LIVERPOOL are reportedly eyeing a mega-money swoop for French superstar Kylian Mbappe this summer.
Meanwhile Arsenal are rumoured to be interested in Andre Silva, while we’ve the very latest on Erling Haaland’s potential move to the Premier League.
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Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
TEAM NEWS
Here are the sides for the Manchester derby.
Your derby day line-up! 💙XI | Ederson, Cancelo, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko, Rodrigo, Gundogan, De Bruyne (C), Mahrez, Sterling, JesusSUBS | Steffen, Walker, Aguero, Laporte, Bernardo, Torres, Mendy, Fernandinho, Foden⚽️ @HaysWorldwide🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/WoCMpCLUdu
— Manchester City (@ManCity) March 7, 2021
OH MO
Liverpool star Mo Salah gave the ball away and Fulham’s Mario Lemina took full advantage to rifle home past Alisson.
LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
Steven Gerrard has won the first league title of his career as manager of Rangers.
With Celtic only able to draw 0-0 with St Mirren, Gerrard’s side were crowned SPL champs for the first time in a decade.
BLUE MOON
Chelsea are reportedly set to offer contract extensions to both Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
The centre-backs have become key players under Thomas Tuchel since he replaced Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge, with the German huge fans of both men.
Rudiger, 28, has started every game under the German gaffer, while Christensen, 24, has featured in five out of the last six Premier League matches.
And with the pair’s contracts to expire in 2022, it has been claimed that the Blues are keen to tie them down to new deals.
According to the Telegraph, Chelsea are planning to offer Christensen a new contract, though talks are yet to take place.
They state that the West London outfit are keen to extend the Denmark international’s stay as they are aware clubs are monitoring his situation.
And Football Insider have revealed that Chelsea are in the process of offering Rudiger a long-term deal ahead of the summer.
BRU UP A STORM
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes has been criticised by Roy Keane for his ‘disrespectful’ body language.
Roy Keane took aim at Bruno Fernandes
Keane told Sky Sports ahead of the Manchester derby: “We’ve seen him taken off in a few of the games and his body language has not been great.
“There’s nothing wrong with being taken off and shaking your head for ten seconds.
“But if you’re walking off and a team-mate is coming on, and you’re throwing your arms up in the air, that’s disrespectful to your team-mate.
“And we’re on about a leader.
“If I was coming on and the player was shaking his head, almost disrespecting him, saying ‘I’m coming off for you?’, you’d have a quiet word with him in the dressing room.
“And he’s done it a number of times, so he’s on about maturity and showing respect to your team-mates, well show respect if you have a bad game and don’t be throwing your arms up in the air every two minutes.”
REAL DEAL
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly interested in bringing Real Madrid pair Lucas Vazquez and Isco to Goodison Park.
The duo were both at the Bernabeu when Ancelotti was manager between 2013 and 2015.
Everton are after Real Madrid pair Isco and Lucas VazquezCredit: AFP – Getty
According to Defensa Central, the Everton boss wants to sign Vazquez and Isco to persuade James Rodriguez to stay on Merseyside.
The Colombia international is rumoured to be unhappy at Everton and wants to leave.
It is said he does not like the weather or the physicality of the Premier League.
Rodriguez has rejected the possibility of a return to Real Madrid, claiming that ‘nobody’ wants him there.
FER REAL
Bruno Fernandes lifted the lid on what he thinks is the key to beating Manchester City in today’s derby at the Etihad.
The Portuguese midfielder told the club’s website: “We know it’s always difficult to play against City; we have to do everything good, almost perfection I think.
“The idea of the football they play is easy to understand but it’s difficult to play against.
“Everyone understands the way they play, they want to have the ball, they want to put pressure on and when they lose it they try to win it straight away.
“Everyone knows that, but it’s difficult to play against and difficult to win the ball and have some possession for a long time against them.
“But I think we have to understand what we can do against that type of game and what we can do better to win the game. We all know it’s difficult for us, but it will be difficult them in the same way.”
SPEND ON ART
Arsenal have to back Mikel Arteta with funds in the transfer window, says Martin Keown.
The former Gunner argues Arsenal are in a transition phase so Arteta needs money to strengthen all the areas required.
