Sport Live Blogs

Subterms

    More stories

    • 200 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Buendia ‘top transfer target’, Bergkamp reveals Ek Arsenal takeover STILL alive, home shirt LEAKED, Willock valuation

      by

      EMI BUENDIA is Arsenal’s top transfer target this summer, according to reports.While Dennis Bergkamp has told Arsenal fans Daniel Ek is STILL interested in buying the club off Stan Kroenke.
      Elsewhere, the Gunners will have a better chance of signing Eduardo Camavinga than any other club if they make a serious bid, according to reports.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
      LOST DE-NA
      Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp claims the club’s original DNA, which led to Premier League dominance, has been lost.
      Bergkamp told Voetbal International: “Like Patrick Vieira and Thierry Henry, it’s hard for me to recognise the Arsenal from our time.
      “The ambition to win trophies is in Arsenal’s DNA. Never accept a loss. That mentality has slowly disappeared.
      “I feel there’s a sense of resignation within the current situation. That is very serious.
      “It’s like it’s normal, given the financial conditions, that Arsenal are ending up somewhere in the middle of the league behind the top clubs.
      “That’s not how it should be with this club. Arsenal’s DNA needs to be repaired”
      GETTY IMAGES
      ART ATTACK
      Fabrizio Romano is adamant that Arsenal are going to continue with Mikel Arteta at the helm.
      Romano said on the Here We Go podcast: “Arsenal’s intention is to go on with Arteta, I would say 100 per cent, because they are convinced with Arteta, they are convinced with the project.
      “They think that one year with this kind of manager, he needs time.
      “The season has been really disappointing and they know about it, but they want to continue with Arteta, so at the moment the situation is planning with him about players to sell, players to sign and rebuilding in the summer.
      “So Arteta is the man for Arsenal”
      SHEAR JOY
      Alan Shearer joked that Arsenal loanee Joe Willock may prefer to stay at Newcastle because he will want to play for a “big club” next season.
      Willock joined the Magpies on loan during the January transfer window and has put together a raft of impressive performances while the Gunners are likely to miss out on European qualification for the first time in 25 years.
      Shearer told Match of the Day: “Well, he might want to play for a big club so he might want to stay at Newcastle.
      “I’m joking Arsenal fans! I’m joking!”
      BUENDIA ADMISSION
      Norwich sporting director Stuart Webber recently admitted their star attractions could be sold in the summer.
      Emiliano Buendia has been among the Canaries’ top stars this season and is currently linked with Arsenal.
      Webber told BBC Look East: “One of them may go, maybe two or all three of them will go, who knows – but the facts are that this team isn’t about one or two players.
      “For us to be successful in the Premier League it’s going to be how does the squad of 20 do, not if one player performs brilliantly.
      “When we sold James Maddison [to Leicester] everyone thought it was the end of the world and then a guy called Emi Buendia turned up – when Ben Godfrey left [for Everton] it was the end of the world and a guy called Ben Gibson turned up, and that’s football”
      PEP TALK
      Danny Murphy praised Arsenal star Nicolas Pepe after his performance against Crystal Palace on Wednesday.
      Murphy told Match of the Day: “I think he suffered from the pressure of the price tag, but he’s certainly got talent.
      “He’s quick, skilful, direct. Like so many players he’s been up and down with his form. Today he showed those bits of magic we’ve seen from him on occasions. Goals ultimately is where you’re judged as a forward player.
      “He looked hungry. He looked sharp. He looked fit… He’s got 14 goals this season which isn’t a bad return considering they’ve had a poor season.
      “Hopefully for Arenal fans they’ll see him progress a bit more next season. He’s got to play regularly. He’s got to produce this kind of form week in week out to keep the likes of Bukayo Saka out”
      GETTY IMAGES
      WILLOCK FUTURE
      Joe Willock suggested he would be keen to stay at Newcastle when his loan spell from Arsenal runs out.
      Willock told NUFC TV: “I want to say thank you for making me feel so welcome and thank you for greeting me with open arms.
      “I hope you’re satisfied with what I’ve given for the club so far and hopefully there’s more to continue in the future.
      “I’m not going to promise anything, but the conversation is going to be held”
      WATTS UP
      Norwich ace Emiliano Bundia is on top of Arsenal’s transfer list but a deal won’t be easy, according to Charles Watts.
      Watts said: “From what I understand, Emi Buendia now is very much right towards the top of that list.
      “There has been no bid made to Norwich City yet for Buendia, but discussions are ongoing at Arsenal and the focus is certainly shifting towards him when it comes to potentially making an official move this summer.
      “He is keen on a move to Arsenal, is my understanding. But Norwich are in a very strong position. He’s got three years left on his contract, he’s 24 years old, they’ve just been promoted to the Premier League, so it’s not like they really need the money now.
      “And he’s just been called up by Argentina for the first time, so they are not going to just roll over and allow Buendia to leave for cheap.
      “It looks like something around £40million would be needed to really get Norwich to take notice”
      TEK HIM OFF
      Crystal Palace star Christian Benteke should have been sent off against Arsenal, according to ex-Premier League and FIFA referee Keith Hackett.
      Benteke clumped into Gunners ace Bukayo Saka while challenging for an aerial challenge before thrusting his forearm into Mohamed Elneny’s face.
      Hackett told Football Insider: “Benteke should have gone.
      “He’s got a yellow for that challenge and then he’s put his left arm into the face of his opponent with a sweeping movement.
      “There might not be venom in his actions but there was a body check and a left-arm jab. He knows exactly what he’s done. That on its own is a red card, seriously.
      “He should have gone for that alone. The first one is important but the second one is the bad one.
      “What’s the point in VAR if not for this? They should have said: ‘Anthony [Taylor], come and have a look at this.’
      “They are going to the monitor less and less. What’s happened is they have been reminded that they only go to the monitor for clear and obvious errors and mistaken identity.
      “But this kind of incident is exactly what VAR’s for”
      DOUBLE SWOOP
      Arsenal are leading the race to sign Brighton duo Yves Bissouma and Tariq Lamptey.
      That is according to the Brighton & Hove Independent, who claim that the Seagulls will demand £40million for Bissouma, who looks set to be subject of a Premier League bidding war.
      Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United are also keeping tabs on the 24-year-old Mali international.
      Lamptey has also attracted interest from Everton and Tottenham
      LOCK & LOAD
      Newcastle will have to pay Arsenal £20million to sign Joe Willock on a permanent deal.
      Willock joined the Magpies on loan from the Gunners during the January transfer window and has already registered seven goals in 13 matches across all competitions.
      According to the Daily Telegraph, the north Londoners rate the young midfielder at £20m.
      Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is looking to offload some players in order to raise funds for transfers in the summer
      GETTY IMAGES
      BUENDIA PRICE
      Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Norwich ace Emiliano Buendia ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Gunners are lining up a potential replacement for Martin Odegaard, who could return to Real Madrid once his loan stint comes to an end.
      According to Goal, the Canaries will demand around £40million for the playmaker.
      The 24-year-old Argentine has registered 15 goals and 17 assists in 41 matches across all competitions this season
      NO QUIT
      Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp insists Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek will keep trying in his bid to buy the club as he is “not a quitter”.
      Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have backed Ek, who is trying to reach a deal with the Kroenke family.
      The legendary striker told Voetbal International: “Daniel doesn’t see a takeover as buying a nice toy.
      “We can’t force anyone to sell. I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke and his bankers.
      “Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other.
      “Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we. We are here to stay”
      BERGE RECAP
      Sheffield United ace Sander Berge is being targeted by Arsenal and the north Londoners have reportedly made an initial £17.2million bid for the midfielder.
      The Gunners have joined Liverpool and Tottenham in the bidding war over Berge, who has stood out at Bramall Lane ever since his move from Genk last year.
      The 23-year-old may also be keen to move to the Emirates if his Norway team-mate Martin Odegaard stays put and doesn’t return to Real Madrid in the summer.
      Berge, as it stands, appears to be leaning towards Arsenal over the Reds and north London rivals Spurs.
      CHANGE OF GAARD?
      Martin Odegaard’s loan stint at Arsenal is slowly coming to an end and his future looks uncertain.
      Reports suggest Real Madrid will give Odegaard more opportunities next season, especially if current manager Zinedine Zidane leaves.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants to keep the talented playmaker for another year at least but is not taking any risks, which is why he is lining up potential replacements.
      Among them is Norwich ace Emiliano Buendia who has registered 15 goals and 17 assists in 41 matches across all competitions this season
      SHIRT THING
      Just a quick reminder, in case you missed it:
      Arsenal’s new home kit for next season has been ‘leaked’ online with a throwback to the club’s 1998 shirt.
      This brings back memories of Arsene Wenger’s first ever Premier League title in charge of the Gunners, which is when the Frenchman practically built his dynasty.
      The FootyHeadlines reveal shows a red design in a shade slightly lighter than this term’s effort

      TIP OF THE ICE-BERG
      Dennis Bergkamp says Spotify boss Daniel Ek and the Arsenal legends won’t give up their bid to take over the Gunners.
      Current owner Stan Kroenke has rejected an initial £1.8billion bid from Ek, who has support from Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
      Bergkamp said: “We can’t force anyone to sell. 
      “I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke [Arsenal director and Stan’s son] and his bankers. 
      “Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other. In the interests of the club. 
      “Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we football boys. We are here to stay.”
      MUST HAVE
      Shkodran Mustafi will be released at the end of the season after just three months spent with German side Schalke.
      The Arsenal flop only joined the Bundesliga outfit in February after having his contract terminated by the Gunners.
      And having failed to make an impression during his short spell at the Veltins-Arena, the 29-year-old defender will be on the lookout for a new club in the summer.
      Credit: AFP
      CONFERENCE CALL
      The Premier League’s final day is all about the race for Europe, with seven teams still jostling for position.
      Seventh place will seal a position in the intriguing new Europa Conference League for next season.
      Taking place in the same Thursday night slot as the Europa League, the Conference League will offer a chance for clubs in smaller football nations to get more of a taste of the big time.
      If neither Tottenham or Everton can produce three points, then all Arsenal have to do is win their game to somehow sneak into Europe.
      Check out the full rundown of permutations from SunSport’s resident maths boffin Etienne Fermie here.
      TAKING THE MIKEL
      Arsenal fans are dreaming of a title challenge next season after their impressive form in the second half of the campaign.
      Mikel Arteta’s side have endured a disappointing season and occupy ninth, eight points adrift of a top-four finish.
      Yet, during the second half of the season, they have been quietly going about their business winning 13 from their last 23 matches.
      Arsenal have picked up 44 points which is only bettered by title-winners Manchester City who have 57.
      The Gunners have two more than Manchester United and Chelsea, and five more than both Leeds and Leicester.

      WHERE THERE’S A WILL…
      Allan Saint-Maximin believes Newcastle must keep looking for players such as Joe Willock to build a strong team.
      The Arsenal loanee has been a revelation on Tyneside and the winger wanted to build a partnership with him akin to one devastating duo in North London.
      He told Sky Sports: “We have to buy more players like Joe Willock, he can be really great for the team and for myself.
      “I am 24 years old, and have to think about the national team, about winning trophies, and hope the club can give me that.
      “My relationship is really good with Joe inside and outside the pitch, and you can see how that helps a team when you have players like that – like Harry Kane and Heung-min Son at Tottenham.”
      HARD TO ARGUE
      Nicolas Pepe was voted the Man of the Match for last night’s performance.
      That is now 14 goals in the 2021-22 campaign for the Ivorian, Arsenal’s third-top scorer.

