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CHELSEA have bee given a major boost in their pursuit of Borussia Dortmund sensation Erling Haaland.
We’ve got the very latest for you on Manchester United’s chase for Max Aarons, while stick with us on SunSport for all the transfer news from the Premier League’s top clubs.

BET OF THE DAY:
GET HARRY KANE TO SCORE OR ASSIST VS BURNLEY AT HUGE 25/1
Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…

NELSON HIS WAY
Arsenal are open to offers for winger Reiss Nelson this summer, according to reports.
The 21-year-old has been limited to just finine first-team appearances this season, and former Gunners striker Kevin Campbell feels a move away would be the best thing for him.
Campbell said: “Going out on loan is difficult because there is so many players ahead of him right now. 
“For me, he has got to play football and realistically he is not going to get that regularly at Arsenal.
“I would love the club to do a deal where we sell him but we have first refusal on him after, because he knows the Arsenal way.
“Getting game time is very difficult right now during this rebuild. Go away, get minutes, prove yourself and if we like what we see we will bring you back.”

RAPH DEAL
Real Madrid will consider bids of £61m this summer if the Frencham decides to leave the club.
The 28-year-old has 18 months left on his Real contract and is considering his future at the Bernabeu.
With the likes of Manchester United, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain circling, Real do not want to lose a four-time Champions League winner for nothing.
Los Blancos also face an uncertain wait on the future of club captain Sergio Ramos, who has yet to agree new terms and could become a free agent at the end of the season.

MESSI COULD STAY
Lionel Messi could still decide to stay at Barcelona, according to Marca.
The Barca star, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain or Manchester CIty.
But reports in Spain say the Argentine forward will delay any decision on his future until a new president is elected at Barcelona.
The elections are due to take place on March 7.

SIM-PLY THE BEST
Everton are weighing up a summer move for Slavia Prague sensation Abdallah Sima, according to Football Insider.
The 19-year-old forward stunned Leicester in the Europa League on Thursday night by scoring Slavia’s second from outside the box to seal the Czech side’s progress into the last-16.
The Senegalese teenager has scored 15 goals in 22 appearances in all competitions this season.
West Ham are also interested in Sima and have a favourable relationship with Slavia, having signed both Tomas Soucek and Vladimir Coufal from the club.

FEELING BLUE
Arsenal midfielder Willian has been discussing his departure from Chelsea last summer.
The Brazilian, 32, has struggled for form since his move to the Emirates, with just three assists and no goals in the Premier League so far this season.
Willian said: “I didn’t leave the club with a fight, I left the doors open.
“Everyone knew the conditions, I really wanted to stay.
“We ended up not finding an agreement, I ended up asking for three years, Chelsea wanted to give two, and everyone knows this story.
“That’s why I ended up leaving.”

NEU LOOK
Liverpool are tracking Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Florian Neuhaus, according to Bild.
The 23-year-old has a £36m release clause in his contract with Gladbach.
The Reds look set to lose midfielder Gini Wijnaldum on a free transfer this summer and Neuhaus is seen as a possible replacement.
Neuhaus has also been linked with Manchester City, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund, although it is thought the German pair will struggle to meet his release clause.

CAV-EAT
Manchester United will have to pay Edinson Cavani £1.75m if they do not extend his contract for another season, according to the Times.
The former Paris Saint-Germain striker signed a one-year deal with United in October, with the option of a further year.
The report claims if United fail to trigger the one-year extension, the 34-year-old will be due £1.75m in compensation.
Cavani has proved a shrewd signing for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side, with seven goals in 19 Premier League appearances this season.

FRENCH FANCY
Juventus plan to raid Ligue 1 to strenghthen their forward line this summer, according to Tuttosport.
The report claims the Old Lady want to sign Lyon forward Memphis Depay and former Napoli striker Arkadiusz Milik, now of Marseille, this summer.
Depay, who was linked with a move to Barcelona last summer, looks set to become a free agent at the end of the season after running down his contract in France.
Milik on the other hand has only just joined Marseille, after being frozen out by Napoli at the start of the season, but is believed to have a £11m release clause in his deal.

ON GAARD
Arsenal hopes of keeping Real Madrid loanee Martin Odegaard beyond the summer appear to have been dashed.
The Spanish giants are keen for the midfielder to return to the Spanish capital at the end of the season.
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta hinted earlier this week he would like to hold on to Odegaard.
The 22-year-old has played six matches for the Gunners since joining Arteta’s side in January, having made just nine appearances rfor Real in the first half of the capaign.

ALL SYSTEMS AGUERO
Juventus will challenge Barcelona for the signing of Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero this summer, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.
Aguero is expected to leave City when his contract expires in June, having featured in just six Premier League matches so far this season.
The report claims Barcelona want to sign the 32-year-old as a ploy to keep compatriot Lionel Messi at the club.
Juve are no strangers to the free agent market, having picked up the likes of Adrien Rabiot and Aaron Ramsey in recent years.

MARC MY WORDS
Leeds United journalist Phil Hay believes a new deal for boss Marcelo Bielsa is almost ready to be signed.
Bielsa’s current deal at Elland Road expires at the end of the season.
Hay said: “I feel almost ready to hang my hat on it, he seems very settled, he seems very satisfied with everything that’s going on.
“To speak to people who kind of know a little about what’s in his head, I think the inclination is definitely there to do year four.”
After leading Leeds to promotion to the Premier League last season, Bielsa has the Whites sitting 10th in their first top-flight season in 16 years.

CONTE SAY NO
Antonio Conte has refused to rule out another stint as Italy manager.
The Inter Milan boss spent two years as coach of the Azzurri between 2014 and 2016, but left the role to take charge of Chelsea after Euro 2016.
Conte told Corriere della Sera: “A coach, when he decides to take on a project, is happy if he has the opportunity to work for a long time in the same club.
“If you are forced to leave after a while, there is only bitterness.
“Is the national team a closed experience? My door to Italy will always be open.”

GUNNERS EYE WIGAN STARLET
Arsenal are one of a number of teams chasing Wigan youngster Kyle Joseph.
The 19-year-old forward has scored five goals in 14 League One games since making his Latics debut in October.
Joseph has also caught the attention of Old Firm rivals Celtic and Rangers, with his contract set to expire at the end of the season.
The Scotland under-19 international would be available for a nominal development fee, having joined Wigan at the age of 13.

