More stories

  • in

    Juventus ‘hold transfer talks with Chelsea over £97.5m flop Romelu Lukaku as Serie A side rival Inter Milan for swoop’

    ITALIAN giants Juventus have entered the race to sign Chelsea’s Romelu Lukaku.The striker’s preference had been a return to Inter Milan after spending last season on loan there.
    Lukaku might have more options than first appeared this summer as he looks to leave ChelseaCredit: Getty
    But the Milan club are struggling financially and that has opened the door for other clubs to swoop in.
    Chelsea are hoping to get the striker off their books this summer and had been hopeful of a deal with Saudi side Al-Hilal.
    But Juventus have now entered the race according to Sky Sports.
    The outlet report that Juve have held talks with Chelsea’s representatives over signing the Belgian international.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    The striker is not part of new manager Mauricio Pochettino’s plans despite the club struggling for reliable strikers – and it is understood they will be in the market for a new forward this summer.
    Lukaku struggled to make a positive impression during the first half of last season at Inter after struggling with injury.
    The forward returned 10 goals and six assists in the Serie A in 25 appearances – despite many of these appearances coming from the bench.
    It’s been a busy summer for departures at Chelsea after kicking things off by sending Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy packing to Saudi Arabia.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    They have since focused on shifting players to domestic teams with Kai Havertz and Mason Mount joining Arsenal and Manchester United respectively.
    Christian Pulisic is expected to follow Ruben Loftus-Cheek in joining AC Milan with the two clubs agreeing a £19million deal according to The Athletic.
    Meanwhile Pochettino was asked about how his move to Chelsea will effect his relationship with Spurs fans during his first press conference as Chelsea manager yesterday.
    He said: “I don’t believe that the fans will change but what can they do? Nothing.
    “For me it is about being focused on trying to do my job here. What can I say or do if that happens [Spurs fans hating him] It’s up to them to keep or not the feelings they were feeling in the past.” More

  • in

    Inter Milan ‘make transfer bid for Chelsea flop Romelu Lukaku’ but Blues must take huge hit on striker’s fee

    INTER MILAN are reportedly ready to buy Romelu Lukaku – but Chelsea face taking a huge hit on the flop striker. The Blues re-signed Lukaku in 2021 for £97.5million but after just one season he was sent back on loan to Inter.
    Inter Milan are reportedly ready to buy Romelu LukakuCredit: Rex
    He finished the season with 14 goals in his 37 appearances but was hampered with injuries.
    And incoming Chelsea boss Mauricio Pochettino does not look like he will hand the Belgian a Stamford Bridge lifeline.
    Initially, Inter were looking to negotiate another loan deal with an obligation to buy.
    But Chelsea want to sell the striker, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport, the Italians are preparing an offer of £25.6m.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    Lukaku joined Chelsea at 17 from Anderlecht but after three years and two loan moves he joined Everton.
    After spells with Manchester United and Inter, the forward established himself as a prolific scorer in Serie A.
    It earned him a move back to London but midway through the season Lukaku revealed he was unsettled in the English capital.
    That proved the beginning of the end for him and five months later he was back in Milan.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Lukaku could be part of Chelsea’s massive firesale this summer.
    Kai Havertz, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, N’Golo Kante and Cesar Azpilicueta have all gone.
    And Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic and Callum Hudson-Odoi are also linked with moves away.
    Mauricio Pochettino leading Chelsea during a training sessionCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Mason Greenwood’s career in tatters as he faces being used as pawn by Man Utd to land ‘£50m’ striker

