More stories

  • in

    Man Utd ‘touring European giants in epic scouting mission as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Co target mega summer overhaul’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have sent scouts on a tour Europe in preparation for the summer transfer window.New co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is determined to invest in Erik ten Hag’s squad this summer.Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Erik ten Hag are eager to add to the Man Utd squad this summerCredit: Getty A new striker and a centre-back are understood to be among the club’s priorities.And according to ESPN, United’s recruitment team are looking to get a jump start on transfers ahead of the upcoming window.Scouts are currently travelling across Europe to hold talks with some of the world’s biggest clubs.Football director John Murtough and director of football negotiations Matt Hargreaves had lunch with Barcelona sporting director Deco in Spain on Monday.Read More in FootballThat was followed by a meeting with Atletico Madrid representatives on Tuesday.Murtough and Hargreaves are also set to meet with Real Madrid officials.And clubs in Italy and Portugal are also expected to be visited.As well as potential Old Trafford arrivals, the future of Mason Greenwood was discussed in Spain.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Barcelona had expressed an interest in signing him on a permanent basis, but they recently distanced themselves from the transfer race.Man Utd are set to demand around £40million for the 22-year-old.Manchester United’s fall from glory since Sir Alex Ferguson The Red Devils have been linked with several players so far this year, including Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi and Napoli striker Victor Osimhen. More

  • in

    Chelsea to pay another huge compensation fee in coaching change despite Mauricio Pochettino speaking out against plans

    CHELSEA have agreed a £1million deal to bring in a new set-piece coach from Brentford, according to reports.That is despite the fact that manager Mauricio Pochettino dismissed their importance recently.Brentford coach Bernardo Cueva (R) is set to join Chelsea in the summerCredit: AFPThe Athletic have stated that Bernardo Cueva will arrive at Stamford Bridge at the end of the season from Bees – with the Blues forced to pay in the region of £1m for his signature.The Mexican, 36, joined Brentford from Chivas in September 2020 originally in the role of tactical statistician.Cueva has since played an integral role in the club’s progress under Thomas Frank from Championship into the Premier League.And Brentford have also become somewhat renowned for their effective set-pieces over recent years.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLTodd Boehly and Chelsea chiefs have been looking to add more personnel to their coaching staff to help their young squad.Cueva emerged as the “prime candidate” to fulfil the role after his impact at Brentford.Anthony Barry previously held the position at Chelsea but he left 11 months ago to reunite with Thomas Tuchel at Bayern Munich.Cueva will head a department that is set to be strengthened even further by sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL Frank will lose his trusted lieutenant in the summer after a deal was struck between the two West London clubs.And this report adds that Pochettino is fully-behind the move, even though he played down the significance of set-piece coaches last month.We were tipped for stardom as Chelsea and Man Utd wonderkids… now we have set up own property companyThe Argentine tactician insisted that his team did not need that kind of help by declaring that “football belongs to the players, not to the specialists”.He said: “We work a lot on set-pieces. We have specialists. We are a coaching staff in charge of everything. We have a group of analysts for set-pieces.“After that, it is about the quality of the player. It is about the takers. We don’t have a specialist.“Maybe Chilly [Ben Chilwell] is good in the delivery, but we don’t have a specialist after that.“When you have good takers, and of course, Wolves have good takers, and like Manchester City have or other clubs.“It is not down to the work. We work similarly. But the problem is to have good takers.”Mauricio Pochettino had previously played down the importance of the specialistsCredit: Alamy More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘send scouts to watch Ukraine Under-17s captain… but turn attention to team-mate after shining in defence’

