CHELSEA are reportedly eyeing up moves for Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham – but not both this summer.
The Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Dortmund star – and believe striking a deal with BVB will allow them to swoop for England midfielder Bellingham further down the line.
We’ve also the latest on Jack Grealish’s future, as well as updates from Man City and Tottenham.
And shock reports suggest that Rafa Benitez is close to becoming boss at Everton, while Sergio Ramos has left Real Madrid after 16 years with the club.
Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
GO GATT HIM
Spurs have turned to Gennaro Gattuso after talks with Paulo Fonseca over taking over as new manager crumbled, according to reports.
Ex-Roma boss Fonseca had looked set to take over at Tottenham, but talks collapsed over money, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Italian football expert also revealed Spurs have turned their attention to Gattuso.
He is available after spending just two WEEKS at Fiorentina before quitting due to a row over transfer targets.
WELCOME MATT
Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has agreed personal terms with French side Marseille, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has not played for the Gunners since June 2020 and spent last term on loan at Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Guendouzi has agreed a deal with Marseille.
The Ligue 1 team are now believed to be discussing a fee with Arsenal for the Frenchman.
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
Glenn Hoddle is backing England to beat Scotland 2-1 at Wembley tomorrow.
But Gordon Strachan believes the Tartan Army can hold out for a 0-0 draw.
Hoddle told Betfair: “It’s going to be a tight game but the pressure’s on Scotland to open up a bit more.
“The team that controls their emotion will end up playing better and winning.”
Strachan added: “England have got that superiority complex in basically everything.
“I don’t know if it adds an extra stride to the players. It will make for a good game.”
HALF-TIME!
Ukraine are beating North Macedonia 2-0 at half-time in Group C.
West Ham ace Andriy Yarmolenko made it 1-0 after half an hour before Roman Yaremchuk doubled their lead five minutes later.
SIMPLY AYRESOME
A group of 20 Middlesbrough fans are dreaming of a £38,500 Royal Ascot payday thanks to their bargain wonderhorse.
Riverside Racing Syndicate will take on the big boys on Friday with the amazing Lady Ayresome, named after the club’s old ground.
Bought for just over £4,000 – a snip in racing terms – the two-year-old superstar has won two races in a row and is currently 20-1 to win the Albany Stakes at 2.30pm.
There, jockey Tom Eaves and trainer Kevin Ryan will take on the likes of legends Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore, not to mention trainers such as Aidan O’Brien, backed by billionaire John Magnier.
Already it has been quite some ride for the small syndicate, which is run by Graham Frankland.
And even more remarkable is that the whole thing came about from a Boro fan message board.
TRIP TO ITALY
Fikayo Tomori has joined AC Milan on a permanent transfer after the Italian side enacted a clause to sign the centre-back.
Chelsea loaned the defender to the San Siro giants in January and he impressed in the club’s run to second place in Serie A.
In 22 appearances, Tomori won over many fans, some of whom called for Gareth Southgate to include him in England’s Euro 2020 squad.
The loan deal contained a £25million option to permanently sign the player, which was taken up by Milan.
Tomori signs on a four-year contract in a move confirmed on Thursday.
A statement from the Premier League club read: “Chelsea is grateful to Fikayo for his contributions at the club, from youth level to men’s first-team squad, and wishes him the very best in his future career.”
RAPH-LE TICKET
Manchester United are kicking on with a busy summer in the transfer market amid talk of a bid for Raphael Varane.
Varane, 28, has been a star at Real Madrid for a decade and boasts a trophy cabinet containing four Champions League titles, three LaLiga crowns and a World Cup.
The Red Devils are determined to sign a new partner for Harry Maguire this summer, in the hope of generating a Premier League title challenge.
It had been reported by Manchester Evening News that an offer of £50million was sent to Real – and swiftly rejected.
Los Blancos were said to have asked for £80m despite their player being just a year away from leaving for free. Talks over a new contract have failed to progress and it had previously been suggested that Real would cash in if Varane refused to sign.
A fee of £80m would be difficult to meet for any team in the pandemic crisis, including United who are also discussing a deal for Jadon Sancho.
