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    West Ham ready to sell £36m flop Felipe Anderson back to Lazio with ‘negotiations already underway’

    LAZIO are reportedly in talks to bring Felipe Anderson back for a fraction of the £36million fee West Ham paid for the winger.The Brazilian was tipped to light up the Premier League after starring in Italy, yet has hit just 12 goals in three years.
    Felipe Anderson is reportedly wanted for a move back to LazioCredit: AFP
    West Ham allowed Anderson, 28, to spend the 2020-21 season on loan at Porto – but he again failed to find form.
    A summer exit is on the cards with Sky Sport Italia detailing Lazio’s bid.
    The Serie A outfit are hoping to do a deal for £8.5m and talks are said to already be underway between the player’s camp and Aquile sporting director Igli Tare.
    Maurizio Sarri takes charge of the club for the new season and has reportedly given his blessing to the deal.
    But player sales may have to be completed first, even though Anderson’s fee will be reduced by his contract expiring in just a year’s time.
    The 28-year-old led Lazio to a Supercoppa Italiana crown after an appearance in the 2017 Coppa Italia final during his five years in Rome.
    Borussia Dortmund forward Julian Brandt and Bologna’s Riccardo Orsolini are also named as on the club’s shortlist.
    West Ham could use the funds to help their bid for Jesse Lingard, following his impressive loan spell from Manchester United.
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    Jadon Sancho’s long-awaited move to Old Trafford is said to be holding up their pursuit of the midfielder.
    David Moyes is linked with a wide range of targets ahead of the Hammers’ Europa League campaign.
    Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic is reportedly one option in defence with Martin Braithwaite touted for a move from Barcelona to bolster the West Ham frontline.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Man Utd and Arsenal joined in Merih Demiral transfer chase by Everton with Juventus asking for £37.5m for centre-half

    EVERTON are in talks with Juventus to sign defender Merih Demiral, according to reports.The Toffees have targeted the Turkey international for some time, and have now been set an asking price by Juventus.
    Merih Demiral featured in every game for Turkey at Euro 2020
    A report from Italian outlet Tuttosport claims the Serie A outfit want €40million (£37.5m) for the centre-back.
    Everton were plotting a £26m move for Demiral in March, so owner Farhad Moshiri will have to spend more than he planned to get his man.
    Talks between the two clubs had reportedly taken place before Juventus decided to up their price.
    And Everton are not prepared to make a new bid until they appoint a manager.
    Nuno Espirito Santo has been linked to the role but Rafa Benitez is still the favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti.
    Demiral, 23, is believed to be keen on leaving Turin this summer in search of first-team football.
    He featured in just 15 league games for Juventus and has failed to nail down a regular place in the side since signing in 2019.

    Arsenal were linked with a move for Demiral last summer but Juventus wanted to keep him at the club.
    Manchester United have also been keen on the defender in the past, and sent scouts to watch him in 2019.
    But it is Everton’s interest which has lasted, and he could make the switch to Goodison Park if his asking price is met.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Kalidou Koulibaly buys ambulances, masks and medical equipment for Senegal in brilliant gesture on his 30th birthday

    NAPOLI defender Kalidou Koulibaly has celebrated his 30th birthday by donating two ambulances and medical equipment to hospitals in Senegal.In a brilliant gesture, the former Genk centre-back has purchased supplies that will be heading to his native country.
    Kalidou Koulibaly has been keeping his fans updated during his time in SenegalCredit: Instagram @kkoulibaly26
    Napoli ace Koulibaly has donated medical equipment and supplies to hospitals in SenegalCredit: Instagram @kkoulibaly26
    According to La Gazzetta dello Sport via Football Italia, Koulibaly paid for a number of items to be shipped to Senegal from the port of Naples.
    Among those include two ambulances, hospital gowns, stretchers, personal protective equipment and thousands of protective masks.
    Koulibaly is currently in Senegal during the off-season where he has kept his 1.5million Instagram followers informed of his experiences.
    And his fans were quick to praise the player as they commented on Koulibaly’s latest social media post.
    One messaged: “We are proud of you. I love people who never forget their origin and culture. This is how self-respect is earned.”
    Another remarked: “You are a great man, a great player. Your heart is huge.”
    A third added: “Proud of you champion.”
    Meanwhile one simply stated: “You are amazing.”

