More stories

  • in

    Kylian Mbappe ‘calls Paul Pogba and his brother Mathias’ amid claims ex-Man Utd star used witch doctor to curse him

    KYLIAN MBAPPE has reportedly called Paul Pogba and his brother Mathias amid claims the striker’s France team-mate used a witch doctor to curse him.Mbappe, 23, has been mentioned by Mathias several times as the Frenchman accused his brother of keeping secrets as well as lying and manipulating people.
    Kylian Mbappe has reportedly called Paul Pogba for an explanation over the witch doctor allegationsCredit: Getty
    Mathias Pogba was also allegedly called by the French strikerCredit: Kenny Ramsay – The Sun Glasgow
    Also included in Mathias’ allegations is a claim that Pogba, who left Manchester United for Juventus last month, used a witch doctor to cast a spell on the forward.
    The former Crewe and Wrexham footballer also tweeted directly to Mbappe – and we reported yesterday how the Paris Saint-Germain star is now keeping an eye on the situation and could take action if necessary.
    Now French news outlet RTL have claimed that Mbappe phoned the Pogba brothers on Thursday.
    He wanted to know why he had been namechecked in the scandal and wanted to get a perspective from both men to gain a better understanding of the situation.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL
    Both Mbappe and Pogba know that the potentially volatile situation could prove to be harmful for France ahead of the World Cup in November, which is why the forward was keen to discuss the matter.
    Mathias, 32, had hit out at his brother with a statement on social media for his “lies” before claiming to have “explosive information” about Mbappe.
    He said: “I will tell you very important things about him and there will be elements and many testimonies to confirm my words. Everything could be explosive and make a lot of noise.”
    But on Sunday Mathias attempted to reach out to the superstar – suggesting he had Mbappe’s best interests in mind.
    Most read in Football
    He tweeted: “Kylian, now do you understand? I have nothing negative against you, my words are for your good, everything is true and proven, the marabou is known!
    “Sorry to this brother, a so called muslim deep in witchcraft, it’s never good to have a hypocrite and a traitor near you!”
    Mathias’ outburst was followed by Pogba claiming he was the target of an £11million blackmail plot by his childhood friends.
    Paul, 29, told authorities the group requested the money for “protection services” stretching back 13 years, it is understood.
    Judicial sources in Paris confirmed on Sunday that an investigation for “attempted extortion in an organised gang” has been opened.
    A source told French news outlet France Info that the footballer’s “childhood friends” were named as suspects.
    The ex-Man United star claimed he was dragged to an apartment in the Paris suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne.
    In response Mathias uploaded a rant on social media saying: “The French, English, Italian and Spanish public, in other words, the whole world, as well as my brother’s fans, and even more so the French team and Juventus, my brother’s team-mates and his sponsors deserve to know certain things.
    “If he deserves his place in the French team and the honour of playing in the World Cup. If he deserves to be a starter at Juventus.
    “If he is a trustworthy person, that any player deserves to have at his side.” More

  • in

    Everton outcast Andre Gomes joins Lille on loan transfer after failing to play a single minute for Lampard this season

    EVERTON have shipped out Andre Gomes on loan to Lille.The Portuguese midfielder has not played a single minute of football under Frank Lampard this season, and only featured in the squad for The Toffees 1-1 draw with Leeds.
    Andre Gomes suffered a number of injuries throughout his time at EvertonCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd
    And following deadline day acquisitions for James Garner and Idrissa Gueye, the Everton engine room was looking cramped.
    A statement on Everton’s website confirmed the deal.
    They said: “Everton midfielder André Gomes has joined LOSC Lille on loan for the remainder of the 2022/23 campaign.
    “The 29-year-old, who made a permanent move to Goodison Park in the summer of 2019 having impressed during a season-long loan from Barcelona in 2018/19, joins the Ligue 1 outfit after making 100 First-Team appearances for the Blues.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “Portugal international Gomes, who was part of his nation’s European Championship win in 2016, has previously won league titles in his homeland and Spain.”
    In his 100 appearances for Everton, Gomes registered two goals and seven assists.
    Last season the 29-year-old played 14 times in the Premier League, with most of these coming either from the bench or when the squad suffered a shortage.
    Everton were also bolstered in midfield earlier in the window when they brought in Amodou Onana for £32.4million.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    It means the deal for Gomes to join the Ligue 1 side sees the two teams effectively swap players for the season.
    Everton have brought in a total of eight players during the transfer window, adding quality all over the pitch while also removing a number of players considered deadwood, including ex-Tottenham star Dele Alli. More

