Haaland to Chelsea UPDATE, Neil Lennon QUITS Celtic, Andre Silva to Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham transfer news

ERLING HAALAND's future remains a hot topic with Chelsea reportedly looking to sign the Dortmund star 'at any cost'.

North of the border, Neil Lennon has left Celtic with cross-town rivals Rangers closing in on the Scottish Premiership title.

And we've the very latest on Andre Silva after SunSport revealed exclusively on Tuesday that he could switch to Man Utd for just £30million.

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

• Marc MayoToday, 06:20

  GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS

  Man City put one foot in the Champions League quarters with a 2-0 win in the first leg of their last-16 tie with Gladbach.

  Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus bagged the vital away goals in a dominant win for the Premier League leaders.

  The other Champions League game saw Real Madrid beat Atalanta 1-0, Ferland Mendy score an 86th minute winner against the Italians, who were reduced to ten men after 17 minutes.

  In the Europa League, Spurs booked their place in the last 16 with a 4-0 win against Wolfsberger.

  Carlos Vinicius scored twice, with Dele Alli and Gareth Bale also netting for an 8-1 aggregate victory.

  Meanwhile, the Champions League final could be held in New York in Uefa’s dramatic revamp.

  European chiefs want to agree the new 36-team model for their biggest prize will run for at least nine seasons from 2024.

  And as part of the pitch to potential sponsors, Uefa is suggesting that the showpiece event could take ‘Old Big Ears’ to the Big Apple.

  Finally, Tammy Abraham is not interested in negotiating a new Chelsea deal while the club plot a blockbuster move for Erling Haaland, according to the Athletic.

  Chelsea have made the prolific Norwegian striker a priority signing which could imply 23-year-old Abraham – who has two years left on his deal – can not be certain of his long-term future at the club.

  The report states Abraham wants to lead the line for club and country and is already in competition with Olivier Giroud for a spot in the starting XI.

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 22:42

  ART OF THE MATTER

  Mikel Arteta has warned that Arsenal can no longer take their place among Europe’s elite for granted if they lose to Benfica.

  He said: “It’s absolutely huge for this club to be represented in Europe but the competition in England is now so big that a few teams took it for granted for many years.

  “It’s very difficult to convince supporters that the Europa League is like the Champions League, because it isn’t.

  “The history of this club has been built on winning titles and playing in the Champions League.

  “But knowing the difficulties we’ve been through in the past years, the Europa League becomes a really important competition for us and if we manage to do something important in it this season we’re all going to be happy about that.

  “If you see the way this competition has evolved in the last four or five years and the teams that are involved, you would say that it’s another huge competition even if people don’t treat it that way.

  “So for us it’s vital to remain in this competition because it’s an opportunity to win a trophy and also to get access back into the Champions League, which is where we want to be.”

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 22:36

  JUMP FOR HOOPS

  Former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe and Scotland manager Steve Clarke have emerged as early favourites to replace Neil Lennon as Celtic manager.

  Ex-Chelsea star Dan Petrescu, former Huddersfield boss David Wagner and Granada chief Diego Martinez are also possibilities.

  But Clarke is the bookies’ 6/4 favourite to replace him, despite Frank Lampard, Rafa Benitez and Roberto Martinez being linked.

  Interim boss John Kennedy took training on Wednesday with first-team coach Gavin Strachan.

  And the duo will be in charge for Saturday’s Premiership home clash against Aberdeen.

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 22:30

  EXCLUSIVE BY ANDY DILLON

  Alan Pardew took the plunge into Bulgarian football because for once he fancied fighting for silverware instead of survival.

  The CSKA Sofia boss told SunSport: “I’ve been to cup finals as a player and a manager but by and large I’ve always been either fighting to stay in the Premier League or fighting to get out of the Championship.

  “In Holland my job was to keep them in the top division, which I did but for once it’s really nice not to be fighting against everything. I’m fighting for something.

  “We have three points to make up on Ludogorets — we have lost one game this season, they have lost two.”

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 22:20

  GETTING SHIRTY

  Lionel Messi left Elche goalkeeper Edgar Badia in shock following Wednesday night's LaLiga clash – by asking for his shirt.

  The Argentine legend scored twice in the second-half to give Barcelona a comfortable 3-0 win at the Nou Camp.

  After the game, Badia approached Messi and asked him for his shirt.

  As he was given the iconic Barcelona No10 jersey, Badia was left visibly perplexed as Messi asked for his in return.

  A mixture of sheepish and giddy, the Elche stopper ripped off his top and handed it to Messi.

  The pair shared a laugh, shook hands and went their separate ways.

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 22:12

  ON THE MEND

  Real Madrid left it late as an 86th minute strike from Ferland Mendy sealed victory over Atalanta.

