Sport Live Blogs

ERLING HAALAND’s future remains a hot topic with Chelsea reportedly looking to sign the Dortmund star ‘at any cost’.
North of the border, Neil Lennon has left Celtic with cross-town rivals Rangers closing in on the Scottish Premiership title.

And we’ve the very latest on Andre Silva after SunSport revealed exclusively on Tuesday that he could switch to Man Utd for just £30million.
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Read our live blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…

TEAM NEWS
Joe Hart starts in goal for Spurs against Wolfsberger this evening.
Carlos Vinicius leads the line as Harry Kane and Son Heung-Min warm the bench.
And there is also a rare start for Dele Alli in midfield.
FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦 ⚪️ Hart, Doherty, Alderweireld, Dier, Davies (C), Sissoko, Winks, Lamela, Dele, Bergwijn, Vinicius.#THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/CBxNHpEUMb
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 24, 2021

HAAL WAIT AND SEE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has not ruled out a new bid for Erling Haaland.
He said: “When you have had kids and players through as a coach, you follow them and I keep in touch with Erling, it’s great to see the player he has become.
“I know he will work to improve all the time. He is a Dortmund player, we wish him well there and let’s see what life will bring later on.”
Asked if any deal was now dead or could be revived Solskjaer said: “You know I can’t speak about Erling, he’s with Borussia Dortmund.
“It’s disrespectful to talk about it apart from I know him and speak to him.”

UNITED WE STAND
Marucs Rashford has recalled his stunning two-goal Manchester United debut – and why Dean Henderson made it even more special.
He told the club’s website: “You were in the crowd. The academy get particular seats and they’d just moved you. They used to be high up, the tickets, but not long after I started training with the first team the seats moved to the family stand.
“I just knew that there were people there and as I was running I just saw you and you grabbed me! Great memories.
“That’s probably the bit I remember the most.
“I remember the goals and stuff and how they happened, but other than that I don’t really remember the game itself. I just remember certain moments.”

LUK-ING BACK
Romelu Lukaku has revealed he loves Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

He is doing great. You guys have to know i love him as a manager and as a person and i wish him nothing but the best 💯 https://t.co/v87W0Xb69J
— R.Lukaku Bolingoli9 (@RomeluLukaku9) February 23, 2021

UNLUCKY 13
Tottenham’s wait for a piece of silverware has now stretched to 13 YEARS.
It was on this day in 2008 that Juande Ramos led Spurs to the League Cup thanks to a 2-1 victory over Chelsea at Wembley.
But what happened to the Tottenham team that beat Avram Grant’s side?

PAULO DYBALA
United were heavily linked with the Juventus star in the January transfer window.
He has found game time tough to come by under Andrea Pirlo.
And United, Tottenham and Liverpool have all been linked with the Argentine ahead of the summer transfer market.
Dybala’s contract expires in 2022 but injury issues are hampering his chances of signing a new deal in the coming weeks.
Juve managing director Fabio Paratici has admitted that the club are concerned by his fitness woes.
Read more HERE.

ANDRE SILVA
SunSport exclusively revealed on Tuesday United will be offered Eintracht Frankfurt striker Silva for £30m but only if Cavani leaves.
Silva’s agent Jorge Mendes is hoping to orchestrate the move with Frankfurt needing to raise funds to buy back Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic.
Portuguese international Silva has been on fire in the Bundesliga this season with 18 goals in 20 appearances – second only to Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski in the scoring charts.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past after leaving Porto to join AC Milan in 2017 for £32m.
Since then, loan switches to Sevilla and then Frankfurt saw him sign for the latter in September, but England remains a luring attraction.
The deal – which could be worth up to £30m in pandemic times – is with bringing Jovic back to the club in mind.

RED REINFORCEMENTS
Manchester United could be without Edinson Cavani next season with the Uruguayan’s contract set to expire in the summer.
And SunSport has explored five strikers the Red Devils could sign to replace him.
ERLING HAALAND
Solskjaer is set to be handed a summer war chest – and Haaland is said to be top of his wishlist.
United were in the hunt for Haaland, the most wanted striker in Europe, before he joined Borussia Dortmund last January.
A £65million release clause only kicks in next year, meaning anyone wanting to sign the 20-year-old before then will have to pay an inflated premium of at least £100m.
The striker has been in sensational form this season, scoring 17 Bundesliga goals in as many games.

TO THE MAX
Exclusive by Charlie Wyett: Norwich rejected a move from Roma for defender Max Aarons.
The England under-21s international is certain to make a big-money transfer this summer with Bayern Munich, Everton and Manchester United all showing an interest.
But Roma were the only club to make an offer last month in a deal which potentially, could have been worth up to £20m.

MOR PROBLEMS
Alvaro Morata has been diagnosed with a lifelong virus after feeling faint and needing to lie down after the loss to Porto.
Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo revealed the Chelsea flop complained of feeling ill after the 2-1 Champions League defeat on Wednesday.
Morata has now been diagnosed with Cytomegalovirus (CMV) which stays in the body for the duration of your life.
However, it is common and usually harmless and can cause flu-like symptoms – similar to those the Spaniard was exhibiting.
CMV is related to the herpes virus that causes cold sores and chickenpox but many people will carry it without realising.
It is transmitted via close contact but can only be passed on when it is ‘active’ – usually when you first contract the virus.

SHORT-TERM GOALS
Thomas Tuchel claims he feared Chelsea didn’t trust his managerial abilities after offering him an 18-month contract.
He told Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport: “It was all done in 72 hours.
“At first I didn’t like it, I thought ‘maybe they don’t trust me?’
“‘I have to leave my country, maybe leave my family behind and they are many points behind fourth spot.’
“Maybe we won’t make it which is still possible because it’s a tough race and it will be easy to sack me again.
“But after just a matter of minutes I took the weight off my shoulders.
“I thought ‘if I’m good, if they like what I’m doing they will make me stay.’
“‘If I’m not good, if I dont have good results they will sack me anyway.’
“I can have a five-year contract and they could still sack me so why worry about it?
“Am I convinced about myself? Yes. Am I convinced about this club and team? Yes and yes. So why worry?
“From there on I stepped out of the cycle of thinking and I live a bit easier now. I don’t worry as much.”

CONFERENCE CALL
Comment by Charlie Wyett: “Spurs will attempt to win a first trophy in 13 years when they face Manchester City in the Carabao Cup final on April 25.
“And the added extra for Tottenham is that, considering they are currently ninth in the Premier League, a Wembley win will guarantee a spot in Europe next season.
“But it will not be the Europa League.
“If Spurs do win the Carabao Cup, they will be flying the flag for England in the inaugural Uefa Europa League Conference.
“Should Manchester City triumph at Wembley, then the sixth-placed Premier League team will be heading into uncharted territory.
“This competition is a dream for groundhoppers but not so good for stroppy managers of a big club.
“Some teams might even prefer to actually finish seventh.”

JULS IN A CROWN
Tottenham could have a new man in the dugout by the beginning of next season which will spark a big change on the pitch.
Current boss Jose Mourinho is under increasing pressure with his side dropping to ninth in the Premier League.
And reports claim he could target the hugely-talented RB Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann.
Here’s how they could line-up…

‘VERY DIFFICULT TIME’
Ronaldinho has paid tribute to his ‘inspirational’ mother after she passed away from coronavirus complications.
Miguelina Eloi Assis dos Santos contracted the illness in December and died in hospital a few days ago, at the age of 71.
Condolences have flooded in from around the footballing world with the former Barcelona star opening up on her passing for the first time via Instagram.
He wrote: “My family and I thank all of you for the affection and support that we are receiving in this very difficult time.
“My mother was an inspiration of strength and joy to all who knew her and will continue to show her light in our lives forever.
“With the strength she taught us, we will continue our journey. Thanks.”

TUCH N GO
After Olivier Giroud’s stunning winner in Bucharest, Tuchel admitted he will have to alter his plans when they meet again on March 17 after discovering he would be without the two stars.
The Chelsea boss said: “We will miss two crucial players, it makes things not easy for us.
“But I am very happy with the performance of everybody, that includes Mason of course.
“Again, a good effort, a big effort, high work-rate, high intensity like we are used to when he plays like this. He has a big impact on our team.
“Honestly, we now play Man Utd, Everton, Liverpool and Leeds, it is good like this. We cannot get comfortable, we cannot get lazy.
“These games will push us to our limits, then we will think about our solutions for the second leg.”

DOUBLE WHAMMY
Chelsea have been hit with a double whammy after Mason Mount and Jorginho were both ruled out of their Champions League second leg clash with Atletico Madrid.
The midfield duo were both booked in last night’s 1-0 away win.
And now the pair are suspended for the crunch return game at Stamford Bridge next month.

