Chelsea, dice Conte Barcelona no molestarse con Azpilicueta

Según los informes técnico del Chelsea, Antonio Conte ha dicho que César Azpilicueta de Barcelona no está en venta.

The Sun informa que el entrante jefe de los azules, que no empiece a trabajar oficialmente en el oeste de Londres hasta la próxima semana , ha advertido a los campeones españoles que no va a ser la descarga del zaguero en el corto plazo .

El Barcelona está mostrando un montón de interés , a lo largo del wth Athletic de Bilbao , pero Azpilicueta es, sin duda quería en Stamford Bridge .

Conte está dispuesto a mantener el de 26 años de edad, el español ya que es actualmente la primera opción de lateral izquierdo en el Chelsea y su versatilidad en la forma de ser capaz de operar lo más cómodamente en el lateral derecho es también una ventaja enorme .

Azpilicueta , que llegó al Chelsea de Marsella en 2012 , tiene un valor de £ 20 millones .

Jürgen Klopp : propietarios Liverpool quiere ofrecer gerente de nuevo acuerdo

Los propietarios del Liverpool han acercado gestor de Jürgen Klopp sobre la ampliación de su contrato en Anfield.

Klopp , de 49 años , sólo se unió a Liverpool en octubre, después de aceptar un acuerdo hasta 2018, con la opción de un año más.

Pero la jerarquía del club está tratando de extender dicho contrato como muestra de fe y para evitar cualquier debate sobre su futuro potencial.

Klopp alemán tomó el Liverpool la final de la Copa de la Liga y la temporada pasada Europa League.

Cualquier nuevo acuerdo no implica necesariamente términos frescas sobre el pago - Klopp ya está en el soporte de los perceptores a causa de su situación y los logros del pasado.

Antes de su llegada a Anfield, tuvo Klopp del Borussia Dortmund a dos títulos alemanes y una final de la Champions.

Arsene Wenger: Chelsea will not go down

Chelsea are not in a relegation battle, despite lying 16th in the Premier League, according to Arsene Wenger.

The Blues are one point above the drop zone and boss Jose Mourinho's future has been discussed by the board.

"If you ask me objectively 'will Chelsea go down?' I say no, no chance," said Arsenal boss Wenger, who has clashed with Mourinho in the past but did not discuss his present situation.

"They are in a difficult spell but they are not in a relegation battle."

Wenger was called a "specialist in failure" by Mourinho in February 2014, with the Frenchman labelling the remark "disrespectful" and "embarrassing".

The Arsenal boss also pushed Mourinho in Chelsea's 2-0 victory over the Gunners later that year.

In his first spell as Chelsea boss in 2005, Mourinho called Wenger a"voyeur".

Asked if he thought Chelsea's best chance of turning their form around was to keep Mourinho, Wenger added: "I do not want to assess any other things over Chelsea because it's not my problem."

Arsenal, who lie second in the Premier League, welcome third-placed Manchester City to Emirates Stadium on Monday holding a one-point lead over Manuel Pellegrini's side.

Wenger could have Alexis Sanchez back after a hamstring injury suffered in the draw at Norwich on 1 December.

"There is a very slight chance for Sanchez to be in the game," said Wenger. "He is running but not participating in full training.

"It is still December. We are not fighting for the Premier League on Monday but we will look to nullify individual quality they have."

Leicester are the surprise leaders of the Premier League with 35 points from their 16 games.

The average amount of points earned by the champions since the top flight was reduced to 20 teams is 85.7, but Wenger says the winners may take the title with a lower mark this term.

"It looks to be very tight. The Premier League could be decided at around 80 points," said Wenger.

"If you look at the results, consistency will be the main priority because every week you are surprised by results.

"We have established a good run and it is important we continue that."

Pep Guardiola to leave Bayern Munich at the end of the season

Manchester City have been put on red alert by reports claiming Pep Guardiola is set to announce his decision to leave Bayern Munich.

The former Barcelona coach's contract at Bayern expires at the end of the season and he has been strongly linked with the Premier League club, as questioned continue to be asked of Manuel Pellegrini’s leadership at the Etihad Stadium.

