Transfer news LIVE: Erling Haaland updates, Wilshere denied Como switch, Saul Niguez first Chelsea training session

MAD DRAW FOR REDS

Liverpool have been handed an incredibly tough Champions League draw after being placed in Group B alongside Atletico Madrid, Porto and AC Milan.

Jurgen Klopp's side will go in search of the club's seventh European title this season as they look to reclaim the trophy they lifted in 2019.

But they will have to do it the hard way following an extremely difficult group draw.

Liverpool were put in pot 2 and as a result were always going to be placed in with a big European name.

But they would not have wanted to see Diego Simeone's Atletico side, who knocked them out in the 2019-20 competition.

And things got even more challenging for those on Merseyside when last year's quarter-finalists Porto were added to their group.

Runners-up in the Portuguese league last season, Porto met Liverpool back in the last eight of the 2018-19 tournament as the Reds came out 6-1 victors over two legs.

They then went on to lift the trophy following wins over Barcelona and Tottenham.

KANE STARTS TONIGHT

Harry Kane is starting his first game of the season for Tottenham after committing his future to the club.

The £150m-rated star ended months of speculation regarding a potential move to Manchester City when he confirmed he was staying at Spurs in a tweet sent out on Wednesday.

Now just 24 hours later he has been named as captain for the Uefa Europa Conference League Play-Off second leg clash at home to Pacos de Ferreira.

Kane missed the opening day victory over City, who had an offer rejected for him over the summer, but came off the bench last weekend to help Spurs defeat Wolves.

Now he will be tasked with inspiring a comeback at the Tottenham Stadium this evening as the North London side look to turn around a 1-0 deficit after the first leg.

Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate is delighted that the England captain has resolved his club future.

The Three Lions boss, preparing for next Thursday’s World Cup qualifier in Hungary, now knows there will be no chance of a deadline day drama involving the striker and Man City.

And his national boss could not be happier, saying: “The good thing from our point-of-view is that it looks as though everything is resolved and settled now club-wise so he has a clear focus.

ARTETA: I’M STILL LOOKING

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta says he will keep pushing to strengthening his squad before the deadline shuts on August 31.

Under fire after two straight Prem losses, Arteta said: “We’ve already done a lot of things – ins and outs – I think it is 16 or 17 deals in total, with some renewals, which is a lot of things.

“There are still some things to do in the last few days because there are still some questions marks and deals that can happen, but we will see.”

JUVE GOT THE BLUES

Chelsea will face Juventus, Zenit Saint-Petersburg and Malmo in the 2021-22 Champions League group stage.

The Blues are out to defend their title after downing Manchester City in last season's final.

Thursday's draw in Istanbul saw Thomas Tuchel's side become the last team drawn out of Pot 1, placing them in Group H.

And while Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain were avoided out of the Pot 2 sides, Serie A giants Juve will pose a tough test.

The two sides have only met four times, each sharing a win alongside two draws.

Didier Drogba scored twice in a 3-2 aggregate victory for Chelsea in the 2008-09 last-16 before Juve claimed a 3-0 win in the 2012-13 groups, their last meeting.

The draw gives the Blues a chance to continue their long streak of denying Cristiano Ronaldo, who has only scored once and won five of his 15 encounters with Chelsea throughout his storied career.

Zenit Saint-Petersburg, the joint lowest-ranked of the Pot 3 teams based on Uefa coefficient, ar also in Group H.

JONES DEAL IS NO SIN

Trevor Sinclair has slammed Rio Ferdinand’s claim that Phil Jones signing a new Manchester United deal is a “waste of time”.

Centre-back Jones, capped 29 times by the Three Lions, extended his contract in February 2019 by four years – before a knee injury ruled him out for 18 months.

United and England legend Ferdinand told his FIVE YouTube channel: “He’s taking up a youth team player’s position in that squad right now. He’s had too many injuries now.

“I am baffled at how he’s still been given a new deal given his past few years at the club. It just doesn’t make sense to me.

“I remember back in the day you’d have to do some absolute graft to get a new deal. You’d have to be putting in performances, you’d have to be a vital member of the team. Phil Jones isn’t that.”

But ex-West Ham and Manchester City wideman Sinclair said: “Of course he (Jones) is going to accept (the new contract). He probably has aspirations of getting into the first team.

“I look at Phil Jones I see a player that has been crippled with injuries over the years, all different kind of injuries as well. 

“I don’t see a bad egg, I look at him, I think he looks like a good pro… he’s got a family, he’s got kids, he needs to try and maximise the amount of finance he earns in his career.

“Why would he turn down a contract of Mancheter United? I think the only people that need to be criticised are the people that offered him the contract because it has not worked out again.”

