More stories

  • in

    Chelsea ‘enquire about Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone’ and have edge over PSG in transfer battle

    CHELSEA have enquired about Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Manu Kone with the Blues having the edge over Paris Saint Germain according to reports.The French U-21 international joined the Bundesliga side in January 2021 from Toulouse.
    Manu Kone could be on the move to the Premier League this summerCredit: Getty
    Kone joined Borussia Moenchengladbach in 2021 from ToulouseCredit: Getty
    The 21-year-old has been in excellent form for Daniel Farke’s side this season and attracted the interest of some of Europe’s top clubs.
    According to German publication Sport Bild Chelsea and PSG have enquired about the midfielder.
    The report added that the Stamford Bridge club have the edge as Kone “dreams” of a move to the Premier League.
    Despite spending over £100million on Enzo Fernandez in January Chelsea are in the market for a defensive midfielder.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    The Blues are trying to find a solution that would enable Fernandez to operate further forward.
    Fernandez has had to operate deeper of late following the departure of Jorginho to Arsenal, N’Golo Kante’s injury and the lack of a defensive midfielder in the squad.
    Graham Potter’s side have also been linked with moves for West Ham’s Declan Rice and Moises Caicedo of Brighton.
    A summer departure is a possibility for Kone with the report adding that his agents have met Gladbach sporting director Roland Virkus to talk about a summer exit.
    Most read in Bundesliga
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON THE CHELTENHAM FESTIVAL
    Gladbach would be looking for in the region of £25m or more for a player who will have two years left on his contract come the summer.
    To date the midfielder has made 50 appearances for Gladbach, scoring three goals with his first for the club coming in the 5-0 win over Bayern Munich in the German Cup. More

  • in

    Arsenal join Marcus Thuram transfer hunt as Newcastle circle for Borussia Monchengladbach winger who is free this summer

    ARSENAL have joined Newcastle in the race to sign Marcus Thuram, according to reports.The Toon’s interest in the Frenchman dates back to last year, with Eddie Howe and Co having considered a January swoop.
    Marcus Thuram has scored ten goals in the Bundesliga this seasonCredit: Getty
    Borussia Monchengladbach managed to retain their star man until at least the end of the season.
    But with his contract set to expire, plenty of would-be suitors are circling around the highly-rated attacker.
    According to Spanish paper Sport, Arsenal are “on alert” due to Thuram’s situation.
    In addition to Newcastle, the Gunners will also face Premier League competition from Aston Villa, managed by former boss Unai Emery.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Bringing him to England will be a challenge, however, with Barcelona also in the mix.
    Thuram’s legendary father Lilian played for the Catalan side alongside their current boss Xavi between 2006 and 2008.
    Quizzed about the possibility of his son following in his footsteps, Lilian told RAC1 last month: “Any player dreams of playing for Barca.”
    The LaLiga leaders have repeatedly targeted the free agent market in recent seasons – signing Franck Kessie, Andreas Christensen, Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay upon the expiry of their previous contracts.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Also reportedly tracking Thuram are Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Sevilla and Inter Milan.
    He has scored 10 goals in 18 Bundesliga appearances this term.
    His form earned him a place in France’s 26-man World Cup squad, and he even assisted a goal for Kylian Mbappe in the final against Argentina.
    Lilian Thuram played for Barcelona between 2006 and 2008Credit: Getty Images – Getty More

  • in

    Watch Borussia Monchengladbach ace Manu Kone nutmeg pitch invader being chased by a steward

    BORUSSIA MONCHENGLADBACH ace Manu Kone brutally nutmegged a pitch invader being chased by a steward. The man ran onto the pitch and towards Frenchman Kone after Gladbach’s 4-1 victory against Hoffenheim.
    The fan ran on the pith after Borussia Monchengladbach’s 4-1 win over HoffenheimCredit: https://twitter.com/nocontextfooty
    Manu Kone mercilessly rolled the ball through the man’s legsCredit: https://twitter.com/nocontextfooty
    The 21-year-old Frenchman then somehow lost control of the ball to the stewardCredit: https://twitter.com/nocontextfooty
    The 21-year-old saw the fan coming and with quick feet, rolled the ball through his legs.
    A steward was hot on the fan’s heels and managed to get a kick on the ball shortly after.
    Gladbach players could be seen looking confused as the steward darted after the fan.
    Replying to the video, one said: “I’d be 2 footing him as a pitch invader. We are both getting carried out of the pitch.”
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Another added: “Smooth.”
    But others picked up on Kone losing control of the ball to the steward.
    A curious fan asked: “Did the steward go on to score a goal?”
    Kone is a highly rated midfielder and has even been linked with a move to the Premier League.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Newcastle and Liverpool both hold an interest in the player.
    Despite the lure of the Premier League being strong, both would have to fight off PSG and Bayern Munich if they’re to secure the services of Kone. More

