LIVERPOOL have lost 3-1 at Leicester after a latest howler from goalkeeper Alisson.
On the transfer front, Bayern Sporting Director Hasan Salihamidzic has confirmed Dayot Upamecano will be joining the Bundesliga champions.
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Read our live blog below to get the latest from around the clubs…
- Anthony Chapman
ALISSON PAINS
Liverpool stars including goalkeeper Alisson are 'lacking confidence', according to Rio Ferdinand.
He told BT Sport: "(It's a) calamity. Confidence has been taken out of this team.
"They go one goal up and last season you'd say game over. If you go away from the TV, you'll probably come back and it's three.
"But now you're questioning it. You're not confident in them now. There isn't that authority anymore.
"Last season people were saying 'this is one of the greatest teams to play in the Premier League'.
"The fact they concede and the team capitulates, that for me is a big concern.
"When that goal went in they became a soft touch. These are little details that cost you points. They've got big long-term injuries. They don't look as potent as a group.
"I think they will struggle to finish (in the) top four."
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EXCLUSIVE BY DUNCAN WRIGHT
Frank Lampard would need to be offered a job too good to turn down to tempt him back into management and give up the £1.8million in wages due from Chelsea.
When Lampard was sacked by Chelsea last month, the club did not pay-up the remainder of his contract after a change of policy in the wake of coughing up huge sums to get rid of Jose Mourinho.
Instead they have kept his £75,000-a-week salary on the wage bill – with an agreement that will continue to be paid until July unless he takes a job elsewhere.
And that leaves Lampard in a position where any offer of employment that comes in would potentially cost him a fortune.
undefined - Anthony Chapman
PAUSE FOR THOUGHT
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has fumed at the VAR decision to allow Leicester's equaliser to stand.
He told talkSPORT: "We conceded a really strange goal – I’ve said this plenty of times but it’s VAR. VAR should be completely objective, but it’s not.
"Because somebody has to make a decision whether it’s offside or not and which moment is the moment when we judge the offside.
"I’ve seen [the replay] back plenty of times now and how I saw it is that Maddison didn’t even touch the ball when he judged the situation.
"That’s obviously a situation where Stuart Attwell has to show responsibility for why he chose that situation."
And when asked to clarify whether Attwell had paused the clip at the wrong time, he added: "Yes, of course. His foot [Maddison] is behind the ball, so how can somebody know he already touched ball?
"A millisecond later and three Leicester players are closer to the goal. That’s it."
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- Anthony Chapman
CAUGHT KNAPPING
Harry Redknapp was not impressed with Michy Batshuayi during Crystal Palace's 3-0 home defeat to Burnley.
And the former West Ham and Tottenham boss joked that Roy Hodgson told the striker: "Get warmed up, you're coming off."
Sky Sports host Jeff Stelling asked pundit Redknapp for an update on Palace and he said: "They've been poor. Both teams have made substitutions.
"Andros Townsend has come on for Batshuayi who I didn't even know was on.
"I think Roy Hodgson shouted out to him 'get warmed off you're coming off'. It was one of them."
undefined - Anthony Chapman
MAGNIFICENT KEVEN
Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has made £6.75million-rated Freiburg defender Keven Schlotterbeck a surprise summer transfer target, according to reports.
The Toffees already have Mason Holgate, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane on the books.
But Ancelotti appears keen to bolster his defensive ranks with a move for 23-year-old Schlotterbeck.
BILD's head of football, Christian Falk, confirmed the news on Twitter.
Falk wrote: "TRUE. @Everton is interested in Keven Schlotterbeck (23), centre back @scfreiburg".
undefined - Anthony Chapman
I WANT HU
Mauricio Pochettino is reportedly ready to raid old club Tottenham for captain Hugo Lloris.
According to Football Insider, Poch is in 'regular contact' with Lloris and is desperate to sign the goalkeeper.
The pair enjoyed a very close relationship during their five years together in North London.
