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Chelsea consider swap deal with Villa, Man Utd’s three-striker shortlist – Paper Round

June 11, 2024

Duran-Gallagher swap?

Aston Villa want £40m for Jhon Duran and could consider selling the striker to Chelsea as part of a swap deal for midfielder Conor Gallagher, the Guardian reports. Chelsea are seeking £50m for the England international, whose contract expires next year, and Villa boss Unai Emery is said to be keen on the player.

Duran, meanwhile, is not part of Emery’s plans, although it may be a difficult deal to negotiate.

The Guardian adds: “Villa have held informal talks with Chelsea over a move for the 24-year-old. But sources close to Villa believe Gallagher is unlikely to agree to being part of a swap deal.

“That would not stop Chelsea, who have a good relationship with Villa, from pursuing Durán. Chelsea want more competition for Nicolas Jackson, who was often the only fit striker this past season, and their top target was believed to be Benjamin Sesko, who is poised to snub interest from Premier League sides and commit to another year at RB Leipzig.

“Sesko’s decision will not cause too much disruption at Chelsea, who have shortlisted several strikers. They are open to signing a forward already playing in the Premier League and have held informal discussions over Durán, who has been frustrated to play second fiddle to Ollie Watkins.”

Man Utd’s three-man striker shortlist

Manchester United’s top three striker targets this summer are Ivan Toney, Jonathan David and Joshua Zirkzee, according to ESPN. United are short in the striker department with Anthony Martial leaving, and they are hopeful of finding strong competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

ESPN adds: “Zirkzee enjoyed a good season with Bologna, scoring 12 goals in 37 games. The 23-year-old, who spent time at Bayern Munich earlier in his career, has a £34 million ($43.2m) release clause in his contract.

“Toney and David are of particular interest because they are about to enter the final year of their contracts at Brentford and Lille, respectively.

“Sources have told ESPN that Brentford will demand more than £50m for Toney, who is part of England’s squad at Euro 2024.”

Six Liverpool signings ruled out

Liverpool are not in the market for six players they have been linked with this summer, the Liverpool Echo reports. The local paper lists Ollie Watkins, Florian Wirtz, Ederson, Yankuba Minteh, Goncalo Inacio and Alan Varela as players the club will not be pursuing.

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be working under Michael Edwards, Julian Ward and Richard Hughes when it comes to shaping the club both on and off the field, with recruitment set to play a big part in this initial stage post-Jurgen Klopp.

On two players Liverpool won’t sign, the Echo writes: “Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is one such instance. The forward enjoyed his best season for the Midlanders scoring 27 goals in 53 appearances and spearheading their march to a Champions League place. And while Liverpool are said to have been interested previously, at 28 and with a price tag that would surely go well beyond £70m, then it’s no wonder that the club aren’t currently pursuing a deal for the Englishman.

“Florian Wirtz shares a lot of similarities with Watkins, scoring 18 goals and notching 20 assists for Bayer Leverkusen as they went unbeaten on their way to a Bundesliga title under Xabi Alonso. But with an asking price mooted to be upwards of £100m and playing in a position for which Liverpool aren’t currently in the market, he’s not a target for the club as things stand.”

Luiz to Juventus close

Juventus could offer both Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling Jr to Aston Villa as they look to get a deal over the line for midfielder Douglas Luiz, the Daily Mail reports. Villa want £50m for the player and are eager to get the deal dune before the end of June, but Juve are hoping to include players as part of their offer.

The Mail writes: “Mail Sport previously revealed that the Villans were open to selling the Brazilian midfielder, among others, in a bid to stay within the Premier League spending limits.

“The cut-off point for the accounting period for the 2023-24 season is June 30, meaning Luiz could be allowed to leave before the end of the month.

“The 26-year-old has two years left on his current deal in the West Midlands with Juventus leading the race to acquire his signature.”

