…

    BETTING OFFER: Get Man City at 30/1 or Chelsea at 40/1 to win

    Chelsea are up against Manchester City in this season’s Champions League finalCredit: AFP
    What time does Chelsea vs Man City kick-off?

    Chelsea’s Champions League final clash with Man City will get underway from 8pm UK time TONIGHT – Saturday, May 29.
    There will be around 16,500 fans in the stadium to watch the game, with 6,000 tickets each being allocated to Chelsea and Man City supporters.

    What TV channel is it on and can I live stream?

    The Champions League final will be shown live on BT Sport 1 and BT Sport 1 HD, as well as BT Sport Ultimate.
    You can catch the action on the BT Sport app which is available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.

    Can I watch for FREE?

    EE customers can get BT Sport INCLUDED to their plan at no extra cost if they are on a plan with Smart Benefits – simply log in to EE and choose BT Sport app.
    And then get it on the big screen by texting SPORT to 150 to get a FREE three-month trial of large screen so you can cast all the action on your TV.
    At the end of the three months you will automatically roll onto the £15 per month subscription unless cancelled.
    The game will also be shown LIVE on BT Sport’s YouTube channel, which is available for download onto your mobile device, tablet or Smart TV.

    Team news
    Man City will be with a fully-fit squad for the Champions League final – a manager’s dream.
    But Pep Guardiola has the tough task of choosing who to leave out of his first XI for his side’s clash with Chelsea in Porto.
    Joao Cancelo may not start for City and has found himself out of the side recently while Oleksandr Zinchenko could bag himself a starting place.
    Phil Foden, Kevin de Bruyne, Riyad Mahrez are all expected to start for City.
    For Chelsea, their two big injury sweats were Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante, both who are not FIT and ready to face City.
    The pair trained on Thursday and and will almost certainly start vs City, with Thiago Silva likely to start in a back three with Cesar Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger.
    Mason Mount is certain to start, but Thomas Tuchel will have to decide on Kai Havaetz in a false 9 with Timo Werner, or Christian Pulisic.
    Mateo Kovacic, meanwhile, will be hoping to displace Jorginho in midfield.
    STAGE IS SET
    The countdown to our 8pm kick-off is well and truly on now.
    This feels like the calm before the storm…

    CHELSEA PREDICTED LINE-UP
    Here is how SunSport reckon the Blues will shape up tonight.
    Will there be any tactical tweaks from Thomas Tuchel to depart from tried-and-tested 3-4-3?
    Surely that’s unlikely in the biggest game of all.

    DOING THE ROUNDS
    Manchester City players could equal a stunning record that has stood for 61 years in tonight’s final.
    Kevin De Bruyne and Riyad Mahrez have scored in the quarter-final and semi-final of this season’s Champions League for Man City v Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain.
    The last time two players scored for a team in the quarter-final, semi-final and final of a European Cup/Champions League season was Alfredo Di Stefano and Ferenc Puskas in 1959-60 for Real Madrid.
    .Credit: AFP
    KIT WASH
    You might notice something odd about Chelsea’s kit when they walk out tonight – they’ve ditched the new one.
    Since unveiling their new threads, things haven’t quite gone right for the Blues in finals.
    Officially released earlier this month, it was described by some fans on social media as ‘horrific’.
    Sporting a 1960s throwback look, the zig-zag and chequerboard design has certainly proved to be divisive amongst the fanbase.
    The strip is the same for both the men’s and women’s team, both of whom debuted it in finals.
    But as well as the FA Cup loss to Leicester, the women’s team were defeated heavily in the Champions League final against Barcelona.
    As a result of these two defeats, superstitious figures at Stamford Bridge are reverting to the old kit for tonight’s Lisbon showdown.

    BALLS UP
    Supporters have been enjoying their spell in Porto ahead of the Champions League final.
    A replica trophy has been on show in the Portuguese city, as has a giant ball… which eagle-eyed supporters have noticed has ‘ISTANBUL 21’ scrawled on.
    Credit: Getty
    Credit: Getty
    CITY EARLY TEAM NEWS
    Guardiola is likely to have a fully fit squad for tonight’s clash – despite a fitness scare for Ilkay Gundogan.
    The midfielder had overcome a knee problem which is kept him sidelined from last weekend’s final league game against Everton.
    But he had appeared take a slight knock during City’s last training session when he came together in a challenge with Fernandinho.
    The 30-year-old left the session before many of his team-mates and looked to be in slight discomfort as he went down the tunnel but no official announcement has been made about his fitness.
    We’re expecting him to feature though after a terrific campaign.

    HOW WILL THEY LINE-UP?
    Here is how SunSport predict Manchester City will set themselves out against Chelsea tonight.

    DECAD-ENCE
    A decade ago, Pep Guardiola witnessed something close to perfection in a Champions League final and realised his job at Barcelona was done, writes DAVE KIDD.
    Ten years and one day later, Guardiola finally returns to the grandest fixture in club football, when Manchester City face Chelsea here tonight.
    Guardiola admitted: “We could not do better. That was as high as we could go as a team and that was the moment when I started thinking the period at Barcelona was over.
    “It’s not possible to think that way in Manchester, because it’s the first time for City in a Champions League final.
    “We are not among the elite in Europe. We’re not playing with a relaxed, calm situation, but you have to play with this tension that we have, this pressure that we have.
    “Of course I remember that performance against United, one of the greatest teams ever in that period with Sir Alex.
    “In that final we expressed what we’d worked four years for.”
    PRESSURE RISING
    Ex-Chelsea and England man Joe Cole reckons City will feel the pressure of being heavy favourites tonight.
    He told Football London: “Where Chelsea and Man City are at the moment, the pressure is on Man City.
    “You can see they are the better side over the course of 38 games but the club are so hell-bent on winning this trophy [Champions League] that the pressure is always mounting.
    “For Chelsea, you’ve got young players happy to be there in the sense that it wasn’t expected this year. This was a transitional period.
    “But they can go out there and win the game with talent all over the park. That is where I think the psychology of the game will be”.

    STAT ATTACK

    Man City will become the 23rd club to win the Champions League if they break their duck tonight.
    Guardiola’s side have not drawn a match in FOURTY games (W35, L5).
    Chelsea’s last two CL final appearance have ended in penalty shootouts.
    Kevin De Bruyne has scored in three of the last five matches against the Blues.

    LATEST ODDS
    Fancy a flutter on tonight’s game?
    City are odds-on to win in 90 minutes, with the Blues a hefty 7/2. That’s £43 back for a tenner…

    Chelsea – 10/3
    Draw – 21/10
    Man City – 19/20
    Chelsea to lift cup – 15/8
    Man City to lift cup – 4/11

    THE BIG ONE
    Sitting comfortably? Good – because this one could be really special.
    An all-Premier League final tonight from Lisbon, as Chelsea take on Man City in the Champions League.
    Pep Guardiola goes in search of the ultimate crown, the one that City have been craving.
    Despite his illustrious, relatively young managerial career, this trophy has eluded Guardiola at Eastlands.
    This is their first appearance in the main European competition final yet come into the clash as the odds-on favourites.
    That is also despite the fact that Chelsea have won the last two meetings between the sides.
    Thomas Tuchel’s men edged out City in the FA Cup semi-final by a goal to nil, then followed it up just three weeks ago with a 2-1 win at the Etihad.
    Chelsea will now face English opposition in the Champions League final for the second time in their three appearances, having lost the 2008 tournament to Manchester United.
    But they do have a winner’s trophy to their name with the penalty shoot-out win over Bayern Munich in 2012.
    16,500 fans will be in attendance, with 6,000 from each side.
    The Blues handed around 800 tickets back, while thousands have travelled to Portugal without a ticket hoping to pick one up.
    Pictures have emerged of fans clashing in Porto. More on that in a short while – but we’ll hopefully just be talking about football later!
    Strap in as we countdown to the crowning moment of football in Europe tonight, with kick-off at 8pm BST.
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    Mahrez LATEST as City ‘willing to sell’, Bissouma latest, Xhaka EXIT, Coutinho can ‘LEAVE Barcelona’, Odegaard future

    ARSENAL will have to wait until July to approach Philipe Coutinho – but the Brazilian is reportedly free to leave Barcelona. Reports also suggest that the Gunners could land long-term target Houssem Aouar for just £25m after Lyon missed out on the Champions League.
    Elsewhere, the Gunners could be in line for a shock Riyad Mahrez transfer – with champions Man City reportedly “willing to sell”.
    We’ve also the very latest on Martin Odegaard, as well as an update on Alexandre Lacazette’s Emirates future.
    WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
    Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
    PRICE IS DWIGHT
    Aston Villa want to sign Burnley star Dwight McNeil and Norwich’s Arsenal target Emi Buendia, according to The Athletic.
    Buendia is a key target with the playmaker attracting plenty of interest.
    His form, which helped the Canaries win the Championship title, has led to interest from Arsenal and Villa.
    The Argentina ace scored 15 goals and provided 17 assists during a superb campaign for the promotion winners.
    Villa face major competition from Arsenal for Buendia but their interest is a statement of intent for their ambition next season.
    The club are still intent on holding on to England star Jack Grealish and are looking to strengthen their current squad, rather than replace players.

    HAK THAT
    Arsenal have been dealt another transfer blow as Inter Milan right-back Achraf Hakimi looks set to join PSG.
    The Parisians are believed to not be completely sold on loanee Alessandro Florenzi.
    According to Gazzetta Dello Sport Inter need to get between £77million to £85m in transfer sales to meet the economic needs of the club.
    The report states that the Nerazzurri and PSG are in the advanced stages of negotiations.
    And the deal would be around £51.5m – turning a profit of £16.5m from when they acquired him permanently from Real Madrid for £34.3m back in 2020.
    BERTRAND BLOW
    Ryan Bertrand is now a free agent after his contract at Southampton expired.
    Arsenal have shown interest in signing Bertrand in the summer transfer window.
    According to Football London, however, Leicester are leading the race as they held talks with the talented left-back.
    Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is looking to significantly strengthen his squad after a poor season that saw the team missing out on Europe for the first time in 25 years
    BRIGHTON REACT
    Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has admitted that the Seagulls may not be able to hold on to their best players in the summer.
    This comes amid reports suggesting Arsenal are keeping tabs on midfielder Yves Bissouma.
    Barber told The Athletic: “I don’t see it as a negative at all. The more the big clubs that are interested in our players, the more we’re doing right, so I am delighted with that.
    “We know some of our best players aren’t going to be with us forever and, if the right offer comes along – and it has to be the right offer – and they want to leave, then they can go.
    “If we’ve got players leaving, then we’ve got back-up internally, and we can go out into the transfer market.
    “We’re always looking ahead, we’re always trying to scout the best young players and bring them into our squad, or loan them out. It’s a really important part of what we do”
    FOUR-TY
    Nicolas Pepe is not the only one to be celebrating his birthday within the Arsenal family.
    Andrey Arshavin turned 40 today and the Gunners shared some wishes on social media.
    Arshavin is still remembered by the fans when he scored four goals against Liverpool at Anfield in 2009.
    The forward spent four years in the north Londoners’ books before moving to Zenit St Petersburg in 2013

    TRUE ART-IST
    Manchester City star Raheem Sterling has previously praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.
    The Gunners are reportedly interested in working out a deal with Sterling ahead of the summer transfer window following rumours suggesting he will be offloaded by City.
    The England international previously worked with Arteta when the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola’s assistant manager at the Etihad.
    Sterling previously said: “[Arteta is] a person that had a lot of say here [at City]. The manager trusted him here and he had a lot of influence on the players here and the team as well.
    “So I knew once he went into Arsenal that it would be a great opportunity for him but also he would definitely implement what he wanted to bring in.
    “And he’s a person that will put his foot down and not let things slide as you can see with the boys at Arsenal. They know if they don’t run they are most likely not going to play”
    PEP TALK
    Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe has been included in the Europa League Squad of the Season.
    Pepe joins six Manchester United players, that is Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani.
    The winger had the joint-highest goal contribution – along with Villarreal star Gerard Moreno – in the Europa League as he scored six times and amassed four assists.
    Not a bad way for the Ivory Coast international to celebrate his 25th birthday

    FINAL EURO SQUAD
    England manager Gareth Southgate is expected to name his final squad on Tuesday 1 June.
    Southgate named his provisional 33-man shortlist on Tuesday ahead of Euro 2020 but seven players will soon be cut.
    So far Bukayo Saka is the only Arsenal player who made the cut ahead of the European championships.
    The England boss said: “There are 12 players still to play so we’re always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about.
    “We felt more time will help us make better decisions. Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards – a lot of unknowns.
    “Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days”
    STERLING/MAHREZ SALE EXPLAINED
    Manchester City appear set to sell Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez ahead of the summer transfer window.
    The likes of Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring the situation.
    According to Metro, manager Pep Guardiola is pulling out all the stops to fund potential moves for the likes of Tottenham star Harry Kane, Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland and Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish.
    Gabriel Jesus and Aymeric Laporte could also be let go in the next couple of months
    STERLING OPPOSITION
    Arsenal have reportedly expressed interest in signing Raheem Sterling in the summer.
    Sterling has been deemed surplus to requirements, along with Riyad Mahrez, and the Gunners are keeping tabs on the attacking duo.
    However, the north Londoners, who missed out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years, look set to face some fierce opposition from Real Madrid and Barcelona.
    That is according to Metro, who claim that the LaLiga giants will make a move for the England international as they look to strengthen their attack after a lacklustre season
    LOCK & LOAD
    Arsenal have congratulated Joe Willock for being named Premier League Player of the Month.
    Willock stood out during his loan stint at Newcastle where he joined up from the Gunners in January.
    The midfielder finished the season in style as he scored seven goals in seven consecutive matches.
    The 21-year-old is the first Newcastle player to win the award since Alan Shearer in 1996.

