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

RONDERFUL NEWS

Cristiano Ronaldo has been named Serie A player of the year for 2020 after scoring 31 goals in 33 games for Juventus.

The Portugal forward, who helped the club to a ninth consecutive league title, got the nod following a vote by players, referees and coaches.

Ronaldo, 35, said: “I would like to thank my team-mates, who made this award possible. And to all the players who voted for me.

"Consistency, confidence in my strength, hard work and passion for the game are the secrets to enjoying football, as well as motivation and discipline.

"Without which you can’t think about carrying on playing when you’re 35, 36 or 40.”

FOOTBALL ROUND-UP

Timo Werner and Edinson Cavani are in the transfer spotlight as their clubs face huge FA Cup quarter-final ties.

Chelsea's mis-firing striker Werner is reportedly keen to reject any swap involving Borussia Dortmund goal sensation Erling Haaland.

And Manchester United frontman Edinson Cavani, 34, is said to have held talks with Argentine giants Boca Juniors amid speculation he is unhappy in England.

Champions League quarter-finalists Chelsea are at home to Sheffield United in the FA Cup last eight tomorrow lunchtime, with Europa Cup favourites United visiting Leicester later that afternoon.

Today, though, the focus is on Championship side Bournemouth hoping to stun South Cast rivals Southampton, before Everton host Manchester City.

Meanwhile, it's claimed Chelsea are in negotiations with Brazil centre-back Thiago Silva, 36, on extending his £110,000-a-week deal.

But SunSport exclusively revealed centre-back Eric Bailly plans to snub his new United contract offer after being left out of Thursday's Europa League triumph at AC Milan.

And Leicester midfielder Youri Tielemans is rated a £34.3million target for Serie A leaders Inter Milan.

Finally, United have agreed a £235million, five-year shirt sponsorship deal with TeamViewer from next season.

FINNISH YOUR DRINKS 

Teemu Pukki is such a star in Finland he has a cocktail named after him — and parties held in his honour.

And the striker is surely going to be responsible for quite a few hangovers over the coming months.

First, he looks certain to help shoot Norwich back into the Premier League and then lead the hopes of his nation in this summer’s Euros.

So cocktails all round.

‘The Pukki’ consists of Finnish vodka, sour apple liqueur, apple puree and lemonade — while ‘The Canary’ is vodka, peach liqueur and orange juice.

And Norwich were selling them for ten Euros at a ‘Pukki Party’ they staged in Helsinki to celebrate Finland’s qualification to the Euros for the first time in their history.

Pukki laughed: “I bet it was great to drink that day and they sold loads.”

So the burning question is what would the Canaries striker drink at a ‘Pukki Party’? He said: “Well, now isn’t the time for drinks — but I prefer Finnish beer.”

HAALAND OF HOPE AND GLORY

Erling Haaland got the ‘dream’ Champions League draw he wanted — against boyhood favourites Manchester City.

And Pep Guardiola warned his Etihad side the Borussia Dortmund hotshot is one of the best strikers in the world.

Haaland, 20, grew up supporting City — as his dad Alfie was on the books when he was born — and is expected to be a top target for them in the summer.

Until recently he was an active member of Citysnakk — a Facebook group for Scandanavian supporters of the club.

But now he will look to end their European dreams in next month’s quarter-finals.

Boss Pep said: “The numbers speak for themselves, he’s one of the best in the world at his age.

“I saw very few games but I’ve seen highlights and the numbers are impressive. I know the quality of him and I think everyone does.”

Asked if he will look to sign him in the future, Guardiola added: “He’s a player for Dortmund. I don’t like it when people talk about our players, so you understand I cannot answer this question.”

BAILLY SET TO SNUB UTD DEAL

EXCLUSIVE: Fed-up Eric Bailly plans to snub his new Manchester United contract offer after being left out of the Europa League win over AC Milan.

The Ivory Coast central defender was upset and furious at being overlooked again by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer having played in the first leg last week.

Bailly’s frustrations with his boss have grown over recent months.

But his omission from the squad for Thursday’s win was the final straw.

And it has led 26-year-old Bailly to confirm to pals he will tell United he has no interest in signing the 12- month extension he was due to agree next week.

A dressing-room insider said: “Eric has had enough now.

“He simply doesn’t feel wanted or respected by the manager.

