PEP GUARDIOLA has labelled Harry Kane one of the best strikers he has ever seen in his life.
The Manchester City boss revealed that he is extremely happy with Erling Haaland.
However, Pep named Kane an 'exceptional player' ahead of City's huge clash against Tottenham.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are ready to continue their spending spree with a club-record £110m summer move for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen.
Chelsea's new owners believe the Nigeria international could be the final piece in a puzzle having already spent more than £600m.
And the Blues also want to reward Conor Gallagher with a new deal and a pay rise after refusing to let him leave in January, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
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Stay tuned with all the latest transfer news…
- Kiro Evans
Six of the Worst
Manchester United could sell SIX this players this summer as boss Erik ten Hag plots a major clear-out at Old Trafford, according to reports.
The Dutchman has worked wonders on the pitch with United on course to qualify for the Champions League and end their six-year trophy drought.
And the Mirror claim a mass exodus could be on the way as he looks to tighten up his squad.
Harry Maguire, Scott McTominay, Donny van de Beek, Anthony Martial and loanees Eric Bailly and Alex Telles could all be flirting with an exit come the summer.
- Kiro Evans
Toff Luck
Crystal Palace want £15million for striker Jean-Philippe Mateta — a fee that put off Everton in a deadline swoop.
Mateta, 25, is not a regular Eagles starter but they still rate him highly and the Toffees failed when they asked for him only on loan.
Boss Patrick Vieira is already running a small squad — and did not want to lose Mateta without finding a replacement.
Everton had been after Mateta a couple of times in the window and came on strong at the death as their frantic and doomed search for a striker went on.
But ultimately the Toffees became the only Premier League club to fail to make a single signing last month.
- Jack Figg
Good morning football fans
Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson should be heading for the Premier League in the summer — with Wolves and Leicester making him a major target.
The 22-year-old has become one of the best young stoppers around and the top-flight pair will have a go for him in the next transfer window.
While the Black Cats have promotion ambitions of their own this season they could cash in on their home-grown starlet and collect around £10million if they fail to go up.
Wolves chief Julen Lopetegui sees Patterson as the ideal choice to come in and compete with, and eventually take over from, Portuguese international Jose Sa.
Patterson may have to wait for his chance if he goes there and that will be part of the equation as he looks at his best options come the summer.
Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is looking for a new long-term successor to Kasper Schmeichel and Patterson is firmly on his radar.
Everton are chasing a deal for Union Berlin striker Sheraldo Becker, according to reports.Journalist Christian Falk claims that the Toffees and West Ham are interested in the 27-year-old Dutchman, and failed with a late transfer deadline day bid.
It is likely, though, they may move for him in the summer.
“Both West Ham and Everton are interested in Sheraldo Becker. We’ve just had it confirmed that Union received a concrete offer on Monday, though it’s not immediately clear which of the two submitted it.
“Union, however, now have a chance to potentially secure Champions League football next year and they’re still in the cup, so that’s why they were reluctant to sell Sheraldo.
“But in the summer they know they could lose him. He’s got a contract that runs until 2025. I could imagine seeing him switch to the Premier League in the summer.”
Chelsea are reportedly set to seek exemptions to the Premier League spending rules after splashing more than £300MILLION in the January transfer window.
New owner Todd Boehly has wasted no time in getting his chequebook out since arriving at Stamford Bridge, with the American shelling out £600M on 17 PLAYERS since arriving in May last year.
And now, after spending all of that money over the past nine months, The Mail are reporting Chelsea will request exemptions to the Premier League spending rules when they submit their accounts at the end of the season.
They are doing so by arguing they were unable to receive income for three months in 2022 when former owner, Roman Abramovich, was sanctioned by the UK government.
The regulations dictate that a club can lose up to £105m over a three-year period.
Chelsea were in danger of breaching those restrictions for the year ending 2021.
But, like several other clubs, the Blues were given special allowances due to the pandemic.
