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Football news LIVE: Man Utd target next Ronaldo, Man City stars on Liverpool fans and Arsenal build up

The Premier League is back!

Leaders Arsenal are full of confidence heading into their home clash with Leeds, but morale is significantly lower in the other half of north London. Tottenham's football director Fabio Paratici has stepped down from his position after being hit with a 30-month ban from football activity - just days after the club sacked Antonio Conte.

Manchester United make the trip to Newcastle after failing to agree a new deal with David de Gea. Erik ten Hag's side need to maintain full focus to avoid being pulled into the fight for fourth. All eyes are on Saturday's early kick-off, when Manchester City meet Liverpool in a game that will have huge repercussions on the title race.

Be to stay right here to catch the latest football news throughout the day...

Ten Hag eyes new Ronaldo

Erik ten Hag has given Manchester United's board the 'go-ahead' to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, despite their interest in Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.

Ramos, 21, is one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe and has scored 24 goals for Benfica this season. He hit the headlines during the World Cup in Qatar, when he replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal's starting XI to score a hat-trick against Switzerland.

Ramos called Ronaldo "my reference" and labelled him an "idol" after that game. He could now follow in the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's footsteps by completing a summer move to Old Trafford, although the Red Devils remain interested in other forwards.

Full story here.

Man City stars on Liverpool crowd

Even when Anfield appeared uncharacteristically quiet ahead of Liverpool's October victory over Manchester City, the visiting players knew it was only the calm before the storm.

Pep Guardiola's side host Jurgen Klopp's Reds on Saturday looking to close the gap on Premier League leaders Arsenal. Three points would bring them within five of the Gunners, who are due to kick off less than an hour after the full-time whistle blows at the Etihad Stadium.

"It’s funny that you ask because before the game, when we walked into the stadium for our warm-up, it was so quiet," City defender Manuel Akanji told Sportsmail when asked about his first Premier League trip to Anfield."

Full story here.

Seaman's seven

David Seaman has hailed "fantastic" Bukayo Saka and named six other players who have impressed him the most as Arsenal push for their first Premier League title in 19 years.

The Gunners currently sit eight points clear at the top of the table ahead of their clash with Leeds on Saturday. Second-place Manchester City have a game in hand on Arsenal and can close the gap by beating Liverpool in the early kick-off.

When asked about who has impressed him, Seaman told Mirror Football: "Obviously, Saka, there is no doubt about that. He is a fantastic player. When you see him now and with all he's been through in football, you sort of treat him as an experienced player. He's only 21 isn't he?

Full story here.

Stellini on Conte relationship

Cristian Stellini insists his relationship with Antonio Conte is "still the same" and they are "very close" - despite taking his job at Tottenham.

Stellini was appointed as Tottenham's acting head coach after chair Daniel Levy parted company with manager Conte during the international break. Stellini was Conte's assistant but has now got the chance to manage in the Premier League until the summer.

The caretaker's first game in charge since Conte's exit will be the trip to Goodison Park to face Everton on Monday. Stellini, who will be assisted by Ryan Mason, addressed concerns of a rift between him and Conte during his pre-match press conference on Friday.

Full story here.

Man Utd want Ramos

Erik ten Hag has given Manchester United's board the 'go-ahead' to sign Benfica striker Goncalo Ramos, despite their interest in Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen.

Ramos, 21, is one of the most exciting youngsters in Europe and has scored 24 goals for Benfica this season. He hit the headlines during the World Cup in Qatar, when he replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in Portugal's starting XI to score a hat-trick against Switzerland.

Ramos called Ronaldo "my reference" and labelled him an "idol" after that game. He could now follow in the five-time Ballon d'Or winner's footsteps by completing a summer move to Old Trafford, although the Red Devils remain interested in other forwards.

Click here to read the full story...

Goncalo Ramos scored a hat-trick on his first start for Portugal (

Image:

Getty Images)

Arsenal once lost league title to Leeds

Arsenal welcome Leeds to the Emirates on Saturday knowing at this stage of the season only a win will do.

Mikel Arteta's side currently sit eight points clear at the top of the Premier League, though nearest challengers and reigning champions Manchester City have played one game less and are waiting in the wings for the Gunners to slip up. The current crop of Arsenal players, outside of those who once played for City, aren't used to the kind of pressure that comes with pursuing the title.

