CHELSEA return to Champions League action tonight as they welcome Juventus to Stamford Bridge.
Romelu Lukaku is hoping to be fit for the match, as is Timo Werner.
Gareth Southgate has signed a new contract with England, keeping him in the job until after Euro 2024.
The Three Lions boss has done a top job since taking the post in 2016 and will now lead England at the World Cup in 2022 and the Euros.
Meanwhile, Newcastle have reportedly joined the race to sign £70m Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic.
Newcastle are also putting their January transfer plans into place, with reports linking them to Inter's Marcelo Brozovic and Bayern Munich's Niklas Sule.
We've also the very latest on Chelsea's transfer plans, while Romelu Lukaku is a major doubt for the clash with Juventus.
Get all the latest football news, updates and transfer gossip below…
- Justin Lawrence
THE LONG CON
Conor Gallagher is insistent that he is not just playing at Crystal Palace to put himself in 'the shop window'.
The Chelsea youngster has thrived at Selhurst Park, earning an England debut with his brilliant displays.
Gallagher, 21, has put teams on notice after wowing for Palace.
But it is at Stamford Bridge where he still dreams of shining brightest.
- Justin Lawrence
NO FROM LEO
Lionel Messi will not complete a dream return to Barcelona any time soon after Joan Laporta took a sly dig at him during Dani Alves' presentation.
According to Spanish papers AS and Fichajes, Messi has no intention of returning to the Nou Camp and is determined to stick it out at PSG.
Messi's former team-mate Dani Alves, 38, completed a sensational return to the Catalan giants earlier this month, having initially left the club five years ago.
And at the Brazilian defender's presentation, president Laporta, 59, appeared to suggest there was a possibility that Messi could return to Barca.
And though it appears the door is well and truly open for a return to the Nou Camp one day, reports in Spain suggest Messi is too 'proud' to quit PSG.
It is claimed that his ambition is to win the Champions League and he is prepared to 'endure' life in Paris, even if he is 'not happy or comfortable'.
- Justin Lawrence
ANSU RAID
Barcelona star Ansu Fati’s home was burgled for money, watches and expensive jewellery as he watched his team beat rivals Espanyol.
The 19-year-old reported Saturday night’s break-in himself at a police station in Sant Cugat del Valles north of the Catalan capital on Monday.
Family members raised the alarm around 10pm on Saturday after hearing noises coming from an upstairs room while enjoying Barcelona's 1-0 win in Xavi’s first home game in charge downstairs.
Police rushed to the property but the burglars had already fled with the valuables by the time they arrived.
Fati, currently out injured in a new setback following his return from a knee injury that kept him out for ten months, was in the Nou Camp stands at the time.
- Justin Lawrence
TAKE ZLAT
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has told former club Manchester United to stop banging on about the past.
The Red Devils are searching for a new manager after sacking club legend Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Sunday.
The Norwegian was a star of the Sir Alex Ferguson era but United have not won the Premier League since the Scot retired in 2013.
And Ibrahimovic, who spent two years at Old Trafford from 2016, has called on the club to stop relying on its history for inspiration.
He told the Guardian: “They talk too much about the past. When I went there I said: ‘I’m here to focus on the present and to make my own story.’
“But when you have too much it becomes like a loop. You have to think about the present or you should go to a hospital and clean your head.”
- Justin Lawrence
NEW ERA
Manchester United begin the post-Ole Gunnar Solskjaer era with a tough Champions League clash away at Villarreal TONIGHT – but take note of the kick-off time.
Solskjaer was sacked by the club at the weekend following their 4-1 loss to Watford in the Premier League.
Michael Carrick was confirmed as temporary boss while United look for an interim manager to lead the side for the remainder of the season.
And Carrick's first job is to ensure the Red Devils take a giant leap toward qualification to the last-16 of Europe's elite competition.
The last time the two sides played, Cristiano Ronaldo scored a 90th-minute winner at Old Trafford.
But it was back in May when the Spanish team, led by Unai Emery, defeated United on penalties in the Europa League final.
- Alex Terrell
LACA URGENCY
Arsenal will not discuss a new contract with Alex Lacazette until the end of the season – even if they risk losing him for nothing, writes MARK IRWIN.
The striker, 30, is in the final few months of his £200,000-a-week deal and can open talks with overseas clubs in January.
Boss Mikel Arteta has not ruled out extending the France international's stay but said: "We are not going to be talking about new contracts until the end of the season."
Lacazette, a then clubrecord £52million buy when he signed from Lyon in 2017, knows he will not be short of offers.
Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Marseille and Newcastle are among those monitoring his situation.
As a free agent Lacazette could get a hefty signing fee.
Arsenal will NOT offer him a long-term deal on his current salary but possibly a 12-month contract.
However, Lacazette is not impressed by the club's lack of urgency in sorting out his future.
- Alex Terrell
POCHETTINO'S RECORD AT PSG
Here is how the Argentinian has gotten on at Paris Saint-Germain as he aims to face Manchester City in the Champions League tomorrow night.
If you believe reports, Mauricio Pochettino will be hoping to make his stay in Manchester much longer though, if United can persuade him to quit PSG for them.
