More stories

  • in

    Aston Villa’s £17m winger Bertrand Traore joins Istanbul Basaksehir on shock loan transfer until end of season

    ASTON VILLA have shipped attacker Betrand Traore out on loan to Istanbul Başakşehir.Traore joined Villa from Lyon in 2020 for a fee of £17million.
    Bertrand Traore has left Aston Villa to join Turkish side İstanbul Başakşehir on loan for the seasonCredit: Instagram @avfcofficial
    But he’s failed to nail down a regular spot in Villa’s first team thus far.
    The ex-Chelsea winger’s only featured in 48 games in that two year period, scoring eight times and providing seven assists.
    Five of those appearances have come under Steven Gerrard since he took the reins at Villa.
    And now the overlooked 26-year-old will get the chance to flourish in Turkey with Basaksenir for the season.
    READ MORE TRANSFER NEWS
    Villa announced his short-term departure on Twitter where they wrote: “Good luck to Bertrand Traoré, who has joined İstanbul Başakşehir on a season-long loan.”
    Traore’s switch to Turkey comes as Villa’s move for Watford ace Ismaila Sarr fell apart.
    The Villians were on the brink of sealing Sarr’s signature – but the transfer hit a snag at the eleventh hour.
    The two parties failed to agree on personal terms, which has led Villa to withdraw their £25m offer for the versatile winger.
    Most read in Football

    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    And the Telegraph claim it’s unlikely Steven Gerrard’s side will make another proposal unless there’s a huge change in Sarr’s demands.
    Villa’s dire need for attacking reinforcements was evident as they crumbled against Crystal Palace on the weekend. More

  • in

    Georgina Rodriguez heads to gym with bodyguard as Cristiano Ronaldo’s girlfriend shows off incredible figure in leggings

    GEORGINA RODRIGUEZ looked stunning as she travelled to the gym sporting a figure-hugging black outfit along with her bodyguard.Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner was seen donning the all-black gear as she exited her Cadilliac Escalade.
    Georgina Rodriguez was spotted in all black heading for a gym sessionCredit: Splash
    She was accompanied by her bodyguard for the fitness tripCredit: Splash
    The pair both opted for black tops and white footwear as they strolled to the complexCredit: Splash
    It was the second time in the past few days Cristiano Ronaldo’s partner has been seen ahead of a workoutCredit: Splash
    The 28-year-old chose a pair of sunglasses and hooped earrings to match her gymwear.
    But she opted for white Adidas trainers and airpods of the same colour to complete her look.
    And her bodyguard went for the same colours as he strolled by Georgina’s side in a black polo shirt, sunglasses, and white shorts with trainers.
    It was Georgina’s second gym trip in the past few days, although she chose grey leggings on her last fitness outing.
    READ MORE MAN UNITED NEWS
    Her boyfriend Ronaldo has also been training hard ahead of Manchester United’s must-win clash against Liverpool on Monday night.
    But want-away Ronaldo was stony-faced as he practiced with his United team-mates ahead of the heavily anticipated clash.
    The Portuguese attacker started on the bench in the Red Devils’ 4-0 humiliation against Brentford.
    But he’s expected to lead the line for United tonight against Jurgen Klopp’s side as they seek to lift themselves from the foot of the Premier League table.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Although it could be one of the last times he pulls on a United shirt as he seeks an exit from Old Trafford.
    Ronaldo’s made it clear he wants to leave the club to pursue Champions League football this summer.
    The Red Devils were previously reluctant to let him leave, but will not stand in his way anymore, reports claim.
    However, finding a new club has been difficult for Ronaldo with a number of clubs including Borussia Dortmund declining the chance to snap him up. More

  • in

    Tottenham in Ruslan Malinovskyi transfer boost as Atalanta star’s Marseille move ‘is on verge of collapse’

