Club chief battling to strike deal with Chelsea... but star player has other ideas

BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH want to keep Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen for another season.

By Rhys Turrell

Borussia Monchengladbach want to keep Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen for another season

The Danish defender is in the second season of a two-campaign loan deal with the German side.

He’s impressed at the heart of defence for Gladbach and they’re keen on extending his stay for a third term.

The club’s director of football Max Eberl has admitted: “We will fight for Andreas.”

Andreas Christensen is likely to return to Chelsea

But Eberl is set to run into a brick wall in his attempts to keep the player.

He's already admitted Christensen wants to break into Antonio Conte's first-team.

And that dream could soon come true, with Chelsea said to be planning on using the player in the first-team next season.

Borussia Monchengladbach will fight for Chelsea's Andreas Christensen, according to Max Eberl

The Evening Standard claim veteran duo Branislav Ivanovic and John Terry are unlikely to be offered new contracts when their present deals expire at the end of the season.

That would leave boss Antonio Conte short of defenders and shoot Christensen up the pecking order.

A potential lifeline for Gladbach could be Chelsea having some success in the transfer market.

Conte is said to be after a new centre-back in January, and if he can land more than one, Christensen might not be needed at Stamford Bridge.

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Shock Liverpool deal is on the cards: Jurgen Klopp will be chuffed with this

LIVERPOOL outcast Mamadou Sakho is reportedly a shock target for Serie A giants Inter Milan and AC Milan.

By Alex Wood

Mamadou Sakho could leave Liverpool in January

French news outlet Le 10 Sport  claim the defender is being tracked by the Italian heavyweights.

Jurgen Klopp is desperate to offload the former Paris St-Germain star.

But it's suggested Sakho would prefer a move to Italy rather than a return to France.

The news could be a massive blow to Marseille.

The Ligue 1 outfit were keen to snap up the France international but a move now looks off the table.

Sakho has not played a single minute under Jurgen Klopp this season following a string of problems.

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Jurgen Klopp is keen to offload Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho

The 26-year-old has struggled with injury and disciplinary issues in recent months and incurred Klopp’s wrath after snubbing a loan exit.

West Brom, Stoke and Besiktas were interested in the 26-year-old over the summer - but the maverick centre-back refused to leave Merseyside.

Speaking earlier this month, Mario Balotelli urged Sakho to call time on his Reds career and join him at Nice.

Liverpool star Mamadou Sakho was snapped up from Paris St-Germain

He said: "What a mess that a player like him does not play.

"I played with Mama. He is one of the best defenders I have worked with.

“He should go. If he wants to leave, I think that Nice can be a good thing."

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Arsene Wenger: I will shake Jose Mourinho's hand... I'm not scared to face him

ARSENE WENGER insists he will shake Jose Mourinho's hand on Saturday - and is not worried about facing the Manchester United boss.

By James Walters

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Arsenal travel to United in an already important Premier League clash.

Wenger has a horrible record against his counterpart and has never beaten him in the league.

The Frenchman has won just one of 15 matches against the Special One in all competitions.

And speaking at his press conference ahead of the Old Trafford clash, Wenger revealed he isn't bothered about his history with Mourinho.

"I don’t think I have to describe our relationship," he said.

"I won against every manager in the world in my 20 years, I understand people want to create controversy, but that doesn’t make the game.

Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez will be fit to face Man United

"He fights for his team, I fight for mine.

"You do not play against a manager, you play against a team. That’s the important thing.

"I will shake hands with him."

Wenger may not be worried about facing Mourinho but the Gunners boss says he is concerned about one United star.

When asked about Zlatan Ibrahimovic being absent through suspension, the Frenchman revealed who he's dreading to face.

“Lets not forget that last year, the guy who killed us was Rashford,” he said.

“I watched him last week and he scored and I thought this guy could be dangerous.

“His movement was good and he was strong. He took everyone by surprise."

Wenger also revealed star man Alexis Sanchez faces a late fitness test before the game.

The Gunners talisman picking up a hamstring injury while on international duty with Chile but is expected to be passed fit to play.

However, right-back Hector Bellerin will miss out after being ruled out for a month with an ankle injury.

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This Chelsea star is being treated disgracefully: Antonio Conte should show him respect

STAR names have been frozen out of their clubs left, right and centre so far this season.

By Marc Williams

John Obi Mikel deserves better than his current situation at Chelsea

The Premier League is laden with new mangers and some players just haven't cut the mustard in the eyes of their club's current incumbents.

