NEWCASTLE are stepping up their search for a new manager with Steve Bruce reportedly on borrowed time.
The new Saudi owners are reported to have identified former Arsenal boss Unai Emery as their top target.
But other options include Belgium boss Roberto Martinez and Rangers' Steven Gerrard.
Elsewhere, Chelsea reportedly rejected the chance to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer over the summer as they opted to keep the faith in Edouard Mendy.
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- Justin Lawrence
MOUR DRAMA
A livid Jose Mourinho was involved in a spat with Juventus players and staff after his Roma side lost 1-0 in Turin on Sunday night.
The 58-year-old later lashed out and challenged his opponents to say ‘in public’ the words that were directed towards him at the Allianz Stadium.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss was left in disbelief when Roma had a Tammy Abraham goal ruled out and were instead awarded a penalty by referee Daniele Orsato.
To make matters worse Jordan Veretout stepped up and missed the spot-kick.
It led to a post-match clash in the tunnel to which Mourinho later fumed: “All the words we heard from Juventus in the tunnel and the locker room, I hope they say it in public too.
“They know how much they struggled against us. I won here many years ago without playing so well, today we lost when playing very well.”
- Justin Lawrence
VIOLENT RIVALRY
Ex-Manchester United star Roy Keane and former Arsenal star Patrick Vieira’s rivalry was so intense that violence was always on the cards.
According to ex-Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger, the pair hated each other so much that he never ruled out them coming to blows.
But despite the threat of an altercation, Wenger explained that he enjoyed their clashes.
The Frenchman said to talkSPORT: “I enjoyed the rivalry.
“You speak of Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira; Keane was always on the fringe of violence even if he was a great player.”
- Justin Lawrence
HASSLE HOFF
Premier League chairman Gary Hoffman faces a growing threat to his reign as angry clubs seek a scapegoat for their frustrations.
Hoffman bore the brunt of club chiefs’ fury at last week’s hastily-arranged and fiery “shareholders” meeting.
SunSport revealed how one club boss shocked his boardroom rivals by calling for the resignation of the entire board.
It has since been revealed that new Burnley owner Alan Pace put his head above the parapet and no other clubs backed him up.
But behind the scenes, negativity towards former banker Hoffman is growing.
Clubs accused Hoffman and his colleagues of leaving them in the dark over the rapid progress of the £305m Saudi takeover at Newcastle.
- Justin Lawrence
HISTORY REPEAT
Diego Simeone hopes history will repeat itself tomorrow.
Atletico Madrid entertain Liverpool in a Champions League group stage and the La Liga champions would settle for a 1-0 win, like their last 16 first leg victory in February 2020.
Atletico knocked the reigning champions out of the competition at Anfield in the second leg with a 3-2 win after extra-time.
Simeone, whose team were given an incredible reception by their fans before the first leg. said: “The last time we faced Liverpool, we won the game at home before we even entered the stadium. I want that to be remembered.
“What do I expect? I expect a team full of good footballers with clear ideas and we will try and hurt them. But we will need to match their intensity.”
Luiz Suarez returns against his former club Liverpool and Simeone added: “He is such a decisive player for us. He is excited about the game.”.
- Justin Lawrence
SERGEJ IN INTEREST
Liverpool are one of a number of European giants eyeing a move for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.
Serie A champions Inter Milan and Italian rivals Juventus, along with LaLiga heavyweights Real Madrid, are also interested in the 26-cap Serbia star, according to Calciomercato.
We reported in the summer how Manchester United have also reignited their interest in Milinkovic-Savic, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen to team him up with Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes.
Chelsea, Tottenham, Juventus and Paris-Saint Germain have also been linked with the 26-year-old Serb.
It is thought Liverpool view Milinkovic-Savic as an ideal replacement for Georginio Wijnaldum, who left as a free agent to join Paris Saint-Germain in June.
- Justin Lawrence
‘INTO OVERDRIVE’
The doctor who helped save a fellow Newcastle fan’s life opened up on the dramatic events.
And he added having St James’ Park chant for him as a hero was ‘one of the best moments of my life’.
Sunday’s match against Tottenham was suspended during the first half when the elderly gentleman suffered a cardiac arrest in the stands.
Dr Tom Pritchard was sat 30 rows away in the Gallowgate end and rushed to help by performing CPR before Newcastle club doctor Paul Catterson joined in the effort to resuscitate the supporter.
Dr Pritchard – who was given a standing ovation upon returning to his seat – appeared on BBC Breakfast this morning to share his experiences.
- Justin Lawrence
STAND CRASH
A stand in NEC Nijmegen’s Goffertstadion buckled on Sunday as Vitesse Arnhem fans celebrated their side’s 1-0 Eredivisie victory.
