Sport Live Blogs

ARSENAL host Leeds today while Manchester United travel to West Brom.
On the transfer front, in-demand Dayot Upamecano has signed for Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.

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

MUSS-HAVE KEEPER
Roma are weighing up a bid for Udinese goalkeeper Juan Musso, according to Calciomercato.
The 26-year-old would cost around £26m but Roma are hoping to Amadou Diawara and Carles Perez to bring down Udinese’s asking price.
Inter Milan have also been linked with a move for the Argentina international.

NICK OF TIME
Ralf Rangnick claims Chelsea wanted him to take over before Thomas Tuchel’s appointment.
The Ex-RB Leipzig boss has claimed the Blues wanted to bring him in as an interim coach after Frank Lampard’s sacking.
Rangnick told The Times: “I said: ‘I would like to come and work with you, but I can’t do it for four months.
“I’m not an interim coach.”
German Rangnick has been out of work since leaving his role as Leipzig’s sporting director last summer and was close to taking over at AC Milan before Stefano Pioli’s permanent appointment.

MIAMI NICE
Inter Miami may have hinted at a move for Barcelona star Lionel Messi, according to Sport.
Inter Miami co-owner Marcelo Claure has seemingly received a signed shirt from Lionel Messi.
Messi, 33, recently admitted that a move to MLS could be an option for him in the future.
Thanking Messi via Instagram, Claure wrote: “I am sure our paths will cross.”

TRANSFER MERRY-GO-ROUND
West Ham are expected to return for Sevilla striker Youssef En-Nesyri this summer, according to La Razon.
The Hammers had a £27m bid for the 23-year-old rejected last month, with Sevilla holding out for closer to £40m for their star man.
But reports in Spain suggest Sevilla have already identified a replacement for the Morocco international – in the shape of Real Madrid striker Mariano Diaz.
Diaz was reportedly offered to West Ham last month, but could now help them land En-Nesyri, who has 13 goals in 22 La Liga appearances this season.

COST OF BALE
Tottenham are not happy with Gareth Bale, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Bale has reportedly caused tension at the club with a social media post earlier this week which appeared to undermine manager Jose Mourinho’s verdict on his fitness.
Speaking on the Here We Go podcast, Romano said: “If Bale continues like this, then he has no chance of staying at Spurs.
“People at the club are not happy with him right now.”
Romano went on to confirm on Twitter that Bale is likely to join Real Madrid midfielder Isco on the market again if he returns to the Bernabeu this summer.

LONG KON
Having missed out on Dayot Upamecano, Chelsea will turn their attention to his RB Leipzig teammate Ibrahima Konate.
The Blues have joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the race for the 22-year-old.
The Frenchman is believed to have a similar release clause to the £38m which will take Upamecano to Bayern Munich this summer.
Konate has made 13 appearances in all competitions this season.

LAP IT UP
Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte is a target for Real Madrid, according to the Daily Star.
The Frenchman has fallen behind Ruben Dias and John Stones in the centre-back pecking order this season, having been a mainstay in the City defence before his injury layoff last season.
Real are said to be monitoring Laporte’s situation and could make an offer for the 26-year-old this summer.
However, Laporte still has four-and-a-half years left on his City contract and they would surely want to recoup at least the £57m they paid to sign Laporte from Athletic Bilbao in January 2018.

HAAL PASS
Real Madrid are plotting an £80m swoop for Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland, according to ABC.
The report claims Dortmund may be open to selling their prized asset due to debts totalling £61m – particularly if they miss out on Champions League football.
Real would also be willing to include Luka Jovic or Mariano Diaz in any deal.
Haaland reportedly has a £68m release clause in his Dortmund contract which comes into effect in 2022, and he has garnered plenty of suitors around Europe.
The Norwegian forward has 23 goals in 23 games in all competitions this season.

LAMP SUM
SunSport can exclusively reveal Frank Lampard would need to be offered a job too good to turn down to tempt him back into management and give up the £1.8million in wages he is due from Chelsea.
When Lampard was sacked by Chelsea last month, the club did not pay up the remainder of his contract..
Instead, they have kept his £75,000-a-week salary on the wage bill – with an agreement that Lampard will continue to be paid until July unless he takes a job elsewhere.
And that leaves Lampard in a position where any offer of employment that comes in would potentially cost him a fortune.

RICH REWARD
Reading left-back Omar Richards will join Bayern Munich on a four-year deal, according to Kicker.
The 22-year-old has agreed pre-contract terms with the European champions, as he prepares to leave the Royals on a free transfer this summer.
Richards joined Reading at the age of 15 after being released by Fulham, and has made 84 appearances for the first-team since making his debut in 2016.

MAN UTD LINEUP
Here’s how Manchester United line up to face West Brom at the Hawthorns this afternoon.

DUO EYE REAL STARLET
Manchester City and Arsenal are tracking Real Madrid youngster Bruno Iglesias, according to Defensa Central.
The 17-year-old could be a target for the Premier League duo in the summer transfer window.
Real want to keep hold of Iglesias, who plays for their under-19 team, but a chance to prove himself in the Premier League could tempt the midfielder.

GUNNERS PREDICTED LINEUP
Here’s how SunSport expects Arsenal to line up against Leeds this afternoon.
The Gunners will be hoping to get back to winning ways against Marcelo Bielsa’s side, after just one point in their last three games.

