Roman Abramovich ‘offers’ Chelsea to Swiss billionaire Wyss, Madrid CONFIRM Hazard fate, Australian tournament – updates

Southampton boss speaks on Ukraine invasion

Ralph Hasenhuttl revealed the personal hell Southampton ace Lyanco has been going through as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The defender's sister Lyarah Vojnovic Barberan had been stuck in war-torn Kyiv along with husband Maycon, the Shakhtar Donetsk midfielder, and their two children.

They have now returned to Brazil, but it has been a deeply traumatic few days for the family, as well as for Lyanco worrying about them back in England.

Hasenhuttl, 54, spoke of the toll Vladimir Putin’s horrifying actions have had on the Brazilian defender and the rest of his squad.

Arsenal in Jovic transfer battle

Arsenal are one of five teams involved in the battle to sign out of favour Real Madrid striker Luka Jovic, according to reports.

The Gunners are in need of a striker after terminating Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s contract in the January transfer window.

Boss Mikel Arteta may also have to replace Alexandre Lacazette and Eddie Nketiah, with both attackers out of contract in the summer.

And according to , Arsenal have already started identifying potential targets ahead of the summer window and Real’s Jovic is a top target.

However, the Gunners are one of five teams from across Europe hoping to acquire the services of the 24-year-old.

Adriano's new beau

Brazil legend Adriano has confirmed he is dating a 21-year-old beauty days after celebrating his 40th birthday.

The retired striker posted photos on his social media showing him planting a kiss on stunning Ceu Oliveira’s lips and putting his arms round her as they celebrated a break together in the holiday resort of Buzios, east of Rio de Janeiro.

The pair are believed to have been dating for around a month and have been partying at a local carnival.

Ex-Brazilian international Adrian, whose career declined after battles with alcohol and depression, was first linked to keep-fit fanatic Ceu last month when he invited the pretty blonde along to his 40th birthday celebration with family and friends at a restaurant near his home in Rio.

Ceu, Adriano’s first proper girlfriend since he broke up with medical student Laisa Lemos in June last year, got tongues wagging by posting a selfie snap of herself with the former Inter Milan star and writing: “I wish you all the happiness in the world. Happy Birthday” alongside a heart emoji.

The photos the former footballer posted online, showing his new girlfriend looking stunning in a tiny blue bikini as she cuddled up to her famous partner on a beach, left fans in no doubt he has fallen in love again.

Local reports said they had reached Buzios by helicopter with friends and are staying in a luxury mansion Adriano owns in the resort.

Benfica hike up Nunez fee

Benfica are set to raise their asking price for star striker Darwin Nunez amid plenty of Premier League interest, according to reports.

The Uruguayan has had a stunning campaign in Portugal, gaining plenty of admirers in the process.

Manchester United, Newcastle and West Ham are among Nunez’s potential suitors – but he won’t come cheap.

The forward reportedly would have been available for around £50million in January.

But according to Portuguese paper , that fee is now set to go up.

Benfica have a strong bargaining position, with Nunez under contract under 2025.

Voronin forced to flee job

Ukrainian ex-Liverpool star Andriy Vorinin has fled his job in Moscow after Russia invaded his home nation.

The former forward, 42, was working as an assistant coach with Dynamo Moscow.

But as war broke out, he escaped Russia and headed for the safety of Germany via the Netherlands with his family.

Speaking to , Vorinin said: "I could no longer work in the country that is bombing my homeland.

“We got out of Moscow with a line machine before it was completely blocked. But we couldn't land in Düsseldorf. We flew via Amsterdam."

Prem giants battle over Tchouameni

Man United and Chelsea have held talks with Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports.

A deal will be difficult to complete, however, as ‘half of Europe’ want to sign the highly-rated midfielder.

Tchouameni’s stunning performances for AS Monaco have seen his future become a hot topic of discussion going into this summer.

According to Spanish paper , Prem duo United and Chelsea are looking to get in ahead of their rivals and have already held discussions with Tchouameni’s representatives.

But in a blow to both of them, they add that the player himself would rather play in LaLiga.

Diego Costa finds new home

Ex-Chelsea star Diego Costa is reportedly closing in on finding a new club after reaching an agreement with Corinthians.

The 33-year-old won the Brazilian title last season with Atletico Mineiro but terminated his contract making him a free agent.

Costa was believed to be hoping to secure a move back to Europe, where he had a very successful career in both Spain and England.

Costa was shelving offers from clubs 'waiting for one in particular that never came.'

And now according to  via UOL, Costa has reached an agreement with Sao Paulo-based Corinthians.

Keane lets rip at Villa

Roy Keane has blasted Aston Villa’s changing room dynamics while praising Man United’s in comparison.

Keane let rip on Villa’s dressing room where he spent time as assistant boss in 2014 in a rant on The Overlap Show.

