Premier League

Subterms

    More stories

    • 175 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Roberto De Zerbi ‘leads Bayern Munich’s three-man shortlist’ to replace Thomas Tuchel as manager

      by

      BRIGHTON’S Roberto De Zerbi has allegedly emerged as the favourite to replace Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich and put on a three-man shortlist.The ex-Chelsea manager confirmed in February that he would be departing the German champions this summer.Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi is allegedly the frontrunner for the Bayern Munich jobCredit: ReutersTuchel could even leave Bayern immediately, claims ex-Germany international Dietmar Hamann, after he conceded the title to Bayer Leverkusen after his side’s 2-0 defeat to Borussia Dortmund on Saturday.Xabi Alonso, who was also wanted by Liverpool, was lined-up until he confirmed he was staying with unbeaten Leverkusen, who are 13 points clear.Now The Times have claimed that De Zerbi is “highly rated by Bayern’s management” and has now “become the frontrunner for the job”. Max Eberl has recently arrived on Bayern’s board and has been tasked with overhauling the squad.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut this update states that he “is a particular admirer” of Brighton’s boss and that he “has already put out feelers to discover whether the Italian would be available” and also if he is “interested in a move”.De Zerbi, 44, succeeded Graham Potter at Brighton in September 2022 led the Seagulls to sixth – their best-ever finish – to qualify for the Europa League.He is under contract until 2026 but several reports have hinted that it has a buyout clause included that may be triggered in the summer.He is another that is on Liverpool’s shortlist to take over from Jurgen Klopp, but both the Reds and Bayern have also switched their attention to Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERDe Zerbi refused to give much away regarding his future after Brighton’s 2-1 loss at Liverpool on Sunday, saying: “I want to speak with my club.“I have a contract, but the problem is not the contract — the problem is to find the same plan, the same target, the same vision for the future.”Top 10 highest paid footballers in the world revealed with no Premier League players making the top fiveStuttgart’s Sebastian Hoeness is the nephew of Uli Hoeness, Bayern’s long-time general manager.He had been linked and was on the shortlist until he recently extended his contract.Former boss Julian Nagelsmann, who was sacked by them 12 months ago, has also been reported to have been mooted for a shock return.The 36-year-old still had over three years before the end of his contract. Some reports say that it is now “understood that certain people at the club have realised that his sacking was somewhat premature”.Ex-Manchester United manager Ralf Rangnick, who will take charge of Austria at Euro 2024, is another name that has been rumoured. More

    • 238 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea given massive boost in £65m transfer pursuit of Brazil wonderkid dubbed ‘Messinho’ as Barcelona pull out of race

      by

      CHELSEA have been boosted by Barcelona’s decision to pull out of the race to sign Estevao Willian, according to reports.The wonderkid, 16, has attracted interest from Stamford Bridge.Estevao Willian has been dubbed ‘Messinho’Credit: RexBarcelona have also been linked with the Brazilian starlet, but are now set to move in another direction.According to Spanish paper Sport, Barca will not move for the winger, dubbed “Messinho”, as they are trying to build the perfect environment around Lamine Yamal.Yamal, also 16, has already emerged as one of the Catalan giants’ best players.As Willian is the same age and plays in the same position, club chiefs feel that bringing him in could harm Yamal’s development.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHis club Palmeiras are set to demand at least £51million for his services.And it could even take as much as £65m to prise him away.It’s claimed that 70 per cent of any transfer fee will go to Palmeiras, with the remaining 30 pocketed by the player’s entourage.Willian would not be allowed to join his next club until he turns 18 in April 2025.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERHe has so far made six senior appearances for his club, and also starred for Brazil at the Under-17 World Cup last year.The wonderkid has played alongside Selecao star Endrick, who scored the winner against England at Wembley last month.Simon Jordan slams ‘pathetic’ Chelsea fans for criticising Todd Boehly Endrick will join Real Madrid from Palmeiras when he turns 18 in July.Chelsea have made a habit of recruiting Brazilian wonderkids since Todd Boehly’s arrival in 2022.The Blues have swooped for Andrey Santos, Angelo Gabriel and Deivid Washington in recent seasons.Willian, 16, starred at the Under-17 World Cup last yearCredit: EPA More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      I could barely walk and spent 15 months unemployed after boyhood club released me – now I’m thriving at new team

