MANCHESTER CITY are ready to SLASH their mooted £600m contract offer to Lionel Messi to £430m following Barcelona's 4-1 loss to PSG.
Pep Guardiola's men are still extremely keen on the six-time Ballon d'Or winner but due to the pandemic and Messi turning 34 in summer, they have chosen to reduce any potential bid by £170m.
Read our live blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
- Etienne Fermie
TROY DEENEY
Watford striker and hard-hitting SunSport columnist may shock some football fans this week, by revealing that most footballers do in fact like referee Mike Dean.
You can read Troy's observations on Dean in full, as well as his take on the Darren Drysdale incident this week, by clicking here.
Watford skipper has been officiated by Dean on a number of occasionsCredit: AFP or licensors - Etienne Fermie
WOLVES 1 LEEDS 0
After Nuno's side edged Marcelo Bielsa's, you can read more about the match by heading straight to Graeme Bryce's match report by clicking here.
Nuno congratulates match winner TraoreCredit: Reuters - Etienne Fermie
PREMIER LEAGUE UPDATE
It's Wolves who have grabbed all three points at Molineux, edging visitors Leeds by one goal to nil.
Nuno's side took the lead in the 64th minute… in slightly fortuitous circumstances.
Adama Traore came in from the left side, before hammering an effort towards goal.
The ball cannoned off the post – and off the back of floored goalkeeper Illan Meslier before trickling into the net.
Leeds later thought they'd equalised through Patrick Bamford, only for the England hopeful to be adjudged marginally offside.
- Etienne Fermie
SHOUT THE ODS
Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi has revealed that he is targeting a goal contribution in every game.
The 20-year-old has been a regular feature at wing-back under Thomas Tuchel since the German arrived at Stamford Bridge.
He told Chelsea's official website: "In the academy days, when you're seeing numbers like that you're like 'wow' and you want to try and replicate that in the first team as well but it's obviously a much tougher league and it's hard to get goals.
"You want to be that player who every team fears and where you have a target to get a goal or an assist for the team in every match you play, to help the team as much as possible because that contributes at the end of the game.
"You scoring or assisting helps the team win so I look at it like that.
"If I can get a goal one game and then maybe the next game I get an assist and the next game a goal again, it's helpful for all aspects."
Callum Hudson-Odoi has become a regular at right wing-backCredit: AP:Associated Press - Etienne Fermie
FIK'S BROKEN
Fikayo Tomori claims his Chelsea axing under Frank Lampard felt "personal" and still bemuses him.
The AC Milan loanee "went from being at 100 to literally going down to zero" during 2020.
And the England centre-back was "shocked" to find himself on the brink of a deadline-day loan switch to West Ham before joining Milan.
The 23-year-old also claims his long "history" with now-sacked Blues' boss Lampard made it even "harder to understand" why he was cast aside.
Tomori told The Telegraph: "I'll always be grateful for the opportunities he (Lampard) gave me.
"Maybe because of our history he thought I would accept it, but from my perspective, with that history, it felt more personal and harder to understand.
"I don't know what happened, it wasn't really explained to me. I was suddenly out of the squad and I don't really know why. 'It was so frustrating,'"
Fikayo Tomori is enjoying life in MilanCredit: Getty Images – Getty - Etienne Fermie
DEVIL'S ADVOCATE
Liverpool legend John Barnes believes David Alaba is not suited to Premier League football.
Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City are among eight teams battling it out for the Austrian defender.
But speaking to BonusCodeBets, Barnes said: "As a player, you must look into going to a football team that suits you, and most importantly the way you play.
"David Alaba is a player who has played a lot of his career at left back and at Bayern, he's been playing centre back.
"Because of the way Bayern Munich plays, he doesn’t come under anywhere near enough pressure from centre forwards like defenders do in the Premier League.
"He’s not a great defender, he’s good going forward and good on the ball. David Alaba is quick and more of a full back than a centre back in my opinion.
"For me, I don’t think he will be suited to teams like Sheffield United and Burnley with direct styles of play, constant pressure and crosses coming in. It’s not right for him."