SOL SEARCHING
Yet Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could spring a surprise and name a strong side to retain his side’s rhythm.
Here’s an alternative way they could line up…

PAUL OVER NOW
Manchester United welcome Real Sociedad to Old Trafford for the second-leg of their Europa League last-32 tie on Thursday.
Paul Pogba is definitely unavailable but with the Red Devils having thrashed the Spanish side 4-0 in the first-leg, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer can afford to rest some other big stars.
Here’s how they could line up…

GRANIT XHAKA ON SOCIAL MEDIA ABUSE
He said: “If I showed the others what they write, I think I have to close my social media and I think everyone has to close their social media.
“I say that before, I say that now and I will say it always as well, it’s only about me I am the one on the pitch. It’s not my wife it’s not my little one, it’s not my family. If you want to criticise someone, like a person, like a player, no problem, criticise me. But don’t get other people involved because they have nothing to do with my job.
“Secondly I have had a lot of help from the club. It’s something we have to speak very openly about it. We don’t have to be quiet and say ‘keep it with me’ because it’s not always easy.
“But the club was here for me and for my family. I was very open with the guys here. And if you have people around like this to help you it’s very important.
“The problem is only if you lose. It’s not a problem when you win. If you lose everyone hates you, everyone is writing you things where it’s not possible to understand how they’re writing stuff like this.
“I wish I could meet the people who write these things, to sit with them eye to eye and ask him ‘why are you writing things like this?’ Not only for me personally because it happens a lot in the past few weeks, but only to know what he’s feeling in this moment when he writes things like this.
“It is not acceptable, so we have to open our eyes and speak a lot because I think you kill football like this if people start to talk about a family or player or things like this.”

BAR-CA CRAWL
Exclusive by Charlie Wyett: Lionel Messi is following in the footsteps of best pal Luis Suarez – by building a bar 100 yards away from the Uruguayan’s restaurant.
The Barcelona talisman may be missing his old strike partner, sold to Atletico Madrid last summer, on the pitch but will soon have even greater ties to him off it.
In 2017, Suarez opened ‘Chalito’, a trendy restaurant on the beachfront of Castelldefels, a short hop down the coast from Barcelona city centre.
Just 100 yards away, Messi is setting up shop on the same road.
SunSport pictures HERE show a construction site behind a steel fence that will eventually become the home of the Argentine’s bar.

JACK POT
John McGinn has told his Aston Villa teammates to man up and prove they can win without their talismanic leader Jack Grealish.
Dean Smith’s side have seen their team lose all of the three Premier League games captain Grealish has missed since winning promotion to the top flight in 2019.
McGinn claims it’s time to end that trend and said: “Any team in the league is going to miss Jack. But we are more than capable of putting in better performances than we did (against Leicester) without him.
“There are going to be spells in a season when teams lose their best players. But we have more than enough in that dressing room to get results.”

FAN THE FLAMES
Mikel Arteta lifted the lid on the prospect of there being some fans for the end of the season:
“I cannot wait to have our fans back in the stadium. I think all the players and everyone at the club are desperate to have our fans back at the Emirates because they make a huge difference.
“For me personally as well, because the energy they are able to create, the motivation they create, the passion they can show in the stadium for our players, I think is something we’ve really been missing.
“I’ve said it before: to feel part of something that you are trying to do without sharing it with the people that really matter is very empty at the end.
“A lot of the emotional parts are the beauty of this game so hopefully we can have them back very, very soon.”

MORE FROM MIKEL ARTETA
On whether Bukayo Saka is one of Arsenal’s most important players:
“His form in recent months shows that he’s a very important player for us. I think he’s getting better and better, his performance levels have been really consistent, so that makes him for sure one of the most important players in recent months.”
On whether Saka’s consistency is unusual for a young player:
“It is very unusual but he’s been doing a lot of unusual things. He’s dealing with things at his age in a very unusual way, but that’s why he’s showing what he’s showing, because his maturity is above his age and so is his intelligence as well.”

LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN
Mikel Arteta was quizzed over whether winning the Europa League was Arsenal’s best chance of qualifing for the Champions League.
He said: “I think while mathematically everything is possible, in football you have to try so hard.
“We’re going to do that in the league for sure. It’s true that the Europa League gives you a completely different route and is a competition that we want to carry on playing, and try to win it.
“Tomorrow is another opportunity to make a step forward. The better we are in the Europa League, the better we’re going to be performing in the league and vice-versa. We need to be alive in both competitions.”

ARSENAL TEAM NEWS
Mikel Arteta said: “Thomas is very close. He’s got a final test today in training.
“If he’s feeling good, he will be available to play the match.”
At the back, Arteta will be without Rob Holding after a concussion during Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday.
The Arsenal boss added: “Regarding Rob, he’s not available.
“He had a concussion, we tested him and he’s completely fine but obviously now we need to follow the protocols and he won’t be able to travel.”

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ROMAN ABRAMOVICH has reportedly ordered Chelsea’s transfer team to sign Erling Haaland ‘at any cost’ as the Blues plot another big-spending summer.
Meanwhile Arsenal’s Hector Bellerin is reportedly edging closer to a summer move to PSG, with Tariq Lamptey and Max Aarons lined up as potential replacements.

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‘EEZ ONE OF OUR OWN – EXCLUSIVE
Arsenal are in talks with whizkid Miguel Azeez over a new long-term deal.
The England youth international, 18, has impressed in the Gunners academy this season.

Arsenal youngster Miguel Azeez could sign a new lengthy dealCredit: Getty Images – Getty
He made his senior debut as a late sub in December’s 4-2 win at Dundalk in the Europa League.
Azeez’s current deal expires at the end of the season, meaning he will become a free agent on July 1, as things stand.

JAN SALE
Atletico Madrid keeper Jan Oblak has opened the door to a Premier League transfer in the future.
The 28-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea, is widely considered to be one of the best keepers in the world.
And while he was unwavering in his praise for Atletico, he also took the time to touch on the attraction of the Premier League.
Speaking to AS, he said: “I live in a great city, in a great country and I play in a great league.
“But, of course, I watch the Premier. It is a special league in which every game is difficult.
“Play there? As a player never you know what will happen in a few years but, of course, the Premier is attractive for any player.”

SUAR GRAPES
Luis Suarez has blasted Barcelona for kicking him out in the summer for being ‘too old’.
The Uruguayan, 34, has been a massive success at LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid since his tearful Nou Camp exit at the end of last season.

Former Liverpool star Luis Suarez has hit the ground running at Atletico MadridCredit: Reuters
Suarez is the division’s top scorer on 16 – but the way the striker’s six-year stint at Barcelona came to an end still leaves a bitter taste in his mouth.
He told France Football: “What really bothered me was when they told me that I was old and that I could no longer play at a high level, be up to [leading] a great team.
“That’s what I did not like. If I hadn’t done anything at a club like Barca for three or four seasons, I would have understood.
“But, every year at Barca, I scored more than 20 goals per season. I have always had good statistics, just behind Leo (Messi).”

DIEGO-ING HOME
Diego Costa is reportedly wanted by Sao Paulo FC, the rivals of his boyhood club.
The striker, 32, left Atletico Madrid at the end of December to become a free agent.
Now according to Sky Sports, Costa has been offered the chance to return to his hometown.
Sao Paulo hope to take advantage of his desire to finish his playing career in Brazil.
However, Costa grew up supporting Palmeiras – Sao Paulo’s enemies across the city.
And Palmeiras are themselves in the hunt to sign the former Chelsea man.
They were believed to be leading that race – with many reports claiming Costa had signed a two-year deal worth around £2.6million.

HEC OF A TEAM
With PSG gunning for Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin, here’s how Mauricio Pochettino’s side could line up next season.

NOT APPE
Kylian Mbappe has insisted he wants a get-out clause in his new Paris Saint-Germain contract before he commits his future to the club.
The 23-year-old superstar’s current deal takes him up to the summer of 2022.
And the French champions are keen to ensure he remains in Paris beyond the end of next season amid interest from European giants such as Liverpool and Real Madrid.
But according to Foot Mercato, Mbappe is demanding his contract contains a clause which would enable him to leave the club before its expiration date.
Mbappe’s stock rose once more last week when he scored a sensational hat-trick at the Nou Camp to hand PSG a 4-1 victory over Barcelona in the first leg of their Champions League last 16 tie.
The World Cup winner has netted 21 goals in 30 appearances for PSG so far this season.

