Chelsea keen on £97.5m Martinez transfer, Covid postponements LATEST, Barcelona ‘meet Raiola to discuss Haaland’

GUNNER LEAVE?

West Ham and Arsenal are part of a five-way battle to bring Flamengo striker Gabriel Barbosa to the Premier League, according to 90min.

Barbosa reportedly wants to return to Europe in January and would prefer to play in the Premier League.

Fortunately for the 25-year-old, he has several suitors who may be willing to offer him such a platform.

Long-term admirers West Ham are among a number of Premier League clubs considering a bid, while Arsenal, Everton, Aston Villa and soon to be big spending Newcastle are also in the hunt for his signature.

USE YOUR ED

Edu has admitted that he wants to bring Arsene Wenger 'closer' to Arsenal once more.

The Frenchman has kept away from the Gunners after leaving in 2018 following 22 years at the helm.

The Brazilian, 43, wrote in his programme notes: "It was great to see Arsene Wenger the other day at the screening for his new documentary.

"We had a good conversation, and I said to him that he cannot realise how important he is for my career.

"I told him I would like to see him a bit closer to the club and to myself as well in the future. That would be a real, real pleasure and special for everyone here.

"I also told him I was so proud to see myself in his film - it brought back lots of great memories about that Invincibles team!"

TUCH EASY

Chelsea have become even stronger favourites to become Club World Champions for the first time after the tournament draw in Zurich.

Thomas Tuchel’s Blues will face a semi-final against Asian champions Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia or the winners of the preliminary tie between Auckland City and Al Jazeera of the UAE.

They are then on course for a showdown with Copa Libertadores winners Palmeiras of Brazil in the Final, although the South Americans first have to get past Mexico’s Monterrey or Egypt’s African champs Al Ahly.

It represents the easiest possible route for the Stamford Bridge outfit after months of uncertainty.

Chelsea had been due to travel to Japan for the tournament this month.

But Covid issues forced the planned hosts to give up the tournament and it was only in October that Fifa confirmed the matches will now be played in the UAE in February.

TRAOR OF DUTY

Liverpool target Adama Traore could be on the move for as little as £20million with Wolves reportedly slashing his asking price.

The Spanish winger was eyed up by Jurgen Klopp in the summer, but the Reds decided against bringing the 25-year-old to Anfield.

According to Football Insider, the Midlands outfit were seeking a fee in the region of £50million.

But with Traore, who is tied down at Molineux until 2023, without a goal or assist from his 14 games this season, Wolves are claimed to have lowered their demands.

The news outlet states that his price tag has dropped to £20m ahead of the winter transfer window.

And they even state that Brino Lage’s side could be prepared to part ways with the ex-Barcelona forward for as low as £18m.

News of his drop in value is said to have put Liverpool on red alert as they weigh up an offer for the eight-cap Spain international.

ACROSS TO CRIS

Cristiano Ronaldo's family are planning a huge get-together in Manchester this Christmas.

The Old Trafford striker’s Brazil-based sister Katia Aveiro revealed they are organising a festive season reunion in a question and answer social media session with fans.

When asked what she'd be doing for Christmas, the singer-turned-influencer, who ended up in hospital after going down with Covid earlier this year, said: “If this mad world and the variants all over the place let me, it will be in Manchester God willing.”

Katia is expected to travel from her home in southern Brazil with her husband and two children.

Her siblings Hugo and Elma and their mum Dolores will make the journey from the family’s native Madeira.

It is not yet known if they will be joined by relatives of Cristiano’s partner Georgina Rodriguez.

The 27-year-old is pregnant with twins and her sister Ivana is also expecting her first child with her painter and sculptor partner Carlos Garcia.

NAB NAT

West Ham are reportedly plotting a move for Liverpool outcast Nathaniel Phillips after the long-term injury to Angelo Ogbonna.

The Hammers are sat fourth heading into the busy Christmas period.

And according to Football Insider, Phillips is one of the names being mentioned to come in and replace the injured Ogbonna to sustain a Champions League push.