David Alaba has won 24 trophies with Bayern MunichCredit: AFP or licensors - Etienne Fermie
PREMIER LEAGUE UPDATE
It's half time at Molineux, where Wolves and visitors Leeds are yet to find a breakthrough.
Can the likes of Pedro Neto or Patrick Bamford make themselves a hero in the second 45?
- Etienne Fermie
DADDY DAY CARE
Zinedine Zidane has promoted his 18-year-old son Theo to the Real Madrid first-team training squad as the club battles an injury crisis.
Los Blancos had just 13 senior players to choose from against Getafe last week.
French boss Zidane, 48, was forced to pack his bench full of youngsters and name two goalkeepers for the 2-0 win.
Chelsea legend Eden Hazard, skipper Sergio Ramos and Marcelo are just some of the big names heading up the lengthy injury list.
After being restricted to naming just three fit senior outfield players on the bench for the 2-0 victory against Valencia on Sunday – Zidane has drafted in a batch of kids to plug the gap.
His third-eldest son Theo – a midfielder like his dad – joins centre-back Marvel, full-back Lorenzo Aguado and midfielder Kenneth Soler in senior training.
Theo Zidane has represented France at youth levelCredit: Sportsfile – Subscription - Etienne Fermie
STARS ALIGN
The future's bright for Gareth Southgate and England.
The Three Lions boss undoubtedly has some of the most exciting talents in world football coming through the ranks.
And the sky is the limit for three in particular in Phil Foden, Mason Greenwood and Bukayo Saka.
With a combined age of 58, the trio are already performing well beyond their years having raised the bar this season.
Let's take a look at each player's respective stats.
Three young Lions are blossoming nicely for their respective clubs
- Etienne Fermie
KEP IN TUCH
Thomas Tuchel has praised Kepa Arrizabalaga for accepting a fresh
start at Chelsea – but is adamant Edouard Mendy is still the Blues’ No1 keeper.The German said: “I encouraged Kepa to take it as a fresh start and to
see the possibilities in it.“That is what he did. He earned his right to play – he had two clean
sheets, that is the best a goalkeeper can have for his confidence.“But nothing has changed. Edouard is still the No 1, he deserves to be
the No 1."You need to be clear, you cannot hide your opinion in press
conferences and in the dressing-room.“But we need everybody ready, because the goals are high at this club.”
Mendy and Kepa are vying for the No1 position at ChelseaCredit: PA:Press Association - Etienne Fermie
RAV SOME OF THAT
Huddersfield Town have confirmed that they are considering signing Ravel Morrison on a free transfer.
The former Manchester United starlet is currently searching for his twelfth club after leaving Dutch side ADO Den Haag in January.
Terriers boss Carlos Corberan told BBC West Yorkshire: "Right now I know he (Morrison) is one option we are allowed to consider.
"With the new Brexit rules everything changed because you don't have the same option of player.
"We are analysing if these players can help the team and improve the squad."
Ravel Morrison recently left ADO Den HaagCredit: Getty Images – Getty - Etienne Fermie
TWO RIGHTS MAKE A WRONG
Manchester United gave Bayern Munich free rein to sign Dayot Upamecano as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would prefer a left-footed centre-back to balance his defence.
ESPN claim United are seeking Harry Maguire's perfect partner and have specific targets.
RB Leipzig's France star Upamecano will join Bayern this summer after the German champions agreed to pay his £37million release clause.
But BEFORE that deal was sealed United reportedly told the 22-year-old's representatives they were backing out of a move – because they want a lefty instead.
Upamecano's days at RB Leipzig are numberedCredit: AFP or licensors - Etienne Fermie
EDIN FORWARD
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed Manchester United will open talks with Edinson Cavani regarding a new contract 'in the near future'.
The Man Utd boss revealed: "I can only say Edinson has done well. I've been impressed by him, he's really gelled in the group.
"We'll sit down and speak with him in the near future to see his plans and our plans. It's a good discussion to have. We always speak to the players.
"And, with his contract situation at the moment, we're very pleased with what he's done."
Edinson Cavani has impressed for the Red Devils this termCredit: Reuters - Etienne Fermie
PICK A MERSEY-SIDE
Everton hero Phil Jagielka's son Zac has signed for Liverpool in a shock move, according to reports.