      LJUN TO WATCH
      Nicolas Pepe’s starring role against Crystal Palace last night came as no surprise to Freddie Ljungberg.
      The former Arsenal coach and caretaker manager recalled to BT Sport how often the winger would perform so well in training.
      He noted: “I like him. He’s awkward to play against. Has good speed. One against one he’s very, very good
      “This [his goal] is what I saw in training every day and it’s what you want to see in every game.
      “Of course there’s other parts of his game he needs to learn but if you can put him in these situations he’s lethal all the time.”
      Credit: Getty
      TOP DOIG
      Hibernian youngster Josh Doig has been likened to Arsenal star Kieran Tierney by former Gunners goalkeeper Matt Macey.
      Brighton are strongly linked with the 19-year-old defender, who has been tipped to follow in his countryman’s footsteps and impress in the Premier League.
      Macey said: “For me [comparisons to Tierney] are absolutely not unrealistic for Josh, he can go as far as he wants.
      “He’s coming up to a big moment in his career, he has obviously had a lot of big moments already in terms of his age and making that breakthrough.
      “He’s very level headed and he’ll take it in his stride. For me he can go right to the top. I have seen a lot of young players at Arsenal and he would be right up there, for sure.
      “Kieran and Josh obviously play the same position and I can see the similarities in their playing style. Josh is maybe a little bit younger than when KT made his move to Arsenal, but he can go on and do well.”
      SAKA CONCERN
      Martin Keown was concerned that Bukayo Saka had picked up a knock after being substituted last night.
      In the 64th minute, Mikel Arteta replaced the England star to leave the ex-player and pundit confused on BT Sport.
      He said: “One assumes that Saka must have an injury, or some sort of a problem.”
      Credit: Getty
      ROMAN EMPEROR
      Roman Abramovich has reportedly told Chelsea not to make the same ‘mistake’ as Arsenal and Tottenham.
      The Blues owner is said by the Telegraph to be worried by the prospect of his side celebrating merely qualifying for the Champions League, as they do in North London.
      And Abramovich is hoping to turn Thomas Tuchel’s third-placed team into a title-winning force next season.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Monaco Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying build-up after Leclerc and Ferrari shine in Monte Carlo – latest updates

      by

      GET ready for a terrific weekend of action as F1 heads to Monaco.Lewis Hamilton is aiming to win his fourth race of the season and could shoot further up the table standings with another victory.

      TV CHANNEL: Sky Sports F1
      LIVE STREAM: Now TV
      SATURDAY, MAY 22: Practice Three – 11am, Qualifying – 2pm
      SUNDAY, MAY 23: Monaco Grand Prix – 2pm

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET HAMILTON TO FINISH ON THE PODIUM AT 20/1
      Follow all the action from Monte Carlo in our live blog, below…
      RECAP
      Here’s the top 10 from today’s Monaco Grand Prix practice:
      1. LEC – 1:11.684 gives Monegasque a Thursday to remember2. SAI – A Ferrari one-two after the Spaniard topped FP1!3. HAM4. VER – 0.007 seconds behind the Mercedes5. BOT – Just over two-hundredths back from Verstappen6. NOR – Comfortably ahead of Ricciardo again7. GAS8. PER – A second off Leclerc9. GIO10. VET
      MORE FROM VETTEL
      Aston Martin star Sebastian Vettel finished 10th in free practice but is “quite satisfied” despite his eye injury.
      Vettel said: “I was quite satisfied today, we got into the rhythm quickly.
      “In the afternoon I lost the overview a bit, but overall it’s okay.
      “Ideally we can keep that up. It’s all about Saturday afternoon”
      EYE PATCH
      Sebastian Vettel suffered an eye injury during Thursday’s practice at the Monaco Grand Prix.
      Vettel’s problem wasn’t too serious thankfully and his Aston Martin team-mates made him an eye patch.
      He said: “So the team was quite nice and they made this for me.
      “I think I’m going to keep it. It will keep me safe for the rest of the weekend.
      “I don’t recommend it [watching the Grand Prix with an eye patch]. It’s not as much fun as with two eyes”
      In today’s debrief, Captain Seb tells the eye-watering tale of practice for the #MonacoGP…— Aston Martin Cognizant F1 Team (@AstonMartinF1) May 20, 2021

      MORE FROM VERSTAPPEN
      Red Bull star Max Verstappen shared a few worries following Thursday’s practice at the Monaco Grand Prix.
      Verstappen said: “We are too slow, and not just by a little bit; I think quite a bit.
      “We really need to find some pace. Everyone has traffic, so you need to look at optimum lap times or optimum sectors and we are quite off.
      “It also didn’t feel great to drive. Normally I’m quite comfortable in the car, quite easily get to a pace but it all takes too long, [it’s] just not how I like it.
      “I’m just surprised at how competitive Ferrari is. But I think it just shows that we are pretty weak.
      “They are doing very well and we are very weak, so the offset is very big. Luckily, of course, we have a free day tomorrow so we can look into things but a lot of things need to change, I think”
      NEW KIT
      Lewis Hamilton donned a new kit during the Monaco Grand Prix practice.
      Here’s what he tweeted:

      NORRIS REACTS
      McLaren’s Lando Norris wasn’t surprised with Ferrari’s performance in the Monaco Grand Prix practice.
      “I don’t think Ferrari are surprising.
      “The public don’t get to see what we get to see – onboards and data and stuff. We knew they were going to be fast.
      “I texted Carlos before the weekend and saying: ‘You are going to be very good this weekend and have a chance to win’.
      “It is expected from us. They are looking strong, which isn’t good for us”
      MORE FROM HAMILTON
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton had more to say after the Monaco Grand Prix practice.
      Hamilton said: “It feels really cool to be back on track. This track is absolutely mesmerising every time you get the opportunity to drive.
      “The Ferraris look really strong, it’s surprising to see them improve so much. But that’s great – it means more competition.
      “It is a track where you need to walk before you can run, but you have to do that quickly.
      “The car is good, we made some decent steps with the balance of the car and I am just generally happy”
      LECLERC REACTS
      Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc stood out in the Monaco Grand Prix practice round.
      Leclerc said: “I was quite surprised it ended that way because, here especially, it is very important to do as many laps as you can and unfortunately, with the issue we had in P1, I had only done four laps.
      “But I felt quite at ease with the car and managed to put that lap in.
      “There is still a bit of margin but on the other hand I am sure that Mercedes and Red Bull have more margin than we have so we shouldn’t get carried away too much.
      “It is looking good but for now it is looking a bit too good to believe it”
      MAX-IMUM EFFORT
      Max Verstappen took to Twitter after his practice round in the Monaco Grand Prix.
      Verstappen insists he will have to do better tomorrow by adding “some more pace”.
      Here’s what he tweeted:

      WOLFF TRIBUTE
      Mercedes boss Toto Wolff, who works with Lewis Hamilton, paid tribute to legendary Formula One driver Niki Lauda, who died exactly two years ago.
      Wolff admitted that Lauda will constantly be in their thoughts during the Monaco Grand Prix.
      He said: “The last time we were racing in Monaco was shortly after Niki’s passing.
      “So, he won’t be far from our thoughts this year, either”
      LAUDA TRIBUTE
      Mercedes star Lewis Hamilton has paid tribute to Formula One legend Niki Lauda.
      Today marks two years since Lauda’s death at the age of 70 years old.
      The legendary Austrian is considered as one of the best drivers of all time as he is still the only one to have been champion for both Ferrari and McLaren.
      Hamilton tweeted the following:

      LEW AGE
      Mercedes champion Lewis Hamilton is also impressed with Ferrari’s imrovement.
      British superstar Hamilton finished third in Practice Two
      He said: “The Ferraris are really strong.
      “Surprising to see them improve so much, but it’s great – it means more competition”
      VERSTAPPEN REACTS
      Red Bull star Max Verstappen was very surprised with Ferrari’s performance as he finished fourth.
      Verstappen said: “I’m surprised how competitive Ferrari is.
      “I think it just shows that we are pretty weak.
      “They are doing very well and we are very weak, so then the offset is very big.”
      PRACTICE LATEST
      Ferrari have stood out in the opening day of the Monaco Grand Prix by besting title challengers Mercedes and Red Bull during the second practice.
      Ferrari led with both their cars in the afternoon around the famously tight and twisty streets of the Principality.
      Hometown hero Charles Leclerc beat team-mate Carlos Sainz by 0.112s with a best lap of 1:11.684.
      Ferrari have yet to make the podium this year and last won a race two seasons ago, but have significantly improved
      TOP TEN IN FP2
      1. LEC – 1:11.684 gives Monegasque a Thursday to remember2. SAI – A Ferrari one-two after the Spaniard topped FP1!3. HAM4. VER – 0.007 seconds behind the Mercedes5. BOT – Just over two-hundredths back from Verstappen6. NOR – Comfortably ahead of Ricciardo again7. GAS8. PER – A second off Leclerc9. GIO10. VET
      Credit: Reuters
      SCH-WHACK-ER
      Michael Schumacher leaving his Haas in the Nouvelle Chicane run-off has done for FP2, leaving him to inspect the damage to the right-hand side.
      Nothing too serious, it seems.

      THAT’S THAT
      Teams are asking race director Michael Masi if they can jump back out for a practice start.
      But it has been confirmed that the session will not be restarted, so don’t hold your breath, fellas…
      THE WRECKAGE
      Well, not quite that bad. Here’s the evidence of Schumacher’s skirt along the barrier outside the casino.

      RED FLAG
      An early end to the session as the last four minutes look set to be under the red flag.
      This is most likely linked to Schumacher’s said off, which cannot be retrieved at the Nouvelle Chicance run-off area.
      DONK
      The Monte Carlo casino is probably used to seeing some risks not paying off and the Haas of Mick Schumacher is the latest… losing his grip and riding along the barrier at Massenet.
      A tyre puncture means the young German hobbles into the run-off area by the chicance under the guard of yellow flags.
      FINAL TEN
      Race runs the order of the day as the second practice session edges towards its conclusion.
      Teams will pile on the fuel and gather some lovely data.
      Worth remembering we don’t know the fuel levels or how turned up the engines are when looking at the timesheet.
      FERRARI ONE-TWO
      Charles Leclerc takes advantage of a quiet moment on track to go fastest, just ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz.
      That is a surprise!
      Meanwhile, no sign of Yuki Tsunoda recently, currently sat plumb last.
      The live scenes of his AlphaTauri garage show some mechanics focused on the back end of his car, which he dinked against the barrier about half an hour ago.
      FULL CHAT
      You may have been surprised by some of those names in the top ten at halfway and you can thank the Soft tyres for that.
      After a fuller set of times on the quick set, Carlos Sainz has plonked his Ferrari at the top of the leaderboard with a 1:11.796.
      Lando Norris is fifth and Charles Leclerc sixth.
      And Sebastian Vettel is in the top ten and jokes his eyes are ‘bleeding’ and blames it on being ’emotional’ as he shrugs off the chance to pit.
      Credit: Getty
      TOP TEN AT HALFWAY
      1. BOT2. HAM3. GIO4. SAI5. VER6. PER7. GAS8. RAI9. OCO10. LAT
      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Kane ‘wants to be at Ronaldo and Messi’s level’, Lewandowski to Chelsea, Joao Felix shock Barcelona swap – transfer news

