More stories

  • in

    Man Utd ‘go back in for Rabiot on free transfer’ but fuming fans say ‘we need Veronique to come up clutch again’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly reignited their interest in Adrien Rabiot, much to the annoyance of fans.The Red Devils were on course to sign the Juventus ace last summer but pulled the plug on the deal after being put off by his agent mum’s crazy wage demands.
    Manchester United pulled the plug on a deal for Adrien Rabiot last yearCredit: GETTY
    But the Red Devils are reportedly set to renew their interest in the midfielderCredit: GETTY
    Man Utd fans hope Rabiot’s mum Veronique will scupper a deal againCredit: AFP
    But, according to reports in France, the Premier League giants are considering going back in the midfielder at the end of the season.
    That’s according to L’Equipe, who claim United boss Erik ten Hag has earmarked Rabiot as an “important target”.
    It’s said that the two parties could “meet again in the coming weeks”.
    United fans were quick to comment on the prospect of Rabiot coming to Old Trafford, with some keen, in the right circumstances.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    One tweeted: “Destiny can’t be delayed not denied.”
    Another said: “Yesssssss. I love Rabiot.”
    And another said: “Decent depth signing to be fair. I wouldn’t complain as a free signing.”
    One remarked: “Makes sense – if he’s trouble we sell and make a profit.”
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST SPORTS BETTING APPS IN THE UK
    However, the majority were far from convinced, with many hoping mum Veronique can scupper a deal again.
    One wrote: “Thought we had got away…need Veronique to come in clutch again IG.”
    United may be able to meet Rabiot’s financial demands this time around as they won’t have to pay a transfer fee for his services.
    The France international is set to become a free agent at the end of the season following the expiration of his contract at the Allianz Stadium.
    Talks over an extension have yet to bear fruit and Juve have seemingly not made re-acquiring his services a top priority.
    In February, the 28-year-old said of his contract situation: “At the moment there are no updates, but surely we’ll speak soon because the season will finish in two months.
    “I am calm. There’s a chance I leave, but I could also sign a new contract with Juventus.
    Adrien Rabiot’s contract with Juventus expires at the end of the seasonCredit: AFP
    “I am happy in Turin, I am doing a good job and on good terms with the directors, the teammates and the coach.
    “He [Massimo Allegri] has helped me over the last two years, trusting me a lot.
    “This is important to feel well and make the right decision for my future.”
    Read More on The Sun
    Rabiot and his Juventus team-mates will be back in action on Thursday, travelling to the Ramon Sanchez Pijuan for the second-leg of their Europa League semi-final tie with Sevilla.
    Manchester United will be back in action on Saturday afternoon, facing Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. More

  • in

    Brutal reason Jude Bellingham is set to snub Man City transfer revealed as he nears Real Madrid move

    BORUSSIA DORTMUND superstar Jude Bellingham has reportedly turned down a move to Manchester City.Bellingham appears set to join Real Madrid ahead of the summer transfer window following a heated bidding war.
    Borussia Dortmund superstar Jude Bellingham is not keen to join Manchester CityCredit: Reuters
    Bellingham has turned Manchester City down because they view them as “plastic”Credit: Getty
    Liverpool were also involved in the transfer chase but pulled out due to the midfielder’s astronomical valuation, which has been set at a reported €150million (£131m).
    City have also showed interest but the England international doesn’t appear keen on a move to the Etihad.
    That is according to German journalist Patrick Berger, who claims the 19-year-old and his family view the reigning Premier League champions as a “plastic” club.
    Bellingham holds the same view regarding other Gulf-backed clubs, such as Paris Saint-Germain.
    Read More on Football
    The ex-Birmingham star is also not keen on Chelsea due to their “crazy transfer strategy” after owner Todd Boehly splashed over half a million pounds on his debut season.
    Therefore, a return to England appears almost impossible for the teenage sensation.
    This comes after reports suggesting Bellingham has accepted all of the details in his contract to join Real.
    In fact, the Stourbridge native is said to be “excited” by the project at Santiago Bernabeu.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Bellingham’s deal now hinges on an upcoming meeting between Real Madrid and Dortmund where they will discuss the proposed transfer.
    The two clubs will thrash out a final fee for the player, who is currently concentrating on helping Edin Terzic’s side win the Bundesliga.
    The German giants are second in the table with only one point separating them from rivals Bayern Munich. More

