ASTON VILLA have confirmed that a deal has been reached to sign Emi Buendia from Norwich.
The former Arsenal target is preparing for Argentina’s game against Colombia on Tuesday and will undergo a medical with Villa after the game.
Meanwhile PSG are in talks with Lionel Messi over a possible transfer from Barcelona, the club president has implied.
Nasser Al Khelaifi said: “Messi ‘I am not talking about ongoing negotiations.”
And Liverpool’s Georginio Wijnaldum looks almost certain to head to Paris after snubbing Barcelona, who couldn’t match the offer from France.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
WHAT’S EDER UP TO?
Remember the last man to score in the Euros?
Eder, who hit the winner for Portugal in the 2016 final, is currently playing for Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow.
The 33-year-old hasn’t been included in Portugal’s squad for this summer’s tournament having not played international football since 2018.
He’ll always be an icon for that amazing winner, though.
READY OR SCOTT
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The finals get underway on Friday, when Italy take on Turkey at the Stadio Olimpico.
So make sure you’ve picked your team by then.
Here’s Alex’s team…
WIJNALDUM’S BEST
Gini Wijnaldum is set to join Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
The Liverpool midfielder will be missed at Anfield after winning the Premier League and Champions League during a five-year spell.
He also spent a season at Newcastle United, scoring 11 Prem goals for the Magpies during the 2015-16 season.
Here’s his best goals in England…
ED-ING TO THE KP
Leicester City are closing in on Arsenal transfer target Odsonne Edouard after agreeing a £15million transfer in principle with Celtic.
The 23-year-old French striker cost Celtic a club-record £8million from Paris Saint-Germain in 2018.
He formed a strong bond with Brendan Rodgers, who described him as the best young player he had ever worked with.
Now the Foxes boss is set to be reunited with the prolific striker who has scored 55 goals in 75 Scottish Premiership starts for Celtic to become the pin-up boy of Parkhead.
Rodgers’ relationship with Edouard gave him the edge over fellow admirers Arsenal and Inter Milan who were also keen on the striker, who has entered the final year of his Celtic contract.
The Gunners remain on the hunt for a new striker, especially as Eddie Nketiah looks set to leave the Emirates this summer while Alexandre Lacazette may also be offloaded.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang endured a below-par season last term but Mikel Arteta cannot offer Eduoard European football.
EDDING TO ELLAND ROAD
Arsenal have offered Eddie Nketiah to Leeds for £20million, according to reports.
The Gunners are willing to sell the striker who previously spent time at Elland Road on loan.
Leeds are said to be in the market for a new forward to challenge star man Patrick Bamford and have been offered Nketiah, according to Football Insider. And Arsenal are open to offers for the 22-year-old.
Mikel Arteta is said to have sanctioned the sale. But the North Londoners want at least £20m for their academy product.
Nketiah’s contract has a year left to run so the club are looking to cash in now.
NO JOSHING AROUND
Manchester United are reportedly chasing England Under 16 captain Josh Feeney over a potential summer move.
The Mail claim the centre-back is set to leave Fleetwood at the end of the month and the Red Devils have made an enquiry to the League One side.
The report adds that Aston Villa are viewed as front-runners to sign highly-rated Feeney.
The 16-year-old scored for England as captain during their 6-0 win over Northern Ireland on Thursday.
And he linked up with two United players during that game – goalkeeper Tom Wooster and potential defensive partner Louis Jackson.
Fleetwood are said to have been fielding bids for Feeney, with the youngster likely to cost a significant six-figure sum.
He has the freedom to choose his next club from July 1 but his transfer fee will be decided by a tribunal if an agreement cannot be reached.
LOOKS COULD KYL
Kylian Mbappe reacted hilariously when told by Antoine Griezmann that he’d signed for Newcastle for £115million on Football Manager.
The computer game is popular in the French camp, with Ousmane Dembele having obsessed over a Winchester FC save during the 2018 World Cup.
This time around, it’s Barcelona star Griezmann that’s showing off his progress.
