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 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…
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
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.
Eze back into it for World Cup dream
Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze is closing in on a late England call for the World Cup.
The 23-year-old has come back with a bang after a long lay-off with Achilles tendon trouble.
Eze has dazzled lately and brings the kind of skills that could grace the international stage and add to the Three Lions group.
Palace have been on the England watch-list because of midfielder Conor Gallagher and defenders Marc Guehi and Tyrick Mitchell.
Now Eze is finishing the season strongly after a steady return to fitness since October.
Southgate has Phil Foden, Mason Mount and Jack Grealish down the left side of his midfield and attack but Eze is now being seriously considered for a place.
Eze can play wide and even move into the middle.
He was on the brink of an England breakthrough before he was injured in training at the end of last season.
Villa bid to hijack Boubacar deal
Aston Villa are planning a late move to snatch Marseille free agent Boubacar Kamara on a bumper deal.
Villa chief Steve Gerrard is still looking for extra cover in midfield.
And the highly-fancied Frenchman is the next big name in his sights.
Kamara, 22, has been linked with several Premier League clubs.
Manchester United have reportedly been keen on the France Under-21 ace.
And big-spending Newcastle have also been rumoured to be watching him.
Signing Frenkie could be a De-saster
Man United have been urged not to sign Barcelona star Frenkie De Jong.
The midfielder isn’t the right fit for Man United’s set-up, according to Steve Nicol.
He said: “If there’s one thing he doesn’t like it’s when there are people scurrying around him, closing him down, and I’m not so sure he’s the greatest at doing it the other way around.
“So if he goes to Man United, how’s he going to get the ball? Because they don’t have anybody to get him the ball.”
Prem duo in for David
Arsenal reportedly face a transfer battle for Jonathan David.
The Gunners have been linked with a move for the Lille striker.
But according to But! Football Club, West Ham and Aston Villa are also tracking David.
Marseille eye permanent Saliba deal
Marseille manager Jorge Sampaoli wants to keep hold of Arsenal star William Saliba on a permanent basis.
Sampaoli said, via talkSPORT: “William’s progress is linked to his development this season and the maturity he now has and his playing time.
“He is now consistent, he’s grown up as a player.
“In relation to his situation at the club, I hope that there is a possibility for us to retain a player like him, who knows the team.
“But I don’t know if it depends on Olympique Marseille, William or Arsenal, I don’t know the possibilities in this case.”
PSG could offload four keepers
PSG are planning to sell multiple goalkeepers this summer with the club set to make Gianluigi Donnarumma their undisputed No1.
French outlet L’Equipe claim PSG have selected Donnarumma, 23, to be first choice next season ending his competition with Keylor Navas.
Donnarumma has played 23 times in all competitions while Navas has featured on 25 occasions.
As a result of the decision, the Costa Rican keeper could be set for a move away from the Parc des Princes with Newcastle and Juventus reportedly interested.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been hoarding goalkeepers but reportedly now want to offload the majority of them – including Alphonse Areola, Sergio Rico and Marcin Bulka. All three have been out on loan this season.
Bayern in for Chelsea and Utd ‘target’ Dembele
Bayern Munich reportedly added Ousmane Dembele to their list of summer transfer targets.
The France winger, 24, is set to leave Barcelona on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with a potential swoop for the star, including PSG, Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Blues were planning to go all-out to sign the winger in the coming months, however, they now face some serious competition from Bayern Munich.
According to Sky Sports, the German giants are very interested in signing Dembele and have already made contact with his representatives.
Julian Nagelsmann is eager to sign a new forward who has the ability to make a difference in attack.
Bayern in for Chelsea and Utd ‘target’ Dembele
Bayern Munich have reportedly added Chelsea target Ousmane Dembele – who has often been linked with Manchester United – to their list of summer transfer targets.
The France winger, 24, is set to leave Barcelona on a free transfer when his contract expires this summer.
Some of Europe’s biggest clubs have been linked with a potential swoop for the star, including PSG.
The Blues were planning to go all-out to sign the winger in the coming months, however, they now face some serious competition from Bayern Munich.
According to Sky Sports, the German giants are very interested in signing Dembele and have already made contact with his representatives.
Julian Nagelsmann is eager to sign a new forward who has the ability to make a difference in attack.
