Sport Live Blogs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 188 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea Dybala-Jorginho swap, Haaland LATEST, Arsenal Aubameyang update – Liverpool and Man City transfer news

      by

      THE summer transfer window is drawing ever closer and we’ve got all the latest twists and turns here on SunSport.We’ve got the very latest on Sergio Aguero and Erling Haaland’s futures as the transfer speculation intensifies for what will be a thrilling summer.
      Arsenal’s quest in making Martin Odegaard’s transfer permanent has taken a blow, with reports in Spain naming him as one of Real Madrid’s four ‘untouchables’.
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      PAUL TO PLAY FOR
      Paul Pogba’s praise of Bruno Fernandes comes after United legend Paul Scholes urged Solskjaer to ditch one of his two holding players and play the pair together.
      He told BT Sport: “Solskjaer likes the two sitting players, I don’t think there’s a need for both of them.
      They need to get Pogba in a linking role with Bruno. If they do, it frees up another position for a forward player.
      ‘The awareness and cleverness they both have allows each other to link up.
      “United’s two cleverest players are Fernandes and Pogba so if you can get them close together, they’ll score a lot and provide goals for others too.
      “If they have a more dominant centre back, they could have a more attacking midfield.
      “A lot of the time, United that attacking, flowing play, I think Pogba could bring that with Fernandes.
      “If you get him in there, it frees up the left for Rashford, there’s no way you’d want to play against that.
      “Discipline-wise Pogba isn’t always there at times but going forward he brings something different.”
      WANDERED IN
      A Wycombe fan managed to enter the Liberty Stadium before being dragged away by stewards during Saturday’s Championship match.
      The man, dressed in a Chairboys shirt and black bobble hat but without a face mask, appeared to have rushed out of the concourse and towards the pitch.

      ON GARD
      Jesse Lingard hobbled off for West Ham against Newcastle but after the match, David Moyes allayed concerns the injury was serious.
      He told reporters: “I think it was just cramp, I don’t think it was anything serious.
      “I think the one thing about Jesse, Jesse is a really fit boy. He wants to play. I think I push all my players hard, Jesse is no different.
      “He won’t get any favoured treatment – certainly not for a Scotsman going into the Euros!
      “We’re really pleased with him.”

      STORM BRUING
      Paul Pogba reckons his Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes can do anything and everything on the pitch – except defend.
      Fernandes, 26, has been a revelation for the Red Devils since his January 2020 move to Old Trafford, scoring 36 goals and providing 22 assists in 71 appearances.
      He told MUTV: “I enjoy playing with Bruno. He’s someone who understands the game and understands the movement that can give you a beautiful pass, he can finish too.
      “He’s all over the place, he can do everything really… except defending!
      “But really, it’s always a joy to play him, to understand him. He understands me as well, he can take my position, I can take his position as well.
      “I think he suits the team, he’s a very dominant influence in our team.”
      PHIL YOUR BOOTS
      Man City are ready to treble Phil Foden’s wages to £100,000-a-week after a stunning season, reports say.
      The playmaker has enjoyed a breakthrough season with 13 goals and 41 appearances, playing in a variety of positions.
      And according to The Mirror, City are preparing to reward Foden by upping his initial £30,000-a-week salary three-fold.
      The proposed new package is likely to be a two-year extension on his current deal, which runs to 2024, keeping the 20-year-old at the Etihad until 2026.
      Foden has helped fill the void left by David Silva, who left at the end of last season, and has kept Raheem Sterling out of the side.
      He scored the winner in both Champions League legs against Borussia Dortmund, to put City into the semi-final.
      City are ready to treble Phil Foden’s wages to £100,000-a-week, reports say
      ABRA CADABRA
      Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham could be set to leave Stamford Bridge this summer after being iced out by boss Thomas Tuchel.
      The Blues striker has not been included in the Chelsea squad for their FA Cup semi-final clash against Manchester City this evening.
      And we have looked at five places the England man could end up if he decides to leave at the end of the season.
      Click HERE to see who he could end up joining.
      SARR IN THE MAKING
      EXCLUSIVE – Man Utd are on the trail of Metz teen sensation Pape Sarr.
      The Senegalese 18-year-old 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.
      He has been watched regularly by European clubs including United.
      Reports in France this month suggested Nice sporting director Julien Fournier was pulling out all the stops to land Sarr.
      However it is believed Sarr – a box-to-box midfielder – has set his sights on joining a bigger club.
      Teenage ace Sarr is being tracked by a number of clubs in Europe
      CANARIES SINGING
      Norwich have been promoted back to the Premier League at the first time asking!
      The Canaries have secured at least a top two spot after Brentford drew with Millwall and Swansea with Wycombe.
      Daniel Farke’s side are eight points clear of second-placed Watford with five Championship games to play.

      FULL-TIME
      It’s over at St James’ Park and Newcastle have edged out a five-goal thriller!
      West Ham clawed the game back to 2-2- after Issa Diop headed home before Jesse Lingard equalised from the penalty spot.
      But Joe Willock put the Magpies back into the lead with a thumping header just minutes after coming on.
      The win lifts the Magpies up to 15th, while West Ham remain fourth.
      What a game!
      FIGHTING TALK
      Mauricio Pochettino has vowed to do everything in his power to keep Kylian Mbappe at Paris Saint-Germain.
      The France international’s current contract with the Ligue 1 champions expires next summer and talks over a new deal have yet to bear fruit.
      The Argentine said: “The objective is to keep the best players.
      “The club wants to win the Champions League and the objective of this club is to keep Neymar and Kylian for many years.
      “For three months we have had a very good relationship. Both players are very committed to the club. Every team wants to have them in their ranks. I am optimistic that they will stay.
      “After sharing a changing room with Kylian for three months, I will fight with all my might to keep him with us.”
      SMALL PROBLEM
      Roma defender Chris Smalling is in a race to be fit to face his former club Manchester United in the Europa League semi-finals.
      The 31-year-old missed his side’s quarter-final tie against Ajax due to knee problems.
      But according to Gazetta dello Sport there is a belief one of Smalling or fellow centre-back Leonardo Spinazzola will be fit for the first leg against Man Utd on April 29.
      Roma will already be without defenders Marash Kumbulla and Gianluca Mancini through injury and suspension.
      Earlier this week, Smalling was robbed at gunpoint in front of his wife and toddler son when three hooded men broke into his home.
      The ex-England defender was sleeping when the armed thugs broke into his home and forced him to open his safe.
      AUB-OUT THAT
      Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is already ‘ready to come back’ despite spending ‘a few days in hospital this week’ with malaria.
      The striker confirmed his illness on social media and revealed he contracted malaria while away with his national team last month.
      Manager Mikel Arteta said: “As we all know, he had malaria – he picked it up when he travelled in the international break and he didn’t have any symptoms and then got some symptoms a few days later.
      “We didn’t know what it was but the doctor did a great job by making some further investigation and we found out he had picked it up.
      “He had some rough days, he was in hospital for two days but now he is at home, he is safe and he is in good condition and ready to come back.”
      Arteta could not give a time frame on when his skipper will be back in contention to play but confirmed Aubameyang wants a swift return.
      HALF-TIME
      It’s half-time at St James’ Park and what a disastrous opening 45 minutes it has been for West Ham.
      They go into the break 2-0 down after Issa Diop scored an own goal, before Joelinton capitalised on a howler from Lukasz Fabianski.
      And to add insult to injury, they are down to ten men after Craig Dawson was sent off for a second yellow card.
      A win would take David Moyes’ men third, but a loss could see them drop out of the top four should Liverpool beat Leeds on Monday.
      As things stand, Newcastle are nine points clear of the bottom three.
      RACE FOR RAPHA
      Chelsea have joined Manchester United in the race for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to reports.
      The 27-year-old French centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract with the Spanish giants.
      And Real will be keen to cash in on the World Cup winner rather than watch him leave for a free next summer.
      BILD journalist Christian Falk understands Chelsea are keen to acquire Varane’s signature as they look to bolster their defensive options.
      The Red Devils looked into signing theFrench centre-back three years ago but were told it would cost more than £100million.
      Madrid value him in the £60m bracket, but that figure is still likely to be viewed as high, particularly with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the transfer market.
      Raphael Varane could be set for a move to the Premier League this summer
      GUNNED DOWN
      Arsenal target Achraf Hakimi has shut down speculation regarding his future bu insisting he is happy at Inter Milan.
      The right-back is claimed to be on the Gunners’ radar to replace Hector Bellerin should the Spaniard depart the Emirates in the summer.
      But Hakimi has declared he wants to remain at the San Siro, as he told La Repubblica: “The team that attracted me the most was Inter and I saw it as a growth project.
      “I am honoured to be one of the testimonials for the new club logo. I like it, as it looks to the future, a future we can build together.
      “I hope to stay at this club for a long time and I’m very happy.”
      KONA STAY
      Liverpool transfer target Ibrahima Konate has declared his intention to stay at RB Leipzig beyond the end of the season.
      The 21-year-old youngster has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside this summer after impressing in the Bundesliga.
      But in a recent interview the centre-back appeared to quash any speculation he could be on his way out of Leipzig in the near future.
      Speaking to BILD, he said: “There are often rumours in football and many believe them immediately.
      “I or my agents did not get a call from Liverpool. I also have big goals with RB Leipzig.
      “These are currently the best possible result in the Bundesliga, reaching the cup final and the Under-21 European Championship with France.
      “I have a contract until 2023 and contracts are there to fulfil them.”
      Konate looks set to stay put in Germany this summer
      RULES DON’T MATTER
      David Beckham’s Inter Miami violated MLS budget rules to sign World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, an investigation has confirmed.
      The 34-year-old Frenchman signed for the American outfit back in August but was not confirmed to be one of the three allocated high-priced players that the league permits each club and was instead classified as a ‘target allocation money’ player (TAM).
      Matias Pellegrini, Rodolfo Pizarro and Gonzalo Higuain were the three ‘designated’ high-priced players in the 2020 Inter Miami squad, meaning Beckham’s side needed to think creatively in order to get Matuidi on board.
      They did so by buying Pellegrini out of his contract in order to get back in compliance with the rules.
      And the league said Pellegrini is being loaned to Fort Lauderdale – the affiliate of Miami in the third tier United Soccer League’s League One.
      “Matuidi’s compensation was above the compensation limit for a TAM player and he should have been classified as a designated player,” the MLS said in a statement.
      “As a result, Inter Miami violated the designated player limit as the team had three designated players in addition to Matuidi during 2020.”
      CHRIS CROSS
      Chris Smalling’s wife has slammed the “rats” who held her at gunpoint during a terrifying £100,000 raid as she spoke out for the first time.
      The former Manchester United defender, 31, and ex-Page Three girl Sam Cooke, 35, were woken in the early hours by three hooded men who burst into their bedroom.
      The former model said on Instagram: “I’d just like to suggest that those living their lives like these thieves who came into our bedroom at 4am pointing guns at our heads, rethink their choices in life and live in a more respectable and conscious way like real men, not rats (disrespectful to rats I know).
      “I suspect your life hasn’t been easy but there’s always another way. A way that will lead to blessings and not karma biting you on the ass, which I’ve no doubt it will!
      “And for the record, anyone thinking of coming near me and my family again, we have no jewellery or watches left and don’t intend to buy any more!
      “If you see us wearing anything it’s likely fake. So don’t bother”.
      Three hooded men broke in while the couple and their two-year-old son slept
      TEAM NEWS
      This is how Newcastle and West Ham line-up at St James’ Park ahead of their 12.30pm kick-off.
      🚨 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠-𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 🚨 HWTL! ⚫️⚪️— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) April 17, 2021

