ANTONIO CONTE taking charge of Tottenham is a ‘done deal’, according to reports.
Meanwhile, Lionel Messi is reportedly set to agree a new four-year deal with Barcelona, which features a two-year loan to Inter Miami.
And Wilfried Zaha is reported to have asked to leave Crystal Palace.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
RIP ALAN
Former Arsenal and West Brom goalkeeper Alan Miller has sadly died at the age of 51.
His ex-team-mate Lee Dixon tweeted: “Devastated to hear the news that our team mate Alan Miller has passed away
“He was one of life’s good guys. What a man. Heart of gold. RIP my friend.”
NO HAA-RD FEELINGS
Kylian Mbappe has revealed he is ‘happy’ to watch Erling Haaland’s meteoric rise to superstardom, comparing their budding rivalry to that of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
But with Borussia Dortmund striker Haaland now on the scene, Mbappe knows he has competition for the modern-day GOAT crown.
Mbappe has won NINE major honours at PSG as well as helping lead France to the 2018 World Cup, while Haaland has won just four trophies.
But the Norwegian boasts a jaw-dropping minutes per goal ratio of 84, to Mbappe’s slightly lesser 94.
Mbappe told Esquire: “It’s his second year, we’re getting to know him.
“It’s the start for him. I’m happy for him, for what he’s doing.
“You do always compare yourself with the best in your sport, just as the baker compares himself with the best bakers around him
“I watch matches of other great players to see what they’re doing. [I think] ‘I know how to do this, but can the other guy do it too?’”
GUNNER STAY
Arsenal reportedly remain fully confident Emile Smith Rowe will pen a new deal at the Emirates despite reported interest from Aston Villa.
With his current contract to expire in 2023, it has been claimed that the North Londoners are keen to hand him a new five-year deal.
But shock rumours have stated that Villa are looking to lure him to the Midlands.
However Football.London have played down the chances of Dean Smith’s side securing his services.
And they have insisted that Arsenal remain confident that Smith Rowe will commit his long-term future to the club.
His contract renewal is said to be a priority for Arsenal’s head of football operations Richard Garlick.
FINE TOOTH KOEM
Barcelona have confirmed that Ronald Koeman will remain as their boss despite his poor debut season in Spain.
Barca ended up finishing third in LaLiga, seven points off champions Atletico Madrid.
They also suffered a humiliating 5-2 aggregate defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in the last 16 of the Champions League.
And despite leading Barca to glory in the Copa del Rey with a 4-0 win over Athletic Bilbao in the final, reports claimed Koeman could be heading out of the Nou Camp.
Club president Joan Laporta said last month he was ‘evaluating’ Koeman’s position.
However, Laporta has now confirmed Koeman will stay for at least one more year, with his contract expiring next summer.
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
The Community Shield will be broadcast on free-to-air TV for the first time in nine years with ITV to show Manchester City’s match against Leicester.
Premier League champions City take on FA Cup holders Leicester at Wembley on August 7.
The encounter between the two teams will take place a week before the start of the 2021-22 top-flight campaign, with the kick-off scheduled for 5pm.
BT Sport have held the rights for the traditional season curtain-raiser since 2013, but they surrendered them two years ago, along with the FA Cup rights.
The last time the Community Shield was shown on terrestrial TV was in 2012 where the Citizens beat Chelsea 3-2 at Villa Park.
BUEN BATTLE
Arsenal and Aston Villa have made official bids for Norwich’s £40million-rated winger Emi Buendia.
Both clubs, who are offering packages worth £30m-plus, are now locked in a major fight for the Argentine winger who is now certain to leave Carrow Road.
But Norwich, who do not need to sell financially, are playing hard ball and insist they want £40m for the Championship player of the year.
Arsenal started watching him this season but made no attempts to sign the player in January.
Yet now they have found the money for Buendia, who has just been called into the Argentine national squad for the first time.
But Villa are also looking for another attacker and believe he would be a massive boost to Dean Smith’s side.
LORD HAVE MERSEY
Liverpool legends Steven Gerrard and Rafa Benitez are reportedly on Everton’s shortlist to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
The Athletic claims Toffees chiefs are exploring numerous options as they hunt for a new boss.
It is believed Gerrard has caught Everton’s eye after his incredible season with Rangers.
The Glasgow outfit stormed to the Scottish title with an unbeaten campaign.
Likewise, Benitez has also made Everton’s list despite being regarded as a Liverpool legend for winning the Champions League in 2005.
But there are a host of other names on their shortlist, including former managers David Moyes and Roberto Martinez, as well as Nuno Espirito Santo and Ajax chief Erik ten Hag.
