Man Utd after Lautaro Martinez, Arsenal interested in Lamptey – Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Man City transfer news

'GENEROUS LIKE GAZZA'

Ian Wright has fiercely defended Martin Odegaard after criticism from former Arsenal team-mates Martin Keown and Tony Adams.

And the legendary former goalscorer even sensationally compared the Norwegian loanee to Paul Gascoigne.

He said on the Wrighty’s House podcast: “People like Odegaard, he brings people into the game, he gives you touches.

“I remember when I played with Gazza, Gazza was amazing for that. He gives you the ball, you get touches of the ball.

“I remember playing for England the first time. He said: ‘Wrighty, whenever I’m gonna get it, be behind me, let me know where you are, I’ll turn it round the corner for you, you give it back to me, I’ll pass it out, get yourself some touches early doors and get your confidence up.’

“That’s what he’s like, a generous player.”

FER THE GREATER GOOD

Manchester United could BLOCK Bruno Fernandes from playing for Portugal this month with the Premier League set to hold crisis talks.

Portugal have three World Cup qualifiers - against Azerbaijan, Serbia and Luxembourg - later in March.

But Fernandes, 26, could miss all of them, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believed to be considering banning him from taking part.

Portugal is one of the countries on the 'red list' - which would force Fernandes to quarantine in a Government-approved hotel for ten days on his return to the UK.

Fifa recently relaxed rules regarding clubs releasing players for international duty due to coronavirus.

But Premier League clubs are still worried about placing their stars in the middle of a club versus country row - with 16 of the 20 clubs having players from 'red list' countries on their books.

TIME FOR TUCH-OFF

Thomas Tuchel is looking forward to huge clash against Liverpool tonight.

'NO URGENCY'

Manchester United legend Gary Neville believes his old club are ‘sleepwalking’ into a fight just to finish in the top four.

The Red Devils’ slim title hopes were effectively ended last night as they were held to a goalless draw at Crystal Palace.

He told Sky Sports: “Manchester United have been worse in this second half than the first.

“Going to the Etihad on Sunday they have put themselves under pressure.

“I just get the feeling watching United that they are sleepwalking into a top four race when it could be so much more comfortable for them. They have dropped so many points in these last few weeks.

“They are so lethargic, there is no urgency, I am expecting them to throw the kitchen sink at it.

“It is almost like they think it is OK to draw this game, that they don't see the danger of doing so.”

TUCH OF CLASS

Thomas Tuchel believes his Chelsea side can challenge Manchester City for the title next season.

The Blues are a whopping 21 points behind the runaway leaders who have won their last 21 consecutive matches.

When asked whether Chelsea can close the gap, Tuchel responded: "We should not limit ourselves. We should not prepare for excuses.

"It shows how big the gap was — and is. But maybe it is good to look at the reality.

"You can only push yourself to the limit if you don't accept the idea of defeat from the beginning.

"Will we close the gap to Man City this season? No, we will not. But next season we will start with zero points, all of us.

"Man City were in trouble this season and nobody took advantage. It's proven in sport that you can do extraordinary steps and grow if you catch the momentum."

TUCH OF CLASS

Thomas Tuchel believes his Chelsea side can challenge Manchester City for the title next season.

The Blues are a whopping 21 points behind the runaway leaders who have won their last 21 consecutive matches.

When asked whether Chelsea can close the gap, Tuchel responded: "We should not limit ourselves. We should not prepare for excuses.

"It shows how big the gap was — and is. But maybe it is good to look at the reality.

"You can only push yourself to the limit if you don't accept the idea of defeat from the beginning.

"Will we close the gap to Man City this season? No, we will not. But next season we will start with zero points, all of us.

"Man City were in trouble this season and nobody took advantage. It's proven in sport that you can do extraordinary steps and grow if you catch the momentum."

KON ARTIST

Arsenal fans were left fuming after Phil Jagielka was handed his marching orders in Sheffield United's 1-0 win over Aston Villa.

Gunners supporters blamed a lack of consistency and double standards after Villa's Ezri Konsa escaped a red card with a similar decision last month.

