Julen Lopetegui has no current desire to coach any other club as the Sevilla boss shut down suggestions he is a contender to take over at Manchester United.

Former Spain and Real Madrid boss Lopetegui is reportedly on United's shortlist to succeed interim manager Ralf Rangnick at the end of the campaign.

Lopetegui is rumoured to have been added to a list that also includes Mauricio Pochettino, Luis Enrique and favourite Erik ten Hag.

The 55-year-old has rebuilt his reputation with Sevilla since being dismissed by Spain and then Real Madrid, where he lasted just 138 days.

In two full seasons at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, Lopetegui has delivered back-to-back top-four finishes and won the Europa League, beating United en route to that success.

Lopetegui has been linked with other clubs as well in recent times, apparently turning down Tottenham before they hired Nuno Espirito Santo last year, and it would seem he also has little interest in a move to Old Trafford.

"I've said it many times before: I am where I want to be, at Seville," Lopetegui told ABC de Sevilla. "I'm happy. I can develop my work here in the best possible way. I've no doubts.

"In football, no one ever knows where you might go, but I have no doubts. My will is firm. I am where I really want to be."

Sevilla suffered a disappointing Europa League last-16 exit to West Ham earlier this month, but Lopetegui's side are second in LaLiga with nine games to go.

The Spanish club's sporting director Monchi recently backed Lopetegui to stay at the helm for many years to come, and the former goalkeeper appreciates that support.

"I am very grateful for the words of Monchi," he said. "It's a comment that marks the club's intentions, just as I mark mine. But I have to prove all of that with my day-to-day work.

"We have to always be on our toes. We have to give our all and ensure we always live up to expectations by doing a job good. We will continue in this way.

"The confidence I have felt at this club from day one is absolute, something I will always be grateful for. I will try to return that."

Rafael Benitez had a "bad philosophy" and was never a good fit for Everton, according to Lucas Digne.

France international Digne left Everton in January, joining Aston Villa.

That move came after a falling-out with Benitez, with reports claiming that Digne – who did not feature for Everton after a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool on December 1 last year – had criticised the manager's conservative approach.

With Everton signing Vitaliy Mykolenko from Dynamo Kyiv, Digne was sold to Steven Gerrard's Villa for a reported £22million, less than a year after the left-back had signed a long-term contract with the Toffees, who he joined from Barcelona in 2018.

Yet less than a week after the switch to Villa had been finalised, Benitez was sacked after a defeat to Norwich City left Everton six points above the bottom three following a run of one win in 13 league games.

In an interview with L'Equpie, Digne did not hold back in his criticism of Benitez.

"I enjoyed three and a half years of happiness and love with the supporters," said the 28-year-old. "I had, and still have, a great relationship with them, with people at the club, my former team-mates.

"But I don't look back. Football is like that. One day everything's fine, and the next day, less so."

Regarding Benitez, Digne said: "The relationship we had was not good. It was complicated to be excluded from the squad for a month. It was an unprecedented situation in my career, but I had my family and my team-mates with me."

He said disagreement with Benitez concerned "the style of play, especially".

"I thought we had a team that could have a lot more possession. He asked me the question, I gave him my answer," Digne said. "I felt it legitimate to give him my feelings and those of the others in the dressing room. The group was unanimous. What followed proved me right, since he was fired because of poor results. I think he also had a bad philosophy. It didn't fit at Everton."

Benitez also suggested that Digne had informed him he did not wish to play for Everton, but this claim has also been refuted.

Digne said: "I never refused to play."

Matters have hardly improved for Everton under Frank Lampard, given they are just three points above the bottom three, albeit with games in hand on their rivals.

Barcelona have already secured the signings of two free agents, Joan Laporta says, and Leeds United winger Raphinha could be their next recruit.

Rejuvenated under Xavi, Barca are now setting in motion their plans for the transfer window at the end of the season.

In an interview with RAC1, president Laporta suggested the Blaugrana would struggle to afford Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe and ruled out a return for Lionel Messi.

