Exclusive: Man City must avoid Arsenal in bid to win Champions League – Lescott

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Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea monitoring Sporting hitman Gyokeres – Paper Round

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.

Arsenal edge Spurs in North London Derby as Russo scores only goal

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Pressure mounts on Ten Hag as Ashworth meets with Potter – Paper Round

Ashworth meets with Potter

Manchester United’s prospective sporting director Dan Ashworth has reportedly met with former Chelsea boss Graham Potter as pressure grows on Erik ten Hag.

The Sun reports that Ten Hag could be replaced by Potter in the summer, with new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe a fan.

The paper writes: “Manchester United’s incoming sporting director Dan Ashworth has met with Graham Potter as pressure grows on Erik ten Hag.

“Ex-Chelsea boss Potter is the favourite of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his assistant Sir David Brailsford to become Old Trafford boss if the new Red Devils part-owner fires Ten Hag.

“Ashworth and Potter worked closely at Brighton and it is understood the pair got together last weekend.

“SunSport revealed in December Potter was lined up to replace Ten Hag after Ratcliffe met with the 48-year-old.

“Ratcliffe is a big fan of the ex-Brighton boss and tried to get him to manage his French side Nice.”

Villa hope to keep Ramsey and Luiz

Aston Villa duo Jacob Ramsey and Douglas Luiz are attracting attention from Premier League clubs, and they could be vulnerable to bids for the players, it has been claimed.

The Daily Mail notes that with Ramsey a youth team product, any sale banked for the 22-year-old would go to the bottom line entirely as profit.

The paper reports: “Aston Villa are braced for interest in their star players this summer as the impact of spending rules bites across the league.

“Unai Emery’s men are fighting for a place in next season’s Champions League but like a number of Premier League clubs, must manage their finances carefully to stay within the competition’s spending rules.

“The points deduction for Everton and possible further penalties for the Goodison Park club and Nottingham Forest have left the division on high alert.

“Homegrown midfielder Jacob Ramsey, valued at about £50million, was a target for Newcastle during January and any fee received could be banked as pure profit for PSR (profit and sustainability) purposes as the 22-year-old is a product of the Villa academy.

“Brazil international Douglas Luiz has long been admired by Arsenal while Boubacar Kamara would have been certain to attract attention had he not sustained a serious knee injury last month, which will sideline him until the autumn.”

Guardiola advises Barca on next manager

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has reportedly instructed former club Barcelona to appoint Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi as their next coach.

The Catalans need a new manager after the announcement that incumbent Xavi would be departing the summer.

The Mirror explains: “Pep Guardiola has told Barcelona they should look to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as their next boss.

“The Nou Camp hierarchy are considering their next move after Xavi announced he would be leaving the club this summer. Barcelona look set to relinquish their La Liga crown with Real Madrid eight points clear at the top.

“De Zerbi arrived in England as an unknown quantity with Brighton seeking a replacement for Graham Potter. Quickly though their new manager began highlighting his value and he’s taken the south coast outfit into Europe for the first time.

“Barcelona are by no means the force of old, despite spending big in recent years to become a major European force once again. They’ve only won La Liga once in the past four years but do have a host of talented players, including academy graduates Pedri, Gavi and Lamine Yamal.”

Chelsea keen on Gent youngster Brown

Gent defender Archie Brown is on Chelsea’s radar, but the 21-year-old left-back is a target for a number of other clubs.

The Evening Standard names Juventus, Nice, West Ham and more clubs as potential suitors for the player this summer.

The paper reports: “Chelsea and West Ham are among the clubs monitoring £15million-rated Gent defender Archie Brown.

“The 21-year-old is considered an option as the two London clubs look to sign a left-back in the summer.

“Juventus, AC Milan, Nice and Lyon are also weighing up a move for Brown, who is set to be the subject of plenty of interest at the end of the season.

“Chelsea want cover for Ben Chilwell, as Marc Cucurella is potentially up for sale after being offered to clubs last summer.

“Ian Maatsen is available for the £35million release clause agreed in a new extended contract until 2026, when moving on loan to Dortmund in January. Lewis Hall is also expected to make his loan move to Newcastle permanent for £28m if all add-ons are met.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Spurs to battle Man City for Palace winger Eze – Paper Round

Tottenham face battle for Eze

Tottenham face competition for Eberechi Eze, with Manchester City also keen on the Crystal Palace winger.

However, the Independent suggests that means they will instead turn to Wolves’ forward Pedro Neto.

The outlet writes: ”Tottenham are aiming for a wide forward as their major summer signing, with Wolves’ Pedro Neto and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze currently the two main targets.

“The decision may be made for them, however, as Manchester City are currently seen as the likeliest destination for Eze.

“Ange Postecoglou’s adventurous approach has been largely based on expanding the pitch through pace out wide, which has been a key focus of his transfer business so far.

“Spurs still plan to go bigger on this position in the summer, with Neto and Eze identified as the players who best fit their profile.

“City also want to make a signing in that area, and have been trailing Eze for a long time.”

