MAN CITY sensation Erling Haaland makes almost £1million PER WEEK at the Etihad - and that's without his hat-trick cash.
According to the Mail, the star striker appears to be paid accordingly by the reigning Premier League champions who are showering him with £865,000 per week.
However, a series of substantial bonuses see his weekly wages turn him into probably the best paid player in the Premier League.
Elsewhere, Dutch legend Marco van Basten has urged Hakim Ziyech to quit Chelsea in January.
Former Ajax winger Ziyech has struggled for game time since his £40million arrival in 2020.
Van Basten said: "It is sad and a shame that someone of his calibre gets to play so seldom. Ziyech is a terrific player."
And legend Lionel Messi could make a stunning return to Barcelona next July - at 36.
How to get free bets on football – the 17 best bookies to claim rewards and bonuses
Stay up to date with all the latest from around the grounds...
Guardiola rubbishes Haaland Real rumours
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says that reports stating Erling Haaland has a clause in his contract allowing him to join Real Madrid in 2024 are untrue.
There had been speculation in the past week that Haaland and his father Alf-Inge had negotiated a deal that would see the Norwegian move to the Bernabeu after two seasons with City.
But after last night's Champions League victory against Copenhagen, Guardiola dismissed the stories as false.
"It's not true. He has no release clause for Real Madrid or any other team. That's all I can say," he told reporters.
"The rumours and people talking, we cannot control it. We can only worry about what we can control.
"The important thing is he's adapted really well, and I have the feeling that he is incredibly happy here."
Even Stevens: Gerrard backs Cooper
Steve Cooper is under real pressure following Nottingham Forest's defeat at Leicester on Monday night, but he's found an ally in this weekend's opposite number.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference this afternoon, Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard declared that any thought of sacking the Forest manager was ridiculous.
Gerrard was particularly adamant about how difficult it must be to integrate the vast amount of new signings at the City Ground.
“To sign 23 new players in one window is unique. I’ve never seen it or heard it before," he said.
“They recruited really well and signed a lot of good players. From where I am, to think about how you’d deal with that and manage that, it would be extremely tough and challenging.
“I think he deserves the time for that to settle, for them to get used to the club and how Steve plays. That takes time.
"He’s had an incredible career so far and the job he’s done at Forest is out of this world."
Frank backs Toney for Qatar
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has backed striker Ivan Toney to play his way into Gareth Southgate's World Cup squad.
The Bees supremo believes all his star man can do is to keep impressing in training and matches as Qatar 2022 approaches.
Toney was recently called up for England duty, but failed to make his debut in games against Italy and Germany.
"For Ivan, the most important thing is to perform every day on the training ground - as he did today, he looked sharp - perform on Saturday against Newcastle, and hopefully score a goal or two," Frank told reporters.
"He needs to keep doing that and then with his performances he needs to ask questions to Gareth Southgate, and then it's up to Gareth to choose the best squad for the World Cup.
"If you ask me, I am biased, but I think he should be there."
Toffees have bargain Coady option
Everton have the option of making Conor Coady's loan a permanent switch at the end of the season - and it will cost them just £4.5m.
The England international has been an inspired signing at Goodison Park, bringing belief and a vocal presence to a previously porous backline.
Subsequently, Frank Lampard's team have conceded the fewest goals in the Premier League this season.
The details of the deal were revealed when it was questioned whether Wolves would attempt to recall the defender.
The 29-year-old was allowed to leave Molineux in the summer when manager Bruno Lage decided he no longer wanted to operate with a back three.
Following Lage's sacking at the weekend, Wolves chiefs had hoped to bring their former captain back.
But no such recall clause exists within the contract, only the details of the alarmingly small fee that was agreed upon.
Ziyech snub brings the Blues
Dutch legend Marco van Basten has urged Hakim Ziyech to quit Chelsea in January.
Former Ajax winger Ziyech has struggled for game time since his £40million arrival in 2020.
The Morocco international has had just 350 minutes of action for the Blues this season, scoring one goal.
Van Basten, 59, told Ziggo Sport: "Someone like Ziyech would get to play all the time at another club, and the fans could enjoy watching him.
"It is sad and a shame that someone of his calibre gets to play so seldom. Ziyech is a terrific player.
"We want to watch him. It's players like him that make us want to switch on our televisions and go to matches."
Kane leads tributes to Ventrone
Tottenham striker Harry Kane has paid tribute to the club's fitness coach Gian Piero Vitrone, who has died suddenly at the age of 61.
