More stories

  • in

    Arsenal ace Ben Sheaf heading to Coventry on season-long loan transfer with £750,000 option to buy

    Arsenal starlet Ben Sheaf is joining Championship new boys Coventry on loan – with a view to a £750,00 permanent move.
    The 22-year-old midfielder was borrowed by League One Doncaster last season – before publicly stating he was targeting a breakthrough with the Gunners this term.

    1

    Gunners’ U-23 midfielder Ben Sheaf is heading off for this third loan spell, with Coventry, but this time the move could become permanentCredit: Getty – Contributor
    But instead the Emirates academy product is on the move for the third time in two years, having first played senior football in a temporary spell with Stevenage.
    Injuries hit the former West Ham schoolkid just when he seemed close to first-team experience with Arsenal.
    But earlier this summer he was still hoping to follow fellow Gunners’ youngsters like Bukayo Saka, Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Joe Willock and Reiss Nelson into boss Mikel Arteta’s plans.
    The Kent-born ace  told Goal: “I want to play for Arsenal. That is the dream. 
    “It’s easy to say injuries have stopped me, which I think they partly have. 
    “But I wouldn’t have the journey I’ve had any other way. That sounds a bit cringe, but I wouldn’t.
    “I’ve had some dark times but I know that I’m good enough and if given the opportunity I will prove myself as good enough. 

    “It’s just whether that opportunity comes up or not.
    ” I would love to go back and prove myself because I’ve never really had that injury-free spell when I’ve been there.”
    Now, though, he is off to League One champs Coventry.

    Gabriel Magalhaes says he is very happy to be joining Arsenal More

  • in

    Matty Cash says Aston Villa was only club for him despite AC Milan interest after £16m transfer from Nottingham Forest

    MATTY CASH says he is ready to go from Siro to hero – after completing his £16million move to Aston Villa.
    The 23-year-old Nottingham Forest full-back was a shock target for Italian aces AC Milan in the January transfer window until Forest pulled the plug on the deal to focus on their promotion push.

    2

    Matty Cash says his heart was set on a move to the Premier League despite interest from AC MilanCredit: Instagram / @ avfcofficial
    But the Slough-born defender says even the lure of life in Italy’s fashion-capital Milan couldn’t compete with the prospect of strutting his stuff in the Premier League with Villa.
    Cash, who also had a £6m move to German giants RB Leipzig rejected by Forest three seasons ago, says signing for former European champs Villa was a no-brainer once Dean Smith made his move.
    He said: “My agent rang me and said that Villa were interested, and immediately it was the place I wanted to come to.

    “I said, ‘Don’t even worry about anywhere else, I want to come here and play.’

    “It’s such a big football club, from the fanbase to the stadium. Every time I played at Villa Park before it just sold itself to me.
    “It’s a very proud moment for me and my family, and I can’t wait to get started. Playing for such a big club is going to be brilliant.”
    Villa beat Premier rivals Fulham and Sheffield United, as well as heading off interest from the continent to land the attacking right-back, who became a huge fans’ favourite after clocking up more than 120 league appearances for Forest.
    Smith said: “We believe we have secured one of England’s brightest young prospects and are delighted to welcome Matty to Villa.

    2

    The defender made 141 appearances for Nottingham Forest before completing his £16m switch to Aston VillaCredit: PA:Press Association

    “He has an excellent playing record for a young player and we believe he will settle in easily and continue his rapid development into a top full-back.”
    Cash was the runaway winner of Forest’s Player of the Year award and has starred in several positions during his six-year stay at the City Ground, where he scored 13 goals in 141 games across all competitions.
    He told AVTV: “It’s been a crazy journey from the age of 17, getting released at Wycombe Wanderers to kicking on.
    “I had a very good five years at Forest and I can’t thank them enough – they were very good to me.
    “Signing for Villa is a huge moment, and I want to thank everyone who’s supported me. I’m coming off a good season and I’m ready to take that into the Premier League with Villa.”
    Villa have paid Forest an initial fee of £14million which could rise to £16million with add-ons.
    They will now push on and try to add a couple of strikers in the shape of Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins from Brentford.

    Jack Grealish stopped by England security at St George’s Park as they didn’t recognise Aston Villa star More

  • in

    Swansea complete transfer of Morgan Gibbs-White on season-long loan from Wolves after ace pens new three-year contract

    SWANSEA have signed Wolves starlet Morgan Gibbs-White on a season-long loan.
    The 20-year-old winger put pen to paper on a new three-year contract at Molineux before agreeing to continue his development in South Wales.

    1

    Swansea have signed Wolves starlet Morgan Gibbs-White on a season-long loanCredit: Getty Images
    The move reunites the youngster and boss Steve Cooper, who was in charge of the attacker three years ago when England Under-17s won the World Cup.
    Wolves’ executive chairman Jeff Shi said: “Morgan’s been with Wolves from a young age and has shown the genuine talent and potential he has, so it’s a positive step forward to have his new contract agreed.
    “Now, we see Swansea as the ideal loan move for him.
    “Hopefully he’ll receive opportunities to impress under a manager he knows well and we’re looking forward to monitoring his performances and development.