      by

      HARRY KANE appeared to wave goodbye to Tottenham fans last night after their defeat to Aston Villa.And he has told Gary Neville he wants to be on the level of Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.
      Meanwhile, Chelsea are showing interest in Robert Lewandowski, with the 32-year-old poised to leave Bayern Munich this summer.
      And Lionel Messi could also leave Barcelona this summer, with Manchester City favourites to sign the Nou Camp icon.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
      KANE LEGACY
      Jamie Redknapp claims Harry Kane may lose his legendary status at Tottenham if he joins London rivals Chelsea at the end of the season.
      Redknapp told Sky Sports: “He’s a Tottenham legend – maybe not if he goes to Chelsea because that won’t go down well with the fans.
      “But I can picture him in that Man City team, getting chance after chance after chance, winning trophies and working with one of the greatest managers ever to work in football.
      “I think it would be a good move for him”
      GETTY IMAGES
      NO QUIT
      Arsenal great Dennis Bergkamp insists Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek will keep trying in his bid to buy the club as he is “not a quitter”.
      Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Thierry Henry as well as Patrick Vieira have backed Ek, who is trying to persuade the Kroenke family to sell.
      The Premier League Hall of Famer told Voetbal International: “Daniel doesn’t see a takeover as buying a nice toy.
      “We can’t force anyone to sell. I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke and his bankers.
      “Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other.
      “Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we. We are here to stay”
      RED ALERT
      Jamie Redknapp believes Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is set for his “biggest summer” as he has yet to find a replacement for ex-manager Jose Mourinho and also needs to figure out what to do with wantaway star Harry Kane.
      Redknapp told Sky Sports: “This is the biggest summer of Daniel Levy’s tenure as the chairman.
      “They have got no manager, their star player wants to leave – he has to get this right.
      “He has some massive decisions to make”
      NOT IN A HARRY
      Tottenham star striker Harry Kane claims he is in no rush to make a decision on his career, although he hinted that anything can happen.
      Kane told told Gary Neville’s YouTube show, The Overlap: “I never said I’d stay at Spurs for the rest of my career and I’ve never said I’d leave Spurs.
      “People might say, ‘he’s desperate for trophies, he needs trophies’, but I feel like I’ve still got almost another career to play.
      “I’ve got seven, eight years, kind of what I’ve already had in the Premier League. So I’m not rushing anything, I’m not desperate to do anything”
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL
      Tottenham star striker Harry Kane reiterated his desire to play Champions League football during an interview with Gary Neville.
      Kane has reportedly informed Spurs of his intention to leave the club at the end of the campaign as the north Londoners failed to qualify for Europe’s elite competition for the second year in a row.
      The England international told Neville’s YouTube show, The Overlap: “I want to be playing in the biggest games. This season, I’m watching the Champions League and the English teams doing amazing, and they’re the games I want to be involved in.
      “It’s a moment in my career where I have to reflect and see where I’m at. Ultimately it’s going to be down to me, how I feel and what’s going to be the best for me and my career”
      HERMOSO VIRTUOSO
      Jenni Hermoso was on fire for Barcelona when she bested three Atletico Bilbao players in a matter of seconds with some dazzling footwork. 
      The striker’s astonishing nutmeg of a trio of her rivals was among the highlights of the LaLiga Women’s champs’ trouncing of Bilbao.
      Hermoso, 31, pulled off the stunning four-second feat in the first half of an 8-0 drubbing of their opponents at the Johan Cruyff Stadium.

      CHEEKY NANDEZ
      West Ham and Leeds are in the race to sign Cagliari defender Naithan Nandez.
      Corriere dello Sport have revealed a plethora of clubs hunting down the Argentine, including Inter Milan, Napoli and Roma.
      A strong end to the season for the Sardinian club has seen them beat the drop and a reasonable fee will be expected.
      THE ENZ JUSTIFY THE MEANS
      Enzo Perez produced a man of the match display between the sticks as Covid-ravaged River Plate somehow managed to beat Santa Fe 2-1 last night… despite being a MIDFIELDER.
      Amid a coronavirus outbreak at the club that ruled 20 players out of contention for the match, Argentine giants River were forced to improvise for their important Copa Libertadores clash.
      With all four registered goalkeepers unavailable, 21-year-old Leonardo Diaz was handed his debut for the club at the weekend but was not on the Copa list.
      So up stepped Argentina midfielder Perez. Nursing a hamstring injury, the 35-year-old wouldn’t have been able to run around much outfield anyway, so was logically thrown in goal.
      And what followed was an extraordinary performance as River dug deep to keep their Copa dreams alive.
      He said: “With all the adrenaline I had I got a little lost and I always used the penalty spot as a reference. To speak about the match has no sense because of what we have lived in this time and what we suffered with Covid-19.”
      Credit: Reuters
      SHOCK SWAP
      Atletico Madrid have reportedly attempted an audacious player exchange with Barcelona.
      According to Sport, Joao Felix was offered in a swap deal for Antoine Griezmann.
      The players both cost upwards of £100million when the Frenchman swapped the Rojiblancos for Blaugrana in 2019, with Felix heading to Madrid from Benfica as his replacement.
      But Barcelona are said to be disinterested in the deal.
      FOOTY FIX
      Want some Thursday evening footy on the tele?
      The best of the entertainment can be found at Prenton Park as Tranmere host Morecambe for first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final.
      That game is live on Sky Sports.
      In Scotland, Dundee take on Kilmarnock in the first leg of their Premiership play-off tie, also on Sky Sports.
      RAUL RETURN
      Raul Jimenez has received the all-clear to return next season – but he will have to wear a protective headguard for the rest of career after fracturing his skull.
      The 30-year-old Mexican suffered the horrific blow and a brain injury after a sickening collision during the win at Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in November.
      Wolves club doctor Matt Perry said in a statement on the club’s official website: “Further match-based rehabilitation will start in July and will be tightly controlled initially.
      “This respects the fact that although his recovery appears to be total there is a big step from training to competition.
      “We hope and expect that Raul will be able to play a full part in Wolves’ 2021/22 season.
      “His skull fracture has now healed well; he will wear a protective headguard to cover the area of the injury for the remainder of his career, but it is adjudged strong enough for him to return to play with this protection.”
      Credit: Getty
      LET’S BE FRANK
      Frank Lampard admits he ‘loved’ Roman Abramovich’s words about him after he was axed by Chelsea in January.
      After the difficult decision, the Russian billionaire publicly hailed Lampard for his efforts in an open statement that the latter admits he ‘loved’ and he insisted he holds no grudges.
      Speaking to the Daily Mail, he said: “I loved that. I could never sit here and say I have anything but appreciation for what he did for my career.
      “I was disappointed because I felt we could change things. I saw games coming up as opportunities to get points. 
      “Your pride takes a hit. There is no doubt about it. That’s human. But with reflection, I would have been absolutely naive to think it would be any different for myself than it had been for managers in the past. 
      “History says Chelsea make changes and sometimes they have real success off the back of it.”
      EXCLUSIVE
      Manchester City dominate our Premier League team of the season based purely on objective data, writes Simon Rice.
      There is also room in the XI for Tottenham striker Harry Kane, Manchester United talisman Bruno Fernandes and Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish.
      With the 2020-21 season on the verge of conclusion, SunSport teamed up with Carteret Analytics to determine the true best XI.
      Every player was picked based purely on their ‘Carteret Rating’ – a method that is entirely objective and incredibly accurate at defining a player’s influence on matches.
      Check it out…

      NUMBER SEVEN
      David Beckham has become the seventh legend inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame.
      The Class of 92 hero won six league crowns in nine seasons inside the Manchester United first-team, hitting 65 goals in over 250 appearances.

      MO FEAR
      Liverpool have been warned Mohamed Salah could leave the club this year by former Anfield star Dejan Lovren.
      The duo developed a friendship during their time as team-mates and still enjoy a strong relationship.
      In an interview with Sky Sports, Lovren claimed it is possible his pal could decide to join one of LaLiga’s big boys.
      Lovren said: “I cannot talk in his name about what his plans are but I think he’s similar to me.
      “If he’s focused he’s focused there and he showed that with the goalscoring. You never know what can happen in football.”
      BELO RUMBLE
      Jose Mourinho could land his first Roma signing in the shape of Andrea Belotti.
      CalcioMercato detail the Torino striker’s desire to leave after Euro 2020, with one year left on his contract.
      Roma are said to fancy their chances with a £25million bid, which may involve a part-exchange of players.
      CONTE’S COMMANDS
      Antonio Conte will set out his demands for the summer in a meeting with Inter Milan club president Steven Zhang today.
      Romelu Lukaku, Nico Barella and Lautaro Martinez are the players he will describe as indispensable, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
      That could spark a bidding war for Achraf Hakimi, who has interested Chelsea and Arsenal in recent months, amid the club’s financial woe.
      Credit: AFP
      ROMAN EMPEROR
      Roman Abramovich has reportedly told Chelsea not to make the same ‘mistake’ as Arsenal and Tottenham.
      The Blues owner is said by the Telegraph to be worried by the prospect of his side celebrating merely qualifying for the Champions League, as they do in North London.
      And Abramovich is hoping to turn Thomas Tuchel’s third-placed team into a title-winning force next season.
      LEV-ERAGE
      Harry Kane is preparing to have an ‘open and honest’ conversation with Daniel Levy over his future.
      The striker has admitted he thinks the club’s chairman could be tempted to cash in when they finally have their discussion.
      He told Sky Sports’ Gary Neville: “He’s been great with me, always rewarded me with contracts, he’s been fair.
      “I’m not sure how the conversation will go to be honest.
      “He might want to sell me. He might think, ‘If I can get £100million for you then, why not?’ I might not be worth that in the next two or three years.
      “I hope we have a good enough relationship, I’ve been there 16 years of my life so I hope we can have a good honest conversation and see where we’re at.”
      KANE ON SPURS EXIT
      Harry Kane has opened up on his desire to leave Tottenham.
      In a chat with Gary Neville for SkyBet, the striker insisted that the potential transfer would ensure he has ‘no regrets’ in football.
      He stated: “I don’t want to have come to the end of my career and have any regrets. So, I want to be the best that I can be.
      “I’ve said before, I’d never say that I’d stay at Spurs for the rest of my career. I’d never said that I would leave Spurs.
      “I still feel like I’ve still got almost another career to play. I’ve got another seven or eight years.
      “I’m not rushing anything. I’m not desperate to do anything. I feel like for sure I’ve got so much more to give. I feel like I can be even better than what I’ve been.”
      Credit: EPA
      BARRED
      Georginio Wijnaldum could miss out on his move to Barcelona if Ronald Koeman is sacked.
      The Dutch coach is the driving force behind the move for the Liverpool midfielder, who is out of contract in June.
      Football Insider report on the deal being in jeopardy as no contract has been signed and, as you can see below, Koeman could be leaving.
      FLICK BOX EXERCISE
      Hansi Flick could make a shock move to Barcelona after leaving Bayern Munich.
      The German coach had been tipped to take over his national team when Joachim Low departs this summer.
      But the Camp Nou could become an option with RAC1 detailing talks between Flick’s camp and club president Joan Laporta.
      Ronald Koeman’s position is under threat after a failed LaLiga title bid and long-linked alternative Xavi Hernandez is not thought to be available.
      RED LETTER DAY
      Liverpool have released their home kit for the 2021-22 season.
      What do we reckon?

      BREAKING
      Sol Bamba has completed his recovery from cancer.
      The Cardiff defender was told of his non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis on Christmas Eve.
      But after undergoing chemotherapy, Bamba returned to training with the Bluebirds and made an appearance on the field from the bench in Cardiff’s final game of the Championship season.
      Now he has received the news his treatment has been entirely successful.
      He said: “I’m now cancer free. It is of course an incredibly heartwarming news for my family and I – we are over the moon right now. I really want to thank everyone that has been supporting me.
      “Above all, I want to thank the family at the NHS who took such good care of me. I will always be grateful. Thank you to all my family, my friends, of course the club and everyone in the football industry that has helped me face this challenge.”
      Credit: Alamy
      WE NEED LEW
      Chelsea have made contact over a deal for Robert Lewandowski, it has been claimed.
      The Bayern Munich striker has matched the Bundesliga record with 40 goals for the season.
      And Sky Sports Germany report on an enquiry which could set off a mega summer deal, with it described as possible that he leaves Bavaria.
      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd target Harry Kane tells Gary Neville he ‘wants to play in biggest games’, Ings transfer LATEST, Maguire news

