^ ^ Manchester United to offer flop-plus-cash in Victor Osimhen swap deal

Victor Osimhen is enjoying a prolific season with Galatasaray (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United are preparing a bid for Victor Osimhen which will see them offer Napoli £33m and Rasmus Hojlund for the striker, according to reports.

The 26-year-old is on loan at Galatasaray from Napoli, where he is enjoying a prolific season with the Turkish giants, scoring 20 goals so far this campaign.

The switch to Galatasaray last summer was unexpected as Osimhen pushed for a move away from Napoli, with a deal expected to be done with a Premier League or La Liga giant, while PSG were also interested.

However, no agreement was reached and the Nigerian moved to Turkey, where he has helped fire Galatasaray to a six-point lead at the top of the table.

The striker will return to Napoli at the end of the season and is expected to leave on a permanent deal this summer as his contract with the Italian club expires in 2026.

Premier League clubs are expected to be circling again, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all in the market for a new forward.

Italian publication CalcioMercato report that the Red Devils have already hatched a plan to offer Hojlund plus £33m (€40m) for the Nigeria international.

Rasmus Hojlund is going through a very tough time with Manchester United (Picture: Getty Images)

Hojlund has experience in Serie A as he spent one season with Atalanta before signing for Manchester United in 2023 for an initial £64m.

The Denmark international had a fairly promising first season, scoring 16 goals in all competitions, but this campaign has been a struggle.

The 22-year-old has managed seven goals in all competitions, but just two in 22 Premier League outings.

He has continued to start regularly under Ruben Amorim, but has looked extremely ineffective in the Portuguese coach’s preferred system.

Osimhen has scored 20 goals so far this season for Galatasaray (Picture: Getty Images)

Osimhen is likely to have plenty of options in front of him, with the Gunners clearly in need of a striker, while the Blues are also in the market to add to their options on top of Nicolas Jackson.

The in-demand forward has also hinted that he could even stay with Galatasaray, having thoroughly enjoyed himself in Turkey so far.

‘To be honest I don’t know,’ Osimhen said of his future. ‘You know the last few months, nobody ever thought I would come here, I never believed I would come to Galatasaray despite how big they are.

‘I live for the moment. I don’t know what will happen in the summer, but I want everybody to understand that I really love this club.

‘I love the fans, I love the President, I love everyone associated with the club. It’s really a big deal to be here and I’m really enjoying my time here.’

Osimhen has hinted at a possible stay in Turkey (Picture: Getty Images)

The former Lille striker’s work rate has been praised by Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk, hailing his effort for the team as his greatest quality.

‘Osimhen works hard, scores and assists. He is in great form, doing very well. He makes important scoring contributions both in Turkey and Europe,’ Buruk said, via Skorer.

‘His first characteristic is that he plays for the team, more than goals and assists. He makes an effort for the team.’

^ ^ Cristiano Ronaldo humbled as surprise England star named sexiest footballer of 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo had to settle for eight on the sexiest list (Picture: Getty Images)

Of all the footballers in all the world, Chelsea star Cole Palmer is the sexiest of the lot, according to a survey of British adults.

The 22-year-old may not be the first name that springs to mind for everyone when asked for a sexy football star, but he has topped a poll ahead a few more obvious names.

The likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish were left trailing behind the former Manchester City schemer in a top 10 of 2025’s sexiest footballers.

The survey was carried out by Slotozilla, who quizzed 2,500 British adults aged 18-55 and those people provided the somewhat surprising results.

A spokesperson for Slotozilla told the Daily Star: ‘Footballers have long been cultural icons, and our survey highlights how public perception evolves over time.

‘Cole Palmer’s rise to the top reflects not only his success on the pitch but also his growing status as a fan favourite,”

‘Meanwhile, names like Ronaldo and Mbappe continue to captivate global audiences, proving that confidence, success, and style go hand in hand.’

Cole Palmer is a man in demand (Picture: Getty Images)

The British adults who were surveyed did tend to stick to British-based players, with Ronaldo, Bellingham and Mbappe the only non-Premier League players making the top 10.

Arsenal’s Declan Rice will be pretty happy with his fourth-placed finish, while Erling Haaland’s Nordic charm has earned him ninth on the list.

The surveyed people were asked to weigh up the attractiveness of 50 stars based on qualities including ‘facial symmetry and features, grooming and personal style, on-field presence and charisma, and social media appeal and engagement.’

