Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 238 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Former Chelsea star plots raid on old club for two stars including audacious Barcelona loan swoop for £58m ace

      by

      BARCELONA chief Deco is plotting to raid former club Chelsea for two stars this winter.The Portuguese ace is sporting director at the Nou Camp after a glittering playing career.Barcelona chief Deco is targeting two signings from Chelsea this winterCredit: GettyThe ace won two FA Cups and a title as a Chelsea playerCredit: PA:Press AssociationDeco won five titles and two Champions Leagues with Porto and Barcelona.He then moved to Chelsea in 2008 and played 58 times while leading the Blues to two FA Cups and a Premier League.After hanging up his boots in 2013 following a spell with Fluminense, the 75-time Portugal international took time out of the game before becoming an agent.But Deco returned to the biggest stage of all when he was named Barcelona’s new sporting director last year.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHe has already helped his former club seal some big deals, including £55million summer signing Dani Olmo.And now, Deco is reportedly lining up a double raid on Chelsea for two midfielders.Football Espana claims the Nou Camp chief is first confident of tying up a loan deal for Carney Chukwuemeka.It’s reckoned the ex-Aston Villa man was an option for Barcelona over the summer, but doubts over his fitness following a long-term injury scuppered the deal.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSChukwuemeka is now fit and ready to fire.But he is way down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, making him a viable target for Barcelona in January.Chelsea fans love Cole Palmer’s reaction to huge brawl – but work out clever reason why he didn’t get involvedCarney Chukwuemeka is one of Barca’s top targetsCredit: GettyThe Spaniards would also a loan deal for Romeo LaviaCredit: AlamyDeco’s other target at Chelsea is less realistic though.He is said to be a huge fan of Romeo Lavia, who has barely featured for the Blues following a £58m move from Southampton last year.Deco would love to take the former Man City holding midfielder to the Nou Camp.But Enzo Maresca is reportedly keen to get Lavia into his starting XI and is extremely unlikely to sanction an exit, even on a short-term basis.Players signed under Boehly at ChelseaRaheem Sterling – £50mKalidou Koulibaly £33mGabriel Slonina – £8mCarney Chukweumeka – £20mMarc Cucurella – £57.5mCesare Casadei – £13.3mWesley Fofana – £70mPierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10.3mDenis Zakaria – £2.7m (Loan fee)David Datro Fofana – £10.6mBenoit Badiashile – £33.7mAndrey Santos – £11.1mJoao Felix – £9.7m (Loan fee)Mykhailo Mudryk – £62m Noni Madueke – £30mMalo Gusto – £26.75mEnzo Fernandez – £107.8mChristopher Nkunku – £52mDiego Moreira – FREENicolas Jackson – £31.5mAngelo Gabriel – £13mLesley Ugochukwu – £23.3mAxel Disasi – £38.9mRobert Sanchez – £20mMoises Caicedo – £115mRomeo Lavia – £53.2mDeivid Washington – £13.7mCole Palmer – £40.1mDjordje Petrovic – £13.6mTosin Adarabioyo – FREEMarc Guiu – £5.1mCaleb Wiley – £8.63mRenato Veiga – £12mAarón Anselmino – £14mOmari Kellyman – £19.2mFilip Jorgensen – £21mKiernan Dewsbury-Hall – £30.2mPedro Neto – £51mJoao Felix – £42.6mMike Penders – £17m More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd could be about to pull off controversial transfer they have never done in Premier League era

