KEVIN DE BRUYNE could miss out on Euro 2020 for Belgium after suffering two broken bones in the Champions League final.
Meanwhile Matthijs de Ligt has clarified previous comments stating that he had turned down the coronavirus vaccine.
And Harry Maguire is increasingly confident of being fit for England vs Croatia.
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Follow all of the latest news, build up and updates below…
DIO-GO?
Manchester United right-back Diogo Dalot is unsure over his future at the club.
The 22-year-old had a successful loan spell at Italian giants AC Milan, helping them finish second in the Serie A.
Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dalot said: “I like to become more and more complete.
“The Italians love football, they always talk about it and being part of this culture has been a fantastic experience. And on the pitch, I feel I have improved a lot tactically.
“There are some defensive aspects I learned here and it was fantastic to develop these qualities too.
“That’s not the only thing either, as I improved in pressing high and recovering the ball as soon as possible.
“Very useful stuff. I say that I had a fantastic year and met beautiful people.
“It was a real pleasure to play for Milan but now I think about the Euros and I really don’t know (on his future) what will happen.”
EDDIE SET GO
Watford want to sign Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah ahead of their Premier League return, according to reports.
The Gunners will reportedly demand £15million for the England youth international, who has a year left on his Emirates contract.
According to the Mirror, Arsenal are looking to cash in on Nketiah before his contract expires – and Watford are willing to make a bid.
SAUL SEARCHING
Spain international Saul Niguez is pushing for a move away from Atletico Madrid
That is according to the Daily Mirror, who claim that Saul is ready to bid farewell to Atletico in the summer.
The star midfielder has been linked with a move to Manchester United for a long time.
However, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus are also keeping tabs on the 26-year-old ace
GETTY IMAGES
VILLA TRIO
Former Aston Villa ace Stephen Warnock believes Jack Grealish, Tyrone Mings and Ollie Watkins are going to play a crucial role for England in Euro 2020.
Warnock told the Daily Star: “You look at Grealish and for me he’s a shoo in, he has to go.
“What we saw with Grealish is when he played for England, the standard didn’t drop. In fact, playing with better individuals took his game to another level.
“I think Mings will also be selected because of a potential injury to Maguire and how he gives Southgate that option to go three at the back.
“Watkins is a player who deserves to be there given his goal return and the way he’s taken to the Premier League”
IT’S BEN GREAT
England international Ben Chilwell claimed that the Champions League triumph is exactly why he decided to join Chelsea last summer.
Chilwell told Sky Sports: “We fought so hard today.
“We knew it would be a tough game. The second half… we fought for our lives to get to this moment, to have this feeling.
“This is what I came to Chelsea for. It’s a dream come true”
GETTY IMAGES AIN’T NO MOUNT-AIN HIGH
England international Mason Mount, who provided the assist for Kai Havertz’s goal, claims Chelsea proved they are the “best team in the world”.
Mount told Sky Sports: “I can’t put it into words. It’s impossible.
“I just mentioned then that I’ve played in two finals for Chelsea and we lost them both. The way that hurt… It’s all I’ve dreamt winning a trophy with Chelsea.
“To go all the way in the Champions League. We played some tough teams. We are in a final and we won it. It’s such a special occasion.
“At this moment in time, we’re the best team in the world. You can’t take that away from us”
STRIK-INGS OPTION
Chris Sutton claims Southampton star Danny Ings could go to either Manchester United or Manchester City in the summer as a cheaper striking option.
Ings put together another impressive season for Southampton but didn’t earn an England call-up ahead of Euro 2020.
Sutton told BBC Radio 5Live: “There’s talk about Danny Ings leaving.
“He could end up at Manchester City or Manchester United.
“There are all sorts of rumours flooding around the Norfolk area, but that’s what I have heard.
“And how could they [Southampton] possibly replace him?”
PEP TALK
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola appeared confident that Belgium international Kevin De Bruyne will soon be able to return to the pitch ahead of Euro 2020.
Guardiola told Sky Sports: “He [Kevin De Bruyne] was injured but this happens.
“In these kind of games, we need everyone.
“The ambition now is to the rest, and then game by game we will come back and hopefully return to this stage in the future”
DE BRUYNE SPEAKS OUT
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne suffered a heavy facial injury during the Champions League Final against Chelsea.
De Bruyne collided with Blues star Antonio Rudiger after 60 minutes and hobbled off the pitch with a black eye.
The attacking midfielder was taken to hospital and took to Twitter to announce that he’s been diagnosed with acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture.
The Belgium international tweeted the following:
DE BRUYNE LATEST
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne may have to miss Belgium’s first Euro 2020 matches in the group stage.