Top 10 Sexiest Footballers

1. Cole Palmer – 19 per cent
2. Jude Bellingham – 17 per cent
3. Jack Grealish – 15 per cent
4. Declan Rice – 12 per cent
5. Trent Alexander-Arnold – 10 per cent
6. Bukayo Saka – 8 per cent
7. Marcus Rashford – 7 per cent
8. Cristiano Ronaldo – 6 per cent
9. Erling Haaland – 4 per cent
10. Kylian Mbappe – 2 per cent

The battle for top spot was a pretty close-run thing, with Palmer landing 19 per cent of the vote, just ahead of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham who earned 17 per cent.

Jack Grealish may be having a very quiet time on the pitch, but he has not lost his charm, with the Manchester City winger getting 15 per cent of the vote.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford all also made the top 10, ahead of Ronaldo as the Saudi-based legend had to settle for eighth and six per cent of the vote.

Jude Bellingham had to settle for second place (Picture: Getty Images)

Palmer will hope the boost to the confidence will help him rediscover his best form on the pitch after something of a dry spell.

The England star has not scored for Chelsea since January 14 when he netted in a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth and he has yet to provide a Premier League assist in 2025.

He has scored 14 Premier League goals so far this season, so it seems more of a blip than a disaster, but he will hope to get back among the goal contributions as soon as possible.

Chelsea got back to winning ways by battering Southampton 4-0 on Tuesday night and are next in action at FC Copenhagen in the Conference League on 6 March.

They return to Premier League duty three days later when they host Leicester City.

^ ^ Which FA Cup games are on TV this weekend? Full BBC and ITV schedule

The FA Cup fifth round takes centre stage this weekend (Picture: Shutterstock)

The FA Cup returns this weekend with fifth-round action and plenty of games to watch on TV across both the BBC and ITV in the United Kingdom.

Holders Manchester United scraped past Leicester City courtesy of a controversial late winner and will face fellow Premier League side Fulham at Old Trafford.

Last year’s runners-up Manchester City are also into the last 16, with Pep Guardiola’s side set for a David-and-Goliath battle against Championship side Plymouth Argyle who knocked out Liverpool in the previous round.

Elsewhere, Preston North End host Burnley in the only tie to not feature a Premier League side, while Crystal Palace welcome local rivals Millwall to Selhurst Park in what promises to be a feisty affair in south London.

With plenty of action coming up in the coming days, here is the full list of FA Cup fourth-round games on TV this weekend…

Which FA Cup games are on TV this weekend?

Friday 28 February

8pm: Aston Villa v Cardiff (live on ITV1 and ITVX)

Saturday 1 March

12.15pm: Crystal Palace vs Millwall (live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer)

12.15pm: Preston North End v Burnley (live on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sport website)

5.45pm: Man City v Plymouth (live on ITV4 and ITVX)

Ruben Amorim’s side are looking to retain the FA Cup (Picture: Getty)

Sunday 2 March

1.45pm: Newcastle v Brighton (live on ITV1 and ITVX)

4.30pm: Man Utd vs Fulham (live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer)

Monday 3 March

7.30pm: Nottingham Forest v Ipswich (live on ITV4 and ITVX)

FA Cup fifth round draw in full

Man Utd beat Man City in last season’s FA Cup final at Wembley (Picture: Getty)

• Aston Villa v Cardiff City
• Crystal Palace v Millwall
• Preston North End v Burnley
• Bournemouth v Wolves
• Man City v Plymouth Argyle
• Newcastle v Brighton 
• Man Utd v Fulham
• Nottingham Forest v Ipswich

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^ ^ Gary Neville claims Arsenal didn’t really want Mikel Arteta signing

Ex-Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville (Picture: Getty)

Gary Neville is ‘not sure’ Arsenal were fully supportive of Mikel Arteta’s decision to sign Raheem Sterling.

Arteta pushed Arsenal to bring Sterling to the Emirates Stadium after the England international was effectively banished from Chelsea by Enzo Maresca.

Maresca made it clear he would not be relying on Sterling this season after leaving Championship winners Leicester City to take over at Stamford Bridge.

Sterling felt Arsenal were the ‘perfect fit’ for him but has struggled to make an impact for the Gunners, scoring just one goal in 21 appearances.