    CITY SALE
    Arsenal are on red alert as Manchester City seem set to sell Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez during the summer transfer window.
    Sterling and Mahrez have been very impressive during their tenure in City’s frontline.
    According to the Daily Mail, however, the attacking duo has been deemed surplus to requirements.
    Nevertheless, the Gunners’ financial limits combined with their failure to qualify for Europe would make it quite difficult to land the two wingers
    GETTY IMAGES
    XHAKA SWAP
    Roma may offer midfielder Amadou Diawara plaus cash in return for Granit Xhaka.
    Xhaka has been linked with a move away as the midfielder seems keen to try his luck elsewhere and incoming Giallorossi manager Jose Mourinho rates him highly.
    However, the Gunners rate the Switzerland international at £21.5million whereas the Serie A giants are offering £10m.
    According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Roma are looking to sweeten the deal by swapping Diawara
    XHAKA DEMAND
    Arsenal are demanding £21.5million for Granit Xhaka, who has been linked with a move to Roma.
    But Jose Mourinho’s new side only want to pay a mere £10m to land Xhaka this summer.
    The star midfielder has been a vital part of manager Mikel Arteta’s reign, playing as a central partner for Thomas Partey and also as a makeshift left-back.
    Sky in Italy report that the Gunners will hold out for a fee in the region of £21.5m to let him go.
    SALIBA EXIT
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is reportedly bracing himself for offers for centre-back William Saliba.
    Saliba joined the Gunners for £27million in 2019 and spent the second half of the season with Nice after playing on loan for St-Etienne last term.
    The 20-year-old has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal ever since his move from St-Etienne.
    According to Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen have been keeping tabs on Saliba during his time in France and are ready to make their move.
    The Frenchman was a regular in the Nice defence, making 20 league appearances in total during their ninth-place finish.
    TOP D-OD
    Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s “No1” target ahead of the summer transfer window.
    That is according to The Athletic, who claim that the Gunners’ top priority is to sign Odegaard on a permanent basis.
    The playmaker joined the north Londoners from Real Madrid on loan last January.
    The Norway international put together a raft of impressive performances and has since impressed manager Mikel Arteta to a point that he convinced him to hold on to him
    PHIL-ING IN
    Barcelona are keen to sell Philippe Coutinho in the summer transfer window after a disappointing spell in Catalonia.
    Coutinho joined Barca from Liverpool in 2018 and has failed to stand out at the Nou Camp in the last three years, one of which he spent on loan at Bayern Munich.
    The attacking midfielder has been linked with a move away but Arsenal are reportedly not interested in the Brazil international just yet.
    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Barcelona are open to sell Philippe Coutinho this summer. Arsenal are NOT interested in signing him, as of today”
    GETTY IMAGES
    KOUNDE BOOST
    Sevilla star Jules Kounde has confirmed that he “will perhaps have to change clubs this summer”.
    Kounde has been linked with a move to Arsenal as well as Manchester United, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
    And the star centre-back, who impressed this season in LaLiga, has said he wishes to play for a “big club”.
    Kounde told reporters at France’s Clairefontaine training camp: “Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer.
    “But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything.
    “My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.
    “It’s true that I might have to move but that’s not relevant today”
    XHAKA REPLACEMENT
    Arsenal star Granit Xhaka appears to be on his way out of the Emirates ahead of the summer transfer window.
    Xhaka has hinted that he is willing to seek for new challenges and has been linked with a move to Roma.
    Incoming Giallorossi manager Jose Mourinho appears to be keen to work with the midfielder at the Olimpico.
    Meanwhile, Arsenal technical director Edu previously hinted that Thomas Partey could replace the Switzerland international in terms of leadership on and off the pitch
    SOU-PER YVES
    Arsenal have been handed a significant boost by Liverpool in their bid to sign Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
    That is because the Reds will not enter the bidding war to land Bissouma despite Georginio Wijnaldum’s imminent departure in the summer.
    According to The Athletic, manager Jurgen Klopp has decided that an already existing member of the squad can fill in for Wijnaldum in midfield.
    Klopp has faith in Curtis Jones and is not likely to offload Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the summer
    GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
    Norwich star Emi Buendia admits that Arsenal’s interest motivates him ahead of the summer transfer window.
    The Gunners are weighing up a formal offer for Buendia, who played a critical role in the Canaries’ Premier League promotion.
    Buendia told AS: “One always dreams of being at the highest level and in the best teams in England, Spain or Europe.
    “One dreams of playing for titles, it is an ambition that I have, it is a pride that important clubs are interested in you, it means that you are doing things well and it is a motivation to continue working and one day achieve it.”
    Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is bracing himself for offers for centre-back William Saliba, according to reports.
    The 20-year-old, who joined the Gunners for £27million in 2019, has spent the second half of the season with Nice.
    Saliba has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal since his switch and was immediately sent back on loan to Saint-Etienne.
    According to Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen have been tracking Saliba’s progress closely during his time in France and are ready to make their move.
    He was a regular in the Nice defence, making 20 league appearances in total during their ninth-place finish.
    And finally, Arsenal are demanding £21.5million for midfielder Granit Xhaka, according to reports.
    But Jose Mourinho’s new side Roma only want to pay £10m to land him this summer.
    The Swiss star has been a vital part of manager Mikel Arteta’s reign, playing as a central partner for Thomas Partey and also as a makeshift left-back.
    And Sky in Italy say that Arsenal will hold out for a fee in the region of £21.5m to let him go.
    XHAK IT IN
    Arsenal are demanding £21.5million for midfielder Granit Xhaka, according to reports.
    But Jose Mourinho’s new side Roma only want to pay £10m to land him this summer.
    The Swiss star has been a vital part of manager Mikel Arteta’s reign, playing as a central partner for Thomas Partey and also as a makeshift left-back.
    And Sky in Italy say that Arsenal will hold out for a fee in the region of £21.5m to let him go.

    ICYMI
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is bracing himself for offers for centre-back William Saliba, according to reports.
    The 20-year-old, who joined the Gunners for £27million in 2019, has spent the second half of the season with Nice.
    Saliba has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal since his switch and was immediately sent back on loan to Saint-Etienne.
    According to Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen have been tracking Saliba’s progress closely during his time in France and are ready to make their move.
    He was a regular in the Nice defence, making 20 league appearances in total during their ninth-place finish.
    GUNNER STAY
    Vivianne Miedema’s agent poured cold water on speculation of the striker leaving Arsenal for a sensational move to Lyon
    Leoni Blokhuis shut down rumours of a swap that would see his client join the French giants in exchange for Nikita Parris becoming a Gunner.
    Blokius told Dutch newspaper AD: “Vivianne will remain, as it looks now, at Arsenal next season. That is her last contract year.”

    TIA-GO FOR IT
    Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sporting Lisbon starlet Tiago Tomas ahead of the summer transfer window.
    According to Record, the Gunners have contacted Sporting to find out what it would take to sign the 18-year-old striker.
    And the Portuguese champions’ response isn’t raising a lot of hopes for a deal as they rate Tomas at a whopping €60million (£51.5m).
    The Portugal Under-21 international amassed six goals and three assists in 37 appearances across all competitions this season.
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    Haaland targets trophies, Sterling and Mahrez could LEAVE City, Pochettino to Spurs EXCLUSIVE, Ronaldo transfer future

    ERLING HAALAND is hot property this summer – and the Dortmund star has revealed his next move will be to win as many trophies as possible.Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with the exciting 20-year-old..
    On the transfer front, we’ve the very latest on Cristiano Ronaldo as well as Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez potentially leaving Eastlands.

    Follow Man City vs Chelsea in Champions League final tonight HERE

    WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game

    Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
    MESSI BUSINESS
    Lionel Messi’s contract extension at Barcelona is not done yet according to president Joan Laporta.
    Messi is out of contract in June and wanted to leave the club last summer but Barcelona are confident about holding on to the superstar.
    Laporta said: “Things are going well with Messi but it’s not done yet. Our relationship is very good, Messi loves Barca – we want him to continue.
    “He deserves more and could get a better contract somewhere else but I’m convinced he appreciates the efforts we are making.”
    But according to Mundo Deportivo, departing Manchester City striker Aguero is waiting until Messi pledges his future to the Spanish giants.
    Aguero is set to join Barca this summer but his move has been held up by the talks surrounding Messi’s future.

    BER-GAIN
    TOTTENHAM star Steven Bergwijn is wanted by Dutch champions Ajax, according to a report from De Telegraaf
    If Tottenham allow Bergwijn to leave, they are unlikely to recuperate all of the £27million they paid for the player in 2020.
    Rumours suggest Ajax will start the bidding at just £12m, an offer that will probably be rejected by Spurs chief Daniel Levy.
    Bergwijn still has FOUR years left on his existing Tottenham deal, although it seems unlikely he will fulfil that contract at this moment in time.
    His future may depend on who becomes the new Spurs boss, with reports suggesting ex-manager Mauricio Pochettino is in line to make a sensational return to White Hart Lane.
    PRESSURE ON CITY
    Former Chelsea star Joe Cole believes Manchester City will be feeling most of the pressure in the Champions League Final.
    Cole told Football London: “Where Chelsea and Man City are at the moment, the pressure is on Man City.
    “You can see they are the better side over the course of 38 games but the club are so hell-bent on winning this trophy [Champions League] that the pressure is always mounting.
    “For Chelsea, you’ve got young players happy to be there in the sense that it wasn’t expected this year. This was a transitional period.
    “But they can go out there and win the game with talent all over the park. That is where I think the psychology of the game will be”
    MERS-IFUL WARNING
    Paul Merson warned Chelsea to be more clinical against Manchester City in the Champions League Final than they were against Aston Villa.
    Merson told Sky Sports: “I’m worried for Chelsea after seeing them at Aston Villa in what was a must-win game for them. They missed another load of chances and that’s a big concern.
    “I know Chelsea have beaten Man City twice already this season, but I do worry for them in this one. Let’s not get carried away, in the game at the Etihad, City missed a penalty to go 2-0 up.
    “If that game goes to 2-0 it could get very messy, but for Chelsea, after the penalty miss, the reins came off and bang.
    ‘If you have a go at Man City you have got a chance, but you’ve got to take that chance, and I don’t think Chelsea have got the players to take them chances. Against Leicester in the FA Cup final, Chelsea had all that play in the first half but they just don’t put teams away”
    GETTY IMAGES
    NICE TUCH
    Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has beaten Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola in both of their meeting ever since the former moved to the Premier League in January.
    However, Tuchel refuses to become too confident as he understands the enormity of the task ahead.
    The Blues boss said: “It’s always tough to play against City, Bayern [Munich] or Barcelona when Pep is on the sideline. He creates huge belief and success and has a huge winning mentality.
    “We have had two experiences in two different competitions against City. Two different matches with two different line-ups. We have the experience of how brave and courageous we need to play in certain areas of the game.
    “Maybe in the moment, City are the strongest team in Europe, in the world, and they have built a huge gap between us in the league but we closed the gap for 90 minutes at Wembley and closed the gap again in Manchester”
    CITY TEAM NEWS
    Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is likely to have a fully fit squad for the all-English Champions League Final against Chelsea in Porto.
    Star midfielder Ilkay Gundogan overcame a knee problem, which is kept him sidelined from last weekend’s final league game against Everton.
    However, the Germany international appeared to take a slight knock during City’s last training session when he came together in a challenge with Fernandinho.
    The 30-year-old left the session before many of his team-mates and looked to be in slight discomfort as he went down the tunnel but no official announcement has been made about his fitness
    CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
    Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has received a major injury boost ahead of the all-English Champions League Final against Manchester City in Porto.
    Edouard Mendy and N’Golo Kante are expected to be fit to start for the Blues.
    Mendy was diagnosed with bruised ribs after the Premier League season-closing 2-1 loss at Aston Villa.
    Kante has shaken off his latest hamstring problem and could start in the Dragao
    FINAL EURO SQUAD
    England manager Gareth Southgate is set to name his final squad on Tuesday 1 June.
    Southgate revealed his provisional 33-man shortlist on Tuesday before Euro 2020 but seven players will soon be excluded.
    The Three Lions boss said: “There are 12 players still to play so we’re always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about.
    “We felt more time will help us make better decisions. Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards – a lot of unknowns.
    “Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days”
    STERLING/MAHREZ SALE EXPLAINED
    Manchester City appear likely to sell Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez ahead of the summer transfer window.
    Some of Europe’s top hitters like Arsenal, Real Madrid and Barcelona are monitoring the situation.
    According to Metro, manager Pep Guardiola is trying to fund potential moves for the likes of Tottenham star Harry Kane, Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland and Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish.
    Gabriel Jesus and Aymeric Laporte may also leave in the next couple of months
    GETTY IMAGES
    RONALDO RETURN
    Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Manchester United in a stunning swap deal that would see Paul Pogba going back to Juventus.
    That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who report that Juve are interested in reuniting with Pogba so much so that they would be willing to use wantaway star Ronaldo in order to sweeten the deal.
    However, such a deal would mean the United and Real Madrid great would have to accept a pay cut.
    United, though, could also ask for a hefty sum in order to let Pogba go
    HAALAND DEMAND
    Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland has practically revealed what he needs to join another team.
    Haaland recently won the German Cup with Dortmund, who beat RB Leipzig 4-1 thanks to a brace from the star centre-forward.
    The Norway international has stated that he wants to win more trophies, something that should work as a takeaway for all his suitors.
    Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with the 20-year-old.
    Haaland said: “I am a simple guy. When I like something I just want to have more.
    “Like I have said before, when I score a goal, I always chase the next goal. I just won my first major trophy and it was a great feeling, so I want to win trophies”
    CITY SALE
    Arsenal are on red alert as Manchester City seem set to sell Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez in the summer.
    Sterling and Mahrez have been very impressive during their tenure at the Etihad.
    According to the Daily Mail, however, the attacking duo has been deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the summer transfer window.
    Nevertheless, the Gunners’ financial limits combined with their failure to qualify for Europe would make it difficult to land the two wingers
    PEP TALK
    Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has confirmed he is staying at the club for the long term.
    City manager Guardiola will get his chance to win his third Champions League trophy, following his triumph in 2009 and 2011 as Barcelona head coach.
    The Spaniard. who has two years to run on his deal, admits he has “everything he needs”.
    Guardiola said: “The club gives the manager everything he needs. Of course investment, I cannot deny that and everybody knows it, but not just that.
    “I have friends in the hierarchy above me, and the players have the feeling that I’m the manager because they feel I’ve been supported by all the people [above me].
    “Most importantly, apart from the players – because in five or six teams in England and Spain, they have top players as well – I feel comfortable with my staff, the backroom staff, I have everything. I can’t ask for more to do my job as best as I can do”
    NAIL ON THE ED
    Manchester City star Ederson seems to be preparing for a potential penalty shootout ahead of tonight’s Champions League Final against Chelsea.
    But the City shot-stopper isn’t only getting ready to defend his goal as he also seems set to to take on a spot-kick.
    The Brazil international was filmed having a go and fired the ball to the top right corner with ease.
    According to TNT Sports, Ederson took on 11 penalties in training and converted a whopping ten of them.