Bastian Schweinsteiger at Manchester United, Cesc Fabregas at Chelsea, Yaya Toure at Manchester City - all fine players with qualities to offer but not getting a look-in.

Everton's Oumar Niasse, Mamadou Sakho at Liverpool, Arsenal defender Mathieu Debuchy, all cast aside by the respective bosses.

But another player whose Premier League career is burning out to a sorry end and one who does not deserve such a fate is John Obi Mikel.

While some other clubs owe their ailing stars very little, the Blues should be indebted to Mikel's 11 years of Stamford Bridge service.

Mikel would rarely be touted as a Chelsea legend but why not? His contribution to the club should not go understated but as a quiet, go-about-his-business defensive midfielder, he has seldom received the plaudits he should have.

The Nigerian has, however, won everything in the game with the west Londoners, a glittering club career that boasts two Premier League crowns, four FA Cup trophies, two League Cups and both a Champions League and Europa League winners medal.

A player with such a CV would usually be hailed as a legend and given a farewell to match such a status. But, for one reason or another, Mikel is not held in such esteem.

Mikel won a bronze medal with Nigeria at the Brazil Olympics over the summer and returned to the Chelsea squad late and unfit at the start of the new domestic season.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has frozen John Obi Mikel out this season

That sat uneasy with new Blues boss Antonio Conte and the Italian has ignored Mikel ever since.

Conte's decision to shell out £30m on N'Golo Kante in the last transfer window hasn't helped Mikel's cause either.

But with the hectic work load modern clubs must undertake these day, Mikel would have been forgiven for thinking he would have warranted some sort of a run out by this point in the season.

He played a key role in stabilising Chelsea again in Guus Hiddink's interim stint as manager following Jose Mourinho's humiliating departure last December.

He started almost every league game of Hiddink's brief time in charge, helping to swerve his side away from the threat of an unthinkable relegation.

John Obi Mikel in action for Chelsea last season

Now at 29, he should still have plenty left in the tank to offer a top side.

But instead, transfer rumours are mounting that Mikel will be dumped by Conte as soon as the January window opens.

In a recent interview, Mikel revealed that Conte has not held talks with him at all this season over his Chelsea future.

Mikel also claimed that the Blues boss kept him in the dark over what his role would be at the club during the summer.

Mikel should not be treated like this and the fact that his club are allowing it is verging on disgraceful.

He has never been the goalscoring superstar or exciting headline maker of recently departed Chelsea legends such as Frank Lampard or Didier Drogba.

But has still been just as key to Chelsea's successes over the past decade and his career in England should not just flicker out into insignificance before a winter departure.

Modern football is a cut throat business and everyone knows there's no room from deadwood.

But Mikel deserves better and some sort of recognition for the outstanding contribution he has given to one of England's biggest and most successful clubs should be paid.

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Pop sensation recalls the moment Jose Mourinho flattened him at Old Trafford

POP star Olly Murs has recalled the time Jose Mourinho flattened him mid-match.

By Rhys Turrell

The X-Factor singer took part in the charity fundraiser Soccer Aid in 2014.

Murs was playing for an England XI made up of celebrities and former professional footballers while Mourinho was managing the Rest of the World XI opposition.

And the Manchester United manager clearly rated Murs as a dangerous prospect - and took extreme measures to stop him.

Jose Mourinho lunges into a tackle on pop star Olly Murs

Tired of watching Murs tear his team apart, Mourinho raced onto the pitch at Old Trafford and sent the singer tumbling to the ground.

Murs told Match of the Day magazine: “At Soccer Aid Jose said to me, ‘I hear you’re a good player!’

"I was ripping his team apart and he was on the touchline – we got a corner and he said, ‘The next time you get the ball, I’m going to take you out.’

"I just said, ‘Yeah, whatever!’

Olly Murs was flattened by Jose Mourinho at Soccer Aid 2014

"Then the ball comes to me… and the next thing I know I’m on the floor!”

Mourinho's intervention might have made all the difference, as his side claimed a 4-2 win.

Murs also revealed he's got a famous fan.

Real Madrid star Toni Kroos asked him to perform at his wedding - and the pop star duly obliged.

He added: “Toni listens to my music and buys my albums – I sang at his wedding!"

"Ronaldo wasn’t there, but I kept asking what he was like as I want to meet him.

