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MANCHESTER CITY are weighing up a move for Lionel Messi, but have denied making an official approach for the Barcelona forward.
Meanwhile Chelsea missed the chance to close the gap on Leicester and Manchester United with a draw at Southampton and the Merseyside clubs are gearing up for this evening’s derby.

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Read our live blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…

HEND IN SIGHT FOR DE GEA?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has declared Dean Henderson ‘is in with a shout’ to start ahead of David De Gea for the clash against Newcastle on Sunday.
The 23-year-old – who has featured in just three Premier League games for the Red Devils – kept a clean sheet in Thursday’s 4-0 Europa League victory against Real Sociedad.

Dean Henderson is piling the pressure on David De Gea for the Man Utd No1 jersey
And United boss Solskjaer has hinted he could be rewarded with his first top-flight outing since the 3-2 victory over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on December 17.
This is despite De Gea earning United a draw away at West Brom last week after making a crucial double save to deny Mbaye Diagne from scoring the winner.
Speaking ahead of the encounter against the Magpies at Old Trafford, the Norwegian gaffer said: “Of course Dean is in with a shout.
“We pick a team on Saturday and Dean was very solid, good kicking and he could or should have had an assist for Marcus, which is another thing we worked on.
“He was clean in his handling, clean in his short passes and it was a good performance. He is maturing all the time but I have a very, very good goalkeeper in David. He saved us against West Brom so I can’t say to you now.”

GOLD VINGA
Eduardo Camavinga’s agent reckons the midfield prodigy will cost more than £43million.
The Frenchman has emerged as one of the hottest properties in Europe since his debut for Rennes in 2018 aged just 16.
His contract runs out in the summer of 2022 and only ‘four or five clubs’ could convince him to leave Julien Stephan’s side.
But his agent Jonathan Barnett warned it would come at a price.
Asked by Goal if he vaulues the 18-year-old at more than €50m (£43m), Barnett said: “I would think so.”
Camavinga has made 26 appearances this season with just the one goal but made his debut for France last year.
Real Madrid and Barcelona have both been linked with the starlet.
And a move to one of Spanish giants appears to be the preferred destinations if Camavinga was to be prized away from Rennes.

WE CAN FEEL HIS TUCH
Chelsea’s point-saver Mason Mount says boss Thomas Tuchel’s “presence” is changing the Blues.
Mount’s penalty cancelled out Takumi Minamino ‘s breakaway opener in the 1-1 draw at Southampton.
And the England midfielder told BBC Sport: “We can definitely feel [his presence], especially from the sideline. 
He’s come in and told us what we need to do as individuals and a team.
“He’s changed things and hopefully that’s rubbing off.”

CHELSEA SUB RATINGS
Callum Hudson-Odoi (on for Abraham, 45) – 4
Didn’t really do anything to make a difference and was quite wasteful on the ball.
Subbed off after coming on at the break in a bizarre move with him appearing not to be injured.
Jorginho (on for Kovacic, 76) – N/A
Hakim Ziyech (on for Hudson-Odoi, 76) – N/A

CHELSEA RATINGS – CONTINUED
Mason Mount – 7
Good energy, and always direct, but again his final ball (like many others) let him down at times.
Did very well to win and score Chelsea’s penalty for the equaliser.
Tammy Abraham – 4
He was a bit of a passenger in the first-half and didn’t really get involved at all.
Came off at half-time and was seen with an ice pack on his leg but failed to make his mark.
Timo Werner – 5
Always a threat with his pace and direct style of play, but his first touch let him down and struggled to find a final ball to unpick the Saints defence.

MORE CHELSEA RATINGS
Reece James – 6
Solid on the ball and great in the tackle.
But he really doesn’t suit the right-wing-back position and didn’t bring enough to it today.
Marcos Alonso – 4
Wasted opportunities and gave the ball away far too much. One of his poorer performances.
N’Golo Kante – 6
He was everywhere again and looked very up for the game.
Made a few bad decisions when attacking – picking the wrong pass in the final third.
Mateo Kovacic – 5
Very press-resistant and was good in the first-half, but second-half he was caught on the ball and gave it away too often before being hooked.

CHELSEA RATINGS VS SOUTHAMPTON
Edouard Mendy – 6/10
Decent on the ball when he stepped into a sweeper position for Chelsea to play out the high press. Was well beaten for Southampton’s goal.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 5
Bit of a rocky performance from him as he looked unsteady on the ball at times.
Did the basics in the second half but never did anything extra to impose himself.
Kurt Zouma – 4
At fault for Southampton’s goal – he was ball watching and lost his positional awareness.
Far too often playing at walking pace and should have been quicker and showed more urgency.
Antonio Rudiger – 6
Similarly to Azpilicueta, he looked nervous and uncomfortable too often.
Used the ball better in the second-half when he needed to.

OD WAY TO BE TREATED
CALLUM HUDSON-ODOI endured a frustrating afternoon at Southampton after he was subbed on and then off again.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel confirmed Hudson-Odoi was taken off for tactical reasons, after eyebrows were raised over the decision.

Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel insists Callum Hudson Odoi’s brief role as sub in the 1-1 draw at Southampton won’t count against him
Tuchel told BT Sports: “We brought on Hudson but I was not happy with the attitude, energy and counter-pressing so we took him off because I demand a lot.
“He was not in a position to help us. It’s tough, but tomorrow it’s forgotten and he has possibilities to start against Atletico.”

LATEST: BURNLEY 0 WEST BROM 0
Today’s only 3pm Premier League games begins quietly – with the second-bottom Baggies particularly desperate to win.