    RICE BLOW
    Manchester United have been dealt with a major blow in their bid to sign West Ham star Declan Rice, who has also been linked with Chelsea.
    According to the Daily Mail, United have become increasingly concerned over Rice’s release clause, which is said to be in the region of 100million.
    Hammer boss David Moyes recently said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.
    “Far, far more than £100m”
    TOP D-OD
    Real Madrid ace Martin Odegaard is Arsenal’s “No1” target ahead of the summer transfer window.
    That is according to The Athletic, who claim that the Gunners’ top priority is to sign Odegaard on a permanent basis as soon as possible.
    The attacking midfielder joined the north Londoners from Real Madrid on loan last January.
    The Norway international put together a raft of impressive performances and has since impressed manager Mikel Arteta to a point that he convinced him to keep him
    PHIL-ING IN
    Barcelona are keen to sell Philippe Coutinho in the summer transfer window after a disappointing spell in Spain.
    Coutinho moved to Barca from Liverpool in 2018 and has failed to stand out at the Nou Camp in the last three years, one of which he spent on loan at Bayern Munich.
    The attacking midfielder has been linked with a transfer away but Arsenal are reportedly not interested in the Brazil international just yet.
    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Barcelona are open to sell Philippe Coutinho this summer. Arsenal are NOT interested in signing him, as of today”
    GETTY IMAGES
    KOUNDE BOOST
    Sevilla star defender Jules Kounde has confirmed that he “will perhaps have to change clubs this summer”.
    Kounde has been linked with a move to Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
    And the centre-back, who stood out this season in LaLiga, has said he wishes to play for a “big club”.
    Kounde told reporters at France’s Clairefontaine training camp: “Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer.
    “But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything.
    “My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.
    “It’s true that I might have to move but that’s not relevant today”
    HAALAND BLOW
    Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland has stated that he remains “respectful” towards his contract.
    Haaland has been linked with a move to Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Madrid and Chelsea ahead of the summer transfer window.
    However, the star centre-forward appears to be happy at Dortmund, especially after they sealed Champions League qualification.
    Haaland told Viaplay: “Well, I have a contract for a couple of years so I am respectful towards my contract.
    “Like I have said before, I’m a big fan of the Champions League and I think everybody knows that. It was a relief to secure that spot. It was really important.
    “I am a simple guy. When I like something, I just want to have more. When I score a goal, I always chase the next goal.
    “I have big dreams. I just won my first major trophy and it was a great feeling. So I want to win trophies”
    SOU-PER YVES
    Arsenal have been handed a big boost by Liverpool in their bid to sign Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
    That is because the Reds will not enter the bidding war to buy Bissouma despite Georginio Wijnaldum’s imminent departure in the summer.
    According to The Athletic, head coach Jurgen Klopp has decided that an already existing member of the squad can fill in for Wijnaldum in midfield.
    Klopp has faith in Curtis Jones and is not likely to offload Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the summer transfer window
    CAUSE A STER
    Raheem Sterling leads a shock list of Manchester City stars reportedly up for sale this summer.
    The England winger, 26, has won three Premier League titles in six years at the Etihad but has fallen out of favour in recent weeks.
    Saturday’s Champions League final is likely to start with him on the bench having played only ten minutes over the last two rounds.
    According to the Mail, City are willing to listen to offers for Sterling in a bid to fund Pep Guardiola’s transfer wishlist.
    Jack Grealish and Harry Kane have both been strongly linked with the English champions yet the pair could cost £300million. Real Madrid, Barcelona and Arsenal are all named as being interested in Sterling.

    KICKING OFF
    Shocking images show brawls between Man City and Chelsea fans as they gather in Porto ahead of the Champions League final.
    Hundreds of fans were already in Portugal yesterday for tonight’s big game featuring the two English teams.
    People were involved in clashes with police officers, it has been reported.
    Two fans were reportedly injured after shameful clashes near Porto’s Sao Bento railway station and in the city’s riverside quarter.
    One Chelsea fan was pictured drenched in claret as blood poured from his mouth which had been busted open.
    A witness said: “It was pretty minor – some people wanted another drink and the police were determined to move people on and back to their hotels.
    “There was no trouble between Chelsea and City fans.”

    GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
    Tottenham want to start official talks with Paris Saint-Germain on Monday about bringing Mauricio Pochettino back to North London.
    PSG boss Poch is eyeing a return to Spurs after falling out with the French giants’ sporting director Leonardo.
    And if Poch does make the move, he will ask Harry Kane to give him at least one more season at Tottenham.
    The England captain, 27, made clear he wants to leave in his hunt for honours — but that was before Poch let on he was interested in going back.
    Spurs chairman Levy hopes it will persuade the striker, who still has three years on his deal, to stay put.
    But it is unlikely to stop Manchester giants City and United from trying to bag the Prem’s 23-goal Golden Boot winner.
    Meanwhile, David Alaba has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid.
    The Austrian turned down a new contract at Bayern Munich, bringing his 12-year association with the German giants to an end.
    Alaba, 28, was determined to experience a new challenge, with a preference for playing in midfield.
    And after months of speculation, Madrid have finally officially announced the deal.
    The left-sided star has committed for five seasons, and will earn around £200,000-a-week.
    Alaba will be officially presented to Real Madrid supporters following the conclusion of Euro 2020, at which he is representing his country.
    And finally, N’Golo Kante and Edouard Mendy have been passed fit, handing Chelsea a monumental boost ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Manchester City.
    Kante, 30, had been struggling with a hamstring injury in recent weeks and missed the visit to Villa Park last weekend.
    In the penultimate game of the season against Aston Villa, summer signing Mendy collided with the post injuring his ribs just before half-time in an attempt to stop Bertrand Traore’s goal.
    Mendy’s injury forced a change at half-time with Kepa emerging from the tunnel to take his place.
    The pair returned to training just days before Saturday’s Champions League final, but it was unknown whether they would be passed fit to play.
    Luckily for the Blues, it has been confirmed that both are fit and ready to take part in the final, just over nine years on from Chelsea’s only triumph in the competition against Bayern Munich.
    HOMECOMING
    Tottenham want to start official talks with Paris Saint-Germain on Monday about bringing Mauricio Pochettino back to North London.
    PSG boss Poch is eyeing a return to Spurs after falling out with the French giants’ sporting director Leonardo.
    And if Poch does make the move, he will ask Harry Kane to give him at least one more season at Tottenham.
    The England captain, 27, made clear he wants to leave in his hunt for honours — but that was before Poch let on he was interested in going back.
    Spurs chairman Levy hopes it will persuade the striker, who still has three years on his deal, to stay put.
    But it is unlikely to stop Manchester giants City and United from trying to bag the Prem’s 23-goal Golden Boot winner.
    AL BE OFF
    David Alaba has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid.
    The Austrian turned down a new contract at Bayern Munich, bringing his 12-year association with the German giants to an end.
    Alaba, 28, was determined to experience a new challenge, with a preference for playing in midfield.
    And after months of speculation, Madrid have finally officially announced the deal.
    The left-sided star has committed for five seasons, and will earn around £200,000-a-week.
    Alaba will be officially presented to Real Madrid supporters following the conclusion of Euro 2020, at which he is representing his country.
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    Euro 2020 LIVE news: Southgate’s Maguire headache, Wales ace Bale could RETIRE, Grealish ‘100% fit’ for England – latest

    THE club season is nearly over…which can only mean Euro 2020 is coming your way!We’ll be bringing up you ALL of the latest news and developments ahead of the big summer tournament right here.

    WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game

    Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
    CZECHED OUT
    The Czech Republic have vacated Scotland’s Oriam base camp as their preparations for Euro 2020 have been disrupted by Covid regulations.
    They were due to train in Edinburgh but will instead base themselves in Prague, and travel to and from the UK for each of their Group D matches.
    Scotland’s opponents had planned to stay and train at Oriam for the Euros, and had booked the facility – which is Scotland’s regular base – before they qualified for the tournament.
    That forced Steve Clarke’s team to change their plans and they arranged to stay and train in Middlesbrough, roughly equidistant from Hampden and Wembley where Scotland will play their group games.
    A statement read: “The Czech national team will spend the whole UEFA Euro 2020 tournament in Prague instead of the basecamp in Edinburgh as it was planned originally.
    COLE PREDICTION
    Former Chelsea ace Joe Cole believes Manchester City will be feeling most of the pressure in the Champions League Final.
    Cole also expects the Blues’ young stars, some of which will play for England in Euro 2020, to shine bright.
    Cole told Football London: “Where Chelsea and Man City are at the moment, the pressure is on Man City.
    “You can see they are the better side over the course of 38 games but the club are so hell-bent on winning this trophy [Champions League] that the pressure is always mounting.
    “For Chelsea, you’ve got young players happy to be there in the sense that it wasn’t expected this year. This was a transitional period.
    “But they can go out there and win the game with talent all over the park. That is where I think the psychology of the game will be”
    GREAL COMPETITION
    Manchester United are facing competition from local rivals Manchester City over Aston Villa star Jack Grealish’s signature.
    According to the Daily Mail, City are prepared to make Grealish English football’s first £100million player.
    In fact, the Citizens have made the England international their priority signing in midfield ahead of next season.
    If such a move for the 25-year-old goes through, the Premier League champions would break the current British transfer record of £80m for Harry Maguire, who joined United from Leicester in 2019.
    City boss Pep Guardiola is also said to be a big admirer of Grealish
    VARANE REACTS
    Real Madrid ace Raphael Varane remains coy about his future and focuses on the upcoming Euros with France amid interest from Manchester United.
    Varane said: “This is not the time to talk about my future, I am focused on the selection, on this Euro, it is normal and logical to ask the question and for my part it is normal and logical to focus on the upcoming deadlines.
    “We are all human beings. We can think about it. As for my personal case, I am focused on the objectives that we have in the France team, it is not a subject that I will discuss every day in my room at Clairefontaine.
    “I am focused on my goal, and now is not the time to discuss it. If I have to talk about it, it will be directly with the people concerned.”
    O-KAY FOR NOW
    Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan took a slight knock during the last training session before tonight’s Champions League Final against Chelsea in Porto.
    Gundogan came together in a challenge with Fernandinho and was slow to get back to his feet.
    The star midfielder left practice before many of his team-mates and looked to be in slight discomfort as he went down the tunnel.
    No official announcement has been made about his fitness yet but that is something Germany manager Joachim Low will be keeping an eye on ahead of Euro 2020
    KANT COUNT HIM OUT
    Chelsea star N’Golo Kante looks set to start in tonight’s Champions League Final against Manchester City.
    That is great news for Blues boss Thomas Tuchel as well as France manager Didier Deschamps.
    Kante has overcome a hamstring problem, which means he could start at the Dragao and will be fighting fit for Euro 2020.
    Deschamps will be counting on the star midfielder a lot in the upcoming competition
    GETTY IMAGES
    VACCINE DE-CISION
    Juventus star and Netherlands international Matthijs de Ligt has decided not to have a coronavirus vaccine even though he tested positive for COVID-19 in January.
    De Ligt told ESPN: “I have not taken a vaccination, it is not mandatory.
    “I think you should be in charge of your own body. The risk of infection is always there.
    “I try to come into contact with as few people as possible outside the Dutch national team”
    BERGWIJN EXIT
    Tottenham ace Steven Bergwijn could leave the club during the summer transfer window.
    That is according to De Telegraaf, who claim that Bergwijn is looking to reignite his career after missing out on an international call-up by Netherlands manager Frank de Boer ahead of Euro 2020.
    Ajax appear keen to sign the forward in the summer and help him regain his groove.
    The Eredivisie champions are willing to pay around £12million but Spurs want closer to £21.5m
    CITY LIONS
    Manchester City will have six English players available for the Champions League Final against Chelsea.
    Those are Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Scott Carson and youngster James Trafford.
    Four of the aforementioned are then expected to link up with England ahead of Euro 2020.
    That is Sterling, Foden, Walker and Stones
    CHELSEA LIONS
    Chelsea are set to face Manchester City in an all-English Champions League Final in Porto.
    A total of six English players have made Blues boss Thomas Tuchel’s squad and are in line – some more than others – to grace the pitch at the Dragao.
    Those are Reece James, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ben Chilwell, Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and youngster Faustino Anjorin.
    James, Chilwell and Mount will then link up with England ahead of Euro 2020
    IT’S BEN EMOTIONAL
    Brighton ace Ben White revealed he “cried for an hour” after learning of his call-up to England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad.
    White told Sky Sports: “I got a phone call while I was out for dinner, I didn’t really believe it.
    “[When I was] told me all the news, when I was going, it was obviously unbelievable.
    “I put the phone down, rang my mum straight away, sat down there, cried…
    “Mum was crying, my dad, had all my sisters there and, yeah, I just sat and cried for about an hour”
    GETTY IMAGES
    FOR GREAL
    Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish is “100% fit” for Euro 2020 according to Villa manager Dean Smith.
    Smith recently said: “He is 100% fit. Firstly, we had to make sure he was ready to play for Aston Villa. We wouldn’t take a risk with only four games to go, with a player of Jack’s standing and quality, unless it was the right thing to do.
    “We all believed it was the right thing to do – for him and for Aston Villa. Then once the season finished, if he gets picked, which hopefully he does, then it’s the right thing for England as well.
    “If we felt there was any kind of future risk then we would have just shut him down for the rest of the season and he wouldn’t have had the chance to go to the Euros”
    RICE WISH
    West Ham ace Declan Rice is keen to join Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.
    According to Manchester Evening News, Rice would be interested to move to United after recent talks with England team-mates, who play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, ahead of Euro 2020.
    The Red Devils have reportedly grown concerned over the star midfielder’s £100million asking price.
    Hammers manager David Moyes recently said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.
    “Far, far more than £100m”
    FINAL EURO SQUAD
    England boss Gareth Southgate is expected to name his final squad on Tuesday 1 June.
    Southgate revealed his provisional 33-man shortlist on Tuesday ahead of Euro 2020 but seven players will soon be cut.
    The England boss said: “There are 12 players still to play so we’re always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about.
    “We felt more time will help us make better decisions. Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards – a lot of unknowns.
    “Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days”
    RICE BLOW
    Manchester United have been dealt with a significant blow in their bid to sign West Ham star Declan Rice, who has also been linked with Chelsea.
    According to the Daily Mail, United have become increasingly concerned over Rice’s asking price, which is said to be around 100million.
    Hammer boss David Moyes previously said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.
    “Far, far more than £100m.”
    Rice has been included in England boss Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad ahead of Euro 2020
    BALE RETIREMENT
    Real Madrid talisman Gareth Bale, who spent the season on loan at Tottenham, was recently linked with early retirement.
    Reports from Spain have claimed that Bale is considering negotiating a payout from Real and could even quit football altogether after Euro 2020, where he will play for Wales.
    However, the star forward’s agent Jonathan Barnett has poured cold water on this speculation with an explosive statement.
    Barnett told talkSPORT when asked about the matter: “Sorry, don’t speak about rubbish reporting”
    GETTY IMAGES
    KOUNDE BOOST
    Sevilla star defender Jules Kounde, who is set to compete for France in Euro 2020, has confirmed that he “will perhaps have to change clubs this summer”.
    Kounde has been linked with a move to Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window.
    And the centre-back, who stood out this term in LaLiga, has said he wishes to play for a “big club”.
    Kounde told reporters at France’s Clairefontaine training camp: “Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer.
    “But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything.
    “My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.
    “It’s true that I might have to move but that’s not relevant today”
    MAGUIRE UPDATE
    Harry Maguire seems confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off against Croatia on June 13.
    Maguire suffered an ankle injury against Aston Villa and has since been in a race against time to be fit for the Euros.
    According to the Daily Mail, however, the centre-back’s progress is looking good and there is confidence that he will be fit in two weeks.
    The Red Devils are reportedly set to meet Maguire again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
    SANCHO UPDATE
    Manchester United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund ace and England international Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
    According to Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho, who is set to represent the Three Lions in Euro 2020.
    United won’t have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last year when they tried to sign the star winger.
    Dortmund are listening to offers for the 21-year-old and have not publicly named a price.
    But it seems like Sancho could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last year
    GOOD MORNING EURO FANS
    Harry Maguire is reportedly confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off against Croatia.
    The Three Lions face their Group D rivals in just over two weeks’ time and are sweating on the fitness of their star centre-back.
    The 28-year-old had been ever-present for Manchester United in the Premier League until he suffered ankle ligament damage against Aston Villa – ruling him out of the run-in.
    The Red Devils’ form crumbled in his absence and he watched from the stands as his team lost Wednesday’s Europa League final.
    Following the defeat in Gdansk, United have increased their communication with the England setup and national team staff checked in with Maguire on Friday.
    According to the Mail, his progress is looking good and there is confidence that he will be fit for June 13.
    United are reportedly set to meet Maguire again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
    Meanwhile, Jack Grealish is “100% fit” for Euro 2020 according to Aston Villa manager Dean Smith.
    Smith said: “He is 100% fit. Firstly, we had to make sure he was ready to play for Aston Villa.
    “We wouldn’t take a risk with only four games to go, with a player of Jack’s standing and quality, unless it was the right thing to do.
    “We all believed it was the right thing to do – for him and for Aston Villa. Then once the season finished, if he gets picked, which hopefully he does, then it’s the right thing for England as well.
    “If we felt there was any kind of future risk then we would have just shut him down for the rest of the season and he wouldn’t have had the chance to go to the Euros.”
    And finally, Ben White has revealed he ‘cried for an hour’ after learning of his call-up to England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad.
    He told Sky Sports News: “I got a phone call while I was out for dinner, I didn’t really believe it!
    “[When I was] told me all the news, when I was going, it was obviously unbelievable.
    “I put the phone down, rang my mum straight away, sat down there, cried…
    “Mum was crying, my dad, had all my sisters there and, yeah, I just sat and cried for about an hour.”
    AL BE OFF
    David Alaba has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid.
    The Austrian turned down a new contract at Bayern Munich, bringing his 12-year association with the German giants to an end.
    Alaba, 28, was determined to experience a new challenge, with a preference for playing in midfield.
    And after months of speculation, Madrid have finally officially announced the deal.
    The left-sided star has committed for five seasons, and will earn around £200,000-a-week.
    Alaba will be officially presented to Real Madrid supporters following the conclusion of Euro 2020, at which he is representing his country.

    MORE ON GIGGS
    Wales are currently in the Algarve where their pre-Euros training camp ends today and midfielder Joe Morrell says the squad hasn’t been distracted by the latest development in Giggs’ case.
    Morrell said: “We have always been quite laid-back with the situation as a squad. We have fantastic senior players who help us with that. They have run the dressing room really well.
    “We have never really looked too deep into it. Pagey has been the manager and that’s that.
    “If the situation changes then it changes. But we are focusing on what we can do and taking the messages on board from Pagey, just like we did before with the manager.
    “It’s not a case of moving on, it’s just a case of trying to keep it as similar as possible.
    “We have had the same messages from Pagey as we got from the gaffer before. It’s just the continuity that will benefit us going into the summer.”
    DRAGONS STILL ROARING
    Ryan Giggs’ Wales nightmare deepened after his trial date was set for next year.
    The Dragons boss will face trial at Manchester Crown Court on January 24, 2022, accused of assaulting two women and coercive control.
    Giggs, who has already been replaced by Robert Page for Euro 2020, will now miss Wales’ final SIX 2022 World Cup qualifiers this autumn.
    The 47-year-old, who denies the allegations, appeared in court yesterday and was told the trial could last three weeks.
    Giggs has been bailed until a plea and trial preparation hearing scheduled for July 23.
    The Manchester United legend, who stepped aside as national manager following his arrest last November, is under contract with Wales until after the Qatar World Cup in December next year.
    Welsh FA bosses will hold talks to discuss Giggs’ future but no decision is expected with the legal process ongoing.
    GUIRE AND HIGHER
    Harry Maguire is reportedly confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off against Croatia.
    The Three Lions face their Group D rivals in just over two weeks’ time and are sweating on the fitness of their star centre-back.
    The 28-year-old had been ever-present for Manchester United in the Premier League until he suffered ankle ligament damage against Aston Villa – ruling him out of the run-in.
    The Red Devils’ form crumbled in his absence and he watched from the stands as his team lost Wednesday’s Europa League final.
    Following the defeat in Gdansk, United have increased their communication with the England setup and national team staff checked in with Maguire on Friday.
    According to the Mail, his progress is looking good and there is confidence that he will be fit for June 13.
    United are reportedly set to meet Maguire again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.

    JACK POT
    Aston Villa star Jack Grealish is “100% fit” for Euro 2020 according to Villa manager Dean Smith.
    Smith said: “He is 100% fit. Firstly, we had to make sure he was ready to play for Aston Villa. We wouldn’t take a risk with only four games to go, with a player of Jack’s standing and quality, unless it was the right thing to do.
    “We all believed it was the right thing to do – for him and for Aston Villa. Then once the season finished, if he gets picked, which hopefully he does, then it’s the right thing for England as well.
    “If we felt there was any kind of future risk then we would have just shut him down for the rest of the season and he wouldn’t have had the chance to go to the Euros.”

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    Jadon Sancho LATEST, Haaland blow, Solskjaer told to target £55m Pau Torres, Declan Rice latest – Man Utd transfer news

    MANCHESTER UNITED are preparing for next season after ending the campaign with a Europa League final defeat.One man who is being tipped for a switch is Villarreal’s Pau Torres, who was so impressive for the Spaniards in the Gdansk final.
    Meanwhile Declan Rice has been touted for a switch to United as well, with the England midfielder a target for one of the positions Solskjaer wants to improve.
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    Stay up to date with every twist from Old Trafford in our live rolling blog…
    “LUCKY” OLE
    Martin Keown thinks Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is fortunate to still be in charge of Manchester United.
    Solskjaer was denied his first trophy as Red Devils boss when they were beaten on penalties by Villarreal in the Europa League final on Wednesday.
    Keown suggested Solskjaer doesn’t deserve to be given a new deal and it highlights where United are at as a club now.
    Appearing on talkSPORT, Keown said: “We’re used to seeing Manchester United win things. It’s almost a rebirth of Manchester United but how long have we got to wait?
    “Yes, the consistency and finishing second in the Premier League is probably what’s going to get him a new deal but when it comes to it you’ve got to have that way to win.
    “I do feel, when you look at it, he’s lucky to still be there really. He knows the standards that are being set and he can’t keep suffering disappointments, semi-final after semi-final, getting to finals.
    “I do think he’s fortunate but this is the current day Manchester United.”
    HAVE MERS-Y
    Paul Merson believes Manchester United are going to need more than just three signings to challenge Manchester City for silverware next season.
    Merson told Sky Sports: “Personally, I don’t think two to three players in this summer is enough for United.
    “It’s going to take much more than that to get them winning silverware because I just don’t think they are as close as people say. I think they flatter to deceive.
    “Bringing in Harry Kane would make a difference, of course it would. There’s no doubt about it but let’s be honest, Edinson Cavani doesn’t let anybody down.
    “It’s not like we are sitting here and thinking Cavani’s not good enough. I just don’t think Cavani would be able to do it over 38 games at his age”
    GREAL COMPETITION
    Manchester United are facing competition from rivals Manchester City over Aston Villa star Jack Grealish’s signature.
    According to the Daily Mail, City are prepared to make Grealish English football’s first £100m player.
    In fact, the Citizens have made the England international their priority signing in midfield.
    If such a move for the 25-year-old goes through, the Premier League champions would break the current British transfer record of £80m for Harry Maguire.
    City manager Pep Guardiola is also said to be a big admirer of Grealish
    VARANE REACTS
    Real Madrid star Raphael Varane remains coy about his future and focuses on the upcoming Euros with France amid interest from Manchester United.
    Varane said: “This is not the time to talk about my future, I am focused on the selection, on this Euro, it is normal and logical to ask the question and for my part it is normal and logical to focus on the upcoming deadlines.
    “We are all human beings. We can think about it. As for my personal case, I am focused on the objectives that we have in the France team, it is not a subject that I will discuss every day in my room at Clairefontaine.
    “I am focused on my goal, and now is not the time to discuss it. If I have to talk about it, it will be directly with the people concerned.”
    PRESIDENT’S MAN
    A little reminder that Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford had a “surreal” Zoom chat with President Barack Obama about the importance of giving back to your local community and the positive impact of reading.
    Rashford initiated a spectacular campaign last year to tackle child food poverty in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic.
    The England international’s incredible efforts led to 1.7 million vulnerable kids being supported by a £520 million government scheme and other projects have helped deliver 130 million meals.
    That led to immense praise by Obama, who said: “A lot of the young people I meet — including Marcus — they’re ahead of where I was when I was 23. They’re already making changes and being positive forces in their communities.”
    Rashford added: “It’s quite surreal isn’t it? I’m sitting in my kitchen in Manchester, speaking to President Obama. But, immediately, he made me feel at ease.
    “It wasn’t long before I realised just how aligned our experiences as children were in shaping the men you see today – adversity, obstacles and all. I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it. When President Obama speaks, all you want to do is listen”