- Alex Terrell
UNAI SORRY FOR OLE
Unai Emery says he feels sympathy for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after his axe at Manchester United.
The Villarreal boss beat Solskjaer's side in May's Europa League final – the closest they came to silverware under the Norwegian.
Now former Arsenal chief Emery wants to leave United on the brink of a Champions League exit tonight.
But he said: "As a coach, you don't welcome the news that a colleague has lost his job.
"I have a lot of respect for Solskjaer because of his playing and coaching career.
"I've faced Solskjaer several times and above all, I value him as a great person.
"When there's a coaching change, there's a reaction one way or another.
"The players know, even though they are professional and must always deliver, that they have to show their faces, for Manchester, for the coach that left and the one that has arrived or will come.
"I expect a very good Manchester United because of their players and the significance of this game."
- Alex Terrell
BACK PAGE HEADLINES
SunSport has led today's paper on Harry Maguire revealing what the players said to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before he left Manchester United.
And of course news of Gareth Southgate's new England contract.
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
England manager Gareth Southgate has officially signed a new double-your-money £6million contract until December 2024, the FA has confirmed.
Southgate's assistant Steve Holland has also penned a new deal, keeping the pair in charge of the Three Lions through until after the next European Championship.
The English head coach has been in charge at St George's Park since 2016, when he stepped up from his role with the Under-21s to replace Sam Allardyce.
And the 51-year-old has since taken England to the semi-finals of the World Cup in 2018 and the final of Euro 2020, as well as recently sealing qualification for Qatar 2022.
Meanwhile, Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is open to taking over at Manchester United.
That is according to Manchester Evening News, who also report that Pochettino is prepared to join United mid-season.
The same reports claim the Argentine coach always had the ambition of managing the Red Devils.
The former Tottenham boss was the board’s top choice to replace Jose Mourinho in 2018 but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won them over during his stint as caretaker manager.
But Leicester manager Brendan Rodgers has also been contacted by United after Solskjaer’s dismissal, according to SunSport’s Neil Custis.
The Red Devils are also prepared to splash £8million in compensation to the Foxes for Rodgers.
The former Liverpool head coach has a clause in his contract letting him speak to certain clubs if they come knocking — and the Manchester giants are among them.
Solskjaer was sacked on Sunday morning following a poor start to the campaign.
Finally, Arsenal will not discuss a new deal with Alexandre Lacazette until the end of the season even though they risk losing him for nothing in the summer, according to SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
Lacazette is in the final few months of his £200,000-a-week contract and will be free to open talks with overseas clubs in January.
Manager Mikel Arteta has not ruled out the possibility of extending the centre-forward's deal but wants to put negotiations on hold for now.
That is a major transfer boost for Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Marseille and Newcastle, who are among the clubs monitoring the France international.
- Kostas Lianos
ZINEDINE ZI-DONE
Zinedine Zidane is not interested in becoming the next Manchester United head coach.
That is according to BBC Sport, who claim that Zidane is not keen on replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the United dugout.
The Red Devils have reportedly made contact with the ex-Real Madrid manager, who is currently a free agent.
The French head coach experienced immense success at Real as he won two LaLiga titles and three consecutive Champions League trophies
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
MAUR AMBITION
Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is open to taking over at Manchester United.
That is according to Manchester Evening News, who also report that Pochettino is prepared to join United mid-season.
The same reports claims the Argentine coach always had the ambition of managing the Red Devils.
The former Tottenham boss was the board’s top choice to replace Jose Mourinho in 2018 but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer impressed them during his stint as caretaker manager
- Kostas Lianos
NEV-ER SAY NEVER
Gary Neville believes Mauricio Pochettino would quit Paris Saint-Germain for Manchester United in an instant.
Neville told Sky Sports: “I think Mauricio Pochettino — although he’d never say it — would leave to come to Man United on a five-year deal tomorrow.
“He’d look at that group of players, he’d look at the club and he’d realise he’d probably be able to achieve more than he wants at Man United in terms of a project.
“At PSG you are on season by season, ‘you’ve got to win the Champions League or you’re out’ — type of model. I don’t think that suits Pochettino. I think he would absolutely come to Man United on a five-year deal, with backing behind him”
- Kostas Lianos
JUVENTUS TEAM NEWS
Juventus will be looking to seal first place in Group H when they visit Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
But Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri will be without Danilo, who is sidelined for two months with a thigh injury.
However, Allegri will have Paulo Dybala, Alex Sandro, Dejan Kulusevski and Weston McKennie at his disposal.
The Blues need at least a point to seal qualification to the Champions League's Last 16
- Kostas Lianos
CHELSEA TEAM NEWS
Chelsea are set to host Juventus in a crucial Champions League clash at Stamford Bridge.
Blues manager Thomas Tuchel will make a late call on Romelu Lukaku's fitness but chances are he won't be part of the squad.
Lukaku has been out with an ankle injury and returned to team training on Monday.
Kai Havertz is also a doubt due to a hamstring problem but Jorginho is fit and available.
The same goes for Timo Werner, who had been out with a hamstring injury
GETTY IMAGES
- Kostas Lianos
VILLARREAL TEAM NEWS
Villarreal boss Unai Emery will again be without the services of star player Gerard Moreno due to a hamstring injury.