Leeds forward Summerville a target for Liverpool and Chelsea – Paper Round

May 28, 2024

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McKenna leads race to replace Ten Hag – Paper Round

May 24, 2024

United contact McKenna

Manchester United have already contacted representatives of Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna as they hunt their next boss.

Erik ten Hag is expected to leave after the FA Cup final this weekend, and the former United coach is in the frame.

The Athletic writes: “Manchester United have contacted Kieran McKenna’s representatives as they explore possible replacements should they decide to part company with Erik ten Hag after this weekend’s FA Cup final.

“McKenna, the Ipswich Town manager who has overseen back-to-back promotions to take his side into the Premier League, used to work as an assistant at United under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

“The 38-year-old has already attracted significant interest from Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion this summer and was named manager of the year at the League Managers Association’s awards night on May 21.

“McKenna is among a number of candidates United will consider should Ten Hag exit the club.”

Chelsea want Olise

Crystal Palace forward Michael Olise is a target for Chelsea in the summer transfer window, according to the Mirror.

The club will try to sign the player regardless of who they appoint as manager, as they keep their transfer strategy of targeting young players.

The paper explains: “Chelsea will move for £60 million Michael Olise – regardless of who they make their new manager.

“Kieran McKenna, Roberto de Zerbi, Enzo Maresca and Thomas Frank remain in the frame with a decision expected next week. But The Blues are desperate not to miss out on 22-year-old Olise and are preparing to move for Crystal Palace ’s prize asset regardless.

“Chelsea’s owners want to retain their aggressive, bold transfer policy of bringing in players with the head coach focusing on preparing the team. Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle and Liverpool also want Olise with United and The Gunners set to have the edge as the versatile attacker is keen to play Champions League football.

“But that will not deter Chelsea who remain hugely impressed by his goals, his assists and his consistent high level of performance. The west Londoners have a long-standing interest in Olise, who scored 10 times from just 14 league starts, assisting six times over the past season.”

SPL moves for De Bruyne and Salah will wait

Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and Mo Salah of Liverpool remain targets for the Saudi Pro League, but they will not be offered moves until next summer.

In a year’s time, both players will be out of contract, and can be brought over to the SPL for nothing.

The Telegraph states: “Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah will be Bosman free-transfer targets next season, with Saudi Arabian clubs willing to wait for two of the Premier League’s biggest stars if they cannot land them this summer.

“Both players are wanted as the Saudi Pro League (SPL) expands, with Salah already the subject of a £150 million bid from Al-Ittihad that was rejected last September. They also have contracts expiring next season, meaning they can talk to foreign clubs in eight months’ time over a pre-contract for 2025-26.

“While the SPL has targeted some of the most high-profile players to its competition, it could also look to spend on the infrastructure of the league ahead of hosting the World Cup in 2034, knowing De Bruyne and Salah are potential free transfers within a year.

“De Bruyne’s terms at Manchester City have one season remaining and while he has shown no signs of being unsettled at the Etihad Stadium, that has not prevented Saudi interest in the leading assist-maker among current Premier League players.

“The Belgian, 32, can add another FA Cup to his trophy haul this weekend after winning six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his time at City.

“Salah, meanwhile, also has a year left on his terms at Anfield after seven years at Liverpool.”

Guimaraes set for summer transfer

Manchester City and Arsenal will have to move early this summer if they are to activate Bruno Guimaraes’ £100 million release clause.

The Evening Standard believes the Premier League’s leading sides need to act before late June in order to use the clause.

The paper reports: “Arsenal and Manchester City remain interested in Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes ahead of his release clause expiring in a month’s time.

“The Brazilian was a standout performer on Tyneside once again in 2023-24, having cost £40 million when he signed from Lyon two-and-a-half years ago.

“Arsenal are long-term admirers of the 26-year-old and want to sign a new midfielder in the summer.

“City, meanwhile, are also keen and will likely readjust their transfer plans amid the ongoing uncertainty over target Lucas Paqueta and his charges for betting breaches.”