Credit: Getty BRIGHT IDEA
North London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are set to battle it out off the pitch for right-back Tariq Lamptey, according to reports.
The 20-year-old only joined Brighton from Chelsea in January 2020 but his stock has rapidly risen following a string of impressive performances.
Lamptey’s current campaign has been hampered by injuries having been sidelined since December.
But his fitness concerns won’t deter both Premier League clubs from making an audacious transfer swoop this summer.
The Seagulls are confident of hanging on to the rising star with the player penning a contract extension until 2025 in January.
The Daily Mail write how Brighton are unlikely to entertain any offers under £50million. Spurs have prioritised signing a new right-back with Serge Aurier set for a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.
Credit: Reuters BAK IN BUSINESS
Chelsea are prepared to cut their losses and flog Tiemoue Bakayoko to Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
The midfielder’s time at Stamford Bridge has been a disaster having spent the last three seasons on loan with AC Milan, Monaco and Napoli.
Signed for £40million four years ago, the 26-year-old hasn’t played for Chelsea since 2018.
His reignited his career with Napoli last season having made 44 appearances in all competitions.
But it won’t be enough to convince Thomas Tuchel that he can play a part with the European champions next season.
According to Spanish publication Todo Fichajes, Atletico Madrid are ready to take a gamble and move his signature. The report adds how Chelsea hope to get back £15.3m for his signature despite entering the final year of his contract.
Credit: Getty
SIMON SAYS
Denmark captain Simon Kjaer has released a first touching statement since helping to save Christian Eriksen’s life.
The defender was praised for the way he led his team-mates in such difficult circumstances on Saturday and throughout the week following Eriksen’s cardiac arrest.
He helped form a human shield to protect the playmaker’s privacy while he received CPR on the pitch and consoled Eriksen’s partner as she raced down to the pitch.
Kjaer said: “It has been some very special days, where football has not been the most important thing. A shock that will be part of me – part of all of us – forever. The only thing that is important and really matters is that Christian is okay!
“I am proud of the how we acted as a team and how we stood together in these difficult times. I am touched and very grateful for all the support. Today, we will enter the pitch against Belgium with Christian in our hearts and thoughts.
“It gives us peace in our minds, which allows us to focus on the game of football. We will play for Christian, and as always for all of Denmark. That is the greatest motivation for us all. As always, we will do our best.”
Credit: EPA ENG IT TO WIN IT
England got their Euro 2020 campaign off to a perfect start on Sunday as they aim to end 55 years of hurt.
Gareth Southgate has already led the Three Lions to their first-ever win in a European Championship curtain-raiser.
Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of the game as England avenged their 2018 World Cup semi-final loss at the hands of Croatia.
Next up for Southgate’s youthful squad are fierce rivals Scotland in the second of three group stage games.
Ahead of the massive clash, we take a look at what lies ahead for England in their quest to win a first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup.
‘NAE COKE?’
Euro 2020’s Coca-Cola subplot continues after John McGinn joked about the absence of the fizzy drink from his press conference.
The Scotland star was taking his seat to discuss Friday’s game with England when he noticed that he had only been provided with water.
Smiling, the midfielder asked ‘Nae Coke?’ before opening up the water – presumably earning Cristiano Ronaldo‘s approval.
The Portuguese forward set off something of a trend when shunning the carbonated beverage before discussing his side’s game with Hungary earlier this week.
Fans lapped up the 36-year-old’s encouragement that they choose water instead, although it was later pointed out that he has often promoted less-than-healthy food and drink options.
The incident saw Euros sponsor Coke’s shares on the New York Stock Exchange fall by 1.6 per cent to wipe £2.83billion off the company’s value. But Uefa will not intervene to demand more respect for the money men.
WHAT YOU GUNNER DO?
Roy Keane has described Patrick Vieira as a ‘typical Arsenal bully’ while reminiscing over their Premier League title battles.
One incident saw the pair clash before a 2005 meeting between Arsenal and Manchester United at Highbury after Gary Neville told Keane Vieira had chased him off the pitch after the warm-up.
For Keane, the situation was not of pressing importance until Vieira continued his tirade in the tunnel.
The Irishman said: “To be honest, I was trying to mind my own business. I was focusing on the game and was quite calm, getting in the zone.
