MANAGERS are dropping like flies – former Juventus team-mates Zinedine Zidane and Antonio Conte have left Real Madrid and Inter Milan respectively.
Meanwhile Celtic could sell Odsonne Edouard to Southampton with a big summer of transition expected at Parkhead.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
SOL DESTROYING
Gary Neville has slammed Manchester United’s performance in the Europa League final against Villarreal.
ALL THE MOUR REASON
Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has reportedly opened talks with Roma over a shock transfer to link up with Jose Mourinho.
The Gunners finished the season in eighth meaning the Emirates outfit will be without European football for the first time in over two decades.
And Arteta is expected to oversee a mass exodus from north London with the likes of David Luiz, 34, already confirmed to be leaving.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now claimed that Xhaka is among the players with offers to quit Arsenal this summer.
The report adds that former Tottenham boss Mourinho is a fan and has already begun talks to bring the Swiss international with him to Roma.
A return to the Bundesliga where Xhaka spent four years at Borussia Monchengladbach has also been mooted.
DAN AND DUSTED
Tottenham have confirmed that Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga will leave the club when their contracts run out in the summer.
The two players’ deal with Spurs expires on June 30 and they will be available for a free move elsewhere once the summer transfer window opens.
The club shared the following announcement on Twitter: “The Club can confirm the departures of Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga following the conclusion of their contracts.
“We thank Danny and Paulo for their service and wish them well for the future.”
Rose returned to north London last year following a short loan stint at Newcastle where he only managed 13 appearances for Steve Bruce’s side.
Former Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho then omitted the left-back from the season’s Premier League and Europa League squads, meaning he didn’t play at all for the senior team.
Danny Rose and Paulo Gazzaniga are set to leave Tottenham
HARRY UP
Garteh Southgate has lifted the lid on why injured Harry Maguire was included in his 33-man England provisional squad for Euro 2020.
Maguire’s ankle problem saw him miss Manchester United’s Europa League final against Villarreal, though he was surprisingly named on the bench.
Southgate said: “We had an initial assessment on Maguire, which was positive in terms of the tournament, but there was always a little bit more swelling and further investigation needed.
“When you’ve got a European final and information for the opposition is so tight, and things do leak, I understand why clubs want to keep their cards close to their chest.
‘It’s made it a bit more difficult for us but I don’t have a problem with United.
“We’ve got some injuries that are at various stages, (with) a couple that we have very little information about at the moment.”
BISSOUMA BATTLE
Arsenal are reportedly battling Liverpool for the signing of Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma.
The Mali international, 24, is expected to depart the Amex Stadium in the summer.
Commenting on his future, Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Yves Bissouma is appreciated and he’s ‘one of the options’ in the Arsenal list as midfielder but NOT the first one.
“Arsenal are also looking at different kind of players in this position.
“Many clubs are interested in Bissouma – Liverpool too. The race is open.”
MIDFIELD BATTLE
Gareth Southgate has declared that Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold could easily feature in midfield at Euro 2020.
He told BBC Radio 4: “I think there’s no doubt he could.
“The difficulty is he hasn’t had the opportunity to do that since he was a younger player and that’s where he came through in Liverpool’s academy.
“He’s a fantastic passer of the ball and has great passing vision. So he’s a playmaker from right-back.
“So why wouldn’t that lend itself at some point of his career to being in midfield?”
GO-MAR
Bayern Munich have confirmed the signing of Reading left-back Omar Richards on a four-year deal.
The English left-back, 23, is out of contract next month and had already rejected a new contract at the Championship side.
Bundesliga champions Bayern have now snapped up Richards on a free and have handed him the No3 jersey.
With versatile star David Alaba quitting the German giants after his contract expired, Richards will now provide back-up at left-back behind wonderkid Alphonso Davies.
On signing for Bayern Munich, ex-Fulham youth player Richards told the club website it’s a ‘dream come true’.
Richards claimed: “My move to Bayern is a great honour for me.
“A dream has come true. I’m proud to be wearing the shirt of one of the world’s biggest clubs.”
TAKE XHAK
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka could be set for a summer switch to Roma to link up with Jose Mourinho.
According to Di Marzio, the Serie A side are desperate to bring the Swiss international to Italy.
And is has been stated that Roma are already in talks with his representatives over a move.
German clubs are also monitoring his situation should the Gunners decide to sell him.
Xhaka has arguably been Arsenal’s most consistent midfielder this term, with Mikel Arteta putting huge trust in him.
KNEE BOTHER
The FA are setting up plans to stop fans booing players taking a knee at Euro 2020, according to reports.
Since supporters have returned to stadiums this month, there have been a spate of incidents of some booing players taking the knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Ahead of Euro 2020, the FA is now thinking up ways to help prevent the protesting, according to The Telegraph.
One idea in the works is to release a film education fans as the the reason why England players will take a knee during the delayed tournament.
Euro 2020 will see the Three Lions play in front of fans for the first time since footballers began taking a knee before games.
And the number of matches where the gesture has been booed since a limited number of supporters were allowed into grounds – including the final day of the Premier League season – has worried the FA.