CHERRIES STOP TAKING THE KNEE
Bournemouth have joined Brentford in opting against taking the knee before matches.
The Cherries’ promotion rivals decided to scrap the anti-racism gesture last week after explaining they felt it was ‘no longer having an impact.’
A statement from club captain Steve Cook said: “Following discussions between the squad and with senior staff members, we have decided to no longer take the knee before games, starting this weekend against Queens Park Rangers.
“At all levels, this club prides itself on its work around equality, diversity and inclusion and as a group of players we fully embrace this.
“We all strive to ensure that AFC Bournemouth is a club which welcomes anyone, regardless of their race, gender, sexuality or religion.”

NO £130m FAT MAN
Manchester United had a £130million bid rejected for Barcelona youngster Ansu Fati, according to reports.
The Premier League side are rumoured to have tabled the huge bid last summer.

Ansu Fati, 18, is one of the hottest talents in European football
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, United’s offer for the 18-year-old was rejected.
Fati has been a revelation since making his LaLiga debut as a 16-year-old in August 2019.
He has scored 11 goals in 31 league games, winning the LaLiga Player of the Month award in September 2020.
The promising talent has also made his Spain debut, picking up four caps to date.
He scored his first international goal against Ukraine last September, becoming Spain’s youngest ever scorer – a record that had stood for 95 years.
But he has not played since injuring his knee last November.

BLAME ME NOT ZI
Thomas Tuchel claims it ‘is his fault’ Hakim Ziyech has hardly played under him.
He told Sky Sports: “It’s my fault, actually. It’s not his fault.
“It’s my decisions. It’s the same for some other players – there were some hard decisions to make. This is a good thing – it means we have quality.
“There are some decisions for other players that means Hakim suffers a little bit. I can absolutely understand and agree with that, so it’s my responsibility and my fault that he cannot show more of his potential.
“But when I look at the schedule we can be sure that we need all of our players. No matter how hard times are for you personally, I cannot say one bad thing for Hakim.
“He’s working hard and he needs to show that he’s ready because when the moment comes – I cannot tell you when the moment comes – but we expect the best Hakim Ziyech.”

FULL-TIME
Chelsea have earned a point at St Mary’s thanks to Mason Mount’s second half penalty.
The Blues are yet to lose under Thomas Tuchel, and they are now three points behind second-placed Manchester United.
Southampton have ended a run of six defeats, with the Saints remaining in 13th spot.

BLUE THE KEYHOLE
John Terry revealed he’s building a swimming pool and tennis court at his home by showing off the drastic transformation to his garden.
The Chelsea legend, 40, proudly took to Instagram to show the exterior of his £4.35million mansion turned into a muddy building site.
Terry posted a series of videos to his Insta story, captioning them with tennis ball and swimming emojis.
In the impressive overhaul, the Aston Villa assistant manager panned the camera across his sprawling grounds to reveal where the tennis court and swimming pool would sit.
Throwing himself well into the site visit, Terry even threw on a high-vis jacket with the No26 on the back – the shirt he wore throughout his illustrious career.

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JUST AN ED’S UP
Eduardo Camavinga’s agent reckons the midfield prodigy will cost more than £43million.
His contract runs out in the summer of 2022 and only ‘four or five clubs’ could convince him to leave Julien Stephan’s side.
But his agent Jonathan Barnett warned it would come at a price.
Asked by Goal if he values the 18-year-old at more than €50m (£43m), Barnett said: “I would think so.”
He added: “At the moment, he’s a Rennes player. He likes Rennes and, at the moment, we haven’t really taken to other clubs. It isn’t our position.
“Let’s see what happens later on, but he’s doing well in Rennes and that’s fine.”

Rennes ace Eduardo Camavinga is regarded as one the world’s most promising talents

BEST OF ENEMIES
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has admitted he ‘hated’ Gary Neville when they were professional footballers.
The Sky Sports colleagues were fierce rivals during the 2000s but have since become good friends.
Speaking on the Super 6 Podcast, Carragher said: “I hated him a little bit. Can you hate someone a little bit? You just hate them, I suppose!
“There was a big rivalry between the clubs but he’s kissed his badge and said things about people from Liverpool.
“He was just basically playing up to the fanzines and trying to get in with the Manchester United fans.”
Carragher’s comments were delivered in jest, however, later joking: “Who cares about Gary Neville, even if you’re a Man Utd fan? He is a right-back, nobody is really interested in right-backs.”

HALF-TIME
Southampton go into the break 1-0 up thanks to Takumi Minamino’s fine strike.
The Japan international – on loan from Liverpool – coolly slotted the ball past Edouard Mendy after a sublime dummy.
Thomas Tuchel’s side need to be more clinical in the final third if they wish to avoid a first defeat under the German.

IN LEHMANN’S TERMS
Jens Lehmann has voiced concern at the structure of ex-club Arsenal and said Mikel Arteta is ‘a good coach but it seems to be a lot about him’.
He told All To Play For podcast, by bookmaker Coral and Joe Media: “I think Mikel Arteta is a good coach but it seems to be a lot about him. I am not sure there is the right blend at the club.
“When I was there, David Dein worked incredibly well with Arsene Wenger on the administration side of the club. Now, it is very different.
“You don’t even know who is in charge there and who is making the decisions.
“I was there as a coach in Arsene’s final year and he was criticised and told it was time to leave. Things were much better in that final year than they are now.
“As a former player, I want the club to do well so it is hard to see them struggling as they are doing.”

Jens Lehmann has raised his concern about the structure at former side Arsenal

BELLERIN CONTINUED
“It is somehow a taboo subject.
“We can have talks in the dressing room about all this stuff, but I’ve never heard of anyone [being gay].
“No one’s ever heard of anyone. I would say if there was someone who knew someone, they will keep it quiet anyway.
“For the sake of that person, like, trying to protect them.”