Klopp pays tribute to fans, ‘the superpower of world football,’ in emotional farewell speech

May 19, 2024

Liverpool v Wolves – Premier League LIVE

May 19, 2024

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Klopp signs off Liverpool tenure with comfortable win over Wolves

May 19, 2024

Liverpool finished off their season and ended the Jurgen Klopp era with a 2-0 win over Wolves at Anfield.

The Kop serenaded the German with a rousing, tear-inducing rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone before kick-off and the side repaid their emotion with a routine win.

Goals from Alexis Mac Allister and Jarell Quansah came within six minutes of each other towards the tail end of the first half. The first of which was a headed effort from the Argentine, before young defender Quansah became the last player to score under Klopp, getting on the end of Mohamed Salah’s effort.

The pair of goals came soon after a red card for Nelson Semedo in the 28th minute, which practically put to bed any hope that Wolves had as The Reds dominated the game from then on.

As the game approached its end Anfield roared into life, clapping and cheering and crying for their honourary Scouser.

Liverpool finished the season in third with just a Carabao Cup to their name, but it marked the end of an extraordinary era at Anfield.

All good things must come to an end. With that, Klopp bids farewell to Anfield and the city of Liverpool bids farewell to a man they embraced and adored for almost nine years.

Liverpool said farewell to Klopp not necessarily in style, but in Liverpool’s style. They were sharp, quick, dominant in possession, and lacked just that little bit of accuracy.

‘The most intense week’ – Klopp gears up for final match as Liverpool manager

Mac Allister opened the scoring with a deft header, getting on the end of a lovely cross from Harvey Elliot in the 34th minute. It has been easy to forget that it is only the 25-year-old’s first season at Liverpool but he shone throughout it as another shrewd piece of business by Klopp and the recruitment team.

Six minutes later, Quansah doubled the lead. The young defender poked the ball into the Wolves net by getting on the end of a weak Salah shot that took a deflection. The goal was twofold, becoming the 1,223rd goal scored this season – a new all-time record for the Premier League.

And it was, of course, the final goal of Klopp’s Liverpool career. Like Mac Allister, Quansah’s introduction at a young age and his ability to thrive is another example of what Klopp leaves behind.

The final score of 2-0 could have, and arguably should have, been much more than that. Cody Gakpo and Mohamed Salah both had ample chances and could not find the back of the net. The latter of the two has struggled with finishing recently, but the forward still looked like his lively self against Wolves.

For the visitors, it was a disappointing performance at the end of what has been an optimistic season. But their game was over once Semedo’s boots touched Mac Allister’s ankle. The Portuguese defender was given a yellow, but referee Chris Kavanagh, who Klopp previously said “did not have the level” to officiate at this level of football, upgraded it to a red after VAR’s input.

Perhaps with Semedo, they may not have allowed Mac Allister to so easily get in space for the opening goal.

But for Liverpool the goals and how they came feel like semantics. Late in the game, as the clock ticked towards the 94th minute, Anfield erupted in applause and cheers. Its faithful were realising who they were losing and showed gratitude for what he would be leaving behind.

Jurgen Klopp speaks after the the Premier League match between Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Anfield on May 19, 2024 in Liverpool, England

Image credit: Getty Images

Klopp walks away with a legacy of eight trophies behind him, including a historic UEFA Champions League win in 2019, punctuated by that thrilling comeback against Barcelona in the semi-finals. Truly the end of an era.

Talking Point – Can Arne slot in?

While the love and gratitude for Klopp will never fade, eyes will soon turn to next season and an new manager to come in. Earlier this week Feyenoord coach Arne Slot confirmed he would replace Klopp as Liverpool manager this summer.

The Dutchman won the Eredivisie in 2022-23 and saw Feyenoord through to the final of the inaugural UEFA Europa Conference League in 2022, losing to Roma.

