Transfer News

IVAN TONEY has told Bruno Fernandes: You’re wrong about the Saudi Pro League.Manchester United captain Fernandes rejected a mega-money move to Al-Hilal, claiming he wanted to carry on playing at the highest level.England star Ivan Toney disagrees with Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes’ statement about Saudi ArabiaFernandes turned down a bid by Al-Hilal claiming he wanted to carry on playing at the highest levelBut former Brentford striker, who won the Asian Champions League with Saudi side Al-Ahli in his debut season, said: “That’s his decision. He maybe thinks it’s different to me.“He obviously hasn’t seen the league. The standard is high. I always say this, people always judge it on not seeing it, you know?“And you have to see it first hand to have your own opinion.“If people went there and went to some games, they’d soon realise.Read More on Man Utd“I know it’s a good standard. You would never knock it once you’ve been there. It is tough.”But Toney has backed former Brentford team-mate and United target Bryan Mbeumo to be a success at Old Trafford – or at any big club that signed him this summer.Toney told talkSPORT: “He scores goals, he knows where to put the ball for other players, he’s got a similar penalty technique.“He is a top top player, and he deserves to play for top top clubs.”Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Man Utd Files every Thursday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Old TraffordEngland boss Thomas Tuchel decided Toney’s first season in Saudi Arabia was worthy of a recall to the Three Lions’ squad.The former Bees star scored 23 league goals for Al-Ahli, two behind the SPL’s leading marksman, Cristiano Ronaldo of Al-Nassr.England boss Thomas Tuchel explains Ivan Toney recallToney is confident that if he keeps producing the goods, he can book himself a place on the plane to next summer’s World Cup.Toney, 29, said: “it’s disappointing not to beat Ronaldo, but hopefully next season.I always think positive. Because if you think negative, then the negative things are going to happen.“if you’re playing well, if you’re scoring, there’s only one decision. The manager’s seen that hence why he’s brought me back.“I’m a player that plays in Saudi. If that’s a problem to people, then so be it, but I’m a Saudi player now and I just have to focus on playing football.” More

CHELSEA have confirmed the signing of Liam Delap after beating Manchester United to the £30million Ipswich striker.Delap, 22, has joined the Blues on a six-year contract after his release clause was met following Ipswich’s relegation to the Championship.Liam Delap has joined Chelsea from Ipswich in a £30million dealCredit: GettyDelap signs on the dotted line for the BluesCredit: GettyThe striker scored 12 Prem goals for Ipswich in their relegation seasonCredit: GettyThe centre-forward emerged as Enzo Maresca’s preferred attacking target after netting 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys.Their time together at Manchester City also played a pivotal role in Delap’s decision to snub fellow suitors United.The forward is set to make his Chelsea debut at the Club World Cup.In a statement on the Blues’ website, Delap said: “I understand the stature of this club and can see the trajectory it is on with these players and the head coach.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”It’s going to be an incredible place for me to develop, and I hope to achieve amazing things here and help the club win more trophies.”Delap will battle Nicolas Jackson for a spot up front, with the England U21s star hoping to become Chelsea’s starting striker for the new Prem season.The former Stoke, Preston and Hull loanee has also been reunited with his City youth team-mates Cole Palmer and Romeo Lavia.Their relationship down the spine of the team could bring Chelsea success.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSDelap will be eager to help the Blues seal more silverware after Maresca’s men won last week’s Conference League final against Real Betis.The City youth teamer had initially looked destined for a move to their rivals United.From embarrassing Chelsea pal to interview with dad – Five times Cole Palmer stole show AFTER Conference League finalsThe Red Devils are keen on attacking reinforcements, having already shelled out £62.5m on Wolves’ Matheus Cunha.But the prospect of linking up with some familiar faces – plus the pull of Champions League football – swung the decision in Chelsea’s favour.Delap praised Ipswich for giving him regular top-flight football and said he was ‘confident’ they would be back in the Premier League soon.The Blues are expected to continue their major squad rebuild with more incomings and outgoings this summer.They have already welcomed Kendry Paez, Estevao Willian and Dario Essugo to Stamford Bridge.A new winger and centre-back are also on Maresca’s wishlist.Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi are in the mix.Delap’s signing could be bad news for the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix and even Noni Madueke.Read More on The SunTOP ENGLISH PREM SCORERS 2024-25THE Top 5 is below…Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa) – 16Cole Palmer (Chelsea) – 15Jarrod Bowen (West Ham) – 13LIAM DELAP (Ipswich) – 12Danny Welbeck (Brighton) – 10Misfits including Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell will also be moved on.With £1.2billion already spent under Todd Boehly, Chelsea fans will be hoping to finally challenge for the title next season. More

