More stories

  • in

    Aston Villa line up Tammy Abraham transfer as Roma look to replace former Chelsea striker with Roberto Firmino

    ASTON VILLA are interested in signing Tammy Abraham, according to reports.The striker spent a season on loan at Villa Park in 2018-19, helping the club to promotion from the Championship with 26 goals in 40 games.
    Tammy Abraham has not been as prolific in front of goal compared to last season
    Aston Villa want to sign AbrahamCredit: Reuters
    He broke into the Chelsea team after that before a £34million switch to Roma, where he scored 27 goals in all competitions last season.
    Abraham, 25, has just seven goals this term but that has not deterred Villa’s interest, according to Corriere dello Sport.
    The report claims manager Unai Emery has identified Abraham as the man to improve his attack.
    It is claimed Abraham would be open to returning to England, particularly as it could bolster his chances of being called up by Gareth Southgate.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    He has not asked to be sold but Roma are reportedly open to offers.
    It is believed the Italian outfit need to bring in between £44-48m to budget for losses this year.
    That could see Abraham leave with the striker worth a reported £35m.
    Roma are considering options to replace the 11-cap star too, with Liverpool forward Roberto Firmino top of their wishlist.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    The Brazilian has told the Reds he wants to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires.
    He has spent eight years at Anfield, winning the Premier League and Champions League, but has decided it is time to seek a new challenge.
    Firmino is open to offers and Roma could reportedly make a swoop if they offload Abraham. More

  • in

    Denzel Dumfries hires Man Utd star’s agent in hint he is joining club after he is linked with swap transfer

    DENZEL DUMFRIES has dropped a hint that he will join Manchester United after switching agents.The Dutch defender has reportedly dropped his previous representative Rafaela Pimenta and will now be looked after by the Wasserman Group.
    Denzel Dumfries has reportedly switched agenciesCredit: AFP
    Man United have been linked with a move that would see Diogo Dalot swapped for the Dutch defenderCredit: PA
    The decision, as reported by Calciomercato.com, comes as Inter Milan plan to cash in on Dumfries this summer.
    The Wasserman Group represents current United stars Alejandro Garnacho and Phil Jones.
    According to Football Italia, the Serie A giants are hoping to sell the 26-year-old for a fee of at least £35million.
    That would allow the Italians to reinvest in the squad and find a suitable replacement.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Inter are understood to be keen on Bayern Munich right-back Noussair Mazraou as a potential replacement.
    However, the Old Trafford side have most recently been linked with a swap move which would see Diogo Dalot move to the San Siro.
    Dumfries starred for Holland in their most recent Euros qualifier match against Gibraltar.
    The full-back provided two assists as De Oranjes ran out 3-0 winners and picked up their first points of the qualifying stage.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    For Inter this season, Dumfries has scored one goal and provided six assists in 24 Serie A appearances.
    Dumfries, whose contract does not expire until 2025, has made 70 appearances for the Italian side since joining from PSV in 2021.
    Chelsea and Arsenal are also reportedly set to rival Man United for his signature.
    Since the January window, the Red Devils have been linked with right-backs as manager Erik ten Hag looks to upgrade on Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. More

