News

Barcelona to step up efforts for Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, Bruno Fernandes future at Manchester United depends on Champions League qualification and Aston Villa keen on Fulham‘s Harry Wilson.

Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, 24, is wanted by Barcelona, who are set to intensify their efforts to sign the Netherlands international in the summer. (Sport – in Spanish)

Manchester United are prepared to offer Portugal midfielder Bruno Fernandes an improved deal worth up to £400,000 a week – but the 31-year-old will base a decision on his Old Trafford future on whether the club qualify for the Champions League. (Mirror)

England midfielder Kobbie Mainoo’s long-term future at Manchester United is still up in the air as talks over a new contract for the 20-year-old drag on. (Mail – subscription required)

Arsenal have been told by Inter Milan that 20-year-old Italian forward Pio Esposito is not for sale at any price. (Gazzetta dello Sport – in Italian)

Juventus are set to revive their interest in Paris St-Germain’s French forward Randal Kolo Muani, 27, who is currently on loan at Tottenham. (Calciomercato – in Italian)

Aston Villa are one of the clubs interested in 28-year-old Wales attacking midfielder Harry Wilson, whose contract at Fulham runs out in the summer. (Fabrizio Romano)

Brentford are set to offload up to five players in the summer, including 23-year-old Portugal midfielder Fabio Carvalho. (The I – subscription required)

Manchester United have no intention of selling English midfielder Mason Mount, 27, in the summer despite interest from Aston Villa and Fulham. (Football Insider)

Juventus appear to have made progress in extending the contract of 26-year-old Serbia striker Dusan Vlahovic, whose deal runs out in the summer. (Tuttosport – in Italian)

Just over a year ago, Leeds scored a dramatic 95th-minute winner at home to Sunderland to go top of the Championship and leave the Black Cats facing the prospect of the play-offs.

Both sides went on to be promoted – Leeds as champions and Sunderland following victory against Sheffield United at Wembley.

But so impressive has been the Black Cats’ development since that Tuesday night’s win at Elland Road moved them on to 40 points – the tally traditionally viewed as being enough to secure Premier League safety – while Leeds are nine short and still have work to do to stay up.

To get to this point by early March is hugely impressive for Sunderland, who have been a revelation on their top-flight return.

“To achieve 40 points, you find a way away from home,” former Manchester City midfielder Michael Brown said on BBC Radio 5 live.

A key part in Sunderland’s impressive season has been Granit Xhaka.

The former Arsenal midfielder was one of a number of summer signings the Black Cats made, but has arguably been the most influential, with his experience and leadership key in many games.

Having recently returned from injury, Xhaka started on the bench against Leeds before being introduced just before the hour mark – and it was no coincidence Sunderland improved, having been second best until that point.

The 33-year-old provided a calming influence as his side ground out a first away success since October through Habib Diarra’s penalty, helping them navigate 12 tense minutes of injury-time too.

Xhaka told TNT Sports afterwards: “We spoke at the beginning of the season, our target was 40 points, we achieved 40 points and now we want more because the hunger is big.

“We need to stay humble. We know where we come from. Our target was 40 points. When you achieve the first one, you want more. The hunger is here. We are taking it game by game, let’s see where we get.”

As well as Xhaka, head coach Regis le Bris deserves huge credit.

The Frenchman has overseen some impressive results, the victory at Leeds included. He set them up to frustrate Leeds, but also make the most of the few attacking situations that came their way.

This was just the fifth Premier League game this season a team has won with just one shot on target, with Sunderland now accounting for two of those.

“We don’t know if it will be enough but it’s a good target,” Le Bris said on reaching 40 points.

Leeds knew a victory would have taken them a huge step closer towards securing Premier League safety themselves.

But instead of going nine points clear of third-bottom West Ham, the gap could be just three following Wednesday’s fixtures.

Daniel Farke’s 15th-placed side dominated possession but ultimately did not test debutant goalkeeper Melker Ellborg nearly enough.

The spot-kick winner could also have been avoided. Having blocked an initial shot from Wilson Isidor, skipper Ethan Ampadu moved his arm to nudge the ball and was punished for handball.

Diarra’s penalty was poor, but hit diving keeper Karl Darlow on the hip and squirmed into the net.

Leeds will have to regroup with a trip to Crystal Palace, currently a place and four points above them in the table, next in the league on Sunday, 15 March.

Farke, whose men host Norwich in the FA Cup fifth round on Sunday, are winless in four games.

But he said: “We are not too far away. More is needed. It is important not to lose nerves and not to lose their heads.