Griezmann, 30, boasted to the camera of his many achievements with the Toon Army.
The forward revealed that he’d won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, Champions League and Super Cup with the Geordies.
He expected lavish praise from FM connoisseur Dembele for his achievements. But his Barca team-mate merely said that it’s ‘not bad’.
Incredulous, Griezmann then yelled over to Mbappe, who was sitting on the other aisle of their team flight, that he’d signed him for Newcastle on the game.
At first the PSG star responded: “Where?” before saying in a deadpan voice: “It is not very warm there.”
GUNNERS TO BE?
Arsenal summer transfer odds – Betfair
- Yves Bissouma – 4/6
- Ruben Neves – 5/6
- Sander Berge – 2/1
- Max Aarons – 6/4
- Tariq Lamptey – 3/1
- Houssem Aouar – 3/1
- Ben White – 4/1
- Wilfried Zaha – 6/1
- Jack Grealish – 7/1
- Aaron Ramsey 8/1
- Allan Saint-Maximin – 8/1
Credit: PA HAA-RD BALL
Chelsea have held talks with Erling Haaland about a potential move this summer, according to reports.
The Borussia Dortmund striker is perhaps the hottest property on the market currently, with Real Madrid, Barcelona and both Manchester clubs also interested.
But it is the Blues who could hold the upper hand, with Roman Abramovich ready to fund a £154.5million pound move – which is Dortmund’s asking price.
According to journalist Kristof Terreur, Haaland’s future is unpredictable, though he did reveal the talks between Chelsea and the 20-year-old.
He told The Football Terrace: “I know that there have been talks with Haaland’s people before, but Haaland is a difficult one to predict, too.
“Definitely, since Dortmund qualified for the Champions League, you feel that now they have an extra reason to keep him.
“But Haaland is the one that everybody wants to get and I would wait for him.”
ENG-LESS OPTIONS
Gareth Southgate has already admitted the pressure of picking an England squad for a major tournament almost saw him snub the job.
But now he must somehow decide on choosing a starting XI from his 26-strong list of elite-level talent.
Ben White has come in as a late replacement for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold to complete the final group.
Southgate’s two certainties are his captain and striker Harry Kane will lead the line while Jordan Pickford is going to be in goal.
But other than that, there are plenty of different options at the Three Lions boss’ disposal, both in terms of personnel and shape, ahead of their curtain-raiser against Croatia on Sunday…
Check out five possible ways Southgate could choose to set-up via our piece here.
JESUS IN, CRIST OUT
Juventus are reportedly preparing a move for Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus this summer.
But the Serie A side will only make an approach for the Brazilian if Cristiano Ronaldo leaves.
Ronaldo, 36, has been the subject of significant transfer speculation, with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United linked.
And according to Gazzetta dello Sport, via Football Italia, Juventus have already started looking for his replacement, with Jesus topping their wishlist.
PSG striker Mauro Icardi and Fiorentina striker Dusan Vlahovic are also believed to be on the shortlist, with Massimiliano Allegri keen to improve his forward options.
Also, new sporting director Federico Cherubini is said to be plotting a renewal of Alvaro Morata’s loan deal.
The report states that Jesus could be sacrificed by City as they raise funds to sign Harry Kane.
HEAD-ACHE
Steve Clarke revealed taking Billy Gilmour off was purely a precautionary move.
Scotland ran out 1-0 winners in Luxembourg but passed up a host of opportunities to make it more emphatic.
Gilmour was smashed less than half an hour after coming off the bench by a cowardly, aerial Olivier Thill challenge to the head.
It left the youngster in a crumpled heap for a couple of minutes before heading to the sidelines.
But after the match Clarke said: “The good news is he is fine. The doctors took him off as a precaution and we’ll assess him over the next couple of days.
“He’s a tough boy; he’s from Ardrossan! He’s fine. The challenge happened and I didn’t get a good view of it and I am yet to see it back.
“But its one of those things that happen in football. The reaction of the players was good in surrounding to show we are together.
