CHELSEA are reportedly lining up a swoop for Mohamed Salah, after reaching the Champions League final.Meanwhile Sergio Aguero is reportedly eyeing up a transfer to Barcelona, where he could be joined by Neymar if the Brazilian quits Paris Saint-Germain and we have the latest on Manchester City being interested in Declan Rice.
FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN SIGN UP OFFERS HERE
Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
WEMB-GLEE
SunSport Exclusive by Martin Lipton
Uefa chiefs are ready to shift the Champions League final to WEMBLEY – but only if the UK Government can give them a set of guarantees.
Uefa are understood to be sympathetic and agree that, in the circumstances of a Covid wave in Turkey, not asking Chelsea and Manchester City fans to travel makes sense.
But Uefa has ruled out grounds including Tottenham, Newcastle, Arsenal and Aston Villa.
The governing body is also not considering Hampden Park or the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
Euro bosses signalled that Wembley – with a capacity of 22,500 until the middle of June – is the only suitable venue.
While there is growing momentum, a series of issues must be overcome.
The first would be for the EFL and FA to agree to shift or reschedule the Championship play-off final, also due to be played on May 29.
That could either be moved or brought forward by 48 hours, allowing both Chelsea and City to train at Wembley on the day before the Champions League final.
But Uefa is also seeking absolute guarantees from the Government that all media, broadcasters, sponsors and VIPs will be allowed to attend without quarantine issues.
In addition, Uefa will ask the clubs who were involved in this season’s competition to give up part of their prize money to meet the estimated £20million-plus costs already incurred by the Turkish authorities ahead of the planned game at the Ataturk in Istanbul.
You can read Martin Lipton’s piece in full by clicking here.
NO MOUR
Exclusive by Paul Jiggins
Spurs have told Jose Mourinho to forget about trying to sign Eric Dier and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg for Roma this summer.
Reports in Italy claim Mourinho has told his new Roma bosses at the Stadio Olimpico to go to his old club to sign England defender Dier and Danish midfield anchorman Hojbjerg.
But a club insider said: “There is no way we would sell either of these players.
“Of course, the new manager would have the final say.
“But you cannot see who whoever comes in wanting to let them go either.
“Both are incredibly important members of the team and you cannot see that changing.”
SunSport also understands that neither player would want to link up with Mourinho in the Italian capital.
CAV SOME OF THAT
Exclusive by Phil Thomas
Man United will offer Edinson Cavani a £2.5million rise to try and tempt him into staying for another year.
Cavani, 34, earns £200,000 a week but has yet to reveal if will leave this summer and return to South America.
United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has held a couple of conversations with the Uruguay striker, yet the feeling was he would be off.
But the Red Devils have not given up and plan to offer him an extra £50,000 a week for another year’s service.
The club do have an option of a further 12 months on the one-season deal he signed last summer, but it can only be triggered if Cavani also gives his approval.
You can read Phil Thomas’ piece in full by clicking here.
‘ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE’
Under-fire Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must spend big — before the gap to the top sides becomes “almost impossible” to bridge.
And the Gunners boss believes owner Stan Kroenke WILL provide a significant war chest this summer to try to stop the rot.
Mid-table Arsenal are way off the pace again and Arteta said: “Time is catching up right now.
“It’s a trend, it’s years now that this has been happening.
“If the distance and the margins with the rest becomes too big, then it’s almost impossible to do it.
“I think we are still on time and we have put some very strong pillars and foundations in the last few months to do what we have to do.
“We are in the right place to do it — and we have to do it.
“The squad needs changing. There were already a lot of changes in December, something that has not been done in years, but it tells us where we were.
“Things have to change and the owners are going to back it up.”
You can read Dan King’s piece in full by clicking here.
SUMMER OF DISCONTENT
Exclusive by Richard Moriarty
Man United bosses fear militant fans could be planning a summer of discontent which will see them plotting to disrupt the club for months.
Officials have already stepped up security at the club’s Carrington training ground in the wake of around 100 fans breaking into Old Trafford and storming the pitch ahead of the clash against Liverpool.
A source said: “United’s success is often attributed to the fact they have fans all over the world who come out in droves to support them.
“But what if some of those decide instead of going along to a friendly in America or the Far East, they are going to launch a similar protest.
“It’s very hard to predict and it’s difficult to stop — and it is causing them a huge headache.
“The green and gold protests against the Glazer ownership have been going on a long time.