CITYZEN KANE
Former Manchester City defender Steve Howey believes his old club should target Harry Kane over Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland.
The Premier League leaders have been linked with a move for Spurs star Kane as a replacement for Sergio Aguero, who looks set to leave City when his contract expires this summer.
Howey told Football FanCast: “Imagine how many goals he’d score at Man City.
“He’d score about five a game, the amount of chances he would get.
“He scores goals on his own, he creates his own goals.
“It’s basically like having four Heung-Min Sons in the same team. He would be absolutely lethal.
“For me, I think that he would be a better signing than [Erling] Haaland.”

MAN UTD SEASON STATS
Man Utd take on West Brom this afternoon, check out our dedicated blog for it HERE.
Can United top scorer Bruno Fernandes add to his total today?

MESSI ‘EXCITED AND HAPPY’
Barcelona boss Ronald Koeman insists Lionel Messi is ‘excited and happy’ at Barcelona despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Messi warmed up for Barca’s Champions League last-16 clash with PSG by scoring two stunning goals in a 5-1 thrashing of Alaves.
Speaking after the win over Alaves, Koeman said: “Well, we know that Leo is a decisive player.
“He has been for many years, he is very concentrated. He’s excited, he’s happy and he’s been very effective in front of goal.
“He’s someone that when we make passes between the lines to find him it gives a load of depth for the rest of the players and makes them even easier for him.
“He has a great vision of play, so of course if we want to try and go through or aspire to win trophies having Messi at his best is vital, but we need also everyone else at the best. That’s very important.”

NO LOVE LLOS
Real Madrid have slapped a £22million price tag on Arsenal loanee Dani Ceballos.
The midfielder has spent the past two seasons on loan in north London but Real are now hoping to sell Ceballos to raise funds for new signings.
Arsenal will face competition if they wish to make Ceballos’ transfer permanent, with his former club Real Betis interested.
Ceballos has started just 10 of the Gunners’ Premier League games this season following the arrival of Thomas Partey.

TAP-PING UP
Atletico Madrid could swoop for one-time Celtic and rangers target Renato Tapia this summer, according to AS.
Tapia has impressed since his Bosman move from Feyenoord to Celta Vigo last summer, having been tracked by the Old Firm giants during his time in the Eredivisie.
The report claims, Atletico, as well as Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are considering moves for the Peru international, 25.
Tapia has made 24 appearances in all competitions since his move to Spain and has a contract with Celta which runs until 2024.

I WANT HU
Former Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino wants to reunite with goalkeeper Hugo Lloris at Paris Saint-Germain, according to Football Insider.
The Argentine had a close relationship with the Spurs captain during his time at north London.
The French World Cup winner, 34, would face competition from PSG’s current No1 Keylor Navas if he moved to Paris.
Lloris has been criticised this week for his performance in Spurs’ 5-4 defeat to Everton in the FA Cup, as well as the 3-0 loss to Manchester City in the league.

UPS AND DOWNS
Manchester United will turn their attention to Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde after missing out on RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano, according to the Express.
Upamecano looks set to join Bayern Munich after agreeing a five-year deal with the European champions, who will trigger the 22-year-old’s £38m release clause this summer.
Kounde, who was the subject of a £50m bid from Manchester City last summer, has an £81m release clause in his contract.
However, it is thought Sevilla would now accept around £55-60m for their prized asset.
Kounde, 22, is one of four names on United’s centre-back shortlis, according to ESPN, along with Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings, Real Madrid star Raphael Varane and Braga’s David Carmo.

WHAT ARE THE ODSONNE THAT?
Leicester City are third-favourites to sign Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard this summer, according to bookmakers Betfair.
Edouard worked under Foxes manager Brendan Rodgers at Celtic Park and could be in line for a reunion with his former boss.
However, the bookies reckon Roma and AC Milan are leading the chase for the French frontman.
Edouard, 22, has a contract with the Bhoys until 2022 and the Scottish giants could sell for around £25m this summer to avoid losing him for free.

DIAMOND IN THE RAPH
Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes is a big fan of former teammate and Liverpool target Raphinha.
Manchester Evening News have reported United could challenge Liverpool in the race to sign the 24-year-old Leeds sensation this summer.
Fernandes and Raphinha played together at Sporting Lisbon in the 2018-19 season, before the Brazilian winger joined Rennes that summer.
Speaking in December 2019, Fernandes said: “I miss Raphinha.
“He’s a player with whom I had a different chemistry from the others. He understood me at a glance.
“He knew, according to the movement of my body, where I was going to put the ball to him.
“I also miss him because he brought joy to the locker room. He’s also a responsible and hardworking person.”

ITALIAN JOB
Liverpool have identified Torino centre-back Bremer as their next defensive signing, according to the Mirror.
The report claims the 23-year-old is seen as the perfect foil for Virgil van Dijk as the Dutchman returns from his knee injury.
The Brazilian has impressed in Serie A this season and could be available for less than £10m.
After deadline day moves for Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies last month, the Reds are keen to get their business done early this summer and avoid a bidding war for Bremer.

HOMECOMING
Former Chelsea striker Diego Costa is in talks to sign for boyhood club Palmeiras, according to Sky Sports.
The 32-year-old is a free agent after terminating his contract at Atletico Madrid last month.
Copa Libertadores champions Palmeiras have offered Costa a two-year deal worth around £2.6million per year after tax.
Costa was offered to Premier League clubs in the January transfer window, with one top-six club offering him a deal until the end of the season, which was turned down.