‘STILL TABOO’
Arsenal full-back Hector Bellerin doesn’t believe football is ready for an openly gay player.
Bellerin works closely with Gay Gooners – Arsenal’s LGBTQ supporters group – as well as Rainbow Laces and Stonewall, both of which are consciousness-raising movements for acceptance.
During a lengthy interview with The Times, he said: “I don’t know if football is ready for that yet.
“I’m having conversations with Gay Gooners, and sometimes they go to an Arsenal pub and they’ll have issues with other Arsenal fans because they’re wearing a Gay Gooners scarf or something.
“Which, to me, is crazy. We’re all part of the same family.”

BLUE MOON
Chelsea’s clash with Southampton at St Mary’s is moment away from kicking off.
This is a reminder you can follow all the action with our SunSport LIVE blog.
Click HERE for regular updates.

SCOTT’S FEAR
Former Celtic star Scott Allan opened up on the rare heart condition which left him fearing he’d never play football again.
The Hibs ace was sidelined for a number of months earlier this season after suffering badly from health issues.
Aged 29, there were major worries that the former Celtic midfielder would have to retire from the game early.
Allan was diagnosed with a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy around September last year.
But the classy playmaker has made a comeback to the Easter Road first team and has featured off the bench in the Scottish Premiership over the last month for Jack Ross’ side.

ON THE PUL
Christian Pulisic is still wanted by Thomas Tuchel at Chelsea – despite his injury problems.
The USA international has managed just 40 Premier League appearances for the Blues since the start of last season.
Speaking ahead of today’s trip to Southampton, Tuchel said: “Chelsea bought Christian for a reason – for his quality, for his potential and it’s our job to bring out the best in him.
“He proved in many weeks that he has the level to be a Chelsea regular player, to have a big impact at this club and it’s a challenge now to maintain the level and to keep improving.”
Pulisic has suffered with muscular injuries throughout his time at Stamford Bridge and is yet to start in the Premier League under Tuchel

PEP TALK
Man City boss Pep Guardiola has singled out three Arsenal players who could make the difference in their clash at the Emirates on Sunday.
He said: “We will have an incredible performance [from Arsenal].
“They have an exceptional build-up, they move with many, many sense, all the movements they have for the build-up to the final third.
“The quality for incredible energy, for Smith [Rowe], Saka and Aubameyang, especially with his runs in behind, and all the players that they have in the middle.
“In the early future they will be real contenders to fight for the titles.”

DUA IBRA
Zlatan Ibrahimovic will SING at an Italian music festival, according to Bologna boss Sinisa Mihajlovic.
The 39-year-old will perform a duet with Mihajlovic in Sanremo next month, no doubt becoming a pop sensation.
Speaking to Sky Italia, his friend Mihajlovic said: “The two things I do least well are singing and dancing. Ibra is also a terrible singer.
“At least we’ll make people laugh.”
The Sanremo Music Festival has been held annually since 1951 and is one of the most popular music events in Italy.
This year’s festival will last for five nights between March 2-6 and will be televised.

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MANCHESTER CITY are ready to SLASH their mooted £600m contract offer to Lionel Messi to £430m following Barcelona’s 4-1 loss to PSG.
Pep Guardiola’s men are still extremely keen on the six-time Ballon d’Or winner but due to the pandemic and Messi turning 34 in summer, they have chosen to reduce any potential bid by £170m.

Read our live blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…

OFF-SIGHED
Arsenal set an unwanted record during Thursday night’s Europa League draw with Benfica – after being caught offside TEN times.
The Gunners fought back from a goal down to snatch a draw – and an all-important away goal – in their Europa League last-32 first-leg clash in Rome.
Pizzi scored a 55th-minute penalty only for Bukayo Saka to give Arsenal the edge in the tie with an equalising goal just moments later.
But, had it not been for their persistent straying beyond the last defender, they could have walked away with the win.
Incredibly, Mikel Arteta’s side were caught offside a staggering TEN times.
That’s more than any other Premier League side in all competitions this season – with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang responsible for four of those.

Arsenal set the unfortunate record against Benfica

D£AL WITH IT
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants no excuses and no moaning from his highly-paid Manchester United stars about the relentless run of fixtures.
He said: “Of course it’s relentless and we demand we turn up every game and earn the right to win.
“You’ve got to run more than the opposition, you’ve got to want to win more than the opposition, you’ve got to suffer more than the opposition, you’ve got to put your body on the line.
“Every game in the Premier League is high demand and that’s why the players are paid the money they are to perform every time they’re asked to.
“We ask for relentlessness and attitude every single game.”

David de Gea is Man Utd’s highest paid player

LOOKING AHEAD
Wolves striker Raul Jimenez has opened up on his horrific head injury that left him with a fractured skull.
Speaking to EstiloDF, he said: “It was a hard, complicated moment, you never want to experience that kind of thing.
“I think it was the most difficult thing for her because the game was in London, we are two hours away, she is watching from home.
“I don’t even remember the moment, I just remember waking up in the hospital after the operation.
“But it’s hard coming home and not being able to do many things, walking slowly, it’s difficult, but she was always here to support me, I had to have my breakfast in bed.”

Raul Jimenez smiles as he continues his rehabilitationCredit: Getty Images – Getty

OH CRIST
Cristiano Ronaldo has been slated for his ’embarrassing’ performance against Porto.
The Portuguese star, 36, failed to impress as Juventus lost the Champions League clash 2-1.
Italian journalist Mario Sconcerti likened Ronaldo to an ‘old man’ after Wednesday’s game.
Writing for Corriere della Sera, he said: “It was almost embarrassing.
“Until now, he limited himself to scoring goals and not playing so well.
“Now he disappeared. In one play, he kicked the air like an old man without balance.”