No game can be taken for granted or written off as a straightforward three points, as the Gunners squad of 2003 found out in brutal and humbling fashion against none other than - you guessed it, Saturday's opponents Leeds.

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De Gea breaks silence on contract

David de Gea maintains he "loves" Manchester United despite turning down their opening contract offer.

The goalkeeper's deal with the Red Devils will soon expire and he and the club are in the midst of negotiating an extension. De Gea signed a lucrative deal in the summer of 2019 that made him one of the Premier League's top earners and he accepts that he'll have to take a pay cut to stay put.

Despite that he felt the first offer put to him was too low and, as the club's No 1, he still wants to be paid appropriately. There is a willingness to reach an agreement with the goalkeeper looking to extend his 12-year stay at Old Trafford as he looks to silence the outside noise regarding his future.

More from De Gea HERE.

Arteta's debt to Leeds

"I think it was the first time I've actually been singled out," Ben White explained in the aftermath of a verbal dressing down courtesy of punditry duo Gary Neville and Jamie Carragher.

"It's never a nice feeling but it just gives me more incentive to go out there and do well."

He's done that and then some.

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Ten Hag provides contract talks update

Erik ten Hag insists talks over a new deal for Marcus Rashford are "an internal process" with the Manchester United manager focused on on-field matters.

The Dutchman also confirmed he wants to keep David de Gea at the club as he provided an update on talks with both players ahead of United's clash with Newcastle on Sunday.

"It's an internal process," Ten Hag said. "We focus on winning games, also planning for the future so in the back we're working on that.

"It's about agents, it's about football director John Murtough, Rashy and I are focusing on performing."

Click here to read more...

Good morning!

Hello and welcome to our live football blog!

Stay tuned for all the latest news throughout Saturday!

Good night

That's all from us tonight at the Mirror.

Join us tomorrow when the Premier League is back!

Barca pushing for Messi return

“Leo and his family know the affection we have for them,” the club’s vice president Rafa Yuste said. “I participated in the [contract] negotiations that in the end did not come to fruition unfortunately and I still have that thorn in my side. Of course I would love to see him return and I am sure that many fans share my feeling. I believe beautiful stories in life have to have happy endings and that’s why we are in contact with Messi, of course.”

Potter's take on Mount's attitude

Graham Potter has hailed Mason Mount as a "top professional" as he deals with injury and speculation over his Chelsea future.

The midfielder withdrew from the recent England squad as he dealt with a bone injury but is pushing for minutes this weekend as the Blues take on Aston Villa. Mount has only scored three times this term with his influence on games not what it was in a struggling side.

There has been huge investment and, as a result, change at Stamford Bridge which has cast doubt over Mount's future. The player is in the midst of negotiating a new deal, which could yet end with him leaving west London with Liverpool keen on his services. Despite all that Potter has been impressed with how the 24-year-old has dealt with such challenges.

READ MORE HERE.

De Gea on contract saga

David de Gea maintains he loves Manchester United despite turning down their opening contract offer.

The goalkeeper's deal with the Red Devils will soon expire and he and the club are in the midst of negotiating an extension. De Gea signed a lucrative deal in the summer of 2019 that made him one of the Premier League's top earners and he accepts that he'll have to take a pay cut to stay put.

Despite that he felt the first offer put to him was too low and, as the club's No 1, he still wants to be paid appropriately. There is a willingness to reach an agreement with the goalkeeper looking to extend his 12-year stay at Old Trafford as he looks to silence the outside noise regarding his future.

Reynolds tribute to rival CEO

Ryan Reynolds has paid tribute to Notts County CEO Jason Turner after he died suddenly at the age of 50 on Thursday night.

As co-owner of Wrexham, Reynolds' club are battling Notts County for the National League title this season but put his allegiances aside to send "love and condolences" to Turner's grieving family. "Just finished reading more about Jason Turner," the Canadian actor, 46, wrote on Twitter. "Gone way too soon. Love and condolences to his family and the top-notch organisation of Notts County."

A tweet from Wrexham echoed Reynolds' sentiment, saying: "All at Wrexham AFC are so sorry to hear this news. We enjoyed a great working relationship with Jason, and our thoughts are with his family, friends and all at Notts County at this time."

READ MORE HERE.