But he did have positive news for Barca fans, too, revealing: "We have closed two players who end their contracts this season."

It is widely thought Laporta's comments relate to Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen – unable to renew terms at Stamford Bridge due to government sanctions – and Milan midfielder Franck Kessie.

Meanwhile, Brazil international Raphinha would demand a fee, but Laporta confirmed his interest in a player who is represented by ex-Barca man Deco.

"We have had good reports," Laporta said.

"Deco has his work and informs us of details so that we do not commit errors. In some cases, he has helped us a lot."

Tite has issued an apology to Mikel Arteta following reports he was in talks to take a job at Arsenal after the 2022 World Cup. 

The Brazil boss will leave his position with the Selecao when his contract expires after the competition in Qatar at the end of this year. 

It was reported last week that negotiations for Tite to take a job at Emirates Stadium were already under way, but the 60-year-old has categorically denied that is the case. 

Tite branded the information in the media "a lie" and insisted his sole focus is on leading Brazil to a successful campaign in the Middle East. 

"Regarding the information given, my feeling is one of sadness. I'm sad because the information given to the public is a lie. The information is a lie," Tite told a news conference. 

"And the people I represent and who identify with me, rest assured, because I have morals, value my professional activity and know the responsibility of the Brazilian national team. 

"Sorry, Arsenal. Sorry, Arteta. It didn't come from us. There's nothing, absolutely nothing. 

"In a moment of widespread fake news, of information that isn't true, it saddens me. My word is that there is no one, neither me nor Gilmar [Veloz, his agent], who can talk about it." 

Brazil take on Bolivia in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday, and a win would guarantee they finish top of the CONMEBOL standings. 

However, Tite acknowledged his team will have to change their approach due to the "inhumane" conditions at the Estadio Hernando Siles in La Paz, which sits at over 3,600 metres above sea level. 

"We always have an expectation, regardless of the adversities we're faced with," said Tite. 

"The team won't be as attacking as in the past few games because it's not possible, it's inhumane, there aren't the conditions for it. 

"There are other strategies [like] keeping possession. Of course, you can't continue with the same rhythm, the pace that we have played with in home games or in normal conditions." 

Former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal has warned compatriot Erik ten Hag against taking the managerial reigns at Old Trafford this summer.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of his Netherlands team's friendly against Germany, Van Gaal said the in-demand Ajax coach "should choose a football club, not a commercial club."

Van Gaal spent two years in the Old Trafford dugout between 2014 and 2016, bringing the club their first major trophy since Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement when he led them to the FA Cup in 2016.

With the Red Devils' interim boss Ralf Rangnick widely expected to vacate the post to focus on a consultancy role with the club after an underwhelming season, Van Gaal has warned Ten Hag, considered one of the front runners for the job, against making the move to Manchester. 

The United hierarchy have been reported as having already made contact with the Ajax boss, but his compatriot, though calling Ten Hag a "great coach", believes the move would not be the best for his career.

"I think Ten Hag is a great coach; I said that multiple times," Van Gaal said.

"A great coach is good for Man United. But Man United is a commercial club. 

"Those are difficult choices for a coach. As a coach, you should prefer a football club.

"I won't accompany his career. If he wants that, he will call me. We have conversations with each other.

"He should choose a football club, not a commercial club."

Van Gaal was an outspoken critic of United's commercial activities during his time with the club, lamenting the physical effects of a pre-season tour during his first summer in charge in 2014.

Ten Hag has won 153 of his 207 games in charge of the Amsterdam giants in all competitions, but last month's Champions League exit to Benfica was a disappointment, and meant Ajax have failed to win any of their last nine home knockout games in Europe's premier club competition.

Manchester United legend Gary Neville has said he expects an announcement on the club's new manager shortly, with the side facing the prospect of missing out on Champions League football after a frustrating campaign.