“The ESL plans have breathed new life into them and show no signs of slowing down.”
You can read more of Richard Moriarty’s Exclusive by clicking here.
FULL TIME: LIVERPOOL 2 SAINTS 0
It wasn’t always convincing, but Liverpool have secured a huge three points with a rare Anfield win over Southampton this evening.
Goalkeeper Alisson was forced into regular action, but was up to the challenge under pressure.
Goals from Sadio Mane and Thiago keep Jurgen Klopp’s faint hopes of qualifying for the Champions League alive.
The Reds trail fourth-placed Leicester by six points… but do have a game in hand.
LIVERPOOL LATEST
Jurgen Klopp’s Reds lead Southampton 1-0 at Anfield with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Feast your eyes on Sadio Mane’s effort that currently separates the two sides.
‘A BAD DECISION’
Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero has apologised for his botched panenka against Chelsea this afternoon.
The Argentine spurned the opportunity to put Pep Guardiola’s side 2-0 up, in a game that could have sealed the Premier League title.
But the Blues’ subsequent comeback means that City will have to wait.
Aguero, who is leaving the Etihad this summer, wrote on Twitter: “I would like to apologise to my teammates, staff and supporters for missing the penalty. It was a bad decision and I take full responsibility.”
I would like to apologise to my teammates, staff and supporters for missing the penalty. It was a bad decision and I take full responsibility.— Sergio Kun Aguero (@aguerosergiokun) May 8, 2021
HARTS IN MOUTH
SunSport Exclusive by Duncan Wright
Arsenal fear more fan fury if they fail to tie down teenage prodigy Kido Taylor-Hart to a new deal in the next month.
The highly-rated 18-year-old’s scholarship runs out this summer and a host of clubs from England and the continent have offered him pro terms.
Arsenal put a professional contract on the table earlier this year.
But so far Taylor-Hart has not committed himself and could still walk away for nothing at the end of the season.
His situation is being watched closely by Gunners fans.
Supporters are already upset at how the club is being run – not just in terms of the first team but also the development of young talent.
And there is likely to be uproar if the club is unable to tie him down to a contract and let him walk away.
He has options open to him in the Premier League, Bundesliga, Holland and Belgium.
You can read the rest of Duncan Wright’s exclusive by clicking here.
Arsenal fear fan backlash if they lose Kido Taylor-Hart
BAYERN 6 GLADBACH 0
Robert Lewandowski scored a hat-trick as Bayern Munich celebrated their ninth consecutive title win by thrashing Borussia Monchengladbach.
The German giants were already crowned champions before kick-off after Borussia Dortmund’s 3-2 victory over second-place RB Leipzig.
And they celebrated in true style with their Polish talisman scoring his 46th goal of the season.
Click here to read more of Richard Forrester’s match report.
Bayern celebrated their ninth title win on the field at the full-time whistle
Thomas Muller was enjoying the celebrations at the full-time whistle
Lewandowski’s brilliant second was the best of the bunch
GAME AUBA
Arsenal captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has apologised to the fans for his side’s Europa League exit on Thursday night.
The striker wrote in his programme notes for tomorrow’s clash with West Brom: “We struggled to find our rhythm in the first half and didn’t give Villarreal enough problems.
“And when we had a chance, the luck wasn’t there for us, when I hit the post with the volley and then the header in the second half.
“I thought we started the second half with more energy and put them under pressure, but we just couldn’t maintain that drive and ultimately, we just didn’t find a way through Villarreal.
“I thought my header was in when it hit the post but it just wasn’t going to happen.
“Like I said, we are really upset about going out of the competition at this stage, for ourselves, for the club and most of all for you the supporters.
“It’s been such a difficult season for fans and we desperately wanted to give you something positive this season – I’m just so sorry we couldn’t do it for you.”
Aubameyang has apologised to supporters
AGUER-ARGHHH!
Here’s that horror moment for Sergio Aguero, as he botched his penalty on the stroke of half-time.
Manchester City’s wait to wrap up the title goes on.
FULL TIME: MAN CITY 1 CHELSEA 2
The champagne will have to remain on ice, after Manchester City failed to beat Chelsea this afternoon at Etihad Stadium.
More than a mere dressed-rehearsal for the Champions League final later this month, City could have sealed the Premier League title with victory over the Blues.
And things looked rosy for them, when Sergio Aguero stepped up to the penalty spot with his side already leading 1-0 thanks to Raheem Sterling’s strike.