BARNES STORM
Leicester winger Harvey Barnes looks set to be offered a new contract to reward his good form, and ward off interest from the Big Six.
Manchester United and Liverpool have been watching Barnes closely this season, according to the Mirror.
The 23-year-old still has three and half years left on his contract at the King Power, but the Foxes are keen to tie him down.
Barnes has scored 13 goals and chipped in with four assists this season, and could force his way into Gareth Southgate’s England thinking ahead of this summer’s Euros.

CITY TARGET ISAK
Manchester City are interested in Real Sociedad striker Alexander Isak, according to the Mirror.
City striker Sergio Aguero looks likely to leave the Etihad this summer after an injury-plagued campaign, and Pep Guardiola has identified Isak as a potential replacement.
The 21-year-old has scored 12 goals in 20 La Liga appearances this season – including 10 in his last nine games.
Isak is believed to have a £63m release clause in his La Real contract, but his former club Borussia Dortmund have a £25m buy-back clause they could trigger if they lose Erling Haaland this summer.

NOT GIVING ANY KROOS
Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos claims he has not spoken to former Bayern Munich teammate David Alaba regarding a move to the Bernabeu.
Alaba, 28, will become a free agent at the end of the season after failing to agree new terms with Bayern.
And the Austria international has reportedly reached a verbal agreement to sign for Real this summer, despite interest from a number of European giants.
Kroos told Bild: “I don’t know anything.
“I haven’t talked to him and he hasn’t called me, but I think he’s old enough to make a decision.
“I don’t know what offers he has on the table either.”

WEST HAM LINEUP
Here’s how David Moyes’ side line up to face Manchester city at the Etihad this afternoon.

📋 Here’s how we line up this afternoon!COME ON YOU IRONSSSS ⚒
#MCIWHU— West Ham United (@WestHam) February 27, 2021

You can follow all the action from today;s 12:30pm kick-off over at SunSport’s live blog:

MAN CITY LINEUP
Here’s how Manchester City line up to face West Ham at the Etihad this afternoon.

How we line-up today! 🙌XI | Ederson, Walker, Dias, Stones, Zinchenko, Fernandinho (C), Gundogan, De Bruyne, Mahrez, Torres, AgueroSUBS | Steffen, Sterling, Jesus, Laporte, Rodrigo, Bernardo, Mendy, Cancelo, Foden⚽️
@HaysWorldwide🔷 #ManCity | https://t.co/axa0klD5re pic.twitter.com/6QbRSmjWPZ— Manchester City (@ManCity) February 27, 2021

You can follow all the action from today’s 12:30pm kick-off at SunSport’s live blog:

INTER STRIKER STAYING PUT
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez has confirmed he will sign a contract extension at the San Siro.
The Argentine forward, 23, was linked with Barcelona last summer as a replacement for Luis Suarez.
“It’s true, I was in negotiations with Barcelona.
“I was clear with [Antonio] Conte, I told him: ‘I am only thinking about Inter, this is not going to affect me’.
“However, it all belongs in the past. I am going to sign a contract extension with Inter.
“I don’t know when there will be an official announcement. Meanwhile, I play. My future is here, I see myself in Milan for a long time.
“I like everything about this city; the food, the fans, the team.
“I only have positive feelings.”

CROWN JULS
RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann would be interested inthe tottenham job if it became available.
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho has come under increased pressure in recent weeks after a run of five defeats in six game in the Premeir LeLeague.
Nagelsmann has a contract with Leipzig until 2023.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy reportedly sees the German as the ideal candidate to take over from Mourinho.

KANE TO STAY
Harry Kane will stay at Spurs for at least one more season, according to the Telegraph.
The England captain, 27, is desperate for silverware and stated last year he may have to leave Spurs if he felt the club weren’t progressing.
Jose Mourinho has led Spurs to the Carabao Cup final and the last-16 of the Europa League, but his side have slipped to ninth in the Premier Legaue after a run of five defeats in six games.
Kane’s current deal in north London expires in 2024 and it is unknown whether any European club will be able to afford the massive fee likely needed to sign him.

DORTMUND PREPARED TO SELL
Borussia Dortmund CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke has encouraged clubs chasing star duo Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.
The BVB chief has refused to rule out big-name departures from the club this summer, in light of the financial impact of the coronavirus.
Watzke said: “In the midst of a pandemic, I am now ruling nothing out.
“But it is not necessarily the aim. The most important thing is the financial balance: that we have a strong team on the field and at the same time are economically stable.
“If we play the whole of next season without spectators, we must certainly think about giving up a player.
“Asking banks for credit lines just to not sell a player is not going to be our way.
“We are still unable to make a forecast for the year as a whole. As long as the situation persists, we will not be in the black. Our liabilities are currently at €26.7m [£23.15m].
“This shows that BVB has great economic strength and is very stable.”

WAS GUN-NA GO
Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan has revealed Manchester United held talks to sign him while he was still at Borussia Dortmund.
The in-form midfielder is City’s top scorer in the Premier League this season, with 11 goals, and has played a key role in the Blues’ 19-game unbeaten run.
Gundogan spent five years with Borussia Dortmund before a £20m move to the Etihad in 2016, but he almost ended up on the other side of Manchester a few years prior.
Gundogan told Sky Sports: “There were talks. I think it was two or three years before I joined City when I was playing for Borussia Dortmund.
“One team-mate of mine, Shinji Kagawa, went to Man Utd and someone told me that they came to a few games to watch him before they bought him. I took their attention.
“It never really went into advanced talks because Borussia Dortmund made it quite clear that they were not willing to sell me and I also had a few years left on my contract, so there wasn’t really a point to talk to anyone at that point.
“So yeah, it didn’t happen.”

‘CRISPS AND A PINT OF LAGER’
Burnley manager Sean Dyche was in a playful mood when asked about Tottenham’s reported interest in Clarets goalkeeper Nick Pope.
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is eyeing a £30m raid for the Burnley stopper this summer, with Hugo Lloris coming under increasing criticism for some of his performances of late.
When put to him that it would probably take a massive offer to tempt Burnley into selling, Dyche said: “How do you know? How do you know that the offer would have to be massive?
“If they offered a bag of crisps and a pint of lager in the pub at the moment, with the way things are going, you never know!
“I might be swerved! I might actually take it. Life’s been strange.”