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are gearing up to face Wolves in their last Premier League game of the season before their Europa League final clash.Harry Maguire is facing a race against time to be fit for the clash against Villarreal after picking up an ankle injury.
      And United are hoping to get ahead in the chase to sign Harry Kane from Tottenham after the striker told the club he wants to leave.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      Stay up to date with every twist from Old Trafford in our live rolling blog…
      KANE LEGACY
      Jamie Redknapp claims Harry Kane may lose his legendary status at Tottenham if he joins London rivals Chelsea in the summer.
      Redknapp told Sky Sports: “He’s a Tottenham legend – maybe not if he goes to Chelsea because that won’t go down well with the fans.
      “But I can picture him in that Man City team, getting chance after chance after chance, winning trophies and working with one of the greatest managers ever to work in football.
      “I think it would be a good move for him.”
      NOT OVER YET
      Jamie Redknapp insists that Kane’s exit from Tottenham is not a “foregone conclusion”.
      Redknapp told Sky Sports: “It’s not a foregone conclusion that he’s going to go.
      “Daniel Levy is a very difficult man to negotiate with. Whoever wants to buy him will have to pay top dollar.
      “It may be a case of a loan swap with some players, that might be a way to entice Levy to come to the table.
      “He’s one of the best strikers in world football and they’re a valuable commodity. Levy is going to want £100million plus, and that takes out a lot of teams”
      GETTY IMAGES
      RED ALERT
      Jamie Redknapp reckons Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is set for his “biggest summer” as he has yet to find a replacement for ex-manager Jose Mourinho and also needs to figure out what to do with wantaway star Harry Kane.
      Redknapp told Sky Sports: “This is the biggest summer of Daniel Levy’s tenure as the chairman.
      “They have got no manager, their star player wants to leave – he has to get this right.
      “He has some massive decisions to make”
      NOT IN A HARRY
      Tottenham star Harry Kane claims he is in no rush to make a decision on his career, although he hinted that anything can happen.
      Kane told told Gary Neville’s YouTube show, The Overlap: “I never said I’d stay at Spurs for the rest of my career and I’ve never said I’d leave Spurs.
      “People might say, ‘he’s desperate for trophies, he needs trophies’, but I feel like I’ve still got almost another career to play.
      “I’ve got seven, eight years, kind of what I’ve already had in the Premier League. So I’m not rushing anything, I’m not desperate to do anything”
      CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOOTBALL
      Tottenham star Harry Kane reiterated his wish to play Champions League football during an interview with Gary Neville.
      Kane has reportedly informed Spurs of his intention to leave the club at the end of the season as the north Londoners failed to qualify for Europe’s elite competition for the second year in a row.
      The England captain told Neville’s YouTube show, The Overlap: “I want to be playing in the biggest games. This season, I’m watching the Champions League and the English teams doing amazing, and they’re the games I want to be involved in.
      “It’s a moment in my career where I have to reflect and see where I’m at. Ultimately it’s going to be down to me, how I feel and what’s going to be the best for me and my career”
      AL BE WAITING
      Raul Albiol cannot wait for his personal duel with Edinson Cavani in the Europa League final.
      The Villarreal defender stated his lack of surprise in seeing Cavani succeed at Manchester United.
      He told reporters: “We all know the great player that Cavani is. It is not strange that he is in such good shape and continues to score. 
      “It was strange to me that he spent a long time without a team after ending his contract with PSG. 
      “The truth is that in Manchester he found a place where football is life, and he is Uruguayan and has football in his blood. 
      “If Cavani does not play, there will be another striker. In the final we will face excellent strikers. We will all have to do our best.”
      HOMECOMING
      The return of fans to Old Trafford meant 1968 European Cup winner Paddy Crerand was finally able to get back to his favourite pastime.
      The Scot told United’s website: “I’ve been involved in football all my life, supporting Celtic and Manchester United, so it’s great to go back.
      “The camaraderie, that’s what you miss. You miss all the people you’ve lived with more or less every day of your life.
      “Being an ex-player, you meet fans from all different countries in the world. They’ll always come and have a chat with you. 
      “You miss that conversation and all that stuff that goes on at a football match. Not just for me, but every football fan in the country.”
      Credit: Getty
      DIO-GOING HOME
      Diogo Dalot is set to return to Manchester United after his AC Milan loan spell.
      The Serie A side are claimed by Sky Sport Italia to be against paying his £17million transfer fee for a permanent move.
      Although Roma and Napoli may step in to pick up the full-back if there is no place for him in Manchester.
      TRANSFER KOU
      Sevilla are hoping to profit off a strong Euro 2020 for Jules Kounde.
      Manchester United are one side linked with the Frenchman, in their hunt for a new centre-back.
      But La Colina de Nervion reveal the club’s plans to spark a bidding war and increase their £56million price tag if he stars for Didier Deschamps’ side.
      Credit: AFP
      YOU MAG-ESTY
      Let’s take a look at the stats for how Manchester United typically get along without Harry Maguire.
      It’s not pretty…

      CITY SLICKERS
      Manchester City are front of the queue for Harry Kane, according to The Guardian.
      Rivals Manchester United are said to be less interested in a deal following Edinson Cavani’s new contract.
      And Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy is noted as especially keen not to sell to London neighbours Chelsea.
      Pep Guardiola’s champions have reportedly already been in touch with Kane’s camp and the striker is keen on the move.
      LEV-ERAGE
      Manchester United target Harry Kane is preparing to have an ‘open and honest’ conversation with Daniel Levy over his future.
      The striker has admitted he thinks the club’s chairman could be tempted to cash in when they finally have their discussion.
      He told Sky Sports’ Gary Neville: “He’s been great with me, always rewarded me with contracts, he’s been fair.
      “I’m not sure how the conversation will go to be honest.
      “He might want to sell me. He might think, ‘If I can get £100million for you then, why not?’ I might not be worth that in the next two or three years.
      “I hope we have a good enough relationship, I’ve been there 16 years of my life so I hope we can have a good honest conversation and see where we’re at.”
      KANE ON SPURS EXIT
      Harry Kane has opened up on his desire to leave Tottenham.
      In a chat with Gary Neville for SkyBet, the striker insisted that the potential transfer would ensure he has ‘no regrets’ in football.
      He stated: “I don’t want to have come to the end of my career and have any regrets. So, I want to be the best that I can be.
      “I’ve said before, I’d never say that I’d stay at Spurs for the rest of my career. I’d never said that I would leave Spurs.
      “I still feel like I’ve still got almost another career to play. I’ve got another seven or eight years.
      “I’m not rushing anything. I’m not desperate to do anything. I feel like for sure I’ve got so much more to give. I feel like I can be even better than what I’ve been.”
      Credit: EPA
      SIDE BY SIDE
      Old Trafford finally welcomed fans back this week.
      And screamers just aren’t the same without the accompanied ‘scenes’…

      PEDAL TO THE METAL
      Manchester United’s slump in form is risking their Europa League final bid.
      Trevor Sinclair has told talkSPORT that defeats to Leicester and Liverpool, plus the draw to Fulham, are linked to Harry Maguire’s absence.
      He said: “You look at the form since Maguire came out of the squad with injury, they’ve really struggled.
      “Leicester was a 2-1 loss and it was a real shame that they put a weakened team out, but there was a combination of De Gea, Lindelof and Tuanzebe at the back.
      “I don’t know whether Ole knows his best three with mature out the team. They keep on conceding and their home form has been a big issue anyway.
      “Going into that game against Villarreal, they need to know what their best side is otherwise they’ll have problems.”
      MAGUIRE UPDATE
      Speaking after the draw with Fulham, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer cast doubt on Harry Maguire’s return from his ankle injury in time for the Europa League final.
      He said: “Harry, we are working on. It doesn’t look great.”
      Ahead of the draw with the Cottagers, Solskjaer had remarked: “Harry is our leader and he’s been a big miss at the moment.
      “I’ll give him as long as he needs before he says yes or no.
      “He’s making progress but we don’t want to test it out too early. Harry wants this so much but he doesn’t want to take risks either.”
      Credit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
      HARRY UP
      Harry Maguire has opened up on the ankle injury putting his Europa League final and Euro 2020 participation at risk.
      Manchester United are sweating on their captain’s fitness, which the player has described as ‘unfortunate’.
      Looking back on the incident, Maguire said: “Basically, he just fell on me and put all his weight on me — and I ended up twisting my ankle.
      “It wasn’t a muscle injury, so it was a bit unfortunate and very frustrating.
      “I was very disappointed on the night and the day after, but I’ve come to terms with it. I’ve got to be positive.
      “I’ve got to look forward and make sure when I’m ready to come back that I’m fully fit, raring to go and can pick up where I left off.”
      HARRY ALONG NOW
      Ryan Mason has dismissed concerns over Harry Kane’s Tottenham future.
      The striker applauded Spurs fans after last night’s defeat to Aston Villa in what some described as a farewell.
      Manchester United, City and Chelsea are all linked with a mega-money move.
      And Mason said: “He means a lot. He’s a Tottenham player.
      “I’ve answered so many questions on Harry Kane in the last 24 hours. I’m willing to speak about the game but not individuals. We were fully focused on the match and I’m very disappointed.
      “There are so many emotions in football. I love representing this football club. Yes a lot has been going on but our aim is to get results on the pitch and unfortunately we didn’t do that.”
      Credit: Getty
      ING IN TO WIN IT
      Manchester United will reportedly attempt to sign Southampton striker Danny Ings this summer – despite Edinson Cavani’s new deal.
      Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been looking to add to his striking department for months to help close the gap on champions Man City.
      The Telegraph states United have enquired about a swoop for Ings.
      The 28-year-old only has a year left on his Southampton contract and has yet to agree to an extension.
      And due to the threat of losing him for free next season looming, United know Southampton will be put under pressure to sell if a formal offer is placed.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Bergkamp says Ek Arsenal takeover STILL alive, new home shirt LEAKED, Odegaard Real Madrid future, Berge for £17.2m

      by

      DENNIS BERGKAMP has told Arsenal fans Daniel Ek is STILL interested in buying the club off Stan Kroenke.Elsewhere, the Gunners will have a better chance of signing Eduardo Camavinga than any other club if they make a serious bid, according to reports.
      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game
      The Rennes star, who is also target for Real Madrid, is said to be high on the Gunners’ radar this summer.
      And Arsenal were celebrating another three points in the Premier League as Nicolas Pepe netted a brace in a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
      Get all the latest Arsenal news, transfer gossip and updates with our live blog…
      BUENDIA PRICE
      Arsenal are reportedly keeping tabs on Norwich ace Emiliano Buendia ahead of the summer transfer window.
      The Gunners are lining up a potential replacement for Martin Odegaard, who could return to Real Madrid once his loan stint comes to an end.
      According to Goal, the Canaries will demand around £40million for the playmaker.
      The 24-year-old Argentine has registered 15 goals and 17 assists in 41 matches across all competitions this season
      NO QUIT
      Arsenal legend Dennis Bergkamp insists Spotify co-founder Daniel Ek will keep trying in his bid to buy the club as he is “not a quitter”.
      Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira have backed Ek, who is trying to reach a deal with the Kroenke family.
      The legendary striker told Voetbal International: “Daniel doesn’t see a takeover as buying a nice toy.
      “We can’t force anyone to sell. I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke and his bankers.
      “Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other.
      “Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we. We are here to stay”
      BERGE RECAP
      Sheffield United ace Sander Berge is being targeted by Arsenal and the north Londoners have reportedly made an initial £17.2million bid for the midfielder.
      The Gunners have joined Liverpool and Tottenham in the bidding war over Berge, who has stood out at Bramall Lane ever since his move from Genk last year.
      The 23-year-old may also be keen to move to the Emirates if his Norway team-mate Martin Odegaard stays put and doesn’t return to Real Madrid in the summer.
      Berge, as it stands, appears to be leaning towards Arsenal over the Reds and north London rivals Spurs.
      CHANGE OF GAARD?
      Martin Odegaard’s loan stint at Arsenal is slowly coming to an end and his future looks uncertain.
      Reports suggest Real Madrid will give Odegaard more opportunities next season, especially if current manager Zinedine Zidane leaves.
      Gunners boss Mikel Arteta wants to keep the talented playmaker for another year at least but is not taking any risks, which is why he is lining up potential replacements.
      Among them is Norwich ace Emiliano Buendia who has registered 15 goals and 17 assists in 41 matches across all competitions this season
      SHIRT THING
      Just a quick reminder, in case you missed it:
      Arsenal’s new home kit for next season has been ‘leaked’ online with a throwback to the club’s 1998 shirt.
      This brings back memories of Arsene Wenger’s first ever Premier League title in charge of the Gunners, which is when the Frenchman practically built his dynasty.
      The FootyHeadlines reveal shows a red design in a shade slightly lighter than this term’s effort

