Transfer news LIVE: Spurs line up £70m Osimhen bid, Chelsea handed Rice BOOST, Mbappe ‘AGREES huge Real Madrid deal’

Out of my Sands

Philippe Sandler has no regrets about Manchester City and puts his lack of success at the club down to bad luck.

Sandler, 24, signed for The Citizens in 2018 but never made a single appearance under Pep Guardiola.

He was on loan at French club Troyes this season but that was cut short and his City contract was cancelled to allow Sandler to sign for Feyenoord.

And the defender is glad to be back in his native Netherlands, though he does not think he made a bad decision by signing for City.

Sandler told Dutch outlet NOS: “I just had bad luck.

“With hindsight, you can say that it was not the right choice, but it could just as well have been very different.

“I’m at Feyenoord now, one of the biggest clubs in the Netherlands. I’m not that bad off.

“For me, it feels like coming home. You’re close to your family again, which is something I miss abroad.”

Rice picks Ron

Declan Rice picked Cristiano Ronaldo over Lionel Messi when asked who he prefers out of the pair by Gary Neville.

Ronaldo got Rice’s vote as the West Ham star claims the Portuguese attacker always produces the goods in big games.

Rice said to Neville on Sky Sport’s Overlap: “[I’m] Going to have to say Ronaldo – 100 per cent Ronaldo.

“The penalties he’s scored in big moments, Champions League finals, tournaments. I’d 100 per cent put my money on CR7 for the big occasions.”

Alli transfer rumours

Frank Lampard’s appointment at Everton caused Dele Alli to ‘break a deal’ with Turkish club Adana Demirspor to join them on loan.

Turkish newspaper Milliyet report that a loan deal was agreed for Alli to join them, with his brother even jetting to Turkey for discussions.

But everything changed after Lampard’s appointment, and his pursuit of Alli caused the switch to Turkey to collapse.

Club president Murat Sancak was quoted as saying: “We made a deal with Tottenham for Dele Alli. They were going to give us a loan.

“Even his brother came to Turkey. The transfer was almost complete.

“At that time, when Lampard went to Everton, he broke our deal.”

No time for Toon

Steve Bruce claims Newcastle is in his past and he’s firmly focused on taking West Brom forward.

Bruce said: “Newcastle’s gone.

“It was another chapter of my football life.

“I want them to do well under Eddie (Howe), I want them to succeed.

“It was a difficult time for me but maybe in a few years people will think finishing 12th and 13th wasn’t so bad after all.

“That chapter has left me and I want to look forward now.

“I want to look forward to taking West Brom forward and I’m very, very confident I can do that.”

Tamm to go

Tammy Abraham is reportedly eyeing a Premier League return despite being a revelation in Serie A this season.

Abraham left Chelsea for Roma in a £30m deal in the summer, with the Blues cleverly including a buyback clause into the deal.

That is claimed to be around £68million, double his transfer fee, which becomes active in 2023.

And Corriere dello Sport claim Abraham wants to ‘go home one day’ in a bid to conquer the Premier League.

Chelsea fans troll Lukaku

Romelu Lukaku was mercilessly trolled after modelling Chelsea’s new pre-match kit which looks strikingly similar to his former club Inter Milan’s colours.

The Belgian landed himself in hot water last December after claiming he would ‘100 per cent still be at Inter’ if they’d offered him a new contract.

But with the release of Chelsea’s new pre-match kit, fans are hoping the Inter Milan-inspired kit helps Lukaku feel at home and get him back among the goals again.

A Twitter user joked: “Chelsea have actually released an Inter Milan themed kit to keep Lukaku happy.”

Another quipped: “Chelsea’s new pre-match kit looks very INTEResting.

“Look at the smile on Lukaku’s face.”

Chelsea chief Marina treats Tuchel

Chelsea chief Marina Granovskaia treated Thomas Tuchel and staff to a nice dinner and magic show ahead of their FA Cup clash against Plymouth Argyle.

Granovskaia and Tuchel were all smiles as they posed alongside Chelsea’s resident magician Redfearn.

In the picture, Tuchel can be seen holding a card as if he had taken part in one of Redfearn’s mesmerising tricks.

Redfearn posted the picture on Instagram, writing: “What an honour!

“Performed magic last night to the total gentleman Thomas Tuchel, Marina Granovskaia and the Chelsea backroom staff. #magician”

Conte’s Spurs transfer fury

Antonio Conte revealed he was surprised by Tottenham’s departures in the transfer window.

Conte said: “For sure, it was strange. It was strange to send on loan, and sell one player, in the January transfer window.

“It was strange because it means something went wrong in the past.

“It was strange, I repeat in January to send four on loan, and sell one player. It means maybe in the past, you have to see what you did. And maybe to understand that there were some mistakes in the past.

“Because usually you have to buy players to reinforce your team.

“But if you send away players on loan you bought in the last two or three years, it means maybe you did something wrong in the past.”

Yedlin joins Inter Miami

Inter Miami have announced the signing of DeAndre Yedlin.