“Eric doesn’t believe he gets any answers or explanation about the way he is treated and feels he is the easy option to leave out.

“It’s a real shame because Eric always tells us he loves the club and feels the respect of the fans.”

WOE'S A MOURINHO

EXCLUSIVE: Tottenham's players are ‘miserable’ as Jose Mourinho faces a fight to save their season — and his job.

And the Spurs manager has risked further damage by accusing some of his flops of being there just for the money.

Mourinho is still reeling from their Europa League exit at Dinamo Zagreb on Thursday when they threw away a 2-0 first-leg lead.

SunSport understands things have got so bad at Spurs that the atmosphere at the training ground has been described as ‘miserable’.

One insider also claimed it is “not a happy camp” as they get ready to face Aston Villa in the Premier League tomorrow.

Mourinho, 58, said: “It was one of the most difficult nights of my career. I don’t know if it’s the most difficult one.

“I’ve had in Europe moments of big pain but pain caused by what football is. I lost two Champions League semi-finals on penalties. It hurts you. Maybe still bleeding.

“But the passion for football, the respect for your job is something that hurts me deeply.

“And today I have this very bad feeling. This very bad feeling because maybe for some people in football, football is a job or a way to make money. “For me, it’s much more than that. That’s what I never lose — the basics of football, which is the passion, the heart, the desire.”

MAKING EMILE OF MY NAME

EXCLUSIVE: He may have one of the hottest names in English football right now - but that has not stopped many from spelling Emile Smith Rowe wrong.

The unusual lack of hyphen in his double-barrelled surname has caught out many journalists, let alone fans waxing lyrical about the wonderkid on social media.

The unfazed Arsenal star, 20, tells SunSport: “I’m not too bothered by it, to be honest. I actually kind of like it, even though my mum is fuming! She doesn’t like it when people put it in.

“I haven’t really asked why there is no hyphen. She’s just said it’s not meant to be there. I’m not too sure. It is what it is. I don’t mind!”

Asked if the difficulties his headteacher mum Fiona has had organising home-schooling throughout the pandemic gives him perspective, Smith Rowe replied: “Definitely.

“I know how much hard work it is. My mum and dad have always taught me to stay grounded and humble.

“All the kids at her school know that I play for Arsenal. When everything is finally over, it’ll be great to go and see them. It’s always something I wanted to do.”

The 20-year-old is also loving the healthy competition with close pal Bukayo Saka - and feels it's pushing the pair to new heights for club and country.

‘MOVE HEAVEN AND EARTH’ TO GET KANE

Manchester United must “move heaven and earth” to sign Tottenham striker Harry Kane, says Robbie Savage.

Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly in the summer market for a new, out-and-out frontman.

But if Spurs show any willingness to cash in on Kane then Manchester City and Real Madrid are expected to show major interest too.

Nonetheless, pundit Savage believes United should chase Kane if Borussia Dortmund goal sensation Erling Haaland proves out of reach.

In his column for The Mirror, Savage said: “I’ve said before that United are a top-class centre-forward away from being truly frightening, so I’ll say it again. 

“If he can’t get Haaland, new director of football John Murtough should go all-out to bring Kane to Old Trafford. Move heaven and earth for him.” 

REDS WON'T BE EASY, SAYS ZZ

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane is predicting an epic Champions League quarter-final tussle with fellow traditional giants Liverpool.

The Reds put aside their mediocre Premier League campaign to see off RB Leipzig in the last 16 with 2-0 wins home and away.

And Zidane said: “We know the difficulties of the game. At this level all the teams are very good and very difficult.

“It will be a very demanding match too. Liverpool are physically going to demand a lot from us.”

“It will be a good match between two teams that have won many Champions."

KOP FLOPS TIPPED FOR SUMMER CHOP

Jurgen Klopp is tipped to offload at least three Liverpool under-achievers this summer.

Divock Origi, Xherdan Shaqiri and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain top the apparent list of vulnerable players.

But the Independent suggest other stars could go too as Premier League champions Liverpool struggle to even finish in the top four this season.

PIOLI SORRY TO UTD

AC Milan boss Stefano Piolihas apologised to Manchester United after a row with coach Kieran McKenna.

The Italian boss got into an argument with McKenna as his side was beaten in the Europa League on Thursday night.