At one point this season Liverpool were ready to challenge on four fronts, but ultimately finished with just the Carabao Cup. The title challenge faded as The Reds took 12 of 24 points in the Premier League final run-in.

Slot will need to build on Klopp’s work and make subtle tweaks rather than a summer overhaul. But there is a lot at Anfield for him to mould and turn into a winning side.

Player of the Match – Alexis Mac Allister

The World Cup winner has had an excellent first season at Anfield and the will be one of the players that Slot can build his team around.

But the Argentine showcased his attacking credentials once again against Wolves, netting the opening goal with a glancing header on the end of Elliot’s cross.

He is so effective when he has that freedom to roam forward and pop up in the final third and reinforced that against Wolves.

Player Ratings

Liverpool: Alisson 7, Alexander-Arnold 7, Quansah 8, Van Dijk 8, Robertson 7, Endo 7, Elliott 8, Mac Allister 8, Salah 7, Diaz 7, Gakpo 7

Substitutes: Szoboszlai 6, Nunez 6, Jones 6, Gravenberch 6, Bradley 6

Wolves: Sa 7, S.Bueno 6, Kilman 6, Toti 5, Semedo 4, Gomes 7, Lemina 6, Bellegarde 6, Ait-Nouri 7, Cunha 6, Hwang 6

Substitutes: Bentley, Doherty, Traore, Neto, H.Bueno, Doyle, Gonzalez, Chirewa, Fraser

Match Highlights

28’ RED CARD! Semedo’s yellow is upgraded to a red after a check from VAR. Can’t have too many complaints about that as a neutral. Semedo’s foot goes over the ball and lands on the Argentine’s ankle. It looks quite bad in slow-mo.

35’ GOAL! LIVERPOOL (MAC ALLISTER) LIVERPOOL 1-0 WOLVES – BIG smile from Klopp as Mac Allister’s shot hits the net! Trent lays it off to Elliot, who swerves into the box with a great delivery and then the Argentinian heads it past Sa.

41’ GOAL! LIVERPOOL (QUANSAH) LIVERPOOL 2-0 WOLVES – The Reds double their lead against 10-man Wolves. It’s Quansah who pokes in one the line at the end of Salah’s effort, with Wolves having been unable to clear their lines from the corner.

86′ NO GOAL! – Doherty heads over Allisson and emits a sudden roar from the Wolves supporters but the defender is just offside. Klopp’s clean sheet not spoiled yet.

Key Stats

Saudi clubs target Fernandes, Alisson and Ederson summer transfers – Paper Round

May 13, 2024

Saudi Pro League aim high

Saudi Pro League clubs will push to make a number of marquee signings this summer, with Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes, Liverpool’s Alisson Becker and Manchester City’s Ederson all ambitious targets, according to the Telegraph, who also claim Casemiro is strongly linked with Al-Nassr.

United midfielder Casemiro would be the most likely of those names to move to Saudi Arabia during the next transfer window, with discussions already taking place.

The Telegraph writes: “According to sources up to 10 marquee signings are expected to be made this summer – with Cristiano Ronaldo’s club Al-Nassr, whose squad includes Aymeric Laporte and Sadio Mané, most strongly linked with Casemiro.

“The Brazilian’s representatives are already understood to have held talks with Pro League clubs. United are prepared to sell and would like any deal agreed at the start of the window but will not push Casemiro out.

“Ambitious moves are also being discussed for Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson and Manchester City’s Ederson. It is already known there is interest in Mohamed Salah, who was subject of a failed £150 million bid last year from Al-Ittihad, and Kevin De Bruyne.

“As with last summer it appears the Pro League will attempt to raid the Premier League – and clubs there want to do deals, recognising they can get higher prices than anywhere else – with United having already forged links with clubs within the league, most notably Ittihad, who are based in Jeddah.”

Chelsea’s four areas to address

Chelsea will look to sign a forward, a left-back, a central defender and possibly a goalkeeper after the Telegraph reported the club’s sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are not facing the axe this summer.

