Amad Diallo set to join Man Utd this month despite late Atalanta bid to keep him

Atalanta youngster Amad Diallo is expected to join Manchester United this month as planned, despite the Italian club being keen to keep hold of him for the rest of the season.

United announced a £37m deal for the 18-year-old on deadline day of the delayed summer transfer window in October, with the Ivorian due to make the switch in the new year subject to acquiring a work permit.

The winger has since collected his Italian passport, allowing him to make the move to Old Trafford, but his January arrival was thrown into doubt after current manager Gian Piero Gasperini revealed in a press conference earlier on Saturday that he was keen to hold onto his man.

“It is clear that he is a Manchester United player now, but he could still remain here for a few months,” Gasperini said (via Sky Sport Italia). “I like him a lot, he’s only 18. I’d like him to stay until June, obviously it depends on his club.”

Gasperini admitted he wants to keep the wide man – despite him only playing for 35 minutes of first-team football this season – as mitigation for the ongoing situation surrounding club legend Papu Gomez, who has essentially been frozen out of the squad in anticipation of a move away from Atalanta at the end of the season.

Gian Piero Gasperini
Gasperini made a cheeky hint in a press conference | Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

However, it seems Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has put the kibosh on any attempt to keep Diallo in Bergamo, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano tweeting: “Amad Diallo is set to join Manchester United in January and not in June, despite Atalanta trying to keep him on loan until the end of the season.

“Diallo won’t be part Atalanta team for next match against Sassuolo. Solskjaer wants him right now.”

The news comes as little surprise, with Solskjaer saying on Friday that he was ‘excited’ for the teenager’s arrival.

“[With] Amad we’ve had all the paperwork, or we’re waiting for all the paperwork. I can’t see any obstacles really,” he said (via United’s official website). “Hopefully within not too long he’ll be with us.

“I’m very excited about bringing him in. I think he’s shown a few times his qualities. Of course he has to learn to play in England, that’s a different level of football. We’ll give him time to develop and to express himself.”

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Tottenham & West Ham players apologise for Christmas Covid-19 rule breach

A group of Premier League footballers who were pictured together in a breach of the UK’s COVID-19 regulations have apologised for their actions.

West Ham’s Manuel Lanzini posed for a photo indoors with Spurs trio Giovani Lo Celso, Erik Lamela and Sergio Reguilon on Christmas Day, alongside as many as 14 members of family or friends without social distancing or masks.

The UK government ruled that households in London were not allowed to mix on 25 December because of rising cases of COVID-19, with the capital and the south east moving into Tier 4 days earlier.

Having been caught in the act, Lanzini, Lamela and Lo Celso have all issued apologies.

In a tweet, Lanzini wrote: “I want to apologise for a bad mistake I made over Christmas and I take full responsibility for my actions. I know people have made difficult sacrifices to stay safe and I should be setting a better example.”

His compatriot Lamela echoed that sentiment, tweeting: “I want to apologise for a decision I made over Christmas which I deeply regret. On reflection I understand the seriousness of my actions and the impact it has on others.

“I am truly thankful to everyone working hard to keep us safe and I feel ashamed knowing I’ve let people down.”

His Spurs teammate Lo Celso – the alleged host of the gathering – posted his own apology too, writing: “I want to apologise to everyone – I understand the great sacrifices people are making to keep themselves and loved ones safe and the frustration you have expressed towards me is justified.

“I take responsibility for my actions, which I genuinely regret. I also wish to express my gratitude to all those working so hard to keep us all safe and will do everything I can to set a better example in the future.”

An image, which was posted on Instagram by a friend who has since made their profile private, sees no less than 18 people mixing with no social distancing.

Lanzini posted a picture of his own household on Christmas Day in which he can be seen in the same room – believed to be Lo Celso’s house – and wearing the same outfit as the group image.

Both the club and manager José Mourinho have expressed their anger at the conduct of the Tottenham players.

Speaking after the win over Leeds, Mourinho told reporters when asked about his players’ rule breaking: “We (the) club, of course, we feel disappointed because we give the players all the education, we give all the players all the conditions, and of course we are not happy – it was a negative surprise for us.”

