Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new bid for Man Utd CONFIRMED after deadline chaos as mystery Finnish magnate also enters fray

      by

      SIR Jim Ratcliffe made his formal pitch to take control of Manchester United – 24 hours BEFORE the new bidding deadline expired.Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the leading contenders with both due to confirm world record £5bn-plus second bids for Manchester United.
      The Glazer family are entertaining offers for Manchester UnitedCredit: GETTY
      Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, is in the race to buy the clubCredit: PA
      Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani is also in the running to buy the Red DevilsCredit: AFP
      But they face the growing threat that the club could still remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake that will allow the owners to STAY in charge.
      Sir Jim, Britain’s richest man, made his move on Thursday afternoon, a full day ahead of the extended bid deadline.
      A spokesman said: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos can confirm we have submitted a revised bid.”
      The move, a signal of Sir Jim’s desire to land the club he has followed since his schooldays, comes after a farcical situation on Wednesday night in which the Glazers’ approved deal-makers the Raine Group gave a last-minute extension to the previous 9pm bidding deadline.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      It was a move that left Sheikh Jassim and Ineos initially scrambling to work out their next move.
      With Raine confirming Friday’s deadline, revised and fine-tuned offers will have been made by both parties by Friday afternoon, exceeding the previous record for a sporting franchise when the NFL’s Denver Broncos went for £3.8bn last summer.
      There are, however, increasing fears that the entire drawn-out sales process could end up NOT happening – in what would be a U-turn that would leave many Old Trafford fans aghast.
      Those concerns – adding to questions over whether the two main bidders are being “played” by Raine – were consolidated by the news of the Elliott proposition.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
      Elliott, formerly the owners of AC Milan, confirmed they have made an offer for a “small amount of common equity” in addition to being willing to provide financing for other bidders.
      While the New York-based firm would not disclose the size of the shareholding they are looking to purchase, nor the sum involved, it would allow a partial withdrawal of the members of the Glazer family who are looking to cash in their stakes.
      The cash injection would also enable the club’s co-chairmen, Joel and Avram Glazer, to remain at the helm.
      As Sun Sport revealed, one option being considered by the two siblings was using external funding to create a new company and hive off the club’s merchandising and digital commercial operation into a separate concern.
      Growing frustration at the process from some of those involved boiled over in the aftermath of Wednesday night’s chaos with a belief that the Glazers might, after all, only be interested in pushing up the price of the club to create leverage for a loan.
      Amid the uncertainty, shares in United on the New York Stock Exchange plunged by more than eight per cent in early trading, wiping £268m off the club’s market capitalisation, which dropped to £3.12bn.
      The situation was further confused when Finnish social media magnate Thomas Zilliacus, taking a major pop at Sheikh Jassim, announced he had approached Raine with another offer.
      Zilliacus, a Singapore-based businessman who was previously President of HJK Helsinki and a politician in the Finnish capital city, promised a “fan-centred” bid – while asking United supporters to stump up HALF of the cost.
      Finnish tycoon Thomas Zilliacus is also keen on buying UnitedCredit: GETTY
      He said: “Any sports club ultimately should belong to its fans.
      “The current development, where billionaire sheikhs and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds is not a healthy trend.”
      Zilliacus, though, hinted he would bid at the NYSE valuation, which is barely half the figure that the Glazers want, and suggesting he would only front up 50 per cent of that through his investment vehicle, with fans urged to meet him.
      That is not a figure likely to move the dial with the Glazers, who are determined to hold out for the full £6bn – and whose conduct had led to questions over whether the family have ever been serious about relinquishing control of the club.
      The alternative view is that Raine are encouraging such a view to spiral in the hope that it will force one of the bidders – probably Sheikh Jassim – to break the bank and make an offer the Glazers cannot refuse.
      What still seems evident is that despite rumours of up to eight bids and suggestions of a mystery third consortium, Ineos and Sheikh Jassim are the only contenders who want to take control of the club.
      Read More on The Sun
      Ineos are targeting the Glazers’ 69 per cent stake while the Qatari aims for a full buy-out.
      The other interested parties, including Elliott, are looking at stock investments or funding options. More

