LIONEL MESSI helped Argentina reach the final of the Copa America – but is still a free agent as his Barcelona contract situation drags on.And Chelsea have missed out on a key target with Achraf Hakimi joining PSG.
Meanwhile Spurs are also set to battle Barcelona for the signing of Lorenzo Insigne, according to reports.
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RAMOS BLOW
Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea have been dealt with a transfer blow amid their interest for former Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos.
That is according to The Guardian, who claim Ramos is set to undergo a medical with Paris Saint-Germain.
The Spain international left Real after 16 trophy-laden years when his contract expired.
And the 35-year-old star centre-back is now set to sign a two-year deal with PSG
SIGN-E HIM
Tottenham as well as Barcelona are interested in signing Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne in the summer, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The same goes for Liverpool and Atletico Madrid as Insigne’s deal with the Partenopei expires in 2022.
Fabio Santini told Area Napoli: “To make the situation even more complicated is the intense competition for the player.
“I know for sure that there is a strong interest from Liverpool and Atletico Madrid on Lorenzo Insigne”
HAPPENING WHITE NOW
Manchester City are reportedly planning a last-gasp bid for Ben White, who has been linked with a £50million move to Arsenal.
The Gunners are said to have already agreed terms with White and the deal was supposed to be finalised when he returned from Euro 2020 with England.
But City are closely monitoring developments regarding the Brighton ace, according to talkSPORT.
The Citizens’ backline has been subject to scrutiny over the past few seasons since Vincent Kompany’s exit in 2019.
They cruised to the Premier League trophy last term with John Stones and Ruben Dias marshalling their defence.
But manager Pep Guardiola isn’t taking any chances as he looks to retain the title and sees White as the perfect addition to his defence.
Aside from Arsenal, City will have to fend off interest from rivals Chelsea and Everton who also have their eyes set on the England international
GETTY IMAGES
IT’S COMING ROME
Just a tiny reminder ahead of tonight’s semi-final clash between England and Denmark.
Italy beat Spain on penalties to make it to the Euro 2020 Final.
The Azzurri opened the scoring with a fine finish by Federico Chiesa in the hour-mark.
But Juventus ace Alvaro Morata equalised for the Furia Roja 10 minutes before full-time with a stunning run.
However, Morata then missed Spain’s most crucial penalty before Chelsea star Jorginho beat Unai Simon and sent his country through to the final
HAK-ED OFF
Chelsea have missed out on transfer target Achraf Hakimi, who stood out last year with Inter Milan.
Hakimi has officially joined Paris Saint-Germain, following an official statement from the club.
The highly-rated full-back put pen to paper on a five-year deal to complete his third transfer in three years.
PSG agreed a £59million fee with Inter last month after the Serie A champions rejected a bid from the Blues
ENGLAND IN ACTION
England have a date with destiny tonight at Wembley when they take on Denmark in the Euro 2020 semi-finals.
The Three Lions haven’t made it to a final of a major tournament since 1966 when they won the World Cup.
But the English national team are facing a tough obstacle ahead against a strong Danish side.
Kick-off is at 8pm
DEAL CLOSE
Joan Laporta claims contract talks are ‘going well’ with Lionel Messi – despite Barcelona’s wage woes.
The legendary Argentine forward, 33, is officially a free agent after his Nou Camp deal expired last week.
Barcelona are eager to keep Messi for at least one more season. But a financial crisis means they must first slash club wages before handing their talisman new terms.
New signings including Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay cannot be registered after Barcelona busted LaLiga’s wage cap. And that has left the door open for ambitious clubs to approach Messi.
However, Barcelona president Laporta is adamant the icon will remain in Catalonia, claiming that talks over a new deal are making good progress.
Laporta told La Sexta: “Everything is going for Messi’s contract.”
Indeed, the outlet adds an agreement has already been reached.
RUMOUR MIL
Liverpool have contacted Lazio regarding a move for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, according to reports.
The Reds are reportedly willing to pay up to £68.4million for the midfielder.
But according to Calcio Mercato, Lazio club president Claudio Lotito will demand £85m for the Serbian.
Contract talks between Lazio and Milinkovic-Savic’s representatives are said to be on ‘standby’.
But he does still have three years remaining on his current deal.
Milinkovic-Savic, 26, ‘dreams’ of a move to Real Madrid one day.
The 21-cap international was born in Spain.