CON ARTIST
Tottenham are closing in on Antonio Conte after hitting a brick wall in their bid to bring back ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has been battling to seal Poch’s return from Paris Saint-Germain after he told them he wanted to return to N17.
But with the Argentinean so far unable to engineer his exit from the French giants and less than a month to go before the North Londoners start pre-season training, Levy is edging closer to appointing Conte.
The Spurs supremo, searching for a new manager since axing Jose Mourinho in April, is believed to want a new man in charge by the end of next week.
He is said to be lining up one last push for Pochettino, but if that fails he will be forced to look elsewhere, with Conte the favourite to come in.
Levy has been in talks with the former Chelsea chief, who is a free agent after leaving Inter Milan last month.
NOT TRENT TO BE
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been ruled out of Euro 2020 and will depart England’s camp on Thursday night.
A medical assessment earlier in the day revealed that the Liverpool defender, 22, had suffered a grade two quad tear during England’s 1-0 friendly win over Austria.
The scan confirmed the devastated defender’s worst fears and he will now withdraw from England’s squad for the tournament. He faces a recovery period of between four to six weeks.
Southgate is expected to call up an additional player to replace Alexander-Arnold in England’s 26-man squad.
Jesse Lingard, James Ward-Prowse, Ollie Watkins, Aaron Ramsdale, Ben Godfrey and Ben White were all cut from England’s Euro 2020 squad earlier this week.
OUT IN THE COL’D
James Rodriguez has long been regarded as Colombia’s most valuable player, but this summer, the Everton midfielder has been deemed surplus to requirements.
Colombia are taking part in this summer’s Copa America tournament, but will be without star player Rodriguez, who has had injury problems with Everton throughout the course of the season.
The former Real Madrid star, however, worked his way into a position to be fit for this summer’s tournament, but boss Rueda still didn’t fancy taking Rodriguez.
A statement read: “The coaching staff of the Colombia Men’s Senior Team reports that the player James Rodríguez has been called off for the games against Peru and Argentina for the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, and the CONMEBOL Copa América 2021.
“In recent days, the midfielder was subjected to medical examinations, which determined that he is not at the optimal level of competition, therefore, he will not be able to join the group called by Reinaldo Rueda for the aforementioned commitments and the South American championship.”
WIL I NEVER
Wilfried Zaha has reportedly told Crystal Palace he wants to leave.
And the former Manchester United star hopes to secure a transfer this MONTH.
The Times claims Zaha, 28, is ready to quit Selhurst Park following Roy Hodgson’s departure.
The Ivory Coast international already tried to leave the Eagles in 2019 amid interest from Arsenal and Everton.
But neither side was willing to meet Palace’s mind-blowing £100million valuation.
However, Zaha – who has just two years remaining on his contract – is now ready to call time on his Eagles adventure for good.
Everton are reportedly interested in a £40m deal, while Tottenham are also said to be keen.
CASH & BERN
Bernardo Silva is set to become a shock casualty of Manchester City’s summer rebuild, according to reports.
City have since been linked with Harry Kane, Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe to fill the void left by Sergio Aguero.
But each of the superstar strikers are set to cost in excess of £150million.
And City could first be forced to sell some big players to raise funds, with Silva a surprise name set to be floated on the transfer market, say The Telegraph.
The report claims clubs in Spain, France and Italy have already expressed an interest in the £60m-rated midfielder.
Barcelona were once keen on Bernardo, but their interest has cooled with a host of attacking options already on their books.
Silva still has FOUR years left to run on his contract and would likely command a huge transfer fee.
GUNNERS GONERS
Arsenal have confirmed that NINE players will leave the club when their contracts expire later this month.
David Luiz and Martin Odegaard lead the names departing the Emirates as Mikel Arteta seeks an epic summer rebuild after missing out on European football.
Joining Luiz and Odegaard on the axed list are fellow senior squad members Dani Ceballos and Mat Ryan.
There are exits in the youth set-up too, with Levi Laing, Joseph Olowu, Luke Plange and Jason Sraha leaving.
Arsenal were reportedly keen on signing Odegaard permanently.
But he could now form part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans after the Italian sealed a sensational return to Spain this week.
ON RED ALERT
Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester United have gone past Liverpool – despite the ‘excuses’ the Reds had last season.
The former Red Devils defender also believes that Old Gunnar Solskjaer will be pleased with the progress shown by the club’s second-placed finish.
United finished five points ahead of Liverpool – a vast improvement on the season before when they finished 33 points behind their rivals.