  • in

    Five Southampton stars that could be pilfered in summer transfer window with one ‘already eyed by top six’

    SOUTHAMPTON became the first Premier League side to be relegated after a home loss against Fulham. And less than 24 hours on from their demotion, speculation has begun about which of their star players may be on the way out.
    James Ward-Prowse has been Southampton’s most consistent performer this seasonCredit: Rex
    Carlos Alcaraz had briefly managed to re-energise struggling Southampton after his January moveCredit: Rex
    Romeo Lavia has been tipped for a big future after leaving Manchester City’s youth team last summerCredit: Getty
    The Saints spent big last summer as they looked to recruit some of the most exciting young stars from around Europe.
    But. already. that crop, along with more established Southampton talent, are being linked away from the Championship-bound side.
    SunSport has looked at which players could be set to leave St Mary’s this summer after a chaotic season on the south coast.
    James Ward-Prowse
    James Ward-Prowse has become Mr Southampton over the last few years.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    He has made 124 more league appearances than any other player at the club since they were promoted in 2012, and scored the most goals with 48.
    It would pain fans to see the midfielder go but some Premier League clubs will view the 28-year-old as too good for the Championship.
    His tenacious midfield work, passing ability and infamous skill from dead ball situation would make him a welcome addition to plenty of top-flight teams.
    Crystal Palace and Leeds have been linked to Ward-Prowse.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
    Romeo Lavia
    Romeo Lavia was a £10.5m signing last summer and was among the many bodies who arrived at the club in pre-season.
    While some of those players have done themselves no favours, Lavia’s reputation has grown and he has proven to have a consistent impact in Southampton’s midfield.
    The 19-year-old former Manchester City youth player has made 27 Premier League appearances this season, with his only goal being a belter against Chelsea in August.
    The Blues, Manchester United and Arsenal could all be keeping an eye on the teenager this summer.
    Carlos Alcaraz
    With Ralph Hasenhuttl dismissed in November, and his replacement Nathan Jones failing to revive the Saints’ fortunes, the club turned desperately to the January window.
    Carlos Alcaraz joined in a £12.3m deal from Argentine side Racing Club and has impressed in his 18 league appearances, where he has scored four goals.
    One of those strikes came within the opening minute at the Emirates where he was Southampton’s star man in last month’s epic 3-3 draw.
    Pundit Owen Hargreaves is a fan of the 20-year-old and told Premier League Productions: “You know what, he’s fabulous. He’ll probably go to a top-six side.
    “The only one who had an impact from January was Alcaraz, he is fantastic.”
    Armel Bella-Kotchap
    Bella-Kotchap has impressed since his move from German side VfL Bochum last summerCredit: Getty
    Not too many football fans thought much of Southampton’s £8.6m signing of Armel Bella-Kotchap from VfL Bochum last summer.
    But the 21-year-old has proven to be capable beyond his years and received regular praise earlier in the season for his mobile and alert defending.
    The centre-back still has over three years left on his deal so Southampton will be under little pressure to sell.
    But top-flight clubs may look to take advantage of the Saints’ relegation and tempt the impressive defender away.
    Tino Livramento
    Livramento has not made a senior appearance since suffering a serious injury in April 2022Credit: Getty
    It has been a frustrating year for Tino Livramento who has been out injured with a cruciate ligament rupture since April 2022.
    It has halted his stunning progress with the Chelsea youth graduate regularly impressing after his surprise move to St Mary’s in 2021.
    Read More on The Sun
    When the 20-year-old is fully fit, he may view the Championship as a good training ground to recapture his best form.
    But if he can recover from his setback this summer, crafty Prem clubs may remember that the speedy star has excelled in the top-flight and could be worth a gamble. More

  • in

    Man Utd star Wout Weghorst ‘set to hold talks over his future’ after impressing manager as he eyes permanent transfer

