'Bale's not even training with us' - Zidane suggests Real Madrid star not close to return

The winger will miss the Blancos' La Liga match against Sevilla on Sunday and his coach admits he does not know when he will be available again

Zinedine Zidane remains unsure when Gareth Bale will be available for Real Madrid again but hopes it will be soon.

Wales international Bale sustained a calf injury in the Champions League quarter-final victory over Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena on April 12 and lasted less than 45 minutes on his return against Barcelona 11 days later.

The 27-year-old has not featured since that 3-2 defeat and he has just four more chances to feature this season with Madrid chasing glory in Spain and Europe.

Zidane revealed Bale's condition is improving, but admitted he is unsure when the forward will be in a suitable condition to return to the pitch.

"We have to see day to day with Gareth Bale," he told a news conference ahead of Sunday's La Liga match against Sevilla. "He is continuing in the gym, working, trying to get rid of his discomfort.

"It's getting better, but you have to go day by day. But he's not even training with us. I cannot tell you when he will return, but hopefully it is soon."

Another player who will not feature at Santiago Bernabeu this weekend is Pepe.

The experienced centre-back has been struggling with a rib injury and has been linked with a move to Inter or AC Milan when his contract expires at the end of the campaign.

Zidane paid tribute to Pepe's contribution to the club since joining in 2007 but said he is unable to clarify what the 34-year-old's future holds at the moment.

"Pepe's career has been spectacular," said the Madrid coach. "It's been 10 years where he's done fantastic things, but with this I'm not telling you what is going to happen next year because I do not know.

"He will not be in the squad tomorrow because of his rib. He trained with us, but it's not quite right."

Madrid sit second to Barcelona in LaLiga due to an inferior head-to-head record, but Zidane's side possess a game in hand which they play against Celta Vigo on Wednesday.

With Juventus in the Champions League final following their final league outing away to Malaga, Zidane called for concentration to ensure the season does not fall apart.

"We have done phenomenally so far. We look very good in La Liga and are in the Champions League final, but it does not mean anything," said the Frenchman.

"We have three finals in La Liga remaining and we are going to start with the first one.

"The three matches are very difficult. The one in Seville because they are always high up in the table and are a very good team.

"Look at what Celta are doing, and Malaga are in impressive shape at the moment. But we are only thinking about tomorrow."

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Conte was wrong - Pochettino says Chelsea spending key to title win

The Blues boss said Tottenham should have had an advantage in the battle for the league crown, but the Argentine pointed out a flaw in his logic

Mauricio Pochettino has hit back at Antonio Conte's suggestion that Tottenham had an advantage in the Premier League title race, insisting Chelsea's big spending had more of an influence.

Chelsea were crowned champions on Friday thanks to a 1-0 win over West Brom, which came about thanks to a late goal from substitute Michy Batshuayi.

Head coach Conte had previously suggested that Spurs should have had the edge over his side given that Pochettino is in his third season at White Hart Lane, whereas Conte is in his first in English football.

But Pochettino has rejected the notion, suggesting that Chelsea's significant spending in the transfer market has been critical to their success.

"I understand him. It's difficult for him because he was always a manager who liked to work with and to develop young talent," the Spurs boss said.

"It's difficult when you sign for a club like Chelsea and you have the pressure to win and you spend the money that they spent on David Luiz, Marcos Alonso, Batshuayi and [N'Golo] Kante. I totally understand but I don't know if I agree with him that it's an advantage.

"[Arsenal manager] Arsene Wenger should win the league every season because he is 20 years in charge, if that is the right way to measure our advantage. I think it's not fair to measure with me, as it is to measure with Wenger. Twenty years is a massive advantage. Why not win every season?

"It's not a criticism [of Wenger]. It was not the best comment from him [Conte]."

Spurs host Manchester United on Sunday knowing that a victory will ensure that they finish second in the Premier League for the first time in their history.

It is also the last match to be played at White Hart Lane before the stadium is demolished to make way for the club's new 61,000-seater venue, which is due to be ready for the 2018-19 season.

"I am very sensitive person and so emotional, so it will be difficult not to cry," Pochettino said. "I think for the fans it means a lot but in the same way – and I don't want to be wrong – I think our fans are so excited to welcome the new stadium, too.

