CRISTIANO RONALDO may be set for a return to Real Madrid – and reports suggest he could eventually leave Juventus for FREE.
We've got all the latest on Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang after the Arsenal forward missed the North London derby win, while Ryan Giggs is set to be involved in Wales' World Cup prep.
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Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
- Anthony Chapman
AUBA AND OUT
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was the 'first Arsenal star to leave' after being dropped for yesterday's 2-1 victory over Tottenham.
The Athletic claim that Aubameyang left just 23 minutes after the final whistle, not taking part in the post-match warm-down with his fellow unused substitutes.
As Mikel Arteta was doing his post-match interview, Aubameyang's Ferrari could reportedly already be heard leaving the ground.
It's also been claimed that the reason for the 31-year-old's axe was lateness, therefore 'breaking team protocol'.
The striker was reportedly seen stuck in traffic in his holographic chrome-wrapped Ferrari around Muswell Hill before the match.
Aubameyang, 31, was an unused substitute against Tottenham - Anthony Chapman
WALES RETURN
Ryan Giggs will be involved in Wales' preparations for the 2022 World Cup qualifiers this month.
Caretaker boss Robert Page confirmed the Manchester United legend will have his say despite his continued absence following his arrest on November 1 of assaulting his on-off girlfriend.
When asked if Giggs had been involved in selecting the squad, Page said: "Absolutely, of course, like he does every other camp.
"All the staff will have an input so we will all gather and have conversations about the squad and about the opposition and the analysis, things will be no different with regards to that.
"Yes I am here as the front man at the minute, but it will be no different to what it was in November he will have an input and rightly so."
Ryan Giggs is currently on special leave - Jake Lambourne
COR BLIMEY
Premier League Covid testers recorded just two positive tests again – for the SIXTH successive week.
Testers found one positive sample among 1,473 players and club staff between Monday and Thursday last week.
There was a further solitary positive result from the second round of 1,191 tests between Friday and Sunday.
The latest futures are further proof of the success of the enhanced protocols introduced after the start of the New Year have seen a total of just 27 positive tests across the 20 top flight clubs since 18.
That is compared to 110 positives in the previous five weeks either side of Christmas.
The last completely clear round of testing, though, was in the final week of last season in July.
- Jake Lambourne
THERE YOU HAZ IT
Eden Hazard will miss Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Atalanta after picking up yet another injury.
The Spanish champions welcome the Italian minnows to the Bernabeu on Tuesday night for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie.
But they'll be without the services of Hazard for the visit of La Dea as the Belgian has suffered an injury to his psoas muscle which effects the lifting of the upper leg.
Hazard, 30, was absent from the open portion of Real's latest training session on Monday afternoon, sparking fears he'd suffered yet another setback.
Real confirmed his injury a few hours later, with reports claiming he could be sidelined for up to six weeks.
- Jake Lambourne
HUMBLE DE-PAY
Memphis Depay would have been forgiven for thinking his performance in Lyon's 1-1 draw with Reims was the reason he was trending this weekend.
The Dutchman provided a stunning cross for Tino Kadewere to rescue a point in stoppage time for Rudi Garcia's side on Friday.
Depay is now leading Ligue 1's assist charts this season with nine and is up for February's Player of the Month award.
But anyone using his full name on Twitter when discussing him on Sunday found that the social media platform were banning their accounts.
Depay's surname instantly started trending as users became aware of the bug for the word 'memphis', specifically without the capital letter.
A peculiar challenge emerged where people attempted to trick accounts into getting them suspended by asking what the star's first name was.
Twitter eventually corrected the problem and restored users accounts for what they claimed was violating people's private information.
- Jake Lambourne
CRIST'S SECOND COMING
Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Real Madrid is possible and he reportedly could even leave Juventus for FREE.
Spanish outlet AS reports Ronaldo, 36, could walk away from the Old Lady for nothing with the cash-strapped Serie A champs struggling to make ends meet.
The report states Ronaldo is raking in more than £68.5million in gross annual earnings, which is too heavy a hit for the Italian side amid the pandemic.
A combination of having lost over £97m in the first six months of the season and crashing out to Porto in the Champions League last 16, has firmly put the brakes on spending in Turin.
This could mean Ronaldo – who arrived at Juventus in 2018 for £88m -is allowed to depart without a transfer fee when his contract expires in 2022.