      by

      FORMER NEWCASTLE whizzkid Matty Longstaff is thriving again after a nightmare 15 months of unemployment where he was barely able to walk.The midfielder had spent most of the last year-and-a-half cheering his brother Sean Longstaff on from the St James’ Park stands after suffering an injury nightmare.Matty Longstaff is now loving life playing for Toronto FC in the MLSCredit: GettyNow the 24-year-old is looking to get back to his best after starting a new life in Canada.However, while he cheered on his younger sibling, it could quite easily have been Matty being the one making headlines after his own dramatic breakthrough into the Newcastle first-team.He says he “lived his dream” playing for his hometown team after bursting on the scene in October 2019 with a debut man of the match display and the only goal of the game in a 1-0 victory over Manchester United.Matty was earning just £850-a-week and a host of big clubs were soon circling as they chased his signature with Italian sides Inter Milan and Udinese both keen.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLUnfortunately, things failed to pan out as expected when his development contract expired in 2020 after three goals in 15 appearances during his maiden campaign.He finally agreed to a two-year contract but a big drop in form and injuries restricted his progress.Matty failed to shine in loan spells at Scottish club Aberdeen and in League Two with Mansfield only for things to get worse.Last season he headed to the fourth tier again to try to reignite his career at Colchester United, but he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury on Boxing Day.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Geordie was released by Newcastle in June when his deal expired but Eddie Howe did not turn his back on him and allowed him to use the training ground while undergoing his rehab.However, Matty was handed a career lifeline by fellow Geordie John Herdman after he impressed enough to earn a two-year contract at MLS side Toronto FC.Every Premier League stadium ranked by the number of pubs nearby with one boasting over 130 local boozersLongstaff told ChronicleLive: “I had not played football for 15 months so you don’t know if you’re going to be good or you’re going to be rubbish.“I thought I may as well enjoy it. I might never get another chance.“It is the one you fear the most. I had two surgeries and so many questions run through your head.“One day you feel good; the next day you’re struggling to walk or your knee starts to crack a little bit when you try to walk down the stairs.“You go from having really positive days to negative ones so quickly. You have so many thoughts.”However, he now has four appearances for his new team under his belt and he appears to be loving life in Canada.He said: “You cherish the moments a little bit more knowing what you have gone through.“I look forward to waking up and coming to training every day. When you have days off, you’re a bit disappointed because you’re enjoying it so much.READ MORE SUN STORIES“When we start playing twice a week in a few months’ time, I might say something different! But I’ve absolutely loved it.“I’ve absolutely loved working with the manager and all his staff. There are such great people working in the building that hopefully we can do something special.”The Geordie burst on the scene with his boyhood team Newcastle before his injury hellCredit: Getty More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man City ready to take big loss to sell Kalvin Phillips this summer with shock side eyeing up cut-price transfer

      by

      LEEDS UNITED are ready to offer Kalvin Phillips an end to his nightmare as Manchester City prepare to accept a cut-price deal for him.The 28-year-old midfielder is enduring a miserable time of it and looks set to miss out on Euro 2024 due to his poor form costing him a spot in last month’s England squad.Man City are ready to accept a reduced fee for Kalvin Phillips as Leeds as a transfer swoopCredit: GettyPhillips left Leeds for Man City in 2022 for £45m and they went on to win the treble during his first season.However, he struggled for regular match action and only started twice in the Premier League before Pep Guardiola shipped him out this January.The plan was for Phillips to get more minutes in order to ensure he kept his England place, but his loan switch to West Ham has turned into a disaster.Phillips was brought on as substitute with 21 minutes to go and his team leading 3-1 on Saturday only for the Hammers to collapse as Newcastle ended up winning 4-3 victors.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLHe gave away a penalty and was later turned by Harvey Barnes, who scored twice late on, for one of the winger’s goals.Phillips then swore at a fan after being heckled following his nightmare performance against Newcastle.But we revealed how Leeds are plotting to take him back to Elland Road — if they clinch promotion to the Premier League.Now they have received a major boost in that quest after the Daily Mail reported that City are expected to put Phillips up for permanent transfer in the summer.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERPhillips, who has 31 England caps, is under contract at City until 2028.But this update states that he will be available for the vastly-reduced asking price of £30m.Dean Scoggins travels to FC Koln in Germany to find Europe’s best Away DayHe spent 12 years and played 234 games for the club after progressing through their academy.He found stardom under Marcelo Bielsa and helped them to return to the Premier League in 2021 and then survive.But any chance of a return to his boyhood team depends on Leeds winning promotion.Last night’s late 3-1 win over Hull City lifted them second in the Championship table, just a point behind Ipswich.They are a point behind Leicester City, who also have a game in hand, as they now prepare for their final six matches of the campaign. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Farhad Moshiri could LOSE CONTROL of Everton before end of season as Toffees stare into £1BILLION black hole