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED’S shock raid of Bayern Munich could see them complete a rare deal that has never been seen in the Premier League era.The Red Devils are reportedly targeting Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies in a triple January swoop.Peter Barnes was the last player to make the controversial moveCredit: RexLeroy Sane won two Premier League titles at Man CityCredit: PASane is now on Man Utd’s radarCredit: GettySane, 28, could be available this winter after falling down the pecking order under Vincent Kompany.Having recovered from an injury that ruled him out the start of the season, the winger has played just 78 minutes across four games.And the German sees his contract expire at Bayern next summer.Should Sane join Man Utd, he will become the first player in the Premier League era to move to Old Trafford after a spell at City. READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe last player represent the red half of Manchester after blue was Peter Barnes.He played for City from 1974 to 1979 and then had a three-year spell at United a decade later.Legend Denis Law and Wyn Davies both saw their careers go down the same path in the 60s and 70s respectively.Many players have played for both Manchester clubs in the Prem like Peter Schmeichel, Andrei Kanchelskis, Andy Cole, Carlos Tevez and Owen Hargreaves.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut all of them played for United before their bitter rivals.Jadon Sancho did come through the City academy before joining Erik ten Hag’s side – but he never played a senior game for them. Along with Sane on United’s radar is left-back Davies, 23, who also sees his Bayern deal expire in 2025.Leroy Sane PUNCHES TV camera after Bayern Munich concede third goal in devastating defeat to Bayer LeverkusenAs for Goretzka, 29, he has seen his minutes restricted this term, playing just once in six Bundesliga games.Man Utd are used to negotiations with Bayern as they signed Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui in a £60m double deal in the summer.Alphonso Davies could quit Bayern with his deal up in the summerCredit: RexLeon Goretzka may also depart after a lack of game timeCredit: RexWhy NOBODY is the right man to replace Erik ten Hag at Man UtdSunSport’s DAVE KIDD says Erik ten Hag’s time at Man Utd is up… and explains what’s wrong with all the potential candidates to replace him.THIS is a mid-table squad at an underachieving club, with a lot of unwanted players on big money.And Ratcliffe is an instinctive cost-cutter who may not pay top dollar to the next manager.If this club wasn’t called ‘Manchester United’, it wouldn’t be an especially desirable job.The good news for United is that their new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is a very decent judge of a manager.He has been instrumental in three previous managerial appointments — Gareth Southgate for England, Graham Potter for Brighton and Eddie Howe for Newcastle.None were wildly popular at the time, all were conspicuous successes.Interestingly, Ashworth’s No 1 choice for the Newcastle job was Unai Emery, who turned him down to stay at Villarreal but has since proved that judgment right by excelling at Aston Villa.Emery may well deliver the coup de grace to Ten Hag on Sunday — especially with Bruno Fernandes suspended and Kobbie Mainoo an injury doubt.And the Spaniard would be an excellent fit for United — yet there is next to no chance that he would abandon Villa’s Champions League campaign to take the Old Trafford job, not least because he isn’t a stark raving madman.Howe would be another good candidate to succeed Ten Hag but, although he has become frustrated on Tyneside, the Saudis would surely not allow Ratcliffe to poach Howe, as they reluctantly did with Ashworth.Potter is available but his Chelsea experience and lack of charisma would make him a tough sell.Which brings us to Southgate, who remains close with Ashworth and is an excellent man-manager who was seriously considered by United last spring.Yet, despite having led England to two of their three major finals, Southgate’s reputation for over-caution was only enhanced during the Euros.Mauricio Pochettino, passed over twice by United, is out of the equation having taken the United States job.Thomas Tuchel would be a popular and gettable option but, despite being a fine coach and a very engaging man, he is considered something of a loose cannon.Likewise, Roberto De Zerbi, now at Marseille after his brief Brighton stint sparkled then fizzled out.Kieran McKenna — a gifted former United coach who has won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town — is an intriguing candidate but the imminent vacancy may come a year or so too soon.Marco Silva, the extremely under-rated Fulham boss, has been on United’s radar and should not be discounted.Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim, last season’s ‘next big thing’, was passed over by West Ham as well as Liverpool this summer and is not an easy man to pin down.Zinedine Zidane, who has taken over from Alan Curbishley as a 20-1 shot for every Premier League job, is a ‘figurehead’ manager and not an Ashworth type.Ruud van Nistelrooy, the former United goal machine who joined Ten Hag’s coaching team in the summer is the bookies’ favourite. Simply because he’s in the building and he’s Dutch.So, yes, getting rid of Ten Hag is the easy part. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      I never understood Cristiano Ronaldo’s seven-word piece of advice to me – it’s taken me four years but now I get it

