Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Ferguson tells Man Utd to hire Solskjaer

Newcastle are ready to pay €60 million (£52m/$68m) for Hoffenheim forward&nbsp;Joelinton, according to <a href="https://www.sport1.de/transfermarkt/2019/02/transfer-joelinton-von-1899-hoffenheim-fuer-60-millionen-nach-newcastle" target="_blank">SPORT1</a>.&nbsp; The 22-year-old has impressed for the Bundesliga side this term, scoring 10 goals and adding eight assists.&nbsp; Having broken their transfer record last month with a&nbsp;£21m move for Miguel Almiron, the Magpies are set to smash that record should they move for Joelinton in the summer.

Newcastle to make €60m move for Joelinton

The Magpies are ready to smash their transfer record again

Sir Alex Ferguson is keen to see Manchester United appoint Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on a permanent basis, according to the <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/sir-alex-ferguson-wants-give-14042586" target="_blank">Daily Mirror</a>. The Red Devils icon, who led the club to 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues, has been impressed by his former player's performance in the Old Trafford hot seat. Solskjaer has been appointed manager of the club on an interim basis, but speculation persists that United could eventually opt for the likes of Mauricio Pochettino or Zinedine Zidane. However, having lost just one game out of 13 thus far, he has thrust himself firmly into the reckoning.

Ferguson wants Solskjaer as permanent Utd boss

Paris Saint-Germain are monitoring the progress of Fiorentina star&nbsp;Federico Chiesa,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.raisport.rai.it" target="_blank">Rai Sport</a>&nbsp;claims. Inter and Juventus are already monitoring the 21-year-old winger, but PSG director Antero Henrique has started sounding him out. However, Juve are reported to be the Italy international's first choice.

Chiesa catches PSG's eye

Arsenal&nbsp;are leading the race to sign Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka, <a href="https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/arsenal/transfer-talk/news/arsenal-lead-aaron-wan-bissaka-race_351319.html" target="_blank">according to the Sun.</a> The Gunners are at the front of the line to snap up the full-back ahead of Manchester City and Bayern Munich. Palace reportedly want £40 million ($52m)&nbsp;for the 21-year-old, who is in just his second season in the first team.

Arsenal lead the way to sign Wan-Bissaka

Gunners currently ahead of Manchester City and Bayern Munich for the full-back

Inter could target Manchester United striker Romelu Lukaku in the summer, according to <a href="http://www.corrieredellosport.it/" target="_blank">Corriere </a><a href="http://www.corrieredellosport.it/" target="_blank">dello</a><a href="http://www.corrieredellosport.it/" target="_blank"> Sport.</a> Mauro Icardi's future with the&nbsp;Nerazzurri is up in the air after he was stripped of the captaincy, and he could also opt for knee surgery in the near future.&nbsp; With Lukaku in and out of the lineup at Old Trafford this season, Inter could push to land the Belgian in the summer.

Inter could target Lukaku

Watford have their eye on Ituano striker Martinelli and Corinthians forward Gustavo, according to <a href="https://www.teamtalk.com/news/exclusive-watford-plot-40m-double-raid-for-brazilian-strike-duo" target="_blank">TEAMtalk</a>.&nbsp; Martinelli, 17, is considered one of Brazil's best forward prospects and is valued at £10 million ($13m).&nbsp; Gustavo, 24, just returned to&nbsp;Corinthians after a loan at&nbsp;Fortaleza, where he was one of the club's star performers.&nbsp;

Watford target two Brazilian strikers

Chelsea&nbsp;boss&nbsp;Maurizio Sarri has played down goalkeeper Kepa's extraordinary act of defiance in the&nbsp;Carabao Cup&nbsp;final, saying it was a "big misunderstanding". The Spaniard refused to be substituted in the closing stages of Sunday's game at Wembley, leaving the Blues boss seething on the touchline. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/it-was-a-big-misunderstanding-sarri-plays-down-kepa-mutiny/1f7qcppr2zn5f1xbj1afckxuh2" target="_blank">Read the full story here on Goal.</a>

Sarri plays down Kepa mutiny

Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga "has to go" after refusing to be substituted during the club's League Cup final defeat to Manchester City, according to Chris Sutton.&nbsp; The Spaniard refused to leave the pitch in the final minute of extra time when boss Maurizio Sarri sought to bring on Willy Caballero for the penalty shoot-out. "I've seen players disgruntled before and throw a boot or their shirt down when they're taken off but players know the rules," <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/live/football/45682657" target="_blank">Sutton told BBC Sport.</a> "They abide by the decision and if you're going to have a row you have it in the dressing room. That is unprecedented, what we have seen today and Kepa has to go."