"That doesn't mean they are happy it is the end of White Hart Lane, but that they are excited towards the progress. They are excited to the future of the club. Be sure it will be very, very emotional but at the same time it will be very, very exciting to welcome the new stadium."

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SPURS & CHELSEA BATTLE FOR SMITH

Chelsea and Tottenham are set to go head-to-head to sign Bournemouth defender Adam Smith, according to The Sun.

Smith began his career at Spurs and the club are considering a bid to re-sign him as a possible replacement for Kyle Walker, who has been heavily linked with Manchester City.

The Blues, meanwhile, are understood to have scouted the 26-year-old in the 2-2 draw with Stoke, and will watch him again when the Cherries face Burnley.

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ARSENAL TO LAUNCH £50M MORATA BID

Arsenal are ready to bid for Chelsea and Manchester United target Alvaro Morata this summer, according to a report in The Sun.

The Real Madrid striker has grown frustrated at a lack of first-team opportunities in Spain and is looking to leave, with Antonio Conte's Blues leading the chase.

However, Arsene Wenger is willing to sanction a £50m bid as he prepares for the possibility of having to replace Alexis Sanchez, who looks increasingly likely to leave the club.

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BARCA JOIN MAHREZ RACE

Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain have entered the race to sign wantaway Leicester City winger Riyad Mahrez, says the Daily Star .

The Algeria international has had a mixed campaign at the King Power this season and is looking to push for a move away once the season draws to an end.

As well as Barca and PSG, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool are all now thought to be interested in securing the attacker, who is valued at around £35 million.

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GALA WANT WELBECK

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck is the centre of a £16 million transfer bid from Turkish side Galatasaray, according to reports from the Daily Mail . 

The former Manchester United forward has made just seven Premier League starts for the Gunners this season and will make a decision regarding his long-term future once the season ends.

Galatasaray have made contact with the north London side and are willing to pay the £16 million Arsene Wenger and Co paid for him in 2014.

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ARSENAL TARGET LEMAR

Arsenal have made Monaco winger Thomas Lemar one of their top summer transfer targets, according to the  Daily Mirror .

The 21-year-old has been in sensational form this season and Arsene Wenger is a huge admirer as he looks to rebuild his squad at the Emirates Stadium.

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LUKAKU TOPS MAN UTD LIST

Jose Mourinho has made Everton forward Romelu Lukaku his number one transfer target this summer, according to a report from The Guardian .

The Belgian is seen as the man to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic and lead the Red Devils attack next season, having hit 24 Premier League goals for the Toffees so far this term.

Lukaku has openly admitted he will only join a club with a spot in the Champions League, however, so Mourinho's hopes of landing the 23-year-old may depend on United winning the Europa League.

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BALE AGENT OPENS UTD TALKS

Gareth Bale's representatives have opened talks with Manchester United chiefs over a potential summer transfer to Old Trafford, according to a report from Diario Gol .

The Welshman has scored 12 goals in 30 starts for Real Madrid this season but has suffered with injuries throughout, with his replacement Isco impressing in his absence. 

Bale is now supposedly open to a Premier League return, with Manchester United the only likely destination for the Wales international.

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Revealed: How Chelsea are set to profit from Juventus' success

The Blues have a complicated deal in place with the Turin club that could see them earn a profit on a failed signing

Chelsea will earn several million pounds should Juventus achieve both the Serie A and Champions League titles this season, due to clauses in the loan deal of Juan Cuadrado. 

The 28-year-old moved to Chelsea from Fiorentina in a deal worth £23.3 million in 2015 but struggled to settle to life in the Premier League and England. He returned to Italy on loan last season, joining champions Juventus, and the Turin side managed to agree a deal to bring him back from the clutches of Antonio Conte for the current campaign. 

Chelsea and Juventus negotiated a three-year loan deal which saw Chelsea earn £4.5 million a season, along with performance-related bonuses that are activated when the Old Lady win silverware. 

Juventus are seven points clear at the top of the Serie A table with three games left to play and they are in the Champions League final after defeating AS Monaco over two legs.

Goal understands that Chelsea would earn bonus payments for success in either competition, and they would stand to earn over £24 million across the three years, if all clauses are activated. 

If Juventus had several poor seasons during Cuadrado's three-year loan spell then Chelsea would have only earned around £13.5 million for the Colombia international.