It is thought the manager and his captain would regularly have lunch together at the training ground.
The Frenchman's relationship with Pochettino's Tottenham replacement Jose Mourinho is not as strong.
And Poch will be hopeful of taking advantage of that in the summer by offering Lloris a reunion.
undefined - Anthony Chapman
CROWN JULES
Man United face a fight to sign Jules Kounde – with Barcelona and Real Madrid joining the hunt for the Sevilla star.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to sign an elite centre-back to partner £85million man Harry Maguire next season, with question marks lingering over Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly.
Kounde, 22, has emerged as a United target in recent weeks and could fill the void at the top of their wishlist after the Red Devils seemingly missed out on Dayot Upamecano to Bayern Munich.
But United again face competition from some of Europe's biggest clubs, this time from LaLiga giants Barca and Real.
And Sevilla also value their young defender at around £60million after a superb start to life in Spain.
undefined - Anthony Chapman
TEAM NEWS
One match left tonight and it's Brighton vs Aston Villa.
The hosts have recalled Steven Alzate and Leandro Trossard into their starting XI at the Amex, with Graham Potter hoping to keep his good run going.
Meanwhile, Douglas Luiz is back for Villa as Jack Grealish and Ollie Watkins lead the line for Dean Smith's Europe-chasing side.
Kick-off is underway now!
- Anthony Chapman
MIND GAMES
Rio Ferdinand believes Liverpool have lost the determined mentality that saw them storm to the title last season.
A disastrous five minutes against Leicester saw Liverpool go from leading 1-0 to losing 3-1, which remained the final scoreline.
Ferdinand told BT Sport: "I would be worried that they concede a goal and the team capitulates, that is a big concern in this team.
“This team was talked about as having leaders, mental strength, resilience, robust, they are everything but that at the moment. When that goal went in they became a soft touch.”
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- Anthony Chapman
CITY SLICKERS
Man City have moved seven points clear at the top of the table after a 3-0 win against Spurs.
Rodri sent Pep Guardiola's side on their way to victory with a first-half penalty.
And two goals from Ilkay Gundogan in the second 45 sealed the win for City, who still have a game in hand on the likes of Leicester and Liverpool.
- Anthony Chapman
GET HIM RON BOARD
Cristiano Ronaldo has again urged Juventus to sign his former Real Madrid team-mate Marcelo, according to reports.
And with Real reportedly keen to sell him this summer the chances of the pair being reunited are higher than ever before.
Ronnie had similar conversations with Juve chiefs in the spring of 2020.
Back then, officials from the Old Lady were said to have planned a trip to Madrid to thrash out a deal with the player's representatives, only for the coronavirus pandemic to hit.
Now, ForzaItalianFootball say Ronaldo has been knocking on the door again.
Marcelo's Madrid contract does not expire until June 2022 but Los Blancos are looking to offload him at the end of this season to ensure they receive a fee for the 32-year-old.
undefined - Anthony Chapman
ERL’S COURT
Erling Haaland should snub the two Manchester clubs and join Chelsea instead, according to Paul Merson.
He told the Star: "Of all the teams who are in for Erling Haaland, Chelsea are the ones who need him most.
"They have always been successful with someone who has a presence up front and Haaland has that. He’s going to score bundles wherever he goes.
"And if you buy him this summer, you still have the prospect of being able to sell him for a profit later down the line because of his age.
"I’m not sure he’s such a good fit for Manchester City, where he probably wouldn’t play as much.
"But for whoever gets him, it will be worth it. He puts up numbers and he keeps on doing it. Whoever signs him will have a chance of winning the league."
"Manchester United should also be in for Haaland. Edinson Cavani has done great there but he isn’t the future of Manchester United. If they went and got Haaland it would take them to another level.
