Sport Live Blogs

LIVERPOOL face Leicester in a mouthwatering start to this weekend’s Premier League football.
Meanwhile Arsenal have finally learned the venue for their Europa League tie against Benfica and Manchester United are fuming about the treatment of their brightest young star.

BET OF THE DAY: GET THE BEST FOOTBALL PRICES ON THE MARKET WITH OUR EXPERT ADVICE
Read our live blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…

LEAGUE OF GENTLEMEN
Gary Neville told Accrington Stanley chairman Andy Holt to ‘pipe down’ during a heated Twitter row.
The pair disagree on the recent decision to scrap the salary cap rules in Leagues One and Two.
Holt wrote: “Can’t be doing this. I don’t agree clubs should be able to spend what they want, taking advantage of clubs weakened by #COVID19. @SalfordCityFC can now spend £50m on player expenditure if they so choose. I really am not interested in his legal preening. It’s wrong.”
Neville shot back: Obsessed ! We voted with other L2 clubs for Salary Cap even though we didn’t want it so pipe down.”

NEW SHAWS
Michael O’Neill has given his blessing to Ryan Shawcross’ move to MLS.
The Stoke captain is set to sign for Inter Miami after almost 14 years at the club.
The Potters boss told BBC Radio Stoke: “It’s come at a good time in his career.
“This is a great opportunity for him. He’s had a fantastic career here and given his all for Stoke City.
“But he wants to explore opportunities and, if that is to see out his career in the MLS, then I give him my blessing.”

Credit: Rex Features

RAD-ICAL
Southampton coach Radhi Jaidi has left to become assistant manager at Cercle Brugge.
The Belgian outfit sacked ex-Reading boss Paul Clement last week with the side in the relegation zone.
Saints have confirmed the news with Jaidi joining former Belgium international Yves Vanderhaeghe after he was named as manager.

SOL SEARCH
Manchester United have been asked to go and get another centre-back this summer, according to ESPN.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer reportedly wants Raphael Varane of Real Madrid to partner Harry Maguire.
But the Red Devils’ shortlist extends deeper with a host of top defenders also eyed.
Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings, Braga’s David Carmo and RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano are also named, although Bayern Munich are thought to lead the race for the Frenchman.

Credit: AFP OR LICENSORS

NEW BAL GAME
Arsenal are fighting a number of European clubs to keep hold of Folarin Balogun.
The soon-to-be out of contract forward is being watched by Bayer Leverkusen, Stuttgart and Rennes, according to the Mirror.
Clubs would have to pay a small fee if nabbing the teenager – but nowhere near how much the Gunners would value him.

TOP MARCS
Marcus Rashford has posted an end-of-school throwback photo alongside three other boys who also became pro footballers.
Rashford attended Ashton on Mersey School as a teenager, and the three others pictured, like him, all came through United’s academy.
But only ONE of them are still at the club now and can call school dinners hero Rashford a team-mate.
Taken around seven years ago, Rashford, now 23, is crouching down at the front of the snap he shared on Instagram.
On the right is his United mate Axel Tuanzebe, looking dapper in his claret blazer. Down the middle is now-Burnley player Jimmy Dunne with Randers FC’s Tosin Kehinde left.

Credit: Instagram / @marcusrashford

DON’T CAL ON ME
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is out of Everton’s game with Fulham on Sunday.
The striker, along with Jordan Pickford, should return for the midweek clash against Manchester City, according to Carlo Ancelotti.
The coach announced: “Both of them will not be available for the game on Sunday.
“We are looking for the next game, on Wednesday, where we think both of them will be available.”
In good news for the Toffees, James Rodriguez is fit after being subbed off against Manchester United a week ago.

ROSS CROSS
Dean Smith has explained Ross Barkley’s angry reaction to being substituted in the win over Arsenal last weekend.
The Aston Villa boss stated: “That was frustration. 
“Frustration that he wanted to last the 90 minutes and disappointment that we were 1-0 up and he couldn’t see the game out.
“I spoke to him after that, that was my decision. I don’t want players coming off the pitch happy; I want players to be disappointed. He’ll pay for a new water bottle bag! But, it was simply that.”
Smith also confirmed that Villa have received no approach from Bournemouth over assistant manager John Terry.

NOT SO FAB
Liverpool will be without Fabinho for the game with Leicester.
The Brazilian joins a long list of defensive absentees including Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Joe Gomez as well as midfielders Diogo Jota and Naby Keita.
Jurgen Klopp said: “Fab will not be available. He suffered again a little muscle issue, so will be out for this game.”
The coach added that Jota is ‘two to three weeks away’ from a potential return.