Klopp's take on Haaland's injury

Jurgen Klopp insists nothing will change for Liverpool regardless of whether or not Erling Haaland features for Manchester City on Saturday.

The two heavyweights go at it at the Etihad with plenty on offer for both teams, be it title ambitions or top four hopes. The hosts are sweating on the fitness of their relentless striker, who has scored 42 times this season, but has been nursing a groin issue which kept him out of Norway's recent games against Spain and Georgia.

Klopp and Liverpool were able to keep the forward quiet when they met earlier in the season at Anfield, a game in which they secured a 1-0 win. City's tactics have changed this term with the introduction of a genuine striker into their ranks, but the visitors won't prepare any differently regardless of who lines up.

READ MORE HERE.

Paratici steps down at Spurs

Fabio Paratici has stepped down from his role as Tottenham's managing director, pending the outcome of his appeal against a worldwide ban.

The Spurs chief was given a 30-month ban from Italian football in January after his former club, Juventus, were found guilty of false accounting. Paratici and Juventus both appealed against FIFA's ruling.

That was before after FIFA this week extended his suspension "to have worldwide effect." "FIFA can confirm that following a request by the Italian FA (FIGC), the chairperson of Fifa disciplinary committee has decided to extend the sanctions imposed by FIGC on several football officials to have worldwide effect," football's global governing body said in a statement.

READ MORE HERE.

Chelsea set to repeat Arsenal trick

Chelsea could beat another Premier League rival in the transfer market as they plot a move for Victor Osimhen.

The Blues usurped London neighbours Arsenal in the January window by signing Mykhaylo Mudryk, who had looked destined to move to the Emirates before those at Stamford Bridge seized on some indecision to pay a whopping £89m to secure the Ukrainian's services.

Now Manchester United could be on the receiving end of their free-spending nature. Osimhen has enjoyed a stellar campaign in Italy with Napoli and is set to finish the season as a Serie A champion. The Red Devils' interest in the Nigerian dates back to his time in Lille and they're keen on adding more firepower this summer.

Read the full story here

Ten Hag on Rashford's trip to NYC

"For me, it's positive he took that time to turn off from football. I have seen him back this week and he has shown a lot of energy, a lot of motivation, it was a good spirit and a lot of focus."

Carragher gives City v Liverpool prediction

Former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher has predicted his old club will provide the toughest test remaining for Premier League challengers Manchester City, save for the reigning champions' potential title shoot-out against Arsenal.

The Reds beat City at Anfield back in October, but are far off the pace after finishing as runners-up behind Pep Guardiola's side last season. City have some work to do to catch the league leaders, but can close the gap to five points with victory at home on Saturday lunchtime.

City are due to host Arsenal at the end of April, but they have already beaten the Gunners in two separate competitions this term. Mikel Arteta's side also have a game against Liverpool on the horizon, and Carragher expects Jurgen Klopp's side to play a huge part in the destination of the trophy.

Read the full story here

Former Leeds boss Marsch reveals plans

Jesse Marsch has revealed he will take his time before deciding on his next move.

The American has been linked with jobs since Leeds United called time on his stint, but remains out of work since leaving Elland Road.

Savage explains Macclesfield ticket price situation

The cost of living crisis has hit every household – and football has not escaped the ravages of inflation.

At Macclesfield, we have taken some stick for raising our ticket prices next season, but our experience is no different to the financial pressures being felt by clubs up and down the country. We could be celebrating a second consecutive promotion as champions if results go our way this weekend, so I hope any celebrations are not tempered by a backlash over our reluctant price hikes.

But to give you an idea of how much it costs to run a club, let me start by revealing that owner Rob Smethurst has put £4 million of his own money into the project since we bought the shell of a football club in October 2020.

Read the full story here

Tuchel opens up on Chelsea pain

Thomas Tuchel has opened up on the "hurtful" nature of his Chelsea exit after revealing he was sacked following a brief three-minute meeting with co-owner Todd Boehly.

Tuchel was confirmed as Bayern Munich's new head coach last week six months after he was dismissed from his post at Stamford Bridge.

At the time, the decision to part company with the German, who won the Champions League shortly after replacing former Blues favourite Frank Lampard, appeared to be a harsh one. And the 49-year-old has now broken his silence on the brutal meeting that ended his Chelsea tenure.