The former Newcastle player quit Galatasary to team up with Phil Neville’s side ahead of the 2022 MLS season, which begins later this month.

Yedlin has signed a contract that will see him stay in Florida until 2025, with the option of an extra year.

Miami Chief Soccer Officer and Sporting Director Chris Henderson is delighted to be able to welcome the defender to the club.

Vieira disappointed by transfer business

Patrick Vieira revealed his disappointment at not being able to boost Crystal Palace’s ranks in the transfer window after missing out on Donny van de Beek, writes SunSport’s Tom Barclay.

The Frenchman wanted more experience and had targeted the Dutchman, who ended up joining Frank Lampard’s Everton on loan from Manchester United.

But Vieira remains happy with his squad ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup fourth-round clash at home to Hartlepool.

The Eagles boss said: “Of course you’re always disappointed when you don’t improve the squad.

“But I’m really happy with what we have. We have players here that can achieve what we want to do as a football club.”

Man Utd plan Araujo swoop

Manchester United are planning a “big investment” for Barcelona ace Ronald Araujo, reports suggest.

That is according to Marca, who report that United are leading the transfer race for Araujo who has attracted interest from other Premier League sides as well.

The Red Devils are seriously considering a deal for the centre-back, who is aware of their interest in him.

However, the Manchester giants are facing competition from rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, who are also keeping tabs on the Uruguay international.

In fact, City manager Pep Guardiola was pictured having dinner with the 22-year-old’s agent Edmundo Kabchi earlier this week.

Ekitike was not ‘convinced’ by Newcastle

Hugo Ekitikie turned Newcastle down because he was not ‘convinced’ by the Saudi project, writes SunSport’s Oscar Paul.

Toon had a £33m offer agreed with the Ligue 1 club on Deadline Day for the French wonderkid before the move fell through.

Ekitikie, 19, has scored eight goals in 18 games for Reims this season.and was concerned about how much he would play at St James’ Park. 

He decided to stay in France and assess his options in the summer, amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Borussia Dortmund.

And his agent, Karl Buchmann, said: “We were not convinced about the sports project (at Newcastle) and we saw no short or medium-term plan with their approach

“Hugo has achieved great things in just six months but as he is attached to the club, we agreed with the leaders to end the season with Reims.”

Egypt request Afcon final delay

EGYPT have called on Africa Cup of Nations organisers to delay the final by 24 hours.

The final between Egypt and Senegal is scheduled to take place on Sunday at 7pm GMT.

But after playing 120 minutes against Ivory Coast, Morocco and Cameroon in the knock-out stages, Egypt want to play on Monday instead.

Assistant boss Diaa El-Sayed said: “I hope CAF would move the final from Sunday to Monday for the sake of fair play, they have done that with the third-place decider.

“We are the only team that played 120 minutes in three consecutive games.

“The players are fully focused, they have a good base to build on, and we thank their clubs for that.”

Munich Air Disaster to be remembered

Manchester United will pay tribute to the Munich Air Disaster on Sunday with a fan-led ceremony 64 years on from the tragedy.

A club statement read: “Manchester United are pleased to confirm that the 64th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster will be marked with a fan-led ceremony at Old Trafford on Sunday.

Nike vs Puma for Haaland boots

Erling Haaland is at the centre of a £42million tug-of-war between Puma and Nike with the Norwegian set for a huge boot deal, reports say.

According to Marca, Nike and Puma are prepared to offer Haaland around £42m over five years to wear and endorse their products.

Haaland is currently with Nike, but the Borussia Dortmund ace could be tempted away.

His deal with Nike, which he signed when he was at RB Salzburg, is believed to be worth around £845k.

The report states that both brands are in talks with his agent, Mino Raiola.

However, Nike have the advantage due to their longstanding relationship.

Liverpool face missing out on Carvalho

Fulham star Fabio Carvalho is wanted by five European giants after his proposed move to liverpool collapsed on deadline day.

The winger, 19, will be available on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season.

That is why Liverpool and Fulham wanted to do a deal in January, as his availability has put several clubs on high alert.

If signed by a foreign club Fulham can only receive a maximum of £500k in compensation for Carvalho, which has attracted the attention of Real Madrid, Sevilla, Barcelona, ​​Borussia Dortmund and Milan, according to AS.

The Reds reportedly agreed a £8million deal with Fulham to sign Carvalho, who would have returned to The Cottagers on loan.

The winger even agreed a five-year deal but the clubs failed to submit the necessary paperwork in time and the deal fell through.

Keane to interview for Sunderland job

Roy Keane will be interviewed for the Sunderland manager job TODAY.

He is set to sit down and discuss the role with Black Cats owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, who revealed the club had been ‘overwhelmed with applicants’.

Louis-Dreyfus and sporting director have also held interviews with former Hull City boss Grant McCann as well as Neil Warnock, Neil Lennon and Alex Neil.

The interview stage is set to conclude this week and Keane will hope his passion for the club and the job helps his candidacy.

His previous experience in getting Sunderland promoted to the Premier League could also work in his favour, as supporters and those within the club are said to be keen on his return.