A club statement read: “We’re extremely disappointed and strongly condemn this image showing some of our players with family and friends together at Xmas particularly as we know the sacrifices everybody around the country made to stay safe over the festive period.

“The rules are clear, there are no exceptions, and we regularly remind all our players and staff about the latest protocols and their responsibilities to adhere and set an example. The matter will be dealt with internally.”

Jose Mourinho
Jose Mourinho was not a happy man | Pool/Getty Images

Meanwhile, a West Ham spokesperson said: “The club has set the highest possible standards with its protocols and measures relating to COVID-19 so we are disappointed to learn of Manuel Lanzini’s actions.

“The matter has been dealt with internally and Manuel has been strongly reminded of his responsibilities.”

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Twitter reacts as snow storm (temporarily) threatens Arsenal’s trip to West Brom

West Bromwich Albion and Arsenal supporters were forced to wait impatiently over the fate of their clash at the Hawthorns on Saturday evening, after a heavy snow storm took control of the Midlands.

With kick off fast approaching, concerns began to grow over whether the match would go ahead when a blizzard covered the pitch in a blanket of snow. The groundsmen worked quickly to make the lines visible on the green turf beneath the white, and referee Martin Atkinson was happy for the game to go ahead.

Mikel Arteta, Sam Allardyce, Martin Atkinson
Assessing the damage | Michael Regan/Getty Images

But with the match at risk, you guys on Twitter were at your best, as always.

While there were fears that some players may not thrive in these conditions, one man who would be in his element came to mind. Scotsman Kieran Tierney will be more used to the cold weather than some players who hail from sunnier climates, and we all knew he’d be well up for this trip in the snow.

However, one foolish man was quick to doubt just how tough Tierney would be in these conditions…

But Tierney did not disappoint.

And we all had a good laugh at the defender’s expense anyway. Fair play to the guy, he’s made of stern stuff.

But if there’s one game you wouldn’t fancy, it’s a trip to a Sam Allardyce side in the freezing cold, with the snow crashing down. Mikel Arteta must have been fearing the worst…

Some Gooners were unconvinced over their team’s chances in such a tough set of conditions, and the excuses started rolling out before a ball was kicked.

Even divine intervention won’t save you from Big Sam, fella.

Lucky for football fans everywhere, the pitch was sanctioned as safe and playable, and this false alarm was purely a minor hiccup before Saturday’s big spectacle.

More snow is forecast for around 7.30pm, so things could still get interesting once the game is underway…

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Brighton 3-3 Wolverhampton Wanderers: Player Ratings as Seagulls fight back to earn a point against Wolves

Brighton & Hove Albion came from two goals down against Wolverhampton Wanderers to secure a hard-fought 3-3 draw in a thrilling encounter on the south coast.

The Seagulls took the lead on 13 minutes, when Aaron Connolly reacted quickest to turn Leandro Trossard’s in-swinging cross beyond the onrushing Rui Patricio. Their joy was short-lived however, as only nine minutes later, Roman Saiss headed home to level the scores.

Wolves then took control of the game, albeit with a stroke of fortune. Roberto Sanchez could only parry Pedro Neto’s vicious shot, and he pushed the ball into the path of Dan Burn, who stumbled over it and nudged it over the line.

Burn’s nightmare half continued, as he recklessly brought Adama Traore crashing to the ground in the box, and Ruben Neves converted the resulting spot-kick to give the visitors some breathing space. Brighton halved their deficit only seconds into the second half, with Neal Maupay winning and scoring a penalty.

The Seagulls pushed for an equaliser, and they got their goal through a trademark Lewis Dunk header from a corner kick on 70 minutes.

Let’s check out the player ratings from an exciting afternoon at the Amex stadium.

Dan Burn
A disastrous display by Burn | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Roberto Sanchez (GK) – 6/10 – Had no chance in preventing Wolves’ equaliser. Made a pretty impressive save from Neto, given the shot deflected on its journey to goal, but was let down by Burn’s clumsy leg.

Adam Webster (CB) – 7/10 – Set Brighton in motion for the first goal, powering forward and picking out Trossard while on the run. A wonderful ball-carrier. Hit the bar with a thumping header.

Lewis Dunk (CB) – 7/10 – Defended like Lewis Drunk by somehow allowing Semedo to squeeze a cross in from the byline. Never stopped though, and got his reward with a powerful header to level the scores at 3-3.