Now they are hoping to secure similar exemptions once again.
It is not yet clear how the Premier League will respond to Chelsea’s request.
The Glazers could reportedly delay the sale of Manchester United following the on-pitch success of Erik ten Hag, which could see the price of the club rise to over £8billion.
The Red Devils chiefs revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
But United look to be on an upwards trend.
Ten Hag’s Man Utd are in the Carabao Cup final, which they will contest later this month against Newcastle, and they’re well in the race for a top-four finish.
And according to ESPN, due to Ten Hag getting a tune out of the Red Devils, the Glazers could delay the sale of the Old Trafford club.
Some within the ownership group believe that the value of the club could skyrocket if Ten Hag steers his team into a lengthy successful patch.
- Jon Boon
Gallagher deal
Chelsea want to reward Conor Gallagher with a new deal and a pay rise after refusing to let him leave in January.
The England midfielder, who is under contract until 2025, was a big hit on loan at Crystal Palace last season scoring eight goals in 34 Prem appearances.
But boyhood Blues fan Gallagher, who turns 23 on Monday, was already struggling for consistent game time BEFORE Todd Boehly’s British record £110million splash for new boy Enzo Fernandez.
Owner Boehly — who has spent an incredible £606m including loan fees and add-ons since buying the club in May — wants to keep him sweet by handing him a rise to his £50,000-a-week salary.
Newcastle and Everton joined Palace in the queue for Gallagher in the closing days of the window but he was not allowed out.
A clutch of Prem clubs are sure to have another go at the end of the season but the signs from Stamford Bridge are that he is still firmly in their thoughts.
- Jon Boon
Sunderland keeper eyed
Sunderland keeper Anthony Patterson should be heading for the Premier League in the summer — with Wolves and Leicester making him a major target.
The 22-year-old has become one of the best young stoppers around and the top-flight pair will have a go for him in the next transfer window.
While the Black Cats have promotion ambitions of their own this season they could cash in on their home-grown starlet and collect around £10million if they fail to go up.
Wolves chief Julen Lopetegui sees Patterson as the ideal choice to come in and compete with, and eventually take over from, Portuguese international Jose Sa.
Patterson may have to wait for his chance if he goes there and that will be part of the equation as he looks at his best options come the summer.
Foxes boss Brendan Rodgers is looking for a new long-term successor to Kasper Schmeichel and Patterson is firmly on his radar.
- Jon Boon
Greenwood ‘not wanted’
Man Utd stars do not want Mason Greenwood in the dressing room this season — because they fear it will disrupt their progress.
The striker, 21, has been told he no longer faces charges of attempted rape, ABH and coercive and controlling behaviour.
United bosses are still investigating his behaviour after images and audio were posted online by his alleged victim.
While that continues, Greenwood is suspended on £100,000-a-week pay and not eligible to train or play.
He last played in January 2022.
A source said: “The players are open to him returning to the team but the scrutiny could be massively distracting.
“The dressing room is the happiest it has been for ages and no one wants to rock the boat.”
- Jon Boon
Hoddle's Chelsea assesment
Glenn Hoddle believes only one player is a "shoo-in" for Chelsea as he labelled the mega spenders a "mish-mash".
And that stand-out star is NOT one of the seven arrivals in last month's £323million spree.
Hoddle told Premier League Productions the new-look Blues are "not quite there – there’s something missing".
He added: "It’s difficult for Graham Potter to pick his best team. He doesn’t know his best team by any means.
"Even going into the transfer window he was still trying to find his system and balance in all departments.
"I think Thiago Silva is a shoo-in, he’s a must. But everyone else, it’s a mish-mash.
"There’s a lot of work to do. He’s got some lovely material to make a beautiful suit but it’s going to take more time with so many new players."
- Jon Boon
Becker chase
Everton are chasing a deal for Union Berlin striker Sheraldo Becker, according to reports.