The 24-year-old has slipped to fifth choice at Liverpool despite having a solid season last term in the absence of the injured Virgil van Dijk.

Jurgen Klopp's aerial 'monster' has only managed 45 minutes on the pitch this season and it came in the League Cup win over Preston North End.

The report states that an offer of around £12million should be enough to tempt Liverpool to sell.

SEVEN HEAVEN

Lionel Messi and his three sons Mateo, Thiago and Ciro turned up to Monday's Ballon d'Or ceremony wearing matching suits.

The 34-year-old won his seventh Ballon d'Or, pipping Bayern Munich's Robert Lewandowski to the prestigious award.

He was presented with the trophy by long-time friend Luis Suarez, and was treated to a video of congratulations messages by his children, Suarez and Argentina team-mate Sergio Aguero.

His children, all wearing black suits, white shoes and a bow tie, clapped and danced as their dad reaffirmed his place as one of the greatest to ever play the game.

YOU WAT?

Ben Foster has denied he missed Watford’s defeat at Leicester because he was injured playing outfield in a charity match.

Some Hornets fans were angered by suggestions the former England keeper, who had starred in the win over Manchester United, had been forced out of the trip to the King Power by a groin problem sustained in a game for Hashtag United.

Foster, who has strong links with the Basildon-based side founded by YouTuber Spencer Owen, did take part in the 24-hour charity fund-raising game, including a stint on the pitch.

Claudio Ranieri was forced to use Austrian back-up Daniel Bachmann, who endured an afternoon to forget as the Hornets were stung 4-2.

But Foster responded to the rumours by posting: “Hi guys just to clear this up, unfortunately I injured my groin in training on the Thursday before the Leicester city game.

“Hopefully nothing too major!

“It certainly had nothing to do with my 15 minute cameo in a charity kickabout earlier in the week. Hope to be back soon.”

SOL CRUSHING

Ralf Rangnick has more than doubled his wages by moving to Manchester United, reports claim.

The German, 63, quit Lokomotiv Moscow to join the Red Devils.

Rangnick had agreed a three-year deal with the Russian club in July, reportedly worth £3.8million-a-year.

But according to the Daily Star, he has upgraded that to £8m-a-year with Man United.

This makes him better paid than Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was at Old Trafford.

BROZ BUY

Mega rich Newcastle bosses are reportedly ready to open their wallets and offer 'crazy money' in order to convince Marcelo Brozovic to join the club.

The 29-year-old Inter midfielder is out of contract at the end of the season and is also a target for Manchester United.

The Tynesiders, according to The Athletic, are willing to offer mouth-watering figures in a bid to land the Croatian international when negotiations can begin on January 1.

But with Newcastle yet to win a league game this campaign and currently rooted to the bottom of the table, Brozovic is unlikely to be willing to agree terms in January.

SunSport exclusively revealed earlier this month that Brozovic was being targeted by Toon chiefs as a statement signing in the summer.

CLUB FER ME

Manchester City forward Ferran Torres has agreed to join Barcelona, according to reports.

But Manchester City are said to want more than TRIPLE the £20.8million they paid Valencia for the 21-year-old in August 2020.

Torres has reportedly agreed to take a pay cut to join Barca and informed Pep Guardiola of his wishes.

The Catalans had a loan bid rejected by City last summer but new boss Xavi is said to have 'directly requested' the young forward since his return as head coach.

However, City want a transfer fee between £60-68m, according to Mundo Deportivo.

MO TO GIVE

Former Liverpool star Glen Johnson does not think Mo Salah is going anywhere amid links to Barcelona.

The winger has been in fine form this season and with the Reds competing for the Champions League and the Premier League title, Johnson believes Salah will want to stick around.

He told Bettingodds: “Financially I don’t believe it could happen anyway. In terms of Mo himself, he’s achieved everything he can at Liverpool really.

"He’s still young enough but he is cracking on. He may want to play in an easier league which can be a bit easier on his body.

"Saying that, the way he’s performing at the moment, he doesn’t look like slowing down and ready to put the slippers on. 

