More stories

  • in

    Barcelona ‘to raid Premier League after Gavi ruled out for season with Liverpool and Spurs stars on their radar’

    PREMIER LEAGUE giants are on red alert with Barcelona ready to make a move to replace Gavi, according to reports.Barca lost their star midfielder after he tore his ACL in Spain’s 3-1 victory over Georgia on Sunday.
    Gavi tore his ACL on international duty for SpainCredit: Rex
    Thiago Alcantara may be in line for a return to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
    The 19-year-old will be out for between seven and nine months, with further tests set to confirm the true extent of his lay-off.
    Barcelona know that Gavi’s injury could jeopardise their attempt to defend their La Liga title.
    And the Spanish giants are looking to bring in reinforcements in January.
    And according to the Daily Mail, Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcántara is on their radar.
    READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWS
    Going into November’s international break, Thiago has not played a competitive match all season, last appearing for Liverpool in April. 
    Liverpool may not oppose the transfer as Thiago is out of contract at the end of the season.
    But Xavi’s side may want to act on the side of caution, as Thiago himself has frequently suffered injuries of his own.
    Tottenham’s Giovani Lo Celso has also emerged as an early contender to arrive on loan at the start of the new year.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Giovani Lo Celso is said to be admired by Barca boss XaviCredit: Getty
    He is out of favour under Ange Postecoglou and has La Liga experience having played for Villarreal.
    Xavi has shown interest in the World Cup winner before and would be in favour of him arriving to take the strain off of a stretched midfield.
    Barcelona are said to be “furious” as they don’t understand why Gavi featured in their final game when Spain had already qualified.
    He also played 90-minutes in Spain’s 3-1 victory over Cyprus.
    The Catalan giants could be compensated by Fifa as part of their protection programme.
    Barcelona will be awarded £17,500 a day for up to a year, based on the player’s salary.
    Frenkie de Jong has been injured since the end of September and is back in training but not match fit.
    While fellow wonderkid Pedri has only recently returned following a two month hiatus with a hamstring injury.
    Ilkay Gundogan has had to play deeper as a consequence and has not been able to show his Manchester City form.  More

  • in

    Fulham ‘ahead of Man Utd and Liverpool in Brazil wonderkid race as Marco Silva targets huge double transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Liverpool have suffered a blow in their battle to sign Brazil star Andre Trindade, according to reports.SunSport exclusively revealed that Fulham were desperate to beat their Premier League rivals to the signing of the Fluminense  midfielder.
    Andre Trindade could join Fulham in JanuaryCredit: Getty
    The Cottagers are in the market for a playmaker amid interest in Joao Palhinha, who nearly joined Bayern Munich in the summer.
    And The Standard are now reporting that Fulham are leading the chase for Andre.
    He has emerged as one of the best talents in South America and has three Brazil caps to his name.
    The 22-year-old has been on the radar of Liverpool for some time and they tried to sign him in January.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    But Fluminense refused to sell during their Copa Libertadores campaign.
    And it proved to be a wise decision, with the Brazilians going on to win the South American equivalent of the Champions League.
    Now, with the domestic campaign ending next month, they are open to selling the player.
    Club president Mario Bittencort even has an agreement with the him that he could leave in January.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    They are set to demand a fee of £30million for Andre.
    Fulham reportedly moved ahead of Man Utd and Liverpool after chief Alistair Mackintosh flew to Brazil for face-to-face talks last week.
    He was there as Fluminense beat Boca Juniors in the final of the Copa Libertadores too.
    Fulham are also potentially in for a new striker after losing Aleksandar Mitrovic prior to the start of the season.
    Marco Silva will supposedly be backed in the transfer market after penning a new contract at the club and he is keen on Wolfsburg ace Jonas Wind.
    The 24-year-old Dane has interest from many sides and has nine goals in 13 games this season.
    Jonas Wind is attracting interest from several sidesCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Man Utd fans say ‘someone should take the chequebook off Ten Hag’ after attempt to complete transfer for 34-year-old ace

    MANCHESTER UNITED boss Erik ten Hag tried to sign Thomas Muller in January, according to reports.The Dutchman is claimed to be a big admirer of the Bayern Munich veteran.
    Thomas Muller has scored one goal for Bayern Munich this seasonCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag is seeking January reinforcementsCredit: Getty
    Ten Hag, 53, coached Bayern’s second team between 2013 and 2015 while Muller was a key player for Pep Guardiola.
    According to German outlet Bild, the Red Devils boss wanted to bring Muller to Old Trafford last season.
    They add that it was felt that the 34-year-old’s experience could benefit United.
    And that Ten Hag and Co could try again for Muller in this season’s January transfer window.
    READ MORE MAN UTD NEWS
    The German has had an hugely decorated career: lifting 12 Bundesliga titles, six DFB Pokals, two Champions Leagues and the World Cup.
    In total he has played 680 times for Bayern, scoring 237 goals and laying on 261 assists.
    His importance to the German giants has been on the decline, however.
    This season he has started just four of his side’s 15 Bundesliga and Champions League games.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    He has netted one goal, and laid on a further four assists.
    Seeing links with Muller, some United fans were unimpressed.
    One wrote on social media: “Someone needs to take the cheque book off Erik.”
    While a second fumed: “These are signings should have made in the previous decade.”
    A third blasted: “In a team that has no physicality or energy, Erik wanted to sign a player who’s legs have gone? Luckily transfers wont be in his hands soon.”
    Another added: “Just need to purchase a good walking stick.”
    Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to take over football operations at United when he completes his imminent 25 per cent partial takeover.
    The Ineos chief is set to back Ten Hag with a transfer war chest in January.
    Man Utd currently sit sixth in the Prem, five points off the top four. More