“Let’s not make that the big story. The big story is we are now fully prepared for our first tournament in 23 years.”
SOUTHGATE ON ENGLAND PERFORMANCE
NOT KEANE ON HENDO
Roy Keane has slammed Gareth Southgate’s decision to include Jordan Henderson in his 26-man England squad for the upcoming European Championships.
The 30-year-old Liverpool captain had not played a single minute of first team football when he was included in the Three Lions boss’ squad for the tournament.
Speaking on ITV’s coverage before the game, he said: “Clearly Jordan’s not fit – I don’t think he should be involved.
“If he can’t start the game against Romania – because physically and mentally today’s game won’t be that tough for him – having not kicked a ball for three-and-a-half months he can’t be right.
“I’ve heard people say they want him around the place – for what? Does he do card tricks? Does he have a sing song? Does he do quizzes in the evenings?
“What does he do? Jordan’s an experienced player.
“Surely Jordan doesn’t want to be around the place as some sort of cheerleader – you want to play and he’s clearly nowhere near it.”
NORWICH STATEMENT
Norwich have also released a statement about Buendia’s departure.
They said: “Norwich City can confirm that a club record deal has been agreed with Aston Villa for the transfer of Emi Buendia.
“Buendia will complete his final medical checks following the conclusion of Argentina’s World Cup qualifying fixture against Colombia on Tuesday evening.
“Final confirmation of the transfer will follow upon completion of the player’s medical.”
BUENDIA TO VILLA
Here is the official tweet from Aston Villa. The full statement reads: “Aston Villa and Norwich City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Emiliano Buendia.
“As Emiliano is currently in the Argentina national team’s biosecure bubble, preparing for a World Cup qualifying match with Colombia on Tuesday evening, he will undergo a medical and complete the transfer after the game.”
MUY BUENO
Aston Villa have confirmed they have reached an agreement with Norwich to sign playmaker Emiliano Buendia.
The news will come as a huge blow to Arsenal who had been keen on bringing the 24-year-old to the Emirates.
It had been thought that the Gunners were in pole position to sign the Argentine ace – who is currently on international duty.
But SunSport revealed on Sunday that Buendia was closing in on a move to the Midlands in a club-record £38million deal.
And now Villa have confirmed the news as they released a statement after having a bid accepted by the Canaries.
They said: “Aston Villa and Norwich City have reached an agreement for the transfer of Emiliano Buendia.
“As Emiliano is currently in the Argentina national team’s biosecure bubble, preparing for a World Cup qualifying match with Colombia on Tuesday evening, he will undergo a medical and complete the transfer after the game.”
PERFECT TEN
Tottenham have gone full circle in their search for a new managerial appointment with Erik ten Hag now favourite again.
The Ajax boss, 51, was among the initial candidates for the role when Jose Mourinho was sacked.
And he’s back on top of Betfair’s list at 12/5 following the breakdown in talks with Antonio Conte.
Next permanent Tottenham manager – Betfair
- Erik ten Hag 12/5
- Mauricio Pochettino 3/1
- Roberto Martinez 6/1
- Graham Potter 7/1
- Antonio Conte 8/1
- Christophe Galtier 11/1
- Eddie Howe 12/1
- Scott Parker 16/1
- Maurizio Sarri 16/1
- Max Allegri 17/1
- Ralf Rangnick 22/1
- Marcelo Bielsa 25/1
- Brendan Rodgers 33/1
- BETFAIR: BET £5 GET 20*
KIER WE GO
Arsenal could try and hijack Kieran Trippier’s move to Manchester United this summer, according to reports.
But the former Spurs ace would rather sign for the Red Devils.
SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Trippier, 30, has told his England team-mates that he’d like to return to the Premier League with Man United.
But Atletico may try and flog him elsewhere, against his wishes.
According to Marca, Diego Simeone’s side could try and use Trippier in a deal with Arsenal, in which Hector Bellerin would move the other way.
GO WEST
David Moyes is reportedly ready to commit to West Ham by signing a new three-year contract.