CAN’T HAK IT
Hakim Ziyech is considering his Chelsea future, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries during his first season at Stamford Bridge, featuring in less than half of the Blues’ Premier League games this season.
The Moroccan playmaker only joined Chelsea from Ajax last summer but the report claims both AC Milan and Juventus are monitoring his situation.
Ziyech reportedly ‘feels left out’ of new boss Tuchel’s plans and will request a meeting with Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia to discuss his future.

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LIVERPOOL have lost 3-1 at Leicester after a latest howler from goalkeeper Alisson.
On the transfer front, Bayern Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic has confirmed Dayot Upamecano will be joining the Bundesliga champions.

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RED-FACED
Here’s the moment Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson collided with debutant Ozan Kabak to let Jamie Vardy in to score Leicester’s winner.

Leicester turn the game on its head with two goals in the blink of an eye! 😮A breakdown in communication at the back and Jamie Vardy pounces! pic.twitter.com/LVooLj3Dtr
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) February 13, 2021

MR PERFECT
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Erling Haaland would be ‘perfect’ for his old club.
The Borussia Dortmund striker, 20, has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, although a £68m release clause in his contract does not activate until 2022.
Johnson told bettingexpert.com: “Haaland is a perfect asset for any top team at the moment. He’s big, strong and a proper goalscorer.
“If City go for him, Liverpool will think ‘we can’t let City have him’. And it could become a race to the line. I think there will be numerous clubs that will want him if they can afford him.
“Liverpool don’t buy people for the sake of it, they don’t spend over the top on just any player.
“They only do it when they feel like they’re getting it right and they’ve proven before that it works.
“Someone like Haaland, I think they will spend big money on him.”

SHOUT THE ODS
Thomas Partey is relishing the chance to play alongside former La Liga rival Martin Odegaard at Arsenal.
Former Atletico Madrid star Partey has admitted it is a massive coup for the north Londoners to have signed the playmaker having come up against him in Spain while he was on loan at Real Sociedad.
Partey told Stadium Astro: “It’s difficult when you play against him.
“I remember playing against him, he’s so intelligent, he is always quick on the ball, he doesn’t give you a chance to win the ball.
“It’s amazing to have him here. 
“I hope he has a great season and he’s able to help us achieve what we want to achieve.”
Odegaard is in line to make his first Arsenal start against Leeds on Sunday and could line up alongside Partey for the first time.

PL DUO EYE EX-LEIPZIG DEFENDER
Leeds and West Ham target Matthew Bondswell is in talks with a Premier League club, according to Football Insider.
The 18-year-old left-back is a free agent after terminating his RB Leipzig contract and reportedly held talks with the Hammers in January.
However, a deal could not be struck which has allowed Leeds, as well as aChelsea and sporting Lisbon to enter the fray.
The Nottingham Forest academy product spent the first half of the season on loan at FC Dordrecht, making six appearances in the Dutch second tier.

SHAW THING
Manchester United defender Luke Shaw is set for an England recall- after more than two years out of the squad.
The 25-year-old has won just two caps under Gareth Southgate, with his last outing having come against Spain in September 2018.
Shaw’s impressive form at club level could put him in contention for the World cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.
Ben Chilwell was England’s only recognised left-back during the last round of internationals, while Bukayo Saka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Keiran Tripper have also filled in on the left.

ALISSON BLUNDERLAND
Alisson was at fault once again as Liverpool crashed to a third successive defeat in the Premier League at Leicester.
The Reds goalkeeper was involved in a mix-up with debutant Ozan Kabak at 1-1 which allowed Jamie Vardy to knock the ball into an empty net for Leicester’s winner.
It was the third high-profile mistake by the Brazilian in a week following his bloopers against Manchester City.
Harvey Barnes added a third goal moments later to add insult to injury for Jurgen Klopp’s side.

RICHARDS CHOOSES BAYERN
Reading left-back Omar Richards has agreed to join Bayern Munich this summer, according to Football Insider.
The 22-year-old is in the final six months of his Royals contract and has been free to discuss terms with other clubs since January.
And Richards has reportedly opted to sign a three-year deal with European champions Bayern – in a blow to Premier League suitors West Ham, Everton and Wolves.
Bayern are keen to add competition for first-choice lef-cback Alphonso Davies, while versatile defender David Alaba looks to be headed for the exit door.

SWAP SHOP
Juventus are preparing to offer defender Merit Demiral to Real Madrid in exchange for Raphael Varane, according to Calciomercato.
The French World Cup winner has so far refused to a new deal at the Bernabeu, with his current contract expiring in 2022.
Real were reportedly willing to offer Eder Militao as part of a swap deal for Demiral but Juve would prefer to sign Varane.
Los Blancos are in the market market for a new centre-back with both Varane and captain Sergio Ramos angling towards the exit door as they approach the end of their respective contracts.

RAZZLE DIAZ-ZLE
AC Milan are keen to hold on to on-loan Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz, according to Goal.
The 21-year-old joined Milan on loan from Los Blancos last summer and has impressed for Stefano Pioli’s side.
With no option to buy included in the deal, Milan are reportedly willing to offer up to £27m for the former Manchester City youngster.
Diaz has scored four goals and registered three assists in 25 appearances for Milan this season.

