Chelsea target Wolves' Max Kilman, Mbappe 'offered £1million-a-week to STAY at PSG, Pep eyes Barca kid, Bielsa's future
CHELSEA are reportedly interested in a move for Wolves defender Max Kilman, following his impressive performances this season.
Kilman is a boyhood Blues fan and could be open to the move if he hears the club are in for him.
Elsewhere, Kylian Mbappe is said to have been offered whopping £1m-a-week wages to stay with PSG.
The Frenchman has long been linked with a move to Real Madrid, who he scored a winner in the Champions League against last week.
Having missed out on Kane, Barcelona wonderkid Nico Gonzalez is next on Guardiola's shopping list.
Follow ALL the latest transfer gossip and news with our live blog below…
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- Kealan Hughes
Arsenal battle Newcastle for striker
Arsenal reportedly face a battle with moneybags Newcastle to sign Lille striker Jonathan David.
According to Tutto Mercato, David is on the radar of both clubs as he shines in Ligue 1 with Lille.
But there is also likely to be competition for his signature, with Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund monitoring the 22-year-old Canada international.
David has scored 16 goals in 33 games in all competitions for the French champs.
- Kealan Hughes
Real eye United target Pochettino
Manchester United face a battle to land Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino, according to The Mail.
The Red Devils are yet to decide whether to stick with interim manager Ralf Rangnick or twist in another direction.
And one of the alternative options to Rangnick is Pochettino, who was linked with the job when Ole Gunnar Solskjer was sacked late last year.
But according to the Daily Mail, United could face competition from Real Madrid for Pochettino, who could be 'obtainable' this summer.
Despite sitting pretty at the top of LaLiga, there are doubts emerging over Carlo Ancelotti's long-term future at the Bernabeu.
- Kealan Hughes
Police looking into Foden case
Phil Foden is returning to training on Tuesday for the first time since Saturday's AO Arena ordeal, with Manchester City extending the offer of support to the forward.
The 21-year-old was harassed and verbally abused on at least two occasions around his private box when attending Kell Brook's boxing bout with Amir Khan.
Social media footage emerged of the incident, with City 'shocked and appalled about the nature of the abuse and ensuing assault on one of Phil's family members'.
Foden's mother, Claire, was punched in a fracas as she defended her son in a narrow corridor.
City's players had a scheduled day off on Monday and the club will speak to the England international when he arrives at their training base on Tuesday to offer further guidance to the family.
Greater Manchester Police said that they had not received a report of the incident, although are conducting further enquiries. It's believed that police will speak to the family as part of that process.
- Kealan Hughes
Pogba calls up big rival
Paul Pogba called friend Antoine Griezmann ahead of their Champions League showdown on Wednesday.
The French World Cup-winning duo will be wearing different colours when Atletico Madrid welcome Manchester United to the Spanish capital.
And ahead of the crucial Round of 16 clash, pals Pogba and Griezmann shared a call which the United ace shared a grab of on his Instagram.
Both players were grinning from cheek to cheek ahead of their meeting.
- Joshua Mbu
Transfer latest
Premier League giants are tipped to fight it out for Michael Olise and Jonathan David this summer.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle are expected to target Lille striker David.
The £30million-rated Canadian speedster, 22, has already admitted he fancies a Premier League move.
And it's the Gunners, Chelsea and Bayern Munich who are mostly strongly linked with Crystal Palace winger Olise, 20.
Arsenal are also understood to be keen on Palmeiras midfielder Danilo.
The Toon's surge out of the drop zone has already made them a more attractive option for big names in the summer.
Eddie Howe splashed out in last month's transfer window with the aim of survival.
But should they stay up, Saudi-backed Newcastle might blow many big Prem rivals out of the water financially, albeit without the lure of European football.
Meanwhile, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has told fans 'it is not the time to laugh' about Romelu Lukaku as the Blues' £97.5milion striker struggles.
Lukaku touched the ball just seven times in Saturday's 1-0 win at Crystal Palace, the lowest 90-minute total by a Prem player since such records began in 2003.
Ahead of tonight's Champions League last-16 first leg at home to Lille, Tuchel said: "He's in the spotlight and we'll protect him. Romelu will always be part of the solution,"
Finally, Brentford new boy Christian Eriksen stepped up his recovery with two assists as the B team drew 2-2 in a friendly with Rangers.
- Ian Tuckey
‘Only Gunners can catch Red Devils’
Old Trafford legend Peter Schmeichel believes only Arsenal can threaten Manchester United’s grip on fourth place.
