More stories

  • in

    All this week’s transfer exclusives from SunSport’s man in the know with England pair set to switch Premier League clubs

    ALAN NIXON is Sunsport’s Boss of Goss. Check out this week’s red-hot transfer whispers from our man in the know…Taylor Harwood-Bellis looks set to move on from Southampton in the summerCredit: AlamySAINT EASY SOUTHAMPTON pair Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale are in line for Premier League rescue moves.England cap Harwood-Bellis is fancied by West Ham and could escape from the drop at the end of this season as Saints head back to the Championship.The centre-half, 23, has just changed agent and will be up for a move after signing from Manchester City last year.Classy Harwood-Bellis would cost about £15million and the Hammers are in the market for new faces at the back. Three Lions keeper Ramsdale, 26,  is another who should beat Saints’  slide into the second tier – with his former club Bournemouth on alert.Rambo impressed at Cherries and Sheffield United before his surprise move to Arsenal in 2021.He jumped at a switch to Saints to play but will not fancy the Championship.Bournemouth have goalkeeper Kepa, 30, on loan from Chelsea but should be in the market for a new No 1 and Ramsdale still has fans within the club.ANFIELD ROADLewis Koumas is being eyed by Crystal Palace for a summer swoopCredit: AlamyLIVERPOOL babe Lewis Koumas has joined fellow Red Ben Doak on  Crystal Palace’s wanted list.The Eagles are looking at a handful of new faces in a busy summer and Welsh international Koumas, 19, is on their radar.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSKoumas, currently impressing on loan at Stoke, could be ready for the step up to the Premier League next season.Palace are already jostling with Bournemouth for Scottish winger Doak, also 19, and considering a big offer for him.But Koumas could also be brought in after catching the eye in the second tier. Aaron Ramsdale COMPLETES £25m Southampton transfer as England goalkeeper’s Arsenal career comes to an endNEY BOTHERWATFORD head the race to sign young Colombian strike sensation Neyser Villarreal.The Hornets hope to agree a £5million deal with the 19-year-old’s club Millionarios.Villarreal shone for his country in the recent Under- 20 championship in South America, scoring a hat-trick against Paraguay.Watford want to move quickly as Palmeiras are also tracking him.MARC’D MANMarcus Edwards is a summer target for Sunderland – if they reach the PremCredit: ReutersSUNDERLAND are watching how Marcus Edwards does at Burnley – in case they have a second stab at signing him.The winger, 26, joined the Clarets on loan from Sporting Lisbon in the January window but they only just beat the Black Cats to his signature.But if Sunderland make the Premier League and Burnley fail, they will be back in again.WHICH Championship manager is fuming with his director of football after hearing he had been bidding for players the boss knew nothing about?The experienced coach was stunned to discover some of the targets the club had in the last window.Most were ones he had never been consulted on and fortunately did not sign — but the damage is done between the manager and transfer guru.IN DEMANDInigo Perez is being eyed by Premier League clubsCredit: GettyINIGO PEREZ, the talk of Spain, is ready to come to England at the second attempt.The Rayo Vallecano coach, 37, has been superb this season — and Prem clubs are watching.Perez missed out on a move to Bournemouth because of post-Brexit rules which stopped him from joining boss Andoni Iraola.Now he is a coach in his own right and would qualify.HARD PRESTTHE FA will face a chunky bill for fitting new VAR cameras at Preston’s fifth-round tie against Burnley on Saturday.North End – bossed by Paul Heckingbottom – have never used the system so the FA must find a way of installing all of the tech needed.ROVERS RETURNBLACKBURN are after a new gaffer  — but their pay deal is putting many off.Rovers are offering about £600,000-per-year plus bonuses but it is not attracting targets like Steve Cooper and Gary O’Neil.There is a potential promotion jackpot too but the deal is not attractive to some, even if they are out of work.Meanwhile, Blackburn technical director Adam Owen, 44,  has been taking a bigger part in team affairs behind the scenes.Owen will work closely with the next coach and that boosts interim David Lowe’s chances of staying in charge. More