But a move doesn’t make sense for Los Blancos this year.
CAM AND GET IT
Manchester United have found themselves in a bidding war with Chelsea and Arsenal over Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga.
The Ligue 1 side are expected to cash in on Camavinga as his contract expires next year.
The Red Devils and the Gunners are understood to be eyeing up an offer for the young midfielder, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano claiming he could be available for as little as £26million.
It has been stated that the Manchester giants were making progress in their quest to lure the 18-year-old to Old Trafford.
But according to Get French Football News, the France international’s priority is to join Paris Saint-Germain, though they are yet to make a formal bid.
They also state that Blues manager Thomas Tuchel is pushing for a move, with the west Londoners in talks with Camavinga’s agent Jonathan Barnett.
Credit: Getty
HOU ARE YOU
Arsenal have reportedly made an offer to Lyon for midfield gem Houssem Aouar following a drop in the asking price for the player.
Le 10 Sport says the Ligue 1 star could cost the Gunners under a third of the £54million fee club officials hoped to get in 2020.
Aouar, 23, had been heavily linked with a move to the Emirates before the start of the 2020-21 season.
Gunners boss Mikel Arteta is thought to be keen on the versatile attacker who can play centrally or on the wing.
In September reports in France claimed Lyon had turned their noses up at two separate bids from the North London giants of £31m and £34.5m.
However, Le 10 Sport says the Gunners have returned with a fresh offer for the midfielder whose current contract with the French outfit runs out in 2023.
And it is thought LaLiga champions Atletico Madrid and Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain could be set to rival Arsenal for the France player’s signature.
TAKE ON ME
Arsenal are reportedly looking to hijack Tottenham’s move to sign Bologna’s versatile defender Takehiro Tomiyasu.
The Japan international has been heavily linked with a switch to the white half of North London with Nuno Espirito Santo a keen admirer of the 22-year-old.
It is understood that Spurs, who has already agreed personal terms with the player, have already failed in a £12.9m bid.
Tottenham are claimed to be reluctant to meet the Serie A club’s £17.2m price tag, and are only prepared to pay up to £15.5m.
This has led the Gunners to swoop in an attempt to snatch Tomiyasu, who can play at either centre or right-back, away from their rivals.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, both Arsenal and Spurs are in talks to prise the youngster away from Italy.
He claims that the teams are locked in negotiations with Bologna to find an agreement.
WAYNE’S WORLD
Wayne Hennessy could be at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war with Burnley and Aston Villa reportedly eyeing moves for the keeper.
The Daily Mail claims the Crystal Palace stopper has attracted interest from the Clarets and the Midlands giants in addition to Chelsea.
Hennessey, 34, was part of the Wales squad who fell to a 4-0 Euros last-16 loss to Denmark.
However, the Bangor-born keeper was on the bench for all four of his nation’s matches.
Hennessey had been at The Eagles until his contract expired at the end of last term.
The veteran stopper is currently a free agent after making 132 Palace appearances across all competitions following his 2014 move to Selhurst Park from Wolves.
HAA-D TO TAKE
Erling Haaland appears still to be in the denial stage of grief after losing team-mate Jadon Sancho to Manchester United.
The England winger, 21, took to Instagram on Tuesday as he and the Three Lions make their preparations to face Denmark tonight.
He tagged the photo of himself simply with a beaming smile emoji.
But Haaland, who will be without his partner in attack after 18 successful months together at Borussia Dortmund, commented with a crying face emoji.
The reply picked up more than 38,500 likes – with some United fans encouraging him to follow Sancho to Old Trafford so they don’t miss each other.
United confirmed last week they had agreed a £73million transfer fee with Dortmund for the wide man.
Sancho will complete his switch by undergoing a medical and signing the contract after England’s involvement at Euro 2020 ends.
CAUSING A STER
Raheem Sterling is ‘open to leaving Manchester City’, according to reports.
The winger, 26, joined the Etihad giants for £49million from Liverpool in 2015.
But after a difficult season at club level, in which he reportedly fell out with Pep Guardiola in April, The Athletic say he would be willing to explore a new challenge if an exciting opportunity came up.
And it is thought City may be ready to cash in, especially as Sterling only has two years to run on his current £300,000-a-week deal.
Should he enter the final year of his contract next summer, that would significantly reduce his value and any fee received.
