Arsenal to face Villarreal, Eric Garcia to Chelsea, Haaland LATEST, Aguero Barcelona talks – Liverpool transfer news

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SILVA LINING

Man Utd will have to fork out £35million if they want to sign Eintracht Frankfurt striker Andre Silva in the summer.

According to Bild, the Red Devils are interested in the Portugal international who has banged in 23 Bundesliga goals this term.

It has been claimed that United are battling Atletico Madrid and Barcelona for his signature.

Silva is seen as a cheaper alternative to Borussia Dortmund marksman Erling Haaland.

ROYAL FLUSH

Neymar plans to make Manchester City fold in their upcoming Champions League showdown - before devoting his career to POKER.

The Brazilian has spoken of his love for playing poker, and his plans to turn professional once he hangs up his boots after taking up a new role as cultural ambassador for PokerStars having joined the team last year.

The 29-year-old said: "It's true I plan to turn pro. I feel very comfortable playing poker, and think I can play in major tournaments after my football career is over.

"I play poker in an aggressive fashion. My favourite hands are a pair of tens - after my shirt number - and Jack-Five."

Before adding: "Poker is so much more than just the game, it is a community and a culture and that is what I love about it.

"I am excited to start this next chapter with PokerStars, and we are already collaborating on a number of key areas.”

AGUER-DOUGH

Chelsea target Sergio Aguero is demanding £200,000-a-week wages from his next club, according to reports.

The Manchester City legend is leaving the Etihad at the end of the season when his contract expires and there are four clubs looking to land the 32-year-old.

Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are the three teams battling Chelsea for Aguero's signature, according to AS.

And the striker's agent told Italian giants Juve they would have to cough up £200k-a-week in order to sign him, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Aguero is trying to capitalise on his free agent status with any club not required to pay a transfer fee for such a talented player.

Barca are unlikely to be able to cough up the big dough with their finances crippled by Covid-19, but the chance to play with his friend Lionel Messi - if he stays in Catalonia - could tempt Aguero to the Nou Camp.

ODE GEAR

Martin Odegaard has reportedly been named as one of four young 'untouchables' at Real Madrid, in a blow to Arsenal's chances of signing him.

The Norwegian has impressed during his temporary stint in North London, even bagging a memorable derby goal against Spurs last month.

Hopes have been raised among the Gunners' fanbase that the attacking midfielder can be retained for next season.

But according to Marca, Odegaard won't be going anywhere.

The Spanish paper report that the 22-year-old is one of four young 'untouchables' that the Madrid hierarchy want to build around.

Odegaard's contract in Spain is set to expire in 2023, and a board-led renewal appears likely.

FIRED BY PHIL

Furious Phil Foden axed the social media company behind the tweet calling out Kylian Mbappe.

The Manchester City star, 20, appeared to challenge the Paris Saint-Germain forward ahead of the Champions League semi-final with a tweet from his account saying: ";@KMbappe are you ready."

But the now-deleted message - which did not go down well with the midfielder - was actually posted without his permission by PR brand Ten Toes Media.

As revealed by the Daily Mail, Foden broke off his partnership with the company on Thursday, less than 24 hours after the awkward gaffe seemingly aimed to antagonise one of the world's best footballers.

Ten Toes Media told SunSport: "We are saddened with the current situation.

"Since the company was founded we have adopted a process which requires all posts to be approved in advance by the talent / representative – no exceptions.

"They always have been approved - that has been true for four years and is still true today. Phil Foden is a special person and footballer and we wish him the very best going forward."

FORWARD PLAN

Paul Scholes wants Manchester United to bring in a new striker this summer and boost their forward options.

He told BT Sport: "I think they've got really good forwards but are any a real-centre forward? They look better in wide areas.

"[Edinson] Cavani has only started 15 games, can they keep him another year? It will cost a lot of money but they have to sign someone eventually.

"If Cavani was to stay, he wouldn't want to sit on the bench, I think he's waiting to see if United sign a centre-forward. He hasn't played a lot due to injuries and that is a concern given his age."

The ex-Red Devils midfielder added: "I don't see Mason Greenwood as a centre-forward, I just see him in wide areas, not a great link up man, not making clever runs or tap ins, I see him in a wide right area that none of the other players like.

"He is devastating when facing a player up on the right side, that's what makes him such a dangerous player.

"As a kid he wasn't like a traditional centre-forward but always scored spectacular goals. He's a wide player and that's why United need to sign a top class centre-forward."

ALEX SAN-GO

Chelsea target Alex Sandro is reportedly 'keen' on a move to Stamford Bridge to play under Thomas Tuchel.

The Blues are eyeing a swap deal with Juventus involving their outcast left-back Emerson Palmieri and Brazilian Sandro is said to like the idea.

Chelsea have long chased Sandro dating back to Antonio Conte's time with the club.

A deal has so far eluded them, but changing circumstances at Juve and Tuchel's January appointment at the Blues could help them get it over the line.