  • in

    Newcastle plotting to bring back former youth star who left in 2013 but is now shining at Premier League rivals

    NEWCASTLE chief Eddie Howe is plotting to bring Bournemouth’s Marcus Tavernier back to Tyneside.Tavernier and his brother James, 33 – now captain of Rangers – grew up in the North East and played in Toon’s youth ranks.Eddie Howe is eyeing a summer swoop for former Toon youth player Marcus TavernierCredit: RexThe 25-year-old was formerly on the books at NewcastleCredit: GettyBut the winger, 25, joined Middlesbrough as a schoolkid and went on to earn a £10million move to Bournemouth in 2022.The Cherries have him under contract until 2028 and are under no pressure to sell.However, bids north of £25m could tempt them this summer. Tavernier has been a consistent performer on the South Coast for the past three seasons. READ MORE ON FOOTBALLAnd he has helped propel Bournemouth into unlikely Champions League chasers. Tavernier has two goals across 19 league games, along with a career-high five assists. Celtic’s German star Nicolas Kuhn and PSV Eindhoven attacker Johan Bakayoko are other names Howe will be interested in this summer.Newcastle host high-flying Nottingham Forest on Sunday knowing victory will send them fifth. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSAnd Howe is keen for his side to chase down Nuno Santo’s men – and bring Champions League football back to St James Park. Howe said: “The challenge for us, the coaching staff and players, is to finish as high as we can in the league. Newcastle’s Alexander Isak talks to Alan Shearer about Champions League desires “Our target should be what is immediately ahead of us and above us.”We have to try and chase down teams like Nottingham Forest. It is a small target of points. “It is not impossible for us to achieve it.“The game we have coming up is potentially a big moment in that. “If we let our immediate opposition slip away from us, then it becomes very difficult to make that gap up. “They are important games coming up in the next few weeks.” More

  • in

    ‘He felt a lack of trust’ – Inside Anthony Martial’s amazing revival after Ronaldo’s Man Utd return broke his confidence