‘Gunners win race for Hickey’
Arsenal have beaten AC Milan and Napoli to Bologna left-back Aaron Hickey, reports in Italy suggest.
It’s claimed the Gunners have agreed terms with the twice-capped Scotland star.
The Italians reportedly rate Hickey at around £21million after he hit five Serie A goals this season.
Arsenal line up ‘opening bid for Jesus’
Arsenal’s pursuit of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus is tipped to step up with an opening bid.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reckons City rate the Brazilian at between 50million to 80m euros – £42.5m to £68m.
It’s understood the Gunners have been in touch over Jesus over the past week.
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.”
Toon head Utd and Chelsea in Ekitike race
Newcastle are closing in on Chelsea and Manchester United target Hugo Ekitike.
90min say the Toon believe they can soon complete a deal for the Reims striker, 19.
It’s claimed Newcastle wee hovering for Ekitike in January and that negotiations have continued.
The teenager is enjoying a breakthrough season, with Reims 12th in Ligue 1.
Prem giants battle Barca for Lewandowski
Robert Lewandowski wants to leave Bayern Munich this summer, the Bundesliga giants have confirmed.
The Pole has been linked with a move to Barcelona, having snubbed a new deal at Bayern.
Lewandowski’s deal has one year left to run.
Bayern 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.”
According to The Times, Barca have agreed a three-year deal with Lewandowski and believe they can sign him for a fee between £25million and £35m.
Dom ‘n gloom
Arsenal and Newcastle have received a blow in their pursuit of Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton manager Frank Lampard has now insisted the England international is in his long-term plans.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Brentford, he said: “He is a fantastic striker, the pedigree of striker that there aren’t many around. It’s been unfortunate for me, I think, that I haven’t had him fit.
“He’s had little moments but we know that strikers – particularly out of any position – need runs of games and fitness and confidence.
“We’ve never been able to get that for Dominic to be fair to him. But yeah, he’s a huge player, they are not very common. He is contracted to us, three years left on his contract, and I want to take this club forward and players like Dominic help that.
“I know he hasn’t been playing at the minute because he’s been getting fit, but now he’s fit, so hopefully he will contribute in the last few games for starters and then he’s our player.
“He’s a player that would be wanted by clubs because of the level of player he is.
“There are not many strikers out there, they cost a lot of money. I’m not worried about him at all.”
Kamara posts health update
Chris Kamara has posted a photo of him inside an oxygen chamber as he continues to battle his speech condition.
Last month, the 64-year-old revealed he is fighting Apraxia of Speech after viewers spotted him slurring his words.
Shortly after the announcement, he confirmed that he was leaving Sky Sports football show Soccer Saturday after 24 years on the programme.
And the fan favourite, who has continued with presenting The Games on ITV, gave an update to his followers on Saturday morning.
Speaking on social media, he said: “6 enjoyable days working on The Games 🥳 .
“Back in the Oxygen chamber today 😷 as the recovery continues 👌🏽.”
PSG plan keeper clear-out
Paris Saint-Germain are planning to sell multiple goalkeepers this summer with the club set to make Gianluigi Donnarumma their undisputed No1.
French outlet L’Equipe claim PSG have selected Donnarumma, 23, to be first choice next season ending his competition with Keylor Navas.
Donnarumma has played 23 times in all competitions while Navas has featured on 25 occasions.
As a result of the decision, the Costa Rican keeper could be set for a move away from the Parc des Princes with Newcastle and Juventus reportedly interested.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side have been hoarding goalkeepers but reportedly now want to offload the majority of them – including Alphonse Areola, Sergio Rico and Marcin Bulka. All three have been out on loan this season.
Villa join Aribo transfer race
Aston Villa have joined the Premier League chase for Rangers star Joe Aribo.
The Nigeria international was a key figure when Villa boss Steven Gerrard led the Gers to last season’s Scottish Premiership title.
And the pair could be reunited with the versatile midfielder tipped to return south of the border this summer amid interest from Crystal Palace, Brentford and other top-flight English clubs.
Real Madrid plot Wolves raid
Real Madrid are reportedly considering a swoop for Wolves starlet Fabio Silva.
The Spanish giants are looking for a future successor to the ageing Karim Benzema.
And Defensa Central claim Madrid view Silva as the man to fill Benzema’s boots one day.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