Credit: Reuters

OH JO YOU DON’T
Jose Mourinho has accused Gareth Bale of contradicting the facts following a social media post that suggested he was fit to play in the defeat at Everton.
The Tottenham boss said: “I have to admit that his post created something that needed to be addressed because there was a contradiction between the post and the reality.
“Since the beginning of the season, in relation to everything, I tried to be very, very private and tried to keep everything indoors but I’ve felt that I needed to address the situation.
“Probably the post was not even his responsibility, I don’t know, but the post was ‘training session great’, so I’m ready, and it was totally wrong.
“When I was questioned, I had to say the reality of the things which I repeat for the last time and I hope there are no more questions about it because the situation was exactly the way I said.
“He was not feeling good, he asked for a scan, he had the scan, the scan did not show an injury but his feelings were still there and coaches and sports science and medical people, we can never go against those feelings because a player’s feelings are much more important than all of us so he was not ready for the game.
“It’s as simple as that. If he’s ready for tomorrow, he’s selected for tomorrow.”

DON’T MOY WITH ME
David Moyes is optimistic that Michail Antonio will be fit for West Ham’s clash with Sheffield United.
The striker sat out the FA Cup defeat at Manchester United while suffering from fatigue.
And the Hammers boss confirmed: “[He is] doing well, he has done a bit on the grass and we’re trying to get him back quickly,.
“We’re hoping he’ll be available.”
In contrast, Angelo Ogbonna is out with Moyes putting ‘no time frame’ on the defender’s return from an ankle injury.

Credit: AP:Associated Press

PHIL ME IN
Leeds may be without Kalvin Phillips for the trip to Arsenal.
Picking up a knock last time out, the midfielder has been confirmed as a doubt for Sunday’s game.
Marcelo Bielsa said: “There’s not a definite position at the moment whether he’ll be able to play or not.”
Pablo Fernandez is another doubt for the Whites, who have ruled out Ian Poveda and Rodrigo Moreno.

POG OUT
Paul Pogba will miss Manchester United’s game with West Brom on Sunday.
A thigh injury is set to keep the midfielder out for a ‘few weeks’ with Phil Jones also unavailable.
Eric Bailly may soon be fit for action however, following his return to training.

Credit: AP:Associated Press

CITY UPDATE
Manchester City have welcomed the news that Ruben Dias and Rodri will be fit for the weekend’s game with Tottenham.
Pep Guardiola has confirmed that Sergio Aguero is also nearing a return to the team.
The leaders’ only other absences for Saturday’s 5.30pm kick-off are Kevin de Bruyne, Nathan Ake and Fernandinho.

FOXES BLOW
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has revealed a HUGE hit to his side.
James Justin will miss the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury.
Rodgers said: “Sadly for JJ the scan hasn’t shown up so well.
“Massive blow for us. It looks like he’s done his ACL, which is a devastating blow for us. He’s been incredible. Whatever position he’s played, he’s been minimum 8/10.
“We hoped he would be okay. He’s in London with our doctor and trying to get all of the expertise in terms of the next step. I know the boy, he’s tough mentally, so he will come back.”

Credit: PA:Press Association

UP FOR THE CUP
Manchester United are still on the way up with the title and FA Cup in touching distance, writes Neil Custis.
That’s the view of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer who has overseen the recovery of the club in his two years in charge.
They stand second in the league and are in the last-eight of the FA Cup, although their drop from the Champions League into the Europa has to be seen as a failure.
Boss Solaksjaer said: “You go into every season trying to improve if you improve that’s a step forward.
“Is it a big enough step forward? We’ll have to see at the end.
“We’re still in competitions, we’re in the quarters of the FA Cup, still in Europa and second in the league, at the moment it looks like we’ve improved.”

KOL BACK
Schalke are keen on keeping Sead Kolasinac past his current loan spell from Arsenal.
Jochen Schneider, the Bundesliga club’s sporting director, has praised the left-back since his return to the club.
Schneider told RUHR 24: “That is our absolute dream
“He’s an incredibly good guy, lives for the club, pushes and pulls the cart. Sead embodies Schalke like no other.
“Of course, it is our wish to keep him until the end of his career and beyond.”

Credit: EPA

UP FOR JA-BATE
More on Jadon Sancho’s potential move to Manchester United being back on.
Journalist Constantin Eckner reports Sancho’s exit from Borussia Dortmund is ‘set in stone’, while Gio Reyna and Raphael Guerriero could also be sold.
The German side may let the trio leave as they are keen to hold onto star Norwegian striker Erling Haaland for at least another season.
Reports had suggested United may be able to snare Sancho at a cut-price bargain after his form dropped off this season.
But ESPN Bundesliga reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt has suggested he will still be highly in-demand this summer – and is unlikely to come cheap.

BREAKING
Kyle Lafferty has joined Kilmarnock.
The Northern Ireland striker, 33, was last seen with Italian side Reggina and now returns to Scottish football on a deal until the end of the season.

The striker has joined until the end of the season.
— Kilmarnock FC (@KilmarnockFC) February 12, 2021

WEIGHT A MINUTE
Didier Drogba stunned his Galatasaray team-mates by training ‘like a madman’ despite him coming towards the end of his career.
The Chelsea legend joined the Turkish giants from Shanghai Shenhua in 2013 but was far from ‘winding down’ his career, so says Hellas Verona star Koray Gunter.
Speaking to Bild, Gunter said: “When I came to Galatasaray and entered the weight room for the first time, I widened my eyes.
“There was Drogba, who was in his late 30s and had a huge career behind him, training like a madman. He worked more than anyone else.
“I thought ‘that’s how it has to be’. After that we met in the weight room more often and sweated a lot together. That was a huge incentive.”