LOADED DYCE
Sam Allardyce revealed club chiefs often pressurise managers to play expensive stars even if they are flops on the pitch.
The West Brom boss said having superstar players on huge salaries makes management much tougher.
Speaking on the Harry Redknapp Show podcast, Allardyce, 66, said: “And the agents now demand the sort of money that the club has to pay for that player if they want him, which gives him such a massive contract that now it’s very difficult for you as a manager to manage those players.
“You’ve got the responsibility of being able to control and manage that player that is earning so much for the football club.
“And you’ve got to bring the best out of him. You’ve got to make sure that he earns that money, that he’s worth that money, and he becomes an asset for the club and for you as a manager.
“The amount of money that is paid to players and just what that means because if you were brave enough to leave them out – and sometimes you had to be brave enough – there’d be big frowns from upstairs about the reduction of the asset, the reduction of what might be the sale of the asset.
“That’s them coming to you and saying ‘we paid a lot of money for him, you’re devaluing him, why’s he not in the first team – is it your fault?’ I found that much more difficult to manage. I don’t blame them whatsoever. I think that’s quite within their rights.”

DREAM LAND
Chelsea are ‘quietly’ growing in confidence that they can sign Erling Haaland this summer, according to reports.
The lethal Borussia Dortmund striker is attracting interest from all around Europe, having scored 43 goals in 43 games for the German giants.
Manchester United, City, Real Madrid and Liverpool are all thought to be monitoring the 20-year-old’s situation, and are attracted by the £65million release clause that will come into play in 2022.
But Chelsea believe that they can get ahead of the chasing pack by placing a bid BEFORE the clause becomes active.
According to Eurosport, the Blues are making ‘progress’ behind the scenes in convincing those close to Haaland that Stamford Bridge is the right destination for him.

JUVE BEEN FRAMED
Juventus are set to star in Amazon’s latest All or Nothing behind the scenes documentary.
And the trailer has revealed some unseen footage of Cristiano Ronaldo sulking in the changing room.

Cristiano Ronaldo sulks in Juventus dressing-room in unseen footage for Amazon Prime All or Nothing trailer

SIL-LY NOT TO – EXCLUSIVE
Manchester United could be offered Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva in the summer if Edinson Cavani’s contract is not renewed.
Silva’s agent Jorge Mendes is hoping to orchestrate the move with Frankfurt needing to raise funds to buy back Real Madrid forward Luka Jovic.

Andre Silva could be offered to Manchester UnitedCredit: Alamy Live News
Portuguese international Silva has been on fire in the Bundesliga this season with 18 goals in 20 appearances – second only to Bayern’s Robert Lewandowski in the scoring charts.
The 25-year-old has been linked with a move to the Premier League in the past after leaving Porto to join AC Milan in 2017 for £32m.
Since then, loan switches to Sevilla and then Frankfurt saw him sign for the latter in September, but England remains a luring attraction.
The deal – which could be worth up to £30m in pandemic times – is with bringing Jovic back to the club in mind.

DON THE SHIRT
Manchester United are reportedly lining up a summer move for AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma.
David De Gea’s displays have left plenty to be desired and English No2 Dean Henderson could step in.

Gianluigi Donnarumma could be heading to Old TraffordCredit: AP:Associated Press
But Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is considering alternatives.
Fichajes reports Donnarumma is one of the names on the Red Devils’ shortlist.

PEP TALK
Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola slammed players leaking team news via Fantasy Football as ‘incredibly unethical and unprofessional’.

“Players [from other teams] are friends and they sometimes talk about what they do, and it’s incredibly unethical and unprofessional”Pep Guardiola has hit out at players who share team news with opponents via Fantasy Football, after #AVFC players were banned from the game #MCFC pic.twitter.com/bsPStUc3Ta
— The Sun Football ⚽ (@TheSunFootball) February 23, 2021

HAZ IT ALL
Eden Hazard is in the world’s top three footballers ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo, according to old Chelsea team-mate Filipe Luis.
The Flamengo left-back, 35, thinks the Belgian star ranks alongside Neymar and Lionel Messi in the top echelons of the game.
In a single season at Stamford Bridge, Luis witnessed the Belgian at his scintillating best, winning the 2014-15 Premier League and League Cup.
But he was left feeling that Hazard still could have done more to become the very best player around.
Luis told the Mail: “Eden along with Neymar are the best players I have ever played alongside – up there with Messi.”

McQUEEN DEMENTIA DIAGNOSED
Football legend Gordon McQueen has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, his family have confirmed.
The 68-year-old enjoyed a distinguished playing career with the likes of Manchester United, Leeds and Scotland in the 1970s and 1980s.

SLAPSTICK
There’s duping the ref and then there’s slapping yourself in the face with an object and pretending to have been hit with a missile…
Check out this crazy footage from the Guatemalan third-division.

Ridiculous moment footballer Rosbin Ramos fakes being hit by object after slapping himself in face

GOOD NEWS
Everton’s plans to redevelop Goodison Park have been approved by Liverpool City Council.

DAVE DON’T SAVE
David De Gea has let in FIVE of the last eight Premier League shots he’s faced from inside the box.
And Paul Scholes reckons the Manchester United goalkeeper is now a ‘real problem’ for the club.

De Gea’s miserable record between the sticks in recent weeks continued on Sunday – hours after SunSport revealed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is plotting to sell either the Spaniard or Dean Henderson this summer.
Newcastle managed two shots on target from inside the penalty area – both from Allan Saint-Maximin.
The first of those ended up in the back of the net, while De Gea did manage to save the other in the 3-1 win which saw the Red Devils leapfrog Leicester back into second.

S-KAI HIGH
Here are the Chelsea stars’ wages with Kai Havertz’s return of one goal costing the Blues £7.4million.

FOOTBALL PUBERTY
Arsenal’s on-loan midfielder Matteo Guendouzi is going through ‘puberty’ at Hertha Berlin, according to the German side’s boss.
Pal Dardai insists the Gunners ace, 21, has plenty to learn if he is going to maximise his career.

Matteo Guendouzi is on loan at Hertha Berlin from ArsenalCredit: AFP or licensors
The Frenchman was shipped out on loan after being frozen out by Mikel Arteta.
Dardai told Bild: “It’s like puberty for him, he’s kind of a rebel. He has to work and learn like an animal.”

KOV UP
Liverpool and Manchester United look braced to rival it out for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic, according to reports.
Both Premier League giants are prioritising signing a central defender at the end of the season.

Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenkovic could be heading to Liverpool or Manchester UnitedCredit: AP:Associated Press
According to Sky Sports’ Max Bielefeld, both clubs have made initial contact with Milenkovic’s agent.
The 23-year-old Serbian international has been a stalwart in Fiorentina’s defence this season with his side struggling in 14th.
Milenkovic is looking increasingly likely to move on at the end of the season with just 17-months left on his current contract.

ON YOUR MARCS
Chelsea left-back Marcos Alonso was the subject of bizarre chants from fans in Romania when he arrived for the Champions League last 16 game against Atletico Madrid tonight.
Footage of the Chelsea squad getting off the team bus was accompanied by the chant: “Alonso be fast, don’t be slow.”
The exact origins of the chant, or the reasoning behind it, remain unclear.

Watch Chelsea fans tease Marcos Alonso with new ‘don’t be slow’ chant as team arrive in Bucharest for Atletico clash

FAN-TASTIC
England’s mouthwatering Euro 2020 clash with Scotland could be played in front of 24,000 fans despite the Government roadmap’s 10,000 capacity limit.
The bitter rivals meet at Wembley on June 18 and FA chiefs are said to be pushing for the increased supporter allowance.
Boris Johnson announced the roadmap out of lockdown on Monday which caps attendance at large stadiums to 10k fans or 25 per cent of its overall capacity – whichever figure is lower – from May 17.
The Prime Minister confirmed to the House Of Commons that all social distancing will end on June 21 and permitted attendances are expected to rise again from that date.
But with England’s game against the Auld enemy taking place three days before, technically only 10k should be allowed in.
But senior FA figures have identified 24k as a reasonable ambition – for what will be the Three Lions’ second group game – and will push Government to allow it, according to The Telegraph.

SPAIN PAIN
Former Barcelona defender Jeremy Mathieu revealed he was given no support by Lionel Messi and Co in his last year at the Nou Cam.
Mathieu starred under Luis Enrique between 2014-17 but the boss ‘did not talk to’ the player during his struggles.

Jeremy Mathieu slammed his treatment at BarcaCredit: AFP or licensors
Mathieu told Catalan radio station RAC1: “I had a very bad time in my last year with Barcelona.
“I had the feeling I was blamed for the 3-0 defeat in Turin, but football is played with 11 players, not just one.
“I felt alone in the dressing room.
“No one offered support. For me, that’s not football.”