The Gunners beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday but United moved four points clear in the battle for the final Champions League spot with yesterday’s 4-2 win at Leeds.
Former Denmark keeper Schmeichel, 58, said: “I think Arsenal have shown some great form.
“But actually, on current form in the last five games, Man United is a little bit better than Arsenal. It’s hard to see but they are.
“I think having the points on the board rather than games in hand [is more important].”
- Ian Tuckey
EXCLUSIVE: O'Neill keen on management return
Martin O'Neill is yet to commit to managing Celtic in the rebooted Masters Football this summer, writes OSCAR PAUL.
Yet with the fire burning as strong as ever a week out from his 70th birthday, a real return to the dugout is certainly not out of the question.
Away from front-line work since Nottingham Forest sacked the club legend in June 2019, stints on overseas TV networks have helped to fill the void.
But ask O’Neill — who won the European Cup twice under Brian Clough — if he misses the cut and thrust of management, the answer is simple: “Football is in my blood.
“I watch a lot of matches and keep in touch through my TV work.
“Not just the Premier League, but also the Bundesliga in Germany and the Eredivisie in the Netherlands.
“I keep in touch and am well-equipped now, knowing these different leagues. And if an opportunity comes up that I feel fits, I would seriously consider it.”
O’Neill admits that applying for jobs left, right and centre 'is not the way to go' for a manager trying to get back in.
- Ian Tuckey
Bukayo ‘good enough for Real or Barca’
Arsenal flier Bukayo Saka has been rated good enough for Barcelona or Real Madrid.
England winger Saka, 20, slotted the in-form Gunners’ second goal as Saturday’s 2-1 win over Brentford left them pressing hard in sixth place in the Premier League.
And former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks told BBC Sport: “I don’t think there is any more I can say about this player that I haven’t already said.
“We are, however, coming into a period in the modern game when English players are starting to look attractive to the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid again.
“Although in the current climate I doubt whether they can afford the likes of Saka. Which is fortunate for Arsenal.”
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
Arsenal, Chelsea & Bayern in for Olise
Crystal Palace are facing a fight to keep Michael Olise this summer.
Arsenal, Chelsea, Everton, Lille and Bayern Munich are among those keeping tabs on the exciting 20-year-old Eagle.
Palace pulled off a coup by pipping a number of bigger Prem and European clubs to sign him from Reading in an £8million deal in July.
But the south Londoners are already staring at the prospect of losing him in the next window following his increasingly impressive displays for them this season.
The Hammersmith-born rookie has made just 18 top flight appearances, with 12 of those as a sub.
But the way he has settled seamlessly into Premier League football has kept him on the radar of a number of clubs at home and abroad.
His latest eye-catching performance came in Palace’s 1-0 home defeat to Chelsea on Saturday.
The reigning European and world champions were among several clubs interested in signing him before Palace swooped last summer.
The Eagles had hoped their capture of Olise would have cooled interest in him. But the France Under-18 international’s rise has resulted in even more clubs courting him.
- Ian Tuckey
Fernandes is Prem’s top creator
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is the Premier League’s top creator of chances – in cold stats.
The Portugal superstar’s total of 73 easily beats the 64 from next-placed Trent Alexander-Arnold – a rare defender on the list.
Fernandes added a goal and assist to his impressive tally as United won 4-2 at Leeds on Saturday.
- Ian Tuckey
Rio: Jadon thriving without Mason and Martial
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Jadon Sancho has burst into form because he can relax now that fellow attackers Mason Greenwood and Anthony Martial are out of the first-team picture.
Sancho is finally showing his Borussia Dortmund form as United grip onto fourth place in the Prem.
And with Greenwood cast out, while Martial is on loan to Sevilla, ex-England defender Ferdinand claims Sancho is revelling from having less pressure for his place.
Ferdy told his Vibe with Five podcast: “For someone like Sancho, who has been searching for a bit of form and consistency, the fact that Mason Greenwood is no longer available and Martial is no longer available
“There is not that big threat that I’m probably not going to play next week or he’s got a chance to play somebody else.
“He might have been told behind the scenes, I would argue he probably has been told, you’re going to play now, you’re going to start every game.
“Go make it your own shirt, that confidence lift and shift from looking over his shoulder to no I’m here to play is a big difference. I think that is now why we’re seeing what we’re seeing from Sancho right now.”
