FRENKIE DE JONG is reportedly ready to snub Man Utd and former boss Erik ten Hag for Man City.
That is despite the Premier League leaders offering the Dutchman £6m less than their crosstown rivals.
Robert Lewandowski has agreed a three-year deal with Barcelona, according to reports from Germany.
The Pole has rejected a new deal with Bayern Munich and is said to believe he can only win the Ballon d’Or by playing outside the Bundesliga.
Meanwhile Real Madrid are reportedly optimistic that Kylian Mbappe will be earning his living at the Santiago Bernabeu next season.
The French talisman is out of contract with Paris Saint-Germain this summer and continues to dwell over his renewal offer which includes a reported £84 MILLION signing on fee.
And there are reports that Paul Pogba’s will be in Turin on Monday to meet with Juventus ahead of his imminent Manchester United exit.
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
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Sagna’s Man City plea
Former Manchester City star Bacary Sagna has recommended his former club sign AC Milan left-back Theo Hernandez this summer.
The Premier League champions have already made a huge statement in the transfer market, signing Borussia Dortmund ace Erling Haaland.
And “complete” Man City may not be done with their business as they still chase their first European crown.
Former City right-back Sagna has recommended they sign Milan star Hernandez.
“Maybe Left-back if I had to cover one position. But still, they have been doing well,” he told SunSport.
“But left-back they don’t have a natural left-footer, so that would be the one position.
“I like Theo Hernandez; he’s playing really well and has potential. He has a bright future.”
Bell of the ball
Liverpool are leading the race to sign Birmingham City player Jobe Bellingham, according to reports.
Liverpool have been asked to be kept informed on the 16-year-old’s situation according to the Mirror as he is free to sign a contract with other clubs from next season.
Along with Liverpool there is said to be interest from Premier League leaders Manchester City and Newcastle United, with Borussia Dortmund also keen on uniting him with him brother in Germany.
Jobe has turned out three times for the Birmingham City first team; playing 50 minutes in a 1-0 defeat against Plymouth in the FA Cup and 37 minutes across two appearances in the Championship.
Understandably most of his football this season has come in Premier League 2 and the Under 18 Premier League.
Tarkowski set for Newcastle transfer
James Tarkowski looks set to join Newcastle United after West Ham pulled out of the race to sign the defender, according to reports.
The 29-year-old has been on the radar for both clubs this summer as they look to improve their options in defence.
However, according to the Mirror, Newcastle are now leading the race to sign him after West Ham pulled out of the race due to their expectation of him preferring the switch to St James’ Park.
One factor which has no doubt increased the interest for the two-time England international is the impending expiry of his current deal with Burnley.
Eriksen wants Champions League football
Christian Eriksen has revealed that he would like to play in the Champions League again amid transfer interest from Man United and Tottenham.
Speaking to Viaplay, Eriksen said: “I do not think that there are some football players who can just pick and choose between clubs, because there are many criteria that come into play. There are also many clubs that need to see one’s path before that happens.
“I have different offers and options, which we are considering, and then we make a decision.
“I would love to play Champions League football again. I know how much fun it is, but it isn’t essential for me.”
Origi set for AC Milan
AC Milan are reportedly close to completing a deal for Divock Origi, whose contract runs out this summer.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano confirmed the Milan side’s interest in the 27-year-old, who are currently top of Serie A.
Romano tweeted: “AC Milan are working on final details to complete Divock Origi deal on a free transfer. Liverpool are aware of the negotiations between AC Milan and Origi agents, the contract proposal almost ready.”
Ten Hag wants Kante
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has been linked with a sensational swoop for N’Golo Kante this summer in a bid to bolster his midfield options next season.
According to The Mirror, chiefs at Manchester United, including Ten Hag, believe a swoop for Kante is a realistic proposition.
The news comes after SunSport exclusively revealed that the Blues were fearing Kante would be one of a number of players on their way out of the club.
Juventus’ Poga contract offer revealed
Juventus have reportedly prepared an offer to try and recruit Paul Pogba.
Juve won’t be able to match the wages Pogba currently receives at Man United.
The Serie A giants hope Juventus have prepared a contract worth £6.3m-a-season will be enough to convince Pogba to make the switch, according to Football Italia.
And the offer will also include various add-ons that could see the midfielder’s wages rise to double figures, the report adds.
Dwight Yorke gets manager role
Dwight Yorke has been named manager of A-League side Macarthur FC.
It is the Manchester United legend’s first managerial job after signing a two-year deal with the Australian side.
The 50-year-old said: “I am extremely excited in what is my first-ever senior full-time Head Coaching role, to take the reins at Macarthur FC.
“Having played in the inaugural A-League men’s season, I have continually followed the competition, and am aware of both the footballing and fan demands in Australia.
“I look forward to adding a positive contribution and improve the game at all levels, however of course my primary focus will be with the Bulls, to deliver them success and a style of football that defined me as a player.”
Petit wants four Arsenal signings
Arsenal have been urged to make four signings this summer.
And two of those recruits should be Wilfred Zaha and Allan Saint-Maximin, according to Emmanuel Petit.