The German wanted to sign Sandro, 30, when he was in charge at Paris Saint-Germain.

And the prospect of playing under Tuchel appeals to Sandro, according to Corriere Torino.

BISS CHASE

Liverpool should replace Georginio Wijnaldum with Brighton's Yves Bissouma this summer, according to John Barnes.

The former England star told BonusCode Bets: "Yves Bissouma has the ability to play at a team like Liverpool.

"He could fill what Jurgen Klopp wants from the three midfield players.

"He is strong defensively, he works hard, he plays the ball quickly and every now and then when he needs to dribble, as much as we don’t speak about Brighton, you know he can do it, because he has [in the past].

"Of all the players playing in England, that could fit the template of Liverpool’s midfield three, he is one of them.

"He looks like Georginio Wijnaldum, although he doesn’t attack as much as Gini, because Brighton plays a different style of football, when Bissouma wants to he can. He is 24 and young, he would be a great fit."

STAR SUPPORT

Alexandre Lacazette and Nicolas Pepe paid tribute to Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang on Thursday night.

The Gunners duo put up an 'A' celebration after the Frenchman's second goal in their 4-0 win at Slavia Prague.

The message was a tribute to team-mate Aubameyang, who contracted malaria while on international duty.

The Gabon striker missed the Europa League quarter-final second leg and explained the reason why on Instagram.

After the victory, Mikel Arteta said: "He feels really good. That's what he said to me today. Everybody's been in contact with him.

"He was watching the game like everybody else at Colney. These things happen. He travelled to his country. These risks always exist."

COOCHY COOCHY BLUE

EXCLUSIVE - Man City wonderkid Phil Foden is celebrating again after revealing he is to become a dad for the second time.

He and childhood sweetheart Rebecca Cooke, both now 20, had little Ronnie — named after Foden’s boyhood nickname — in January 2019.

Now the midfield ace has told friends they are having a baby girl to join them in their £3.25million mansion in Prestbury, Cheshire.

The new arrival is expected in late summer or early autumn, The Sun understands.

A source said of Foden and his table-topping Sky Blues: “City can’t stop scoring at the moment — both on and off the pitch.

“They’ve hit the back of the net more times than any of the teams and are now celebrating another kid. It couldn’t be a better way to cap off such a great season.”

GATE SLAMMED SHUT

England boss Gareth Southgate has thanked Aidy Boothroyd for his service to the U21s.

He said: "I’d like to thank Aidy for his wholehearted support and dedication to developing English players and coaches across the last seven years.

"His pride in working with all of our development teams has shone through and his support of the senior team has been greatly appreciated.

"I wish him every success on the next step of his career.”

BAND AID

Andy Boothroyd has spoke of his privilege of managing England's U21s after stepping down as gaffer.

He said: "It's been the greatest privilege to represent the FA and lead England teams into high-profile tournaments.

"While we didn’t finish in the way we wanted, I'm very proud to have been able to work so closely with players who I know will go on to have remarkable international careers and to have experienced some very special moments with them over the years.

"I'd like to thank my staff and all of the incredible support team that have done so much to help us remain competitive against other elite nations.

"In every single get-together they embraced our unique challenge of rightly prioritising the needs of the senior team while ensuring we gave our all to try and get a positive performance and result.”

FOOTIE RAID

BREAKING - Roma defender Chris Smalling was robbed at gunpoint in front of his wife and toddler son when three hooded men broke into his home.

The 31-year-old was sleeping when the armed thugs broke into his home and forced him to open his safe.

Smalling, who played for Manchester United for ten years, handed over a Rolex watch and other items of jewellery, Gazzetta dello Sport reports.

His wife Sam, 35, called the police at 5am this morning after the break-in at the home in the Appia Antica area of Rome.

The robbery happened in front of the couple's two-year-old son Leo.

Roma were playing in the Europa League last night but Smalling was injured with a knee injury.

FIRE IN THE BOOTH

BREAKING- Aidy Boothroyd will leave his role as England's U-21 boss with immediate effect.

The ex-Watford gaffer had been under immense pressure after the Young Lions failed to progress out of the group stage at the European Championships.

His contract was set to expire in the summer, but he has decided to leave his role early.

It is understood that the FA will now begin a recruitment process to find his successor.

MOORE BLOW

Sheffield Wednesday manager Darren Moore is suffering from pneumonia and blood clots on his lungs after recovering from coronavirus.

It emerged the Owls boss had tested positive for Covid-19 on April 2 and he self-isolated from then.

An Owls statement read: "Darren Moore has suffered a setback after his recent contraction of COVID-19 that will dictate a further absence from the club.

"Everyone at the club sends their very best wishes to the gaffer for a speedy and full recovery."

Former West Brom and Doncaster boss Moore told the club's official website: “I have developed pneumonia as a result of COVID-19, with blood clots on the lungs and extreme discomfort.

“I am gutted to be away but I understand the situation and the course of action I must take.”