OH HEC
With Hector Bellerin linked with a move to PSG, SunSport looks at five right-backs who could fill the void at Arsenal.
Max Aarons
Tariq Lamptey
Achraf Hakimi
James Justin
Kyle Walker

ROMAN EMPEROR
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is reportedly set to hand Thomas Tuchel a £260million transfer warchest – with Erling Haaland No1 priority.
TuttoMercatoWeb reports the Russian chief is ready to invest another eye-watering sum after signing off on over £230m worth of transfers last summer.
Abramovich is believed to want his Blues to land the Norwegian striker ‘at all costs’.

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MANCHESTER UNITED are set to sell either David De Gea or Dean Henderson, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Meanwhile Chelsea are reportedly looking to the Bundesliga again as Thomas Tuchel makes a £26m approach for Niklas Sule.

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SUAR LOSER
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel admits he tried signing Luis Suarez from Barcelona for PSG.
Tuchel said of the Atletico Madrid star: “He is a natural striker, a born striker, and has the certain mentality that only strikers have.
“This mentality is to show his will, intensity and anger to score, score and score. He is never satisfied.
“So what a mentality, what a player. I’m not involved in his history with Chelsea and to me it’s never good to look too far in the past.
“We only look forward. We play him with Atletico and we know of his qualities. We’re aware of them and will try to stop him from scoring.
“It was a possibility to sign him in Paris.
“We heard the rumours he was about to leave Barcelona — and who can not be interested in signing one of the best strikers in world football, past and present?
“We tried our luck, we did not make it. He decided to stay in Spain, move to Atletico and has proven his quality.
“He maybe would’ve been a fit to our squad in Paris. Now things are different.
“He is under contract now at Atletico Madrid and it’s not worth thinking about it. I haven’t and the possibility is high we won’t think about it.”

Thomas Tuchel admits he tried signing Luis Suarez for PSG

EXCLUSIVE FROM TOM BARCLAY
Brighton have opened talks to extend Alexis Mac Allister’s contract.
The Argentine, 22, has been a revelation since the turn of the year and one of the key factors behind the Seagulls’ upturn in form.
Albion are keen to reward their playmaker with improved terms.
Mac Allister, who has two years left on present deal, joined the club in January 2019 and was initially loaned out to Argentinos Juniors and Boca Juniors back in his home country.
The Argentina international returned to Albion last January but saw his adaptation period to a new country and league hampered by the pandemic.
But he has become one of the first names on the team sheet for boss Graham Potter in the last few months.

Brighton want to hand a new deal to Alexis Mac Allister

MARTIAL LAW
Anthony Martial lacks the desire to a be Premier League goal-machine, according to Alan Shearer.
He told Match of the Day 2: “Only four league goals this season, not enough movement, he’s certainly not desperate enough to score goals.
“When you look at his positioning, he spends far too much time [out wide] when you need someone in the box.
“Not once does he look to get anywhere near that box to score goals.
“He’s spending too much time out there [wide], there’s no focal point, there’s no one there to hold the ball up.
“He should realise he should get out of there and get into the box.
“I don’t think it means enough to him to put that ball into the back of the net.
“He’s only ever scored more than 20 goals in a season once. And that’s not just league goals.
“When you consider Manchester United are top scorers in the Premier League with 53 and he’s got four, I don’t think that’s anywhere near enough.”

Shearer has criticised Martial’s attitude after drawing yet another blank vs Newcastle

RON AND ONLY
Cristiano Ronaldo jumped to the top of the Serie A scoring standings after netting twice for Juventus against Crotone.
The 36-year-old superstar leapfrogged Romelu Lukaku after his brace for Juve in their 3-0 home win.
But the Portuguese star also missed an open goal as he spurned the chance to complete his hat-trick.
Despite that, Ronnie is now top of the scoring charts with 18 goals this term – one more than Lukaku.
However, Juve are eight points behind Inter with a game in hand.

Cristiano Ronaldo leads the Serie A goal charts with 18 strikes

BENTEKKERS
Christian Benteke scored a dramatic 95th minute winner at Brighton for Crystal Palace.
The Belgian left it late to secure a 2-1 victory in the derby clash at the Amex.
The result leaves Brighton just four points above the drop zone.
Meanwhile, Palace are now ten points clear of 18th place Fulham.

EXCLUSIVE BY NICK PISA
Roman Abramovich’s new £430million super yacht is seen in all its glory for the first time.
The 460ft Solaris, which will have eight decks including a helicopter pad, is nearing completion.
No expense has been spared and its two advanced electric engines will make it the most powerful yacht in the world.
A source said: “This will be the yacht of the year when she is launched.”

Roman Abramovich’s new yacht is a beauty

All the vital details of Roman’s new boat

CARL-WOAH
Jamie Carragher has hailed Carlo Ancelotti as the Merseyside derby’s Man of the Match..
He told Sky Sports: “I watched the game again and Everton’s Man of the Match was the manager.
“It’s been 22 years since they won there. Notoriously Everton’s record at Anfield is horrendous.
“To win at Anfield for Everton is huge and they celebrated like mad and deservedly so.
“Everton had only won six games there since 1960.”

Jamie Carragher has hailed Carlo Ancelotti for Everton’s win at Liverpool

TOP MOUNT
Atletico Madrid star Joao Felix says he admires Chelsea star Mason Mount ahead of their Champions League clash.
Felix told the Mail: “I like the way he [Mount] plays, the way he likes to drag the ball, the way he touches the ball.
“I played with Chris Willock in Benfica three or four years ago and he told me that Chelsea has a guy that he sees who is similar to me and he told me it was Mason Mount.
“A few years later he appeared in Chelsea and I like the way he plays.”

Joao Felix has revealed his admiration for Mason Mount

KOP OUTS
Jamie Carragher has blasted Liverpool’s dreadful home record after four successive defeats at Anfield.
He told Sky Sports: “Liverpool can’t win the league without Van Dijk, that’s the big picture. 
“But the problem Liverpool have at centre-back or with midfielders in defence does not mean they cannot win home games against Everton, Brighton, Burnley and West Brom.
“It’s not an excuse for individual games. No matter what problem you have as a Liverpool player you cannot not win at home for six games – that’s unacceptable.
“I’ve been in teams, not as good as this one, but you find a way to win. We beat Everton twice with 10 men.
“Liverpool started the game against Everton with 10 Champions League winners. Van Dijk is not an excuse in individual games.”

Jamie Carragher has slammed Liverpool’s home record

HALF-TIME
The whistle has gone for the break at the Amex and Crystal Palace lead Brighton 1-0.
Jean-Philippe Mateta bagged a goal for the visitors in the 28th minute.
And Brighton have it all to do in the second half.
FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

MOUR JOY
Jose Mourinho has been named the World’s Best Coach of the 21st Century by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).
The organisation yearly decides on the World’s Best Club Coach and the World’s Best National Team Coach.
Combining these annual stats and scoring points to each manager accordingly, they have deduced that Mourinho is top of the tree.
The stats have been taken into account from when the awards began, in 2001.
Germany coach Joachim Low is in second spot, with Man Utd legend and the world’s most decorated manager Sir Alex Ferguson in third.
Man City chief Pep Guardiola is in fourth with former Arsenal gaffer Arsene Wenger completing the top five.

Jose Mourinho has already claimed he is the best manager in the world

BAD MOVE
Thomas Tuchel was wrong to haul Callum Hudson-Odoi off the pitch against Southampton, according to Jamie Carragher.
He told Sky Sports: “A manager is paid to make decisions and get results.
“If [Tuchel] felt making that change gave them more chance of winning the game and helping Chelsea get in the Champions League then I have absolutely no problem with it.
“[Hudson-Odoi] lost the ball seven times in the game and had it 18, so that may have been a problem for the manager.
“But the two times he lost it poorly, he was sprinting after the ball.
“When the manager says he’s wasn’t happy with his counter-pressing… I can’t really see too much of a problem.”

DEAN AND GONE
Man Utd goalkeeper Dean Henderson is reportedly attracting the interest of Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham.
The rising star is ready to leave Old Trafford if he is not given the No1 jersey at Old Trafford.
The Manchester Evening News reports Henderson is frustrated by his lack of football at United.
The shot stopper is not prepared to sit on the bench in the Premier League next season and this has alerted a number of clubs about a potential move.

Dean Henderson wants regular football at Manchester United

DRAG RACE
Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Radu Dragusin’s contract stand-off with Juventus ahead of a possible free summer transfer, according to repotrs.
The Romanian centre-back, 19, is out of contract at the end of the season, with Tottenham and Newcastle also linked.
And now Corriere dello Sport have claimed the Eagles are set to swoop for Dragusin in a bid to bolster their squad after a tricky 2020-21 so far.
Dragusin has been restricted to just two Coppa Italia games since, well down Andrea Pirlo’s pecking order.
And a new Juve contract offer does not look likely for the teen.