He said, via the Express: “I’ve heard big names as well, Jesus, Sterling, I really like Zaha, or even someone like Saint-Maximin from Newcastle.
“Martinelli is a very good player, just like Saka, but when they get injured, who’s going to play on the left and right?
“There are no options, they need at least four players, at least two up front.”
Juventus close in on Pogba
Paul Pogba is set to hold talks with Juventus this week over a summer move.
However, Juve aren’t willing to pay Pogba the rumoured £9.3m he receives annually at Man United.
But the Serie A giants hope to haggle him down when his representatives meet with the club in the coming days, according to Goal, via the Daily Mail.
Arsenal agree Hickey transfer deal
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £21 million transfer fee with Bologna to sign Aaron Hickey.
Hickey operates mainly for Bologna at left full-back and has attracted interest from the likes of Newcastle, Manchester United and Napoli in the past.
And now it seems that it is the Gunners that have won the race for the Scotland international’s signature.
That’s according to CalcioNapoli24.it, who state that a transfer fee of £21m has been agreed between the two clubs.
They claim that Bologna’s sporting director Riccardo Bigon allegedly flew to London recently for talks with the Gunners.
And those discussions led to an agreement being made for the player.
Arsenal lead Nahuel Molina race
Arsenal are reportedly leading the transfer race for Udinese defender Nahuel Molina.
Atletico Madrid and Juventus are also tracking the right-back, but the Gunners seem to be edging the European duo in the proceedings, according to Football Italia.
Arsenal star Pablo Mari is on loan with Udinese and the Gunners plan to throw him into the mix to sweeten the deal for Molina, the report added.
Bayern boss on Lewandowksi
Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann is already looking forward to life without Robert Lewandowski.
Lewandowski looks set to leave Bayern this summer amid a contract row with the club.
And Nagelsmann has revealed the club have to move on quickly if Lewandowski leaves.
He said: “It’s not nice when you lose a good player.
“There’s little room for grief. You have to try to make the best of the situation.”
Man United’s part-exchange plan
Man United are reportedly hoping to use Anthony Martial in a part-exchange deal with Napoli’s Victor Osimhen.
Napoli have already rejected an offer from the Red Devils for Osimhen.
But United want to entice Napoli to the negotiation table by adding Martial into the mix as a makeweight, according to CaughtOffside.
But United also have to fend off interest from Arsenal who are tracking the striker too.
Ex-Barcelona winger passes away
Ex-Barcelona winger and Argentine under-20 international Maxi Rolon has died in a car crash which also claimed the life of his footballer twin brother Ariel, NATALIA PENZA WRITES.
The pair were killed instantly after losing control of the Fiat Punto they were travelling in on a bend and smashing into a tree.
The accident happened around 8am local time on Saturday on the main road between the towns of Pujato and Casilda in the Argentine province of Santa Fe.
Barcelona said in a tweet as news of the tragedy involving its 28-year-old ex player emerged: “We are dismayed by the death of Maxi Rolon, a Barcelona youth football player from 2010 to 2016.
“We express our deepest condolences and send full support to his family. Rest in peace.”
Lewandowski’s contract debate with Bayern
Robert Lewandowski has denied Bayern Munich’s claims that they offered him a new contract.
Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidžić said that Lewandowski rejected a contract extension from the club.
But Lewandowski insists that isn’t the case as Bayern haven’t presented him with an offer which is why he’s decided to leave, according to Bild.
Lewandowski agent piles on pressure
Robert Lewandowski’s agent is piling the pressure on Bayern Munich to sell the striker to Barcelona, according to reports.
Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a verbal three-year contract with Barca.
But the two teams are yet to reach an agreement over the sale of Lewandowski.
And the Poland international’s agent Pini Zahavi, is said to be coaxing Bayern into letting Lewandowski leave for Spain, according to Sport1, via barcauniversal.
Haaland names better strikers
Erling Haaland named the seven strikers he thinks were better than him.
The Borussia Dortmund star, 21, burst on to the scene with a series of stunning displays over recent years with Red Bull Salzburg and now in Germany.
Scoring goals for fun, Haaland made his transfer to the Bundesliga giants in the winter transfer window of 2020.
And in an interview with VG in October of that year, the Norwegian sensation could only think of seven centre-forwards in world football better than him at the time – and it was some list.
The seven was made up of five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo and Robert Lewandowski from rivals Bayern Munich.
Three of the remaining five strikers also ply their trade in the Premier League with Tottenham hero Harry Kane, Roberto Firmino of Liverpool and Chelsea man Timo Werner – who has struggled to replicate his form from Germany at Stamford Bridge.
New Barcelona ace Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is on the list, as is the man he replaced at the Nou Camp, Sergio Aguero, who was forced to retire last year.
Xavi not worried by Lew’s age
Barcelona boss Xavi has insisted he is open to signing veterans amid the Catalan giants being linked with a move for Robert Lewandowski.
Xavi is hoping to restore Barca to their former glory but the club’s economic situation could slow down his plans.