      PEPE TALK
      Nicolas Pepe has been warned he will be out of the team if he lets his standards slip again.
      Arteta said: “We all know Nico has the incredible ability to succeed and we can give him all the help he wants to achieve that.
      “But now it all depends on him because he needs to have the right mindset to consistently do what he can.
      “What he has produced in the last few games is the level of performance that I am going to ask from him all the time.And if it is something below that level then he is not going to be playing.
      “The biggest thing for Nico is understanding what he needed to do when he was not in the team and then producing that when he did play.
      “He needed a period of adaptation after coming from the French league but that is over. We can’t talk about adaptation any more. Now it is all about performance.
      “Nico has the players to support him, a manager that trusts him, all the staff that are willing to help him and team-mates who really like him. So now there are no excuses.”
      YOUR TAM’S UP
      Tammy Abraham has been left out of Chelsea’s squad for their FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City.
      Despite being fully fit and the competition’s top scorer with four goals in three matches – there is no place for him in Thomas Tuchel’s picks.
      The striker has not featured for Chelsea since February 20 where he was subbed at half-time in a 1-1 draw with Southampton.
      Abraham, 23, has only just returned to the squad having missed seven games with an ankle injury.
      But he was an unused substitute against Crystal Palace and in both Champions League quarter-final legs against Porto.
      Abraham is understood to be upset at his lack of game time under Tuchel and could be ready to move on.
      SOD THE QUAD
      Pep Guardiola insists he could not care less about the quadruple as he heads for Wembley on Saturday.
      In the next six weeks they will also have the chance to win the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup.
      Guardiola said: “This is what I say every day, people talk about the past, they talk about the quadruple. I couldn’t care less.
      “I care about the next training session and about how you behave, your understanding and your body language, mood.
      “And then Saturday against Chelsea in the semi final. That’s where they have to talk. There is the place.
      “That’s all I’m concerned about. The rest I don’t care about, I couldn’t care less about it.”
      DINNER WINNER
      Thomas Tuchel will never forget the day his dinner date with Pep Guardiola turned Messi.
      But today he plans to turn the tables on his managerial mentor.
      In December 2014, Tuchel was invited to a Munich restaurant by the man who was the king of German football at the time.
      Tuchel was between jobs after walking out of Mainz and jumped at the opportunity to pick the brains of then Bayern boss Guardiola.
      As the duo prepare for a Wembley reunion this afternoon, Tuchel asked: “When you are out for dinner with Pep, why not talk about football? What else was there for me to talk about?
      “For me, he was a huge influence. I didn’t know him when he was at Barcelona — but I watched almost every game and was very impressed by the way he made success happen.”
      Read more HERE.
      CAV SOME OF THAT
      Bruno Fernandes has lavished praise on ‘proper striker’ Edinson Cavani.
      The midfielder said after Man Utd’s win over Granada: “Everyone knows Cavani, everything he does, he is a proper striker, we know the qualities of our players.
      “It was a good game, Europa League is always difficult, they can create danger but we controlled the game, had the ball a lot.
      “I don’t think it was bad tempered, we keep moving, do the right things, 2-0 again is really good for us.
      “Now is the time to take the next step and win a semi final but we must focus on the next game which is the league.”
      HAA LA LAND
      Man Utd have received a boost in their boost of signing Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland in the summer.
      According to Goal, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the Norway international.
      They claim that the LaLiga clubs are unable to meet his £30million-a-year salary demands.
      The player – who is available for £65m in 2022 – will be allowed to leave BVB of the German side receive a £130m fee at the end of the season.
      Load more entries… More

    • 175 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Varane talks, Haaland contract boost, Milenkovic EXCLUSIVE, ‘Cristiano Ronaldo-Pogba swap’, Rice ‘wants United transfer’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are in talks with Raphael Varane over a summer transfer, according to reports.Meanwhile the Red Devils have reportedly been handed a boost in their pursuit of Erling Haaland
      Stay up to date with our blog, below, for all the latest from Old Trafford…
      PAUL TO PLAY FOR
      Paul Pogba’s praise of Bruno Fernandes comes after United legend Paul Scholes urged Solskjaer to ditch one of his two holding players and play the pair together.
      He told BT Sport: “Solskjaer likes the two sitting players, I don’t think there’s a need for both of them.
      They need to get Pogba in a linking role with Bruno. If they do, it frees up another position for a forward player.
      ‘The awareness and cleverness they both have allows each other to link up.
      “United’s two cleverest players are Fernandes and Pogba so if you can get them close together, they’ll score a lot and provide goals for others too.
      “If they have a more dominant centre back, they could have a more attacking midfield.
      “A lot of the time, United that attacking, flowing play, I think Pogba could bring that with Fernandes.
      “If you get him in there, it frees up the left for Rashford, there’s no way you’d want to play against that.
      “Discipline-wise Pogba isn’t always there at times but going forward he brings something different.”
      ON GARD
      Jesse Lingard hobbled off for West Ham against Newcastle but after the match, David Moyes allayed concerns the injury was serious.
      He told reporters: “I think it was just cramp, I don’t think it was anything serious.
      “I think the one thing about Jesse, Jesse is a really fit boy. He wants to play. I think I push all my players hard, Jesse is no different.
      “He won’t get any favoured treatment – certainly not for a Scotsman going into the Euros!
      “We’re really pleased with him.”

      STORM BRUING
      Paul Pogba reckons his Manchester United team-mate Bruno Fernandes can do anything and everything on the pitch – except defend.
      Fernandes, 26, has been a revelation for the Red Devils since his January 2020 move to Old Trafford, scoring 36 goals and providing 22 assists in 71 appearances.
      He told MUTV: “I enjoy playing with Bruno. He’s someone who understands the game and understands the movement that can give you a beautiful pass, he can finish too.
      “He’s all over the place, he can do everything really… except defending!
      “But really, it’s always a joy to play him, to understand him. He understands me as well, he can take my position, I can take his position as well.
      “I think he suits the team, he’s a very dominant influence in our team.”
      GREAT DANE
      Man Utd have joined the race for Fulham’s on-loan Lyon defender Joachim Andersen, according to reports.
      The Dane moved to Craven Cottage last summer, after finding opportunities limited with the French side.
      Despite Fulham’s struggles, he has hit the ground running in West London, earning the captain’s armband in just his fourth Premier League appearance.
      And his quick progress has not gone unnoticed by potential suitors.
      Danish outlet BT claim that the Red Devils have more than just a passing interest in the 24-year-old.
      SARR IN THE MAKING
      EXCLUSIVE – Man Utd are on the trail of Metz teen sensation Pape Sarr.
      The Senegalese 18-year-old 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.
      He has been watched regularly by European clubs including United.
      Reports in France this month suggested Nice sporting director Julien Fournier was pulling out all the stops to land Sarr.
      However it is believed Sarr – a box-to-box midfielder – has set his sights on joining a bigger club.
      Teenage ace Sarr is being tracked by a number of clubs in Europe
      RAPH AND READY
      Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane is reportedly Man Utd’s No 1 centre-back target for the summer.
      The Frenchman could be set to depart Los Blancos at the end of the season with his contract to expire in 2022.
      And Times journalist Constantin Eckner has declared that the 27-year-old is on the Red Devils’ radar.
      Asked by a fan on Twitter about whether United are in talks with Varane, Eckner said: “Yes, they are.
      “Once #MUFC realised that a move could be possible, he became their No. 1 centre-back target.”
      SMALL PROBLEM
      Roma defender Chris Smalling is in a race to be fit to face his former club Manchester United in the Europa League semi-finals.
      The 31-year-old missed his side’s quarter-final tie against Ajax due to knee problems.
      But according to Gazetta dello Sport there is a belief one of Smalling or fellow centre-back Leonardo Spinazzola will be fit for the first leg against Man Utd on April 29.
      Roma will already be without defenders Marash Kumbulla and Gianluca Mancini through injury and suspension.
      Earlier this week, Smalling was robbed at gunpoint in front of his wife and toddler son when three hooded men broke into his home.
      The ex-England defender was sleeping when the armed thugs broke into his home and forced him to open his safe.
      ON THE PAUL
      What an iconic header this was from Paul Scholes in the Manchester Derby in April 2010.