As supporters jumped up and down in unison in front of the players at full time, the stand gave way – although reports say no-one was injured.
Hubert Bruls, the mayor of Nijmegen, was in shock and has called for an investigation to find out what happened.
Bruls said: “Fortunately, as far as is known, no-one was injured. I want an investigation into what happened here as soon as possible.”
- Justin Lawrence
CANCER DIAGNOSIS
Norwich goalkeeper Dan Barden has been diagnosed with testicular cancer.
The 20-year-old will be taking a break from football after having follow-up tests.
And he will be monitored during his treatment stage.
Speaking on the ordeal, Barden who’s on loan to Livingston said: “It has been a very difficult and challenging period, but the support of my family, friends and colleagues has helped get me through the last few weeks.
“I can’t thank the medical departments at both Norwich and Livingston enough, as well as everyone at the Royal Marsden Hospital.”
- Justin Lawrence
GUNNER BATTLE
Arsenal and Chelsea fans have both pleaded with their clubs to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen.
The striker’s been on fire in the Serie A this season, netting eight goals in just nine games, and his contribution hasn’t gone unnoticed by Gunners and Blues supporters.
Both sets of fans took to Twitter to ask their respective sides to sign the 22-year-old.
One Gunners fan wrote: “Víctor Osimhen delivering again today. Not surprised, he’s the best option for us next year.”
While a Blues supporter said: “Victor Osimhen…that guy is a monster. What a player. Chelsea start tracking him now. We need him.”
- Justin Lawrence
CHAMPIONS TUCH-PRINT
Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel wants his side to follow in the footsteps of Liverpool and Manchester City to become a great side.
The Blues won the Champions League last season and lead the pack in the Premier this term after eight games played.
But Tuchel reckons his squad need to be consistent like their Prem rivals to be crowned champions.
He said: “In general, Liverpool and Manchester City have proved throughout the last years that they are the benchmark in terms of quality and consistency.
“They have shown us in the last years what it takes to be able to become champions.”
- Justin Lawrence
JOY TO WATCH
Liverpool keeper Caoimhin Kelleher was in awe of his teammates Mo Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firminho as the Reds ripped Watford apart on the weekend.
The attacking trio all got on the scoresheet in the Reds’ 5-0 rout over the Hornets, and Kelleher, who stood in for regular Kop stopper Alisson, admitted it was a joy to watch his peers at work.
But the Irish stopper wasn’t surprised but what he saw on the pitch as the Reds frontline often do the same in training where they’re ‘unstoppable’.
Kelleher raved: “I train with them every day and I know sometimes it’s just unstoppable, you can’t do anything.
“To watch them today in full flow was a joy to watch. They’re all on form.”
- Justin Lawrence
TOON BATTLE
Ex-Arsenal boss Unai Emery and Rangers manager Steven Gerrard are set to battle it out for the Newcastle manager job.
The pair are said to be on a three-man shortlist to replace current Toon boss Steve Bruce, according to the Express.
Bruce’s job has been under scrutiny since the Magpies new Saudi owners arrived on Tyneside in recent weeks.
And Newcastle’s 3-2 loss to Tottenham in Bruce’s 1,000th game in charge wouldn’t of done him any favours.
- Justin Lawrence
RED ALERT
Manchester United fear more fan protests ahead of this weekend’s clash with Liverpool, according to reports.
The Red Devils’ last clash with their rivals from Merseyside had to be postponed back in May after supporters broke into Old Trafford.
According to the Daily Star, United are consulting with Greater Manchester Police after protest plans were allegedly circulated on social media.
Last time around, players weren’t allowed to leave the Lowry Hotel as trouble escalated.
- Justin Lawrence
HERO DOC
A hero doctor received a standing ovation after saving a fan’s life at St James’ Park.
The Newcastle supporter acted after a fellow fan suffered a suspected heart attack in the stands on Sunday.
The doc leapt from his seat to perform CPR before medics could get to the patient during Newcastle’s Premier League clash with Tottenham.
And the Toon Army were quick to show their appreciation as they applauded him once his job was done.
The doc was reportedly 30 rows away when the incident took place just before half-time.
Identified online as a junior A&E doctor from University Hospital of North Tees, the fan swooped before a defibrillator arrived.
- sstreet
HOFF YOU GO
Premier League clubs are reportedly fed up with chairman Gary Hoffman and his handling of the Newcastle takeover has brought matters to a head.
A majority of clubs are now said to want Hoffman gone, believing he does not have the necessary clout from a government, political and communication perspective, The Athletic reports.