"After performing at the wedding, Toni sent me a signed Real Madrid shirt and invited me to watch them play.

"I told him I’ll go if I can meet Ronny. He said that was okay!”

Manchester United fan favourite admits this could be his last season at Old Trafford

MICHAEL CARRICK admits he could leave Manchester United at the end of the season.

By Marc Williams 

Michael Carrick admits he could leave Man United at the end of the season

Carrick has only started once in the Premier League this term with Jose Mourinho opting for the likes of Ander Herrera, Marouane Fellaini and Paul Pogba in midfield.

The England international, who turned 35 in July, has instead had to settle mainly for run outs in cup competitions.

He did start United's 3-1 win over Swansea last time out and his impressive display could see him retain his place for Saturday's blockbuster clash at home to Arsenal.

But Carrick concedes that at this stage of his career, he may have to accept his future lies elsewhere.

"There's always a chance of that isn't there?" Carrick told Sky Sports.

"It is such a great club with great players, you can't take it for granted and thankfully I'm here this season and playing my part.

"Hopefully I can play more of a part in the months ahead, strive for success and try to get some sort of silverware, because winning trophies is why we are here."

Michael Carrick has sturrgled for minutes under Man United boss Jose Mourinho

Carrick has made almost 300 league appearances for Manchester United since joining from Tottenham 10 years ago.

When asked if he would like to remain at Old Trafford beyond the current campaign, Carrick said: "Yeah, but I'm 35 now and I have to be realistic.

"I'm not going to make predictions about what is going to be happening next season.

Michael Carrick in action for Man United

"We are not even at Christmas yet and I just want to play as many games as I can and see how I'm feeling, how the body is feeling.

"That is the biggest gauge to see if I can still do it, if I feel I can still do it and the manager feels that.

"There is a lot of things to come into the equation, so I'm not going to be making any rash judgements just yet."

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Liverpool are serious about winning the league: Klopp's got a stunning five-man wish list

LIVERPOOL are eyeing West Brom outcast Saido Berahino, according to reports.

By Alex Wood 

West Brom star Saido Berahino is wanted by Liverpool

Spanish media outlet Fichajes claim Jurgen Klopp is keeping tabs on the Baggies striker.

Berahino has drifted out of contention at the Hawthorns after a series of transfer dramas.

The 23-year-old has previously been heavily linked with Tottenham, but a move failed to materialise and Berahino’s form has suffered ever since.

It’s claimed Klopp has another four options on his shortlist.

Inaki Williams, Alexandre Lacazette, Mauro Icardi and Luan Vieira have all been touted as possible January arrivals.

Lyon star Lacazette was being tracked by Arsenal over the summer.

Liverpool target Alexandre Lacazette was wanted by Arsenal

But the Gunners baulked at the Ligue 1 outfit’s ever increasing asking price.

Athletic Bilbao star Williams, 22, is highly rated by the Basque outfit and is regarded as a star for the future.

He made his debut for Spain earlier this year against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Inter Milan ace Mauro Icardi is wanted by Liverpool

Luan Vieira is currently plying his trade at Brazilian outfit Gremio.

The 23-year-old has represented Brazil on 11 occasions and is well known to Reds stars Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino.

Inter Milan ace Icardi is a controversial figure in Milan following the release of his autobiography.

He infuriated fans and could be on the move in January after claiming he had become an "idol" in the dressing room by standing up to the club's Ultras.

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Barcelona star's agent speaks out amid Manchester United transfer interest

By Jeremy Cross, Chief Sports Writer 

Barcelona star Ivan Rakitic has snubbed a transfer move to Manchester United

The Croatian international is a target of United boss Jose Mourinho as he looks to add more firepower to his squad.

Mourinho has pinpointed Rakitic as someone he is desperate to sign ahead of next season and values him in the £35m bracket.

Rakitic joined the Spanish giants from Sevilla in 2014 and has gone on to become one of the best midfielders in European football.

The Catalan outfit are believed to be keen to extend the midfielder's contract instead and insist he is not for sale.

Ivan Rakitic is happy at Barcelona and has rejected Man United's transfer approach

Rakitic's agent Arturo Canales insists his client loves life in Spain and has no intention of leaving the Nou Camp.

He said: "Ivan is very happy at FC Barcelona, where he has been tremendously successful and has a contract with the club until 2019."

Rakitic has made nine La Liga appearances this season and has scored twice.

