Kick Off: Werner to join Chelsea; Liverpool overtake Utd as favourite club in UK

Welcome to All Football's Kick Off, we bring you all important news in the past 24 hours. Make sure you do not miss out.

Top headlines

Chelsea agree a deal in principle to sign Werner from RB Leipzig (Sky Sports)

Chelsea have agreed a deal in principle to sign Timo Werner from RB Leipzig, according to Sky Sports.

OFFICIAL: PL approve 5 subs per game & 9 subs on bench rule for rest of season

For the rest of 2019/20 up to five substitutions to be allowed in a match and team benches will increase to nine players, approves Premier League.

Rumours

Real Madrid join battle with Barcelona in Lautaro Martinez chase (Sky Italia)

Lautaro Martinez could have an unexpected suitor: Real Madrid. The Argentine Inter Milan striker wants to play for Barcelona but there is a chance he could end up in white, per Sky Italia.

Agent: I don't expect Dembele to leave Barcelona this summer

Ousmane Dembele has been tipped to remain at Barcelona when the next transfer window opens, with his agent not expecting the Liga giants to cash in on the France international.

Havertz 'open' to Man Utd transfer as Leverkusen star eyes PL switch

Kai Havertz is reportedly 'open' to a move to Man Utd this summer as he has his sights set on a switch to the Premier League.

These things happen 

Liverpool voted UK's favourite football team ahead of Man Utd in YouGov survey

Liverpool are on the verge of winning the Premier League title but that's not the only thing they're top of, according to a recent survey.

Ronaldo 'turns up FOUR HOURS early' to smash Juventus fitness tests

Cristiano Ronaldo's levels have not dropped whatsoever during lockdown.

The Blues' best signing? OTD in 2012, Chelsea signed Hazard from Lille for £32m

On this day in 2012, Chelsea signed Eden Hazard from Lille for £32m.

Column and analysis

Birth, debuts, int'l stage, clashes - A breve journey of Messi-Ronaldo rivalry

It can be hard to imagine a time before Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi-Ronaldo honor comparison: 2 int'l trophies for CR7, 6 Ballon d'Ors for M10

Messi-Ronaldo rivalry has always been a hot topic in football. Let's go through their honor collections.

Numbers Battle Episode 36: Who is the best No.27?

Hello AFers, Welcome to our column 'Numbers Battle'. We select the elite players based on each shirt number for AFers to decide the best.

Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs... PL teams who will benefit from the 2-month break

After months of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Premier League is almost ready to restart. Games will recommence on June 17th, and continue at a fast pace throughout the summer until finally, the 2019-20 campaign is completed.

Discussion: Which PL club have best squad depth in adapt to 5-sub rule change?

Premier League have approved 5 substitutions per game and 9 substitutes on the bench. Which club have the best squad depth to cope with it?

What they say

'Ronaldo's legendary status at Madrid built on taking down best-ever Barcelona'

In 2009, Real Madrid had to face up to the fact that Pep Guardiola's Barcelona had won an unprecedented treble and, in the process, charmed the world with their style of play.

Luke Shaw: Pogba & Fernandes two of the best midfielders in Premier League

Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes are “two of the best midfielders in the Premier League”, says Luke Shaw, with Manchester United excited by the potential that exists in a new-look partnership.

Isco's girlfriend: The only hat-trick he has scored was when he was dating me

Sara Salamo has defended her relationship with Isco, dismissing the notion that their romance has been a distraction for the Real Madrid midfielder.

You're not getting near Pogba! – Williams reveals toughest training challenges

Brandon Williams has become the latest Manchester United player to salute the qualities of Paul Pogba, with the Red Devils left-back admitting that “you’re not getting near” the French midfielder in training.

Iniesta picks Messi, Xavi, Ramos and Ronaldo as his ideal football player

Andres Iniesta has designed his ideal football player, taking into account the virtues of the best players he has played with or against.

VIDEO OF THE DAY

Would you try it at home? Funny way to change Ronaldo shirt in ONE second