In last night's crunch clash, veteran Jagielka swiped Anwar El Ghazi to the turf as he attempted to burst through on goal.

The 38-year-old was controverisally sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity despite El Ghazi still having plenty of work to do.

Referee Robert Jones initially brandished a yellow card which was upgraded after a VAR check.

The incident was similar to that on February 6 when Dean Smith's Villa ran out 1-0 winners over Arsenal.

In the 31st minute of the contest, Konsa appeared to bring down wonderkid Bukayo Saka as he broke the last line of defence.

LOST HIS MAG

Steve Bruce was caught in a Tyneside storm after claims that Matt Ritchie called him a ‘coward’.

Newcastle boss Bruce allegedly barged into Ritchie during a row which is reported to have stunned the Magpies squad.

The Scottish midfielder, 31, is said to be fuming because he felt Bruce hung him out to dry over his part in Wolves’ equaliser in the 1-1 draw at Newcastle on Saturday.

Bruce accused his player of failing to pass on instructions about a formation switch after coming on as a sub just before Ruben Neves’ leveller.

Ritchie is understood to have phoned Bruce after seeing the interviews.But he was told the pair would speak when they returned to training on Tuesday.

The Mail report claimed Ritchie, who joined the club for £12million in 2016, also told Bruce he was ‘done’ with him and that his manager had ‘done f*** all for him’.

Bruce is said to have hit back, saying: “What are you going to do? Tell Lee Charnley (managing director)?”

RED MIST

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire struggled to contain his frustrations last night as he and Marcus Rashford became involved in an X-rated bust-up.

The angry on-pitch verbals came when Maguire showed his frustration as Rashford was flagged offside in the 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace.

The forward asked: “What do you want me to do?”

An irate Maguire then replied: “F*****g get back onside!”

However, Rashford was having none of that and he let rip at the experienced former Leicester City centre-half.

According to the Daily Mirror, he yelled: “Shut the f*** up, f***ing k***head.”

GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS,

Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs keeping tabs on Benjamin Mendy.

The French World Cup winner’s future at Manchester City is looking increasingly uncertain.

He has started only 57 matches in four years, despite arriving with a glowing reputation.

And a return to his homeland could be an option to kick-start the left-back’s career.

Regardless of what happens with Mendy, City are likely to look at left-backs when the transfer window reopens this summer.

Meanwhile, Jack Grealish has been told that he should leave Aston Villa for Manchester United to prove that he can handle the pressure of playing for a big club.

Paul Scholes told Optus Sports: "Don’t get me wrong, I love the player, but if he was doing this at Man United, Liverpool, City, one of the top clubs, then he’d be up there, he’d possibly be top three.

"There is no pressure on Villa. If he is at a top club then he needs to win every week. He needs to leave Villa to prove that (he is a top player)."

Scholes then compared the attacking midfielder to a West Ham legend, adding: "Jack Grealish is probably the same (as Paolo Di Canio).

"It is all about him at Aston Villa. He needs to get out now to a club that need to win every week, there is pressure to deliver trophies.

"He is capable of doing it, but there will always be a doubt until you do it."

Elsewhere, AC Milan have been impressed by loanee Fikayo Tomori, but are not yet willing to commit to a permanent deal.

The English defender joined the Italian giants from Chelsea in January as he searched for first team action.

AC Milan director Frederic Massara told DAZN: “We’ll see if we pay Fikayo Tomori’s buy option.

“We are very happy about his start here, the price is very high.

“We will decide in the coming months.”

And finally, Liverpool midfielder Georginio Wijnaldum has reportedly reached an agreement to sign for Inter Milan in the summer.

The Dutchman, 30, sees his contract expire at Anfield at the end of the 2020-21 campaign.

And as reported by FC Inter 1908, journalist Sandro Sabatini has claimed Wijnaldum already has an understanding with the Italian club despite interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

He said: "From what I know Inter already have a handshake with Wijnaldum, already from last year.

"Then they decided to do it on a free transfer."

JURGEN'S A TUCH FUNNIER

Thomas Tuchel faces Jurgen Klopp tomorrow admitting he will play the straight man.