However, the Red Devils dressing room had a brilliant atmosphere in Keane’s eyes.

He said: We had a brilliant dressing room at Manchester United, and you assume it’s the same everywhere, it’s not.

“It’s only when you go to another club and see so-called professional footballers. ‘Imposters’ I call them.

“I went to coach at Aston Villa. Honestly, there were players at the club like scumbags. They would have been scumbags on a building site.

“They didn’t train properly. They didn’t speak to staff properly. Then you wonder why they don’t win anything, because they’ve people like you in the dressing-room.

“The strange this is, you turn up on time and train properly and they think there’s something wrong with you.

“No, you’re supposed to train like it’s the last training session you’ll ever have. They’re like, ‘Nah, not for me’. P***k.”

Turkish footy star speaks

A Turkish footballer has explained why he refused to wear a 'No To War' shirt amid Russia's invasion on neighbours Ukraine.

Erzurumspor's Akyut Demir refused to wear the anti-war shirt ahead of the 1-0 home loss to Ankaragucu.

Demir, who was captain in Sunday's second division fixture, was the only player on his team not to wear the shirt.

And the 33-year-old's decision has infuriated fans, with some even calling for him to be suspended by Erzrumspor.

Demir has since come out and explained his choice not to wear the shirt, pointing towards the deaths of innocent people in the Middle East.

Solskjaer and staff’s pay-off

Man United have confirmed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his staff received a multi-million pay-off as they released the financial results for the second quarter of the year.

The Norwegian, 48, received a hefty £7.5million compensation package after his sacking in November.

And several members of his backroom team also got a pay-out in the subsequent weeks as changes were made in the dug-out.

Now United have revealed that they paid £10m in ‘exceptional items’ in the second quarter of the financial year.

That figure includes the compo to Solskjaer and ‘certain members of the coaching staff’ that departed.

It also takes into account revaluation of the Football League pension scheme deficit.

Atletico chase Lewandowski transfer

Robert Lewandowski has allegedly emerged as a shock transfer target for Atletico Madrid.

The 33-year-old striker has less than 18 months left on his deal at Bayern Munich.

That means that the Polish international could leave for nothing in June 2023 or, if the Bundesliga giants decide to cash in, possibly go this summer.

That has alerted both Chelsea and Real Madrid to his potential availability with both clubs being linked with the ex-Dortmund star in the past.

It has also previously been claimed that he wants to test himself in another top league while still in his pomp.

Now it has been claimed that there is a chance that the star could join Atletico.

That is according to Spanish journalist Paco Garcia Caridad, who revealed the LaLiga side’s interest on .

Ian Wright's banter with grandson

Ian Wright called out his grandson D'Margio Wright-Phillips after the youngster claimed to be a better finisher than the former Arsenal striker.

And although he thinks his style is more similar to his father's, Wright-Phillips poked fun at grandad Ian while comparing ability.

In an interview with  he said: "It’s the low centre of gravity, the confidence to try and take on a player. With my grandad, I’d say I think I’ve got better finishing than him.

"He’s (Wright) full of emotions. I'm the third generation and he’s wanted to see me play for a long time now.”

Unsurprisingly, Match of the Day pundit Wright was not having any of it.

He responded on  saying: "Look at the chest on this yute 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂❤️❤️❤️."

Best in the city

Pep Guardiola has named five Premier League teams who attack when they play Manchester City but snubs rivals Manchester United.

The Spaniard named Liverpool as the first side that isn't scared to go toe-to-toe with his title-winning side.

City took on Everton on Saturday and came away with a narrow 1-0 win after spending 90 minutes trying to break the Toffees down.

Guardiola says most of the league adopt the approach of sitting in and making it difficult for his side.

He singled out five teams who give it a go against the defending Prem champions but SNUBBED rivals Man Utd.

However, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Brighton and Leeds were all credited by the Spaniard for giving it a go against City.

Everton receive penalty apology

Everton manager Frank Lampard has received an apology from referee chief Mike Riley after his side were denied a clear penalty against Manchester City.

Lampard and the Toffees board, headed by chairman Bill Kenwright, submitted an official complaint after the horror show at the weekend.

Now, as reported by Sky Sports News, the Premier League strugglers have received an apology from Riley.

Lampard and Kenwright 'received calls' from Riley - the general manager of the Professional Game Match Official Limited - not long after the official complaint was submitted.

On Sunday, the Premier League released a statement revealing why a penalty was not awarded.

Pep talk for Fernandinho

Pep Guardiola says Fernandinho might find it ‘boring’ if he joins his coaching staff at Manchester City next season.

The champions are keen to keep their club captain at the Etihad when his contract expires in the summer.

Moving into Pep’s backroom staff has been explored if he doesn't carry on playing – although the boss is not convinced it would stimulate the veteran Brazilian.