Chelsea have no option to recall Cuadrado as part of the loan arrangement

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Bailly out of Europa League final after red card

Eric Bailly will miss the Europa League final after being sent off in Manchester United's semi-final second leg clash against Celta Vigo on Thursday night.

The Ivorian defender was dismissed after putting a hand to John Guidetti's face, with Facundo Roncaglia then also seeing red for retaliating in the aftermath.

United were not punished, however, with John Guidetti missing a late chance to send Celta into the final at the home side's expense.

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BARCA EYE ROMEU RETURN

Barcelona are considering a move to bring Oriol Romeu back to the club from Southampton this summer, according to Marca .

The midfielder graduated through Barca's academy but is only now starting to realise his potential at St Mary's, and would cost at least €15 million to acquire after being named the Saints' Player of the Year.

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Atletico Madrid 2 Real Madrid 1 (2-4 agg): Calderon comeback falls short as Isco sets up Juventus showdown

Atletico Madrid's last Champions League game at Vicente Calderon ended in victory, but Real Madrid will meet Juventus in the final.

Real Madrid reached a third Champions League final in four years after seeing off Atletico Madrid despite a 2-1 defeat in the second leg of their semi-final tie on Wednesday.

Two goals in the first 16 minutes from Atleti threatened to produce another memorable comeback in this season's tournament, until Isco's strike just before half-time effectively ended those hopes and sealed a 4-2 aggregate win.

The players were greeted with a tifo from the home fans proclaiming 'proud to be different to you' as they walked out onto the pitch for the last European game at Vicente Calderon, but Atletico's electric start was very much in the mould of Madrid's in the first leg.

Saul Niguez thumped in a header with 12 minutes gone before Antoine Griezmann converted a penalty to get Diego Simeone's side believing in a turnaround.

Madrid have made a habit of digging deep to salvage results this term, though, and Isco's finish from close range on 42 minutes – his first in the Champions League this season – handed Zinedine Zidane's side a crucial away goal.

Atleti persevered but there was little real hope in their second-half efforts, as they suffered European heartbreak against their city rivals for the fourth time in as many seasons.

Madrid's hopes of becoming the first team to defend the Champions League remain intact, however, and they will face Juventus – the team Zidane left as a player to move to Santiago Bernabeu, who knocked out Monaco on Tuesday – in next month's final in Cardiff.

Atletico went in hunt of the opening goal from kick-off and it took a fine low save at the near post from Keylor Navas to stop Koke's prodded effort from giving the hosts the lead after only five minutes.

Jan Oblak was equally impressive at the other end to keep out Casemiro's header with a flying one-armed stop, but Atleti's pressure on the Madrid defence told in the 13th minute, as Saul rose highest to power a header beyond Navas from six yards out from a Koke corner.

Madrid's defence had not settled and Atleti took advantage again on 16 minutes. Raphael Varane's clumsy challenge felled Fernando Torres in the penalty area, allowing Griezmann - who missed from the spot in normal time of last year's final - to double the lead, even though Navas got a hand to his effort.

Madrid began to dictate possession without creating much of a threat as the first half descended into a scrappy affair in which five players were shown yellow cards, including captains Sergio Ramos and Gabi, both for dissent.

With three minutes to play before the interval, Madrid's increasing control bore a priceless away goal. Karim Benzema's magnificent footwork saw him beat three players as he cut into the area from the left, and although Oblak saved Toni Kroos' shot from the striker's cut-back, Isco was on hand to turn in the rebound.

The visitors suddenly looked comfortable, with Isco and Luka Modric taking command of proceedings, and another fine piece of skill from the former sent Madrid on their way to a promising attack early in the second half that finished with a wayward first-time strike from Cristiano Ronaldo.

Atleti's attack was lacking the intensity they showed in the first but Navas was needed to stop the home side grabbing another lifeline, making a good low block to deny Yannick Carrasco before scrambling up to turn substitute Kevin Gameiro's rebound wide of the goal.

Madrid had the ball in the net again after Ronaldo scuffed Modric's mishit volley into the bottom corner, only for an offside flag to be raised, before Benzema's diving header rippled the side-netting following a fine Marcelo cross.

A late push from Atleti was not enough to threaten the result as they missed out on a return to the final, while Madrid remain well placed to secure a league and Champions League double.