EXCLUSIVE
Arsenal are close to finalising a summer deal for Sporting Lisbon striker Tiago Tomas, writes Jordan Davies.
SunSport understands that Gunners technical director Edu has been in direct contact with Sporting Lisbon director of football Hugo Viana over the deal.
The 18-year-old signed a new five-year contract with the Portuguese giants in June 2020 with a release clause of £52m.
However, due to the current economic climate and Sporting’s spending in recent years, it is understood the club may accept a deal as low as £20m.

BREAKING
West Brom have tied left-back Conor Townsend down to a deal until 2024.
Sporting and technical director Luke Dowling said: “We’re delighted to have secured Conor’s services for another three years.
“It’s clear to see the improvements Conor has made during his time here and he has become an integral part of this squad.
Townsend, 27, moved from Scunthorpe in 2018 and has played 12 times this season.

TAKE IT OR LEVITT
Manchester United are preparing to send Dylan Levitt out on loan again.
According to MEN, Croatian side NK Istra are in talks over a deal until the summer.
The 20-year-old spent the first half of the campaign in a quiet spell at Charlton.

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

BREAKING
Facebook has responded to the racist abuse sent via its platform to Swansea player Yan Dhanda this week.
Sky Sports report on the statement as saying: “We do not want racism and hate on our platforms.
“The person who sent this message has been restricted from sending messages for a set period of time, and we will remove new accounts created to get around this restriction.
“We think it’s important people have the opportunity to learn from their mistakes but, per the new measures introduced this week, if they continue to break our rules the account will be removed.”

SPURRED ON
Ryan Sessegnon is a British youngster abroad in a state of lockdown in the old fashioned German village of Hoffenheim.
But the 20-year-old is already picturing his name up in lights back in North London with a view to proving Jose Mourinho wrong.
Sessegnon said: “Of course, my aim is to go back to Spurs and try and break into that team and play, make myself a figure in the team.
“But if that isn’t possible next season or in the future then I want to come back to a league or a club to regain that experience.
“English clubs need to be prepared that if they don’t play their young players that there will be clubs like Hoffenheim who will take them on loan.
“And then if they come back to their clubs and England and they think they are still not ready then be prepared for an offer for other clubs to come get them. When the time is right to go back we will see.”

Load more entries… More

THE FA Cup fifth round is in full swing after Everton beat Tottenham in a nine-goal thriller.
And tonight it’s the turn of Chelsea as they visit Barnsley looking to avoid a repeat of their humbling quarter-final defeat there in 2008.

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

WHAT’S THE POINT?
This time last season Liverpool were charging towards their first league title in 30 years.
After the same amount of games this term, Jurgen Klopp’s struggling side have picked up 27 fewer points.
However, it’s a different story for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Manchester United side.
The Red Devils have 11 more points now than they did at this stage of last season.

undefined

RY SMILE
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wrote an amazingly supportive letter to a fan struggling with mental health issues.
The Norwegian sent a classy reply to Red Devils fan Ryan after he spoke openly about his struggles on talkSPORT last month.
It read: “Dear Ryan, just wanted to drop you a line to say I am so glad you are doing well.
“It’s heartwarming to hear that Manchester United and Andy’s Man Club have kept you going through difficult times.
“We are living in strange times at the moment and we know it’s difficult for a lot of people.
“However, I was delighted to hear you now have a spring in your step.
“Once we get back to normal I’d love to invite you to a match or to watch training. In the meantime, we want you to keep that spring in your step and we will be doing all we can on the field.
“Take care, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.”

RAVVED UP
Wilfried Zaha claimed frustration at Ravel Morrison trying to play like Ronaldinho led to the pair clashing as team-mates on the pitch with England under-21s.
The two players shoved each other during the 5-0 win over Lithuania in 2013 as tempers boiled over between the two players.
Speaking to the On the Judy podcast, Zaha said: “He was just getting me mad. He was moving like he was Ronaldinho and the rest of us were just no-one.
“He was getting the ball and he was just doing tricks and the only time he passes it if he really needs to and we’re just stood there with our hands on our hips while he’s going past six Lithuanian players.
“And it’s just like what are you doing?’.
“It was that easy – the team that we had, we had such good players and we can all do that, we can all hog the ball and go past all of them but we’re not doing it. We’re trying to be professional, play properly but he was just on his own thing.”