    TO BE THE MAN
    Six Manchester United stars made it to the Europa League Squad of the Season.
    United made it to the competition’s final where they lost to Villarreal after a thrilling penalty shootout.
    Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Scott McTominay, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes and Edinson Cavani made the list.
    They are joined by Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe
    🎆 UEL Squad of the Season 2020/21 🎆UEFA’s Technical Observers have selected their 23-man all-star squad from this season’s Europa League 🙌#UEL pic.twitter.com/ixR6GAa6dv— UEFA Europa League (@EuropaLeague) May 29, 2021

    FINAL EURO SQUAD
    England head coach Gareth Southgate is expected to name his final squad on Tuesday 1 June.
    Southgate named his provisional 33-man shortlist on Tuesday ahead of Euro 2020 but seven players will soon be excluded.
    So far six Manchester United players have made the cut, that is Dean Henderson, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.
    The England boss said: “There are 12 players still to play so we’re always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about.
    “We felt more time will help us make better decisions. Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards – a lot of unknowns.
    “Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days”
    ED-ING IN
    Manchester United re-shared Edinson Cavani’s screamer against Fulham last week.
    Cavani welcomed back the returning fans at Old Trafford in style with a long-range curve, which gave Cottagers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola no chance.
    The Red Devils claimed the centre-forward’s fine finish deserves the Goal of the Month award.
    United failed to beat Fulham that night as Joe Bryan equalised for the relegated side

    RONALDO RETURN
    Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Manchester United in a sensational swap deal that would see Paul Pogba going back to Juventus.
    That is according to Gazzetta dello Sport, who claim that Juve are interested in reuniting with Pogba so much so that they would be willing to use wantaway star Ronaldo in order to sweeten the deal.
    However, such a deal would mean the United and Real Madrid legend would have to accept a pay cut.
    United, though, could also ask for a financial sum in order to let Pogba go
    HAALAND DEMAND
    Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland has practically revealed what he needs in his career.
    Haaland recently won the German Cup with Dortmund, who beat RB Leipzig 4-1 thanks to a brace from the star striker.
    The Norway international has stated that he wants to win more trophies, something that should work as a takeaway for all his suitors; including Manchester United.
    Haaland said: “I am a simple guy. When I like something I just want to have more.
    “Like I have said before, when I score a goal, I always chase the next goal. I just won my first major trophy and it was a great feeling, so I want to win trophies”
    GOALS, GOALS, GOALS
    Manchester United have celebrated their top scorers of the season.
    Bruno Fernandes topped the charts with 28 goals across all competitions.
    Marcus Rashford follows with seven less following an impressive campaign for the England international.
    Edinson Cavani proves why United offered him a new deal as he completes the top three

    OLE IN
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite the recent Europa League heartbreak.
    United lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal, which means Solskjaer is still after his first piece of silverware as the Red Devils’ manager.
    According to the Daily Telegraph, however, the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded the club’s hierarchy from offering the Norwegian coach a new contract.
    The United legend will also be backed in the summer transfer window amid reports he is keeping tabs on players like Pau Torres, Jadon Sancho, Harry Kane, Raphael Varane and Declan Rice.
    It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season
    RICE WISH
    West Ham star Declan Rice is keen to join Manchester United ahead of the summer transfer window.
    According to Manchester Evening News, Rice would be interested to move to United after recent discussions with England team-mates who play under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ahead of Euro 2020.
    The Red Devils have reportedly grown concerned over the midfielder’s £100million asking price.
    Hammers boss David Moyes recently said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.
    “Far, far more than £100m”
    MAGUIRE UPDATE
    Harry Maguire seems confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off match against Croatia on June 13.
    Maguire suffered an ankle injury against Aston Villa and has since been in a race against time to be fit for the European championships.
    According to the Daily Mail, however, the centre-back’s progress is improving and there is confidence that he will be fit in two weeks.
    The Red Devils are reportedly set to meet the 28-year-old again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
    RICE BLOW
    Manchester United have been dealt with a significant blow in their bid to sign West Ham star Declan Rice.
    According to the Daily Mail, United have become increasingly concerned over Rice’s asking price, which is said to be in the region of 100million.
    Hammer boss David Moyes previously said: “I don’t agree with the owners that Declan Rice is a £100m footballer.
    “Far, far more than £100m”
    TO-TALLY FINE
    Villarreal president Fernando Roig has given the green light for Manchester United to sign Pau Torres in the summer transfer window.
    United have been keeping tabs on Torres in the last few months and were impressed by his display in the Europa League Final.
    The Yellow Submarine’s bigwig has confirmed that a deal could be struck as long as the Red Devils meet the centre-back’s asking price, which is reportedly in the region of £55million.
    Roig told El Transistor: “If they arrive with the money and the player wants to move but there must be an agreement between all three parties”
    GETTY IMAGES
    KOUNDE BOOST
    Sevilla ace Jules Kounde has confirmed that he “will perhaps have to change clubs this summer”.
    Kounde has been linked with a move to Manchester United as well as Arsenal, Chelsea and Real Madrid.
    And the centre-back, who impressed this season in LaLiga, has said he wishes to play for a “big club”.
    Kounde told reporters at France’s Clairefontaine training camp: “Regarding my future, it’s certain that I will perhaps have to change clubs this summer.
    “But nothing has been finalised yet. I have not decided anything.
    “My goal is to play for a big club, to try to always progress and to win trophies.
    “It’s true that I might have to move but that’s not relevant today”
    HAALAND BLOW
    Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland has stated that he remains “respectful” towards his contract.
    Haaland has been linked with a move to Manchester United, along with other clubs, ahead of the summer transfer window.
    However, the star striker appears to be happy at Dortmund, especially after they sealed Champions League qualification.
    Haaland told Viaplay: “Well, I have a contract for a couple of years so I am respectful towards my contract.
    “Like I have said before, I’m a big fan of the Champions League and I think everybody knows that. It was a relief to secure that spot. It was really important.
    “I am a simple guy. When I like something, I just want to have more. When I score a goal, I always chase the next goal.
    “I have big dreams. I just won my first major trophy and it was a great feeling. So I want to win trophies”
    SANCHO UPDATE
    Manchester United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund ace Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
    According to a report from Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho.
    United won’t have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
    Dortmund are currently listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
    But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last year
    GOOD MORNING UTD FANS
    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final.
    The Red Devils lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal as Solskjaer missed the opportunity to claim his first silverware as manager of the club.
    But The Telegraph claims that the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded Man Utd bosses from offering the Norwegian a new contract.
    And it has also been reported that Solskjaer will be backed in the summer transfer window.
    It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season as they look to close the 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
    Meanwhile, United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
    According to Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho.
    United are not going to have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
    Dortmund are listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
    But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last summer.
    And finally, Harry Maguire is reportedly confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off against Croatia.
    The Three Lions face their Group D rivals in just over two weeks’ time and are sweating on the fitness of their star centre-back.
    The 28-year-old had been ever-present for Manchester United in the Premier League until he suffered ankle ligament damage against Aston Villa – ruling him out of the run-in.
    The Red Devils’ form crumbled in his absence and he watched from the stands as his team lost Wednesday’s Europa League final.
    Following the defeat in Gdansk, United have increased their communication with the England setup and national team staff checked in with Maguire on Friday.
    According to the Mail, his progress is looking good and there is confidence that he will be fit for June 13.
    United are reportedly set to meet Maguire again on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
    HOMECOMING
    Tottenham want to start official talks with Paris Saint-Germain on Monday about bringing Mauricio Pochettino back to North London.
    PSG boss Poch is eyeing a return to Spurs after falling out with the French giants’ sporting director Leonardo.
    And if Poch does make the move, he will ask Harry Kane to give him at least one more season at Tottenham.
    The England captain, 27, made clear he wants to leave in his hunt for honours — but that was before Poch let on he was interested in going back.
    Spurs chairman Levy hopes it will persuade the striker, who still has three years on his deal, to stay put.
    But it is unlikely to stop Manchester giants City and United from trying to bag the Prem’s 23-goal Golden Boot winner.

    AL BE OFF
    Former Manchester United target David Alaba has signed a five-year deal with Real Madrid.
    The Austrian turned down a new contract at Bayern Munich, bringing his 12-year association with the German giants to an end.
    Alaba, 28, was determined to experience a new challenge, with a preference for playing in midfield.
    And after months of speculation, Madrid have finally officially announced the deal.
    The left-sided star has committed for five seasons, and will earn around £200,000-a-week.
    Alaba will be officially presented to Real Madrid supporters following the conclusion of Euro 2020, at which he is representing his country.

    ICYMI
    United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final.
    The Red Devils lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal as Solskjaer missed the opportunity to claim his first silverware as manager of the club.
    But The Telegraph claims that the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded Man Utd bosses from offering the Norwegian a new contract.
    And it has also been reported that Solskjaer will be backed in the summer transfer window.
    It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season as they look to close the 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
    TOP MARCS
    Highest of praise for Marcus Rashford from former US President Barack Obama.

    DOR OPEN
    Manchester United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
    According to Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho.
    United are not going to have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
    Dortmund are listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
    But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last summer.
    Load more entries… More

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    Chelsea vs Man City Champions League final build-up, Konate Liverpool transfer, Pochettino to Tottenham, Zidane LATEST

    CHELSEA and Man City are counting down to their huge Champions League final in Lisbon tomorrow. More than 16,000 fans will be in attendance at the showpiece, with the Premier League pair scrapping it out for the biggest prize in European football.
    On the transfer front, Liverpool have confirmed the capture of RB Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate.
    And we’ve the very latest on the managerial merry-go-round, with Mauricio Pochettino, Zinedine Zidane and Max Allegri all in the news.
    WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
    Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
    CON HIS WAY
    Antonio Conte is reportedly ‘interested’ in taking over at Tottenham amid claims he’s been added to the shortlist of managers the club are looking at.
    The 51-year-old Italian remarkably quit his role as Inter Milan boss on Wednesday despite having led them to a first Serie A title in 11 years
    And the ex-Juventus coach has immediately popped up as one of the favourites for the Spurs job.
    According to The Guardian, Conte is interested in joining the Lilywhites, but he is still not leading the way as favourite for the role.
    .
    MORE FROM WHITE
    He told Sky Sports News: “I couldn’t really believe it and I don’t think it’s settled in yet.
    “I didnt really think that I would be called, I thought it was a bit too late.
    “I’ve heard you get called way before it and you know, but I obviously didn’t.
    “When that call did come I was over the moon with it and shocked really.
    “No pressure, I’ve got to go what I’ve got to do, do my best and if I get game time, I’ve got to produce my quality and show what I’ve got.”
    HAVING A BAWL
    Ben White has revealed he ‘cried for an hour’ after learning of his call-up to England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad.
    He told Sky Sports News: “I got a phone call while I was out for dinner, I didn’t really believe it!
    “[When I was] told me all the news, when I was going, it was obviously unbelievable.
    “I put the phone down, rang my mum straight away, sat down there, cried…
    “Mum was crying, my dad, had all my sisters there and, yeah, I just sat and cried for about an hour.”
    GUNNER STAY
    Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final.
    The Red Devils lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal as Solskjaer missed the opportunity to claim his first silverware as manager of the club.
    But The Telegraph claims that the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded Man Utd bosses from offering the Norwegian a new contract.
    And it has also been reported that Solskjaer will be backed in the summer transfer window.
    It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season as they look to close the 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
    DAVID DRAMA
    Ajax star David Neres is facing a £15,000 fine – or even a prison term – after breaking coronavirus rules in Brazil.
    The winger, 24, has just helped his club win the Eredivisie league and cup double.
    Brazil international Neres has previously been a target for Manchester United and Everton.
    But the Sao Paulo-born ace landed in hot water in his home city when police arrested him during a nightclub raid around 2am on Friday.
    Local anti-Covid restrictions forbid events from taking place after 9pm.
    Brazil is among the world’s worst-affected nations, with the pandemic causing nearly half a million deaths.
    Neres was among 124 people seized, with many not wearing masks at the illegal party.
    RICE TO MEET YOU
    Manchester United will look to pip rivals Chelsea to the signing of Declan Rice, according to reports.
    The West Ham ace is hot property following yet another brilliant season in East London.
    Chelsea were desperate to land him last summer under ex-boss Frank Lampard but refused to match his £70million asking price.
    Despite replacing Lampard with Thomas Tuchel in January, the German boss is still open to the idea of bringing Rice back to his former club.
    But the Standard write how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to swoop from under the noses of the Blues.
    The Norwegian is ready to splash the cash this summer after Europa League final defeat to Villarreal meant it is now four years since their last silverware.