Guardiola said: “It’d be boring – working with us is boring. I wish him the best job of his life – rather than working with us.

“A decision will be made at the end of the season – with these things Txiki Begiristain is the boss.”

Arsenal receive Scamacca boost

Arsenal have been handed a huge boost in their hunt for Sassuolo striker Gianluca Scamacca.

The Italian side’s CEO Giovanni Carnevali admitted that the club will most likely sell Scamacca when the season ends in a bid to raise cash.

And he reckons the best offer for Scamacca will come from abroad.

Speaking to GR Parlamento, he said: “The offer is more likely to come from abroad.

“Today in Italy there are some economic difficulties: maybe there may be the will, the desire to take on a player, but then I think the most important offers can come from abroad.”

Kess chase

Franck Kessie is reportedly on the verge of signing for Barcelona, in a blow to Manchester United.

United are keen on Kessie, while Tottenham would also like to secure his signature.

But according to Spanish paper , Barca have won the race for the 25-year-old's signature.

They claim that Kessie has chosen to snub offers from England in order to join the LaLiga giants.

Newcastle's tribute to deceased Sunderland fan

Newcastle have paid tribute to a Sunderland fan that tragically died after falling ill at a match last week.

The Black Cats were facing Burton Albion at the Stadium of Light on Tuesday 22 February.

But the League One clash was suspended for around an hour after Michael Waggott received treatment from emergency services after collapsing in the west stand.

Paramedics raced to try and save the supporter before he was then rushed to Sunderland Royal Hospital.

However, Sunderland have now confirmed that Waggott passed away 48 hours later on Thursday.

Everton caught in Russian storm

Russian billionaire Alisher Usmanov has had his assets frozen and been handed an EU travel ban over the invasion of Ukraine in a move that could affect Everton.

A number of countries and organisations, including the EU, have laid down sanctions against Russia over the invasion.

And now Premier League Everton may find themselves caught up in it due to USM Holding, the company that sponsors their training ground.

It is owned by Alisher Usmanov and he has now had his assets frozen by the EU as well as a travel ban.

An EU Council statement said: “Alisher Usmanov is a pro-Kremlin oligarch with particularly close ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.”

Cel the deal

Crystal Palace want to sign Real Madrid star Dani Ceballos, according to reports in Spain.

The midfielder, 25, has struggled for game time since returning to the Bernabeu from Arsenal, where he spent two years on loan.

In fact, Ceballos has played just 67 minutes of football under Carlo Ancelotti across six games and is yet to make a single start this campaign.

And that has sparked interest from Palace, according to .

The report adds that The Eagles are readying a £15million bid for the Spaniard.

Paul looking cool with Pharrell

Paul Pogba has been living it up with Pharrell Williams at Paris Fashion Week.

The Frenchman, 28, rubbed shoulders with the musician as he enjoyed a trip back to his home city.

Donning designer sunglasses, Pogba grinned as he posed for a picture with the American icon.

The Manchester United star was accompanied by wife Zulay at the glamorous event.

Pogba wore a cream blazer and white t-shirt combo – while Zulay stunned in a black dress.

The footballer also bumped into Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti – with the duo beaming for a picture.

Chelsea under investigation

Chelsea are being investigated after Roman Abramovich handed over control of the club.

The Charity Commission is concerned about the Chelsea Foundation taking the reins of the Stamford Bridge club.

They have now contacted Chelsea for further details and explanation over the change in 'stewardship', announced by the Russian oligarch on Saturday evening.

Kelleher gets carried away

Liverpool goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher let his excitement get the better of him after his Carabao Cup final heroics.

The 23-year-old produced a brilliant performance to maintain Liverpool's clean sheet before smashing in the winning penalty in the shoot-out.

It was a momentous occasion for the youngster as he won his first trophy and he got carried away in an interview after the match.

Speaking to Liverpool TV, which featured Reds legend Robbie Fowler as co-presenter, it was suggested to Kelleher that he should sing a song to all of his team-mates.

In surprise the Irishman responded: "F****** h***," and who can blame him.

The presenters apologised for Kelleher dropping the f-bomb and quickly forgave him given the circumstances.

He was clearly overawed by the occasion, even forgetting he scored the winning penalty minutes after full-time.

Destroy and rebuild

Rio Ferdinand believes that Manchester United need to 'humble themselves' and copy Liverpool's blueprint for success.

He said on his Vibe with Five show: "I think personally United have got to write off the next year or two in terms of trophies, minimum - say 'we're going to rebuild what we have, get our recruitment right.

"And there is a certain style of play under this new manager that we are going to go with and he is going to have time to get it all right.

"It's going to take that long, and you can't have that transition and win. It doesn't happen. Liverpool didn't do it. How long did it take Klopp to win? You have to take a leaf out of other team's books.

"Sometimes you've got to humble yourself and take stock and say in reality, that is where we are at."