Neville doubts the Arsenal board wanted to sign Sterling but believes they were persuaded by Arteta, who presumably viewed the four-time Premier League winner as an option across the frontline.

Ex-Manchester United and England defender Neville even believes Sterling’s struggles at Arsenal played a part in the club failing to make any signings in January.

Arsenal were one of the few clubs not to bolster their squad during the January transfer window and the decision has undoubtedly backfired, with Arteta’s side since slipping 13 points behind Premier League champions-elect Liverpool.

Chelsea loanee Raheem Sterling has struggled at Arsenal (Picture: Getty)

‘Do you know what I think they’ve done? In the last part of the summer transfer window, I’m not sure Arsenal wanted to sign Raheem Sterling,’ Neville said on The Overlap with Sky Bet.

‘I’m not sure Arsenal, as a club, wanted him. I think Arteta’s thought Sterling can play in all the positions up top and has basically told the club to get him in as cover.

‘I think that’s what he said. He can play across the frontline so Arteta has looked at him as his second or third striker.

Mikel Arteta’s side dropped more points at Nottingham Forest (Picture: Getty)

‘They’ve ended up backing him and I think that’s put them off doing another deal in January of the same ilk because they’re thinking we brought Sterling in and Arteta hasn’t really used him.’

Sterling started Arsenal’s victory over Leicester city earlier in the month but has dropped back to the bench for the last two games, a 1-0 defeat to West Ham and a goalless draw with Nottingham Forest.

Failing to beat Forest can Liverpool a chance to extend their lead at the top of the table even further and Arne Slot’s side did just that with a 2-0 win over Newcastle United.

Up Next

Asked whether Arsenal’s title hopes were over after the Forest stalemate, Arteta said: ‘It’s about what we can do.

‘It was like this a week before, two weeks before, three months before. Today we dropped two points which is very painful, we have the Champions League, a beautiful competition in front of us.

‘I’m very disappointed not to win, the standard was different to the previous game [a 1-0 defeat to West Ham] with the energy and the willingness to make things happen.

‘We dominated the game, apart from one experience in the second half and one or two giveaways which allowed them to run. Apart from that nothing.

‘When we opened them up we lacked the quality in the final pass and delivery and be more efficient.’

Arsenal turn their attentions to the Champions League after the international break and a last-16 tie with PSV, currently second in the Eredivisie table.

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^ ^ Man Utd star says narrow home win over Ipswich was ‘really good achievement’

Matthijis de Ligt scored Manchester United’s second against Ipswich (Picture: Getty Images)

Manchester United picked up a dramatic 3-2 win over Ipswich on Wednesday night, with Matthijs de Ligt lauding the ‘really good achievement’ for the Red Devils.

It was a tricky night for Ruben Amorim’s side after getting off to a terrible start as Jaden Philogene put the visitors ahead after four minutes thanks to a mix-up between Patrick Dorgu and Andre Onana.

The home side bounced back and were ahead after 26 minutes thanks to a Sam Morsy own goal and De Ligt netting a second.

Dorgu was then shown a red card for a grim challenge on Omari Hutchinson and Philogene’s second made it 2-2 at half-time.

Harry Maguire was the hero, though, with his 47th minute header proving to be the winner for United.

De Ligt was pleased with the fighting spirit shown by the Red Devils, picking up just their ninth Premier League win of the season in the process.

‘I think it was a hard fought win,’ De Ligt told MUTV. ‘The second half with 10 men, fighting, even scoring, it was a really good achievement.

De Ligt felt the Red Devils were improved against Ipswich (Picture: Getty Images)

‘It was a good game from us in the second half. I think in the first half we didn’t even play that bad, we just conceded two silly goals. Obviously, this can always happen in football.

‘In general, I think we made some improvements compared to the last game.’

After three league games without a win, the Red Devils stopped the rot with the victory over the Tractor Boys, climbing to 14th in the table.

‘Really important. This was a really important game for us. We know what situation we are in,’ said the Dutch defender.

‘If at half-time you are down to 10 men and it’s 2-2, obviously it is going to be a really difficult second half, so I think it’s a really important win for us and hopefully we can continue against Fulham.’

Patrick Dorgu was dismissed before half-time (Picture: Getty Images)

Amorim was obviously delighted with the win, but admitted there is still a lot of improvement to be achieved by his side.