On BT Sport, Keown said: “It was a disastrous start to the season – 14 points from 14 games. They’ve lost 11 games already this season. We are in a rebuilding process.
“Now there is a nucleus of youngsters at Arsenal that they’re relying heavily on. There are some good players. We need to give them a chance.
“I feel if Smith-Rowe was fit today, Odegaard would not be playing. It does point to the direction that the manager wants to go.
“He wants to play this total football style of play, with people who are really technically very gifted.
“There’s no doubt he can do that, Odegaard. Today’s a really big opportunity for him to stamp his future on this football club.”
NO MOUR OF THAT
Jose Mourinho produced a brutal stats sheet to slate Kevin De Bruyne’s performances at Chelsea, the midfielder has revealed.
De Bruyne told Sky Sports: “There was so much in the press about my relationship with Jose Mourinho.
“But the truth is that I only ever spoke to him twice. The plan was always for me to go on loan for a bit.
“Jose called me into his office in December, and it was probably the second big life-changing moment for me.
“He had some papers in front of him, and he said, ‘One assist. Zero goals. Ten recoveries’.
“It took me a minute to understand what he was doing. Then he started reading the stats of the other attacking forwards – Willian, Oscar, [Juan] Mata, [Andre] Schurrle. And it’s like – five goals, ten assists, whatever.
“Jose was just kind of waiting for me to say something, and finally I said, ‘But… some of these guys have played 15, 20 games. I’ve only played three. So it’s going to be different, no?’.
“It was so strange. I was completely honest. I said, ‘I feel like the club doesn’t really want me here. I want to play football. I’d rather you sell me’.”
BARC FOR GOOD?
Lionel Messi has voted in the Barcelona presidential election – the outcome of which could desire his future.
MAN ALIVE
Do any Manchester United players make it into a combined XI with runaway Prem leaders City?
MO GO – EXCLUSIVE
Blackburn are ready to go foreign if they decide to dump Tony Mowbray as boss.
Owners Venkys and advisers have been looking into a new direction as they review the four-year stint of Mowbray.
They have been on a poor run of results, and the club want to see where it has all gone wrong.
The success of young up-and-coming coaches from abroad — such as Barnsley’s Valerian Ismail — have put them on alert.
This suggests Rovers could look for a foreign boss in their bid to return to the Premier League.
Mowbray had a reprieve yesterday with a 2-0 win at Millwall after goals from Bradley Dack and Sam Gallagher.
But they are still only 15th in the Championship, and had plans of pushing for a promotion spot this campaign.
LAZT TO LEAVE
Chelsea star Olivier Giroud almost joined Lazio last summer, his Italian representative has revealed.
The 34-year-old is said to have stayed at Stamford Bridge because the Blues could not find a replacement.
Olivier Giroud was headed for the Chelsea exit door last summerCredit: Reuters
In an interview with Italian newspaper Tuttosport, Vincenzo Morabito, who has been working with Giroud’s agent Michael Manuello on a move to Italy, said: “Giroud was one step away from Lazio a year ago.
“If Napoli had sold [Dries] Mertens to Chelsea, the Frenchman would have become Biancoceleste.”
Morabito’s comments suggest Giroud may join an Italian club this summer.
He is out of contract at the end of the season and it seems likely he will leave Chelsea.
RAZOR BLADES – EXCLUSIVE
Sheffield United’s money men will save a fortune if they wait to sack Chris Wilder AFTER relegation.
The Blades are making a painful return to the Championship after a horror season, with Wilder’s future now in doubt.
But the popular boss is cheaper to pay off when his salary drops back to second-tier level from his current Prem salary.
And that may mean Wilder’s fate is not decided until the Bramall Lane outfit are down when his terms take a hit, too.
Wilder has been a huge success at Blades, taking them from League One to the Prem in his reign.
But both parties look set to agree it is time for a change in the summer.
RAB GRAB
Juventus midfielder Adrien Rabiot is a transfer target for Manchester City and Everton, according to reports.
The Premier League leaders are said to be keen on the 25-year-old, but it is unlikely he will leave the Italian champions this summer.
