Good morning everyone and welcome to the latest edition of the Daily Briefing - thanks for reading, and hope you enjoy!
Today’s top stories:
Salah vs Klopp row - what went on here? [Pictures from TNT Sports]
AC Milan
AC Milan are advancing in talks with Julen Lopetegui to replace Pioli as manager. Lopetegui is giving priority to AC Milan over West Ham and more European clubs; positive talks took place about the project. Further steps yet to be discussed soon.
AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani: “Rafa Leao will stay, he’s signed a long term deal and he wants to stay here.”
Arsenal
Is Gabriel Magalhaes close to a new Arsenal contract? Fabrizio Romano has his latest info in his exclusive column.
Arsenal gem Chido Martin Obi scored an incredible 7 goals in 64 minutes for the U18s as they thrashed Norwich. The talented Gunners striker is just 16 years old and he has scored 28 goals in his last 16 games.
Mikel Arteta on the decision to sign Kai Havertz: “It’s not my decision, it’s our decision. We were super aligned with the club’s vision, and then obviously on the sporting side, we made a recommendation. A lot of people were involved and then you need the ownership to back you as well, and make things happen. We were very convinced that they were characters first, they were players with the right qualities to fit within our model, our club, and sometimes it takes a bit of time, that’s inevitable.”
Aston Villa
What a smart finish by Morgan Rogers here as Aston Villa raced into a 2-0 lead over Chelsea in the first half! FT Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea [Pictures from TNT Sports]
Could Aston Villa centre-back Diego Carlos seal a transfer away?
Athletic Bilbao
Nico Williams stopped the game with Atletico Madrid night due to racist chants at the Metropolitano. A few minutes later, Williams scored for Athletic and pointed to the colour of his skin in his celebration. We’re with you, Nico! FT Atletico Madrid 3-1 Athletic Bilbao [Pictures from X/La Liga]
Nico Williams: “It’s not normal to be abused because of your skin. I know there’s stupid people everywhere but it has to change. Atletico Madrid players supported me, they understand me, it’s unacceptable to hear monkey sounds — I saw and heard three guys doing that.”
Atletico Madrid
Angel Correa got on the end of a superb Koke pass to score this well-worked goal in Atletico Madrid’s win over Athletic Bilbao. FT Atletico Madrid 3-1 Athletic Bilbao [Pictures from Premier Sports]
Bayer Leverkusen
Unbelievable by Bayer Leverkusen as they scored again in the 9th minute to keep their unbeaten run alive! They were losing 2-1 at home to Stuttgart but Xabi Alonso’s team once again found a way to claw it back. That’s now 46 games unbeaten for Leverkusen.
Bayer Leverkusen consider Florian Wirtz untouchable for the summer transfer window, he’s not going to leave the club. It was one of the key points discussed with Xabi Alonso when he decided to stay. The race for summer 2025 will involve top clubs in England, Germany, Spain.
Bayern Munich
Harry Kane scored a brace yesterday and has reached a new personal record with 42 goals in all competitions this season. 42 goals in 42 games as a Bayern player, and a total of 400 career goals for club and country.
Jamal Musiala was not even in Bayern’s squad yesterday. Thomas Tuchel said: “He can’t play. He really wanted to play but he felt pain due to the tendon irritation that is really hindering him.” However, Bayern’s staff are optimistic to have Musiala available on Tuesday vs Real Madrid.
Bayern director Max Eberl has confirmed that no decision on new head coach will be made before the Real Madrid game on Tuesday. Bayern board hope to get new manager deal done by end of next week/beginning of May.
Chelsea
What a goal this was by Conor Gallagher as Chelsea came from behind to claim a well-earned point away to Aston Villa! FT Aston Villa 2-2 Chelsea [Pictures from TNT Sports]
One more potential injury at Chelsea. Pochettino: “We need to assess Thiago Silva and see. It is a pain in his groin, I think it is similar to his injury at Crystal Palace.” Thiago will confirm soon that he’s leaving Chelsea at the end of the current season.
Pochettino: “VAR damaged English football for me, damaged the image of football. It was a goal. It’s unbelievable and ridiculous. Two weeks ago against Man City, it was handball and it was not a penalty…”
Gabri Veiga to Chelsea? Reports suggest this could be one to watch…
Everton
Idrissa Gueye powered in this winning goal for Everton as they beat Brentford to confirm their survival in the Premier League this season! FT Everton 1-0 Brentford [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Ipswich Town
What a sublime goal by Chelsea youngster Omari Hutchinson as he continues his superb form on loan at Ipswich Town! FT Hull City 3-3 Ipswich [Pictures from Sky Sports]
Liverpool
A smart finish by Andrew Robertson here to level things up for Liverpool. FT West Ham 2-2 Liverpool [Pictures from TNT Sports]
What really went on with Mohamed Salah and Jurgen Klopp, and what does it mean for the summer transfer window? Fabrizio Romano has all you need to know in his exclusive column.