    TOTTENHAM have reportedly received a major boost in their pursuit of Atalanta forward Ruslan Malinovskyi.Antonio Conte was interested in bringing the Ukrainian attacking midfielder to North London earlier this summer.
    Malinovskyi’s move to Marseille appears to be looking less likelyCredit: Getty
    The Atalanta star has netted 30 goals in 130 appearances for the Serie A outfit.
    And he has also contributed an impressive 27 assists for Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
    But Spurs looked set to miss out on the 29-year-old when Marseille closed in on an agreement for him earlier this week.
    However, according to Foot Mercato, a deal with the Ligue 1 side is now on the “verge of collapse”.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Malinovskyi is said to be unconvinced by the project at Marseille – who have taken seven points from their opening three league matches.
    That could leave the door open for Tottenham – with Conte considering him an alternative to Dejan Kulusevski on the right of his front three, according to Corriere.
    Spurs have a good relationship with Atalanta having previously agreed moves for Cristian Romero and Pierluigi Gollini.
    An offer from the Lilywhites would likely be a player and cash bid – with left-back Sergio Reguilon going the other way.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    The former Real Madrid defender has been outcast by Conte at the start of the campaign following the arrival of Ivan Perisic and emergence of Ryan Sessegnon.
    Reguilon is one of four Tottenham stars who has been forced to train away from the rest of the squad after being left behind for their pre-season tour of South Korea last month.
    Two of the others – Tanguy Ndombele and Giovani Lo Celso – have subsequently secured loan moves to Napoli and Villarreal.
    The fourth player of the forgotten quartet, Harry Winks, is yet to find another club but has been linked with Everton and Southampton. More

  • in

    Man Utd join Leicester in Odysseas Vlachodimos transfer chase with Benfica keeper on four-man shortlist

    MANCHESTER UNITED have joined the race for Benfica keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos, according to reports.The Red Devils have been on the lookout for a back-up shot-stopper since Dean Henderson forced a loan move to Nottingham Forest.
    Vlachodimos is being linked with a move to the Premier League this summerCredit: Getty
    Erik ten Hag currently has Tom Heaton as his only back-up option to David de Gea – who has endured a difficult start to the new season.
    SunSport revealed on Saturday that United have sent scouts to watch Borussia Monchengladbach’s Yann Sommer, while also keeping tabs on Norwich’s Tim Krul.
    But now transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Benfica star Vlachodimos is a possible target for those at Old Trafford.
    Speaking on social media, he said: “Odysseas Vlachodīmos is attracting interest from many clubs.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    “Ajax are thinking of him as potential option, while he’s one of 4 names included in Manchester United list – deal will depend on budget. 🚨🇬🇷 #transfers
    “It’s not gonna be an easy deal – as he’s key player for Benfica.”
    Leicester are also keen on the Greek international as they bid to replace Kasper Schmeichel following his move to Nice.
    Vlachodimos was the first choice keeper for Benfica last season – playing 32 of their league matches.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He has been the club’s No1 for almost all of the past four campaigns – although Benfica have not claimed the Portuguese title since his first season there.
    Meanwhile, United may well be seeking a long-term replacement for Henderson.
    This is because he came out with some choice words for how the Red Devils had treated him after completing his loan to Forest.
    Speaking about playing second fiddle to De Gea last season, he told talkSPORT: “The conversation I had, coming out of the Euros squad (with England), was that you’re coming back here to be the No1 goalkeeper.
    “I got Covid, then unfortunately no one followed through with anything they told me.
    Read More on The Sun
    “I turned so many good loans down last summer for that reason and they wouldn’t let me go.
    “To waste 12 months was criminal really, at my age. I was fuming. It was so frustrating.” More

  • in

    Man Utd hoping to land Cody Gakpo for £34m transfer despite PSV Eindhoven holding out on another £4.2m for winger

    MANCHESTER UNITED are hoping to land Cody Gakpo for £34million from PSV Eindhoven, according to reports.The Red Devils are desperately aiming to bolster Erik ten Hag’s squad after enduring a humiliating start to the season.
    Cody Gakpo could move to Manchester United if they stump up £34millionCredit: Getty
    Club chiefs agreed a deal to sign Casemiro from Real Madrid for a fee rising to £70m on Friday.
    But they are also seeking more attacking reinforcements.
    According to the Telegraph, United “are expected” to sign Gakpo before the transfer deadline.
    A deal is likely to be completed after PSV’s Champions League play-off second-leg against Rangers next week.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    The Dutch side are desperate to reach the group stage, with their tie against the Scottish runners-up finely poised at 2-2.
    Even if they manage to beat Rangers and go through, they are expected to sell Gakpo.
    United want to pay £34m, while PSV are demanding £38.2m.
    The Red Devils are confident of reaching a compromise by including various add-ons.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Gakpo, 23, has scored 45 goals and assisted a further 37 in 141 appearances for PSV.
    United are also interested in Ajax ace Antony.
    The Brazilian was left out of the Amsterdam club’s match this weekend after refusing to train on Friday following the Red Devils’ bid.
    Ajax turned down £67.9m for their star attacker, but Antony wants to leave to work with Ten Hag again.
    Should Cristiano Ronaldo leave this month, United will be in the market for two attackers.
    They are also interested in Yannick Carrasco as a backup option – with the Belgian available for around £25.5m.
    Antony wants to join Man UnitedCredit: Getty More