Crystal Palace have joined the chase for Juventus defender Radu Dragusin

THREE LIONS ROAR
England fans are sure to be excited at Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown on June 21.
England play Czech Republic at Wembley the day after.
That could see Wembley full of fans – providing coronavirus cases haven’t spiked again and all tests have been carried out effectively.
But for all those who can’t make the game, there are bound to be filled-out pubs and beer gardens around the country.
There will also be fans at England’s clash against Scotland at Wembley on June 18.

England fans will be delighted that social distancing restrictions are set to end one day before the team’s game against Czech Republic

TEAM NEWS
Brighton host Crystal Palace in the M23 derby tonight.
Neil Maupay leads the line for the Seagulls in a strong starting XI.
But there is no Wilfried Zaha for the visitors, who will look to Eberechi Eze for inspiration.
FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

FIL YER BOOTS
Former Chelsea star Filipe Luis has revealed how Jose Mourinho left him feeling ‘betrayed’ during his time at Stamford Bridge.
The Brazilian barely featured in the Premier League during his one season in English football.
And Luis was also dropped for the 2015 League Cup final despite featuring in every game leading up to the showpiece event.
Luis told the Mail: “When I was on the bench for the first game of the season I knocked on Mourinho’s office door and said: ‘Why did you bring me here? Why didn’t you just leave me at Atletico?’
“He said that he didn’t feel as secure defensively with me in the team as he did with Cesar Azpilicueta.
“At the time (I was dropped) I felt betrayed for want of a better word. I did not want to work for Mourinho for another year. 
“But it was not his fault. We won the final and I have the medal at home!”

Filipe Luis has revealed he felt betrayed by Jose Mourinho at Chelsea

BRICE MOVE
Nottingham Forest keeper Brice Samba deployed some hilarious time-wasting tactics in their nervy 1-0 win over Blackburn.
With the game in added-time, and Forest clinging onto a vital three points, the stopper first appeared to lose the ball… before realising it was in his penalty area.
When he did locate it, and place it to take the kick, he did so clearly outside his six-yard box.
Samba was then told to move it back to ensure some more precious seconds ticked on the clock.
After a hop, skip and jump in his run up, the 26-year-old finally lumped the ball into play.

CUP FOR IT
The Carabao Cup final could see fans welcomed to Wembley Stadium with the EFL targeting pilot events before the coronavirus lockdown ends.
An EFL spokesperson said: “We note the Prime Minister’s announcement today in respect of a roadmap for easing national lockdown restrictions and the Government’s criteria for a phased return of fans to sporting events.
“As has been our approach throughout the pandemic, the EFL wants to see supporters back in our stadia as soon as it is safe to do so.
“We will continue to work with clubs, DCMS, the SGSA and local authorities to this end.
“Following a successful fan pilot programme in the autumn, the EFL and member clubs have shown test events for fans can be safely delivered with the appropriate measures in place.
“With the Carabao Cup final taking place on April 25 and the culmination of the EFL season on May 8/9, we look forward to engaging with the Government about its pilot programme.
“We will be working to welcome as many fans as possible to the Sky Bet Play-Off Finals which will conclude the 2020-21 season on the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.”

Fans could be welcomed back to Wembley for the Carabao Cup final on April 26

BIEL OR NO BIEL
Marcelo Bielsa will give Leeds an answer on his future BEFORE the end of the season – even though he does not want to.
The Leeds boss, 65, said: “If the club needs an answer before the end of the season, I will respond.
“I will tell them they should consider what happens in the last part of the season.
“It is possible that they could say they will wait, or they may say they need to resolve it. If they need a response, I will give one.
“What it seems like is that the president is offering me an extension and I am delaying it.
“It could be interpreted as the club having more desire for me staying than I do, and that is not the case.
“In no way do I want to position myself above the club.”

Marcelo Bielsa will decide whether he stays at Leeds BEFORE the end of the season

JOT IN THE ARM
Diogo Jota is set to return to Liverpool training THIS WEEK – and could even make his comeback against Chelsea.
Jurgen Klopp is set to be handed a major boost with the return of Jota following a near-three-month layoff with a knee injury.
The summer buy from Wolves damaged ligaments in his knee during the December 9 draw with Midtjylland in the Champions League group stage.
But Klopp has been given a much-needed shot in the arm by the news Jota will be available for training this week.

Diogo Jota is set to return to Liverpool training this week

COSTLY RED
A generous Internacional fan stumped up £133,000 of their own money so loan star Rodinei could play vs his parent club Flamengo.
But it did not go to plan as the ace was sent off, allowing Flamengo to win 2-1 and move a step closer to the title.
Rodinei joined Internacional last year but was prevented from facing Flamengo unless they received a £133k payment.
The Brazilian was amazingly cleared to play in the match after wealthy farmer Maggi Scheffer stumped up the huge payment.
But Rodinei made a costly mistake at the start of the second half when he went in late on Filipe Luis, receiving a straight red.

Rodinei was sent off against his parent club

FROM SUNSPORT’S MARK IRWIN
Juventus and Inter Milan have joined the battle for Sergio Aguero.
The Man City striker has already spoken with Barcelona and Atletico Madrid about a possible move this summer.
His current £250,000-a-week contract expires at the end of the season and no talks have yet taken place about a new deal.
The Premier League leaders are reluctant to commit themselves until Aguero has proved that he has fully recovered from coronavirus and a lingering knee problem.
It is understood that Aguero’s preferred option would be to extend his stay at City but he is currently weighing up all alternatives.

Juventus and Inter Milan have joined the race for Sergio Aguero

TURKING PART
Mesut Ozil appeared to sing the Turkish national anthem before Fenerbahce’s game at home to Goztepe on Sunday.
The Istiklal Marsi is played before all Super Lig and cup games in Turkey.
However, it was Ozil’s rendition of the song on Sunday that got people talking.
The ex-Arsenal playmaker, 32, famously refused to sing the Germany national anthem during his 92 matches for his country.
Ozil claimed he preferred to pray while his team-mates belting out their rendition of Deutschlandlied.
But the former Gunners ace was seen moving his lips in time to the Turkish national anthem ahead of the 1-0 defeat at home to Goztepe.
The moment came after Ozil was criticised for NOT singing it on his Fenerbahce debut last week.

Ozil was seen appearing to sing along with the Turkish national anthem ahead of Fenerbahce vs Goztepe on Sunday

BOARD MEMBERS
Fans of Everton and Man Utd both flooded social media after members of their clubs were spotted on substitution board duty this weekend.
But in fact those getting excited have been asleep at the wheel since Project Restart – in JUNE.
Prem chiefs confirmed that the boards have not been handled by the fourth official since the return of action last season.
While it was always a job for officials in the past, Covid protocols mean there are now TWO substitution boards being used at every game.
The home side has one, with the away team operating the other, in a safety measure.
It is also a regulation that all boards are sanitised immediately after matches, along with the corner flags and goalposts.

Lee Grant was the man to hold the sub board to introduce Juan Mata

Duncan Ferguson was on hand to introduce Alex Iwobi to the game

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MANCHESTER UNITED are set to sell either David De Gea or Dean Henderson, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Meanwhile Chelsea are reportedly looking to the Bundesliga again as Thomas Tuchel makes a £26m approach for Niklas Sule.

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BLUE IT
Timo Werner has opened his heart on his struggles at Chelsea – and admitted he has been brought down to earth.
Werner told Kicker: “I have been brought back down to earth in the last few months.
“I’ve had it made very clear to me that I can’t be seen as a top striker any more with the sort of goal drought I’ve had.
“I drove myself far too crazy about it, and was much too grim.  I needed to take the pressure off myself.
“But things have progressed from the first moment Thomas Tuchel arrived.  He has helped me a great deal.
“His arrival was a fresh start for me and the other German players.”

Timo Werner admits his first season in England has been difficult

FAN-TASTIC
Fans will be allowed back into stadiums and venues from May – bringing a real prospect of a proper summer of sport.
PM Boris Johnson today confirmed that turnstiles will be reopened from May 17 after being closed for the second time in December.
That opens the prospect of supporters being in seats for the seven Euro 2020 games due to be played at Wembley as well as Wimbledon.
It would also allow race fans for the Epsom Derby and Royal Ascot in June.
And supporters will get the chance to watch the England v India Test series and the Open Championships at Royal St George’s.
But, initially at least, numbers will be strictly limited.

BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE
Ross Barkley missed a huge ‘opportunity’ to further stake a claim for a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad in Aston Villa’s defeat to Leicester, according to Alex Scott.
He told Sky Sports: “For me it’s another missed opportunity for Ross Barkley to show up and demand.
“He’s been subbed off again and you can see in his face he’s not happy.
“But how many chances does a player need?
“You need to take it upon yourself. There’s only so many chances that he can be deserving. He’s missed another opportunity today.”

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IT’S COMING HOME
Exclusive by Martin Lipton: Premier League fans will be allowed back in stadiums THIS season.
PM Boris Johnson will confirm turnstiles will be reopened from May 17 after being closed since December.
That would mean the last round of fixtures could see up to 10,000 supporters or 25 per cent of capacity, whichever is the smaller back in grounds.
It would also mean good news for the rest of the EFL, with fans allowed in for the play-off finals.
The Championship, League One and League Two games are scheduled to take place on the weekend of May 29 – with 90,000-capacity Wembley the usual venue.

SHOCKING FALL
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen was rushed to hospital after being knocked unconscious against Atalanta.
Osimhen suffered a sickening fall during the defeat with fears over his health.
The striker stayed in hospital overnight for observation after being stretchered off the pitch.
Osimhen fell awkwardly after colliding with Atalanta defender Cristian Romero.
The Nigerian forward was knocked out by the collision but he was concious after being taken off by medical staff.
It took place in the closing minutes of Napoli’s 4-2 Serie A defeat to Atalanta.

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RAM RAID
Manchester United are reportedly set to raid Wayne Rooney’s Derby County for three of his promising teenage talents.
And the Red Devils will cough up around £750,000 to land the starlets.
The Athletic states that the sale of the Rams trio, who are all under 15, will provide some much-needed finance for the struggling Championship side.
The report adds that Rooney’s club are ‘working with’ the side he achieved legendary status at ‘over the agreements to aid cashflow’.

OD DECISION
Arsene Wenger backed Thomas Tuchel’s decision to replace half-time introduction Callum Hudson-Odoi.
He said: “I’ve done it once in my life really because I was scared to lose the game because the guy was completely lost.
“Basically he [Hudson-Odoi] played in a Christmas tree, in that position behind the central striker which became Timo Werner in the second half and he never found the right position in there.
“I see him more in a wide position and he was not in the game. Was he the guy especially to take off?
“He didn’t do a lot of positives and not a lot of negatives as well.”

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PAIN IN THE ARSENE
Arsene Wenger thinks Chelsea will just miss out on the top four this season after calculating they’ll get just 63 points.
The legendary former Arsenal boss applied ‘pro-rata’ to the Blues’ current 43 point haul and surmised Thomas Tuchel will fall just short of the Champions League spots in his first season.
Speaking after their 1-1 draw at Southampton on Saturday, Wenger said: “I would say it’s a fair result with one team happier than the other one.
“Southampton certainly the happier after stopping their losing slump.
“What’s a bit worrying for Chelsea is they were not at their best, which happens in this league, but you don’t feel a huge potential in there, not on the tactical side nor on the physical side nor on the aggressive side nor on the organisational side.
“I looked at their number of points, on that run they will make 63 points. That could be a fraction short of top four.
“I just think they made 43 points out of 25 games and on that average it gets you to 63 and 63 usually you’re out [the top four].
“They can of course have a great run but today their game was a bit frustrating for them. They didn’t find the fluency to put Southampton under pressure.”

NOU STRIKE FORCE
Barcelona presidential candidate Toni Freixa has promised a mega transfer spree if he gets voted in – with Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe targeted.
The Barca fans go to the polls on March 7 to decide who will run the Catalan giants – Freixa, Joan Laporta or Victor Font.
And Freixa tried his latest tactic to attract votes by insisting he would pump £216million into transfers to bolster the squad.
Speaking to radio station RAC-1, Freixa said: “We will have the most competitive squad for the 2021-22 season.
“We will not talk about individual players until we sign them.”
But asked about two of the best forwards in world football, he added: “It is possible to bring in Haaland and Mbappe.”

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LU MUST BE JOKING
Filipe Luis has revealed how he used to stop Lionel Messi during his Atletico Madrid days.
And the Brazilian reckons that his Argentine counterpart ‘liked’ being on the end of his horror tackles.
He hold the Mail: “One day I would like to ask Messi what it felt like playing against me.
“I approached it as the most important game in my life against him because he was the best player I have seen play.
“There were games where I went too far in terms of aggression. I was sent off. But he never had a go at me for it; he never said anything. I think he liked it, I think he liked that kind of challenge.
“In fact Barcelona called me [towards the end of his time at Atletico] so I think he must have liked my football. I’d like to know his opinion one day. My best games were always against Messi, for sure.”

TESTING TIMES
Manchester United’s backroom Covid outbreak prevented Prem chiefs announcing their first clear round of testing this season.
The latest figures revealed that there were just two positive tests last week from 2,633 samples.
United have admitted two members of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s backroom staff were self-isolating after testing positive.
The action did not prevent United’s Prem game with Newcastle taking place despite the scare.
And while it did mean Prem execs are still awaiting the first clear week this season, the fact that the issues were contained to one club is seen as another step in the right direction.
The figures revealed that one positive test came from the opening 1,290 samples taken across the 20 clubs between Monday and Thursday.

NO SAY, JOSE
Declan Rice has revealed how Jose Mourinho inspired West Ham to beat Spurs by writing off the Hammers’ chances of a top-four finish before their clash at the weekend.
The England star, 22, told talkSPORT: “I read during the week that Mourinho said that at the end of the season there’ll be no comparison to where Spurs are going to be to where West Ham are, ‘we’re going to overtake them’.
“You read stuff like that as players, and he said that on the Spurs YouTube channel.
“You read that and you think, ‘Yeah, that’s going to make me go out there and prove you wrong’.
“You’re going to go out there and want to put on an even better performance.
“So I think all the lads knew that and we wanted to go out there yesterday and really beat Spurs.”

MOUR MISERY
Jose Mourinho has the worst Premier League record of any Tottenham manager since Juande Ramos.
And Tim Sherwood incredibly has the best win ratio of the group.

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LUK AT HIM
Luke Shaw has claimed his new Manchester United team-mate Amad Diallo reminds him of Riyad Mahrez.
He told Sky Sports: “He’s a wonderful talent and already a wonderful player so I’m sure fans are looking forward to seeing him on the pitch.
“It was interesting because Harry said to me the other day that he reminds him of Mahrez when he was at Leicester.
“Really quick, skilful, agility, can turn really quick, got great skills and I would agree with Harry – he does remind me of Mahrez.
“Even the way Mahrez plays now I’ve seen the qualities that Amad already has and has shown in training.
“Mahrez is a wonderful player so hopefully if he’s any good like him it would be great for United.”

DIALL TONE
Luke Shaw has hailed his new Manchester United team-mate Amad Diallo.
He told Sky Sports: “He’s still so young but he’s come into training and you can tell he’s got confidence.
“You can tell by the way he plays, his first touch is brilliant, the way he takes the ball and drives at players. He’s got great skill.
“Of course, like I said, very skilful and got a long way to go. But you can tell already he’s going to be one for the future and I’m sure he’s not far away from getting a first team appearance.”

OD ONE OUT
Thomas Tuchel also has a decision to make over Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The winger has so far featured in every game of Tuchel’s reign.
But the 20-year-old could be out of the starting XI again after being embarrassed by his manager at the weekend.
Tuchel, 47, opted to humiliate the youngster, by hauling him off just 30 minutes after coming on against Southampton.
Yet if he is given a shot at redemption this week, here’s an alternative way Chelsea could line-up…

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JUDGEMENT CAL
Thomas Tuchel will have some big calls to make as his side travel to Spain to face Atletico Madrid on Tuesday night.
The Blues boss is undefeated in his short tenure to date, but will surely face his sternest test yet against Diego Simeone’s LaLiga leaders.
Here’s how they could line-up…

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GET A DEAL DONN
Manchester United are plotting a move for AC Milan keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, according to reports.
The news comes after SunSport exclusively revealed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will axe either David De Gea or Dean Henderson at the end of the season.
And the Red Devils are considering a move for Donnarumma, 21, according to Fichajes.
The Italian international is out of contract at the end of the season.

TAKING THE MIK
Arsenal need to produce a run-in worthy of champions just to MATCH Arsene Wenger’s WORST season in charge.
In fact, the Gunners have to win nine and draw two out of their last 13 games and can only afford one more defeat.

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BART BACK
Joey Barton has been unveiled as the new Bristol Rovers manager.
The former midfielder, 38, replaces Paul Tisdale at the Memorial Stadium on a contract until 2023.
Barton spent two-and-a-half years as Fleetwood boss between June 2018 and his ugly departure last month.