Tensions threatened to boil over following the full-time whistle after a comment made by McKenna, with Pioli also annoyed by his perceived time wasting.

According to Italian media, 34-year-old McKenna told Pioli “good team,” with the ex-Fiorentina gaffer taking offence at what he said.

Corriere dello Sport report that Pioli responded: “Good team my a***.

“You are nothing but an a******. Your sister has a good team.”

But speaking on Friday to Italian news agency ANSA, Pioli apologised for his words.

He said: “I’m sorry for the reaction I had, it won’t happen again. I congratulated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. I was angry with his assistant.”

RON THE WAY?

Real Madrid star Marcelo has teased fans that rumoured Manchester United target Cristiano Ronaldo could return to the Bernabeu from Juventus in the summer.

Speculation has been rife that Los Blancos could re-sign the 36-year-old, with the Portugal international reportedly keen to make the switch.

With just a year remaining on his deal in Italy, it has been claimed that Juve could cash in on the five-time Ballon d’Or winner at the end of the season.

Amid the ongoing rumours, left-back Marcelo has hinted that Ronaldo could be in line for a shock return.

The Brazilian commented on an Instagram video of him and Ronaldo celebrating after the victory against the Reds in Kiev three years ago.

Captioning the post, 433 said: “That @marcelotwelve @cristiano connection @realmadrid.”

EBOUE LAUNCHES ACADEMY

Ex-Arsenal defender Emmanuel Eboue is launching a football academy in his native Ivory Coast.

The 37-year-old has been working with his old club Galatasaray's academy in Turkey since retiring as a player in October 20202

Eboue said: "Today I have left football and stopped playing, but I want to use what I have learned in football to help the young guys," said Eboue.

"To give them my knowledge. Without that help there would be no Emmanuel Eboue so thanks to their help and thanks to Jean-Marc Guillou because he helped me in the [ASEC] academy."

OLE’S INSIDE MOLDE

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer will turn to his old club Molde for inside info on Manchester United’s quarter-final opponents Granada.

Old Trafford chief Solskjaer told United’s website: “Well, it’s another difficult tie of course.

“They’ve done well in La Liga and we know we’re up against a team that will be technically very good and tactically very good.

“They beat Molde so they must be very good! ‘Yeah I’ll ring them [Molde] and get the reports as well, but we’ll do our own homework.

“I know that the analysis side and the scouting side in Molde do a very thorough job as well and I’ll watch those two games back of course because I just want to see Molde play again as well!

“It’s the first time they [Granada] are in Europe and of course it’s a new experience for them and hopefully we can end it here. “

EURO PROBE

UEFA have confirmed they have launched an investigation into 'incidents' during Rangers' clash with Slavia Prague.

The Gers were knocked out of the Europa League last night after losing 2-0 at home to the Czech side.

But the game was marred by allegations of racism against Slavia defender Ondrej Kudela after he whispered something in Glen Kamara's ear.

However, the Czech club subsequently denied the accusation and alleged the Rangers star attacked Kudela after the match.

And Uefa have now confirmed they will investigate in a short statement on their website.

It read: "In accordance with the Article 31(4) of the UEFA Disciplinary Regulations, an Ethics and Disciplinary Inspector will conduct an investigation regarding the incidents that occurred during the 2020/21 UEFA Europa League Round of 16 second leg match between Rangers FC and SK Slavia Praha on 18 March 2021.

"Further information regarding this investigation will be made available in due course."

SLAVIA FILE ASSAULT CLAIM

Slavia Prague have filed an assault complaint to Police Scotland amid an alleged Glen Kamara 'punch' incident, it has been confirmed.

The Czech side have denied all wrongdoing and have dismissed that their player Ondrej Kudela racially abused Kamara on the pitch in the last-16 Europa League tie.

The Slavia player provoked a furious on-field reaction from Kamara after whispering something in his ear during last night's encounter.

Gers boss Steven Gerrard later revealed that Kamara told him he'd been subjected to racial abuse by the 33-year-old.

He also said Rangers were called LIARS after Kamara told him he was racially abused by the Slavia Prague player.

The Czech outfit totally deny the claims that Kudela made such comments, instead saying that Finnish star Kamara assaulted him after the match.

