Lionel Messi FREE AGENT as PSG offer on table, Tottenham ‘battle Barcelona for Insigne transfer’, Chelsea news

ED’S UP

Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in the race to prise French starlet Eduardo Camavinga away from Rennes.

With the midfielder having just one year left on his deal at Roazhon Park, the Ligue 1 side are expected to cash in on the 18-year-old.

The Red Devils are understood to be eyeing up an offer for the Les Bleus international, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano claiming he could be available for as little as £26million.

It has been stated that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side were making progress in their quest to lure the teenager to Old Trafford.

But according to Get French Football News, the player’s priority is to join Paris Saint-Germain, though they are yet to make a formal bid.

NUN THE WISER

Nuno Espirito Santo has been appointed as Tottenham’s new manager but it could be all change at the club next season.

Harry Kane wants to leave and Spurs could look a very different team heading into the new campaign.

Talks over Kane’s future will not be held until England complete their Euro 2020 bid but Spurs face an uphill battle to hold on to their star striker with Manchester City lining up a deal.

Tottenham are reportedly lining up Benfica star Haris Seferovic as a potential replacement with the striker valued at around £25million. Seferovic scored three times for Switzerland during their run to the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 and helped them stun world champions France in the last-16.

Spurs are also reportedly in the running to sign Italy star Lorenzo Insigne. The attacker scored a stunning goal during Italy’s win over Belgium which sent them into a semi-final against Spain.

Insigne has yet to commit to a long-term deal with Napoli and this has alerted Spurs and Barcelona. If Tottenham can bring in Insigne it will enhance their attacking options alongside Son Heung-min.

GERS SWOOP

Rangers have completed the signing of John Lundstram on a free transfer.

The former Sheffield United star has joined on a three-year deal. Lundstram played 62 times in the English Premier League in the last two seasons at the Blades before leaving at the end of his contract.

On his switch to Rangers, he told the club’s official website: “I spoke with the manager and he sold the club to me, and I was just taken aback by his ambition, vision and drive.

“I know Glasgow is like Liverpool – a proper football city with proper football fans, and I know the people are very similar and I am buzzing to be a part of the atmosphere I am moving into.

“The chance to work with Steven Gerrard and Gary McAllister, as well as Michael Beale, was a huge draw. The manager is from the same area as me, and I want to learn from those coaches and become a better version of myself and continue to develop under them.

“As an outsider looking in, the scenes last season were unbelievable when the club won the league, and when I saw that, I knew I wanted to be a part of it and be a part of a club which wins more trophies for Rangers.”

HOT AIR BALLON

Nicolas Anelka is urging Kylian Mbappe to consider taking his red-hot striking skills to one of England’s or Spain’s football giants.

In a letter published by the Athletic, Anelka, 42, wrote: “The French league is not easy, don’t get me wrong, but I think the toughest league is in England. So, if you want to be one of the best, then do what you do in Paris but with Chelsea or United or Arsenal or Manchester City or Liverpool.

“Or go to Spain to Madrid or Barcelona. Or maybe Italy. You have done so well since coming through at Monaco and taking it to a new level at Paris-Saint Germain.

“It seems you will stay for another year, then there is a big choice to make. You have at least two choices — stay in Paris or move to Real Madrid. Both of them can win the Champions League these days.

“When I was at PSG, that wasn’t the case. That choice depends on what you want to achieve in football. If you want the biggest accolades, you will have to move from PSG at some point. The best leagues are in England and Spain, so you didn’t compete with the best players in the best league.

“You will have to decide. If you want to win the Ballon d’Or, which is what you should be looking at to echo Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, you will have to compete with the best. You can’t say you compete with the best all the time when you are at PSG.”

RON HOLIDAY

Brazil legend Ronaldo was spotted relaxing on a yacht off the coast of Ibiza with girlfriend Celina – before bumping into Zlatan Ibrahimovic on holiday.

El Fenomeno, 44, appeared to be enjoying his summer break as he splashed around in the ocean.

Ronaldo is now the majority owner of Spanish second-tier side Real Valladolid having bought a 51 per cent stake for £27million in September 2018.

