More stories

  • in

    Liverpool outcast Nat Phillips targeted by former club for another loan transfer deal but Reds want permanent move

    LIVERPOOL’S centre-half Nat Phillips has emerged as a target for his old club Stuttgart.The 26-year-old has been made available by the Reds who would prefer a permanent move.
    Liverpool centre back Nat Phillips is a target for StuttgartCredit: Getty
    The Bundesliga giants are considering a move, but could seek another loan deal.
    Phillips starred for Stuttgart in 2019, when the club played in the German second tier.
    After appearing several times, he was called back to Anfield when Jurgen Klopp’s side suffered a defensive injury crisis.
    But, following a FA Cup third round tie against Everton, in which he appeared, he was loaned back to Stuttgart, where he made 22 appearances in all competitions.
    Read more football news
    In the 2020-21 season, Phillips appeared 20 times for Klopp.
    His most impressive performance came in a Champions League win over RB Leipzig, when he was awarded the man-of-the-match.
    However, after finding first team football hard to come by, he was shipped out on loan to Bournemouth in 2022.
    The defender helped the Cherries earn promotion to the Premier League.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Despite appearing to be surplus to requirements, Phillips may have to wait longer for any move.
    The Reds are down to barebones at the back, following an injury to Ibrahima Konate.
    While Virgil van Dijk faces a three match ban after he was sent off against Newcastle. More

  • in

    Mo Salah ‘tells Liverpool he wants Al-Ittihad transfer’ as deadline for Reds to accept £79million bid is revealed

    MOHAMED SALAH has informed Liverpool that he wants to join Al-Ittihad, according to reports.The winger received a huge David Beckham-like offer to join the Saudi Pro League side earlier this week.
    Salah has told Liverpool he wants to join Al-IttihadCredit: PA
    Al-Ittihad tabled a five-year deal worth around £100million-a-season along with a private jet or unlimited plane tickets for his family and the chance to become an an ambassador for tourism and investments in Saudi Arabia.
    There have also been discussions surrounding the possibility of Salah acquiring shares of a team in future – similar to the terms that saw Beckham move to the MLS in 2007.
    The offer appears to have tempted Salah into joining the Saudi Pro League side as transfer journalist Rudi Galetti claims the 31-year-old winger has informed Liverpool he wants to leave.
    However, the final decision will be down to club officials and Jurgen Klopp.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    The Reds are said to have an offer of more than £79m for their star player and the deadline for the deal is thought to be TOMORROW.
    Salah has scored 187 goals and provided 80 assists for Liverpool since joining the club in 2017.

    He also helped the club to a Champions League title and a Premier League title in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
    Should they decide to sell him, Liverpool will have just a matter of days to recruit a replacement before the transfer window closes.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    The Reds have already introduced three new additions this summer.
    Alexis Mac Allister became the first to join in June after completing a £55m transfer from Brighton.
    Dominink Szoboszlai then followed in a £60m move from RB Leipzig.
    And Japan international Wataru Endo became the most recent addition to Klopp’s squad last week when he completed a £19m move to Anfield. More

  • in

    Philippe Coutinho ‘agrees to QUIT Aston Villa as he nears transfer exit after flop spell’

    PHILIPPE COUTINHO has agreed to QUIT Aston Villa for the Middle East, according to reports.But the transfer has not been cleared by Villa at this stage.
    Philippe Coutinho wants to leave Aston Villa for the Middle EastCredit: Getty
    The Brazilian playmaker, 31, is surplus to requirements in the West Midlands under Unai Emery.
    And he has successfully negotiated personal terms to move to Qatari club Al-Duhail.
    However, Fabrizio Romano reports the Villans are yet to accept the deal as they hold out for a transfer fee.
    It is understood talks are still going on but Al-Duhail are desperate to get Coutinho over the line.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Coutinho still has three years left on his £125,000-a-week contract at Villa Park.
    But he has been named on the bench for the club’s opening two Premier League games of the season.
    However, he suffered a hamstring injury in the 4-0 win over Everton and could be sidelined for up to a month.
    And that could therefore mean Coutinho has played his final game for Villa.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    The star initially joined on loan from Barcelona in 2022 to work under former Liverpool team-mate Steven Gerrard.
    He made the switch permanent last summer for around £17million.

