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LIONEL MESSI has reportedly been offered a stunning contract offer by French champions PSG.Elsewhere, Erik Ten Hag has emerged as the favourite for the Tottenham manager after the departure of Jose Mourinho.
And John Stones is in line for a £39m new contract after reviving his Man City career, as exclusively revealed by SunSport.

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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
‘BITTERSWEET’
Harry Kane has given a clear sign he is considering his Tottenham future by claiming individual awards count for little if he cannot win major trophies.
He said: “Individual awards are great, they are fantastic achievements.
“As much as this is great, I want to be winning the biggest prizes that there is to offer as a team and we are not quite doing that.
“When I look back at the end of my career, I will go over it and take in a little bit more. The goal right now as a player is to win team trophies.
“It is bittersweet. I would rather be winning team trophies and this award. It is what it is.
“For sure, if I finish my career as Premier League top goalscorer and, hopefully, England top goalscorer, that’d be incredible.
“But it wouldn’t feel as good if I didn’t have a lot of team trophies to go with that. If I didn’t have the Premier League or a European Championships to go with that.”
Harry Kane has hinted he could quit Tottenham in order to win ‘team trophies’
CALL A CEB
Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos has dropped a major hint that he could be set to return to parent club Real Madrid in the summer.
The 24-year-old Spaniard joined the Gunners on a season-long loan deal at the beginning of the 2019-20 campaign and impressed in England with his creativity and range of passing.
His loan was then extended last summer and he has enjoyed another good campaign in North London.
But while it would seem Arsenal fans are intent on keeping him on a more permanent basis, comments from Ceballos now appear to suggest he will not stay.
Speaking to Onda Cero, he said: “I’m learning a lot in the Premier [League] but I think LaLiga is better for my game.”
Ceballos looks set to return to Real Madrid at the end of the season
EXIT POLL
Real Madrid are fighting to have Marcelo available for next week’s clash with Chelsea after he was called up for election duty.
Voters will pick their candidates for the Assembly of Madrid on Tuesday May 4, the day before the Champions League semi-final second leg.
According to El Mundo, Marcelo, 32, has been randomly selected to monitor a polling station in the Spanish capital.
That would prevent him from joining his Real team-mates in flying to London on Tuesday.
Local authorities have reportedly argued that he can jet off on the day of the game after working at the ballot box, but that would encounter issues with Uefa’s coronavirus protocols.
Travelling separately from the rest of the squad would break Madrid’s Covid bubble.
Therefore Los Blancos have filed an appeal to have the left-back, who is a Spanish citizen, removed from the post.
It is said that Marcelo is deeply unhappy about the call-up and his entourage, as well as Real bosses, are working on overturning the decision.
Marcelo is hoping to be available for next week’s second legCredit: Reuters
SHAW THING
Manchester United star Luke Shaw has spoken of his ‘motivation’ to reach the Europa League final, after missing his side’s 2017 triumph through injury.
The England star said: “Personally, for me it’s a massive motivation.
“As you said then, I’ve been quite unfortunate to not be involved in semis and finals, so of course I’m really looking forward to tomorrow night to step out in one.
“But, of course, from a team point of view, it’s very important. In the past, we’ve missed out on a few finals and I think this season, the way we’ve been playing, the way the confidence is high, we’ve got real belief that we can reach it.
“Like I said, it’s a massive motivation for not just me, but for the whole team to reach the final. It’s a game we’re looking forward to tomorrow and one we’re very ready for.”
Luke Shaw has been in sensational formCredit: PA
SKRIN BUSINESS
Tottenham are now unlikely to sign Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar this summer, according to reports.
Sacked former manager Jose Mourinho reportedly wanted his team to break the bank to sign the Slovakian ace.
But according to Fabrizio Romano, Spurs are now likely to look at other options, now that Mourinho is no longer in charge,
Milan Skriniar was on Tottenham’s radar last summerCredit: Getty
ART DEALER
Former Arsenal boss Unai Emery has revealed that he chatted with his replacement Mikel Arteta shortly before his appointment in 2019.
Speaking ahead of his Villarreal side’s clash with the Gunners tomorrow, Emery said: “A common friend interceded and it was good for me because I had to leave my home in London.
“So apart from talking about football and my job at Arsenal, I suggested he take over my house, although in the end it was a player who took it.
“Of course I knew Arteta from before. He is from San Sebastian, just like me, so we were practically neighbours.
“So in the call we spoke a little bit about my time at Arsenal, in a positive way, and what I had lived through.
“I just wanted to tell him about my experience there, what I thought could be helpful for him and maybe one or two things that could be improved in a personal way.”
Unai Emery was sacked by Arsenal in November 2019Credit: Reuters
WHEN IN ROMA
Manchester United host Roma in their Europa League semi-final first leg tomorrow night.
And here is how SunSport’s Dave Fraser thinks that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will line his men up at Old Trafford.
How Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could line his side up tomorrow night
MORE FROM DANIEL EK
Here is some more of what prospective Arsenal buyer Daniel Ek had to say to CNBC this afternoon.
He added: “I’ve been an Arsenal fan since I was eight-years-old.
“Arsenal is my team. I love the history, I love the players and of course, I love the fans.
“So, as I look at that, I see a tremendous opportunity to set a real vision for the club, to bring it back to its glory.
“I want to establish trust with the fans, and I want to engage the fans again.”
Ek, 38, has been an Arsenal fan for 30 yearsCredit: Getty
BLOOMIN’ EK!
Prospective Arsenal buyer Daniel Ek has been speaking to CNBC about his potential Gunners takeover.
The Swede, 38, said: “I’m very serious, I have secured the funds for it and I want to bring a very compelling offer to the owners and I hope they hear me out.
“I certainly didn’t expect this will happen overnight and I prepared for this to be a long journey.”
The Spotify chief wants to buy ArsenalCredit: AFP
EMERGENCY WARD
Carla Ward is urging Birmingham City’s owners to invest in their women’s team or make way for others who will, according to reports.
The Daily Mail claims Ward wants the club to ramp up their support for Blues’ WSL outfit which she believes will be vital for her side’s future.
Ward, 37 said: “It’s do or die, support and kick on or make way for others clubs who want to invest.”
And her impassioned plea comes ahead of her tenth-placed side’s derby with Aston Villa who are eleventh and second from bottom.
It also comes just weeks after her first team players wrote to their board slamming conditions and facilities provided for the women’s team.
The Birmingham chief revealed she is fully supported by her squad and that she is currently the only full-time coaching member of staff for her side.
WHAM-BAM
Patrick Bamford revealed Marcelo Bielsa is wearing wonky glasses because the Leeds striker smashed a ball at his face in training.  
The England-hopeful, 27, said: “There was one time this season where we were doing a crossing drill. He always positions himself in an awkward place.
“The ball has come in and I’ve connected with it so sweetly on my left foot. It’s near the top corner and he’s stood right inside the goal.
“I’ve not seen him so I’ve just hit the ball and it has come flush right off the bridge of his nose. All I saw were his glasses fly about 10 metres!
“He’s walked off holding his nose and I’m saying ‘Sorry, sorry’, obviously s*****g myself. He’s gone a little bit angrily, ‘De nada, de nada, it’s nothing’.
“He’s walked past us five minutes later to go and see the physio and he has a big cut across his nose.
“He’s using the same glasses now and they’re not straight, they’re wonky. I feel bad – I should really get him a new pair but I’m scared to bring it up again!”
Marcelo Bielsa is still wearing the wonky glasses after Patrick Bamford broke them in a training drill gone wrong
ALL CHANGE
Dele Alli has shown off a dramatic new look after turning up to Tottenham training with dreadlocks.
The Spurs star, 25, has been spotted with longer hair in recent weeks, including during his substitute appearance in the Carabao Cup final defeat at the hands of Manchester City on Sunday.
And now it seems Dele had a plan in mind after turning up to training with dreadlocks.
Tottenham team-mate Steven Bergwijn shared a short clip on his Instagram story.
In the video – captioned ‘rockstar’ by the Dutch winger – Dele can be seen sitting in the changing room shaking his new hair with Joe Hart watching on.
Dele Alli has shown off his new ‘rockstar’ hair do after getting dreadlocks
EUR KIDDING ME
Arsenal and Manchester United have been told they will play in front of a 10,000 crowd if they reach next month’s Europa League Final.
But fans of the two Prem sides are unlikely to be allowed to travel to Poland – with local supporters set to be the only people allowed through the gates.
Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki has announced a series of new measures as the country emerges from the Covid crisis.
That includes outdoor sports stadiums being able to open their turnstiles to up 25 per cent of capacities from May 15.
The Europa League Final is scheduled for the Stadion Miejski in Gdansk on May 26.
It is the home ground of Lechia Gdansk and has an all-seater capacity of 41,620. That will allow potentially 10,405 fans inside for the Final.
LEW BEGINNING
Robert Lewandowski is entertaining several offers from top European clubs, according to reports.
Bayern Munich are set to undergo a monster overhaul this summer.
Julian Nagelsmann is taking over from Hansi Flick as manager at the end of this season.
David Alaba is leaving after 13 years at the club, with Jerome Boateng also set to bring his glittering spell at the Allianz Arena to an end.
And now Lewandowski, 32, could be joining them with agent Pini Zahavi in contract with ‘several’ top clubs, according to Sky Sports.
Lewandowski – winner of Fifa’s The Best Men’s Player award for 2020 – has spent seven years at Bayern, scoring an astonishing 288 goals in 326 games.
CROWN JULES
Sevilla are interested in taking Chelsea playmaker Hakim Ziyech as part of the Blues’ bid for Jules Kounde, according to reports in Spain.
French defender Kounde is rumoured to be one of the hottest properties of the summer transfer market.
A strong second season with Sevilla has helped put the LaLiga club in position for an unlikely late title challenge.
And Manchester United are said to be monitoring the player, along with Chelsea.
Spanish outlet El Gol Digital have claimed that Ziyech could be key to unlocking the deal.
Selling the midfielder as part of Kounde’s move to West London could reportedly chop 50 per cent off the transfer fee.