Bruno Fernandes was yet again the key player for the Red Devils, providing two assists, and the manager credited his performance from deeper in midfield than we sometimes see him.

‘We have to improve in every aspect. We lack some characteristics in our squad to play in the different way,’ said Amorim. ‘We need to have more possession and I felt that today we were more calm with the ball, especially in the beginning and especially after we suffer the first goal.

Bruno Fernandes was the main man yet again for Man Utd (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I think Bruno was really important on that. Sometimes we want Bruno higher in the pitch to be near the goal, but sometimes we need Bruno also building up and I think he was really good on that today because he’s really confident with the ball no matter what the context.

‘We clearly need to create more chances and especially we need to score goals, I think that is a big issue in our team and when we think in the future, we need to address that.’

^ ^ ‘Watch this space’ – Cole Palmer tipped for sensational move to Premier League club

Cole Palmer has been a revelation at Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea and England star Cole Palmer has been tipped for a sensational move to another Premier League club.

Palmer, 22, has been a revelation at Stamford Bridge, quickly establishing himself as one of the best players in the English top-flight since his £40m move from Manchester City in 2023.

The England international won the PFA Fans’ Player of the Year and Premier League Young Player of the Year for his breakout season in west London and continued to impress this season before his recent blip.

Palmer has looked increasingly frustrated during Chelsea’s drop-off since mid-December which has seen Enzo Maresca’s side slip from second to fourth in the Premier League.

A number of pundits have even questioned Palmer’s future at Stamford Bridge, especially if Chelsea miss out on the Champions League for another season.

Dwight Yorke insists a lack of top European football could be a ‘problem’ for Palmer and says Premier League champions-elect Liverpool could launch a sensation move for the Chelsea star.

Mohamed Salah, who is enjoying his best-ever season at Anfield, could leave in the summer and ex-Manchester United striker Yorke believes Liverpool could look to bring in Palmer as his replacement.

Mohamed Salah is coming to the end of his contract at Liverpool (Picture: Getty)

Asked if he expects Palmer to push for a summer move himself if Chelsea fail to qualify for the Champions League, Yorke told CasinoBeats: ‘He doesn’t strike me as that kind individual.

‘I don’t think he would demand to leave Chelsea if he’s playing a season out of the Champions League.

‘He’s still very young, and he’s gone there and turned his career around and became the top man there. Why would you walk away from being in a club and being the top man at the same time?

Ex-Manchester United striker Dwight Yorke (Picture: Getty)

‘Where is he going to go and become a top player and the top man? Liverpool?

‘Okay, maybe Man United, he said he’s a Man United fan, but he won’t go there because he’s a City man. Outside of that is Arsenal, he won’t go there because Bukayo Saka is there.

‘Liverpool might be an option if Mo Salah were to leave, so that might be something that they might look to do. So, watch this space with that if Mo Salah leaves.

Chelsea got back to winning ways against Southampton (Picture: Getty)

‘There’s no reason why it would not happen if Mo Salah is to leave. Otherwise, why would he want to leave Chelsea?

‘He’s the top man at the club. He plays week in, week out. Yes, the Champions League is important. If we keep missing out on Champions League, only then does it become a problem for Cole Palmer.

‘Next year, if Chelsea come back, work hard, and make sure they can qualify for the Champions League and compete for the Premier League, then everything is happy for Palmer.

Up Next

‘I genuinely believe that the only club that could tempt him would be Liverpool, and even then, they would have to let Salah go first.’

Following Chelsea’s defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend, ex-England and Arsenal star Paul Merson suggested Palmer could look to leave if the Blues’ poor form continued.

‘With all these big squads they’ve got, and they’ve put people on seven [or] eight-year contracts, I don’t know how this is all going to pan out,’ Merson said on Sky Sports.

‘If they finished outside the Champions League this year Palmer will want to being playing Champions League football.

‘He’s getting to the stage where, you know, the lad’s top drawer, so he’ll want to be playing Champions League, watching Champions League. Watch this space if they don’t get into the top five.’

Chelsea got back to winning ways on Tuesday night, thumping bottom-placed Southampton 4-0 to climb back into the Champions League spots ahead of more midweek fixtures this week.

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^ ^ Tottenham vs Man City: Confirmed team news, predicted lineups and kick-off time

Premier League live blog match graphics (Credits: METRO)

Tottenham host Manchester City tonight hoping to inflict more pain on Pep Guardiola’s side.

