Tottenham can win the Champions League says Lucas Moura

Football news and talking points

Moura: Spurs can win the Champions League

New Tottenham signing Lucas Moura believes the north London club has what it takes to win the Champions League this season.

Spurs came back to draw 2-2 in the last-16 first leg against Juventus in Turin and will be confident of progressing to the quarter-finals. Former Paris Saint-Germain star Moura told the Daily Express: “We have a lot of quality and a great structure and I think we can arrive at the end of the season with a trophy.

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“The Champions League? Why not? It is the most difficult competition but I think we have the capacity to win it, if we always think positively and work hard. We produced a big game against Juventus away.

“Every player wants to win trophies, to make history, and I am here to make history with my new friends, my new team-mates. I believe that because we have a lot of quality, a great structure – I am really impressed – and I think we can dream with the Champions League.”

Salah: Klopp tactics have helped me

Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah says that Jurgen Klopp’s tactics are the reason why he has been so prolific this season. The Egyptian star has scored 30 goals in 36 league and cup matches for the Anfield side and is only one goal behind Harry Kane at the top of the Premier League scoring charts. Quoted by the Daily Mail, Salah said: “With the boss here, I play a little bit closer to the goal, more so than at any other club or more than any of my other coaches have asked me to.”

Heavy loss could spell the end for Pardew

Yesterday it was reported that Alan Pardew has two games to save his job at West Bromwich Albion. But today the Daily Telegraph says that if the Baggies suffer a heavy defeat against Huddersfield on Saturday then Pardew’s reign at the Hawthorns could end after just 12 weeks.

Mangala injury blow for Everton

Everton boss Sam Allardyce has revealed that on-loan defender Eliaquim Mangala could be ruled out for the rest of the season because of damaged knee ligaments. Mangala, who joined Everton from Manchester City, was injured in the 3-1 win against Crystal Palace on 10 February. Allardyce told the Everton website: “Mangala, particularly, looks like it’s long-term, which is a great shame for him and for us as I think he was a very good addition.”

Transfer news and gossip

Gareth Bale: Real Madrid to Manchester United/Tottenham

According to Mundo Deportivo in Spain, and via The Sun, Gareth Bale “already knows” that Real Madrid are preparing to sell him at the end of the season. The Sun says that “wholesale changes” are expected at the Santiago Bernabeu and Bale, 28, will be looking for a new club this summer. Manchester United and former side Tottenham have been linked with bringing Bale back to the Premier League.

Stefan de Vrij to leave Lazio on a free transfer

Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has revealed that out-of-contract defender Stefan de Vrij will leave the Serie A side at the end of the season. De Vrij will be available on a free transfer after failing to agree new terms with Lazio. Tare told the Daily Mirror: “It’s a decision made after many months. There’s a limit to everything. We will say goodbye at the end of the season.” Liverpool lead the chase to sign the Dutch star, but will face competition from a number of clubs including Barcelona, Inter Milan and Arsenal.

Wilfried Zaha: Crystal Palace to Tottenham

The Daily Mirror reports that Tottenham are “plotting” another bid for Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha. Spurs have reportedly failed with two past bids for Zaha but will aim to land their target at the third attempt. Chelsea and Manchester City are also interested in the 25-year-old Ivory Coast international.

Marcos Rojo: PSG rule out move

A source has told ESPN that despite reports, Paris Saint-Germain aren’t planning a move for Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo. The Argentine’s contract talks at Old Trafford have reportedly broken down and it was claimed that PSG were monitoring the situation. But the source said that the rumours were “wide of the mark”.

Nabil Fekir: Lyon to Arsenal

Could Arsenal target Nabil Fekir be set to leave Lyon this summer? His agent Jean-Pierre Bernes refused to rule out a transfer when asked by Telefoot. Quoted by the Daily Mirror, Bernes said: “Will Fekir still be at Lyon next season? It’s too early to talk about it. After considering my relationship with [OL president] Jean-Michel Aulas, we will make the best decision.”