Adrien Rabiot is attracting plenty of Prem interestCredit: Getty Images – Getty
In an interview with Italian newspaper Tuttosport, agent Vincenzo Morabito, who was involved in Bobby Duncan’s high-profile youth move from Liverpool to Fiorentina in 2019, said: “The Frenchman is on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City goal list.
“But he will not leave Juventus.”
Despite Morabito’s comments, it is believed Juventus will accept a £26million offer for Rabiot this summer.
If City do pursue a move for the midfielder, they may face stiff competition from Everton.
The Toffees tried to sign Rabiot last summer and they continue to be linked with a move.
FULL OF HART
Arsenal have reportedly offered a new contract to starlet Kido Taylor-Hart as they look to fend off interest from abroad.
The highly-rated academy winger’s scholarship deal expires at the end of the season, but the club are determined to keep him in North London.
Taylor-Hart, 18, has impressed this season for Arsenal – chipping in with six goals and four assists in nine matches for the U18’s.
And he scored his second for the U23s on Friday in the 2-2 draw against Southampton in what was his ninth game of the campaign for Steve Bould’s side.
Likened to Bayern Munich ace Leroy Sane due to his blistering speed, the teenager is understood to have no shortage of admirers should he depart Hale End.
According to Football.London, clubs from Germany, Belgium, Holland as well as in England are keen to snap the forward up.
But they claim that Arsenal are looking to tie him down by offering the player a first professional contract.
LIKE YOUR KYLE
Celtic are closing in on a deal to sign Kyle Joseph from Wigan, reports say.
The Scotland Under-19 international’s contract expires in June and he has plenty of clubs interested in signing him on a free.
Kyle Joseph looks set to join CelticCredit: Rex Features
As a result, he has not extended his contract, instead choosing to explore his options.
According to the Daily Mail, Celtic are set to conclude a pre-contract which will bring the forward to Scotland.
Tottenham and Arsenal were among those linked with the teen, who has five goals in 16 games so far this season.
FERGIE’S FEAR
Sir Alex Ferguson feared he may never speak again after suffering a brain haemorrhage in 2018.
The legendary Manchester United boss also worried he would lose his memory and be able to recall the highlights of his glittering career at Old Trafford.
Speaking at the premiere of his new documentary at the Glasgow Film Festival on Sunday, Fergie said: “And everything was going through my mind: is my memory going to come back? Am I ever going to speak again?”
Thankfully, the 79-year-old regained his voice with the help of a speech therapist in ten days – meaning he was once again able to dish out the hairdryer treatment if needed.
I’VE JOT YA
Diogo Jota is keen to spearhead the rescue mission that can turn Anfield into home sweet home again.
The £45million Portuguese frontman is poised to start his first game in three months following the knee injury that coincided with the Premier League champs’ slump.
During his time away, Jurgen Klopp’s side plunged from top spot into a battle just to make the top four.
Having watched the roof fall in, Jota, 24, said: “We need to stay together and push from the same side.
“I hope that coming back will, let’s say, bring some freshness.
“I feel like I could be like a winter transfer.
“That’s what I hope, so they can rely on me and think I can help them in the future.”
HANS ON
Bayern Munich confirmed their interest in Erling Haaland as manager Hansi Flick admitted a transfer is ‘very much possible’.
Star striker Haaland has emerged as one of the hottest commodities in Europe, and put it on full display against the German champions.
Bayern Munich confirmed their interest in Borussia Dortmund star Erling HaalandCredit: EPA
He scored twice in nine minutes to stun Bayern into an early deficit.
But the match ended 4-2, thanks to a hat-trick from hitman Robert Lewandowski – who himself swapped Dortmund for Bayern.
His manager Flick was asked about Haaland one day replacing Lewandowski, with a deal far from out the picture.
He told Sky Germany before the game: “Very, very much is possible in life, nothing can be ruled out.
“But that is a long way off. He has a long-term contract in Dortmund and is an option for many top clubs.”
STOP N’GO
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel revealed N’Golo Kante will NOT play 90 minutes against Everton as he provided an injury update.
The Frenchman returned to the squad at the end of January having been sidelined with a hamstring problem.