    • 225 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd takeover LIVE: Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new bid CONFIRMED, Qatar latest, Thomas Zilliacus enters fray – updates

      by

      SIR JIM Ratcliffe has made his formal pitch to take control of Manchester United.And the bid has been received 24 hours BEFORE the new bidding deadline expired.
      Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the leading contenders with both due to confirm world record £5bn-plus second bids for United.
      But they face the growing threat that the club could still remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake that will allow the owners to STAY in charge.
      While another potential buyer has also emerged, with Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus set to submit a bid for the Red Devils.
      SunSport can exclusively reveal that Manchester United star Marcus Rashford is stalling over a new deal at Old Trafford.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      Stay up to date with all the latest from Old Trafford
      Red Devils’ fans happy with Luke seeing red
      Luke Shaw’s red card for England came as welcome news to Manchester United fans.
      The left-back was sent off in the 2-1 win over Italy after picking up two yellow cards in less than a minute.
      He is now suspended for England’s next game against Ukraine on Sunday.
      That means the 27-year-old faces an extended rest before returning to United duty.

      The Red Devils return to action after the international break with a tough trip to Newcastle on April 2.
      But United fans are safe in the knowledge that Shaw can put his feet up for the England game against Ukraine at Wembley and not play again until United’s match at St. James’ Park.
      Red Devils supporters took to social media after Shaw was sent off to rejoice at the fact he doesn’t have to play on Sunday.
      One exclaimed: “SHAW SUSPENDED LETS GOOOOO.”
      Another sarcastically wrote: “Oh dear! Luke Shaw red card and suspended for next game. As a United fan I’m devastated.”
      A third added: “Shaw suspended niceeeeee.”
      Finnish bidder wants fans to contribute £1.5BILLION
      Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus has joined the race to buy Manchester United — but wants fans to cough up a staggering £1.5BILLION.
      Zilliacus vowed to finance the other half of the £3bn bid.
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe made an improved world-record £5bn offer on Thursday, while Qatari banker Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani is expected to match that before Friday’s 9pm deadline.

      Both believe Zilliacus’ pitch is nothing more than a publicity stunt.
      But he said: “Any club ultimately should belong to its fans. My bid is built on equality with fans.
      “The current development, where billionaire sheiks and oligarchs take over clubs and control them as their personal playgrounds, is not a healthy trend.”
      US investment company Elliott have also made an offer to purchase a minority stake in the Prem giants, irrespective of who ends up owning the club.
      Zilliacus, 69, added: “The market value of the club is just under £3.17bn.
      “That means  if every one of the fans would join in, the sum per fan would amount to less than £5.
      “My group will finance half of the sum needed to take over the club.”
      Shaw sent off for 2 bookings in 54 seconds
      Luke Shaw was given his marching orders in the second half of England’s 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win in Italy for two bookings inside 54 SECONDS.
      The Manchester United defender received his first yellow of the match in the 78th minute for time-wasting in a bid to help the Three Lions maintain their 2-1 lead.