  The Italians were reduced to ten men after just 17 minutes.

  But they held firm until Mendy popped up late on to secure a 1-0 win for Real in the Champions League last-16 first-leg tie.

  READ OUR FULL MATCH REPORT HERE

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 22:00

  SILVA LINING

  Bernardo Silva and Gabriel Jesus fired Man City to a 2-0 win over Gladbach this evening.

  Pep Guardiola's men now have one foot in the Champions League quarters after tonight's last-16 first-leg away win.

  READ OUR FULL MATCH REPORT HERE

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 21:44

  EURO STARS

  Atletico Madrid captain Koke claims his side WILL beat Chelsea in the return leg of their Champions League last-16 clash.

  Koke said: "It was a play that had no danger and we have conceded a great goal,

  "In this competition, you have to take the maximum care of details.

  "We are still in the same position, we are top in the league, in the Champions League Round of 16 and we are going to win there."

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 21:30

  FROM SUNSPORT’S MARTIN LIPTON

  The Champions League final could be held in New York in Uefa’s dramatic revamp.

  European chiefs want to agree the new 36-team model for their biggest prize will run for at least nine seasons from 2024.

  And as part of the pitch to potential sponsors, Uefa is suggesting that the showpiece event could take 'Old Big Ears' to the Big Apple.

  President Aleksander Ceferin floated the prospect of the Champions League final being taken out of Europe shortly after his election in 2016.

  He said: “I think it might be an idea in the future but we have to speak about it.

  “To go from Portugal to Azerbaijan, for example, is almost the same as if you go to New York. For the fans it’s no problem.”

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 21:14

  FAN’S VIEW

  Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was Arsenal's hero in last season's FA Cup final with two goals, before leaving fans waiting anxiously for him to sign a new contract.

  But after famously avoiding another Robin van Persie-type situation, supporters are already left wondering: Has he already lost his edge?

  Are we really to believe Aubameyang has gone from world-class to past his best in just six months?

  READ THE REST OF THE FAN’S VIEW HERE

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 21:00

  CROWN JULES

  Man Utd reportedly remain keen on signing Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde.

  But they are refusing to match his £68million release clause, according to the Mail.

  They state that the Premier League side are mindful of paying inflated prices during the coronavirus crisis, and hope to bring him in for cheaper.

  Sevilla know they may have to sell to raise funds by offloading Kounde after losing money due to Covid, but are refusing to let him go for less than his market value.

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 20:45

  GO ON MY SON

  Etienne Eto’o has become the latest footballer looking to emulate the success of their father after he scored on his Cameroon U-20 debut.

  And he is just one of a number of current footballers that will be trying to make a name for themselves instead of living of their famous father's reputation.

  Here, SunSport has made a 3-5-2 formation of a best XI of youngsters looking to forge a career for themselves.

  READ MORE ABOUT THEM HERE

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 20:32

  NO PEP TALK

  RB Leipzig left-back Angelino claims Pep Guardiola ‘killed me and my self-confidence’ in a massive blast at the Manchester City boss.

  He said: “After my move from Eindhoven back to City, he had already judged me after two preparatory games and didn't give me a real chance afterwards. 

  "So I was happy that I joined to Leipzig and that I am now an integral part of the club.

  “One of them (Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann) gave me confidence and let me play. The other one just doesn't. "

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 20:15

  DREYDREAM BELIEVER

  Kyril Louis-Dreyfus vowed to rebuild Sunderland after slamming his predecessors for ‘asset-stripping’ the League One club.

  The 23-year-old billionaire said: “It is a fresh start. It has been many years now where the club had no real long-term vision and also cost-cutting at its forefront, which basically led to an asset-stripping in almost all departments, which required rebuilding from the start.

  “It will be a long-term plan – hopefully we can take it forward together and bring better times to the club.

  “I believe there is a big underdeveloped potential, which I hope to achieve."

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 20:00

  KYL1AN

  Kylian Mbappe is officially the most-valuable player in the world – with Erling Haaland bizarrely not even in the top ten.

  According to KPMG's Football Benchmark, Mbappe – already a World Cup winner – is comfortably the most valuable player in the world.

  The French forward is valued at a staggering £159million, despite the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

  That's makes Mbappe over £50MILLION more valuable than any other player on Earth.

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 19:45

  FOXES ON PROWL

  Leicester are interested in signing Man Utd’s Jesse Lingard at the end of the season, according to reports.

  Loan side West Ham face competition from the Foxes, according to Eurosport.

  Man Utd refused to include an auto-buy clause in Lingard's Hammers loan meaning the East Londoners will have to negotiate a fee for him come the end of the campaign.