“I don’t think a move will materialise if I’m being honest.

"Liverpool loves him and he loves Liverpool and he still has an awful lot to offer. I don’t see him going anywhere at the moment.”

LOK AT THAT

Manchester United will not pay Lokomotiv Moscow a penny in compensation for Ralf Rangnick, according to reports.

The Red Devils confirmed the German's appointment as interim manager until the end of the season yesterday.

Rangnick, 63, had signed a three-year deal with Lokomotiv Moscow in July.

But the Russian club didn't stand in his way when Man United came calling.

Italian reporter Fabrizio Romano claims that the Red Devils will not have to pay any compensation.

In their statement confirming Rangnick's appointment, United expressed their gratitude towards Lokomotiv.

They wrote: "The club wishes to place on record its thanks to Lokomotiv Moscow for their co-operation in the process of bringing Ralf to Manchester United."

MAR MOVE

Losing Copa Libertadores finalists Flamengo are reportedly plotting a January transfer for Gunners outcast Pablo Mari.

The Arsenal defender has started just two Premier League games so far this campaign.

He is expected to ‘consider his options’ if his game time does not improve in the coming weeks, according to football.london.

Mari’s former club Flamengo are interested in a move for the centre-back, but would rather a loan deal to a permanent transfer.

However an immediate stumbling block is the Brazilian outfit cannot afford to pay the 28-year-olds wages.

That would mean the Gunners having to subsidise some of his reported £85,000-a-week wages.

OWN SCHOLES

Chelsea star Thiago Silva has hit back at Paul Scholes’ claim that Cristiano Ronaldo would find it easy to play against him.

The Blues hosted Manchester United in the marquee match-up of last weekend at Stamford Bridge.

Silva vs Ronaldo was supposed to be a key clash… before the Portuguese found himself benched by caretaker boss Michael Carrick.

As it happened, the 36-year-old wasn’t called upon until the 64th minute – before failing to have a shot on goal.

After the game, a Chelsea fan account wrote on Instagram: “According to Paul Scholes, facing Thiago Silva would have been easy for Cristiano Ronaldo.”

Silva, 37, found the post, and commented: “It is always easy, especially for those who have stopped playing!!”

He followed his words with three laughing emojis.

PREM COVID SPIKE

Prem chiefs have recorded the highest number of positive Covid cases since August.

Training ground testers found seven positive results from 3,379 samples at the 20 Prem clubs over the week to Sunday.

That was up one case from the previous week and represented the highest total since 16 positive results were analysed between August 16 and 22.

League bosses, though, remain relaxed as the positive cases were just 0.2per cent of the total number of tests and it is not expected to impact on the continuing roll-out of in-person press conferences.

Up to 100 players and staff at each club are now tested per week.

Restrictions including mask wearing on public transport and in shops have been re-introduced by the Government.

GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS

Lionel Messi is the 2021 Ballon d’Or winner after being crowned at last night’s ceremony in Paris.

The Argentina ace scooped his SEVENTH award in front of a star-studded crowd.

Messi saw off competition from Robert Lewandowski and Jorginho to take home the top prize.

But rival Cristiano Ronaldo could only finish in 6th place.

Elsewhere, Gianluigi Donnarumma was named Best Goalkeeper while Pedri took the Best Youngster award.

Chelsea were crowned Club of the Year, while Lewandowski was given the Best Striker gong.

Meanwhile, SunSport can exclusively reveal Man City have stepped up their efforts to extend Riyad Mahrez's contract.

The Algerian winger, 30, has around a year-and-a-half left on his £160,000-a-week deal.

Mahrez is happy in Manchester, and is keen to stay after getting engaged during the summer.

Pep Guardiola want to get fresh terms in place before Mahrez jets off to Cameroon to play for champions Algeria at the African Cup of Nations.

If a new contract cannot be agreed, a shock exit next summer could be on the cards with PSG keen.

Finally, Jamie Carragher claims Rio Ferdinand once tried to push through a sensational transfer to Chelsea.