MESSI APPROACH PLAY
Manchester City’s pursuit of Lionel Messi has been given a boost after reports the Argentine ‘does not like’ the way PSG are going after him.
A great deal of noise has come out of PSG about the possibility of signing Messi, with Neymar and Angel Di Maria among those who have commented on his potential arrival.
And now there are reports surfacing about how Messi has not looked favourably upon that method of persuasion.
A source told ESPN: “PSG are making a mistake with the strategy they’re using.
“Leo doesn’t like all that noise in the media and even less the type of comments [which have been made].”

undefined

NEU SENSATION
Manchester City and Liverpool are chasing Borussia Monchengladbach star Florian Neuhaus, according to reports.
The midfielder has drawn admiring glances from around Europe with his impressive performances for the German side.
But according to Kicker, his time at Borussia-Park may be coming to an end.
They claim that FIVE clubs are chasing the German, including Premier League duo City and Liverpool.
If they are to grab his signature, however, they will have to wrestle with the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Bayern Munich and Juventus.

IN-SANE
Manchester City are set to receive a £31million boost in their transfer budget as they await payment for Leroy Sane and Angelino.
Bayern Munich signed Sane from Man City for around £55million last summer, but have not yet been paid nearly £15m of the fee.
According to Bild, Bayern are going to have to ‘dig deep into their pockets’ to pay the additional funds to Man City despite financially struggling like the majority of football clubs during the coronavirus pandemic.

NO WAY JOSE
Totteham have been brutally trolled online, after releasing Carabao Cup final merchandise.
The Lilywhites have reached their first final since the 2019 Champions League defeat to Liverpool.
One Gooner wrote: “Small club mentality right there!
“Good old Spurs, the gift that keeps on giving”.
While a cringing Tottenham fan added: “Hoped no one would see this”.
A third commented: “That is beyond joke even to a Spurs fan”.

undefined

THEATRE OF DOOM
Wilfried Zaha admitted his painful experience at Manchester United left him depressed and with his mind in a mess.
Speaking on the On Judy Podcast, he said: “I was in a very bad place, literally going out all the time, doing mad stuff. I was a mess.
“My brother was up there at first with his family, but then he had to go back so I was just by myself throughout the whole David Moyes period – that’s when I just went through depression and all sorts.
“I couldn’t cook so I wasn’t even eating proper.
“When you know you’re not playing, the team are training and you’re just stood on the side doing some training drill.
“I remember it was just me and Kagawa doing some shooting drill just the two of us. So you know they don’t care about you basically. Not even training with the Under 23s, week in week out. You’re not getting a look in.”

undefined

AMAD FOR IT
Manchester United’s Under-23s coach Neil Wood admitted he must allow Amad Diallo time to settle into English football.
He said: “You see he has ability and he’s linking up well. He doesn’t really have a relationship with any of these boys here. He came to Liverpool [last] Saturday and did well and the same [against Blackburn].
“He’s training with the first team and doing well and he’s still new to England and the style of football in England so it’s going to take time and like all young players you have to be patient with them. He’s gaining more confidence as the days go on.”

TAX-PLAYER
Lionel Messi has been revealed as Spain’s biggest taxpayer for the past four years.
The Barcelona superstar paid a staggering £324million to the taxman in that time, his leaked contract showed.
In fact, according to El Periodico, he is the single biggest contributor to the Spanish treasury and even pays more than many big companies.
Of his annual pay packet of £121m, £58m is understood to be taxed – just shy of 50 per cent.

MAN DOWN
Manchester United have made the worst loss on players sales over the past decade out of all 20 clubs currently in the Premier League.
The Red Devils have spent an incredible £747.55million on players who have subsequently been moved on and only brought in £345.75m in return.
That’s an overall net loss of more than £400m and a profit/loss percentage of -53.75 per cent.
Former Man Utd defender Rio Ferdinand is the biggest financial loss incurred by any Premier League team over the past ten years (all stats according to BettingOdds.com).

undefined

START FROM SCRATCH
A vlogger joked he might set up an ‘OnlyFans’ – after viewers mistakenly thought he was ‘pleasuring himself’ during a live stream to 40,000 viewers when he scratched his leg.
Popular online Arsenal commentator Chig appeared on Lee Gunner’s YouTube ‘watchalong’ to commentate on Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Southampton late last month.

undefined

MOUR TROUBLE
Brendan Rodgers is the favourite to replace Jose Mourinho after another defeat for Tottenham.
Leicester boss Rodgers is now 5/4 favourite after the extra time defeat to Everton in the FA Cup.
Rodgers is followed by Julian Nagelsmann, Eddie Howe and Max Allegri with Scott Parker and Rafa Benitez also in the running, according to Betfair.
Southampton boss Ralph Hassenhuttl had been second favourite at 5/1, but is no longer in the mix according to Betfair’s market.

INTERNATIO-NO!
A host of Premier League stars could be forced to miss international duty due to the strict coronavirus regulations.
Nations which have banned people from entering from the UK may not permit footballers from returning to their home countries.
There is also the issue around quarantining upon arrival back into the UK, which would see players forced into missing matches for their clubs while they self-isolate.
The countries that are primarily at risk of not letting footballers return are those in South America and Portugal.
Among the headline names potentially missing national team games is Manchester United and Portugal playmaker Bruno Fernandes.
Also under threat is Columbia’s James Rodriguez, Brazilian pair Thiago Silva and Roberto Firmino, and Argentine pair Giovani Lo Celso and Erik Lamela.