    IT was back in 2015 when Manchester United thought they had found the “next Thierry Henry”, a player who could follow in the footsteps of legends like Eric Cantona, Wayne Rooney and George Best.United broke the bank to sign the then 19-year-old Anthony Martial from Monaco in a £36million deal, which included an extra £21.6m in add on clauses.Anthony Martial is experiencing a career revival after leaving Manchester UnitedCredit: GettyMartial left Man Utd in June as a free agent following nine turbulent yearsCredit: EPAMartial enjoyed a stunning Man Utd debut against Liverpool in 2015Credit: PA:Press AssociationThat one of those included an extra payment should he win the Ballon d’Or showed their optimism – it also made him the world’s most expensive teenager at that time.A memorable debut followed that September as Martial led Man Utd to a 3-1 victory over bitter rivals Liverpool in front of the Old Trafford faithful. He scored an absolute stunner that was eerily similar to the kind of strikes scored by the Arsenal legend he was compared to.But that bright start was not a sign of things to follow.During nine years with the Red Devils Martial amassed a disappointing 90 goals and 46 assists in 317 appearances, with only an FA Cup, EFL Cup and Europa League medal to show for it.The man many thought was destined to be a Man United legend ended up leaving as a free agent under a cloud last June.Many expected that, at the age of 29, he’d seek one last big paycheck in Saudi Arabia but the Frenchman shocked the world when he opted for Greece and AEK Athens, who handed him a three-year contract worth a club record €10m (£8.3m).It’s true that Martial gave up elite football for a Greek club that couldn’t even make it past the Conference League qualifiers. But in its place he found something he often lacked at Old Trafford: Absolute trust.An AEK club source told SunSport: “He felt trust from the beginning, he received a place in the starting line-up early. He’s been supported by the manager and the club. He received patience. We believe the main reason (for his revival) is that he received time on the pitch, match rhythm and momentum. This is still a developing project.”Martial arrived as a teenager from MonacoCredit: AP:Associated PressMartial’s confidence was broken after the arrival of other forwards, like Cristiano RonaldoCredit: ReutersFollowing his own big-money arrival at Manchester United, the club went on to splash the cash on other forwards like Rasmus Hojlund (£72m), Jadon Sancho (£73m), Romelu Lukaku (£75m) and Antony (£85.5m).The return of Cristiano Ronaldo in 2021 condemned him to the bottom of the pecking order behind the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood.Forgotten ex-Man Utd star Anthony Martial finally makes debut for new club 10 months after last playing competitive match The return of CR7 left his confidence shattered just a year after his best ever season in which he scored 23 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances.The AEK source continued: “This guy came, that guy was signed [and] Ronaldo returned during Martial’s sporadic opportunities. During his limited opportunities [Martial] was facing immense pressure to prove himself and that led to injury problems.”Martial’s time with United was marred by injury as he suffered a raft of knee, hamstring, muscle, Achilles, hip and groin problems. But his new club feel that issue was down to his lack of minutes and momentum that led to a shortness of match fitness and increased pressure to deliver.AEK took the gamble of signing Martial after speaking to several of the forward’s former United team-mates who always knew his true value. They insisted that he would deliver in Greece if he just had the manager’s confidence and played on a regular basis – something he struggled with at Old Trafford.The source explained: “Based on our research and talks with other Man Utd players, his basic problem is that he felt a lack of trust. His confidence was damaged once he realised he would struggle to find regular minutes. “One of them told us, ‘Don’t worry at all, once he plays and finds regular minutes he will immediately deliver. He’s a fantastic guy and works very hard in training’.”In the club’s opinion, his injuries occurred because his last few appearances were very sporadic. And that affected him, it made him more prone to knocks during the small amount of time he was given. It was basically down to his limited match rhythm.”We haven’t noticed anything of concern. There’s no concern regarding his training and there is nothing he needs to avoid during training. He trains properly and follows the programme just like everyone else.”His metrics were perfectly fine, as was his medical. And he became match fit very quickly. He trains normally despite the demanding programme and game style. He has no issue so far.”Martial has been enjoying a career revival at AEKCredit: GettyMartial’s AEK debut during a 1-1 home draw against rivals PAOK in October was a lot less eventful than the one he had nine years previously.But the ex-France international has gone from strength to strength since with a total of nine goals and two assists in 19 appearances across all competitions so far – and no injuries to report.AEK manager Matias Almeyda is so confident of his ability that the general consensus is that he has yet to reach his full potential.The source added: “The fact he gets regular minutes plays a major role, and I believe there was a mentality issue. Injuries can be associated with a player’s frame of mind. It’s tough for a player to manage the very little amount of time they get on the pitch.”He basically realised the new environment was good. He felt well mentally, he adjusted quickly and that generally benefited him. He was certainly careful at the start on the pitch, he understood he had to manage himself.”His development is ongoing, he has yet to reach his full potential. But he is drastically improving, he runs faster, his pressing increases.”Martial has two children from previous relationshipsCredit: Instagram @martial_9Martial celebrated his birthday in DecemberCredit: Instagram @martial_9He shared a picture on his special day with a woman who is understood to be his current girlfriendCredit: Instagram @martial_9Love of the fansMartial’s immediate contribution has won over AEK’s demanding fanbase and went viral in a video that showed him joining a group of diehards, who greeted the team upon their return from Crete after he scored the winner in a 2-1 victory over OFI, and sang along with them.The ex-Monaco star quickly found a new home in Greece, so much so that he spends most of his free time at his swanky house despite all the temptations that come with the Greek sun, nightlife and cuisine which have seduced many football stars throughout the years.Martial, who split from wife Melanie Da Cruz in 2022, is understood to be in a new relationship.He has two children.The source concluded: “He’s very happy, he has a very quiet lifestyle. He prefers to spend most of his down time at home. We never heard about seeing Martial here or there…”He’s very excited every time he interacts with the fans. There’s a notable moment when we returned from Crete after a match with OFI. All those who knew him claimed that was a very new experience for him.” More