On Wednesday Spanish newspaper Marca reported the 44-year-old has already informed the Bundesliga champions he is ready to seek out a new opportunity.

It was also claimed Guardiola is prepared to reject a €20million-per-season offer to continue at the Allianz Arena.

The Catalan has twice guided Bayern to the German title but the Champions League trophy has eluded him, with Real Madrid and then Barcelona eliminating the Bavarians in 2014 and 2015.

Manuel Pellegrini remains in charge of City, but with doubts still surrounding his tactical expertise, the two-time Premier League champions could be tempted to move quickly and secure Guardiola's services should he make himself available in the new year.

Manchester United and Chelsea have also been linked with the former Spain midfielder, although City are likely to be able to trump their rivals with a huge contract offer.

Samuel Eto'o given managerial chance at Antalyaspor

Former Cameroon captain Samuel Eto'o has been appointed interim player-manager at Turkish side Antalyaspor.

The 34-year-old striker, who joined the club on a three-year contract in June, has been given three matches to impress at the helm.

He takes over from Yusuf Simsek, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent on 7 December.

Antalyaspor will make a decision about whether to give Eto'o the role permanently after the winter break.

Eto'o will be guided and assisted by Mehmet Ugurlu, who is the club's technical director, as the Cameroonian takes his first steps into management.

The move is an unexpected one the former Barcelona, Inter Milan and Chelsea player, who has been involved in a number of controversial and damaging disputes with his country's football federation as well as with team-mates.

One of his former international team-mates, Patrick M'boma, admitted he was "surprised Eto'o has gone into management so soon".

But he revealed Eto'o, who he played alongside in two Africa Cup of Nations-winning sides, has long-held ambitions in that area.

"I know it was in his plans to be a manager - he told me many years ago," M'boma told BBC Sport.

"But from what I know he has no experience. I hope he will be a good manager but I do not know.

"He has the personality and the knowledge, but I am not sure he will have the patience. If he can improve on the areas where he is weak he could be a success."

Chelsea board discuss ''The Unhappy One'' future

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea future is in question following discussions about his position between the London club's board of directors.

Owner Roman Abramovich led the talks after the champions were beaten 2-1 at Leicester on Monday.

It was their ninth Premier League defeat in 16 games and left them a point above the relegation places.

It is not clear whether Mourinho will be in charge for Saturday's home game against fellow strugglers Sunderland.

Mourinho, 52, in his second spell in charge of Chelsea, was given Abramovich's public backing in October, but domestic results have not improved since.

The Russian's instinct has always been to keep backing the man who brought the Premier League title back to Stamford Bridge last season and signed a new four-year contract in August.

However, Chelsea's form has collapsed, with the loss at Leicester leaving them 16th in the table with 15 points.

Abramovich and the rest of Chelsea's hierarchy are weighing up how long they can afford to wait for improvement.

The Blues are 20 points behind leaders Leicester and 14 off the Champions League places, with a crucial last-16 tie against Paris St-Germain to come in that tournament. 

Formal Chelsea forward Tony Cascarino told BBC Sport

"This is a critical period for Chelsea. It's gone from 'we can't win the league', 'we can't qualify for Champions League' to 'we're fighting relegation'. That, for Chelsea, will not be acceptable at the highest level."

The other dilemma is whether to deprive Mourinho, a manager with a proven track record of success, the opportunity to turn things around.

The January transfer window will soon open, giving the club the chance to bring in new faces and maybe get rid of a few old ones.

Mourinho turned on his players after Monday's defeat at The King Power Stadium, claiming they had "betrayed his work".

The Blues conceded goals to Jamie Vardy and Riyad Mahrez, with Mourinho insisting he had warned his players about the danger they posed.

In response, midfielder Cesc Fabregas said his team-mates needed to justify their "big wages" and start playing like "big players".

He was one of seven players the Blues manager said had been underperforming at the start of the season.

The other problem facing Abramovich and Chelsea is the lack of an available, quality successor.