PLAY TO STAY
Crystal Palace are in no rush to extend the expiring contracts of their first-team players, according to boss Roy Hodgson.
The Eagles have 11 players out of contract at the end of the season, including Gary Cahill, Mamadou Sakho, Patrick van Aanholt, Andros Townsend and Christian Benteke.
Hodgson himself has just a few months left on his Palace contract, and has yet to decide whether he will continue his managerial career beyond the end of the current campaign.
Hodgson said: “These players are under contract, it’s not unfair of us to ask them to keep giving their best, to keep playing to the top level of their ability to earn the money we’re paying them
“There will come a time, I’m sure, when they’ll want to know about their future because they’ll be looking to find other clubs if they don’t get the contract here.
“But I think it’s sometimes not a good thing if you – very early on – let players know that you don’t want them anymore at the time we are depending so heavily on them.”

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MANCHESTER UNITED are set to face a familiar foe in Zlatan Ibrahimovic after drawing AC Milan in the Europa League last-16.
We’ve got the very latest for you on the chase for Erling Haaland, while stick with us on SunSport for all the transfer news from the Premier League’s top clubs.

BET OF THE DAY: GET HARRY KANE TO SCORE OR ASSIST VS BURNLEY AT HUGE 25/1
Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…

WALES CHIEFS IN URGENT TALKS OVER GIGGS
Wales will hold urgent talks over boss Ryan Giggs’ future after his bail was extended until May 1.
The Dragons face Belgium and the Czech Republic in their opening World Cup qualifiers next month.

The Welsh FA will hold urgent talks over Ryan Giggs’ future
But their preparations for the Qatar 2022 qualifying clashes were rocked after Greater Manchester Police announced Giggs’ bail extension.
Now Welsh FA chiefs will discuss whether Giggs – arrested on November 1 on suspicion of assaulting his on-off girlfriend – will be in charge for the March double-header and beyond with this summer’s Euros looming.
The news capped a miserable week for Wales after chief executive Jonathan Ford received a vote of no confidence from the FAW council on Monday.
It is understood Ford is on gardening leave with the FAW’s board set to decide on how to move forward.
A statement from Greater Manchester Police on Friday afternoon read: “A 46-year-old man (now aged 47) arrested on suspicion of section 39 common assault and section 47 assault in November 2020 has had his bail extended until Saturday 1 May 2021.
“This relates to an incident reported to police at 10.05pm on Sunday 1 November 2020 on Chatsworth Road, Worsley. A file remains with the CPS and a decision is expected in due course.”
Manchester United legend Giggs, who denies the allegations, is still on ‘special leave’ having missed Wales’ three internationals last November.

GRILL YOUR BOOTS
EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea players are using a microwave oven to warm their boots before matches.
And the squad hope the secret weapon means they won’t get cold feet in the battle for a top-four finish this season.
The microwave is in the home dressing room at the club’s Stamford Bridge ground and even has a timer which pings when their boots are ready.
It is also unplugged and taken on the team bus to domestic away games and is an integral part of pre-match preparations.
The oven is used to soften the players’ boots and make them more supple and comfortable to wear.
A club insider said: “Modern football boots seem to be pull-on types with much tighter fitting leather relying on a squeeze effect to stay on rather than the laces.
“So when cold they can be quite tough, quite stiff and awkward to wear at least when they first go on.
“The players put their boots in the microwave for a minute or two and the timer pings when they are soft enough. It’s actually a valuable addition to their equipment.
“It’s not about Premier League millionaires being pampered. It’s about getting the best from the boots as quickly as possible, making the players comfortable so they can perform to their best as quickly as possible.”

JOSE: BALE HAPPIER THAN EVER
Jose Mourinho reckons Gareth Bale is in his best shape since he arrived back at Tottenham.
And the Spurs boss insists the Welsh superstar’s goal against Wolfsberger in the Europa League on Wednesday shows he is finally playing with freedom again.

Spurs boss Jose Mourinho is encouraged by Gareth Bale’s condition, physically and mentally
Form and fitness restricted Bale, 31, to just two Prem starts since he rejoined the Londoners on loan from Real Madrid in September.
But he is set to start tomorrow’s home clash against Burnley —  following his recent upturn in performances and attitude.
Mourinho said: “Mentality is a consequence of the physical.
“If a player feels great, if he is playing 100 per cent and if his feelings are all good, then there are no more psychological problems, fears or barriers.
“When you have little worries, and especially when you have a recent history of injuries, it’s normal to have some fears — and these fears have consequences.
“But lately he has been fine. It’s a question of how many minutes he can play and how many days he needs to recover between matches.
“He looks happier than ever, he looks confident. In training you can see he has his confidence back, the way he hits shots.
“You could see from his goal on Wednesday. It was a confident shot.”

TOON MISS CALLUM
DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM’S ANALYSIS: Newcastle will need to hold their nerve if they are going to survive in the Premier League.
Earlier this season Newcastle looked as if they were always waiting for the opposition to score first.
But while Steve Bruce continues to be criticised, in their last five games they have shown fight using a diamond formation.
And they have come out on the front foot with it, after scoring seven in their last five games, winning two and losing three.
It should be noted two of the defeats came against a rejuvenated Chelsea side and Manchester United, who they performed well against.
Prior to the change they had not won in nine and only scored seven in ten matches, so they are definitely an improvement.
However, the loss of Callum Wilson has put Bruce in a tough situation.
With 15 goal involvements from the 26 Newcastle have scored this season, he is vital and without him the goals disappear.
So do they continue without their star player or revert back to their old ways?
The pragmatic smash and grab approach seemed to have run its course as only West Brom have conceded more.
So now Bruce will be hoping the likes of Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton and Almiron to step up and fill that void.

DERBY 1 NOTTM FOREST 1
Colin Kazim-Richards snatched Derby a point with six minutes left as Wayne Rooney took charge of his first East Midlands derby.
Forest were looking comfortable after James Garner scored his first senior goal by firing them into a 33rd-minute lead.

And a solid disciplined Forest performance looked to be rewarded before Kazim-Richard belted home a leveller.
The striker had only just signed a new contract extension earlier in the day.
But Forest retain the Brian Clough Trophy – which the two clubs play for each time they play – after stretching their unbeaten run over Derby to eight games.

LIFE’S TOUGH WITHOUT INN BONUS
Richie Wellens knows one of the best ways to get into a player’s head is to get a drink into him.
And if he could do that with his whole team, he might be able to break the mental block that he fears could cost him and Salford City promotion.

How Richie Wellens’ pub sign might look
But the normal getting–to–know-you exercise he and most managers use to build team spirit and understanding is still impossible because of Covid restrictions.
Wellens, who quit Swindon for the Ammies on November 4, would by now have had a few nights  out with his squad and staff.
He declared: “Getting the lads out for a bite and a bit of a bevvy is a great way to find out what makes each individual tick.
“Nobody is talking about throwing loads of alcohol down necks. But it’s amazing how people start relaxing and letting themselves go a little when they’ve had a couple.
“Having a good time is great for team bonding. Not only do you get to know your players better, but they get a better picture of who you are.
“But with the lockdown that hasn’t happened.
“Things are complicated enough for all of the managers in these times — but more difficult still when you are taking over a new set of players.”