JOSE: MAYBE ONLY POCHETTINO HAPPY

Jose Mourinho claimed PSG chief Mauricio Pochettino might be the only manager happy with his squad.

The new Roma boss, 58, was questioned about whether he is happy with the players he has at his disposal.

And in typical Mourinho fashion he gave a dry, matter of fact response to the journalist.

Mourinho said: "Do you know a coach who is satisfied with their squad? Maybe Pochettino, nobody else."

Mourinho took charge at Roma this summer but there has been a lot of change at the club in his short tenure.

Veteran striker Edin Dzeko has departed for Inter Milan after five years in the Italian capital. And Roma have spent big on his replacement, splashing out £34million to land Tammy Abraham from Chelsea.

As well as raiding his former club, Mourinho has made a further five signings.

Wolves' Portugal international Rui Patricio joined for around £10m, along with Atalanta central-defender, plus full-backs Matías Viña and Bryan Reynold

In attack, Abraham will be partnered by fellow newcomer Eldor Shomurodov, recruited from Genoa.

HAMMERS CAN’T LINGER FOR LINGARD

Any hopes West Ham held of nabbing Jesse Lingard back from Manchester United have reportedly all but ended.

The England midfielder was outstanding on loan for the Hammers during the second half of last season.

But it seems more likely he will stay at United after Old Trafford boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer insisted the 28-year-old could have an important role to play this season.

PALACE PUMPED UP FOR TIAH

Crystal Palace are still in discussions with Arsenal over signing striker Eddie Nketiah.

But it's thought the Eagles have yet to meet the Gunners' valuation of the former England Under-21 star.

And other clubs, including from the continent are also keen on the 22-year-old, whose Emirates' contract runs out next summer.

WOLVES EYE SVEN

Lille's Holland Under-21 centre-back Sven Botman is on Wolves' radar, reports say.

But Sky Sports say Sevilla are also keen on the 21-year-old.

WIGAN WOULD 'WELCOME' WILSHERE

Wigan chairman Talal Al Hammad has tweeted to say Jack Wilshere is "most welcome"; to join the League One side.

Former England, Arsenal and West Ham star Wilshere, 29, is club-less after Championship side Bournemouth chose not to offer him a new contract.

But Wilshere has suggested a move abroad would be his best option after he  even considered retirement.

In a revealing interview with The Athletic, he explained: "I’ve said before that I’m open to going abroad. In fact, I probably want to go abroad.

"I want to try something different. I think it’ll be good for me, for my life, for my family.

"Have a fresh start somewhere where people, clubs, fans don’t think, ‘Oh, that’s Jack Wilshere. He’s going to get injured today’, or, ‘He’ll play five games and that’s it… waste of an investment."

WHOLE NEW BULL GAME

Norwich have confirmed German defensive midfielder Tom Trybull has had his contract cancelled by "mutual agreement".

The 28-year-old joined the Canaries from Dutch club Den Haag four years ago and spent last season on loan with Blackburn.

MIKEL CONFIRMS WILLIAN TALKS

Arsenal’s Brazilian midfielder William HAS held talks with home-country giants Corinthians.

Gunners’ boss Mikel Aretta said: “We are having some conversations with him and the agent, and we are evaluating the position

“I don’t know [why it hasn’t worked out for him here]. At the moment he is an Arsenal player, and we are trying to get the best out of him while he is here.”

Willian, 33, has struggled since moving across London last summer.

RON WANTS £510K A WEEK AT CITY

DANIEL CUTTS EXCLUSIVE: Cristiano Ronaldo wants £510,000 a week to join Manchester City from Juventus.

The Manchester United legend would eclipse £385k-a-week Kevin de Bruyne as City's top earner if the shock swoop is completed.

SunSport can reveal there are still many issues to overcome if a deal is to be struck.

For example, Juve want between £24million and 25.5m, or a player, in return for Ronnie - who has a year left on his contract - which the Citizens are reluctant to cough up at this stage.

Instead, City want to give all the cash to Ronaldo, by attempting to lure the 36-year-old with £53m in wages over two years.

Spanish outlet AS reported on Thursday afternoon that player and club have already agreed personal terms, amid rival interest from PSG.

'WILL IS THERE' FOR CITY'S RON DEAL

Manchester City's interest in Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be intensifying - with more and more well-placed observers suggesting a deal could even be done this week.

Juve's Manchester United legend Ron, 36, has also been linked with PSG.

REAL 'UP MBAPPE BID TO £145M'

Real Madrid have increased their bid for PSG striker Kylian Mbappe from £137million to £145m, Sky Sports say.

The France superstar, 22, is into the final year of his contract.

And PSG have recruited legend Lionel Messi to play with his former Barcelona sidekick Neymar.