Journalist Christian Falk claims that the Toffees and West Ham are interested in the 27-year-old Dutchman, and failed with a late transfer deadline day bid.
It is likely, though, they may move for him in the summer.
“Both West Ham and Everton are interested in Sheraldo Becker. We’ve just had it confirmed that Union received a concrete offer on Monday, though it’s not immediately clear which of the two submitted it.
“Union, however, now have a chance to potentially secure Champions League football next year and they’re still in the cup, so that’s why they were reluctant to sell Sheraldo.
“But in the summer they know they could lose him. He’s got a contract that runs until 2025. I could imagine seeing him switch to the Premier League in the summer.”
- Jon Boon
Asensio talks
The agents of Marco Asensio will jet in to London next week to discuss the possibility of a move to the Premier League, according to reports.
The 27-year-old's future at Real Madrid is in doubt – with his contract expiring in the summer.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is said to be a big admirer of his talents.
According to the Mirror, he is looking for an increase on his £118,000-per-week salary, as well as a four year contract.
- Jon Boon
Points dropped
Newcastle have dropped two points at home – dropping their 10th game of the season.
They got off to a flying start – scoring after just two minutes through Callum Wilson.
However, West Ham clawed themselves level through Lucas Paqueta.
And excellent rear-guard action from the Hammers in the second half saw them hold on for the draw.
- Jon Boon
Guardiola praises Kane
Pep Guardiola has called Harry Kane 'one of the best strikers I have ever seen in my life.'
"We are extremely happy with Erling and, of course, I think Tottenham are extremely happy with Harry Kane," he said ahead of their clash tomorrow.
“What an exceptional player – the numbers and, more than the goals, the quality. That they didn’t win a title (doesn’t mean) he is not a good player. I think he proved that.
“Harry Kane remains one of the best strikers I have ever seen in my life.”
- Jon Boon
Ronaldo's delight
Cristiano Ronaldo has spoken of his delight in getting his first goal for Al Nassr.
The 37-year-old opened his account for the club with a late penalty.
Afterwards on Instagram, he said: “Happy to have scored my first goal in the Saudi league and great effort by whole team to achieve an important draw in a very difficult match!”
- Jon Boon
West Ham are level
The Hammers have recovered from their horror start to equalise against Newcastle United.
And it's Lucas Paqueta with the goal.
That should take the pressure off.
- Jon Boon
Entertainers
Newcastle thought they'd scored inside a minute through Joe Willock.
However, VAR decided the ball was off the pitch, before it was cut back to the former Arsenal man.
But seconds later, Callum Wilson has just put the Toon 1-0 up.
Newcastle are flying. West Ham need to get their act together.
- Jon Boon
Chelsea want exemptions
Chelsea are reportedly set to seek exemptions to the Premier League spending rules after splashing more than £300MILLION in the January transfer window.
New owner Todd Boehly has wasted no time in getting his chequebook out since arriving at Stamford Bridge, with the American shelling out £600M on 17 PLAYERS since arriving in May last year.
And now, after spending all of that money over the past nine months, The Mail are reporting Chelsea will request exemptions to the Premier League spending rules when they submit their accounts at the end of the season.
They are doing so by arguing they were unable to receive income for three months in 2022 when former owner, Roman Abramovich, was sanctioned by the UK government.
The regulations dictate that a club can lose up to £105m over a three-year period.
Chelsea were in danger of breaching those restrictions for the year ending 2021.
But, like several other clubs, the Blues were given special allowances due to the pandemic.
Now they are hoping to secure similar exemptions once again.
It is not yet clear how the Premier League will respond to Chelsea's request.
- Jon Boon
Full-times
Aston Villa 2-4 Leicester
Brentford 3-0 Southampton
Brighton 1-0 Bournemouth
Everton 1-0 Arsenal (FT)
Man United 2-1 Crystal Palace
Wolves 3-0 Liverpool - Jon Boon
Chelsea's 'crazy' dressing room
Reece James admits it's a "crazy" time at Chelsea as he returned from injury to find seven newcomers after a £280million January spree.