The Red Devils have lost two of their last three games under Rangnick in all competitions, having lost just one of their previous 20 matches.

Their recent eliminations from the Champions League and FA Cup, meanwhile, mean United are guaranteed to go five consecutive seasons without lifting a major trophy, with 2017's Europa League triumph under Jose Mourinho representing the club's last taste of silverware.

Manchester United's record goalscorer Wayne Rooney hopes Marcus Rashford can rediscover his form and break his Red Devils record.

Rooney, who is attempting to guide Derby County to safety in the Championship against the odds, scored 253 times during a hugely successful 13-year spell at Old Trafford, putting him four goals clear of Bobby Charlton as the most prolific forward in the club's history.

Rashford, who has hit 93 goals since making his United debut in 2016, has struggled throughout an underwhelming campaign, scoring just four times in 19 Premier League appearances.

The 24-year-old's dip in form saw him left out of Gareth Southgate's England squad for this month's friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast, while speculation has mounted as to whether the forward might leave Old Trafford.

Rooney, however, holds out hope that Rashford can write himself into the United record books, calling upon him to turn his poor form around and put himself amongst the club's greatest marksmen.

"What I hope [happens] is that Marcus Rashford f****** gets his head out of his a*** and goes and breaks that record. He is a Manchester lad."

Rashford has been subjected to decreased playing time since Ralf Rangnick took over from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, and all of his league goals this season have been netted as a substitute, the highest such tally managed by any Premier League player this campaign.

He is outperforming his expected goals (xG) of 2.9, however, suggesting that Rashford's finishing has been better than would be expected given the quality of chances to have come his way.

United, meanwhile, have lost two of their last three games in all competitions as they struggle to cement a place in next season's Champions League, having lost just one of the first 20 matches they played after Solksjaer's sacking in November. 

Hugo Lloris hailed the work of Antonio Conte for inspiring Tottenham to make "real progression" and putting them in contention for European football.

The France international's future in north London was doubtful in January with just six months left on his contract and the option to negotiate with foreign clubs for an end-of-season free transfer.

However, Spurs captain Lloris committed his future to Conte's project by signing a new two-and-a-half-year deal to keep him at the Premier League club until the end of the 2023-24 season.

While Spurs' form nosedived initially in the wake of Lloris' extension announcement, losing four of their following five Premier League matches, things had started to look up again prior to the international window.

Spurs went into the break having won four out of their past five games in the league, form that has seen them climb up to fifth place with nine fixtures left.

While they remain three points behind fourth-placed Arsenal, who have played one match fewer, Lloris credited Conte for restoring belief at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

"I extended a month and a half ago. Things were done fairly quickly with the leaders, with a lot of respect and consideration," Lloris said in an interview with Europe 1, as quoted by FootMercato.

"It's been two and a half years that we've known ups and downs, irregularity in terms of results. But since the arrival of Conte, we feel a real progression.

"We have the feeling that we are crossing a plateau. I think we will be ready to go for the European places."

The 35-year-old will be hoping Spurs can continue their push for a place in the top four after the international break when they host Newcastle United on April 3.

Kai Havertz says Chelsea stars are drawing strength from coach Thomas Tuchel amid uncertainty over the club's future.

The Blues are in the midst of a takeover process after Roman Abramovich put the club up for sale, amid sanctions imposed on him by the UK government during the Ukraine-Russia crisis.

Several interested parties, including bids fronted by Chicago Cubs owners the Ricketts family and a consortium fronted by Todd Boehly, remain in the mix to become the new owners.

This has seen Chelsea face unexpected uncertainty, including a cap on away travel spending and a ban on signing players to new contracts.

Through it all, however, manager Tuchel has remained a central figure for the Chelsea squad, and Germany international Havertz says the players look to him for guidance.

"Many people in our club and its environment draw strength from what Thomas Tuchel says," Havertz told Die Welt.

"It's remarkable how he and the whole staff are dealing with the current situation.

"We're all trying to concentrate on the games, we can't influence everything else.