WINDOW SHOPPING
English football will signal a return to “normality” by putting this year’s summer transfer window back to its regular place in the calendar.
Premier League and FA chiefs have already begun discussing the window dates.
And unless there is another unexpected lockdown, clubs will have three months from early June to complete their transfer business.
The plan is for this year’s window to run from June 9 to August 31, representing 13 weeks of trading opportunities.

NEY WAY
The curse of Neymar’s sisters birthday has struck again… after he hobbled off injured in the French Cup.
The 29-year-old was involved in a hefty collision on the hour mark in Paris Saint-Germain’s win over Caen and was replaced by Kylian Mbappe.
But fans on social media believe his injury may have something to do with his sister’s birthday on March 11.
Coincidentally, the Brazilian superstar almost always appears to pick up a knock just before sister Rafaella Santos celebrates her big day.

WIL I NEVER
Newcastle star Callum Wilson will miss the next two months with a hamstring injury
Steve Bruce has heavily relied on Wilson this term, with the forward involved in 60 per cent of the 25 goals that Newcastle have mustered.
He said: “You need your big players at the sharp end of the pitch so we’ve been dealt another blow.
“Without Callum it’s going to be hard because he’s been terrific all year and he’s very difficult to replace.”

FRENCH THEATRE
Arsenal target Isco has been slammed for spending a minute and 20 seconds playing with his hair during Real Madrid’s clash with Getafe last night.
Some fans were surprised when boss Zinedine Zidane opted against restoring Isco to his starting XI, instead preferring youngster Marvin Park.
But when Zizou did eventually send the Spanish playmaker to warm up, he was more concerned with how he looked.
Having been joined by fitness coach Gregory Dupont, Isco should have been being put through his paces.
But in a video revealed by Marca, the 28-year-old had bigger concerns.
The long-haired star spent 80 seconds perfecting his precious barnet, first slicking it back with water then tying it into a ponytail.

undefined

THE SACK RACE
Jose Mourinho is the outright favourite to be the next Premier League manager to leave his position.
The Tottenham boss, 58, had previously been offered at 5/1 with bookmakers Paddy Power.
But Wednesday’s FA Cup defeat has resulted in a massive odds shift with the Spurs chief now leading the sack race at 2/1.

HAV A DAY OFF
Chelsea star Kai Havertz again missed training at Cobham yesterday.
The German has been absent from the Blues’ last two games after sustaining a knock early on in Thomas Tuchel’s tenure.

undefined

TOUGH CAL
Newcastle star Callum Wilson will miss the next two months with a hamstring injury
The England hopeful is Steve Bruce’s top scorer this season with 10 goals.
Steve Bruce said: “We hoped it was a grade one tear so he’d be out for two or three weeks.
“Unfortunately it’s worse than that so we’ll have to be without him for the best part of eight weeks .
“At least he doesn’t have to have an operation on it, but when you’re all pace and power like him the rehabilitation has to be spot on.
“It’s devastating news for us and for him.”

FLO FOR FREE
Leicester are reportedly considering a free transfer swoop for Florian Thauvin.
The French winger, 28, has seven goals and seven assists in Ligue 1 this season.
And according to Eurosport, the Foxes are looking at Thauvin as an alternative to Cengiz Under.

SANCH-GO
Jadon Sancho is ’90 per cent’ likely to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer, according to reports.
The Manchester United target is one of eight players that the German giants could sell at the end of the season.
According to Sky Sports Germany, Sancho is set to be up for grabs during the next transfer window.
The England international, 20, was heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford last summer.
But the switch collapsed as Ole Gunnar Solskajer refused to meet Dortmund’s £108million price-tag.

HU’S FAULT
Rio Ferdinand slammed Tottenham’s mistakes for ‘killing’ them and singled out ’embarrassing’ Hugo Lloris for particular criticism.

DOM DESPAIR
Everton suffered an injury blow as Dominic Calvert-Lewin limped off against Tottenham.
And assistant Duncan Ferguson admitted the club fear he has ‘tweaked his hamstring’ in the club’s amazing FA Cup win over Spurs.
He said: “He was complaining about his hamstring when he came off the pitch.
“We’ve not got an assessment but it does look like a wee bit of a hamstring tweak.
“It could be a wee bit of trouble for him.”

Load more entries… More

THE FA Cup fifth round is in full swing with Manchester United pulling off an extra-time victory over West Ham.
Meanwhile Chelsea have discovered that they will play Atletico Madrid away in Bucharest, meaning five English clubs have now had their European ties moved.

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

TOFF LUCK
Everton stormed into the FA Cup quarters with a thrilling 5-4 extra time win over Spurs.
Davinson Sanchez put the visitors ahead at Goodison Park before Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson had Everton 3-1 up.
Erik Lamela pulled one back before the break and Sanchez then scored again for 3-3.
But Richarlison bagged his second of the night before Kane’s 83rd minute strike made it 4-4.
However, Bernard stepped up for Everton in the 97th minute to secure the stunning victory for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Man City, Leicester and Sheffield United were the other sides to make the last 8 on Wednesday night.