Selling Sterling for around £80m this summer, however, would help fund a record-breaking transfer for either Jack Grealish or Harry Kane, who would both cost at least £100m.
KRAIN HIRE
Arsenal are reportedly locked in battle with West Ham and Wolves to sign Ukraine forward Roman Yaremchuk.
The 25-year-old striker was one of the shining lights in Ukraine’s run to the Euro 2020 quarter-finals – where they were thrashed by England.
And his club Gent are now fielding calls over a summer transfer from multiple Premier League teams.
Belgian outlet RTBF quote Gent sporting director Michel Louwagie as saying the club want in excess of £13million for his services.
Speaking before the Euros quarter-final in Rome, he said: “I never speak of financial amount, but indeed, we expect to touch a large amount for Yaremchuk – 15 million euros?”
BAK IN TIME
AC Milan reportedly want to take Tiemoue Bakayoko on loan from Chelsea again next season.
The 26-year-old midfielder has been at Stamford Bridge since 2017 but spent large parts of it out on loan.
The Frenchman spent a season at the San Siro in 2018-19, as well as a year at former club Monaco in 2019-20 and Napoli last season.
CalcioMercato report that AC Milan are lining up another loan move to bolster their midfield.
Milan reportedly had an option to make Bakayoko’s loan permanent for a £35million fee two years ago but declined.
BACK OF THE NET
Boris Johnson has been lobbying to bring a World Cup home ahead of England’s semi-final clash with the Danes today.
The Prime Minister has wished Gareth Southgate’s team the “best of luck” in getting to the Euro 2020 final as he stepped up his efforts to get a home soil World Cup.
Mr Johnson lobbied for a joint British and Irish based competition during a meeting at No 10 with the president of Uefa, Aleksander Ceferin on Tuesday.
But wishing the Three Lions luck tonight, the PM said: “Gareth Southgate and the England squad have done the nation proud in the Euros, and tonight we will all be wishing them the best of luck in getting to the final. Bring it home!”
Previously Cerefin, whose support is vital to the winning country, has stated that he would want a single European candidate for the 2030 World Cup so that the vote is not split.
In January Boris pledged that he would pump £2.8m towards a joint bid, adding that it was the “right time” to “bring football home”.
In an exclusive interview with The Sun in March, the Prime Minister said: “We are very, very keen to bring football home in 2030. I do think it’s the right place.
“It’s the home of football, it’s the right time. It will be an absolutely wonderful thing for the country.”
PRICED OUT
Pep Guardiola has insisted Manchester City ‘cannot afford’ to fork out £150million on Harry Kane.
The City boss says they will not be held to ransom over Kane, who yesterday revealed he will hold further talks with Spurs after the Euros, or anyone else.
Guardiola said: “At the prices [quoted] we are not going to buy any strikers. It is impossible, we cannot afford it.
“All clubs are struggling financially; we are not an exception.”
IT’S ON
Argentina made it to the Copa America final thanks to Emiliano Martinez’s heroics in an intense semi-final clash with Colombia that ended with a penalty shoot-out.
They will now face old rivals Brazil in this weekend’s final.
Argentina and Colombia drew 1-1 during normal time at the Estadio Nacional de Brasilia thanks to Lautaro Martinez’s opener for the Albiceleste and Luis Diaz’s equaliser.
Lionel Scaloni’s men opened the scoring after just seven minutes when Giovani Lo Celso’s wonderful through ball found Lionel Messi in the area and the captain passed back to Lautaro who beat David Ospina with a fine finish.
Colombia finally got their equaliser on 61 minutes when Edwin Cardona played Diaz down the left flank and the Porto star completely outran Gonzalo Montiel to beat Martinez from a tight angle.
The penalty shoot-out was as dramatic as the rest of the match with Rodrigo De Paul missing for Argentina following a dreadful shot that went over the crossbar.
But Albiceleste goalkeeper Martinez ended up being the hero as he denied Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina as well as Cardona’s critical spot kick.
WHITE MOVE
Manchester City are reportedly planning a last-minute hijack of Ben White’s proposed £50million move to Arsenal.
The Gunners are said to have already agreed terms with the Brighton defender and the deal was supposed to be completed when he returned from Euro 2020 with England.
But City are closely watching the developments in any possible White move, according to talkSPORT.
The Eithad giants defence has been subject to scrutiny over the past few seasons since Vincent Kompany’s exit in 2019.