“Gary was a little bit upset and worried. I think I said to Gary, ‘Just forget about it, we need to focus on the game’.
“And then of course Patrick wouldn’t let it go – a typical Arsenal bully. Then he started in the tunnel before the game and that’s where I got a little bit irritated.”
LOC & KEY
Arsenal have been handed a blow in their attempts to sign Italy’s Euro 2020 star Manuel Locatelli, according to reports.
The Sassuolo midfielder showed his ability on the world stage on Wednesday night by scoring twice in his country’s 3-0 win over Switzerland.
The Gunners had already been tracking the 23-year-old star following his impressive campaign for the Serie A side.
Boss Mikel Arteta is eager to strengthen his midfield with Matteo Guendouzi, Granit Xhaka and Dani Ceballos heading for the exit door.
Sassuolo had slapped a £35million price-tag on their ace before the start of the tournament but that is now likely to rise.
According to the Express, Juventus are ready to make their move and are likely to be winning the race ahead of Arsenal for his signature.
Credit: Getty HAALAND IN GOOD HEADSPACE
Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland revealed he meditates to ensure he stays stress free despite the huge pressures of top level football.
He told the Telegraph: “It started back in my Molde days, I learnt it from a friend.
“Sometimes I think it’s also important just to relax your head. You know, from everything from making sure that you sleep properly.
“But also to do a little bit different to make sure you are ready and perform in the best way you can.
“We are all different so it depends on how you want to do it. Some relax by watching TV and that’s fine. It’s very individual. But I like to meditate.”
ALL RON
Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to homophobic abuse during Portugal’s win over Hungary, according to reports.
The Juventus superstar, 36, lined up for the reigning European champions in their Group F opener on Tuesday.
But according to Record, sections of the 55,000-strong sell-out crowd inside the Puskas Arena in Budapest allegedly attacked the five-time Ballon d’Or winner.
The report states there were chants of ‘Cristiano Ronaldo, homosexual’. Ronaldo was clearly unfazed by the crowd’s claimed attacks.
He responded by scoring twice as Portugal broke the Hungarian resistance with three late goals.
That pair of goals took him on to 11 Euros goals, taking him two clear at the top of the all-time scoring charts in the tournament.
Credit: Getty KICK STARTER
Christian Eriksen will be fitted with a heart-starter device following his cardiac arrest at the European Championships.
The Inter Milan playmaker collapsed on the pitch in Denmark’s opening game against Finland before being rushed to hospital. Their team doctor Morten Boesen has now confirmed in a statement that Eriksen will be fitted with a Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator.
Boesen said: “After Christian has been through different heart examinations it has been decided that he should have an ICD (heart starter).
“This device is necessary after a cardiac attack due to rhythm disturbances.
“Christian has accepted the solution and the plan has moreover been confirmed by specialists nationally and internationally who all recommend the same treatment.
“We encourage everybody to give Christian and his family peace and privacy the following time.”
Credit: Reuters TAKE A NAP
Napoli are reportedly in talks with Chelsea over a deal for Italy international Emerson Palmieri.
The left-back, who joined the Premier League side in 2018, currently finds himself third choice behind Marcos Alonso and Ben Chilwell.
And with only a year to run on his contract, it is widely speculated that he will be allowed to leave Chelsea this summer.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli have made the 26-year-old their top target. Emerson is valued at around £13million by the Blues yet the Neapolitans hope to knock that down to £10m.
The Serie A side are also hoping to reduce the player’s wages due to the difficult economic circumstances.
Currently earning £75,000-a-week, that figure reportedly does not fit into Napoli‘s planned salary structure.
Credit: PA ‘I’M ONLY 29’
Christian Eriksen’s first words after his cardiac arrest were: “Yes, I am back with you. For f***s sake, I’m only 29 years old.”
The Denmark star, 29, collapsed on the pitch on Saturday during his side’s clash with Finland. He received CPR and a defibrillator was used to resuscitate him before he was transferred to the nearby hospital in Copenhagen.
German doctor Jens Kleinefeld treated the Inter Milan midfielder.
He told Fox Sports: “About 30 seconds later, the player opened his eyes and I could talk to him directly.