Read the full story here

Simeone ahead of Guardiola on best-paid managers list

Pep Guardiola remains the Premier League’s highest-earning head coach but the Manchester City chief continues to be eclipsed by former La Liga rival Diego Simeone.

The Atletico Madrid boss is the best paid in Europe according to L’Equipe’s annual salary report with an eye-watering monthly income of €2.83m (£2.48m) before tax - or £29.8m a year.

And Guardiola, who is second overall, trails him by almost €1m a month. The newspaper said that City pay him €1.87m (£1.64m), or €22.44m (£19.7m) a year.

Next on the list is Liverpool ’s Jurgen Klopp on €1.49m (£1.3m) per month and €17.88m (£15.7m) a year, followed by Chelsea head coach Graham Potter, who signed a five-year deal in September, on €1.13m (£990,000) or €13.56m (£11.9m).

Read the full story here

France stars back after Renard appointment

France stars Wendie Renard and Eugenie Le Sommer have both been recalled to the national squad following Herve Renard's appointment this week.

The Lyon duo return to the set-up following the fracture between former boss Corinne Diacre, who was sacked earlier this month, and several senior players. Centre-back Renard had said in February she was stepping back from the international arena and wanted to preserve her mental health.

By the appointment of namesake Herve Renard, who led the Saudi Arabian men's side at the 2022 World Cup, has led to a return for the French star. Le Sommer was controversially omitted from the Euro 2022 squad, despite being France's all-time top goalscorer, last playing an international back in April 2021.

Read the full story here

Arteta responds to Rodri challenge

Mikel Arteta has delivered his verdict after Rodri produced a horror-looking tackle on Martin Odegaard during Spain's win over Norway last Saturday.

The Manchester City midfielder flew into a challenge and ended up catching Odegaard on the shin, leaving Arsenal fans furious. The Arsenal captain shifted the ball onto his left foot and attempted to shoot before being caught by Rodri.

Odegaard rolled around in pain but managed to get up and complete the rest of the game. It didn't seem like the tackle caused any long-lasting damage to Odegaard, either, ahead of the Premier League season run-in.

Read the full story here

Klopp provides injury update

Liverpool will be able to welcome back Darwin Nunez for their weekend trip to Manchester City, but Jurgen Klopp's side will have to make do without Luis Diaz.

Colombia forward Diaz has been out injured since October and suffered a setback in his recovery, but was back in first-team training this week. There was some hope he might feature at the Etihad Stadium, but Klopp confirmed the game has come too soon for the ex-Porto man.

It's better news for Nunez, though. The Uruguay striker missed his country's friendlies against Japan and South Korea during the international break, but it fit to feature on Saturday.

Read the full story here

Ten Hag calls on stars to help Rashford

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants several of his squad to ease the goalscoring burden on Marcus Rashford, something that would certainly be achieved in the summer if the club's move for Harry Kane comes off.

Ten Hag is hopeful of completing a deal for England's all-time record goalscorer, and initial conversations over a transfer have taken place at the club as Kane heads towards the final year of his contract.

Until any move is completed though, Rashford remains United's most likely source of goals having hit 27 in all competitions this season, 17 more than any of his team-mates.

Read the full story here

Saliba ruled out

Mikel Arteta has ruled William Saliba out for Arsenal's game against Leeds - but is "very hopeful" he will be fit at some point before the end of the season.

The Gunners currently sit eight points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League and have a very good chance of winning their first top-flight title in 19 years.

However, Arsenal have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the run-in. Saliba, who has been excellent this term, will miss the clash with relegation-threatened Leeds through injury.

Saliba picked up the issue in the Europa League defeat to Sporting CP before the international break and therefore had to sit out of the 4-1 win over Crystal Palace on March 19.

Read the full story here

Rashford contract update

Erik ten Hag insists talks over a new deal for Marcus Rashford are "an internal process" with the Manchester United manager focused on on-field matters.

United triggered a one-year extension to Rashford's deal back in December, keeping him at Old Trafford until the end of the 2023-24 season. They are keen to keep the England star on board for the long-term, though, and opened talks over a fresh deal after he returned from World Cup duty.

Ten Hag was asked about the situation as he spoke to the media ahead of United's weekend trip to Newcastle, one of three games in a week for the Red Devils. However, the Dutchman made clear his task was getting results on the field.

Read the full story here