    WOUT WEGHORST will hold talks with Vicent Kompany once his loan spell ends at Manchester United.The Dutch striker joined the Red Devils on loan in January but has failed to be a reliable goalscorer for the club.
    Wout Weghorst will have talks with Vincent Kompany once his loan spell ends at Manchester UnitedCredit: AFP
    Kompany wants Weghorst to succeed at United this seasonCredit: PA
    Weghorst, 30, has netted twice for United in cup competitions since his arrival but has failed to find the target in his 15 Premier League appearances.
    United have been linked with the likes of Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen as they look to add a world class striker to their squad this summer.
    However, Weghorst has been vocal about his ambition to stay at the club, but the decision will not be up to him.
    He is expected to go back to Burnley following the end of his loan spell.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    Kompany will have talks with the striker over his future and if it lies at Turf Moor for their return to the Premier League.
    The Belgian manager, however, has wished Weghorst his best and hopes he can achieve success before the season ends with an FA Cup final against Manchester City on the horizon.
    He told The Mirror: “He’s a player from Burnley football club who has played in the top four of the Premier League for Manchester United and also for Holland
    “The most important thing for me – and it’s a tough one for me to say obviously because of the Cup Final – is for him personally to finish the season on a high.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    “But still, I want him to do well and we will have the conversation.”
    Weghorst had been in good form for Besiktas in the first half of the season, scoring eight goals in 16 league games while on loan.
    It was an improvement on his efforts during his initial six months at Burnley.
    He was signed by the Clarets in January 2022 in a bid to save their Premier League status.
    However, he only managed to score twice in 20 appearances for the club. More

  • in

    Former Tottenham starlet who Pochettino handed Premier League debut left unemployed at 26 after being released by club

    FORMER Tottenham midfielder Luke Amos has been released by QPR following the expiration of his contract.The 26-year-old signed a three-year deal with the Championship outfit in 2020.
    Luke Amos has been released by Championship side QPRCredit: Rex
    The midfielder has suffered two anterior cruciate ligament injuriesCredit: Getty
    He has gone on to rack up 95 appearances for the club – including 21 this season.
    But he has not penned a new deal and has now been confirmed as one of six players released by the second-tier side.
    Leon Balogun, Olamide Shodipo, Conor Masterson, Charlie Owens and Ody Alfa have also departed Loftus Road.
    Amos came through Spurs’ academy and was first included in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad in a 2-1 League Cup defeat to Liverpool in October 2016.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    He then had to wait two years for his Tottenham debut.
    It eventually came when Pochettino sent him on in the 88th minute of a 2-1 win over Newcastle at St James’ Park in August 2018.
    The following month he signed a new deal to keep him in North London until 2021.
    But four weeks later he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a reserve team match.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    Once he had gone through a lengthy recovery process, he was loaned out to QPR in the summer of 2019.
    He made 34 league appearances for the club during his season-long loan spell.
    And that convinced the club to sign him on a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee.
    But just two months after agreeing a deal with QPR, he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament for a second time.
    He returned in 2021 and racked up more than 50 games over the course of the next two campaigns.
    But now he is searching for a new club less than three months after his 26th birthday. More

  • in

    Thiago Silva breaks silence on Chelsea transfer exit rumours and reveals two reasons why he COULD leave this summer

    CHELSEA star Thiago Silva has broken his silence on rumours linking him with a transfer away and revealed two reasons why he could leave.The 38-year-old signed a new one-year deal in February but reports have suggested that he has grown frustrated at the current situation at the Blues.
    Thiago Silva has stressed he will stay at Chelsea if the club still want himCredit: Alamy
    Silva has been linked with an emotional return to his former club Fluminense in his homeland of Brazil.
    But in an interview with ESPN, the veteran has suggested he will stay at Stamford Bridge.
    He said: “I have a contract here, right? It’s strange, because several things have come out and fans become very passionate.
    “It’s even boring for me. It’s been only two months since I renewed with Chelsea, if I’m not mistaken, and I’ve always fulfilled my contracts.”
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    The centre-back that outlined the only two reasons why he would move on this summer, saying: “I only won’t stay here if Chelsea decide they don’t want me for next season.
    “Or if the new coach arrives and doesn’t want me to stay.
    “I intend to fulfil the contract that I signed until next year and then, next year, we’ll see what happens.”
    On Fluminense, Silva said: “I’ve always followed them since I left, I’ve always stayed very close. Every time I’m on vacation I go there, I do my training there. I have several friends there.
    Most read in Football
    BETTING SPECIAL – BEST NO DEPOSIT CASINO OFFERS
    “There are many messages getting sent, saying ‘come back soon’. There is great anxiety from them, especially when things are coming out in the press, some untruths.
    “I even said to my wife, ‘I don’t know what meeting they’re talking about claiming I’m close to a return’, there’s nothing.
    “After another year, there would certainly be a desire to return.”
    Silva’s outspoken wife Belle also confirmed the player is hoping to still be at the club next season.
    She said: “We, my family, my husband, children and me are very happy here in London, in Chelsea.
    “So my family and I are blue and we are Chelsea and we are staying. Go Blues.”
    Silva has played 80 times in his career for Fluminense. More