  • in

    Real Madrid and Brazil legend Marcelo names toughest opponent he ever faced

    MARCELO has faced some of the world’s toughest opponents during his illustrious career.He was a constant feature for Real Madrid for 15 trophy-laden years and represented Brazil 58 times between 2006 and 2018.
    Marcelo is one of the best left-backs of his generationCredit: Getty – Contributor
    And playing at left-back means his direct competition is the other team’s right winger.
    Marcelo’s long list of tussles includes taking on Ousmane Dembele, Pedro, Leroy Sane and Hakim Ziyech over the years.
    But there is one name that stands about above the rest – and has Marcelo quaking in his boots.
    Ironically, the dreaded forward is also the opponent he has faced the most in his entire career.
    READ MORE ON FOOTBALL
    The pair have met on the pitch a whopping 33 times – totalling 2,556 minutes.
    And Marcelo, 34, has won ten, drawn seven and lost 16 times against… Lionel Messi.
    The pair’s battles appear to be over now, with both men leaving their respective El Clasico giants and Marcelo no longer playing international football.
    But even so, the defender still rates the 35-year-old ex-Barcelona superstar and seven-time Ballon d’Or winner among the very best in the world.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Marcelo told The Athletic: “Messi is incredible, the toughest opponent I’ve ever faced.
    “We all know the quality he has even now, aged 35, and before it was the same. 
    “El Clasico has always been one of the best games to watch and play.
    “I was lucky enough to have featured in one of the best eras of Clasicos.”
    Marcelo also credited his pal Cristiano Ronaldo and other “incredible” players for helping make it a historic time for the iconic LaLiga rivalry.
    The left-back left the Bernabeu in 2022 for a brief stint at Olympiacos but in February 2023 returned to boyhood club Fluminense in an “incredibly emotional” move.
    He called the transfer his “coming home” and the “best moment” of his life.
    Marcelo added: “The idea of wearing that shirt again already excites me a lot and I’m looking forward to playing in the Copa Libertadores, which I’ve never done. 
    “I really want to get there and help Fluminense reach a final and win the Libertadores.”
    The Brazilian left-back names Lionel Messi as his toughest opponentCredit: Getty
    Marcelo won five Champions Leagues with Los BlancosCredit: Getty More

  • in

    ‘Did him dirty with that’ – Reporter asks Wout Weghorst BRUTAL question after Man Utd star’s woes against Gibraltar

    WOUT WEGHORST was asked a BRUTAL question by a reporter following his wasteful display for the Netherlands.The Dutch beat minnows Gibraltar 3-0 in their Euros qualifier in Rotterdam on Monday evening but missed a host of chances during the game.
    Wout Weghorst, left, failed to score with any of his nine attempts at goalCredit: Getty
    Weghorst was hit with a savage question during a post-match interviewCredit: ESPN
    Ronald Koeman’s side had a total of 51 SHOTS in the match – 39 of which were off target.
    Weghorst, 30, had nine attempts during the 90 minutes, but failed to hit the back of the net – while Manchester City defender Nathan Ake netted a brace.
    The Manchester United striker, who has scored just two goals in 18 games since joining the Red Devils, was then quizzed on his poor finishing after the game.
    However, fans were stunned by the manner of one question asked to him.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    It was put to Weghorst: “Wout, imagine we would have continued this game for another 48 hours. Would you have scored a goal?”
    To which he diplomatically replied: “Good question. At least I would have had more time. I did my best, but time was up.”
    Reacting to the interaction on social media, one person said: “Did him dirty with that question lol.”
    Another added: “Nah they just violated him to his face, that’s sad.”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    And a third replied: “On a serious note, I feel bad for the guy. He actually does try, it’s not like he’s lazy.”
    Weghorst was honest in the assessment of his performance after the game.
    He told ESPN: “There were a few situations where I was close, but always just not. It’s just… just s***.
    “Bad luck? Whether it’s just bad luck. Ultimately, it’s also quality. You have to be honest about that too. You can call it bad luck. But that last ball of mine was allowed in. As a striker, you know that you can score in these kinds of matches.
    “Then you can also remain standing for the entire match, then you would like to repay the trust. That sucks.”
    Netherlands’ underwhelming display against Gibraltar came off the back of a comprehensive 4-0 defeat to France on Friday. More

  • in

    Stunning Arsenal Wag and Twerk Queen strips down to sports bra and knickers as she shows off incredible dance routine