      TIP OF THE ICE-BERG
      Dennis Bergkamp says Spotify boss Daniel Ek and the Arsenal legends won’t give up their bid to take over the Gunners.
      Current owner Stan Kroenke has rejected an initial £1.8billion bid from Ek, who has support from Bergkamp and fellow Invincibles Thierry Henry and Patrick Vieira.
      Bergkamp said: “We can’t force anyone to sell. 
      “I understand that, in addition to that offer, Daniel has now reached out twice to Josh Kroenke [Arsenal director and Stan’s son] and his bankers. 
      “Whatever Kroenke’s intentions are, it would be good if we at least have a conversation with each other. In the interests of the club. 
      “Regardless, Daniel is not a quitter and neither are we football boys. We are here to stay.”
      MUST HAVE
      Shkodran Mustafi will be released at the end of the season after just three months spent with German side Schalke.
      The Arsenal flop only joined the Bundesliga outfit in February after having his contract terminated by the Gunners.
      And having failed to make an impression during his short spell at the Veltins-Arena, the 29-year-old defender will be on the lookout for a new club in the summer.
      Credit: AFP
      CONFERENCE CALL
      The Premier League’s final day is all about the race for Europe, with seven teams still jostling for position.
      Seventh place will seal a position in the intriguing new Europa Conference League for next season.
      Taking place in the same Thursday night slot as the Europa League, the Conference League will offer a chance for clubs in smaller football nations to get more of a taste of the big time.
      If neither Tottenham or Everton can produce three points, then all Arsenal have to do is win their game to somehow sneak into Europe.
      Check out the full rundown of permutations from SunSport’s resident maths boffin Etienne Fermie here.
      TAKING THE MIKEL
      Arsenal fans are dreaming of a title challenge next season after their impressive form in the second half of the campaign.
      Mikel Arteta’s side have endured a disappointing season and occupy ninth, eight points adrift of a top-four finish.
      Yet, during the second half of the season, they have been quietly going about their business winning 13 from their last 23 matches.
      Arsenal have picked up 44 points which is only bettered by title-winners Manchester City who have 57.
      The Gunners have two more than Manchester United and Chelsea, and five more than both Leeds and Leicester.

      WHERE THERE’S A WILL…
      Allan Saint-Maximin believes Newcastle must keep looking for players such as Joe Willock to build a strong team.
      The Arsenal loanee has been a revelation on Tyneside and the winger wanted to build a partnership with him akin to one devastating duo in North London.
      He told Sky Sports: “We have to buy more players like Joe Willock, he can be really great for the team and for myself.
      “I am 24 years old, and have to think about the national team, about winning trophies, and hope the club can give me that.
      “My relationship is really good with Joe inside and outside the pitch, and you can see how that helps a team when you have players like that – like Harry Kane and Heung-min Son at Tottenham.”
      HARD TO ARGUE
      Nicolas Pepe was voted the Man of the Match for last night’s performance.
      That is now 14 goals in the 2021-22 campaign for the Ivorian, Arsenal’s third-top scorer.

      LJUN TO WATCH
      Nicolas Pepe’s starring role against Crystal Palace last night came as no surprise to Freddie Ljungberg.
      The former Arsenal coach and caretaker manager recalled to BT Sport how often the winger would perform so well in training.
      He noted: “I like him. He’s awkward to play against. Has good speed. One against one he’s very, very good
      “This [his goal] is what I saw in training every day and it’s what you want to see in every game.
      “Of course there’s other parts of his game he needs to learn but if you can put him in these situations he’s lethal all the time.”
      Credit: Getty
      TOP DOIG
      Hibernian youngster Josh Doig has been likened to Arsenal star Kieran Tierney by former Gunners goalkeeper Matt Macey.
      Brighton are strongly linked with the 19-year-old defender, who has been tipped to follow in his countryman’s footsteps and impress in the Premier League.
      Macey said: “For me [comparisons to Tierney] are absolutely not unrealistic for Josh, he can go as far as he wants.
      “He’s coming up to a big moment in his career, he has obviously had a lot of big moments already in terms of his age and making that breakthrough.
      “He’s very level headed and he’ll take it in his stride. For me he can go right to the top. I have seen a lot of young players at Arsenal and he would be right up there, for sure.
      “Kieran and Josh obviously play the same position and I can see the similarities in their playing style. Josh is maybe a little bit younger than when KT made his move to Arsenal, but he can go on and do well.”
      SAKA CONCERN
      Martin Keown was concerned that Bukayo Saka had picked up a knock after being substituted last night.
      In the 64th minute, Mikel Arteta replaced the England star to leave the ex-player and pundit confused on BT Sport.
      He said: “One assumes that Saka must have an injury, or some sort of a problem.”
      Credit: Getty
      ROMAN EMPEROR
      Roman Abramovich has reportedly told Chelsea not to make the same ‘mistake’ as Arsenal and Tottenham.
      The Blues owner is said by the Telegraph to be worried by the prospect of his side celebrating merely qualifying for the Champions League, as they do in North London.
      And Abramovich is hoping to turn Thomas Tuchel’s third-placed team into a title-winning force next season.
      PEP’D UP 
      Mikel Arteta heaped praise on Nicolas Pepe after his two-goal performance at Selhurst Park.
      The boss said: “It’s my feeling and it’s everybody’s feeling in the coaching staff, and his own feeling that he’s come a long way this season.”
      “He hasn’t had the consistency sometimes in the gametime, but I think in Europe he’s been terrific and in the Premier League he’s started to show much more what he’s like, and he’s very hungry.
      “I think he’s changed a lot in his mentality and his willingness to do much more.”
      BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
      Arsenal are reportedly in the hunt for Real Betis full-back Emerson Royal.
      The 22-year-old is coming to the end of a two-year spell with the club, who have an agreement with Barcelona for a £5million summer switch.
      But, should the Brazilian not want to play second fiddle to Sergino Dest at the Camp Nou, Sport name a number of clubs chasing his signature.
      Arsenal, Everton, Villarreal, AC Milan and more are said to be monitoring the situation, with the Gunners potentially seeking a replacement for Hector Bellerin.
      Credit: Getty
      CONTE’S COMMANDS
      Antonio Conte will set out his demands for the summer in a meeting with Inter Milan club president Steven Zhang today.
      Romelu Lukaku, Nico Barella and Lautaro Martinez are the players he will describe as indispensable, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport.
      That could spark a bidding war for Achraf Hakimi, who has interested Chelsea and Arsenal in recent months, amid the club’s financial woe.
      I’LL BE XHAK
      Granit Xhaka has outlined his intention to play for Arsenal next season.
      The midfielder’s contract runs for another two years and he wants to see it out despite Mikel Arteta planning to cash in on several players this summer.
      He told RP Online: “There are always rumours at the end of the season, that’s for sure.
      “But I still have a two-year contract in London and I am very happy with my family here.
      “First of all, I’m looking at a successful Euro 2020 with the national team.”
      Credit: Getty
      HELLO JOE
      Newcastle fans made their wish clear after another goalscoring performance from Arsenal loanee Joe Willock.
      Now the youngest player to net in six consecutive Premier League matches, the midfielder was met with chants of ‘Joe Willock, we want you to stay’.
      And Willock did not dismiss the notion when quizzed by Sky Sports following the Toon’s win over Sheffield United.
      He said: “I’m not sure. I need need to have a conversation and see what the best move for me is.
      “I’ve made friends for life and made a really big connection with the fans.
      “It’s one of my options and I am going to consider it.”
      Credit: Guardian News & Media / Free to use by all titles in perpetuity under NMC agreement
      MART TO ART
      Gabriel Martinelli has admitted to being frustrated by Mikel Arteta’s team selection.
      After scoring the win at Crystal Palace, the striker opened up on regularly being left out of the starting XI.
      He told BT Sport: “I am always ready. When Mikel needs me, I will be there and come on and score a goal.
      “It’s not easy [not starting] but as I said I am always ready when Mikel needs me I will be there.”
      RISE AND SHINE
      How good a feeling is it after this performance?

      GOOD MORNING ARSENAL FANS
      Arsenal kept their Europa Conference League qualification hopes alive following a dramatic 3-1 win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
      Nicolas Pepe opened the scoring five minutes before half-time and Christian Benteke equalised in the second half.
      It looked like the Gunners were going to drop some more Premier League points, but Gabriel Martinelli put them back ahead in the first minute of stoppage time before Pepe sealed the win for the visitors soon after.
      The north Londoners have endured a difficult season, which saw fans clashing with majority shareholder Stan Kroenke following the European Super League fiasco.
      That led to Spotify co-owner Daniel Ek making a bid to buy the club with the support of Invincible legends Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp and Patrick Vieira.
      But Ek stated recently that Arsenal’s hierarchy have turned down his initial offer.
      He said: “Inaccurate reports emerged today saying I have not made a bid for Arsenal football club.
      “I think it’s important to correct the record. This week, an offer was made to both [Director] Josh Kroenke and their bankers that included fan ownership, representation at the board and a golden share for the supporters.
      “They replied that they don’t need the money. I respect their decision but remain interested and available should that situation ever change.”
      Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is already looking ahead for next season and is considering some transfer options.
      Rennes star Eduardo Camavinga is among his top targets, but the Gunners have “no chance” of signing him in the summer transfer window.
      That is according to The Athletic as Camavinga has been linked with a host of Europe’s top hitters, such as Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid.
      The midfielder has impressed in Ligue 1 this season and Arteta sees him as the perfect partner for Thomas Partey at centre-half.
      However, it seems like the 18-year-old Frenchman may be heading somewhere else.
      Sheffield United star Sander Berge is also another target and the north Londoners have reportedly made an initial £17.2million bid for the midfielder.
      Arsenal have joined Liverpool and Tottenham in the bidding war over Berge, who has stood out at Bramall Lane ever since his move from Genk last year.
      The 23-year-old may also be keen to move to the Emirates if his Norway team-mate Martin Odegaard stays put in the summer.
      Berge appears to be leaning towards Arsenal over the Reds and north London rivals Spurs.
      ODE TO ROY
      Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson coached his very last Premier League match at Selhurst Park as he will be leaving top-flight football at the end of the season.
      Hodgson saw Palace lose 3-1 to Arsenal following two late goals on stoppage time by Gabriel Martinelli and Nicolas Pepe.
      However, the 73-year-old took the mic after full-time and shared some emotional words with the home crowd one last time.
      Here’s what he had to say:
      “I shall miss football, there’s no question of that.”💔 Roy Hodgson bids an emotional farewell to the Crystal Palace supporters at Selhurst Park… pic.twitter.com/YXVZkQ9Z2l— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) May 19, 2021

      ARTETA REACTS
      Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta had a few words to say after the Gunners’ dramatic 3-1 win over Crystal Palace.
      Arteta said: “It was a crucial moment for us because we wanted to go into the final day with every chance of going into Europe.
      “If somebody told us in November, December that we would have the chance to qualify for Europe in the last game, I would have said ‘you are crazy’.
      “It was touching just being in the dressing room before, listening to them [fans] singing creating an atmosphere. I’m sure they [Arsenal fans] will turn up, support the team and we need to create again that strong connection with the fans”
      Load more entries… More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Motorsport

      F1 Monaco Grand Prix practice LIVE: Stream, TV channel and full race schedule as Leclerc goes fastest in FP2 – latest

      by

      THE BIGGEST and richest race on the F1 calendar is BACK as eyes descend on the Monaco Grand Prix. Lewis Hamilton is aiming to win his fourth race of the season and could shoot further up the table standings with another victory.