De Bruyne was forced off the Champions League Final after a rough clash with Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger on 60 minutes.
The attacking midfielder was diagnosed with acute nose bone fracture and left orbital fracture.
According to ESPN, the 29-year-old will need three weeks to heal, which means he may not play any part in the group stage against Denmark, Finland and Russia.
However, there is no way De Bruyne is going to miss the whole tournament provided that Belgium make it out of the group stage
RING THE BALE
Gareth Bale is unlikely to return to Real Madrid despite Zinedine Zidane’s exit from the club.
That is according to Eurosport, who claim that Bale won’t be running down his Real contract, which expires next year, and Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy could take up the option to keep the forward next season.
The Wales international spent the campaign on loan at Spurs and still impressed, even though he didn’t replicate the same incredible performances from his first stint.
The 31-year-old had an uneasy relationship with Zidane at the Santiago Bernabeu but the Frenchman’s departure may not do much to bring him back
BALE RETIREMENT
Real Madrid star Gareth Bale, who spent the season on loan at Tottenham, was recently linked with early retirement.
Reports from Spain have claimed that Bale is considering negotiating a payout from Real and could even retire from football altogether after Euro 2020, where he will play for Wales.
However, the Wales international’s agent Jonathan Barnett has poured cold water on this speculation with an explosive statement.
Barnett told talkSPORT when asked about the matter: “Sorry, don’t speak about rubbish reporting”
GETTY IMAGES STAYING RON
Cristiano Ronaldo won’t be leaving Juventus in the upcoming summer transfer window after Euro 2020.
That is according to Ronaldo’s girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez who confirmed that the Portugal international, who was linked with a return to Manchester United, will stay in Turin.
Rodriguez made that statement as she was filmed walking in the street in Spain.
She was asked: “Is Cristiano staying at Juventus or not?”
After a moment’s silence she turned to the camera filming her and replied: “He’s staying”
MAGUIRE UPDATE
Harry Maguire seems confident of featuring in England’s Euro 2020 kick-off match against Croatia on June 13.
Maguire suffered an ankle injury against Aston Villa and has since been in a race against time to be fit for the summer’s Euros.
According to the Daily Mail, however, the centre-back’s progress is looking good and there is confidence that he will be fit in just two weeks.
The Red Devils are reportedly set to meet Maguire on Monday for a fresh check-up, with the results once again beamed to Gareth Southgate’s physios.
VARANE UPDATE
Manchester United are reportedly set to double Real Madrid star Raphael Varane’s wages at Old Trafford.
Real are going to sell Varane if he opts to snub a new contract offer at the Santiago Bernabeu.
According to ABC, Los Blancos are ready to make decisions regarding captain Sergio Ramos, who was omitted from Spain’s Euro 2020 squad, and the France international after confirming the signing of David Alaba.
Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has prioritised a centre-back signing to partner up with England international Harry Maguire in defence, and Varane poses as his top preference
SAM-THING SPECIAL
Manchester United are looking to bring West Brom goalkeeper Sam Johnstone back.
United have placed Johnstone at the head of their wishlist if David De Gea or Dean Henderson go in the summer.
The Baggies might cash in after their relegation to the Championship as the England international is also one of their top earners.
The 28-year-old made 37 appearances this season and was one of the few West Brom aces who impressed during a turbulent campaign
DE LIGT CLARIFICATION
Juventus star Matthijs de Ligt clarified his recent comments regarding the coronavirus vaccinations.
De Ligt previously suggested that he is not keen on taking the jab as “it is not mandatory” and “you should be in charge of your own body”.
However, the Netherlands international took to Twitter and insisted that he is indeed in favour of the vaccines and will have it soon.
De Ligt tweeted: “In my recent interview, I was not clear with my response. In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.”
DE BRUYNE INJURY
Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne suffered a serious injury during the Champions League Final and had to be substituted.
De Bruyne collided with Chelsea ace Antonio Rudiger close to the hour-mark and hobbled off the pitch with an apparent head injury, which also gave him a black eye.
There is still no update on his condition but last night’s clash raises some serious questions regarding the attacking midfielder’s fitness ahead of Euro 2020.
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez will be counting a lot on the 29-year-old in the country’s hope of winning the trophy in the summer
GETTY IMAGES TRUE ART-IST
England international Raheem Sterling has previously praised Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, with whom he worked at Manchester City when the Spaniard was Pep Guardiola’s assistant.
The Gunners are reportedly interested in sealing a deal with Sterling ahead of the summer transfer window following rumours suggesting he will be offloaded by City.
The star forward previously said: “[Arteta is] a person that had a lot of say here [at City]. The manager trusted him here and he had a lot of influence on the players here and the team as well.