      by

      FARHAD MOSHIRI faces losing control of Everton in a matter of weeks — as the club stare into a £1BILLION black hole.Owner Moshiri’s sale to 777Partners is in danger of collapse, while MSP Capital can take control if he fails to pay back a £158million loan by the middle of this month.Farhad Moshiri could lose control of Everton amid 777 Partners’ takeover potentially collapsingCredit: Getty Images – GettyMSP Capital could take control of Everton if Moshiri doesn’t pay back a £158m loanCredit: AlamyThere is also the growing threat of Everton going into administration after the club revealed losses of £89m for 2022/23 on Sunday.That figure is almost double the previous season’s deficit and the Toffees’ accounts again stated there is “material uncertainty that may cast doubt about the club’s ability to continue as a going concern.”The £89m loss is the cause of a second charge hanging over them for allegedly breaching Profit and Sustainability rules.And the Toffees may also have to fork out another £78m in transfer add-ons and £27m in bonuses this season.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLEverton, who have already been hit with a six-point penalty for overspending the £105m three-year limit up to the previous 2021-22 season, owe an eye-watering £500m to various creditors — having  lost almost £500m in the last five years.One of their debts is £158m owed to MSP Sports Capital, borrowed to help fund the construction of the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, which Moshiri has said could ultimately cost a whopping £750m.Blythe Capital, owned by lifelong Everton fans Andy Bell and George Downing, acted as security agents for the loan.They did so almost a year ago in exchange for a charge on his shares and on the stadium development company unless the loan is repaid by the middle of this month.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSFailure to do so, with Moshiri himself already owed around £400m and unwilling to invest any more, would mean, with Blythe acting as security agents, MSP would have the right to acquire a controlling stake in Everton.MSP would then own 67,501 shares – 51 per cent – out of a total of 135,00 issued.What is FFP? How Financial Fair Play is affecting Man Utd and Arsenal in January transfer windowMoshiri’s shares through Blue Heaven Holdings would fall from 127,031 to 59,530.The money might be found from 777 Partners in the form of a new loan, with £160m lent to the club by the Miami-based firm since that original agreement last September.But 777 have now effectively had their major source of funding taken away by US financial regulators.They had received investment of around £2.4bn from A-Cap, a company that runs five big insurance firms in the American states of Utah and South Carolina.But A-Cap are now understood to have been told by the governing financial authorities that they should limit their exposure to 777.Without A-Cap’s backing, Everton’s potential new owners are likely to struggle to raise the £158m – and be forced to walk away from their takeover attempt.The Premier League last week issued “minded to approve” conditions on the bid.One of those was proof of funding to complete the stadium, while another was the full repayment of MSP’s £158m loan by mid-April.Moshiri has urged Everton fans to “bear with us” and that the sale of the club was going into “the home straight.”READ MORE SUN STORIESBut, with one of 777’s biggest investors in A-Cap having been told to effectively cut ties, the long-running takeover saga is destined to hit the rocks.Meanwhile, Moshiri — eight years after taking over and desperate to cut his losses — will face another desperate search for new owners.Everton fans have protested against Farhad MoshiriCredit: Reuters More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      TNT Sports presenter responds after embarrassing comment she ‘should not have said’ live on TV