Jagielka Sr, 38, played 385 times for the Toffees during his 12-year stay at Goodison Park.
The 40-cap former England defender even spent six years at captain.
But now son Zac, 13, has joined Liverpool's academy from a local grassroots team after showing genuine promise, according to the Daily Mail.
The report claims Jagielka Jr is a gifted sportsman, including showing talent as a golfer.
But Liverpool believe Zac has a real shot at becoming a professional footballer after snatching him up from a local team.
Jagielka skippered the Toffees during a distinguished careerCredit: PA:Press Association - Etienne Fermie
LAZI-OH-NO
Lazio have been referred to the Italian Federal Court over claims they allegedly tampered with coronavirus tests.
ESPN claim the Serie A giants face a series of increasingly severe punishments if found guilty that range from a points deduction to even RELEGATION to Serie B.
The report adds that pressure would be on the Italian authorities to issue strong action if Lazio are convicted given the current climate.
President Claudio Lotito and the club's doctors Ivo Pulcini and Fabio Rodia have been accused by prosecutors of violating Covid-19 protocols.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said Simeone Inzaghi's side failed to properly report the number of positive cases in their squad.
Lazio have also been put on trial for not enforcing an asymptomatic player undergoing the mandatory 10-day isolation period. That player, whose identity is yet to be announced, was later allegedly involved in a Serie A match.
Lazio recently took on Inter Milan in Serie ACredit: Getty Images – Getty
- Etienne Fermie
POWER SERGE
Tottenham have received a boost with the news Sergio Reguilon is expected to return from injury next week.
The Spanish left-back has been out for five weeks since suffering a muscle injury in Spurs’ 3-1 win at Sheffield United last month.
The North Londoners have won just one of their five Premier League matches in that period.
But he is now due to be available for their Europa League last 32 second leg tie at home to Wolfsberger on Wednesday – although his crocked midfield team-mate Giovani Lo Celso is set to spend more time on the sidelines.
Sergio Reguilon all smiles in Spurs trainingCredit: Getty Images – Getty - Etienne Fermie
FINE ART
Pep Guardiola is convinced his old assistant Mikel Arteta is turning Arsenal into a team that can challenge for the title once more.
The Manchester City boss said: “All I can say is that the last month or two months have shown me that all the managers need time.
“Already in the present and early in the future they’ll be contenders to fight for the title.
“They play better than the opponent in every game, as a manager you want the results you deserve, sometimes it doesn’t happen.
“And in the games they are always better than the opponent when you analyse the control of the game, creating chances and conceding few.
“We’ll need to play as good as possible with the ball and run a lot because they have exceptional build up play.”
Pep Guardiola has backed his old mate Mikel ArtetaCredit: PA:Press Association - Etienne Fermie
GOING AL IN
David Alaba is closing in on a move to Real Madrid after a verbal agreement was struck between the duo, according to reports.
Eight clubs are locked in a fierce race to sign the defender who is a free agent at the end of the season.
Alaba, 28, has opted against signing a new deal at Bayern Munich in search of a new challenge.
And his availability for nothing has attracted the interest from a whole host of top European clubs.
Chelsea, Manchester United, Liverpool and Man City are all pushing hard to convince Alaba his future belongs in the Premier League.
Atletico Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen to sign him by offering him a lucrative wage packet.
But ESPN write how Real Madrid are leading the pack as they look to bolster their ranks.
David Alaba is set to leave Bayern in the summerCredit: AFP or licensors - Etienne Fermie
CHERRY PICKING
Bournemouth have made a formal approach for Thierry Henry.
The Championship outfit have made contact with Henry’s current club CF Montreal for permission to speak with the Arsenal legend about filling their managerial vacancy.
The Cherries have been without a boss since axing Jason Tindall at the start of this month.
First-team coach Jonathan Woodgate has been in interim charge, winning three of his four games and will manage the side tomorrow against QPR.
But Henry has emerged as the front-runner to succeed Tindall, moving ahead of the likes of his old Gunners team-mate Patrick Vieira and former Huddersfield chief David Wagner.