JUVE GOT TO COME
Cristiano Ronaldo wants to reunite with former Real Madrid teammate Marcelo at Juventus, according to TuttoJuve.
The report claims Real will look to offload the Brazilian left-back this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 18 months’ time – and Juventus are favourites for his signature.
The 32-year-old lost his place in Real’s starting lineup to Ferland Mendy last season and has featured in just 10 games for Zinedine Zidane’s side this term.
Ronaldo and Marcelo won four Champions League titles as teammates in Madrid.

TOFFEE TARGET
Everton are interested in Freiburg centre-back Keven Schlotterbeck, according to BILD.
The 23-year-old has made 13 appearances for Freiburg this season, helping the German outfit to eighth place in the Bundesliga.
Journalist Christian Falk said: “True, although a bit surprising.
“They have become aware of him in England because of his solid performances in the Bundesliga, while his not so expensive transfer cost makes him attractive too.
“Maybe they looked a little bit at Leeds United, they got [Robin] Koch from Freiburg, and he proved to be a superb defender, so the Germans are in focus now.”

STONES BLOW
Harry Redknapp claims he told Frank Lampard to sign John Stones while his nephew was in charge of Chelsea.
Stones has enjoyed a resurgence at Manchester City this season, forming a formidable centre-back partnership with newboy Ruben Dias, having seemed close to leaving the club at the start of the campaign.
Redknapp told Sky Sports: “They’re fantastic aren’t they and John Stones… what a comeback.
“I text Frank at the start of the year but they’d already made a signing at Chelsea.
“I said, ‘What about him, John Stones?’
“I think he’s a real talent. Someone just had to get hold of him again and get him playing and believing in himself.
“And he’s come back now and he looks the best centre-half around. He’s in fantastic form.”
Reports suggest Stones is set to be offered a new long-term contract at the Etihad, with his current deal set to expire in 18 months’ time.

GREAT DANE
Leeds have made initial contact with Sampdoria over Danish winger Mikkel Damsgaard, according to La Repubblica.
Tottenham, West Ham and Southampton have also been credited with an interest in the 20-year-old attacker.
The report claims a fee of £17.5m will be needed to tempt Sampdoria into selling.
Samp paid £5.7m to sign Damsgaard from Nordsjaelland last summer.

FEL GUY
West Ham have slapped a £17m price tag on Felipe Anderson as they bid to sell the Brazilian this summer.
The 27-year-old has spent this season on loan at Porto, but has made just nine appearancesin all competitions for the Portuguese giants.
The Hammers are prepared to take a significant hit on Anderson, who they signed for £37m in 2018.
The former Lazio man earns around £4.4m per year at the London Stadium and the West Ham hierarchy are keen to offload the midfielder’s hefty wages.

DORTMUND LOOKING ROSE-Y
Borussia Monchengladbach sporting director Max Eberl has confirmed there is a release clause in coach Marco Rose’s contract – amid links with Borussia Dortmund.
Rose has been tipped to take over at Dortmund this summer, with Edin Turzic only appointed as interim coach until the end of the season following Lucien Favre’s sacking.
Eberl explained to the Rheinische Post he would not stand in Rose’s way if he opted to leave the Foals.
The former Red Bull Salzburg boss has led Gladbach to the champions League knouckout stages this season, where they will face Manchester City.

NEW DEAL FOR DE VRIJ
Stefan de Vrij is close to signing a new deal at Inter Milan, according to Calciomercato.
The report claims the Netherlands international has verbally agreed to a new five-year deal at the San Siro.
De Vrij is not the only player to have entered talks over a renewal with Inter.
The Nerazzurri have been busy trying to tie down the likes of Lautaro Martinez, Nicolo Barella and Alessandro Bastoni to new deals as well.

GETTING REAL
Real Madrid have a four-man shortlist to replace Sergio Ramos if he leaves the club this summer.
The 34-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has yet to agree terms with real over a renewal.
Bayern Munich defender David Alaba, who is himself out of contract this summer, is believed to be Real’s primary target.
AS reports Napoli stalwart Kalidou Koulibaly, Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde and Villarreal’s Pau Torres round out the shortlist.

MINGS TO UNITED?
Manchester United have identified Tyrone Mings as a possible solution to their defensive issues, according to ESPN.
The report claims the Aston Villa defender, 27, is one of a number of targets at the back for the Red Devils.
United are one of only two teams in the top half of the table to have conceded 30 or more goals.
Real Madrid duo Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, Villarreal’s Pau Torres and Braga’s David Carmo have also been linked with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side.

EMI FOR ENGLAND?
Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been linked with a shock England call-up.
The 28-year-old has received call-ups from his native Argentina in the past, but has yet to make an appearance for the senior team.
Martinez spent 10 years at Arsenal before his move to Villa last summer, prompting TalkSport trio Alan Brazil, Ray Parlour, and Trevor Sinclair to pose the question.
Brazil said: “If he’s been at Arsenal for ten years, then I suppose he is eligible – I am not saying he will – to play for England?”
Parlour responded: “I think he would get in the England team.”

DONNARUMMA LATEST
AC Milan have offered goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma a new deal worth £6.5m-a-year in a bid to ward off interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
The 21-year-old’s current deal at the San Siro expires at the end of the season, meaning he is free to talk to other clubs regarding a free transfer.
Despite Milan’s offer, Donnarumma’s agent, Mino Raoila, is hoping to negotiate around £9m per year from the Rossoneri.
That figure would see the Italy international become the second-best paid goalkeeper in world football, after Manchester United’s David De Gea.
Gazzetta dello Sport reports PSG are monitoring the situation closely.