    SANCHO UPDATE
    Manchester United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund ace Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
    According to Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho ahead of next season.
    United won’t have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
    Dortmund are listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price yet.
    But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last year
    HAALAND LATEST
    Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland has attracted immense interest from some of Europe’s biggest bidders.
    Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have all been linked with Haaland but are facing fierce competition.
    According to Marca, Real Madrid are still keeping tabs on the star centre-forward.
    However, the Norway international has turned into a plan B as Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe remains Los Blancos’ priority
    GETTY IMAGES
    CONT ON HIM
    Former Chelsea boss Antonio Conte appears to be among the top candidates to replace Zinedine Zidane at Real Madrid.
    That is according to Sky Sports, who claim that Real initially tried to sign Massimo Allegri before he agreed to rejoin Juventus.
    Conte has been a free agent after his departure from Inter Milan where he won this season’s Serie A title.
    Zidane resigned for the second time after failing to win a trophy with Real this term
    KONATE SIGNED
    Liverpool have signed RB Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate in what marks their first summer transfer.
    Konate has put pen to paper on a long-term deal, believed to cover five years, after passing his medical.
    Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has been wanting to strengthen his defence following a turbulent campaign.
    Klopp lost Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to injury

    UNITED TRANSFER LATEST
    Jadon Sancho, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Raphael Varane and Pau Torres are seen as Manchester United’s top targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
    According to The Guardian, Sancho is the likeliest candidate to join United as Borussia Dortmund are more open on letting him go this year.
    Kane, on the other hand, is the unlikeliest signing as Manchester City pose as favourites to land the Tottenham superstar.
    West Ham are not willing to sell Rice whereas Torres and Varane are going to cost £26million and £60m respectively in the summer
    TOP POG
    Tottenham star Harry Kane has admitted he would like to have Paul Pogba’s skills amid reports suggesting that Manchester United want to sign him.
    Kane had a talk with TCL Europe where he discussed areas of others’ games he would like to include into his own.
    The England captain said: “Pogba’s skills, [Marco] Reus’ amazing free-kicks, Saul [Niguez’s] perfect dribbling, [Krzysztof ]Piatek’s intuition and [Gianluigi] Donnarumma’s big arm span.
    “I think having a strong mindset is a big part of that I think.
    “I always say self-belief and hard work are the two most important things to go along with talent. Of course, you need talent to get you a certain way but the other two are very important”

    ENGLAND FAVOURITES
    England are 4/1 favourites to win Euro 2020 in the summer ahead of France after Gareth Southgate picked his squad for the delayed tournament, according to Betfair.
    Here’s how the Three Lions fare compare to their competition:
    England 4/1France 5/1Belgium 13/2Spain 7/1Italy, Germany 15/2Portugal 9/1Netherlands 11/1Denmark 22/1Croatia 25/1
    GETTY IMAGES
    ARSENAL BOOST
    Arsenal have been handed a boost by Liverpool in their bid to sign Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
    That is because the Reds will not enter the race to land Bissouma despite Georginio Wijnaldum’s imminent departure.
    According to The Athletic, manager Jurgen Klopp believes an already existing member of the squad can fill in for Wijnaldum in midfield.
    Klopp has faith in Curtis Jones and is not likely to sell Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
    TOP PICK
    Everton star goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is going to be England’s No1 at Euro 2020 ahead of Manchester United ace Dean Henderson, according to former Three Lions goalkeeper Rob Green.
    Green said: “It’s a case of one from one. Jordan will play. Gareth [Southgate] has been very persistent and very clear with that.
    “He’s one that, the way that they play, he’s never made a mistake whilst playing for England that has cost a goal. I think what’s good is that Dean Henderson has already made his debut so he’s got that bit out of the way.
    “He’s played 50 per cent of the games that David de Gea has played at United.
    “But it’s not like he’s played a full season there. He’s had to bide his time at Manchester United so if he does get to play every week, then he’d have a louder case.
    “But we’ll have to see where we are in 12 months’ time. At the moment it doesn’t seem to suggest that it should be pointing in any other direction really”
    FOR GREAL
    Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish is “100% fit” for Euro 2020 according to Villa manager Dean Smith.
    Smith said: “He is 100% fit. Firstly, we had to make sure he was ready to play for Aston Villa. We wouldn’t take a risk with only four games to go, with a player of Jack’s standing and quality, unless it was the right thing to do.
    “We all believed it was the right thing to do – for him and for Aston Villa. Then once the season finished, if he gets picked, which hopefully he does, then it’s the right thing for England as well.
    “If we felt there was any kind of future risk then we would have just shut him down for the rest of the season and he wouldn’t have had the chance to go to the Euros”
    BALE RETIREMENT
    Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale, who spent the season on loan at Tottenham, was recently linked with early retirement.
    Reports in Spain have claimed that Bale may negotiate a payout from Real and could even quit football altogether after Euro 2020, where he will play for Wales.
    However, the star winger’s agent Jonathan Barnett has poured cold water on these rumours with an explosive statement.
    Barnett told talkSPORT when asked about the matter: “Sorry, don’t speak about rubbish reporting”
    FAN TROUBLE
    Chelsea and Manchester City fans were involved in minor clashes with police in Porto on Thursday ahead of the Champions League Final.
    The city’s mayor Rui Moreira claimed the incident took place near the River Douro where supporters were drinking.
    According to Sky Sports, no arrests were made but one fan was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
    The Blues and City will have nearly 6,000 supporters in the Estadio do Dragao for the game, which will take place in front of a total of 16,500 spectators.
    JO AWAY
    Atletico Madrid president Enrique Cerezo has rejected a potential swap deal with Barcelona over Joao Felix.
    Reports from Spain have suggested that Barca wish to sign Felix in the summer transfer window and are willing to let Antoine Griezmann go the other way.
    Cerezo said on El Larguero: “There’s no way [Felix] leaves.
    “He has to adapt, but when he takes off he’ll be one of the most important players on the planet.
    “Players aren’t machines; they have good days and bad, and he’ll have many glorious afternoons at this club”
    GETTY IMAGES
    IBRA-KADABRA
    Liverpool have triggered RB Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate’s £36million release clause.
    According to Sky Sports, the Reds are hoping to finalise Konate’s move in the next few days.
    The centre-back has completed his medical a few weeks ago and is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Merseysiders.
    Manager Jurgen Klopp wants to strengthen his defence following a turbulent season, which saw him losing Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Fabinho and Jordan Henderson to injury
    ZIDANE REPLACEMENTS
    Zinedine Zidane has resigned from Real Madrid’s dugout for the second time.
    Real were hoping to replace Zidane with Massimiliano Allegri but the Italian manager has agreed to return to Juventus.
    According to Marca, that leaves Antonio Conte, Mauricio Pochettino and club legends Raul as well as Xabi Alonso as the Frenchman’s likeliest successors.
    Zidane experienced immense success throughout his two stints at Los Blancos as he won a total of two LaLiga titles as well as three successive Champions League trophies
    MAUR UPDATES
    Tottenham have held talks with former manager Mauricio Pochettino over a sensational return to the club.
    That is according to The Guardian, who claim that Pochettino is interested in reviving Spurs just 18 months after his exit from north London.
    The Argentine is reportedly unsatisfied at Paris Saint-Germain following a turbulent season that saw the Parisians losing their Ligue 1 crown to shock winners Lille.
    The 49-year-old is also said to be unhappy with the power structure as it doesn’t allow him much influence in the club.
    Plus, Pochettino and his staff have yet to settle in Paris as they’ve spent most of their time in hotels
    WHAT A PHIL-ING
    Barcelona could let Arsenal transfer target Philippe Coutinho leave in the summer.
    That is according to Sky Sports, who claim that Coutinho’s turbulent stint at Barca is likely to come to an end soon.
    However, the Blaugrana are not willing to let the former Liverpool star go before July as he continues his rehabilitation from a number of injury problems.
    The attacking midfielder has gone through three separate surgeries on his knee alone since January
    GETTY IMAGES
    GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS,
    Daniel Levy is confident he can pull off Mauricio Pochettino’s sensational return to Tottenham.
    And Poch is willing to come back to North London after extended talks this week.
    SunSport revealed on Tuesday that Spurs chairman Levy was ready to ask Pochettino to take over as manager for a second time.
    We also told you the Argentine is prepared to leave Paris Saint-Germain and head back to White Hart Lane as he has been unhappy in France.
    Both parties have now held talks over a reunion that would improve the chances of Harry Kane staying put — as Levy faces a battle to keep his star striker this summer.
    Pochettino, devastated by his 2019 axe, also believes he has unfinished business at Spurs.
    Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger says he has been ‘marked’ by racial abuse forever.
    Chelsea’s German defender fought his way up from poverty to tomorrow’s Champions League final in Portugal.
    Ahead of facing Manchester City, Rudiger said: “Do you know how many times I have been called a n****r? Do you know how many times I have been told to go back to Africa?
    “Eight years old, I had to ask Dad: ‘What is this word, n****r?’
    “When you grow up being called that, you can choose to ignore it or you can fight.
    “Many times, I had to fight — I had to bleed.
    “The whole world will watch the Champions League final and I want to use my voice.
    “This is not a ten-minute conversation, or an Instagram caption, this is my life.”
    And finally, RB Leipzig star Ibrahima Konate has passed a medical and is set to join Liverpool.
    That is according to ESPN, who claim that Konate is set to become the Reds’ first signing of the summer transfer window.
    Konate completed his medical a few weeks ago and is expected to put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the Merseysiders.
    Liverpool are reportedly on the verge of meeting the talented centre-back’s £35million asking price, which they will have to pay in one instalment.
    If all goes well then the 22-year-old will link up with his new team after the Under-21 European Championship where he competes with France.
    Jurgen Klopp has been keeping tabs on Konate ever since 2017 when the defender was playing for Sochaux.
    MAUR TO COME
    Exclusive by Charlie Wyett: Daniel Levy is confident he can pull off Mauricio Pochettino’s sensational return to Tottenham.
    And Poch is willing to come back to North London after extended talks this week.
    SunSport revealed on Tuesday that Spurs chairman Levy was ready to ask Pochettino to take over as manager for a second time.
    We also told you the Argentine is prepared to leave Paris Saint-Germain and head back to White Hart Lane as he has been unhappy in France.
    Both parties have now held talks over a reunion that would improve the chances of Harry Kane staying put — as Levy faces a battle to keep his star striker this summer.
    Pochettino, devastated by his 2019 axe, also believes he has unfinished business at Spurs.
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    Solskjaer told to target £55m Pau Torres, Declan Rice latest, Jadon Sancho UPDATE, Europa League final loss REACTION

    MANCHESTER UNITED are licking their wounds after losing a heartbreaking Europa League final to Villarreal on penalties.One man who is being tipped for a switch is Pau Torres, who was so impressive for the Spaniards in Gdansk.
    Meanwhile Declan Rice has been touted for a switch to United as well, with the England midfielder a target for one of the positions Solskjaer wants to improve.
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    Stay up to date with every twist from Old Trafford in our live rolling blog…
    HAA-RD TO SAY GOODBYE
    Erling Haaland has sensationally suggested he might snub the advances of Manchester United to STAY at Borussia Dortmund.
    Both Man City and United are interested in the £150million-rated striker, with Real Madrid and Barcelona keen, despite struggling financially.
    But for now, Haaland has suggested he will be staying at Borussia Dortmund.
    Haaland told NENT: “I have a contract for a couple of fine years, so I am respectful towards my contract.”
    CHANGED HIS TUN
    Manchester United prospect Hannibal Mejbri has been called up to Tunisia’s national team after switching allegiances from France.
    The midfielder was born in Ivry-sur-Seine, France and represented them at youth level.
    But his father, Lotfi, is Tunisian and played in his homeland and now his son is set to follow in his footsteps.
    Current club United confirmed the 18-year-old has been called up to Tunisia’s first-team.
    Mejbri is in their squad for upcoming games against DR Congo, Algeria and Mali next month.

    GUNNER STAY
    Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly set to sign a new three-year deal worth £27million despite suffering heartbreak in the Europa League final.
    The Red Devils lost an astonishing penalty shoot-out 11-10 to Villarreal as Solskjaer missed the opportunity to claim his first silverware as manager of the club.
    But The Telegraph claims that the disappointing end to the campaign has not dissuaded Man Utd bosses from offering the Norwegian a new contract.
    And it has also been reported that Solskjaer will be backed in the summer transfer window.
    It is said that he will be given the funds to sign up to four players before the start of the new season as they look to close the 12-point gap to Premier League champions Manchester City.
    RICE TO MEET YOU
    Manchester United will look to pip rivals Chelsea to the signing of Declan Rice, according to reports.
    The West Ham ace is hot property following yet another brilliant season in East London.
    Chelsea were desperate to land him last summer under ex-boss Frank Lampard but refused to match his £70million asking price.
    Despite replacing Lampard with Thomas Tuchel in January, the German boss is still open to the idea of bringing Rice back to his former club.
    But the Standard write how Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is ready to swoop from under the noses of the Blues.
    The Norwegian is ready to splash the cash this summer after Europa League final defeat to Villarreal meant it is now four years since their last silverware.