Rice reveals Terry friendship

West Ham star Declan Rice has opened up about his bond with idol and Chelsea legend John Terry.

Rice told Gary Neville’s Overlap podcast when asked who his childhood idol is: “John Terry. I speak to him a lot. I speak to him all the time really.

“For me growing up being a Chelsea fan, having a season ticket there, going to all the games, being in the academy.

“Just him, looking at him, everything was JT as a kid. JT26 on the back.

“Even when I was younger I said if I make it I want to be No26, but I feel like as I’ve got older now I’ve grown out of that – it would look a bit creepy!

‘He was amazing for me when I got released as well, he picked up the phone – he didn’t have to, I was only 14 at the time and I was speaking to my idol – so yeah, we’ve got a good relationship.”

Kulusevski could be expensive asset

Tottenham’s move for Dejan Kulusevski could cost as much as £43.4million, should certain conditions be met.

That’s a whopping FIVE TIMES the initial £8.4million they agreed to pay to secure his services last month.

The Swede joined the North Londoners from Juventus on Deadline Day on an initial 18-month loan deal.

And according to Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the loan will be made permanent for a further £35m next summer, should certain conditions be met.

He claims that if Kulusevski starts 15 or more Premier League games next term, and Tottenham finish in the top four, a £35m permanent deal will be triggered.

Alternatively, he adds that Spurs could choose to complete a deal for £29.6m this summer.

Arsenal still paying Aubameyang wages

Arsenal are still paying Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s astronomical wishes – despite ripping up his contract.

The north Londoners parted company with the Gabon international earlier this week by mutual contest – which paved the way for him to join Barcelona on a free transfer.

But rather than pay the remainder of his contract in one lump sum, the Gunners have opted to dish out the remainder of his wages in instalments until the summer.

That’s according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, who told Sky Sports: “Arsenal are paying him in instalments until the summer, rather than a lump sum. That is very similar to what happened with Mesut Ozil when he left a couple of years ago and they split the wage with Fenerbahce.

“In this case, they are splitting the wage with Barcelona and Aubameyang’s taking a bit of a hit. And Aubameyang will be on a lower overall wage than he was earning at Arsenal.

“So there were suggestions of £25m saved until the summer of 2023. It is a significant saving but not that much.”

Premier League returns this weekend

Watford host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday as England’s top flight returns following a winter break.

But what does the table look like as we head into the final three months of the campaign? Here it is.

Saul on Hazard’s Madrid struggles

On-loan Chelsea midfielder Saul Niguez has revealed why former Blues main man Eden Hazard is struggling in LaLiga.

Speaking to Chelsea’s official website, he said: “They are totally different. Over there, it’s much more tactical, whereas here it’s more physical and a bit crazier.

“There’s more back and forth, it’s less about having control of the game and more about entertaining the fans. You can do things here that you really can’t do in La Liga.

“For example, I was talking to my friends the other day about Eden Hazard. When he was here, he was easily one of the best players in the world and then he goes to La Liga and has his own difficulties because it’s a totally different game.

“Here he had more one-vs-ones and two-vs-ones but in La Liga, because everyone knows how good his team is and how good he is, other teams make it much more difficult for him.

“Here it’s happening a bit in reverse, although I think it’s a bit easier to adapt from La Liga to the Premier League than from the Premier League to La Liga.”

Ronaldo could quit Man Utd

Cristiano Ronaldo could QUIT Manchester United this summer as he waits to see who will be the club’s next manager.

ESPN claims Ronaldo could jump ship just one year after returning to Old Trafford.

Ronaldo, who turns 37 on Saturday, is now going to consider his options ahead of the next transfer window.

But he will hold off from making a definitive decision until United confirm their next permanent manager.

Ronaldo will have just one year left on his contract this summer.

And it’s reckoned he would have offers from numerous MLS and Middle Eastern sides.

Tottenham interested in Lingard transfer

Tottenham are reportedly one of three clubs interested in signing Jesse Lingard in the summer.

The England international was on course to join Newcastle United on loan last month but a move to St James’ Park didn’t come to fruition.

Lingard will be able to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season on a free transfer once his contract expires in June.

And according to ESPN, Spurs will swoop for his services once he becomes a free agent.

They claim the north Londoners will have to battle Newcastle and West Ham – whom Lingard was on loan at last season – to land the midfielder.

Man Utd out of Haaland running

The battle for Erling Haaland’s signature is reportedly narrowing to a two-horse race.

Manchester United are said to be out of the running to land the 21-year-old wonderkid this summer.

And Chelsea’s interest is thought to be waning as club chiefs still hope £97.5million-signing Romelu Lukaku will come good.

Now ESPN reports Manchester City and Real Madrid are the two European giants left to scrap it out for the Dortmund striker’s services.

Norway international Haaland is one of world football’s hottest properties after smashing in 80 goals in just 79 appearances for the Bundesliga side.

The player himself is thought to favour a move to the Bernabeu and Real reckon they have the funds to bring him in.