    But he managed just one goal and no assists in 2022-23, not featuring after February 18 with just one appearance on the bench in that time.
    Coutinho made a name for himself at Inter Milan and signed for Liverpool in January 2013, shining at Anfield for five years before a massive £145m transfer to Barcelona.
    It did not work out as planned at the Nou Camp, though, leading to a loan to Bayern before returning to England.
    Now Coutinho looks set to join Al-Duhail.
    The Doha-based club have made a perfect start to the new season with two wins from two to sit top of the table.
    There are no real household names in the current squad, with Portuguese defender Ruben Semedo arguably the most famous star.
    Ex-Leeds man Rodrigo, Sofiane Boufal and Romain Saiss all ply their trade in the Qatar Stars League – although PSG midfielder Marco Verratti could also be on his way.
    Read More on The Sun
    Villa have already sold Marvelous Nakamba, Wesley and Aaron Ramsey this summer with Ashley Young headlining a long list of released players.
    Youri Tielemans, Pau Torres and Moussa Diaby are the key arrivals, with Nicolo Zaniolo also joining on loan from Galatasaray.
    Coutinho limped off injured in Villa’s win over EvertonCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Southampton set to snap up two forgotten Premier League outcasts in double transfer swoop

    SOUTHAMPTON are set to sign both Ryan Fraser and Mason Holgate on loan.The Championship side are bolstering their squad following a string of high profile departures and potentially more to come.
    Southampton look set to sign Ryan Fraser on loanCredit: Getty
    Mason Holgate is also heading to the south coastCredit: Getty
    Everton remain in talks over a deal to sign Che Adams, though there are disagreements over payment structures.
    The current proposal from Goodison Park would see the cash-strapped Toffees pay their first instalment in August next year, which Southampton will not agree to.
    Furthermore there is interest in Nathan Tella, Kyle Walker-Peters and Armel Bella-Kotchap at St. Mary’s.
    PSV Eindhoven and Luton Town were both keen on a deal to sign Holgate, while the Saints are also close to an agreement with Swansea for England Under-21 defender Nathan Wood.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Southampton have offered £7.5million moving up to £10m, with add-ons but the Swans are holding out for the full £10m as an initial payment.
    Midfielder Flynn Downes, who joined on loan from West Ham earlier this week, could make his debut against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday.
    The south coast club have made a strong start to their season two wins and a draw from their opening three fixtures.
    They’ll hope they can continue their form against QPR who have lost their last two games on the trot.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Russell Martin’s side have already seen a number of big names head for the exit door this summer following the club’s relegation.
    Romeo Lavia, James Ward-Prowse and Tino Livramento have all secured immediate returns to the Premier League. More

  • in

    Brandon Williams leaves Man Utd on loan transfer as he links up with former club chief

    MANCHESTER UNITED defender Brandon Williams will spend the season on loan with Ipswich Town.The 22-year-old is set to reunite with former United youth coach Kieran McKenna at Portman Road.
    Manchester United’s Brandon Williams will join Ipswich Town on loan this seasonCredit: Kenny Ramsay
    The left-back has appeared 51 times for the Red Devils since his debut in 2019.
    Williams, who made five appearances for United across pre-season this summer, spent the 2021/22 season on loan with Ipswich’s rivals Norwich City.
    The youngster played for United’s Under-21s during the majority of the 2022/23 campaign and captained the side on many occasions in Premier League 2.
    Williams has revealed he is looking forward to linking up with his former U18 coach McKenna in the Championship.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    He told the United website: “Kieran was my youth team coach at United and, from there, we have had a great relationship.
    “He has always had the standards of a coach at the top level and has had a big influence on me.
    “He has always kept in touch with me to make sure I’m OK and I trust everything he says because he is great to learn off.
    “I’m excited to work with him again.”
    Most read in Football
    Williams coudl be set for a fiery debut, with Ipswish facing United’s bitter rivals Leeds at home on Saturday.
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    McKenna managed the Red Devil’s youth team from 2016-2018.
    He then went on to become assistant boss for the Premier League giant’s senior side from 2018-2021.
    The ex-Totthenham U18 manager has since smashed it with the Suffolk side leading the team to automatic promotion from League One last season.
    Ipswich Town have had a remarkable start to the season this time round in the Championship.
    Williams will be joining former United U18 manager Kieran MckennaCredit: MatchDay Images Limited More

  • in

    Roberto Mancini ‘on brink of agreeing stunning £77MILLION deal’ for shock return to management after Italy resignation

    ROBERTO Mancini is on the brink of agreeing to a massive £77million deal to become Saudi Arabia’s manager, according to reports. Mancini stepped down as Italy’s boss on August 13th after five years in charge of the Azzurri.
    Roberto Mancini is close to agreeing a deal with the Saudi Arabia national teamCredit: Getty
    Former Napoli manager Luciano Spalletti has been revealed as his replacement.
    During Mancini’s time leading the national team, he won the Euro 2020 and finished third in the Nations League twice.
    According to Sky Sports, the 58-year-old is in advanced talks to take over the Saudia Arabia men’s national team ahead of the Asian Cup in January.
    The offer is believed to be worth £77m over three years in a deal that would take him up to the 2026 World Cup,.

