Klopp backs Gerrard for Liverpool job, Barcelona ‘tracking’ Chelsea’s Azpilicueta, Tottenham Covid LATEST

ON THE TABLE 

Paul Pogba does have a contract offer from Manchester United on the table, according to his agent Mino Raiola.

It had previously been reported that Manchester United were resigned to letting him leave when his current deal runs out in the summer.

But the Frenchman’s outspoken agent Raiola has told Sport1 that Pogba has ‘many offers’ on the table, including a contract extension from Manchester United.

He reportedly rejected a mammoth new offer from the Red Devils in the summer.

One club that Raiola has ruled out for definite is German giants Bayern Munich.

LUK WHO’S BACK

Romelu Lukaku will play in the Serie A again at some point in his career, his agent Federico Pastorello has confirmed.

The Belgian sealed a sensational big-money transfer back to Chelsea in the summer after winning the Italian title with Inter Milan.

And it appears the forward would be interested in a return to Italy in the future, but for now ‘it’s time for Chelsea to enjoy Romelu’.

Agent Pastorello confirmed to Tuttosport: “One day we will see Lukaku back in Serie A, because he loves Italy. But now it’s time for Chelsea to enjoy Romelu.”

Lukaku has always spoke highly of the Serie A, saying it ‘improved’ him as a player.

BREAKING

Tottenham’s game against Rennes, which was postponed due to a Covid outbreak among the Spurs squad, will NOT be rescheduled.

It is a stunning development which leaves the integrity of the Europa Conference League under question.

Uefa claim they cannot find any amicable middle ground between the two clubs and they need to find another solution.

It has now been referred to Uefa’s control, ethics and disciplinary body.

NEV ON MARTIAL

Gary Neville thinks Manchester United should cash in on £50million Anthony Martial, with Newcastle and a host of European clubs interested in the forward.

Neville said: “I think if they can get good money for him.

“I think that now the time has come. I think Manchester United have always been wary of getting burned, of him leaving for £25m and then going on to become a £100m player because he is a special talent.

“I just don’t think he’ll ever work at Old Trafford to the extent they’ve got Rashford, Greenwood, Ronaldo, Cavani, other players as well.

“I just think now is the time for him to leave and go and play regular football so I think it’s the right time.”

G FORCE

Steven Gerrard has vowed to celebrate if Aston Villa score on his Liverpool return, writes GRAHAM HILL.

Kop boss Jurgen Klopp has backed the Reds legend to one day follow him as manager at Anfield. But today the two go head-to-head in the Prem.

And Villa manager Gerrard admitted: “Let’s try and win the game and score goals. Then you’ll see a really authentic reaction.

“If I’m on the bus heading back down the M6 towards Birmingham and I’m not the most popular at Anfield, so be it.

“First and foremost we have to put ourselves in that position of trying to score goals.

“Then, I’ll be as normal, as human as I’ve always been.”

Gerrard, 41, makes his first return to Anfield as a manager today for his fifth game since taking over from sacked Dean Smith at Villa Park.

RAIOLA RILES PEP TOO

City boss Pep Guardiola will prioritise a new forward at the end of this season after missing out on Tottenham’s England captain Harry Kane last summer, writes MARTIN BLACKBURN.

United are also keen after being told Anthony Martial wants out of Old Trafford in the new year. Haaland — who has a £68million release clause — has scored 22 goals for club and country in just 16 appearances this season.

Both Bayern and Barca appear unlikely to be able to pay the transfer and the sizeable wages which Haaland, 21, would command.

So that leaves City and Real at the front of the queue when he is up for grabs in June, 2022.

Yet Guardiola would not be drawn on Raiola’s comments having made his feelings clear about the agent in the past.

He said: “Move on, next question. Don’t ask me about that because I’m not going to answer.”

U AIN’T BIG ENOUGH

Erling Haaland’s agent told Manchester United: You’re not big enough for my star.

Mino Raiola yesterday dropped a big hint the striker could quit Borussia Dortmund this summer.

But in a massive snub to United, Raiola claimed there were only four “big clubs” he could join — and Ralf Rangnick’s team was NOT on that list.

Raiola said: “There is a great chance Erling will leave this summer. Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester City these are the big clubs he can go to.”

And in another dig at the Red Devils, he added: “City have won the championship five times in recent years, significantly more than United.

“When we moved to Dortmund, we all knew that this step would come.”

GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS

Chelsea are reportedly lining up a swoop for crocked Leicester defender Wesley Fofana as a potential replacement for Antonio Rudiger.

And if the Blues have issues recruiting Fofana, they may turn to Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt to fill Rudiger’s boots.

Meanwhile, Tottenham have had yet another Premier League game postponed just as they were preparing to face Brighton this weekend.

Tottenham’s clash with Brighton has been postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak at the club.

Eight players and five members of staff have tested positive for the virus, therefore the club had a request to postpone the Brighton clash granted.