And that would rule him out of the running for the Everton job, having been linked with a return to Goodison Park this summer.
Football Insider claims Moyes held in-depth talks with the Hammers’ hierarchy on Friday after reports claimed he was on Everton’s wish-list to replace Carlo Ancelotti.
However, Moyes made it clear he had no intention of walking out after leading West Ham to next season’s Europa League.
A new deal is now in the works and will apparently tie Moyes down to the London Stadium for three years on improved terms.
ON PAR
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has opened the door to completing a free transfer for Lionel Messi this summer.
Reports in Spain suggest that the previously wantaway Argentine is close to extending his stay at Barcelona.
But Al-Khelaifi, 47, is refusing to give up.
In an interview with L’Equipe, he noted: “Messi is at the end of his contract and all clubs have the right to talk to him and recruit him for next season.
“What I can tell you, and you can believe me, is that all great players want to come to PSG.
“All – just to be clear, I’m not saying that to answer you on Messi. It’s not possible to sign them all, since we have great players too.
“And Messi is Messi, a fantastic player.”
HAZARD STAY
Eden Hazard will remain at Real Madrid for the start of next season, teammate Thibaut Courtois has revealed.
The former Chelsea forward has been linked with a move back to Stamford Bridge following an awful couple of years in Spain.
But Courtois, who is currently with Belgium teammate Hazard as the national team prepare for Euro 2020, has confirmed the 30-year-old is staying at Real Madrid and tipped him to answer critics in the same way divisive star Gareth Bale did.
Speaking to Le Soir, the keeper said: “I’m 100% sure he’s staying. He doesn’t want to move. Only the Madrid press writes about the desire to leave.
“He wants to continue, play free of injuries and win titles.
“At Real Madrid there is criticism all the time and for everyone. Gareth Bale was criticized, but he won the Champions League and scored a double in the final in Kyiv.
“We all know that in Madrid there is pressure and criticism from the press and the fans. But Eden can handle that. I know him well enough to say it. He can still change everything.
“He still wants to be an important player for Madrid and win titles.”
ROUD NOT TO
Olivier Giroud has hinted he could yet join AC Milan this summer despite having his Chelsea contract extended for another season.
Giroud said: “I want to make it clear that Chelsea reactivated the clause in April.
“And they recently announced it to comply with Premier League rules.
“It’s fair to remember that I liked Marco van Basten and Andriy Shevchenko.
“Milan are a big club and one of the great teams in Europe.
“But today, I will not talk about my future at the club because I am focused on the France team and the Euros, which is fast approaching.”
RED ROM
Manchester United are preparing a £39million bid for Atalanta defender Cristian Romero, according to reports.
The Italian side are reportedly planning to make his loan from Juventus permanent for £21.5m before cashing in on his services.
According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Atalanta will take up an option in the 23-year-old’s loan deal to sign him permanently.
The fee is believed to be £21.5m – but some rumours suggest it could be as low as £13.75m.
Reports claim the Serie A side will then look to sell Romero for €45m – around £39m – and make a huge profit.
And the Red Devils are said to be leading the race for the Argentina international’s signature.
ED-ING TO THE KP
Leicester City are closing in on top summer target Odsonne Edouard after agreeing a £15million transfer in principle with Celtic.
The 23-year-old French striker cost Celtic a club-record £8million from Paris Saint-Germain in 2018.
He formed a strong bond with Brendan Rodgers, who described him as the best young player he had ever worked with.
Now the Foxes boss is set to be reunited with the prolific striker who has scored 55 goals in 75 Scottish Premiership starts for Celtic to become the pin-up boy of Parkhead.
Rodgers’ relationship with Edouard gave him the edge over fellow admirers Arsenal and Inter Milan who were also keen on the striker, who has entered the final year of his Celtic contract.
The Gunners remain on the hunt for a new striker, especially as Eddie Nketiah looks set to leave the Emirates this summer while Alexandre Lacazette may also be offloaded.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang endured a below-par season last term but Mikel Arteta cannot offer Eduoard European football.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