  • in

    Southampton close in on Duje Caleta-Car after Marseille defender jets in to London to seal transfer

    SOUTHAMPTON are closing in on a deal to sign Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car.The Croatia international has entered the final year of his contract with the Ligue 1 club and is seen as a replacement for Jan Bednarek, who is on the brink of joining West Ham.
    Duje Caleta-Car has been capped 23 times by the Croatian national teamCredit: Getty
    Caleta-Car has reportedly jetted to London ahead of a move to the Premier League.
    The transfer of Bednarek to The Hammers will be a season long loan move as West Ham anticipate the departure of one of their own defenders.
    Craig Dawson has fallen down the pecking order at the London Stadium after David Moyes sanctioned the arrival of two new central defenders.
    Subsequently, Dawson has been the subject of interest from both Wolves and Aston Villa.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    And Dawson’s expected departure has sparked a transfer domino which will see West Ham bring in Bednarek and Southampton bring in Caleta-Car.
    Caleta-Car, 25, played 26 times in Ligue 1 last season, keeping nine clean sheets in those games.
    With him in the side Marseille also made it all the way to the Semi-Finals of the Europa Conference League, but he was benched for the second leg of the tie against Feyenoord.
    Southampton have been busy revamping their defensive department this summer, with a new goalkeeper and a defender brought in.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST NEW CUSTOMER SIGN UP DEALS
    Gavin Bazunu and Armel Bella-Kotchap have both enjoyed impressive starts to the season, helping Southampton pick up an unlikely win against Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea.
    Southampton look set to be busy on deadline day, with a loan move for Ainsley Maitland-Niles, two transfers from Manchester City’s academy, a transfer for Cody Gakpo and a late move for Maxime Lacroix also reportedly in the works. More

  • in

    Kylian Mbappe ‘observing Paul Pogba saga attentively’ after wild witch doctor allegations from brother Mathias

    KYLIAN MBAPPE is reportedly remaining attentive to the Paul Pogba affair following claims made about him by brother Mathias Pogba.The striker, 23, has been mentioned by Mathias several times as the Frenchman accused his brother of keeping secrets as well as lying and manipulating people.
    Kylian Mbappe is paying attention to the Paul Pogba sagaCredit: Getty
    Mathias Pogba has accused his brother of using a witch doctor to put a spell on MbappeCredit: Rex
    Pogba has been branded a liar and a manipulator by his brotherCredit: Getty
    Also included in Mathias’ allegations is a claim Pogba used a witch doctor to cast a spell on his France team-mate Mbappe.
    The former Crewe and Wrexham footballer also tweeted directly to Mbappe – the Paris Saint-Germain star is now keeping an eye on the situation and could take action if necessary, report L’Equipe.
    Mathias, 32, hit out at his brother for his “lies” before claiming to have “explosive information” about Mbappe.
    He said: “I will tell you very important things about him and there will be elements and many testimonies to confirm my words.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “Everything could be explosive and make a lot of noise.”
    But on Sunday Mathias attempted to reach out to the superstar – suggesting he had Mbappe’s best interests in mind.
    He tweeted: “Kylian, now do you understand? I have nothing negative against you, my words are for your good, everything is true and proven, the marabou is known!
    “Sorry to this brother, a so called muslim deep in witchcraft, it’s never good to have a hypocrite and a traitor near you!”
    Most read in Football
    Mathias’ outburst was followed by Pogba claiming he was the target of an £11million blackmail plot by his childhood friends.
    Paul, 29, told authorities the group requested the money for “protection services” stretching back 13 years, it is understood.
    Judicial sources in Paris confirmed on Sunday that an investigation for “attempted extortion in an organised gang” has been opened.
    A source told French news outlet France Info, that the footballer’s “childhood friends” were named as suspects.
    The ex-Man United star claimed he was dragged to an apartment in the Paris suburb of Lagny-sur-Marne.
    In response Mathias uploaded a rant on social media saying: “The French, English, Italian and Spanish public, in other words, the whole world, as well as my brother’s fans, and even more so the French team and Juventus, my brother’s team-mates and his sponsors deserve to know certain things.
    “If he deserves his place in the French team and the honour of playing in the World Cup. If he deserves to be a starter at Juventus.
    “If he is a trustworthy person, that any player deserves to have at his side.” More