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CONTE GIVEN FULL BACKING

Chelsea's board are prepared to offer Antonio Conte a new, improved contract deal and will back the Italian boss completely in the transfer market, the Mirror  reports.

The Blues are keen to see off interest from Inter, who are prepared to offer the manager a £10m-per-year deal, and will sanction bids for Alexis Sanchez, Romelu Lukaku and Virgil van Dijk.

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Pogba shows off Man Utd's 2017-18 away kit inspired by 1992 team

The midfielder modeled the club's new jersey based on one that "defined football shirt design for an era" when they won the European Cup Winners' Cup

Manchester United have revealed their away kit for the 2017-18 campaign.

Declaring it "inspired by 92", the new Red Devils jersey is based on the one the team wore on their journey to the European Cup Winners' Cup, UEFA Super Cup and League Cup.

Darker than the original, the new jersey has a similar pattern on it to the 25-year-old one that Sir Alex Ferguson's successful team wore and is vastly different from their current solid blue away shirt.

"Manchester United fans of all ages will recognise the bold graphic pattern from the 1990-92 away jersey that defined football shirt design for an era," the club said via their website. "Connecting the past to the future, the new kit pays homage to the historic design, celebrating the rich history of the club.

"The graphic design of the original kit has been reimagined on a black backdrop with white hues, with the classic adidas three stripes, club badge and adidas logo all in white. A crew-neck collar gives the kit a modern makeover, making it a jersey that’s as much at home on the streets as it is on the pitch.

"The kit features all the technological innovations of adidas’ jersey technology used by the world’s leading clubs, including breathable fabrics and mesh engineering."

Paul Pogba, Ander Herrera, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and David De Gea showed off the new version which Jose Mourinho's side will sport as they look to challenge for the Premier League title next season. 

The jersey is made by Adidas and is already available to order, but costs £89.95 (€119.95) for the authentic version, though a replica is available for £54.95 (€69.95)

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Paul Pogba transfer: FIFA confirms investigation into Man Utd signing

The world football governing body has confirmed reports that it has launched a probe into the midfielder's world-record move from Juventus last year

FIFA has confirmed that it is investigating Paul Pogba's record-breaking transfer to Manchester United last summer.

The news was broken by Football Leaks, AFP and other European news outlets claiming that Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, was at the centre of the €105 million transfer probe.

Documents purportedly relating to the France international's move showed that Raiola stood to benefit to the tune of £41m off the deal.

A FIFA spokesperson told Omnisport: "We can confirm that FIFA TMS [Transfer Matching System] has been requesting information on this matter. 

"We have no further comment at this stage."

The deal that took Pogba back to United from Turin saw him become the world's most expensive player, breaking the previous record of £86m set by Gareth Bale's move from Tottenham to Real Madrid.

Raiola also represents a host of other high-profile players, including Pogba's United team-mates Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, as well as the likes of Romelu Lukaku and Mario Balotelli.

Man Utd and Juventus are yet to comment on the allegations, which surfaced at the start of the Champions League semi-final between the Italian giants and Monaco on Tuesday.

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Juventus 2 Monaco 1 (4-1 agg): Alves leads serene charge into Champions League final

Juventus secured simple passage to their second Champions League final in three years as a 2-1 win over Monaco secured a 4-1 aggregate win.

Dani Alves orchestrated another brilliant Juventus performance in this season's Champions League as a 2-1 win over Monaco on home turf secured a 4-1 aggregate triumph and a place in the final.

Juventus' half-decade dominance of Serie A is yet to translate into success on the continental stage, but the Bianconeri have never looked better placed to win a third European crown than Massimiliano Allegri's current crop do.

Along with Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic, Alves is one of just three players in this squad to have won the big trophy and the Brazilian followed up two assists at Stade Louis II with another star turn, helping Mandzukic to the nerve-settling opener before blasting in before the break to allow 45 minutes of joyous celebrating and frantic seeking of hostelries in Cardiff.

Kylian Mbappe's zip and zeal was rewarded with a second-half goal that rounds off a stunning debut season for the 18-year-old.

Though Monaco's brilliant babes will not share a European crown before they are sold off to the highest bidder, they are tantalisingly close to the Ligue 1 crown, and surely the likes of Bernardo Silva, Thomas Lemar and Mbappe will have greater tales to tell in this competition over the next decade.