Arrizabalaga 'has to go' says Sutton

Chris Sutton thinks Brendan Rodgers would be a good appointment for Leicester City - and that the Celtic boss would be up for the move, <a href="https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/sport/football/3919244/brendan-rodgers-claude-puel-chris-sutton/?utm_medium=Social&amp;utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1551010930" target="_blank">report the Sun.</a> “If you’re asking here and now, I can see it happening," said the former Celtic striker.&nbsp; “I know John Hartson last night said the opposite. He thinks Brendan’s going to stay and it is his dream job. “Well we’ll find out now, won’t we? I just wonder if Brendan thinks he’s taken&nbsp;Celtic&nbsp;as far as he feels he can go."

Rodgers may have taken Celtic as far as he can, thinks Sutton

Brendan Rodgers has moved to distance himself from the vacant Leicester City job,<a href="https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/celtic-boss-brendan-rodgers-responds-to-speculation-linking-him-with-the-leicester-city-job" target="_blank"> report BBC&nbsp;Scotland.</a> The Celtic manager has been installed as favourite to replace the sacked Claude Puel, but siad he is only thinking about his job at Parkhead. "My job is to concentrate on the football aspect, and that is with Celtic," said Rodgers.&nbsp; "I've been stood here for two and a half years and I've been asked similar questions, my message is always very, very clear, I'm very concentrated on the game."

Rodgers not thinking about Leicester 

Newcastle's on-loan striker Salomon Rondon says he would like to stay with the club beyond the end of the season, <a href="https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/salomon-rondon-drops-big-hint-15877448" target="_blank">according to the Newcastle Chronicle.&nbsp;</a>&nbsp; The Venezuelan joined in the summer on a year-long loan from West Brom, but is keen to extend his stay even if the Baggies secure a return to the top flight.

Rondon keen to extend Newcastle stay

Bayern Munich president&nbsp;Uli Hoeness says the future of James Rodriguez rests in the hands of manager Niko Kovac.&nbsp; The end of the Colombian's&nbsp;two-year loan from&nbsp;Real Madrid is approaching, with his club future beyond this season&nbsp;up in the air. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/james-future-call-rests-with-bayern-boss-kovac-as-end-of/9jdgop2jpyxt1ipdnoss1b5jt" target="_blank">Read the full story here</a>

James future call rests with Bayern boss Kovac

Brendan Rodgers insists his focus remains on Celtic despite reports of interest from Leicester City. The Foxes sacked&nbsp;Claude Puel on Sunday after a poor run of results, and&nbsp;Rodgers is reportedly high on the team's wish list.&nbsp; <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/rodgers-focused-on-celtic-amid-leicester-links/1877ryopqfc1a1ps3ecgrwf9pm" target="_blank">Read what Rodgers had to say about the speculation here</a>

Rodgers focused on Celtic amid Leicester links

RB Leipzig&nbsp;​boss Ralf Rangnick said his side would not be able to match&nbsp;Newcastle United's reported €60 million (£52m/$86m) bid for Joelinton. The Magpies are reported to be interestd in a club-record move for the Hoffenheim forward, who has scored 10 goals in all competitions this season. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/newcastle-see-path-cleared-for-60m-joelinton-as-leipzig/1wvrb337m69af1nt9u89ourr5q" target="_blank">Read the full story here</a>

