Chelsea ‘agree terms’ with Haaland, Benitez to Everton, Bellingham & Grealish transfer LATEST, Ramos leaves Real Madrid

MELON ME ‘EAD, SON

England footie stars have been twisting their melons to sink Scotland on Friday – by working out with fruit-patterned under­water balls.

Players love kickabouts with ‘watermelon balls; at their training base. The soft, coloured globes can be kicked or thrown up to 10ft under water.

The team – managed by Gareth Southgate – had a splashing time at St George’s Park yesterday as the final countdown began to the Battle of Britain Euro 2020 showdown at Wembley.

Coaching staff at the camp in Burton-on-Trent, Staffs, introduced the bizarre balls in place of the unicorn pool inflatables which players loved at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

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SCOT FREE

Harry Maguire gave England a massive Euros boost by insisting he is fit to play against Scotland on Friday.

The Manchester United skipper has made a rapid recovery from the ankle ligament injury he picked up at Aston Villa last month.

Yet the central defender is still unlikely to start against the Scots, with boss Gareth Southgate looking certain to keep faith with John Stones and Tyrone Mings.

Asked if he is fit to start at Wembley, Maguire, 28, said: “Yes definitely.

“I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there, so I’m available for the game.

“The injury was a setback club football-wise. Internationally, I wanted to come into this with a lot of games under my belt with full fitness.

“But I feel good and I’ve been in full training.”

NOU PAY DEAL?

Memphis Depay wants to join Barcelona.

The former Manchester United player is out of contract from French side Lyon.

And there are rumours he will soon move to Spain for a reunion with compatriot Ronald Koeman.

Depay said: “Everyone knows that I have been negotiating with Barcelona for some time.

“I want to play for Ronald Koeman. Now we have to wait, but there will be news soon.”

GAME RON

Aaron Ramsdale was gutted to miss out on a ticket for England’s first game against Croatia.

Now the Sheffield United goalkeeper will have a ringside seat for tomorrow’s Battle of Britain against Scotland after being recalled to Gareth Southgate’s squad.

And he is delighted to be swapping his back garden for Wembley.

The Blades’ keeper said: “I tried to get a ticket for the first game but couldn’t manage it.

“Game one, game two, game three – I just wanted a ticket. I would have gone on my own and met up with some of the other lads’ families.

“I watched it at my house on Sunday, we were having a barbecue.

“I jumped up and down like a crazy person when we scored. It’s crazy how things work out.”

‘FROM BADGER TO BOND’

Roy Keane stunned ITV viewers by transforming from “raggedy badger to smooth Bond” by ditching his bushy beard.

While Italy brushed off Switzerland, many armchair fans were bristling at the Manchester United legend’s unexplained new Keane-shaven look.

One suggested the former hardman had “shaved his beard because he was annoyed you all said he looked handsome”.

And in another reference to Keane’s cut-throat reputation as a player, one viewer tweeted: “He’ll probably have a full beard by the end of the game.”

One wondered: “Does Roy Keane just take his beard off and let it run wild for a couple of weeks every six months or so?

“Last night he looked like a raggedy old badger today smoother than Bond.”

EURO 2020: ITALY 3-0 SWITZERLAND

Italy enjoyed a comfortable victory over Switzerland at the Olimpico, which sealed qualification for Euro 2020’s Round of 16.

The Azzurri thought they opened the scoring when captain Giorgio Chiellini picked a corner-kick from Lorenzo Insigne in the air and fired it behind Yann Sommer’s goal after the ball bounced back to his feet.

However, VAR found that Chiellini’s arm hit the ball before he scored and things got worse for the Juventus star as he hobbled off the pitch with a muscle injury soon after.

However, Manuel Locatelli made it happen on 26 minutes when he found Domenico Berardi down the right flank with a wonderful ball from midfield.

Berardi delivered a wonderful low cross to the penalty area where Locatelli was after running the whole distance from midfield and beat Sommer with a wonderful finish.

The Sassuolo star completed a brace after 52 minutes and became Italy’s third youngest player to score two goals in a single game of a major tournament.

Ciro Immobile sealed his country’s big win with a long-range shot that Sommer couldn’t hold on to in the 89th minute

RAMOS – WHERE WILL HE GO?

Manchester United are believed to be desperate to sign a centre back to improve the defence and Sergio Ramos has been a long-term target.

Co-chairman Joel Glazer has promised Ole Gunnar Solskjaer funds in the transfer market.

Ramos is now a free agent but would still demand huge wages wherever he ends up.

Pep Guardiola is keen to bring in more experience and leadership into his squad, especially with Fernandinho and Sergio Aguero leaving.