      TV CHANNEL: Sky Sports F1
      LIVE STREAM: Now TV
      THURSDAY, MAY 20: Practice One – 10.30am, Practice Two – 2pm
      SATURDAY, MAY 22: Practice Three – 11am, Qualifying – 2pm
      SUNDAY, MAY 23: Monaco Grand Prix – 2pm

      BETTING SPECIAL – GET HAMILTON TO FINISH ON THE PODIUM AT 20/1
      Follow all the action from Monte Carlo in our live blog, below…
      LEW AGE
      Mercedes champion Lewis Hamilton is also impressed with Ferrari’s imrovement.
      British superstar Hamilton finished third in Practice Two
      He said: “The Ferraris are really strong.
      “Surprising to see them improve so much, but it’s great – it means more competition”
      VERSTAPPEN REACTS
      Red Bull star Max Verstappen was very surprised with Ferrari’s performance as he finished fourth.
      Verstappen said: “I’m surprised how competitive Ferrari is.
      “I think it just shows that we are pretty weak.
      “They are doing very well and we are very weak, so then the offset is very big.”
      PRACTICE LATEST
      Ferrari have stood out in the opening day of the Monaco Grand Prix by besting title challengers Mercedes and Red Bull during the second practice.
      Ferrari led with both their cars in the afternoon around the famously tight and twisty streets of the Principality.
      Hometown hero Charles Leclerc beat team-mate Carlos Sainz by 0.112s with a best lap of 1:11.684.
      Ferrari have yet to make the podium this year and last won a race two seasons ago, but have significantly improved
      TOP TEN IN FP2
      1. LEC – 1:11.684 gives Monegasque a Thursday to remember2. SAI – A Ferrari one-two after the Spaniard topped FP1!3. HAM4. VER – 0.007 seconds behind the Mercedes5. BOT – Just over two-hundredths back from Verstappen6. NOR – Comfortably ahead of Ricciardo again7. GAS8. PER – A second off Leclerc9. GIO10. VET
      Credit: Reuters
      SCH-WHACK-ER
      Michael Schumacher leaving his Haas in the Nouvelle Chicane run-off has done for FP2, leaving him to inspect the damage to the right-hand side.
      Nothing too serious, it seems.

      THAT’S THAT
      Teams are asking race director Michael Masi if they can jump back out for a practice start.
      But it has been confirmed that the session will not be restarted, so don’t hold your breath, fellas…
      THE WRECKAGE
      Well, not quite that bad. Here’s the evidence of Schumacher’s skirt along the barrier outside the casino.

      RED FLAG
      An early end to the session as the last four minutes look set to be under the red flag.
      This is most likely linked to Schumacher’s said off, which cannot be retrieved at the Nouvelle Chicance run-off area.
      DONK
      The Monte Carlo casino is probably used to seeing some risks not paying off and the Haas of Mick Schumacher is the latest… losing his grip and riding along the barrier at Massenet.
      A tyre puncture means the young German hobbles into the run-off area by the chicance under the guard of yellow flags.
      FINAL TEN
      Race runs the order of the day as the second practice session edges towards its conclusion.
      Teams will pile on the fuel and gather some lovely data.
      Worth remembering we don’t know the fuel levels or how turned up the engines are when looking at the timesheet.
      FERRARI ONE-TWO
      Charles Leclerc takes advantage of a quiet moment on track to go fastest, just ahead of team-mate Carlos Sainz.
      That is a surprise!
      Meanwhile, no sign of Yuki Tsunoda recently, currently sat plumb last.
      The live scenes of his AlphaTauri garage show some mechanics focused on the back end of his car, which he dinked against the barrier about half an hour ago.
      FULL CHAT
      You may have been surprised by some of those names in the top ten at halfway and you can thank the Soft tyres for that.
      After a fuller set of times on the quick set, Carlos Sainz has plonked his Ferrari at the top of the leaderboard with a 1:11.796.
      Lando Norris is fifth and Charles Leclerc sixth.
      And Sebastian Vettel is in the top ten and jokes his eyes are ‘bleeding’ and blames it on being ’emotional’ as he shrugs off the chance to pit.
      Credit: Getty
      TOP TEN AT HALFWAY
      1. BOT2. HAM3. GIO4. SAI5. VER6. PER7. GAS8. RAI9. OCO10. LAT
      SOFTLY SOFTLY
      Lewis Hamilton pulls on the quickest Soft tyre for a hot lap.
      A couple of slides leave him only second, just behind Valtteri Bottas who is the new P1 after his first Soft attempt.
      REVERSE
      Nicholas Latifi has lost it at the Grand Hotel Hairpin.
      The Canadian describes it as a ‘very weird pushing moment’ but it looks like he just went in too hot.
      Luckily, he avoided the barriers and could shimmy out.
      HARD TO BEAT
      Carlos Sainz going great guns on the Hard tyre, in third.
      The Hard this week is actually the ‘softest’ Hard we can have this season, with the Soft the ‘softest’ of the five grades of tyre Pirelli make for F1.
      That is because Monaco is incredibly undemanding on tyres, given the lack of high-speed corners.
      HAM IT UP
      We’re through the 1m 12s barrier after Lewis Hamilton’s first proper lap put him dead level with Max Verstappen’s time.
      Both drivers have now ramped it up a touch more and Verstappen is just under half a second off, shortly followed by Sergio Perez.
      Credit: AP
      MOVING THROUGH THE GEARS
      Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez clocking in some quick laps on the Medium tyres.
      The Red Bulls take the top two but neither time is as fast as what we had this morning, so expect them to dial it up plenty more.
      Lewis Hamilton’s first hot lap is aborted after his misses the Nouvelle Chicane.
      PRINCE CHARLES
      No surprise to see Charles Lecleric among the first out during this session.
      His morning was cut short after only six minutes of FP1 due to a gearbox failure, while Carlos Sainz put in a very strong second place.
      GREEN LIGHT
      FP2 is underway in Monaco!
      PRACTICE TWO
      Settle in for the afternoon session, coming up shortly.
      And relive FP1 below…
      Monaco, it’s great to be back! 🥰Enjoy the best bits from our long-awaited return ⬇️#MonacoGP 🇲🇨 #F1— Formula 1 (@F1) May 20, 2021

      MONA-NO
      George Russell has shelved plans to move to Monaco while he focuses on his F1 future.
      The British racer is in pole position to replace Valtteri Bottas at Mercedes as the Finn also weighs up his options.
      Russell, 23, had planned to relocate from King’s Lynn to Monte Carlo in the summer but says Covid restrictions and his contract situation means he is staying put.
      He said: “I will be checking out some places to live after the race but I will probably postpone the move until later in the season.
      “While the covid cases and logistical issues are still around and it makes it a bit difficult.
      “Over the next few months, it is an important time for the drivers. Contract talks are coming up for 2022 and having that stability at home is important for myself and it means I can give it everything I have got on the racing side.”
      HOME FAVOURITE
      It was a session to forget for Charles Leclerc as his Monaco curse continued with a failed gearbox after just a couple of laps.
      But the Monegasque homeboy, still yet to complete a race around the circuit, has the locals right behind him this weekend.

      THURSDAY SESH
      Why are we here? 
      A good question, as ever, but the Monaco GP is unique in hosting F1 practice on a Thursday.
      The reason is that the principality’s streets remain open to public traffic in the morning and evening across the weekend, and spreading out the various support series means more time to accommodate it all.
      For example, the track reopens as a normal street at 6.30pm tonight.
      That also allows time for hotels, restaurants and such to restock for the spectators typically flocking to the city.
      There is still track action taking place tomorrow, namely in the F2, Formula Renault and Porsche Supercup.
      STAY TUNED
      Free practice 2 will get underway at 2pm, we’ll be keeping you right up to date with all the action and provide some news updates in the meantime.
      Load more entries… More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Boxing

      Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua LIVE updates: Gypsy King forced to complete Wilder TRILOGY as AJ set to face Usyk – latest

      by

      ANTHONY JOSHUA and Tyson Fury are in training for their HUGE heavyweight world title fight THIS summer.But there has been fresh dispute over the confirmation of the fight with Fury vs Deontay Wilder 3 ordered by a US judge.
      Matchroom promoter Eddie Hearn and Fury himself have said the bout will be taking place on Saturday, August 14 in Saudi Arabia and Fury’s promoter Bob Arum has said the fight will take place at 9pm for British fans to watch.
      We’ll be bringing you ALL of the latest developments on the bout plus all of the news from the world of boxing right here…
      JOSHUA RETALIATES
      Anthony Joshua had another response during his fiery exchange with Tyson Fury on Twitter.
      Fury challenged Joshua to a “bare-knuckle” fight following the WBO’s 48-hour deadline that could see the dream match getting postponed as the latter would have to face Oleksandr Usyk.
      Here’s what AJ had to say:

      FURY-OUS EXCHANGE
      Tyson Fury has hit back at Anthony Joshua once more claiming he will “smoke” Deontay Wilder first.
      This casts doubt over a potential dream match between Fury and Joshua as the former has suggested he will fight Wilder first.
      The Bronze Bomber was offered a step-aside fee to let the fight between the two British heavyweights go ahead.
      However, the American turned it down as he wants to avenge last year’s loss to Fury
      not going in to the details on line!you’ll slap me about will you dosser please come and try Bum, i’m waiting… Femi AKA Bottlejob! 24/7 365. Ready. i’ll smoke wilder first then you will get yours aswell. #GK https://t.co/Led1X54PhS— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) May 19, 2021

      JOSHUA RETALIATES
      Anthony Joshua issued the following response to Tyson Fury’s challenge to a “bare-knuckle fight” as their dream match is dealing with plenty of hurdles.
      Joshua posted: “If there was an arbitration going on, why announce to the world we are fighting! The fight was signed! UNDISPUTED.
      “Bare knuckle? You’re a good kid, don’t play with me Luke!
      “I’ll slap your bald head & you’ll do nothing! Waste man”
      If there was an arbitration going on, why announce to the world we are fighting! The fight was signed! UNDISPUTED 💥Bare knuckle? You’re a good kid, don’t play with me Luke! I’ll slap your bald head & you’ll do nothing! Waste man. https://t.co/d9PLjAesj6— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) May 19, 2021

      FURY RESPONDS
      Tyson Fury has hit back at Anthony Joshua’s recent tweet.
      Joshua called Fury a “fraud” and claimed he “let boxing down” as their dream fight is starting to face many hurdles.
      The Gypsy King tweeted the following answer: “@anthonyjoshuayour more full of s**t that [sic] Eddie, Spouting absolute s***e!
      “Your full team knew there was an Arbitration going on, it was out of my hands! but i tell you what if i’m a fraud let’s fight this weekend bare knuckles till 1 man quits? let’s put up 20 mill each!!!”
      @anthonyjoshua your more full of shit that Eddie, Spouting absolute shite! your full team knew there was an Arbitration going on, it was out of my hands! but i tell you what if i’m a fraud let’s fight this weekend bare knuckles till 1 man quits? let’s put up 20 mill each!!! 🖕🏻🖕🏻 https://t.co/NbCvwn6YfN— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) May 19, 2021

      LASHING OUT
      Anthony Joshua has taken to Twitter to lash out to Tyyson Fury once more as their dream match is facing plenty of hurdles.
      Fury’s rival Deontay Wilder has turned step-aside money down whereas the WBO have given Joshua a 48-hour deadline to sort out his fight with The Gypsy King or he will have to fight Oleksandr Usyk.
      AJ tweeted: “@Tyson_Fury the world now sees you for the fraud you are.
      “You’ve let boxing down!
      “You lied to the fans and led them on. Used my name for clout not a fight.
      “Bring me any championship fighter who can handle their business correctly”
      .@Tyson_Fury the world now sees you for the fraud you are.You’ve let boxing down!You lied to the fans and led them on. Used my name for clout not a fight.Bring me any championship fighter who can handle their business correctly.— Anthony Joshua (@anthonyjoshua) May 19, 2021