The club were relegated from LaLiga at the end of last season after finishing 19th with just 34 points. And now Ronaldo is preparing himself for the gruelling, 42-game season ahead with a holiday in Ibiza.

The former Inter Milan, AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid legend took a dip in his long, black Nike swimming shorts.

Partner of six years Celina, meanwhile, wore an olive green bikini as she watched on from the safety of the yacht, before later enjoying a quick swim herself. Later in the day, Ibrahimovic – also holidaying in Ibiza – sent fans wild after sharing a picture of himself with Ronaldo.

TIME TO CELEBRATE

UK sports are set to welcome back full crowds this summer WITHOUT the need for vaccine passports, according to reports.

The PM will announce plans to end lockdown restrictions on July 19 in a press conference this evening. And part of that is expected to permit capacity crowds inside stadiums from that date onwards.

However, unlike in recent pilot events, The Times reports spectators will NOT need to show evidence of a double Covid-19 vaccination – unless the pandemic problems significantly worsen.

The British Grand Prix, on July 18, has already been confirmed as another test so will have 140,000 people at Silverstone on race day.

But other fixtures such as the Goodwood races at the end of July and England’s Test cricket series against India which starts on August 4 should see full stands.

And football clubs across the pyramid, including in the Premier League and EFL, will follow suit when the new 2021-22 season gets underway next month. However, should England win Euro 2020, a public celebration or parade would not take place until after July 19.

RAF AND READY

Rafa Bentiez has taken charge of his first day of training at Everton as a number of stars reported for pre-season duty.

The 61-year-old was unveiled as the Toffees boss last week on a three-year deal – much to the dismay of fans due to his history with rivals Liverpool.

Having previously called Everton a ‘small club’ during his six-year spell at Anfield, supporters failed to hide their anger at the Spaniard on social media.

Ahead of his appointment, a disgraceful threatening banner was placed in the Wirral area with the message ‘We know where you live. Don’t sign.’

But Benitez was all smiles at Finch Farm on Monday as the Everton squad took part in a series of physical tests ahead of their participation in the Florida Cup later this month.

There were a number of notable absentees, with English pair Jordan Pickford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin part of the Three Lions squad at Euro 2020. Meanwhile Richarlison and Yerry Mina are still involved in the Copa America with Brazil and Colombia respectively.

ROME ROW – EXCLUSIVE

Sol Campbell confronted a coward who called him a ‘Judas c***’ in Rome before England’s win over Ukraine.

The spineless yob was filming the former Arsenal and Tottenham centre-back as he left a restaurant on Saturday lunch time and also yelled: “Jelly and ice cream when you go.”

The video was posted on Twitter but what can’t be seen in the footage is the female companion sitting with the abuser who SunSport understands looked ‘mortified’ by his actions.

SunSport also understands the man – believed to be in his early 30s – who shouted the abuse broke Covid rules by travelling from England to be in the Italian capital for the Three Lions’ 4-0 win.

He was also heard bragging about his intention to ignore quarantine requirements when he returned to the UK. The clip shows him pointing the camera at the 46-year-old former Southend and Macclesfield manager and heard shouting: “Here he is, Sol Campbell.”

Campbell looks over but proceeds to walk out the restaurant when the abuser goads him again. Unprovoked, he says: “Judas… C***!” It’s at this point Campbell turns back and walks towards the man. As the England legend approaches, the man adds: “Jelly and ice cream when you go mate.”

WATCH THE GRIM VIDEO AND READ THE FULL STORY HERE!

BALO IS BACK

Mario Balotelli is poised to join Adana Demirspor – with the Turkish minnows vowing they can tame the madcap Italian.

Former Manchester City and Liverpool striker Balo is a free agent after leaving Serie B club Monza. Adana want the 30-year-old maverick after winning promotion to the Super Lig.

Adana president Murat Sancak said: “Negotiations with Mario Balotelli are 85 per cent complete, and he will come to Turkey in the next week.