The unemployed Carlo Ancelotti has already been sacked by the Blues, while other potential targets, such as Bayern Munich's Pep Guardiola and Atletico Madrid's Diego Simeone, out of reach at present.

It has led to speculation Chelsea may turn once more to Guus Hiddink on a temporary basis.

The 69-year-old Dutchman had a spell as caretaker boss in 2009, guiding the club to FA Cup success.

Daniel Sturridge suffers foot injury

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has suffered a new injury setback after a foot problem in training ruled him out of a return against Bordeaux in the Europa League.

The 26-year-old was hoping to make a return on Thursday from a knee injury which has kept him out since 4 October.

However, the England international has been sent for a scan after complaining of discomfort in a foot.

Sturridge has made three appearances this season and only 18 in 2015.

His only goals this season came when he scored twice in a 3-2 Premier League home win over Aston Villa on 26 September.

Before Liverpool's Europa League game against Bordeaux on Thursday, manager Jurgen Klopp told BT Sport: "We trained this morning, we were at the hotel and he had to leave to have a scan. We have to wait for the results."

The Sturridge effect (Premier League)
Liverpool with Sturridge	Liverpool without Sturridge
Games: 58	Games: 49
Average goals: 2.3	Average goals: 1.6
Win percentage: 60.3%	Win percentage: 46.9%

Sturridge joined Liverpool from Chelsea in January 2013 and went on to score 28 times for club and country in 2013-14.

Yet he has endured a frustrating time with injuries.

Last season he was out for five months with a thigh injury suffered on England duty. He also had treatment for calf and thigh problems before returning.

And he picked up a hip injury against Manchester United in March, which cut short his season.

That episode led to him visiting medical experts in the United States, and an operation in May, with the former Manchester City player returning to action in September.

But after making three appearances, he suffered a knee injury before Liverpool's draw at Tottenham on 17 October.

Tyson Fury: David Haye is just jealous because he couldn't beat Wladimir Klitschko

Tyson Fury has taken a swipe at fellow heavyweight boxer David Haye in response to comments made by the 35-year-old returning fighter.

Haye, who announced his ring comeback on Tuesday, lost to Wladimir Klitschko in 2011 and declared in his press conference that Fury has little chance against the Ukrainian on Saturday.

Haye said the Manchester-born fighter will ultimately fall short against the Boxing great, but Fury is not happy with the Londoner’s comments.

“How does that work then?” Fury told Sports Arena Warren Haughton.

"Because he couldn’t beat him - I think that’s a bit of jealousy, don’t you?

“I’ve wished him all the best in his comeback and he wishes I lose!

“That’s just the sign of a jealous person who won’t achieve anything in his comeback.

“Jealousy is one of the biggest sins we can be accused of and I’m accusing him of jealousy.

'He’s had his time in the sun and now he’s trying to take everybody else’s.

“Instead of being happy for his fellow person, he’s upset about it.

“I can say one thing though - when I get this belt, David Haye will not get a chance to fight for them.”

Saturday’s bout in Dusseldorf is arguably the biggest of the 27-year-old’s career and he says it will be a special night for his family, where he will have ‘no excuses’.

Fury added: “It’s going to be fantastic. The best word I can say is fantastic.

"It’s going to be an epic night for the Fury family.

“I’m feeling really good, really ready for the fight.

"No excuses, I’m fit and on top of the world basically."

Paper Round: Paris Saint-Germain's gigantic wages make them favourites for Cristiano Ronaldo

Bayern Munich think Pep Guardiola will sign a new deal with the club, while PSG are set to pay Cristiano Ronaldo giant wages. That and more from the Wednesday papers.

PSG to offer Ronaldo insane wages

Paris Saint-Germain are preparing their bid for Cristiano Ronaldo and it includes £250,000-per-week after tax, according to The Mirror - that's equivalent to £500,000-per-week in England, a wage packet that is expected to force even the mighty Manchester United out of the race for the superstar's signature. PSG see Ronaldo as Zlatan Ibrahimovic's successor in the French capital and they're willing to boost the Portuguese's pay accordingly to a deal that is £30,000-per-week more than the Swede's after taxes.