  • in

    Lionel Messi looks unimpressed on bench as he’s subbed off with PSG chasing goal vs Monaco while Mbappe stays on

    LIONEL MESSI looked far from impressed as he was subbed off with Paris Saint-Germain chasing a winner in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Monaco.Despite scoring three and assisting two in four Ligue 1 games this term, it wasn’t the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s night.
    Messi looked unhappy on the bench after being subbed offCredit: https://twitter.com/cristixnoera/status/1563990171967791105/photo/1
    Messi, 35, cruelly hit the post from distance just before half-time, and Kylian Mbappe’s rebound effort also smashed off the woodwork.
    Neymar scored the equaliser from the penalty spot in the second half after being brought down inside the area.
    PSG continued to push for a winner hoping to make it four wins in a row in the French top flight.
    However, manager Christophe Galtier subbed off one of his biggest goal threats, Messi, with time still left in the game.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Pablo Sarabia replaced the legendary Argentine, while Mbappe – who also had a poor night in front of goal – stayed on.
    Messi cut a frustrated figure on the Parisians’ bench.
    With less than a year left on Messi’s PSG contract, former club Barcelona remain keen on a reunion.
    Messi left Barca last summer after the club were left paralysed and unable to renew his contract due to their financial troubles.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    This summer, Barca have found was to make it work and have made a number of marquee signings.
    Ferran Torres joined Barca in January, earlier this year.
    Ballon d’Or 2021 runner-up to Messi, Robert Lewandowski, also joined the Catalan giants.
    Jules Kounde also switched to the Camp Nou. More

  • in

    Watch Messi and Mbappe both hit woodwork in SAME attack as PSG draw – with Donnarumma’s reaction to misses priceless

    PARIS SAINT-GERMAIN striker Kylian Mbappe somehow missed from six yards out in a miss of the season contender during the 1-1 draw against Monaco.It looked as though the 23-year-old was set to put his side back on level terms just before the break following Kevin Volland’s 20th minute opener.

    Kylian Mbappe somehow missed from six yards out against Monaco in PSG’s 1-1 drawCredit: Getty
    Argentina international Lionel Messi also struck the woodwork from the same attackCredit: AFP
    Gianluigi Donnarumma couldn’t believe his side failed to score just before the breakCredit: @btsportfootball
    Lionel Messi had initially thought he had equalised for Les Parisiens as he took aim from outside the box, but his curling effort smashed off the post.
    Mbappe reacted quickest to the rebound as he latched onto the ball on the corner of the six-yard box with goalkeeper Alexander Nubel still on the floor.
    But he somehow also struck the frame of the goal to not only the shock of the fans at Parc des Princes but also his team-mates.
    Italian shot-stopper Gianluigi Donnarumma was left with his head in his hands as Mbappe failed to grab his fifth goal of the Ligue 1 season.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    He then looked to the heavens in disbelief as Monaco went into the second half with a shock lead.
    After intense pressure, PSG finally got their reward as Neymar levelled up the game from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.
    It was his eighth goal of the campaign from his fifth outing this term, while he also boasts six assists to his name.
    But he and his PSG team-mates couldn’t find a late winner as the score remained 1-0 to end the hosts’ 100 per cent winning record.
    Most read in football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Though the result managed to keep PSG at the top of the table ahead of Marseille and Lens on goal difference.
    Speaking after the match, PSG skipper Marquinhos said: “They closed us down well.
    “They stopped us bringing the ball out from the back.” More