The Italian was a renowned part of Antonio Conte's backroom team, joining Spurs at the same time as the manager in November 2021.
In a heartfelt social media post, Kane referred to Ventrone as 'a truly remarkable man', and thanked him for all he he done.
"I’m devastated by the passing of our coach Gian Piero. My love and strength is with his family at this time," Kane said.
"His words and wisdom will live on with me for the rest of my life and I’m just grateful I had the opportunity to spend time with him. RIP Prof."
Four to six weeks for Forfana
Chelsea defender Wesley Fofana is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a knee injury in last night's Champions League clash with AC Milan.
Blues fans feared the worst when their new centre-back went down, shortly after scoring the opener at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old was later seen leaving the stadium on crutches, and has a history of past knee issues.
However, the prognosis is better than expected with the injury described as a sprain, meaning the Frenchman may even return before the Premier League breaks for the World Cup.
Walker in World Cup race
Kyle Walker is in a race against time to be fit for the World Cup.
The Manchester City star revealed today that he has undergone groin surgery earlier this week, and is now in a period of rehabilitation.
Walker was substituted towards the end of the first half of Sunday's Manchester derby after pulling up in discomfort.
His club released a statement insisting that the 'surgery was successful and a more detailed prognosis will be provided in due course.'
Despite the operation, the 32-year-old appears in good spirits, acknowledging that injuries are 'part of the game'.
The right-back shared an image on Twitter from his hospital bed, giving the camera the thumbs up.
The World Cup in Qatar kicks-off in 44 days.
Wolves to hold Lopetegui talks
Wolverhampton Wanderers will begin negotiations with Julen Lopetegui this weekend over their vacant manager's job, according to Sky Sports News.
The Spanish coach is the favourite to replace Bruno Lage in the Molineux hot-seat following the Portuguese's sacking last weekend.
Lopetegui was himself dismissed from a job this week when he was shown the door by Sevilla.
Unsurprisingly, Lopetegui is represented by agent Jorge Mendes, who has close links to Wolves.
Ten Hag defends Scott selection
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has defended his decision to pick Scott McTominay over Casemiro.
The Scotland international has kept the £80m midfielder on the bench in recent weeks, a decision that came in for scrutiny after the 6-3 defeat at Manchester City on Sunday.
However, the Dutch boss is adamant that McTominay deserved his starting spot for the role he had played in United’s winning run.
“We have to construct a team because also we want a competitive culture in our team and this club, I said before it had nothing to do with Casemiro, and all to do with Scott,” Ten Hag told the press.
“When you sum it up: Brentford he wasn’t in the team we lose, on the day Casemiro signed we win [against Liverpool].
“we played six games, we won five and in five games Scott played. In one he didn’t against Sociedad, [we lost]. For me it’s logical, it’s competition in the team.
“For me is was not a choice. He improved really well, he developed really well. Nothing to do with Casemiro.”
Aberdeen manager hit with EIGHT game ban
The remarks came after his side gave away a penalty when Porteous went down in the box.
He said: “I don’t know how many times the boy Porteous can get away with that kind of stuff.
"We showed our players a number of instances when Porteous has won penalties like that in the past.
"People will say he’s good at it and he’s clever but it’s blatant cheating as far as I’m concerned and it’s cost my team points."
Cherries takeover edging nearer
Bill Foley's bid to buy Bournemouth is edging closer after it was reported that a verbal agreement over the deal has now been made.
The American had been in advanced negotiations with current owner Maxim Demin over the sale of the south coast club.
Foley, who owns National Hockey League side Vegas Golden Knights, is expected to be in attendance for Saturday's home match with Leicester.
It is understood that both parties believe the takeover can be completed by the end of this month.
Kante linked with Arsenal move
N’Golo Kante has once again been linked with a move across London to Arsenal.
According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea have decided that they will not be renewing the contract of the French midfielder when it comes to an end in June.
The 31-year-old is keen to remain in both the Premier League and London, and so naturally the Gunners have been linked.
However, sources close to the North London club have suggested that such speculation is wide of the mark.
Reports surfaced in the summer that Kante was an option for Mikel Arteta, but those stories were also rubbished.
Sir Alex wanted Ronaldo to go to Barca
Man Utd almost managed to get Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi to link-up... for Barcelona.
Los Blancos had already splashed out on Karim Benzema, Xabi Alonso and Ballon d'Or winner Kaka in response to Pep Guardiola's all-conquering debut season as Nou Camp chief the year before.
But they were almost denied the jewel in returning president's Florentino Perez's masterplan if Sir Alex Ferguson had got his way.