      And he found himself heading for an early shower a few seconds later after a clumsy tackle.
      Shaw, 27, received his two bookings in a mere 54 SECONDS.
      Manager Gareth Southgate had to quickly reshuffle the pack following Shaw’s dismissal.
      And it was poor Phil Foden – one of England’s star performers at the World Cup – who was the sacrificial lamb.
      Sir Jim in with formal bid
      Sir Jim Ratcliffe made his formal pitch to take control of Manchester United – 24 hours BEFORE the new bidding deadline expired, writes MARTIN LIPTON.
      Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the leading contenders with both due to confirm world record £5bn-plus second bids for Manchester United.
      But they face the growing threat that the club could still remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake that will allow the owners to STAY in charge.
      Sir Jim, Britain’s richest man, made his move this afternoon, a full day ahead of the extended bid deadline.
      A spokesman said: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos can confirm we have submitted a revised bid.”
      The move, a signal fo Sir Jim’s desire to land the club he has followed since his schooldays,  comes after a farcical situation on Wednesday night in which the Glazers’ approved deal-makers the Raine Group gave a last-minute extension to the previous 9pm bidding deadline. 
      It was a move that left Sheikh Jassim and Ineos group, initially scrambling to work out their next move.
      With Raine confirming this afternoon’s deadline, revised and fine-tuned offers will have been made by both parties by this afternoon (Fri), exceeding the previous record for a sporting franchise when the NFL’s Denver Broncos went for £3.8bn last summer.
      PSG rated United’s main rivals for Osimhen
      United could make Victor Osimhen their “main focus” in the summer transfer market.
      Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said: “I think Osimhen can leave Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain could be a possibility for him. 
      “But Manchester United are probably the favourites to take him.
      “Man United’s main focus is definitely Osimhen and has been for at least two seasons. He is an excellent player and very particular with his skills of him.
      “I think Napoli will let him go for between 130 and 150 million euros and Man United can afford it.”
      Victor will ponder next move in summer
      Victor Lindelor has cast doubt over his Manchester United future and indicated he will hold talks with the club at the end of the season.
      The Swedish defender has been at Old Trafford for six years after being signed by Jose Mourinho.
      But this season he has found first-team football hard to come by as the club brought in reinforcements to strengthen their backline.
      Lindelof is now fourth-choice behind Rafael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and club captain Harry Maguire.
      The 28-year-old is currently away on international duty but faced questions from reporters on life at Old Trafford and what the future could hold for him.
      Asked if he found it frustrating to not be playing more regularly, Lindelof said: “Well of course like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I have not done that this season.
      “But I haven’t thought about that, right now I’m focusing on the national team and then of course the rest of the season with the club and then in the summer we’ll have to re-evaluate and see what’s best.
      “But like I always say when I come here, it’s a pleasure to be here and I’m very happy to represent my country and I’m really looking forward to the games that we have.”
      Utd have Prem’s 2nd most expensive squad
      Chelsea and Manchester United’s annual wage bill busts the £200million mark – at seven times more than Brentford’s.
      And although the traditional “Big Six” are the top half-dozen payers, table-toppers Arsenal are bottom of that list on £98m.
      Online independent casino reviewer CasinoBonusCA compiled the table, with Chelsea belying their mediocre season by heading the pile above United and then Manchester City.
      TOP PAYERS:
      Chelsea £212,090,000 Man Utd £211,875,000 Man City £182,640,000 Liverpool £158,788,000 Spurs £110,438,000 Arsenal £97,878,000 
      Takeover latest – Ratcliffe CONFIRMS bid
      SIR Jim Ratcliffe made his formal pitch to take control of Manchester United – 24 hours BEFORE the new bidding deadline expired.
      Ratcliffe and Qatari Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani remain the leading contenders with both due to confirm world record £5bn-plus second bids for Manchester United.
      But they face the growing threat that the club could still remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake that will allow the owners to STAY in charge.
      Osimhen could cost up to £130m
      Manchester United are favourites to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
      But the transfer guru claims it could take a Premier League record fee for United to get their man.
      Napoli are reportedly willing to sell Osimhen for a fee in the region of £115-£130million.
      Red Devils could nab ‘Liverpool transfer target’
      United could nab transfer guru Paul Mitchell from under Liverpool’s noses… if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys the club.
      Recruitment expert Mitchell, 41, is leaving his position as sporting director at AS Monaco at the end of the season.
      And Liverpool have explored the prospect of bringing Mitchell to Anfield, according to the Independent.

      However, the same source suggests the Reds could face competition from United, who may also choose to target Mitchell.
      That’s if the Ratcliffe-led consortium is successful in its bid to buy the Red Devils.
      Mitchell is claimed to have been touted for an Old Trafford role should Ratcliffe and Co fight off rival interest from Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.
      US hedge fund Elliott Management have also made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.
      Ratcliffe’s INEOS group are said to already have an idea as to what their potential structure at the club will be.
      Although it’s not yet clear what exact role Mitchell has been identified as being suitable for at Old Trafford.
      Meanwhile at Anfield, current sporting director Julian Ward is set to step down this summer, just a year after taking over from Michael Edwards.
      Fans enjoy Ronaldo ‘bromance’ with Dalot
      Any stresses or strains Cristiano Ronaldo feels seem to melt away when he reignites his “bromance” with Diogo Dalot.
      Fans homed in on Ron greeting his former Manchester United team-mate with a beaming smile, huge embrace and mischievous antics during training with Portugal.