WEST HAM MOVE ‘MY DREAM’
Said Benrahma has described his move to West Ham as a ‘dream’.
Benrahama’s £25m permanent transfer to the Hammers was finalised last month, having initially joined on loan from Brentford at the start of the season.
Benrahma told West Ham’s official website: “When West Ham came knocking, I didn’t hang about. I was really excited.
“That was my aim, that was my dream and my family’s dream, you know.
“I made a promise to my father, God rest his soul, and for the moment, I’m happy because I think that he’d be proud.
“As long as I know that I’m making my family proud, I’m happy.”
The Algeria international has notched four assists in 18 appearances this term.

BRADY TO CELTIC?
Burnley midfielder Robbie Brady has emerged as a summer target for Celtic.
Celtic are keen to strenghten their squad on the back of a disappointing campaign and have identified the 29-year-old as a possible target.
Brady is out of contract at the end of the season and has yet to agree new terms at Turf Moor.
The Republic of Ireland international joined the Clarets in 2017 and has made 83 appearances for Sean Dyche’s side in all competitions.

GO GET EM
AC Milan are interested in Barcelona right-back Emerson Royal, according to Calciomercato.
The Brazilian defender has spent the last two-and-half years on loan at Real Betis, and has made 17 appearances in La Liga this season.
Milan had been in talks over a move for Emerson, 22, last summer but the loan deal with Betis was already in place.
The move could rest on the future of Diogo Dalot, who has impressed for Milan this season on loan from Manchester United, but the deal does not contain an option to buy the Portuguese full-back.

RYAN ‘THRIVING’ AT ARSENAL
Arsenal newboy Mat Ryan feels he is ‘thriving’ under Mikel Arteta at the Emirates.
The Aussie goalkeeper joined the Gunners on loan from Brighton in January having fallen out of favour at the Amex.
Bernd Leno’s red card against Wolves meant Ryan was thrown into action against Aston Villa, but he is already loving life in north London.
Ryan told The World Game: “Although we lost the game against Villa, I think I can take a lot of positives from that match.
“Hopefully I’m able to provide a bit of a headache for the manager in his team selection going forward, and create competition for spots.
“[Arteta]’s really impressed me since coming in.
“He makes it clear what’s expected of each player in every aspect of the game.
“It’s all about instilling a winning mentality and everyone is buying into that.
“I really feel like I’m thriving in this environment.”

BALOGUN LATEST
Mikel Arteta remains hopeful Arsenal striker Folarin Balogun will sign a new deal at the club.
The 19-year-old’s deal at the Emirates expires this summer and a host of clubs around Europe have expressed an interest in signing him on a free transfer.
Speaking ahead of his side’s clash with Leeds, Arteta said: “I’m still very positive that Flo [Folarin Balogun] is going to stay with us and it’s what we’re trying to do as a club, and it’s what I’m trying to do as a manager.
“As far as I know from last week, the player wants to be here, so I’m positive. I think he’s made some big progress in a few months.”
Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart and Rennes are believed to be frontrunners for the youngster’s signature.

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LIVERPOOL and Leicester kick-off a bumper weekend of Premier League action on Saturday afternoon.
On the transfer front, Bayern Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic has confirmed Dayot Upamecano will be joining the Bundesliga champions.

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…
There is no justifiable reason why clubs who do not finish highest in the league should play in Europe above those that finish below them.
The damage would be huge. Uefa’s latest plot is a spatchcock concoction based on the original Big Picture Project and their own twitchy reaction to plans by Fifa who fancy a chunk of Europe’s grandest prize.
But it is more sinister than that. A major target is the Premier League itself.
There is worldwide envy at our broadcast power and Uefa’s plan to increase the current 125 matches to no fewer than 225 strikes at the very heart of it.
Each club would have ten games in a new league-style structure before the knockout stage. That’s four extra games into a season already bulging at the seams.
Favouritism simply has no place in competitive football. Uefa are suggesting a straightforward bribe designed, I suspect, to encourage those that a coefficient suits to go along with their proposals.

KARREN BRADY- COMMENT
Talk about out of the fire and into the frying pan…
In a bid to prevent the European Super League, Uefa have come up with Champions League plans that amount to little more than a closed shop.
Their proposals would offer a free pass to clubs who fail to qualify through merit. It must never happen.
Uefa’s idea is that of the additional clubs the competition would be open to, England would probably have two extra spots, making six qualifying clubs in all. But here’s the problem… two of them would qualify based on their previous history in Europe, rather than merit.
Based on the proposals, if Everton and Leicester came fifth and sixth in the Premier League, say, but Arsenal and Spurs were seventh and eighth, the North London teams who would go into the Champions League.
And that would be at the cost of Everton and Leicester based on Uefa’s ‘coefficient’ — which weights previous experience in the Champions League over merit in any season…

MOUR MERCH
Jose Mourinho says Tottenham selling Carabao Cup Final merchandise is not the act of a small club but of a desperate need to raise money.
Spurs were ridiculed on social media this week when they unveiled a range of souvenirs marking their Wembley clash with Manchester City on April 25 – with rival fans claiming teams should only celebrate winning trophies.
But Mourinho, who has been trying to instil a winning mentality at the London club, has no problem with keyrings, lanyards and commemorative mugs being sold after the pandemic hit finances hard.
He said: “We have empty stadiums, an incredible stadium always empty. How many millions is Tottenham losing every match we play at home?
“How many millions is Tottenham losing per month?
“We have to make money so we go to a final, try to sell some pins, some shirts, key-rings, anything. So well done.”