Spurs secured an emphatic 4-0 win over City at the Etihad last November having knocked them out of the Carabao Cup a month earlier.

Their third meeting of the season comes with some key players back in the Tottenham team after that horrific run of injuries.

Guglielmo Vicario, Destiny Udogie, James Maddison and Brennan Johnsonare all back in the side with light at the tunnel for their remaining absentees.

Dominic Solanke has been absent since the north London derby defeat to Arsenal with a knee problem and will not be ready for the visit of the defending champions tonight with next week’s Europa League clash against AZ Alkmaar a more realistic return date.

Micky Van de Ven managed 45 minutes against Elfsborg last month but has not featured since. Postecoglou has insisted the club must exercise caution with the 23-year-old, suggesting he was two to three weeks away from returning when speaking after the win over United.

Cristian Romero meanwhile has managed just 15 minutes of football since November with a hamstring problem keeping him on the sidelines.

Tottenham put four past Ipswich on Saturday (Picture: Getty Images)

Speaking last week, Postecoglou revealed the Argentine was in a ‘good place’ after undergoing a further scan with the manager expecting Solanke,van de Ven and Romero all to be back in the fold for the second leg against PSV.

How Tottenham could line up against Man City this week.

City meanwhile are sweating on the fitness of Erling Haaland.

The Norway international limped off with a knee injury in the 4-0 victory over Newcastle United but was an unused substitute in the Champions League defeat to Real Madrid despite his side being in desperate need of goals on the night.

How City could line up against Tottenham this week.

Haaland was left out of the squad completely on Sunday against Liverpool with Pep Guardiola unsure if he will be ready in time for the trip to the capital.

Haaland was set to undergo a late fitness test following Tuesday’s final training session in Manchester.

John Stones is back on the injured list after he was forced off early in Madrid with Manuel Akanji undergoing thigh surgery that will sideline him until April.

Predicted Tottenham XI to face Man City

Vicario, Spence, Gray, Danso, Udogie, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Bergvall, Johnson, Tel,  Son

Predicted Man City XI to face Tottenham

Ederson, Lewis, Khusanov, Ake, Gvardiol, Gonzalez, Gundogan, Savio, de Bruyne, Foden, Marmoush

Where to watch Tottenham vs Man City? Kick-off time and TV channel

Tottenham vs Man City kicks off at 7:30pm on Wednesday 26 February.

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 3 with a live stream available through the Discovery+ app.

^ ^ Chelsea urged to sign former Arsenal star to solve ‘massive problem’

Chelsea have dropped off massively under Enzo Maresca (Pictures: Getty)

Chelsea have been urged to sign former Arsenal star Aaron Ramsdale to solve their ‘massive problem’ in the goalkeeper position.

The Blues are no closer to finding a long-term No. 1 despite having several goalkeepers on the books.

Robert Sanchez started the season as Enzo Maresca’s first-choice goalkeeper but was dropped after making more mistakes that led to goals than any other shot-stopper in the Premier League.

Filip Jorgensen was handed a chance after Sanchez was axed but he too has struggled, making a shocking howler in Saturday’s defeat to Aston Villa.

Maresca now faces a dilemma over who to pick for Chelsea’s upcoming games with Southampton and Europa Conference League rivals Copenhagen.

Ex-Chelsea defender Jason Cundy insists the goalkeeper situation is a ‘massive problem’ for his former club and says Ramsdale would be an ‘improvement’ on the current options.

Ramsdale made almost 100 appearances for Arsenal before being displaced by David Raya and leaving to join Southampton last summer.

Aaron Ramsdale left Arsenal to join Southampton last summer (Picture: Getty)

While the 26-year-old was desperate for more game-time, his decision to join Southampton looks questionable as the Saints are on the verge of relegation with just nine points from 26 games.

Dropping into the Championship could force a player who still hopes to add to his five England caps to push for a summer move and Cundy insists Ramsdale would be an ‘improvement’ for Chelsea.

Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher was named as another possible option for Chelsea, with the Irish goalkeeper once again struggling for minutes at Anfield following Alisson’s return from the treatment room.

Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen (Picture: Getty)

‘The goalkeeper has turned out to be a massive problem for Chelsea,’ Cundy said on talkSPORT.

‘Jorgensen dropped an absolute dolly against Aston Villa. We did enough to get a point there and the keeper made a howler, it was devastating for Chelsea.

