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      Paolo Maldini SACKED from AC Milan throwing Chelsea star’s transfer into doubt with meeting cancelled at last minute

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      AC MILAN have allegedly sacked club legend Paolo Maldini as technical director – leaving the potential transfer arrival of a Chelsea star up in the air.The 54-year-old spent 25 years as a player for the club and won the Champions League five times during his iconic career.
      AC Milan have allegedly axed technical director Paolo MaldiniCredit: Reuters
      After retiring in 2009, he returned to San Siro nine years later initially as a development director.
      Maldini was promoted to technical director 12 months later and he has overseen a number of transfer arrivals since then with the likes of Rafael Leao and Fikayo Tomori proving to be huge successes.
      Milan won the Serie A title last term but this season has ended in disappointment with a fourth-placed finish and they were beaten by rivals Inter in the Champions League final.
      Maldini is reported to have met club owner Gerry Cardinale and director of football Ricky Massara on Monday to discuss plans for next term.
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      However, Calciomercato claims that it did not go well as the two parties completely disagreed on what was the best way to take the club forward.
      And the publication claims that both Maldini and Massara have now been fired by Cardinale.

      Former Italian defender Maldini’s exit could also have repercussions for Chelsea.
      Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 27, has one year left on his current contract at Stamford Bridge but has struggled to hold down a spot in the starting XI.
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      Now, though, he is said to be exploring the possibility of a move away amid talk he could be forced out to create space in the over-inflated squad.
      Rumours began mounting that Milan were looking to sign the England international.
      Apparently a meeting between the midfielder’s entourage with Maldini and fellow chiefs was also set to take place on Monday at the club’s Casa Milan HQ.
      However, a report from Italy claims that it was “postponed shortly before” it was due amid the row between the top brass.
      Loftus-Cheek, meanwhile, is said to be keen on the possibility of moving to the San Siro.
      Should he make the move, the midfielder would link up with ex-Chelsea men Olivier Giroud and Tomori for the Italian giants. More

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      Postecoglou agrees to become Tottenham boss with Spurs set to pay Celtic £5m compensation and first job is to keep Kane

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      ANGE POSTECOGLOU agreed to become the new Spurs boss — and promised to bring attacking football back to the club.The Aussie is set to succeed Antonio Conte on a two-year deal, with an option of another 12 months once a £5million compensation deal is struck with Celtic.
      Tottenham will pay £5million to Celtic for manager Ange PostecoglouCredit: PA
      His first join job will be convincing Harry Kane to stayCredit: AFP
      His first job will be to keep Spurs’ record scorer Harry Kane with Real Madrid and Manchester United keen.
      Tottenham boast a rich history of attacking stars in Cliff Jones, Ossie Ardiles, Glenn Hoddle, Paul Gascoigne and Gareth Bale.
      And Hoddle’s ex-Spurs No 2 John Gorman said: “Can Ange replicate the style of play at Celtic when he goes to Spurs? Definitely. That’s what the fans want.
      “I would think it’s exactly how the fans at Tottenham want to see their team play. They’re an attacking team.”
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      Spurs cranked up talks with Postecoglou, who was on a 12-month rolling deal in Glasgow, after Celtic clinched an eighth treble in Saturday’s Scottish Cup win over Inverness.
      Chairman Daniel Levy had been frustrated in his efforts to bring in Arne Slot, Julian Nagelsmann and Vincent Kompany, while ex-boss Mauricio Pochettino joined Chelsea.
      If Postecoglou, 57,  is announced today it would match the 72-day period between Jose Mourinho’s departure and the start of Nuno Espirito Santo’s short-lived reign in 2021.
      Postecoglou delivered his fifth trophy in two seasons at Celtic.
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      The ex-Australia boss also won titles in his home country and Japan — all with attacking football.
      Now he has a far harder task of ending Spurs’ 15-year wait for silverware.
      It is understood Postecoglou wants to bring his coaching team of John Kennedy, Gavin Strachan and Greg Wallace with him.  
      And the Scottish champs are ready to negotiate compensation.
      That will clear the final hurdle between Postecoglou and the Spurs job.
      Kane, who has one year left on his Spurs contract, is seen as the ideal replacement for Karim Benzema at the Bernabeu.
      Postecoglou will be desperate to see £100m-rated Kane agree to stay for at least one season.
      The chief’s first match in pre-season is back on home soil as Spurs face West Ham in a Perth friendly on July 18. More