WAGE RAGE
Liverpool have risen above Manchester United in the Premier League wage bill standings – but still sit miles adrift of Manchester City.
The official salary totals for the 2019-20 season have now been confirmed.
Across last season, the Reds paid out a whopping £325million in player wages.
Meanwhile, Manchester City still top the pile, shelling out an extraordinary £351m on wages last season.
Man Utd sit third on the list – miles adrift of their local rivals – on £284m, despite David De Gea signing a massive £375,000-a-week contract at the start of the season.
Last season, Chelsea spent just £1m less than United on wages at £283m.
Arsenal and Tottenham ran the tightest ship wage-wise, spending just £225m and £181m respectively last term.

GIGGS IN COURT
Ryan Giggs has arrived at court this morning charged with attacking his ex-girlfriend.
The Manchester United legend, 47, is accused of causing actual bodily harm to PR executive Kate Greville, 36, at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester.
The former United star and Wales national team manager faces an additional charge of engaging in coercive or controlling behaviour against her over a three-year period.
It’s claimed that throughout their three-year relationship – between December 2017 and November 2020 – Giggs used “harassment, humiliation, degradation and abuse” against Kate.
Giggs has also been charged with common assault against her younger sister Emma.
Police were called to Giggs’ £1.7million mansion at 10.05pm on November 1 last year after reports of a disturbance. He was arrested and later bailed pending further inquiries.
Ryan Giggs appeared at court this morning
SCU-DEBT-O
Inter Milan players are reportedly ready to give up their Serie A title bonuses to help the club’s crippling debt problem.
A figure topping £548million has been reported with Serie A clubs owing a total of £2.4bn.
Inter owners Suning and club president Steven Zhang have sought emergency investment for some months now following financial difficulties in their home country of China.
And the coronavirus pandemic, alongside the team’s early exit from the Champions League, have exacerbated their problems.
Therefore, according to FCInter1908, the Nerazzurri squad has come to an amicable agreement with club bosses.
They will reportedly waive their title win bonuses if they see out their 11-point lead in the final weeks of the season.
The decision comes after the dressing room agreed to a wage deferral late last year.
TUCH OF CLASS
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has revealed his side were forced into a last-minute tactical change after seeing Real Madrid’s line-up on Tuesday night.
In his post-match press conference Tuchel confirmed he was not prepared for Real lining up in a 3-5-2 formation.
Speaking to reporters, he said: “So we prepared [for] a 4-3-3.
“When we saw the line-up we had a quick talk in the dressing room to slightly change who has to do what with the two strikers and the three in the middle.
“We had to adapt.”
Real lined up with three centre-backs, a packed midfield and Karim Benzema partnered by Vinicius Junior upfront.

VAR-CICAL
Bungling officials Chris Kavanagh and Peter Bankes have escaped any censure for sending off Fabian Balbuena for kicking a ball – despite the red card being overturned.
Ref Kavanagh and VAR Bankes were slated for dismissing West Ham star Balbuena during the 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in the crucial top-four battle last Saturday.
The Paraguayan had launched a clearance upfield as the Hammers were desperately trying to get back on level terms, with his follow through catching Ben Chilwell.
Ref Kavanagh initially ignored the contact but was urged to reconsider by VAR Bankes who watched the incident in super-slow motion and freeze frame several times before even making his mind up.
Kavanagh then changed his mind and brandished the red, leading to universal criticism of how they reached their decision.
Balbuena won his appeal when an independent panel unanimously ruled no offence was committed, but the PGMOL are sticking behind the officials.
Refereeing bosses believe the pair made “subjective” decisions, so have no need for any censure even though they went against guidance to consider the incident in real time.
BEST OF THE BEST
PSG travel to Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday night for the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
Neither club has ever won Europe’s premier competition – and both owners have poured billions of pounds into their squads in a bid to fix that.
PSG reached last year’s final, losing to Bayern Munich – while City have never progressed beyond the semis.
A win or even a score-draw in the French capital would put Pep Guardiola and Co in good stead.
And with so many star players on show, it’s impossible to predict who will come out on top.
Take a look at how SunSport whittled down the two star-studded squads into one mouthwatering combined XI.

KANT BE STOPPED
N’Golo Kante put in a supreme shift on Tuesday night as Chelsea secured an impressive 1-1 draw at Real Madrid in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final tie.
Los Blancos managed just one shot on target all game – Karim Benzema’s equaliser following Christian Pulisic’s first-half opener.
And Kante played a huge role in keeping them at arm’s length.
The 2018 World Cup winner was involved in a team-high 21 duels, made seven recoveries, one interception, one block and one key tackle in frustrating Madrid.
Those stats are all the more impressive when you consider Kante was tasked with keeping star trio Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Casemiro at bay.
But he was just as busy in attack, completing a team-high six dribbles, completing 87.5 per cent of his 56 passes, touching the ball 80 times and even whipping in two crosses.

CREAM OF THE CROP
Bruno Fernandes has been the cream of the crop for Manchester United this season… and the secret to his udderly brilliant performances could be down to his relentless milk intake.
The Portuguese superstar has been spotted by eagle-eyed viewers sipping on the white stuff from the substitute bench during moments throughout the season.
During a Q&A with Red Devil supporters, one asked why he has stopped his ritual, with Fernandes was eager to reassure he is still downing milk.
As reported on United’s official site, he said: “I don’t stop drinking milk. It’s just that the coach is substituting me less than before.
“Before, he changed me a lot of times and I think in the last games I was not coming off a lot of times so you never see me with the milk.
“But, honestly, I don’t know if it is milk – sometimes it’s milk and sometimes it’s water with some stuff to help us [with the] recovery.
“But it’s okay, the milkman for me, I like milk so it’s okay, don’t worry about that. I still do it but sometimes in the dressing room, sometimes I take that drink to my home to drink.”
WORK OF ART
Mikel Arteta has revealed that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Alexandre Lacazette and Kieran Tierney are all in contention to feature against Villarreal on Thursday.
Speaking in his pre-match conference, he said: “They are all in contention all of them including Aubameyang, including Laca, including Kieran.”
There were fears that Tierney could be out for the season after he picked up a knee injury in the 3-0 defeat against Liverpool.
But Arteta has stated that Tierney is close to full match fitness, as he remarked: “He didn’t need the surgery that we were afraid of.
“He’s been working like a beast every single day. I don’t know if he’s going to make it tomorrow but he certainly wants to be as close as possible.”