      The five-time Ballon d’Or winner goes into Thursday’s opening Euro 2024 qualifier with Liechtenstein as the world’s joint-most capped player ever on 196.
      But Ronaldo bounced around as if it was his first call-up when he engaged with the defender he has publicly described as his favourite squad-mate at Old Trafford.
      The 38-year-old’s brutal departure and ensuing move to Al-Nassr was forgotten as he grabbed Dalot for some physical banter.
      One observer said: “Ronaldo and Dalot bromance is giving me life.”
      A second fan posted: “Football is great with CR7.”
      ‘Utd probably favourites’ for Victor ahead of PSG
      United could make Victor Osimhen their “main focus” in the summer transfer market.
      Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio said: “I think Osimhen can leave Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain could be a possibility for him. 
      “But Manchester United are probably the favourites to take him.
      “Man United’s main focus is definitely Osimhen and has been for at least two seasons. He is an excellent player and very particular with his skills of him.
      “I think Napoli will let him go for between 130 and 150 million euros and Man United can afford it.”
      Why is Rashford NOT playing tonight?
      England are playing in Italy tonight as they look to start their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign with a win.
      But Marcus Rashford will not be featuring, and here is why:
      Rashford suffered a knock in Manchester United’s 3-1 FA Cup quarter-final win over Fulham on Sunday.
      United’s club statement said: “Our No.10 required treatment after being hurt in the build-up to Aleksandar Mitrovic’s opener for the visitors and was later withdrawn from the 83rd minute, with Fred taking his place.”
      Former England striker Alan Smith told Sky Sports: “Marcus Rashford has been in fantastic form but if England were going to be missing a player from any department, they’d probably choose a player from the attacking ranks.
      “There are still great options for Southgate to choose from, so England can get by.”

      Lindelof to ‘re-evaluate’ his Utd position
      Victor Lindelor has cast doubt over his Manchester United future and indicated he will hold talks with the club at the end of the season.
      The Swedish defender has been at Old Trafford for six years after being signed by Jose Mourinho.
      But this season he has found first-team football hard to come by as the club brought in reinforcements to strengthen their backline.
      Lindelof is now fourth-choice behind Rafael Varane, Lisandro Martinez and club captain Harry Maguire.
      The 28-year-old is currently away on international duty but faced questions from reporters on life at Old Trafford and what the future could hold for him.
      Asked if he found it frustrating to not be playing more regularly, Lindelof said: “Well of course like every player, you want to play every game and obviously I have not done that this season.
      “But I haven’t thought about that, right now I’m focusing on the national team and then of course the rest of the season with the club and then in the summer we’ll have to re-evaluate and see what’s best.
      “But like I always say when I come here, it’s a pleasure to be here and I’m very happy to represent my country and I’m really looking forward to the games that we have.”
      Takeover in doubt
      United could remain in the hands of the Glazer family – after US hedge fund Elliott Management made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.
      In what would be a U-turn that would leave many Old Trafford fans aghast, there are increasing suspicions that the planned sale could be OFF – unless bidders match the Glazers’ £6bn valuation.