“Some say that Balotelli is crazy, but nobody needs to worry. We are from Adana, and we will know how to handle him. His salary won’t be a problem, as our sponsors will pay half of it.

“Our captain [Inler] has been in contact with him, and he said he wants to join us. We have virtually reached an agreement with him. Once we do he will wear our shirt next season.

“He wants to be successful with us, so he can go to the World Cup in Qatar with Italy next year.”

DEL ME IN

Former Manchester United target Dele Alli has blamed himself for his Tottenham exile instead of criticising former manager Jose Mourinho.

The 25-year-old started just twice under the Special One in the Premier League during the 2020-21 campaign. In the 32 top-flight outings Mourinho was in charge for prior to his dismissal, Dele played just 233 minutes of football.

That is a stark contrast to his game time under interim head coach Ryan Mason, where he featured in 385 minutes having started the final five games of the season.

But despite not getting a look in under the Portuguese gaffer, Dele has refused to blame Mourinho as he insisted he enjoyed working with him.

He told Goal: “The only person I blame is myself. I should be performing at a level where it is difficult to not put me in the team or not play me.

“I don’t blame anyone but myself. Working with Mourinho was a great experience and one I learned a lot from.”

MAD FOR IT

James Maddison is making the most of his well-earned summer holiday by partying in Ibiza.

The Leicester ace, 24, was missed out on Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2020.

And he has taken advantage of some time off to soak up the sun before returning to the East Midlands for pre-season.

Maddison was pictured enjoying himself in a pair of black swimming trunks at the Blue Marlin beach club. The tattooed ex-Norwich star laughed with and hugged friends with a drink in his hand and dived into the water on the Spanish island.

Maddison endured an injury-hit season with Leicester but racked up 11 goals and ten assists in 42 appearances – and ended it on a high by revealing his girlfriend is pregnant with their first child.

However, his on-pitch performances were not enough to earn a spot in the Three Lions squad as Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Mason Mount got the call-ups instead.

MATT’S YOUR LOT

Matteo Guendouzi has announced he will leave Arsenal in an emotional tweet.

Guendouzi spent last season on loan at Hertha Berlin in Germany after falling out of favour with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta.

He is now closing in on a move to Marseille in his homeland of France having recently posed with a flag of the Ligue 1 side.

Confirming his Arsenal exit, Guendouzi, 22, told fans in now-deleted tweets: “I will never forget the Emirates Stadium.

“I will never forget the fans. I won’t forget the city. I will never forget everything I’ve been through here. I will never forget that my only will was to defend with pride Arsenal colors.

“Thanks to all of those who believed in me during my time here, during the good and the bad moments. I can only wish the best to the club and its fans who deserve so much, trust me! Good bye Arsenal, I will never forget and will be a gooner forever.”

ING THE MONEY

Danny Ings has reportedly rejected a lucrative contract from Southampton to put a number of clubs on red alert.

The 28-year-old is understood to have no intention of extending his stay at St Mary’s with his current deal set to expire in 2022.

According to The Athletic, the Saints offered the England international a four-year contract to make him the best-paid player in their history.

But Ings has turned it down it his quest to join a top Premier League side, and is willing to wait until next year to depart the south coast outfit.

The contract remains on the table for the former Liverpool man, with Southampton content for him to see out his deal.

Ings refused to rule out a move out in May with Manchester United and rivals City heavily linked.

ARE JU SERIOUS?

Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent Jorge Mendes is reportedly set to jet into Italy to discuss his client’s future at the club.

The 36-year-old has been linked with a move away from Turin this summer having entered the final year of his contract. Manchester United are believed to be eyeing up a shock move to bring him back to Old Trafford – 12 years after he left to join Real Madrid.

But they are understood to face competition from French giants Paris Saint-Germain who are keen for him to play alongside Neymar and Kylian Mbappe.

Ronaldo, who is currently on holiday with his family in Majorca following Portugal’s Euro 2020 exit, is due back at Juve on July 14 for pre-season training.

And according to Tuttosport, Ronaldo’s agent Mendes will soon be arriving in Milan where he will meet with Juve’s football director Federico Cherubini.