  • in

    Man Utd and Chelsea dealt huge transfer blow as wonderkid signs for agency who represent hatful of Tottenham stars

    MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Roony Bardghji.The 18-year-old star burst on to the Champions League scene in Copenhagen’s dramatic 4-3 victory over the Red Devils.
    Roony Bardghji has been linked to Premier League clubsCredit: AP
    The Copenhagen star with new agent Christian EmileCredit: Instagram @christianemile
    Bardghji scored the winner in the 87th minute to leave United in danger of crashing out of Europe.
    Despite his young age, he has already made 66 first-team appearances and he has scored ten goals in 23 games this season.
    The winger has been tipped to become a future star and he has been snapped up by agency CAA Base.
    His new representative Christian Emile said: “He’s one of the most exciting talents in the world and also the future of Swedish football since Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    “It’s natural that he is being monitored by major clubs.”
    On the chance of him leaving Copenhagen, Emile added: “It’s too early to say now but one thing is for sure, you’ll get used to seeing Roony perform on the biggest stage.”
    Man Utd, Chelsea and Newcastle are all reportedly keen on signing the wonderkid.
    But Tottenham will now fancy their chances of tempting Bardghji to North London.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    This is because CAA Base look after several Spurs players.
    They already have James Maddison, Heung-min Son, Richarlison, Pedro Porro, Pape Sarr and even manager Ange Postecoglou on their books.
    CAA Base have plenty of experience in the Premier League as they also represent Eberechi Eze, Raphael Varane, Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier. More

  • in

    Shock Premier League manager ‘approached for Real Madrid job with Carlo Ancelotti to leave this summer’

    ROBERTO DE ZERBI has reportedly been approached to takeover as Real Madrid manager.Los Blancos are on the hunt for a new manager with Carlo Ancelotti set to leave after this season.
    Carlo Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid this summerCredit: Alamy
    Roberto De Zerbi has reportedly been approached as his replacementCredit: Reuters
    Ancelotti, 64, has already agreed to take over as manager of the Brazil national team next year.
    The Italian will leave the LaLiga club for South America once his contract expires at the end of the season.
    That leaves Los Blancos with the task of replacing the club’s two-time Champions League winner.
    And Spanish outlet Sport claims that Brighton boss De Zerbi has been contacted about the soon-to-be-vacant job.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    It is said the Italian manager is a “goal” of club president Florentino Perez.
    The 44-year-old has been a great success since he landed the job at the Amex last season.
    De Zerbi took over from Graham Potter who had left the club for his ill-fated spell at Chelsea.
    And the former Shakhtar Donetsk boss immediately led the Seagulls to Europa League qualification for the first time in their history.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    It is claimed his work with Brighton’s young talents is one reason he has caught the eye.
    And De Zerbi would inherit a young crop of stars such as Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo and Arda Guler, De Zerbi if he got the job.
    Brighton demanded a record fee from Chelsea when letting Potter leave and it is likely they will be tough negotiators when it comes to De Zerbi.
    The Italian’s contract in Sussex runs until 2026 and the club are already keen on offering him improved terms.
    Meanwhile, Los Blancos have also been linked to former Liverpool star Xabi Alonso as a potential replacement for Ancelotti.
    The Spaniard is currently impressing in charge of Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen. More

  • in

    Newcastle free to sign Saudi superstars as Premier League rivals fail to block controversial transfer rule by ONE VOTE