BLADES OF GLORY
Sheffield United have named former Watford and Fulham gaffer Slavisa Jokanovic as their new manager.
The 52-year-old has experience of Championship football having been promoted to the Premier League at Vicarage Road and Craven Cottage.
And the Blades have turned to the Serbian to help them achieve an instant return back to the top-fight.
Speaking of his appointment, Jokanovic said: “I’m honoured to become the manager of this historic football club.”
Before adding: “I want to assure our amazing fans that we’re fully committed to helping the team achieve its goals and make you feel proud.
“With your support, we can make Bramall Lane a fortress and I have no doubt that your voice will make a big difference to the team after so long without you last season.”
PIR WE GO
Juventus are set to sack Andrea Pirlo as manager and reappoint Max Allegri after their horror season.
Pirlo, who played for the Italian giants from 2011–2015, returned to the club last summer in place of Maurizio Sarri.
But the former midfielder suffered a disastrous first season in full management as for the first time in ten years, Juve failed to win the league.
And they only narrowly qualified for the Champions League on the final day of the season.
As a result, the board, according to Sky Sport Italia, have decided to fire Pirlo after only 12 months in charge.
And his replacement will be ex-boss Allegri, who has been out of management since 2019, when he left Turin.
HIT THE ROAD JACK
Jack Wilshere has declared he is unsure of what the future holds for him after being released by Bournemouth.
Taking to Instagram, he said: “Thank you to everyone @officialafcb for the last five months.
“My team-mates, All the staff and especially the fans. You were amazing last time and continued to support me this time.
“Being honest, I don’t know if this is the end. The coming weeks will tell.
“Unfortunately we didn’t reach our goal of promotion but there is plenty of positives and experience to take into next year to get this club back where it belongs!
“Have a good summer.”
JACK-ED IT IN
Jack Wilshere has been released by Bournemouth as his second spell with the club was brought to an end.
Wilshere rejoined the Cherries in January, four years after he first left, and played 17 times for the club, scoring twice.
He helped Bournemouth reach the play-offs after finishing sixth, but they were beaten by Brentford over two legs.
Facing another season in the Championship, the Cherries confirmed Wilshere’s departure but wished him all the best.
A statement read: “A class act on and off the pitch.
“We’d like to thank Jack Wilshere for his efforts since returning to the club and wish him all the best moving forward.”
AWAY WITH IT
Uefa club supremos will discuss plans to axe the away goals rule today.
SunSport revealed last month that Europe’s Club Competitions Committee was ready to change the much-criticised rule.
But a proposal for away goals to count extra in the first 90 minutes of the second leg was parked.
It was felt that stopping the advantage of away goals in extra-time would be too confusing.
Instead, panel members will debate scrapping the rule, originally introduced in the 1965-66 season.
Uefa is understood to be ‘neutral’ over the proposal, which must be approved by the ruling executive committee.
If club chiefs agree, it could end for 2021-22 European competitions.
LAC RUN OUT?
Arsenal reportedly remain undecided whether to hand Alexandre Lacazette a new contract.
The 29-year-old French striker – who has top scored for the Gunners this season with 17 goals – has just a year left on his deal.
Commenting on future, Goal journalist Charles Watts said on his YouTube channel: “Lacazette’s future is going to be decided very, very soon.
“I think we’ll find out very quickly about what’s happening with Alexandre Lacazette.
“Talks are being held over the next couple of weeks or so with him regarding his new contract, possible new contract, or whether he moves on.”
SPOT OF BOTHER
Man Utd legend Paul Scholes has hit out at David De Gea after his penalty heartache.
The Spaniard conceded 11 of Villarreal’s spot-kicks before missing his own as United failed to end their four-year wait for silverware.
De Gea, 30, has now failed to save a penalty for five years with his last coming against Everton in the 2016 FA Cup semi-final. That record extends to 38 penalties without making a save.
Speaking to BT Sport, Scholes said: “Once you get to penalties, anything can happen, we know that.
“I always feel a little bit worried, being an Englishman, that we’re going to be on the wrong side of it.
“But I have to say, David – we spoke about his record before it – he didn’t look like saving a penalty.
“They got a little bit lucky with Luke Shaw’s penalty as well. It’s a difficult night to take, but give Villarreal credit.”
ZIDANE GONE
Real Madrid have confirmed that Zinedine Zidane has decided to depart the club for a second time.
A club statement read: “Real Madrid announces that Zinedine Zidane has decided to end his current stage as coach of our club.
“It is now time to respect his decision and show him our appreciation for his professionalism, dedication and passion in all these years, and for what his figure represents for Real Madrid.
“Zidane is one of the great myths of Real Madrid and his legend goes beyond what he has been as a coach and player of our club.
“He knows that he is at the heart of Real Madrid and that Real Madrid is and will always be his home.”
WILL I NEVER
WIllian is 100 per cent leaving Arsenal this summer.
That is according to Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, who has declared he will NOT be joining another English side.
It has been claimed that Willian was keen on a return to Chelsea, but Romano has ruled out that transfer.
Speaking on his Here We Go podcast, he said: “Willian. Willian is leaving the club, I want to confirm that Willian is leaving the club.