  But his impressive West Ham form is likely to drive up his value and wage demands, bringing Leicester into the bidding.

  

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 19:30

  REAL TALK

  Real Madrid start with no recognised striker in their Champions League clash with Atalanta.

  Isco, Marcos Asensio and Vinicius Jr make up the front three tonight, with Mariano left on the bench and Karim Benzema out injured.

  Indeed, Mariano is the only senior name among the youthful subs as Zinedine Zidane attempts to deal with an injury crisis.

  Meanwhile, Duvan Zapata and Luis Muriel are in attack for Atalanta, with ex-Middlesbrough man Marten de Roon in midfield.

  FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 19:12

  CITY SLICKERS

  Aymeric Laporte makes his 100th appearance for Man City tonight against Gladbach.

  The French defender is back in the side for John Stones, with Gabriel Jesus leading City's attack.

  But Kevin de Bruyne has to make to do with a place on the bench, as does Sergio Aguero.

  Meanwhile, reported Liverpool targets Denis Zakaria and Florian Neuhas are both in the Gladbach XI tonight.

  FOLLOW THE ACTION WITH OUR LIVE MATCH BLOG

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 18:56

  GAME OVER

  Spurs are through to the last 16 of the Europa League after an 8-1 aggregate win over Wolfsberger.

  Jose Mourinho's men won the second leg 4-0 tonight.

  Two goals from Carlos Vinicus led the way for the hosts, with Dele Alli and Gareth Bale also netting.

  READ OUR FULL MATCH REPORT HERE

• Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 18:27

  GAME CHANGERS

  Here are the latest Premier League TV fixture arrangements for March!

  • Newcastle vs Aston Villa – Friday March 12 – 8pm – BT Sport
  • Crystal Palace vs West Brom – Saturday March 13 – 3pm – Sky Sports
  • Everton vs Burnley – Saturday March 13 – 5.30pm – Sky Sports
  • Fulham vs Man City – Saturday March 13 – 8pm – BT Sport
  • Southampton vs Brighton – Sunday March 14 – 12pm – BBC
  • Leicester vs Sheffield Utd – Sunday March 14 – 2pm – Sky Sports
  • Man Utd vs West Ham – Sunday March 14 – 7.15pm – Sky Sports

  

  TIELE DEAL

  Youri Tielemans has left European giants like Liverpool gutted – by pledging his long-term future to Leicester City.

  He said: "Why not (stay at Leicester?) This is a club where you have the best environment you can have, especially with the new training ground.

  "The people around you just want the best from you. It's brilliant to be here and I really like it here. 

  “You can't predict the future or whether we are ready to win trophies but everything around the club and inside the club is already in place to produce success.”

  

  • Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 18:00

    DEL ME IN

    Dele Alli channelled his inner Olivier Giroud as he fired Tottenham ahead against Wolfsberger with a stunning overhead kick.

    Just one day after Giroud scored a sublime bicycle kick in Chelsea's win over Atletico Madrid, Alli showed he's not the only one capable of producing moments of magic.

    The 24-year-old – making a rare start for the North London outfit – put Spurs ahead in the tenth minute of their Europa League Round of 32 second leg clash.

    Alli seized on a low cross whipped in from right-back Matt Doherty, where he took touch, before finding the top left corner in acrobatic fashion.

    It was just his third goal of the season, and he celebrated by performing the peace sign.

  • Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 17:45

    GET JIM BACK

    Wolves striker Raul Jimenez looked delighted to be kicking a ball again as he continues his rehabilitation from his fractured skull.

    The Mexican striker was beaming from ear to ear as he was put through his paces in a solo session at Wolves' training ground.

    Footage uploaded to the striker's Instagram on Tuesday shows Jimenez working with a fitness coach in several ball control drills.

    He captioned the post: "One more step! #rehab #keepgoing."

    Raul Jimenez beams in training as Wolves striker returns to kicking ball just months after fractured skull

  • Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 17:30

    LUC'S IN

    Lucas Digne has penned a new Everton contract until 2025.

    The left-back, 27, has been at Goodison Park since 2018 after an £18m switch from Barcelona.

    Digne has impressed with 97 appearances in that time and is now staying put for four more years under Carlo Ancelotti.

  • Anthony Chapman24th Feb 2021, 17:19

    MEJ-OR ISSUES

    Man Utd youngster Hannibal Mejbri has been ruled out for a month with injury – just after his first-team breakthrough.

    Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed: “It'll be more or less the same squad that we had against Newcastle.

    “Hannibal is injured for about a month. Amad (Diallo) and Shola (Shoretire) will, of course, be involved.

    "They are in the squad but I am not going to tell you if they are starting or not.”

    

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