…
Salihamidzic told Bild: “I can [confirm reports we’ve won the race], and we are very happy about it.
“We had very good, intensive and professional discussions with Dayot and his advisor for many months. We knew we had strong competition.
“Upamecano is a young player whose qualities have already developed extraordinarily. I was always convinced we had presented a good concept.
“We presented him with our vision of his career at Bayern. During the past week I had further talks with everyone involved.
“At the end of a long process, the player, family and management were convinced that Bayern was the right club.
“Upamecano will play for Bayern for the next five years.”

WHAT A DAY
Bayern Munich have won the race to sign RB Leipzig star Dayot Upamecano.
Sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic confirmed the French centre-back will be heading to Bavaria this summer despite strong interest from the Premier League.
Bayern will meet Upamecano’s £37million release clause after he agreed a five-year contract.
And it means suitors Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool will not be getting their hands on the 22-year-old, rated as one of the best young centre-backs in Europe.
Upamecano made his decision as Bayern became just the second team to win the Sextuple following Thursday’s Club World Cup triumph.
And he will head to the Allianz Arena as a direct replacement for David Alaba, who is leaving Bayern on a free transfer…

‘DANGEROUS GAME’ – EXCLUSIVE
Arsenal legend David Seaman has begged Mikel Arteta not to settle for Gunners being a ‘cup team’ and aim for Premier League glory.
Former keeper Seaman said: “Around 1993 we dropped off in the league but in the cups we were doing OK.
“When Arsenal are not challenging it is a bad season and we were well off it — and it wasn’t until Arsene Wenger came in that things started to change.
“And even then it took two years to win the league and the first Double.“It’s maybe like what’s going on now. The team’s focus has changed towards the cups with the league out of reach.
“But it’s a dangerous game to play if you want to end your bad league form. You can’t just turn it on for the cup. You have to start building confidence in the league or you could be cut adrift.
“I like what I am seeing so far, the team just needs to be more consistent. We are getting performances and little runs, then we get beat and I think, ‘Really? We got beat by them?’.

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DOG LIFE
Roy Keane played his first ever Instagram post straight down the line.
He posted a picture of himself and his trusty doggo and simply wrote: “A man’s best friend.”
The post received more than 218,000 likes and more than 8,800 comments.

…
But we might just see him return to his old ways by stretching the game to exploit Liverpool’s slow makeshift defence.
Despite turning 34 last month, he is now smartly conserving his energy more to still have that explosive turn of pace.
And by doing that he will create that space between the defence and midfield bringing James Maddison into the game who can make things happen.
He has five assists in the Premier League this season and does not shy away from a goal either.
But while Foden was forced to find that space, Maddison will have it made for him with Vardy’s pace along with Harvey Barnes and Marc Albrighton down the flanks.
So while Rodgers will set Leicester up differently to City they can still have the same effect and expose Liverpool’s weak spots.

DANNY HIGGINBOTHAM COLUMN
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers would have seen how Manchester City exposed Liverpool’s weaknesses and quietly smiled.
As the Northern Irishman knows, his Leicester side are capable of doing the same thing — without having to copy Pep Guardiola’s blueprint.
By keeping the likes of Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez wide, City were able to stretch Liverpool and exploit the space left by both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Andy Robertson.
And what Phil Foden did as the false nine was highlight the space in between their midfield and defence with his constant movement.
While Alisson’s mistakes were key in the final moments, it was clear Liverpool were struggling to deal with City’s game plan. Leicester’s approach will be similar but with a completely different set-up.
In recent seasons Jamie Vardy has evolved into the complete centre-forward who can drop deep and link up…

NO LOVE LLOS
Arsenal can reportedly turn Dani Ceballos’ loan spell at the Emirates into a permanent deal for just £22million.
The Spanish midfielder – who is in his second season on loan in North London – has become a firm fan favourite, with supporters loving his tireless work rate.
According to La Razon, Los Blancos are seeking a fee in the region of £22million for Ceballos.
The LaLiga giants are in desperate need to raise funds, and believe selling Ceballos is an easy way of doing so.
However should Arsenal decide to make a move for the midfielder, they are set to face competition from his former employers Real Betis.
It has been claimed that Betis have identified him as the perfect replacement for Nabil Fekir if the Frenchman departs in the summer.

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KEANE TO GET GOING
Roy Keane has joined Instagram!
The Irishman has developed a hard-man reputation from his playing days into his pundit career.
And fellow player turned TV-favourite Ian Wright shared the news on his own Insta account.

BIEL TOLLS
Marcelo Bielsa is suing former club Lille for £16.6million – and hit out in a French court after being interrupted for speaking over his permitted time.
On a video conference earlier today, the Leeds boss was given 15 minutes in his appeal over unpaid compensation following his 2017 sacking. But Bielsa spoke for 45 minutes and became ‘angry’ when those overseeing proceedings spoke over him.
According to Get France Football News, the Argentine said: “I have suffered abuse and you will not allow me to complete my presentation.”
In December 2017, six months before his Elland Road arrival, he was fired after just 13 games for ‘serious fault’ with Lille in a relegation scrap.
Having not received the money he believed he was owed after signing a two-year deal worth £7.5m, Bielsa, 65, filed a lawsuit. And he appealed the decision after the claim was rejected in March 2018 and he was ordered to pay £263,000 in damages.
The case centres on two contracts the ex-Argentina head coach signed at the time of his appointment at the Ligue 1 club in 2017.