    MASON Greenwood’s career faces being left in tatters as he faces being used as a pawn by Manchester United to net a striker rumoured to be worth £50m.Greenwood, 21, has not played since January last year when he was arrested after allegations of physical and sexual abuse.
    Mason Greenwood, 21, has edged closer to a return to footballCredit: Getty
    Atalanta forward Rasmus Hojlund is said to be part of a loan deal for GreenwoodCredit: AFP
    It has now emerged that Serie A club Atalanta are interested in signing the forward on loan, according to the Manchester Evening News.
    Manchester United football director John Murtough has reportedly held talks with the Italian side as part of a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund.
    The Danish striker scored nine goals in 32 games last season and is one of United’s targets this summer.
    The Red Devils believe they can net the 20-year-old for around £50 million, the Telegraph reported.
    Read more Sport News
    Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, but the CPS dropped its case in February.
    The £75,000-a-week star has been suspended on full pay ever since.
    United bosses will rule on his future this month.
    And boss Erik ten Hag is said to be willing to let the Bradford-born player back in the squad.
    Most read in Football
    The club started their own investigation when claims against Greenwood came to light.
    Ten Hag will now decide what to do based on the findings and believes there is a place for the England international in the team, reports The Athletic.
    Negotiations over Greenwood’s review have taken longer than expected with some speculating he’ll be kicked to the curb, the outlet continued.
    However, it shows the club’s “thoroughness and seriousness” during their investigation.
    The Sun understands most of his team-mates at Old Trafford would welcome him back into the dressing room if the club agrees.
    Boss Erik ten Hag is said to be willing to let the Bradford-born player back in the squadCredit: Getty
    Greenwood has not played since January last yearCredit: AFP
    However, it could trigger a wave of controversy after United’s women players called for Greenwood to go earlier this year.
    A source claimed Greenwood and his teammates made it clear to United owners Glazer – who will be making the final call – that they need to “sack him or back him”.
    The source said: “Mason was delighted to hear that the manager and most of his team-mates would welcome him back.
    “He firmly believes he is an innocent man and is very frustrated he’s not been able to play.
    “He understands that the club have had to carry out an investigation, but he feels like his career is slipping by.
    “He and his team have made clear to United that they now want to know what is happening.
    “They have basically said, ‘sack him or back him’.
    “If they want to reintegrate him, then do so. If they want to sell him, then tell him.
    “And if they want to loan him out, then tell them so his team can find the best club for him.”
    Read More On The Sun
    The Sun revealed that his former boss Jose Mourinho has telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to Roma.
    Greenwood is set to become a dad later this month, with his partner enjoying a baby shower with pals this weekend.
    Greenwood was charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviourCredit: AFP More

  • in

    I’m boss of Inter Milan – I set up a secret Instagram account to spy on my players’ Wags

    INTER MILAN sporting director Piero Ausilio has revealed he created a secret Instagram account to keep tabs on his players’ partners.The 51-year-old was talking at an event addressing the challenges of modern football and social media.
    Inter Milan sporting director Piero Ausilio has revealed he created a secret Instagram accountCredit: Getty Images – Getty
    Mauro Icardi’s wife Wanda Nara is one of the most high-profile Wags to have been at InterCredit: Instagram @mauroicardi
    A video emerged from the discussion in which Ausilio describes an unnamed partner of one of his players causing him “so many problems”.
    He went on to reveal this led to him creating an Instagram account in an attempt to keep an eye on what the squad’s other halves were posting.
    He said: “Now I confess one thing. I don’t have an official Instagram account but I did set one up because the famous wife of a player was causing me problems.
    “Many things can be understood from wives and girlfriends, including the footballer’s personality.
    READ MORE ON WAGS
    “Then I also follow players, even from other teams. But I created it for a footballer’s wife who was giving me so many problems.”
    It is unclear who Ausilio was referring to when discussing the issues his players’ partners have given him in the past.
    But those on social media are convinced he was talking about Wanda Nara, the wife of former striker Mauro Icardi – who scored 124 goals in 219 games for the club.
    Wanda, 36, who is also Icardi’s agent, hit the headlines last year when she was forced to deny fake reports she had an affair with Icardi’s ex-Inter team-mate Marcelo Brozovic.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Wanda is both the wife and agent of her husband IcardiCredit: Instagram
    Inter midfielder Nicolo Barella alongside wife Federica SchieveninCredit: Instagram
    Striker Edin Dzeko with his other half Amra DzekoCredit: Instagram
    She went on to insist Icardi, who left Inter for PSG in 2019, had to leave the Italian giants as a result of the allegations.
    Four years ago, she also enraged Inter CEO Giuseppe Marotta by claiming her husband had turned down financially lucrative offers to stay at the San Siro.
    She also slammed the club for leaving Icardi out of their starting line-up, saying: “He (Icardi) didn’t miss the game, but you missed him. You’ve missed him in the league and also the Champions League. Mauro’s scored eight goals in 11 matches against Juventus.”
    And Ausilio’s comments were met with a host of responses speculating about Wanda being the “problem” Wag.
    One social media user said: “It must have been Wanda.”
    While another simply added: “Wandona.”
    But there is no indication Wanda is in fact the person Ausilio is referring to.
    Other Inter Wags include Nicolo Barella’s wife Federica Schievenin, Edin Dzeko’s partner Amra Silajdzic, Lautaro Martinez’s wife Agustino Gandolfo, and Alessandro Bastoni’s other half Camilla Bresciani.
    Forward Lautaro Martinez with wife Agustina GandolfoCredit: Instagram
    Defender Alessandro Bastoni with his wife Camilla_BrescianiCredit: Instagram More

  • in

    Mason Greenwood’s three options for his future revealed – and why mooted loan for Man Utd striker could prove difficult

