CHELSEA are looking forward to the Champions League final – and reportedly eyeing a summer swoop for Bayern’s Niklas Sule.
Elsewhere we’ve the very latest on Tottenham, where Max Allegri has reportedly snubbed the club to wait on Real Madrid.
And French superstar Kylian Mbappe could be on the move to the Spanish capital this summer, with reports suggesting he has an ‘agreement’ to join Los Blancos.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
DOR OPEN
Chelsea are plan to step up their pursuit of Jadon Sancho by launching an £80million bid.
The Blues are huge admirers of the England winger but face a battle with Manchester United for his signature.
The 21-year-old is set to quit Borussia Dortmund this summer and has his heart set on a return to the Premier League.
Sancho was eyed by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side last year but his £117m price tag proved too high.
SunSport understands Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of the Three Lions wideman.
The German wants to focus on having a strong finish to the season before eyeing transfers.
But Stamford Bridge chiefs are then expected to make a serious move for the former Manchester City academy kid.
IRN BRU
Steve Bruce admitted that Arsenal loanee Joe Willock may have priced himself out of a permanent Newcastle move.
He said: “It’s a double-edged sword because he’s probably done too well. I know for a fact we will do our utmost to test Arsenal’s resolve.
“We know it’s going to be very, very difficult because he’s become the youngest player in the Premier League to score six in six, and he’s somebody else’s player.
“We’re going to be up against it. We’re expecting that but we can only try, and I will make sure we try our best.
“We have to respect that he’s Arsenal’s player and that he’s 21-years-old.
“But of course it would be disappointing if we can’t bring him back.”
Credit: PA GOOD FOR THE SOL
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer revealed he does not expect ‘too many outgoings’ in the upcoming transfer window.
The United manager said: “We’re planning as we normally do. It’s not like end of season, and let’s see what we do, that’s an ongoing process, looking at the squad, players who are going to stay, players who might be leaving.
“And, as I said a couple of times recently, I hope we’re going to strengthen with two or three players we definitely need to challenge higher up in the table.
“We’re still too behind to think it’s just going to come by itself. We’ve had a few players on loan that might come back in, there is interest in a few others, maybe going out.
“But you want to come out of the transfer window strengthened and it might be we allow some players to go out and gain experience, come back stronger for it.
“Apart from that, it’s difficult to say. I can’t see too many outgoings.”
EUR HAVING A LAUGH
Journalist David Ornstein has claimed Arsenal’s transfer business won’t be affected if they fail to qualify for Europe.
He told Sky Sports: “I know with Arsenal they [the transfer plans] have already been submitted by Edu and Mikel Arteta to the board of directors and they are very clear in what they want to do.
“Whether they will be able to do it will depend on the finance which is made available by the owners and whether they will be able to attract players.
“I know of a number of players Arsenal have made proposals to, very attractive, and they do have a plan to get back into the big time.
“Edu & Arteta are selling an impressive project to potential recruits but many of those players have ambitions to play in the Champions League or at least the Europa League so they are not considering those proposals at this point.”
TAKING THE NIK
Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule this summer.
The 25-year-old has been in and out of the German champions’ side over the last two campaigns.
He has played 133 times for Bayern but could well be on the move at the end of the season, according to Abendzeitung.
This is because his contract expires in 2022, so the club may feel they need to cash in on him this summer.
When talking about contract negotiations with Sule, Bayern board member Oliver Kahn said: “You have to see what package we can offer a player.
“FC Bayern has an excellent squad that can win all titles. And this wonderful city! What more do you want as a player?”
Niklas Sule could be set for a move to England this summer SOL TRADER
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has told the Glazers they need to splash the cash on two or three more players to close the gap on champions City.
United sealed runners-up spot last week but will still finish well adrift of their neighbours.
Now the Red Devils boss wants to spend to make sure that they can lift the title next season for the first time since 2013.
Solskjaer said: “I hope we are going to strengthen with two or three players, we definitely need to challenge higher up in the table and we’re still too far behind to think it will just come by itself.
“We’re not where we aim to be, we’ve got ambitions to move one place further up.”
Spurs striker Harry Kane, Jadon Sancho at Borussia Dortmund and even a return for Cristiano Ronaldo are all being discussed at the highest level at Old Trafford.
They will hope to get one of those and then prioritise another centre-back and midfielder.
ALL OUT
Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly snubbed an approach from Tottenham in order to wait to see whether Zinedine Zidane leaves Real Madrid.
The North London club are looking for a permanent replacement for Jose Mourinho after axing the Portuguese boss days before the Carabao Cup Final.