RED ALERT
Liverpool remain poised to sign RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate despite the revelation that his release clause is £40million.
The 21-year-old Frenchman has been heavily linked with a move to Anfield over the past few months.
But The Telegraph are reporting that the buyout clause in his contract means the Reds will have to stump up £40m if they are to complete the deal.
This could potentially prove difficult for Jurgen Klopp’s side following the announcement on Tuesday that Liverpool posted a pre-tax loss of £46million in the year up until May 2020.
Konate has been linked with a move to Liverpool for some time
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ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC could be be banned for Euro 2020 after being investigated by UEFA over an “alleged financial interest” in a betting company.Meanwhile, Spotify owner Daniel Ek has reportedly stepped up his Arsenal takeover bid by bringing three Gunners legends on board.
Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira are said to be ready to join the Swede in his effort to oust unpopular owners the Kroenke family.
And John Stones is in line for a £39m new contract after reviving his Man City career, as exclusively revealed by SunSport.

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TUCH N GO
Thomas Tuchel has urged fans to forget the Super League saga and cheer Chelsea in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
He said: “We all make mistakes and if you lead a club and own a club you can make decisions that not everybody understands and not everybody likes.
“This is part of life but it does not change the love for the game.
“So put your anger to this decision and the way it was presented to one side.
“Don’t put it on the team and never doubt the love that all the people at the training-ground level have for this game.
“I can just tell everybody that I love this game so much, like everybody in the dressing room — the boys are so happy out on the pitch, so excited about this semi-final.
“We need all support to enable us to overcome this huge step in these two games.”
ROLLING STONES
Exclusive by Dan Cutts: John Stones is in advanced talks with Manchester City over a new five-year contract worth up to £39million.
It was understood he was close to being axed last year, but his return to fitness and form have seen him become a regular Man City starter.
And Stones is set to be rewarded with new £150,000-a-week terms, with his contract having just one year left from the summer.
He will also be handed a number of incentives and bonuses for trophies, appearances and clean sheets.
Guardiola wanted the 26-year-old to re-focus on his football before tying him down to another deal.

HAZARD WARNING
Eden Hazard is poised for an emotional reunion to Chelsea when he hopes to boot his old mates out of the Champions League.
The artful midfielder spent seven years at the club before switching to Real Madrid for £150million in June 2019.
Hazard has been dogged by injuries at the Spanish giants but is fit again from a calf strain — and he is pumped up to play against Chelsea.
Real defender Raphael Varane, 28, said: “He is quite motivated to play a Champions League semi-final.
“He is a motivated footballer and if you play against your former club, that is an extra motivation in the club and the team we are facing.
“We know the quality they have and he wants to prove his on the pitch to help the team.”
LEICESTER 2 CRYSTAL PALACE 1
Kelechi Iheanacho thumped in a stunning solo goal to fire Leicester City another step closer to Champions League qualification.
The in-form Nigerian No14 took his tally to 14 goals in his last 14 games in emphatic fashion ten minutes from time to seal all three points against Crystal Palace.

MAN ALIVE
Manchester City’s supposed away colours for next season have been leaked online.
And the design is strikingly similar to the controversial European Super League’s colour scheme.

£MIRAT£$ RICH LIST
Mesut Ozil is still Arsenal’s second highest player despite leaving in the January transfer window.
The 32-year-old left the Emirates earlier this year and moved to Fenerbahce.
But the Gunners agreed to pay 90 per cent of his £350,000-a-week deal until it ends this summer, reports say.
And that means – incredibly – that Ozil is still Arsenal’s second highest paid player.

VA VA VOOM
Manchester United have joined Arsenal in the race to sign Abdallah Sima, according to reports.
The Slavia Prague ace has impressed for the Czech side in the Europa League this season.
Impressive forward Sima, 19, has drawn comparisons with Thierry Henry with his livewire performances.
And he fits in to Man United’s current recruitment policy.
According to the MEN, the Red Devils are ‘monitoring’ Sima’s progress ahead of a potential summer move.
PERFECT TEN
Erik ten Hag has reportedly ‘moved up’ Tottenham’s list of managerial targets, amid the news that Julian Nagelsmann has ‘agreed’ to join Bayern Munich.
Brendan Rodgers remains top choice to replace Jose Mourinho at Spurs, as SunSport told you yesterday.
But with the Leicester boss likely to be very difficult to prise from the King Power, the North Londoners are considering other targets.
And among them, according to The Telegraph, is highly-rated Ajax boss Ten Hag.

BOY OH BOY
Two social media giants are ignoring the planned boycott of their sites by football – and refusing to change their policies on trolls and racists.
Prem players, managers, clubs and officials will join with the FA, EFL and the women’s game in a three-day social media blackout from Friday afternoon.
The game is uniting to urge the social media companies to act against online hate.
But Facebook, which owns Instagram, said it was sticking with its existing rules rather than acting to introduce new safeguards.
That was despite another weekend of unacceptable social media postings, which saw Manchester City and England full-back Kyle Walker targeted for racial abuse.