    THREE options facing Mason Greenwood have been revealed as a decision on the suspended Manchester United striker’s future looms.The England international has been linked with a transfer to Italy, but new doubts about a move to Serie A have now emerged.
    Suspended Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood faces three future optionsCredit: Getty
    Premier League giants United are expected to rule this month on whether to restore the 21-year-old forward to manager Erik ten Hag’s squad.
    His three options are staying with the Red Devils, moving to another English club or elsewhere in Europe perhaps on loan.
    Yet new uncertainty has been raised about whether he would be welcomed in Serie A despite rumoured interest from various Italian clubs.
    Greenwood was exiled from the Old Trafford club after being charged with sexual offences and violence against a woman after troubling images were posted online in January last year.
    Read More On Manchester United
    He was later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, but the CPS dropped its case in February.
    The £75,000-a-week star has been suspended on full pay but has been undergoing private one-to-one coaching sessions at an £85-an-hour public pitch.
    The Sun revealed on Saturday former United boss Jose Mourinho had telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to Italian Serie A side Roma.
    A source said: “Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason. He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football — and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.
    Most read in Football
    “Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits.
    “He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds.”
    Former Red Devils defender Chris Smalling — who played with Greenwood — left Old Trafford for Roma on loan in 2019.
    United are said to have had contact with other Italian teams Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan about potential moves.
    Yet doubts have now emerged over a move to Italy, with suggestions there could be a backlash despite Greenwood being cleared of all charges, according to The Athletic.
    Italian football’s anti-violence campaigns
    Serie A has a partnership with the WeWorld non-profit organisation which campaigns to raise awareness of violence against women.
    The league has dedicated a matchday to the issue in each of the past six seasons.
    High-profile names who have spoken out in support include Luciano Spalletti who managed Napoli to last season’s league title and Italian World Cup winners Alessandro Del Piero and Marco Materazzi.
    Members of Manchester United Women’s team have reportedly raised concerns about the prospect of Greenwood returning to the training ground.
    Yet ten Hag has appeared to suggest he would be prepared to welcome Greenwood back into the fold.
    Greenwood is set to become a dad later this month, with his partner, enjoying a baby shower with pals last weekend.
    She posed in front of a flower backdrop and was spotted hugging various friends.
    She also flashed a beaming smile while cradling her bump in front of a balloon arch.
    The couple were previously spotted at the five-star Langham Hotel in central London.
    Greenwood was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for his country since.
    Two days after the Iceland game he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were withdrawn from the squad for breaching Covid guidelines by leaving the part of the hotel where they were staying.
    New photos have shown how the striker has discarded his long wavy hair in favour of a crew cut.
    A source said: “Mason hasn’t really been out for a good few months so he hasn’t really had to bother too much with his personal appearance.
    Read More On The Sun
    “But getting a new trim is another indication that he is going to be playing football somewhere next season.”
    Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Manchester United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
    Greenwood has not played for the Red Devils since January 2022Credit: AFP
    The Crown Prosecution Service dropped all charges against Greenwood last FebruaryCredit: AFP
    Greenwood has been taking private coaching sessions while awaiting a club decision
    A reunion with ex-United manager Jose Mourinho, now at Roma, has been mootedCredit: Getty – Contributor More

  • in

    Manchester United bosses to rule on Mason Greenwood’s future this month as footballer readies for major life change

    MANCHESTER United are about to make a decision on whether to keep hold of suspended England striker Mason Greenwood.The Premier League giants will rule this month on whether to restore the 21-year-old to manager Erik ten Hag’s squad or encourage him to move elsewhere.
    A decision is looming on Mason Greenwood’s Manchester United future
    Greenwood has not yet been selected by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, who took over at the Old Trafford club last summerCredit: Getty
    Greenwood was exiled from the Old Trafford club after being charged with sexual offences and violence against a woman after troubling images were posted online in January last year.
    He was later charged with attempted rape, assault and controlling and coercive behaviour, but the CPS dropped its case in February.
    The £75,000-a-week star has been suspended on full pay but has been undergoing private one-to-one coaching sessions at an £85-an-hour public pitch – and expects to hear very soon whether he has a future at the club.
    The Sun revealed on Saturday former United boss Jose Mourinho had telephoned Greenwood to sound him out about a loan move to Italian Serie A side Roma.
    Read More On Manchester United
    A source said: “Jose rang Mason’s dad and also spoke with Mason. He told him the best way out of his current situation is to start playing football — and that eventually all the hassle will fade away.
    “Mason was pleased that he got in touch and it has lifted his spirits.
    “He wants to get back playing and is just waiting for United to tell him what the future holds.”
    Former Red Devils defender Chris Smalling — who played with Greenwood — left Old Trafford for Roma on loan in 2019.
    Most read in Football
    United are said to have had contact with other Italian teams Juventus, AC Milan and Inter Milan about potential moves.
    Greenwood is set to become a dad later this month, with his partner, enjoying a baby shower with pals this weekend.
    She posed in front of a flower backdrop and was spotted hugging various friends.
    She also flashed a beaming smile while cradling her bump in front of a balloon arch.
    The couple were previously spotted at the five-star Langham Hotel in central London.
    Greenwood was given his England debut by manager Gareth Southgate as a late substitute against Iceland in September 2020, though has not played for his country since.
    Two days after the Iceland game he and Manchester City midfielder Phil Foden were withdrawn from the squad for breaching Covid guidelines by leaving the part of the hotel where they were staying.
    New photos have shown how the striker has discarded his long wavy hair in favour of a crew cut.
    A source said: “Mason hasn’t really been out for a good few months so he hasn’t really had to bother too much with his personal appearance.
    Read More On The Sun
    “But getting a new trim is another indication that he is going to be playing football somewhere next season.”
    Bradford-born Greenwood has scored 35 goals in 129 appearances for Manchester United, having joined the club as a six-year-old.
    Greenwood has not played for United since being suspended in January last yearCredit: AFP
    The England international has been linked with a move to Italian club AS Roma, now managed by his former Manchester United boss Jose MourinhoCredit: Getty – Contributor
    Greenwood was given his England debut by Gareth Southgate in September 2020Credit: Rex More