Ryan Mason is in temporary charge until the end of the season but chairman Daniel Levy is already working on finding a new man to take over.
Now Diario AS claims former Juventus boss Allegri was asked about his interest in the job.
The Italian has been out of work since leaving the Old Lady two years ago.
However, the Spanish outlet says the 53-year-old rejected Spurs because he is keen on potentially replacing Zidane at Madrid.
Reports emerged last week that the French legend will leave the Bernabeu this summer due to a feeling he no longer has the support of president Florentino Perez.
Massimiliano Allegri has reportedly snubbed Tottenham BUZZ KYL
Kylian Mbappe and his family ‘have an agreement’ with Real Madrid, according to reports.
But the Spanish giants face a battle striking a deal with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Frenchman is set to enter the final year of his contract at Parc des Princes, with little to indicate that he is close to penning an extension.
PSG’s Qatari owners have tabled a three-year extension.
But according to football agent Bruno Santin, Mbappe, 22, has already reached an agreement with Madrid.
Asked about the potential move, he told French network Canal+: “My feeling is more than he is willing to do it.
“I also have some information, according to which Kylian Mbappe and his family have an agreement with Real Madrid.
“In principle, there would be an agreement on the part of the player, but we also need the agreement of Paris Saint-Germain.”
NUNO GOING
Nuno Espirito Santo will leave Wolverhampton Wanderers after Sunday’s final game of the season.
The 47-year-old Portuguese boss is walking away from Molineux by mutual agreement after four seasons.
Nuno said: “Since the first day we arrived at Compton, our ambition was to make a positive change and push this football club forward, and I am proud to say that we did that every single day. We achieved our goals, we did it with passion and we did it together.
“Firstly, I want to thank the supporters, who have all played such an important part in helping us reach new heights for Wolves, and the people of the city, who embraced us and made us feel at home.
“I, of course, want to thank all of the staff at Wolves, for their support and total commitment, every single day.
“Most importantly, I want to thank each-and-every player that we’ve worked with since the day we started, for their loyalty, their dedication, hard work and talent. They are the ones who have made this amazing journey possible for us.
“Sunday will be a very emotional day, but I am so happy that the fans will be back in Molineux and we can share one last special moment together, as one pack.”
KEP YOUR MONEY
could be offered Kepa Arrizabalaga or Tammy Abraham in Chelsea’s bid to sign Harry Kane.
The Blues are in the mix to snap up the striker, 27, after he told Spurs of his desire to leave at the end of the season.
Manchester clubs United and City were revealed by SunSport this week to be preparing an £80million, five-year contract offer for the player.
But a huge transfer fee will also be required, potentially up to £150m, as Spurs seek to hold onto their star forward.
Therefore several reports of part-exchange deals have emerged with United said to be willing to let Anthony Martial or Jesse Lingard sign for Tottenham to reduce the cash payment.
According to ESPN, Chelsea are also considering this route with a number of fringe players eyed for a swap.
MAN DOWN
Harry Maguire will miss the Europa League Final in Gdansk due to his ankle ligament injury.
Now he must be a major doubt for England and the Euros next month too.
Hopes were raised when he was pictured on Thursday night without crutches or his protective boot at the premier of Sir Alex Ferguson’s film ‘Never Give In’.
But Manchester United boss Ole Solskjaer says those are forlorn hopes.
Solskjaer said: “He’s walking but it’s a long way from walking to running. To be honest I don’t think we’ll see him Gdansk, no.
“I’m going to give him until Tuesday night, the last training session to be out there. Steadily but surely he’s improving but ligaments take time to heal.”
ING FOR A PENNY
Man City are reportedly interested in signing Southampton striker Danny Ings if they fail in their pursuit of Harry Kane.
Pep Guardiola’s side are thought to be among the Premier League sides chasing Kane, with Manchester United and Chelsea also competing for the England captain who has recently expressed his intent to leave Tottenham.
But if that does not come off, The Athletic are reporting that Man City have the same idea as their local rivals Man Utd in signing fellow English forward Ings.
The Saints striker has impressed for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side since returning to the club following an unsuccessful spell with Liverpool.
After netting eight times during a loan period back at St Mary’s, Ings joined on a permanent deal at the beginning of the 2019-20 campaign.
And since then he has scored a tremendous 38 goals in 72 games for Southampton.
IRN BRU
Steve Bruce admitted that Arsenal loanee Joe Willock may have priced himself out of a permanent Newcastle move.
