Jack Grealish to Man City EXCLUSIVE update, Chelsea set to miss out on Hakimi, Spurs make ‘dizzying’ Lopetegui offer

GREAL DEAL

Exclusive by Duncan Wright: Jack Grealish’s camp believe they have got the green light for him to leave Aston Villa — paving the way for a £100million move to Manchester City.

City boss Pep Guardiola is desperate to bring the England star to the Etihad this summer as he plots a title defence and to finally win the club’s first Champions League.

Villa have remained insistent they do not want to sell the 25-year-old, who has four years left to run on the current deal with his boyhood club.

But SunSport understands talks with Grealish’s agents Stellar over the past few weeks have left his team happy they now have an agreement which would allow the playmaker to quit once the Euros are over.

City have indicated they would be willing to break the current British transfer record, which sits at the £89m Manchester United paid Juventus for Paul Pogba.

And with Grealish wanting to step up to Champions League football, Villa understand they cannot stand in his way.

City have delayed any official offer while the player is on Euros duty.

But they are expected to make their move in July so Grealish can begin pre-season training with them.

SPURS GO POTTY

Graham Potter has emerged as the latest front-runner to be the new Tottenham manager.

But former Wolves boss Nuno Espirito Santo is also back in contention after another day of drama in the North London club’s long-running hunt.

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy is keen on Brighton boss Potter being as successful as his last raid for a South Coast rookie, when he snapped up Mauricio Pochettino from Southampton in 2014.

The Seagulls chief is earning widespread praise for improving the Sussex strugglers’ style of play while managing to keep them in the Premier League.

Levy has been searching for a permanent boss since sacking Jose Mourinho in April.

MORE FROM STERLING

The City winger is unfazed by the prospect of renewing the historic rivalry with Germany next Tuesday at Wembley.

Sterling, who has never played against the Germans before, told the Lions’ Den show: “Those games were crazy. The France one was high quality throughout, both teams.

“We knew we were going to get second place in that group and we knew that it was going to be a challenge. In this tournament you need these challenges.

“We need now to go against Germany and we need a big performance. If you’re going to win this tournament, if you’re going to be in with a shout

“You’ve got to put in these big performances against these big sides, and that’s what we are going to try to do on Tuesday. I’m not really looking into the history, the battles.

“What has happened, has happened. All we can do us be here now and be present.”

STERLING EFFORT

Raheem Sterling says winning the Euros with England would top anything he has achieved with Manchester City.

He said: “I think winning something with the national team, England, would definitely be the greatest achievement that I could possibly do.

“I mean not me…that the team could possibly achieve. You win stuff with your clubs and it’s a great achievement, but this is on a bigger scale.

“You’re representing a nation, a country. So to achieve something with England would be the biggest thing to happen in my footballing career.”

WINGING IT

France suffered a DOUBLE injury scare on Thursday when wingers Thomas Lemar and Marcus Thuram both hobbled out of training.

The two stars both looked to be in pain during a recovery session following yesterday’s 2-2 draw with Portugal.

Tottenham transfer target Thuram, 23, looked to be visibly in pain as he fell to his knees on the training ground in the Hungarian capital Budapest.

While Atletico Madrid star Lemar, 25, was clearly distraught as he put his head in his hands while being helped off the field by two others.

Didier Deschamps now faces an anxious wait over their fitness after setting up a last-16 clash against Switzerland on Monday.

LEED THE CHARGE

Paul Robinson has admitted that he is “gutted” Arsenal are closing in on the signing of Ben White.

He told Football Insider: “I would have liked both of my old clubs Leeds and Tottenham to have gone in for Ben White.

“They are missing out on a top-class player. I have been banging Ben White’s drum for a long time now.

“If he goes to Arsenal he is going to be missing out on playing Champions League football.

“I’m sure there is clubs in the Champions League who would be interested in a player like Ben White.

“Arsenal would not be my first choice if I was him. Logistically the move may work for him but a player of his quality should be playing at the highest level.

“He is definitely good enough to play in the Champions League. Is he realistically going to get to play in the Champions League with Arsenal?”

GUNNER GO

Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos has joined Stuttgart on a season-long loan.

The Bundesliga outfit have paid a loan fee of £500,000 to bring him back to the club, having spent the 2020/21 season on loan too.

Stuttgart have the option to make the move permanent in a deal worth up to £5million, according to The Athletic.

And Mavropanos will become a Stuttgart player if they remain in the top-flight this season.

They will be obligated to pay £3million for the defender, and bonuses up to £1.5m are also included in the deal.

The 23-year-old has agreed a three-year deal should the permanent transfer clause be activated.

JA-DONE DEAL

Manchester United are reportedly closing in on a deal for Jadon Sancho.

NO MOUR TROUBLE

Jose Mourinho has held talks with Henrikh Mkhitaryan since joining Roma to repair his relationship with midfielder, according to reports.