"The priority for us now is that the war is stopped and that there is finally peace in Ukraine again."

Chelsea will be back in action on April 2, when they welcome Brentford to Stamford Bridge.

Havertz and Blues team-mate Timo Werner scored for Germany in their 2-0 friendly win over Israel on Saturday.

Harry Kane is the world's best striker and can land another World Cup Golden Boot this year, says England team-mate Luke Shaw.

Tottenham ace Kane scored the winner for England from the penalty spot in Saturday's 2-1 friendly success against Switzerland at Wembley.

That goal 12 minutes from time, after Shaw had cancelled out Breel Embolo's header, took Kane level with Bobby Charlton as England's joint-second all-time top scorer.

Only Wayne Rooney has scored more goals in an England shirt, with the former Manchester United frontman having netted 53 compared to Kane and Charlton's 49 strikes.

With seven England games pencilled in between now and the World Cup, Kane may well break that goalscoring record before Qatar 2022 gets up and running in November.

On current form, Shaw is backing his Three Lions colleague to finish top of the scoring charts in the global showpiece, having previously done so in Russia four years ago.

"I don't see why not," Shaw told beIN SPORTS. "For me, at the moment, the way he's playing, he's one of the best strikers in the world, probably the best.

"So hopefully he can keep that form up, keep it going. He's showing it week in, week out at the moment, and it's a joy to watch.

"Long may that continue, and I’m sure he will be hunting another Golden Boot and all the other records."

At club level, Kane has scored 11 goals in 17 appearances so far this calendar year and chipped in with a further four assists in all competitions.

The 15 direct goal involvements is a tally bettered only by Robert Lewandowski, Christopher Nkunku (both 16) and Karim Benzema (17) from Europe's top five leagues.

Kane has also now scored eight goals in his last three international appearances, helping England to three successive wins with an aggregate score of 17-1.

England were not at their best against Switzerland, but Manchester United defender Shaw believes the battling display – a seventh comeback win under Gareth Southgate – stands the national team in good stead.

"The belief, the confidence – I've said it many times before, when we're under pressure in games where it's not going the way we want to, I feel like we're all together," said Shaw.

"We're going to come across all sorts of games when we're under pressure. The main thing for me is we're all together, and we do that in abundance where we're really well drilled, and we know what everyone has to do when they step out on that pitch.

"That's with the ball but definitely without the ball we're getting better with that, too."

Paul Pogba is keeping his options open after claiming "nothing is decided" on his future, with the Manchester United midfielder's contract expiring at the end of the season.

The France international has had an up and down career at Old Trafford since returning from Juventus in 2016.

Speaking to Telefoot, Pogba addressed his current feelings about life at United, suggesting that playing for the national team has been a welcome break from club matters.

"You have to tell the truth: there were difficult times, especially when I have been in Manchester," he said. 

"When I'm not playing or when the results are not there, coming here [to the France national team] gives you a boost."

Pogba has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid and former club Juve, but would not rule out signing an extension with United.

"Nothing is decided on my future, there is nothing done. I can decide tomorrow, as I can decide during the transfer window. I want to come back and finish the season well."

Pogba – who has scored 39 goals and registered 47 assists in 222 appearances for the club in all competitions in his second spell – also aired his frustration at the lack of trophies, with United out of the FA Cup and Champions League and seem set to face an uphill battle to finish in the top four in the Premier League.

The 29-year-old spent some time out of action with a thigh injury earlier in the season, and also saw another change of manager at Old Trafford, with Ralf Rangnick replacing Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on an interim basis.

"How do I judge my season? It's difficult because there have been a lot of events," Pogba continued. "Between the change of coach and the injury... We no longer have a title to play for, so it is neutral.

"I want to win titles, I want to play for something. Whether it's this year or even the last few years, we haven't won a title. That's what's sad, in the end."

Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount admits he is concerned by the uncertainty surrounding a takeover at the club

Blues owner Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the UK government following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, put the club up for sale earlier this month.