Dan Burn (CB) – 3/10 – Cor dear. Gave away a corner with a misdirected header under no pressure, then scored a classic own goal from the resulting set piece, stumbling over the ball and turning it into the net. Then needlessly gave away a penalty with a mad sliding challenge on Traore. Just needed his shorts to fall down to round off his slapstick performance.

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March getting stuck in | GARETH FULLER/Getty Images

Joel Veltman (RWB) – 7/10 – Offered plenty of offensive threat, as Brighton mounted a barrage of attacks down that right flank. Hugged the touchline and always tried to get involved. All the Wolves goals came down the other wing, too. Not his fault.

Ben White (CM) – 7/10 – Demonstrated why he’d been moved into midfield with some clever passing. Caught ball-watching for the equaliser, though. Whipped a couple of nice balls into the box as Brighton turned the screw.

Yves Bissouma (CM) – 5/10 – Broke up Wolves’ blistering counter attacks, taking a yellow for a cynical foul in the first half. Not at his best and subbed at half-time.

Solly March (LWB) – 7/10 – Offered Burn little help in stopping Traore, but made headway of his own in the Wolves half, getting into some nice crossing positions and causing problems.

Aaron Connolly
It was all going so well… | Matthew Ashton – AMA/Getty Images

Leandro Trossard (RW) – 8/10 – Twist, turn, twist, turn, dummy, and cross. A wonderful bit of individual brilliance to set up Connolly’s opener. Got the assist for the third, too.

Aaron Connolly (ST) – 7/10 – Reacted quickest to Trossard’s in-swinging cross to divert the ball past a stranded Patricio. Almost regained the lead with a brilliant overhead kick. Had to be subbed at half-time after picking up an injury. Unfortunate.

Neal Maupay (LW) – 6/10 – Offered precious little in the first half, but kicked off the second half by winning and then tucking away a penalty.

Andi Zeqiri (ST) – 7/10

Davy Propper (CM) – 7/10

Adam Lallana (CM) – 7/10

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Saiss got the ball rolling for Wolves | JOHN SIBLEY/Getty Images

Rui Patricio (GK) – 5/10 – Came flying out to meet Trossard’s early cross, but got nowhere near it. Connolly did the rest. Not a great display.

Nelson Semedo (RB) – 7/10 – Danced on the byline and produced a perfect cross from an almost impossible position to bring Wolves back into the game.

Conor Coady (CB) – 7/10 – Such a leader at the back – often the only voice you could hear, religiously barking instructions to his teammates.

Romain Saiss (CB) – 6/10 – What a header! Such a pleasing goal, looping and arcing perfectly into the top corner. Made amends after losing Connolly on the first goal. Crumbled a bit in the second half.

Rayan Ait-Nouri (LB) – 6/10 – Couldn’t live with Trossard’s trickery and looked dazed as the winger whipped in his vital delivery.

Ruben Neves
Neves back among the goals | Sam Bagnall – AMA/Getty Images

Joao Moutinho (CM) – 6/10 – Gave away a penalty with a clumsy challenge on Maupay to allow Brighton back into the game.

Ruben Neves (CM) – 7/10 – Set Neto free to supply the second with a beautiful cross-field switch. A great ping. Coolly tucked home the penalty to put Wolves in full control.

Vitinha (AM) – 6/10 – The quietest of the forward players, operating behind Silva, but providing little. Unsurprisingly subbed first.

The only way to stop Traore....
The only way to stop Traore…. | Mike Hewitt/Getty Images

Adama Traore (RW) – 8/10 – Stormed forward with his usual pace and intense power. Beat Burn all ends up, forcing the defender to concede a penalty. Vintage Traore.

Fabio Silva (ST) – 5/10 – Still finding his feet at this level. Won a couple of good flick ons in some gruelling aerial battles. Not his day, again.

Pedro Neto (LW) – 8/10 – Demonstrated his devastating pace and dribbling from the off, crashing a strike just wide following a mazy, exciting run. Inspired the second goal by firing a vicious shot on target, which Sanchez could only push into Burn’s clown feet.