Italian reports suggested a fee of just £25m would be enough to seal the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's Bernabeu return.
- Jake Lambourne
WILL POWER
Joe Willock is open to extending his loan at Newcastle from Arsenal into next season.
While relegation would surely scupper those plans, the midfielder is loving life on Tyneside after the “scary” move north.
The England U21 ace made the perfect start, scoring on his debut in the home win over Southampton last month.
And Willock, 21, said: “I love playing for Newcastle.
“When I first came here, I was a bit apprehensive of how I would take to it because I’d never left Arsenal.
“I’d been at Arsenal since I was four and a half, so coming to a new club, coming up north to Newcastle was a bit scary.
- Jake Lambourne
MOR OF THAT
Man Utd and Chelsea are both battling for Ilaix Moriba after missing out on the Barcelona wonderkid in 2019, reports say.
Moriba is the latest youngster to burst into Ronald Koeman’s team this season.
The 18-year-old has made six appearances in all competitions and scored his first-ever goal in their 2-0 win against Osasuna earlier this month.
But Moriba came close to joining Pep Guardiola at Man City two years ago when doubts emerged over a new Barca deal.
He ended up staying at the Nou Camp, but according to Sport, Chelsea and United are still tracking the midfielder.
So too are Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, with clubs said to have asked ex-Barca club director Eric Abidal to take Moriba on loan in the past.
Chelsea and Manchester United are both battling for Ilaix Moriba, reports say - Jake Lambourne
IN LUK
Luka Modric has reportedly agreed a contract extension at Real Madrid with his deal to expire in the summer.
Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: "The extension of Luka Modric’s contract with Real Madrid is done and it’s not in question.
"The agreement has been in place since January for one more year of contract.
"It's just a matter of time for the official announcement. Modric is definitely staying."
- Jake Lambourne
MESS NOT SPEAK
PSG have BANNED their players talking about Lionel Messi after Leandro Paredes let slip the club's transfer plans.
The Barcelona great's Nou Camp contract expires in the summer meaning he is set to become a free agent.
Paredes confirmed his club ARE pursuing his Argentine compatriot Messi just days after dumping him out of the Champions League.
But his comments did not go down well with the Ligue 1 champs – who have now implemented a clampdown on Messi chat.
Paredes told Le Journal Du Dimanche: "They have asked me not to talk about it anymore.
"People didn't like my position on what I was saying. Some people saw it as disrespectful. This was not the case for me.
"It's up to Messi to decide calmly at the end of the season what he wants to do with his future."
- Jake Lambourne
SMALL TIME
Lyon star Houssem Aouar 'lacks motivation' for 'smaller matches', according to the club's former boss Alain Perrin.
Aouar, who has been linked with Arsenal, was hooked at half-time of Friday night's 1-1 draw with Reims.
Perrin told L'Equipe: "Aouar, I do not say that he chooses his matches because it is not that, but it may be hard for him to get motivated for smaller matches."
The 22-year-old's performances remind Perrin of mercurial talents Dmitri Payet and Hatem Ben Arfa.
He continued: "He has talent, it is not a question of abilities but rather of state of mind.
"It is not easy, I experienced that with Dimitri at St-Etienne and Hatem at Lyon. They are often there in the big games."
- Jake Lambourne
SON OF A GUN
Mason Greenwood has been recalled to the England Under-21s for their upcoming Euros at the end of this month.
He is joined in the squad by Emile Smith Rowe of Arsenal, PSV’s Noni Madueke and Cheltenham loan goalkeeper Josh Griffiths – all of whom have received their first call-ups.
There is no place for Borussia Dortmund’s Jude Bellingham, though it remains to be seen whether that is due to travel restrictions in Germany or because Southgate wants him in his senior squad.
Due to Covid condensing the club seasons, the group stage of this year’s Euros has been brought forward to the end of March.
England face Switzerland in Koper on March 25, Portugal on March 28 in Llubljana and Croatia back in Koper on March 31.
Should they progress, they will compete in the knockout stages, which take place between May 31 to June 6.
- Jake Lambourne
WHITE NOISE
Harry Maguire has reportedly requested Man Utd to sign Brighton defender Ben White in the summer.
According to the Transfer Window Podcast, Maguire has urged the Red Devils to bring in an English-speaking centre-back.
The news outlet also states that the ex-Leicester ace is keen for the club to bring in a defender with Premier League experience.