THE ZATE ESCAPE
EXCLUSIVE: Relegation dogfights are nothing new to Steven Alzate.
In fact, his introduction to professional football was a scrap for survival — and one far graver than Brighton face this season.
The Albion midfielder, 22, made his bow four years ago playing for Leyton Orient in League Two.
To call it a madcap campaign would be a huge understatement, as the O’s dropped out of the Football League to the backdrop of internal chaos.
Alzate reflected: “I remember that season being a bit hectic, a bit crazy. I must have had at least four different managers.
“At one point, quite a few of the youngsters got chucked in to play because the squad wasn’t getting paid, so a few players refused to play.
“I had made my debut just before that madness. So it was a bit of a crazy one but I had to make the most of my opportunity and show what I could do.”
Alzate said of Brighton: “I feel we shouldn’t be panicking too much because we have been playing good football.
“Sometimes we have lacked that cutting edge. We haven’t scored as many as we want to. But we are aiming to keep working well as a team, keep playing well and I’m sure the goals will come.”

FULHAM TAKE IT ON THE CHIM
EXCLUSIVE: Joachim Anderson loves to hear people dismiss Fulham as goners this season.
And no, the Dane has not chucked in the towel on staying up already.
Instead, skipper Andersen is using it as fuel to fire the Cottagers’ fight for survival.
After a week that saw them pick up two wins and a draw against Everton, Burnley and Sheffield United, Scott Parker’s side are now just three points from safety.
The Great Escape II is very much a possibility, 13 years on from the original one under Roy Hodgson, whose Crystal Palace side host Fulham.
Andersen told SunSport: “I love when people are saying that we are going down because it fires me up. I want to show it’s not going to be the case.
“One week can change everything. We got seven points last week and we’re now three points behind Newcastle.
“There’s no need to stress. In football, you always get what you deserve. When we played like we did for months, at some point it had to turn.
“It’s such a big, big goal to keep this club in the Premier League and I feel that from every single player in the squad.”

WE CAN’T JUST RELY ON DELE AND BALE
Eric Dier insists it is not down to Dele Alli and Gareth Bale to save Tottenham’s season.
Spurs fans have been raving about the pair’s resurgence in recent weeks, with many claiming it will result in Jose Mourinho’s stuttering side finishing in the top four.
Both Dele and Bale have had campaigns to forget, as they were frozen out by their manager.
But Dele impressed in Wednesday’s 4-0 Europa League win over Austrian no-hopers Wolfsberger when he capped a fine display with a superb overhead kick and two assists, including a goal for Bale.
That followed the Welsh superstar, on a season loan from Real Madrid, almost inspiring a second-half comeback for Spurs at West Ham on Sunday with a cracking display after his introduction as a half-time sub.
But defender Dier said: “As a team we need to do better. Within that individuals will step up and do great things in moments and Gareth and Dele have done that in the past.
“They have that quality to do that – but it is not up to them to change our season, it is up to us as a collective.”

MICK AIMS TO ‘P*** OFF’ PAL WARNOCK
Mick McCarthy has counted Neil Warnock as a close friend for 44 years.
But on Saturday will go head-to-head yet again both hoping to p*** each other off.

Neil Warnock, then Cardiff manager, and Mick McCarthy, then Ipswich boss, will get to grips again in the Championship on Saturday
Cardiff boss McCarthy and Middlesbrough gaffer Warnock were team-mates at Barnsley. McCarthy even used to clean Warnock’s boots as he came through the ranks at Oakwell.
McCarthy said: “I have been in football a long time, but I still have that desire to get the best out of people. I’m 62. Neil is 72, so maybe I have got him in my sights!
“I’ve gone up against him many times and he’s a good friend of mine. For 90 minutes on Saturday he won’t be. It will be the same for him. He’s always been bright and innovative.
“His teams are likewise. If we come off the pitch on Saturday and I say to him ‘That was a nice game Neil, you were really nice to play against’ I think he’d be as p***** off as I would be.
“If I can be half as successful as Neil here, I will be delighted.”

PLEASE, NO MORE SAD TWISTS IN TAYL
Steven Taylor has twice endured the anguish of relegation with Newcastle.
And the Geordie admitted that if they suffer the same fate for the third time in the Mike Ashley era, it will sicken him just as much as when he was wearing the black-and-white stripes.

Steven Taylor was devastated when Newcastle were relegated in 2009
Failure to beat Wolves at St James’ Park tonight could see them in the bottom three if Fulham win at Crystal Palace tomorrow.
Defender Taylor, 35, is now captaining  Odisha in the Indian Super League, having left Wellington Phoenix last year when coronavirus led to an exodus from New  Zealand’s A League.
But he told SunSport: “Relegation would still hurt me as a fan. You never lose your love for Newcastle. I still get upset when the team loses, even though I’m thousands of miles away rather than out there on the pitch.”
The Toon diehard knows from bitter experience how traumatic relegation can be, though his  memories of the 2009 and 2016 campaigns felt very different. In both cases, redemption quickly  followed.
He recalled: “When we lost at Aston Villa on the final day of the 2008-09 season, it was the worst feeling in the world.
“I don’t think I’ve ever  felt as low as I did  when the referee blew the whistle and it suddenly hits you that you’re down. It was a horrible, horrible afternoon and I was inconsolable for days.”

‘UTD CAN HURT US AT ANY SECOND’
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel says victory for either side would be huge as second-placed Manchester United visit Stamford Bridge on Sunday.
And he warned the Blues that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s United can strike like a snake on the break.
Tuchel said: “They are a team that can hurt you in any second with individual quality, a team that can hurt you at any second with speed.
“They are a strong side away from home because they can defend compactly and are very good in transition with their wingers and Marcus Rashford.
“Bruno Fernandes has excellent delivery and then there’s Mason Greenwood, Edi Cavani, Anthony Martial, and whoever else plays will be a challenge to defend.
“So the implication is huge. If we get a win out of this game it’s huge for us, if they win it’s huge for them to put more points between us.”