They state that they plan to clarify what Ronaldo’s future is with the Old Lady amid rumours he could pen a new deal at the Allianz Stadium. It has been speculated that Mendes has asked Juventus to extend the five-time Ballon d’Or winner’s contract until 2023.

BAPPE-FIRED

Kylian Mbappe wants to insert a BANNED clause into any new Paris Saint-Germain contract to allow a transfer to Real Madrid, according to reports.

The French forward, 22, has one year left to run on his current deal at the Parc des Princes.

He continues to be linked with a move away with Real Madrid and Liverpool both keen. And according to Marca via Bild, he will only put pen to paper on an extension if PSG include an exit clause.

That would mean Mbappe could secure a departure if a certain club – in this case Los Blancos – made a suitable bid. PSG would therefore get their star man tied down to a new contract so he would not leave for free next summer.

And Mbappe would keep his employers happy while stopping himself from being frozen out of a dream transfer to the Bernabeu.

However, exit clauses are outlawed in Ligue 1. So the arrangement cannot be written into the legal documents. Instead, Mbappe would need to sort a verbal agreement with PSG bosses.

WILL I NEVER

William Saliba has reportedly turned his back on interest from Newcastle to seal a temporary Marseille move alongside Gunners team-mate Matteo Guendouzi

French outlet L’Equipe claims Arsenal reached an agreement with the Ligue 1 outfit which will see the young centre-back loaned to the Stade Velodrome side.

It is thought the France Under-20 centre-back sees Marseille as the best location to perform next season as he seeks to battle his way into contention with Mikel Arteta.

This follows reports of Emirates outcast Guendouzi sealing a loan deal with the French side. And Get French Football News claims the France Under-21 midfielder is expected to become a permanent player at Jorge Sampaoli’s club, at the end of his temporary stint.

Saliba, who began his senior career at Saint Etienne in 2018 at the age of 17, has struggled to cement a place in Arsenal’s squad. And it is thought the Prem giants’ reported £50million move for Brighton ace Ben White could see him drop further down Arsenal’s pecking order.

CRIS CRUISE

Former Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo has whisked Georgina Rodriguez and the kids off to Majorca for a luxury yacht trip following his Euro 2020 exit.

The Portugal legend took to social media to post a picture with his partner and four children – Cristiano Jr, Eva, Mateo and Alana Martina – off the coast near the town of Pollensa in the north of the island.

He captioned the post: “It’s time to rest with my loves.” Ronaldo helped fire his country through from the Group of Death but they were dumped out by Belgium in the last 16.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner will return to action with Juventus for pre-season in the coming weeks with the new Serie A campaign set to get underway on August 22.

The boat he went out to sea on with his family is thought to be the 88-feet long Azimut Grande, the super-yacht he purchased last June which boasts five luxury cabins and six bedrooms.

Azimut Grande is capable of reaching 28 knots, thanks to two 1,900 horsepower engines, and is made of carbon fibre weighing a whopping 93 tonnes. Ronaldo used to rent the Africa I yacht from a charter company before buying his own vessel.

ROMA EMPIRE

New Roma manager Jose Mourinho is lining up a summer move for Real Madrid left-back Marcelo, reports say.

‘The Special One’ is said to be keen on the Brazilian 33-year-old with Roma facing an injury crisis.

Leonardo Spinazzola could be out for six months after rupturing his Achilles during the Euros.

The 28-year-old suffered the devastating blow in Italy’s quarter-final win over Belgium last Friday.

And Mourinho is reportedly ready to bring in Marcelo to fill a gap in Roma’s defence. CalcioMercato reporter Nicolo Schira says that Mourinho is keen on Brazil veteran Marcelo.

The 33-year-old has just one year left on his Real Madrid contract having been with the club since 2007.

TOON IN

Amanda Staveley has accused the Premier League of lacking accountability over a £300million Saudi-led takeover of Newcastle.

Staveley’s consortium, which comprises of Saudi’s sovereign wealth fund PIF, PCP Capital Partners and Reuben Brothers, became impatient that Prem rulers had dragged their feet over the purchase of Newcastle.

