Transfer News

BARCELONA have turned down an ambitious swap offer from Chelsea to sign a highly-rated Euro 2024 winner, according to reports.It’s claimed that the Blues approached Barcelona about swapping out-of-favour forward Christopher Nkunku for the 22-year-old talent.Chelsea have reportedly offered Christopher Nkunku to Barcelona as part of an ambitious swap transferCredit: GettyThe Blues have tried to sign Fermin LopezCredit: AFPA report from Mundo Deportivo claims that Chelsea tabled an offer worth around £60million – including Nkunku – to try and prise Fermin Lopez away from the Nou Camp.However, Barcelona officials have outright rejected the approach, with manager Hansi Flick keen to keep hold of the two-time Spain international.Barcelona are interested in bringing in a new forward this summer, but are thought to consider Liverpool winger Luis Diaz as their number one target – who has admitted he is talking to other clubs.Nkunku, 27, looks destined for a Stamford Bridge exit after making just nine Premier League starts under Enzo Maresca this season.READ MORE ON CHELSEAThe Frenchman’s £52m move to SW6 in 2023 has proved unsuccessful so far, with the former RB Leipzig man managing only six Prem goals in his 38 league appearances for the Chelsea.Lopez has also struggled for consistent minutes at Barcelona, falling behind the likes of Dani Olmo, Raphinha and Gavi in the pecking order for the Catalan giants.However, he is still understood to be considered a crucial part of Barcelona’s future – picking up 18 goal contributions across all competitions this season.It’s claimed that the only way Barcelona would let Lopez go would be if the Spain star pushed for an exit himself in search of more regular minutes.Most read in FootballJoin SUN CLUB for the Chelsea Files every Tuesday plusin-depth coverage and exclusives from Stamford BridgeLopez will have one eye on making Luis de la Fuente’s Spain squad for next summer’s World Cup, something he will have to be playing regularly to achieve. Chelsea have already added Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap to their ranks since the conclusion of the current campaign, signing the England youth star for £30m.Jadon Sancho shares his Chelsea highlights reel as he says goodbye to fans ahead of Man Utd returnBut they will need to find a replacement for outgoing loanee Jadon Sancho, who is returning to Manchester United following the expiration of his loan deal in West London.Chelsea opted against activating a buy clause in Sancho’s contract, choosing instead to pay Man Utd a £5million penalty fee for deciding against completing a permanent deal.Meanwhile forgotten Blues goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga – who spent the season on loan with Bournemouth – could be on his way to London rivals Arsenal.The Gunners are interested in signing the Spanish shot-stopper as backup to number one David Raya – seeing his £5m release clause as an attractive market opportunity.Watch EVERY match of the Club World Cup 2025 live on DAZN More

ANGE POSTECOGLOU was sacked by Tottenham just 16 days after ending their 17-year trophy drought – with Thomas Frank the front-runner to take over.Spurs chairman Daniel Levy made the call based on the dismal Premier League campaign where a record 22 defeats saw the club finish 17th.Thomas Frank is the front-runner to replace Ange Postecoglou at TottenhamCredit: PADaniel Levy made the decision based on their horrific league campaignCredit: ReutersBrentford boss Frank could be in charge as early as next weekCredit: GettyPostecoglou was axed two years to the day since he was announced as Spurs chief back in 2023 – and just over a fortnight on from winning the Europa League in Bilbao.The North Londoners are expected to make a decision on the Aussie’s successor next week and though there is yet to be any contact with Brentford, their boss Frank is the favourite for the role.Spurs said the decision to axe Postecoglou was one of the “toughest” the board has had to make in a statement, which contained no comment from Levy.The statement read: “We are extremely grateful to Ange for his commitment and contribution during his two years at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“Ange will always be remembered as only the third manager in our history to deliver a European trophy, alongside legendary figures Bill Nicholson and Keith Burkinshaw.“However, the board has unanimously concluded that it is in the best interests of the club for a change to take place. “Following a positive start in the 2023/24 Premier League season, we recorded 78 points from the last 66 PL games.“This culminated in our worst-ever Premier League finish last season. At times there were extenuating circumstances – injuries and then a decision to prioritise our European campaign. Most read in FootballBEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK”Whilst winning the Europa League this season ranks as one of the club’s greatest moments, we cannot base our decision on emotions aligned to this triumph.“It is crucial that we are able to compete on multiple fronts and believe a change of approach will give us the strongest chance for the coming season and beyond.Postecoglou unrecognisable in amazing throwback video as first club share emotional 3-minute tribute after Europa League“This has been one of the toughest decisions we have had to make and is not a decision that we have taken lightly, nor one we have rushed to conclude.“We have made what we believe is the right decision to give us the best chance of success going forward, not the easy decision.”The statement went on to wish Postecoglou all the best for the future and that he will always be welcome back in N17.It also claimed an appointment of a new head coach will be announced “in due course”.Frank, who has worked wonders at Brentford, is in the box seat, though Marco Silva of Fulham is also in the frame.There was interest in Simone Inzaghi before he joined Al-Hilal as well as FA Cup winner Oliver Glasner, who has said he is “99 per cent” sure he is staying with Crystal Palace.Spurs have been talking with managers for some time, with Fabio Paratici – expected to return in some capacity when his 30-month ban for malpractice at Juventus ends at the end of this month – understood to be having an influence.Firing Postecoglou and hiring Frank could prove a costly business, with the former’s compensation in the millions and the latter’s release clause believed to be around £10million.Postecoglou also walks away with £2m in a bonus for landing the Europa League – the club’s first trophy since the League Cup in 2008.He becomes the 13th permanent manager to be sacked by Levy during his 25-year reign in charge of Spurs, during which the club have won just two trophies.Ange Breaks Silence On Tottenham SackingANGE Postecoglou issued a statement just moments after being axed.It read: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur, my overriding emotion is one of pride.”The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.”That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.”There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.”We have also laid the foundations that means this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success.”I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them. I sincerely want to thank those who are the lifeblood of the club, the supporters.”I know there were some difficult times, but I always felt that they wanted me to succeed and that gave me all the motivation I needed to push on.”It’s important to acknowledge the hard working people at Spurs who gave me encouragement on a daily basis.”And finally, I want to thank those who were with me every day for the last two years.”A fantastic group of young men who are now legends of this football club and the brilliant coaches who never once doubted we could do something special. “We are forever connected. Audere est Facere.”Postecoglou said in a statement: “When I reflect on my time as manager of Tottenham Hotspur my overriding emotion is one of pride.“The opportunity to lead one of England’s historic football clubs and bring back the glory it deserves will live with me for a lifetime.”Sharing that experience with all those who truly love this club and seeing the impact it had on them is something I will never forget.“That night in Bilbao was the culmination of two years of hard work, dedication and unwavering belief in a dream.“There were many challenges to overcome and plenty of noise that comes with trying to accomplish what many said was not possible.Read More on The Sun“We have also laid foundations that meant this club should not have to wait 17 more years for their next success. “I have enormous faith in this group of players and know there is much more potential and growth in them.”Next Tottenham manager oddsOdds from talkSPORT BETThomas Frank 1/2Marco Silva 8/1Michael Carrick 8/1Oliver Glasner 12/1Carlos Corberan 12/1Xavi 14/1Scott Parker 20/1 More