      by

      DEJAN KULUSEVSKI has revealed the advice Cristiano Ronaldo gave him — which has only just sunk in four years later.Tottenham star Kulusevski and Al-Nassr ace Ronaldo graced the pitch together for Juventus during a brief spell in the 2020/21 campaign.Dejan Kulusevski has revealed the piece of advice given to him at Juventus by Cristiano RonaldoCredit: AFPThe pair spent a season together in ItalyCredit: GettyWinger Kulusevski was hailed as Juve’s next bright spark.While Ronaldo, who is still starring for club and country, continued to bang in the goals as their striker ahead of a shock return to Manchester United.Both men are now continuing to forge their own path, with Kulusevski eager to replicate Ronnie’s success in the Premier League.And he is now taking to heart a piece of advice given to him by the Portuguese great all those years ago.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLRonaldo loves dishing out tips and tricks to talented youngsters, having been one himself at Old Trafford under Sir Alex Ferguson.And he gave Kulusevski a seven-word hint that the Swede is only now beginning to understand.Tottenham’s midfield ace said: “To not be satisfied with being good, but to be the best every day. That’s the only thing that matters. As hard as it is to try to be the best.”I think that you learn over time, that you begin to understand much more about how the world and the brain work. You can’t be 17 and know everything.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS”Yes, I always change. I’m starting to get to know my body. When I was younger, I didn’t understand when Ronaldo told me: ‘You will get to know your body’. Because I didn’t know my body then.”But now I’m starting to understand my strengths and weaknesses, how I can improve. So I feel like everything is getting easier.Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag steals famous Cristiano Ronaldo quote but refuses to name him as furious spat rages onTottenham ace Kulusevski admits it’s taken a while for the message to sink inCredit: AlamyRonaldo previously criticised Man Utd youngsters for not listening to himCredit: Reuters”I know how to train the day before a match, two days before a match, what to do when I’m tired and so on. All the little details that in the end make a big difference.”However, not all future footballers have taken Ronaldo’s words of wisdom on board.After leaving United two years ago, he famously blasted their current crop of youngsters for not listening to him during his second spell.He told Piers Morgan: “It’s a little bit of a shame because they have the best examples in front of their eyes, and they don’t at least copy what you did.“For me it’s weird because I always looked to see the best players in Ruud van Nistelrooy, Roy Keane, Rio Ferdinand and Ryan Giggs — that is why I have the success that I have and the longevity.“They don’t care, some of them yes but most of them no. They’re not going to have longevity, it’s impossible.”Ronaldo also told ex-teammate Ferdinand for that reason, he has no intention of becoming a coach.He said last month: “For me it will be difficult one day to be a coach, because I don’t have passions for this generation.“It’s difficult, especially in football, because they don’t take advice by our experience.“They think they know everything, they think the phones will give you good education, TikTok, Instagram.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I have other things to worry about, another chapter of my life that is a business part that I’m excited about.“It will be a challenge to me and learn other areas I don’t know, be more involved in my business and I think will be good.” More

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd STOP paying Sir Alex Ferguson’s multi-million pound salary as Sir Jim Ratcliffe cuts costs

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED have stopped paying legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson’s £2million-a-year salary.Red Devils co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cut costs by removing Fergie from his ambassadorial role.Manchester United will no longer pay Sir Alex Ferguson his £2million per yearCredit: PASir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Alex in the directors’ box ahead of the home loss to Spurs this seasonHe will still act as a non-executive member of the board and be welcome at games.Ferguson, 82, won 38 trophies including 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues during his 27 years as Man Utd manager.Just five months after leaving in 2013, he signed a deal to become a global ambassador worth £2.16m per year.Now that deal has been torn up as Ferguson steps away from his time-consuming ambassadorial duties.It was an amicable decision between both parties.It is claimed Ratcliffe met with Ferguson in person to tell him cost-cutting measures will include no longer paying him his seven-figure salary.Man Utd will continue to employ him as a non-executive director – and he will always be welcome at matches.Ferguson, who turns 83 in December, will not receive payments from the club beyond the end of the season.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSSir Alex Ferguson’s trophy haul at Man UtdAll the trophies Sir Alex Ferguson won as Manchester United manager:Premier League x13FA Cup x5League Cup x4Champions League x2European Cuper Winners’ CupEuropean Super CupIntercontinental CupClub World CupIt is the latest attempt from Ratcliffe to reduce costs after a number of other cutbacks – which also reportedly includes cancelling the Christmas party. Last month, it was revealed he is letting go of 250 employees at the club.I didn’t like Sir Alex Ferguson – but what legendary Man Utd boss did after I quit football will never leave meHe has also cancelled senior Man Utd staff’s private cars and reduced lunch privileges on match-days.The decision to cut Fergie’s salary comes after Ratcliffe was pictured sat alongside the iconic manager when he attended his first Man Utd game as co-owner back in January.Ratcliffe later said: “He [Fergie] was the first person I met when I went up there which I think was the second week of January and I had a meeting from 9am to 10am at his house and I left at 1pm.”He never stopped. He’s got a lot of experience, a lot of stories to tell and a lot of thoughts about the club.”Meanwhile, Thomas Tuchel is being linked with succeeding Ten Hag should the Dutchman be sacked.However, The Telegraph understand the German coach is also in talks to become the next England manager. More