Sky News now claims they’ve seen a letter from Staveley, who is at the head of the takeover consortium, accusing the Premier League of a ‘closely guarded lack of transparency’.

The letter, addressed to football governance reviewer Tracey Crouch, says: “Fans surely deserve absolute transparency from the regulators across all their processes – to best ensure that they act responsibly. They are performing a function like that of a government regulator – but without the same systems for accountability.

“[There is now] a chance for those involved [in the Newcastle United bid] to be seen to take a robust stance – just as the government so decisively and effectively stepped into the European Super League debacle.

“But there is real urgency – given the NUFC arbitration hearing is due to take place this month. We need intervention immediately to force the issue out into the open.

“It is my view that it is likely that that would be enough to make those involved behave more responsibly and signal the government’s intention to take effective action in the interests of the country.”

CAM YOU BELIEVE IT?

Manchester United have taken a step closer to signing Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga.

The Arsenal target has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League this summer.

Rennes said they had not received a concrete offer from United last week.

But the Red Devils are edging closer to making direct contact, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The Ligue 1 side would reportedly be open to doing business at £25.7million as they face losing him for nothing when his contract expires next summer.

BEST HANGOVER IN THE WORLD

Jubilant England supporters shrugged off monster hangovers yesterday after brewing up a Euro 2020 semi-final clash with Denmark.

Three Lions fans necked 42million pints on Saturday night as plucky Ukraine were thumped 4-0.

But the headaches will probably, no definitely, be bigger if we beat the Carlsberg beer nation on Wednesday night.

England’s victory in Rome pulled in a peak TV audience of 20.9million viewers.

Happy fans emerging from 18 months of Covid misery packed beer gardens and fanzones to watch the action, as well as at home.

Breweries scrambled lorries to deliver ten million extra pints to bars to ensure stocks did not run out. Booze industry data showed 23million pints were drunk at home and 19million in pubs.

‘I’M CONCERNED’

Arsenal outcast Matteo Guendouzi has vowed to ‘remain a Gunner no matter what’ amid links with a move to Marseille.

The Frenchman also revealed he is ‘concerned’ at Arsenal’s ‘failure’ last season.

Guendouzi, 22, spent the 2020-21 campaign on loan at Hertha Berlin after falling out with boss Mikel Arteta.

He hasn’t featured for the Gunners since the 2-1 defeat against Brighton in June 2020 where he grabbed Neal Maupay’s throat.

With just one year left on his contract at the Emirates, Arsenal are understood to be keen to offload the midfielder to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Guendouzi is believed to have already agreed personal terms with Marseille as he looks to head back to his native country after departing Lorient in 2018.

RON MORE YEAR

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo’s agent has asked his current employers to extend his contract, according to reports.

The 36-year-old has been linked with a move after the Italian giants failed to retain their Serie A crown last term.

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Ronaldo’s representative Jorge Mendes has asked Juve to extend his existing deal to 2023.

Premier League giants United are believed to have been exploring the possibility of bringing the club legend back to Old Trafford.

EV SOME OF THAT

Everton have confirmed that work will begin on their new 53,000 seater stadium on July 26.

The Toffees are planning to say an emotional farewell to Goodison Park at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

They have today confirmed that they will take possession of their new Bramley-Moore Dock site later this month on July 26.

And they also revealed that the first phase of building the state-of-the-art ground will begin that very same day.

Contractors Laing O’Rourke will start by preparing the Dock Site for the build, while also repairing and preserving the Grade II listed dock wall.

RAPH AND READY

Real Madrid star Raphael Varane has ‘given his word’ that he wants to join Manchester United this summer, according to reports.

The Frenchman, 28, has played for the Spanish giants for a decade.

But with just one year remaining on his contract, the towering defender wants to try something new.

The Red Devils finally wrapped up the £73million signing of Jadon Sancho this week.

And club chiefs want to follow up the statement purchase by recruiting Varane.

According to Spanish paper Sport, the feeling is mutual, with Varane eager to join Man United and telling them as much.