BARTON AND EVANS CLASHED OVER COMEDY SKIT
Nigel Pearson has never been a man to suffer fools. So when he pays someone like Joey Barton warm compliments, they should be taken very seriously.
The pair arrived in Bristol on the same day, Pearson taking over his eighth club at City, Barton moving into his second job as a manager with Rovers.
Once the ink was dry on their contracts Pearson found he had been messaged by Barton,  who he worked with at Newcastle.
He said: “Me and Joey exchanged a few messages. I have a lot of time and respect for him. He’s a very intelligent man. I think he’s got a bright future.
“People have preconceived ideas but the reality can be different.”
But Barton headed out of Fleetwood under a cloud.
Cod Army chairman Andy Pilley who, on appointing him two-and-a-half years earlier described him as a potential great in management, dumped him.
The decision came after a dressing room bust–up with Ched Evans and clashes with other senior players. The pair are understood to have come to blows over a comedy skit created by the striker that Barton did not find funny and he was dispatched to Preston.

LEGIT HITS THE FAN
David Moyes fears allowing fans back on the last day of the season would damage the Premier League’s integrity – even if it could benefit West Ham.
The government have announced 10,000 supporters or 25 per cent capacity can return in May – which means the top-flight finale.

The Hammers entertain Southampton in their last Prem match, which could decide whether they qualify for the Champions League.
But Moyes says it is unfair some sides would benefit from home support.
He said: “I am a little bit uneasy about them coming back for the last game of the season because it would be an advantage for one team and not the other to have them.
“We use the word integrity many times in different periods of this pandemic.
“And I would be really worried about one club getting an advantage. So I think it is something that needs to be considered.
“For the integrity of the game we just need to make sure there is a situation where people can’t say ‘this is an unfair advantage to one team or the other’ if we are only talking about one game of the season.”

DELE LOVE SPLIT ‘DUE TO FORTNITE’
Tottenham midfielder Dele Alli has split from his pin-up lover Ruby Mae — with mates blaming the amount of time he spent playing online video game Fortnite.
The 24-year-olds have separated after a series of heated rows and she has moved out of their £2million pad.

Model Ruby Mae has split up with her footballer boyfriend Dele Alli
Friends said model Ruby was “incensed” over the England star’s recent behaviour, including “spending too much time playing Fortnite.”
One friend told The Sun: “Dele and Ruby Mae are finished.
“Their relationship has been turbulent, but it now feels very much like the end. Ruby is sad but looking out for herself now.
“She had enough of Dele’s good-time nature, and packed up her things. She’s looking after number one from here.”
They broke up just before Valentine’s Day and have unfollowed each other on social media.
Ruby, who has modelled for Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel, began dating Dele in 2016. They briefly split in 2018.

Pals said Ruby got fed up with video game fan Dele’s lifestyle

TRIBUTES TO DEAN
Tottenham and Wolves have been playing tribute to their ex-defender Dean Richards, who died on this day ten years ago, aged just 36.
The former England Under-21 star had been forced to retire six years before that, in 2005, due to health concerns.
Amongst those remembering him was former Spurs and England centre-back Ledley King, who said he was “privileged” to have played alongside such a “great guy”.

WHAT BAM TAM!
Tammy Abraham warmed up for Sunday’s home Premier League clash with Manchester United in clinical style.
And the Blues were quick to show off his finishing prowess in training.

ARTETA HAILS SAKA
Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal ace chipped in with two assists in the 3-2 win against Benfica.
Speaking of the 19-year-old, he said: “How good can he be is a question nobody can answer.
“How good he is and how good he wants to be, that is probably where we can find a lot of answers for why he is doing so well.
“He is a boy that is constantly willing to learn, to get better, to work on the things he can do better and he is a very humble and hard working boy.
“When that happens normally, and you have the talent he has, you can go a long way.”

THIGH AND DRY
Paul Pogba will remain on the sidelines for a number of weeks, Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed.
The Red Devils were without the midfielder for Thursday night’s draw with Real Sociedad in the Europa League.
It was the fifth game he has missed since coming off early in the draw with Everton at the start of the month.
A thigh injury has kept Pogba, 27, out of action and his recovery will run into March.
Solskjaer admitted to BT Sport after the Sociedad match: “Paul is still out for a few weeks.”
Pogba will definitely miss Sunday’s crucial trip to Chelsea and the following midweek game away to Crystal Palace.

BIG MAN HOLE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United are still nowhere near where they should be.
A third place league finish and three semi-finals last season showed how far they have come and how far they still have to go.

Old Trafford chief Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says winning silverware will be the hallmark of success
Currently they are second, still in the Europa League, drawing AC Milan in the last 16, and face Leicester in an FA Cup quarter-final.
But without that top spot and some silverware to show for his work, the Manchester United boss will not be satisfied.
Solskjaer said: “Every club will have to run their own journey, we’re on a good path we feel we have improved but we’re nowhere near where we want to be and that’s higher up the table and winning trophies.
“The hunger in the group and the mentality in the group is good and that’s the main thing now that we keep on improving.”

£35m MAX IS OVER THE LIMIT
Man Utd may be put off signing Max Aarons due to Norwich’s £35million asking price, according to reports.
The Red Devils are one of a number of clubs interested in the full=back, 21, ahead of the summer transfer window.

England Under-21 star Max Aarons has been linked with Man Utd after helping Norwich to the top of the ChampionshipCredit: PA:Press Association
But despite Aarons appearing certain for a move, Championship table-toppers Norwich won’t budge on their valuation.
According to the Express, club chiefs may deem a £35m outlay on Aarons ‘unnecessary’ – choosing to target a new striker and centre-back instead.
SunSport revealed this week that Norwich turned down a £20m bid from Roma last month.
Everton and Bayern Munich are also interested in the England youth international.

BELLERIN TIPPED FOR SUMMER EXIT
Hector Bellerin could leave Arsenal in the summer as he will have Mikel Arteta’s blessing to do so.

Spanish right-back Hector Bellerin has spent almost 10 years at the Emirates
The pair have a close relationship and Bellerin promised he would stay for one more season in the summer of 2020.
Barcelona and PSG were reported suitors of the right-back at the beginning of the season, and Bellerin was keen to make the switch.
His manager persuaded him to stay, promising the Spaniard he would get his move if the clubs made a bid in the summer coming up, according to ESPN.
PSG have denied a claim suggesting they made a £30million bid for the 25-year-old.
His former club Barcelona have frequently been linked with a move for Bellerin, so much so that the Gunners have targeted a replacement.
The likes of Max Aarons, Tariq Lamptey and Hacrif Hakimi could all be suitable additions for Arsenal if Bellerin was to leave. Bellerin and his teammates have struggled this season, and Arteta’s side have gone backwards in the league.