And the pair have reportedly cleared the air after falling out at Manchester United, with Mkhitaryan starting just 26 league games in 18 months under Mourinho.

Mkhitaryan, 32, even agreed a new one-year deal with the Serie A club at the beginning of the month.

He is happy to play under the Portuguese, and was convinced to stay after the pair held a meeting, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The report claims the duo have even joked with each other about their time at Old Trafford, and it is now firmly behind them.

SHIRT’S OUT OF LUCK

Tottenham’s new third kit for the upcoming season has been leaked online.

And fans are not happy with the purple-and-lime hybrid, with one punter joking: No wonder Harry Kane wants out!

WHITE HOT

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on a £50million deal for Brighton defender Ben White.

The Gunners have set their sights on the England prospect and talks are planned, according to The Athletic, ahead of the potential move.

White was rewarded for his impressive form at Brighton with a place in the England squad for Euro 2020 after Trent Alexander-Arnold pulled out through injury.

Arsenal reportedly offered £40m for the 23-year-old but Brighton are determined to hold out for £10m more.

SAL YA LATER

William Saliba is set for a THIRD loan move away from Arsenal with several clubs reportedly tracking the defender.

The Gunners signed the Frenchman from Saint-Etienne for £27million two years ago, but he is yet to play a competitive game for the club.

And another stint away from the club is deemed likely, as reported by French outlet FootMercato.

Arteta is set to take a look at Saliba when pre-season begins but is described as leaning towards a loan transfer, with the player under contract to 2024.

As many as nine clubs are already named as interested in a potential deal.

Southampton and Newcastle are the two English sides reportedly keen along with Bayer Leverkusen, Nice, Rennes, Marseille, Lille, and two unnamed clubs in Italy.

TOP FRIENDS

Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema shared a heartwarming chat at half-time of their Euro 2020 encounter.

The former Real Madrid pals formed two-thirds of the feared BBC triumvirate at the Bernabeu, alongside Gareth Bale.

Therefore, their Group F meeting on Wednesday was a personal reunion inside a hugely-anticipated Euros clash.

At half-time and with the score one apiece, the forwards embraced and smiled as they shared a brief chat.

They then swapped shirts as they entered the tunnel in Budapest, continuing the discussion towards the dressing rooms.

IN THE BAG

West Brom have announced that Valerian Ismael has been named as their new gaffer.

The Frenchman joins on a four-year deal from fellow Championship side Barnsley.

Baggies Chief Executive Officer, Xu Ke, said: “We are all aware of what will be required in order to be successful and player recruitment will be of the utmost importance.

“Valerien and I will immediately focus on preparing the squad for the new season, working together with Ian Pearce, our Head of Recruitment, to secure talented transfer targets who will strengthen us for the challenges ahead, ensuring fans are once more proud to support this great club.

“I am excited to be working with Valérien and I am sure we will soon establish a strong relationship that will be to the benefit of the football club and its supporters.”

GUNNER GET YA

Arsenal are reportedly closing in on the signing of Ben White from Brighton.

Brighton are holding out for a £50million fee for the centre-back, with the Gunners claimed to be willing to hand over £45m plus add-ons.

The Athletic’s David Ornstein tweeted: “Arsenal moving closer to agreement with Brighton for Ben White.

“#BHAFC want guaranteed ~£50m, #AFC offering ~£45m + £5m.

“Face-to-face talks have taken place & negotiations continue over add-ons, payment structure etc. No other bidders yet.”

TOTTLE TALE

Tottenham has shared a damning insight into Tottenham in a message sent to Italy star Lorenzo Insigne.

The former Napoli and AC Milan manager was linked with the vacant Spurs job earlier this month.

But backlash from Tottenham supporters meant Daniel Levy quickly turned his focus to other candidates.

Gattuso was a surprise name, with Levy turning to the Italian after failing to land Brendan Rodgers, Antonio Conte and Erik ten Hag.

And after talks broke down to take over at the Tottenham Stadium Gattuso issued a harsh verdict of the running of the club.

Insigne told Football Italia: “We’ve texted each other, he told me there was a bit of mess.

“But now I am focused on the Euros, while he’s on holiday so I am not going to ask him such questions.”

GUNNING RON

Cristiano Ronaldo was subjected to ‘insults and beatings’ from Arsenal when the former Manchester United star tried tricks.

That is the revelation by ex-Arsenal attacker Robert Pires on a harsh start to life in England for Ronaldo.

Ronaldo’s introduction to English football was greeted with plenty of harsh challenges and Pires admitted opposing players did not appreciate the star’s showboating.

Pires told Record: “Cristiano made feints and the English didn’t like it. It was just a beating. 

“You can’t play like that against the English and you couldn’t do that at Highbury, Arsenal’s home. It was just insults and beatings. 