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WILL POWER
Joe Willock has revealed he isn’t thinking about about his future at Arsenal as he insisted his focus is purely on Newcastle.
The 21-year-old joined the Magpies on loan until the end of the season in the winter transfer window, and made an instant impression on his debut last week.
Speaking to Sky Sports, he said: “When I decided to come here I had a sense of peace. I didn’t ever feel like it was going to be the wrong one (decision). When I came here, everyone was so welcoming.
“My first day everyone was speaking to me, I was speaking to the manager, that was when I knew it was the right decision and to score on my debut and to get three points is an even bigger plus.
“I’m trying to focus on what I have to do now, focus on Newcastle United. I’m not really looking at Arsenal at the moment. I’m here to prove to Newcastle United that I can play every week and affect the games and win games for them.
“I’m not really looking at Arsenal, when that time comes for me to make a decision to go back or not that will come. But right now, I’m focused on Newcastle and I’m loving every minute that I’m here.”

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SO UN-FLAIR
Ravel Morrison claims he is ‘baffled’ by Wilfried Zaha blaming their infamous on-pitch bust-up with England Under-21s on his Ronaldinho-style showboating.
Lion Cub sub Nathan Redmond broke up the duo’s shoving match during a 5-0 win over Lithuania eight years ago.
Zaha told the On The Judy podcast this week that he got “mad” at ex-Manchester United winger Morrison‘s mix of flicks and tricks – accusing him of “moving like he was Ronaldinho and the rest of us were just no-one”.
Now Morrison, 28, has responded on social media, telling the Crystal Palace superstar to ‘state facts’ and ‘talk serious’. Morrison, who was with West Ham at the time, has tried to laugh off Zaha’s claims on Instagram.
He wrote: “Wilfried lol… Come on, let’s jump on a three-way live and state facts, what a dude.”
And in another post he said: “Silent… please come on, let’s talk serious, haha baffled.”

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IN GOOD NIC
Mikel Arteta reckons Arsenal’s record signing Nicolas Pepe is ready to go to the ‘next level’.
The 25-year-old has certainly failed to live up to the hype since his whopping £72million move from Lille.
Speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash against Leeds – the club Pepe was shown a straight red card against in November – Arteta said: “I think he’s done much much better.
“I think there has been a click with him, even in his mentality, how he’s approaching every training session, the importance of every action in the game and how he can sustain his focus and his determination during games.
“I really like his attitude. What’s he’s done in the last few weeks I think it’s been much better.
“He still has a lot of room to improve and grow and he’s willing to do that so I’m expecting him to go to the next level very soon.”

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ANTISOCIAL NETWORK
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants his players to stay off social media to avoid abuse.
Personal and racial abuse of players has become rife on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Manchester United stars including Marcus Rashford and Axel Tuanzebe have received horrific messages recently.
United boss Solskjaer said: “We’ve already come too far anyway at this concept and the abuse has gone overboard and is unacceptable.
“We would hope we have educated our players enough to stay away from much of the criticism.
“To stop this would be easy, should be so easy that people just have to verify who they are and not all those fake name as and stuff. That’s my wish if you want to have an account it has to be verified.”

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YOU’VE GOT A FRIEND
Jose Mourinho has revealed the true state of his relationship with Pep Guardiola – a friendship where they consoled each over the deaths of parents.
Mourinho and Guardiola have spent much of their managerial careers in direct competition with each other in Spain and now in England.
But Tottenham boss Mourinho says there is a secret side the world is unlikely to see when he takes his team to the Etihad to face Manchester City today.
He said: “Football matches, football problems if you want to call them – for me, I’m from the generation where what happens in a football match stays in the football match and I have only positive feelings and good respect.
“There are moments in life where we don’t forget things. One of the things I don’t forget was when my father died he knew how important my dad was to me so he had a call.
“By the way, today would be my dad’s birthday, he would be 83 today and, of course when his mum died I replied the same way. So there are things that people don’t see, we don’t need to share.”

GOOD BAY
Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly one of three clubs that are keen on signing Arsenal starlet Folarin Balogun on a free transfer.
The 19-year-old is set to depart the Emirates in the summer when his contract expires with contract negotiations believed to have stalled.
Arsenal have been desperate to tie the youngster down to a new deal as they restarted talks with the player in November.
But there is now growing fears that the club are resigned to losing the England youth international who could move abroad in search of regular game time.
According to the Mirror, Bayer Leverkusen have emerged a possible destination for Balogun and are ready to offer him a lucrative contract.
The news outlet also stated that fellow Bundesliga side Stuttgart are interested in the American-born forward, as well as Ligue 1 outfit Rennes.