SAINTS’ ROM BLOW
Southampton have suffered a major blow after Oriol Romeu was ruled out for the rest of the season.
The Spanish midfielder suffered an ankle injury during Tuesday’s 3-0 defeat to Leeds United. 

Southampton midfielder Oriol Romeu has been ruled out for the rest of the season
Now the Saints have been dealt a hammer blow with the news he needs surgery to fix the problem.
Boss Ralph Hasenhuttl said: “He has a fracture on his ankle. It will take a minimum of three months until he is back.”
Romeu is the latest name to be added to the South Coast club’s ever-growing casualty list.
On-loan Liverpool forward Takumi Minamino also picked up a hamstring problem suffered against Leeds.
He came off the bench for the final half hour of the loss at Elland Road and completed the game but Hasenhuttl also confirmed he is out of Monday’s game against Everton.
He said: “Taki Minamino is out for the weekend with a light muscle injury. Hamstring, slight problem in the hamstring. He maybe comes back next week. It is not a big injury.”

ROM GREEN LIGHT FOR HAALAND BID
Chelsea are rated increasingly serious candidates to sign Erling Haaland.
German outlet Bild suggest Blues’ owner Roman Abramovich has cleared the path for a summer bid for the Manchester United target and Borussia Dortmund striker.

Norway superstar Erling Haaland could be the centre of a summer duelCredit: Getty Images – Getty

SHEARER: KEANE WAITED FOR ME AFTER RED CARD
Alan Shearer says Roy Keane waited for him in the tunnel after the game having been sent off for throwing a punch.
Newcastle legend Shearer infamously clashed with the Manchester United captain when the sides met in 2001.
With the Magpies hanging on for a 4-3 victory, Keane took a swing at Shearer and missed but was shown the red card soon after.
And Shearer revealed that the Manchester United legend was waiting for him at the top of the stairs in St James’ Park following the final whistle.
He wrote in the Athletic: “Towards the end of Newcastle’s dramatic 4-3 victory over Manchester United and in a moment of frustration, Roy threw the ball at me, there was a delicate, polite conversation (OK, it wasn’t either of those things), he took a swing and missed and was then shown the red card.
“When you went from the pitch into the tunnel at St James’, there were a set of steps and then you split towards the home or away dressing-rooms.
“When the final whistle went, Roy was standing at the top of the stairs waiting for me.
“I’m pretty sure a few more choice words exchanged, there was some bustling and scrambling, but there were way too many people between us for anything physical to actually happen. That’s usually how it pans out in football.”

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MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea remain hot on the tail of Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland, but they’re going to have to pay one pretty penny to land him.
Elsewhere Liverpool have exciting targets of their own, while we’ve got you covered on all the transfer news from the rest of the Premier League’s top clubs.

And the Europa League draw has taken place with Manchester United facing AC Milan and Arsenal to play Olympiacos, while Spurs have drawn Dynamo Zagreb.
BET OF THE DAY: GET HARRY KANE TO SCORE OR ASSIST VS BURNLEY AT HUGE 25/1
Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…

ZLAT: ORIGINAL RONALDO BETTER THAN CRISTIANO AND MESSI
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has awarded Brazil legend Ronaldo his title of the world’s best-ever footballer.
The debate over the game’s greatest of all time, or GOAT, has ramped up in recent years amid the stunning longevity of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Diego Maradona and Pele are also often named as candidates, Ronaldo has also earned a high number of nominations.
And AC Milan icon Ibrahimovic made the case for the double World Cup winner.
The 39-year-old told the Discovery+ Sweden: “Ronaldo, El Fenomeno, he’s the best of all time.
“For me, that Ronaldo is football, the way he moved. He’s the greatest player in history, without a doubt.”

MAN THE BRIDGE
Man Utd head to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon hoping to take another step closer to securing Champions League football for next season.
The Red Devils start the weekend in second – ahead of Leicester’s clash with Arsenal – and go into the game six points clear of Chelsea.
However, United will be without Paul Pogba once again for the journey to West London.

Pogba is set to be missing for a ‘few weeks’ still with his thigh strain.
Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Daniel James are also doubts for the 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday as they try to shake off injuries.

ZLAT’S CRAZY
Zlatan Ibrahimovic is on course to return to Old Trafford to face Manchester United in the Europa League.
The Red Devils host his AC Milan side on March 11 before the return leg at the San Siro seven days later.
It will be just the third time he has gone up against the English giants and the first since he left the club in March 2018 for a spell at LA Galaxy before rejoining the Rossoneri.
In those previous two matches, in the Champions League last 16 with Inter in 2009, he failed to score as the two legs ended 0-0 and 2-0 to United.
Ibrahimovic made 53 appearances for the Red Devils between 2016 and 2018, scoring 29 goals – although the vast majority came in his first season before his knee injury in April 2017.
He only featured seven times in 2017-18, with his final game coming on Boxing Day with a 2-2 draw at home to Burnley.
Here’s how United looked that match.

WORK OF ART
Mikel Arteta is hoping Arsenal’s win against Benfica in the Europa League will help bring the belief back to his squad.
He said: “Hopefully for us and the players it will generate belief.
“We know that in this competition we’re going to go through difficult patches, be it a moment in a game, a whole game or something unpredictable that happens.
“You have to be able to react to it. All the winners in European competition have to have a magic moment, a moment of luck, have to be able to overcome difficult situations.
“We did it last night and in a convincing way as well because I could see the players were ready to fight and they never looked disappointed, even after the way we conceded the second goal.
“That gives me hope. It’s a good experience to have together. Hopefully we can use it for the future in the next games.”

RED NOSE DAY
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman was forced to interrupt his own press conference today, after suffering a nose bleed.
The Dutchman sat down to take questions ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Sevilla in LaLiga, but he was left cursing in Spanish as he exited to deal with a nose bleed.
This is the second time that such an incident has happened in a Koeman press conference. Barcelona swiftly confirmed that their manager is fine.
And AS reporter Javi Miguel has revealed that the frequent nose bleeds are a symptom of blood thinners that Koeman must take following his heart operation last year.
The 57-year-old was rushed into hospital last May with heart trouble, where it was revealed that his coronary vein was blocked.
Koeman had to have a tube inserted in order to keep the blood vessel open, before making a full recovery.