The future of head coach Mauricio Pochettino remains unclear, but Winstanley and Stewart have the backing of those above them in the hierarchy.

The Telegraph adds: “The pair are expected to continue to lead Chelsea’s transfer business this summer, with the club looking to sign a forward, left-back and central defender. The goalkeeping position may also be looked at.

“The remit of Winstanley and Stewart extends much further than recruitment, with sources indicating that a lot of their work goes unnoticed outside Stamford Bridge and Chelsea’s Cobham training ground.

“Winstanley and Stewart have faced criticism at times this season, following an overhaul of the squad last summer that saw the average age of the playing staff drastically cut.”

Newcastle target early summer move

Newcastle are hopeful of signing Fulham defender Tosin Adarabioyo, the Mirror reports. The centre-back will become a free agent at the end of the season, and Newcastle are hoping to act fast.

The move would allow Newcastle to spend more money on other targets, including a winger and a striker, with Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly also set to join on a free.

The Mirror adds: “Newcastle have Jamaal Lascelles and Sven Botman out with knee ligament damage until November. They are also monitoring France U21 star Michael Olise to strengthen their right attacking position should be offload Miguel Almiron to the Saudi Pro League.

“Howe is planning to still have star men Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes in his side next season, with rivals struggling to afford their £100m price tags.

“Squad players including Paul Dummett, Matt Ritchie and Matt Targett could also leave and the club is looking to tidy up its number of experienced players out on loan who include Isaac Hayden, Ryan Fraser, Jamal Lewis and Jeff Hendrick.”

Man City want Miedema

Manchester City are leading the race to sign Vivianne Miedema on a free transfer after it was confirmed she will leave Arsenal at the end of the season, the Daily Mail reports.

Miedema is attracting interest from a number of clubs, but City are hopeful the Women’s Super League record goalscorer will opt for a move up north.

The Mail adds: “Mail Sport understands it was a club decision not to renew Miedema’s contract, but the forward is highly thought of and is set to be given a farewell when the Gunners play Brighton at Meadow Park on Saturday.

“City are currently in a title shoot-out with Chelsea, while Arsenal are set to finish third for a second successive season.

“Miedema, who has been with the club since 2017, was close to leaving in the summer of 2022 but chose to sign a one-year deal with the option of an extra year, which was taken up at the end of last season.”

Aston Villa v Liverpool – Premier League LIVE

May 13, 2024

Follow the Premier League live Football match between Aston Villa and Liverpool with Eurosport. The match starts at 7:00 PM on May 13th, 2024.

Catch the latest Aston Villa and Liverpool news and find up to date Premier League standings, results, top scorers and previous winners.

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Villa close on Champions League as late Duran double denies Liverpool

May 13, 2024

Substitute Jhon Duran struck a dramatic late double as Aston Villa edged a step closer to securing UEFA Champions League football next season by hitting back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 with Liverpool at Villa Park.

The visiting Merseysiders were gifted an early advantage when Emiliano Martinez contrived to fumble Harvey Elliott’s deflected cross into his own net on two minutes.

Villa equalised against the run of play 10 minutes later when Ollie Watkins teed up Youri Tielemans before Cody Gakpo gobbled up a rebound to restore Liverpool’s lead on 23 minutes.

It was in keeping with an end-to-end contest and the only surprise was that there were no further goals prior to the interval, with Diego Carlos going close to a second for Villa with what must go down as the miss of the season.

Liverpool added a third within three minutes of the restart when Jarell Quansah crashed home a header to snare his first ever Premier League goal.

Unai Emery’s men continued to create openings but looked to be heading towards defeat until Duran netted twice in the last five minutes to somehow snare a share of the spoils.

The result means fourth-placed Villa are now five points clear of Spurs with a game to play. The Lilywhites – in fifth – have two matches left but need to win at home to title-chasing Manchester City on Tuesday night to take the race for the final Champions League berth to the last day of the season.