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      Champions League club ‘approach Wilfried Zaha over free transfer with star on clock to make £200k contract decision’

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      ATLETICO MADRID have reportedly made an approach to sign Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer.The Premier League star is currently weighing up whether or not to extend his contract with Crystal Palace.
      Wilfried Zaha is reportedly wanted by Atletico MadridCredit: Getty
      Manager Diego Simeone is said to be a big fan of the Palace starCredit: EPA
      Zaha, 30, has until the end of June to decide whether or not he wants to move on from the South London side before he becomes a free agent.
      The Eagles have offered the key attacker an eye-watering £200k-per-week contract in an effort to keep him at Selhurst Park.
      The contract offer would make him the highest-paid player in the club’s history.
      However as his deal approaches its end, clubs are starting to circle as the Daily Mail have claimed that Atletico Madrid have enquired about a swoop for him.
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      The report suggests that manager Diego Simeone is a “long-term admirer” of the player and tried to sign him in 2020.
      The outlet has also claimed that the Ivory Coast international also has interest from the Middle East and offers from Saudi Arabia.
      Al-Ittihad are reported to have offered Zaha a contract with £9million after tax to join the club next season.
      Zaha will have to make his decision soon so he can prepare for pre-season and be in the best possible condition for his new club or Palace.
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      However, the draw of one of the top clubs in LaLiga could tempt the attacker as it would give him the chance to play Champions League football next season.
      Atletico qualified for the tournament after achieving a 3rd-placed finish in the table.
      Zaha has never played in a European competition in his career before.
      As he is free to discuss moves away from Selhurst Park, it could be a factor that sways his decision. More

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      Wolves star Ruben Neves ‘set to complete free transfer but manager DOESN’T WANT’ Arsenal target

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      RUBEN NEVES is reportedly set to complete a free transfer to Barcelona.However there is one issue with the move, manager Xavi does not want the Wolves star.
      Ruben Neves is reportedly on his way to BarcelonaCredit: Getty
      However manager Xavi does not want himCredit: Getty
      And would rather the club signed Martin ZubimendiCredit: Getty
      According to Fichajes, the Spanish boss does not have “absolute confidence” in the Arsenal transfer target to play in the key position.
      Neves is said to have agreed on a four-year contract at the Nou Camp, however, the move still relies on Ansu Fati agreeing terms with Wolves.
      The club will not be spending any money on signing the Portuguese international as he will be involved in a swap deal that will see highly-rated Fati, 20, move the other way.
      Super-agent Jorge Mendes represents both the players and will be handling the negotiations.
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      The report claims that Xavi would prefer to sign a different Arsenal target to play the role instead.
      The outlet suggests that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is his preferred choice.
      He has been tipped as one of the best midfielders in Spain, with Xavi suggesting he is an “extraordinary pivot”.
      He said: “They mirror a bit our style of play.
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      “Zubimendi is an extraordinary defensive midfielder, he understands the model we like at Barça, and he dominates with and without the ball.”
      Zubimendi has a release clause of £52million, a transfer that would be a lot more expensive for Barcelona.
      The club is still dealing with the financial issues that have been a hindrance over the last year. More

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      Seven players released by Leicester including star whose strike won the FA Cup after relegation from Premier League