ZLAT’S TOUGH
Man Utd have been handed a tough Europa League round of 16 assignment in the shape of AC Milan.
While Spurs take on Dinamo Zagreb and Arsenal face Olympiacos, the Red Devils will go head to head with the seven-time champions of Europe.
While Milan may not be quite as good as the vintages of the likes of Arrigo Sacchi, Fabio Capello or Carlo Ancelotti, they still represent a dangerous opponent for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men.
Currently second in Serie A, Stefano Pioli’s side possess a number of excellent players capable of hurting their Premier League counterparts.
SunSport takes a look at five in particular that fans will have to keep their eyes peeled for.
Click HERE for the full story.

NO WAY, JOSE
Jose Mourinho insists Tottenham are not frightened of facing rivals Arsenal or Man Utd after drawing Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League.
Asked if was pleased to have avoided their two fellow Premier League rivals, Mourinho said: “When you are in this competition and you get to this stage you don’t get easy clubs.
“If you want to win it, sooner or later you have to play against the best clubs or the ones who go through the different stages.
“So the objective now is to win against Dinamo and then if later Arsenal and Manchester United are in the competition we have always to face them.
“I think, yeah it happened in the Champions League final, two English clubs, happened in the Europa League with Arsenal and Chelsea too.
“It’s something that can happen and if it does, wonderful for us if we are one of the two teams and wonderful for English football to have two teams in the final.
“But in this moment 16 teams, everybody wants the same so it’s very premature to think about it.”

GUARDIAN ANGEL
Pep Guardiola’s ‘Open Arms’ hoodie has become a regular feature of his press conferences in recent weeks.
The Etihad chief paid out £130,000 of his own money to restore one of the Open Arms boats – the Proactiva – so it could return to sea.
Guardiola told The Athletic: “The work that Open Arms does is extraordinary in helping to protect some of the most vulnerable people in society.
“So many of those who are seeking refuge continue to find themselves in unimaginably difficult situations – often suffering illness, separation from family and, in many cases, loss of life.
“Open Arms has built a framework to protect these displaced people, both in the emergency stage when they are at sea.
“But also in educating and supporting them on land. I want to do all I can to help ensure that the valuable work continues.”

OPEN ARMS
Footie-mad Britain could host all of the Euros this summer thanks to the stonking vaccine rollout.
Whitehall insiders said they are “ready and waiting” to step in to host the summer spectacular if asked.
No10 is facing a growing clamour to rescue the championships, which was meant to be played across 11 countries this summer.
MPs have warned that forcing teams to zigzag around Europe while the pandemic is still raging is a “biohazard disaster” waiting to happen.
And President of the Albanian FA Armand Duka broke cover to say the entire tournament could now be moved to England.
He said: “The hope is that Euro 2020 can be played with 50 per cent of fans in the stands. It’s possible that Euro 2020 will be played solely in England.
“There are still four or five months left, let’s see if the situation will change. If not, England remains a possibility.”

MUMMY’S BOY
Former Real Madrid hardman Pepe revealed he slept in bed with his mother until he was 17 – much to the annoyance of his dad.
The Portuguese centre-back, 38, now captains Porto but grew up in Brazil before leaving for Europe when he turned 18.
Pepe developed a reputation as a no-nonsense defender during a decade at the Bernabeu in which he was booked 79 times and sent off on six occasions in 334 appearances.
But in an interview with Portuguese outlet Tribuna Expresso, the towering 6ft 2in defender revealed he was spoiled as a child.
Pepe – who left Madrid in 2017 – said: “Until I came to Portugal, at the age of 17, I slept with my mother, so imagine what it was like [laughter].
“I was already big and I slept with my parents, so I imagine my father did not like to have me there [laughs]. 
“This is interesting: the other day I was talking to my mother and she was telling me that I really liked to run my hand through her hair and I told her that maybe I already knew it would be too much time away from her.”

Veteran Porto defender Pepe revealed he slept in his mother’s bed until he was 17

FANDEMONIUM
Steve Bruce has hit back after angry Newcastle fans spotted him laughing with Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on TV following their 3-1 defeat on Monday. 
The Toon Army were far from amused to see their manager smiling on the touchline moments after their 12th loss in 16 games. 
The Magpies could drop into the relegation zone by the end of the weekend if they lose to Wolves and Fulham beat Crystal Palace. 
But Bruce defended it by stating that Solskjaer had complemented his side, and stressed there was nothing wrong with chatting to his old mate.
He said: “Listen, I’ve known Ole Gunnar Solskjaer for 20 years. 
“Now, if I’m caught smiling with him – he was complimenting us on how well we played, so if that’s a bad thing that I’ve smiled with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, then unfortunately okay. Let it be.”

BRIDGE BRIGADE
Man Utd head to Chelsea on Sunday afternoon hoping to take another step closer to securing Champions League football for next season.
The Red Devils start the weekend in second – ahead of Leicester’s clash with Arsenal – and go into the game six points clear of Chelsea.
However, United will be without Paul Pogba once again for the journey to West London.
Pogba is set to be missing for a ‘few weeks’ still with his thigh strain.
Edinson Cavani, Donny van de Beek, Scott McTominay and Daniel James are also doubts for the 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday as they try to shake off injuries.
Here’s how United could start.

TUCH AND GO
Thomas Tuchel could have Thiago Silva fit for Sunday’s clash with Manchester United.
A thigh issue has kept Silva, 36, out since the start of the month but he is nearing a return to action.
Whether Tuchel risks the centre-back will be a key selection headache ahead of United’s visit.
The case for sticking with the same XI that beat Atletico Madrid in midweek is strong.
Andreas Christensen has ably filled in for much of Silva’s absence, helping keep a clean sheet as Chelsea progressed in the Champions League.
Olivier Giroud’s breathtaking overhead kick winner should be enough to earn the striker consecutive starts for the first time since Tuchel became Blues boss.
Here’s how the Blues could line-up.

FULL DRAW
These are all the ties for the Europa League Round of 32.

EUR HAVING A LAUGH
Arsenal have been drawn against Olympiacos in the last-16 of the Europa League.
The Gunners will be hoping for revenge after being knocked out of the competition against the Greek side last season.
Manchester United meanwhile will face AC Milan in what is the standout tie of the round.
Tottenham will pit their pits against Dinamo Zagreb, with Rangers to battle Slavia Prague.

ERLI BIDS
Chelsea and Manchester City are the frontrunners for Erling Haaland’s signature this summer, according to reports.
The Borussia Dortmund hotshot has hit 27 goals in 25 games this season, including a recent scissor kick spectacular against Schalke.
A fee of around £150million is said to be required to prise the Norwegian from the Bundesliga club.
In 2022, a release clause worth £75m will activate but Europe’s top clubs may not wait for such a reduction.
According to Eurosport, Chelsea want to make a statement in the market to highlight their title ambitions under Thomas Tuchel.
The Blues are described as confident of their chances of signing Haaland, having made contact with senior figures in his camp.