      RACE FOR RAPHA
      Chelsea have joined Manchester United in the race for Real Madrid defender Raphael Varane, according to reports.
      The 27-year-old French centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford at the end of the season as he prepares to enter the final year of his contract with the Spanish giants.
      And Real will be keen to cash in on the World Cup winner rather than watch him leave for a free next summer.
      BILD journalist Christian Falk understands Chelsea are keen to acquire Varane’s signature as they look to bolster their defensive options.
      The Red Devils looked into signing theFrench centre-back three years ago but were told it would cost more than £100million.
      Madrid value him in the £60m bracket, but that figure is still likely to be viewed as high, particularly with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the transfer market.
      Varane could be set for a move to the Premier League this summer
      RULES DON’T MATTER
      David Beckham’s Inter Miami violated MLS budget rules to sign World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, an investigation has confirmed.
      The 34-year-old Frenchman signed for the American outfit back in August but was not confirmed to be one of the three allocated high-priced players that the league permits each club and was instead classified as a ‘target allocation money’ player (TAM).
      Matias Pellegrini, Rodolfo Pizarro and Gonzalo Higuain were the three ‘designated’ high-priced players in the 2020 Inter Miami squad, meaning Beckham’s side needed to think creatively in order to get Matuidi on board.
      They did so by buying Pellegrini out of his contract in order to get back in compliance with the rules.
      And the league said Pellegrini is being loaned to Fort Lauderdale – the affiliate of Miami in the third tier United Soccer League’s League One.
      “Matuidi’s compensation was above the compensation limit for a TAM player and he should have been classified as a designated player,” the MLS said in a statement.
      “As a result, Inter Miami violated the designated player limit as the team had three designated players in addition to Matuidi during 2020.”
      CHRIS CROSS
      Chris Smalling’s wife has slammed the “rats” who held her at gunpoint during a terrifying £100,000 raid as she spoke out for the first time.
      The former Manchester United defender, 31, and ex-Page Three girl Sam Cooke, 35, were woken in the early hours by three hooded men who burst into their bedroom.
      The former model said on Instagram: “I’d just like to suggest that those living their lives like these thieves who came into our bedroom at 4am pointing guns at our heads, rethink their choices in life and live in a more respectable and conscious way like real men, not rats (disrespectful to rats I know).
      “I suspect your life hasn’t been easy but there’s always another way. A way that will lead to blessings and not karma biting you on the ass, which I’ve no doubt it will!
      “And for the record, anyone thinking of coming near me and my family again, we have no jewellery or watches left and don’t intend to buy any more!
      “If you see us wearing anything it’s likely fake. So don’t bother”.
      Three hooded men broke in while the couple and their two-year-old son slept
      PAUL THE OTHER ONE
      Jose Mourinho insists he “couldn’t care less” about Paul Pogba’s criticism of his management style.
      The French midfielder hit out at his former manager and suggested he ‘goes against his players’ unlike current Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      He also revealed details of the ‘strange relationship’ he had with the Portuguese during his time in charge of the Red Devils between 2016 and 2018.
      Pogba and Mourinho had a famous training ground clash in 2018 after the United boss thought Pogba had been laughing at the club’s defeat to Derby.
      And Pogba has revealed it is tough to explain his relationship with the Tottenham boss even now.
      However, when asked after Tottenham’s 2-2 draw at Everton about the ex-Juventus star’s remarks, the Spurs chief said: “I would like to say that I couldn’t care less what he said.
      “I couldn’t care less – not interested at all.”f
      CAV SOME OF THAT
      Bruno Fernandes has lavished praise on ‘proper striker’ Edinson Cavani.
      The midfielder said after Man Utd’s win over Granada: “Everyone knows Cavani, everything he does, he is a proper striker, we know the qualities of our players.
      “It was a good game, Europa League is always difficult, they can create danger but we controlled the game, had the ball a lot.
      “I don’t think it was bad tempered, we keep moving, do the right things, 2-0 again is really good for us.
      “Now is the time to take the next step and win a semi final but we must focus on the next game which is the league.”
      HAA LA LAND
      Man Utd have received a boost in their boost of signing Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland in the summer.
      According to Goal, Real Madrid and Barcelona have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the Norway international.
      They claim that the LaLiga clubs are unable to meet his £30million-a-year salary demands.
      The player – who is available for £65m in 2022 – will be allowed to leave BVB of the German side receive a £130m fee at the end of the season.
      FORWARD PLAN
      Paul Scholes wants Manchester United to bring in a new striker this summer and boost their forward options.
      He told BT Sport: “I think they’ve got really good forwards but are any a real-centre forward? They look better in wide areas.
      “[Edinson] Cavani has only started 15 games, can they keep him another year? It will cost a lot of money but they have to sign someone eventually.
      “If Cavani was to stay, he wouldn’t want to sit on the bench, I think he’s waiting to see if United sign a centre-forward. He hasn’t played a lot due to injuries and that is a concern given his age.”
      The ex-Red Devils midfielder added: “I don’t see Mason Greenwood as a centre-forward, I just see him in wide areas, not a great link up man, not making clever runs or tap ins, I see him in a wide right area that none of the other players like.
      “He is devastating when facing a player up on the right side, that’s what makes him such a dangerous player.
      “As a kid he wasn’t like a traditional centre-forward but always scored spectacular goals. He’s a wide player and that’s why United need to sign a top class centre-forward.”
      RASH RUSH
      Marcus Rashford remains a doubt for Manchester United’s clash with Burnley on Sunday.
      But Eric Bailly could be in store for a recall after completing his self-isolation for coronavirus.
      Rashford, 23, is recovering from a foot injury and was an unused substitute on Thursday night.
      His potential absence could see Solskjaer stick with the front four that started the 2-0 win over Granada.
      Edinson Cavani led the line – grabbing his second goal in five days – with Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in support.
      Here is how United could line-up.
      Here is how Man Utd could start against Burnley on Sunday
      MORNING, UNITED FANS
      Wesley Fofana is the latest centre-back linked to Old Trafford – while United have reportedly met Erling Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola.
      That’s the latest transfer speculation as boss Ole Gunnar Solskajer prepares for Sunday’s Premier League clash at home to Burnley.
      French star Fofana, 20, has shone alongside ex-United defender Jonny Evans since his £36.5million arrival at Leicester from Saint Etienne last September.
      But it’s claimed the Foxes rate Fofana in the £80million bracket United paid them for Harry Maguire two years ago.
      Meanwhile, the saga over £150m-rated goal machine Haaland’s future has been ramped up by suggestions United have held tentative discussions with Raiola.
      It’s previously been suggested that Haaland’s father Alf-Inge and Raiola went to Spain to speak to both Barcelona and Real Madrid.
      United are also tipped to decide Edinson Cavani’s future over the next few weeks – with Boca Juniors said to be offering the 34-year-old a two-year deal.
      Reports in Germany say Old Trafford scouts have monitored Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva, valued at £35m, as a possible replacement for Cavani.
      Finally, Marcus Rashford remains a fitness doubt for Sunday after he was an unused sub in Thursday’s Europa League triumph over Granada.
      ROCK OF CAGES
      There was a time Dwight McNeil and Mason Greenwood would fight it out in the cages at Manchester United’s training ground.
      Now the old friends have both been unleashed on the Premier League and their teams go head-to-head at Old Trafford on Sunday.
      Burnley winger McNeil, 21, had dreams of making the grade with his boyhood club — but his time with the Red Devils ended in disappointment, aged 14.
      The Rochdale-born star is not surprised by the progress of pal Greenwood, 18, at United as he pushes for a spot in England’s Euros squad.
      McNeil, a doubt for the clash after picking up a knock, said: “The main thing was training in the cage at night.
      “It was all a bit of fun, really, just playing games in this small area. But it improved me as a player in tight areas.
      “Mason was younger than me but he played up with us. He was always good with both feet — you could tell with Mason at a young age.
      “It’s great that we’ve both achieved our  dream to play in the Premier League and,  obviously, Mason is doing so well at United and I’m really happy for him.
      “He’s had some criticism but I know what kind of guy he is. Mason’s a good guy and he’s come back scoring goals so I’m happy for him.”
      SMALLING ROBBED WHILE WIFE HELD AT GUNPOINT
      Roma’s ex-Manchester United defender Chris Smalling was forced to hand over £100,000 of watches and jewelry while his wife was held at gunpoint.
      Former England star Smalling, 31, and ex-Page Three girl Sam Cooke, 35, were woken in the early hours by three hooded men who burst into their bedroom.
      Chris Smalling and his wife Sam Cooke were held at gunpoint during a raid on their home
      Police searched the home in Appia Antica, Rome
      Police say the gang entered by ripping off a window grille and may have drugged the couple’s two dogs.
      Smalling’s mum, sister and two-year-old son were also at the villa in Rome, where the star now plays for Roma.
      Smalling was ordered to open a safe. The gang then raced off in a waiting car with three Rolexes, gold jewellery and 300 euros.
      Sam raised the alarm and cops arrived quickly to the home in the exclusive suburb of Appia Antica. A police car remained outside while a forensic team searched for clues.
      Smalling currently has a knee injury and had just returned from watching Roma draw with Ajax — setting up a Europa League semi-final with United.
      A police source said they could not rule out him being followed home after the match.
      SLEEVE IT OUT
      Paul Pogba has explained why he wore a long black sleeve on only his left arm against Granada.
      The Manchester United midfielder’s armwear beneath his short-sleeve top sparked mystery as Thursday’s 2-0 away win completed a 4-0 aggregate route to the Europa League semi-finals 
      French World Cup winner Paul Pogba created a mystery over his armwearCredit: Getty
      But the 28-year-old says he’s been doing it most of the season following injury.
      Pogba told United’s website: “It started with the pain, I had the pain [left elbow].
      “It actually started with my right elbow, so I put it on my right, and I had the same problem with my left.
      :So I started playing with this to get it warm instead of the strapping. It’s tight on my elbow. I’ve been playing with this and it’s just natural now, just for security.”
      UTD ARE FRIENDS OF FO
      Manchester United have reportedly made contact with Leicester City about signing Wesley Fofana.
      The French defender, 20, has been a revelation for the Foxes this season after signing from Saint Etienne for £36.5million last September.
      French centre-back Wesley Fofana is reportedly a target for Man UtdCredit: Reuters
      And his partnership with Jonny Evans has helped Brendan Rodgers side remain in contention for a Champions League spot.
      According to Foot Mercato, his form hasn’t gone unnoticed by Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who would like to partner record-signing Harry Maguire with the France U21 international.
      The report says that Solskjaer isn’t convinced that Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have the qualities to compliment Maguire at the back.
      United are said to have made initial contact with the Leicester ace, but the next step could be complicated.
      Leicester are believed to want a similar fee to the £80million United paid for Maguire in 2019.
      ‘UTD MEET HAALAND AGENT’
      Manchester United have reportedly met Erling Haaland’s agent Mino Raiola over the Borussia Dortmund striker
      Gazzetta dello Sport have previously suggested Haaland’s father Alf-Inge and Raiola went to Spain to speak to both Barcelona and Real Madrid.  
      And Manchester City have also been linked with the Norway superstar, 20.
      But any formal move for the £150million-rated goal machine still seems some distance away.
      Erling Haaland have been linked with a whole host of European giantsCredit: EPA
      CHELSEA ‘TOP OF QUEUE FOR JUDE’
      Chelsea are reportedly eyeing a huge summer transfer raid for Dortmund’s England starlet Jude Bellingham.
      The midfielder, 17, further strengthened his burgeoning reputation with another fine performance against Manchester City in the Champions League.
      Former Birmingham City ace Bellingham was chased by City’s neighbours Man United last summer but the Red Devils lost out to the Bundesliga side.
      But Dortmund are bracing themselves for another tricky summer as they aim to hold on to their young talent, including previous Manchester United target Jadon Sancho.
      Now Eurosport claims Chelsea are the Premier League club currently displaying the most interest in their latest starlet – with links to Declan Rice having seemingly cooled since Thomas Tuchel’s arrival as boss
      Now it is claimed they feel Bellingham would be more suited to the style that the German is trying to implement at Stamford Bridge.
      Dortmund are said to believe they will recoup a fee of around £100m when they do eventually decide to sell.
      WES HELPS OUT
      Former Manchester United and England defender Wes Brown chipped in with the club’s Easter holiday camps.
      The ex-Sunderland star, 41, holds the Uefa ‘A’ Licence for coaching – so his qualifications as much as his pedigree should stand the young participants in particularly good stead.