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      LEICESTER CITY have confirmed that SEVEN star players have been released after their contracts expired.The Foxes have just been relegated from the Premier League and are in the process of building a team with the aim of a quick promotion out of the Championship.
      Youri Tielemans is one of seven players to be released by Leicester CityCredit: Getty
      Caglar Soyuncu is another player that will leave the clubCredit: PA
      Jonny Evans is in discussions over his futureCredit: Getty
      Among the players to leave the club is Belgian international Youri Tielemans, who has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs.
      The midfielder confirmed that he would be leaving the club last week when he posted an emotional message on Instagram.
      During his time at the club, he became an important member of the midfield and even scored a spectacular winning goal to earn the club victory in the FA Cup final in 2021.
      The goal ended the club’s 13-year wait to win the trophy at Wembley Stadium.
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      Caglar Soyuncu, Daniel Amartey, Nampalys Mendy, Ryan Bertrand, Ayoze Perez and Tete have all also been released.
      Soyuncu is believed to be on his way to LaLiga with reports claiming that he has agreed a deal to join Atletico Madrid.
      Former Champions League winner Bertrand will also leave the club after joining two years ago on a free transfer from Southampton.
      Tete only joined the Foxes in January on a short-term deal but will now return to Shakhtar Donetsk on July 1.
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      Perez leaves permanently having spent the second half of last season out on loan at LaLiga side Real Betis.
      During his time at the King Power Stadium, he made 114 appearances scoring 15 goals and assisting 12 more.
      The club have exercised the option to extend the contract of midfielder Hamza Choudhury until June 2024.
      Meanwhile, discussions are still underway over the future of club captain Jonny Evans ahead of his contract expiry at the end of the month.
      The statement on the club’s website concludes: “The Football Club extends its thanks to all seven players for their contributions during their time with Leicester City and wishes them every success in the next stages of their respective careers.” More

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      Newcastle owners buy FOUR new clubs ahead of Champions League campaign as Saudis make hugely ambitious move

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      NEWCASTLE’S owners have announced they have bought four new Saudi Arabian clubs.The Public Investment Fund, who control an 80 per cent stake at St James’ Park, have acquired Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al Hilal.
      Newcastle’s owners have acquired four new clubs after buying the Premier League giantsCredit: Reuters
      Newcastle’s owners have bought Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr and Al HilalCredit: PA
      The PIF holds 75 per cent ownership of each team with respective non-profit foundations holding the other 25 per cent.
      The Public Investment Fund tweeted the following statement: “As part of today’s announcement of the Sports Clubs Investment and Privatization Project, four Saudi clubs – Al Ittihad, Al Ahli, Al Nassr, and Al Hilal – have been transformed into companies, each of which is owned by #PIF and non-profit foundations for each club.
      “Existing members of each club will be included in the four foundations.
      “PIF is working closely with @gsaksa_en on all the necessary regulatory procedures to complete the clubs’ transfers to their new structures as newly founded companies alongside non-profit foundations.
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      “PIF’s ownership in the clubs’ companies represent 75% in each club, while their respective non-profit foundations hold 25% ownership of each club.
      “The transfer of the four clubs will unleash various commercial opportunities, including investment, partnership and sponsorships across numerous sports.”
      This comes after Newcastle qualified for the Champions League for the first time since 2003.
      The Toon finished fourth in the Premier League after an impressive season under manager Eddie Howe.
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      The PIF is expected to back Howe in the upcoming summer transfer window.
      Newcastle have been linked with the likes of Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney, RB Leipzig’s Dominik Szoboszlai, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse and Leicester’s James Maddison.
      The Magpies are also looking to offer Bruno Guimaraes a £200,000-a-week deal, which will make him the club’s highest-paid star ever, amid interest from Barcelona. More

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      Lazio star waves goodbye to fans as Man Utd, Arsenal and Liverpool battle for bargain summer transfer