- Ian Tuckey
Lifetime bans for missile-throwing fans at Utd clash
Leeds will hand lifetime bans to fans who threw missiles at Manchester United players.
And the FA have launched an investigation into Sunday's disorder.
Anthony Elanga was floored by a coin when celebrating after Fred put the Red Devils back ahead on Sunday.
Elanga, 19, recovered to score the winning goal in Man Utd’s 4-2 win against their bitter rivals.
Nine arrests were made before and during the match, with two for flares being thrown and one for pitch invasion.
And a Whites spokesperson said: “Leeds United are reviewing CCTV footage and we will do everything possible to find those supporters who are throwing objects onto the field of play.
“Any supporter caught throwing objects onto the pitch will be issued a lifetime ban from attending our fixtures.”
In the biggest security operation in Premier League history, 900 police officers were on duty for Sunday’s bitter War of the Roses clash.
- Ian Tuckey
Red Devils are top game-changers
Manchester United substitutes have scored ten goals in the Premier League this season, FOUR more than any other club, writes JOSHUA MBU.
Goals by Fred and Anthony Elanga were the latest Red Devils super subs, both scoring in the second half of the 4-2 win over Leeds.
And FIVE of the league goals coming from the bench have come under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.
The German has been in charge since late November and has his bench firing at the right moments.
Edinson Cavani was the first man to grab a goal in a substitutes appearance under Rangnick.
The experienced forward scored late on against Newcastle to rescue a point after replacing Mason Greenwood at the start of the second half.
Marcus Rashford scored an injury time winner against West Ham from the bench last month and he also got another late on against Brentford.
The nearest clubs for goals from the bench are Liverpool with six.
- Ian Tuckey
Mount set to miss Lille clash
Chelsea could still be without Mason Mount for tomorrow's Champions League last-16 first leg against Lille.
But the England playmaker is is back in training after an ankle injury at the Club World Cup.
Wing-back Cesar Azpilicueta should be fit after a groin problem.
Callum Hudson-Odoi, Reece James and Ben Chilwell are still crocked.
- Ian Tuckey
Gunners ‘back in for Danilo’
The Gunners are already lining up Palmeiras midfielder Danilo again, reports suggest.
Arsenal were said to have been willing to splash £16million on the Brazilian 20-year-old last month.
And the suggestion from his home country today is that the Gunners are keen to lead the field in the hunt for Danilo in the summer.
Bola Vip claim the Gunners are his main European suitors.
He featured in Palmeiras’ Club World Cup final defeat against Chelsea.
- Ian Tuckey
Police set to quiz Foden and mum
England ace Phil Foden and his mum are to be quizzed by cops over a brawl at the Amir Khan and Kell Brook boxing grudge match.
The Manchester City midfielder, 21, was seen in online video footage being verbally abused by a group of yobs.
Mum Claire Foden, 41, appeared to push one of the men, who responded by throwing a punch.
A melee ensued, during which Phil could be seen trying to protect her at the Manchester Arena.
Police said no complaints had been made but they were “conducting some further inquiries”.
A source said one of the men who abused Foden had a Liverpool accent, while another group from Bradford repeatedly swore at him.
The trouble flared after Saturday’s sixth-round triumph for Brook.
- Ian Tuckey
Warnock snubbed signing Drogba
Didier Drogba was offered to Sheffield United for just £100k but was SNUBBED by Neil Warnock, the legendary manager revealed.
Drogba, now 43, had a glittering career ending up as one of Chelsea's most decorated superstars.
Warnock, 72, was last in charge of Middlesbrough until he was let go in November.
During his spell at the Riverside he reached 1,603 career games as boss, the most in English football.
But Warnock admits turning down Drogba still haunts him.
Warnock explained: "I had a French lad playing for me, Laurent D’Jaffo, and he once rang me and said: 'Gaffer, I’ve seen player for you in the second division in France, very good, £100k'.
"I said: '£100k? It's a lot for a second division French player.' I then said: 'What’s his name?' and he said 'Drogba'."I said 'we can’t pay £100,000 for a second division French player'.
"But you all know what happened to him in the end. I don’t think I could have had a bigger loss than that one."
- Ian Tuckey
Bru’s the daddy
Manchester United midfielder Bruno Fernandes is the Premier League’s top creator of chances – in cold stats.
The Portugal superstar’s total of 73 so far this season easily beats the 64 from next-placed Trent Alexander-Arnold – a rare defender on the list.
Fernandes added a goal and assist to his impressive tally as United won 4-2 at Leeds on Saturday.