      CAVANI D-DAY LOOMING
      Manchester United are tipped to decide Edinson Cavani’s future at a meeting over the next few weeks
      Journalist Fabrizio Romano says the Uruguay legend, 34, will also make up his own mind in the same timescale – with Argentine giants Boca Juniors keen to lure him away with a two-year contract.
      Ex-PSG striker Edinson Cavani’s Man Utd future could be sorted out within weeksCredit: Getty
      Edinson Cavani’s on fire… and Manchester United have a meeting scheduled in the next weeks to decide about his future as they wanna keep him for the next season. Cavani will decide soon with his family and agent. Boca Juniors would offer him a two-years contract. 🔴 #MUFC— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 15, 2021

      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying RESULT LIVE: Hamilton on pole with Sergio Perez second and Max Verstappen third

      by

      LEWIS HAMILTON is on pole as he looks to make it two wins out of two at Imola.Joining him on the front row is Red Bull newcomer Sergio Perez, who caused a stir by finishing ahead of third placed team-mate Max Verstappen.
      Follow ALL the action from Italy with our live blog below…
      NUMERO UNO
      SunSport’s Ben Hunt says: “Lewis Hamilton had the competition licked as he scooped pole 99.
      “It seems silly to say given his impressive tally of P1 starts, but this really was a shock as he qualified ahead of the Red Bulls of Sergio Perez and Max Verstappen for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola.
      “The astonishment in the voice of his race engineer, Pete Bonnington, as the result was confirmed was enough to tell you this was a surprise to the team, despite their seven-year domination.
      “And while no points are on offer for Saturday qualifying, Hamilton was ice-cool while Max Verstappen again melted away after another error.”

      MERC MY WORDS
      It was some lap from Lewis Hamilton that secured pole position.
      Take a look at it below.

      QUALIFYING STANDINGS
      Sergio Perez has qualified on the front row for the first time in his F1 career.

      LEW BEAUTY
      Lewis Hamilton has spoken of his delight at securing pole for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
      He said: “The day has been great. I definitely didn’t expect us to be ahead of two Red Bulls. They have been so quick this weekend. There were times when they were six tenths ahead, we didn’t really know where we would be.
      “But the car has been feeling better from the beginning this weekend so respect to the team for the hard work to really narrow down the window.
      “I love the challenge. I think it’s great finally we’ve got the two Red Bulls there. It’s definitely going to make strategy harder and it’ll be a real challenge because they have got great race pace.
      “Their pace was a little bit stronger in the long run yesterday but I’m just so happy. 
      “The first lap was really nice, really clean. There were some improvements on the second lap but it wasn’t quite as good as the first one, but I’m really grateful. I came around the last corner and heard that I got the pole and I was very grateful.”
      HAMILTON TAKES POLE – HIS 99th OF HIS CAREER
      Perez in P2, Verstappen in P3. That was fantastic stuff. Leclerc in P4.
      Norris unlucky in P7.
      LANDO NORRIS LOSES P2
      The McLaren man gets his time deleted. Tough luck for the Brit.
      TRACK LIMITS COULD BE AN ISSUE
      Hamilton could be in trouble,
      HERE WE GO – FINAL RUNS IN Q3
      All 10 cars on track. Verstappen last to cross the line. This could be close.
      HAMILTON TAKES PROVISIONAL POLE
      Verstappen P2. Bottas in P3 after their first runs.
      GREEN LIGHT – Q3 IS GO
      Hamilton v Verstappen v Bottas for pole. Hamilton going for his 99th pole.
      ELIMINATED FROM Q2
      Alonso, Latifi, Vettel, Russell and Sainz. That is a shock to see Alonso and Vettel done by their teammates. Sainz too will not be happy.
      GREEN LIGHT – Q2 IS GO
      And Hamilton leads Verstappen while Bottas in in third. All three should get in to Q3.
      It is all about who get’s knocked out. Williams Alpine and Aston Martin looking vulnerable.
      THAT IS SOME RESULT FROM WILLIAMS
      Remember, they have been the slowest cars on track for a few years. Not anymore.

      ELIMINATED IN Q1
      Raikkonen, Giovinazzi, Schumacher, Mazepin and Tsunoda
      LATIFI AND RUSSELL MAKE IT IN TO Q2
      Great stuff from the Canadian who gets in to Q2 comfortably. He joins Williams teammate George Russell in Q2. A great result for Williams.
      IN THE DROP ZONE FOR Q1
      Russell, Mazepin, Latifi and Schumacher are in the bottom five with Tsunoda, who is obviously out.
      KEEP AN EYE ON THE BOYS IN RED

      GREEN LIGHT – WE ARE GO AGAIN
      Busy track now with just nine minutes remaining of this session. Tsunoda is already out. Who will join him?
      MORE IMAGES OF THAT CRASH – TSUNODA IS ALL OK

      INDEED, THAT WILL NOT POLISH OUT

      RED FLAG – BIG SMASH FOR TSUNODA
      The AlphaTauri man, who has been impressive this season, makes a rookie error at Imola.
      He has spun and destroyed his car. He is fine and out of the car, but that is big damage as he went in backwards into the barrier.
      WELL, THAT’S A GOOD START
      Mazepin has completed a lap without spinning. Still not as quick as Schumacher.
      GREEN LIGHT – QUALIFYING IS GO
      Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin are both out on track as the Haas boys try to get in some early laps.
      BEAUTIFUL DAY IN IMOLA
      No rain, plenty of sunshine. But as we know, this track is still proving tricky, even in ideal conditions.
      ICYMI – THIS IS THE CLASH BETWEEN PEREZ AND OCON YESTERDAY

      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Everton 2 Tottenham 2 LIVE REACTION: Sigurdsson and Kane net twice as sides play out thrilling draw at Goodison

      by

      EVERTON and Tottenham played out a Friday night cracker under the lights at Goodison Park.
      Final score: Everton 2-2 Tottenham

      Follow all the reaction with our live blog below…
      THAT’S ALL FROM GOODISON
      That was a fantastic game of football rounded off with some amusing comments from Jose Mourinho as usual.
      Spurs took the lead through a mistake from Michael Keane when the Everton defender failed to clear his lines enabling Kane to half-volley the ball into the back of the net.
      But four minutes later, Reguilon recklessly gave away a penalty after bundling over James Rodriguez in the box.
      Sigurdsson stepped up and coolly dispatched from 12-yards-out forcing Hugo Lloris to dive the opposite way putting the Toffee’s level.
      And the former Spurs midfielder then got his second of the day 15 minutes after the interval when he expertly guided the ball home from Seamus Coleman’s cross.
      Everton were in the ascendancy from that moment on and they could have had a third with more clinical finishing.
      But it was Harry Kane who grabbed a brace after poor defending again from Michael Keane and Mason Holgate too.
      Not only did Spurs drop two points but their talisman Kane, limped off in injury time which could put him in doubt for their huge Carabao Cup final in nine days.
      Thank you for sticking with me people, enjoy your weekend!