JUR FURIOUS
Ilkay Gundogan revealed a raging Jurgen Klopp once shouted ‘do whatever the f*** you want’ at him in an explosive Borussia Dortmund training ground row.
Writing for The Players’ Tribune, Gundogan said: “I once managed to make Jurgen Klopp angry. Like, really angry. It was in my second season at Dortmund. We were trailing in the Bundesliga, but we had a shot at the Champions League.
“An hour before training, just to be sure, I asked the doctor to take a look at my hamstring.
“Jurgen came in and he was not happy. I was trying to find a way out of it, even though I knew I was wrong. Jurgen kept saying that we couldn’t take any risks. I kept saying that I could train.
“And then he snapped. You know when he gets these intense eyes and grits his teeth?
“He gave me that look and shouted, ‘DO WHATEVER THE F*** YOU WANT TO DO!’ Then he slammed the door behind him.”
ZLAT FEAR
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been put under investigation by Uefa – and it could cost him his place at Euro 2020.
Uefa disciplinary chiefs announced the former inquiry into the Swedish superstar’s links with a betting company.
Ibrahimovic is part-owner of Malta-based Bethard, seemingly in direct contravention of both Uefa and Fifa regulations.
It leaves the AC Milan and Sweden star facing a massive fine and potential ban – which may spell the end of his chances of appearing at this summer’s Euro.
Fifa’s ethics code, which is shared by Uefa, prevents players or others in football from having “any interests, either directly or indirectly” in companies that “promote, arrange or conduct betting”.
The maximum penalty is a three YEAR ban and fine of £85,000.

OUT OF TUCH
Hakim Ziyech has been urged to quit Chelsea by Dutch legend Marco van Basten.
Van Basten, 58, told Ziggo Sport: “Ziyech was on the bench yet again against West Ham. When he does come on they use him as a striker. He can operate in that role too, as he is a good player.
“But I find it sad to see. The system that Thomas Tuchel employs is simply not good for Ziyech.
“If I was Hakim I would say to myself: ‘You know what, I’m going to leave.’
“I’d say: ‘Listen, I’ve got no rapport with the guy [Tuchel] – I’ve got to get out of here.’ There is no sense in him staying put.”
MAKE EMILE OF IT
Arsenal have reportedly opened contract talks with Emile Smith Rowe amid plans to bolster their midfield.
Dani Ceballos and Martin Odegaard are both set to leave when their loans from Real Madrid end in the summer.
And it has been reported that the club want to secure Smith Rowe’s future as well as sign a new central playmaker.
According to The Athletic, the 20-year-old is being lined up to follow in Folarin Balogun’s footsteps and commit his long-term future to Arsenal.

DEVILS CURSE
Manchester United will have a lot of problems next season unless they spend big, according to Paul Ince.
He told Sky Sports: “They are not as far off as we thought two years ago. They are progressing gradually.
“But on that Leeds performance they are a long way off, they have been so inconsistent this season it is hard to judge.
“They need money, they need a striker. It looks like Cavani is going to Boca Juniors. They are going have a lot of issues next season.”
MO MANE MO PROBLEMS
Michael Owen thinks Liverpool’s star forwards Mo Salah and Sadio Mane are NOT natural finishers.
Speaking after the 1-1 draw with Newcastle, he told BT Sport: “That’s the problem: Mane, brilliant player, scores lots of goals. Salah, unbelievable player as well, scores lots of goals.
“But they’re not natural finishers, they’re not someone that you can hang your hat on.
“They’ve scored goals consistently because Liverpool have, like today, created so many chances.
“But they’ve been wanting, or the team have been found wanting a lot of the season with missed chances.”

SPOT OF BOTHER
Arsenal fans are excited at the prospect of Spotify founder Daniel Ek buying the club from unpopular owner Stan Kroenke.
And some went wild at the news that the music subscription service has hiked its prices… on the same day that Ek launched his £1.8bn takeover bid.
Spotify’s Premium Family monthly price will rise from £14.99 to £16.99 after April 30.
And fans online have been quick to put two and two together.
One wrote: “Seems like he wants us to help buy the club for him… as I’m not an Arsenal fan instead I’ll be cancelling my subscription & going to Apple Music!”
A Gooner tweeted Ek directly, pleading: “I just bought spotify premium, take my money and buy arsenal.”
EURO HAAL
Erling Haaland will most likely leave Dortmund this summer if they miss out on Champions League football, reports say.
Chelsea and Manchester United are among the European giants trailing his signature this summer.
Haaland has a £65m release clause next summer if he stays put for another campaign.
But Bild report that Haaland will definitely be on the move this year if his club miss out on the Champions League.
Dortmund are fifth in the Bundesliga, a point behind Frankfurt with three games to play.

JUVE THREATS
Andrea Pirlo’s son Niccolo has hit back at the death threats he receives due to Juventus’ poor form.
The Serie A giants are out of this year’s title race and could miss out on a top-four finish.
On Monday, Niccolo, 17, posted a picture of himself and dad Andrea, 41, on to Instagram with a statement against the threats.
He wrote: “I’m not a person who judges, I don’t like doing it.
“Everyone has the right to be able to say what they want, I’m the first to do it and I would never want someone to take away my freedom of speech.
“My parents taught me to have thoughts and above all to listen to those of others.
“But I believe that there is a limit to everything and this limit has been exceeded for some time.
“I am 17 years old and every day I receive messages of this kind (here I show you the last one, received a little while ago).”
An attached screenshot showed a direct message from one account that declared: “You must die together with your father.”
TORR BLIMEY
Villarreal star Pau Torres admits he’s ‘proud’ to be linked with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.
He told Sport: “It’s a pride to see that your work is reflected in these kind of things that are talked about.
“But I face it with a lot of calm, I’m in a great club like Villarreal, and from the tranquility, I work every day.
“I’m not thinking about (leaving) either, there’s still a long way to go and my short-term objectives are the European semi-final and then to be available for the national team.”