But those prodigies and their wise old figurehead Radamel Falcao barely laid a glove on Juve over two legs and the determined, drilled - and occasionally dastardly - trio of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini will relish a showpiece battles of 'BBC' line-ups, with Real Madrid - of Bale, Benzema and Cristiano - 3-0 up on neighbours Atletico in the other semi-final.

The Juve defence is still to be breached from open play in this season's competition and, having played the underdog to Barcelona two years ago, Allegri's stronger, slicker side may well head to the Welsh capital as favourites this time around.

Defiance rumbled down from the stands pre-match as the home fans bellowed 'CHAMPIONS' amid the pre-match anthem and a 'Time for Cardiff' banner greeted the players out of the tunnel and a nervy opening was ridden out in typically stubborn fashion.

Gianluigi Buffon stretched out a tweaked back in the warm-up and flapped at an early cross before Mbappe beat him to a high ball and struck a post amid the raising of an offside flag and there were further signs of danger for Juve when Khedira twanged a hamstring and had to be replaced by Claudio Marchisio.

But as the storm passed, Juventus thundered back into the contest, Kamil Glik and Danijel Subasic desperately denying Gonzalo Higuain and Mandzukic before the Croatian striker finally found a way through.

As in the first leg, Alves found the key to unlock Monaco, his pin-perfect cross finding Mandzukic, who lashed high into the net after Subasic brilliantly denied his initial header.

Juve smelled blood and Higuain was denied a goal by the assistant's flag before Chiellini celebrated a geometrically thrilling goalline clearance as if he had scored - soon the stadium would do so again.

Subasic denied Paulo Dybala one-on-one but was left flailing when he punched the resulting corner onto Alves' right boot and the three-time Champions League winner returned with interest, smashing a laser-guided volley into the net.

Buffon was beginning to look unbeatable as he sprawled to deny Mbappe one-on-one but the teenager would have his goal soon after as he turned in from inches after Joao Moutinho got to the byline from a short corner.

Higuain was left enraged after collecting some war wounds from former Torino defender Glik as the visitors grew tetchy in the closing stages, but the Argentine will recover for another assault on a major final where he will look to improve on a desperate record with Argentina.

Poorer omens follow in Juve last beating Monaco at this stage of the Champions League before losing to Real Madrid in the 1998 final, but Allegri's vintage are made of the stern stuff required to turn history on its head.

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Vidal claims rules are different for Messi after ban appeal win

The Chilean says it is "good" for Argentina to have the Barca star available, but lamented his ability to have a ban overturned

Lionel Messi having an international ban overturned by FIFA is evidence of an imbalanced playing field in football, says Chile star Arturo Vidal.

Messi was handed a four-match ban after abusing a match official during the 1-0 victory over Chile in March, ruling him out of the 2-0 loss at Bolivia and their next three 2018 World Cup qualifiers.

However, the Barcelona star is free to play in the remainder of Argentina's campaign after the sanction was wiped out on appeal.

Argentina are currently fifth in the CONMEBOL standings, a position that would send them into an inter-continental play-off against a side from Oceania.

Chile sit a point and a place above La Albiceleste and Vidal was less than impressed to see their rivals regain their captain and talisman.

"That's a difficult issue," Vidal is quoted as saying by AND Radio. "I wish all the rules were the same for everybody. 

"It's good for Argentina, for Messi and for football. It's always nice to watch Messi playing for the national team because he always gives everything, so good for him, but I wish all the rules were the same everybody."

Chile's frustrations may be exacerbated, having seen their midfielder Gary Medel handed the same ban as Messi for a similar offence and only having one game struck off on>

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MAN UTD EYE REUS

Jose Mourinho wants to bring Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus to Manchester United, according to  Don Balon .

The United boss wants the Germany international to replace Wayne Rooney, who is set to leave Old Trafford for China this summer.

The Red Devils are likely to face competition for Reus from Atletico Madrid, with Diego Simeone unhappy with the performances of Yannick Carrasco this season.

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Atletico starlet Theo Hernandez completes Real Madrid medical

The 19-year-old defender, currently on loan at Alaves, had been coveted by Barcelona but will finally sign terms with the Merengue

Atletico Madrid starlet Theo Hernandez is on the verge of joining city rivals Real Madrid after completing a medical with the Liga giants.