“That was a very moving moment, because in such medical emergencies in everyday life, the chances of success are much lower.’
Kleinefeld asked Eriksen: “Well, are you back with us?” Eriksen replied: “Yes, I am back with you. For f***s sake, I’m only 29 years old.”
GOT THE RON PERSON
Not even Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo could get past Euros security guard without showing his ID.
Ronaldo cut a surprised look as an official gestured to have the Juventus forward show his pass.
A quick glance saw the 36-year-old carry on down the tunnel before Portugal played Hungary in their opening game.
The reigning champions left it late as they kicked off their campaign with a 3-0 win.
Raphael Guerreiro opened the scoring on 84 minutes before Ronaldo’s double put the result beyond doubt.
DEM DILEMMA
Man Utd have received a transfer boost with reports stating Ousmane Dembele and Barcelona have made ‘no progress’ over a new contract.
The Frenchman, 24, is currently under contract at the Nou Camp until next summer.
Barcelona are desperate not to let the player they bought for an initial £97million in 2017 walk away for free when his deal expires.
But according to Marca, negotiations regarding an extension got underway on Tuesday and have not started well.
Both sides will be hopeful of reaching an agreement – but if not, Barcelona will look to cash in this summer, especially considering their dire financial situation.
As many as ten Barca stars including Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezmann are on the chopping block as the club look to help balance the books. And that could open the door for United to swoop.
Credit: AFP
MELON ME ‘EAD SON
England’s ootie stars have been twisting their melons to sink Scotland tomorrow — by working out with fruit-patterned underwater balls.
Players love kickabouts with “watermelon balls” at their training base. The soft, coloured globes can be kicked or thrown up to 10ft under water.
The team — managed by Gareth Southgate — had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.
Coaching staff at the camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, introduced the bizarre balls in place of the unicorn pool inflatables which players loved at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
They allow the stars to enjoy fun games with minimal impact on tired joints and muscles. Tyrone Mings, 28, Phil Foden, 21, Kyle Walker, 31, and Jordan Pickford, 27, were snapped with their new toys.
Credit: Getty NOU PAY DEAL
Holland star Memphis Depay wants to become part of the Koeman League.
The former Manchester United player is out of contract from French side Lyon.
And there are rumours he will soon move to Barcelona for a reunion with compatriot Ronald Koeman.
Depay said: “Everyone knows that I have been negotiating with Barcelona for some time.
“I want to play for Ronald Koeman. Now we have to wait, but there will be news soon.”
Credit: EPA GATT’S YOUR LOT
Gennaro Gattuso is set to quit as Fiorentina coach just over three weeks after being appointed in a sensational row over transfers.
The role of the Italian’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has reportedly caused a huge rift between Gattuso and the Serie A club’s board.
Around four or five players were set to arrive with the help of the Portuguese ‘super agent’.
Yet the cost and quality of these arrivals is said to have upset the Viola hierarchy, particularly director Joe Barone.
One example being widely reported in the Italian press is that of Porto midfielder Sergio Oliveira, whose £20million-plus fee put off Fiorentina.
Yet Gattuso is said to have thought the deal was done and dusted, fuelling an irreparable dispute.
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
A huge transfer story broke last night as Real Madrid confirmed captain Sergio Ramos will LEAVE the club this summer.
He’s been linked with several clubs, including Premier League giants Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.
Free agent Diego Costa, meanwhile, is believed to have been offered a £1.3million signing-on bonus by Turkish side Besiktas.
There’s an update on Erling Haaland’s future, with reports suggesting he has agreed personal terms with Chelsea over a move.
He may not get the chance to play with Blues defender Fikayo Tomori, though, as he’s rumoured to be on the verge of signing a permanent deal at AC Milan.
Arsenal are believed to have rejected a £25m bid for Emile Smith Rowe from Aston Villa – and their reported £40m offer for Ben White has been turned down by Brighton.
And there have been some big managerial rumours, with reports suggesting ex-Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is on the verge of becoming the new Everton manager.
Crystal Palace, who are also on the hunt for a new coach, are believed to be interested in hiring former Borussia Dortmund chief Lucien Favre.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