      FUND AND GAMES
      Anthony Joshua has jokingly suggested he will set up a GoFundMe page to pay off Deontay Wilder so that he can have his dream match with Tyson Fury next.
      Joshua posted on his Snapchat: “I’m thinking about starting a GoFundMe page to raise money for Wilder’s step-aside payment.
      “So I can smoke that fat guy with skinny legs from Manchester.
      “These heavyweights need a podcast or something, they do more talking than fighting.”
      However, Wilder has already turned down a large step-aside fee as he wants revenge from Fury following last year’s loss
      WBO NOTICE
      Anthony Joshua has been issued with a 48-hour deadline by the WBO to rectify his dream match with Tyson Fury before he is ordered to face Oleksandr Usyk.
      That is according to Sky Sports, who claim Joshua and Fury will have to move fast.
      The Gypsy King has also met a hurdle as Deontay Wilder is not willing to take the step-aside money that would allow his rival’s match with AJ to go ahead.
      Wilder is looking for revenge after his loss to the British superstar last year
      GETTY IMAGES
      PREDICTION TY-ME
      Tyson Fury’s training partner Stephen McKenna insists The Gypsy King is going to beat Deontay Wilder again.
      McKena told Mirror Fighting: “Tyson Fury is too smart.
      “He’s too good, he has Wilder beat, even looking at what he did with him last fight, he got him out of there fairly quick and I think there’s only one winner there and it’s Fury.
      “He’s a great man even in the gym, he always brings a great atmosphere to the gym and he’s a very motivational guy”
      BOMBS AWAY
      Deontay Wilder is going to “knock Tyson Fury out cold” in their third fight.
      That is according to Floyd Mayweather’s right-hand man Leonard Ellerbe, who claims Fury is set to face a completely different Wilder if and when they face off again.
      Ellerbe told IFL TV: “Wilder knocks him out cold this time.
      “Sugar Hill made some adjustments, they tweaked something [in Fury’s game]. It was a great adjustment. But Wilder can do some things where the advantages are in his favour.
      “But he’s got to do it from the start. You know, he don’t need to sit back. He definitely don’t need to sit back, because Fury’s a tremendous boxer, especially for his size.
      “But I fully expect, from what I know and, I’m privy to a lot of things that most people aren’t, and there’s a whole new Deontay Wilder that they ain’t seen. And I fully expect him to implement that when they go”
      NO TAY
      Deontay Wilder appears to be on the brink of a third fight with Tyson Fury.
      Wilder doesn’t seem keen on taking step-aside money that would allow Fury’s clash with Anthony Joshua to take place first as he is prioritising revenge.
      The Gypsy King shared a post online mocking The Bomber and his “excuses” after a defeat.
      But the American star has yet to respond to the swipe
      WILD N OUT
      Deontay Wilder has ‘NO INTEREST’ in taking step aside money in what would be a huge blow to Tyson Fury’s super-fight with Anthony Joshua.
      Wilder’s new trainer Malik Scott shared the news on Instagram, as he all-but confirmed the heavyweight is prioritising revenge over a payday.
      Scott, 40, posted: “Wilder declined and had no interest in step-aside money. Y’all dealing with a whole different type motherf***a over here.
      “He want the blood, not that step-aside money. ‘Retribution is upon us’.”
      NO JOSHING
      Anthony Joshua is keeping silent over the news that Tyson Fury may have to fight Deontay Wilder first.

      TALE OF THE TAPE
      WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury is on the brink of a third fight with Deontay Wilder.
      Here’s how the two fighters compare…

      EDDIE SET GO
      Eddie Hearn has warned Tyson Fury must resolve his trilogy issue with Deontay Wilder this week – or else they turn to Oleksandr Usyk.
      Hearn said on Matchroom Boxing’s YouTube channel: “I have been focusing on Plan A. The only fight we had our mind on was Tyson Fury.
      “We hope that that fight can still take place on August 14th.
      “The game changed last night where we have to have a plan B in place, and probably a plan C as well.
      “We have a couple of different options; of course, the one that springs to mind immediately is the WBO mandatory of Oleksandr Usyk.
      “They have been quite patient and I think really, we are in a situation where if Team Fury don’t get themselves together, get their act together, by the end of this week, we will have no option but to look for an alternative fight.”
      PACKING ON THE PDA
      Tyson Fury cosied up to pregnant wife Paris on Instagram yesterday proving they’ve never been stronger as they reunited in Miami.
      The boxer, 32, was seen kissing his other half as they dined out after spending the day sunbathing alongside his brother Tommy, 21.

      WILD CLAIMS
      Tyson Fury has thrown shade at Deontay Wilder by listing his varied excuses for why he lost to the Gypsy King last year.

      WHIP ROUND
      A boxing fan desperate to see Tyson Fury fight Anthony Joshua has set up a GoFundMe page for Deontay Wilder.
      The biggest fight in the history of British boxing is on the brink of collapse after a judge ruled Fury owes Wilder a trilogy fight.
      Former WBC king Wilder is willing to step aside – but only if he’s paid a whopping £14m ($20m).
      And boxing fan Greg Double has started a whip-round in order to help Team Fury pay off The Bronze Bomber.

      FAST AND FURY=OUS
      Tyson Fury has seemingly accepted he may not fight Anthony Joshua this summer – but he’s warned his fellow Brit he’ll ‘smash him to bits.’
      this is how i’m feeling right now, i’m on the inside fighting smashing stuff up, & my next opponent is getting smashed to bits! pic.twitter.com/lf0MDEEnPB— TYSON FURY (@Tyson_Fury) May 18, 2021

      MORNING BOXING FANS
      So, we are now around 36 hours on from Deontay Wilder winning his arbitration case against Tyson Fury to enact a trilogy fight between the pair.
      The decision has severely threatened Fury’s plans to take on Anthony Joshua in an undisputed bout in Saudi Arabia on August 14.
      It leaves Fury with the decision to either try and reach a financial agreement with Wilder to step aside or fight him for a third time.
      And the talk on Tuesday from Fury’s promoter Bob Arum and Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn will not fill fans with confidence when it comes to the undisputed clash going ahead.
      Arum told ESPN: “We’re not paying Wilder to step aside. It’s better to get rid of him.
      “We can make Fury vs AJ for November or December.”
      Meanwhile, Hearn stipulated a deadline for Fury’s side and appears to now be turning his attention towards WBO mandatory challenger Oleksandr Usyk.
      He told the Matchroom Boxing YouTube channel: “I have been focusing on Plan A. The only fight we had our mind on was Tyson Fury.
      “We hope that that fight can still take place on August 14. The game changed last night where we have to have a plan B in place, and probably a plan C as well.
      “We have a couple of different options; of course, the one that springs to mind immediately is the WBO mandatory of Oleksandr Usyk.
      “They have been quite patient and I think really, we are in a situation where if Team Fury don’t get themselves together, get their act together, by the end of this week, we will have no option but to look for an alternative fight.
      “AJ wants to fight this summer, Oleksandr Usyk is the mandatory, we have two or three other options as well. In an ideal world, if the right deal could be done, to maintain those belts and to keep the Fury fight alive for December, but for the undisputed as well.
      “I had a very good conversation this morning with Alex Krassyuk, he is a partner of ours and we have worked very well with Oleksandr Usyk and I was just very honest.
      “I said to him, ‘Team Fury are trying to solve the issue, if they don’t, there’s a very good chance we could be fighting you.’”
      Stay tuned because it could be another eventful day in the boxing world.
      WILD PAYMENT
      Deontay Wilder could be handed over £14MILLION by Tyson Fury’s team in order for his bout with Anthony Joshua to go ahead.
      The Gypsy King’s undisputed dust-up to face his British rival in August is in serious jeopardy after he was ordered to fight the Bronze Bomber for a third time.
      After being dethroned by the unbeaten Mancunian in February, the former WBC heavyweight champion was eligible to invoke a third meeting against Fury.
      But injuries and the coronavirus pandemic delayed the fight, with Team Fury claiming in October that the contract for a trilogy had expired.
      However, a US judge has now decided, following an arbitration, that Wilder is legally due a third fight that must happen by September 15.
      According to the Daily Mail, the American knockout specialist could be handed a step-aside fee of more than £14m, with Fury’s team confident an agreement can be reached.

      FURY/JOSHUA/WILDER
      This video feels a long, long time ago, doesn’t it?
      On Sunday, Tyson Fury announced the fight between himself and Anthony Joshua.

      Just 24 hours later, Deontay Wilder has now been granted a third fight with Fury after a ruling from an arbitrator. Boxing.
      WILD SCENES
      Deontay Wilder has ‘NO INTEREST’ in taking step aside money in what would be a huge blow to Tyson Fury’s super-fight with Anthony Joshua.
      Wilder’s new trainer Malik Scott shared the news on Instagram, as he all-but confirmed the heavyweight is prioritising revenge over a payday.
      Scott, 40, posted: “Wilder declined and had no interest in step-aside money. Y’all dealing with a whole different type motherf***a over here.
      “He want the blood, not that step-aside money. ‘Retribution is upon us’.”

      FURY VS JOSHUA
      Right, so we may or may not be getting Fury-Joshua next. Either way, how do they stack up against one another?
      Here’s all you need to know.

      TYSON BROTHER TOMMY’S RETURN
      Tommy Fury will make his return on June 5 in front of 1,000 fans, with Daniel Dubois headlining the event.
      Fury, brother to WBC heavyweight champion Tyson, last boxed in February with an emphatic knockout over journeyman Scott Williams.
      And his sixth professional bout has been pencilled in for next month against an unnamed opponent.
      His promoter confirmed 1,000 fans will be in attendance, but a venue is also yet to be announced.

      WE’LL HAVE TO SEE
      Here was Hearn’s immediate reaction to the arbitrator’s decision to order a third fight between Deontay Wilder and Tyson Fury.

      Load more entries… More

    • 250 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Kane to Man Utd LATEST, Chelsea to rival United for £80m Sancho transfer, Bruno doubt over Cavani assist vs Fulham

      by

      HARRY KANE has told Tottenham Hotspur he is off – sparking a £150m war for the striker’s signature.Manchester United are IN the hunt, alongside rivals City and Chelsea.
      Elsewhere, Jadon Sancho is dreaming of a Premier League move according to the German press.
      And, United are reportedly willing to part company with star Paul Pogba if they receive a bid of around £55m.