Credit: EPA

FROM SUNSPORT’S DUNCAN WRIGHT
Liverpool’s message to Bayern Munich is: Mo Salah is not for sale.
The German giants are the latest club to target the Kop striker after chief exec Karl-Heinz Rummenigge branded him the ‘Lionel Messi of Africa’.
But the Premier League champions have no intention of letting go of their prized asset.
The Egyptian’s current £200,000-a-week Anfield contract does not run out until 2023.
And last month the 28-year-old insisted he wants to be a Reds player for the rest of his career and ‘win as many trophies as possible’.
However, Bayern have now joined Spanish clubs Barcelona and Real Madrid in chasing Salah.

Credit: AP:Associated Press

ELL OF A DEAL
Fulham have landed £4million for Harvey Elliott following a tribunal.
Wonderkid Elliott, now on loan at Blackburn Rovers, left Craven Cottage for Liverpool in July 2019 aged just 16.
The Reds were offering just £750,000 in compensation – well short of the £8m Fulham were believed to be seeking for one of the hottest prospects in English football.
The decision went to a tribunal with a verdict being delivered that left the Cottagers ‘very pleased’.
It also includes a sell-on clause, understood to be around 20 per cent.

Credit: Alamy Live News

GLOVES ARE OFF
Thomas Tuchel has promised Kepa Arrizabalaga a fresh start against Barnsley.
He said: “From outside we had a view on his situation and some difficulties on the sporting side. Maybe the circumstances of his transfer are a little bit on his shoulders. 
“That was the impression from outside. From inside, I see an open personality. A hard working guy with a lot of quality. He deserves to be here. 
“The good thing for him is that we start new, that this is a new start for him because I don’t have a history with him. 
“He does everything to impress in training and this is the only thing he could do. It is a special position, it has its own rules. 
“If you make mistakes, everybody sees it, talks about it so you need a lot of mental strength and quality.
“Kepa gets the chance tomorrow and I hope he can show what he shows in training.”

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

FARCELONA
Barcelona are on the brink of a Copa del Rey exit after losing 2-0 to Sevilla in the first leg of their semi final.
Nou Camp old boy Ivan Rakitic came back to haunt his former side with a goal
Jules Kounde scored Sevilla’s other to leave Barca sweating on their place in the final.
Ronald Koeman’s side are already eight points off LaLiga leaders Atletico Madrid, who still have a game in hand.
And the Dutchman previously said the Copa del Rey represented Barca’s best hopes of a trophy this term, with a Champions League last-16 clash against PSG to contend with too.

Credit: Reuters

NEY WORRIES
PSG were dealt a major blow after Neymar hobbled off injured during the French Cup clash with Caen.
The reigning Ligue 1 champions take on Barcelona in the pick of the Champions League last-16 games on Tuesday.
And their chances of winning their first-ever European crown have now been hit hard after Neymar limped off pitch after an hour against Caen.
Neymar, 29, was replaced by Kylian Mbappe for the final half an hour of the cup showdown.
The Brazilian only recovered from a month-long ankle injury in mid-January.

Credit: Reuters

JIM GOOD SHAPE
Raul Jimenez is training with ‘good intensity’ as he continues his rehabilitation from a skull fracture.
Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo said: “He is doing good. He had a consultation and the results are amazing.
“So, gradually he will progress. It’s too soon yet to predict an exact point.
“He’s working by himself, but with a good intensity in his training sessions, so we’re really positive and delighted with how he is doing.”

NINTCHDBPICT000627705687Credit: Getty Images – Getty

MAGIC TUCH
Antonio Rudiger has hailed ‘positive’ new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel for ‘knowing what he wants’.
Rudiger told Sky Germany: “The most important impression he’s made is that he knows what he wants.
“He has his way of playing football, which is positive for many players. This is also reflected in the latest results. This has been a good, positive start for him.”
And on his own pre-Christmas plight he said: “At the end of the day you want to be on the pitch as a footballer.
“As a footballer, you can’t be satisfied and you want more, you want to play so that’s been a real positive for me. 
“He (Tuchel) wanted to bring me to PSG in the summer but otherwise we had not spoken.”

Credit: PA:Press Association

ANFIELD RAP
Liverpool have set their sights on Leeds sensation Raphinha ahead of a summer transfer, according to reports.
Jurgen Klopp has made Leeds whiz Raphinha his No1 attacking option ahead of the summer window, according to France Football.
Leeds only signed the Brazilian winger in October for a £17million fee.
Raphinha, 24, moved to Elland Road from Ligue 1 side Rennes, putting pen to paper on a four-year deal.
But he could be on the move just one year into his contract, with the reigning Premier League champions set to come knocking.