They cruised to the Premier League title last term with John Stones and Ruben Dias marshalling their defence.
But Guardiola isn’t taking any chances as he looks to retain the title and sees White as the perfect addition to his back line.
Aside from Arsenal, City will have to fend off interest from rivals Chelsea and Everton who also have their eyes on the White, talkSPORT claim.
DEAL CLOSE
Joan Laporta claims contract talks are ‘going well’ with Lionel Messi – despite Barcelona’s wage woes.
The legendary Argentine forward, 33, is officially a free agent after his Nou Camp deal expired last week.
Barcelona are eager to keep Messi for at least one more season. But a financial crisis means they must first slash club wages before handing their talisman new terms.
New signings including Sergio Aguero and Memphis Depay cannot be registered after Barcelona busted LaLiga’s wage cap. And that has left the door open for ambitious clubs to approach Messi.
However, Barcelona president Laporta is adamant the icon will remain in Catalonia, claiming that talks over a new deal are making good progress.
Laporta told La Sexta: “Everything is going for Messi’s contract.”
Indeed, the outlet adds an agreement has already been reached.
CLUB MATES
Paul Pogba and Ronaldinho took their silky skills to the dancefloor as they hung out in an exclusive Miami club.
The pair embraced and posed for photos while enjoying a summer break in the States.
UFC champion Kamaru Usman, footballers Paulo Dybala and Blaise Matuidi, plus musicians Burna Boy and Zoey Dollaz joined in on the fun.
Pogba’s wife, Zulay, also met the 41-year-old at LIV Nightclub, with the snaps posted to his 56.1 million Instagram followers.
Pogba, 28, has been hanging out with old Juventus pal Dybala, 27, in Miami following France’s early exit from Euro 2020.
Manchester United star Pogba has been linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the new season.
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
Barcelona legend Lionel Messi’s future has been thrown into further doubt because the Blaugrana cannot register new signings after already exceeding their wage cap, according to reports.
Messi is currently a free agent after his contract with Barca expired on June 30.
And although many expect him to pen a two-year extension at the Nou Camp, that is now reportedly under threat.
Barca are currently in financial disarray as a result of the pandemic, with debt standing at £1billion, and have been told by LaLiga to cut their annual salary to £300million from £331m.
According to Goal, the Catalan giants are operating beyond that figure – even without the Argentina captain signing on again.
The 34-year-old’s latest contract was worth a whopping £2.4m per week – or £123m per year.
But the report also adds Barcelona are not allowed to add new signings to their squad until they have made the necessary savings.
Paris Saint-Germain have tried to capitalise on the situation by offering Messi a lucrative contract, according to AS.
Meanwhile, Chelsea have joined the bidding war for Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga, who is also targeted by Arsenal and Manchester United.
The Ligue 1 side are expected to cash in on Camavinga this summer as his deal expires next year.
The Red Devils and the Gunners are reportedly eyeing up an offer for the young midfielder, with Fabrizio Romano claiming he could be available for as little as £26million.
But according to Get French Football News, the France international’s wish is to join PSG, although Mauricio Pochettino’s side are yet to make a formal bid.
They also state that Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is pushing for a move, with the west Londoners in talks with the 18-year-old’s agent Jonathan Barnett.
And finally, Tottenham as well as Barcelona are interested in signing Napoli star Lorenzo Insigne, according to Corriere dello Sport.
The same goes for Liverpool and Atletico Madrid as Insigne’s deal with the Partenopei expires next year.
Fabio Santini told Area Napoli: “To make the situation even more complicated is the intense competition for the player.
“I know for sure that there is a strong interest from Liverpool and Atletico Madrid on Lorenzo Insigne.”
ITARY ARE IN THE FINAL
Italy beat Spain on penalties to make it to the Euro 2020 Final!
The Azzurri opened the scoring with a fine effort by Federico Chiesa in the hour-mark.
But Juventus star Alvaro Morata equalised for the Furia Roja 10 minutes before full-time with a stunning run.
However, Morata then missed Spain’s most crucial penalty before Chelsea star Jorginho beat Unai Simon and sent his country to the final.
The winner of tomorrow’s semi-final between England and Denmark will face Italy on Sunday at Wembley
MORATA SCORES
Here’s how Alvaro Morata equalised for Spain and took the game to extra-time.
What an incredible match we are seeing at Wembley!
Check it out:
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