White is said to be one of the player's Maguire is keen for United to sign.
It is understood that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made signing a new centre-half as a priority at the end of the season.
- Jake Lambourne
AUDI MANAGE THAT
Bayern Munich’s Kingsley Coman is set to be slapped with a £43,000 fine for driving the wrong car to training.
The 24-year-old cheekily rocked up to Bayern’s training base in his Mercedes AMG rather than the company car laid on by club sponsors Audi.
Coman – who has been linked with Manchester United – was snapped being held at the gates by security and was forced to park his personal white SUV on the street.
Bild reports that Bayern stars are obliged to arrive for business appointments, including training, in the Audi provided to them.
Only cars made by shareholder Audi and the VW group are permitted and a fine of £43,000 is the punishment for those that violate the rule.
Audi own 8.33 per cent in the club and their sponsorship is worth around £42.8million a year with their contract running until 2029.
- Jake Lambourne
FINE BY ME
Arsenal are 'set to fine' Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for 'turning up late' for yesterday's clash with Tottenham.
The Gunners' skipper had been set to start against Spurs, having scored nine goals in his last 12 games.
But following a disciplinary breach, boss Mikel Arteta made the bold call to drop his captain and star striker.
And according to the Mail, Aubameyang could now face a hefty fine for his actions.
The 31-year-old was included on the bench for the match, after allegedly being late to the game.
But he didn't see any action, as Arteta instead turned to Nicolas Pepe, Willian and Mohamed Elneny when shuffling his pack.
- Jake Lambourne
KEANE FOR HIM
Former Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder is the favourite to become Celtic's new manager.
Lasbrokes have placed the ex-Blades gaffer as the 6/5 favourite, with caretaker boss John Kennedy 11/4.
Roy Keane is third favourite, with the Irishman looking to return to the club where he finished his career in 2006 after helping them win the league and cup in 2006.
Jessica O'Reilly of Ladbrokes said: "Money talks, and we've been forced to cut Keane's odds over the weekend, but Wilder and [Eddie] Howe are all also proving popular with punters."
Man City youth boss Enzo Maresca is 9/1, followed by Eddie Howe at 10/1. with Paul Lambert 14/1.
- Jake Lambourne
FOUR-GONE CONCLUSION
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer could sell four Manchester United stars including Juan Mata and Jesse Lingard to raise funds for a transfer splurge, according to reports.
It is thought the Red Devils boss will only be given an £80million warchest this summer.
He was handed around £75m last season to bring in Donny van de Beek, Alex Telles, Facundo Pellistri and Amad Diallo – plus Edinson Cavani on a free.
And according to the Metro, he hopes to raise a further £60m this time around through player sales.
That could see Mata, Lingard, Phil Jones and Diogo Dalot leave Old Trafford.
- Jake Lambourne
MESSI AFFAIR
Lionel Messi frustrations boiled over once again – this time at Barcelona fans filming him leaving training.
The club captain was greeted with a barrage of supporters and their cameras as he drove home.
And after encountering the same situation time and time again, he finally lost his cool.
A video shows Messi, in his training kit, wind down the window and confront the gathered mob of fans hoping to get a glimpse of their hero.
Messi said: "Why do you keep filming the same video if you have already done this many times? They've already made a lot of videos. You can't spend all day here.
"Do you think it's normal doing the same every time? Stop."
Lionel Messi snapped at fans filming him leaving training - Jake Lambourne
GINI’S OUT
Barcelona believe they have all but secured the signing of Liverpool star Georginio Wijnaldum with the deal reportedly ’95 per cent done’.
Wijnaldum has been one of the stars of Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield revolution but looks certain to depart on a free transfer this summer.
The 30-year-old’s contract expires in June and Liverpool chiefs have not been able to agree new terms with the Holland international.
Wijnaldum claimed this week he would be upset to leave Liverpool but it seems inevitable he will move on this summer.
Speaking this week, the midfielder said: “It’s not as easy as everyone thinks it is to make some decisions about your future.
“You have to think about everything and then first negotiate with the clubs and it’s so difficult and it’s why it takes so long.”
- Jake Lambourne
SEEING RED
Man Utd star Harry Maguire was heard shouting expletives at Aaron Wan-Bissaka during last night's win over West Ham.
The Red Devils right-back received both barrels from his captain following a misplaced pass.