Mourinho reckons Rakitic could be a long-term replacement for Manchester United veteran Michael Carrick.

 

            

   

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho wants to sign Barcelona midfielder Ivan Rakitic

Carrick has struggled for game time this season and is desperate to be recalled when Arsenalvisit Old Trafford this weekend.

The former England star, 35, reckons he can still be successful at United but has refused to rule out leaving them at the end of this season.

He said: "You never know. This is such a great club with great players that you can't take it for granted.

"I'm here again this season and want to play my part. Hopefully I can play more of a part in the months ahead and strive for success, get some silverware and try to win some more trophies.

"I'm 35 now and I've got to be realistic. I'm not going to make predictions about what's going to be happening next season.

"We are not even at Christmas yet. I just want to play as many games as I can and then see how the body is feeling. That's the biggest gauge, if you like.

"If I feel that I can still do it (at this level) and the manager thinks I can still do it then there are a lot of things to come into the equation, so I'm not going to be making any rash judgements just yet."

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp being lined up by Barcelona - stunning reports in Spain

JURGEN KLOPP is on Barcelona's radar to replace Luis Enrique, according to stunning in reports in Spain.

By Colin Harvey

    Barcelona are said to be looking at Jurgen Klopp

Spanish outlet Don Balon say the Liverpool manager is on a three-man shortlist should their current boss walk away at the end of the season.

Enrique is contracted at the Nou Camp until June 30 but his future is thought to be up in the air.

    Ronald Koeman is also on Barcelona's three-man shortlist

Should he decide to go Barca are already working on contingency plans.

Klopp shot to fame at Borussia Dortmund and has maintained his reputation at Liverpool as he continues to turn them into genuine title contenders.

The Kop sit at the top of the Premier League after 11 games played and the red half of Merseyside is dreaming about ending their 27-year wait for the title.

     Luis Enrique could leave Barcelona in the summer

The other two names on Barcelona's shortlist are Everton boss Ronald Koeman and Klopp's replacement at Dortmund Thomas Tuchel.

Don Balon add Barcelona are keen to keep hold of Enrique but if things turn sour before the end of the season he could walk away.

Koeman has plenty of goodwill at the Nou Camp after his 192 La Liga appearances for he Spanish giants.

But Klopp leads the way in terms of achievements and his personal trophy cabinet in the management game.
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Winger reveals Alberto Moreno wants him to join Liverpool: Let’s see what happens

ALBERTO MORENO is apparently keen on a reunion with Sevilla star Vitolo at Liverpool.

By Jamie Styles

Sevilla star Vitolo has scored three goals in four games for Spain

Vitolo has been in stunning form for Spain, scoring three goals in four games for his country.

He is set to start when Julen Lopetegui’s side face England at Wembley tonight.

And the 27-year-old could soon be playing his football on these shores on a permanent basis - if Moreno has his way, that is.

The pair won the Europa League together with Sevilla before Moreno joined the Reds in 2014.

And, speaking to the Daily Mail, Vitolo has revealed how his old mate has been trying to convince him to make the move to Merseyside.

Liverpool star Alberto Moreno wants Vitolo to join him at Anfield

“He [Moreno] tells me it would really suit me,” said the winger.

“Liverpool is a great club with a lot of history.

“One day I would like to try a league like the Premier League. Let's see what happens.

“When I was a kid on the Canary Islands, we followed the fortunes of Manchester United and Liverpool.

“There are a lot of great teams in England.”

            

   

Vitolo has made 18 appearances for Sevilla this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists in the process.

He is tied to the Spanish outfit until the summer of 2020.

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Joe Hart: This is how I've adapted my game since the summer

JOE HART says he will be keeping calm against Spain tonight - literally.

By David Woods, Chief Football Writer

Joe Hart has opened up about his career

For the England star confessed yesterday he had been guilty of getting far too pumped up in the past playing for his country.

Hart’s mental state was called into question at Euro 2016 when some of his pre-match tunnel rants in France were captured on camera.

Hart’s histrionics did not help him on the pitch, with the keeper being at fault for crucial goals against Russia, Wales and, most critically, Iceland’s winner as they dumped England out in embarrassing fashion.

One of interim boss Gareth Southgate’s first jobs in charge was to take Hart aside and tell him to cool it.

Coinciding with a loan move to Torino - after Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola bombed him out - the 29-year-old now seems to have succeeded in slowing down his ‘Hart beat’.