ICON DEATH
Mauro Bellugi, the former Inter Milan and Italy defender, has died aged 71 following horrific complications from Covid-19.
Bellugi, who was admitted to hospital in November after contracting the virus, died last Saturday.
Inter paid tribute to their former star on Twitter, writing: “Today he leaves us, a great man, a great footballer, a true ‘Interista’.
“Rest in peace Mauro Bellugi.”

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TOP MARCS
Marcus Rashford drew level with David Beckham on Manchester United’s all-time goalscoring list with a strike in the 3-1 win over Newcastle.

MOUR BANG FOR YOUR BUCK
Brendan Rodgers is the even money favourite to replace Jose Mourinho at Tottenham.
Spurs continued their horror form on Sunday with a 2-1 defeat to West Ham – leaving Mourinho battling to save his job.
And Rodgers, at third place Leicester is evens with Betfair to replace Mourinho.
The Portuguese is the current favourite in the next Premier League manager to be sacked market.

RACE FOR GOLDEN BOOT
Ciro Immobile is embracing the challenge to land the Golden Shoe ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski.
He told UEFA’s official website: “What do I like most about Robert Lewandowski? The fact he is never satisfied.
“Every year he tries to improve and go beyond his limits, even if they are already exceptional. He is a complete striker. I think he is currently the best No 9 in the world, so we have to be very careful.
“It was crazy to beat him in the race for the Golden Boot. To challenge great players like him and Ronaldo brought me great happiness.”

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

ATLETI-KO
Atletico Madrid are set to be without FIVE first-team players against Chelsea on Tuesday night.
And boss Diego Simeone has had to call upon four youth-teamers in order to fill out the 21-man squad.
Yannick Carrasco, who scored in the 2016 final, will miss out due to a foot injury, having also been unavailable for Saturday’s surprise 2-0 defeat at home to Levante.
Defender Jose Gimenez will also miss the match, having pulled up with a muscle injury 54 minutes into the weekend clash with Levante.
Right-back Sime Vrsaljko has sat out of much of the campaign with a knee injury and will also be absent.
Mexican midfielder Hector Herrera is unavailable due to Covid-19.
While former Tottenham right-back Kieran Trippier is still serving his betting ban.

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MANCHESTER UNITED are weighing up whether to keep David De Gea or Dean Henderson, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
Meanwhile Liverpool LOST their fourth home match on the bounce as they lost their first Merseyside derby in 22 years.

Man Utd beat Newcastle 3-1 on Sunday evening, with Manchester City having beaten Arsenal and Tottenham losing to West Ham.
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OLE: WE’LL CLING IN TITLE RACE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United must hang in there in the title race – as strange things can happen in football.
The Red Devils brought the gap to leaders City back down to 10 points thanks to goals from Dan James and Bruno Fernandes versus Newcastle.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer tries to console old pal Steve Bruce after Man Utd beat Newcastle 3-1Credit: AP:Associated Press
Many believe Pep Guardiola’s men already have a third crown in four seasons in the bag – but the Old Trafford chief is not giving up just yet.
Solskjaer said: “I’m never going to say it’s done until it’s done.
“You’ve seen so many examples of teams just hanging in there, doing their own jobs and something might happen.
“We’ve got to be there just in case. Every time we get three points we’ve done our job. We’ve got loads to play for.
“We can’t control any other team but ourselves – but there have been many surprises in football.”

PEARSON SET FOR ROBINS
Nigel Pearson is set to take over as Bristol City’s new head coach until the end of the season.
The 57-year-old has been out of work since he was sacked by Watford in July, two games before they were relegated from the Premier League.

Ex-Leicester and Watford chief Nigel Pearson is tipped to take over Bristol City
But the Guardian claim that he is set to return to management in the Championship at Bristol City on a short-term contract.
The report adds that Pearson held productive talks with club officials on Sunday but is unlikely to be in charge for Tuesday’s trip to Middlesbrough.
talkSPORT claim City had sounded out Eddie Howe but the former Bournemouth manager has his heart set on a Premier League job.
SunSport previously reported that Newcastle will target the 43-year-old if they axe England compatriot Steve Bruce.
Bristol City meanwhile gave Dean Holden his marching orders earlier this week following a run of six successive defeats.
He was only appointed in August on a one-year deal after a spell in interim charge following the sacking of Lee Johnson.

BRUCE LOOKING NERVOUSLY OVER SHOULDER’
Steve Bruce claims losing striker Joelinton through injury at 1-1 was a turning point in Manchester United’s 3-1 win.
And he admits the fourth-bottom Magpies are now one of several sides “looking nervously over their shoulder”.
Bruce told BBC Sport: “I was very, very pleased for large parts of it but getting results is all that matters.
“Large parts I felt were very good. The change was when Joelinton went off as he gave us a physical presence.
“It was disappointing but that’s our luck at the moment – losing centre forwards. We have to keep plugging away.
“Everyone near the bottom will be looking nervously over their shoulder… We’ve been stuck on 25 points for a little while, we have to win a few games.”

OLE SLAMS UTD’S FIRST-HALF DISPLAY
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer slammed Manchester United’s first-half display in the 3-1 defeat of Newcastle but hailed Dan James for the way he has battled back into the team.
Solskjaer claimed United took 45 minutes to build up their energy again following Thursday’s 4-0 Europa leageu victory over Real Sodiedad.
He told BBC Radio 5 Live: “We had to find a way to win it in the second half. The first half wasn’t up to the standard that we wanted, maybe because of Newcastle, maybe because of what we did in the week.
“We asked them to go again after a high-intensity game and it took us to half time to get our legs and energy.
“I’m delighted for Dan James. He has been so positive recently and working hard and he deserved his chance. I’m delighted when he scores goals because he’s had his ups and downs.
“Marcus Rashford has been a forward his whole life, he’s got quick feet. The first goal was a great strike after some dummies.
“He can still learn, he can still be so much better and that’s the good thing with our team – there are so many young lads that we can make better.”

SHORE ON CREST OF A WAVE
Shola Shoretire’s Manchester United debut today has caused a stir – even though he came on for just a minute of their 3-1 victory over Newcastle.

Shola Shoretire turned 17 earlier this month.Today, he made his Manchester United debut, becoming the 240th academy graduate to play for United’s first team 🔴 pic.twitter.com/FFRte9ieRr
— B/R Football (@brfootball) February 21, 2021

GONE PIERS-SHAPED FOR ARTETA
Piers Morgan’s goodwill towards Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is wearing thin after today’s 1-0 home defeat to leaders Manchester City left the Gunners in mid-table.
Celebrity fans Morgan laid out just why in this tweet….

That’s Arsenal’s 11th loss in 25 Premier League games this season, we’re 10th in the table, 11 points off Top4, & our next 5 games include Leicester, Spurs, West Ham & Liverpool.I like Arteta but this is just not good enough & he has to start delivering results. pic.twitter.com/BKUnpUo4wk
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) February 21, 2021

SHORETIRE PUMPED UP AFTER UTD DEBUT
The buzz around Shola Shoretire extended far beyond Old Trafford.
The Manchester United wonderkid, 17, was being courted by the likes of European giants Barcelona and Juventus before he signed his first professional deal with the Red Devils recently.
Shoretire was then fast-tracked to the first team and added to the club’s Europa League squad ahead of their tie against Spanish side Real Sociedad.
He sat on the bench against Sociedad in Europe but his patience prevailed as manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer brought him on against Newcastle in the league, handing the youngest his pro debut.
Shoretire replaced Marcus Rashford with just a minute to go but got a sense of the big-time at Old Trafford.
His rapid ascension through the youth ranks has United big-wigs purring that the Nigerian-born star could be the answer to the club’s problems out wide after missing out on Jadon Sancho.
The skilful attacker’s game has also been compared to African football legend Jay-Jay Okocha, who graced Premier League pitches with Bolton Wanderers in the early 2000s.

MAN U KNOW BRUNO WILL DELIVER THE GOODS
Manchester United’s media team instantly singled out Bruno Fernandes’ latest decisive display.
The midfielder’s penalty wrapped up a 3-1 win over Newcastle, as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men had too much menace on the break.

𝘼𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 goal.𝘼𝙣𝙤𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 assist (😉)Both in the same league game for the seventh time this season.🇵🇹🎩 pic.twitter.com/VMqAG8jwzZ
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) February 21, 2021

FLATTEO GUEN-DOZY
Arsenal loanee Matteo Guendouzi made a horror mistake as he face-planted to the ground to gift RB Leipzig a goal.
It was a moment to forget for the midfielder as his Hertha Berlin slumped 3-0.