Cristiano Ronaldo didn’t have his best game against PortoCredit: EPA

‘NOW IS A GOOD TIME’
Allan told Hibs TV: “I’ve had a period of being back on the training pitch and got what I was aiming for back on the football pitch.
“So I feel now is a good time and I feel well within myself to speak about what I went through.
“I was diagnosed with a condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy. That’s where the walls of the heart chamber become slightly thicker and it makes it hard to pump blood in and out of the heart.
“Relating to the symptoms I felt, which led me to get these tests, it makes you fatigued with less oxygen throughout your body. I was getting dizzy spells – it all kind of integrated together.
“I really feared I wouldn’t play again. The way I’d been feeling up until I had that test physically and what I could give on a football pitch at that time was really worrying.”

Scott Allan opened up on his diagnosis for Hypertrophic CardiomyopathyCredit: Instagram

SCOTT’S FEAR
Former Celtic star Scott Allan opened up on the rare heart condition which left him fearing he’d never play football again.
The Hibs ace was sidelined for a number of months earlier this season after suffering badly from health issues.
Aged 29, there were major worries that the former Celtic midfielder would have to retire from the game early.
Allan was diagnosed with a heart condition called Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy around September last year.
But the classy playmaker has made a comeback to the Easter Road first team and has featured off the bench in the Scottish Premiership over the last month for Jack Ross’ side.

GUNNER A GONER
Robert Pires has blamed Brexit for his decision to quit London for Ibiza while his wife revels in their new sunshine setting.
The 47-year-old ex-Gunner has enrolled their three children at a British language school on the island after joining the coaching staff at second division B side Pena Deportiva Santa Eulalia.
He quit the UK last August to move to a rented home in Ibiza with stunning ex-model wife Jessica Lemarie Pires and their children Naia, 15, Theo, 13, and Alessio, nine.
Pires told local paper Periodico de Ibiza: “I’ve enjoyed a lot of time in London but what’s happened with Brexit is that the mentality of the British and the atmosphere has changed.
“In the family, we spoke about changing and did it.
“Finding a new place to live is not easy but I think Ibiza has it all, quality, sun. Now what I’m feeling is that people are very affectionate with me.
“I’m also Spanish because my mum is Spanish, from Oviedo in the north, so I’ve got this in my blood. Being in Ibiza is a dream.”

Robert Pires and wife Jessica Lemarie have quit the UK for Ibiza following BrexitCredit: Getty – Contributor

TROUBLE BRUING
Bruno Fernandes called for Manchester United’s squad to ‘grow up’ if they want to win trophies despite thrashing Real Sociedad 4-0.
The midfielder, 26, continued to impress as he scored twice during the Europa League showdown on Thursday.
Speaking after the game, he told BT Sport: “We need to understand that we have to grow up, we have to get better and better.
“Of course the most important is the results that give you a bit of confidence to go into the next game and try to win again.
“The most important target is the trophies. Trophies will be more important than scoring goals.”

THE APPRENTICE
Guardiola will come up against his former assistant Mikel Arteta on Sunday.
The Gunners boss left the Etihad in December 2019 to take over at the Emirates.
Asked about Arteta, Guardiola added: “I didn’t inspire him, he knows it for himself, I know absolutely it wasn’t any influence, he takes all the credit with his staff.
“I didn’t have influence on him, I learned off him and we worked together. I listen a lot to my assistants, most of the time we take decisions together. I worked really well with him and now he’s doing it for himself.
“All the managers need time but in the last month or two, they play better than the opponent in every game. As a manager you want the results you deserve, sometimes it doesn’t happen.
“But in the games they are always better, analysing the control of the game, creating chances and conceding few. They are already contenders and will be in the future.”

Pep Guardiola heaped plenty of praise on his former assistant Mikel ArtetaCredit: Reuters

PEP SPEAKS
Pep Guardiola has been addressing the media this afternoon ahead of the clash at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti gave his side practically no chance before facing Manchester City in midweek.
But Guardiola, whose side have now won 17 matches in a row, refuted the comments.
He said: “I appreciate it but I don’t agree with him, we can lose, the opponents are good and we try to do better. I love Carlo, he’s an inspiration for me but I don’t agree with him.
“In the past, we didn’t think about it [the records], just played the next game, all the good results are the consequence of not competing to break records. Try to win games, play good and win.”

MORE OF MOYES
SunSport can exclusively reveal West Ham are trying to tie David Moyes down to a new long-term deal – even though he is committed to the club for another season.
Moyes has already triggered a 12-month option on his current contract which ensures he will stay at the London Stadium until 2022.
But his performance in the 13 months since taking charge at the club for a second time has been so impressive the Hammers board approached the boss to discuss a new agreement – thought to be for another three years.
In a year at the club Moyes, 57, has turned them from relegation strugglers to Champions League candidates and delivered a consistency of displays rarely seen at West Ham.
And the Scot has made no secret of how much he is enjoying life in East London.