- Ian Tuckey
Klopp could face Pep 4 times in 12 days
Liverpool and Manchester City could face each other four times in just 12 days as they battle for glory.
The rival clubs are set for a titanic title run-in in the battle for Premier League success.
But Jurgen Klopp's side and Pep Guardiola's men are still searching for more honours this season.
Both sides are still in the Champions League and FA Cup – while Liverpool also face Chelsea in the Carabao Cup final this Sunday.
Anticipation is already building around Man City's Premier League clash with Liverpool on April 9.
Liverpool are six points behind Man City at the top of the table, but can reduce that to three if they win their game in hand against Leeds on Wednesday.
But that box office Premier League showdown could be just one of multiple Pep vs Klopp clashes.
- Ian Tuckey
Saka 'too expensive for Real or Barca'
Arsenal flier Bukayo Saka has been rated good enough for Barcelona or Real Madrid.
England winger Saka, 20, slotted the in-form Gunners' second goal as Saturday's 2-1 win over Brentford left them pressing hard in sixth place in the Premier League.
And former Tottenham striker Garth Crooks told BBC Sport: “I don’t think there is any more I can say about this player that I haven’t already said.
“We are, however, coming into a period in the modern game when English players are starting to look attractive to the likes of Barcelona and Real Madrid again.
"Although in the current climate I doubt whether they can afford the likes of Saka. Which is fortunate for Arsenal.”
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
'Only Arsenal can catch Utd'
Old Trafford legend Peter Schmeichel believes only Arsenal can threaten Manchester United's grip on fourth place.
The Gunners beat Brentford 2-1 on Saturday but United moved four points clear in the battle for the final Champions League spot with yesterday's 4-2 win at Leeds.
Former Denmark keeper Schmeichel, 58, said: “I think Arsenal have shown some great form.
“But actually, on current form in the last five games, Man United is a little bit better than Arsenal. It’s hard to see but they are.
“I think having the points on the board rather than games in hand [is more important].”
- Ian Tuckey
Newcastle join Arsenal and Liverpool in David hunt
Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle could fight it out for Lille striker Jonathan David this summer.
The £30million-rated Canadian speedster, 22, has netted 12 Ligue 1 goals this season.
Jeunes Footeux say Eddie Howe's improving Magpies are David's latest admirers.
And it's suggested some players cautious about joining Newcastle in January will be more willing to join the Saudi-backed Toon at the end of the season if they stay up.
David has told Telefoot: “The Premier League attracts everyone. It is the most competitive championship in the world."
Credit: Getty - Ian Tuckey
Arsenal ‘already back in for Danilo’
The Gunners are already lining up Palmeiras midfielder Danilo again, reports suggest.
Arsenal were said to have been willing to splash £16million on the Brazilian 20-year-old last month.
And the suggestion from his home country today is that the Gunners are keen to lead the field in the hunt for Danilo in the summer.
Bola Vip claim the Gunners are his main European suitors.
He featured in Palmeiras’ Club World Cup final defeat against Chelsea.
- Ian Tuckey
Prem Covid cases lowest since November
PREM bosses have recorded the lowest covid numbers since November – although the rate of positive samples was slightly up, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
League chiefs reported just nine positive tests in the seven days up to Sunday.
That came from 2,958 tests on players and staff across the 20 Prem clubs, compared with 14 positives from 6,299 tests in the previous seven days.
The total represented the lowest since the tests between November 22 and 28 saw seven positive samples.
- Ian Tuckey
We must Luk after him
Thomas Tuchel has pleaded with Chelsea fans not to make jokes about out-of-sorts striker Romelu Lukaku and vowed to protect him.
Lukaku hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons in the Blues' 1-0 win over Crystal Palace for recording the fewest touches ever in a Premier League game.
The beleaguered Belgium international, 28, only managed SEVEN touches throughout the game to the bewilderment of Blues fans who mused over his lack of effort on Twitter.
But Chelsea boss Tuchel is standing by Lukaku and wants the club's supporters to rally around the striker who evidently could do with some empathy from Stamford Bridge's faithful.
Speaking before the Blues take on French side Lille in the Champions League on Tuesday, Tuchel said: "Sometimes it's like this with strikers if they struggle a little bit with self confidence and find the space to get involved with a good defensive side.
"It can be like this, of course it's not what we want and what Romelu wants but it's also not to the time laugh about him and make jokes about him.
"He's in the spotlight and we'll protect him."
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