    Former Genk defender Koulibaly is tied down at Napoli until 2023Credit: Instagram @kkoulibaly26
    Koulibaly is facing an uncertain future in Napoli despite having two years left to run on his contract.
    Everton were linked with a move for the player before Carlo Ancelotti departed Goodison Park.
    Meanwhile Manchester United, City and Barcelona have been credited with an interest in him.
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    Gorgeous Italian football host Floriana Messina is the fans’ favourite to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the Day

    FOOTBALL fans are calling on Gary Lineker to be replaced by his stunning Italian counterpart Floriana Messina.The raven-haired beauty hosts a Match of the Day-style show in her homeland.
    Football fans want stunning Italian football presenter Floriana Messina to replace Gary Lineker on Match of the DayCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    But Premier League fans have been quick to spot how different the pair are.
    Former England and Tottenham striker Lineker has hosted MOTD for 21 years and has 1million Instagram followers
    The 60-year-old Leicester fan – a double divorcee and dad-of-four – has often come under-fire for his £1.75million-a-year BBC salary, although in 2019 agreed to take a pay cut.
    Reports claim ex-Tottenham and Newcastle star and MOTD pundit Jermaine Jenas is being lined up to replace him.
    But it appears viewers would rather see stunning Floriana run the rule over the week’s action instead.
    Floriana, 31, is almost half Lineker’s age and presents Tutti in Campo on Canale 9 in Italy, reporting on the Serie A.
    Floriana Messina is almost half Gary Lineker’s ageCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Floriana Messina often shares sexy selfies on her Instagram accountCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Floriana Messina has nearly 500,000 Instagram followersCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Gary Lineker hosted MOTD in just his pants after Leicester won the Premier LeagueCredit: handout
    The half-Italian, half-Colombian sports presenter is famed for low cut tops on air, supports Napoli and has appeared in Big Brother.
    She has 500,000 followers on Instagram, where she regularly treats her fans to sexy, bikini shots.
    While Floriana often leaves little to the imagination online, viewers also got an eyeful when Lineker presented MOTD in just his PANTS after Leicester won the Premier League.
    Fan Tommy Potts said: “I’ve always liked Italian football, honest.”
    Frank Doran said: “Yeah but at least we can concentrate on the footy.”
    Rattman Ratten added: “I bet she doesn’t present it in her boxers like Gary did.”
    Tom Simpson joked: “She’s no Kamara though.”
    James Morton said: “Absolutely stunning.”
    David Johnson went with: “Beautiful yes but has she got the timing, wittiness or that twinkle in the eye of a Lineker or a Jeff Stelling doubtful.”
    Floriana Messina shared a screengrab of the plea on her Instagram story
    Fans want Floriana Messina to replace Gary Lineker on MOTDCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Floriana Messina is half-Italian and half-ColombianCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Floriana Messina is a massive Napoli fan and often posts about her teamCredit: floriana_messina instagram
    Draggan Kacanski gave a staunch defence of the former Barcelona player and wrote: “Gary Lineker was the best English striker in the World Cups.
    “She has nothing to do with football. I rather watch and listen to Lineker when I’m watching games than her.”
    A photo of her was put on The Away Fans group on Facebook: “Italy sports presenter Floriana Messina.
    “We get Gary f***ing Lineker.”
    Floriana saw the funny side and shared a screengrab of the post on her Instagram story.

    She even wrote: “We are everywhere. Thank you.”
    Twitter account Fanatics of Football shared a photo of Floriana before writing: “Meanwhile in England we get Tony Adams & Michael Owen.”
    But Facebook group The Football Community also taunted Lineker in a post about Floriana – which received over a thousand comments and shares.
    England legend Gary Lineker is the current host of Match of the DayCredit: PA:Press Association
    Jermaine Jenas has been tipped to replace Gary Lineker as MOTD hostCredit: BBC
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    Aaron Ramsey’s agent rules out Arsenal transfer after Wales star was linked with sensational Gunners return

    AARON RAMSEY’S agent has shot down talk of a return to Arsenal this summer.The Wales and Juventus playmaker, who left the Emirates in 2019 when his contract expired, has been linked with a second Gunners stint after two injury-hit seasons in Italy.
    Aaron Ramsey is not going back to Arsenal according to representative David Baldwin
    But Ramsey’s representative David Baldwin cooled talk of the 30-year-old midfielder making a Premier League comeback to North London or beyond.
    Responding to a tweet from an Arsenal fan account, Baldwin tweeted: “I’m sorry but can you stop making things up please. There is not a shred of truth in your tweet.”
    Ramsey, who has started all three of Wales’ Euro 2020 games, stated on the eve of the tournament he plans to make a fresh start under new Juventus boss Max Allegri after the finals.
    When asked if Ramsey is staying put in Turin, he replied: “Yes, I’m a Juventus player.”
    Ramsey still has two years left to run on his current deal with the Old Lady.
    He has impressed for Wales at Euro 2020 so far, scoring a goal against Turkey that was valuable to the team’s progression from Group A.
    And Allegri is likely keeping a close eye on Ramsey and his fellow Juventus players at the tournament ahead of his return to Turin.