When asked for his assessment of United’s season, Ferdinand told Goal: “I think in the league we’ve got what we wanted, which was an improvement.
“I think Man United at the end of last season finished 30-odd points behind Liverpool.
“Liverpool are now behind us and they’ll have their excuses and reasons why but the cold facts are that we have gained that much ground on them that we’ve gone past them this season.
“That shows vast improvement and we’re second in the league.
“By no means are we the finished article but I think at the beginning of the season if you’d said you’d finish second in the league from where we were I think they’d have snapped your hand off.”
GOING, GOING, RON
Paris Saint-Germain are in talks with Cristiano Ronaldo over a sensational summer transfer – with the Juventus star ‘welcoming’ the approach, according to reports.
The Portuguese forward’s time at Juventus appears to be up after a disappointing season for the Turin giants.
Ronaldo, 36, now looks destined to leave with Real Madrid and Manchester United both linked with the star forward.
The 173-cap Portugal legend’s club team-mates are believed to have ‘abandoned’ him after growing tired of the ‘perks’ his receives.
And Ronaldo is now claimed to have been approached by PSG in what could spark a summer transfer merry-go-round, according to AS.
The Spanish outlet have also revealed Ronaldo ‘welcomes’ the approach from the Ligue 1 giants.
KANE & STABLE
Antonio Conte will reportedly only join Tottenham if Harry Kane stays at the club, reports say.
The Italian boss, 51, is in talks to take over in North London after leaving Inter Milan.
And The Times report that retaining Kane’s services could be key to Spurs’ hopes of landing Conte.
Kane, 27, is wanted by both Manchester clubs and Chelsea after revealing he wants to leave Spurs to win trophies.
The Times report adds that Conte will want to be backed with funds in the transfer market if he’s to move to North London.
Meanwhile, respected Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano says Tottenham and Conte are around £2.6million apart in salary expectations.
EMI NOD
Aston Villa are interested in signing playmakers Emile Smith Rowe and Emi Buendia, according to reports.
The Premier League side could face a busy summer in the transfer market as captain Jack Grealish has been linked with a number of clubs.
According to The Telegraph, Villa are keeping tabs on Arsenal youngster Smith Rowe.
The 20-year-old has made an impressive start to his professional career, making 20 Premier League appearances this term.
But he is yet to commit his future to the Gunners and has just two years left on his existing deal at the Emirates.
Reports also suggest Dean Smith’s side are keen on Norwich midfielder Emi Buendia.
Arsenal are targeting Emi x Emi this summer BEND OF THE ROAD
Nicklas Bendtner has opened the door to a potential Arsenal return – as a MANAGER.
The former forward , who retired earlier today, said: “I miss football every day, but I’m well aware there is a cut-off date in this job.
“I’m going to have to spend time understanding that it’s really over now.
“I have to find something else to care about, and find something to give me what football has given me all these years.
“I’ve been playing football all my life, and it just stops overnight. Suddenly I’m outside the game, and I want to do a lot of things.
“But this has not been possible because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The rush you get from being inside a stadium is impossible to get anywhere else.
“Football is such a big part of my life that I can’t step away from it.
“That is why I am taking coaching courses. I hope this can give me as much, or maybe even more, than I got from being a player.
“In this way I still want to be part of football.”
Nicklas Bendtner could return to Arsenal one day⦠as boss SON BURNED
Son Heung-min hit out after being grilled over Tottenham team-mate Harry Kane’s future.
The South Korean forward insisted the pair are both only focused on international duty – with Kane set to skipper England at Euro 2020.
The Spurs striker, 27, has been linked with a £150m move to Man Utd or Man City in a bid to win trophies.
And if Kane leaves North London this summer it would end a brilliant partnership with Son – who he broke a record with in March when they combined for a 14th goal of the season.
But Son, 28, was in no mood to discuss Kane’s potential transfer when asked by reporters while on international duty.
He snapped back: “Has Kane moved already?
“Everything is not decided. Rather than worrying about his transfer, I am doing my best at Tottenham.
“I want to focus on the national team and Tottenham. Maybe Kane is doing the same, he is busy preparing for the Euros.”
Son and Kane have a terrific partnership up top LUC RUN OUT
Manchester United and Chelsea have missed out on the chance to sign Lucas Vazquez after he signed a new, three-year contract at Real Madrid.
The versatile Los Blancos ace, 29, had been a top target of both Premier League giants this summer.
But Real Madrid have confirmed the Spanish forward has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract at the Bernabeu.
A club statement read: “Real Madrid CF and Lucas Vázquez have agreed to extend the player’s contract.