  • in

    ‘They’ve got best snacks’ – Fans in awe of giant battered fish sandwich at Borussia Monchengladbach

    GERMAN giants Borussia Monchengladbach have left hungry footy fans drooling.That’s by serving up a giant battered fish sandwich at their stadium on game days.
    Borussia Monchengladbach are serving up a treat for hungry fansCredit: Getty
    Punters can get this epic giant fish sandwich for just £5.20 on match daysCredit: Instagram @thefootyfood
    Punters are usually forced to endure some terrible grub when going to cheer their side on.
    From a single burnt sausage in a dry bun, to a processed slice of cheese hurled on top of unseasoned chips, there are some shocking match day meals around.
    To make matters worse, fans usually have to pay through the nose to get a taste of the dastardly dishes.
    And even the World Cup failed to live up to standards, with the fan village providing “sad” snacks for guests at £200 per night.
    READ MORE ON BUNDESLIGA
    But Bundesliga side Gladbach are taking things to the next level by serving up a tasty treat in the form of a huge fish sandwich.
    The battered fillet is supported by a fresh artisan roll, and is so big it sticks out of the bun on either side.
    Some fresh greenery provides the aesthetics, and the sarnie is finished with a generous thick helping of tartar sauce.
    But just when you thought things couldn’t get better, the stunning snack only costs £5.20.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Fans on social media have certainly been enjoying Gladbach’s latest creation, with one saying: “Bundesliga got the best snacks.”
    Another simply declared he “would” wolf down the delectable concoction.
    And other supporters tagged their mates to make them aware of the magnificent munch available in Germany.
    However, League Two side Stockport County showed England can mix it with the best at times.
    That’s after cheering up fans over the festive period with a £4.50 CUP of Christmas dinner.
    The genius meal was filled with turkey, roast potatoes and pigs-in-blankets, with the cup also allowing for lashings of gravy to be added. More

  • in

    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus Thuram as Barcelona ‘scout striker ahead of summer transfer’

    CHELSEA are facing an uphill battle to sign Marcus Thuram after Barcelona sent scouts to watch him, according to reports. Thuram, 25, is out of contract in the summer and consequently represents a cut-price option in a heavily inflated January market.
    Chelsea face missing out on Marcus ThuramCredit: Getty
    Chelsea are one of a number of sides who have been linked with a move for the Frenchman, who can play as a winger or a striker.
    However, Barcelona are understood to be taking the most keen look at him.
    According to Mundo Deportivo, the club’s present financial situation is restricting them from being able to freely navigate the market.
    Therefore, they have been seeking cheaper alternatives – a profile Thuram fits due to the nature of his contract.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    The report indicates the Spanish giants have sent scouts to watch the Borussia Monchengladbach star, with “favourable” reports being returned.
    Thuram is typically deployed through the centre in Germany, but during the World Cup he made his impact off the bench coming from the wing, showcasing his versatility.
    With him thought to be available for just under £10million as well, the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, Newcastle, Tottenham and Liverpool have all retained an interest.
    But each of these clubs seem to have transfer target priorities which, for now at least, lie elsewhere.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST OFFERS FOR EXISTING CUSTOMERS
    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is said to have now stepped down from his role as interim sporting director, but it has not stopped the club pressing forward with deals.
    The Blues have verbally agreed to cough up the £10million loan fee for Atletico Madrid’s Joao Felix, which they hope will alleviate some of their issues for the remainder of the season.
    Here’s how Thuram has performed in the Bundesliga this season More

  • in

    Man Utd lining up Diogo Costa transfer in summer with Yann Sommer set to join Bayern Munich