    ARSENAL’S Twerk Queen has shown off a new routine on Instagram.Jakub Kiwior’s partner Claudia Redheaded performed her intense moves while wearing a sports bra and pair of knickers.
    Claudia Redheaded showed off her new dance routineCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
    She rocked a sports bra and knickers during the danceCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
    Claudia shared the video on her Instagram storyCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
    She is known as the Twerk QueenCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
    During the performance, Claudia popped and locked, as well as dropped to the floor and twerked.
    She shared the video on her Instagram story for her 72.9k followers.
    The 30-year-old was recently in attendance as fiance Kiwior played for his national side Poland.
    The defender played the full game during Poland’s 1-0 win over Albania in their Euro qualifying match.
    READ MORE ON WAGS
    Claudia watched from the stands at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, Poland.
    She moved to London along with Kiwior when he signed for Arsenal during the January transfer window.
    The Gunners signed the 23-year-old from Serie A side Spezia for £21million.
    And twerking queen Claudia revealed that she was overwhelmed by well-wishers.
    Most read in Football
    The 30-year-old posted on Instagram at the time: “Thank you all for Your messages! 
    “I can’t reply to everyone, but I really appreciate it! London I’m ready.”
    She won the Queen of Germany Twerk Competition in 2017.
    Claudia also runs her own YouTube channel on which she uploads instructional videos to help people learn to twerk.
    To explain her events, she said: “I want to go back to my beginnings, to these climates. I love to share my passion with people but don’t forget, it’s all my own path. Gave it all my heart.
    “I chose a tune from years ago, because if it weren’t for Dancehall vibes, I don’t know if dancing would seduce me like this.
    “Freestyle to this piece was a pleasure, maybe it’s not the cleanest but when you’re carried by a note you don’t pay so much attention to the details.
    “You know, I like diversity, I was always taught that a dancer is supposed to be versatile.”
    Claudia won the 2017 Queen of Germany Twerk CompetitionCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
    And regularly wows fans with her performancesCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe
    She is engaged to Arsenal defender Jakub KiwiorCredit: Instagram / @claudia.redheaded_babe More

  • in

    Alex Iwobi opens up on Arsenal transfer exit claiming ‘it was a nudge’ when club wanted to sign winger in his position

    EVERTON star Alex Iwobi has opened up on his exit from Arsenal in 2019.The Nigeria international swapped North London for Merseyside in a £40million transfer.
    Alex Iwobi swapped Arsenal for Everton in 2019Credit: Getty
    Nicolas Pepe’s arrival helped to nudge Iwobi out of the clubCredit: Getty
    But he has now revealed he was nudged out of the club following the arrival of Nicolas Pepe.
    Iwobi was told he would not be guaranteed a place in the side and with Everton showing a lot of interest, he decided to opt for a new challenge.
    In an interview with The Beautiful Game Podcast, he said: “Arsenal just signed a new winger [Pepe] and there were a few players there who were not ready to go.
    “So they said ‘we have received a bid for you, it’s a high bid, we’re not going to get this sort of money from anywhere else.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “It was a nudge, it’s a winger as well someone who is probably going to play in your position. It’s up to you sort of thing.
    “So I thought ‘cool, they have given me that and Everton’s a club that’s a very big club that wants me’. I want a new challenge so why not pursue it.”
    Iwobi has had tricky patches at Everton but has impressed this season, so much so he is set for a bumper new deal.
    The 26-year-old credits Frank Lampard for his turnaround, with the former Toffees boss responsible for converting Iwobi from a winger into a midfielder.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Iwobi added: “I feel like he revitalised and saved my career a bit.
    “He talked to me a lot. He helped me a lot.”
    And Iwobi said of Lampard in September: “Sometimes in training he (Lampard) tells me to relax and calm down, as I’m always running.
    “But he enjoys that I’m being selfless and working hard for the team.
    “I like to progress with the ball and get up the pitch as quick as I can, and he sometimes tells me to enjoy the ball and take care of it. That’s something I’m learning in this deeper role.” More

  • in

    Tottenham stars ‘were on knees’ from mind-blowing Antonio Conte pre-match request before being sacked