    • 213 Shares169 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona ‘planning transfer move for Man City ace Haaland’ to crown grand re-opening of 105,000-capacity Nou Camp

      by

      BARCELONA are reportedly planning a mega transfer move for Erling Haaland to crown the grand re-opening of the Nou Camp.Manchester City’s star man is in his third season at the Etihad.Barcelona are plotting a swoop for Man City star Erling HaalandCredit: GettyBarca want to unveil Haaland when they re-open the redeveloped Nou CampCredit: GettyBut after scoring copious goals and winning everything there is to win, Haaland’s future in the North West remains unclear.The striker has been linked with a move to Real Madrid ever since his early playing days.And with Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr now at the Bernabeu, as well as close pal Jude Bellingham, it’s reckoned Haaland is starting to consider his options.However, Sport claims it’s actually Real’s fierce rivals Barcelona who are plotting a major swoop.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThe Catalans top LaLiga with eight wins from nine under Hansi Flick.And despite their well-documented financial troubles, Barcelona continue to attract some of football’s biggest names.Spain’s Euro winner Dani Olmo was the latest superstar to join this summer.While they even managed to coax Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement following Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s major injury blow.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBarcelona chiefs are now looking ahead to the future, specifically to 2026 for the planned re-opening of the Nou Camp.The stunning stadium is set to hold 105,000 fans when it’s back in business.Top 10 highest-paid Premier League starsAnd big-wigs are eager to unveil a huge superstar signing to go alongside it, with Haaland the top choice.It’s reckoned president Joan Laporta is ready to go all out to make a move happen.He is confident a deal can be made due to willingness on Haaland’s end.But it remains unclear how Barcelona would afford him, with the Norwegian on a base salary of £375,000-a-week at City that rises as high as £850,000 with performance-related bonuses. More

    • 225 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘target Bayern stars Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies in stunning triple January transfer swoop’

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are targeting Bayern Munich stars Leroy Sane, Leon Goretzka and Alphonso Davies, according to reports.The Red Devils are aiming to strengthen their squad following a poor start to the season under Erik ten Hag.Flying winger Leroy Sane is on Man Utd’s radarCredit: GettyLeon Goretzka has largely been stuck on the bench for Bayern this seasonCredit: RexAlphonso Davies is on Man Utd’s radarCredit: GettyThe Dutchman, who coached Bayern’s reserves between 2013 and 2015, did business with his former club during the summer – sealing a £60million double swoop for Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.And according to Sky Germany, Man Utd’s raid on the Bundesliga giants is far from over.They claim that the Red Devils are monitoring Sane, Goretzka and Davies’ situations heading into January and next summer.Having undergone groin surgery after Euro 2024, Sane has hardly featured for Bayern this season.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe former Manchester City winger, 28, has been limited to just 32 minutes of action in Vincent Kompany’s first six Bundesliga games in charge.Despite his lack of action this season, Sane’s stock remains high at Old Trafford, particularly due to his exploits with neighbours City between 2016 and 2020.Like Sane, Goretzka has also seen his game time limited under Kompany.The midfielder has played just one minute in the Bundesliga, with a further pair of substitute appearances in the Champions League.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSTen Hag’s Man Utd signingsThe Dutchman has brought in 21 players since moving to Old Trafford in 20222022-23:Antony, (Ajax) £86mCasemiro, (Real Madrid) £70mLisandro Martinez, (Ajax) £46mTyrell Malacia, (Feyenoord) £13mChristian Eriksen, (Brentford) freeMartin Dubravka, (Newcastle) loanWout Weghorst, (Burnley) loanJack Butland, (Crystal Palace) loanMarcel Sabitzer, (Bayern Munich) loan2023-24:Rasmus Hojlund, (Atalanta) £72mMason Mount, (Chelsea) £60mAndre Onana, (Inter Milan) £47mSofyan Amrabat, (Fiorentina) loanAltay Bayindir, (Fenerbahce) £4.3mJonny Evans, (Leicester) freeSergio Reguilon, (Tottenham) loan2024-25:Leny Yoro, (Lille) £52mManuel Ugarte, (Paris Saint-Germain) £50mMatthijs de Ligt, (Bayern Munich) £45mJoshua Zirkee, (Bologna) £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui, (Bayern Munich) £12.8mGoretzka, 29, has won five Bundesliga titles and the Champions League since joining Bayern in 2018.It’s claimed that the experienced German international would like to stay and fight for his place at the Allianz Arena.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him’But should he remain out of favour with Kompany, he could consider a move elsewhere.Davies, meanwhile, has been a regular starter for Bayern this term.But with his contract set to expire in the summer, the 23-year-old is in control of his future.Man Utd would love to tempt the Canadian to Old Trafford on a free transfer.But Real Madrid are still thought to be favourites to secure Davies’ highly-coveted signature.De Ligt and Mazraoui joined United in the summer having both worked with Ten Hag at Ajax.The Red Devils boss has now spent over £200m reuniting with five of his ex-Ajax stars.In addition his two summer signings, he has also forked out to bring Antony, Andre Onana and Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford.READ MORE SUN STORIESDe Ligt and Mazraoui weren’t the first players that Ten Hag has recruited from Bayern, either.In January 2023, United signed Marcel Sabitzer on loan from the Bundesliga giants, although he went on to sign for Borussia Dortmund the following summer. More