Paper Round's view - PSG don't look like the favourites for Ronaldo because they offer him the highest level of competition or the most fame. They happen to be a team that's big enough and in a glamorous enough city to put them in the conversation for Ronaldo so wages can lure him. If he's going to go there, it's going to be for an incredible amount of money, and £250,000-per-week after taxes is definitely that.

Bayern believe Guardiola will stay

Pep Guardiola isn't going anywhere. At least that's what Bayern Munich believe. The Mirror claims that the Bavarians are confident their manager will sign a new two-year contract with the club that will keep him at the Allianz Arena until 2018. Guardiola's current deal expires in the summer and bothManchester City and Chelsea were keeping an eye on his situation. The new contract will see his pay rise to £17 million-per-year.

Paper Round's view - Guardiola has looked likely to stay at Bayern Munich for a few months now. While he has made it clear that he doesn't like staying at any club for too long, it's not as if he's been around for a decade. Man City have some instability and it's tough to imagine him making them Champions League contenders right away. The same is true of Chelsea. Both have troubles with their squads. Bayern are easily the best team for him right now and getting paid £17m helps.

Eriksson luring Rooney to China

Sven-Goran Eriksson is trying to get Wayne Rooney to make the move to China. The former England and current Shanghai SIPG manager told The Sun that Rooney should join a Chinese club and thinks he would enjoy it. “I live in Shanghai, and if you asked me to compare it to London, I honestly couldn’t say which was better," Eriksson said. The Chinese Super League is ready to offer Rooney big money to join up.

Paper Round's view - Rooney is struggling at Manchester United and his place in the team going forward will be in question unless he drastically improves. Being relegated to bench duty would be tough to watch, while a move to China would allow him to be a star and make a ton of money. The question is whether it's worth leaving the spotlight and the top flight, as well as living in a new country. Eriksson can say whatever he wants, but moving from England to China is a major change and one not everyone can and wants to make. We just don't see this happening.

Pato offered to Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham

Alexandre Pato's representatives are trying to get their client into the Premier League and have made his availability known to Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham, according to The Standard. The forward is at Sao Paulo, on loan from Corinthians, who want to sell him for about £11m. Pato has been playing well in Brazil after a rough spell at AC Milan, where he dealt with injuries, but he's been generally fit back in his home country.

Paper Round's view - Pato has been linked to English clubs since the summer, when Corinthians first started to offload him and his wages. Tottenham have been the most common team linked, but Spurs want an outright striker and Pato is better on the wing so they're out. Arsenal don't really need another winger either. If any of these three clubs are going to sign him, it will probably be Liverpool, if only because we don't know what JurgenKlopp will do, so we can't rule them out.

Southampton won't sell Mane in January

Manchester United want Sadio Mane. Again. But The Mail understand that Southampton are insistent that their star winger will not be sold in January. Louis van Gaal tried for Mane in the summer and still wants a winger so he plans to come back in January, but the Saints will be as determined to keep him as they were months ago. However, while Southampton will not sell Mane in January, they are starting to accept that he will probably leave the club in the summer.

Paper Round's view - Southampton can't sell Mane in the middle of their season. They have too much to play for and if they could be so resilient in the summer, doing so in January will be easy by comparison. But Mane's contract expires in 2018 so if they can't get him to sign a new deal then they almost certainly will have to sell him in the summer. By then, they might be able to get £30m for him, though.

Newcastle will give McClaren money to spend

Steve McClaren will have Newcastle active in the January transfer window. The Chronicle say the Magpies board are not panicking and are completely behind their manager. The 3-0 loss to Leicester City hasn't caused the club to reconsider their direction and McClaren will be given money to spend when the transfer window opens as they look to strengthen the side.

Paper Round's view - Newcastle are in a relegation fight and the worst thing they can do now is be hesitant. If McClaren is the man they think will get them to safety then back him. Do so behind the scenes and do so by giving him the funds to strengthen the squad in January. It looks like they are confident in McClaren so acting that way, and supporting him, is the only reasonable way forward.