    SANCHO UPDATE
    Manchester United are still in talks with Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho’s representatives over a potential summer deal.
    According to Sky Sports, “as it stands, United represents the most realistic destination” for Sancho.
    United are not going to have to worry about personal terms as they already agreed last summer when they tried to sign the star winger.
    Dortmund are listening to offers for the England international and have not publicly named a price.
    But it seems like the 21-year-old could be available for £80million, which is significantly less than the £108m the Bundesliga giants demanded last summer
    HAALAND LATEST
    Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland has attracted immense interest from some of Europe’s biggest hitters.
    Manchester United are among the clubs interested in signing Haaland but are facing fierce competition.
    According to Marca, Real Madrid are still keeping tabs on the star striker.
    However, the Norway international has turned into a plan B as Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe remains a priority for Los Blancos
    GETTY IMAGES
    PAUL-ING TOGETHER
    Manchester United star Paul Pogba has reacted to Wednesday’s Europa League Final loss.
    Pogba admitted he needed some time to reflect after the defeat to Villarreal but insists United will get back up on their feet soon.
    The star midfielder posted on his Instagram: “I needed some days to reflect after the match.
    “Of course, very upset not to win the final but we’re a team that will look forward with our heads held high.
    “Thank you to all of the fans for the support. We will come back stronger”

    ENGLAND FAVOURITES
    England are 4/1 favourites to win Euro 2020 after Gareth Southgate picked his squad for the delayed tournament, according to Betfair.
    Manchester United have six players (Dean Henderson, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood) in Southgate’s provisional 33-men shortlist.
    Here’s how the Three Lions fare compare to the rest of the opposition:
    England 4/1France 5/1Belgium 13/2Spain 7/1Italy, Germany 15/2Portugal 9/1Netherlands 11/1Denmark 22/1Croatia 25/1
    UNITED TRANSFER LATEST
    Jadon Sancho, Declan Rice, Harry Kane, Raphael Varane and Pau Torres are considered as Manchester United’s top targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
    According to The Guardian, Sancho appears as the likeliest candidate to join United as Borussia Dortmund are more open on letting him go this year.
    Kane, on the other hand, appears to be the unlikeliest signing as Manchester City pose as favourites to land the Tottenham superstar.
    West Ham are not willing to sell Rice whereas Torres and Varane are going to cost £26million and £60m respectively
    TOP POG
    Tottenham superstar Harry Kane has admitted he would like to have Paul Pogba’s skills amid reports suggesting that Manchester United want to sign him.
    Kane had a chat with TCL Europe where he discussed areas of others’ games he would like to include into his own.
    The England captain said: “Pogba’s skills, [Marco] Reus’ amazing free-kicks, Saul [Niguez’s] perfect dribbling, [Krzysztof ]Piatek’s intuition and [Gianluigi] Donnarumma’s big arm span.
    “I think having a strong mindset is a big part of that I think.
    “I always say self-belief and hard work are the two most important things to go along with talent. Of course, you need talent to get you a certain way but the other two are very important”

    HURRI-KANE HARRY
    Tottenham superstar Harry Kane is odds-on favourite to finish Euro 2020 as the tournament’s top scorer, according to Betfair.
    Kane has reportedly informed Spurs that he wishes to leave the club in the summer after another trophyless season, which saw them missing out on Champions League qualification again.
    The star striker is now being monitored by Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea.
    Here’s how the England international’s chances look like ahead of the Euros:

    Harry Kane 5/1
    Romelu Lukaku 13/2
    Cristiano Ronaldo 9/1
    Kylian Mbappe 9/1
    Karim Benzema 11/1
    Memphis Depay 16/1
    Raheem Sterling 16/1

    GETTY IMAGES
    DE-CISION EXPLAINED
    Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decided to start David de Gea in goal ahead of Dean Henderson because he felt more confident about the Spain international.
    Solskjaer said: “You go through every scenario, of course. And it had crossed my mind in the build-up to the game but we were confident in David and prepared.
    Anything can happen in a penalty shootout. I stuck with the keeper who played all of the game.
    “I’ve got to say the penalty shootout was high quality, but we didn’t do enough in the 120 minutes to score more goals and that’s the disappointing bit.
    “We had pressure, we had moments where we felt if we can just kick on a little bit now we can get a goal. But we just couldn’t.”
    TOP PICK
    Everton star Jordan Pickford is going to be England’s No1 at Euro 2020 ahead of Manchester United ace Dean Henderson, according to former Three Lions goalkeeper Rob Green.
    Green said: “It’s a case of one from one. Jordan will play. Gareth [Southgate] has been very persistent and very clear with that.
    “He’s one that, the way that they play, he’s never made a mistake whilst playing for England that has cost a goal. I think what’s good is that Dean Henderson has already made his debut so he’s got that bit out of the way.
    “He’s played 50 per cent of the games that David de Gea has played at United.
    “But it’s not like he’s played a full season there. He’s had to bide his time at Manchester United so if he does get to play every week, then he’d have a louder case.
    “But we’ll have to see where we are in 12 months’ time. At the moment it doesn’t seem to suggest that it should be pointing in any other direction really”
    MAGUIRE/RASHFORD HEADACHE
    England manager Gareth Southgate is facing a major Euro 2020 headache over the fitness of Manchester United stars Harry Maguire and Marcus Rashford.
    According to the Daily Mirror, Maguire is still dealing with an ankle injury and is facing a race to be fit in time for England’s opening game against Croatia on June 13.
    Rashford is nursing a shoulder as well as a foot problem and appears to be a little tired after a busy season.
    The United centre-forward, however, did play in the Europa League Final, which could be a promising sign for Southgate
    WAN-T ARE YOU THINKING
    Manchester United fans have slammed England manager Gareth Southgate for omitting Aaron Wan-Bissaka from his provisional 33-man squad.
    Southgate announced his shortlist on Tuesday ahead of the delayed Euro 2020 and didn’t include Wan-Bissaka as he preferred Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James at right-back.
    However, that didn’t bode well with some United fans, who took to Twitter to air their disagreement.
    One fan tweeted: “How has AWB not even made the provisional England squad?
    “I get that England have a ton of good right backs but Southgate’s constant overlooking of him is ridiculous.”
    Another supporter wrote: “I still think it’s a farce that AWB hasn’t been called up again.”
    A third posted: “Wan-Bissaka doesn’t even make the provisional squad. We’ll get our respect one day”
    PRESIDENT’S MAN
    Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford had a “surreal” Zoom chat with President Barack Obama about the importance of giving back to your local community and the positive impact of reading.
    Rashford initiated a prominent campaign last year to tackle child food poverty in the UK during the coronavirus pandemic.
    The England international’s efforts led to 1.7 million vulnerable kids being supported by a £520 million government scheme and other projects have helped deliver 130 million meals.
    That led to immense praise by Obama, who said: “A lot of the young people I meet — including Marcus — they’re ahead of where I was when I was 23. They’re already making changes and being positive forces in their communities.”
    Rashford added: “It’s quite surreal isn’t it? I’m sitting in my kitchen in Manchester, speaking to President Obama. But, immediately, he made me feel at ease.
    “It wasn’t long before I realised just how aligned our experiences as children were in shaping the men you see today – adversity, obstacles and all. I genuinely enjoyed every minute of it. When President Obama speaks, all you want to do is listen”

    DE GEA RALLY
    Manchester United players, past and present, have rallied around goalkeeper David de Gea after the Europa League Final.
    De Gea endured a miserable performance in the penalty shootout as he failed to save a single spot-kick, which led to Villarreal’s triumph.
    However, the Spain international has received support from current and former team-mates.
    Juan Mata posted: “We win and we lose. Always together. Always with you @d_degeaofficial.”
    Ex-United star Ander Herrera said: “Football has given me friends for life. Always by your side @d_degeaofficial”
    DE-CISION TIME
    Manchester United are willing to offer David de Gea as makeweight in their bid to sign Atletico Madrid goalkeeper Jan Oblak.
    The Sun has exclusively revealed that some of United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s closest advisers have been pushing for Oblak.
    And the Red Devils could be willing to swap De Gea in order to lower the Atletico star’s £70million asking price.
    This comes after the Spain international’s poor performance during the Europa League penalty shootout in which he failed to make a single save and thus Villarreal won the trophy
    DON & DUSTED
    Borussia Dortmund have told Manchester United target Jadon Sancho he can leave the club.
    That is according to BILD, who claim that this summer will be Dortmund’s ‘final goodbye’ to Sancho.
    The Bundesliga giants are determined to hang on to star striker Erling Haaland as a host of top bidders across Europe plot swoops.
    But selling the England international to United instead of cashing in on Haaland is reportedly viewed as ‘acceptable’ by Dortmund chiefs
    RICE DOWN THE MIDDLE
    Manchester United will test West Ham’s resolve over Declan Rice when the transfer window opens in the summer.
    That is according to the Evening Standard, who claim that United will try hard to sign Rice even though the Hammers have insisted he is not for sale.
    Manager David Moyes has said it would take “Bank of England plus Bank of Scotland” money to land the talented midfielder.
    The England international has also attracted interest from Chelsea as well as Manchester City
    PAU WOW
    Manchester United fans have urged manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to sign Villarreal star Pau Torres.
    Torres stood out in the Yellow Submarine’s Europa League triumph over United in Wednesday’s final.
    Solskjaer will be looking for a defender to partner up with Harry Maguire at centre-back in the summer transfer window and the £55million-rated Spain international is among their top priorities.
    The Red Devils faithful appear to be in agreement and have pleaded with the club to land the 24-year-old.
    One wrote: “Pau Torres is exactly what we need.”
    Another added: “Pau Torres please. Do the deal before the summer madness.”
    A third wrote: “If that was Pau Torres’ audition, then I think he passed.”
    A fourth said: “Pau Torres was unreal, Man Utd should cop him ASAP”
    GETTY IMAGES
    GOOD MORNING UTD FANS,
    United will make an ambitious move for Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak to solve their No 1 crisis.
    And the Red Devils would let blundering David De Gea go the other way as a makeweight in the deal for Oblak — in an attempt to get his huge £375,000-a-week wages off their books.
    United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching staff have had headaches over who starts in goal for months — and gave De Gea and Dean Henderson a chance to claim the jersey.
    But some of Solskjaer’s closest advisers have been pushing for Slovenian stopper Oblak, who has just won the LaLiga title with Atletico.
    Highly-rated Oblak, 28, would cost in the region of £70million but United are looking at ways of brokering a move with De Gea part of the package.
    De Gea, who missed the crucial 22nd penalty in United’s Europa League final shootout defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday, came through the ranks at Atletico and the move would appeal to him if the money men get the figures to work.
    Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford vowed to end Manchester United’s trophy drought in an emotional interview.
    He said: “The feeling inside is difficult to explain. We came here to win.
    “We’ve been working so hard all season and this was the opportunity to win a trophy and it didn’t happen for whatever reason.
    “We have to get rid of the disappointment and look back at the game and see what we did wrong.
    “The team will not give up – no chance. The manager won’t allow us to give up.
    “We will come next season with a bigger desire.
    “People say a lot about Man Utd going downhill but for me, the club, desire, hunger, talent, ability, the squad, we have everything to compete at the highest level.
    “We just have to show it to the world and ourselves, show why we belong in the top places and why we need to win finals like this.”
    And finally, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has explained why he did not replace David De Gea with Dean Henderson ahead of the penalty shootout defeat to Villarreal.
    Not only did stopper De Gea fail to save a single one of Villarreal’s efforts, he was also the unfortunate one to miss as the LaLiga outfit claimed the prize.
    That continued De Gea’s poor penalty record – which now stands at 36 without a save.
    Speaking of why De Gea stayed on, Solskjaer said: “You go through every scenario, of course. And it had crossed my mind in the build-up to the game but we were confident in David and prepared.
    Anything can happen in a penalty shootout. I stuck with the ‘keeper who played all of the game.
    “I’ve got to say the penalty shootout was high quality, but we didn’t do enough in the 120 minutes to score more goals and that’s the disappointing bit.
    “We had pressure, we had moments where we felt if we can just kick on a little bit now we can get a goal. But we just couldn’t.”
    JAN UTD
    Exclusive by Alan Nixon: Manchester United will make an ambitious move for Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak to solve their No 1 crisis.
    And the Red Devils would let blundering David De Gea go the other way as a makeweight in the deal for Oblak — in an attempt to get his huge £375,000-a-week wages off their books.
    United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his coaching staff have had headaches over who starts in goal for months — and gave De Gea and Dean Henderson a chance to claim the jersey.
    But some of Solskjaer’s closest advisers have been pushing for Slovenian stopper Oblak, who has just won the LaLiga title with Atletico.
    Highly-rated Oblak, 28, would cost in the region of £70million but United are looking at ways of brokering a move with De Gea part of the package.
    De Gea, who missed the crucial 22nd penalty in United’s Europa League final shootout defeat to Villarreal on Wednesday, came through the ranks at Atletico and the move would appeal to him if the money men get the figures to work.

