Sport shorts: Chelsea to talk with Lampard, Milan-Cortina wins Winter Olympic bid, Becker items up for auction

1. Chelsea to speak with Lampard

Chelsea have been given permission by Derby County to speak with Frank Lampard about the vacant manager’s position at Stamford Bridge.

Derby boss Lampard is the favourite to take over from Maurizio Sarri and Sky Sports News reports that the London club will now speak with their former player. Lampard spent 13 years with Chelsea and scored 211 goals in 648 games.

The Championship side said: “Derby County Football Club can confirm that they have granted permission for Chelsea Football Club to speak to Frank Lampard about the vacant managerial position at Stamford Bridge.

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“With pre-season fast approaching for both clubs it is hoped this will allow Chelsea to swiftly conclude their discussions. The club will make no further comment until it is appropriate to do so.”

2. Milan-Cortina awarded 2026 Winter Olympics

Milan-Cortina will host the 2026 Olympic Winter Games and Paralympic Winter Games after beating rival candidate Stockholm-Åre, Sweden. The Italian bid was confirmed as the 2026 host following the 134th session of the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne, Switzerland, yesterday.

3. San Siro to be replaced

While Milan is celebrating the Winter Olympic bid win the Italian city’s two football clubs, AC and Inter, have announced that the iconic San Siro stadium will be demolished and replaced. The Serie A sides have confirmed that a new stadium is expected to be complete for the 2022-23 season. AC Milan chairman Paolo Scaroni said: “Everything is proceeding. We will make a new San Siro together in the same area. The old ground will come down and in its place there will be a new one.”

4. Giannis named NBA MVP

European players were the big winners at the third annual NBA Awards last night. Milwaukee Bucks and Greece star Giannis Antetokounmpo came out victorious in the night’s biggest prize – taking away the most valuable player (MVP) honour for the regular season. Luka Doncic (Dallas Mavericks/Slovenia) won rookie of the year and Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz/France) was named defensive player of the year.

5. Holders to face host nation in Paris

Defending champions United States have set up a quarter-final tie with host nation France after beating Spain 2-1 in the last 16 of the Fifa Women’s World Cup. Midfielder Megan Rapinoe scored two penalties against Spain and the US captain said of the clash against France: “This is the game everyone had circled. This is incredible for the women’s game. You have two heavy-hitters meeting.”

Women’s World Cup: US expect ‘crazy’ clash against France

6. Becker trophies go to auction

German tennis icon Boris Becker will auction off memorabilia to pay off his debts after he was declared bankrupt in June 2017. Worth an estimated £200,000, the memorabilia includes replica Wimbledon, US Open and Davis Cup trophies as well as medals and clothing. The timed online auction will continue until 11 July.

7. Tigers up for sale

English rugby union giants Leicester Tigers are up for sale for an asking price of £60m. The BBC reports: “The move follows private equity firm CVC’s investment in the sport in December, which the club says has led to several approaches from new investors.” CVC’s acquisition resulted in each club receiving £13m and it meant Leicester no longer has any net debt.

8. Lowe leaves Williams

Paddy Lowe, who has been on an extended leave of absence since 5 March, will be leaving the Williams Formula 1 team and will step down from the board of directors with immediate effect. Lowe said: “After a period of careful reflection I have reached the decision that I will not return to work at Williams. I wish all my previous colleagues the very best to meet the challenges ahead, which I am sure they will do. I would especially like to thank the Williams fans who are so supportive.” Claire Williams said: “We understand and respect the decision Paddy has reached and wish him well for the future.”

9. PSG want Neymar-Pogba swap

According to reports Paris Saint-Germain have offered Neymar to Manchester United in a swap deal for Paul Pogba. PSG are apparently desperate to sign Pogba and it’s claimed that the French champions have approached the Old Trafford club with the intention of offloading Brazilian Neymar.

• Man Utd transfer news: Neymar, Pogba, Sancho, Rice, Wan-Bissaka, Kabak
• Premier League transfer news: Ceballos, Saliba, Torreira, Maguire, Trippier

10. Crisis at the Toon

Newcastle United have confirmed that manager Rafa Benitez will leave when his contract expires at the weekend. The Magpies’ faithful have not taken the news well of Benitez’s departure. On social media much of the anger has been directed at owner Mike Ashley. Some supporters are threatening to boycott the club while Ashley remains in charge, others say they will not renew their season tickets or attend matches.

Today’s back pages: Toon barmy! Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle reign ends