  • in

    Wolves star chased by Champions League side Napoli as club reject huge £30m transfer bid for defender

    WOLVES have rejected a £30million bid from Italian giants Napoli for centre-back Max Kilman.Kilman, 26, is admired by the Serie A champions as they look to replace the outgoing Kim Min-Jae who has attracted interest from Manchester United and Bayern Munich.
    Kilman is subject to interest from Italian giants NapoliCredit: Getty
    Kim was the outstanding centre-back in the Serie A last season but Napoli face losing him due to a £43m release clause in his contract.
    The Korean has reportedly agreed personal terms with Bayern ahead of a move to the Bundesliga side – and Napoli see Kilman as the perfect replacement.
    As reported by David Ornstein in the Athletic, Wolves will demand a £34m fee for Kilman.
    The defender’s contract runs until 2026 with Wolves having the option to extend by a further year.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    That means the club are under little pressure to sell, with Kilman also open to extending his stay at Molyneux.
    Wolves signed the defender from non-league Maidenhead United in 2018 for just £40,000 to play for the club’s under-23s.
    He has since gone on to make 107 first-team appearances for Wolves’ first team since making his debut in 2019.
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Wolves could face a busy window as they look to replace outgoing defenders having already sold Nathan Collins, 22, to Brentford for £23m.
    Most read in Football
    The £23m paid by Brentford is a club record fee for the Bees.
    Collins’ departure followed Wolves’ own record sale as they sold Ruben Neves to Saudi Pro-League side Al-Hilal for £47m.
    Meanwhile Conor Coady, 30, has joined Leicester City from Wolves in a £7.5m deal.
    The former Wolves captain spent last season on loan at Everton but the Toffees did not activate their £4.5m option to buy the England international. More

  • in

    Serie A referee reportedly SACKED after bust-up with Jose Mourinho as vague explanation given

    SERIE A referee Marco Serra has reportedly been SACKED after a spat with Jose Mourinho.Mourinho was sent to the stands after a bust-up with Serra, who was fourth official for Roma’s clash with Cremonese in February.
    Jose Mourinho was sent-off for the third time this season in Roma’s loss to Cremonese in FebruaryCredit: EPA
    The Roma threatened to take legal action against the fourth officialCredit: EPA
    Roma were shocked by the bottom-of-the-table minnows, who earned their first top flight win for 27 years.
    And the Special One did not take it well, receiving a third red card of the season for allegedly swearing at officials early in the second half.
    Mourinho, 60, threatened to take legal action against Serra claiming he had said something “unjustifiable”.
    The irate former Manchester United and Chelsea boss told reporters after the game: “I am emotional, but not crazy.
    Read More Football news
    “In order to react the way I did, something had to happen first.
    “I need to understand if I can take any legal action. [Referee Marco] Piccinini gave me a red card, because unfortunately the fourth official does not have the capacity to understand what he said to me.
    “For the first time in my career, a fourth official spoke to me in the most incredible way. It was unjustifiable.”
    When pressed to reveal what Serra had said, Mourinho refused, saying: “I prefer for everything to be done in public.”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    Reports in Italy suggested Mourinho had asked Serra for an explanation over a decision but was told to “mind your own f**king business”, which led to the altercation.
    Serra. 40, was later suspended but a verdict by the National Federal Court found he could not be dismissed.
    However Sky Italia are now saying that Serra has been sacked for “justified technical reasons”.
    Speaking in March, Serra insisted he had said nothing to upset Mourinho.
    He said: “I haven’t said anything that could offend Mourinho. I didn’t say those words. At that moment, I said something else.
    “I said, you’re making the stadium turn against you. Go to the area, go to the area.” More