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NOT SO FAB
Liverpool’s mounting defensive problems have deepened after Fabinho was ruled out of tomorrow’s trip to Leicester City.
The Brazilian midfielder has been redeployed as an emergency centre-back this season due to the absence of Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez.
Fabinho had only just returned from a hamstring injury for last weekend’s 4-1 humbling defeat to Manchester City.
Yet the 27-year-old suffered a relapse this week and Jurgen Klopp revealed ‘a small muscle injury’ has ruled him out of the game against Leicester.
And Fabinho now faces a fight to be ready for the the first leg of Liverpool’s last 16 Champions League clash with RB Leipzig next week.
But it does mean that Reds boss Klopp is set to hand a Premier League debut to either Ozan Kabak or Ben Davies alongside Jordan Henderson.

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FLEET FACTOR
Joey Barton claims he paid backroom staff out of his own pocket and even offered to fund the wages of goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler at Fleetwood.
Barton, 38, has recently appeared on Robbie Fowler’s podcast to discuss his rollercoaster and controversial career.
He said: “I brought a number one in (Joel Coleman) and he injured his hamstring. I brought a number two in (Jayson Leutwiler) and he ended up being number one.
“He [Fleetwood owner Andy Pilley] told me he wasn’t going to renew Leutwiler’s contract and he’d done superbly. I said I’d pay him out of my own money.
“I was paying for staff. I was paying for stuff for some of the lads myself because I wanted Fleetwood to win. I didn’t take money home really – I was just paying other members of staff who I felt I needed.
“I offered to pay for Leuts. He said no and I knew at that point he wanted to dictate the team.”

JUST SO SAD
Leicester City have been handed a crippling blow with the news their outstanding defender James Justin has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
The 22-year-old was stretchered off during the Foxes’ midweek 1-0 FA Cup win against Brighton after jarring his right knee when he landed awkwardly on the turf.
Initially manager Brendan Rodgers was hopeful the damage was minimal as Justin was able to walk soon afterwards.
But those hopes have been cruelly dashed on the eve of tomorrow’s crucial lunchtime clash with champions Liverpool, as Rodgers revealed scans have shown Justin has suffered ACL damage which will require surgery and effectively end his season.
The news will also come as a setback for England as Gareth Southgate had watched the £8million signing from Luton Town recently after the versatile England Under-21 star was tipped for a senior call-up.
“The scan hasn’t shown up so well. It looks like he has done his ACL which is a devastating blow for us because he has been incredible,” Rodgers revealed.

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ENGLAND NETS SALMON
Ebony Salmon has received her first senior call-up to the Lionesses ahead of their friendly clash with Northern Ireland this month.
The Bristol City striker will join the rest of the squad when they meet at the national team’s training base at St. George’s Park.
Salmon, 20, who joined the Robins from Manchester United in 2019, has been in fine form for the club this term, netting five goals in 13 WSL appearances.
England Women’s coach Hege Riise said “Ebony is a player who we have monitored closely for her club and through our development teams and is a young talented player who we think will benefit from exposure to the senior environment.
“She has been performing consistently at club level, showing great speed and scoring goals so we are excited to welcome her on camp next week.”

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AL BE OK
Alexandre Lacazette shared a joke with Granit Xhaka after coming off worse during a clash with his Arsenal team-mate.
The French striker shared a picture of his bloodied sock after he was hurt by the Swiss midfielder during training on Friday.
Lacazette posted the picture on Instagram and wrote: “By Granit Xhaka, I thought we were friends”.
Thankfully for Arsenal fans, the 29-year-old is not in any danger of missing this weekend’s home clash against Leeds.
Lacazette is expected to lead the line at the Emirates after leading the Gunners’ recent revival after a crisis of confidence earlier in the season.
The former Lyon man will have just a year left on his contract in the summer and has been linked with a move to Real Madrid. Although Arsenal are yet to open talks with Lacazette over a new deal but the club are said to be very happy with his attitude in training.

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NEW START
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has promoted Manchester United kids Hannibal Mejbri and Shola Shoretire to his senior squad.
The Red Devils boss confirmed on Friday that the pair will stay with the first team for a ‘while’ after impressing for the U23s.
Mejbri, 18, is an attacking midfield playmaker who hails from France and has become a vital member of the youth team.
Meanwhile, English winger Shoretire, 17, signed his first professional contract earlier this month after netting a hat-trick against Blackburn.
And both prodigies will now get a chance to impress alongside the likes of Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford and Paul Pogba.
Solskjaer revealed: “First of all, the young kids – we’ve moved Shola up with us. Hannibal will join us and we’ll keep them with us for a while. I think it’s the next step in their development.”

Man United youngster Shola Shortire has been promoted to the senior squadCredit: Getty Images – Getty

Hannibal Mejbri is also training with United’s senior starsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

BEEK OFF THE MENU-NITED
Donny van de Beek must depart Manchester United to stop being Bruno Fernandes’ ‘side dish’ and prove he is a special talent, claims Jermaine Jenas.
Former Spurs midfielder Jenas told the Mirror: “It was a strange move in the first place for Donny to go there.
‘It is very similar to the issue Tottenham have with finding a replacement for Harry Kane, which is why they’ve never found anyone of close quality. People know they’re not going to play.
“The only way you get the best out of any player is you fill them with confidence, especially players like him, by playing them every week, making them feel part of the project and showing they’re not just the side dish.
“When he was at Ajax I saw a player that was a problem for teams, arriving late in the box, scoring goals. At the minute he just plays safe and because of the position he plays he’s always being compared to another player – their best player (Fernandes).
‘Unfortunately the only way I see him getting back to a confident state and playing again is to move. He needs to be the special player.”

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