ED IN THE GAME
Eden Hazard is fit and ready for Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final first-leg against old club Chelsea on Tuesday.
The Belgian has had a torrid time with form and fitness since fulfilling his ambition of moving to the Bernabeu in a £130million deal in 2019.
But he came off the bench in the 77th minute of Madrid’s 0-0 draw against Real Betis on Saturday.
And boss Zinedine Zidane says the forward came through unscathed and is in contention to play when the Blues visit the Bernabeu on Tuesday.
The Frenchman said: “He played 20 minutes the other day and he felt quite good.
“The most important thing is that he doesn’t feel anything about his problem.
“He’s quite well, he’s with us, he’s happy to be with us and contribute to the team a lot.”
FINAL PUSH
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a chance to banish his semi-final hoodoo when Utd face Roma in the Europa League last-four on Thursday.

SAMBULANCES
Samuel Eto’o has proved just what the doctor ordered for his fellow countrymen… by donating 10 AMBULANCES to Cameroon’s health service.
The former Chelsea and Everton striker has been dismayed by the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on his home country.
Big-hearted Eto’o, 40, has now paid 400 million West African francs – £530,000 – to fund the fleet of emergency vehicles.
The ex-Barcelona and Inter Milan star presented them to Cameroon’s public health ministry last week.
He wrote on social media: “Donating 10 ambulances to the Ministry of Health in Cameroon.
“Was such an honour to be able to do this for my country, so more people can be helped in emergency situations.”
COAST IS CLEAR
Premier League Covid testers have recorded their first clear week this season.
And League bosses believe they are proving the game is close to winning the battle against the virus.
Over the past week, two rounds of testing, comprising 2,787 samples of players and staff across the 20 clubs, found no positives.
Just over half of those – 1,472 – took place between Monday and Thursday, with a further 1,315 samples taken between Friday and Sunday.

DEVIL MAY CARE
Eric Bailly has shared his delight at signing a new deal at Manchester United.
The Ivorian told the club’s media: “I’m very happy. This decision is something I didn’t have to think about, I love this club and I love playing for Manchester United.
“I’m happy and so are my family, everything is good. Now the moment with my injury has passed and I’m fit and feel good, and that’s it. A new contract is like a new challenge and I’m ready for this.
“That’s why I say the new contract shows the group has confidence in me – the coach, the staff and the players and, for me, that is very important.
“And that’s why I made this decision to stay at the club.”
CASE FOR DEFENCE
Eric Bailly has signed a new deal at Manchester United until 2024 with the option of a further year.

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SPOTIFY owner Daniel Ek has reportedly stepped up his Arsenal takeover bid by bringing three Gunners legends on board.Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira are said to be ready to join the Swede in his effort to oust unpopular owners the Kroenke family.
Chelsea have moved ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Raphael Varane from Real Madrid, according to reports.

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ED IN THE GAME
Eden Hazard is fit and ready for Real Madrid’s Champions League semi-final first-leg against old club Chelsea on Tuesday.
The Belgian has had a torrid time with form and fitness since fulfilling his ambition of moving to the Bernabeu in a £130million deal in 2019.
But he came off the bench in the 77th minute of Madrid’s 0-0 draw against Real Betis on Saturday.
And boss Zinedine Zidane says the forward came through unscathed and is in contention to play when the Blues visit the Bernabeu on Tuesday.
The Frenchman said: “He played 20 minutes the other day and he felt quite good.
“The most important thing is that he doesn’t feel anything about his problem.
“He’s quite well, he’s with us, he’s happy to be with us and contribute to the team a lot.”
FINAL PUSH
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has a chance to banish his semi-final hoodoo when Utd face Roma in the Europa League last-four on Thursday.

SAMBULANCES
Samuel Eto’o has proved just what the doctor ordered for his fellow countrymen… by donating 10 AMBULANCES to Cameroon’s health service.
The former Chelsea and Everton striker has been dismayed by the coronavirus pandemic’s effects on his home country.
Big-hearted Eto’o, 40, has now paid 400 million West African francs – £530,000 – to fund the fleet of emergency vehicles.
The ex-Barcelona and Inter Milan star presented them to Cameroon’s public health ministry last week.
He wrote on social media: “Donating 10 ambulances to the Ministry of Health in Cameroon.
“Was such an honour to be able to do this for my country, so more people can be helped in emergency situations.”
COAST IS CLEAR
Premier League Covid testers have recorded their first clear week this season.
And League bosses believe they are proving the game is close to winning the battle against the virus.
Over the past week, two rounds of testing, comprising 2,787 samples of players and staff across the 20 clubs, found no positives.
Just over half of those – 1,472 – took place between Monday and Thursday, with a further 1,315 samples taken between Friday and Sunday.

DEVIL MAY CARE
Eric Bailly has shared his delight at signing a new deal at Manchester United.
The Ivorian told the club’s media: “I’m very happy. This decision is something I didn’t have to think about, I love this club and I love playing for Manchester United.
“I’m happy and so are my family, everything is good. Now the moment with my injury has passed and I’m fit and feel good, and that’s it. A new contract is like a new challenge and I’m ready for this.
“That’s why I say the new contract shows the group has confidence in me – the coach, the staff and the players and, for me, that is very important.
“And that’s why I made this decision to stay at the club.”
CASE FOR DEFENCE
Eric Bailly has signed a new deal at Manchester United until 2024 with the option of a further year.