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    The news Arsenal are not chasing Ramsey means they may instead be focusing on other transfer targets.
    Brighton’s Yves Bissouma has been heavily linked with a move to The Emirates this summer.
    And Portugal and Wolves star Ruben Neves is another who has attracted interest from The Gunners.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Juventus make seven-man transfer shortlist to replace Cristiano Ronaldo including Man City striker Gabriel Jesus

    JUVENTUS have drawn-up a seven-man shortlist of potential replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo.The Portuguese superstar looks set to depart the Turin giants this summer after they failed to win the title.
    Cristiano Ronaldo looks set to leave Juventus this summerCredit: Getty
    Man City star Gabriel Jesus has been touted as a possible replacementCredit: Reuters
    Ronaldo has one year left on his current Juve contract and finished the season with 36 goals in 44 appearances.
    But it was a disastrous campaign for the Italian giants, who for the first time in TEN YEARS failed to win the Serie A title.
    Now Juventus are plotting a major overhaul of their squad after axing Andrea Pirlo and replacing him with former manager Max Allegri.
    According to Il BiancoNero, Manchester City forward Gabriel Jesus, 24, is one of stars they are looking at to fill the potential void left by Ronaldo.
    Barcelona’s French ace Ousmane Dembele, 24, is on their radar as is another former City hero in 35-year-old Edin Dzeko – who is now at Roma.
    And they are all in good company.
    Napoli’s Andrea Petagna, Arkadiusz Milik of Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain’s Mauro Icardi are also on the shortlist.
    Fiorentina’s 21-year-old hotshot Dusan Vlahovic is another name allegedly being targeted.
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    Meanwhile, PSG are one of the clubs believed to be keen on Ronaldo.
    The 36-year-old was asked about his future recently while on international duty with Portugal.
    He said: “I’m 36. Whatever comes, it will be the best solution. Whether it’s staying with Juve or a transfer.”
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds

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    Hakan Calhanoglu confirms he has agreed to join Inter Milan in controversial free transfer from bitter rivals AC Milan

    AC MILAN star Hakan Calhanoglu has confirmed he’s agreed to join Inter Milan in a controversial free transfer.The Turkey international will leave his existing employer for their bitter rivals this summer after months of speculation.
    Hakan Calhanoglu, 27, is set to leave AC Milan for Inter MilanCredit: AP
    Talking to Turkish TV channel TRT Spor, Calhanoglu said: “I agreed with Inter. I’m going to Milan.
    “I will sign a contract tomorrow.”
    Reports suggest the 27-year-old has agreed a three-year deal with the reigning Serie A champions and will earn €5million per year – around £82,500 a week.
    The contract is also believed to include a €1m bonus each season – around £860,000.
    Speculation surrounding Calhanoglu’s future has dominated transfer headlines for months.
    The player’s existing Milan contract expires this summer and he’d been linked with Premier League giants Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal.

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    The Gunners were believed to be particularity interested in Calhanoglu as they sought to replace loanee Martin Odegaard, who’s returned to parent club Real Madrid.
    Italian giants Juventus were also thought to be keen on signing the creative midfielder.
    Calhanoglu struggled at Euro 2020, failing to score as Turkey finished bottom of Group A with three defeats.
    But he did enjoy a good season at the San Siro before the tournament, making 33 Serie A appearances and winning the league’s MVP award in December 2020.
    Calhanoglu has played 172 times in all competitions for Milan since joining the seven-time European champions from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2017.
    ⚽ Read our Football live blog for the very latest news from around the grounds
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    Heartwarming moment Gianluigi Buffon sends video message to brave Crewe Alexandra Under-12s keeper suffering from cancer

    JUVENTUS legend Gianluigi Buffon invited a Crewe academy player to watch a match with him as he undergoes treatment for cancer.Ashton Hulme was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a rare form of bone cancer, in January.
    Ashton Hulme received a video message from Gianluigi BuffonCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
    The youngster, who has a form of bone cancer, received a signed shirtCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
    Buffon invited Ashton to a Juventus game once he is able to travelCredit: Twitter @crewealexfc
    The family of the Under-12s goalkeeper are raising money for his treatment and Italian hero Buffon – who has just completed a free transfer back to boyhood club Parma – has leant a helping hand.
    The 43-year-old sent in a video message of support to young Ashton and offered him a trip to Juventus when possible.
    He said: “Hi Ashton, I’m Gigi Buffon and I want to send you a big hug.
    “And I want to tell you that when this ugly pandemic is over, Juventus and I will invite you to Juventus Stadium to watch a match togther.
    “And remember, I cheer for you. Ciao ciao!”
    Ashton, who began chemotherapy in January, was shown Buffon’s message in a clip posted on Crewe’s social media pages.
    The youngster appeared taken aback at the video and later posed with a signed shirt of the goalkeeper’s.
    At the announcement of Ashton’s diagnosis in January, Crewe academy manager Aidan Callan said: “This news about Ashton has completely devastated everyone here at the club.

    “Ashton is not only a talented young goalkeeper, but more importantly a brilliant young lad full of personality, energy, politeness and is extremely well liked by everyone here at the Academy.
    “Ashton has the support of an amazing family, great friends and I know from the messages received this week, everyone is behind him.
    “We will be there for him every step of the way, doing anything we can. The football family is really pulling together for Ashton and his family.”
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