REAL MADRID have officially began negotiations with Monaco over French wonderkid Aurelien Tchouameni according to reports.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano mentioned that Los Blancos feel confident of luring the midfielder to the Bernabeu, however Monaco will not accept anything less than £68 million.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski has confirmed he is leaving Bayern Munich – saying simply: “My era at Bayern is now over.”
He added: “Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me. I don’t want to play there anymore – it’s clear.
And Sadio Mane could be heading to the Bundesliga giants to help fill Lewandowski’s void.
But the AFCON winner revealed that he was close to joining Manchester United before putting pen to paper at Anfield.
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Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
Transfer fire sale
Arsenal are hoping to put together a major sale at the Emirates this coming summer.
SunSport exclusively reported the Gunners are hoping to scrape together £60million from selling outcasts.
And Bernd Leno is one of seven players in for the chop at a knockdown price as he has fallen out of favour after Aaron Ramsdale’s success.
The North Londoners missed out on Champions League football and important funds
Mane almost joined United
Liverpool star Sadio Mane has revealed how close he came to agreeing a move to Manchester United before Jurgen Klopp convinced him to join the Reds instead.
In an interview with The Telegraph, Mane, who has been linked with a move to Bayern Munich, said: “I was really close to going to Manchester United.
“I had the contract there. I had it all agreed. It was all ready, but instead I thought, ‘No, I want to go to Liverpool’.
“I was convinced to go with Klopp’s project”
Lewandowski leaving Bayern
Bayern Munich legend Robert Lewandowski has announced he doesn’t want to stay at the Allianz Arena.
Lewandowski said: “My era at Bayern is over. I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore.
“Bayern are a serious club and I believe that they will not keep me just because they can.
“I don’t want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me”
Tchouameni transfer blow
As mentioned earlier, Real Madrid are set to sign Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni for £68million.
It had been said that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag identified Tchouameni as his preferred midfield target.
Meanwhile, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain were also claimed to be keen on securing the midfielder’s services.
And Arsenal as well as Liverpool were also credited with an interest in the France international.
But it is Real who are set to nab the 22-year-old with Carlo Ancelotti’s side in advanced negotiations
Staying in Tch
Real Madrid have won the race to prise Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni away in a £68million deal.
Tchouameni will be on the way out of the Ligue 1 side this summer after the club confirmed they will not stand in his way of an exit.
According to AS, the midfielder is closing in on a switch to the Santiago Bernabeu and the transfer will be completed imminently with a full agreement to be reached in the coming days.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has also stated that the France international is on his way to link up with the Champions League holders
EXCLUSIVE – Ten Hag watching Mount’s contract situation at Chelsea
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag is watching Mason Mount’s contract situation at Chelsea as he considers a shock move for the England star.
Mount has seen contract talks at Stamford Bridge stall following the protracted takeover of the club by Todd Boehly.
And his long-term future in West London is no longer secure.
New United boss Ten Hag is well aware of the 23-year-old’s predicament and United’s interest has already been registered with the player’s camp.
Ten Hag first became aware of Mount’s abilities when he impressed as a teenager on loan with Vitesse Arnheim in Holland.
The Old Trafford chief has tracked his progress closely ever since, and given the chance, it is believed he would jump at the opportunity to try to tempt him to the North West.
Despite being named the London club’s player of the year for a second time, Mount is one of the lowest paid in the squad at Stamford Bridge.
He still has two years left on his £88,000-a-week existing deal.
But the need for the Blues to completely rebuild their defence this summer has seen his contract talks fall down the list of priorities.
Juventus ‘closing in on double free transfer swoop
Juventus are on the brink of signing Paul Pogba AND Angel Di Maria on free transfers – saving a whopping £135million in transfer fees – according to reports in Italy.
Di Maria, 34, has already confirmed his Paris Saint-Germain exit after his contract expired, writes Dave Fraser.
Pogba, 29, is also expected to walk away from Manchester United when his deal runs out on June 30.
And Gazzetta dello Sport have claimed Juventus are set to sign BOTH on free transfers with the deals to be completed in the coming days.
The Italian giants, who finished only fourth in Serie A in 2021-22, are desperate to overthrow the two Milan clubs and win their first title since 2019-20.
They are believed to have already offered Pogba a three-year deal worth around £200,000 per week – with the United star’s barber even hinting at a return to the Old Lady.
And they are hopeful of tempting Di Maria into signing on too.
The report claims Juventus hope to announce Pogba as their own player for a second time THIS WEEK.
Mane should consider Munich, says James
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James thinks that it “makes sense” for Reds striker Sadio Mane to consider leaving Anfield for Bayern Munich.
The 51-year-old reckons not many would “argue against it” as he spoke to GGRecon.
James said: “What’s interesting is the Mane part of the conversation. This is a guy that has won so much and done so well with Liverpool.
“I look at him in a very positive way, this is a guy that has traveled around in his career a little bit, and therefore the idea that he could travel to another country would make sense.
“Having just turned 30, he’s sort of at the height of his powers. He’s been successful with a number of trophies with Liverpool, especially with two trophies this year, and with Senegal, qualifying for the World Cup and winning the Africa Cup of Nations, which is one of the major things he wanted to achieve.