James, 23, told Football Daily: "It's a great feeling to be back. I've been out a long time.
"It's been crazy. We've had a lot of signings.
"We haven't been performing to our usual standards, so it's been difficult. We've got a big few weeks ahead."
- Jon Boon
Glazers could delay sale
The Glazers could reportedly delay the sale of Manchester United following the on-pitch success of Erik ten Hag, which could see the price of the club rise to over £8billion.
The Red Devils chiefs revealed in November that they were willing to listen to offers for either a stake in the Premier League giants or an outright purchase.
But United look to be on an upwards trend.
Ten Hag's Man Utd are in the Carabao Cup final, which they will contest later this month against Newcastle, and they're well in the race for a top-four finish.
And according to ESPN, due to Ten Hag getting a tune out of the Red Devils, the Glazers could delay the sale of the Old Trafford club.
Some within the ownership group believe that the value of the club could skyrocket if Ten Hag steers his team into a lengthy successful patch.
- Kiro Evans
Premier League Half-Times
Plenty of goals and eye-catching scores in the Premier League so far.
Leicester's Tete has become the second player today to score on his debut after Craig Dawson, with the Brazilian loanee playing his part in a first-half goal fest at Villa Park.
Aston Villa 2-3 Leicester
Brentford 2-0 Southampton
Brighton 0-0 Bournemouth
Everton 1-0 Arsenal (FT)
Man United 1-0 Crystal Palace
Wolves 2-0 Liverpool - Kiro Evans
More to Come
Morecambe are set to be overtaken by 20-YEAR-OLD businessman Sarbjot Johal, according to reports.
Chairman Graham Howse put the club up for sale in September.
And now the Daily Mail have claimed that the League One side are on the verge of being purchased by entrepreneur Johal.
Heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who lives in Morecambe, was offered the chance to buy the club back in October and already invests in the club.
But the Gypsy King is set to lose out. That's because Howse has confirmed Johal is in the process of becoming the new owner and is eager to get the deal completed.
- Kiro Evans
New Dawn
Craig Dawson has scored on his first Premier League start – and compounded Liverpool's misery.
Jurgen Klopp's side have fallen two goals behind in the opening 12 minutes as the Reds suffer a nightmare start at Molineux.
Joel Matip's own goal gave Wolves the lead before Dawson struck on his debut. What a start.
- Kiro Evans
Debut Central
There are Premier League debuts everywhere you look this afternoon.
Brendan Rodgers have given starts to three new players – Victor Kristiansen, Harry Souttar and Tete – at Aston Villa this afternoon.
Meanwhile Gary O'Neil has given new striker Antoine Semenyo and Sassuolo loanee Hamed Traore their first starts at Brighton.
Craig Dawson comes straight into the team for Wolves against Liverpool, while James Bree starts in defence for Southampton away at Brentford after following his manager Nathan Jones from Luton.
- Kiro Evans
FT – Everton 1-0 Arsenal
It's a big win for Everton at Goodison Park as the form book gets thrown out the window.
The Toffees have won in the league for the first time since October, while Arsenal have lost for the first time in the league since September.
James Tarkowski's goal on the hour mark was enough to hand Sean Dyche a win in his first game in charge and send Everton out of the bottom three.
While Arsenal will be left licking their wounds after producing their most unconvincing performance of the season so far. Follow all the full-time reaction here.
- Kiro Evans
Premier League 3pm Games
Aston Villa v Leicester City
Brentford v Southampton
Brighton v Bournemouth
Manchester United v Crystal Palace
Wolves v Liverpool - Kiro Evans
Goal at Goodison
James Tarkowski has given Everton the lead at Goodison at the hour mark.
He's scored his first goal for the Toffees with a header for a corner as Arsenal are punished for a slack performance.
Big half an hour for the Gunners on Merseyside.
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