Abramovich subsequently had his assets frozen due to his close ties with Russian president Vladimir Putin, but can still apply for a special licence to sell the club.

A number of interested parties – including British billionaire and boyhood Blues fan Nick Candy, and the Chicago Cubs owners, the Ricketts family – stepped forward with offers, as well as Centricus – headed by Nizar Al-Bassam and Garth Ritchie.

Mount is currently on international duty with England, for whom he played in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Switzerland at Wembley.

And the Chelsea academy graduate, who is the Blues' top scorer in the Premier League this season with eight goals, is hopeful the situation at his club can be resolved as quickly as possible.

"I've been at the club since I was six years old and something like this has not happened before, so it can be a concern," he said.

"At the beginning, and even now, we don't really know where it’s going and what’s happening the next day. When I'm away with England, that stuff is kind of parked.

"The break probably does help and hopefully by the time we go back, some things are sorted out, or we have some answers about what's going on. But we'll see."

Gareth Southgate insists Jordan Pickford has "always played well" for England and backed the Everton goalkeeper to continue as the Three Lions' number one.

Pickford's place in Southgate's side has been called into question throughout his time as first choice, though the form of Aaron Ramsdale for Arsenal this season has resulted in increased examination of who deserves to play between the posts.

Everton's form has not helped, with the Toffees struggling in 17th place in the Premier League and having conceded the joint fifth-highest number of goals in the competition this season (47).

Pickford, meanwhile, has conceded 44 of those goals, from 25 appearances. Even if he has been a relatively consistent performer in a disappointingly inconsistent Everton side, only three Premier League goalkeepers have conceded more so far this season, though the 28-year-old has been kept busy, with his 85 saves ranking as the sixth-highest.

His save percentage of 65.9 is the seventh-lowest of goalkeepers to have featured at least 10 times in the top flight, and is way down compared to Ramsdale's impressive 76.3 per cent.

Pickford has, however, slightly overperformed his expected goals on target conceded (xGOT), by 0.6, though Ramsdale again comes out top in this metric, with a goals prevented figure of 3.3.

Yet on the international stage, Pickford is still Southgate's undisputed number one. He made three saves as England came from behind to beat Switzerland 2-1 in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday, including a stunning stop from Fabian Frei when the visitors were 1-0 up.

"He's always played well for us and he has a good focus with us," Southgate told a news conference.

"He has a very good relationship with [goalkeeper coach] Martyn Margetson, who I think does an excellent job with him. So, he knows the structure around him. He knows clearly how we want him to play.

"There is competition for everybody's position and that's what we want. We don't want people just sitting, thinking confidently that there's no competition that doesn't help a team.

"I think the form of the other goalkeepers is important. But he showed again, big saves at important moments."

Pickford has kept 20 clean sheets from 43 England appearances, conceding 32 times and not making a single error that has resulted in a goal.

Indeed, at Euro 2020, he kept five clean sheets – more than any other goalkeeper – while his save percentage (88.9) was also the best in the competition.

"I thought he was very calm with the ball," added Southgate. "That allowed us to relieve the pressure by going back and out of the press.

"Of course, he's got every club in the bag because he can go long, which is a problem for teams as well. So a very good performance from him, especially the saves in the first half."

The Premier League statistics this season do not back up claims of Pickford's reliable distribution, however, with his passing accuracy of 48.9 per cent ranking the third worst of goalkeepers with over 10 Premier League appearances.

That data could be skewed slightly by the fact that only Burnley's Nick Pope has attempted more long passes this season (581 compared to 544), with Everton have preferred a more direct approach under previous manager Rafael Benitez.

Arsenal continue their rejuvenation under Mikel Arteta, but a striker is becoming a positional need.

After his relationship with Arteta soured, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang left for Barcelona during the January transfer window and has found verve under Xavi.