    • 200 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Arsenal fans left praying Real Madrid scouts are watching Belgium vs France after star man’s ‘disasterclass’

      by

      ARSENAL fans are hoping Real Madrid scouts watched William Saliba after his disastrous performance against Belgium.The defender lined up for France but had a first half to forget in Brussels.William Saliba had a nightmare first half against BelgiumCredit: APThe defender conceded a penalty after fouling Lois OpendaCredit: ReutersSaliba, left, lost the striker as he headed homeThe Arsenal star was at fault for Belgium’s goal and he also conceded a penalty.Saliba tried to close down Lois Openda inside the area but slipped and brought down the Belgium striker, though Aston Villa star Youri Tielemans missed the penalty.Fans noticed Saliba was even at fault in the build-up as he played Openda onside, and he did not cover himself in glory just before half-time either.The centre-back was caught in possession as he tried to start a run from deep, before losing track of Openda who was able to head in unmarked.READ MORE ON ARSENALFans were quick to criticise the 23-year-old with one saying: “Saliba disasterclass.”How to cure England’s Bellingham, Foden and Palmer headacheA third wrote: “He let him onside and conceded the pen what a horror show.”Real Madrid have reportedly sent scouts to watch Saliba following his impressive start to the campaign for Arsenal.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Gunners fans were left hoping they watched his display against Belgium as he displayed weaknesses the Premier League rarely sees.Most read in FootballOne Arsenal supporter said: “Saliba playing like s**t on the world stage which means Madrid won’t come in for him.”Arsene Wenger was ‘lucky’ at Arsenal and ‘not a football man’ says Souness in extraordinary blast at ex-Arsenal boss Another added: “Saliba is such a real one for putting up this stinker to ward off Real Madrid’s scouts ❤️”Saliba performed better after half-time and helped France secure a 2-1 win, despite them having Aurelien Tchouameni sent off 15 minutes from time. More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Erik ten Hag ‘set to play Jonny Evans in shock new position’ vs Brentford amid Man Utd’s horror injury crisis

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED could be forced to play Jonny Evans in an unusual position against Brentford.The defender was supposed to be a back-up this season but he has been drafted in to play due to another injury crisis at the club.Jonny Evans could be set for a new role against BrentfordCredit: GettyErik ten Hag has a tricky decision to make due to a defensive crisisCredit: GettyDefenders Leny Yoro, Tyrell Malacia, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire and now Noussair Mazraoui are all sidelined with injury.That means Diogo Dalot is the only fit defender who is able to play at left-back.And with Mazraoui out injured Dalot could have to switch flanks, with Evans filling in at left-back.Another option for Erik ten Hag is to play Lisandro Martinez in that role, meaning Evans would continue in his natural position in central defence alongside Matthijs de Ligt.READ MORE ON MAN UTDVictor Lindelof could also be drafted into the side after replacing the injured Mazraoui against Aston Villa.That is Lindelof’s only appearance so far this season but would be able to play at right-back, with Dalot continuing on the left.Evans, 36, is one of United’s most senior players and he claimed the recent pressure on Ten Hag is not helping the squad.He said: “The other night [after the 3-3 draw with Porto] he got a bit emotional, you could see it on him, letting that game slip away.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”You could see everyone was running into the ground to get a half decent result.”It does affect the players. It’s on our minds too.A day in the life of workaholic Ten Hag revealed by ex-Man Utd coach who jokes ‘his wife is on verge of divorcing him'”I think the more experience I’ve got in my career I’ve made sure I do everything you do to be ready and give everything I can to the team.” More