    MAKING HIS MARC
    Rio Ferdinand has praised Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford for campaigning against child hunger.
    Speaking to ITV’s Robert Peston, Ferdinand said: “I think Marcus has done remarkably well.
    “I think he’s a young man who is really showing the way for a lot of the young players and people in society that if you believe in something, and you have a platform, you have a voice, and you have the ability to really transcend and change things.
    “And even going up against the establishment, almost, they did that with confidence and he got the backing of the nation, and listen, you have to understand as well, it was a cause that was worthwhile.
    “In the end Boris Johnson came around and understood that right thing to do was to follow Marcus’s lead and that’s an unbelievable achievement.”
    OPEN GATE
    Gareth Southgate has lifted the lid on why injured Harry Maguire was included in his 33-man England provisional squad for Euro 2020.
    Maguire’s ankle problem saw him miss Manchester United’s Europa League final against Villarreal, though he was surprisingly named on the bench.
    Southgate said: “We had an initial assessment on Maguire, which was positive in terms of the tournament, but there was always a little bit more swelling and further investigation needed.
    “When you’ve got a European final and information for the opposition is so tight, and things do leak, I understand why clubs want to keep their cards close to their chest.
    ‘It’s made it a bit more difficult for us but I don’t have a problem with United.
    “We’ve got some injuries that are at various stages, (with) a couple that we have very little information about at the moment.”
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    Bissouma latest, Coutinho can ‘LEAVE Barcelona in summer’, Aouar transfer BOOST, Odegaard future latest news

    ARSENAL will have to wait until July to approach Phillipe Coutinho – but the Brazilian is reportedly free to leave Barcelona. Reports also suggest that the Gunners could land long-term target Houssem Aouar for just £25m after Lyon missed out on the Champions League.
    We’ve also the very latest on Martin Odegaard, as well as an update on Alexandre Lacazette’s Emirates future.
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    Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
    MOI BUEN
    Norwich star Emi Buendia admits that Arsenal’s interest motivates him ahead of the summer transfer window.
    The Gunners are weighing up a formal offer for Buendia, who played a critical role in the Canaries’ Premier League promotion.
    Buendia told AS: “One always dreams of being at the highest level and in the best teams in England, Spain or Europe.
    “One dreams of playing for titles, it is an ambition that I have, it is a pride that important clubs are interested in you, it means that you are doing things well and it is a motivation to continue working and one day achieve it.”
    HAVING A BAWL
    Arsenal target Ben White has revealed he ‘cried for an hour’ after learning of his call-up to England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad.
    He told Sky Sports News: “I got a phone call while I was out for dinner, I didn’t really believe it!
    “[When I was] told me all the news, when I was going, it was obviously unbelievable.
    “I put the phone down, rang my mum straight away, sat down there, cried…
    “Mum was crying, my dad, had all my sisters there and, yeah, I just sat and cried for about an hour.”
    BAY FOR NOW?
    Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is bracing himself for offers for centre-back William Saliba, according to reports.
    The 20-year-old, who joined the Gunners for £27million in 2019, has spent the second half of the season with Nice.
    Saliba has yet to make an appearance for Arsenal since his switch and was immediately sent back on loan to Saint-Etienne.
    According to Kicker, Bayer Leverkusen have been tracking Saliba’s progress closely during his time in France and are ready to make their move.
    He was a regular in the Nice defence, making 20 league appearances in total during their ninth-place finish.

    WHAT THE HEC
    Real Betis are reportedly interested in signing Arsenal star Hector Bellerin this summer.
    Bellerin is set to be sold with manager Mikel Arteta looking to raise transfer funds after the club missed out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
    Betis want to sign the right-back initially on a loan deal with a view to buy a year later, according to Spanish outlet ABC de Sevilla.
    The Spain international is reportedly open to a move as he is seeking a new challenge.
    ENGLAND FAVOURITES
    England are 4/1 favourites to win Euro 2020 after Gareth Southgate picked his squad for the delayed tournament, according to Betfair.
    Arsenal only have one player in Southgate’s provisional 33-man shortlist and that is Bukayo Saka.
    Here’s how the Three Lions fare compare to their competition:
    England 4/1France 5/1Belgium 13/2Spain 7/1Italy, Germany 15/2Portugal 9/1Netherlands 11/1Denmark 22/1Croatia 25/1
    LACAZETTE ADVICE
    Arsenal legend Kevin Campbell has advised his former club to sell Alexandre Lacazette if he doesn’t agree to a contract extension.
    Lacazette has one more year left in his deal with the Gunners, which means he could leave the Emirates for free next summer.
    Campbell told Highbury Squad: “I think [a contract] extension of a year would work, just a year.
    “If he takes it, he takes it. If he doesn’t, then you maybe have to look to trade him”
    GETTY IMAGES
    READY TO HAK IT
    Arsenal still have good chances of signing Inter Milan star Achraf Hakimi in the summer.
    According to the Daily Express, the Gunners are facing competition from Paris Saint-Germain but can still land Hakimi if they move fast.
    The midfielder, who can also play at right-back as well as left-back and played a major role in Inter’s Serie A triumph, is rated at £43million.
    The Nerazzurri are desperate to sell due to financial problems, which led to Antonio Conte’s release, and thus the north Londoners could get their man if they move fast
    TOP SIX
    Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta already knows the six players he will continue with next season.
    That is according to Football London, who claim that Arteta will not include those men in the upcoming transfer haul.
    Those are Bernd Leno, Bukayo Saka, Thomas Partey, Kieran Tierney, Emile Smith Rowe and Nicolas Pepe.
    The likes of Hector Bellerin, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sead Kolasinac, Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira have been linked with an imminent departure as the Gunners are looking to raise funds
    GUNNERS SALES
    Arsenal could generate close to £200million from player sales in the summer transfer window.
    Gunners manager Mikel Arteta is planning a major overhaul in order to raise funds for transfers.
    The north Londoners are going to need some extra cash after failing to qualify for Europe for the first time in 25 years.
    According to Football London, Arsenal could make up to £195m as the likes of Hector Bellerin, Alexandre Lacazette, Eddie Nketiah, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Sead Kolasinac, Matteo Guendouzi and Lucas Torreira may leave
    ARSENAL BOOST
    Arsenal have been handed a major boost by Liverpool in their bid to sign Brighton star Yves Bissouma.
    That is because the Reds will not enter the race to land Bissouma despite Georginio Wijnaldum’s imminent departure in the summer.
    According to The Athletic, manager Jurgen Klopp believes an already existing member of the squad can fill in for Wijnaldum in midfield.
    Klopp has faith in Curtis Jones and is not likely to sell Naby Keita or Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain in the summer
    END OF THE LINE
    Crystal Palace ace Andros Townsend has advised Arsenal star Bukayo Saka to join Manchester City if he gets the chance.
    Saka has been very impressive at the Gunners in the last two years and made England boss Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad ahead of Euro 2020.
    Townsend told talkSPORT: “Yeah, I would say. Man City is a different level. No disrespect to Arsenal.
    “Obviously I am not their biggest fan, but Man City is a step-up. If that offer comes in, of course, you have to, you have to”
    GETTY IMAGES
    BUENDIA REACTS
    Norwich star Emi Buendia admits that Arsenal’s interest motivates him ahead of the summer transfer window.
    The Gunners are weighing up a formal offer for Buendia, who played a critical role in the Canaries’ Premier League promotion.
    Buendia told AS: “One always dreams of being at the highest level and in the best teams in England, Spain or Europe.
    “One dreams of playing for titles, it is an ambition that I have, it is a pride that important clubs are interested in you, it means that you are doing things well and it is a motivation to continue working and one day achieve it.”
    STRIKING BUSINESS
    Arsenal are keeping tabs on Sporting Lisbon starlet Tiago Tomas ahead of the summer transfer window.
    According to Record, the Gunners have contacted Sporting to find out what it would take to sign Tomas.
    And the Portuguese champions’ response isn’t raising a lot of hopes for a deal as they rate the 18-year-old striker at a whopping €60million (£51.5m).
    The Portugal Under-21 international amassed six goals and three assists in 37 appearances across all competitions this season
    EM-IDIATE CASH FLOW
    Arsenal could raise an important sum to buy Norwich star Emi Buendia in the summer transfer window.
    Gunners ace Granit Xhaka appears set to leave the Emirates and join Jose Mourinho at Roma.
    According to Football London, that move could raise £20million by next month.
    That would give Arteta some extra funds and plenty of time to make a move for Buendia, who has been targeted by the north Londoners throughout the season after an impressive campaign with the Canaries
    BELL TOLLS
    Real Betis are interested in signing Arsenal star Hector Bellerin this summer, according to Spanish outlet ABC de Sevilla.
    Bellerin is set to be sold with manager Mikel Arteta looking to raise transfer funds after the club missed out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
    Betis want to sign the right-back initially on a loan deal with a view to buy a year later.
    The Spain international is reportedly open to a move as he is seeking new challenges
    XHAK MOVE
    Roma are confident of signing Granit Xhaka in the summer transfer window.
    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Xhaka is among the players with offers to quit Arsenal, who are preparing a mass exodus of players in order to raise funds for new signings after missing out on Europe.
    New Roma manager Jose Mourinho is a big admirer of the Switzerland midfielder and has publicly praised him in the past.
    Mourinho previously said: “Xhaka is the main man in the entire Arsenal midfield, you can’t see it unless I lend you one of my eyes.
    “Without him, Arsenal is lost. He is a leader. Remember, mistakes are made by humans”
    GETTY IMAGES
    GOOD LAC
    Arsenal’s transfer business is going to depend on their ongoing contract talks with Alexandre Lacazette.
    Lacazette’s deal with the Gunners expires next year and the centre-forward was thought to be close to leaving last summer.
    The north Londoners have been linked with a move for Celtic star striker Odsonne Edouard.
    However, Arsenal are only going to try and sign Edouard depending on Lacazette’s future at the club
    WIZARD OF OD
    Arsenal are planning to offer Real Madrid a “good deal” for Martin Odegaard.
    Odegaard spent the second half of the season on loan at the Emirates and impressed manager Mikel Arteta.
    According to AS, the north Londoners want to sign the attacking midfielder on a permanent basis and have tabled an offer to see if Los Blancos are open to negotiating the sale of the Norway international this summer.
    Real’s board are reportedly facing a dilemma as they need to decide whether they wish to hold on to one of their “main assets” or let him leave in order to save money after the pandemic’s financial impact on the market
    AOU ABOUT THAT?
    Arsenal have been handed a major boost in their bid to sign Lyon star Houssem Aouar in the summer transfer window.
    Aouar has been a long-term Gunners target and reportedly agreed to join the club last summer but the north Londoners failed to meet his £54million asking price.
    According to L’Equipe, however, the playmaker’s price tag is now over half of what Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas was previously demanding after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League.
    That means Arsenal could reignite their interest for the France international and get the opportunity to finally land him for £25m.
    EDDIE, SET, GO
    Arsenal could use Eddie Nketiah as a makeweight to sign Brighton star Yves Bissouma in the summer transfer window.
    That is according to Sussex Live, who claim that the Gunners would be willing to offer Nketiah, plus cash, in their bid to sign top target Bissouma.
    The midfielder impressed this season in the Premier League and Mikel Arteta is looking for someone to partner up with Thomas Partey in the centre of the pitch.
    However, the north Londoners will be facing some fierce opposition from other Premier League rivals
    WHAT A PHIL-ING
    Barcelona could let Arsenal transfer target Philippe Coutinho go in the summer.
    That is according to Sky Sports, who claim that Coutinho’s turbulent stint at Barca is likely to end soon.
    However, the Blaugrana are not willing to let the ex-Liverpool star go before July as he continues his rehabilitation from a number of injury problems.
    The attacking midfielder has had three separate surgeries on his knee alone since January
    GETTY IMAGES
    GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS,
    Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has reportedly opened talks with Roma over a shock transfer to link up with Jose Mourinho.
    The Gunners finished the season in eighth meaning the Emirates outfit will be without European football for the first time in over two decades.
    And Arteta is expected to oversee a mass exodus from north London with the likes of David Luiz, 34, already confirmed to be leaving.
    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that Xhaka is among the players with offers to quit Arsenal this summer.
    The report adds that former Tottenham boss Mourinho is a fan and has already begun talks to bring the Swiss international with him to Roma.
    A return to the Bundesliga where Xhaka spent four years at Borussia Monchengladbach has also been mooted.
    Meanwhile, Eddie Nketiah is reportedly wanted by Brighton.
    And that could spark a swap deal involving highly-rated Gunners target Yves Bissouma, 24.
    Latest Brighton claims Graham Potter is targeting a move for Nketiah, 21, in order to prevent another season battling relegation.
    The likes of Danny Welbeck and Neil Maupay failed to hit the target regularly, forcing Brighton to scrap for their top-flight status for the entire campaign.
    Nketiah is facing a bleak future at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette set to stay put.
    Fellow youngster Folarin Balogun has also signed a new deal under the premise of more first-team football.
    And finally, Real Betis are looking to sign Arsenal defender Hector Bellerin this summer, according to reports.
    The Spanish right-back, 26, is set to be sold this summer with boss Mikel Arteta looking to move on from a host of big-name stars.
    Bellerin is joined by the likes of Bernd Leno and Matteo Guendouzi on Arteta’s list, with the Gunners looking to raise about £35million in transfer funds.
    Now Bellerin – Arsenal’s current longest-serving player – is a target for boyhood club Real Betis.
    The LaLiga side want to sign the full-back initially on a loan deal with a view to buy, say reports in Spain.
    PEP TALK
    A potential swap deal for Yves Bissouma will not only lower the Brighton star’s fee but also secure Nicolas Pepe’s spot at the top of this list.

    ED HUNTER
    Arsenal star Eddie Nketiah is reportedly wanted by Brighton.
    And that could spark a swap deal involving highly-rated Gunners target Yves Bissouma, 24.
    Latest Brighton claims Graham Potter is targeting a move for Nketiah, 21, in order to prevent another season battling relegation.
    The likes of Danny Welbeck and Neil Maupay failed to hit the target regularly, forcing Brighton to scrap for their top-flight status for the entire campaign.
    Nketiah is facing a bleak future at the Emirates under Mikel Arteta, with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette set to stay put.
    Fellow youngster Folarin Balogun has also signed a new deal under the premise of more first-team football.

    ARSENE IN
    Arsenal fans have been sending a lot of love to former manager Arsene Wenger.

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