And the 180-cap international – with 671 Real Madrid appearances – certainly fits the bill with a two-year deal reportedly being offered.

Paris Saint-Germain may also look to try and secure a deal.

FAN-TASTIC

Christian Eriksen will pull on his Denmark shirt on Thursday to cheer them on against Belgium from his hospital bed.

And Danes boss Kasper Hjulmand revealed the stricken star has also been giving him tips on how to stop his Inter Milan team-mate Romelu Lukaku.

Hjulmand said: “Christian will watch the game. It is really crazy.

“The hospital is right next to Parken and when he looks out of his window he will see it and probably hear everything.

“That is crazy for Christian but he will be in his shirt and watch the game on TV.”

LIFE HAK

Chelsea have reportedly increased their offer for Achraf Hakimi to £52million PLUS Marcos Alonso.

Repubblica claims Thomas Tuchel is desperate to land the Inter Milan star, 22, ahead of Paris Saint-Germain.

And after reportedly having an initial bid for Hakimi rejected by the Serie A champions, Chelsea are said to have returned with a brand new offer.

It’s believed Inter have been offered a whopping £52m for versatile wing-back Hakimi.

And Simone Inzaghi can automatically strengthen on the left by also landing Alonso, 30, as part of the deal.

It now remains to be seen if Inter are impressed by Chelsea’s proposal, with the European champions eager to strengthen their squad with several star signings.

BREAKING NEWS – RAMOS LEAVES REAL

Sergio Ramos has left Real Madrid.

The club have just confirmed his departure.

The 35-year-old played more than 650 games for the club in a 16-year spell.

GATT TO GO

Gennaro Gattuso could leave Fiorentina just two weeks after being appointed as their new manager, according to reports.

There are believed to be disagreements between the Italian coach and the Serie A side’s board over transfer plans.

FOR PETE’S SAKE

Real Sociedad have signed Peter Pokorny, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.

The 19-year-old, who currently plays for Red Bull Salzburg in Austria, is believed to have joined the LaLiga outfit.

He’s a defensive midfielder and a Slovakia U21 international.

BALE’S SHOCKING PENALTY

Gareth Bale was sensational for Wales this evening as he produced two magical assists to give them a 2-0 victory against Turkey in Baku.

But he did hit a penalty way over the bar…

We’re sure Wales fans won’t care, though, as they celebrate another famous win at the European Championships.

‘THIS’LL BE EASY’

Kevin Gallacher believes England’s arrogance could lead to an epic Scotland victory at Wembley on Friday.

The ex-Scotland international told BETDAQ: “England will believe that they can go and walk all over Scotland.

“I think that’s the way that their players will approach it. They’ll think, ‘This will be easy, it’s only Scotland.’

“Living down in England, it’s almost like sometimes they belittle the Scottish players playing in the Scottish league.

“We’ve got a few players now playing in the Premier League and they’re playing regularly.

“For me, in Scotland-England games, form goes out the window. It’s who wants it more.”

DEAL ME IN

Son Heung-Min is reportedly set to give Tottenham a huge transfer boost by signing a bumper new contract.

Fabrizio Romano claims the South Korea star, 28, will not look to follow strike partner Harry Kane out the door this summer.

And instead, Son will commit his golden years to the London club on improved terms after a stellar season.

The versatile forward found the target 17 times in the Premier League, helping Spurs lead an early charge up the table.

Despite their following poor form under Jose Mourinho, who was eventually sacked in April, Son continued to impress up top.

However, club chiefs feared he could look to follow in Kane’s footsteps by declaring his intention to quit.

BREAKING NEWS – RAFA BENITEZ SET FOR EVERTON

Rafa Benitez is close to becoming the new Everton manager, according to talkSPORT.

This is a HUGE story.

Benitez is the man who guided Liverpool – Everton’s local rivals – to their fifth Champions League title 16 years ago.

The Merseyside derby on November 30 should be a little bit more interesting than usual…

EURO 2020: TURKEY 0-2 WALES

Wales have beaten Turkey after a heroic performance in Baku.

Aaron Ramsey’s first-half goal gave Rob Page’s side a crucial lead.

Gareth Bale smashed a penalty over the bar after the break and they were almost made to pay as Turkey went all out for an equaliser.

But a late strike from Connor Roberts secured the win.

Wales now have four points and will be sensing a place in the last 16.

Their next game is against Italy in Rome.

TASTY COSTA OFF FEE

Diego Costa has been offered a £1.3million signing-on bonus to join Beskitas ahead of Benfica and Brazilian clubs.

That’s the claim from Turkey as former Chelsea striker Costa, 32, seeks a new club after Atletico Madrid released him in January.