Salah when asked for interview while he was leaving the stadium: “If I speak today… there will be fire.”
Klopp on Salah row: “We spoke about that moment in the dressing room with the lads, it’s done”. Does Salah also consider the matter closed and resolved? “Yes, that’s my feeling.”
Arne Slot to Liverpool is ‘here we go’ and Fabrizio Romano has details about the money being paid to Feyenoord for him and his entire backroom staff.
Mallorca
Nemanja Radonjic wants to stay at Mallorca also beyond this season. Buy option clause remains valid for €3m from Torino, there are several clubs interested but Radonjic’s priority is to stay and continue at Mallorca.
Manchester City
Bernardo Silva leaving Manchester City is a real possibility, according to Fabrizio Romano in his exclusive column.
Lucas Paqueta on Man City interest for the summer: “That stuff is from last summer window, now it’s time to finish the season and see what happens. I’m very happy at West Ham, I can’t lie; and I’ve also massive respect for the club.”
Could Manchester City legend Joe Hart be returning to the club?
Manchester United
That’s now 2 wins, 4 draws and 3 defeats for Man United in their last 9 Premier League games with 17 goals conceded - their awful run continued with yesterday’s 1-1 draw at home to Burnley.
Erik ten Hag: “It’s unfair to compare this Man United team with the ones of the past. But even Man United team of 2004/05 they didn't play that great football, they were building. It takes time. Even players who were in that team forget they needed time to progress.”
Ten Hag says Man United can’t be title contenders next season: “When everyone is available, we're competing for top-four. We can come closer [to position #1/2] if we make a good transfer window. We have to strengthen in key positions and also in the depth of the squad.”
Ten Hag: “Marcus Rashford is capable every season of scoring 25 to 35 goals. He has the assets to do that. I am 100 per cent confident of this.”
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe on keeping players again like happened with Kieran Trippier in January: “We have wanted to keep our squad together as much as we can. We want to keep our leaders, build on the core squad that we have, that is my wish, but we have other things to think about.”
Loris Karius will leave Newcastle as a free agent at the end of the current season, decision made. Meanwhile, Newcastle have activated the option to extend Mark Gillespie’s contract until June 2025.
Porto
Former Chelsea and Spurs coach Andre Villas-Boas has become the new FC Porto president. AVB has won the elections after historical era of president Pinto da Costa.
New FC Porto president Villas-Boas will now be able to decide on Sergio Conceicao’s contract. A new deal until 2028 was signed earlier this week was valid under former president Pinto da Costa.
PSG
Paris Saint-Germain have confirmed a new deal agreed for Warren Zaire-Emery until June 2029. A verbal agreement was reached back in October and it’s now sealed as he turned 18 last month. PSG consider Zaire-Emery a key player for their present and future project.
Rayo Vallecano
Radamel Falcao will part ways with Rayo Vallecano in June, he’s 100% leaving the club as free agent at the end of this season.
RB Leipzig
Benjamin Sesko looks likely to leave RB Leipzig this summer, but what about his teammate Lois Openda? Fabrizio Romano has the latest in his exclusive column.
Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti: “Arda Guler will stay as part of our squad next season, of course. Arda Guler has extraordinary ability, he is talented, he has a gift. He’s crucial part of our project for the future.”
Sheffield United
Official: Sheffield United have been relegated from the Premier League after yesterday’s 5-1 defeat to Newcastle United. They return to the Championship after just one season back in the top flight.
Sporting Lisbon
Ruben Amorim on travelling to London to meet with West Ham: “It was a mistake. The timing was completely wrong. I’m always asking my players to be respectful… and I wasn’t — even if I informed the club before. I’m so sorry and I apologise to fans, club and players.”
Tottenham
Tottenham are currently leading the race to sign 2006 born talented midfielder Dan Rigge from West Ham. There are four clubs in the race, Rigge is happy at West Ham after positive season — but several clubs are prepared to test the water in the next weeks.
Ange Postecoglou: “Mikey Moore has been really good in training with us. Look he's a very talented boy and for him. Reports I've had on him have always been outstanding. He hasn't looked out of place and it's great for him.”
West Ham United
Michail Antonio scored a fine header to equalise for West Ham against Liverpool yesterday! FT West Ham 2-2 Liverpool [Pictures from TNT Sports]
What’s the truth behind these two managers linked with the West Ham job?
Lucas Paqueta on Man City interest for the summer: “That stuff is from last summer window, now it’s time to finish the season and see what happens. I’m very happy at West Ham, I can’t lie; and I’ve also massive respect for the club.”
Ruben Amorim on travelling to London to meet with West Ham: “It was a mistake. The timing was completely wrong. I’m always asking my players to be respectful… and I wasn’t — even if I informed the club before. I’m so sorry and I apologise to fans, club and players.”
Tottenham are currently leading the race to sign 2006 born talented midfielder Dan Rigge from West Ham. There are four clubs in the race, Rigge is happy at West Ham after positive season — but several clubs are prepared to test the water in the next weeks.
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