Maguire, 28, yelled: "F****** tidy up, stop giving the f****** ball away!"
The centre-back's leadership appeared to pay dividends, as his side kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 triumph.
- Jake Lambourne
EVAN N'EARTH
Arsenal have 'held talks' with Eintracht Frankfurt defender Evan N'Dicka's representatives, according to reports.
Boss Mikel Arteta is eager to continue reshaping the club's defence ahead of next season.
According to the Express, N'Dicka could kickstart the process.
The 21-year-old is reportedly valued at £19million by Frankfurt, having impressed at the back under Adi Hutter.
N'Dicka has become a mainstay on the left of Hutter's back-three, making 17 appearances this season.
And the imposing 6ft 4in centre-back has also broken into France's impressive Under-21 set-up.
Evan N'Dicka has made 17 appearances for Eintracht Frankfurt this season
- Jake Lambourne
'VIOLENT ROBBERY'
Angel Di Maria's family were the victims of a 'violent robbery' during Paris Saint-Germain's defeat to Nantes, according to reports.
The former Man Utd flop was substituted in the 62nd minute and was escorted down the tunnel by boss Mauricio Pochettino.
PSG's sporting director Leonardo was spotted by TV cameras making contact with Pochettino just moments before the substitution.
The ex-Spurs boss then informed Di Maria of the concerning situation and he immediately left the stadium in tears.
Initial information coming out of France claims members of family were present at his home during the robbery with reports they were held hostage.
French outlet RMC report that the incident had turned "extremely violent". Marca later confirmed the family were unharmed but were held hostage.
Di Maria is married to Jorgelina and the couple have two young children.
- Jake Lambourne
HIGH FIVE
Paul Pogba could be one of five Manchester United stars to return for Thursday's crunch Europa League clash with AC Milan.
The Frenchman, 27, hasn't featured since picking up a thigh injury in the 3-3 draw with Everton on February 6.
United head to the San Siro on Thursday needing to score after Simon Kjær salvaged a last-gasp equaliser for the Italian giants at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer said: "Injury-wise I hope we have four or five players back for that game [against Milan].
"Very likely Edinson [Cavani] and Anthony [Martial] are fit, Donny [Van de beek] as well.
"Paul might make the trip and David[De Gea] is back from isolation, that's more numbers, today we had two goalkeepers on the bench so we need them back."
- Jake Lambourne
LAMBO PROBE
EXCLUSIVE – Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi is caught up in a fraud probe over a crash in his Lamborghini.
The England and Chelsea winger’s £215,000 supercar was in collision with a ten-year-old Renault driven by a junior doctor. Callum, 20, and two others began filming the medic while asking him to admit liability.
The 29-year-old refused, claiming his car had been hit from behind by the £100,000-a-week player driving the Lamborghini Urus. Callum did not produce documents and is not under investigation after the crash in Wandsworth, South West London, in August.
His lawyers said a “third party”, believed to be his soccer player brother Bradley, 32, submitted the papers. The doctor said: “There was a big jolt when his car hit me.
“I recognised Callum the moment he jumped out of his car. He was wearing his full Chelsea kit and was angry. They started videoing me but I wouldn’t admit it was my fault.
“I waited for his brother to turn up. They mocked me for driving an old car. My insurance company received documentation for a Ferrari and then a Mercedes. I want police to investigate.”
Callum Hudson-Odoi is caught up in a fraud probe over a crash in his Lamborghini The England and Chelsea wingerâs £215,000 supercar was in collision with a ten-year-old Renault driven by a junior doctor - Jake Lambourne
KING LAINGY
Neil Warnock hopes Nathaniel Mendez-Laing can be Middlesbrough’s promotion wildcard – even without a promise of a contract extension.
The winger, 28, came off the bench to grab his first goal for the club to add to Grant Hall and Paddy McNair’s earlier strikes against Stoke.
Warnock said: “He can win games. That’s what you need at this level. We haven’t had enough goals this season and that’s why we are where we are really.
“I thought it was a team performance to create the goal and Mendez can score at any level.
“I can show you his two goals at Old Trafford on the final day of the Premier League and he terrorised the full-back that day.
“He has plenty of potential but he’s been out a while. I don’t want him to try too hard.
“He’s just got to do what he’s doing, things like now, training after the game and get some mileage in and hopefully he’ll get some starts in before the end of the season.”
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