    TOTTENHAM stars were left “on their knees” by Antonio Conte’s incredible pre-match request before he departed the club, according to reports.The Italian walked away on Sunday night after his rant at his players after a 3-3 draw to Southampton.
    Antonio Conte made Tottenham players unhappy with some unusual training methodsCredit: Reuters
    Conte’s assistant Cristian Stellini has been put in charge until the end of the season and the Spurs squad will be hoping for a new lease life.
    The Daily Mail report that Conte had players shattered coming into matches because he often made them run 2km before kick-off.
    They also claim that the team had become disillusioned by the gaffer’s defensive style as they wanted to play more more expansive football.
    A source also said the squad did not enjoy heading to their Enfield base as training was the same every day.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The report continues to state that Conte regularly changed training times and it infuriated the players.
    Tottenham suffered a 2-0 away loss to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and that led to a fuming Conte to order his team to arrive at their HQ three hours earlier than planned the following day.
    The decision was “not well received”.
    Spurs chief Daniel Levy began to grow increasingly annoyed about Conte’s regular swipes at the club in the media and he had prepared to let him go at the end of the season when his contract was due to expire.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    However, following his incredible meltdown after the draw to Saints, he decided to pull the trigger.
    The mood in the boardroom had shifted from happiness at having Conte to a feeling of discontent.
    Spurs have been linked with former Bayern Munich boss Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Barcelona manager Luis Enrique as they search for a new man to take over. More

  • in

    Virgil van Dijk slammed as ‘first-class wimp’ with Ronald Koeman told to strip Liverpool ace of Holland captaincy

    VIRGIL VAN DIJK has been branded as a “first-class wimp” following Holland’s 4-0 defeat to France. Some are even calling on Ronald Koeman to strip the Liverpool defender of the Dutch captaincy.
    Ronald Koeman has been urged to strip Virgil van Dijk of the Dutch captaincyCredit: EPA
    Van Dijk was at the heart of his nation’s defence alongside debutant Lutsharel Geertruida against the 2018 World Cup champions last Friday.
    The Netherlands were torn apart, with former FC Twente and Feyenoord boss Gertjan Verbeek aiming some harsh criticism towards Van Dijk.
    While working as a pundit for Omrop Fryslan, Verbeek said: “I think Van Dijk is a first-class wimp.
    “I would immediately take away his captain’s armband.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “He has to mean a lot more as a captain. He has to put things down. It happens to him.
    “At one point he lets Lutsharel Geertruida drown and then he stands there after the first goal, like: blablabla. Where was he then?”
    It is not the first time the 31-year-old has drawn criticism this season, with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher lambasting his performance during the Reds’ 5-2 defeat to Real Madrid.
    However, Voetbal International claim the criticism got to him this time, with the Dutch outlet suggesting Van Dijk “seemed annoyed” at comments from ex-internationals Ruud Gullit and Marco van Basten.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    After the game, Van Dijk told Viggo Sport: “I don’t know what kind of criticism has been made? It is clear that we played badly. I am one of the experienced guys, so it is completely justified.”
    He later added: “This is of no use to me [the criticism]. Everyone is allowed to have their own opinion these days, that’s the case.
    “Did I set the bar unrealistically high? How is that possible? It was never perfect, consistent is the right word.
    “We’ve had a lot of success with the team. Football players, they know that better than anyone, have high peaks and deep lows.
    “It’s quite normal that you can’t always play consistently. That you have a phase as a club or player where you are looking for your level. People should not forget that.
    “It is normal that people make mistakes, that it is part of football and that it is very human.
    “Regardless of who gets a platform and is allowed to say what, so that things are made big. You know better than anyone when you are doing something right or not.”
    Van Dijk is expected to be back in action for Liverpool when they take on Manchester City on Saturday.
    The heavyweight clash could be make or break for both sides, with Liverpool aiming to rise into the top four and City gunning for runaway league leaders Arsenal. More