"But do they go for Harry Kane instead? Kane isn’t going to Chelsea. No chance. But he might go to United. And that would leave Chelsea to go for Haaland."
undefined - Anthony Chapman
WILF HUNTER
Roy Hodgson admits Crystal Palace are in big trouble if they can’t beat teams without Wilfried Zaha.
Speaking after Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Burnley, he said: “It shouldn't be of any major consequence to the players, it's up to them to give the performance that they know they can give and bring out the best of their play.
“But if that is the case and the players are seriously believing that the only way we can win is with Wilf, the club's in big trouble because he's 28, 29 years of age and he can't play until he’s 40.
"I was hoping we would see one or two outstanding individual performances like we have seen from Wilfried Zaha so often over the years.
“Here is the chance to put the criticism to bed that we need Wilfried Zaha in our attack and once again we failed."
undefined - Anthony Chapman
GREEN SHOOTS
Man United are concerned about 'stifling' Mason Greenwood in training, according to reports.
The Red Devils teenager wowed fans last season, as he managed 17 goals in his debut campaign.
But things have been tougher this time out, with the 19-year-old managing only one goal in 17 Premier League outings.
Despite this, however, United are 'delighted' with his contribution.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his potential is enormous, while Red Devils coaches are working on improving his skills on the training field.
And according to The Athletic, Greenwood is being encouraged to score more goals at the near post.
undefined - Anthony Chapman
JUR NOT JOKING
Jurgen Klopp has conceded the title after Liverpool’s 3-1 defeat to Leicester.
The shellshocked boss said: “Yes. I can’t believe it …. but yes [we are out of the race].
“I don’t think we can close that gap this year to be honest.
“We have to win football games and a big part of our football was today again really really good but we have to do it more consistently.
“We have to avoid mistakes and avoid misunderstandings. Today on two occasions we didn’t do that and that’s why they scored two goals.
“For the title, we are not silly. We have a tough game on Tuesday and then on Saturday, I think, a derby and these are the things we are thinking about now.
“If we want to have a good season in the end we have to win these games.”
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- Anthony Chapman
DRAG THE WATERS
Newcastle reportedly lead RB Leipzig in the race for highly-rated Juventus defender Radu Dragusin.
Calciomercato claims Steve Bruce is eager to sign the Romanian centre-back, 19, when his contract expires this summer.
But Newcastle must still contend with interest from Leipzig, who see Dragusin as a replacement for Bayern Munich-bound Dayot Upamecano.
Dragusin joined Juventus in 2018 after snubbing Chelsea and has made four appearances this season.
undefined - Anthony Chapman
HORROR FALL
Ben Mee was knocked out cold in shocking scenes at Crystal Palace.
The Burnley captain collided innocuously with Jordan Ayew with 12 minutes to go at Selhurst Park.
He received medical treatment on the pitch for five minutes and was stretchered off.
Sky Sports stated on commentary he had regained consciousness after being wheeled away from the playing field.
And after an assessment in an ambulance, he was able to walk back to join his team-mates in the dressing room.
Burnley won the game 3-0 thanks to goals from Johan Berg Gudmundsson, Jay Rodriguez and Matt Lowton.
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FORWARD THINKING
Chelsea will prioritise a centre-back and a striker this summer with Erling Haaland top of their list, according to reports.
But the Norwegian's wage demands and his agent Mino Raiola are said to be a problem for the Blues.
The Telegraph claims Thomas Tuchel wants to bring Haaland’s to Stamford Bridge.
But there are a number of obstacles in the way, including his wage and the Chelsea board’s poor relationship with Raiola.
undefined - Daniel Brookes
NO BALE
Tottenham are unlikely to extend Gareth Bale's loan deal, according to Defensa Central.
The 31-year-old has struggled for form and fitness on his return to north London, making just six appearances in the Premier League..
And with Spurs due to pay £13m in wages to Bale this season, they appear unlikely to pursue a second loan deal.
Tensions are also rising between Bale and Spurs boss Jose Mourinho after a social media post from the Welshamn appeared to undermine his manager.