  • in

    Messi booed by PSG fans in first match since Saudi trip with team-mate admitting ‘it hurts’ amid Barcelona transfer talk

    LIONEL MESSI was booed by Paris Saint-Germain fans in his first match back since his unsanctioned trip to Saudi Arabia.The Argentine legend missed training to visit the Middle East with his family.
    Lionel Messi was jeered by PSG fans versus AjaccioCredit: Rex
    Danilo Pereira has been left saddened by the supporters’ reactionCredit: AP
    Messi was then slapped with a suspension by PSG for the unauthorised trip – although they later backed down.
    In his first game back after the incident, the 35-year-old was jeered and whistled by some of the team’s supporters in their 5-0 win over Ajaccio.
    Team-mate Danilo Pereira was left saddened by the fans’ reaction, saying: “The context is hard, it hurts to see a teammate being whistled.
    “If we have to whistle, we have to whistle the whole team.”
    READ MORE ON MESSI
    Messi travelled to Saudi Arabia to fulfil commercial work as he’s an ambassador for the country’s tourism board.
    Since agreeing the £25million deal last year, he had only been to the nation once.
    Messi’s contract at PSG ends this summer and despite the club having the option to renew it for one-year, he reportedly wants to leave and club are understood to be happy for him to go.
    He has been linked with a return to Barcelona, where he spent 21 years, winning ten LaLiga titles and four Champions Leagues.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The Catalan giants are keen to bring him back due to the financial boost he can offer the club as they aim to balance the books amid cash difficulties.
    However, Barca must reduce their wage bill and Messi may have to take a huge pay cut to re-join his former side.
    He has also been linked with a lucrative move to a club in Saudi Arabia. More

  • in

    Pochettino already in talks with Chelsea over transfer targets with FIVE names discussed including Osimhen alternative

    MAURICIO POCHETTINO has already identified FIVE transfer targets for Chelsea in the summer window, according to reports.The Argentine coach, 51, has agreed to take over at Stamford Bridge in June after one year out of football.
    Mauricio Pochettino has agreed to take over at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty
    Victor Osimhen is a Chelsea target but is also being monitored by Manchester UnitedCredit: Rex
    Pochettino was sacked by Paris Saint-Germain at the end of last season.
    And while he has been linked with a move to Manchester United and return to Tottenham, he finally appears to have landed in West London.
    The ex-Spurs boss has reportedly compiled his transfer wishlist as he prepares to do business in the summer.
    According to The Mail, Argentina striker Lautaro Martinez is Pochettino’s No1 option when it comes to bringing in a centre-forward.
    READ MORE ON CHELSEA
    Lautaro Martinez is being monitoredCredit: Getty
    Emi Martinez is another Pochettino transfer targetCredit: PA
    The Inter Milan star, 25, is seen as an alternative to Napoli’s Victor Osimhen – who is also on Chelsea’s radar but is the subject of much interest from Manchester United.
    Another compatriot Pochettino is eyeing up is Aston Villa keeper Emi Martinez.
    The 30-year-old World Cup winner has been mooted as a possible signing for Spurs, but Chelsea could look to hijack the deal and establish him as their No1 ahead of Kepa Arrizabalaga and Edouard Mendy.
    West Ham captain Declan Rice is another target of Pochettino’s as he looks set to leave the London Stadium at the end of the season.
    Most read in Football
    CASINO SPECIAL – BEST ONLINE CASINOS FOR 2023
    The England midfielder, 24, is receiving interest from Arsenal and Manchester United, but Chelsea are aware he was a boyhood Blues fan.
    And Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister is the fifth and final man on Pochettino’s hitlist.
    His agent has confirmed he will depart Brighton in the summer, with Liverpool another potential destination.
    They may have to break the bank however, with the Seagulls reportedly looking for around £70m for the World Cup winner.
    Declan Rice has a number of Premier League clubs pursuing himCredit: Rex
    Alexis Mac Allister is set to leave Brighton at the end of the seasonCredit: Getty More