GUNNER START
Arsenal face a mammoth clash at home to in-form Manchester City on Sunday afternoon – but could be buoyed by the return of Kieran Tierney.
The left-back could make his first start in more than a month after coming off the bench against Benfica.
However, the Gunners look set to be without midfield powerhouse Thomas Partey, meaning Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos are on course to start together.
But yet again Mikel Arteta will have to decide who is going to start in the No10 role with Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard vying for the spot.
Here are a couple of options for starting XIs the Arsenal boss may go with…

Here’s one way the Gunners could start against Manchester City

Here’s another way Mikel Arteta could start the game against City

SCOTT OF BOTHER
Manchester United take on Newcastle on Sunday evening – but may be without Scott McTominay.
The 24-year-old was taken off on the hour mark against the LaLiga outfit during their 4-0 win on Thursday night in the Europa League.
Paul Pogba is still out with a thigh injury and Donny van de Beek is unlikely to start, meaning Nemanja Matic and Fred may be the midfield pair behind Bruno Fernandes.
Here are a couple of options Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could go with at Old Trafford this weekend…

This is how Manchester United could line-up against Newcastle on Sunday

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could ring the changes in the upcoming clash against the Magpies at Old Trafford

KEPT CALM
Kepa Arrizabalaga insists there is no bad blood with Frank Lampard despite the ex-Blues boss axing him from the starting XI.
Lampard bombed the Spaniard out the team in September after losing faith in his ability and signed £22million Edouard Mendy from Rennes to replace him.
But the 11-cap Spain international holds no grudges and told Spanish radio station Cadena Cope: “In my the second year a new manager [Lampard] arrived and it was hard.
“I want to clarify that I never had any problems with Lampard.
“Maybe I couldn’t play my best football under him, but I played many games that season, even though I wasn’t at my best.
“And in my third season I didn’t play much up until now. It is a complicated and frustrating situation.”

Kepa Arrizabalaga insists there is no bad blood between him and Frank LampardCredit: AP:Associated Press

BLUE THE KEYHOLE
John Terry revealed he’s building a swimming pool and tennis court at his home by showing off the drastic transformation to his garden.
The Chelsea legend, 40, proudly took to Instagram to show the exterior of his £4.35million mansion turned into a muddy building site.
Terry posted a series of videos to his Insta story, captioning them with tennis ball and swimming emojis.
In the impressive overhaul, the Aston Villa assistant manager panned the camera across his sprawling grounds to reveal where the tennis court and swimming pool would sit.
Throwing himself well into the site visit, Terry even threw on a high-vis jacket with the No26 on the back – the shirt he wore throughout his illustrious career.

John Terry revealed the building work behind his dramatic garden transformation

 GETTING AG-GY
Sergio Aguero revealed he is still friends with maverick Italian former team-mate Mario Balotelli despite an argument over his ‘Why always me’ shirt.
The Manchester City frontman says they remain in contact despite the different paths their careers have taken eight years after Balotelli’s backdoor exit from the club.
The Argentine told famous Spanish streamer Ibai Llanos on Twitch: “We still talk even today. Balotelli was good and he wasn’t crazy like they say but he was very short-tempered.
“Having a short fuse in football makes you do things you don’t think.”
Aguero tried to get the striker to see sense by getting a friend to put together a scrapbook of his run-ins on and off the pitch.
Claiming he wanted to make Balotelli understand he was the architect of his own downfall and had to stop blaming the press, the Argentine confessed: “I told my pal to get together all the newspaper cuttings with his screw-ups and put them in front of him one day over breakfast.”
“I told him, ‘Why is it always you? Look.’ He took them and said, ‘These are lies’, insulted me and threw them away.”

Sergio Aguero confronted Mario Balotelli over his infamous ‘Why always me?’ t-shirt

SAN STORM
Manchester Unted were handed a boost in their pursuit of Jadon Sancho with reports Borussia Dortmund are open to selling the winger in the summer.
Having failed to lure the 20-year-old to Old Trafford last campaign, the Red Devils are understood to have retained their interest in the England international.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has also let it be known that he is keeping tabs on Sancho’s Dortmund team-mate Erling Haaland.
But according to Bild, the Bundesliga outfit are desperate to keep hold of the Norwegian striker beyond this year.
That is despite the Norwegian striker being available for just £65million in 2022 due to a clause in his contract.
Instead of cashing in on the ex-Red Bull Salzburg marksman, the German news outlet states Dortmund would rather sell Sancho at the end of the season instead of Haaland.
They state that they are willing to part ways with the former Manchester City youth star if they receive a fee in the region of £104million.

TIER WE GO AGAIN
Kieran Tierney rocked up to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico in just a t-shirt while his team-mates wrapped up warm in their best winter gear.
The former Celtic star came on as a substitute during the second half of Arsenal’s 1-1 draw with Benfica in the Europa League on Thursday.
Tierney, who returned to training this week, was pictured walking across the pitch before kick-off.
Despite the chilly conditions, he refused to break the habit of a lifetime by wearing a warm jacket.
The 23-year-old looked dressed for a summer’s evening as he strolled around in a polo shirt.
Meanwhile, Hector Bellerin was spotted wearing a puffer jacket and a woolly hat before the game.

Some fans were concerned because Kieran Tierney opted for tracksuit bottoms rather than shortsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

FOX HUNTING
Leicester City are reportedly chasing Lille star Boubacary Soumare, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The France U21 international came through PSG’s academy before joining Lille in 2017.
He has previously been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool , Arsenal and AC Milan.

Leicester are interested in signing Boubacary Soumaré. He’s in the list as potential target for the midfield.Many clubs have asked info to Lille as his contract is expiring in June 2022 – big opportunity. But #LCFC are now planning to open talks. 🔵 #transfers
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 19, 2021

SAINTS SLAYERS
Chelsea have the lunchtime kick-off at St Mary’s tomorrow with Thomas Tuchel looking to extend his unbeaten run as Blues boss.
But he has a few dilemmas to work out in terms of his team selection.
Olivier Giroud is set o start up front after coming on for Tammy Abraham and scoring against Newcastle.
Timo Werner ended his goal drought while Kai Havertz could get the nod on the right.
Here are a couple of options we think Tuchel could go for…

This is how SunSport suspects Chelsea may line up at Southamptin tomorrow

Another option could see Mason Mount further forward and Andreas Christensen in defence

NIKE TAKING FLIGHT
And eagle-eyes fans will spot a new ball in use from tonight’s game until the end of the season.
So rather than the same white ball used either side of the winter yellow one, a new style will come in from this weekend – just like last year.
The latest Nike Flight football features the old-school Total 90 ring famously used between 2004 and 2006.
It also incorporates Nike’s AerowSculpt technology, used in the two previous models this term.
According to the Premier League, it ‘carries a bespoke graphic designed to reflect the intensity of the final stages of the Premier League, when the focus of the teams and players narrows and the Premier League trophy is in sight’.
The ball is now available to purchase from nike.com.