Slavia chiefs claimed that the Light Blues midfielder punched Kudela in the head. They went on to sensationally suggest that Gerrard witnessed the alleged attack.

And now, they have reported the alleged incident to Police Scotland - further claiming that the 'attack' was premeditated.

THIA-NO GO

Chelsea are reportedly in talks with Thiago Silva to extend his £110k-a-week contract.

The 36-year-old recovered from a rocky start following his free transfer move from Paris Saint-Germain last summer to become a key man in the Blues defence.

The Brazilian has featured 21 times for Chelsea this term and his leadership qualities as well as his performances have impressed many.

Now it seems the veteran, who is currently sidelined, is already in discussions to remain in West London for at least another year.

That is according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who says Chelsea are ‘working hard’ to secure his future.

And he added that the Blues are expecting Silva’s ‘final decision’ in the coming weeks.

The star will become a free agent at the end of the season and Thomas Tuchel refused to give much away when quizzed earlier on the situation.

The Blues boss said: “On his contract, it is too early. It’s not the right surroundings to speak about it. It’s between him and the club and we will speak about it together.”

‘BOCA IN FOR CAVANI’

Edinson Cavani has reportedly already held ‘transfer talks’ with Argentine giants Boca Juniors over a summer move.

The Uruguay legend, 34, is set to become a free agent at the end of the season when his Manchester United contract expires.

There is an option of a 12-month extension, although no discussions have yet taken place as speculation mounts over his future.

Argentine news outlet InfoBAE claims Boca chief Juan Roman Riquelme has been in ‘direct contact’ with the striker.

And he is ‘paving the way’ for Cavani’s arrival by pressing ahead with getting Jorman Campuzano’s Argentine citizenship.

The Colombian has been in the country for two years, and once he gets that paperwork sorted, he will no longer take up one of the allocated foreigner spots. That will free up a place for Cavani to come in.

This follows claims from earlier in the month that the hotshot has decided to depart United in order to return to South America.

COWLEYS IN AT POMPEY

Portsmouth have announced Danny Cowley as their new manager until the end of the season with his brother Nicky in as assistant.

Pompey sacked Kenny Jackett after their EFL Trophy final defeat to Salford at Wembley on Saturday.

On Sunday, SunSport exclusively revealed the League One side wanted ex-Cardiff and Millwall boss Neil Harris.

But former Lincoln and Huddersfield boss Cowley has now been appointed on an initial deal until the end of the season.

The 42-year-old will act as first-team head coach while his younger brother Nicky will serve as his assistant.

He told the club's website: “This is a club with unbelievable tradition, so the board didn’t need to sell it to us. We’re proud and privileged to be here.

“Hopefully they saw two hard-working people who love the game and we’re delighted to be at Pompey.

“We always have the ambition of leaving a club in a better position than we found it. We’ll be doing everything in order to achieve that here.”

TI-NO TO SWAP

Timo Werner is reportedly set to refuse a potential swap deal involving Borussia Dortmund star Erling Haaland.

SunSport previously reported that the misfiring German could be used as a makeweight in the Blues' bid to land the Norwegian.

Chelsea have joined the long queue for 20-year-old striker Haaland's services with Manchester United and Manchester City also keen.

But German outlet SportBILD claim Werner is not interested in heading back to the Bundesliga as part of any deal with Dortmund.

The 25-year-old has struggled since his £45million move from RB Leipzig in the summer. The Germany star's only Premier League goal since November was in the 2-0 win over Newcastle on February 15.

Yet Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel was quick to shut down those suggestions that Werner could leave Stamford Bridge as speculation.

He said: "In the moment I don't see why he should be frustrated. We gave him a little time to breathe against Leeds. But right now, I don't see why he should be too frustrated. And honestly, nobody here is blaming the strikers.

"This is a team effort to attack and defend, but we expect our guys to create more chances, to be more decisive because we expect the defenders to play on the highest level and so we also expect that of our strikers."

JAMAL CONTENT WITH GERMANY

Jamal Musiala has been called up to Germany’s senior squad after snubbing England.

Bayern Munich’s 18-year-old former Chelsea attacker has been included in the seniors for the first time for this month’s World Cup qualifiers.

Now he will be hoping to earn a debut cap in the clashes with Iceland, Romania and North Macedonia.