Villa will end the campaign with a tricky trip to Crystal Palace on Sunday while Jurgen Klopp’s men, who will finish third, bring down the curtain on his tenure as Liverpool boss at home to Wolves.

Talking Point – Villa don’t get the win to guarantee it but UEFA Champions League football is tantalisingly close

Villa were hoping to rebound and soften the blow of their UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final exit last week by securing fourth spot in the Premier League against a Liverpool side with nothing to play for in terms of an actual target.

It didn’t quite go to plan, but the late rescue act from ‘Duran, Duran’ in front of the watching Hollywood heavyweight Tom Hanks means it would take an unlikely plot twist right at the death of this campaign to deny The Villans a top-four finish for the first time since 1995-96.

The Villans will now wait on Tottenham’s home match with Man City knowing that anything other than a win for Ange Postecoglou’s men will confirm their spot in Europe’s Premier competition for the 2024-25 season.

Player of the match

Jhon Duran(Aston Villa). The term ‘super sub’ was coined for such an intervention as he rose off the bench 11 minutes from time and then notched a double in the last five minutes to drag his team level and leave all the pressure on Tottenham in the hunt for forth spot.

Player Ratings

ASTON VILLA: Martinez 6, Konsa 6, Carlos 5, Torres 6, Digne 5, McGinn 7, Luiz 6, Tielemans 7, Bailey 7, Diaby 7, Watkins 7. Subs: Zaniolo n/a, Duran 8, Chambers 6.

LIVERPOOL: Alisson 6, Alexander-Arnold 6, Gomez 5, Quansah 6, Van Dijk 6, Endo 6, Elliott 6, Mac Allister 5, Salah 6, Gakpo 7, Diaz 6. Subs: Jones 5, Gravenberch 5, Nunez 6, Szoboszlai 5.

Match Highlights

02’ – GOAL! – Aston Villa 0-1 Liverpool: (Martinez own goal) It’s a horror show for Martinez. Elliott drives forward, plays a one-two with Salah and then watches on in delight as his deflected cross is fumbled into his own net by the Villa keeper.

12’ – GOAL! – Aston Villa 1-1 Liverpool: (Tielemans) The hosts steal level against the run of play! A brilliant run down the left takes Watkins to the byline where he shows great awareness to cut it back for Tielemans to rifle home from just inside the area.

23’ – GOAL! – Aston Villa 1-2 Liverpool: (Gakpo) The visitors are back in front. Diaz feeds Gomez on the overlap and when his low, cross-shot is parried by Martinez, Gakpo is there to bundle home from close range.

36’ – ASTON VILLA CHANCE! Bailey is allowed to burst to the right byline and cut it across the six-yard box for Diego Carlo, who somehow jabs wide on the slide with the goal gaping. Watkins was stood just behind him. Both had a tap-in, but neither could apply the finish! Huge let off for Liverpool.

48’ – GOAL! – Aston Villa 1-3 Liverpool: (Quansah) It’s a superb goal from the centre back as he leaps ahead of Digne at the back post to thump a header into the far corner from a free kick on the left.

85’ – GOAL! – Aston Villa 2-3 Liverpool: (Duran) Jhon Duran drills a lovely strike into the bottom corner from 20 yards after a poor error by Mac Allister gifted the ball to Villa deep in Liverpool territory.

88’ – GOAL! – Aston Villa 3-3 Liverpool: (Duran) It’s all square! What a sensational turnaround! Duran tries to race after a pass and inadvertently deflects it beyond Alisson with his first touch! He didn’t know much about it as it flew off his knee, but he won’t care!

Key Stats

Even Klopp is 'overwhelmed' by remarkable Liverpool – The Warm-Up

May 18, 2022

Wednesday’s big stories

Liverpool continue to do other-worldly things

Liverpool are two games away from a quadruple. To repeat, Liverpool Football Club are two games of association football away from potentially winning four trophies in one season.