The new Nike Flight ball is available to buy now from the manufacturer’s website

PREMIER LEAGUE RETURNS
After a day off yesterday for Europa League action, the Premier League is back tonight with Wolves hosting Leeds.
And there are plenty of blockbuster clashes this weekend.
It is the Merseyside derby tomorrow evening before Arsenal vs Manchester City on Sunday.
Here is the full fixture list for matchweek 25…

Here is how matchweek 25 looks in the Premier League this weekend

MORE FROM TONEY
Toney’s comments come just days after Wilfried Zaha said it was ‘degrading’ for black people to have to take part in football’s symbolic attempts to eradicate racism.
The Bees star continued: “The punishments need to be stronger. You’re going to do so much and, in a way, you have to get that helping hand, but it doesn’t look like it’s coming at the moment.
“So you have to push for that and hopefully things change.
“You have to try and educate people more but the question is, do people want to be educated? That’s another topic.
“You can only do so much, you can only try and help certain people. You can lead a horse to water but you can’t force him to drink.”

Ivan Toney spoke out passionately about the Black Lives Matter movement and why he is not taking the knee alongside his Brentford team-matesCredit: Alamy Live News

‘NOTHING IS CHANGING’ 
Brentford star Ivan Toney claims players are being ‘used as puppets’ as he explained why the club’s squad are no longer taking a knee before games.
The Championship’s 24-goal top scorer believes the anti-racism gesture is allowing ‘people at the top’ to just rest on the subject and as a result it has not changed anything.
The 24-year-old striker told Sky Sports: “We have had a long discussion about that; why we are not taking a knee.
“Everyone has had their say, and everyone agrees [that] we have been taking the knee for however long now and still nothing has changed.
“We are kind of being used as puppets, in my eyes; take the knee and the people at the top can rest for a while now, which is pretty silly and pretty pointless. Nothing is changing.”

ROD HEADING BACK
Everton playmaker James Rodriguez is reportedly already considering leaving the club after just one season.
The 29-year-old has been a key player for the Toffees after joining in September – chipping in with five goals and seven assists.
However according to Defensa Central, the Colombia international could be on the move already, sensationally claiming the ex-Monaco magician is beginning to become unhappy with living in England.
The news outlet alleges that Rodriguez is not a fan of the weather as well as the physicality of Premier League football.
Should Rodriguez decide to depart Goodison Park, Defensa Central state he would be willing to return to Madrid.
Though he wouldn’t like to re-sign for Real, but instead their city rivals Atletico.

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MANCHESTER CITY have CUT their £600m contract offer to Lionel Messi to £430m following Barcelona’s 4-1 loss to PSG.
Pep Guardiola’s men are still extremely keen on the six-time Ballon d’Or winner but due to the pandemic and Messi turning 34 in summer, they have chosen to reduce their bid by £170m.

Read our live blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…

KANE RESTED AS HE FEARED INJURY
Harry Kane told Jose Mourinho not to play him in the 4-1 win over Wolfsberger because the Tottenham striker feared another injury.
But Gareth Bale stepped up by scoring one and making another in Budapest to prove he is far from finished.
Kane recently returned from injuring both ankles but Mourinho hopes to have his talisman fit to face West Ham on Sunday – with Bale now in contention to start.
Spurs boss Mourinho said: “Harry made the decision based on his feelings which was that to play in this game was a risk with the accumulation of minutes after the injury he had.
“He is an experienced guy who had injuries in the past and knows his body better than anyone. Myself and the medical department agreed with him, to give him this opportunity to take care of his condition.
“He knows I want to play him every minute of every game so it is never a question of a choice.
“I wanted to come here with the best team and the players to give us more opportunities to have a good result. But I believe Sunday he will be okay and ready.”

A RIGHT OLD MESS
Manchester City have cut their contract offer to Lionel Messi by a whopping £170m, writes Duncan Wright.
City tabled a five-year deal worth £600m when they tried to sign him six months ago.
But SunSport understands they have presented the Argentine, 34, with a new package to join this summer worth a reduced £430m.
Messi is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain and he is weighing up options, with his Barca contract expiring in July.
But Premier League leaders City are not prepared to match the terms they proposed back in August, believing the financial climate has changed and also taking into account he is another year along in his career.
The Messi camp, led by the Argentine’s father Jorge, asked for all clubs who were keen to sign the player to put their money on the table in December.
It is thought City want Messi on a two-year playing deal at the Etihad with a 12-month option, before committing to two more seasons in MLS with sister club New York City.

ARSENAL SUB RATINGS
KIERAN TIERNEY (FOR SOARES ’64)
NICHOLAS PEPE (FOR AUBAMEYANG ’77)
GABRIEL MARTINELLI (FOR SMITH ROWE ’77)
MOHAMED ELNENY (FOR CEBALLOS ’90)
WILLIAN (FOR ODEGAARD ’90)

MORE ARSENAL RATINGS
MARTIN ODEGAARD – 8
His influence on this Arsenal attack is growing by the game, and this was no exception on a grand European stage. His runs in the pockets off the front men proved difficult for the Benfica defence to manage, and his pinpoint through ball created the leveller.
PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG – 6
Missed several chances to hand Arsenal an important away win, including a sitter from six yards in the first-half. He may have bagged a hat-trick against Leeds, but the striker remains lacking that fine cutting edge fans are used to seeing.

