Your Premier League headlines for Wednesday, May 18.
Klopp on Gerrard talk
Jurgen Klopp has played down suggestions he will speak to Steven Gerrard ahead of Aston Villa’s season finale against Manchester City. Pep Guardiola’s side host the Villains in their finale match knowing a victory will ensure the Premier League title.
Liverpool fans will be praying their club legend can conjure up a master plan to earn a result at the Etihad Stadium, with a draw good enough as long as the Reds beat Wolves on home soil. Following Liverpool’s 2-1 comeback win against Southampton, Klopp refuted claims he will speak to Gerrard ahead of the clash.
Read more: Chris Wood expected to be fit for Newcastle United clash at Burnley as Eddie Howe issues warning
“No, of course not,” Klopp said when asked post-match. “Stevie prepares now for Burnley, who are fighting for everything. It’s Villa’s last home game. They will play that game and then collect the bones and go again on Sunday.
“There’s no reason to talk to him. We all know that Villa wants to win because Villa wants to win - that’s it.”
Toney anger at abuse
Ivan Toney has hit out on social media after his family members were allegedly racially abused at Goodison Park. Merseyside police are investigating the claims made after Brentford’s 3-2 win against Everton.
Former Newcastle United striker Toney posted a defiant message on Twitter following the game and has now opened up about the incident to Sky Sports. He said: "It's sad that I'm still having to sit here and talk about racism without my family just going to a game like any normal person and having a normal day.
“Emotions sometimes get the better of people but it should never come out that is a reason for being racist. You can be angry with certain results but never should you jump to discriminate against someone by the colour of their skin.
"We can't paint all the Everton fans the same way, I'm sure it's just one, silly individual and the embarrassment of it is I believe his son had to grab him away from doing further damage. It's just disgusting and we need to put an end to it as soon as possible."
Abramovich deal progress
Roman Abramovich and the UK Government have ironed out the issue holding up the sale of Chelsea to a US-based consortium. Confusion over how the £1.5billion debt will be handled was the rumoured sticking point, with the Russian oligarch previously stating he does not want the money repaid.
Chelsea’s assets have been frozen but remain in operation under a special licence - valid until May 31. There were fears the sale to an American consortium - led by billionaire Todd Boehly - was in jeopardy but all parties are now optimistic about finalising the deal.
The proposed regime still have to undertake the Premier League’s owners’ and directors’ test - the first time this has been enforced since the government backed an independent regulator to come into force by 2024.
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