He said: “What you see in front of the camera with Jurgen, this is him.

“And the guy is a genius with his personality and he is super funny.

“He can turn any question around with big laughter and he is like this in public and private.

“You cannot compete at being funny with Jurgen in public and having good answers to not-so-good questions.

“I don’t know where my image comes from if you say that I have a grumpy one. I cannot waste my energy on what my image is."

EU CAN'T BE SERIOUS

Thomas Tuchel does not care if he wrecks the Euro dreams of his Chelsea stars.

The German said: "I don’t want to be influenced by that. I know well that the players have personal interests and this is OK.

"I hope they fight for their personal interests. I really hope they give out their very best.

"Their personal interest is to be on the pitch for Chelsea and hopefully be on the pitch for their national team. That shows their ambition and quality.

"In my job as manager of Chelsea I cannot be influenced by a decision that has an impact on the national coach’s decision or a player’s future with his national team.

"To be honest, I’d like to play them here, then they can all stay with me during the summer. Relax on their vacations and then come for pre-season.

"That would be my personal choice but this will not happen. I am aware of it, but not in the way that can influence my choice.

"My choices are made to win games with Chelsea and nothing else."

BIG SAM NOT THE MAN

Sam Allardyce says one of the biggest regrets of his career is not knowing how far he could have taken Everton.

Carlo Ancelotti leads the Toffees tonight with Champions League football a realistic aim.

Ahead of facing his old side this evening, he said: “I went to Everton when they were struggling badly and rocking near the bottom of the Premier League in 13th, and we went on to finish eighth.

“That’s something I thought would be seen as a great achievement but they made the decision to move me on and bring another manager in.”

WANTED MEN

Paris Saint-Germain are among the clubs keeping tabs on Benjamin Mendy.

The French World Cup winner’s future at Manchester City is looking increasingly uncertain.

He has started only 57 matches in those four years, despite arriving with a glowing reputation.

And a return to his homeland could be an option to kick-start the left-back’s career.

Regardless of what happens with Mendy, City are likely to look at left-backs when the transfer window reopens this summer.

KEEP AN EYE OUT

David de Gea missed Manchester United's 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace for 'personal reasons'.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made the mysterious admission before Wednesday's Premier League clash at Selhurst Park.

When asked why De Gea was not in the squad for the Palace game, boss Solskjaer simply replied: "Personal reasons."

IN THE FIK OF IT

AC Milan have been impressed by loanee Fikayo Tomori, but are not yet willing to commit to a permanent deal.

The English defender joined the Italian giants from Chelsea in January as he searched for first team action.

AC Milan director Frederic Massara told DAZN: "We'll see if we pay Fikayo Tomori's buy option.

"We are very happy about his start here, the price is very high.

"We will decide in the coming months."

TOTAL MESS

Barcelona cannot afford to keep Lionel Messi witthout selling players due to the LaLiga salary cap, according to a Spanish football expert.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pete Jenson said: “There’s a £35million reduction in the salary limit that’s imposed by the league. They actually broke the salary limit last season and sort of got away with it because of the coronavirus.

“There current salary wage bill is about £390m so they need to bring that down to about £347m. I think they don’t need to be told to do that by the league, I think they’re aware.

“We know the debt they’re in. They have to find around 260 million euros by the end of June.

"Well they’re not going to find that by the end of June so whoever wins the election is going to have to sit down with the banks and the financial institutions they owe money to and re-negotiate those debts.

“And obviously Lionel Messi, if he’s going to stay at the club he needs a new contract. It’s not going to be anywhere near the same levels of the contract he was given in 2017.

"And they’re going to try and sell players but it’s not going to be easy. They tried to sell players last summer and it wasn’t possible.”

N'GO-NO

N'Golo Kante has explained why he snubbed a move to Paris Saint-Germain when Thomas Tuchel was in charge of the French champions.

He told Chelsea's website: "I knew in the past there was some contact with Paris Saint-Germain when he was the manager, but it was not something I wanted.

"It did not happen because I was happy at Chelsea and I stayed here. I haven’t spoken to the manager about it!"

