JURGEN KLOPP has been told he is safe from a sacking following Liverpool's atrocious run of form that has seen them slump to EIGHTH in the Premier League table.
The news comes as Joachim Low announces he will resign as Germany manager following the Euros.
Meanwhile Real Madrid are among the favourites to sign Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez and Manchester United are reportedly chasing Leeds ace Raphinha.
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Follow our LIVE blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
- Marc Mayo
EXCLUSIVE
Sunderland fans have raised over £115,000 for local charities by purchasing virtual tickets ahead of the club's date with Wembley, writes Richard Forrester.
With supporters unable to attend their EFL Trophy final against Tranmere on Sunday, thousands have united to raise vital cash to help the vulnerable hit hardest by the coronavirus.
Lifelong fan Peter Richardson kick-started the fundraiser on the club's messageboard before teaming up with Sunderland's official charity partner, The Foundation of Light.
An initiative was then put into place to divide the money raised between the Foundation of Light, Salvation Army, Sunderland Foodbank and Washington Mind.
Sophie Ashcroft, who is Head of Marketing & Communications at the Foundation of Light, told SunSport: "It's a brilliant idea, it's making the best out of a bad situation and is injecting really critical cash for ourselves and other charities.
"The money is vital. It will help us support hundreds and hundreds of people across the region and really provide crucial services to support some of the most vulnerable people in the community.”
Credit: Getty Images – Getty - Marc Mayo
BOCA BULK
Edinson Cavani is increasingly unlikely to move to Boca Juniors in the summer, according to reports.
It had been claimed that the striker was eyeing a three-year deal with the Argentine giants.
But TyCSports state that living in the country is not high on Cavani’s agenda.
SunSport revealed last night that the veteran attacker is hoping to remain at Manchester United but is growing impatient in waiting for a new contract offer.
- Marc Mayo
JUR THE ONE?
Ladbrokes have made Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp the second favourite to replace Joachim Low in the summer.
A disastrous title defence has led to questions of the German’s position, although he has remained adamant that he wants to stay at Anfield.
Germany Under-21 boss Stefan Kuntz is the bookie’s frontrunner.
Next Germany Manager Odds:
Stefan Kuntz – 11/4
Jurgen Klopp – 3/1
Arsene Wenger – 8/1
Julian Nagelsmann – 12/1
Jurgen Klinsmann – 12/1
Jupp Heynckes – 12/1
- Marc Mayo
YOU’RE JOACH-ING
As we told you earlier, Joachim Low will quit as Germany boss after the Euros.
DFB president Fritz Keller has paid tribute to the World Cup winner’s time in the role and stated that no plans have been made for his successor.
He said: "I have great respect for Joachim Löw's decision.
“The DFB knows what he has in Jogi, he is one of the greatest coaches in world football. Jogi Löw has had German football like no other for years.
“Not only because of his sporting achievements, but also because of his empathy and humanity. The fact that he informed us about his decision at an early stage is very decent.
“He gives us the necessary time, calmly and a sense of proportion to name his successor."
- Marc Mayo
COSTA FORTUNE
Benfica have made their move to land free agent Diego Costa by offering him a £2.6million bonus, according to reports.
The hot-headed striker has been without a club since having his deal with Atletico Madrid terminated in December.
Costa, 32, had been heavily linked with a move back to Brazil with both Palmeiras and Sao Paulo.
He was also touted for a lucrative deal to play in Saudi Arabia while being rumoured for a switch back to the Premier League with Wolves and West Ham.
Now Goal write how Costa's future could be resolved with the Portuguese giants. They add how Benfica will entice him with a two-year, £50,000-a-week contract starting at the beginning of next season.
A £2.6m transfer bonus is also on the table and it appears Costa is looking increasingly likely to put pen-to-paper.
Credit: PA:Press Association - Marc Mayo
SERG OF INTEREST
Barcelona are the favoured destination for Sergio Aguero next season, according to reports.
The Manchester City forward has endured a quiet season in England and his contract expires in the summer.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the player is keen to discuss a switch to the Camp Nou.