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      SERGEJ MILINKOVIC-SAVIC appeared to wave goodbye to Lazio fans during his last appearance of the season.The Serbian midfielder came off in the final minute against Empoli in the last game of the Serie A season.
      Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with an exit from LazioCredit: BT SPORT
      And he waved goodbye to Lazio fans while being subbed against EmpoliCredit: BT SPORT
      Milinkovic-Savic then applauded the fansCredit: Getty
      While walking off the pitch the Lazio star took a moment to wave to the fans amid rumours of a move to the Premier League.
      After the final whistle, he went over to applaud the fans he has played in front of for eight years.
      It comes after another impressive campaign in Italy’s capital having helped the club qualify for the Champions League.
      He scored nine goals and provided eight assists in 36 appearances in the league.
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      Milinkovic-Savic, 28, has been linked with the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal, and Liverpool.
      Newcastle are also believed to be in the running for his signature after qualifying for Europe’s premier competition.
      The midfielder’s contract at the Stadio Olimpico is set to expire at the end of next season.
      And clubs are eyeing up a cut-price move for the Serbian, as Italian outlet CalcioMercato claims he could be bought for as little as £22.5million this summer.
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      Lazio are willing to let him go this summer in order to avoid losing him for free in 2024.
      He has also been linked with a transfer that would see him remain in Italy with Inter Milan and AC Milan both touted with an interest in him.
      Fans of the Serie A outfit are aware that is extremely likely that he will be moving on this summer.
      During Lazio’s win over Cremonese in May, they held up a banner saying: “Whether here or somewhere else, you will always be in our hearts. Sergej, Laziale for life.” More

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      Damning stats show Man Utd should NOT sign Mason Mount as Chelsea ace compared to current crop amid £50m transfer saga

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      MANCHESTER UNITED appear determined to sign Chelsea star Mason Mount in the summer transfer window. Mount’s deal at Stamford Bridge runs out next year and talks with the Blues regarding a contract extension have fallen through.
      Manchester United are keeping tabs on Chelsea star Mason MountCredit: Reuters
      Manchester United stars Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen are outperforming Mount
      Reports suggested the versatile midfielder has agreed personal terms with United, who are now willing to splash £50million to price him away from west London.
      However, stat show that the Red Devils might already be sorted in the middle of the park.
      Findings from Opta show two of Erik ten Hag’s most prolific attacking midfielders Christian Eriksen and Bruno Fernandes have largely outperformed the England international in key areas.
      Fernandes and Eriksen have amassed 0.37 and 0.22 goals per 90 minutes respectively compared to Mount’s 0.25, which barely beats the Denmark international’s return.
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      However, the ex-Tottenham star outperforms the Chelsea ace in almost all other categories alongside the United vice-captain.
      The Red Devils’ pair have registered 0.31 and 0.28 assists per 90 minutes compared to Mount’s 0.2.
      Eiksen and Fernandes count 0.99 and 1.12 shots on target, whereas the Chelsea ace has a return of 0.86.
      The United pair have also produced more successful tackles with 0.93 and 0.94 – Mount, on the other hand, counts 0.8.
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      Mount is also behind on passes as his return of 43.82 is eclipsed by Eriksen’s 57.61 and Fernandes’ 55.71.
      The United stars also stand out on successful passes with the Dane registering a total of 47.05 with the Portuguese star on 43.36, while Mount is on 37.28.
      Eriksen and Fernandes have registered 78.04 and 75.45 touches compared to the ex-Derby ace’s 64.72.
      Mount only surpasses his probable team-mates on tackles having completed 1.71 per 90 mins compared to Eriksen and Fernandes’ 1.32 and 1.69 respectively.
      However, those stats cover all three players’ all-time Premier League career in total.
      And given Chelsea’s horror season that saw them finishing 12th, it would be no surprise if Mount’s stats were worse.
      Chelsea’s Mount has only outperformed Manchester United’s Eriksen on goalsCredit: Getty
      Manchester United star Fernandes has bested Mount in almost all major categoriesCredit: Rex More