While the top six had reservations, the loudest voices against the takeover came from clubs whose bid to avoid relegation could be put in peril as a result, along with those who expect to be challenging for Europe.
Three of those teams – Everton, West Ham and Leicester – also have female CEOs, and their opposition to the Saudi takeover is said to have been strengthened as a result.
Burnley were also believed to have been particularly vocal against the buyout.
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Steve Bruce’s future is in greater doubt than ever after Newcastle’s new era opened with the most dramatic of 3-2 defeats at home to Tottenham.
The Toon boss urged the club’s Saudi owners to give him “clarity” as he admitted his job was on the line, with Frank Lampard still tipped as a possible replacement.
Harry Kane showed at St James’ Park why he has been mentioned as a potential Newcastle target as he became the Premier League’s highest-ever away scorer on 88 goals.
Tanguy Ndombele, Kane and Son Heung-min sealed Spurs’ comeback win by half-time after Callum Wilson had taken just two minutes to reward Newcastle’s blistering start.
Newcastle sub Jonjo Shelvey then picked up two quick bookings for what Toon legend Alan Shearer called a “stupid stupid stupid red card”.
Eric Dier’s late own goal was no consolation for the Magpies in a match halted when a fan suffered a suspected heart attack, before he was ‘stabilised’ and taken to hospital.
In yesterday’s other Prem clash, Angelo Ogbonna headed a 73rd-minute winner at Goodison Park as impressive West Ham leapfrogged Everton into sixth spot.
And tonight Arsenal aim to make it 13 points from five games with victory over club legend Patrick Vieira’s Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly battling the Gunners for Club Brugge’s Holland winger Noa Lang.
And it’s claimed Sevilla’s France centre-back Jules Kounde would prefer joining Manchester United to Chelsea.
- Ian Tuckey
FOSTER FLOORED OVER TICKET FURORE
Watford keeper Ben Foster is under fire after gifting home tickets to a Liverpool fan who was booted out of Vicarage Road.
UFC star Paddy Pimblett branded the Hornets a ‘s*** club’ in an Instagram video after he was ejected for celebrating the Reds’ 5-0 win on Saturday.
Pimblett said: “Ben Foster gave me the tickets, I didn’t get to pick where I sat.
“Watford, Ben Foster, I love you mate. But I hope Watford go down, youse are horrible, horrible.”
A Hornets fan tweeted: “Don’t think I’ve ever been more embarrassed to support Watford.
“The result and performance was shameful, and this s*** with Pimblett and Foster is just another level. Unbelievable.”
Foster provoked further anger from his own fans for appearing to back Mo Salah to score against him.
The former England keeper, 38, picked Salah as his ‘captain’ in one of his teams in the Fantasy Premier League Game.
And that earned Foster double points as Salah bagged a wondergoal and an assist in the drubbing.
- Ian Tuckey
‘VIEIRA DIDN’T LOOK LIKE A FOOTBALLER’
EXCLUSIVE: IT was 25 years ago this week that Arsene Wenger took charge of his first game as Arsenal manager, writes MARK IRWIN.
But the Frenchman was beaten through the Highbury entrance by compatriot Patrick Vieira, who arrived a couple of months before Wenger was officially appointed.
On Monday, Vieira will make an emotional return to the club he captained during their Invincibles campaign.
The new Crystal Palace manager is certain of a huge reception from Gunners fans, who have not forgotten the midfielder’s role in winning three League titles and four FA Cups.
But he did not receive such a warm welcome when he first reported for training after a £3million move from AC Milan in 1996.
Former Arsenal striker John Hartson recalled: “The first thing we all noticed about Patrick was that he didn’t even look like a footballer.
“He was very tall and gangly with really thin legs and he was also a bit bandy. None of us had ever heard of him because although he’d come from Milan he’d hardly played for them and he was still only a boy at the time.
“He was also quite shy and softly spoken because he didn’t know a lot of the language. But as soon as he stepped on to the training pitch we knew straight away he was something special.
“He was a physical monster of a guy and he could look after himself from day one.
“Straight away he was barging into Tony Adams, Martin Keown and myself and controlling our practice games from the middle of the park.
“There’s not many players that have been as fearsome in the tackle as Roy Keane, but Patrick revelled in his battles with him and so did the crowds.”
- Ian Tuckey
GAY STAR FEARS COMING OUT
A gay Premier League star has had therapy because he is so frightened of coming out, telling pals: “I will be crucified.”
The ace revealed he has sought professional psychological help amid fears of how rival fans will react.
He said: “It’s 2021 and I should be able to be free to tell everyone who I am.