Leipzig admit they can't compete with Newcastle for Joelinton

Eintracht&nbsp;Frankfurt and Lazio are tracking&nbsp;Strasbourg full-back Kenny Lala, according to <a href="https://www.tf1.fr/tf1/telefoot/news/exclu-telefoot-24-02-lazio-veut-toujours-lala-3959945.html" target="_blank">Telefoot</a>.&nbsp; The 27-year-old has impressed for the Ligue 1 side this season, scoring four goals and addding nine assists in&nbsp;26 matches in all competitions. The report states Lazio are&nbsp;the favourites to sign Lala, who has a contract with&nbsp;Strasbourg through 2021.&nbsp;

Frankfurt and Lazio tracking Lala

Chelsea have talked to assistant Gianfranco Zola about taking over as interim manager, reports <a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/sport/gianfranco-zola-in-line-for-chelsea-hotseat-h3j56dsrl" target="_blank">The Sunday Times.</a> With&nbsp;Maurizio Sarri under increasing pressure, the Blues hierarchy are looking into a temporary boss to take them through the remainder of the season. Former Blues star Zola could be that solution, with the Italian having managerial experience at West Ham, Watford,&nbsp;Cagliari and others.

Chelsea have discussed manager role with Zola

Jurgen Klopp will be given financial backing to strengthen his Liverpool team this summer, regardless of whether the Reds can land the Premier league title this season, <a href="https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-managing-director-makes-transfer-15876912" target="_blank">according to the Liverpool Echo.</a>&nbsp; Managing director Billy Hogan has pledged the board will support the manager in the transfer market as he looks to re-establish the club's domestic and European dominance.&nbsp;

Liverpool board to back Klopp in the summer

Swansea City midfielder George Byers says he would jump at the chance to move to Rangers, <a href="https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/george-byers-reveals-rangers-move-14041436" target="_blank">according to the Daily Record.</a> The 22 year-old midfielder was born in England to Scottish parents, and says it would be a dream to pull on the blue shirt of Rangers.&nbsp;

Byers keen on Rangers switch

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg will return to action&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Chinese Super League&nbsp;at the beginning of March, <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-6737095/Mark-Clattenburg-set-return-refereeing-Chinese-Super-League.html" target="_blank">report the Mail.</a>&nbsp; Clattenburg recently completed a two-year posting as director of refereeing in Saudi Arabia, but will return to the field in China as of the 1st of next month.&nbsp;

Clattenburg to return to refereeing in China 

Manchester United have made contact over a possible deal for Sporting midfielder Bruno Fernandes, claims <a href="https://www.abola.pt/Nacional/Noticias/Ver/775287" target="_blank">A Bola</a>. The highly-rated playmaker has previously been linked with Liverpool but has now emerged as a target for their fierce Premier League rivals.

Man Utd make Fernandes contact

Bayern Munich are mulling over a move for Hertha Berlin defender Niklas Stark, reports <a href="https://www.sport1.de/fussball/bundesliga/2019/02/fc-bayern-hat-niklas-stark-von-hertha-bsc-als-sommer-transfer-auf-dem-radar" target="_blank">Sport1</a>. The 23-year-old centre-half is considered by the Bundesliga champions to be a suitable alternative to Atletico Madrid's Lucas Hernandez, with that interest having come to nothing.

Bayern consider bringing in Stark

Barcelona are willing to pay €110 million (£96m/$125m) for Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, according to <a href="https://en.as.com/en/2019/02/23/football/1550912208_703048.html" target="_blank">AS</a>. The Liga giants already have a big-money deal in place for Frenkie de Jong but are eager to land other reinforcements.

Barcelona want €110m Saul

Tottenham are targeting Fulham's Sessegnon twins, Ryan and Steven, according to Teamtalk. Spurs have been tracking the pair for some time and hope a £20 million ($26m) offer will be enough to put a double deal in place.

Spurs seeking Sessegnon twins

Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness seems satisfied that his club are set for next season when it comes to transfers. "If you would know what we already have safe for the new season," Hoeness told Sport1-Doppelpass. "But we cannot announce yet who we have, because the players that don't play at the moment, could be angry and we still have a long season to go. "But our sporting director does an excellent job."