But the Argentine botched his attempted panenka… and Chelsea made him pay.
Thomas Tuchel’s side came out fighting in the second half, with Hakim Ziyech firing his team level just after the hour mark.
And Marcos Alonso sealed a dramatic victory in stoppage time, to keep City waiting – while boosting the Blues’ grip on a place in the top four.
SAN-BLOW
Long-term Manchester United and Chelsea target Jadon Sancho has refused to comment on his future at Borussia Dortmund.
Speaking after scoring twice in his side’s 3-2 win over RB Leipzig, the England winger told ESPN: “I don’t know about my future.
“I am very happy here in Dortmund at the moment. I love the club, the fans and the team. They gave me my first professional start.”
Sancho was coy on his future after the game
WAYNE’S WORLD
Here’s what Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney said at half-time to inspire his Derby County side to a survival-clinching draw with Sheffield Wednesday this afternoon.
Rooney told Sky Sports: “Today at half-time I spoke to them and told them to stay calm. There were 45 minutes left and we could still win the game.
“I’m just really pleased for them because they put a lot of work in and also for the fans who weren’t here. We will get better, I can assure them of that.”
🗣 “We cannot have a season like we’ve just had.”🗣 “We need to make sure we get everything sorted off the pitch.”A relieved Wayne Rooney reflects on the extraordinary 3-3 draw that kept Derby up on the final day. pic.twitter.com/EVQB4jNFLw— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) May 8, 2021
FANS’ FURY
AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was left in tears by the club’s Ultras over of a possible move to Juventus, according to reports.
The 22-year-old Italian is linked with a move to the Old Lady with his contract expiring in the summer.
Chelsea are also interested in the shot-stopper who is considered one of the biggest talents in European football.
Donnarumma has been at Milan since the age of 14 and has already made 247 appearances for the club.
But while he considers switching alliegences and signing for Juve in the summer, Donnarumma has been left in a terrifying dilemma.
According to ESPN, he was threatened by club ultras after being confronted outside the club’s training ground and was told not to play in AC Milan’s clash with Juventus on Sunday.
Gianluigi Donnarumma was threatened by ultras over a potential move to AC Milan
BAMBA’S BACK
Sol Bamba came off the bench for Cardiff this afternoon just four months after being diagnosed with cancer.
The centre-back has been undergoing chemotherapy but was summoned off the bench by manager Mick McCarthy in the 95th minute of the Bluebirds’ 1-1 draw with Rotherham.
Cardiff announced Bamba, 36, had Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in January in a touching statement to fans.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system in the body which is a system of vessels and glands.
The Ivory Coast international started treatment as soon as his condition was confirmed.
And, after making positive steps forward, was allowed to return to training at the beginning of April.
Having continued to progress Bamba made the bench for the final day of the Championship season as his side relegated the visiting Millers.
And with his contract expiring this summer, he was given a chance to get out on the pitch for just the seventh time this season.
The centre-back replaced Josh Murphy in the 95th minute
BARCELONA 0 ATLETICO 0
Barcelona blew the chance to go top of LaLiga with just three games to play after Atletico Madrid held them to a goalless draw at the Nou Camp
The hosts went into the game two points adrift of Diego Simeone’s squad in second place, knowing a win would see them go top.
But neither side were able to break the deadlock in a nervy encounter in which both teams lost a key man to injury.
You can read more of Dave Fraser’s match report by clicking here.
Lionel Messi and Co missed the chance to go topCredit: AP
KICK-OFF!
Chelsea host Manchester City this evening, and as they kick-off, let’s have a look at how both teams line up!
Blues XI: (3-4-3) Mendy; Azpilicueta, Christensen, Rudiger; James, Kante, Gilmour, Alonso; Ziyech, Werner, Pulisic
Man City XI: (5-1-2-2) Ederson; Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Ake, Mendy; Rodri; Torres, Sterling; Aguero, Jesus
Your team to take the title! 🏆XI | Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Laporte, Ake, Mendy, Rodrigo, Torres, Sterling (C), Aguero, JesusSUBS | Steffen, Walker, Gundogan, Zinchenko, Bernardo, Fernandinho, Mahrez, Foden, Garcia⚽️ @HaysWorldwide 🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/lWsdGRxQRg— Manchester City (@ManCity) May 8, 2021
FULL-TIME: SHEFF UTD 0 C PALACE 2
Roy Hodgson’s side beat hapless Blades 2-0 at Bramall Lane courtesy of goals by Christian Benteke and Ebere Eze.