      by

      PRESENTER Lynsey Hipgrave has broken her silence after admitting something she “should not have said” live on TNT Sports.The 44-year-old is a huge Newcastle fan and hosted coverage of the Toon’s dramatic 4-3 win over West Ham on Saturday.Lynsey Hipgrave joked she was going to end up ‘on her back’ after celebratory beersCredit: TNT SPORTSThe host admitted she ‘shouldn’t have said that’Credit: TNT SPORTSIn the show’s outro, Hipgrave could not hide her delight at Eddie Howe’s side coming from 3-1 down to pick up three points.She said: “I started the day on the roof of St James’ Park, I didn’t think my day could get any more dramatic than that.”I might finish it [the day] on my back after a few beers later with my dad.”Hipgrave then burst into laughter while pundits Joe Cole and Owen Hargreaves also got the giggles.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLShe then admitted: “I shouldn’t have said that.”Hipgrave will be back on TV screens on Tuesday night as TNT Sports broadcast Newcastle’s clash against Everton. And in reference to her boozy Saturday night celebrations, Hipgrave tweeted: “Back on my feet and ready for a massive week in the Premier League.”She cheekily added beer and embarrassed face emojis to her post.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSAll 20 top-flight sides play in midweek, with eight games live on TNT Sports.At the top of the table, Arsenal welcome Luton as Aston Villa travel to Manchester City on Wednesday night.Peter Crouch and Joe Cole in stitches on live TV at reporter’s cheeky questionBoth will have the chance to take the lead in the thrilling title race.Liverpool then entertain Sheffield United on Thursday.Midweek Prem fixtures
      Tuesday 2nd April:

      Newcastle vs Everton
      Nottingham Forest vs Fulham
      Bournemouth vs Crystal Palace
      Burnley vs Wolves
      West Ham vs Tottenham

      Wednesday 3rd April:

      Arsenal vs Luton
      Brentford vs Brighton
      Manchester City vs Aston Villa

      Thursday 4th April:

      Liverpool vs Sheffield United
      Chelsea vs Manchester United More

    • 225 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd starlet Hannibal Mejbri’s Sevilla loan goes from bad to worse with youngster axed from squad entirely

      by

      HANNIBAL MEJBRI’S loan at Sevilla goes from bad to worse after the youngster was axed from their squad.The Manchester United youngster was forced to sit on the sidelines on Saturday’s clash against Getafe.Hannibal Mejbri was axed from Sevilla’s squad against Getafe on SaturdayCredit: GettyDespite interest from Everton, the 21-year-old was sent on loan to the Spanish side in January, with the option to buy the midfielder at the end of the season for £17million.But it looks like he will be returning to Old Trafford as the Tunisia international has failed to impress in the Spanish top flight.Things got off to a bad start for Hannibal in Andalusia with boss Quique Sanchez Flores ruling him out of contention for a starting spot after just one substitute appearance.The former Watford manager said: “After being with him, talking to him and having seen his first minutes in Girona.READ MORE ON MAN UTD”We are going to give him the necessary space to understand where he is, that he is at Sevilla and what it means.”He has to know where he is and we want to see him. We have spoken with him and we believe that he has to have some time to learn.”We wanted to give him space, time for him to see things from the outside and then he will return to the squad.”And Hannibal has so far failed to win his boss’ trust, playing under 90 minutes in four appearances before failing to even make the bench this weekend.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe Red Devils sent Hannibal on loan last term to Championship side Birmingham.And last summer there were reports of clubs interested in signing Hannibal on loan or permanently but United decided to keep him.Unemployed David De Gea relaxes on beach on holiday but is trolled by former Man Utd team-mate over sunburn While he made 10 appearances under Erik ten Hag this season, the Dutchman felt it was best to send the starlet away again.But something drastic would have to change for Sevilla to sign Hannibal permanently and he looks set to return to United this summer.Hannibal is contracted to stay at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025. More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Forgotten Newcastle ace who wasn’t paid wages on loan transfer reveals problem with ‘frustrating clubs these days’

