Chelsea will be ‘scary’ with Haaland, Bellingham will link-up with England – Tottenham, Liverpool, Arsenal transfer news

JUR NOT HAPPY

Liverpool star Virgil van Dijk is reportedly on a 'collision course' with manager Jurgen Klopp over his desire to play in the Euros.

The world class centre-back has been out since October when he suffered an ACL injury after being clattered by Everton keeper Jordan Pickford.

Van Dijk is not expected to return to the first-team before the season is out.

But according to The Mirror, Van Dijk has eyes on the European Championships with The Netherlands.

Klopp instead wants his star man to 'focus on a full pre-season with Liverpool before kick-starting his career again'.

The German gaffer is reportedly 'horrified' that he could feature for his country this summer.

BATTLE AT THE BRIDGE

The FA Cup clash between Chelsea and Sheffield United is just over ten minutes away.

And you can keep up to date with all the action from West London on the SunSport LIVE blog.

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HALF-TIME

It's half-time between Celtic and Rangers, and it's level at 1-1 in the Old Firm.

The Hoops broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute through Mohamed Elyounoussi, before Alfredo Morelos equalised in the 38th minute.

Keep up to date with all the action on the SunSport LIVE blog.

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SHAW THING

Man Utd left-back Luke Shaw has revealed he didn’t expect to be called back up for England having last featured in 2018.

After returning to Gareth Southgate’s squad for the World Cup qualifiers, he said: “At times, I made bad mistakes, pulling out of squads maybe at times when I shouldn’t have. That was down to me.

“Of course, back then, I was going through bad times. There was in the back of my mind, especially my family and my girlfriend, they thought that it was done.

“At the start of the season I had ambitions and sat down with my girlfriend and said that I wanted to get back in the England squad, doing everything I can to be back there.

“You know, of course with my form, I thought there was a bigger chance than ever that I could be back in it.

“Gladly, Gareth’s given me another opportunity to be involved in there, so I’m just really happy and honoured to be selected again. Hopefully I can show Gareth why I deserve a spot in the squad.”

FA CUP TEAM NEWS

Here is how both Chelsea and Sheffield United start in their FA Cup quarter-final clash at Stamford Bridge.

BRU-TAL

Newcastle fans held a banner outside St James’ Park calling manager Steve Bruce a ‘coward’ and told him to ‘leave now’.

Toon supporters are growing increasingly frustrated as the club dropped to just two points above the relegation zone.

Newcastle suffered yet more misery on Saturday night, as they were thrashed 3-0 away at Brighton.

In an exclusive picture obtained by SunSport, fans took their fury to St James Park as they protested for Bruce's exit.

The banner also said: "You are not one of us."

Two wins from 18 leaves the Magpies struggling to stay afloat after plunging from mid-table safety in the Premier League.

WIJN TASTING

Liverpool midfielder Georgino Wijnaldum has reportedly agreed a deal to join Barcelona in the summer.

The midfielder's current contract with the Reds is set to expire in the summer, despite prolonged talks over a new deal.

Wijnaldum, 30, was reportedly offered a new long-term contract but is said to have snubbed the offer.

And according to The Times, the Netherlands international has since signed a 'pre-contract deal' with Barca.

If Wijnaldum has indeed agreed terms with the Catalan club, he'll become the first signing of Joan Laporta's second spell as president.

Barcelona wanted to sign the former Newcastle man last summer but were unable to due to financial constraints.

POTT LUCK

Brighton are heading for Premier League safety after ditching home comforts for an away-day route to success.

Boss Graham Potter decided lounging around at the Amex for hours before kick-off was doing nothing but harm for his players.

He said: “I thought it was a long day hanging around before at the Amex so we just changed it up a little bit

“We just reported to the hotel in the afternoon and rested up there, we can just turn up an hour and a half before the game .

“We came with the feeling of ‘Let's get in, get job done, we know what we are doing. Let's crack on and do it’. In that respect, it has worked.

“I think the next game we have is another evening game so I think it makes sense for the evening game it makes sense for us to do what we did again today because I think it just stops us hanging around the Amex for too long.”

SLUMP

Man Utd's new shirt sponsor TeamViewer saw their share prices drop a whopping 16 per cent following the announcement of their deal with the Red Devils.

The Premier League big boys announced a five-year deal with the global technology company on Friday.

But according to Bloomberg, the tech firm's share values slumped shortly after the announcement due to concerns over their huge outlay for the sponsorship.

United are set to earn a staggering £235million from the deal, which equates to £47m each year.

But reports in the US suggest the Red Devils will pocket less than that figure, which is just under half of what American car company Chevrolet paid for their seven-year deal.

United's partnership with TeamViewer plans to introduce the club's '1.1billion fans and followers around the world to exciting new technology drawing on TeamViewer’s expertise in remote connectivity services'.

WORLD CUP 2022 DATES

Get the lowdown on all the key dates for the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.

HOMES UNDER THE SLAMMER

Cops are carrying out Covid spot-checks on the Premier League’s Euro stars to ensure they self-isolate.