‘I would definitely have Ramsdale. That’s an improvement. Kelleher at Liverpool is another one they’re looking at.

‘Clearly the goalkeeper situation has been a bit of a disaster. Sanchez got the gloves and over the last three months it’s been quite obvious that he’s suffering. There’s been a lot of goals and mistakes.

Up Next

‘I think they will be looking to replace Sanchez unless they think [Djordje] Petrovic who is out on loan is good enough. But clearly it’s been an issue all season and something has to change.’

Maresca admitted Jorgensen was ‘sad and upset’ after his mistake against Aston Villa but suggested he would keep his place in the team ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Southampton.

‘He is okay,’ Maresca said at his pre-match press conference. ‘He feels a little bit sad, or upset, because he recognises there has been a mistake but overall, he is okay.

‘If we need to change players every time there is a mistake, we need to change players game by game, many players. But no, nothing’s changed.’

On the threat of bottom-placed Southampton, Maresca added: ‘I don’t trust games like this, they can be tricky games.

‘When you are here at Chelsea, there isn’t a game where we aren’t preparing to win. Our duty is to prepare every game to win.

‘From now on we have 12 games to go and it is no doubt that all 12 are must win for us.’

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^ ^ Enzo Maresca names the Chelsea star who is ‘the strongest’ in fitness tests

Enzo Maresca has defended Chelsea star Cole Palmer (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca has launched a passionate defence of Cole Palmer and insists the club’s star player isn’t struggling physically.

The England international started the season in scintillating form, picking up where had left off the previous campaign, leading Jamie Carragher to suggest he deserved to be regarded as the best player in the Premier League.

Ex-Liverpool defender Carragher made the claim in December following a 4-3 win at Spurs that nobody had outperformed Palmer over the course of the previous 18 months, but his performances, like that of his Chelsea side, have dipped ever since.

The 22-year-old cut a frustrated figure during the course of last week’s damaging defeats against Aston Villa and Brighton, while his own personal goal drought has now stretched to six games.

Chelsea will hope to get their season back on track against bottom of the table Southampton this evening and Maresca expects Palmer to be to the fore despite concerns about the forward struggling physically.

Indeed, the Chelsea boss remains adamant that their is any sign of the former Manchester City star struggling in training, revealing that the fans’ favourite is continuing to lead the way.

Asked if Palmer trains harder when things aren’t going well, Maresca said: ‘Yeah absolutely. I will tell you one detail that is very important.

Cole Palmer hasn’t scored in any of his last six games (Credits: AP)

‘Every six or seven months we do a physical test. So we did one in pre-season and we did another last week and [Palmer] was the strongest one. The one that won the test.

‘So that’s sure that he has desire not only on the ball, but he is working hard and he’s doing fantastic. I absolutely love that.

‘Every game, we expect a goal or assist from him. Because everyone relies on Cole, people see Cole as the solution. But the solution at the end has to be always the team.’

Chelsea’s slump, meanwhile, has placed in jeopardy the club’s chances of qualifying for the Champions League for the first time since 2022.

Maresca was asked whether failing to return to Europe’s top competition could prompt players, chiefly Palmer who has scored 39 goals for the club since the start of last season, to agitate for a move away from west London.

Cole Palmer remains in peak physical condition according to Enzo Maresca (Credits: EPA)

‘First of all we need to see how we finish. In case we don’t finish top four, we’ll see if Cole is happy or not,’ Maresca said.

‘I don’t think Cole is worried in this moment about next year that he wants to play Champions League. He is just focused on how he can help the team, how we can help him.”

The head coach joked: ‘I think Cole signed a new contract until 2045. For sure if we finish top four and play Champions League we can convince players to come here. But players that are already here, I don’t think we need that.’

Maresca, too, is is ‘more sure’ than ever that his side are on the right track despite their faltering league position.

Cole Palmer’s last goal for Chelsea came on January 14 against Bournemouth (Picture: Getty)

Tuesday’s meeting with Southampton at Stamford Bridge sees them seeking just a third league win in 11 matches that would, for 24 hours at least, hoist them back into the top four and give the 45-year-old room to breathe.

;Now I am even more sure (than when) we started,’ said Maresca. ‘I don’t have any doubt about the idea. The problem is in general people judge the idea because of the results.

