CARABAO CUP FINAL TO GET AN EARLIER START

THE Carabao Cup final is set to be brought forward at the request of the police amid concerns about clashes between Chelsea and Liverpool fans. The final is scheduled for a 4.30pm kick-off on Sunday, February 25, but Mail Sport has learned the Metropolitan Police want the Wembley game to begin earlier as they have classified it as high-risk. The Met have requested proceedings kick off no later than 3pm. The EFL were initially standing by their preference for 4.30pm due to their contract with Sky Sports, but sources have indicated a compromise is likely. The FA Cup final was brought forward to 3pm from 5.30pm last season, amid fears of violence between Manchester United and Manchester City fans.

● THE FA have invited Sven Goran Eriksson to England’s friendly against Brazil in March, following his revelation that he is suffering from terminal pancreatic cancer. The Swede led England in their World Cup quarter-final defeat by Brazil in 2002 and the FA want him to be guest of honour if he is fit enough to travel. Jurgen Klopp last week invited Eriksson to Liverpool to conduct a training session, after the 75-year-old revealed one of his few regrets in life was not managing the Anfield club.

● BRENTFORD are scouring the market for centre forwards in a clear indication that they expect Ivan Toney to leave at the end of the season. In a move typical of the club’s forensic approach under owner Matthew Benham, their recruitment department are monitoring strikers in the lower divisions in the hope of unearthing a rough diamond like Toney, who had only played in League One and League Two when he signed four years ago.