Surprise visits have been paid to the homes of some top-flight players who have travelled away in the Champions and Europa leagues to see if they are obeying the restrictions on their return.

All players and staff who have flown to the continent with their clubs must self-isolate for five days when they get back.

They are only permitted to travel to and from training and matches and are not allowed to leave their homes or go out for any other reason during that time — not even to shop or exercise.

Competing clubs, including Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal, have been warned they must stick to the rules.

The random police checks are to ensure stars are staying home — and so far it is understood they have uncovered no Covidiots breaking the rules.

NO RUN OF THE MIL

Man Utd are reportedly NOT looking to bring Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic to Old Trafford in the summer.

It has been widely speculated that the Serbia international has been touted as a partner for Harry Maguire at the back.

But according to the Express, the 23-year-old is not on the Red Devils' list of targets.

They state that French pair Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde are serious options.

The news report also claims that United are interested in West Ham's Declan Rice and Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland.

JOK AND ROLL

EXCLUSIVE - Sheffield United want to tempt Slavisa Jokanovic back to England to lead them back to the Premier League at the first try.

The Blades, who look doomed, have started their hunt for a long-term boss and the Serb is their first choice if they can come up with the money.

The former Watford and Fulham chief has two promotions on his CV and United want him to make it a lucky third.

The 52-year-old is in Qatar with Al-Gharafa on a lucrative deal, so it would be an expensive recruit.

He would need to be the best paid manager in the Championship in the £2million-a-year range.

Jokanovic is very choosy about where to go, so the Bramall Lane outfit would have to sell it to him.

FIVE OF THE BEST

Take a look at some of the best goals Arsenal have scored away at West Ham.

And three of them came in the 3-1 win at the London Stadium last term.

OWEN GOAL

Michael Owen is backing former employers Man Utd to beat Leicester 1-0 and advance into the FA Cup semi-finals.

He told Bet Victor: "Manchester United have been imperious away from home this season and their amazing streak continued when they defeated Manchester City at the Etihad a couple of weeks ago.

"They repeated the trick midweek at the San Siro, so there’s no doubt confidence will be high in the Red Devils camp.

“Leicester are a good side. However, other than last weeks 5-0 win against doomed Sheffield United, they’ve been too in and out for me lately.

“With that in mind, I think Manchester United will walk away from the King Power with all three points."

'COMPLETE SHOCK'

World Cup winner Sir Geoff Hurst has spoken of his sorrow for football’s child sex abuse victims.

The 79-year-old issued a statement in the wake of a damning report. Clive Sheldon QC identified at least 692 victims.

His report named eight paedos including Chelsea chief scout Eddie Heath.

Sir Geoff sacked Heath six months after taking the manager’s job at Stamford Bridge in 1979.

The 1966 England hero said: “It was purely a footballing decision.

“I feel incredible sorrow for the victims of Heath and the other protagonists in this sad affair, but at no point did I have any knowledge whatsoever of any wrongdoing.

"It came as a complete shock to me.”

BON APPETIT

Sevilla goalkeeper Bono incredibly scored an injury-time equaliser against Valladolid - before being booked for his wild celebration.

The visitors were trailing for a large part of the game as Fabian Orellana opened the scoring on the 44th minute with a penalty.

Sevilla not only left it late to pull back, they did so in the most unlikely of circumstances.

A last-gasp corner was played deep into the box and Luuk de Jong's resulting header caused a mass scramble.

The ball was then kept in and bounced off the post, and the quickest to react was stopper Bono, who smashed it into the net with his left foot.

Bono was so shocked he took his shirt off and ran to the touchline to celebrate.

RASH BLOW

EXCLUSIVE: Gareth Southgate may have to go into England’s World Cup triple header without Marcus Rashford.

The Manchester United striker is doubtful for Sunday’s FA Cup meeting with Leicester.

If he does not make the sixth-round tie then boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer fears he will have to withdraw him from World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland.

Rashford was replaced by goal-hero Paul Pogba in Thursday’s Europa League 1-0 win over AC Milan.

The 23-year-old has had a series of injuries and was frequently troubled by a back ailment.

Solskjaer said: “I don’t know to be honest. He struggled a little bit in Milan so he’s doubtful for Sunday but we hope he will be OK.

“Of course if he can’t play for us then it is more difficult to go and travel with England because then it is more serious than just a day or two.”

CAN’T BE PICKED

EXCLUSIVE

Jordan Pickford faces six weeks out in a Euros scare for England, reports ALAN NIXON.

The Everton keeper could be sidelined until May and may only make a couple of appearances before going off with the Three Lions.

Pickford, 27, needs to rest a muscle injury in his side, having not taken enough of a break when he first did the damage earlier this season.

Everton’s medical team have found out the problem was aggravated when Pickford made a save last weekend against Burnley.

Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti is stunned by the setback, that could hurt his team as they chase a European place.

The Italian is frustrated that Pickford has broken down a second time after Goodison staff thought he was clear of the problem.

But the bigger concern will be for Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate.