“For any performer you would say, where is my best opportunity for me to make the next move and I would argue that now for Mane it is the right opportunity. It’s nothing against Liverpool. I don’t think many would argue against it.
How the Toon could look next season
Eddie Howe is preparing for another transfer splurge this summer which could see Newcastle take on a whole-new look next season.
Especially after Toon stole transfer guru Dan Ashworth from Brighton to act as sporting director, an announcement confirmed yesterday.
SunSport exclusively revealed last week that Newcastle are set to offer Karl Darlow to Manchester United as part of a deal to land Dean Henderson.
Elsewhere Newcastle are reportedly ready to smash their transfer record with a £50million bid for Lyon star Lucas Paqueta.
Paqueta has the same agent as fan-favourite Bruno Guimaraes, also signed from Lyon in January.
In attack Newcastle could look to bring in Bayer Leverkusen winger Moussa Diaby.
It’s claimed Toon have been quoted a price of £40million plus for the French international, but money is no longer a problem to the Saudi-owned outfit.
‘They know what I want’
Everton and Brazil forward Richarlison has broken his silence on his future.
The forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal recently.
Richarlison said: “I’ve already made it clear to the board.
“I’ve already talked to Frank Lampard too, with my agents and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June.
“Now I can’t talk, because when we talk about leaving a club I’m kind of like this, because of the history I have at Everton, the affection that the fans have for me.
“When we talk about leaving I’m a little speechless.”
Utd’s new 2022-23 away kit leaked
Manchester United’s away kit for the 2022/23 season has reportedly been leaked with fans gushing over the white shirt and black shorts combination.
According to Footy Headlines, their away jersey will be white and accustomed by black shorts and white socks.
The white is a throwback to their away strip in 2015/16 and even their third kit from 2009/10 through until 2011/12.
Man Utd were champions in 2010/11 with a white shirt and black shorts as their third kit during the season.
Premier League be warned… City aren’t finished
Manchester City have vowed there are more new signings to come after buying “the best No 9 in the world”.
The Premier League champs moved quickly to tie up a £51.4million move for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, 21, on a five-year deal earlier this month.
Yet chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has vowed City are not finished there.
Khaldoon said: “In Haaland we have arguably the best No 9 in the world at the right age. When you look at the next ten-15 years we have invested in that striker for the future.
“He is a very, very unique striker that the whole world has been looking at.
“His record is phenomenal. Every big team in the world wanted Haaland to join them.
“He is one of the most — if not the most — exciting strikers in the world.
“I can confirm that there will be more players coming in.
“We are looking to strengthen in the areas we need strengthening.”
De Jong prefers Gunners over Man Utd
Arsenal have advantage over Manchester United in the fight for Barcelona star Frenkie de Jong because of his hero Marc Overmars.
The Dutchman spoke to Voetbal International back in 2019.
De Jong said: “I actually thought Arsenal was pretty beautiful in the past.
“In my mind, I have had the following list for a long time: Ajax-Arsenal-Barcelona, call it the Marc Overmars route.
“But yes, if you can go directly to Barcelona, then you are also right where you want to be. Faster than you ever dared to dream.”
United hire new deputy director of football
Manchester United’s revamp of their football department has continued with the appointment of a new Deputy Director of Football.
Andy O’Boyle has left his current role as Head of Elite Performance at the Premier League to work with United’s Football Director John Murtough.
He will help with the club’s strategy across the first team, academy and youth team.
O’Boyle is well acquainted with Carrington having worked in the academy 16 years ago helping to develop players like Marcus Rashford.
Lukaku dreams of Inter return, say reports
Romelu Lukaku dreams of returning to the San Siro to play for Inter Milan next season, according to reports.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claims that the Inter Milan board will meet with Lukaku’s representatives in the “coming hours”.
He tweeted: “Inter board will meet Romelu Lukaku’s laywer in the coming hours.
“Belgian striker dreams of returning to Inter but nothing has been discussed yet with Chelsea on formula, salary and more.”
Sky Sport Italia report that it is a “complicated deal” as Chelsea paid over £100m for Rom a year ago.
Jur in luck
Manchester United are reportedly in preliminary talks with Ajax to bring centre-back Jurrien Timber to Old Trafford, writes Jake Lambourne.
It was reported in April how new Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag was looking to bring the 20-year-old to the Theatre of Dreams with him.
Timber’s representatives fuelled speculation that a transfer was on the horizon earlier this month when they posted a clip at an airport with the caption “deal closing time”.
Bayern Munich are also interested in the Holland international, but it is claimed that United are leading the race to secure his services.
The Guardian claims that negotiations with Ajax are at an initial stage and Ten Hag is keen to make Timber one of his first signings.
Lenglet available on loan
Barcelona have made defender Clement Lenglet available for a loan transfer this summer.
Sport claim the Frenchman is not part of boss Xavi’s plans for next season.
The news is a boost to Premier league trio Arsenal, Tottenham and Newcastle, who are all interested.