“There is nothing going on with other English clubs, but he’s leaving the club, so 100 per cent, Willian is going to leave.”
ALL TO PLAY FOR
Massimiliano Allegri could have the option of three European supergiants as they battle it out for his signature.
The Italian boss has been out of work since 2019 after spending five trophy-laden years with Juventus.
Real Madrid, Inter Milan and his former club Juve are expected to be looking for a new boss in the dugout this summer.
Zinedine Zidane has reportedly quit the Bernabeu with immediate effect after a difficult season in Madrid.
Antonio Conte is also on his way out of Serie A champions Inter following a disagreement with the board.
And reports in Gazzetta dello Sport add how Juve are considering replacing Andrea Pirlo after their nine-year reign in Italy came to an abrupt end.
Reports in Italy claim how Max Allegri is being targeted by Inter and Juventus LUK OF THE DRAW
Chelsea will attempt to sell Tammy Abraham plus FIVE other stars to help find a transfer move for Romelu Lukaku, according to a sensational report.
Owner Roman Abramovich is ready to back Thomas Tuchel in the summer transfer market in order to turn his club back into Premier League title challengers.
Tottenham star Harry Kane and Borussia Dortmund’s Erling Haaland are both on his wishlist.
However, according to The Sunday World, Abramovich is ‘eager’ to lure Lukaku back to west London from Inter Milan as he is one of his ‘favourite strikers’.
Today’s report states the sales of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ross Barkley, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Abraham will ‘likely to raise a healthy sum that will all be ploughed back into Tuchel’s transfer kitty’ this summer.
POCH LUCK
Tottenhan are reportedly IN TALKS to bring Mauricio Pochettino back to the club as manager.
After being sacked 18 months ago, Pochettino – now boss at Paris Saint-Germain – is being targeted by Daniel Levy.
According to The Athletic, Pochettino is yet to settle in France and could be open to a quick move back to England.
But they state that he may have to resign to force through a move as he still has one year left on his contract.
It has been said that the Spurs squad are already excited about the prospect of Pochettino potentially returning.
THREE PEAT
EXCLUSIVE – Kevin De Bruyne has been nursing THREE injuries leading up to the Champions League final.
The Manchester City star first hurt an ankle in the FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea at Wembley last month.
And that led to a tight hamstring and a minor issue with his calf in the weeks that followed.
So City chose to adopt an ultra-cautious approach with De Bruyne to ensure he is in top shape for the showdown with his old club Chelsea in Porto on Saturday night.
He believed he was ready to return at Brighton nine days ago, but City’s medical team, along with boss Pep Guardiola, did not want to take any unnecessary risks.
That meant he went 19 days without playing a minute after starring in the Champions League last-four win over French giants Paris Saint-Germain.
Read more HERE.
NO NOU START
Lionel Messi has agreed to stay at Barcelona for two more years, Spanish press are reporting.
Club president Joan Laporta is said to have got his star player’s agent dad Jorge to commit to him renewing until June 2023.
The announcement Messi is staying on after a year of uncertainty in which the Argentinian was linked to the likes of Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain will be made “shortly”.
Respected Spanish news website El Confidencial also says Barcelona will subsequently confirm Sergio Aguero is joining the Catalan giants following his recent announcement this season would be his last at the Etihad.
Reports in Spain say Messi’s final salary and payment arrangements are yet to be finalised because of an ongoing internal audit on Barcelona’s financial situation ordered following Joan Laporta’s March election as President.
El Confidencial reported: “The imaginative formula of paying Messi his new salary over 10 years has been explored, because Messi’s intention is that he remains at the club when he retires from the game.”
Lionel Messi has reportedly agreed a two-year contract extension THE FINAL COUNT
The FA have confirmed that an extra 2,000 tickets have been made available for the Championship play-off final between Brentford and Swansea on Saturday.
In accordance with government guidelines, the match’s original attendance was due to be capped at 10,000, with each club receiving an allocation of 4,000.
But, after extensive lobbying by the EFL, an extra 2,000 fans will be admitted into the 90,000-seater ground – taking the overall attendance to 12,000.
This is because event organisers have agreed to take part in a new pilot, as the NHS app is trialled.
The extra 2,000 tickets have been assigned equally to the clubs involved.
And supporters with these tickets will have to download the new NHS app – not to be mixed up with the existing NHS COVID-19 app.
Wembley will have 12,000 fans for the Championship play-off final between Brentford and Swansea City on Saturday PHIL YER BOOTS
Arsenal have been given the green light to land Philippe Coutinho but will have to wait until July, according to reports.
The Brazilian is just one of the names up for grabs from Barcelona this summer as they look to reduce their staggering wage bill.
Arsenal looked into the possibility of landing Coutinho on loan last summer but were put off by the financial aspect of the deal and instead signed Martin Odegaard.
However, they are set to reignite their interest with Everton also interested, according to Sky Sports.
Coutinho is currently undergoing rehabilitation on knee surgery having been ruled out of action since January.
He will hold off making a decision on his future until July when he can start training again.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