      And some reports even claim the American owners are actually holding out for £6.5bn.
      The contest to control the club descended into farce on Wednesday evening when the Glazers’ chosen deal-makers, US banking group Raine, gave a last-minute extension to the previous 9pm bidding deadline.
      That left both the declared public bidders, Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani and Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos group, scrambling to work out their next move.
      Sheikh Jassim withdrew the £5bn offer he had made ahead of the deadline, while Ineos, which had been on the brink of making a similar offer, was forced into a rethink.
      Lindelof speaks on United future
      Victor Lindelof has dropped a new hint over his future at Manchester United while on international duty with Sweden.
      He said: “Obviously I want to play. That’s why I play football because you want to play games.
      “Right now I am focusing on the national team and the rest of the season with the club. In the summer, we have to re-evaluate and see what’s best.”
      Elliott Management make takeover bid
      Elliott Management have made an offer to buy a minority stake of Manchester United, according to The Independent
      It is claimed the bid, which was submitted before Wednesday night’s 9pm deadline, is potentially up to 40 per cent of the club.
      Figures involved with the process have long maintained that the Glazers staying on with such a deal is an option that cannot be ruled out.
      Man Utd told Osimhen price
      Manchester United are favourites to sign Napoli star Victor Osimhen, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
      But the transfer guru claims it could take a Premier League record fee for United to get their man.
      Napoli are reportedly willing to sell Osimhen for a fee in the region of £115-£130million.
      New takeover bid emerges
      Finnish entrepreneur Thomas Zilliacus is set to submit a bid for Manchester United that will see fan ownership introduced – allowing them equal say via an app.
      The Glazers are currently open to potential sale options, which could yet involve a minority investor, with interest so far coming from Britain’s richest man, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and Qatari businessman, Sheikh Jassim. Following Wednesday’s deadline, both have been granted an extension to submit their second bid…but now a new bidder has now come to the table.
      Zilliacus had made his fortunes through novaM Group, a new social media group, and is ready to submit his offer through XXI Century Capital, an investment firm owned by his holding company. The Finn’s unique bid comes via his fan involvement, which will be hugely appealing to supporters.
      Rooney wanted Ozil at United
      Wayne Rooney was shut down by Sir Alex Ferguson after he told him to sign Mesut Ozil.
      The former Arsenal and Real Madrid midfielder retired from football this week, aged 34.
      Recalling the story in his autobiography, Fergie wrote: “Wayne said that we should have pursued Mesut Ozil, who had joined Real Madrid from Werder Bremen.
      “My reply was that it was none of his business who we should have gone for.
      “I told him it was his job to play and perform. My job was to pick the correct teams. And so far I had been getting it right.
      “Well, he was not on our radar at the time. Ozil when at Werder Bremen played wide right, then towards the end of the season played him off the front.
      “He went to South Africa and did very well. But wasn’t on our radar. But I explained to Wayne and we get most of our decisions right.”
      Man Utd receive Veiga boost
      Celta Vigo will find it “impossible” to hold on to Manchester United and Newcastle target Gabri Veiga, reports suggest.
      The attacking midfielder has a contract with Celta until 2026 but club president Carlos Mourino confirmed that he won’t be able to keep him at the Balaidos this summer.
      Mourino insists he wants hold on to the 20-year-old ace but his £35million release clause won’t allow him.
      EXCLUSIVE: Marcus Rashford stalls over new United deal
      SunSport can exclusively reveal that the England international is holding off signing a new contract at Old Trafford.
      Rashford has 14 Premier League goals so far this season.
      He’s been a revelation under Eric ten Hag during his first season in charge at the club.
      Credit: getty
      Luxury sea Devils
      Fred’s enjoying the type of international break all footballers would love.

      United’s Brazilian midfielder escaped back to the Maldives with wife Monique Salum and their son – three years after the couple spent their second honeymoon at the luxury location.

      That time the couple spent £3,500 a night on a sea villa.

      And since then they haven’t seen much reason to change their tastes in the high life.

      Ron a ‘better man’ after Utd exit
      Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed that he is now a “better man” following his exit from Man United.
      The Portuguese star left the club after his  explosive interview with Piers Morgan.

      His final months at the club were filled with trouble as he struggled to star under new manager Erik ten Hag.
      Ronaldo even refused to come on as a substitute against Tottenham before his appearance on Morgan’s TalkTV show.
      In which he criticised the Dutch manager and the club’s Glazer ownership, leading to his contract being mutually terminated.
      He has since joined Saudi Arabian football club Al Nassr on a staggering £173-million-a-year deal.
      Ronaldo has rediscovered his goalscoring form netting nine goals in his first eight Saudi Pro League games.
      And he has now claimed that he has moved on from his struggles at Man United.
      During a Portugal press conference ahead of their international fixtures, Ronaldo said of his issues at the Red Devils: “Sometimes, you have to go through some things to see who is on my side.
      “I have no problem saying, I had a bad career run, but there’s no time for regrets.
      “Life goes on and, doing well or not, it was part of my growth.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
      “When we are at the top of the mountain, we often cannot see what is below.
      “Now, I’m more prepared and learning that was important because I had never been through this, like in the last few months.
      “Now I’m a better man.”
      Henderson link could boost Utd hunt for Kane
      United could be boosted in their Harry Kane pursuit by Tottenham’s interest in Dean Henderson, according to reports.
      Spurs are believed to be eyeing a long-term successor for Huge Lloris, 36.
      They were said to be interested in England No1 Jordan Pickford but he penned a new long-term deal with Everton in February.
      Tottenham have targeted Henderson as an alternative this summer if United are willing to let him leave, report ESPN.