    “Hopefully Morgan can help Swansea achieve their goals as a club through his performances on the pitch, then return to Wolves next summer stronger, and more experienced from his time in South Wales.”
    The Stafford-born ace made his debut for Wolves aged 16 in January 2017.

    He has gained experience in both the Premier League and Europa League under Nuno Espirito Santo.
    Now he will be hoping to add another promotion to his CV after helping Wolves win the Championship two years ago.

    Gibbs-White becomes Swansea’s third signing of the summer after Korey Smith arrived on a free and Freddie Woodman returned on-loan from Newcastle.

    Liverpool and Manchester City in transfer battle to sign Wolves winger Adama Traoré More

  • in

    Fulham and Crystal Palace in £15m transfer battle over QPR starlet Eberechi Eze

    FULHAM boss Scott Parker is ready to bid £15 million for QPR star Eberechi Eze – and kick off a transfer scramble.
    Parker has been given money to strengthen the Premier League new boys and he wants talented Eze to join his side to add his skills for their crack at the top flight.

    1

    Scott Parker is ready to bid £15 million for QPR star Eberechi Eze

    Rangers will sell Eze for the right price and boss Mark Warburton may also be in favour of the deal if Parker throws a player or two into an exchange.
    Fulham saw Eze at first hand in the Championship last season and think he can make the step up with them and they have cash to back up their ambitious swoop.
    The Parker move – one of a handful he plans – could see a reaction from main signing rivals Crystal Palace who have only been willing to offer £12 million so far.
    Palace have other targets just now but may have to switch to Eze once the bidding gets serious.

    West Ham and Leeds also like him but the cost is too much for them.
    Meanwhile Palace are putting French forward Jean-Phillipe Mateta on their striker standby list.
    Palace are working overtime on landing a top number nine but they are also keeping their interest in Mateta going at German club Mainz.
    Mateta has had a prolific time in the Bundesliga and could be available for around £15 million.

    Palace would swoop for Mateta if they lose Christian Benteke or may sign him as an extra option for Roy Hodgson’s squad.
    Mateta could be available after a couple of off field issues that have angered Mainz.
    He crashed his car, lost his licence and was axed from their squad in a pre season friendly.

    Chelsea defender Ethan Ampadu ‘close’ to joining Fulham on loan despite transfer interest from Norwich More

  • in

    Man Utd boost in £40m David Brooks transfer chase as Bournemouth admit ALL players are up for sale

    MANCHESTER UNITED’S hopes of signing David Brooks have been boosted after Bournemouth admitted they “won’t stand in anybody’s way” if a star wants to leave.
    New Cherries boss Jason Tindall has accepted that, following relegation to the Championship, each of their players has a price.

    1

    Man Utd have been handed a boost in their chase of David BrooksCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Rumours are circulating that United will need to bid £40million to sign Welsh winger Brooks.
    The 23-year-old barely played in Bournemouth’s relegation campaign after ankle surgery but is considered a top prospect after an impressive debut season the year before.
    And Tindall will allow Brooks a move if the price is right.
    He told the Bournemouth Echo: “We as a football club have got a value of what we believe for our players.

    “And if that value is met then players have got the opportunity to then discuss with whoever they need to discuss with and then make the decision they feel is right for them.
    “But first and foremost, it needs to be right for the football club and once it’s right for the football club then, as you’ve seen in the past, I don’t think it’s a club that will stand in anybody’s way providing that the club’s happy with and it meets the valuation of the player.”
    BOUR OFF
    Nathan Ake and Aaron Ramsdale have already departed Vitality Stadium for a combined £58.5m.
    Boss Tindall hopes the exodus will not go on much longer with Brooks, Josh King and Callum Wilson touted for moves.

    He noted: “Until any offers come in for any players then they remain in Bournemouth regardless anyway.
    “The squad are happy here. They know they’re at a fantastic club and it’s a club that’s going places and want to achieve something this year.

    “I think when you’ve got that purpose as a player where you’re going into a season where you’re looking to be successful and achieve something, I think it’s a great thing to have and people want to be a part of that.”
    United remain determined to sign Jadon Sancho but have so far been unable to persuade Borussia Dortmund to sell up.
    A £108m price tag continues to be reported as the sticking point in bringing the England winger back to Manchester.
    Should the bid collapse, Brooks is said to be a target along with Juventus star Douglas Costa.

    How Man Utd could line up vs Crystal Palace with Jadon Sancho and Upamecano in but Rashford out after landing transfers More

  • in

    Fulham complete Antonee Robinson transfer from Wigan on £50k-a-week deal after USA star snubs Everton return

    FULHAM have signed Antonee Robinson from Wigan on a four-year £50,000-a-week deal.
    The USA star has snubbed the chance to return to Everton as he joins the mass exodus at the crisis-hit Latics.

    1

    Fulham have signed Antonee Robinson from Wigan
    The fee is believed to be £1.9million.
    Left back Robinson headed to London from Wigan on Sunday to finalise the deal.
    And once the move was confirmed, Robinson, 23, said: “I am made up to be a Fulham player.