Barcelona to miss out on Arteta

The Mirror believes that Barcelona will no longer attempt to recruit Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

The Catalans are searching for a replacement for Xavi Hernandez, who will be leaving at the end of the season.

“Barcelona have given up hope of prying Mikel Arteta away from Arsenal in time for the Spaniard to succeed Xavi next season,” the paper reports.

“Club legend Xavi surprised everyone associated with the Blaugrana when he confirmed he’d be stepping down from his role as manager, less than 12 months after winning the La Liga title. Since his announcement last month, Barcelona have been linked with several big names, including Gunners boss Arteta.

“Arteta has just 18 months left to run on his current Arsenal deal and some sections of the Emirates faithful are concerned that interest from elsewhere could turn their manager’s head if his contract isn’t extended sooner rather than later.

“With that being said, Arteta did issue an emphatic response when asked about the rumours touting him as Xavi’s successor. He told reporters: “That’s totally fake news.

“Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann are two names that have been linked instead.”

Zidane open to United job

The Evening Standard claims that Manchester United could now succeed in appointing a previously reluctant Zinedine Zidane to the manager’s job at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag is under pressure as his team struggles in his second season in charge.

The newspaper states: “Zinedine Zidane has opened the door to a potential move to Manchester United amid reported interest from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“The three-time Champions League-winning manager has been out of work since 2021 after leaving Real Madrid for the second time, the only club he has coached.

“Zidane has previously suggested that a move to an English club is a non-starter as he is not fluent in English. He told L’Equipe in 2022, a year after leaving Real Madrid: ‘If I go to a club, it’s to win. I say this in all modesty. That’s why I can’t go anywhere.’

“Fast forward 18 months or so to this week and Zidane, filmed for a recent documentary about the life of Italian football legend Marcello Lippi, has confirmed that he will return to management.

“Asked whether he will return to coaching, Zidane replied: ‘Why not? Anything can happen. But at the moment I’m doing something else.’”

Real to sign two Mbappe brothers

Kylian Mbappe will be joined by his teenage brother Ethan at Real Madrid next season.

That’s according to The Sun, who report that with both players out of contract, the older brother has requested the team also sign the 17-year-old.

They write: “The 25-year-old French superstar is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

“Despite technically being free, the World Cup winning forward’s signing will not come cheap.

“Now a fresh update has claimed that Madrid are willing to sign the star’s younger brother Ethan, 17, in order to help finally get their man.

“The midfielder is also currently at PSG but is mainly part of their youth side and has featured for them in the UEFA Youth League.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Spurs to battle Man City for Palace winger Eze – Paper Round

Tottenham face battle for Eze

Tottenham face competition for Eberechi Eze, with Manchester City also keen on the Crystal Palace winger.

However, the Independent suggests that means they will instead turn to Wolves’ forward Pedro Neto.

The outlet writes: ”Tottenham are aiming for a wide forward as their major summer signing, with Wolves’ Pedro Neto and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze currently the two main targets.

“The decision may be made for them, however, as Manchester City are currently seen as the likeliest destination for Eze.

“Ange Postecoglou’s adventurous approach has been largely based on expanding the pitch through pace out wide, which has been a key focus of his transfer business so far.

“Spurs still plan to go bigger on this position in the summer, with Neto and Eze identified as the players who best fit their profile.

“City also want to make a signing in that area, and have been trailing Eze for a long time.”

Barcelona to miss out on Arteta

The Mirror believes that Barcelona will no longer attempt to recruit Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta.

The Catalans are searching for a replacement for Xavi Hernandez, who will be leaving at the end of the season.

“Barcelona have given up hope of prying Mikel Arteta away from Arsenal in time for the Spaniard to succeed Xavi next season,” the paper reports.

“Club legend Xavi surprised everyone associated with the Blaugrana when he confirmed he’d be stepping down from his role as manager, less than 12 months after winning the La Liga title. Since his announcement last month, Barcelona have been linked with several big names, including Gunners boss Arteta.

“Arteta has just 18 months left to run on his current Arsenal deal and some sections of the Emirates faithful are concerned that interest from elsewhere could turn their manager’s head if his contract isn’t extended sooner rather than later.

“With that being said, Arteta did issue an emphatic response when asked about the rumours touting him as Xavi’s successor. He told reporters: “That’s totally fake news.

“Thomas Tuchel and Julian Nagelsmann are two names that have been linked instead.”

Zidane open to United job

The Evening Standard claims that Manchester United could now succeed in appointing a previously reluctant Zinedine Zidane to the manager’s job at Old Trafford.

Erik ten Hag is under pressure as his team struggles in his second season in charge.

The newspaper states: “Zinedine Zidane has opened the door to a potential move to Manchester United amid reported interest from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“The three-time Champions League-winning manager has been out of work since 2021 after leaving Real Madrid for the second time, the only club he has coached.