It looks like Bayern already have their business done

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers is being lined up as a potential replacement for Claude Puel, according to the <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/24/leicester-city-sack-claude-puel-target-brendan-rodgers-summer/" target="_blank">Daily Telegraph</a>. Former Liverpool boss Rodgers was reportedly approached by the Foxes earlier this season, but wanted to finish the campaign with the Scottish champions. The report suggested that Celtic will demand £6 million in compensation for the Irish coach's services.

Leicester line up Rodgers as Puel replacement

<center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">Leicester's 2019 results: ✅ Everton ❎ Newport ❎ Southampton ❎ Wolves ➖ Liverpool ❎ Man Utd ❎ Spurs ❎ Crystal Palace <a href="https://t.co/NPJA9DMTlr">pic.twitter.com/NPJA9DMTlr</a>— Goal (@goal) <a href="https://twitter.com/goal/status/1099624367619825664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Leicester's form under Puel in 2019 left little choice

Leicester City have sacked Claude Puel in the wake of his side's trouncing by Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Foxes have decided to part ways with the French manager within 24 hours of the 4-1 defeat to Roy Hodgson's men. Puel took over at the helm in October 2017, but will not get to see out a full season with the club. <center><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="nl">Leicester City Football Club has today (Sunday) parted company with Claude Puel, who leaves his position as First Team Manager with immediate effect.<a href="https://t.co/VoZnGBJ8Up">https://t.co/VoZnGBJ8Up</a>— Leicester City (@LCFC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LCFC/status/1099617439334256640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">24 februari 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center>

Leicester sack Claude Puel

Paris Saint-Germain will not let Neymar leave to join Real Madrid or any other club this summer, Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists. The Brazilian attacker has been heavily linked to a return to Spain, with Madrid reportedly still determined to sign him and Barcelona said to want him back. But the PSG president maintains there is no chance of one of the stars leaving any time soon, insisting Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are too important to let go. Paris Saint-Germain will not let Neymar leave to join Real Madrid or any other club this summer, Nasser Al-Khelaifi insists. The Brazilian attacker has been heavily linked to a return to Spain, with Madrid reportedly still determined to sign him and Barcelona said to want him back. But the PSG president maintains there is no chance of one of the stars leaving any time soon, insisting Neymar and Kylian Mbappe are too important to let go. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/real-madrid-know-neymar-isnt-for-sale-says-psg-president-al/1ifexev3j3d031c3shctriio70" target="_blank">Read the full story on Goal</a>

Real Madrid know Neymar isn't for sale - PSG

AC Milan will make another attempt to sign Moise Kean from Juventus this summer,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.calciomercato.com/news/juve-nuovi-segnali-al-milan-per-kean-36182" target="_blank">Calciomercato</a>&nbsp;claims. The 18-year-old striker is regarded as one of the most promising young players in the Italian top flight and was the subject of several loan offers in the winter transfer window. Milan were reportedly one of those teams and still hold hopes of signing Kean from their rivals, despite the recent arrival of Krzysztof Piatek. However, Juve are determined to hold on to the attacker, so the Rossoneri will need to make a huge offer to convince them to discuss a deal.

AC Milan eye summer Kean bid

Emil Forsberg has suggested he could leave RB Leipzig by the time he turns 30. The Swedish winger has been a star for the German side, attracting interest from Manchester United, Arsenal and Roma in recent years.&nbsp; He has opted to remain at Leipzig so far, but at 27, he will consider moving&nbsp;on to a new club over the next few years. "The best years are coming for me now.&nbsp;That's why I'm glad I can now fully attack again," he told <a href="https://rblive.de/2019/02/23/emil-forsberg-rb-leipzig-verletzung-tsg-hoffenheim-interview-heute-news-exklusiv/" target="_blank">RBLive</a>.&nbsp;"Whether I stay here until I'm 30, we'll see.&nbsp;I think the club does not want 30-year-olds here.&nbsp;But I'm like a fine red wine, getting better with age."