Fanatik say Turkish giants Besiktas have lined up a one-year contract worth around £2.15m – £40,000 a week – following talks with Costa’s agent Joel Silva.

That would still be a huge cut in wages from his recent deals.

And the suggestion is Silva is confident of negotiating a compromise.

Besiktas’ rising interest comes days after reports Costa was eager to join Portuguese side Benfica.

AS also names Atletico Mineiro, Sao Paulo and Palmeiras from Costa’s native Brazil as keen to sign him.

TRIPP-ING OUT

Kieran Trippier is reportedly worried that Atletico Madrid will ‘price him out’ of a dream move to Manchester United.

The England full-back, who helped the Three Lions to a 1-0 win over Croatia in their first game of Euro 2020 on Sunday, has emerged as a key target for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The Norwegian is not believed to have made signing a right back a priority over the summer window but is now allegedly ‘intrigued by the prospect’ of bringing Trippier to United.

However, that all depends on whether the deal is right for the Red Devils.

The Times claims that United are not currently willing to meet the £20million-plus price tag placed on the defender’s head by Atletico – but Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims it is even as high as £34m.

The LaLiga champions’ manager Diego Simeone is a huge fan of the ex-Burnley man and does not want to see the 30-year-old leave.

THREESY DOES IT

Cristiano Ronaldo’s mum has revealed her son will play for another three more years – as his club future remains up in the air.

The Juventus forward is still one of the most lethal finishers in the game and has previously revealed a desire to play into his 40s.

Ronaldo, known for his strict diet and fitness regime, kickstarted his Euros campaign with two goals in Portugal’s opening day 3-0 win over Hungary.

Cheering him on was his mother Maria Dolores, who predicted her boy will be playing at least until he is 39.

Per La Gazzetta dello Sport, she said: “Cristiano is in good shape, he will play three more years.”

BIG FAV-E – EXCLUSIVE

Crystal Palace are planning talks with coach Lucien Favre – the Swiss Roy Hodgson.

Supremo Steve Parish has widened the search for a Hodgson replacement to the former Borussia Dortmund boss.

And the 63-year-old is keen to come to the Premier League.

Favre has plenty of experience having worked around Europe.

That includes a spell at Neufchatel in his homeland as well as with Dortmund and Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany plus French side Nice.

The widely-respected coach is similar to Hodgson in many ways, with his ability to work in several countries and organise teams in various leagues.

HAAL ABOARD

Erling Haaland has reportedly agreed personal terms over a summer transfer to European champions Chelsea.

Ian McGarry of The Transfer Window Podcast claims Borussia Dortmund’s strike sensation has struck a deal to join Thomas Tuchel’s men after a stunning season in Germany.

Haaland, 20, scored 41 goals in 41 games for the Bundesliga giants, having netted 16 times in 18 outings the previous term.

Tuchel believes the Norway international is the man to fire his Champions League winners to next year’s Premier League title.

And it appears all that’s left is for Chelsea to agree a potential club record transfer fee with Dortmund after getting Haaland to sign off on personal terms.

McGarry said: “Personal terms for Haaland are signed off. It’s just a case of Chelsea agreeing a fee with Dortmund.”

IN THE FIK OF TIME

Fikayo Tomori has joined AC Milan permanently after they triggered his £24million transfer clause following a successful loan spell.

Tomori joined the Italians in January as he looked for more regular football having been frozen out by Chelsea.

And the centre-back impressed heavily in his five months in Milan, where he made 22 appearances, even scoring a goal.

His form convinced manager Stefano Pioli to make a move to sign Tomori on a permanent deal.

And Pioli had the backing to do so from legendary defender Paulo Maldini, the club’s current technical director.

According to Fabrizio Romano, Tomori will join on a five-year deal after his transfer clause was triggered.

ARSENAL CLOSE IN ON PARRIS

Arsenal are set to sign England forward Nikita Parris from Lyon, according to Sky Sports.

The 27-year-old, who has 50 international caps, has previously played for Everton and Manchester City.

Parris’ trophy cabinet includes the French league, WSL and Champions League.

UNMASKED

Paulo Fonseca is expected to be announced as the new manager at Spurs, and fans can expect a swashbuckling ride next season.

The former Roma boss, 48, is reportedly close to being confirmed as the new Tottenham manager.

As a kid, the Portuguese coach admittedly grew up in poverty in Mozambique, Africa.

His hero was the masked movie hero Zorro, who a young Fonseca would dress up as as a kid.

In 2017, he once appeared in the character’s costume at a press conference while in charge of Shakhtar Donetsk.

A year later, he married the love of his life – Katerina Ostroushko – who is 18 years his junior.

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