      by

      NEWCASTLE forgotten man Isaac Hayden wants to rebuild his career with QPR after two years of turmoil.The on-loan midfielder — who Rafa Benitez signed in 2016 — had three knee surgeries in the space of a year which put paid to his previous two seasons.Newcastle loanee Isaac Hayden wants to rebuild his career with QPRCredit: GettyHayden claimed he ‘didn’t get paid’ while on loan to Belgium side Standard LiegeCredit: RexAnd now he hopes the Magpies can come to a settlement with him this summer — with his contract still having two more years left to run.His injury troubles began in December 2021 which ended his chances of being involved in Eddie Howe’s plans going forward.And those problems persisted while he was on loan at Norwich last season. First he could not start his campaign until October due to a “corrective procedure” and was out for another three-and-a-half months after going under the knife again.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd this season has been frustrating for other reasons.After missing out on a number of loan moves in England, he found himself at Standard Liege — but that was cut short after the Belgium club kept failing to pay him on time.The 29-year-old told SunSport: “Last summer it was difficult to find a club because my injuries and the wage contribution Newcastle were looking for was putting people off.“After failing to get a number of deals over the line, it was decided the Belgium league would be good because they were only playing one game a week so I could get into a rhythm without worrying about Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKER“That was going well but then I either didn’t get paid or it was very late.”Hayden was signed by Benitez when Newcastle were in the Championship and went on to make 171 appearances in all competitions.Kalvin Phillips responds with furious gesture as he’s heckled by fans on way to team bus after nightmare vs Newcastle, After winning the second tier in 2017, he finished 10th, 13th and 13th in his three full Premier League seasons on Tyneside.Yet Howe told him he was surplus to requirements after he got crocked and the club asked him to move on. But his deal does not expire until the summer of 2026.And he said: “Unfortunately clubs these days can be frustrating.“Let’s say I was in a position where I was playing every week and Manchester United or Real Madrid wanted to sign me, they’d turn around and say: “Actually, you’ve got three years left so you’re not going!”“When it’s the other way round, they want you to leave — but I signed a contract.“It’s unfortunate I got injured. Had I not, I wouldn’t have missed out on the 25-man squad that Howe named for the second half of that 2021-22 season“I had three surgeries on the same part of my body in a calendar year and to come back from that isn’t easy.“You find yourself way behind everybody else. You’re always playing catch up. “Then things move quickly in football and you move on. But it’s a situation where myself and the club will have to sit down in the summer and discuss what they want to do.“I had to take a pay-cut to go to QPR, which I was happy to do for the last few months of the season, to get games.“But it’ll be back to square one in the summer but hopefully I can help keep QPR up and would love to stay here if possible.”Hayden has played for two of Europe’s top managers Arsene Wenger and Benitez.The midfielder came through the ranks at Arsenal from the age of eight and was there until 21.And, although he had only played two games for the Gunners in the League Cup, Benitez signed him.Hayden said: “Rafa was amazing. The level of detail and help he gave me as a young player was huge.“I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go to Newcastle if it wasn’t for him. He was specific in what he wanted.“He did a lot of homework on every player he signed. I believe I repaid him and ultimately we became a stable Premier League club again.“It’s a shame it didn’t work out for him and he couldn’t have stayed longer because had he been given more money to spend he could’ve achieved more.“But it was difficult for Mike Ashley at the time to put his hand in his pocket and spend more than the club generated.“He wasn’t in the same financial bracket as the owners of United, City and Chelsea — and neither was the club with their commercial revenue. That’s something Newcastle have improved now with their current owners.”Although Hayden has been told by Howe he has no future there, he holds no hard feelings and is a big fan.He said: “Eddie’s very intense. If you don’t come in to work or training 100 percent switched on, then ready to put in 110 percent, you’ll get found wanting with him.“He’s honest and fair. He’ll tell you what he thinks, whether you like it or not.“I played a few games for him before I got injured but then things change.“There are no hard feelings. I told him, ‘It’s a shame I didn’t get a chance to work with you for a couple of years before because I’d have developed a lot more.“He’d stimulate you mentally and before my injury he had me in my best-ever physical shape.”Hayden has enjoyed being reunited with his former Toon team-mate Jack Colback at Loftus Road — while he is also playing with Newcastle striker Joe Willock’s older brother Chris.And he said: “Jack was always class and we won the Championship together. It was mostly myself, Jack and Jonjo Shelvey playing in the two No6 positions for Rafa and he’d rotate us. It’s great to play with him again.“I also knew Chris from when I was at Arsenal.”READ MORE SUN STORIESQPR were in real danger of relegation but since Marti Cifuentes took over at the end of October has given them a real chance of staying up.And Hayden said: “To come in and change the whole way they play and pick up results has been brilliant. Hopefully we stay up and I’d love to potentially be here next season.” More