      UPCOMING FIXTURES
      Everton find themselves travelling to London twice in the next three weeks because first they’ll be taking on the Gunners at the Emirates which is shortly followed by a trip to East London to clash West Ham United.
      But in between those two, the Toffees have the privilege of welcoming Aston Villa to Goodison Park on the 1st of May.
      On the other hand, Spurs will be preparing to take on Southampton and Sheffield United next in the Premier League.
      But their only chance of silverware this season comes on the 25th of April where they meet Manchester City at Wembley in the Carabao Cup Final.
      Tottenham haven’t won a trophy in almost 13 years so this is a huge game for the club as well as for the future of current manager, Jose Mourinho.
      CURRENT STANDINGS
      So with both teams sharing the spoils, there’s no change in league positioning for the Toffee’s or Spurs.
      However, in regards to Champions League qualification, it could be a huge dent in the progress for either side especially if the clubs around them capitalise.

      MOURINHO ON POGBA
      Jose Mourinho was also asked about his thoughts on what Pogba said about him in his interview with Sky Sports.
      Below is the Spurs head coach’s response.
      I would like to say that I couldn’t care less with what he says. I couldn’t care less not interested at all.Jose MourinhoSky Sports
      KA-TCHING UP
      In continuation to Harry Kane, the England international’s brace tonight has lifted him above Robbie Fowler in the Premier League’s all-time top goal scorers list.
      He now has Thierry Henry in his sights.

      MOURINHO’S UPDATE ON KANE
      The Spurs gaffer was asked about Harry Kane’s fitness after the Tottenaham all time top goal scorer was forced off early due to suffering a stoppage time ankle injury.
      “I think it’s too early. I think it’s too early to say something.
      “For him to leave the pitch, 2-2, with a couple of minutes to go is obviously because he felt something.
      “Let me be optimistic and believe that he has time to recover, let’s see.
      “It’s obvious that he’s a very important player for us, that’s more than obvious.
      “But I cannot say much, I cannot speculate or help in any speculation around it.
      DROPPING LIKE FLIES
      Only Brighton has dropped the same amount of points (20) as Spurs this season.
      20 – No Premier League side has dropped more points from winning positions this season than Tottenham Hotspur (20, level with Brighton). Issues. pic.twitter.com/PW5vkMx8Hy— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 16, 2021

      DIER DIGESTS
      Eric Dier held his hands up and discussed where Spurs went wrong today, and he even had direct criticism to mention about himself.
      The defender said: “I think first half we did well, we started well.
      “Obviously we got our goal and conceded a poor goal. Disappointing to concede both cut-backs to the edge of the box, we need to do better in those areas.
      “I could have done better myself on the second, the one-two down the line so yeah, disappointed with the goals we conceded.
      “I think we gave away possession a bit too easily in our own half and they countered towards the end of the game I think in general we need to keep the ball better.
      FULL TIME STATS
      Similar to the first half, the statistics showed how evenly contested the game was so a draw in my opinion, is a fair result.

      STALEMATE AT GOODISON
      After an entertaining game full drama and suspense, it ends level pegging.

      PEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!
      MICHAEL OLIVER BLOWS FOR FULL-TIME!
      THE TWO SIDES COULDN’T BE SEPARATED!
      FT: EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      90+2. Concerns for Mourinho and Spurs fans as Harry Kane has just hobbled off to be replaced by Dele Alli.
      The England forward seemed to feel a knock to his ankle and with the big games ahead for Tottenham, the head coach didn’t want to take any chances.
      EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      90+1. It bobbled everywhere but ultimately deflected out for a Tottenham goal-kick.
      EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      90+1. Panic stations for the visitors because Everton have just won a corner.
      Can one of the defenders redeem themselves?
      THREE MINUTES STOPPAGE TIME!
      UNLUCKY SON
      Richarlison, you’re aiming for the wrong object.

      EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      83. JOSH KING YOU COULD HAVE BEEN THE HERO!
      James Rodriguez slipped the former Bournemouth striker through and he managed to beat the Spurs defence for pace before snatching at his shot.
      But the effort was saved by the legs of Lloris and then Richarlison blazed the rebound over.
      EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      82. Another substitution from Carlo Ancelotti is being made and it’s a positive one.
      Tom Davies is coming off for Josh King who will look to partner Richarlison up-front.
      EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      80. Both teams are really going for it now because they know, it will be two points dropped rather than a point gained at this late stage of the season.
      Can someone win it?
      EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      77. OOOO Ben Godrey just put in a vital block from Harry Kane’s shot.
      That effort would have definitely tested the hands of Jordan Pickford in between the Everton sticks.
      EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      75. Those changes from Jose seemed to have lifted the visitors because Spurs are starting to come into the game now.
      Lamela was allowed to travel the length of the field before letting off a strike.
      But fortunately for Pickford, it sailed over.
      TO KANE

      FROM SIGURDSSON

      Michael Keane and Mason Holgate both tried to go for the same ball but a lack in communication forced Keane to head the ball into the back of Holgate.
      Which then kindly feel to the boot of Harry Kane and there was only going to be one outcome.
      I think Kane has only had two touches of the ball this entire game and both have been to score.
      EVERTON 2-2 SPURS
      GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALL
      MY GOODNESS ANOTHER MISTAKE BY EVERTON’S DEFENCE!
      AND GUESS WHO WAS THERE TO CAPITALISE AGAIN?!
      YES.. HARRY KANEEE!
      Load more entries… More

    • 188 Shares159 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix qualifying LIVE: Stream, TV channel from Imola – latest updates

      by

      F1 is back at Imola as the drivers prepare for a terrific weekend in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.After a three-week break, the season is back underway after Lewis Hamilton was victorious in Bahrain.

      Qualifying start time: 1pm BST
      TV channel/live stream: Sky Sports F1/NOW TV

      Follow ALL the action from Italy with our live blog below…
      SO HERE IS THE TOP 10 FROM FP2

      MORE MAX MISERY IN ITALY

      EVENTFUL DAY IN IMOLA

      FP2 IS OVER – LECLERC’S SMASH BRINGS AND EARLY END TO THE SESSION
      Valtteri Bottas tops FP2, just as hid FP1. The Finn is quicker than Hamilton, but only just, 0.010 seconds in it.
      Problems for Verstappen, who had a mechanical failure and of course Leclerc.
      Pierre Gasly in P3 in his AlphaTauri. Carlos Sainz in P3 and Leclerc in P4.
      SNAP OVERSTEER FOR LECLERC
      He went onto the dirty part of the track and his mistake is heavily punished.
      LECLERC HAS CRASHED
      The Ferrari man has crashed at the final corner.
      MERC STILL BOSSING THIS
      The Mercedes duo are in P1 and P2 in the timesheets again. Just like last year.
      RED BULL ARE INVESTIGATING
      As Verstappen’s car is delivered back to the team’s garage, Red Bull will now look into what caused his failure.
      That is expected to be it from him for today. Could be a late night for the mechanics.
      VERSTAPPEN STOPS WITH A PROBLEM
      The Dutchman has a mechanical issue and pulls over. Seemed to have a gearbox problem after going over the kerb. That is a blow to him and Red Bull.
      ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR FP2
      No news yet on the communication problems that hampered the morning session.
      KEEP AN EYE ON WILIAMS
      They could pass Haas this season.

      ALL GOOD AT THE TOP FOR MERC

      MAZEPIN SPINS – RED FLAG
      Another spin for the young Russian driver. He drifts off track, kisses the gravel and is sent into a spin. He is in the barriers.
      He has not impressed since making his debut. His first race lasted just four corners.
      FINAL FEW MINUTES OF FP1
      And Verstappen finally shows his pace along with Gasly. That AlphaTauri again looks strong.
      But it is Hamilton and Bottas trading places at the top with the flying runs.
      LATIFI GOES INTO THE GRAVEL
      The Canadian spins off with another unforced error. Early mistakes for Verstappen and Mazepin too.
      RED BULL BOSS CHRISTIAN HORNER ON THAT INCIDENT
      “It sounds like Ocon was on a slow lap and Sergio was on a flying lap and there was contact going into that corner.”
      SESSION RESTARTS
      The two cars have been cleared and FP1 is go again. Still not too sure what caused that accident between Perez and Ocon.
      RED FLAG AS OCON AND PEREZ CLASH
      RED FLAG 🔴The session is halted as Sergio Perez has a problem with his rear left wheel – and Esteban Ocon suffers collateral damage 👀Both are out of their cars and their FP1 is over #ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/aZKrVqdAGm— Formula 1 (@F1) April 16, 2021

      RED FLAG – PEREZ AND OCON HAVE HAD AN INCIDENT
      Perez’s left rear tyre is off the car, there is some damage to that Red Bull.
      RED BULL YET TO SHOW THEIR SPEED
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have yet to show their hand. Remember at this race last year, it was a double disaster for Red Bull.Verstappen retired and Alex Albon was 15th and out of the points as Mercedes dominated.
      GASLEY LOOKING STRONG IN THE SUN
      Pierre Gasly, who won in Monza last year, got off to poor start in Bahrain after an accident stopped his race early.
      It was a blow to the Frenchman, who qualified in fifth. He’s quick. He just needs a good race here.
      Now currently top of the timesheets in his AlphaTauri.
      HAMILTON SETTING THE EARLY PACE
      Remember how the world champion struggled in the first few laps in Bahrain?
      Well, no sign of any problems at Imola for Lewis Hamilton, who is looking comfortable at the top of the timesheets.
      Load more entries… More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Milenkovic EXCLUSIVE, Andre Silva to cost Man Utd £35m, ‘Ronaldo-Pogba swap’, Rice ‘wants transfer’, Haaland LATEST