    MANCHESTER UNITED sent scouts to watch a Ukrainian wonderkid – but ended up liking the look of his team-mate.United are turning over a new leaf under Sir Jim Ratcliffe and are planning some major changes at the end of the season.Man Utd initially targeted Kyrylo Digtyar but now focus on Demyan TretyakCredit: GettyRatcliffe’s Ineos group is now responsible for all football matters and will be overseeing operations across all of the Red Devils’ teams, including the youth squad.According to Scouts in Attendance, the Manchester giants sent representatives to Greece for an Under-17 tournament.United were initially keen on Ukraine’s 16-year-old centre-back Kyrylo Digtyar, whose club is Metalist Kharkiv.According to Sport.UA, however, the scouts ended up preferring Digtyar’s national team-mate and fellow defender Demyan Tretyak, 16.Read More on Man UtdTretyak plays for Dynamo Kyiv and has become the representatives’ main focus.The centre-back captained Ukraine during Tuesday’s 3-0 victory over Slovakia.United have started collecting information about the talented youngster and will continue to monitor him in his next few matches.Tretyak played in all three matches during the mini tournament in Europe.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL And he helped Ukraine’s Under-17s win all three matches in the elite round to qualify for the European Championship.United could be set for major changes in defence with Raphael Varane linked with a move away.Amad Diallo removes all reference to Man Utd on social media accountsJonny Evans’ deal also runs out in June while Harry Maguire has been unable to live up to expectations after his £85million arrival in 2019. More

  • in

    Why Chelsea are set to receive £4million windfall if forgotten man DOESN’T start this weekend

    CHELSEA will bank a cool £4million if forgotten man Armando Broja does NOT start for Fulham this weekend.The misfit striker was shipped out by the Blues to their west London rivals on loan in January.Fulham will pay Chelsea £4m if Armando Broja does not start against Spurs on SaturdayCredit: PAChelsea had initially looked to sell Broja for a staggering £50million, despite him scoring just once in the league this season.But after suitors including Wolves failed to come up with an adequate offer, Broja was packed off to Fulham on deadline day.Chelsea struck a bizarre agreement with their neighbours, allowing Fulham to take the 22-year-old for free — provided he started 60 per cent of their matches.The idea was for Broja to gain valuable match experience while showcasing his talents, giving Chelsea a greater chance to demand top dollar this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut things have not gone according to plan for the Albania international.He has failed to start a single match since arriving at Craven Cottage.Instead, Rodrigo Muniz has entered a hot streak of form, scoring five goals in the six games Broja has been available for.There are now just 10 matches remaining for Fulham, starting with a trip to Tottenham on Saturday.Most read in FootballHOW TO GET FREE BETS ON HORSE RACINGAnd should Broja fail to start, it would make it seven games on the bench with just nine remaining.That would finally shatter Chelsea’s 60 per cent deal, meaning Fulham must cough up £4m.Astrid Wett arrives at Cheltenham in inappropriate outfit but wears cheeky nod to beloved ChelseaIn fact, the only way the Cottagers can get around the fee is by starting Broja in every single remaining match.And with Muniz failing to hit the target in last weekend’s defeat at Wolves, Marco Silva could decide the time is right for his loanee to finally get some action from the off.Broja has so far featured just four times from the bench, failing to score in any of his appearances.And with Chelsea still remaining eager to cash in this summer, he could be available for a fraction of his initial £50m price tag for interested teams like Wolves. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘may be forced to NOT sack Erik ten Hag over FFP fears as cost of axing Dutchman revealed’

    MANCHESTER UNITED may have to splash over £10million to sack Erik ten Hag in June.Ten Hag’s position as United manager continues to come under pressure amid a turbulent campaign that has seen the team plunging to sixth place in the Premier League table.Manchester United will have to splash over £10m to sack Erik ten HagCredit: AFPSir Jim Ratcliffe is expected to reconsider Ten Hag’s position if Man Utd miss out on Champions League qualificationCredit: PAAccording to The Times, however, dismissing the Dutchman won’t be simple as he and his coaching staff would cost a large sum to offload this summer.The 54-year-old tactician warned the Red Devils were close to the spending limit which was allowed under Profitability and Sustainability rules in January.That is why the ex-Ajax boss was not allowed to sign a striker midseason.Therefore, new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe will have to decide whether sacking Ten Hag and recruiting a new manager would be worth it.Read More on Man UtdRatcliffe will have to take into account that the club needs every last penny to recruit new players and staff.The Manchester giants are also very keen on landing Dan Ashworth as their new director of football but Newcastle have slapped a £15m price tag on him after placing him on gardening leave.Nevertheless, Ten Hag is well respected among the Ineos hierarchy and there is a feeling that he had limited help before Sir Jim’s arrival.That is why the new club chiefs have included him in recent discussions regarding next season.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL However, Ten Hag will come under scrutiny if United fail to qualify for next season’s Champions League competition.The Red Devils are currently eight points away from Aston Villa and fourth place.’So refreshing’, says Rio Ferdinand after interview with Erik ten Hag at Man Utd training groundTherefore, United might find themselves needing that extra Champions League spot as they are six points away from fifth place.But that would only happen if England’s coefficient ranking is higher than Germany or Italy’s at the end of the season. More