Spurs aren’t the only side fretting about Covid-19 as Norwich boss Dean Smith has revealed that his side may have also had a brush with the virus ahead of their Man United match.

The Canaries manager revealed that he faced a nervous wait on PCR test results after a couple of players felt ‘unwell’.

However, Liverpool fans can look forward to the return of Steven Gerrard who will lead Aston Villa against his former side.

Despite being on the opposing team, Gerrard revealed that Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has given him some invaluable advice for his managerial career.

Gerrard said: “The best bit of advice I got from him was: ‘Take your own team but do it your way.”

STEVIE GLEE

Steven Gerrard has vowed to celebrate on the touchline if Aston Villa score on his Liverpool return on Saturday.

Kop boss Jurgen Klopp has backed the Reds legend to one day follow him as manager at Anfield.

But on Saturday, the two go head-to-head in a Prem showdown.

And Villa boss Gerrard admitted: “Let’s try and win the game and score goals.

“Then you’ll see a really authentic reaction.”

THRIFTY FEAST

When Man United star Marcus Rashford was a kid, his mum always made sure there was a special dinner on Christmas Day.

But hard-working Melanie often had to go to the food bank for her family’s festive feast.

Growing up, fellow poverty campaigner Tom Kerridge never ate the lavish meals the customers of his Michelin-starred restaurants enjoy.

But at Christmas, his mother Jackie kept it traditional for him and his brother, serving up a Bernard Matthews turkey roast.

Now TV chef Tom, 48, and England ace Marcus, 24, have joined up to make sure every family, no matter their financial circumstances, can enjoy a hearty roast on December 25.

The pair have created a meal that can feed up to six people and costs just £10.

JUR WAY 

Steven Gerrard has revealed that the best bit of advice Jurgen Klopp gave him was to ‘do it your way’.

Ahead of Gerrard’s first trip back to Liverpool as opposition manager, the 41-year-old says he will ‘forever be grateful’ to Klopp for the advice.

Gerrard said: “The best bit of advice I got from him was: ‘Take your own team but do it your way.

“Go and rehearse and practice how you want your team to play, what identity you want to use, go and make your mistakes away from the cameras.

“But you make the decisions, you evolve and you really start from the beginning in terms of your own journey and I’ll give you whatever support you need at any given time.’ “

CL HELL 

Chelsea have an almost one in three chance of drawing Real Madrid in the Champions League round of 16.

The Blues were pipped to top spot in Group H by Juventus after conceding a last-gasp equaliser to draw 3-3 with Zenit in mid-week.

As a runner-up, the Blues will face a group winner in the next phase.

And statistical analysis reveals Thomas Tuchel’s side have a 32.3 per cent chance of getting Real Madrid in Monday’s last 16 draw.

They cannot draw another English club, however, ruling out Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Chelsea also cannot get Juve, having been in the same group.

That leaves only four potential opponents – Madrid, Ajax, Lille and tournament second-favourites Bayern Munich.

However, with Carlo Ancelotti’s Real unable to draw Spanish teams Villarreal or Atletico Madrid – or Inter Milan of their own group – there is a higher probability that they will be the name drawn out of the hat with Chelsea.

JAV’S THE MAN

Javier Mascherano has been unveiled as the new Argentina U20 boss.

The ex-Liverpool and West Ham midfielder will take the reins of the Argentina youth side in January.

It will be the Argentine’s first foray into management since hanging up his boots in 2020.

During his time as an Argentina national, Mascherano won 147 caps and also served as captain.

NOR BLIMEY

Norwich boss Dean Smith has revealed that his side have faced a Covid scare.

The Canaries manager revealed that he faced a nervous wait on PCR test results after a couple of players felt ‘unwell’.

Norwich face Manchester United amid Covid worries.

Tottenham and Leicester have suffered from outbreaks this week, with the former having matches against Rennes and Brighton postponed.

Spurs beat Norwich 3-0 last weekend.

But Smith doesn’t think any potential positive tests within his squad have anything to do with their trip to North London.

POLE POSITION

Georgia Rodriguez appears to be getting into the festive spirit.

The Spanish beauty, 27, shared an Instagram story on board a private jet that hinted she’s heading to the North Pole.

Better still, it appears she’s had an invitation to meet Santa Claus at his workshop, if that’s what she was subtly telling us.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner appeared excited and very warm as she posed for a video on the flight.

Dressed in what appeared to be a fur coat and hat, accompanied with a Chanel handbag, she broke out in smile before the camera panned to a table and showed off a sign that featured scrolls.

It read: ‘Hello, welcome to North Pole.’ Underneath that was written, ‘Santa’s Workshop.’

While the note ended simply, “We’re Open’.

FELIX TRICKS

Man United are interested in signing Joao Felix from Atletico Madrid, according to reports.

The Portuguese arrived at Atletico in a bumper £113million deal from Benfica back in 2019.

He has struggled to make a big impact since, however, and could soon be on the move.