He said: “It’s a double-edged sword because he’s probably done too well. I know for a fact we will do our utmost to test Arsenal’s resolve.
“We know it’s going to be very, very difficult because he’s become the youngest player in the Premier League to score six in six, and he’s somebody else’s player.
“We’re going to be up against it. We’re expecting that but we can only try, and I will make sure we try our best.
“We have to respect that he’s Arsenal’s player and that he’s 21-years-old.
“But of course it would be disappointing if we can’t bring him back.”
BALED OUT
Gareth Bale is considering retirement after he sees out the final year of his contract at Real Madrid.
Bale is due to return to Spain after his loan spell at Tottenham and it has been claimed the 31-year-old is ready to call time on his career in 12 months.
Spanish title AS say the Welsh international is now going through the process of starting to wind down his playing career – and that has already impacted on how he has performed back at Spurs.
The winger made no secret of the fact he only agreed to the loan switch in order to ensure he was fit enough to lead the Wales challenge in the Euros this summer.
Being fit for the international game has been so central to his thoughts that it has meant he has picked and chosen when he was able to play at club level this season.
It has emerged Bale drew up his own individual training plan which has seen him only take part in three work-outs a week – one of them being a recovery session.
IN THE BAGGIE
Chris Wilder will reportedly hold talks over becoming West Brom’s new boss.
The Baggies are on the lookout for a manager after Sam Allardyce rejected an offer to plot their promotion bid out of the Championship.
Having only won four of his 25 games in charge, the 66-year-old has called for the club to find a ‘long-term’ solution in the dugout.
Lincoln boss Michael Appleton and ex-Chelsea manager Frank Lampard have been linked.
But Wilder is the frontrunner after the Telegraph reported on upcoming negotiations between the club and coach.
West Brom are said to be keen on a free agent with their summer transfer budget already set.
Chris Wilder is on West Brom’s shortlist after leaving Sheffield United
RON WAY BACK?
Manchester United are ready to snap up Cristiano Ronaldo from Juventus this summer, according to reports.
And should the Portuguese icon be available, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer ‘would not hesitate’ in sanctioning a move for his former team-mate.
Ronaldo, 36, is set to consider his options after Sunday’s Serie A final day, following a desperately disappointing season for the Old Lady.
Juve currently sit fifth in the table, trailing the Champions League places by a point.
But even if Andrea Pirlo’s side do clinch a top four berth, Ronaldo may opt to leave a year before his contract expires.
And according to The Athletic, Man United chiefs are ‘monitoring’ their former No7’s situation with increasing interest.
Solskjaer, 48, remains ‘in touch’ with Ronaldo, and even asked him for a character reference before signing Bruno Fernandes in January 2020.
CAPTAIN FANTASTIC
Premier League-winning captain Wes Morgan has announced his retirement from football aged 37.
The Leicester defender famously lifted the title in 2016 to cap the Foxes’ remarkable fairytale feat.
On Friday, the Foxes confirmed his decision to hang up his boots at the end of the campaign.
Chairman Aiyawatt Srivaddhanaprabha said: “Wes has been one of Leicester City’s greatest servants, leading the team through the Club’s most successful era and helping to set the standards that have pushed the Club forward.
“A big brother to everyone he has played with, a strong representative of the squad and a valuable source of counsel to managers and senior executives in the Club, his contribution has been enormous.
“Wes has shown throughout his Leicester City career that he has a great deal to offer away from the pitch.
“I’m excited to see how we can help him shape his career after football and how the Club can continue to benefit from his experience, knowledge and passion for the game.”
Wes Morgan (centre, right) led Leicester to their historic 2016 title win MESSI AFFAIR
Lionel Messi has played his final game for Barcelona this season, and possibly ever, after being granted permission to miss tomorrow’s season-ender against Eibar.
Ronald Koeman’s side have no chance of winning the title, having blown recent games against Granada, Atletico Madrid, Levante and Celta Vigo.
So with nothing on the line, Barca have opted to allow their talisman to miss training today, as well as tomorrow’s game, in order to take an early holiday.
The decision has been made in order to keep Messi fresh for next month’s Copa America, with the Argentine hoping to finally get his hands on the prestigious trophy.
But, having still not penned a new deal, this means that last weekend’s dismal 2-1 home defeat to Celta would have been Messi’s last game for the club, should he opt to leave.
Fans, however, are optimistic that the 33-year-old will stay, following the club election victory of Joan Laporta, and the imminent arrival of pal Sergio Aguero from Manchester City.