  • in

    Arsenal star Nuno Tavares scores another stunner for Marseille as Nicolas Pepe gets off to nightmare Nice start

    NUNO TAVARES scored yet another banger for Marseille against Nice as a mini Arsenal reunion took place at the Allianz Riviera.The Portuguese left-back now has three goals to his name for the Stade Velodrome outfit since joining on loan from the Gunners.
    He just can’t stop scoring 🫢Arsenal loanee Nuno Tavares doubles Marseille’s lead with a brilliant effort from outside the box ✨ pic.twitter.com/oEFb2tBeRQ— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 28, 2022

    Nuno Tavares scored his third goal while on loan at Marseille in the 3-0 win against NiceCredit: Getty
    Tavares opened his account for Marseille on his debut against Reims with a rifling attempt into the bottom right corner from the outside of the box after cutting onto his right foot.
    A week later he was on the score sheet again in the draw with Stade Brestois as he volleyed a fine shot into the corner.
    And Tavares has now scored another stunner in a strike similar to his Reims goal as he took aim from outside the box, but his effort this time nestled into the near post.
    Nice shot-stopper Kasper Schmeichel stood no chance as the former Benfica defender’s shot cannoned off the post and in.
    READ MORE ON ARSENAL
    Though the ex-Leicester man did prevent Tavares from helping himself to a brace in the 42nd minute as he parried away his low drive.
    Unfortunately for the Denmark international, the ball fell to Arsenal icon Alexis Sanchez who tucked home his second of the match having broke the deadlock.
    Sanchez was one of four players with Arsenal ties that started for Marseille, with Matteo Guendouzi and Sead Kolasinac named in the line-up.
    Meanwhile Aaron Ramsey came off the bench for Nice, who also had Nicolas Pepe in the starting XI following his loan move from Arsenal on Thursday.
    latest arsenal news
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Thrown straight into the team, the Ivorian winger failed to make an impact in the 3-0 home defeat.
    It was his first match of the season having failed to feature in any of Arsenal’s opening three fixtures prior to his departure.
    Mikel Arteta has revealed he allowed Pepe to leave after the forward cited his need for regular playing time.
    He said: “It’s been three years since he joined the club and he’s had some very good moments, some others where he hasn’t really contributed that much to the team in terms of minutes.
    “We decided for every party it was the best decision to allow him to go.
    “He needs to play football, he was really adamant to do that.”
    Nicolas Pepe made his Nice debut in the 3-0 defeat against MarseilleCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Arsenal flop Nicolas Pepe joining Nice on loan transfer with NO option to buy with Gunners paying most of his huge wages

    ARSENAL have reached an agreement to loan Nicolas Pepe to Nice until the end of the season.The Gunners outcast has not played a single minute of their three Prem matches so far this term and has been offered a Ligue 1 escape route.
    Nicolas Pepe is set to leave Arsenal on loanCredit: Getty
    Nice have reached an agreement with Arsenal that will see them pay half of Pepe’s £140,000 a week wages.
    But the French side will NOT possess an option to make the move permanent.
    SunSport understands that Ligue 1 clubs are required to agree a contract with a player before a loan with an option to buy can be completed.
    With Nice unable to offer Pepe what he earns at Arsenal, a loan deal without a permanent option is the simplest course of action.
    READ MORE ARSENAL STORIES
    Pepe, 27, joined Arsenal for £72million from Lille in 2019.
    He has subsequently made 112 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 27 goals and laying on 21 assists.

    The winger has two years remaining on his Arsenal deal, meaning he will be expected back in North London next summer.
    Pepe was an unused substitute in the Gunners’ matches against Crystal Palace and Leicester but was omitted from the squad entirely at Bournemouth last weekend.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    When Pepe’s temporary departure is completed, technical director Edu could look to recruit a new winger.
    Arsenal admire Wolves ace Pedro Neto, but will only be able to complete a deal that suits them financially.
    The Gunners are willing to pay £35m for the Portuguese star, but the Molineux club are set to demand £50m.
    Pedro Neto is on Arsenal’s wishlistCredit: Getty More