Hitting back at the Man Utd icon for comments about never winning a title, Carragher tweeted: "Not talking titles but the deal for Ronaldo to Man Utd which you arranged.

"No Premier League for me but Sky like my opinions!

"No trophy in your career without Alex Ferguson and when you stopped winning Premier League at Manchester United you tried to move to Chelsea so please stop giving it the big United fan one! #olesatthewheel."

EXCLUSIVE BY DAN CUTTS

Man City have stepped up their efforts to extend Riyad Mahrez's contract.

The Algerian winger, 30, has around a year-and-a-half left on his £160,000-a-week deal.

Mahrez is happy in Manchester, and is keen to stay after getting engaged during the summer.

Pep Guardiola want to get fresh terms in place before Mahrez jets off to Cameroon to play for champions Algeria at the African Cup of Nations.

If a new contract cannot be agreed, a shock exit next summer could be on the cards with PSG keen.

CLOSE CALL

Lionel Messi beat Robert Lewandowski to the Ballon d'Or by just 33 points.

Full details of votes show Messi picked up 613 points to Lewandowski's 580.

The votes are taken from national team captains, managers and nominated journalists.

However, it's still more than Messi beat Virgil van Dijk with in 2019, with the Argentina ace squeezing past the Dutch defender by just seven points.

However, spare a thought for Alfredo Di Stefano and Kevin Keegan, who missed out by just three points in 1956 and 1972 respectively.

LEO KING

Why exactly did Messi win this year's trophy?

Well, Barcelona may have had an awful year.

But Messi still scored 28 goals in 2021 for the Catalans.

Messi, who has netted four strikes for new club PSG, also hit the target eight times with Argentina this year - making for a grand total of 40 goals.

And the legendary striker also led his country to Copa America glory - his first-ever international honour.

KYL-ER BLOW

Kylian Mbappe looked furious after finishing NINTH in the 2021 Ballon d'Or vote.

For the PSG ace, it was his LOWEST-EVER finish since first cracking the list in 2017.

That year, he took seventh after bursting onto the scene with Monaco, before finishing fourth in 2018.

The PSG striker came sixth in 2019, while the 2020 Ballon d'Or ceremony was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.

WHAT'S GONE RON?

He couldn't make Man Utd's starting XI against Chelsea on Sunday.

And tonight Cristiano Ronaldo finished sixth in the Ballon d'Or rankings, with rival Messi scooping his seventh trophy.

It was the first time since 2010 that Ronnie failed to make the top three.

And after snubbing the awards ceremony in Paris, Ronaldo blasted the editor of France Football - the Ballon d'Or organisers - for 'lies' said in the build-up.

'LEW WAS ROBBED'

Fans have been venting their frustration on Twitter after seeing Lewandowski miss out on the Ballon d'Or.

A tweet read: "Daylight robbery. I think Lewandowski should have won that award."

One said: "I'm a fan of Messi, but this year he didn't deserve the Ballon d'Or. Lewandowski did so much more for this trophy."

Another post read: "Lewandowski absolutely robbed in plain day light."

Another user wrote: "I wonder what Lewandowski must do to win the Ballon d'Or - Walk on water????"

HERE'S TO LEW

Messi also sensationally claimed runner-up Lewandowski should have been handed the award.

The Pole was a dead cert to win it last year, but the event was scrapped due to Covid.

Messi added: “It is a huge honour to fight with Robert [Lewandowski]. 

“Last year you were the winner and I think France Football should give it to you.”

MESSI REACTS

The 2021 Ballon d'Or winner has spoken!

Messi, who was handed his award by close pal Luis Suarez, beamed: “It is incredible to be here again. Two years ago I thought that it was my last year and now I am here again. I am very happy, very excited and wanting to fight for new challenges.

“I do not know how long I have left but I hope it will be a long time. I want to thank my teammates from Barcelona and PSG, and especially the Argentina team. 

“I won this award and I had the feeling that I was missing something and this year I was able to achieve it.

“A large part of this trophy is because of what we did in the Copa America, so thanks to my teammates, this is also yours. My wife, my children, my father, my mother are here.”