Joe Hart has been rebuilding his career at Torino

Joe Hart says he's spoken to Gareth Southgate about his form

“I’m always trying to learn and adapt,” said Hart, who put in a superb display for England in the goalless draw in Slovenia last month and is yet to concede a goal in four World Cup qualifying games this season.

“Obviously the Euros weren’t my finest hour.

“I needed to have a think and pick apart how I played and what I did, and maybe change a few things after speaking to the people who count.

“Gareth and I spoke about it. I’ve got a lot of energy, a lot of passion. Questionably it could have been too much.

“There’s nothing wrong with being positive - and being passionate and proud of your country is definitely a positive.

“But there’s different way of channeling it. I’ve looked into that, and hopefully it will help.

“I’m constantly changing and evolving, trying to be the best I can be. Learning from things that didn’t go too well is definitely a way of doing that.

“I’ve got a core of people around me. Everyone does it as you get older. You’ve got people you trust, people you listen to. I’m really grateful to the people that I’ve got.

“I’ve always said I might be wrong or I might be right to trust in these people, but I do.”

VAUXHALLWith Guardiola letting the England No.1 know he wasn’t in his plans, due to a supposed inability to play the sweeper-keeper role to his liking, Hart took the bold option of moving to Turin.

He has embraced life in Italy, and helped Torino to seventh in Serie A.

In turn, the club’s fans have taken to Hart - as was shown on Friday in the 3-0 win over Scotland when some even turned up at Wenbley to support him.

“That was a nice touch,” he said. “They came down behind the goal and saw me. I wasn’t looking for it, and I was really focused but then started to hear them.

“It was a nice feeling. It’s a special effort. I applaud anyone who comes to a football game, given the finances – it’s not an easy thing to do.

“Especially to travel across and it’s not even to see your own country.”

He’s also trying to learn the lingo adding: “I’ve got a teacher. It doesn’t come naturally to me, but it’s something I’m trying to do.

“First and foremost, though, I want to be playing football and doing well on the football field because, ultimately, that does the talking for you.

“Ideally I wanted to stay where I was, but that wasn’t a possibility, so I wanted to go abroad and try something new.

“I look around and see in all our top teams in England, they’ve got players from everywhere, from absolutely all over. Look in any league, there’s players from all over.

“So I thought ‘why not me, why can’t I be that guy in the dressing room?’ and I’ve enjoyed it. I’m two months in, the honeymoon period if you like.

“Maybe it will be easier to reflect and give advice after a full season. But if anyone wanted to talk to me about it, I wouldn’t give any negative feedback.”

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Liverpool Transfer News: Sturridge exit, £34m striker link, Celtic join defender battle

STARSPORT brings you the latest transfer news and gossip from Anfield.

By Jamie Styles 

Liverpool star Daniel Sturridge is ready to quit Anfield

Daniel Sturridge is reportedly ready to quit Liverpool.

The 27-year-old has fallen down Jurgen Klopp’s pecking order this season.

And, according to the Mirror, he has accepted his future lies away from Anfield.

They claim West Ham and Stoke are ready to battle it out for the £28m-rated striker’s signature when the transfer window reopens in January.

Meanwhile the Reds are reportedly weighing up a move for Torino striker Andrea Belotti.

Belotti has made a fine start to the season, scoring eight goals in 10 top-flight appearances.

And, according to Il Messagero, his performances have caught the eye of Klopp.

Torino striker Andrea Belotti would cost Liverpool more than £34m

Liverpool are said to have joined Arsenal and German giants Borussia Dortmund in monitoring the 22-year-old.

Belotti still has three-and-a-half years left to run on his contract in Turin and it would reportedly take “well beyond” £34m to bring him to Anfield.

Celtic have reportedly joined the race to sign Charlton starlet Ezri Konsa.

According to the Mirror, Konsa is already being eyed by a host of Premier League clubs, including Liverpool.

Celtic have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race to sign Charlton starlet Ezri Konsa

Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are said to have also watched the 19-year-old in action this season.

But this has not deterred Brendan Rodgers, who apparently believes he can tempt Konsa north of the border.

 

            

   

The Bhoys boss had reportedly hoped to run the rule over the centre-back in Charlton’s League One clash with Swindon on Saturday.

However it turned out to be a wasted trip as Konsa was an unused substitute in a 3-0 defeat at the County Ground.

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