Hernandez had also attracted interest from Barcelona but is set to play at the Santiago Bernabeu next season after Madrid won the battle for the talented youngster. 

The Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital was the site for Hernandez's medical, as he completed the formalities required prior to making the switch official. 

Theo, brother of Atletico starter Lucas Hernandez, has won rave reviews this season at the Basques, and previously stated his desire to stay in La Liga as rumours over a transfer grew.

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Chelsea become third team to win 300 Premier League home games

Goals from Diego Costa, Marcos Alonso and Nemanja Matic sealed a landmark win for the Blues at Stamford Bridge to send Boro to the Championship

Chelsea recorded their 300th home win of the Premier League era as they beat Middlesbrough 3-0 on Monday to move a step closer to title glory.

Diego Costa gave the hosts the lead after 23 minutes at Stamford Bridge, recording his 20th league goal of the season.

Marcos Alonso soon doubled Chelsea's advantage and Nemanja Matic completed the scoring after the interval to wrap up a comprehensive victory, relegating Middlesbrough in the process.

Chelsea will now be crowned champions for the second time in three seasons if they win at West Brom on Friday after picking up a maximum three points for the 15th time at home this season.

Manchester United lead the way with 347 victories at home in the Premier League, while Arsenal are in second after beating United 2-0 on Sunday to move on to 306 home Premier League wins.

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Who cares if Wenger finally won?! Mourinho was right to play reserves against Arsenal

The Portuguese's unbeaten run against the Arsenal boss is over, but the main target is clearly Europa League glory

It may be no consolation for the 3,000 or so Manchester United fans who paid good money to travel to north London for the clash with Arsenal on Sunday, but Jose Mourinho’s warning that he was set to play a weakened side made his very first league loss to Arsene Wenger something of an inevitability.

The 2-0 reverse turned out to be no great surprise as a much-changed United XI went about their task well without ever really looking likely to return to Manchester with the three points. Yet in the context of United’s season this was no great setback.

Arsenal improve to beat Man Utd

Compared to the 3-0 caning Louis van Gaal’s United received in the corresponding fixture last season - at a time when the Red Devils arrived as league leaders - this was an inconsequential defeat in everything but the record books. United’s 25-game unbeaten run in the Premier League is over as well as Mourinho’s hold over Wenger, but the main focus for the season was simply underlined by the events of Sunday afternoon.

In making eight changes and handing league debuts to Axel Tuanzebe and Scott McTominay, Mourinho made good on his promise of prioritising the Europa League push for honours. With a string of key games in both the league and Europe having been negotiated in recent weeks and a packed schedule still to come, the Portuguese had little choice but to send out the reserves against Arsenal.

Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Juan Mata had played a total of four minutes’ football between them since March, while Tuanzebe was thrown in for his full debut at right-back and the increasingly peripheral Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial were also given starts.

Coming less than 72 hours after their 1-0 semi-final first-leg win away to Celta Vigo on Thursday, this was the right thing to do. Mourinho has been accused of failing to grasp the essence of being a Manchester United manager at times since his arrival last summer but his decision to prioritise silverware over the supposed achievement of finishing fourth in the Premier League is to be lauded.

Finishing the season with three trophies and a spot in the Champions League beats ending a campaign with some supposed moral victory at being the fourth-best team in the country, whether that also delivers a Champions League spot or not.

From the moment Granit Xhaka’s speculative effort from distance spun off Ander Herrera’s back and looped over David de Gea there was an inevitability about Arsenal wrapping up the win with a little to spare, but Mourinho will be forgiven for not being too concerned about the defeat.

With Tottenham, Southampton and Crystal Palace to negotiate in the final seven days of the Premier League season the chance of finishing fourth was always going to be slim anyway. At least in ensuring the likes of Eric Bailly and Paul Pogba were not taxed at the Emirates, Mourinho has increased United’s chances of succeeding in the Europa League.

There is no guarantee they will go on to win in Stockholm on May 24, but the calculated risk was one worth taking. A 2-0 loss to Arsenal will not define their season, however much Mourinho’s bragging rights have disappeared.