“So I knew once he went into Arsenal that it would be a great opportunity for him but also he would definitely implement what he wanted to bring in.
“And he’s a person that will put his foot down and not let things slide as you can see with the boys at Arsenal. They know if they don’t run they are most likely not going to play”
STERLING/MAHREZ SALE EXPLAINED
Manchester City appear likely to sell Raheem Sterling and Riyad Mahrez ahead of the summer transfer window.
England international Sterling and Mahrez failed to shine in the Champions League Final, which saw Chelsea being crowned two-time European champions in Porto.
Arsenal as well as Real Madrid and Barcelona are currently monitoring the situation.
According to Metro, City boss Pep Guardiola is pulling out all the stops to fund potential high-profile moves for the likes of Tottenham star Harry Kane, Borussia Dortmund superstar Erling Haaland and Aston Villa ace Jack Grealish.
Gabriel Jesus and Aymeric Laporte may also be sold in the next couple of months
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
Liam Cooper believes Scotland can make history at Euro 2020 by getting beyond the group stage for the first time ever.
He said: “It’s massive for us to get off to a good start but there’s a hunger and desire to make the nation proud. We carry that on our shoulders.
“Can we break new ground by getting out of our group? Why not believe? We see how hard we work every day.”
Meanwhile, Gareth Southgate has revealed that he still has to request permission to talk to Jude Bellingham from the player’s parents.
Southgate said: “We have to make sure we look after all the players but I have to talk to his dad to talk to Jude, on a child protection basis.
“That is still the process, yet he is a first-team player who is playing at a massive club in Europe.
“It is a reminder of how young he is. He deals with things really maturely but we must never take that for granted.”
Netherlands defender Matthijs De Ligt has clarified his comments about Covid-19 vaccine and says he will get the jab “as soon as possible”.
A short message on Twitter read: “In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.”
HEY JUDE
Jude Bellingham is still so young, Gareth Southgate has to ask the midfielder’s dad for permission to speak to him.
But Southgate believes Borussia Dortmund’s teenage sensation — and fellow English ‘exiles’ Jadon Sancho and Kieran Trippier — can bring extra know-how to England’s bid for Euro 2020 glory.
Bellingham will not turn 18 until midway through the tournament but is set to make the cut when the Three Lions manager trims his squad down to 26 on Tuesday.
Southgate said: “We have to make sure we look after all the players but I have to talk to his dad to talk to Jude, on a child protection basis.
“That is still the process, yet he is a first-team player who is playing at a massive club in Europe.
“It is a reminder of how young he is. He deals with things really maturely but we must never take that for granted.
“He is a very mature boy but at times you forget how young he is.”
GERMANY INJURY CONCERN
Bayern Munich duo Leon Goretzka and Niklas Sule could miss Germany’s opening match at Euro 2020, against France.
There are doubts over whether they will get up to speed over the next couple of weeks, having failed to completely train with the squad.
Joachim Low confirmed in the press conference that Goretzka will join the squad on Tuesday, having trained at home in recent days.
The German central midfielder will have individual sessions when he reports at training camp before joining other teammates on the pitch.
Goretzka missed four of Bayern Munich’s last six league games, while Sule has been plagued by a muscle injury in recent weeks, reducing him to just 72 minutes since the beginning of April.
I WANT DE JAB
Juventus superstar Matthijs De Ligt insists he has NOT declined to take the Covid-19 vaccine and will get the jab “as soon as possible”.
The Holland centre-back went on social media to clear up controversy after suggesting he was against the treatment as it was “not mandatory” and he wanted to “be in charge” of his own body.
A short message on Twitter read: “In my recent interview, I was not clear with my response.
“In order to clear any doubts: I am absolutely in favour of the COVID-19 vaccination and will take it as soon as possible.”
The 21-year-old had coronavirus himself contracted the coronavirus in January – missing two games as he recovered.
De Ligt has now linked up with Holland ahead of this summer’s Euros.
KROOS IN QUARANTINE
Germany are still waiting for Toni Kroos to join the camp after the midfielder’s coronavirus infection.
It has been two weeks since Kroos tested positive but he has still not returned a negative test.
Germany have a warm-up friendly against Denmark on Wednesday and another against Latvia on June 7 before starting their Euro 2020 campaign against France in Munich on June 15.
Kroos could feature in the warm up games as his infection is not thought to be serious.
Germany manager Joachim Low has provided an update on his situation. He said: “Yesterday he was still positive and for as long he remains positive, he has to stay in quarantine.
“As soon as he gets a negative test result on one day, he’ll set off on the journey to us. He’s already had light symptoms, though they were last week.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