“At first he didn’t stand it very well, it was complicated for him. Football in England is completely different.”

VIRUS FEARS

England are embroiled in a coronavirus scare after a Sky Sports reporter tested positive at the training base.

The Daily Mail report how the journalist and cameraman were asked to leave St George’s Park.

The reporter is now self-isolating at a hotel, just five days before England’s crunch Round of 16 clash with Germany.

It comes after Three Lions duo Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell were forced to self-isolate for 10 days after coming into close contact with Billy Gilmour.

A Sky Sports spokesperson commented: “A reporter is isolating in a hotel and awaiting the result of a PCR test. 

“The camera operative tested negative and has left St George’s Park to self-isolate.”

It remains unknown whether the positive test will have any further repercussions on anybody involved within the camp.

EAGLES SOAR

Crystal Palace are reportedly closing in on hiring Lucien Favre as their new boss to replace Roy Hodgson.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano: “Lucien Favre is set to sign until June 2024 as new Crystal Palace manager.

“Work permit process already started in order to complete the agreement as soon as possible – club confident after Bruno Lage case with Wolves.”

AWAY WE GO

Uefa have confirmed they have removed away goals from European competition from the start of the 2020-21 campaign.

They tweeted: “The away goals rule will be removed from all UEFA club competitions from the 2021/22 season.

“Ties in which the two teams score the same number of goals over the two legs will now have two 15-minute periods of extra time, and, if required, penalty kicks.

“Statistics since the mid-1970s show a clear trend of continuous reduction in the gap between the number of home-away wins (from 61%-19% to 47%-30%) and the average number of goals per match scored at home-away (from 2.02-0.95 to 1.58-1.15) in men’s competitions.

“Since 2009/10, the average goals per game have remained very steady in the #UWCL with the overall average of 1.92 for home teams and 1.6 for away teams.”

GONNA NICK HIM

Burnley are lining up a move for Czech Republic international keeper Jiri Pavlenka.

The 6ft 5ins giant has spent the last four seasons as a virtual ever-present for Werder Bremen.

However the German club has just been relegated from the Bundesliga, and has been forced to cut costs.

Turf Moor officials have now reportedly approached their Bremen counterparts about a deal for Pavlenka.

The 29-year-old has won 14 Czech Republic caps, but missed out on their Euro 2020 squad after suffering a back injury.

He is a national teammate of Burnley striker Matej Vydra, 29.

Clarets boss Sean Dyche is seeking a replacement if in-demand No.1 Nick Pope leaves during the summer.

NUNO THE WISER

Tottenham are reportedly set for a U-turn and will hold talks with Nuno Espirito Santo.

Spurs ruled the former Wolves boss out of the running but appear to have had a change of heart as their managerial saga drags on.

Tottenham ruled out appointing Nuno earlier this summer but the club have changed their mind and are poised for talks with him, according to Football Insider.

Nuno left Wolves at the end of last season and has held talks with Everton and Crystal Palace over their vacant positions.

But Spurs are now back in the running for the Portuguese coach after failing to land a host of managerial targets.

Graham Potter is the latest name to be heavily linked with the job as his odds were slashed to move to Tottenham.

LOW AND BEHOLD

England will face old foes Germany for the first time since 2017 in their crunch Euro 2020 last-16 clash.

The Three Lions take on Die Mannschaft on Tuesday at Wembley after Joachim Low’s side scraped second spot in their group.

It has been just under four years since the pair last met, battling out an underwhelming 0-0 draw at the home of football.

Boss Gareth Southgate picked England’s most inexperienced side since 1980 for the friendly as he looked to cast an eye over a number of names.

Here’a how that starting XI looked.

YOU MESSING?

Barcelona are no closer to signing Lionel Messi up to a new contract, according to reports in Spain.

The clock is ticking on the Argentine putting pen to paper before his deal expires on June 30.

The LaLiga giants hoped to sort his future as soon as possible, allowing them to formulate a budget for the summer ahead and assure both fans and sponsors that they remain among football’s elite clubs.

Yet it has now been claimed that an official contract offer has still not landed on Messi’s desk.

And the player himself is even described as ‘undecided’ over whether to stay with Barcelona next season.

That is according to Marca, who detail a two-year deal worth £850,000-a-week being put together by the Catalans.

This is a sizeable cent pay cut on the astronomical deal that Messi was handed in 2017.

SAN STORM

Man Utd have reportedly told Borussia Dortmund they are willing to pay £73m for Jadon Sancho plus add-ons.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made signing the England international his priority after failing to secure his services last summer.

Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Manchester United officially told BVB they’re prepared to pay €85m for Sancho.

“Add-ons included as part of the negotiation ‘to reach an agreement soon’. BVB still asking for €95m guaranteed.

“Clubs in talks about add-ons structure. Jadon made it clear: he wants Man Utd.”