‘If I ask you one month ago if you are happy with the idea when we were winning every game and we were second, probably everyone would have said yes.

‘Now that we drop points, we are seventh, people have doubts about the idea. For me I feel even more strong about the idea. It’s just a matter of results.’

^ ^ Jude Bellingham says Real Madrid teammate is ‘from a different planet’

Jude Bellingham is not convinced Luka Modric is of this world (Picture: Getty Images)

Jude Bellingham reckons Luka Modric is ‘from a different planet’ after the39-year-old scored a stunning goal for Real Madrid on Sunday.

The veteran midfielder opened the scoring for his team in a 2-0 win over Girona at the Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga.

Modric turns 40 in September but he is still operating at the elite level, starting the game on Sunday alongside Aurelian Tchouameni in midfield.

The former Spurs star has already made 24 La Liga appearances and another 10 in the Champions League this season as his epic career keeps going on and on.

Bellingham who is 18 years younger than his teammate can scarcely believe the quality the Croatian still displays at his age.

After Modric’s stunning hit against Girona, Bellingham posted a clip of his teammate celebrating on Instagram and wrote: ‘From a different planet @lukamodric10 👽.’

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti joined in the praise for the veteran midfielder, comparing the ‘gift to football’ to AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini.

https://twitter.com/PremSportsTV/status/1893693019443912751

‘Modric is a gift for football,’ Ancelotti told a post-match news conference. ‘He should keep going for as long as he wants to. Whatever he does, he does well.

‘Football, and we at Real Madrid, have been lucky to have him as a legend. He has been a gift, with his quality and his professionalism.

‘I have an example of another player, Maldini, you can compare both of them. They’re fantastic role models. It isn’t a coincidence that they reached 40. Genes are a factor, but above all professionalism, seriousness, attitude.’

Luka Modric celebrated his brilliant goal against Girona (Picture: Getty Images)

Modric’s goal helped Real Madrid keep pace with Barcelona at the top of La Liga, with the two giants level on points and Barca ahead on goal difference.

It is set to be a dramatic title race with Atletico Madrid just one point behind the leaders.

On his goal, Modric told Real Madrid TV: ‘I don’t know if it’s one of my most spectacular, but it was nice.

‘It’s always special to score at the Bernabeu … The recent games show we’re in a good moment. We have to keep going. I think we can still grow as a team.’

Modric intends to keep playing next season (Picture: Getty Images)

Modric signed a new contract with Real Madrid at the end of last season which runs until the end of the current campaign.

He is reportedly planning on signing another 12-month extension with the club and hopes to lead his country at the 2026 World Cup.

Since joining from Spurs in 2012 the legendary midfielder has made 574 appearances for Real Madrid, winning six Champions Leagues and four La Liga titles.

^ ^ Erling Haaland injury confusion for Pep Guardiola ahead of Tottenham vs Man City

Erling Haaland is struggling to recover from a minor knee injury (Picture: Getty Images)

Pep Guardiola admits that he does not know when Erling Haaland will be available again, but hopes that he will play on Wednesday when Manchester City travel to take on Tottenham Hotspur.

The Norwegian sat on the bench last week as City were beaten 3-1 at Real Madrid and then was not involved in the squad at all on Sunday as they lost 2-0 at home to Liverpool.

It was a nightmare week for Guardiola and his team, although they do still sit fourth in the Premier League so a return to the Champions League remains in their own hands.

The manager will want to have his star striker available again as soon as possible, but says he is somewhat in the dark over when that will be.

Haaland picked up a knock to his knee in the win over Newcastle on 15 February, but despite scans not showing any serious injury, the forward has said he is not able to play.

On when he will return, Guardiola said: ‘I don’t know. I would like to know but I don’t know.

‘His knee – the moment against Newcastle moved the knee. Apparently he’s not injured because the scans dictate that he’s fine but he didn’t feel fine.

Pep Guardiola had another frustrating afternoon on Sunday (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I have the feeling it will be soon because he trained yesterday [Saturday] and made some really good movements but he said he was not ready and we have to respect that. Hopefully he can be back for Spurs and the next games to help us.’

He added after the loss to the Reds: ‘I don’t know [if he’s back against Spurs] I am not saying we didn’t get the result because Erling was not there. That is unfair on the other players. We could finish more but in general it is fine.’