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly lining up a move for Diogo Costa this summer.That’s because top target Yann Sommer looks destined to join Bayern Munich.
    Man Utd are ready to swoop for Portugal and Porto goalie Diogo CostaCredit: Getty
    Switzerland and Gladbach ace Yann Sommer is set to join Bayern MunichCredit: Getty
    The 34-year-old Gladbach goalkeeper emerged on United’s radar last month amid doubts over David De Gea’s future.
    Erik ten Hag’s current No1 is out of contract this year and has to accept a huge cut on his £350,000-a-week wages to remain.
    It’s reckoned United were ready to bring forward their move for Sommer after Martin Dubravka was recalled from his loan by Newcastle.
    But Bayern Munich have been tracking Sommer since losing Manuel Neuer to a freak skiing injury.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    And Blick claims a deal is now close for Switzerland’s No1 to join the German champions.
    However, United have been scouting more than one stopper.
    And CM Journal claims Ten Hag will now look to Porto star Costa to replace De Gea.
    Portugal’s World Cup goalie, 23, is rated as one of the best young talents in Europe.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    A host of clubs are following Costa, who has a £66million release clause.
    But his agent Jorge Mendes is understood to be working behind the scenes on securing a switch to Old Trafford.
    Chelsea have also been linked with Costa, but they still have big earners Edouard Mendy and Kepa Arrizabalaga on the books.

    And should Costa sign for United, it would also bring an end to De Gea’s stunning 12-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams.
    He could be set for a return to LaLiga, with several clubs reportedly interested following his early years at Atletico Madrid. More

  • in

    Man Utd bring forward Yann Sommer pursuit as they look to complete goalkeeper transfer this month after Dubravka recall

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly planning to move for Switzerland goalkeeper Yann Sommer this month rather than wait.The Red Devils have been left short after Newcastle recalled Martin Dubravka from his loan at Old Trafford.
    Man Utd are making a move for Moenchengladbach’s keeper Yann SommerCredit: Getty
    The 33-year-old Slovakian failed to make a single Premier League appearance for United as he was unable to dislodge No1 David De Gea.
    The stopper was restricted to just two Carabao Cup outings following his arrival but is now back at the Toon.
    And TalkSPORT are now claiming that United are “ready to bring forward their move” for Sommer after being “short-handed” by Dubravka’s exit.
    The 34-year-old has just represented his country at the World Cup and becomes a free agent in June when his contract at Borussia Monchengladbach.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    This report states that United “were already working on a deal” to sign him at the end of the campaign.
    Now they are “hoping to persuade” the Bundesliga club to do business now.
    Erik ten Hag’s side are looking to snap-up the veteran for a knockdown fee.
    And they will be hoping to get a potential transfer sorted as soon as possible in order to get cover in.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
    Sommer came through the ranks back in his homeland with Basel but left them for Gladbach in 2014.
    He made the Bundesliga team of the season in 2020 and has played over 300 matches for the club.
    He has also won 80 caps for Switzerland. More

  • in

    Man Utd keeping tabs on Marcus Thuram contract situation and could move for France forward on free transfer in summer

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly keeping tabs on Borussia Monchengladbach ace Marcus Thuram.The 25-year-old France international is out of contract at the end of the season.
    Manchester United are reportedly tracking Marcus ThuramCredit: Getty
    And United are monitoring developments with Thuram, according to the Daily Mail.
    He is free to talk hold talks with foreign clubs as he has less than six months remaining on his current deal.
    Thuram, who can play up front or out wide, has hit 13 goals in 17 games for Gladbach this season.
    The Red Devils are desperate for attacking reinforcements after Cristiano Ronaldo was axed before the World Cup.
    Read More On Man Utd
    Boss Erik ten Hag is seeking a short term fix in January, possibly on loan.
    But Thuram could be one for the future.
    Although Newcastle, Arsenal, Liverpool and Tottenham are all interested in Thuram, as well as United.
    He has been capped nine times by France and was a regular off the bench in Qatar as Didier Deschamps’ side lost the final to Argentina.
    Most read in Football
    HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
    Looking ahead to the winter window before United’s 1-0 win at Wolves on Saturday, Ten Hag confirmed he wants to sign a striker this month.
    He said: “It’s always difficult. Strikers are expensive, especially in the winter. But you have to set the limits high. We’re looking for it.
    “We need to be creative and do everything we have in our power to get the right players in, who are fitting in the balance.”
    He added: “So we are looking for the right player for our squad, but it has to match our sporting criteria, definitely, but also some financial criteria.” More