“Zidane has previously suggested that a move to an English club is a non-starter as he is not fluent in English. He told L’Equipe in 2022, a year after leaving Real Madrid: ‘If I go to a club, it’s to win. I say this in all modesty. That’s why I can’t go anywhere.’

“Fast forward 18 months or so to this week and Zidane, filmed for a recent documentary about the life of Italian football legend Marcello Lippi, has confirmed that he will return to management.

“Asked whether he will return to coaching, Zidane replied: ‘Why not? Anything can happen. But at the moment I’m doing something else.’”

Real to sign two Mbappe brothers

Kylian Mbappe will be joined by his teenage brother Ethan at Real Madrid next season.

That’s according to The Sun, who report that with both players out of contract, the older brother has requested the team also sign the 17-year-old.

They write: “The 25-year-old French superstar is out of contract at Paris Saint-Germain this summer.

“Despite technically being free, the World Cup winning forward’s signing will not come cheap.

“Now a fresh update has claimed that Madrid are willing to sign the star’s younger brother Ethan, 17, in order to help finally get their man.

“The midfielder is also currently at PSG but is mainly part of their youth side and has featured for them in the UEFA Youth League.”

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Pressure mounts on Ten Hag as Rashford relationship breaks down – Paper Round

Ten Hag and Rashford relationship breaks down

The Sun believes that Marcus Rashford and Erik ten Hag are not on speaking terms and some staff at Manchester United think there is no way back.

Ten Hag is under pressure after a home defeat to Fulham at the weekend.

The paper writes: “Erik ten Hag and Marcus Rashford are barely on speaking terms as the pressure mounts on the Manchester United boss.

“Ten Hag was furious with Rashford when he went out partying until the early hours in Belfast last month when he was due in for training later that day.

“But the relationship between manager and player has not repaired despite Ten Hag claiming it had been put behind them.

“Staff are now concerned that the relationship between manager and player has broken down irrevocably as Rashford continues to struggle to find the form that lead him to career best figures of 30 goals last season.”

Barca eye De Zerbi switch

Barcelona want to appoint Roberto De Zerbi as the replacement for current manager Xavi, but with one particular stipulation.

The Mirror claims that the Catalan side do not want to pay Brighton any compensation to appoint their man.

The paper states: “Barcelona will only appoint Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi as their new manager if they can somehow avoid paying his €15million (£12.8m) release clause.

“De Zerbi has emerged as Barca’s No.1 target in their search to find a successor to current boss Xavi, who’ll wave goodbye at the end of this season. But Brighton are desperate to keep the Italian and would be owed a sizeable sum should he depart.

“Described as ‘the chosen one’ in Spain, De Zerbi’s agents – Edmundo Kabchi and Edoardo Cnajr, who also represent Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo – are claimed to have already met sporting director Deco.

“Barca don’t want to pay a penny, as it’d only worsen financial predicament ahead of a summer which could see the La Liga giants forced into more big-money sales. Barcelona’s board admire the Italian and could see him on the touchline next season, both at the Montjuic and soon-to-be newly-renovated Camp Nou.”

Arsenal keen on Ajax youngster

Arsenal hope to sign Jorrel Hato amid interest from other European sides and Ajax’s hopes to sign him to a new deal.

The 17-year-old central defender has been impressing in the Netherlands, and Arsenal are in the market for reinforcements this summer.

The Evening Standard reports: “Ajax are working on tying down teen star Jorrel Hato to a new contract, as they brace themselves for summer interest from Arsenal and other top European clubs.

“The defender will have just one year left on his contract at the end of the season and Ajax want to extend his deal.

“The Dutch club are aware of Arsenal’s interest in Hato, as well as a number of European sides, and want to strengthen their hand ahead of any bids.

“Ajax also want to reward Hato for breaking into the first team and they hope he could be persuaded to stay beyond the summer.”

West Ham fear Paqueta exit

The Daily Mail reports that Lucas Paqueta’s uncertain future is hampering West Ham’s plans for the summer.

The Brazilian is wanted by Manchester City, but a betting probe by the FA could throw that move into doubt.

The paper explains: “West Ham are concerned that the FA’s betting probe into Lucas Paqueta could affect their transfer plans for a second successive summer, with his £85million release clause to become active at the end of the season.

“Paqueta is still subject to an active FA investigation six months after the governing body began making inquiries into suspicious betting patterns surrounding three bookings last year, which led to the collapse of an £80m move to Manchester City that had been agreed by the clubs. A similar FA investigation into bets placed on a single booking received by Arsenal’s Granit Xhaka three years ago took 17 months to conclude without any action being taken.

“City remain interested in signing Paqueta, who has shrugged off the controversy and injury problems to enjoy another excellent season for West Ham, with Pep Guardiola earmarking the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Bernardo Silva.”

‘Not the ones that go on YouTube’ – Arteta delights in Arsenal’s ‘scrappy, effective’ goals

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

‘Three teams in it now’ – Arsenal ‘sniffing’ league title after Newcastle rout, says Ferdinand

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

‘Already have our targets’ – Edu keen to bring more ‘young, energetic’ players to Arsenal

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.