“But there are some fans on the terraces for whom it is still very much the 1980s.
“I want to be open with people because it’s who I am and I am proud. But the truth is I will be crucified.”
The player admitted he is riddled with doubt, saying: “When I play, I feel like the fans may guess and they are judging me.
“Am I coming across as camp? Can they tell from the clothes I wear off the pitch? It has had a terrible effect on me mentally. It’s terrifying.”
The top-flight Brit has spoken to campaigner Amal Fashanu — niece of ex-Norwich star Justin, who came out in 1990 and took his own life in 1998.
- Ian Tuckey
FAN ‘STABLE’ IN HOSPITAL
Newcastle say the supporter who suffered a suspected heart attack in the stand during the 3-2 loss against Tottenham is ‘stable and responsive’ in hospital.
The Premier League clash was halted after a male fan was taken ill just minutes before half-time.
Spurs star Eric Dier ran over to the dugout to ask for a medical staffer to bring a defibrillator onto the pitch.
The England centre-half had been alerted to the incident by team-mate Sergio Reguilon.
Players from both sides were then told to go to the sidelines as the crowd fell into silence.
After the man was transported to hospital, the club moved to update fans on Twitter.
A short statement read: “NUFC can confirm that a supporter who required emergency medical treatment during today’s game at St James’ Park is stable and responsive in hospital.”
The incident happened two minutes before half-time, with Tottenham 2-1 up at St James’s Park.
- Ian Tuckey
GINOLA URGES FANS TO LEARN CPR
David Ginola has called on footy fans to learn CPR after a Newcastle supporter was believed to have suffered a suspected heart attack.
The Magpies’ home game against Tottenham was halted when a fan appeared to collapse in the stands.
Former Newcastle star Ginola suffered a heart attack that left him ‘dead for eight minutes’ during a charity match back in 2017.
And speaking on Sky Sports at St James’ Park, the pundit highlighted how important it is to get fast treatment to heart attack victims.
He said: “It is vital (to have a defibrillator).
“Having people in the stands as well being able to perform CPR helps massively because waiting for the defibrillator you need to perform CPR.
“We should all be informed to perform CPR to help each other.”
The incident took place two minutes before half-time as Newcastle hosted Spurs in the first game under their new Saudi owners.
- Ian Tuckey
SOLSKJAER POSITION ‘100% SAFE’ – FOR NOW
Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is having another rocky time.
Yesterday’s 4-2 defeat at Leicester perhaps ended returning hero Cristiano Ronaldo’s honeymoon period and re-open defensive concerns.
Bu The Athletic’s respected reporter David Ornstein claims Solskjaer’s position is “100% safe” – at least on the board’s current thinking…
- Ian Tuckey
SHEARER BLASTS ‘STUPID’ JONJO FOR RED CARD
Alan Shearer raged at Jonjo Shelvey as the midfielder was sent off in Newcastle’s 3-2 home defeat by Tottenham.
The substitute was given his marching orders after a quikc second yellow for scything down goal-bound Sergio Reguilon.
His first booking came minutes earlier as he swiped at Son Heung-min after replacing Sean Longstaff on the hour mark.
Toon legend Shearer could not believe what he was seeing as Shelvey’s red compounded a 3-2 loss on Tyneside.
He wrote on Twitter: “Stupid stupid stupid red card.”
- Ian Tuckey
BRUCE WANTS ‘CLARITY’ ON HIS FUTURE
Steve Bruce wants ‘clarity’ on his Newcastle position after their first game under new Saudi owners ended in a 3-2 home defeat to Spurs.
The Toon boss told Sky Sports of his future: “That’s for other people to decide.
“If I was reading everything I might not have been here today, but my job is to get a few results.
“If you haven’t won in seven or eight then you will come under pressure. I’ll crack on and carry on as best I can until I hear otherwise.
“Every football club needs clarity from the top right the way through to everything that makes the football club the way it is.
“The new owners have been very respectful, and Rome wasn’t built in a day. It’s up to me, in the near future anyway, to maybe get better.
“The people of Newcastle want to see the club move forward.”
- Ian Tuckey
‘UTD PLAYERS WORRIED BY SANCHO STRUGGLE’
Manchester United players are worried about Jadon Sancho’s lack of impact, reports suggest.
The Times and Daily Record’s Duncan Castles believes some United stars have even privately questioned signing the £73million England winger over the summer
Sancho, 21, has been quiet for United and erratic for England after hitting 50 goals in 67 games for Borussia Dortmund.
Castles told The Transfer Window Podcast Sancho’s Old Trafford team-mates have ‘major question marks’ due to his form plus his attitude in training.
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