- Daniel Brookes
TOUGH TUCH
Thomas Tuchel has warned Chelsea's youngsters they face a ‘bumpy road’ to make it to the first team.
And he adds the kids will also have to get used to loan spells away from the club if they want to succeed at Stamford Bridge.
New Blues boss Tuchel believes the academy is the backbone of Chelsea and wants to bring through as many youngsters as predecessor Frank Lampard.
But he has told his academy stars they will have to work hard to earn a place in the senior side.
Tuchel told Chelsea's official website: "At my last clubs it was always like this, the door is always open in my office for the coaches and the officials from the academy.
“In my belief this is always the backbone of any club and the more guys you have that can arrive in the first team the better it is for the club.
“On the other hand they also choose the most difficult way. To make it at Chelsea, to make it at Paris, to make it at Dortmund, is one of the toughest challenges you can have.
“Sometimes the way is not only straight up, it's sometimes bumpy, sometimes you go on loan, but I like that they accept the challenge to make it here."
- Daniel Brookes
FREE FLO-ING
Leicester are considering a free transfer swoop for former Newcastle winger Florian Thauvin this summer, according to Eurosport.
The Frenchman's contract with Marseille expires in six months' time, meaning he is free to negotiate with other clubs.
Though they are expected to face competition from AC Milan, Leicester see Thauvin as an alternative to Cengiz Under, who is currently on loan at the King Power.
The Foxes have the option to make under's switch permanent for £22m but are not yet convinced whether to trigger that clause.
Thauvin played 13 league games for Newcastle in the 2015-16 season, but was loaned back to Marseille for the second half of that campaign and has stayed on the south coast of France ever since.
- Daniel Brookes
DIAMOND IN THE RAPH
Liverpool have set their sights on Leeds sensation Raphinha ahead of the summer transfer window, according to France Football.
Reds boss Jurgen Klopp is considering a massive trim of his squad this summer – with the likes of Divock Origi and Xherdan Shaqiri at risk.
And Klopp has made Raphinha, who only joined Leeds in a £17m deal in October, his No1 target.
The Brazilian, 24, put in a Man of the Match performance in Leeds' 2-0 win over Crystal Palace on Monday.
The former Rennes winger has four goals and four assists in 17 Premier League appearances this season.
- Daniel Brookes
RED-FACED
Here's the moment Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson collided with debutant Ozan Kabak to let Jamie Vardy in to score Leicester's winner.
- Daniel Brookes
MR PERFECT
Former Liverpool defender Glen Johnson believes Erling Haaland would be 'perfect' for his old club.
The Borussia Dortmund striker, 20, has been linked with a move to the Premier League this summer, although a £68m release clause in his contract does not activate until 2022.
Johnson told bettingexpert.com: "Haaland is a perfect asset for any top team at the moment. He’s big, strong and a proper goalscorer.
"If City go for him, Liverpool will think ‘we can’t let City have him’. And it could become a race to the line. I think there will be numerous clubs that will want him if they can afford him.
"Liverpool don’t buy people for the sake of it, they don’t spend over the top on just any player.
"They only do it when they feel like they’re getting it right and they’ve proven before that it works.
"Someone like Haaland, I think they will spend big money on him."
- Daniel Brookes
SHOUT THE ODS
Thomas Partey is relishing the chance to play alongside former La Liga rival Martin Odegaard at Arsenal.
Former Atletico Madrid star Partey has admitted it is a massive coup for the north Londoners to have signed the playmaker having come up against him in Spain while he was on loan at Real Sociedad.
Partey told Stadium Astro: "It's difficult when you play against him.
"I remember playing against him, he's so intelligent, he is always quick on the ball, he doesn't give you a chance to win the ball.
"It's amazing to have him here.
"I hope he has a great season and he's able to help us achieve what we want to achieve."
Odegaard is in line to make his first Arsenal start against Leeds on Sunday and could line up alongside Partey for the first time.
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