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Wenger finally ends Mourinho hoodoo after Arsenal beat Man Utd in the Premier League

Goals from Granit Xhaka and Danny Welbeck secured a belated victory for the Frenchman to keep his team in the hunt for a top-four finish

After almost 13 years, Arsene Wenger finally got the better of Jose Mourinho in the Premier League after Arsenal beat Manchester United 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Wenger had endured countless frustration in his previous battles with his Portuguese nemesis, but goals from Granit Xhaka and former United striker Danny Welbeck ended his hoodoo against Mourinho.

In 12 previous Premier League games against Mourinho the Arsenal boss had been unable to mastermind a victory, suffering five defeats and picking up seven draws.

The closest Wenger had previously come to beating Mourinho was in December 2006 when Michael Essien scored an 84th minute equaliser for Chelsea in a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Mourinho also inflicted a 6-0 mauling on Wenger during his second spell as Chelsea manager in March 2014 before he took over as United boss in the summer of 2016.

Olivier Giroud’s 89th minute goal spared Wenger defeat against his old foe at Old Trafford earlier this season before he finally had cause to celebrate a win in a key game in the race for Champions League qualification.

Xhaka’s deflected strike on 54 minutes broke the deadlock and, just three minutes later, the unmarked Welbeck headed home to breathe life into Arsenal’s quest to finish in the top four.

In addition to getting one over Mourinho for the first time, Wenger’s side’s victory also ended United’s 25-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.

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MOURINHO WANTS AGUERO

Jose Mourinho has turned his attention to Manchester City's Sergio Aguero as he looks to replace Zlatan Ibrahimovic at the head of Man Utd's attack, the Sunday Times reports.

The report claims Mourinho does not expect City to let the deal happen but that the Red Devils are willing to better the Argentine's current wage packed at the Etihad.

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Newcastle seal Championship title

Rafa Benitez has guided his side back to the big time by capturing the second tier crown, while Mark Warburton has helped to see the Reds safe

Premier League-bound Newcastle United have their hands on silverware once more after claiming the Championship title on the final day of the season.

Rafa Benitez’s side saw off Barnsley 3-0 at St James’ Park to take advantage of a slip-up from Brighton as they were held 1-1 at Aston Villa.

At the opposite end of the table, Nottingham Forest secured the victory they needed to steer clear of relegation and force former Premier League champions Blackburn Rovers into League One.

The play-off spots in the second tier had already been filled, but Reading now know that they will face Fulham at the semi-final stage while Sheffield Wednesday take on Huddersfield Town.

Elsewhere, Harry Redknapp ensured Birmingham City would stay up with victory at Bristol City and Norwich City crushed Queens Park Rangers 4-0.

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Barca may have MSN, but Real Madrid have so much more

The Catalans' famous trident gives them a chance in any game, but quality back-up is needed to win the top prizes and that is where Real have the edge

Football is a squad game these days. There was a time when a formidable first XI would be good enough to win the big titles, but that is no longer the case and it is Real Madrid's impressive strength in depth that is giving them the edge at home and in Europe

Barcelona's starting side may just be the best in Spain, particularly with Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar in such sparkling form as they were in the 4-1 win over Villarreal on Saturday. Even without the Brazilian, Luis Enrique's men recently went to the Santiago Bernabeu and claimed a 3-2 victory.

After Messi hit the winning goal, Gerard Pique was captured on television mouthing "we are infinitely better [than Madrid]" and while that is clearly an exaggeration, Barca do seem stronger in terms of their first XI.

That is why the Catalans have been capable of some stunning performances this season - that Clasico win at the Bernabeu and the epic 6-1 comeback against Paris Saint-Germain among them.

But come the end of the season, those could be the highlights for the Blaugrana in La Liga and the Champions League. And in the meantime, Madrid look favourites to win the Primera Division and are on the verge of another appearance in the final of Europe's premier club competition as well.

That is because of their superior squad strength and it was evident again on Saturday evening. Coach Zinedine Zidane left out Cristiano Ronaldo altogether, with Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Isco and Toni Kroos all left on the bench. Without all of those, however, Los Blancos cruised to a comprehensive win.

In truth, any other outcome would have been surprising against a Granada side already relegated and having suffered four consecutive defeats under Tony Adams ahead of this match.

Nevertheless, Madrid's dominance was total and James Rodriguez scored twice inside the first 11 minutes to make it five goals in his last four appearances. The Colombian has also been involved in more goals than any other La Liga midfielder this season (with 11 goals and 12 assists in all competitions).