    “I was really excited to get down here and get everything signed. When the lads get back in here, I can’t wait to get going.

    “I heard a few days ago that Scott Parker was interested in me and wanted to speak to me personally.
    “We had a zoom call and he was really keen to get the deal done and for me to be a Fulham player.
    “Fulham play a really nice style of football and I can see myself fitting in perfectly.
    “As soon as I heard of the ambitions of the Club it was an easy decision for me.”

    Fulham offered £1.9m on Friday but Robinson’s former club Everton had a 48-hour window to match the bid and speak to the player.
    Goodison transfer chief Marcel Brandts told Robinson he wanted him back – a year after selling him to Latics – but he has chosen Fulham instead.
    Sheffield United and West Brom were left disappointed in the chase for the defender who is one of many leaving troubled Wigan.
    The Blades originally offered £3 million, but dropped the bid when they found out he had a relegation release clause.
    Back in January, Robinson was on the verge of a dream £10m move to AC Milan but it fell through just before the transfer deadline.
    Fulham boss Parker is also thought to be looking at a loan move for Chelsea’s Ethan Ampadu.

    Frank Lampard wants the Wales international to gain Premier League experience after spending last season with Champions League semi-finalists RB Leipzig.
    Norwich are also keen but will miss out after being relegated to the Championship.
    Ampadu made just seven appearances at Leipzig and Fulham will be expected to give him plenty of minutes.

    Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder welcomes new goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale from Bournemouth More

  • in

    Leeds immediately accept FA charge after players celebrated Premier League promotion with pyrotechnics

    LEEDS have accepted an FA charge after their players celebrated promotion by lighting flares on Derby’s pitch.
    A 3-1 win over the Rams in July marked Marcelo Bielsa’s side’s first game after they secured their rise to the Premier League.

    4

    Leeds lit blue and yellow flares to celebrate their promotionCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    4

    The newly-promoted club are not fighting the FA chargeCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    And the jubilant Leeds players lit flares on the Pride Park pitch following the final whistle.
    The celebrations have earned the Whites an FA charge, confirmed on Thursday.
    An FA statement read: “Leeds United FC has been charged with a breach of FA Rule E20 following its EFL Championship fixture against Derby County FC on 19 July 2020.
    “It is alleged that the club failed to ensure its players and/or officials conducted themselves in an orderly fashion as pyrotechnic devices were used following the conclusion of the fixture.

    “The club has until 3 September 2020 to provide a response.”
    However, the Yorkshire club spared no time in accepting responsibility.
    Leeds confirmed via the club website: “The club has accepted the charge.”
    For the first time since 2004, Elland Road will host Premier League football next season after Bielsa’s men won the Championship.

    4

    Leeds were charged with “failing to conduct themselves in an orderly fashion as pyrotechnic devices were used”Credit: Reuters

    4

    Pablo Hernandez, Jamie Shackleton and a Derby own goal secured the visitors a win before the celebrations beganCredit: Getty Images – Getty

    The club attracted strong criticism for staging an open-top bus celebration after being crowned champions just days later.
    Despite strict coronavirus lockdown restrictions and telling fans to stay at home, Leeds brought out the Championship trophy to parade in front of those unable to watch their win over Charlton.
    Club officials claimed the celebration was deployed as a way of telling fans NOT to stay out.
    On Thursday, Leeds’ first top-flight opponents were confirmed, with a trip to champions Liverpool awaiting them on September 12.

    Leeds claim open-top bus celebrations were to help fans stay away from Elland Road after ploy totally backfires More

  • in

    Watford reject Abdoulaye Doucoure transfer offer from Everton as Hornets hold out for £25m fee for midfielder

    EVERTON have reportedly had a bid for Abdoulaye Doucoure rejected by Watford.
    The 27-year-old is seeking a new challenge after four seasons at Vicarage Road, with the player keen to play under Carlo Ancelotti.

    1

    Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure is a reported target for EvertonCredit: Reuters
    He is understood to also be attracting interest from Ligue 1 clubs, but his priority is to play in the Premier League as he dreams of winning a first cap for France.

    Former Rennes star Dourcoure played in 37 top-flight games this season – chipping in with four goals and two assists.
    But he failed to help the Hornets beat the drop to the Championship.
    According to the Evening Standard, Everton are desperate to snap him up, but have been knocked back in their bid to sign him.

    It has been claimed that Watford are willing to sell the ex-Granada loanee, but only if they receive a £25million offer.
    They state that Doucoure is keen to make the move to Goodison Park, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.
    French news outlet Telefoot via GFFN have revealed that the player has already agreed personal terms with Everton.

    A four-year deal is believed to be on the table, with the Merseyside outfit set to make a second bid imminently.

    Doucoure could replace Tom Davies at Everton, with the 22-year-old a £12m target for Newcastle.
    It is set to be a busy summer at Everton as Ancelotti looks to assemble a squad capable of qualifying for Europe.

    Jordan Pickford facing uncertain Everton future with Carlo Ancelotti not convinced he has future at club after huge mistakes More