It's thought PSG immediately rejected Real's opening offer - but the Spanish giants have quickly raised their bid to 170m euros.

INTER 'BEAT ARSENAL AND EVERTON' TO CORREA

Lazio's Argentina midfielder Joaquin Correa has joined Inter Milan on loan - despite being linked to Arsenal and Everton.

The Gunners reportedly bid £17million for th 27-year-old earlier this summer.

And then new Everton chief Rafa Benitez was said to have joined the race for the former Sampdoria and Sevilla star.

Instead he has switched Maurizio's Sarri for the Serie A champs - with Inter having the option to make the deal permanent.

RON URGED TO TEAM UP WITH MESSI

Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo is being dared to link up with Lionel Messi at PSG - rather than join Prem champs City.

Etihad chief Pep Guardiola reportedly want to tempt the Juventus frontman, 36, into a two-year move for £26million. 

But former Bulgaria superstar Dimitar Berbatov told Betfair of his ex-Old Trafford team-mate: "Ronaldo would be a good fit at Man City but do I see him going there? I doubt it. 

“He is still one of the best in the world but Pep Guardiola's philosophy might not suit them signing Ronaldo."

 "It's not impossible that Ronaldo will join Lionel Messi in Paris because PSG can afford anyone they want.

"It would be a crazy thing to see. I think there is something brewing there.

"Those two players are the greatest players of our generation, if not of all time, but when you put incredible players together sometimes it doesn't work out.

“Egos can complicate things in football.”

CHELSEA TALKS ARE NOT SAUL OVER

Chelsea are said to be still negotiating with Atletico Madrid over luring Spain midfielder Saul Niguez on loan.

The one-club star, 26, who was not picked for the Euros despite having 19 caps, has also been linked with Manchester United in recent months.

The says Chelsea hope to agree a temporary deal - with an option, rather than an obligation, to buy him later.

RAMSEY FOR NEVES SWAP 'OFFERED'

Cristiano Ronaldo's agent Jorge Mendes has reportedly proposed Juventus swapping their ex-Arsenal star Aaron Ramsey for Wolves' fellow midfielder Ruben Neves.

Ramsey, 30, has struggled for regular football at the Italian giants, while 24-year-old Neves has shone in the Premier League and for Portugal.

Now La Gazzetta dello Sport suggest Juve could be ready to offload Ramsey - as they try to fight off Manchester City's interest in ex-United frontman Ronaldo.

THIRD KIT WILL BLUE YOUR MIND

Chelsea have unveiled their third kit for the 2020-21 season and it is fair to say it has split the fanbase.

Manufacturers Nike went for unique designs for the home and away strips and this alternative kit certainly falls into the same category.

Like the bright yellow away jersey it is a bold choice of blue and orange colours – and it will be loved by some but hated by others.

One fan wrote on Twitter: “Chelsea this is pure sex.”

But another one said: “Chelsea I love you but this is rank.”

GO WEST

Tottenham are keen on a move for Juventus Weston McKennie but it will have to be a loan deal, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Italian journalist states that new Sporting Director Fabio Paratici "loves" the American, having signed him for Juventus a year ago.

ROY REGRET

Roy Keane has revealed his guilt over lying to Sir Alex Ferguson about his 5am drinking sessions - and then using them as motivation.

Keane said: "I'd always be in on a Thursday morning [the morning after a night out] because of the guilt for going out.

"So on a Saturday, I'd be thinking, 'We'd better win because we're out on Thursday and if the manager finds out we're in trouble.'

"We had to win matches and trophies to justify the life we were living.

"But if I saw a player out now in Altrincham drinking at 1pm on a Tuesday or Wednesday I'll be thinking, 'That's not good,' but we were all doing it."

EARN IT

Mikel Arteta has told his Arsenal players they need to be prepared to suffer if they want any chance of avoiding a drubbing at Manchester City.

He said: “It is the level of the game that you have to be mentally ready to run for long periods of the game without touching the ball.

“To make the sacrifices, being prepared to suffer in the right moments.

“But as well it is having the conviction that we're going to have our moments in the game, and when those opportunities arise, we have to take them.

“That's how I want to see the team, they are fully committed, fully prepared and they believe that we can go to Manchester and get the result.”

ANYONE'S GAME

Harry Redknapp thinks that the Premier League title race is wide open this season after Harry Kane's move to Manchester City fell through.

Speaking to talkSPORT, the former Spurs manager said: "If he [Kane] went to Man City, I think they would’ve been nailed on for the title.

"I think that’s going to have big repercussions for them, because they’re still short of a real front-man and I think it’s thrown the title race wide open.

"Suddenly, there are four or five teams who can win it."