  • in

    Todd Boehly makes secret trip to Saudi Arabia as Chelsea look to raise £100m in huge transfer exodus

    TODD BOEHLY made a secret trip to Saudi Arabia amid speculation Chelsea are planning to sell more players to the country’s Pro-League this summer.Chairman and co-controlling owner Boehly is believed to have held talks with the Pro-League’s director of football and former Blues technical director Michael Emanalo.Todd Boehly made a secret business trip to Saudi ArabiaRomelu Lukaku is currently on loan at Roma and is scheduled to return to ChelseaKepa Arrizabalaga could also return after falling down the pecking order at Real Madrid where he’s on loanChelsea announced pre-tax losses of more than £90million last week which means they are looking to offload some of the squad this summer to stay within Profitability and Sustainability Rules.It is thought they may have to raise £100m by the end of June so Boehly is paving the way with a series of meetings in the Arab state.Former Chelsea stars N’Golo Kante, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibably all quit Stamford Bridge for Saudi last summer.Boehly is preparing for another round of outgoings with on-loan players Romelu Lukaku and keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga top of the list.Read More on ChelseaLukaku, 30, is scheduled to return from his year’s long loan at Italians Roma at the end of the season and has two years left on his £325,00- a-week contract.He has a £37m release clause in his contract but money is no object to Pro-League teams.Kepa, 29, is at Real Madrid and while he is keen to stay, the £180K Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order and is now resigned to coming back, as SunSport revealed.Kepa has a further 12 months left on his contract but with Djordje Petrovic and Robert Sanchez ahead of him in the queue for the No1 spot, his future at Chelsea looks uncertain.Most read in FootballConor Gallagher, Armando Broja and Trevoh Chalobah could also be on the move.Gallagher, 23, sees his contract at Stamford Bridge expire at the end of next season and he is no closer to signing an extension.Fans all fooled by ‘Sky Sports commentary’ during Chelsea vs Newcastle – can you spot it?Broja is currently on loan at Fulham, who paid Chelsea a loan fee of around £750,000 in January but the total will increase to £4m if the striker fails to start 60 per cent of the Cottagers’ games.And Chalobah has only played five times this season after an injury setback and will want more opportunities.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSThe trio are all up for sale because they are Chelsea academy graduates.Selling the stars will help the West Londoners avoid breaking financial rules as homegrown players count as 100 per cent profit.Marc Cucurella has also fallen down the pecking order after recently returning from ankle injury. More

  • in

    Forgotten Chelsea star Oscar tipped for stunning return to European football after earning £150MILLION since leaving