      WIN £50,000! Play Dream Team Euros – our FREE fantasy football game

      Get all the latest Man Utd news and transfer updates here…
      DE-CISION MADE
      Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has decided to start David de Gea in the Europa League Final against Villarreal on May 26.
      That is according to a report from Manchester Evening News, which claims that Solskjaer, who’s been switching between De Gea and Dean Henderson in recent months, will opt for the Spain international against Unai Emery’s side.
      The Red Devils manager remained coy when he was asked last time around: “I think there are loads of difficult calls.
      “The whole squad has contributed so much. It’s probably a different scenario with the ‘keepers than it’s normally been, because they’re both in and around the 30 [games] mark [this season].
      “Both have done really well. It’s going to be difficult but I’ll have to make other ones as well”
      GETTY IMAGES
      KANE SWAP
      Tottenham may consider a part-swap deal with Manchester City or Manchester United for Harry Kane.
      Kane has informed Spurs that he wishes to leave in the summer after another trophyless campaign, which saw the north Londoners failing to gain Champions League qualification for the second year in a row.
      According to the Daily Mail, there has been acceptance throughout the club for some time that Kane will leave at the end of the season.
      City and United have shown interest and Tottenham could be willing to swap the star striker with the likes of Gabriel Jesus or Anthony Martial respectively
      HEAT IS ON
      Manchester United look set to sign Aston Villa goalkeeper, and United academy graduate, Tom Heaton in the summer.
      That is according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, who also expects former Red Devils shot-stopper Sam Johnstone to joined West Ham from West Brom.
      Crook told Jim White: “Tom Heaton to Manchester United on a free transfer, I am told. That deal is pretty much done.
      “He left in 2010, that will see Sergio Romero and Lee Grant depart. That will see Heaton going in there as third-choice goalkeeper.
      “On the subject of goalkeepers, West Ham are looking at Sam Johnstone, who has had an excellent season at West Bromwich Albion and made more saves than anybody else.
      “He could yet find himself in the England squad for the European Championships. I’ve been told this morning that West Ham are the frontrunners to sign Sam Johnstone.
      “They want competition for Lukasz Fabianksi and this is a deal which could well happen this summer”
      RED ALERT
      Jamie Redknapp has urged his former team Liverpool to go after Harry Kane after he told Tottenham he wishes to leave in the summer.
      Redknapp told Sky Sports: “I’d love to see my old team Liverpool go for him, but whether they’ve got the money right now, I don’t know their financial situation.
      “He’s obviously already spoken to clubs, or his representatives have, because his agent wouldn’t come out and say Harry isn’t happy at the club and he wants to go.
      “He is a Tottenham legend, he will always be a Tottenham legend, maybe not if he goes to Chelsea because that won’t go down too well with the fans”
      KANE ADVICE
      Michah Richards has advised Manchester United to go ahead and sign Harry Kane but only if the price is right.
      Richards said on Sky Sports: “I think it all comes down to how much the price is.
      “£100million? I don’t want to talk on behalf of Man City or Man United, but I think £100m, they could do.
      “When you start talking about £150m, it makes no sense to do that. He’s what, 27, 28? You’ve got [Erling] Haaland who is 20, or 21 – that’s a bigger investment for the club because you’ve got so many years.
      “With Harry Kane, you’re going to get ready-made success. I think he’s best suited to Man United, I know [Edinson] Cavani has signed an extension there.
      “£150m is too much, after the pandemic with everything that has happened. It’s too much money”
      GETTY IMAGES
      HIGH PRAISE
      Tottenham star Harry Kane has praised England team-mates Mason Mount and Phil Foden, with whom he may play at Chelsea or Manchester City respectively next season.
      Kane has become the subject of intense interest from the Blues and City ever since he informed Spurs that he wishes to leave at the end of the season.
      The England captain told beIN SPORTS: “Mason [Mount] is a fantastic player, great on the ball, great worth ethic. He wins balls back, makes tackles, it’s an underrated part of his game.
      “He’s a truly special player and it’s great for him to playing in a Champions League final in a few weeks’ time. He was great again against Real Madrid.
      “He’s [Foden] fantastic. He’s done amazing the last two, three, four years. He’s really stepped up.
      “You can see him improving year on year, getting better at understanding the game and he’s playing at the highest level for the best team in the world and he’s performing as well as any player has done, throughout the whole season.
      “He’s a great talent. He’s a great boy as well. He’s always looking to learn and improve”
      CITY-ZEN KANE
      Manchester City are interested in signing Tottenham star Harry Kane and are planning to hold talks with Spurs.
      According to The Guardian, City are indeed keen on landing Kane as they are looking for someone to replace the departing Sergio Aguero in the summer.
      However, the Citizens are aware that chairman Daniel Levy doesn’t wish to sell the star striker and has proven to be a tough negotiator in the past.
      The England captain, however, is open to moving to the Etihad
      RISKY BUSINESS
      Tottenham superstar Harry Kane has been warned by Trevor Sinclair that a move to Manchester United would be “risky” after informing his club that he wishes to leave in the summer following another trophyless season.
      Sinclair told talkSPORT: “I think if you’re Harry Kane and you definitely want silverware, I think there’s an argument to say you go to Manchester City.
      “Because you look at the last few years, they’ve been winning everything. I think if you want the glory as well, but there’s a bit of risk involved, you pick Manchester United.
      “Because obviously they’ve not won the Premier League for a long time”
      FULL PICTURE
      Jamie Redknapp admits he can “picture” Tottenham star striker Harry Kane at Manchester City.
      Kane has informed Spurs of his desire to leave in the summer and that has already ignited a bidding war between City, Manchester United and Chelsea.
      Redknapp said on Sky Sports: “I think right now… I can just picture him in that Man City team, with [Kevin] De Bruyne, with [Phil] Foden, playing up front and getting chance after chance after chance – and winning trophies.
      “He’d be working with one of the great managers to have ever worked in football. I think it would be a good move for him”
      GETTY IMAGES
      GLAZER CONFIRMATION
      Manchester United co-chairman Joel Glazer has confirmed that he will attend a Manchester United fans’ forum on June 4.
      The Glazer family have been in contact with the club’s Supporters’ Trust in recent weeks following the European Super League debacle and two fan protests outside Old Trafford.
      A statement on the club’s official website read: “I am looking forward to the meeting with the Fans’ Forum to hear their views and be part of a constructive discussion.
      “I firmly believe that this can open a new era of positive dialogue and co-operation between the club and the fans”
      GO-INGS CHEAPER
      Manchester United are reportedly seeking cheaper options than Tottenham star striker Harry Kane.
      That is according to the Daily Telegraph, who claim that United have approached Southampton for Ings, whose contract runs out next year.
      Kane has informed Spurs that he wishes to leave in the summer as they are set to miss out on Champions League qualification for the second year in a row.
      The star striker is going to cost at least £97million and Ings is considered as a much cheaper alternative
      NEVILLE PREDICTION
      Manchester United legend Gary Neville predicts Marcus Rashford may be dropped to the bench in the Europa League Final against Villarreal on May 26.
      Rashford hasn’t been able to stand out in various different positions manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has put him in and has only mustered three goals in his last 17 appearances for the club.
      Neville said: “I wonder whether this could actually be Man Utd’s Europa League final team. It wouldn’t surprise me.
      “Rashford on the right doesn’t work and I think Pogba will play. I think [Edinson] Cavani will play up top, I think the midfield three is set and I wonder if Solskjaer has decided that [Axel] Tuanzebe will play in that Harry Maguire position.
      “I’m nervous about Rashford being left out but I think [Mason] Greenwood is better there than Rashford. The balance is better.
      “And I think [David] Dea Gea will start in goal. You think about the service he’s given to the club”
      BRUNO DOUBT
      Manchester United star Bruno Fernandes claims he didn’t produce the assist for Edinson Cavani’s screamer against Fulham on Tuesday’s 1-1 draw at Old Trafford.
      David de Gea cleared the ball from his line and Fernandes appeared to have flicked it backwards to Cavani, who launched a 40-yard beauty that hit the back of the net.
      The Cottagers complained as the Uruguayan striker was offside when De Gea made the clearance but the referee claimed that the ex-Paris Saint-Germain star was onside when the Portugal international got a touch in midfield.
      Fernandes told Match of the Day: “Honestly I didn’t feel the touch. The referee said I touched the ball.
      “How it is, I don’t care honestly. I always say the most important goal is the one that hits the net, it doesn’t matter who gets the goal or the assist”
      GETTY IMAGES
      TRANSFER LING
      Manchester United have considered swapping Jesse Lingard for Tottenham star Harry Kane.
      That is according to The Times, who claim that United are so keen on landing Kane that they would be willing to let Lingard go the other way following an incredible loan stint at West Ham.
      The Spurs star striker has informed the club that he wishes to leave in the summer as the north Londoners are set to miss out on Champions League qualification for the second year in a row.
      The Red Devils, Chelsea and Manchester City have apparently shown interest and the England international appears most keen to moving to the Etihad
      OPEN DOR
      Chelsea are set to launch an £80million bid for Borussia Dortmund star Jadon Sancho.
      SunSport understand that the Blues are looking to battle Manchester United over Sancho’s signature.
      Manager Thomas Tuchel is said to be a huge admirer of the star winger who has stood out in the Bundesliga this season.
      The 21-year-old England international appears set to leave Dortmund and join the Premier League
      SOL DESTROYING
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has revealed that skipper Harry Maguire is losing his race to be fit for the Europa League final next week.
      The 28-year-old is currently sidelined with an ankle injury he picked up during the 3-1 win against Aston Villa earlier this month.
      United had been confident that he could start against Villarreal on May 26 in Gdansk, but Solskjaer has declared his chances look bleak.
      Speaking in the post-match press conference following the 1-1 draw against Fulham, Solskjaer stated: “Harry, we are working on. It doesn’t look great.”
      KANE IS ABLE
      Harry Kane is at the centre of a summer transfer tussle between Manchester United, City and Chelsea.
      And in stats obtained by The Times, the England captain would fare better better at Old Trafford as opposed to City or Chelsea.
      They have calculated that Spurs striker Kane takes most of his shots from inside the six-yard box, or from the top left of the box.
      Should he make the move to the Theatre of Dreams, the stats show that United create more chances in the areas where Kane likes to shoot.

      GARD DOWN
      Manchester United are considering offering Jesse Lingard to Tottenham as part of a deal for striker Harry Kane, according to reports.
      It was revealed by SunSport on Tuesday that the Red Devils and local rival Manchester City are preparing to hand the Spurs
      And now The Times are reporting that Lingard is being considered as a potential sweetener for Tottenham in a deal involving Kane.
      However, Man Utd are also said to be cautious about attempting to negotiate with Lilywhites’ chairman Daniel Levy.
      Man City is still thought to be Kane’s preferred destination if he is to depart North London this summer.
      HEND’S OFF
      David de Gea looks to have won the battle to claim the goalkeeper’s shirt for the Europa League final against Villarreal later this month.
      Dean Henderson’s error-strewn performance in the 4-2 defeat at the hands of Liverpool saw him replaced for Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw against Fulham.
      Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is still weighing up his options for next Wednesday’s final against Villarreal in Gdansk.
      But it looks like De Gea has now overtaken Henderson again, with the boss admitting: “I’ve got two very good goalkeepers.
      “They’ve played in the last month and last six weeks more or less alternate games really. Both are ready and both are doing well.”

      GOAL GETTERS
      Bruno Fernandes has called on his team-mates to start converting their chances if they want to win the Europa League.
      United had 13 shots in total against Fulham but it took a wonderstrike from Edinson Cavani to grab their only goal.
      And Fernandes, 26, wants to see improvements in their final two matches.
      He said: “We didn’t score the chances we had. Sometimes it’s our problem in games we draw and lose. We create many chances but we don’t score.
      “I think in the future I think this problem will change and now our focus has to be on the next game against Wolves.
      “We then have three days before the final in the Europa League and I think we have enough to prepare well.”
      RON WAY BACK?
      Manchester United icon Gary Pallister believes club legend Cristiano Ronaldo could return to Old Trafford in the summer.
      Commenting on his future, former United defender Pallister told Compare.bet: “I could see him coming back.
      “He had a great time at Old Trafford, and coming back here would suit Cristiano with Juve struggling with Champions League qualification.
      “He didn’t have issues here the first time round under the leadership of Sir Alex, and you can see that he still looks after himself and has that hunger.
      “He still wants to compete at the top level and play Champions League football, and if he comes to United you have to find a place for Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “He’s a magnificent player and still has that hunger to prove himself as the best player that’s ever walked this planet.
      “I think he’s on record as wanting to play until he’s 40 – sometimes when you’re bringing a player back to a club you worry about the hunger and desire if it’s something seen as more of a final payday.
      “You see the way he talks and trains, he’s still keen and can be one of the best players in the world at United.”

      SCOTT OF BOTHER
      Rio Ferdinand has urged Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to build his Manchester United side around Scott McTominay.
      He told his YouTube channel: “I think that McTominay can be and grow into the type of influence that Jordan Henderson has at Liverpool, if the team is built the right way.
      “I think he’s got the personality, the character, the right attributes.
      “He can cover the ground, he takes the ball… he’s not a passer like Bruno [Fernandes] or [Paul] Pogba, but he doesn’t need to be when you’ve got players like that in your team.”
      GREAT SCOTT
      Manchester United star Scott McTominay has been named in Scotland’s squad for the Euros this summer.

      YELLOW CAR-D
      Sir Alex Ferguson was lucky to avoid a fine after he was caught parking his Mercedes on double yellow lines as well as on a corner.
      The 79-year-old was snapped leaving his £75,000 Mercedes S350d in Cheshire before nipping to the shops.
      And he can be grateful that he arrived back to his car without a penalty after a possible Manchester United-supporting traffic warden let him off.
      Unless a person is the owner of a Blue Badge, under no circumstances can you park on double yellow lines at any time.

      KANE TO CASH IN
      Manchester United are both willing to hand Harry Kane a five-year, £300,000-a-week contract if he signs for them.
      But the England superstar would still only be the second highest earner at at the Red Devils.

      Load more entries… More