MORE ARSENAL RATINGS
GRANIT XHAKA – 7
A solid performance from a man so depended on now by Arteta, and provided Arsenal with protection on the counter. His only misplaced pass before half time could have cost his side as it allowed Benfica to have one more attack. Luckily for him, they didn’t take it.
BUKAYO SAKA – 8
An instinctive finish topped off another fine evening for the English winger, and perhaps could have had more in a game littered with chances. A dragged effort just before his second-half leveller would have earned him a deserved double, and was a marked man throughout with Jan Vertonghen throwing a few tackles his way.
EMILE SMITH ROWE – 7
He looked as though the intense schedule has caught up with him with some heavy legs on the Stadio Olimpico turf, but he still managed some moments of magic. His link-up play was matched only by his work rate, dropping deep to help build attacks.

ARSENAL RATINGS – CONTINUED
DAVID LUIZ – 7
A much-welcomed scare-free night from the veteran defender – and one which is becoming more and more common as he settles as Arteta’s experienced head. There is always a chance he will lose his head, but tonight was not one of them.
CEDRIC SOARES – 7
With Benfica sitting narrow and deep, Cedric had plenty of chances to deliver and in the second half one connected as Saka tapped home his cross. In the absence of Kieran Tierney he has performed well, and done his chances of starting the next couple of games with the Scot returning little harm.
DANI CEBALLOS – 8
Another game and another reason why Thomas Partey should not expect his return to the Arsenal starting XI to be a given. His creativity from deep and abstract style compared to Xhaka gave Arsenal a good balance in midfield, and came close to providing several openers with his passing.

ARSENAL RATINGS VS BENFICA
BERND LENO – 7
Had very little to do all night, and will be disappointed that he was unable to keep out the second-half penalty. He dived the correct way, but was a fraction of a second too late.
HECTOR BELLERIN – 6
His driving runs forward in the first half got Arsenal up the pitch, but remains a worry when it comes to the final pass, or in fact making the right pass. Bellerin’s leadership cannot be questioned, but his ability on the ball in the final third can.
GABRIEL – 7
After a nervy return to the starting XI following his positive coronavirus test, the Brazilian looks to finally be getting back to his best. Very rarely looks unsettled, and is building a nice partnership with his compatriot beside him.

AU DEAR…
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang shocked Arsenal fans with a poor miss in the early stages of the 1-1 draw with Benfica.

The Gunners were hoping to see their club captain continue his incredible display on the weekend, when he struck a hat-trick past Leeds.
But the away leg of their Europa League tie with the Lisbon club started ominously tonight.
Hector Bellerin raced down the right on 19 minutes and slipped a cool pass across goal that begged for a finish.
With the net gaping, Aubameyang met the cross but placed his left-footed shot wide of the near-post.
The 31-year-old looked to the sky immediately after the miss, slapping his hands on his thighs in frustration.
It was only his second outing in the Europa League all season, having been rested for most of the group stage.

JOSE HAILS BALE AND MAY START HIM IN PREM
Gareth Bale could be handed a Premier League reprieve after his starring role in the 4-1 win at Wolfsberger.
Jose Mourinho handed the Welshman his first start since the pair fell out over an Instagram post earlier in the month.
The recent FA Cup defeat to Everton was missed by Bale, who appeared to assert his fitness online to dispute Mourinho’s reasoning for dropping him.
But the player is back in his manager’s good books after a goalscoring performance in the Europa League.
And Bale could even stay in the side for Tottenham’s trip to West Ham on Sunday.
Mourinho told reporters: “I know that the match is already Sunday at 12pm but I believe that he has a chance to play the match and let’s wait.
“He’s the kind of player also who is experienced and his feelings are a very important thing, like Harry Kane.
“I believe for him it was important to play and not to play the full 90 minutes.”

RESULT: BENFICA 1 ARSENAL 1
The Gunners will be reasonably happy with the result and not totally disappointed with the performance.
For all the reaction, click on our live match blog HERE for all the action from this Europa League last-32 first-leg match.

LATEST: BENFICA 1 ARSENAL 1
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang went off in the closing minutes for the Gunners after a disappointing night as they hunt a winner.
Click on our live match blog HERE for all the action from this Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.

LATEST: BENFICA 1 ARSENAL 1
Click on our live match blog HERE for all the action from this Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.

Bukayo Saka hails his Arsenal leveller against the Portuguese giantsCredit: PA:Press Association

NORTH AND SOUTH ENDED
National Leagues North and South will NOT continue this season, with clubs voting to declare the campaign null and void.
Both divisions had tried to trundle on, continuing after a two-week pause in late January.

But after a spate of postponements and financial difficulties, clubs have now taken the decision to end the campaign.
Rather than determine promotions and relegations via points per game, however, the 2020-21 season has been declared null and void.
Step One of non-league, the National League, WILL continue, however.
As revealed by Ollie Bayliss, 24 Step Two sides voted to end the campaign, compared to 19 against.
Only nine National League South sides voted to end the season now, however, while 12 wanted to continue.
But because of the vote being across both North and South divisions, they will see their campaigns end.
One of the teams that voted against finishing was National League South runaway leaders Dorking Wanderers.
The Surrey outfit had found themselves five points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand, but will now have to start from scratch next term.