Aguero’s agent is already said to have made contact with new club president Joan Laporta to gauge a deal.
- Marc Mayo
NEY WAY
Neymar has been ruled out of Paris Saint-Germain’s game with Barcelona.
The Brazilian was always on a tight schedule to make the last-16 second leg on Wednesday having suffered a groin injury a month ago.
According to Goal, he will focus on his recovery for the coming days rather than be risked.
- Marc Mayo
LIGTS OUT
Manchester United never made contact over a deal to sign Matthijs de Ligt.
The young defender left Ajax for Juventus in 2019 and recalled the huge interest in his services at the time.
A number of teams were linked but the player himself has revealed a lack of an approach from United.
He told reporters: “I never heard anything from [United.
“It was like you were in school, like with math. It was a long process.
“You weigh the pros and cons and in the end, I ended up choosing Juventus.”
- Marc Mayo
LOW BLOW
More on that news Joachim Low will depart as Germany boss after the summer Euros…
The 61-year-old was under contract until after the 2022 World Cup, but has asked to leave the role early.
Low took over in 2006 after a spell as Jurgen Klinsmann's assistant and won the 2014 World Cup.
He told the DFB website: "I take this step very consciously, full of pride and enormous gratitude, but at the same time continue to be very motivated when it comes to the upcoming European Championship tournament.
"I'm proud, because it is something very special and an honor for me to be involved in my country. And because I have been able to work with the best footballers in the country for almost 17 years and support them in their development.
"I have great triumphs with them and painful defeats, but above all many wonderful and magical moments – not just winning the 2014 World Cup in Brazil . I am and will remain grateful to the DFB, which has always provided me and the team with an ideal working environment."
Credit: AP:Associated Press
- Marc Mayo
BREAKING
Joachim Low will LEAVE his role as Germany national team boss after the Euros.
The German FA (DFB) have confirmed the news on their website.
- Marc Mayo
BLEW HIS KOP
Jamie Carragher has blasted Liverpool as 'mentality midgets' after their sixth home defeat in a row.
He told Sky Sports last night: "So often at these stages last season, Liverpool scored late goals, even the year before when they were chasing down Man City.
"That man [Klopp] rightly called his side the mentality monsters and they deserved that tag, but right now, they are like mentality midgets.
"Every time there is a bit of adversity, you go behind in a game, his team is just not dealing well with adversity at any stage in this last three or four months.
"It's not acceptable from Liverpool, that sort of performance, and I'll tell you what, I played in some really poor Liverpool teams.
"These defeats, at home, against the level of opposition, you need to find something from somewhere. It looks like top-four positions now are a long way off."
Credit: Ian Hodgson – Daily Mail - Marc Mayo
SIGNE HERE
Napoli have been rebuffed by Lorenzo Insigne as they try to tie the star forward down to a new contract.
Corriere dello Sport detail the offer of a four-year deal on a £41,000-a-week wage – a large drop on his current £65,000 weekly takings.
The 29-year-old is said to want at least the same salary as before, with his deal expiring in 2022.
- Marc Mayo
HE'S DE BEST
David de Gea's wife hailed the Manchester United goalkeeper as 'the world's best dad' after leaving hospital with their newborn daughter.
Edurne Garcia said she is 'full of love' in her first comments since the birth last Thursday of their first child.
The glamorous Spaniard, who also works as a TV presenter, said: “Thank you my darling for loving me so much, for taking care of me so much and for being the best dad in the world.
"We couldn’t be more happy with our little baby Yanay.
“I’m full of love. Thanks for all your congratulations. Your love and affection has reached us.”
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- Marc Mayo
IN THE NIK
Nikola Milenkovic is still being linked with Manchester United, who have reportedly contacted the defender’s camp over a transfer.
CalcioMercato detail the club attempting to ‘find information’ to gauge the finances of the deal.
AC Milan, Inter, Tottenham and Liverpool are also named in the report as interested parties.
Milenkovic, 23, has been a star of Serie A side Fiorentina but could be available for around £26m in the summer.