Premier League

‘What can I say?’ – Klopp hails ‘outstanding’ Liverpool as title race goes to final day

9 HOURS AGO

Two wins do not guarantee the quadruple as they need an assist from former player Steven Gerrard, whose current employers, Aston Villa face Man City – a point ahead of Liverpool – in the last game of the season while the Reds welcome Wolves to Anfield.

However, to be two games away from winning a quadruple is a remarkable achievement; to actually achieve it – in the modern era – will be beyond remarkable. Re-remarkable, if you will?

Tuesday night’s win against Southampton – after making nine changes – meant they are still the only side yet to lose a Premier League match in 2022, remaining unbeaten in 18 matches this year – winning 15 and drawing three. Their only reverse this calendar year was a 1-0 loss to Inter Milan in the second leg of their last-16 tie they won 2-1 on aggregate.

It is genuinely other-worldly stuff. So much so in fact, that it has left Jurgen Klopp overwhelmed.

“Outstanding, what can I say about this group? It’s been overwhelming, it’s been really touching what the boys did,” he said after their latest comeback win.

“I told them after the game in a little analysis, the situation is pretty much a crime, that [Takumi] Minamino doesn’t play more often, that [Alex] Oxlade-Chamberlain is in outstanding shape but is not part of the squad very often.

“How they didn’t play for a long time, Curtis [Jones] didn’t play for a long time and all these boys deliver and deliver and deliver and it’s unbelievable.

“Making nine changes and this kind of performance is absolutely exceptional I have to say. Really happy, we keep going.”

The Warm-Up will finish as it started: Liverpool are just two games away from a potential quadruple. Two games. Remarkable.

‘Absolutely exceptional’ – Klopp hails Daniels’ bravery in announcing he is gay

‘He’s shook up, bleeding, angry’

Nottingham Forest were beaten at home for only the second time this season on Tuesday night, going down 2-1 to Sheffield United in their Championship play-off semi-final. That result sent the two-legged tie to penalties.

There, the brilliant Brice Samba made three penalty saves to add to his excellent collection of saves during the match, as evidenced below.

It would take an astonishing turn of events for Samba not to be the sole story after a performance of such brilliance.

Alas, that astonishing turn of events was forthcoming. Because someone – inexplicably – decided to, in the midst of a pitch invasion, headbutt Billy Sharp.

“It’s assault. We’ve seen one of our players attacked,” said Sheffield United manager Paul Heckingbottom afterwards.

“He’s shook up, bleeding, angry. It’ll be dealt with.

“There will be something done about that. We’ve seen what’s happened, we know what’s happened.

“There’s a prison sentence there without a doubt.”

Nottingham Forest are making a first trip to Wembley since 1992, and one of English football’s great and storied clubs are on the cusp of a return to the top flight. Yet, that, alas, is not the story.

Ronaldo joins a gym

Cristiano Ronaldo has joined a gym. The Cpase health club in Knutsford to be precise. And it surprised locals too.

IN THE CHANNELS

Here is Robbie Savage being Robbie Savage. Fair play.

HAT-TIP

“Anger, resentment and mockery. Andreas Christensen’s name is provoking a lot of negative emotion among the Chelsea fanbase as his 10-year stay at Stamford Bridge draws to a close.”

Simon Johnson details how Andreas Christensen’s contract talks collapsed and why he is on the brink of a move to Barcelona.

COMING UP

Hold up, the Europa League final is taking place before the Europa Conference League final? Scandalous.

Anyway, Andi Thomas will be here to pick through the remnants of Eintracht Frankfurt against Rangers.

Premier League

Matip the hero as Liverpool send title race to the wire

13 HOURS AGO

Premier League

Klopp: Salah, Van Dijk to miss Southampton but ‘no doubt’ for CL final

YESTERDAY AT 21:57