Barca have been linked with a move for 33-year-old Bayern Munich striker Lewandowski.
The Poland international and Ballon d’Or 2021 runner-up would significantly bolster Xavi’s attacking ranks.
And Xavi has insisted he is open to signing veterans despite trying to build a youthful, competitive squad.
Xavi brought Dani Alves, 38, back to the club on a free transfer.
The Barca and Spain legend said: “I signed Dani Alves at 38.
“It’s not age, it’s performance. Players take care of themselves so much and every year they are more professional.
“Ibrahimovic, Modric, Dani Alves, they all have a very high performance at important clubs.
“Cristiano [Ronaldo] and [Lionel] Messi too. Age is not a priority. If it improves us, that’s the important thing.”
Lew ‘agrees 3-year Barca deal’
Robert Lewandowski has reportedly agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona.
The Pole has been linked with a move to the Nou Camp after snubbing a new deal at Bayern Munich.
He still has a year to run on his existing agreement with the Bundesliga side but they have now confirmed that the forward wants to leave them.
The Times state that Lewandowski is set to join Barcelona.
And they report that he has verbally agreed to sign a three-year contract with them.
Now all that remains is for them to thrash out a transfer fee for him.
Confirming that Lewandowski, who has scored 49 goals for the club this term, wants to go, Bayern’s sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic told Sky Germany: “I spoke with Lewa.
“In that discussion he informed me that he does not want to accept our offer to extend the contract and that he would like to leave the club.
“He said he wants to do something else. But our position has not changed.
“The fact is he has a contract to June 30, 2023.”
Shaw waiting on bumper new £180k-a-week deal
EXCLUSIVE: Luke Shaw will be kept waiting on a fresh £180,000-a-week Old Trafford contract until his new manager has given the thumbs up, writes JOSHUA MBU.
Shaw, 26, has just one more season left on his current deal and so far Manchester United bosses have been in no rush to come up with an extension.
Instead United insiders insist the club will trigger their 12-month option to keep the left back until 2024.
And that will give ten Hag the time to make an informed decision on whether the defender can be a part of his longer term plans.
Shaw has had a stop-start Old Trafford career ever since his £32million signing from Southampton in 2014.
Sparkling spells have been offset by serious injuries and a battle to win over former boss Jose Mourinho.
And although he was back to his best last season, Ten Hag wants to assess him properly before committing to a long-term decision.
United hold a similar view on Brazil midfielder Fred, 29, although they would be more willing to listen to offers this summer at the right price.
Gunners favourites to land Marquinhos
Arsenal are tipped to beat Wolves to Sao Paulo winger Marquinhos.
Atletico Madrid are also said to be keen on the 19-year-old.
But respected journalist Fabrizio Romano believes the Gunners are preparing paperwork to sign Marquinhos.
‘Sad’ Tuchel felt sure Chelsea would win
Thomas Tuchel claims he was sure Chelsea would win the FA Cup final – right up to Liverpool’s final shootout penalty.
The Blues boss praised his ‘excellent’ side for shutting out ‘maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world’ as the Reds triumphed 6-5 on penalties after a goalless 120 minutes.
And he revealed just how confident he was that they would come out on top – after Liverpool beat them the same way in February’s Carabao Cup final.
He told the Wembley press conference: “No regrets. I’m proud of the team.
“We were sure we could make life for Liverpool difficult – and we did again.
“We struggled in the first 15 minutes then we were excellent and played a goalless draw against maybe the most dangerous attacking team in the world.
“I was sure before the match and I was sure during the game we would win.
“I was sure momentum was on our side and I was sure until the very last minute and unfortunately I was not right.”
Gerro rules out exit for Hammers’ target Watkins
Steven Gerrard killed speculation his Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins could join West Ham with two words: “Going nowhere,” writes GREEME BRYCE.
Hammers boss David Moyes has been linked with a big-money summer bid for the 26-year-old England striker, to ease the burden on sole striker Michail Antonio.
But Villa boss Gerrard dismissed it as a total non-starter and said: “We love Ollie and really enjoy working with him.
“To take this club where we need to take it we need goalscorers, we need top players and Ollie Watkins is a top player.
“I will fight as hard as I need to fight if it ever comes up. But it’s not going to because I know the owners and I know Christian Purslow (CEO) and Johan Lange (Director of Football) are on the same page.
“We want to build this around the likes of Ollie Watkins. We are delighted with him.
“He’s our leading scorer this year so for me it doesn’t make sense at all to even listen to speculation about Ollie Watkins. It’s a straight no”
Park ‘n ride to Cottagers
Prem new boys Fulham are signing Oldham’s teenage centre half Damon Park in a bargain deal.
Fulham have stepped in to agree a few with Latics for centre half Park, 16, who is tipped for big things at the club who dropped out of the EFL.
Park has come through the youth ranks at Oldham and was spotted by the Londoners who are keen to pick up domestic talent for the future.
Fulham will only pay around £150,000 up front for Park with extras based on achievements and appearances.
Oldham Athletic recently fell out of the EFL.
The Latics came 23rd in League Two amid off field turmoil.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