      And the report adds Red Devils chiefs could use that to their advantage in negotiations over Kane.
      Kane is believed to be Erik ten Hag’s no1 target this summer but United fear nightmare negotiations with Spurs chief Daniel Levy.
      The striker is understood to have an asking price of £100million but there is concern shrewd negotiator Levy could drag on talks until late in the window.
      However, Spurs’ interest in Henderson could encourage Levy to be more open to talks involving Kane.
      The shot-stopper could also be keen on a move to North London after joining Nottingham Forest on loan to get more first-team football this season.
      He has impressed at the City Ground and had become a vital member of the Forest’s progress before he picked up a muscular injury.
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Real Madrid convinced Erling Haaland wants to join from Man City in 2024 and will SMASH world record with £200m transfer

      by

      REAL MADRID are certain Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland will join them in 2024 on a world record deal, reports suggest.Haaland has set the Premier League alight on his debut season with City as he has scored a staggering 42 goals and bagged five assists in 37 appearances across all competitions.
      Real Madrid are confident they will sign Manchester City star Erling Haaland in 2024Credit: Getty
      The star striker joined the reigning Prem champions last summer following a £51million deal with Borussia Dortmund, despite interest from some of Europe’s biggest hitters like Real.
      According to AS, however, Los Blancos are planning to reignite their bid for the Norway international and are confident they will have their man by next year.
      In fact, the Madrid giants are planning a world record offer in the range of £200m, which will eclipse Neymar’s £198m move to Paris Saint-Germain back in 2017.
      The reigning European champions are confident the 22-year-old has a release clause, which activates every year from 2024 until his contract ends in 2027 despite City denying it.
      Read More on Football
      Carlo Ancelotti’s side plans to stay in touch with the Norwegian’s camp until next year in order to be in pole position when the time comes to swoop in.
      Real also believe Haaland can still leave the Etihad even if manager Pep Guardiola, who played an integral part in his signing, stays in Manchester.
      The Spanish champions have major plans for the coming years as they will move for the ex-Red Bull Salzburg star even if they get PSG superstar Kylian Mbappe.
      Real are planning to form a Galacticos-type trio to spearhead their attack consisted of Haaland, Mbappe and Vinicius Junior.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      By the time they move for the two star strikers it is highly likely top earners like Karim Benzema, Luka Modric, Toni Kroos and Eden Hazard will be gone.
      That means they will free up at least €50m (£44m) per year in wages and will be able to meet Haaland and Mbappe’s financial demands.
      The two centre-forwards are seen as leaders that will take Real to the new era. More

    • 238 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd could beat Liverpool to transfer target in huge blow to bitter rivals but it depends on takeover

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could nab transfer guru Paul Mitchell from under Liverpool’s noses… if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys the club.Recruitment expert Mitchell, 41, is leaving his position as sporting director at AS Monaco at the end of the season.
      Liverpool and Manchester United could battle it out for transfer expert Paul MitchellCredit: PA
      Mitchell is leaving Monaco at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty
      Liverpool have explored the prospect of bringing Mitchell to Anfield, according to the Independent.
      However, the same source suggests the Reds could face competition from United, who may also choose to target the mastermind.
      That’s if the Ratcliffe-led consortium is successful in its bid to buy the Red Devils.
      Mitchell is claimed to have been touted for an Old Trafford role should Ratcliffe and Co fight off rival interest from Qatar’s Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani.
      Read More in Football
      US hedge fund Elliott Management have also made an offer to take a minority stake in the club.
      Ratcliffe’s INEOS group are said to already have an idea as to what their potential structure at the club will be.
      It’s not yet clear, however, what exact role Mitchell has been identified for at Old Trafford.
      Meanwhile at Anfield, current sporting director Julian Ward is set to step down this summer, just a year after taking over from Michael Edwards.
      Most read in Football
      HOW TO GET FREE BETS ON FOOTBALL
      Mitchell has been linked with taking the hot seat in what is expected to be a busy summer for Jurgen Klopp and Co.
      But a successful Ratcliffe takeover at Old Trafford could see the Red Devils beat Liverpool to the acquisition.
      Transfer expert Mitchell previously worked at RB Leipzig and Tottenham before joining Monaco.
      Speaking on his decision to leave the Ligue 1 side, Mitchell told Nice Matin: “Yes, it was a very difficult decision.
      “I loved my experience at this club. I have always felt a lot of support from President Dmitry Rybolovlev and the Principality.
      “But I have spent a lot of time away from home and my loved ones in recent years. I feel that the mission I had, which was to rebuild the sports project, has been fulfilled.” More