Forsberg to leave RB Leipzig before 30

Ross Barkley has urged Chelsea to give&nbsp;Maurizio Sarri time to build a winner at Chelsea.&nbsp; The Italian is under fire at the London club following a string of bad results, but the midfielder has faith they can get things headed in the right direction.&nbsp; "The style of play the manager wants is not where it is at now," Barkley said. "Over time it will come. Bad days don't always stay. Good times are ahead.​" <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/good-times-are-ahead-barkley-urges-chelsea-to-be-patient/1kqratl4on6y1127z6rfkpxam5" target="_blank">Read his full comments on Goal</a>

Barkley urges Chelsea to give Sarri time

Cruz Azul are looking at San Jose Earthquakes coach&nbsp;Matias Almeyda as a potential replacement for&nbsp;Pedro Caixinha.&nbsp; <a href="https://lospleyers.com/noticias/liga-mx/matias-almeyda-tecnico-cruz-azul-billy-alvarez/" target="_blank">Univision (via LosPleyers)</a> claim that the club are looking to move on from Caixinha and have their eye on the Quakes boss, who is set to start his first season with the MLS club.&nbsp;

Cruz Azul want Almeyda as Caixinha replacement

<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuPCMrtAF-F/?utm_source=ig_twitter_share&amp;igshid=1q7ak2t7f76jv" target="_blank">Mike Grella has announced his retirement</a> from professional football. <center> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"> Thanks for the memories, <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeGrella10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeGrella10</a>. Former <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RBNY?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RBNY</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crew96?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crew96</a> winger Mike Grella announced his retirement from professional soccer: <a href="https://t.co/gvU8MPucwQ">https://t.co/gvU8MPucwQ</a> <a href="https://t.co/9QhgoyfUd0">pic.twitter.com/9QhgoyfUd0</a> — Major League Soccer (@MLS) <a href="https://twitter.com/MLS/status/1099474024453849088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async="async" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></center> Known best for his time in MLS with the New York Red Bulls, the winger also spent time in England with the likes of Brentford and Leeds.&nbsp;

Grella calls time on his career 

Joe Hart might head to Major League Soccer after being dropped by Burnley, according to the <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/football/8495564/joe-hart-mls-transfer-burnley/" target="_blank">Sun</a>. Burnley have&nbsp;turned to Tom Heaton as the No.1 and would like to get Hart's wages off the books, with MLS being an option as the league's transfer window remains open. Hart may be open to a move, either on loan or permanent, in hopes of securing a starting job.

Hart may move to MLS

Ivan Rakitic has re-emphasized his desire to stay at Barcelona.&nbsp; The Croatian has been linked with a move to French champions&nbsp;PSG but said in the summer that he saw his future with the Camp Nou side. "I have three more years on my contract, I want to stay here," <a href="https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/barcelona/transfer-talk/news/rakitic-i-only-see-myself-at-barcelona_351318.html" target="_blank">Rakitic told reporters</a> following the team's 4-2 win against Sevilla on Saturday. "I'm full of pride that big clubs ask for me, if they do. I only see myself at Barcelona, it makes me laugh a little when I have my morning coffee."

Rakitic - I only see myself at Barcelona 

Arsenal are eager to lure former player&nbsp;Marc Overmars to the club as their technical director,&nbsp;but Ajax are blocking the deal,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/ajax-block-arsenals-swoop-make-14043463" target="_blank">report the Mirror.</a> Overmars' current club are using the £200 million ($261m) cash reserves built up by the Dutchman's transfer dealings to ensure he sees out the remaining 18 months of his contract in Amsterdam.&nbsp; Arsenal are hoping to bring in the former winger to replace departed head of recruitment Sven Mislintat.&nbsp;

Ajax blocking Arsenal's Overmars bid

Arsenal will offer central defender&nbsp;Rob Holding a new deal, despite the player suffering from a&nbsp;long-term injury, <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/rob-holding-set-offered-new-14043692" target="_blank">according to the Mirror.</a> The 23-year-old will likely be out until September after sustaining cruciate knee ligament damage late last year.&nbsp; However, he was in excellent form in the period leading up to his last game, and boss Unai Emery is lookign to reward him for his fine performances.

Arsenal to offer Holding new deal

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Transfer news and rumours LIVE: Ferguson tells Man Utd to hire Solskjaer | Goal.com South Africa

Goal takes a look at the biggest transfer news and rumours from the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and beyond