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting a sensational summer swoop for Nikola Milenkovic, SunSport can reveal.After the Red Devils booked their place in the Europa League final four last night, we’ve the very latest on Andre Silva, Erling Haaland and Declan Rice.
      Stay up to date with our blog, below, for all the latest from Old Trafford…
      ANDRE WOULD COST UTD £35m
      Man Utd will have to fork out £35million if they want to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva in the summer.
      According to Bild, the Red Devils are interested in the Portugal international who has banged in 23 Bundesliga goals this term.
      It has been claimed that United are battling Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.
      Silva is seen as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland.
      ZLAT’S ALL FOLKS?
      Former Manchester United star Zlatan Ibrahimovic is facing a three-year ban for investing in a Malta-based betting company, it has been claimed.
      A bombshell report in Sweden says that the 39-year-old’s career could be brought to a premature end as a result of the ban.
      Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet state that he owns ten per cent of Bethard, a gambling company with offices in Malta, through his business Unknown AB.
      Both Fifa and Uefa do not let players have financial interests in gambling companies. Fifa’s ethical rules say that anyone who violates them faces a fine and a ban from all football activities for a maximum of three years.
      The report continues that the Swedish FA were aware of the problem and it’s the reason he didn’t feature in the 2018 World Cup. AC Milan striker Zlatan had already retired from international football in 2016 but made his return ahead of this summer’s Euros.
      The report adds that Zlatan’s company is the fourth largest shareholder in Bethard and it made a profit after tax of £25.79m in 2019. He was announced as a co-owner and ambassador for the brand three years ago.
      TOP OF THE KOPS
      Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool is the ideal setting for Erling Haaland.
      The Norwegian is wanted by a host of clubs, including Manchester United, this summer but the ex-defender hopes to see him at Anfield.
      He told CBS Sports: “I think Haaland should come to Liverpool, because it’s his type of football.
      “Basically heavy metal football, he relies on his pace and his power. That’s the type of football that Liverpool play.
      “Who would not want to play in front of the Kop? Liverpool, energy, Champions League football nights.”
      RASH RUSH
      Marcus Rashford remains a doubt for Manchester United’s clash with Burnley on Sunday.
      But Eric Bailly could be in store for a recall after completing his self-isolation for coronavirus.
      Rashford, 23, is recovering from a foot injury and was an unused substitute on Thursday night.
      His potential absence could see Solskjaer stick with the front four that started the 2-0 win over Granada.
      Edinson Cavani led the line – grabbing his second goal in five days – with Mason Greenwood, Bruno Fernandes and Paul Pogba in support.
      Here is how United could line-up.
      This is how SunSport predicts Manchester United will line up against Burnley
      EURO CASH
      Chelsea and Manchester City are cashing in the most from their European exploits so far this season after making the Champions League semi-finals.
      Chelsea have banked £79.8m for their exploits in Europe so far this season while Pep Guardiola’s Citizens have netted £76.8m, according to figures from football-coefficient.eu.
      The riches on offer in Europe’s premier competition dwarf the financial benefits of playing in the Europa League – where the rest of the Prem sides find themselves.
      Manchester United have the considerable advantage of having dropped down into the tournament courtesy of finishing third in their Champions League group.
      The Red Devils have earned £50.7m worth of prize money as it stands after beating Granada to make the Europa League semi-finals where they will play Roma.
      Arsenal started the season in the competition and have only chalked up £14.4m in winnings.

      ABS-OLUTE HUNK
      Reported Man Utd target Cristiano Ronaldo is still ripped to shreds at 36 – and wanted to remind his 276million Instagram followers.
      The Juventus superstar proved age is just a number once again with his latest social media selfie.
      Relaxing topless in what appears to be a sauna, the forward posed for the selfie with his eyes closed and bulging muscles on show for all to see.
      Ronaldo simply wrote: “Kaizen,” on the photo – which means ‘improvement’ in Japanese.
      The Euro 2016 winner has been linked with a return to Old Trafford, with Paul Pogba heading in the opposite direction.
      Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram to flash his abs once again for all 276m followers

      BAIL OUT
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he is relaxed over Eric Bailly’s contract situation with the defender set to become a free agent in 2022.
      The Man Utd boss said: “Eric has played well when he’s played. I know there’s been speculation. We’re talking to him about his contract so I don’t see any issues really.”
      And the Red Devils boss is hopeful the centre-back will be ready for selection to face Burnley on Sunday.
      He added: “Eric has been isolating back home in the Ivory Coast. He’s back to England now. We hope he can be available for the weekend.
      “Hopefully he can train tomorrow, depending on how he feels within himself. He’s had his tests today so we need to get the confirmation that he’s still negative.”
      SILVA LINING
      Man Utd will have to fork out £35million if they want to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva in the summer.
      According to Bild, the Red Devils are interested in the Portugal international who has banged in 23 Bundesliga goals this term.
      It has been claimed that United are battling Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.
      Silva is seen as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland.
      SILVA LINING
      Man Utd will have to fork out £35million if they want to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva in the summer.
      According to Bild, the Red Devils are interested in the Portugal international who has banged in 23 Bundesliga goals this term.
      It has been claimed that United are battling Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.
      Silva is seen as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland.
      RAPH AND READY
      Former Man Utd midfielder Owen Hargreaves has urged the club to sign Leeds winger Raphinha instead of Jadon Sancho.
      The BT Sport pundit said: “I don’t think it’s realistic for Manchester United to win the Premier League next season.
      “They have to find a way to bridge that gap. You bridge that gap by getting another centre-back, getting a central midfielder, and getting a right winger.
      “A lot of people have played out on that right hand side and haven’t really found it. Jadon Sancho would be amazing.
      “You think about Raphinha at Leeds and what he could do in this United team – there’s obviously levels, and you can’t always spend £100million on a player.”
      IRN BRU
      Bruno Fernandes has his sights set on winning the Europa League after Man Utd advanced into the semi-finals.

      FORWARD PLAN
      Paul Scholes wants Manchester United to bring in a new striker this summer and boost their forward options.
      He told BT Sport: “I think they’ve got really good forwards but are any a real-centre forward? They look better in wide areas.
      “[Edinson] Cavani has only started 15 games, can they keep him another year? It will cost a lot of money but they have to sign someone eventually.
      “If Cavani was to stay, he wouldn’t want to sit on the bench, I think he’s waiting to see if United sign a centre-forward. He hasn’t played a lot due to injuries and that is a concern given his age.”
      The ex-Red Devils midfielder added: “I don’t see Mason Greenwood as a centre-forward, I just see him in wide areas, not a great link up man, not making clever runs or tap ins, I see him in a wide right area that none of the other players like.
      “He is devastating when facing a player up on the right side, that’s what makes him such a dangerous player.
      “As a kid he wasn’t like a traditional centre-forward but always scored spectacular goals. He’s a wide player and that’s why United need to sign a top class centre-forward.”
      ON THE PAUL
      Paul Pogba laughed at Jose Mourinho’s distraction tactics after United’s victory at Spurs last week.
      After the game the ex-Chelsea and Porto boss hit out at Solskjaer for saying he wouldn’t feed his son if he went down like Son Heung-min did after Scott McTominay’s hand brushed his face.
      Mourinho then said he is glad Son’s dad is a better father than Ole.
      Asked for his thoughts on the post-game reaction, Pogba said: “I don’t know what happened, I’m sure Mourinho said something that would make people speak, that’s what he does.
      “We got the result we wanted, Ole knows it and we enjoyed that moment because we know Mourinho and we know what he likes. We don’t need this [war of words], we just focus on us.
      “We won the game, he lost the game and he doesn’t want to speak about the game, he wants to speak about the dad of someone, that’s what he does. Everybody knows him, it’s very Mourinho.”
      FOOTIE RAID
      Roma defender Chris Smalling was robbed at gunpoint in front of his wife and toddler son when three hooded men broke into his home.
      The 31-year-old was sleeping when the armed thugs broke into his home and forced him to open his safe.
      Smalling, who played for Manchester United for ten years, handed over a Rolex watch and other items of jewellery, Gazzetta dello Sport reports.
      His wife Sam, 35, called the police at 5am this morning after the break-in at the home in the Appia Antica area of Rome.
      The robbery happened in front of the couple’s two-year-old son Leo.
      Roma were playing in the Europa League last night but Smalling was injured with a knee injury.
      NO RASH DECISION
      Man Utd are hopeful Marcus Rashford will be fit to face Burnley after missing the Europa League win over Granada.
      The England forward, 23, was left on the bench for Thursday night’s 2-0 semi-final win.
      And after the game, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed Rashford missed the game – which United won 2-0 to seal a 4-0 aggregate victory – with a knock and was only named on the bench in case of emergency.
      All eyes will now turn to Sunday’s Premier League game at home to Burnley, with Solskjaer admitting Rashford could miss out.
      Immediately after beating Granada, Solskjaer said: “We hope [Rashford] is going to be ready [to face Burnley].nToday was about not risking him.
      “He was on the bench just in case because you never know in a knockout tie. He’s been playing with a sore foot. I don’t know [if he’ll be ready] yet.”
      NO WAY, JOSE
      Paul Pogba has hit out at former manager Jose Mourinho suggesting he ‘goes against his players’ unlike current Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      The World Cup winner told Sky Sports: “What I have now with Ole is different, he wouldn’t go against the players.
      “Maybe Ole wouldn’t pick them, but it’s not like he puts them on the side like they don’t exist anymore. That’s the difference between Mourinho and Ole.
      “Once I had a great relationship with Mourinho, everybody saw that, and the next day you don’t know what happened.
      “That’s the strange thing I had with Mourinho and I cannot explain to you because even I don’t know. Maybe [Solskjaer’s methods work] because he is a bit closer to the people.
      “Every coach has their own way to coach and deal with players, and as a player you have to adapt. Sometimes it doesn’t suit you and sometimes it does.”
      CAM TO THE PARTY
      Arsenal are reportedly in the transfer battle to sign Eduardo Camavinga after he refused to sign a new contract at Rennes.
      But the Gunners face strong competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid for the defensive midfielder.
      Reports earlier this week stated the 18-year-old would not put pen to paper on a new deal with the Ligue 1 side.
      With his current contract expiring in 2022, that means Rennes may be forced into selling their young star or risk losing him for free next year.
      And according to Marca, Arsenal may try their luck to lure the Frenchman to the Emirates – even if, like Rennes, they cannot offer Champions League football next season.
      Rennes midfielder Eduardo Camavinga is reportedly a target for Man Utd and Arsenal
      GREAT DANE
      Man Utd have joined the race for Fulham’s on-loan Lyon defender Joachim Andersen, according to reports.
      The Dane moved to Craven Cottage last summer, after finding opportunities limited with the French side.
      Despite Fulham’s struggles, he has hit the ground running in West London, earning the captain’s armband in just his fourth Premier League appearance.
      And his quick progress has not gone unnoticed by potential suitors.
      Danish outlet BT claim that the Red Devils have more than just a passing interest in the 24-year-old.