Lewandsoski announces decision to leave
Robert Lewandowski, 33, has announced that his time at Bayern Munich may be over.
The lethal striker said he DOESN’T want to stay.
Lewandowski said: “My era at Bayern is over. I don’t see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore.
“Bayern are a serious club and I believe that they will not keep me just because they can.
“I don’t want to play there anymore. A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don’t stop me.”
Winks wanted in shock Sevilla transfer
Sevilla are considering joining the race to sign Spurs star Harry Winks.
Tottenham have told the 26-year-old midfielder he can leave this summer as he is not essential to boss Antonio Conte’s plans.
The Spurs academy product, who has ten England caps, is valued at about £20million.
La Liga giants Sevilla would offer playmaker Winks the chance to revive his career in a league that would suit his technical ability.
Fulham and Everton have also been touted as possible destinations if he wants to stay in the Premier League.
Southampton are also interested but the price could be prohibitive as they are prioritising other positions in this summer’s transfer market.
Transfer news
Real Madrid have made an “official proposal” for Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gaga Slonina.
The keeper was once a target of Chelsea’s before government sanctions were put in place.
The 2004-born shot stopper has admirers at Bayern Munich too.
Barcelona have made defender Clement Lenglet available for a loan transfer this summer.
Sport claim the Frenchman is not part of boss Xavi’s plans for next season.
Sevilla are considering joining the race to sign Spurs star Harry Winks.
Tottenham have told the 26-year-old midfielder he can leave this summer as he is not essential to boss Antonio Conte’s plans.
The Spurs academy product, who has ten England caps, is valued at about £20million.
And finally, Todd Boehly’s takeover of Chelsea is officially complete.
The American takes ownership from controversial former owner Roman Abramovich, who was sanctioned by the UK government over his ties to Russian president Vladimir Putin.
Boehly said: “We are honoured to become the new custodians of Chelsea Football Club.
“We’re all in – 100% — every minute of every match. Our vision as owners is clear: we want to make the fans proud.”
Chelsea up Dembele chase
Chelsea are reportedly ready to offer summer transfer target Ousmane Dembele improved terms.
The winger is out of contract at Barcelona come the end of June and can join another club for free.
A number of Europe’s elite including Chelsea and Man Utd are keen on the Frenchman.
But according to Fichajes, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has requested the club to complete the signing of Dembele.
‘They know what I want’
Everton and Brazil forward Richarlison has broken his silence on his future.
The forward has been linked with a move to Arsenal recently.
Richarlison said: “I’ve already made it clear to the board.
“I’ve already talked to Frank Lampard too, with my agents and they know what I want. Let’s wait for June.
“Now I can’t talk, because when we talk about leaving a club I’m kind of like this, because of the history I have at Everton, the affection that the fans have for me.
“When we talk about leaving I’m a little speechless.”
City chairman promises more signings
Manchester City have vowed there are more new signings to come after buying “the best No 9 in the world”.
The Premier League champs moved quickly to tie up a £51.4million move for Borussia Dortmund striker Erling Haaland, 21, on a five-year deal earlier this month.
And Argentina international hotshot Julian Alvarez, 22, is also due to arrive from River Plate in July.
Yet chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has vowed City are not finished there.
Khaldoon said: “In Haaland we have arguably the best No 9 in the world at the right age. When you look at the next ten-15 years we have invested in that striker for the future.
“He is a very, very unique striker that the whole world has been looking at.
“His record is phenomenal. Every big team in the world wanted Haaland to join them.
“He is one of the most — if not the most — exciting strikers in the world.
“Haaland made a very wise decision in choosing to come to Man City. For us, it’s a super decision.
“And in Alvarez I think we have found one of the most talented young strikers in South America.
“But I can confirm that there will be more players coming in.
“We are looking to strengthen in the areas we need strengthening.”
Palmeiras rule out selling Danilo
Palmeiras have ruled out selling 21-year-old Danilo to West Ham or Arsenal.
The midfielder was being linked with a £21million switch to the Premier League.
But according to president Leila Pereira, Danilo isn’t going anywhere.
He said: “Our squad is very small. We need reinforcements. We need to buy players, not sell players.
“And, in the summer window, Danilo stays. You can put a nail in it.”
VP Buosi added: “I repeat and reiterate what President Leila Pereira said: Danilo will stay with us.
“We still have a way to go with Danilo. I repeat and reiterate: Danilo will not be sold.”
Credit: AFP Abramovich’s first game 19 years ago
Roman Abramovich era as Chelsea owner has finally come to an end following confirmation Todd Boehly has taken over at Stamford Bridge.
It concludes the Russian’s 19-year spell as Blues chief, a reign which has seen them collect five Premier League titles, FA Cups, three League Cups and two Champions Leagues.
Chelsea supporters would not have believed the kind of success they were going to have had you told them back in 2003.
However, it is important to remember that the team which Abramovich walked into Stamford Bridge with did secure them fourth place the previous season.
We looked at the team which started the first match of the Abramovich era – a Champions League qualifier against Slovakian side MSK Zilna on August 13, 2003 – as well as where they are now.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