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

CHRIST THE REDEEMER
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is reportedly ready to abandon plans to sign a centre-back this summer given the form of Andreas Christensen.
The German manager, 47, was expected to strengthen his backline at the end of this season but may no longer push for a new star, according to Football London.
Christensen has excelled since he was called upon to replace an injured Thiago Silva against Tottenham.
And the Dane took his chance in the heart of Tuchel’s back three with an impressive showing from the start in the 2-1 win over Sheffield United.
He made 12 clearances and won six aerial duels – more than any other Blues star.

Credit: PA:Press Association

SOL SEARCHING
Arsenal target Manor Solomon is in talks with teams from England.
Shakhtar Donetsk’s Israeli winger said: “There are talks with teams from England. There are things that can happen in the summer.
“My dream is to play in England and it also seems to be the most realistic option for me. And teams in England can pay.”

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

TIME WILL TELE
Premier League chiefs’ decision to put their next TV rights deal process on hold is justified by the financial chaos hitting European rivals.
Italy’s Serie A clubs will vote on whether to accept the ‘winning’ £745million-per-season bid by DAZN for the next three-year deal.
DAZN outbid Sky Italia by £87m but offered £117m per season LESS than the current deal – and £250m below the auction reserve price.
Serie A is also facing the potential scrapping of the £1.5billion deal with private equity company CVC struck in November.
The crisis comes with French Ligue 1 bosses forced into a cut-price deal with Canal+, knocking a third off estimated incomes this season, after terminating their new £1bn annual deal with Mediapro.
In Spain, LaLiga chief Javier Tebas anticipates the 20 clubs will lose £1.6bn as a direct cost of the pandemic.
Germany’s next four-year Bundesliga deal with Sky and DAZN also dropped by £50m per season.

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

TOURE DE FORCE
Yaya Toure has confirmed he has taken over the role of coach at Ukrainian top-flight side Olympic Donetsk.
The Manchester City legend, 37, retired from football a little over a year ago after playing his final game for Chinese side Qingdao Huanghai.
Early on in his career, Toure played for now-defunct Metalurh Donetsk in the same city.
And now the Ivorian has revealed he decided to kick-off his career in coaching in Donetsk thanks to his love of the city – and desire to learn his trade out of the spotlight.

It’s great to back in the Ukraine to continue by coaching journey! 🇺🇦Thank you to Olympic Donetsk for the wonderful welcome.I’m looking forward to passing on my knowledge, helping the team and also continuing my learning here. pic.twitter.com/aLNVHZuHcL
— Yaya Touré (@YayaToure) February 10, 2021

FROM SUNSPORT’S MARTIN LIPTON
Embarrassed Uefa chiefs are now seeking the THIRD venue for Arsenal’s Europa League second leg tie with Benfica.
Euro bosses announced that the first leg between the sides next Thursday would be moved from Lisbon to Rome because Portugal is on the UK ‘red list’ requiring 10 days of hotel quarantine.
Arsenal then confirmed Uefa had agreed their ‘home’ leg on February 25 would instead be played at Olympiakos’ Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, the port of Athens.
But within hours, Arsenal were forced to delete their statement after Greek PM Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced an Athens-wide lockdown would come into effect immediately until the end of the month.
That will force Arsenal and Uefa to scramble to find another alternative host that will allow both clubs into the country for the tie.

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

FROM SUNSPORT’S TOM BARCLAY
Patrick Vieira and David Wagner are among the candidates vying to be Bournemouth’s new boss.
The Cherries have been conducting Zoom interviews since today and will continue tomorrow.
Arsenal legend Vieira has been out of work since leaving French side Nice in December and would be keen on the role, as would ex-Huddersfield chief Wagner.
Bournemouth are understood to be keen on a manager with previous experience, which seems to have ruled out Aston Villa No2 John Terry.
They would love Frank Lampard and Scott Parker, but both are a no-go with Lampard taking a break after his Chelsea axing and Parker in situ at Fulham.
First team coach Jonathan Woodgate could continue on a temporary basis for Nottingham Forest on Saturday, but it is not thought to be in the running full-time with the club keen on an external appointment.

Credit: Reuters

Credit: AFP

UP FOR THE CUP
Manchester City booked their place in the FA Cup quarters with a 3-1 win at Swansea.
Goals from Kyle Walker, Raheem Sterling and Gabriel Jesus sealed the win for Pep Guardiola’s juggernauts.
And the Spanish tactician will be hoping to add a second FA Cup to his trophy cabinet after also opening up a potential eight-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.

KANTE BELIEVE IT
Chelsea chief Thomas Tuchel is set to unleash N’Golo Kante in a new ‘double six’ role for the Blues’ FA Cup clash with Barnsley.
Tuchel said: “N’Golo Kante fits into every manager’s plans on the planet. I was desperate to have him in my teams.
“He is a Chelsea player and a big one and one of the best midfielders in the world. I am so lucky to have him in my squad.
“He will start tomorrow. For me, his best position is double-six – he can play single six but his strength is to have a freedom in his game. We use his range in his game.”

undefined

PS-GLEE
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel could swoop for Paris Saint-Germain’s midfield starlet Kays Ruiz-Atil this summer.
Stamford Bridge officials are already understood to have held talks with the former Barcelona schoolboy’s advisors, having first shown interest last season.
And reports in France claim Chelsea will step up their interest as Ruiz-Atil will be available for free when his contract expires at the end of the term.
Negotiations over a new PSG contract have stalled, with worries over limited game-time and a dispute over bonuses thought to be the main issues.