EURO VISION
Everton have seen their chances of European football handed a boost – thanks to Manchester City’s Carabao Cup victory.
City’s 1-0 Wembley win over Spurs on Sunday means the spot for next season’s inaugural Europa Conference League will now go to a Premier League side and seventh place will clinch it.
Currently, Everton are eighth, one point behind Spurs with a game in hand.
Tottenham would have been handed an automatic place into the new tournament had they beaten City at Wembley.
Fifth place in the top-flight always comes with a Europa League spot while the Euro place for an FA Cup triumph will now go to sixth place because finalists Chelsea and Leicester look certain to have already qualified.
So seventh place now becomes more important even though the new Europa Conference may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The English team will have to win a two-legged play-off in August before entering the group stages of a tournament which will have representation of three clubs each from Wales, Northern Ireland, Moldova and Armenia.
NIGHT-MAAR
AZ Alkmaar players were forced to watch Ajax’s title celebrations from the team bus as it drove through the middle of their rivals’ party.
A 2-0 win for the Amsterdam giants on Sunday all but sealed their 35th Eredivisie crown.
Watch awkward moment Ajax stars celebrate all-but winning title after AZ Alkmaar win while rivals’ team bus drives by
STILL A GUN-NER!
Arsenal teenager Folarin Balogun has signed a new four-year contract at the Emirates.
Securing the 19-year-old will come as a huge boost to the club with the striker being heavily linked with a move away in recent weeks.
Arsenal announced the news on Monday afternoon. And Balogun confirmed the deal will run until 2025.
He tweeted a picture of himself at the Emirates alongside the caption: “My home. My heart. See you soon Gunners. Balogun2025.”
The New York born star has been at Arsenal for 10 years since he was nine and has been playing on the scholarship contract he signed in July 2017.

KOVA ALL BASES
Chelsea travel to Real Madrid for their Champions League semi-final first-leg on Tuesday.
The Blues will be without Mateo Kovacic but Thomas Tuchel could be set to recall Kai Havertz to the starting XI.

ZERO COVID
Prem covid testers have recorded their first clear week this season.
And League bosses believe they are proving the game is close to winning the battle against the virus.
Over the past week, two rounds of testing, comprising 2,787 samples of players and staff across the 20 clubs, found no positives.
Just over half of those – 1,472 – took place between Monday and Thursday, with a further 1,315 samples taken between Friday and yesterday/Sunday.
But will all of the tests coming back with negative results, Prem chiefs were delighted to be able to announce the outcome.
CROWN JUL
Julian Nagelsmann has asked to terminate his RB Leipzig deal a year early and agreed to join Bayern, according to reports.
The 33-year-old coach is wanted by both Bayern Munich and Tottenham to be their next manager.
And Kicker in Germany report that he’s asked to end his Leipzig contract until 2023 a year early to join Bayern.
Bild, meanwhile, report that Leipzig will demand £26million in compensation from Bayern Munich.
Tottenham are looking for a new boss to replace Jose Mourinho, while Bayern are searching for Hansi Flick’s successor.
Credit: Reuters
£MIRATES RICH LIST
Mesut Ozil is still Arsenal’s second highest player despite leaving in the January transfer window.
The 32-year-old left the Emirates earlier this year and moved to Fenerbahce.
But the Gunners agreed to pay 90 per cent of his £350,000-a-week deal until it ends this summer, reports say.

SEEING RED
Fuming Arsenal fans are planning another huge protest against their hated owner before their clash with Villarreal next week.
The Gunners supporters gathered in huge numbers last Friday outside the Emirates before facing Everton.
Thousands of them chanted and held up banners demanding Stan Kroenke sell up after the recent European Super League shambles.
And the fans are now expected to make their feelings known again before the Europa League second-leg match on 6 May.
SunSports understands action groups and supporters trusts believe even more will turn up this time around.
There were at least 1,000 people at the rally last week, with fireworks, flares and an effigy of US owner hanged up.
MONEY FOR NOTHING
Arsenal are still paying Mesut Ozil £315,000 a WEEK despite him leaving for Fenerbahce, reports say.
The Gunners are forking out 90 per cent of the midfielder’s salary even though he left the club in the January window.
Ozil, 32, brought his eight-year Arsenal stay to an end when he moved to Istanbul.
The midfielder had six months left on his contract with the Gunners but opted to move on to pastures new as he’d been frozen out by Mikel Arteta.
But The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that the club haven’t been able to cut ties just yet.
He says that the Gunners are still paying 90 per cent of the £350,000-a-week deal until the end of June.
Credit: Getty
NO GOOD BAILLY
Eric Bailly is reportedly set to sign a new contract at Manchester United.
The Manchester Evening News reports the centre-back is set to commit to a new deal after being reassured about his chances of playing time next season.
The Ivorian has lagged behind Victor Lindelof in the battle to partner Harry Maguire at the back.
The 27-year-old has made 100 appearances for United since joining from Villarreal in 2016.