- Marc Mayo
TUCHY SUBJECT
Thomas Tuchel was overheard berating Timo Werner for playing out of position for 15 minutes in Chelsea's win over Everton.
With 25 minutes played, Tuchel was on the sideline shouting at his compatriot telling him to switch flanks – then questioned if he understood the instructions as TV microphones picked up the blast.
According to reported translations, the Chelsea boss said: "Timo, how long are you staying on the left?
"You're playing on the right! The last 15 mins you've only been on the left! Don't you understand?"
- Marc Mayo
MAHR OF THAT, PLEASE
Real Madrid are interested in signing Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, according to reports.
The Algerian has impressed again for Pep Guardiola and Co this season.
According to Foot Mercato, the ex-Leicester ace is on a shortlist of players that could bolster Zinedine Zidane's side next term.
Madrid are hoping to 'regenerate' an attacking unit that has stuttered at times since the 2018 departure of Cristiano Ronaldo.
While Karim Benzema's output has remained outstanding, Zidane is not particularly convinced by Vinicius Junior, Marco Asensio or Rodrygo.
- Marc Mayo
MOR INTEREST
Chelsea are set for a transfer battle with Manchester United over Barcelona's teenage sensation Ilaix Moriba, according to reports.
The midfielder, 18, is out of contract at the Camp Nou next year. New president Joan Laporta will have an extension high on his priority list after being voted in at the weekend.
But according to Sport via Sport Witness, Moriba is not short of options elsewhere.
The report states Chelsea made an 'important offer' for the teenager in a recent transfer window in the hope of luring the Spanish youth international to West London.
It comes just days after reports of Manchester United and RB Leipzig's interest surfaced.
Credit: Reuters - Marc Mayo
RED RAPH?
Manchester United have reportedly registered their interest in Leeds United winger Raphinha.
The 24-year-old has shone at Elland Road since his £17million arrival from Rennes in October.
According to UOL Esporte, his former Chelsea star agent Deco is planning to meet with Leeds to discuss a possible move away this summer.
It also states that the Red Devils have an advantage in the race to sign the South American.
- Marc Mayo
AL BE GOING
Alexandre Lacazette could be heading to Barcelona or Juventus in the summer, according to reports.
The Frenchman has been a regular for Mikel Arteta this season, even wearing the captain's armband on occasion.
But with his contract set to enter its final year in the summer, Lacazette could be heading for pastures new.
According to Calcio Mercato, his representatives are looking to find him an 'ambitious' club, where he can fight for football's most prestigious honours.
Barcelona and Juventus are both said to be in the frame, with the latter believed to be long-term admirers of the 29-year-old.
SunSport revealed last month that Lacazette is one a number of players that could be sold this summer, as the Gunners look to cut costs.
- Marc Mayo
RASH RELIEF
Marcus Rashford's injury is not as bad as first feared with no ankle ligament damage done.
But the Manchester United forward is still expected to face a short layoff.
Rashford, 23, limped off in Sunday's Manchester derby after tracking back to help his side out defensively.
The England striker went for that scan on Monday but according to The Telegraph, there were no signs of ligament damage.
There was still bruising and swelling as the United man struggled to put weight on it, the report adds. But the prospect of a lengthy time on the sidelines appears to be avoided.
Credit: EPA - Joshua Jones
MORNING FOOTY FANS
The race for the top four hotted up again last night as Chelsea beat Everton 2-0 at Stamford Bridge and West Ham won by the same scoreline against Leeds at London Stadium.
A Ben Godfrey own goal and a Jorginho penalty was enough to give the Blues all three points as Thomas Tuchel’s men went fourth.
And then in the later game David Moyes’ men closed the gap on Chelsea to just two points with a game in hand over their London rivals with the win against Marcelo Bielsa’s side.
Kai Havertz had his best game in a Chelsea shirt since his big-money summer signing.
And Tuchel heaped praise on the midfielder after the game.
The German said: “I’m very happy with his performance. There is no doubt about his talent. He needs to adapt to the Premier League. He needs to adapt where we play to win every game.