According to AS, Atletico are willing to give up on the 22-year-old, as he doesn’t fit well in Diego Simeone’s system.

And Cadena Ser add that Man United are one of four teams to have enquired about Felix.

Ralf Rangnick is reportedly an admirer of Felix, whose performances at Benfica earned him the prestigious European Golden Boy award in 2019.

If the German is to sign Felix, however, United will have to beat a number of other interested Prem teams.

It’s claimed that Liverpool, Arsenal and Newcastle have also enquired about the forward’s eligibility.

OUTBREAK

Tottenham have had yet another Premier League game postponed just as they were preparing to face Brighton this weekend.

Tottenham’s clash with Brighton has been postponed because of a Covid-19 outbreak at the club.

Eight players and five members of staff have tested positive for the virus, therefore the club had a request to postpone the Brighton clash granted.

“The Premier League Board has taken the decision to postpone the game following guidance from medical advisers, with the health of players and staff the priority,” the Premier League said in a statement.

Spurs also had to postpone their Europa Conference League clash with Rennes.

This is the second game in three weeks Spurs have had to postpone after their game with Burnley was halted before kick-off due to adverse weather.

Conte has since said he is ‘scared’ because of the outbreak, which has caused the club to close the training ground.

It’s likely a date in the new year will be found for both of Tottenham’s games with Brighton and Burnley.

GO WES

Chelsea are reportedly lining up a swoop for crocked Leicester defender Wesley Fofana as a potential replacement for Antonio Rudiger.

The Blues initially showed interest in the Foxes centre-back in the summer before he was sidelined with a fibula injury that will keep him out of action until the New Year.

However, according to Goal, the Champions League holders have reignited their desire to sign the 20-year-old French ace as Rudiger’s Stamford Bridge exit seemingly edges closer.

And if the Blues have issues recruiting Fofana, they may turn to Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt to fill Rudiger’s boots.

Goal also claim that Juve have offered De Ligt to the West London side as they look to cut down their astronomical wage bill.

JOHN ON

Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has been delighted with John Mgin’s contribution since he took over as manager.

But Gerrard has warned any potential bidders to stay away from the 27-year-old who he sees remaining at Villa Park for a long time.

Speaking before he faces old side Liverpool this weekend, Gerrard said: “John’s been outstanding in every way, both on and off the pitch.

“He’s a real infectious character around the place. He’s almost the glue in terms of the squad, pulling people together.

“He’s obviously playing the vice-captain role at the moment but he’s shown fantastic leadership on and off the pitch. His performances have been high level.

“So I can understand some noise around John, I’ll be disappointed if that noise goes away because that will mean he’s not playing at that high level.

“But at the same time, I think it’s clear – certainly from my point of view – that I want to work with John McGinn for a long time.”

DON GO ANYWHERE

Donny van de Beek is set to extend his Manchester United hell as Everton pulled out of a move for the £35million flop.

The Dutch midfielder, 24, had been on the verge of moving to Goodison Park in the summer only for a loan deal to crumble.

Then-United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was unwilling to allow Van de Beek to leave just a year after his mega-money move from Ajax.

But Everton director of football Marcel Brands was still keen to bring the Holland international to Goodison Park in January.

Toffees boss Rafa Benitez was apparently less keen on Van de Beek.

But with Brands leaving Everton with his transfer dealings questioned amid the club’s woeful season, their interest in Van de Beek has ended, according to ESPN.

TAV-ING A LOOK

Manchester City are interested in signing Nuno Tavares from Arsenal, according to reports.

The defender joined the Gunners from Benfica for £8million in the summer.

But if City get their way, his stay at the Emirates could be a short one.

According to ESPN, Pep Guardiola’s side are ‘watching’ Tavares ahead of a potential move.

City are after a new left-back, with Oleksandr Zinchenko linked with a move away and Benjamin Mendy suspended indefinitely.

The Prem champions are unlikely to swoop for Tavares in January.

But a transfer next summer isn’t out of the question.

RAIOLA ON POGBA

Paul Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola insists his client won’t leave Manchester United for a Bundesliga club this summer when his contract expires.

Pogba has been reportedly linked with a host of clubs, such as Juventus, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Raiola told SPORT1: “That is not possible because the German mentality is different. They cannot and do not want to pay these high salaries.

“The only German club that could do that is Bayern Munich. But even they can’t get to Paul’s salary.

“Germans are at the bottom of the international salary pyramid”

COVID BLOW

Tottenham may not be able to play again until December 19 as a COVID-19 outbreak at the club wreaks havoc with their fixtures.

Spurs have already had games against Rennes and Brighton postponed and there remains uncertainty about what will happen beyond the next nine days.

The north Londoners’ next match is away at Leicester on December 16 but doubts remain whether that fixture will be played either.

Players are required to isolate for 10 days after a positive test or from when they started displaying symptoms.

Some of the eight first-teamers who have so far tested positive could be available to play… just.

That means their next most likely match may take place against Liverpool on December 19