An €80 million signing from Monaco in the summer of 2014, the No.10 is a great guy to have in reserve and so too is Alvaro Morata, who scored the third and the fourth for Madrid with two emphatic finishes in the first half.

The Spain striker's former Juventus team-mate Gianluigi Buffon said this week that, had he stayed in Turin, he could have gone on to be the best player for the Bianconeri.

M SN all on target as Barca beat Villarreal

The same could be said for many of the players Madrid have in reserve. Morata is surely the world's best back-up centre-forward, while James remains one of the finest playmakers around, Isco has been touted as a potentially excellent signing for Barcelona and Marco Asensio is the game's most exciting young player (along with Tottenham's Dele Alli). And then there is Lucas Vazquez and Mateo Kovacic too - players who would fit in comfortably at most top teams.

It is an astonishing array of talent and Barcelona's bench simply cannot compete, which is why Madrid look to have the advantage in La Liga and are also favourites to go on and retain the Champions League. Over a long and demanding season, a strong squad is imperative now

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'David Silva is the wizard!' - Man City's 50-goal star earns Kompany praise

The Spanish playmaker reached a half century for the club against Crystal Palace, with his efforts down the years saluted by the Etihad captain

Vincent Kompany has branded Manchester City team-mate David Silva “the wizard” after seeing him reach 50 goals for the club.

The Spanish schemer hit that landmark by netting in a 5-0 mauling of Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The World Cup winner is more renowned for his creative ability that his goal-getting skills, with his half-century haul complemented by a healthy number of assists.

Silva is approaching seven years of service at City, in which time has landed two Premier League titles and the FA Cup, with his value to the cause not lost on those around him at the Etihad Stadium.

Pep delivers total package

Kompany told the club’s official website: “Quite simply David Silva is the wizard.

“He knows which pass to pick. As much quality as we have in the team, there is only David that can pick certain passes and I think he sets the tone with that.

“I can't only say that he has been performing well this season, he has been performing well since he joined the club.

“It is incredible to see his ability and make what is the hardest pass in football, that last pass.”

City skipper Kompany was also on target against Palace and he believes the injury troubles of his recent past are now behind him.

The Belgium international added: “The story is done now. I am playing, I am happy. I'm just glad to be able to contribute.

Man City expectant again

“[My form] has been good. My level has been good since I came back.

“I work hard to be able to perform at the same level.

“In that case, I can be pretty satisfied, but I am mainly satisfied with today's performance.”

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Durant propels Warriors past Jazz

Kevin Durant scored 38 points and the Golden State Warriors withstood a determined Utah effort to down the Jazz 102-91 on Saturday to take a commanding 3-0 lead in their NBA playoff series. The Warriors will try to close out the best-of-seven Western Conference second-round series in game four on Monday

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BAYERN PREPARE ALEXIS BID

Bayern Munich are preparing a £55 million bid for Arsenal star Alexis Sanchez, according to The Telegraph. 

The German club are the latest to register their interest in the Chile star, who has also been linked with PSG, Man City, Juventus and Chelsea. 

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Mbappe: Transfer talk won’t affect me

The 18-year-old has been linked with a huge summer move to Real Madrid but says that he is not thinking about the future

Kylian Mbappe has affirmed that he will not allow speculation over his future to affect his on-field performances.

It has been reported in the Spanish press that the 18-year-old Monaco striker has agreed to move to Real Madrid in the summer after a spectacular breakout campaign in Ligue 1.

The France international, though, has affirmed that he is concentrated on his task at Stade Louis II.

“We’ve got a common objective and I really want to win a title with the club that brought me through,” he said. “Until then, nothing will disturb me and I think that I’m going to continue like that until the end of the season.

“There will be two months, two and a half months, to make a decision as to what I’m going to do, so no, the rumours won’t affect me.”

Mbappe was only used off the bench during Saturday’s 3-0 win at Nancy, but in his brief cameo his did manage to create a goal for Thomas Lemar.

On Tuesday, Monaco go to Juventus in the Champions League semi-final second leg, in which they will attempt to turnaround a 2-0 deficit against one of Europe’s most highly regarded defensive sides – perhaps Mbappe’s biggest test yet in his short career.

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