Blues accept Gallagher bid

Chelsea have accepted a bid from Atletico Madrid for Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher, 24, has just one year remaining on his current deal with his future in West London in doubt.

He turned down TWO offers of a new contract this summer.

The latest was a three-year deal – two years plus the option of a third – that would have put him in line with Chelsea’s top-earning midfielders.

But now the Blues are waiting for Gallagher to make a decision on his future with Atletico ready to pay around £34million for his signature.

Klopp hints at future

Jurgen Klopp revealed he won’t be returning to management any time soon after his emotional departure from Liverpool.

The German said at the International Coaches’ Congress in Wurzburg, Germany: “As of today, that’s it for me as a coach.

“I didn’t quit on a whim, but it was a general decision. I’ve also coached the best clubs in the world.

“Maybe we can talk about it again in a few months. I still want to work in football and help people with my experience and contacts. Let’s see what else there is for me.

“At the moment, there is nothing at all in terms of jobs. No club, no country.

“A few people must not have heard this part [about the England job] and it would be the biggest loss of face in the history of football if I said, ‘I’ll make an exception for you now’.

“I’m going to do some work. I’m too young to only do padel tennis and [spend time with] grandchildren.

“Will that be coach again? I would actually rule that out at the moment. Let’s see what it will look like in a few months, but nothing is coming through at the moment.”

Arteta on Calafiori

Mikel Arteta has revealed his reasoning for adding Riccardo Calafiori to his squad.

He said: “It was the numbers. We only had six defenders in the backline and at this level you have to be really lucky to sustain the season like this.

“We were, because William [Saliba] for example and Gabriel [Magalhaes] nearly played every minute, we played more than 50 per cent more minutes than the previous season.

“And if we are able to do that consistently over the next three or four years that’s a big question mark.

“Obviously you cannot just bet on that, that’s a big bet and we don’t want to take that bet.”

Nketiah agrees personal terms

Eddie Nketiah has agreed personal terms with Marseille ahead of a potential transfer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Negotiations are ongoing between the French side and Arsenal, but a deal is not yet close.

Villa make Mateta enquiry

Aston Villa have contacted Crystal Palace to enquire about Jean-Philippe Mateta, according to the Standard.

Atletico Madrid, Juventus and Torino are also monitoring the Frenchman’s situation.

But Palace insist he is not for sale.

EXCLUSIVE: Ex-Prem star to join Oxford

Matt Philips is set to join Championship new-boys Oxford.

The former Scotland international, who had spells in the Premier League with Blackpool, QPR and West Brom, was a free agent after his Baggies contract expired.

Oxford are aiming to snap him up as boss Des Buckingham looks to build a squad capable of competing in the second tier after winning promotion via the play-offs in May.

Phillips, 33, is expected to sign a two-year deal.