    If the move takes place he is set to bring assistants Andrea Gagliardi and Lele Oriali with him.
    Saudi Arabia Under 23 coach Saad Al-Shehri is temporarily in charge of the senior side, who have been without a permanent coach since Herve Renard left in March.  
    The Gulf state qualified for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups but went out in the group stages on both occasions.
    However, they had a memorable 2-1 victory against World Cup winners Argentina last year in the group stage.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Mancini could become the latest high-profile figure to head to Saudi Arabia.
    Players that have made the move to the country include Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and N’Golo Kante, while Neymar has joined Al-Hilal from Paris Saint-Germain.
    The former Italian boss has had a lengthy and successful managing career taking charge of Manchester City, Inter Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio, Galatasaray, and Zenit Saint Petersburg. 
    Mancini managed the Italian national team for five yearsCredit: AP
    Luciano Spalletti will replace Mancini as Italy’s managerCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Aymeric Laporte leaves Man City and joins Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in £23.5m transfer

    AYMERIC LAPORTE has completed a £23.5million move to Al-Nassr from Manchester City.The Spanish defender has left the treble winners to link up with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia.
    Aymeric Laporte has left Manchester City to join Al-NassrCredit: Getty
    Laporte spent more than five years at the Etihad, winning five league titles and the Champions League.
    The performances of Manuel Akanji and Nathan Ake saw Laporte’s opportunities decrease last season, though.
    Meanwhile, the arrival of Josko Gvardiol this summer pushed the 29-year-old further down the pecking order at City.
    Ahead of his exit, Laporte had shared a message to the club’s fans after half a decade with the team.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Alongside a highlight reel of his time in sky blue, he tweeted: “Dear Cityzens, today I wanted to share a story with you.
    “This is now our history. Thank you and see you really soon.”

    He also added: “It has lasted for five-and-a-half unforgettable years.
    “Plenty of memories that I will keep forever close to my heart.”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    Laporte’s move sees him become Al-Nassr’s sixth signing of the summer.
    The Saudi giants have also added former Premier League stars Alex Telles and Sadio Mane.
    Marcelo Brozovic, Seko Fofana and Otavio have also joined Ronaldo in the Middle East during the current transfer window.
    Laporte could make his debut as early as Friday, with Al-Nassr visiting Al-Fateh in the Saudi Pro League.
    Laporte is Al-Nassr’s sixth signing of the summerCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Chelsea keen on transfer for little-known winger Bradley Barcola as Lyon make demand that Todd Boehly ‘loves’

    CHELSEA are keen on signing little-known Lyon winger Bradley Barcola this summer.The French club have even made a transfer demand that fans believe Todd Boehly will “love”.
    Chelsea are keen on signing Lyon winger Bradley BarcolaCredit: Getty
    Barcola, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, can play on both wings or as a striker.
    Chelsea are understood to be one of two clubs, along with PSG, to have been informed of Lyon’s demands for selling him before the window closes.
    According to Fabrizio Romano, Lyon want players included in any deal for Barcola.
    The Ligue 1 side are said to be keen on a player plus cash transfer and have communicate this requirement to both PSG and Chelsea.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    PSG have been strongly linked with Barcola and were reportedly closing in on a £50million move earlier this month.
    Fans were quick to react to Lyon’s swap demand on social media, with one tweeting: “Boehly can finally pull off his long wanted swap deal!”
    Another joked that American owners such as Boehly “love” swap deals.
    Barcola scored seven goals and provided 10 assists across all competitions for Lyon last season.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    The 20-year-old also grabbed two goals and two assists for France at this summer’s under-21 Euros.
    Chelsea have already spent over £900million since Boehly’s takeover last year.

    Their spending is set to continue as well, with a deal agreed to sign Serbian goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic.
    Arsenal’s Folarin Balogun also remains a target for the Blues, who are chasing a deal for the striker. More