    • 163 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      I stopped Tottenham supremo Daniel Levy selling Harry Kane to Leicester for £600,000

      by

      TIM SHERWOOD has claimed that he stopped Tottenham from selling Harry Kane to Leicester City – for just £600,000.Kane has become the club’s record goalscorer, with 271 goals for the North London side.
      Leicester City offered £600,000 to sign Harry Kane in 2014Credit: Action Images – Reuters
      However, manager at the time Tim Sherwood argued against the moveCredit: PA:Empics Sport
      But before he became a legend at Spurs, Kane struggled with loan spells with Norwich City, Millwall, Leyton Orient and the Foxes.
      That was until the closing stages of the 2013/14 season, when former manager Sherwood handed him his first start in the Premier League for Spurs.
      He told talkSPORT: “Daniel (Levy) asked me what the team was (for Sunderland).
      “So I wasted my time telling him what the back four and the midfield was and as soon as I get to Harry, he was asking me ‘why certain more experienced players are not playing in front of Harry.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      “I said because he has earned the right to play.”
      Sherwood picked the now-England star ahead of the likes of Roberto Soldado, Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor.
      He added: “It was just a case of the boy had earned the right and I always judged everyone on a level playing field, and if I feel like they are producing in training, then they deserve the opportunity and Harry certainly did that.
      “So it was a tough conversation because when Daniel looked at me and he trusted my judgement on players.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      But the club had received an offer to buy Kane from Leicester City, and there was a consideration to accept the deal until Sherwood intervened.
      He said: “But he (Levy) was possibly being told by someone else this player possibly was not good enough for the Premier League.
      “And at the time, Tottenham wanted to buy players not only for the Premier League but for the Champions League.
      “So it was obviously Franco Baldini getting into his ear and that he wasn’t good enough and they had a bid lined up from Leicester to sell him for £600,000.
      “I resisted it, obviously. There was no way he was going to go for that. in my opinion, he would have eaten £600,000 worth of food since he’s been ten years of age at the club.
      “So it was absolute nonsense to let him go for that.
      “I don’t know if Daniel was prepared (to accept the deal), but he put it to me with Franco Baldini sitting there, that it was on the table.
      “And in the end, Daniel had to take the trust of someone and the trust came from Harry getting into the team the next day and subsequently scoring three in three games.
      Read More on The Sun
      “And I think he realised that either the price tag has got to go up or this boy might be good enough for Tottenham’s first team.”
      Kane netted on his debut in Spurs’ 5-1 win over Sunderland before also scoring against West Brom and Fulham. More

    • 175 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Ex-Real Madrid star Isco unemployed and training at home after snubbing multiple transfer offers

      by

      EX-REAL MADRID star Isco has found himself unemployed and training on his own AT HOME.According to The Athletic, the attacking midfielder became a free agent in January after falling out with Sevilla’s director of football Monchi.
      Isco has been a free agent since leaving Sevilla back in JanuaryCredit: AP
      The former Spain international came close to a move to Union Berlin and flew to Germany where he passed his medical but circumstances changed at the eleventh hour.
      Isco initially wanted to join the MLS but any interested club would have had to make him a designated player in order to pay him something close to what he earned in Europe.
      Now he is without a club and training at home with the help of a personal trainer at the age of 30.
      It is quite a fall from grace for the ex-Malaga protege, who joined Real in 2013 as Carlo Ancelotti’s first signing.
      Read More on Football
      The playmaker hit the ground running and went on to win four Champions League titles, while his performances earned interest from Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester City and even Barcelona.
      That led to a new deal in 2017, which included a release clause worth a whopping €700million (£619m).
      However, Isco quickly fell out of favour as Real stopped using attacking midfielders.
      It all started when Santiago Solari took over from Julen Lopetegui in 2018.
      Most read in Football
      Solari preferred to use young players like Vinicius Jr and Federico Valverde instead of stars with big contracts, such as Isco.
      The Spaniard had a public fallout with Solari, who then excluded him from his plans.
      Things didn’t improve upon Zinedine Zidane’s return and the situation remained the same when Ancelotti came back.
      Real tried to get his high salary off the payroll with a move to AC Milan in 2021 but the player wasn’t happy with the wage cut.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Former Real Madrid star Isco is unemployed and training on his own at homeCredit: Reuters
      That led him last year to Sevilla under Lopetegui, who urged the club to sign him despite transfer guru Monchi’s disapproval.
      However, the Spanish tactician was sacked and joined Wolves, while his successor Jorge Sampaoli quickly realised Isco doesn’t fit the team and would be preferable to get his lucrative wages off the books.
      And upon his departure from Sevilla, Monchi stated publicly it had been “a mistake” to sign him and “it would have been a further mistake to continue with the error” by not ending their relationship in January.
      Isco has received offer from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, while it seems like there is also interest from LaLiga. More

