Conte safe at Chelsea but Courtois admits his ‘heart is in Madrid’
Premier League transfer news, talking points and managerial mutterings
Premier League news and talking points
Conte to stay as Chelsea boss… for now
Under-fire Chelsea manager Antonio Conte will remain in the role for next Monday’s match against West Bromwich Albion, The Times reports, despite “growing unrest” at the club. Chelsea were thrashed 4-1 at Watford on Monday, but The Times says they will give Conte the chance to save his job. The Daily Mirror says that Conte, who has 18 months left on his contract, is refusing to quit.
Reports in Europe suggest that former Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is favourite to take over at Chelsea should Conte leave at any point. Sport in Spain says that Enrique is top of Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich’s shortlist. If Enrique does take over at Stamford Bridge then the first player he will try to sign is Barca and Uruguay star Luis Suarez, Le10Sport reports.
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Lingard apologises for tweet
Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard has apologised for sending a tweet just after the minute’s silence was held for the victims of the Munich Air Disaster. The tweet, a reply to a question about playing the FIFA 18 game, was deleted and he later posted an apology.
Quoted by Sky Sports, Lingard’s apology on Twitter read: “A member of my media team inadvertently replied to a tweet this afternoon on my Twitter profile during the Munich memorial service at Old Trafford. I was unaware as I was attending the service at the time, and don’t condone the post or the timing in any way. The post has now been deleted, and I’d like to apologise for any upset caused, this is totally unacceptable and does not reflect my personality or view on this emotional day.”
Giggs on Pogba’s best position
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Ryan Giggs believes he knows what Paul Pogba’s best position is at Manchester United. Writing on Sky Sports, Giggs said: “I think that position where he’s on the left of a midfield three is where he’s at his best. He’s a brilliant crosser of the ball and I don’t think he’s as effective when he’s having to do more defensive work in central areas. I would like to see him in a 4-3-3 with [Nemanja] Matic sitting, [Ander] Herrera to the right and Pogba to the left, with a selection of the front three thriving off more creativity behind them.”
Premier League transfer news and rumours
Courtois: my heart is in Madrid
Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will hold contract talks with the West London club this month, but the Belgian has admitted that he would be interested in a move to Real Madrid.
The 25-year-old played for Atletico Madrid from 2011 to 2014 and his two children still live in the Spanish capital with his ex-girlfriend. In an interview with Belgian magazine Sport and reported by the Daily Mail, Courtois said: “If Real is really interested, my personal situation could affect, yes. The family aspect, it is priceless. But I repeat to you that, for the moment, I’m busy talking to Chelsea to extend.
“My personal situation is related to the city of Madrid, it’s known. My two children live there with their mum. I have my daughter every day on Facetime. My son is still too small to communicate like that. Whenever I have the opportunity, I try to make a return trip to Spain. As a situation, it is not always easy. Yes, my heart is in Madrid. It is logical and understandable.”
Daniele Rugani: Juventus to Arsenal
Juventus defender Daniele Rugani is a target for Arsenal and they are expected to make a move for the 23-year-old during the summer. Rugani’s agent Davide Torchia confirmed the Gunners’ interest, but Arsene Wenger’s side have not made any bids yet. Torchia told the Daily Star: “Daniele’s doing well, I’m happy for him. Arsenal? They didn’t launch any attempts for him. They expressed a liking for him but we have respect for Juventus.”
Thomas Lemar: Monaco to Liverpool/Arsenal
Monaco star Thomas Lemar has reportedly turned down a contract extension in the hope he can force a move at the end of the season. The Daily Express reports that “it is a dream of his to play in England” and the 22-year-old was previously a target for both Liverpool and Arsenal.
Malcom: Bordeaux to Arsenal/Tottenham
Bordeaux star Malcom, who has been linked with both Arsenal and Spurs, has admitted that he wanted to leave the Ligue 1 side during the January transfer window. But last month Bordeaux president Stephane Martin said no deal for Malcom would happen before the summer. In an interview with Telefoot, and reported by the Independent, the 20-year-old said: “It’s my dream to progress in my career. I spoke to the president, he told me that he knew it was my dream, but that he needed me. I told him he could count on me until the end of the season. I will do everything to help Bordeaux finish in the top six in Ligue 1.”
Evra set to sign deal at West Ham
Patrice Evra has reportedly turned down a move to Everton in favour of joining West Ham United. The French left-back has been without a club after being sacked by Marseille following an altercation with a fan during a Europa League match against Vitoria in November. Evra previously played with West Ham boss David Moyes at Manchester United and looks set to join the Hammers today, Sky Sports reports.