Max Kilman (CB) – 7/10

Owen Otasowie (CM) – N/A

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6 of Mauricio Pochettino’s biggest challenges at Paris Saint-Germain

When the manager of a club the size of Paris Saint-Germain gets given the boot, usually the rumour mill goes into overdrive, with countless names thrown into the mix as the departed boss’ potential successor.

However, when Thomas Tuchel was shown the Parc des Princes exit door, there was no such furore – immediately Mauricio Pochettino emerged as favourite, and that was that.

The former Tottenham boss has now officially been named as Tuchel’s replacement, penning an 18-month deal at the club he represented as a player for two years before leaving for Bordeaux back in 2003.

While taking the reins at a club who made it to the Champions League final less than five months ago might sound like a pretty easy gig, the Argentine tactician has quite the job on his hands, with a number of issues surrounding contracts and players’ futures up in the air.

Let’s take a look at the biggest challenges facing Pochettino as he takes the PSG hot seat.

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Neymar and Mbappe’s futures are both up in the air | FRANCK FIFE/Getty Images

Undoubtedly the biggest challenge facing Pochettino upon his arrival in Paris.

PSG have lofty ambitions of becoming European football’s elite club, but if they’re to achieve those ambitions then they need to keep hold of the superstars in their squad.

Real Madrid have made no secret of their pursuit of Kylian Mbappe, with 90min exclusively revealing recently that Los Blancos are confident of securing a deal for the Frenchman.

Meanwhile, Neymar will of course be crucial to any success PSG have in the future, and if Pochettino can convince the pair to pen new deals at Parc des Princes he’ll be well on his way to becoming a success as the club.

Paris Saint-Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1
Players like Draxler need to be moved on | Xavier Laine/Getty Images

PSG have got a lot of good players within their squad who just aren’t getting the game time to warrant their excessive wages.

Players like Julian Draxler and Juan Bernat are on good money but have seen their playing time limited due to injury problems and competition in their respective positions.

If PSG want to become a force in Europe as well as domestically then they could do with a few stellar additions, and trimming the wage bill will help them fulfil their goals. Speaking of which…

Lionel Messi
Could Messi be on his way to France? | Soccrates Images/Getty Images

Well, signing this man would probably count as one of the aforementioned ‘stellar additions’.

Neymar has spoken of his desire to link up with Lionel Messi once again, with the Brazilian suggesting his PSG future could be dependant on the club securing the Barcelona man’s signature.

At 33 Messi is no spring chicken, but his quality combined with the fact his arrival could secure the services of Neymar beyond his current contract’s expiry date, mean he would, of course, be a brilliant signing.

Thomas Tuchel, Thiago Silva
PSG have won three consecutive French titles | Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

The Ligue 1 title has become something of a custom at PSG these days, being crowned champions in seven of the past eight seasons.

However, Tuchel’s departure came off the back of an underwhelming start to the current league campaign, with the Parisians trailing leaders Lyon and second-placed Lille.

The gap between PSG and the top of the table is only one point, but with the season almost at the halfway stage, PSG need to find some consistency if they’re to retain their title.

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Neymar misses out on becoming a Champions League winner again | MANU FERNANDEZ/Getty Images

While PSG will of course be desperate to retain their Ligue 1 crown, European glory is where their heart truly lies.

Neymar and co were within one game of being crowned Champions League winners last season, but came up short when they faced the best team in Europe – funny that.

While the record books will show PSG as runners-up, in truth they were a distant second to Hansi Flick’s Bayern Munich juggernaut, and Pochettino has got his work cut out if he’s to bring the club the European glory they’re so desperate for.

Paris Saint-Germain v RC Strasbourg - Ligue 1
Di Maria is in the twilight of his career | Xavier Laine/Getty Images

PSG’s squad contains a lot of players who are either in their prime or are in the twilight of their career, with very few up-and-coming players plying their trade at Parc des Princes, with many jumping ship in recent years over understandable game-time concerns.

While that’s all well and good for now, in a few years time there’ll be a lot of players who are well past their best, and they need to start looking to the future.

If Pochettino can add some youth to the roster it will set them up nicely for the years to come (of course this makes the signing of Messi seem a ridiculous point to have made, but he doesn’t count when it comes to logical debates, he’s the exception to the rule).

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