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

CITY SLICKER
Man City are set to pip Premier League rivals Liverpool to the signing of £15million Fluminense wonderkid Kayky.
The 17-year-old has drawn comparisons to PSG and Brazil hitman Neymar.
And according to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, City have won the race.
He reports that Kayky will join up with City’s youth team in 2022 ‘if paperworks/work permit will be completed’.
The City scouting team ‘are convinced he’s one of the best U18 talents in South America’.
The fee will be around £8.5m up front, rising to £15m with add-ons.
Liverpool were reportedly in the hunt for the Brazilian teenager, as well as Ukrainian outfit Shakhtar Donetsk.
And a number of unnamed Spanish clubs were also sniffing around.

Kayky will sign a five years contract with Manchester City once the deal will be completed will Fluminense – still last details + work permit to be sorted. #MCFC scouting team are convinced he’s ‘one of the best U18 talents in South America and not only’. 🇧🇷 #mcfc #transfers https://t.co/wIwu3e2fmP
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 10, 2021

MR PERFECT
Liverpool have been urged to rival Manchester City in the race to land Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland.
But the pair will still have to content with reported interest from Man United and Chelsea.
Glen Johnson told bettingexpert.com: “Haaland is a perfect asset for any top team at the moment. He’s big, strong and a proper goalscorer.
“He’s very young so whoever buys him next could have the opportunity to sell him for an awful lot of money in five years time so, business-wise, it could be good to look at someone like that.
“Premier League clubs will want him because it will be a case of not wanting to miss out.
“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.”

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

THAT’S INTERTAINMENT
Inter Milan’s new badge has apparently been leaked online.
The Serie A giants had planned to undergo controversial changes to their name and crest to celebrate their 113th anniversary.
The change is said to be planned for March 9 – exactly 113 years after the club came into existence back in 1908.
The club are reportedly going for a new modern approach which includes changing their name from “Football Club Internazionale Milano” to simply “Inter Milano”.
But they may need to get back to the drawing board with their badge.
An image on Footy Headlines’ website shows the club have adopted their famous blue, black and white colours.
They have also taken inspiration from Juventus’ badge change in 2017 by styling it around their initials ‘I’ and ‘M’.

RAM RAID
Man United are yet to make contact with Sergio Ramos over a stunning summer swoop, reports say.
The Old Trafford club are reportedly weighing up a move for the Real Madrid captain when his contract expires.
Ramos, 34, is a free agent this summer and United are rumoured to be interested along with PSG.
But respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano said that no contact has yet been made over a possible deal.

Credit: Getty Images – Getty

STORM BRU-ING
Kevin de Bruyne is ‘annoyed’ over Manchester City’s offer of a new contract, according to reports.
The Belgian superstar’s deal expires in 2023 but the club are eager to tie him down to a new long-term contract.
De Bruyne, 29, last signed a contract in January 2018 worth in the region of £250,000-a-week.
The Athletic claim City’s latest offer is lower than what he currently pockets due to the effect the coronavirus pandemic has had on football.
However, De Bruyne’s frustration stems from speculation that Man City are preparing a huge lucrative wage packet for Lionel Messi.

Credit: PA:Press Association

UPA AWAY
Bayern Munich lead Chelsea and Liverpool in the race for Dayot Upamecano.
But Man United are not looking to sign the RB Leipzig star despite reports claiming they were in ‘advanced talks’.
Fabrizio Romano claims the Red Devils are fans of Upamecano but are unlikely to make a move.
That’s because Bayern are leading the race and are ready to meet the Frenchman’s £38million release clause.
However, Chelsea and Liverpool are still keeping tabs in the hopes Upamecano fancies trying his luck in England.

Manchester United have never been in advanced talks to sign Upamecano – always been appreciated but ‘unlikely’. He’s the main target for Bayern Münich prepared to pay the release clause, Chelsea and Liverpool are still in the race. Also PSG interest now cooled down 🔴 #mufc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 10, 2021

HE’S A KEPA
Chelsea are reportedly optimistic Kepa Arrizabalaga will eventually come good – despite demoting him to their second-choice goalkeeper.
The Daily Telegraph claim the Blues would like to give the stopper ‘a second chance’ before deciding his fate in the summer, although their patience with their former record signing is said to be wearing thin.
Director Marina Granovskaia is said to have had a ‘heart-to-heart’ with the Spain international last year to offer him support and plot a route back to the starting XI.
That’s despite Edouard Mendy’s impressive form since joining from Rennes last summer.
And links with a free transfer swoop for AC Milan’s Gianluigi Donnarumma also remain.

Credit: AFP or Licensors

Load more entries… More