The three points see the Eagles leapfrog Newcastle United into 13th, while Paul Heckingbottom’s United remain marooned to the bottom of the table.
You can read more about the game by clicking here to read David Facey’s match report.
ON THE UP
Full-time in League Two, and Cheltenham Town are deserved champions!
Mike Duff’s side had already clinched promotion to League One, but they stayed professional today to grab the title, doing so in style by coming from behind to beat Harrogate 4-1, courtesy of goals by Liam Sercombe, Sam Smith, Alfie May and Callum Wright.
They’ll be joined in the third tier by Cambridge United, who defeated relegated Grimsby Town 3-0 at The Abbey, and Bolton Wanderers – after the Trotters routed Crawley Town 4-1.
Fourth-placed Morecambe will now have to navigate the play-offs, despite beating Bradford City 2-0 this afternoon.
CHRIS & MAKE UP
Christian Eriksen has revealed he is desperate to STAY at Inter Milan just six months after begging the club to sell him.
Spurs, Manchester United, Wolves and Leicester were all rumoured to be in for the Danish star earlier this season.
But now after finding his feet under the Italian and helping the club win their first Serie A crown in 11 years, Eriksen is desperate to help ‘build something beautiful’ at the San Siro.
On his rocky start to life at Inter, Eriksen told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I was willing to learn new things when I arrived. I hadn’t understood I had to follow’s Conte system all the time.
“Before, I was free to make decisions based on what I saw. It had a lot to do with intuition. Now, there is a general plan we have to follow… we must be ready, know where our team-mates are and where they can move. I had to learn all this and adapt to a different pace.
“We spoke in January, and I’ve proved what I am able to do. I have no revenge to take, I just play football. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn’t. This is a sport that evolves quickly, almost every week. Six months ago I was living in a different situation, now we have a trophy and I can say I am really happy here at Inter.
“It was hard to win this title, but we did it with four games remaining. It’s a good starting point, now we can begin a new cycle… it will be hard to win nine titles in a row, but we’ll try to build something beautiful. Conte is so important for each one of us, also for the way we play. We follow him and you see that on the pitch.
“Everyone is so happy to have won with him.. but his stay is not up to me – it depends on the club and him.”
Christian Eriksen looks set to stay at Inter Milan having been desperate to quit six months ago
DWIGHT FIGHT
Aston Villa are ready to launch a £15million bid for Burnley ace Dwight McNeil, according to reports.
The talented winger has been admired by Manchester United and Arsenal in the past.
But Dean Smith wants to take him to the West Midlands.
According to Football Insider, McNeil is one of Villa’s ‘top targets’ for the summer.
And they think that £15m could be enough to convince Burnley to sell.
The Clarets, however, agreed a contract extension with McNeil last October, currently tying him to Sean Dyche’s side until June 2024.
And Burnley are believed to have an option to trigger an extra year.
Dwight McNeil has impressed for the ClaretsCredit: AP
GUARD OF HONOUR
Pep Guardiola would not want Manchester City to sign Lionel Messi because he has ‘never wanted to hurt Barcelona’.
The Argentine superstar’s contract comes to an end at the Nou Camp in the summer and he has been heavily linked with a move to both Man City and Paris Saint-Germain.
But Valenti Guardiola, dad of the Man City boss, does not believe his son would want Messi to leave the Catalan giants.
Speaking to journalist Emiliano Nunia, he said: “There’s no club in the world that wouldn’t want to have Messi.
“I saw him play at 12 or 13 years old and I was amazed.
“He was extraordinary at that level. There are very few players like Messi, and I’m sure that Pep wouldn’t dislike having him at City.
“Pep has always seen Messi as the best, but he’s at Barcelona. Josep has never wanted to hurt the club by taking the player.”
EXCLAMATION MARK
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer may think Manchester United’s fixture schedule is ‘impossible’.
But the demands of the Red Devils playing four games in eight days is not a patch on Mark Hughes’ heroic efforts of playing two games on the same day!
Remarkably, Hughes played in two different countries on November 11, 1987.
The Welshman completed 90 minutes for his nation in a crucial Euro qualifier against Czechoslovakia in Prague and then came off the bench in Bayern Munich’s German Cup second-round replay 3-2 extra-time win over Borussia Monchengladbach that night.
Click here to read more.
Load more entries… More