    • 288 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      ‘I won’t go back’ – Zack Steffen wants to QUIT Man City at end of season and will not return from loan transfer

      by

      ZACK STEFFEN has admitted that he has no plans to return to Manchester City at the end of the season.The American joined Pep Guardiola’s side in 2019 and has made 21 appearances for the reigning Prem champions.
      Zack Steffen has made 35 appearances for Middlesbrough this termCredit: Rex
      In a bid to get more regular playing time, the goalkeeper joined Middlesbrough on loan at the beginning of the season.
      His temporary move failed to earn him a place in the US’ World Cup squad, but after returning to the international fold this month, Steffen revealed that he doesn’t expect to be back at the Etihad.
      The 27-year-old told The Philadelphia Inquirer: “I don’t think I’ll go back.
      “No, I want to be playing. Although I had a great time at City and I love those guys, and obviously [it’s] an amazing club, I don’t really have any plans to go back.”
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      As back-up to first-choice stopper Ederson, Steffen helped City win two Prem titles and a League Cup during his time at the Etihad.
      Upon the end of this season he will still have two years left on his City contract, but he has been replaced as No2 by Stefan Ortega.
      Steffen has made 35 appearances for Boro this season, helping Michael Carrick’s side to third in the Championship.
      He has moved on from his World Cup heartache in the best possible fashion, and could cap his spell with a promotion to the Prem.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      On missing out on Gregg Berhalter’s squad, 29-cap ace Steffen was philosophical.
      He said: “The ‘keepers — Matt [Turner], Sean [Johnson] and Ethan [Horvath] — I mean, they were consistent and they were with the team throughout the whole cycle and Gregg just decided to go with them.”
      Steffen then added: “It was tough. God tested me.
      “It definitely wasn’t easy, as you can imagine — just surprising and, yeah, just not what I expected.
      “And it wasn’t part of my plan, but I know that God ultimately has a greater plan and path for me.”
      Zack Steffen backed up Ederson at Man CityCredit: Getty More

    • 238 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Jose Mourinho’s response after Chris Kamara told him to sign Virgil van Dijk for Man Utd before Liverpool transfer

      by

      JOSE MOURINHO gave TV legend Chris Kamara a very interesting response when the roving reporter suggested he sign Virgil van Dijk for Manchester United. The Dutch defender was the talk of the town after multiple outstanding seasons for Southampton.
      Virgil van Dijk has been a revelation since signing for Liverpool in January 2018Credit: Rex
      Jose Mourinho has revealed why he did not move for Van Dijk as United bossCredit: Getty
      After being repeatedly linked with a move to one of the Premier League’s big teams, Liverpool eventually swooped in the January of the 2017-18 season.
      The record-breaking £75m they paid now looks like a bargain as Van Dijk almost single-handedly fixed the club’s leaky defence and helped propel them to silverware under Jurgen Klopp.
      But it all could have been so different if then Man United boss Mourinho had listened to one popular football pundit.
      Kamara, the former Soccer Saturday reporter, revealed on his podcast that he personally intervened to advise Mourinho to move for Van Dijk.
      READ MORE ON MAN UTD
      But the Portuguese coach immediately shot him down.
      Kamara said: “I can exclusively reveal that I told Jose to take him to Manchester United and Jose said, ‘These lot won’t give me the money for him.’
      “Yeah, and he went to Liverpool.”
      Van Dijk would go on to win Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Carabao Cup while at Anfield, which constitutes every major trophy a player can win in England.
      Most read in Football
      BETTING SPECIAL – BEST FOOTBALL BETTING SITES IN THE UK
      In contrast, Mourinho would take home the league cup and Europa League in his first season managing United but things would eventually unravel in his third campaign before any more trophies could be won.
      United would spend big for a centre-back 18 months after Liverpool as they bought Harry Maguire for £80m in 2019 under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      But he has had a mixed time of it since his big money move and has failed to match the influence that Van Dijk had at Liverpool. More