GREAT DANE

Man Utd have joined the race for Fulham’s on-loan Lyon defender Joachim Andersen, according to reports.

The Dane moved to Craven Cottage last summer, after finding opportunities limited with the French side.

Despite Fulham’s struggles, he has hit the ground running in West London, earning the captain’s armband in just his fourth Premier League appearance.

And his quick progress has not gone unnoticed by potential suitors.

Danish outlet BT claim that the Red Devils have more than just a passing interest in the 24-year-old.

CAM TO THE PARTY

Arsenal are reportedly in the transfer battle to sign Eduardo Camavinga after he refused to sign a new contract at Rennes.

But the Gunners face strong competition from Manchester United and Real Madrid for the defensive midfielder.

Reports earlier this week stated the 18-year-old would not put pen to paper on a new deal with the Ligue 1 side.

With his current contract expiring in 2022, that means Rennes may be forced into selling their young star or risk losing him for free next year.

And according to Marca, Arsenal may try their luck to lure the Frenchman to the Emirates - even if, like Rennes, they cannot offer Champions League football next season.

GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS

Two more Premier League sides booked their place in the European semi-finals last night.

A stunning Arsenal performance featured an Alexandre Lacazette brace to knock out Slavia Prague.

Bukayo Saka and Nicolas Pepe got in on the act for a 4-0 win on the night - 5-1 on aggregate.

They now face a reunion with Unai Emery after Villarreal beat Dinamo Zagreb.

But there was a blow for the Gunners pre-game as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang confirmed his diagnosis with malaria.

The club captain caught the illness of international duty with Gabon and posted an update from his hospital bed.

He wrote: “I’ve spent a few days in hospital this week but I’m already feeling much better every day, thanks to the great doctors that detected and treated the virus so quickly.

“I wasn’t really feeling myself the last couple weeks but will be back stronger than ever soon!”

Manchester United will face Roma in the other semi-final after beating Granada 2-0 at Old Trafford.

Edinson Cavani bagged early on before a Jesus Vallejo own goal, while Edin Dzeko netted in a 1-1 draw for the Italians at home to Ajax.

In transfer news, yesterday SunSport revealed United’s intention to push ahead with signing Nikola Milenkovic.

The Fiorentina defender is available for £38million this summer, a fee the Red Devils will hope to negotiate down.

RAISE THE BAR

Barcelona are said to be revving up their plan for a new centre-back.

A left-footed replacement for Samuel Umtiti is in demand, so say Mundo Deportivo.

AC Milan’s Alessio Romagnoli, Lisandro Martinez of Ajax, Marcos Senesi of Feyenoord and Real Betis star Aissa Mandi are named on their shortlist.

BAYERN TIME

Massimiliano Allegri is the latest name to move into the crosshairs of Bayern Munich, according to reports in Italy.

Hansi Flick is thought to be ready to leave the Bundesliga giants in the summer, potentially to take over the German national team.

And Sportmediaset believe Allegri is ready for a return to the dugout with a decision due from Bayern in the coming weeks.

WHAT A STORY

ART HEART

Mikel Arteta credited the weekend demolition of Sheffield United with inspiring Arsenal's stunning win over Slavia Prague.

He told BT Sport: "We started really well in a convincing way, aggressive in our high press. We looked a threat all the time.

"I really like the reaction of the team to the goal being disallowed. We scored some great goals, The clean sheet is important as well, the second one in two games.

"It helped the way we played against Sheffield United. The players were in high confidence, when performances are so high the collective improves. The boys were really at it from the start.

"It is a really important win in a crucial moment. We won in a convincing way, so credit to the players."

KANE-UNDRUM

Harry Kane can be forgiven for considering his future at Tottenham with Manchester United claimed to be interested, according to Dimitar Berbatov.

In recent weeks, numerous reports have claimed the England captain, 27, is considering his future at Spurs in a bid to finally win some silverware.

Berbatov told Betfair: "According to reports, he will look to leave Spurs if they fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

"This isn't a surprise. I don't know if it will happen, but Kane is clearly thinking about his future.

"I can see why Kane would want to move if they don't make the Champions League and if they don't win the League Cup.

"I would not be surprised as of course he wants to play Champions League football. It depends on how Spurs finish the season."

IS-MAEL IT IN

Barnsley have warned Crystal Palace off nicking boss Valerien Ismael this summer.

Ex-Eagles defender Ismael has masterminded an unlikely playoff charge at the Tykes since taking over in October.

Palace are assessing their managerial options with the contract of current chief Roy Hodgson due to expire in the summer and have been linked with a swoop for their former defender.

But Barnsley chief executive Dane Murphy told the club’s website: “There is of course going to be interest in Valerien because of the unbelievable job that he’s doing.

“But he has given us no hint or impression that he wants to be anywhere else but in Barnsley.

“We have him on a multiple-year contract, he’s at the front of our ship and we want to keep him here for as long as we possibly can.”