KANTE GO BACK

N'Golo Kante has admitted his peak Chelsea form was in his first season - nearly FIVE YEARS AGO.

Asked by the Chelsea's official website to name when he had played his best football for the club, he replied: "With Antonio Conte in the period we won more than 10 games in a row.

"At that time when we were going on the pitch we were very confident, the team were playing very well, we managed to dominate our opponents and to win.

"I felt very good on the pitch. That was a beautiful time."

ALI SUPPORT

Jurgen Klopp has paid tribute to Alisson Becker’s late father after his tragic death.

He said: “Bereavement is too common just now. But for Ali, our wonderful, loving, soulful team-mate, this was truly tragic.

“No-one really has the words to explain what they feel in these moments. I know I am not adequate.

“So instead, I wish to tell Alisson how much this term and this club loves him and his family.

“The greatest tribute possible to Alisson’s father is the person his son has become. He honours him every day with how he lives his life.

“We give Ali as much time as he needs and we must give him space in the appropriate moments also.

“Our supporters should know that he feels their love and their compassion.”

TAM TIME

Thomas Tuchel has reassured Tammy Abraham he was not being 'punished' after being dropped against Manchester United.

Speaking on Wednesday, the German said: "He lacks a little bit of luck, Tammy, not only in games but also in training.

"Once the last touch comes back, and he's fighting for it now, he will stay a player that we will push for.

"It's my job to push him to his limits and we will not stop doing this.

"We have to cut it [matchday squad] down to 18 players, so in the end it's not always a punishment or a signal to a player who is not in the squad.

"And in this case it was exactly like this. It was not a punishment or a signal - it was just a choice from the alternatives."

BO-VER AND OUT

Former Barcelona and Stoke star Bojan Krkic is in talks with a number of Indian Super League clubs, reports claim.

The attacker left the Potters in 2019, joining MLS side Montreal Impact, now known as CF Montreal.

According to Transfermarkt, a number of Indian clubs are interested, with Kerala Blasters and Hyderabad FC the most serious contenders.

A source told them: "Bojan's agent has held talks with many clubs but Kerala and Hyderabad have shown utmost seriousness.

"I can say that Hyderabad has got an edge because of their Barcelona connections through their former coach Albert Roca."

FANTASY LAND

Fantasy Premier League Insider has agreed to hide the identities of backroom staff at all 20 Premier League clubs after the Jack Grealish saga.

The Norway based Twitter account, FPL Insider, tracks the Fantasy teams of Prem players and staff and revealed Aston Villa employees had removed Grealish from their sides before he missed their game against Leicester injured.

Several Villa players and their club physio took Grealish out their teams ahead of the February 21 game, which is said to have tipped Foxes staff off despite the midfielder's injury not being public knowledge.

The Twitter account @insider_fpl has been publishing the names of the players and staff who have made the Fantasy changes.

But the user has now confirmed that they will stop for non-playing members of staff because of privacy concerns.

GUNNER MAKE IT?

Mikel Arteta is keeping a "very close eye" on Arsenal's loaned-out centre-backs Dinos Mavropanos and William Saliba.

He said: "We are having meetings very often to assess what they are doing.

"Obviously we are getting all the information and watching their games because I want to keep a very close eye on what they are doing.

"We were talking yesterday with our loan's manager Ben Knapper, who is in charge of monitoring everything that we are doing.

"We are in contact with the players and let's see.

"It's good news that they're playing and good news that they have the possibility to have a lot of minutes, because that's going to give us a much better perception of where they are and how we can use them."

KYLLING ME SOFTLY

Manchester United agreeing a deal for Raphael Varane would reportedly end Liverpool’s hopes of beating Real Madrid to Kylian Mbappe.

The Star claims United are eager to sign Varane, 27, this summer to bolster their backline.

The French centre-back will have just one year remaining on his Bernabeu deal this summer.

And with Real heavily in debt, the Spaniards are ready to cash in rather than losing him for free in 2022.

They would still demand a large sum for Varane, long regarded as one of world football’s best defenders.

And should United pay top dollar for the ace, it would put Real in pole position for Mbappe.