The legendary Scot was desperate to avoid losing Ronaldo to Real once he'd accepted that the former Sporting Lisbon winger was set to leave.
Fergie had even said back in 2008 that he wouldn't sell Madrid a 'virus' let alone his best player.
Arsenal favourites for Europa League
It has been predicted by a super-computer that Arsenal will win the Europa League.
They have been given a 13% chance of lifting the trophy.
Ajax, Liverpool and Barcelona have been handed a 6% chance of winning the competition with the computer expecting them to drop down from the Champions League.
Manchester United are ranked third given a 5% possibility.
Players to take the knee
Premier League players will take the knee before the next two weekend matches.
Games on between the 8th and 16th October will be dedicated to the No Room for Racism campaign.
It was agreed prior to the start of the season that players would not take the knee before all matches.
Boxing day fixtures will also see the gesture.
Evra wants Ronaldo in the team
Patrice Evra has stressed that Cristiano Ronaldo should be starting regardless of whether he fits in with Erik ten Hag’s system.
Evra told BetFair: “I’m sorry, when you have a player like Cristiano Ronaldo, no matter if he’s not pressing or whatever, focus on what he can do.
“He scores goals. I’m sure if he leaves and goes to another club he will score goals.
“He needs his chance in the Premier League again. Ten Hag can now justify playing him again after losing the last match.”
Evra also said that he thinks the club should keep CR7.
"Football goes so fast, imagine Ronaldo starts in the Europa League, scores, then he starts in the Premier League and score.
“United win two games and everything changes. Then we’ll be saying Ronaldo is so important and we can’t let him go in January.”
Erik ten Hag has suggested Ronaldo is annoyed at his lack of minutes and the player still wants to leave the Red Devils.
Messi and Xavi discussions
Lionel Messi and Barca manager Xavi reportedly talk to each other every week.
Messi has been linked with a move back to his former club from PSG for next season.
Wolves in talks with Lopetegui
Wolves are set for talks with the recently sacked Sevilla boss Julen Lopetegui.
The position as manager is vacant after Bruno Lage was sacked as boss following a defeat to West Ham with the team having won once in 15 games.
Lopetegui is the preferred candidate, according to reports.
Galatasaray want Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo could be offered an exit route from Manchester United by Galatasaray, according to reports.
The Red Devils forward, 37, was heavily linked with a transfer in the summer but, after showdown talks, stayed put at Old Trafford.
Turkish giants Galatasaray are set to go "all out" with an ambitious bid for the Portuguese ace in the January window.
Okan Burak's side currently sit fourth in the Super Lig after a woeful 13th-place finish last term.
That result ensured they cannot offer Ronaldo any European football - let alone the Champions League - until the 2023-24 campaign at the earliest
Rice hits out at schedule
West Ham star Declan Rice has hit out at the busy schedule admitting he is "knackered".
Rice said in a press conference before facing Anderlecht in Conference League: "I worked out last year from June (2021) to June (2022) I played 68 games.
"That is an obscene amount of games.
"I don't go into a game and don't give 100 per cent. Every game I walk off and I am knackered.
"There are big games for West Ham and England. I don't want to get injured or do anything silly."
"Touch and go"
Kyle Walker is reportedly "touch and go" for the World Cup following his surgery.
Reports say it will depend on how his body reacts and how his recovery goes.
Walker is often gets back quicker than most from spells in the treatment room but his place in England's squad is in doubt.
Walker has surgery
Kyle Walker has undergone 'successful' surgery on a groin injury suffered in the Manchester derby.
The Man City full-back could be miss the World Cup, according to reports.
Bayern considered Ronaldo move
Bayern Munich weighed up the possibility of bidding for Cristiano Ronaldo over the summer.
Speaking to Bild, Bayern CEO Kahn said: “We briefly discussed Ronaldo at Bayern – and Dortmund probably did too.
“We also see the big picture of the Bundesliga.
“Of course, superstars like Ronaldo are an important factor in attracting attention to the league.
“He is one of the greatest of the last decade. But we quickly dismissed that.”
Knutsen slams Spurs’s approach
Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen has hit out at Antonio Conte for his tactics used against Arsenal ahead of his side's clash at the Emirates.
When breaking down the Gunners he slammed Spurs’ style of play of defending deep and counter attacking.
He said: “Arsenal leave space in behind them which we will have to exploit.
“We need to be aggressive in the low block, high intensity in the high press, and we will have to control the ball.
“Tottenham only defended, Zurich only defended – if you do that you won’t stand a chance against them.”