    OSCAR is being linked with a shock transfer return to Europe.The Brazilian, 32, sees his contract with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai Port expire at the end of 2024.Oscar could be on his way back to Europe in a shock transferCredit: AFPThe Brazilian won two Premier League titles at ChelseaCredit: GettyHe headed to the Far East from Chelsea in 2017 in a shock £60million transfer. But seven years on, UOL report the playmaker could come back to Europe.However, Internacional in his homeland Brazil are also monitoring the situation.Inter manager Eduardo Coudet said: “Our only goal, the player we are going to try moving forward, is Oscar. I want to bring in Oscar. READ MORE ON FOOTBALL”I’ve already spoken to his manager, he can’t stand me anymore. I want Oscar. “The board ask me not to talk, but sometimes I talk too much.”Oscar left Internacional in 2012 when Chelsea landed the exciting star.He spent four-and-a-half seasons at Stamford Bridge where he racked up 38 goals in 203 appearances for the Blues.Most read in FootballCHELTENHAM BETTING OFFERS – BEST FREE BET DEALS FOR THE FESTIVAL During that time, the 48-cap Brazil international won two Premier Leagues, the League Cup and the Europa League – as well as the club’s Goal of the Season award twice. However, he stunned fans when he became one of the highest-profile footballers to leave for the Chinese Super League.Top ten greatest Premier League players of all time as Kevin de Bruyne and Cristiano Ronaldo both miss out on top spotShanghai Port reportedly offered Oscar an eye-watering £400,000 per week to sign for the club.And it means in the 375 weeks since switching Chelsea for China, Oscar has earned a whopping £150million in wages alone. The former Sao Paulo star surpassed 200 games for Shanghai Port last year and is the club captain under ex-Premier League defender Kevin Muscat.Oscar – who scored Brazil’s 90th-minute consolation in the 7-1 thrashing by Germany at their home World Cup in 2014 – guided the Red Eagles to the Chinese Super League title in both 2018 and 2023 – as well as the FA Super Cup in 2019.After a potential transfer to Barcelona fell through in 2022, Oscar openly admitted he would relish the chance to play for Chelsea again.Speaking in March 2023, he told talkSPORT: “Of course, it’s a dream to come back to Chelsea because everyone knows the passion that I have for this club.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’s the same passion I have for Shanghai. It’s the two clubs I have played at for a long period. “I have a lot of good memories at Chelsea and I also have a lot of good memories of Shanghai. But I’m still here and I still have dreams to play for this team.”Oscar has led his Shanghai Port side to two Chinese Super League titlesCredit: Getty – ContributorHe still has a lot of love for his former employers in West LondonCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd More

  • in

    Ex-Man Utd star Paul Pogba ‘receives shock offer to return to football’ despite four-year ban for doping

    PAUL POGBA could be in line for a shock return to football despite being hit with a four-year ban, according to reports.The Juventus star, 30, tested positive for banned substance DHEA in August and has not played since being given a provisional suspension a month later.Paul Pogba could sign for a celeb side in RussiaCredit: ReutersPogba has been slapped with a lengthy ban and he cannot play again until 2027 as things stand, although he denies any wrongdoing and does plan to appeal.The midfielder will be 35 years old by the time he is allowed back on the pitch.But Pogba has been handed a surprise route back to football from a Russian celebrity league.A team named Broke Boys are interested in signing the former Manchester United ace.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLThey play in Russia’s Media Football League, which is a division made up of teams that feature celebs like actors and influencers.Broke Boys chief Artjom Chatjaturjan is serious about his interest in Pogba and has made him a contract offer.He told Tuttosport: “It may seem like a joke, we called him. But so far he has politely refused. “He is in a desperate moment and needs time to accept it, Pogba is one of the best footballers in world won’t be able to play for that long.”Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSIt has been reported that Broke Boys offered him a £1,167-a-month wage and a luxury apartment to stay in.Meanwhile, there has been speculation that Pogba could see his Juventus contract ripped up.Man Utd legend Rio Ferdinand tells Paul Pogba he ‘needs to speak’ after four-year ban for doping Other rumours suggest that he is considering hanging up his boots if his appeal is not successful.Pogba’s ban could be reduced if he can prove the banned substance was in his system due to contamination or by accident.The World Cup winner denies any wrongdoing, saying: “I believe that the verdict is incorrect.”I am sad, shocked and heartbroken that everything I have built in my professional playing career has been taken away from me.”When I am free of legal restrictions the full story will become clear, but I have never knowingly or deliberately taken any supplements that violate anti-doping regulations.”As a professional athlete I would never do anything to enhance my performance by using banned substances,”And have never disrespected or cheated fellow athletes and supporters of any of the teams I have played for, or against.” More