ARSENAL have released their end-of-season retained list, with 17 players departing.Jorginho and Kieran Tierney are among the players let go by the club upon the end of their contracts.Thomas Partey is in talks to STAY at ArsenalCredit: GettyJorginho is on the list of players who have been releasedCredit: GettyMeanwhile, Thomas Partey is in talks over a new deal.The midfielder, 31, has been linked with a move away from the Emirates with his contract expiring this month.The likes of Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Juventus are all understood to be interested.Saudi clubs are also monitoring the situation, despite Partey’s preference to remain in the capital.READ MORE ON ARSENALAnd SunSport understands that negotiations over an extension are in the works with Mikel Arteta and sporting director Andrea Berta keen to extend his stay at the Emirates.A club statement said of Partey: “Discussions are ongoing, and once matters are finalised between all parties, we will communicate in due course.”Jorginho, meanwhile, is on the verge of joining Flamengo as a free agent.And left-back Tierney is bound for a return to Celtic next month.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Arsenal Files every Friday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from The EmiratesRaheem Sterling will return to Chelsea following his loanCredit: GettyKieran Tierney is expected to join Celtic as a free agentCredit: GettyLoan stars Neto and Raheem Sterling are both confirmed to be returning to their parent clubs.Sterling is understood to remain in the dark over his future at Stamford Bridge, still with two years left on his deal, following a disappointing loan spell at Arsenal, starting just 13 games in all competitions and scoring just once.Thierry Henry hits out at Mikel Arteta as trophyless Arsenal are shown up by ‘the Man Utd that everyone laughs at’Talks between Sterling and Chelsea chiefs will take place this month, but the former England star will not be involved in the Club World Cup in the States.Among the Arsenal youth team stars released are; Nathan Butler-Oyedeji, Reece Clairmont, Khayon Edwards, Jakai Fisher, Romari Forde, Jimi Gower, Jack Henry-Francis, Max Kuczynski, Salah-Eddine Oulad M’Hand, Ismail M’Hand, Brian Okonkwo, Elian Quesada-Thorn and Zacariah Shuaib.Meanwhile, Teyah Goldie, Lina Hurtig and Amanda Ilestedt have been let go from the women’s team.Chloe Kelly, who has spent the second half of the season on loan from Manchester City, is in talks to sign a permanent deal.The winger’s City contract expires at the end of the month, meaning she will likely sign as a free agent.Chloe Kelly is in talks over signing a permanent contractCredit: Getty More

SUNDERLAND have let NINE players leave after securing promotion back to the Premier League.But they did secure a club-record transfer arrival.Chris Mepham has left Sunderland to return to his parent club BournemouthCredit: GettyEnzo Le Fee completed his £20m permanent switchCredit: Shutterstock EditorialThe Black Cats booked their spot back in the top flight for the first time since 2017 after beating Sheffield United in the play-off final.And they marked the return by completing the permanent transfer of Enzo Le Fee for £20million.Le Fee, 25, reunited with his former Lorient boss Regis Le Bris in January on a six-month loan from Roma.And now Sunderland have tied the French winger down to a four-year contract as their first summer signing.READ MORE ON FOOTBALLBut nine players have departed the Stadium of Light. Sunderland confirmed both Chris Mepham and Salis Abdul Samed have returned to their parent clubs – Bournemouth and Lens respectively – after their loan spells. Mepham played a key role in promotion, racking up 40 appearances. Tommy Watson was the play-off hero at Wembley with his memorable winner.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut he scored the goal knowing it would be his last match for his boyhood club, with the 19-year-old already agreeing a £10m summer switch to Brighton.The deal was announced in April and ratified when the transfer window opened. Enzo Le Fee meets the Sunderland fans as he arrives at Wearside Elsewhere, Under-21 squad members Ben Crompton, Cuba Mitchell, Caden Kelly, and Kelechi Chibueze will leave.Second-year scholars Aaron Chungh and Daniel Parker were also let go. The club confirmed youth players Ben Middlemas, Oliver Bainbridge, Marshall Burke, and Daniel Cameron have signed contract extensions and Ethan Moore and Timur Tutierov were offered new deals, too. But there still could be further exits from the Stadium of Light.SunSport revealed Borussia Dortmund and Eintracht Frankfurt are in a battle for the £21m signing of Jobe Bellingham. Dortmund are in pole position to land the youngster, five years after they signed his brother Jude.Elsewhere, Black Cats captain Dan Neil has emerged as a shock £15m transfer target for Roma.Jobe Bellingham played a key role in promotion but could leaveCredit: Getty More

ASTON VILLA are ready to cancel Philippe Coutinho’s contract some 654 days after he last played for them.The playmaker, 32, is currently on loan at Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, where he’s scored eight times in 43 outings.Aston Villa are trying to terminate Philippe Coutinho’s monster contractCredit: GettyHe has spent the last year on loan with Brazilian side Vasco de GamaCredit: Shutterstock EditorialCoutinho, who also spent last season on loan at Qatari side Al-Duhail, has not played for Villa since the start of the 2023/24 campaign — exactly 654 days ago.But he still has a year remaining on his lucrative £125,000-a-week contract, which Coutinho signed in 2022 after making his shock Barcelona loan permanent for £17million.And the Athletic claims Villa chiefs have now made it a priority to get his high wages off their books ahead of another summer splurge.Coutinho hit the ground running when he moved to Villa Park on loan in January 2022, scoring five goals in 19 games under Steven Gerrard.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLBut standards slipped after his move became permanent, with the ex-Liverpool and Bayern Munich star netting just once in the following 24 outings.And Coutinho now looks set to become a free agent if Villa can agree a deal to terminate his contract this month.He’s not the only potential outgoing as Unai Emery’s men look to balance the books.Emi Martinez, Lucas Digne and Leon Bailey could be sold for the right price, with Emi Buendia, Leander Dendocker, Enzo Barrenechea and Samuel Iling-Junior up for grabs.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSThere is also interest in Ollie Watkins, Jacob Ramsey and Morgan Rogers, but Villa are desperate to keep all three.Emery is preparing for several incomings too.Rashford to Inter Milan? Man Utd Star Eyes Shock Serie A Move!Marco Asensio’s loan from Paris Saint-Germain could be made permanent.While Villa are huge fans of Southampton winger Tyler Dibling. More