Former Tottenham star Serge Aurier also won’t feature as he is ineligible for the Champions League.
The Yellow Submarine may have to make a late call on the fitness of both Arnaut Danjuma and Etienne Capoue.
But there is confidence that Dnjuma and Capoue will pass fit for the big match at the Madrigal
- Kostas Lianos
MAN UTD TEAM NEWS
Manchester United face Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday at the Madrigal.
This marks United’s first game following former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal and so Michael Carrick has been placed in charge for the time being.
Carrick will be without Edinson Cavani, Paul Pogba, Luke Shaw and Raphael Varane, who are out with a tendon, thigh, head and hamstring injury respectively.
Mason Greenwood is also unavailable as he recently tested positive for COVID-19
- Kostas Lianos
‘IT SNOWBALLED’
Paul Merson stated Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s reign as Manchester United manager was ruined by Cristiano Ronaldo’s comeback.
Merson told Sky Sports: “I feel sorry for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
“He had a plan at the start of the season, having finished second last season.
“He’s chased Jadon Sancho for a long time, got him in, and he’s given Edinson Cavani another year.
“Then, just before the season starts, he gets given Ronaldo. I think he’s thrown it all out of the window. From day one, they’re not a better team with Ronaldo in it.
“You don’t go 29 games unbeaten away without playing a certain way, and bringing Sancho in gave them another weapon to play that way.
“With Ronaldo up there, you don’t have that weapon to play on the counter-attack any more.
“It’s all snowballed for Solskjaer. He had a plan, and the Ronaldo situation threw it all out of the window, just before the season started.
“They only went for him because they heard Man City were after him.
“It’s not like United were calling Juventus to ask if he’s available because Ronaldo is the missing link for United winning the Premier League. He isn’t!”
- Kostas Lianos
OUT OF LAC
Arsenal will not discuss a new deal with Alexandre Lacazette until the end of the season even though they risk losing him for nothing in the summer, according to SunSport’s Mark Irwin.
Lacazette is in the final few months of his £200,000-a-week contract and will be free to open talks with overseas clubs in January.
Manager Mikel Arteta has not ruled out the possibility of extending the centre-forward's deal but wants to put negotiations on hold for now.
That is a major transfer boost for Atletico Madrid, AC Milan, Marseille and Newcastle, who are among the clubs monitoring the France international
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
MAUR UPDATES
Paris Saint-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino is ready to quit the Parc des Princes and take over at Manchester United.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that Pochettino is prepared to return to the UK and replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer at the helm.
That is because they claim the Argentine head coach is currently staying in a hotel in Paris, while his family still live in England following his six years here coaching Southampton and Tottenham.
United dismissed Solskjaer following a poor start to the season despite a successful summer transfer window
- Kostas Lianos
RODGERS AND OUT
Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers has been contacted by Manchester United after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s dismissal, according to SunSport’s Neil Custis.
United are also prepared to splash £8million in compensation to the Foxes for Rodgers.
The former Liverpool head coach has a clause in his contract letting him speak to certain clubs if they come knocking — and the Red Devils are among them.
Solskjaer was sacked on Sunday morning following a poor start to the campaign
- Kostas Lianos
GAME OF KESS
Arsenal have joined Tottenham and Manchester United in the transfer war for AC Milan star Franck Kessie.
That is according to the Daily Mirror, who claim the Gunners will go toe-to-toe with European juggernauts to sign Kessie.
The 24-year-old midfielder's deal at Milan expires next summer when he becomes a free agent.
The Ivory international can put pen to paper on a pre-contract from January 1
- Kostas Lianos
WES SIDE STORY
Chelsea are still holding talks with Leicester ace Wesley Fofana ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blues are looking for a centre-back as they have four key defenders out of contract at the end of this season – those are Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger, Thiago Silva and captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
And according to Footmercato, the west Londoners are eyeing Fofana as a potential replacement should any of the aforementioned players walk out of the club.
However, Chelsea would face stiff competition from a host of top European clubs, such as Manchester United and Real Madrid
GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
SOUTHGATE REACTS
England manager Gareth Southgate praised his coaching team after signing a new deal with the FA.
Southgate said: "I am delighted that Steve [Holland] and I have been able to extend our stay in our respective roles. It remains an incredible privilege to lead this team.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mark [technical director], John [McDermott] and the Board for their support – and of course the players and support team for their hard work.
“We have a great opportunity in front of us and I know they and the fans are all excited about what this squad could achieve in future"
- Kostas Lianos
VLA VA TOON
Newcastle are set to join the bidding war for Fiorentina star Dusan Vlahovic, reveals SunSport's Alan Nixon.
The Magpies are on extra alert for players abroad as they will find it hard to land Premier League talent from rivals.
That is why Toon spies watched Vlahovic in action during the international break as he helped Serbia qualify for the 2022 World Cup by beating Portugal.
The striker could be sold in the January transfer window if the price is right, with reports suggesting he will cost £70million.
Manchester City, Arsenal and Tottenham are said to also be keeping tabs on the 21-year-old
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