EUROPA LEAGUE DRAW
A reminder that the Europa League draw for the Round of 16 starts at 12!
There are no restrictions, meaning the likes of Arsenal, Man Utd, Tottenham and Rangers can all face each other.
Head over to the SunSport LIVE blog of the draw for coverage.
Click HERE to follow.

‘ZERO CONNECTION’
Ex-Celtic and Newcastle star Ki Sung-yueng has blasted reports linking him to the abuse of youths as a starlet in his native South Korea.
The midfielder, 32, released a furious statement after articles hinted he was the country’s mystery star player who had been accused of attacks on two schoolmates in 2000.
It comes after a lawyer in the country claimed an ace forced two youths to perform sexual acts on him and a pal and they beat them if they refused.
Ki, who joined Seoul FC last summer, wrote on Instagram: “I have absolutely zero connection to events reported in the media.
“I don’t think I really need to say much more than that. Nothing of that nature ever happened. I will stake my football career to that.”
The midfielder, who was a hit with Celtic fans during his two-year spell at the club, vowed to take legal action to protect ‘my suffering family’.
He added: “I didn’t think this could be a problem because it’s not true, but then I realised it could threaten my career and put my family in danger. I will not sit idly by.”

Ki Sung-Yeung, pictured during his time at Celtic, denied claims he was involved in forcing youths to perform sexual acts on him

GOTTA BURN
Burnley have demanded £50million from Tottenham if they are to sell Nick Pope this summer, according to reports.
Jose Mourinho is eager to find a replacement for Hugo Lloris and is considering a move for the Clarets shot-stopper.
Pope, 28, has been grabbing attention due to his fine form this season, making nine clean sheets in 24 games in a struggling Burnley side.
The likes of Chelsea and West Ham have come knocking as a result, but it seems Burnley are determined to keep him.
His contract runs until 2023 with the option of an extra year, so his asking price has been set at £50m, report LanchashireLive.
Such a price tag is a blow for Spurs as they had a net spend of only £47m last summer.

Nick Pope has a contract at Burnley until 2023

BUK THE TREND
Mikel Arteta has heaped praise on Bukayo Saka after the Arsenal ace chipped in with two assists in the 3-2 win against Benfica.
Speaking of the 19-year-old, he said: “How good can he be is a question nobody can answer.
“How good he is and how good he wants to be, that is probably where we can find a lot of answers for why he is doing so well.
“He is a boy that is constantly willing to learn, to get better, to work on the things he can do better and he is a very humble and hard working boy.
“When that happens normally, and you have the talent he has, you can go a long way.”

YOU’RE THE RON
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has awarded Ronaldo Nazario his title of the world’s best-ever footballer.
The debate over the game’s greatest of all time, or GOAT, has ramped up in recent years amid the stunning longevity of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Diego Maradona and Pele are also often named as candidates, former Brazil forward Ronaldo has also earned a high number of nominations.
AC Milan star Ibrahimovic made the case for the double World Cup winner.
The 39-year-old told the Discovery+ Sweden: “Ronaldo, El Fenomeno, he’s the best of all time.
“For me, that Ronaldo is football, the way he moved. He’s the greatest player in history, without a doubt.”

MAX POWER
Man Utd may be put off signing Max Aarons due to Norwich’s £35million asking price, according to reports.
The Red Devils are one of a number of clubs interested in the 21-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window.
But despite Aarons appearing certain for a move, Championship table-toppers Norwich won’t budge on their valuation.
According to the Express, club chiefs may deem a £35m outlay on Aarons ‘unnecessary’ – choosing to target a new striker and centre-back instead.
SunSport revealed this week that Norwich turned down a £20m bid from Roma last month.
Everton and Bayern Munich are also interested in the England youth international.

WAKE BLOW
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson will heartbreakingly miss his father’s funeral due to coronavirus restrictions after he drowned in Brazil.
Jose Agostinho Becker, 57, was found dead at midnight on Wednesday by a lake on the family’s rural property near Lavros do Sul in southern Brazil.
And The Mail reports Reds shot-stopper Alisson, 28, desperately tried to find a way to negate travel bans and restrictions in order to return to Brazil to be with his family.
But with his wife 28-weeks pregnant and the prospect of a ten-day stint in hotel quarantine, he has been unable to find a way home.
Alisson’s boss Jurgen Klopp tragically found himself in a similar situation earlier this month when he was forced to skip his mother’s funeral with a total ban on travel into Germany from the UK.
Jose Becker was declared missing at around 5pm on Wednesday when workers on the ranch raised the alarm with his family who alerted local police.
His funeral will take place on Friday in Novo Hamburgo – where the family’s main residence is.

SAY IT AIN’T SOU
Tomas Soucek celebrated with Slavia Prague’s heroes after their shock win at Leicester on Thursday night.
After a 0-0 draw in their Europa League last-32 first-leg tie at home, the Czech side knew they needed a miracle to progress away to the high-flying Foxes.
Incredibly, Slavia Prague stunned Brendan Rodgers’ side to win 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Lukas Provod and Abdallah Sima.
As they celebrated on the King Power Stadium pitch, they grabbed a phone and gave Soucek a ring.
The West Ham midfielder, 25, spent 15 years at Slavia Prague before his move to England.
Soucek worked his way through the youth ranks to the first-team before finally leaving in a £19.1million deal last summer.

Tomáš Souček could genuinely be the most popular man in football 😂His former Slavia Prague teammates dropped him a call after shocking Leicester and advancing in the Europa League! #UEL pic.twitter.com/nJntdNMlSF
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 25, 2021

SON OF A GUN
Liverpool have suffered ANOTHER defensive setback with Jordan Henderson ruled out until at least April.
The England international – who has been forced to play at centre-back-back recently – picked up a groin injury in the 2-0 defeat against Everton last week.
A Reds statement said: “Liverpool can confirm Jordan Henderson has undergone an operation on the injury he sustained during last weekend’s Merseyside derby with Everton.
The captain was withdrawn after half an hour of the Anfield fixture having picked up a groin issue that left him unable to continue.
Following further assessment with the club’s medical team, Henderson has successfully had a corrective procedure carried out on the adductor injury. He will begin a rehabilitation programme immediately.
No specific timescale is being placed upon his return; however, the 30-year-old is ruled out initially until after the March international break.”

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