LATEST: BENFICA 1 ARSENAL 1
The Gunners have seemed on top since levelling.
Click on our live match blog HERE for all the action from this Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.

GREENWOOD REVEALS CENTRAL AIM
Mason Greenwood insists he wants to eventually become Manchester United’s central striker.
And Paul Scholes agrees, calling Greenwood the club’s best finisher ahead of Marcus Rashford.

Mason Greenwood says he’d eventually like to be Man Utd’s man in the middle up front
Greenwood, 19, has scored 21 goals in 83 games for the Red Devils since making his first team debut in 2019.
But most of the forward’s appearances have come on the right wing, even though he is usually labelled a striker.
Greenwood told Rio Ferdinand on BT Sport: “I’m happy to play on the right, I’m happy to play up front, I’m not really sure.
“But I always wanted to be a striker when I was younger.
“I would like to play up front eventually when I’m older, fill out a bit more and get bigger and stronger.
“The centre halves are always big and strong at the back, it’s a place where I want to play.
“I do want to play centre-forward eventually but I’m always happy on the right and it’s a good position to work from.”

GOAL: BENFICA 1 ARSENAL 1
The Gunners’ strong response to falling behind was quickly rewarded.
Bukayo Saka knocked in Cedric Soares’ high-class cross for a 57th-minute leveller confirmed by VAR.
Click on our live match blog HERE for all the action from this Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.

JIMENEZ BACK IN TRAINING
Raul Jimenez has returned to Wolves training after the striker’s operation for fracturing his skull.
The Mexico superstar clashed heads with Arsenal’s David Luiz in November.

Raul Jimenez is overjoyed to be back training with Wolves
There were initial doubts as to whether Jimenez would ever recover to play again in the Premier League – but he is now set to make a playing comeback after going under the knife.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed the 29-year-old has joined in with some of his sessions but is not yet back full-time.
The Portuguese manager reiterated that he will not rush Jimenez’s return to action after such a traumatic blow.
Nuno said reporters: “He’s training, most of the sessions individually. He’s been able to integrate in some parts of training sessions, like technical exercises, so he’s getting better.
“He’s improving really well, we have to be very careful – but we’re keeping positive. (We are) missing him but knowing he’s going in the right direction, making the right steps and he’s recovering.
“He will keep improving his fitness, following the protocols, doing exams and consulting the neurosurgeon who operated on him – they’re the next steps. It requires patience.”

GOAL: BENFICA 1 ARSENAL 0
Pizzi tucked home a 55th minute penalty after Emile Smith Rowe was ruled to have handled.
Click on our live match blog HERE for all the action from this Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.

LATEST: BENFICA 0 ARSENAL 0
In a scrappy start to the second period, neither side held onto the ball well.
Click on our live match blog HERE for all the action from this Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.

H/T: BENFICA 0 ARSENAL 0
Click on our live match blog HERE for all the action from this Europa League last-32 first-leg tie.

THE FIRST MAD STAT…
Amad Diallo notched up a stat that hints at a thrilling Manchester United future on his debut in the 4-0 away win against Real Sociedad tonight.

LATEST: BENFICA 0 ARSENAL 0
Just one shot on target for either side in the first 35 minutes, but Darwin Nunez has emerged as a real menace for Benfica.
Click on our live match blog HERE for all the action from this Europa League last-32 tie.

BOBBY ‘HEARTBREAK’ AT RETIRING AGED 19
Peterborough defender Bobby Copping has spoken of his heartbreak at retiring from playing aged 19 after a head injury last July.

He said: “Over the last few months, I have been doing all I can to recover whilst having conversations with a specialist who had suggested I try a medication to see if that would stop the injury from reoccurring.
“Unfortunately, this didn’t work, so that left few options open to me.
“We all came to the same conclusion that for my long-term health and to prevent further damage, retirement from football completely was the obvious decision to make and that has been backed up by the fact I still have problems on a day-to-day basis because of the injury.
“This decision was extremely heartbreaking to make and not just for me, but also for my family who have invested so much into my football journey.
“Words cannot describe how truly gutted that I am.”
But Copping thanked “everyone at the club, especially the staff and my teammates for all their support in such a difficult time for myself.
“They have been amazing and I wouldn’t have been able to come through this without their support. I would also like to thank my family.
“They have been my rock throughout this tough time. Finally, thank you to the fans that have supported me and made my time at the club as enjoyable as possible., I have really loved every moment since I joined in 2019.
“I will be taking up a new role at the club as I now progress my career down the business side of things.

DIALLO DEBUT JOY
Amad Diallo was finally handed his Manchester United debut in the Europa League win at Real Sociedad.
The 18-year-old wonderkid was named on the bench at the Juventus Stadium in what turned out to be a comfortable 4-0 win for the Red Devils
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer handed the youngster his bow in the final seven minutes of the game.
With the result already in the bag, the Ivorian didn’t have much time to show what he is all about.
Bruno Fernandes scored twice and Marcus Rashford added a third before Daniel James scored United to put one foot into the last-16.
United fans are buzzing at the potential the £37million signing has already shown.
Earlier this month, netted once and provided three assists in a 6-4 win for Man Utd’s Under-23s over Blackburn Rovers.
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MAN UTD SUB RATINGS VS SOCIEDAD
Nemanja Matic (for McTominay, 60) – 6 Quiet outing for the Serbian as United put the tie to bed.
Anthony Martial (for Rashford, 68) – 5 Frenchman struggled to match the influence of Rashford as the game wound down.
Amad Diallo for (Greenwood, 83) – N/A Not enough time for the new boy to shine on his senior debut.
Juan Mata (for Fernandes, 83) – N/A A brief, rare outing for the Spaniard late on.

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