“He will remain linked to the club for the next three seasons, until June 30, 2024.”
FOR GOODNESS SAK
By SunSport’s Duncan Wright
Bukayo Saka admits being England’s Mr Versatile can get tough – despite shining for the Three Lions and firing them to victory over Austria.
Saka, 19, scored his first senior international goal to seal the win and stake a claim for involvement when the Euros start next weekend.
The Arsenal star also ended up playing in three different positions to suit Gareth Southgate’s tactics and substitutions at the Riverside, to show just how capable he is as a footballer.
But the teenager admits constantly switching roles can cause problems and he needs the help of senior players to make sure he stays switched on.
Saka said: “It’s not easy all the time, you know.
“The information I get from the coaching staff and the players makes things much easier – all the communication from the more experienced players around me like Kieron Trippier, Conor Coady, Tyrone Mings, making sure I’m where I need to be.”
“I feel like anytime I played for England I really enjoyed myself because of the quality and the top players you have around.
“Things feel good, things flow, I always feel like I can I can express myself and I think I did that.
“I can learn a bit from everyone, there’s so much different quality players especially in attack but even in the midfield and defence you know there’s so much experience I can take from everyone to try to speak to everyone and get some advice from them.”
Bukayo Saka is Arsenal and England’s Mr VersatileCredit: PA
RAF RACE
Chelsea have entered the race to sign £70million-rated Inter Milan star Achraf Hakimi, according to reports.
The Serie A champions are actively looking to sell one of their big-name stars this summer to raise some much-needed money.
The decision played a pivotal role in Antonio Conte quitting the San Siro – with the Italian now linked with the top job at Tottenham.
Hakimi, 22, appears to be the man on the way out, with Paris Saint-Germain having already launched a £52m bid.
The Ligue 1 giants’ first attempt was swiftly knocked back by Inter, with the Italian champions holding out for bids of around £70m.
Arsenal have already expressed an interest as they hunt for a new right-back, with Hector Bellerin – the club’s longest-serving player – expected to leave this summer.
And now Chelsea have joined the hunt for Hakimi, according to Sky Italia.
GUNNER JOIN?
Arsenal are in talks to hire ex-Lille sporting director Luis Campos, according to reports.
The talent spotter, who is also believed to be wanted by Real Madrid, was director of football at Monaco when Kylian Mbappe was discovered.
According to journalist Loic Tanzi, Campos will not join Nice following weeks of speculation.
Both Arsenal and Real Madrid are now believed to be interested in acquiring the 56-year-old’s services, although it is unclear if he will be hired as a director of football or scout.
ME AND ROUD FOREVER
AC Milan are on the verge of snapping up former Arsenal striker Olivier Giroud, according to reports in Italy.
The free agent was set to leave Chelsea last summer before hitting form and earning a new deal.
This season, he has largely been restricted to the bench aside from a seven-goal December and last started a game for Thomas Tuchel in March.
With his contract up at the end of the month, Giroud is free to negotiate a free transfer away from Chelsea with several clubs reportedly interested.
But Serie A side Milan have won the race, as reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Negotiations with Rossoneri legend and technical director Paolo Maldini are described as going well and an agreement is within sight.
The opportunity to remain in the Champions League while experiencing Italian football is said to be high on Giroud’s wishlist.
Also useful is a significant tax cut which the Frenchman will receive on his rumoured two-year, £65,000-a-week contract.
Giroud is said to be excited by the prospect of playing alongside Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who enjoyed a stunning start to last season before encountering injury problems.
BENTEK-STAY
By SunSport’s Duncan Wright
Christian Benteke has signed a new two-year deal with Crystal Palace after finally establishing himself as first choice striker at the club.
Benteke, 30, has suffered a nightmare with injuries since Palace splashed out a club-record £27million to sign him from Liverpool five years ago and struggled to live up to his price tag.
But the Belgian international was at last able to stay fit for an extended run last season and responded by scoring ten goals in 30 appearances for the Eagles.
That has persuaded the managerless South London club to tie him down for two more years.
Benteke said: “I’m happy and proud to commit my future to Crystal Palace. Five years already and still a lot more to come.
“We have a great group of players and staff, and I’m looking forward to the season ahead and playing in front of our fans again.”
Palace chairman Steve Parish added: “Christian has been an integral part of consolidating our position as an established Premier League club over the last five years.
“He is an outstanding professional and has more than proven that he still has the quality and the hunger to perform for our club at the highest level, and I couldn’t be happier to see him in red and blue for another two seasons.”
Christian Benteke will be back in front of the Palace faithful next seasonCredit: AP
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