He has started the Blues’ last three matches and was a key figure in their away trip at Liverpool, providing the assist for Mason Mount’s winner.
Tuchel confirmed the 29-year-old will have some form of rest and said: “This is unbelievable and we see his intensity in the physical report after matches and we think maybe they tracked two people and put it into one sheet.
“It is unbelievable what he delivers in terms of intensity and ball recoveries and of devotion for a group.
“This is world class, the highest level, and we are very happy he is in our squad. He comes from injury.
“He will not play now all games 90 minutes before we arrive at the international break. We have to manage him.”
TOUGH GLOVE
Dean Henderson has been warned he has the toughest job in football – but Manchester United skipper Harry Maguire has no doubts the keeper is ready to take a golden chance to establish himself as the club’s No 1.
Henderson, 23, who has played for United 14 times this season, will get a run of games after David De Gea returned to Spain for the birth of his daughter, and will be forced to quarantine when returning.
Maguire said: “Being a goalkeeper is an unforgiving place, especially when you play for Manchester United.
“It is probably the most scrutinised position in English football, maybe world football. And probably closely followed by the centre-backs!
“When you play for this club you have to like the pressure. He has the personality to do that, Deano.
“He will see this as an opportunity. Obviously I don’t want to put pressure on him but he’s a top keeper and he’s a lad who does not lack confidence!
“He knows it’s an opportunity and sometimes you have to take it. It is fantastic we have David with his experience and Deano is coming through. We have two very, very good keepers fighting for one place.”
‘STATS NOT EVERYTHING’
Bruno Fernandes has hit back at claims he falls short against the Premier League heavyweights.
Manchester United midfielder Fernandes has 15 league goals this season, but only two have come against the so-called Big Six and Leicester — a penalty against Tottenham and a goal against the Foxes.
Bruno Fernandes said there’s more to football than statsCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He said: “I know people expect Bruno to score or assist in every game because when I arrived, I was playing really well.
“I want to do that, it’s the most important thing. But as a player, I don’t look for the Big Six or the rest of the league.I look at every game the same way.”
He told Sky Sports: “I saw an interview from Luke (Shaw) saying ‘people now care more about stats than the performance’.
“This is the truth. Because now they’re expecting from me just goals and assists and not performances.
“I don’t need to see the stats to see if I play well or not. I know when I play well or not.”
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
This month’s South American World Cup Qualifiers have been postponed due to coronavirus travel restrictions.
The pandemic has created a logistical nightmare in terms of flying players in and out of different countries.
On Saturday, the South American football confederation, Conmebol, confirmed the decision to axe the fixtures.
A statement read: “The Conmebol Council has decided to suspend the double-header of Qatar 2022 qualifiers scheduled for March.
“The decision is due to the impossibility of receiving all South American players in a timely manner.
“Fifa will work on the rescheduling of the date, in coordination with Conmebol and the member associations. Soon, the different options for holding the matches will be studied.”
Meanwhile, on the transfer front, Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly willing to pay David Alaba’s £400,000-a-week wages when he becomes a free agent this summer.
The Bayern Munich defender’s contract is up at the end of the season and he is rumoured to be turning heads across Europe.
And while PSG are hoping they can secure his signature by facilitating his wage demands, AS believe the Austrian is waiting on interest from Chelsea and Real Madrid.
And finally, Gareth Southgate is reportedly considering a call-up for Aston Villa’s Matt Targett.
The England boss has been impressed with the 25-year-old’s form for Dean Smith’s side and is weighing up whether to include him, according to The Mirror.
DON’T SKIP A BEAT
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants Manchester United to be a team of leaders — not just Bruno Fernandes, writes PHIL THOMAS.
The Portugal midfielder, 26, has been the Red Devils’ star man this term.
Yet even he has shown signs of fatigue of late and opponents have started singling him out as the man to keep quiet.
Now, ahead of today’s Manchester derby, the United boss urged the rest of his players to step up.
Solskjaer said: “We expect everyone to be a leader, everyone to take that responsibility.
“Of course it might be Bruno, but I know teams are trying to man-mark him at times.
“Taking responsibility is important for everyone. Don’t wait for things to happen, you’ve got to make things happen.”
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