Hertha Berlin were already trailing 1-0 after Marcel Sabitzer put the visitors in front in the 28th minute with a stunning strike which left goalkeeper Rune Jarstein frozen to the spot.
Nordi Mukiele then took advantage of a huge mistake by Arsenal outcast Guendouzi in the box when he landed on his backside.
Mukiele made no mistake to drill the ball into the net after 71 minutes to leave Guendouzi red faced.
Hertha Berlin piled on the pressure in a bid to get back in the match but goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi was in excellent form for the Bundesliga title challengers.
And Leipzig wrapped up the victory with a late header from Willi Orban to move within two points of leaders Bayern Munich.

UNITED’S SUB RATINGS
Mason Greenwood (on for Martial, 70) – 6
Did far more than Martial – though that wasn’t going to be hard. Great attacking intent from the youngster. 
Juan Mata (on for James, 88) – N/A
Shola Shoretire (on for Rashford, 88) – N/A
A late debut for the Newcastle-born 17-year-old.

UNITED’S STRIKER RATING
Marcus Rashford – 8
Looked threatening cutting in from the left from the outset and a gorgeous nutmeg allowed him to create the space to fire home the opening goal with aplomb.
Nippy ball skills bought him the penalty with the England hero at the heart of all United’s good work.
Anthony Martial – 3
The Frenchman’s hold-up play was shoddy and he looks far from effective playing through the middle.
Lucky to last as long as he did before being rightfully hooked by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after 70 minutes.

MORE MAN UTD RATINGS
Fred – 3
Involved in an early mix-up with Maguire and was awful at keeping the ball.
Nemanja Matic – 5
 You know what you are going to get from the experienced Serb in midfield – a no-nonsense display with zero thrills.
Dan James – 7
Industrious as ever, the speedster visibly worked hard and got his reward when the ball broke for him in the second-half and he rifled home his second goal in as many games.
Although he could still be looking for Allan Saint-Maximin after being made to look silly by the Frenchman in the United box.
Bruno Fernandes – 6
Not his usual influential self and his frustration boiled over when he engaged in a shoving match with Isaac Hayden and got himself booked.
Cheered himself up by getting revenge on Karl Darlow by slotting a penalty after the Toon keeper had saved one earlier this season.

MAN UTD RATINGS
David De Gea – 5/10
A woeful bungled clearance almost allowed Jonjo Shelvey to break the deadlock just ten minutes in and the Spaniard again failed to inspire confidence in his defenders.
Tipped over a Saint-Maximin thunderbolt only to see the Toon star smash past him from the resulting corner with the United No1 not covering himself in glory.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Solid defensively and not afraid to venture forward – even forcing Karl Darlow to make a scrambling stop from a left-footed shot.
Victor Lindelof – 5
Struggled with the pace of Miguel Almiron and the Swede continues to give off the impression of a dead man walking with United continually linked with a swoop for a new centre-back.
Harry Maguire – 5
Often found himself in the right place at the right time to break down promising Newcastle moves in the first-half.
Drove the ball forward with intent to try and get United going but should have done more to head the ball out of the danger zone for the equaliser.
Luke Shaw – 8
Full of confidence and playing at the top of his game – Shaw was equally assured mopping up at the back as he was charging down the left wing.
A must-have for Gareth Southgate on this form.

RESULT: MAN UTD 3 NEWCASTLE 1
Click on our match blog HERE for all the reaction as Nemanja Matic and opening scorer Marcus Rashford inspired United to victory and back up to second place in the Prem.
Rashford and Dan James fired fine goals before Bruno Fernandes’ penalty clincher left Newcastle fourth bottom.
Allan Saint-Maximin cracked the Magpies’ temporary equaliser.

GOAL! MAN UTD 3 NEWCASTLE 1
Bruno Fernandes’ 75th minute penalty put United in cruise control.
Marcus Rashford – fed by Nemanja Matic – was upended by Joe Willock.
And after Fernandes tucked home the resulting spot-kick United began to play with swagger.
Follow all the second-half action with our match blog HERE.

PUPPY DROG
Isaac Drogba, son of Chelsea legend Didier, made his professional bow in the Italian fourth-tier.
Earlier this month, the 20-year-old joined Serie D side Folgore Caratese to aid their promotion push.

Didier Drogba’s son Isaac came off the bench to make his pro debut in a 4-1
And, in a win over Saluzzo at Stadio XXV Aprile, Drogba made his first appearance in a professional game.
The youngster spent last season in the reserves of French side Guingamp, where dad Didier also starred for a year as he made his way in the game.
Previously, the young Drogba had been part of Chelsea’s youth academy in another nod to his family’s heritage.
But he is now making his way in the town of Carate Brianza, to the north of Milan, where Folgore are based.
On Sunday, the Serie D Group A side were 4-1 up with ten minutes to go when Drogba was substituted on.
That is how the scoreline stayed, leaving the side ninth but only three points behind the play-off places with a game in hand.

The striker moved to Folgore Caratese in Serie D earlier in February

PSG ‘WANT KANE’
Harry Kane is reportedly wanted by former boss Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.
The Mirror claim Poch will target a move for the Spurs striker if Kylian Mbappe seals a summer move away from the Ligue 1 champs.
The report adds that PSG chief Pochettino still has a close relationship with Kane with the pair regularly swapping WhatsApp messages.
But the French giants would likely face competition from both Manchester clubs if the England star becomes available.
SunSport previously reported that Tottenham are unlikely to want to sell Kane and haven’t even set an asking price.
The 27-year-old has become one of the most lethal strikers in world football after scoring 156 goals in 228 Premier League games for Spurs.
And Kane, who is under contract in north London until 2024, could prove the ideal man to replace Mbappe should the Real Madrid target leave Paris.

GOAL! MAN UTD 2 NEWCASTLE 1
Nemanja Matic conjures a goal from almost nothing for winger Daniel James to restore United’s lead on 57 minutes.
The midfielder’s cross is nudged onto James by the lunging Bruno Fernandes for the Welshman to drill into the far corner.
Follow all the second-half action with our match blog HERE.

S/H: MAN UTD 1 NEWCASTLE 1
Follow all the second-half action with our match blog HERE.

JOSE REJECTS SPURS ‘CRISIS’ TALK
Jose Mourinho claimed he had his coaching team cannot be bettered anywhere n the world despite pressure piling up with Tottenham’s 2-1 loss at West Ham.
Michail Antonio and Jesse Lingard cemented fourth spot for the Hammers; despite Lucas Moura heading a consolation.
Lucas Moura’s header proved only a consolation, with Spurs now well off the pace in ninth.
But Mourinho batted away criticism,- despite having the lowest points total from 50 games in his entire managerial career.
Asked whether results have made him doubt his methods, the 58-year-old told Sky Sports: “No, not at all. Not at all. Zero. Sometimes results are a consequence of multiple situations in football.
“Mine, and my coaching staff’s methods, are second to nobody in the world.”
And when quizzed if Spurs were now in “crisis” he responded: “I don’t know what you mean by crisis.”

H/T: MAN UTD 1 NEWCASTLE 1
Follow all the action with our match blog HERE.

AND HERE ARE THE GOALS..
LATEST: MAN UTD 1 NEWCASTLE 1 – Follow all the action with our match blog HERE.

Marcus Rashford showed superb footwork to set himself up for this clinical finishCredit: AFP

But Allan Saint-Maximin was just as clam with his 36th-minute equaliser for the MagpiesCredit: Getty Images – Getty

LATEST: MAN UTD 1 NEWCASTLE 1
TWO QUCK GOALS!
Marcus Rashford’s delightful skill punished questionable Toon defending on the half-hour with United’s opener.
But Newcastle levelled six minutes later when Allan Saint-Maximin firmly slotted home after home skipper Harry Maguire could only flick a header clear.
Follow all the action with our match blog HERE.

STATS GOTTA HURT FOR THE BIG SIX
Spurs’ 2-1 loss at West Ham today and Liverpool’s 2-0 home humbling by Everton yesterday underlined how this season’s Prem has hit most of the so-called top half-dozen clubs for… six.
Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Manchester City at the Emirates this afternoon is admittedly a bit different – given that their visitors were and are rampant, runaway leaders.
And of course the other exception to the flop top-six are City’s neighbours United – who will go back to second if they beat Newcastle.

LATEST: MAN UTD 0 NEWCASTLE 0
The Magpies are causing United more problems than many would have expected so far.
Follow all the action with our match blog HERE.

Newcastle striker Joelinton breaks free of Man Utd midfielder Nemanja MaticCredit: Eddie Keogh Telegraph Media Group

Man Utd keeper David de Gea flips an early Joelinton effort highCredit: Rex Features

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