      GOOD MORNING UNITED FANS
      Edinson Cavani opened the scoring as Manchester United comfortably made it into the Europa League semi-finals last night.
      The 2-0 win against Granada at Old Trafford, 4-0 on aggregate, was sealed late on thanks to a Jesus Vallejo own goal.
      Marcus Rashford watched on from the bench due to a foot knock while Paul Pogba took the armband in Harry Maguire’s absence due to suspension.
      Roma are the Red Devils’ opponents in the semis after Edin Dzeko scored an equaliser against Ajax, securing a 1-1 draw on the night and 3-2 aggregate win.
      In transfer news, SunSport revealed yesterday United’s intention to push ahead with signing Nikola Milenkovic.
      The Fiorentina defender is available for £38million this summer, a fee the Red Devils will hope to negotiate down.
      Raphael Varane has also been linked with a move from Real Madrid.
      According to Spanish journalist Jose Alvarez, the Frenchman is heading to Old Trafford.
      He told El Chiringuito TV that United and Varane are in ‘advanced talks’ and that Madrid are preparing for his exit.
      ALL ROADS LEAD TO ROMA
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cannot wait to face Roma in the Europa League semi-finals.
      Tonight’s 2-0 win over Granada confirmed Manchester United’s clash against the Italians, with the first leg on April 26.
      Solskjaer said: “We’re looking forward to it, we’re in the semis and it feels like a proper European tie.
      “Roma is club with loads of tradition and history but we’ve done well against them before.
      “We look forward to them and hope we can get to the final. If we can finish the season with a trophy that’ll be great.”

      POG REACTION
      Paul Pogba has spoken of his early substitution tonight despite taking the armband from the suspended Harry Maguire.
      He told BT Sport: “[After] some tackles, a yellow card, I had to come off obviously.
      “The yellow card was unfortunate. It wasn’t a yellow card for me but you have to accept it. We won the game, that’s the most important thing.
      “I know the foul just after it, I saw all the players trying to get me out. [The manager thought] it’s better I come off before a red card.”
      He still had time to set up Edinson Cavani’s goal, his third assist in four games – having previously taken 51 games to clock that many.
      Credit: AP
      SOL MATE
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he substituted Paul Pogba at half-time due to fears over a red card.
      He told BT Sport: “Sometimes, Paul wants to win so much…
      “He went into a couple of tackles after his yellow card but I thought I don’t want to risk [him being sent off] even though he played so well.
      “We missed three today [through suspension]. The season has been hard enough as it is.”
      BRU ARE YA?!
      Bruno Fernandes has warned Manchester United not to underestimate Roma in the semi-finals.
      He told BT Sport: “Every team will give you problems. They have a good organisation defensively, they can create problems offensively.
      “Some of their players have played in England. We know what we have to do. If we do the right things, we will have our chances to win the game.”
      Credit: EPA
      FORWARD THINKING
      Owen Hargreaves does not think Manchester United need to sign a new centre-forward – so long as they sign Edinson Cavani to a new contract.
      The 34-year-old scored against Granada earlier but could leave at the end of the season, something former midfielder Hargreaves does not want to see.
      The ex-Red Devil told BT Sport: “Obviously everyone wants Harry Kane and Erling Haaland but they should keep Cavani and reinvest it elsewhere. 
      “They could spend that money on three other players in important positions. Cavani could get you 25 goals if he plays regularly next season.
      “They are the second highest scorers in the league already so is it the biggest issue? 
      “Their best players are attackers, I don’t think it is realistic to win the league next season but they need a new right winger and centre-back and you can’t spend £100million on every player.”
      SEMI-FINAL LINE-UP
      Here are the confirmed Europa League semi-final ties…
      First leg – Thursday, April 29. 8pm:Manchester United vs RomaVillarreal vs Arsenal
      Second leg – Thursday, May 6. 8pm:Roma vs Manchester UnitedArsenal vs Villarreal
      Credit: AP
      Load more entries… More

    • 200 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Aubameyang LATEST, Arsenal Odegaard blow, Chelsea target Aguero, Haaland update – Liverpool, Man City transfer news

      by

      ARSENAL’S quest in making Martin Odegaard’s transfer permanent has taken a blow, with reports in Spain naming him as one of Real Madrid’s four ‘untouchables’. And we’ve got the very latest on Sergio Aguero and Erling Haaland’s futures as the transfer speculation intensifies for what will be a thrilling summer.
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      ANDRE WOULD COST UTD £35m
      Man Utd will have to fork out £35million if they want to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva in the summer.
      According to Bild, the Red Devils are interested in the Portugal international who has banged in 23 Bundesliga goals this term.
      It has been claimed that United are battling Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.
      Silva is seen as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland.
      ZLAT-RIANO
      Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City are circling for the ‘next Zlatan Ibrahimovic’ – Inter Milan striker Martin Satriano.
      Premier League giants have reportedly stepped up their interest in Liverpool fan Satriano as Serie A leaders Inter face financial problems.
      And the Uruguay starlet, 20, has admitted he’d love to play in the Prem.
      The Mail claim Champions League semi-finalists Paris Saint-Germain and second-placed Bundesliga side RB Leipzig are also keen on him.
      Satriano has amassed eight goals and six assists in just 18 matches this season.
      But although his contract runs until 2024, he appears to be one of the players most likely to be sold if Inter decide to cut costs this summer.
      Inter Milan’s Uruguayan starlet Martin Satriano is being eyed by a string of top European rivals, even though his contract runs until 2024
      TOP OF THE KOPS
      Jamie Carragher believes Liverpool is the ideal setting for Erling Haaland.
      The Norwegian is wanted by a host of clubs, including Manchester United, this summer but the ex-defender hopes to see him at Anfield.
      He told CBS Sports: “I think Haaland should come to Liverpool, because it’s his type of football.
      “Basically heavy metal football, he relies on his pace and his power. That’s the type of football that Liverpool play.
      “Who would not want to play in front of the Kop? Liverpool, energy, Champions League football nights.”
      FUL STEAM AHEAD
      Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal take on Fulham this weekend aiming to string together back to back victories in the Premier League for the first time since January.
      The Spaniard’s side have been riddled with inconsistency this season, but will be buoyed by Thursday night’s 4-0 trouncing of Slavia Prague in the Europa League.
      Arteta, 38, will now need to strike a delicate balance between keeping his key men fresh, while also maintaining positive momentum on the pitch.
      The success, are lack thereof, of Arsenal’s season, will almost certainly be more determined by their upcoming Europa League semi-finals with Unai Emery’s Villarreal.
      But the North Londoners can’t just neglect their league campaign, especially when they sit just one point above the bottom half.
      Here’s how the Gunners could start.
      Here is how SunSport predicts Arsenal could start against Fulham
      JUST A GAME
      Ronaldo once treated his Real Valladolid players to a Playstation 5 after a victory.
      The Brazilian legend and club president’s kind-hearted gesture was revealed by right-back Saidy Janko.
      The 25-year-old former Manchester United prospect also told of how Ronaldo invited players over for online gaming.
      Janko told blick.ch that players went to Ronaldo’s house “to play a little online against the Juve stars Douglas Costa and Paulo Dybala”.
      And he added: “Once he just gave us a Playstation 5 after a win. He’s very sociable, and he’ll have a coffee with you from time to time.”
      Ronaldo brought a 51 per cent stake in the Spanish club in September 2018.
      EURO CASH
      Chelsea and Manchester City are cashing in the most from their European exploits so far this season after making the Champions League semi-finals.
      Chelsea have banked £79.8m for their exploits in Europe so far this season while Pep Guardiola’s Citizens have netted £76.8m, according to figures from football-coefficient.eu.
      The riches on offer in Europe’s premier competition dwarf the financial benefits of playing in the Europa League – where the rest of the Prem sides find themselves.
      Manchester United have the considerable advantage of having dropped down into the tournament courtesy of finishing third in their Champions League group.
      The Red Devils have earned £50.7m worth of prize money as it stands after beating Granada to make the Europa League semi-finals where they will play Roma.
      Arsenal started the season in the competition and have only chalked up £14.4m in winnings.

      RED AND BURIED
      Mikel Arteta will take on his predecessor Unai Emery for a place in the Europa Leauge final.
      But how are the two Spaniards faring in their roles this season – and who is doing better?
      On the face of it, the stats are pretty even – both have picked up 26 victories in all competitions.
      However, Emery, 49, boats a slightly better win percentage at 55 per cent from 47 matches compared to Arteta’s 53 per cent from 49.
      Villarreal have 14 draws in the 2020-21 campaign while Arsenal have just eight.
      But the Gunners do have more than double the number of defeats with 15 to just seven for the Yellow Submarine.