Liverpool look to have the title race almost wrapped up in February (Picture: Getty Images)

Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai scored the goals at the Etihad on Sunday as Liverpool went 11 points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Manchester City are 20 points behind them and have long been out of the title race, but are battling to return to the Champions League next campaign after being dumped out by Real Madrid.

Guardiola suggests the complete contrast in seasons between Liverpool and his team is at least partly down to injuries.

‘I don’t know what would have happened if everyone was here,’ Guardiola said. ‘I don’t know if Liverpool would be able to win the Premier League. They are a fantastic team and they are similar in details.

Dominik Szoboszlai and Mohamed Salah secured the win for Liverpool (Picture: Getty Images)

‘They have had no injuries and that is why they could be a stable team and we could not do it. And it is what it is. You cannot achieve what you want all the time. I know how difficult it will be to qualify for the Champions League. I am really pleased with how we have behaved against Newcastle and today.

‘Of course, with Erling we are a better team. With Rodri we are a better team. With John Stones and Akanji we are a better team and for many reasons with other players we are a better team.’

Reds boss Arne Slot is insistent that the title race is not yet over, saying in other leagues it may have been, but not the Premier League.

‘In every other league having a lead like this would be very comfortable, except for this one because this league every single game gives you a lot of challenges,’ he said.

^ ^ Gary Lineker names the striker Arsenal should sign ahead of Chelsea and Man Utd

Ex-England striker Gary Lineker (Picture: YouTube)

Gary Lineker has named the striker Arsenal should sign this summer as their lack of firepower looks set to cost them a shot at the Premier League title.

It felt like a defining week in the Premier League title race as Arsenal suffered a shock defeat to West Ham and Liverpool cruised past Manchester City.

Arsenal had the chance to close the gap to Liverpool to just five points on Saturday but were beaten 1-0 at home to Graham Potter’s West Ham.

Liverpool then extended their lead at the top of the table to 11 points with a relatively comfortable 2-0 win at reigning champions Man City.

Lineker and Alan Shearer agree it is absolutely essential for Arsenal to sign a ‘top-class striker’ this summer after leaving Mikel Arteta short of options this season.

Arsenal failed to make any January signings despite losing Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus to injury, and then saw Kai Havertz pick up a season-ending setback during their warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

Premier League record goalscorer Shearer named ex-Chelsea target Victor Osimhen as a possible Arsenal signing but Lineker believes the Gunners should look closer to home and sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town.

The title is slipping away from Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta (Picture: Getty)

Delap has already hit double figures in his first full Premier League season and is expected to leave Ipswich if they get relegated amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea.

Osimhen, meanwhile, has impressed on loan at Galatasaray this season after being frozen out by Napoli boss Antonio Conte.

Asked by Lineker who Arsenal should get to solve their striker woes, Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast: ‘Victor Osimhen is there isn’t he.

‘He without a doubt would score goals for them. The problem they’ve got now is the whole world knows they need a forward.

Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap (Picture: Getty)

‘So a player who might have cost £60-70 is now going to be worth £100-110 when Arsenal come in. They’re going to have to pay over the odds and perhaps that was there issues last summer and in January, maybe they refused to pay over the top for someone.

‘They need a top-class centre forward, they did before a ball was kicked this season and my opinion hasn’t changed.’

Lineker then said: ‘If I were them I’d go for Delap at Ipswich.

‘I know he’s young and now entirely proven but he’s scored quite a lot of goals in the Premier League this season for a team that’s obviously struggled having been promoted.

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‘I like him and his movement. There’s talk of him going back to Man City but [Erling] Haaland has singed a nine-year deal so you might have to wait an awfully long time to get a game.’

Shearer agreed that former Manchester City striker Delap could be a shrewd acquisition for Arsenal despite his lack of experience.

‘It looks like Ipswich will get relegated and he’s got a taste of the Premier League now,’ Shearer said. ‘There’s no doubt there will be some big clubs looking at him and other players.

‘He’s been one of their best players. I like him, he’s has a good season, he brings a positivity and a real strength. He’s only going to get better too given his age.

‘Maybe he hasn’t got the experience right now but in a year or two he could be a big asset.’

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal but Shearer has major doubts over that deal.

He added: ‘I don’t think Arsenal can afford him. I really don’t. I’m being serious.

‘Why would he want to go there if Newcastle get into the Champions League and win a trophy. This could be a huge season for Newcastle.’

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