Although Alexandre Lacazette has been a compatible fit for Arsenal, he and Eddie Nketiah are out of contract at the end of the season, and the Gunners may look to Old Trafford. 

TOP STORY – ARSENAL TO MOVE FOR RASHFORD

Arsenal are preparing an approach for Manchester United star Marcus Rashford in an attempt to bolster their stocks up front, according to The Mirror.

The Gunners were linked with a number of forwards during January, including Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Real Sociedad's Alexander Isak, but it appears Rashford's status at Old Trafford has shifted following United's Champions League exit.

The 24-year-old has one year plus an option for a further season on his current deal, but appears to be a peripheral figure under interim boss Ralf Rangnick.

Rashford has made just 10 starts in the Premier League this season and scored only five goals across all competitions. 

ROUND-UP

- Manchester City and Real Madrid are in best position to sign Borussia Dortmund's Erling Haaland, but the 21-year-old has rejected City's first offer, AS reports.

- Barcelona could offer versatile defender Oscar Mingueza as part of a package to land Leeds United winger Raphinha, Sport has reported.

- Juventus have shown their interest in Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger as they aim to replace Giorgio Chiellini, according to The Sun.

- The Daily Mail are reporting that Inter are keen to sign Juve's Paulo Dybala, who will be out of contract at the end of the season and is not having his deal renewed.

Timo Werner revealed he prefers playing in Germany's system than Chelsea's after scoring in Die Mannschaft's 2-0 international friendly win over Israel.

There was a strong Chelsea flavour in Germany's victory, with Kai Havertz netting the first goal in the 36th minute before Werner doubled the advantage in first-half stoppage time.

The goal was Werner's 22nd for his country in his 48th cap, but despite being a significant part of Chelsea's plans, he has had less success in at Stamford Bridge.

Werner has scored seven goals in 28 appearances this season for the Blues and suggested Germany coach Hansi Flick is utilising him better than Thomas Tuchel.

"I'm a striker and always want to score," he said.

"Things aren't going the way I'd like at Chelsea, so it's all the better that things are going well here under Hansi Flick.

"I really enjoy playing football, no matter where I'm playing. There are differences in the style of play between football at Chelsea and here.

"Maybe the one at the national team suits me better. Here, I always have scoring chances, I can score goals. I feel very comfortable here."

Luke Shaw appeared to suggest he finds greater enjoyment in his football when playing for England than Manchester United. 

Shaw scored the Three Lions' equaliser in Saturday's 2-1 friendly win over Switzerland, which was secured by a second-half Harry Kane penalty. 

That was Shaw's sixth goal involvement in his past eight matches for England, with the left-back seemingly established as first choice for Gareth Southgate. 

He remains a reliable creative source at club level as well, with his five assists across all competitions in 2021-22 bettered by only Paul Pogba (nine) and Bruno Fernandes (13), while the latter (107) is also the only United player to create more chances than Shaw (47). 

But much like club and international colleague Harry Maguire, Shaw's United form has been criticised at times this term, especially with regard to his defensive positioning in an extremely porous backline – only four teams have faced more shots on target in the Premier League this season than the Red Devils (143). 

That would understandably be difficult to enjoy for a defender, but Shaw's frankness about the situation will likely raise eyebrows at Old Trafford. 

"The environment here that Gareth creates, you always enjoy it," Shaw told reporters at Wembley. 

"When I come here it's about enjoyment and playing games with a smile on my face. We all love playing for our country and when we're here we're all focused on what's happening here." 

Shaw was then asked if he had to be happy in order to find his best form, to which he replied: "I think everyone does. 

"It's always important to feel like you're wanted and especially here I always feel that. I'm not saying I don't at United, but especially here, the way things are, I feel wanted and I enjoy my football. 

"A big part of football is the enjoyment and, of course, it's hard to enjoy when we're losing and not playing well at club level. We have to face that. 

"This season hasn't been good enough at all and it's hard to enjoy. We've got a lot to improve but right now we're here at England. My focus is on that."