      TALENT SHOW
      Bukayo Sako was hailed as ‘an outstanding talent’ by Arsenal legend Martin Keown after tearing Slavia Prague to shreds.
      Keown told BT Sport: “That young man didn’t play the FA Cup final last year and he has the point to prove.
      “That will have hurt him. He probably deserved to get on in that game but maybe it was a blessing. He’s determined and his contribution tonight was different class.”
      The ex-Arsenal stalwart added: “His versatility is a must.
      “They can’t stop (Saka), he’s just too good. It was emphatic how he put it in the net (for his goal).
      “He can play as a No 10, as a left back as I keep suggesting and on the right. He really is an outstanding talent, so why would Gareth Southgate not look at him? He’s quite unique in the skill-set he has.”
      BAIL OUT
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed he is relaxed over Eric Bailly’s contract situation with the defender set to become a free agent in 2022.
      The Man Utd boss said: “Eric has played well when he’s played. I know there’s been speculation. We’re talking to him about his contract so I don’t see any issues really.”
      And the Red Devils boss is hopeful the centre-back will be ready for selection to face Burnley on Sunday.
      He added: “Eric has been isolating back home in the Ivory Coast. He’s back to England now. We hope he can be available for the weekend.
      “Hopefully he can train tomorrow, depending on how he feels within himself. He’s had his tests today so we need to get the confirmation that he’s still negative.”
      STOP AT NOTHING
      Barcelona have pulled out all the stops to try and convince Lionel Messi to stay, according to reports.
      The Catalan giants are said to have offered the Argentine a staggered pay packet, an ambassador role after he retires and the signing of Erling Haaland this summer.
      Barca are in dire financial straits with the Nou Camp club said to be around £1BILLION in debt.
      And as a result, they cannot offer Messi anywhere near the £2.4million-a-week salary he is currently getting.
      Club chief Joan Laporta knows he cannot compete with the financial might of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain who are the favourites to sign the 33-year-old if he does leave Barca.
      And as a result he has offered Messi a deal that would see his earnings start lower than what he currently earns but gradually increase throughout the duration of the new deal as the club’s finances improve, according to RAC1.
      This would also see him transition into a role as a club ambassador when he decides to retire.
      SILVA LINING
      Man Utd will have to fork out £35million if they want to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva in the summer.
      According to Bild, the Red Devils are interested in the Portugal international who has banged in 23 Bundesliga goals this term.
      It has been claimed that United are battling Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.
      Silva is seen as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland.
      COOCHY COOCHY BLUE
      EXCLUSIVE – Man City wonderkid Phil Foden is celebrating again after revealing he is to become a dad for the second time.
      He and childhood sweetheart Rebecca Cooke, both now 20, had little Ronnie — named after Foden’s boyhood nickname — in January 2019.
      Now the midfield ace has told friends they are having a baby girl to join them in their £3.25million mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.
      The new arrival is expected in late summer or early autumn, The Sun understands.
      A source said of Foden and his table-topping Sky Blues: “City can’t stop scoring at the moment — both on and off the pitch.
      “They’ve hit the back of the net more times than any of the teams and are now celebrating another kid. It couldn’t be a better way to cap off such a great season.”
      STAR SUPPORT
      Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe paid tribute to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Thursday night.
      The Gunners duo put up an ‘A’ celebration after the Frenchman’s second goal in their 4-0 win at Slavia Prague.
      The message was a tribute to team-mate Aubameyang, who contracted malaria while on international duty.
      The Gabon striker missed the Europa League quarter-final second leg and explained the reason why on Instagram.
      After the victory, Mikel Arteta said: “He feels really good. That’s what he said to me today. Everybody’s been in contact with him.
      “He was watching the game like everybody else at Colney. These things happen. He travelled to his country. These risks always exist.”
      Nicolas Pepe and Alexandre Lacazette showed their support for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
      BISS CHASE
      Liverpool should replace Georginio Wijnaldum with Brighton’s Yves Bissouma this summer, according to John Barnes.
      The former England star told BonusCode Bets: “Yves Bissouma has the ability to play at a team like Liverpool.
      “He could fill what Jurgen Klopp wants from the three midfield players.
      “He is strong defensively, he works hard, he plays the ball quickly and every now and then when he needs to dribble, as much as we don’t speak about Brighton, you know he can do it, because he has [in the past].
      “Of all the players playing in England, that could fit the template of Liverpool’s midfield three, he is one of them.
      “He looks like Georginio Wijnaldum, although he doesn’t attack as much as Gini, because Brighton plays a different style of football, when Bissouma wants to he can. He is 24 and young, he would be a great fit.”
      ODE GEAR
      Martin Odegaard has reportedly been named as one of four young ‘untouchables’ at Real Madrid, in a blow to Arsenal’s chances of signing him.
      The Norwegian has impressed during his temporary stint in North London, even bagging a memorable derby goal against Spurs last month.
      Hopes have been raised among the Gunners’ fanbase that the attacking midfielder can be retained for next season.
      But according to Marca, Odegaard won’t be going anywhere.
      The Spanish paper report that the 22-year-old is one of four young ‘untouchables’ that the Madrid hierarchy want to build around.
      Odegaard’s contract in Spain is set to expire in 2023, and a board-led renewal appears likely.
      Spanish media state that Real Madrid do not wan to sell Martin Odegaard in the summer
      AGUER-DOUGH
      Chelsea target Sergio Aguero is demanding £200,000-a-week wages from his next club, according to reports.
      The Manchester City legend is leaving the Etihad at the end of the season when his contract expires and there are four clubs looking to land the 32-year-old.
      Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are the three teams battling Chelsea for Aguero’s signature, according to AS.
      And the striker’s agent told Italian giants Juve they would have to cough up £200k-a-week in order to sign him, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
      Aguero is trying to capitalise on his free agent status with any club not required to pay a transfer fee for such a talented player.
      Barca are unlikely to be able to cough up the big dough with their finances crippled by Covid-19, but the chance to play with his friend Lionel Messi – if he stays in Catalonia – could tempt Aguero to the Nou Camp.
      Load more entries… More

    • 188 Shares169 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Emilia Romagna Grand Prix practice LIVE: Stream, TV channel from Imola – latest updates

      by

      F1 is back at Imola as the drivers prepare for a terrific weekend in the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.After a three-week break, the season is back underway after Lewis Hamilton was victorious in Bahrain.

      Practice start time: 10am BST
      TV channel/live stream: Sky Sports F1/NOW TV

      Follow ALL the action from Italy with our live blog below…
      SO HERE IS THE TOP 10 FROM FP2

      MORE MAX MISERY IN ITALY

      EVENTFUL DAY IN IMOLA

      FP2 IS OVER – LECLERC’S SMASH BRINGS AND EARLY END TO THE SESSION
      Valtteri Bottas tops FP2, just as hid FP1. The Finn is quicker than Hamilton, but only just, 0.010 seconds in it.
      Problems for Verstappen, who had a mechanical failure and of course Leclerc.
      Pierre Gasly in P3 in his AlphaTauri. Carlos Sainz in P3 and Leclerc in P4.
      SNAP OVERSTEER FOR LECLERC
      He went onto the dirty part of the track and his mistake is heavily punished.
      LECLERC HAS CRASHED
      The Ferrari man has crashed at the final corner.
      MERC STILL BOSSING THIS
      The Mercedes duo are in P1 and P2 in the timesheets again. Just like last year.
      RED BULL ARE INVESTIGATING
      As Verstappen’s car is delivered back to the team’s garage, Red Bull will now look into what caused his failure.
      That is expected to be it from him for today. Could be a late night for the mechanics.
      VERSTAPPEN STOPS WITH A PROBLEM
      The Dutchman has a mechanical issue and pulls over. Seemed to have a gearbox problem after going over the kerb. That is a blow to him and Red Bull.
      ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR FP2
      No news yet on the communication problems that hampered the morning session.
      KEEP AN EYE ON WILIAMS
      They could pass Haas this season.

      ALL GOOD AT THE TOP FOR MERC

      MAZEPIN SPINS – RED FLAG
      Another spin for the young Russian driver. He drifts off track, kisses the gravel and is sent into a spin. He is in the barriers.
      He has not impressed since making his debut. His first race lasted just four corners.
      FINAL FEW MINUTES OF FP1
      And Verstappen finally shows his pace along with Gasly. That AlphaTauri again looks strong.
      But it is Hamilton and Bottas trading places at the top with the flying runs.
      LATIFI GOES INTO THE GRAVEL
      The Canadian spins off with another unforced error. Early mistakes for Verstappen and Mazepin too.
      RED BULL BOSS CHRISTIAN HORNER ON THAT INCIDENT
      “It sounds like Ocon was on a slow lap and Sergio was on a flying lap and there was contact going into that corner.”
      SESSION RESTARTS
      The two cars have been cleared and FP1 is go again. Still not too sure what caused that accident between Perez and Ocon.
      RED FLAG AS OCON AND PEREZ CLASH
      RED FLAG 🔴The session is halted as Sergio Perez has a problem with his rear left wheel – and Esteban Ocon suffers collateral damage 👀Both are out of their cars and their FP1 is over #ImolaGP 🇮🇹 #F1 pic.twitter.com/aZKrVqdAGm— Formula 1 (@F1) April 16, 2021

      RED FLAG – PEREZ AND OCON HAVE HAD AN INCIDENT
      Perez’s left rear tyre is off the car, there is some damage to that Red Bull.
      RED BULL YET TO SHOW THEIR SPEED
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez have yet to show their hand. Remember at this race last year, it was a double disaster for Red Bull.Verstappen retired and Alex Albon was 15th and out of the points as Mercedes dominated.
      GASLEY LOOKING STRONG IN THE SUN
      Pierre Gasly, who won in Monza last year, got off to poor start in Bahrain after an accident stopped his race early.
      It was a blow to the Frenchman, who qualified in fifth. He’s quick. He just needs a good race here.
      Now currently top of the timesheets in his AlphaTauri.
      HAMILTON SETTING THE EARLY PACE
      Remember how the world champion struggled in the first few laps in Bahrain?
      Well, no sign of any problems at Imola for Lewis Hamilton, who is looking comfortable at the top of the timesheets.
      Load more entries… More