“We have the highest standards. This is a normal process. Today he was excellent. He showed up between the lines and used his potential to accelerate. He took responsibility to finish.
“I truly believe this is a team squad and I can feel the strong bond between the players.
“They live it in every day of training. I feel it on the sidelines. I feel the support. We need this to have a run and to have results like this.”
Elsewhere, Jurgen Klopp reportedly has the backing of Liverpool’s board despite the club’s recent run of shocking form.
And SunSport can exclusively reveal Edinson Cavani and Eric Bailly are demanding answers from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with their Manchester United futures in doubt.
Uruguay striker Cavani, 34, is keen to stay at Old Trafford next season but has not received any assurances from the Red Devils hierarchy.
While frustrated centre-back Bailly wants ‘honesty’ from boss Solskjaer over his first-team status.
Cavani, who is considering a return to South America with Boca Juniors in Argentina, wants to know how a new frontman would impact on his role at the Theatre of Dreams.
And finally Euro chiefs could BAN transfers between the biggest clubs – to try to level up football.
The unlikely idea was suggested by Juventus President Andrea Agnelli, head of the European Club Association.
Juve spent a fortune on luring Cristiano Ronaldo away from Real Madrid, while Barcelona were considering asking for £500m plus for the services of Lionel Messi last summer.
This summer could see mega-moves for PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, as well as Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland and Jadon Sancho.
But Agnelli revealed talks had opened that could see curbs put on clubs trading with each other from 2024.
- William Pugh
…
Bailly, who was not even on the United bench for the Etihad triumph, is also a disgruntled figure at United.
And the Ivory Coast defender, 26, had told team-mates how he does not believe he is getting equal treatment from the Old Trafford boss.
A dressing room source told SunSport: “Eric doesn’t feel he has any trust from Ole and he thinks that’s unfair.
“He wants the coach to have confidence in him and back him up but he feels he isn’t being protected at all and that hurts.”
- William Pugh
OLE GUNNAR SULK-STARS – EXCLUSIVE
SunSport can exclusively reveal Edinson Cavani and Eric Bailly are demanding answers from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with their Manchester United futures in doubt.
Uruguay striker Cavani, 34, is keen to stay at Old Trafford next season but has not received any assurances from the Red Devils hierarchy. While frustrated centre-back Bailly wants ‘honesty’ from boss Solskjaer over his first-team status.
United, second in the Premier League after Sunday’s 2-0 derby triumph over leaders City, are looking to bring in a new striker and defender this summer.
Cavani, who is considering a return to South America with Boca Juniors in Argentina, wants to know how a new frontman would impact on his role at the Theatre of Dreams.
The striker joined United in October as a free agent after leaving Paris Saint-Germain on a deal until the end of the season. His £9million-a-year contract has a one-year option with both parties able to trigger the extension.
That means Cavani, who has scored seven goals this season, could walk away if he wishes. United are expected to open talks with Cavani but he has grown frustrated that it has taken Boca’s interest of a £3million-a-year offer to begin discussions…
Credit: Getty Images – Getty Credit: Getty Images – Getty - William Pugh
FULL-TIME!
West Ham 2 – 0 Leeds
First-half goals from Jesse Lingard and Craig Dawson were enough to see the Hammers over the line and into fifth.
Both teams had chances in the second-half as the game opened up but the East Londoners stood firm and kept their European dream alive.
David Moyes' men are just two points behind fourth place Chelsea with a game in hand over the Blues.
Leeds stay 11th.
- William Pugh
HAM ARMY
Marek Hamsik was mobbed by excited fans on Monday as his move to Swedish side IFK Goteborg was officially confirmed.
The Slovakia legend, 33, was a free agent after quitting Chinese outfit Dalian Pro last week.
And SunSport reported that veteran playmaker Hamsik was on the verge of securing a move to Goteborg.
The surprise deal was given the green light on Monday.
And fans flocked to greet Hamsik at Goteborg Landvetter Airport in Gothenburg to give him a welcome he’ll never forget.
Hamsik has penned a contract until August 30, 2021, and will continue to wear his iconic No17 shirt.
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