He is without his first-choice keeper for three World Cup qualifiers this month, starting with San Marino on Thursday.

And he will hope Pickford is 100 per cent fit for the summer.

GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS

Chelsea and Manchester United today attempt to join Pep Guardiola's City and Southampton in one of the most high-powered FA Cup semi-final line-ups for years.

The Blues, unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel, host Sheffield United, with centre-back Thiago Silva and striker Tammy Abraham their only doubts.

Then United visit Leicester with fitness concerns over frontmen Marcus Rashford, Cavani and Anthony Martial.

Ilkay Gundogan and Kevin de Bruyne struck in the last six minutes as Premier League leaders City finally broke down dogged Everton for a 2-0 quarter-final win.

And Nathan Redmond notched two goals plus an assist in Southampton's 3-0 victory at south coast rivals Bournemouth.

Today's two Prem matches are huge, Arsenal travelling to fifth-placed West Ham and troubled Tottenham visiting Aston Villa.

Meanwhile, Wolves winger Pedro Neto is a surprise summer target for United.

And Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insists they ARE also in talks over keeping Edinson Cavani.

Finally, Real Madrid are expected to beat Prem giants like United, City and Chelsea to Bayern Munich defender David Alaba this summer.

HE MIGHT ED NOWHERE

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that Manchester United are talking to Edinson Cavani about a new deal.

And that the Uruguayan star is listening.

As Sun Sport revealed Cavani has grown unhappy over the sound of silence from within Old Trafford regarding a new deal.

He had been preparing to quit at the end of the season when his year’s contract runs out to realise a boyhood dream of playing for Boca Juniors.

The 34-year-old striker’s father declared he would be leaving while there are reports that he already has a verbal agreement with the Argentine club.

But Solskjaer and United hope the seven–goal frontman, expected to lead the line in today’s FA Cup clash with Leicester City, will still be around next season.

The Old Trafford boss insists: “We want a competitive squad and we need someone up there to score the goals for us.

“So we’re looking at it. We’re speaking to Eddy. Edinson is a top striker and whatever he decides to do, let’s see. But we’re in good dialogue with him.”

NETO CAN BE CUT-PRICE SANCHO ALTERNATIVE

EXCLUSIVE 

Manchester United are eyeing a £50million-plus summer move for Wolves star Pedro Neto.

United have made signing a right winger one of their top priorities and Neto’s impressive season, despite Wolves’ struggles, has moved him up the shortlist of Old Trafford chiefs.

Man Utd could have signed Neto, 21, for next to nothing back in 2016 when the he came to Carrington on trial from Portuguese side Braga – but he did not do enough to convince them to buy him then.

But now United are understood to regard the Portugal international – Wolves’ £16m signing from Italian club Lazio – as a genuine alternative to long-term targets like Jadon Sancho and Jack Grealish.

Rivals Manchester City have also been linked with Neto, but sources insist they are now ahead of United in the queue for Villa captain Grealish instead.

Sancho’s future at Borussia Dortmund is tied up with what the German club decide to do if mega-money bids come in for striker Erling Braut Haaland.

WILDER WANTS QUICK RETURN

Chris Wilder wants to get back quickly into management - but it will cut his Sheffield United pay-off when he does.

Wilder is out of work for the first time in years and already looking around for potential vacancies.

However, as part of his settlement after departing the Blades a week ago, he will continue to be paid by Bramall Lane chiefs for six months.

If Wilder takes another job in that time, it means United will pay him less although he would try hard to find a way around that.

Wilder’s exit was bizarre. He was even close to taking charge at Leicester last Sunday as his settlement package was not finalised.

Club bosses only let him leave late on the Saturday night after he agreed to a farewell statement they could release.

Caretaker manager Paul Heckingbottom did not even travel with the squad until it was settled.

RESULT: BRIGHTON 3 NEWCASTLE 0

BRIGHTON piled relegation fears on Steve Bruce and Newcastle with a priceless 3-0 win at the Amex.

Leandro Trossard put in another stunning showing with an assist for Danny Welbeck's strike after he had opened the scoring with a spectacular solo effort.

Neal Maupay rounded off the victory with four minutes left as Brighton went six points clear of the drop zone and four above Newcastle.

ALABA-BYE

David Alaba is set to join Real Madrid after the Spanish giants offered him £165,000 per week and a huge £17million bonus.

The Austria defender has also been linked with Manchester United, City and Chelsea as he seems sure to leave Bayern Munich when his contract expires in the summer.

And according to ABC Deportes, Alaba has ‘verbally agreed’ to join Real Madrid following the huge financial offer tabled by the 13-time European champions.

Speculation has surrounded the future of Madrid’s current centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane, so Alaba could well be seen as a replacement for one of them.

And the wages and bonus being talked about are affordable for Real due to Alaba arriving on a free transfer.

Alaba has spent more than a decade with Bayern in what has been a hugely successful spell at the club.

The Austrian has won nine Bundesliga titles – including eight in a row – and will be looking to make it ten this season with Bayern currently four points clear of RB Leipzig at the top of the table.