    NEWCASTLE CAN sign players on loan from the Saudi Pro League next month after an attempt to block the controversial move fell one vote short.Prem chief wanted a temporary change to rules on “associated party transactions” which would have prevented Toon boss Eddie Howe from filling the void left by Sandro Tonali’s 10-month gambling ban by a potential move for former Wolves midfielder Ruben Neves.
    Newcastle can sign players from Saudi ArabiaCredit: Getty
    Amanda Staveley was at the Premier League Shareholder meeting where the vote took placeCredit: PA
    Crystal Palace co-owner and chairman Steve Parish also attendedCredit: PA
    Karen Brady represented West HamCredit: PA
    The Magpies have been linked with Ruben NevesCredit: Getty
    Formal rules would then have been drafted next summer to prevent clubs from taking advantage of existing deals with other clubs or leagues to bolster their squads.
    But while the measure was backed by a majority of the 20 Prem clubs at their latest “shareholder” meeting the vote did not meet the threshold required.
    Under Prem rules, no measure can be adopted without the support of two-thirds of members.
    That means 14 clubs in favour.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    But the vote was split 13-7, meaning the current rules will remain in place and opening the door for a move for Neves.
    It was a victory for Newcastle, who have spent the past few weeks seeking to rally opposition, arguing that Prem bosses had been too keen to accede to the requests of rival clubs.
    Neves however is reportedly “really happy” in Saudi Arabia and not interested in a move to Newcastle.
    It is expected that he will remain at Al-Hilal until the end of the season at least.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Newcastle however could then put their interest into some of the other stars that could fill Tonali’s spot.
    Former Lazio star Sergej Milinković-Savić and Liverpool midfielder Fabinho could be options.
    The two would give Howe an extra option to strengthen his midfield in Tonali’s absence.
    More to follow…
    THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY…
    The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
    Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball. More

  • in

    Man Utd and Liverpool target Andre Trindade ‘set to sign for Premier League rivals in days’

    FLUMINENSE star Andre Trindade is set to join Fulham after being targeted by Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal, reports suggest.Andre has been a top target across the Premier League since last summer but the Brazilian giants refused to sell him before the end of Copa Libertadores.
    Fluminense star Andre Trindade has been linked with Man Utd, Liverpool and ArsenalCredit: AFP
    However, Andre looks set to move to Fulham instead “in the coming days”Credit: AFP
    The midfielder went on to help Fernando Diniz’s side win their first ever Libertadores title earlier this month and that could finally clear the way for a move to England.
    According to Canal do Nicola, Fulham could be the ones to land the Brazil international.
    The Cottagers stole a march on their Premier League opponents and Andre could put pen to paper “in the coming days” after the international break.
    Marco Silva’s side pose as “big favourites” to sign the 22-year-old and have already bid £26.2million.
    Read More on Football
    Fluminense are “pleased” with Fulham’s offer and the Brazilian has given his seal of approval as he “likes the project” at Craven Cottage.
    However, this is not a done deal and United, Liverpool as well as Arsenal could come back for Andre.
    Reports previously suggest the defensive midfielder verbally agreed to move to Anfield.
    The Reds’ boss Jurgen Klopp is looking to add even more quality to his midfield despite the arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo last summer.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Arsenal are facing the prospect of losing Thomas Partey in January with Juventus pushing for a deal and will need reinforcement as they push for their first Premier League title since 2004.
    And United are searching for a No6 to cover for Casemiro but it seems like they will instead focus on a new striker and centre-back in January.
    Fulham are very keen on Andre as they see him as the perfect successor to Joao Palhinha.
    Silva worries Bayern Munich could come back for Palhinha in the New Year.
    Fulham were even among the clubs who sent scouts to the Copa Libertadores Final and watch Andre in action. More

  • in

    Barcelona identify Tottenham midfielder as transfer replacement for Gavi after season-ending injury

    BARCELONA are eyeing Tottenham ace Giovani Lo Celso as Gavi’s replacement ahead of the January transfer window, reports suggest.Barca lost their star midfielder for the rest of the season after he suffered a heavy knee injury while on international duty with Spain.
    Barcelona are eyeing Tottenham ace Giovani Lo Celso to replace GaviCredit: Alamy
    Barcelona ace Gavi has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to a knee injuryCredit: Rex
    And the Catalans are now rigorously searching for the right person to fill in for the 19-year-old wonderkid, who will be out for nine months.
    According to the Standard, Barca are keeping tabs on Lo Celso ahead of the winter market.
    However, Spurs are not keen to sell the midfielder, even though he has dramatically fallen down the pecking order with only three substitute appearances in the Premier League this season.
    That is due to a recent injury crisis that has hit Ange Postecoglou’s side.
    Read More on Football
    Lo Celso is expected to return to Postecoglou’s starting line-up on a regular basis until at least January following James Maddison’s ankle injury.
    Maddison is expected to be sidelined until the New Year and thus Tottenham will reject any approaches for the Argentine.
    The 27-year-old is expected to get even more opportunities after the England international returns.
    That is because Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr will be away on international duty for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
    Bissouma will be playing for Mali while Sarr will be representing Senegal from January 13 with the competition coming to a close on February 11.
    Barcelona have been keeping tabs on Lo Celso since the summer and faced competition from Atletico Madrid as well as his former club Real Betis.
    The Spanish champions’ manager Xavi is thought to be a major admirer of the Tottenham ace.
    However, the Argentine is expected to stay in North London until June and could return to action on Sunday against Aston Villa with Bissouma suspended. More