Gareth Southgate’s England had hoped to convince the hot prospect, who also qualifies for Nigeria, to commit his future to them after he featured for their youth sides.

But the Stuttgart-born ace announced several weeks ago that he was opting to represent the country he was born in.

Musiala wrote a Twitter post, accompanied with a prayer and heart emoji, which read: “I am very proud to get my first senior DFB call-up and very excited to meet the team.”

‘PLAY POGBA ON LEFT WING’

Paul Pogba should be deployed on the left for Manchester United for the rest of the season, according to legend Paul Scholes.

The Frenchman returned from injury to score the winner just three minutes after coming on at half-time to fire the Red Devils to Europa League victory at AC Milan last night.

Midfielder Pogba, 28, replaced the injured Marcus Rashford and produced an excellent cameo down the left.

And after watching his huge impact at the San Siro, Scholes believes the 2018 World Cup winner could thrive in the role where his defensive responsibilities are reduced. 

Scholes told BT Sport: “In that left hand side position tonight, he came in and did brilliant.

“Maybe that position takes a little bit of defensive responsibility off him.”

NOU WAGE HERO

Lionel Messi is Europe's top-paid player on £2.1million per week, more than DOUBLE Cristiano Ronaldo's wages, according to L'Equipe.

Ronaldo, 36, picks up £900,000 per week at Juventus.

But incredibly, based on pure wages - with no endorsement deals included, 33-year-old Barcelone legend Messi is said to take home £108.2m a year.

Ronaldo's £46.7m annual income still comfortably places him second, though. Paris Saint-Germain striker Neymar comes in third, earning £606,000 per week - £31.5m each year.

Ex-Liverpool and Barca frontman Luis Suarez, 34, is claimed to rake in £575,000 a week from Atletico Madrid - the same as Messi's team-mate Antoine Griezmann.

HE’S NO FANO MAN UTD

AC MILAN boss Stefano Pioli reportedly launched into an X-rated rant at Manchester United coach Kieran McKenna after being dumped out of the Europa League.

The Red Devils beat the Serie A side 1-0 at the San Siro on Thursday to advance to the quarter-finals 2=1 on aggregate, where they will face Granada.

But tensions threatened to boil over following the full-time whistle after a comment made by McKenna. According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the 34-year-old told Pioli “good team,” but the ex-Fiorentina gaffer took offence by what he said.

Quoted by Football Italia via Corriere dello Sport, Pioli responded: “Good team my a***. You are nothing but an a******. Your sister has a good team.”

Milan’s season is unravelling as they trail Serie A leaders Inter by nine points after Sunday’s defeat to Napoli.

Pioli stated: “It’s an elimination that really disappoints us, because over the two legs we played like a great team and should’ve scored in the first half.

“It’s a pity, we did so much to get here and the team deserved to continue, but we had to give it a little bit more. I don’t think we deserved to go out.

“We are talking about a Manchester United side that reached the Europa League semi-final last season, that was in the Champions league group phase this term and two weeks ago beat Manchester City 2-0.

“Over the two legs, we did so much right, but the two goals we conceded were more down to our own errors than their credit.”

FRAUDSTER WHO USED MAHREZ CARD JAILED

A fraudster who splurged more than £175,000 on a bank card belonging to Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez has been jailed for eight years and three months.

Sharif Mohamed, 32, spent more than a month living the high life partying in Ibiza, gambling and staying in luxury hotels in London.

Mahrez, 30, who earns around £200,000 a week, failed to notice the spending spree for five weeks before reporting the transactions.

Forklift truck driver Mohamed admitted one count of fraud at Snaresbrook Crown Court last month. Today he was sentenced to 44 months behind bars at the same court.

The fraud, totalling £175,830, took place in 2017 while Mahrez was playing for Leicester City. A caller posing as the Algerian international phoned Barclays bank to order a new card in his name. 

Mohamed later claimed to police that he had been working on behalf of crooked bank staff but offered no evidence to back up his allegation.

He travelled from his home in East London to Leicester to withdraw cash from ATMs to avoid raising suspicion. Mohamed went on to burn through £20,000 on partying and designer clothes during a holiday in Ibiza.

Defending, Daniel Higgins, said: "One of the difficulties is that this was during a period of his life when he was drinking and taking drugs and his ability to recall in detail is rather limited."