ENGLAND REIGNS
English football is poised to reclaim the title of best in Europe – after NINE years.
And if either Chelsea or Arsenal beat their Spanish opponents this week, England will be confirmed in top spot – even if all four remaining Prem clubs go out at the semi-final stage.
The exploits of the Prem’s Euro battlers have seen England’s five-year coefficient score rise to 98.283 points.
Two points are earned for every win and one for each  draw in European competition, divided between the number of teams who have qualified – seven in the case of England – to provide an average score for each country.
England started the season in second place behind Spain, who have been top of the Euro table since 2012.
But while English clubs have accrued 22.071 points so far, Spain have gathered just 18.642, for a total of 96.997.
With only Real Madrid and Villarreal left of La Liga’s initial seven sides, Spain’s maximum possible final total is 98.711.
England will be assured of topping that if Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United, between them pick up just three draws or a win and a draw in their combined eight matches across both legs of the semi-finals.

COLE DOWN
England and Chelsea legend Joe Cole had his fair share of injuries on the pitch but now the pundit seems to have injured his knee in the commentary box!
Credit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
CITIZEN KANE
Ryan Mason refused to discuss Harry Kane’s Tottenham future after their Carabao Cup final defeat.
Spurs fans fear another season without a trophy will increase the chances of striker Kane quitting the club in the summer.
But when asked what the future holds for his England captain, interim boss Mason simply replied: “He’s got training this week and will be preparing for a very important match this weekend.
“Harry’s a true professional and that’s about it.”
Mason also insisted Kane was fit to start, despite a lacklustre display on his return from an ankle injury.
He said: “He’s fit. There were no problems with him whatsoever. He took a couple of hits in the game but his ankle is fine.”

HEN-OUR ROLL
Goalscoring legends Thierry Henry and Alan Shearer have become the first inductees of the Premier League Hall of Fame.
The online showcase of English football’s modern greats launched on Monday morning ahead of a fan vote on six more additions.
If there was a ball and a goal, nothing could stop Alan ShearerThe ultimate centre-forward, @alanshearer scored with pace, power and incredible technique, netting a record 260 Premier League goals in his playing careerHe is the first 2021 Inductee to the #PLHallOfFame pic.twitter.com/ZcQIvINXa6— Premier League (@premierleague) April 26, 2021

TRUE ST-ARR
Chelsea are reportedly plotting a £10.5m swoop for Metz’s teenager star Pape Sarr.
The Senegal midfielder, 18, has enjoyed a dramatic rise into the French side’s first-team this term.
As well as attracting admiring glances from a host of big clubs, he has also earned international recognition.
Sarr won his first cap for his country in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo last month.
That came only four months after his league debut for the French club in November.
Now L’Equipe claims Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea have joined the growing list of teams queuing up to try and sign him.
But the Blues will face stiff competition for Sarr’s signature. Premier League rivals Everton and Newcastle are also keen on the starlet.

GREAT DANE
Arsenal have reportedly joined Manchester United and Chelsea in the transfer chase for Fulham’s loan star Joachim Andersen.
The 24-year-old has shone for the Cottagers this season in the top-flight despite his side looking certain to be relegated from the Premier League.
The Danish international has made 27 appearances since moving to London from Lyon but looks unlikely to make that switch permanent this summer.
Lyon are expected to cash in on the defender, and despite Andersen’s good relationship with Fulham’s Scott Parker, a move to the Championship will not interest him.
The LIgue 1 team will demand at least £20million for the centre-back.
The Mirror states that Arsenal could be preparing a swoop as a replacement for David Luiz.
The Brazilian is a free agent in June and has yet to finalise a new 12-month extension with the Gunners.

YOU KEN DO IT
Kenny Dalglish reckons Celtic and Rangers would thrive in a British League – and would easily finish in the top half every season.
SunSport exclusively revealed on Thursday that plans were in place to create a new cross-border competition following the collapse of the breakaway European Super League (ESL) movement.
Writing in his column in the Sunday Post, Dalglish said: “In the days since the ESL collapsed, there has been more talk of new league structures, only this time it’s not with any ESL, but a new British league set-up.
“The chat has mentioned there could be a place for Rangers and Celtic in any new structure.
“Now, I have no problem with that because I think the Old Firm would do really well in it.
“Given the same financial resources as many of the other clubs, I believe they’d comfortably be in the top half of any British league every season.
“They both have brilliant fan bases, and they would be successful. But I do think they’d need to compete to get the rewards.”
SPOT ON
Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira have reportedly joined forces with Spotify founder Daniel Ek’s to make a bid to takeover Arsenal.
The Telegraph reports the three Invincibles could all return to the club in some form if the streaming giant’s Swedish billionaire is successful in taking over from Stan Kroenke.
In the wake of the Super League debacle, fans protested heavily against majority shareholder Kroenke and his son Josh insisted the club wasn’t for sale during an online fans forum last week.
Forbes puts Ek’s worth at £3.4billion and he confirmed his interest in buying the Gunners on Twitter last week.
He wrote: “As a kid growing up, I’ve cheered for @Arsenal as long as I can remember. If KSE would like to sell Arsenal I’d be happy to throw my hat in the ring.”
Daniel Ek wants to take over ArsenalCredit: AP:Associated Press
TAKE IT TO VAR
Chelsea are reportedly leading the race to sign Real Madrid centre-back Raphael Varane.
The Blues are edging out PSG and Manchester United as clubs look to snare the 28-year-old this summer, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The France star is out of contract in June 2022 and is yet to agree an extension in the Spanish capital.
The report states Chelsea are prepared to pay the £60.8million their Champions League semi-final opponents will ask for.

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