The Frenchman, 43, has won 13 of his 49 games as a boss across his spells with Monaco and now MLS side Montreal.
Henry is currently in charge of CF MontrealCredit: AP:Associated Press - Etienne Fermie
I SWEAR IT'S UNFAIR
Ex-Arsenal keeper Jens Lehmann claims English players like Chelsea legend John Terry were "allowed to swear" at referees – whereas if he did the same they would warn him a red card would follow if he repeated it.
He said: "What I liked as a German, on the pitch, there were insults being exchanged and all kinds of altercations and nobody got suspended.
“English players were allowed to swear at the referee and got away which much more than I did.
"John Terry did it all the time. If I swore, the referee would say, if you do that again, I will send you off.”
Jens Lehamnn called out the apparent double standards - Etienne Fermie
ODE IN THE HOLE
Martin Odegaard could reportedly hold the key to Real Madrid signing Erling Haaland in a blow to Arsenal's quest to keep hold of the playmaker.
The 22-year-old Norwegian joined the Gunners on loan until the end of the season in January, and the club are keen for the midfielder to stay in North London beyond the summer.
When asked last month about the prospect of Odegaard remaining at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta said: "Yes, he certainly has all the qualities and characteristics that we are looking for."
But according to Mundo Deportivo, Los Blancos have no intention of permanently selling the ex-Real Sociedad loanee.
They intend to tempt Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland to the Bernabeu by using his compatriot Odegaard.
Real are said to be hopeful that the pair's friendship will see Haaland join them ahead of any other club.
Odegaard and Haaland are pals from international duty
- Etienne Fermie
RACISM SHAME
Arsenal star Willian has revealed sick racists called him 'f***ing monkey' in a string of expletive-ridden posts on social media.
The ex-Chelsea winger, 32, exposed the trolls' messages in a series of uploads to his Instagram story.
Willian is the latest in a long line of players to be subjected to vile abuse in the last few weeks alone, despite social media giants promising to crack down.
Taking to Insta, the Gunners star shared the abhorrent messages, captioning them: "The fight against racism continues!"
Willian shared the vile, racist messages on social media - Etienne Fermie
HURT LOCKER ROOM
Barcelona's dressing room is reportedly 'broken' after seeing skipper Lionel Messi's pain at the 4-1 Champions League drubbing by Paris Saint-Germain.
Spanish outlet Sport reports Messi's disappointment after the match is haunting his team-mates.
The Argentine icon, 33, greeted compatriots Mauro Icardi, Leandro Paredes and PSG boss Mauricio Pochettino but could barely look them in the eye.
The report states even vocal Gerard Pique – who could be heard barking orders on the pitch – fell silent inside the solemn Barca changing room.
Messi looks on as PSG celebrate their winCredit: AP:Associated Press - Etienne Fermie
OFF-SIGHED
Arsenal set an unwanted record during Thursday night's Europa League draw with Benfica – after being caught offside TEN times.
The Gunners fought back from a goal down to snatch a draw – and an all-important away goal – in their Europa League last-32 first-leg clash in Rome.
Pizzi scored a 55th-minute penalty only for Bukayo Saka to give Arsenal the edge in the tie with an equalising goal just moments later.
But, had it not been for their persistent straying beyond the last defender, they could have walked away with the win.
Incredibly, Mikel Arteta's side were caught offside a staggering TEN times.
That's more than any other Premier League side in all competitions this season – with Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang responsible for four of those.
Arsenal set the unfortunate record against Benfica - Etienne Fermie
D£AL WITH IT
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants no excuses and no moaning from his highly-paid Manchester United stars about the relentless run of fixtures.
He said: “Of course it’s relentless and we demand we turn up every game and earn the right to win.
"You’ve got to run more than the opposition, you’ve got to want to win more than the opposition, you’ve got to suffer more than the opposition, you’ve got to put your body on the line.
“Every game in the Premier League is high demand and that’s why the players are paid the money they are to perform every time they’re asked to.
"We ask for relentlessness and attitude every single game.”
David de Gea is Man Utd's highest paid player
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