BREND NEW TEAM
Tottenham are in the hunt for a new manager with Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers reportedly in line to replace Jose Mourinho.
Spurs are said to have made the Northern Irishman their top target and he could bring some famous Foxes, including Youri Tielemans, with him if he makes the move.
SunSport exclusively revealed today that should Leicester fail to qualify for the Champions League on Sunday, Spurs are ready to pounce for the former Liverpool and Celtic boss.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy has been at pains to persuade his fellow execs the Leicester chief is still a suitable candidate.
Some are still sore about disparaging comments Rodgers made about the North Londoners after turning down an approach from them nine years ago.
But he is on the radar in their search for Mourinho’s replacement, after the Portuguese was sensationally axed last month and temporarily replaced by Ryan Mason.
Here’s how Spurs could look under Rodgers.
READY FOR TCHOU
Chelsea are thought to be interested in signing Monaco’s midfield ‘monster’ Aurelien Tchouameni, according to reports.
Blues boss Thomas Tuchel will be looking to improve his squad in the summer as he hopes to build on an impressive start at Stamford Bridge.
And according to Goal, 21-year-old Tchouameni is on Chelsea’s radar as someone they would like to acquire.
The Frenchman has broken through as a first team regular for Monaco this season, playing 36 times and scoring two goals.
His importance to the Ligue 1 side means a move for Tchouameni’s services could set Tuchel’s men back a hefty £34million.
This is a great deal more than what he arrived for in January 2020 when he joined from Bordeaux for £15.5m.
Aurelien Tchouameni could be on his way to Stamford Bridge MOY BUEN
Norwich star Emiliano Buendia is reportedly keen to link up with Arsenal in the summer.
The Gunners have stepped up their interest in the Canaries playmaker and are believed to be set to make an offer.
And according to European football journalist Ekrem Konur, the Argentine ace has already made up his mind where he wants to play.
Konur tweeted: “Emiliano Buendía wants to go to Arsenal. Arsenal wanted Emiliano Buendia during the last transfer period, but his transfer was not completed.
“Negotiations are now continuing where they left off.”
GET GREAL
Man City are interested in signing Jack Grealish and Harry Kane this summer, according to reports.
Pep Guardiola’s side have already bagged two trophies this season, and could bag a third when they face Chelsea in the Champions League final next week.
But this success doesn’t mean that they won’t necessarily spend big in the off season.
According to the Telegraph, Guardiola and Co are targeting a number of big names this summer – including Kane and Grealish.
The Spurs striker, 27, has made his desire to leave Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this summer clear, telling Gary Neville that he would like an ‘honest conversation’ with chairman Daniel Levy.
And while Guardiola, 50, refused to comment on speculation, he is privately known to be a huge admirer of Spurs’ No10.
JAD YOUR CHANCE
Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho will be allowed to leave the club for under £86million this summer, according to reports.
And Manchester United and Chelsea are set to battle it out in an ‘open race’ for the England winger.
The Red Devils were desperate to land Sancho last summer.
But Dortmund’s previous asking price of £117million proved to be more than United were willing to pay.
This time around, however, Fabrizio Romano reports that the German side’s position is ‘clear’ – that they will sell for a ‘bit less’ than £86m.
Man United and Chelsea are both keen on signing the 21-year-old, but no offers or talks have yet taken place.
RODGER THAT
EXCLUSIVE – Tottenham are ready to pounce for Brendan Rodgers if Leicester fail to qualify for the Champions League on Sunday.
Rodgers has been Daniel Levy’s preferred choice to replace Jose Mourinho but it had been feared Spurs may not be able to tempt him if the Foxes finish in the top four.
Leicester are in fifth going into the final game – against Spurs – and that has renewed Levy’s hopes of luring him away.
Now the Spurs chairman is desperate for his side to shatter Leicester’s Champions League dreams.
Although Europa League football would be a big achievement for Leicester, Spurs believe it may not be enough to keep 48-year-old Rodgers in the Midlands.
Tottenham face the nightmare prospect of being involved in the new Europa Conference League next season — or even out of Europe altogether — but Levy believes he can do enough to persuade his man to move south.
ED’S UP
Arsenal reportedly remain in the race to lure Odsonne Edouard away from Celtic.
Leicester are understood to be the favourites to prised the French striker away from Scotland in the summer.
But according to the Daily Record, the Gunners are still keen on securing the 23-year-old’s services.
They state that a fee in the region of £20million should be enough to sign the centre-forward.
Edouard scored 18 goals in 31 Scottish Premiership games this season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