  • in

    Memphis Depay keeping Tottenham and Newcastle on hold as Barcelona striker waits on Juventus transfer

    MEMPHIS DEPAY will keep the chasing Premier League pack waiting — until he finds out if he has a move to Juventus.The former Manchester United attacker will reportedly leave Barcelona with the club set to terminate his contract.
    Memphis Depay is believed to be close to a move to JuventusCredit: Getty
    The LaLiga giants need to slash their wage bill and it is believed Depay is no longer wanted by manager Xavi.
    The Dutch ace only joined Barca a year ago from Lyon on a free transfer but scored just 13 goals in 37 games last season.
    And he has now been knocked down the pecking order by the arrivals of Robert Lewandowski and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has been subject to a bid from Chelsea.
    The Blues have also been linked with a move for Depay, but it is Tottenham who have held talks with the Netherlands international.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    However it is Juventus who now appear to be leading the race to sign Depay.
    The forward has reportedly met with the Juve board and negotiations are believed to be at an advanced stage.
    Reports claim Depay has verbally agreed to join the Italian side but Prem clubs are still monitoring his situation, with Newcastle also being linked with a transfer.
    The Dutchman is reported to be enticed by the prospect of a move to Serie A, but he has been ‘distracted’ by the approach from Tottenham as it would see him return to the Premier League.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Spurs boss Antonio Conte remains keen on the forward despite adding £60million Richarlison to his squad this summer.
    Spurs were originally willing to bid around £15m, but the club could now be offered the opportunity to sign him on a free transfer. More

  • in

    Blackburn to offer Ben Brereton Diaz bumper new contract but release clause gives West Ham and Sevilla transfer hope

    BLACKBURN are set to offer Ben Brereton Diaz a new deal — including a fixed price on his head.Sevilla and Nice want the Chile international striker, 23, with West Ham among interested Premier League clubs.
    Blackburn and Chile striker Ben Brereton Diaz is high in demandCredit: Getty
    But Rovers’ £15million valuation is putting them all off.
    And time is now running out before the transfer window shuts on September 1.
    Ewood Park chiefs know Brereton Diaz could leave for nothing next summer.
    They hope to persuade him to sign a contract extension with a big pay-rise and a number Rovers will sell at if clubs come calling again.
    READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
    Brereton Diaz scored 22 goals in 37 Championship outings last season.
    This term he has bagged against Swansea and West Brom for Jon Dahl Tomasson’s side.
    He has won 14 caps for Chile, scoring four goals.
    These include a strike at last year’s Copa America, as well as one against Argentina in World Cup qualifying.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    Blackburn sit fourth in the Championship after three wins from their opening five games this term.
    They have slipped to back to back defeats, however, losing 3-0 at Reading and Sheffield United.
    Next up is a trip to Bradford in the League Cup, before a home clash with Stoke City. More

  • in

    Ajax manager takes dig at Man Utd over Antony transfer bid and Brazilian’s desire to play at Old Trafford

    AJAX boss Alfred Schreuder has aimed a cheeky dig at Manchester United over their pursuit of Antony.The Brazilian winger is the subject of a mega-money offer from Old Trafford.
    Ajax’s boss has aimed a cheeky dig at Man Utd over their pursuit of AntonyCredit: Getty
    Alfred Schreuder has questioned why Antony wants to join a club not playing in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
    And he is desperate to make the move before deadline day.
    Antony has effectively gone on strike by refusing to train with Ajax.
    And he was left out of the matchday squad for Sunday’s 1-0 win at Sparta Rotterdam.
    Erik ten Hag is keen to be reunited with the forward, having already raided his old side for Lisandro Martinez this summer.
    READ MORE ON MAN UTD
    But Ajax are playing hardball and demanding a mind-boggling £85million.
    And new boss Schreuder, who was Ten Hag’s assistant in the Dutch capital, has now fired a warning shot at United.
    In a humorous jibe, the Ajax gaffer reckons Antony should stay put in Holland.
    That’s because Ajax are playing Champions League football this season… unlike Man United.
    Most read in Football
    FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
    He laughed: “Yes, my feeling is good. I understand Antony, but you play for Ajax.
    “We are playing Champions League football. I don’t think Man United are playing Champions League football.”
    Should United miss out on Antony, it’s reckoned they could instead move for Dutch winger Cody Gakpo.
    The ace is currently starring for Ajax’s rivals PSV Eindhoven.
    Read More on The Sun
    Gakpo would be cheaper and easier to purchase than Antony.
    But the ball lies in United’s court with just 10 days of the transfer window remaining. More