  • in

    Arsenal complete first transfer of 2025 as they move for 15-year-old wonderkid defender from St Johnstone

    ARSENAL have reportedly completed their first transfer for 2025.The Gunners have agreed a deal to sign Scottish wonderkid Callan Hamill.Callan Hamill will join Arsenal in JulyCredit: GettyHe impressed Jack Wilshere before the former Gunner left for Norwich CityCredit: GettyHamill, 15, will officially join the club on July 1 as he will leave St Johnstone.The Athletic claim that Arsenal have agreed to a six-figure package plus add-ons to sign the defender.The Scottish club are entitled to at least £100,000 in cross-border compensation.Hamill has already trained with Arsenal’s under-18 group more than once.READ MORE ON ARSENALThe Scottish Sun claimed that he caught the eye of former Gunner Jack Wilshere before he then left for Norwich City in October.He also took part in an international tournament in July 2024.Last summer he had the chance to move to Rangers and Celtic but rejected the Old Firm pair.Hamill opted to extend his stay at St Johnstone and committed himself to a one-year contract.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSBut on March 1, he will be eligible to travel south and across the border to move to England as he will be 16.Callan is mostly viewed as a defender by can also feature in midfield.’It’s like Messi… there I said it’ – Pundits rave about Arsenal ace Nwaneri as Shearer dubs him ‘potential superstar’This season, he has been used in St Johnstone’s under-18s squad.Callan even starred for Scotland’s Under-16s on Wednesday as he netted his first international goal in the win over Cyprus.He spoke about the achievement after the game.He said: “It was a very proud moment for me and my family to score my first international goal for my country.”A corner came in and I ran across the front post and attacked it and blasted it into the back of the next.”It was an amazing feeling.”READ MORE SUN STORIESMeanwhile, Arsenal will continue their title challenge with Liverpool, as they face West Ham on Saturday.The Gunners then travel to the East Midlands to face Nottingham Forest at the City Ground. More

  • in

    ‘Alexander Isak to Arsenal confirmed’ say ecstatic supporters as Newcastle striker poses with Gunners superfan Chunkz

    YOUTUBE superstar-turned-secret “agent” Chunkz blew his mission to convince Alexander Isak to join Arsenal.The social media sensation visited Newcastle’s training ground this week and shared a number of snaps.Arsenal fan Chunkz played secret ‘agent’ with Newcastle ace Alexander IsakCredit: INSTAGRAM @chunkzChunkz also met Will Osula and Bruno GuimaraesCredit: INSTAGRAM @chunkzChunkz, who boasts over 4.5million followers on Insta alone, posed alongside Toon players Will Osula, Bruno Guimaraes and Swedish striker Isak in one.He then followed that up with a photo of him next to Isak giving the thumbs-up while holding his signed shirt.Proud Gooner Chunkz, who turns 25 tomorrow, then revealed that he had used the opportunity to try and convince Isak to join Arsenal, who have been long-term admirers of the goal-getter.Though, despite his efforts, it looks like it was a failed mission.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLCaptioning a self of himself travelling on a train, Chunkz first joked “Agent Chunkz in action” before claiming a transfer to the Gunners was “imminent”.But he quickly added alongside a crying with laughter emoji: “Jus joking he said he loves Newcastle. I tried tho.”Speculation over Arsenal’s pursuit of Isak will no doubt mount once the summer transfer window re-opens.But they will face a huge fight as we revealed this week how Newcastle have no desire to sell and instead want to build a team around him.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERSIt would also take nearly DOUBLE a reported £83m fee for them to even respond to any potential bids with a “no”.Isak has become one of the most-coveted players on the planet since his club-record £63m buy from Real Sociedad in 2022.Eddie Howe determined to end Newcastle’s trophy drought in Carabao Cup final He has scored 19 goals so far this term and hopes to achieve legendary status by ending Newcastle’s 70-year major trophy drought in the Carabao Cup Final next month.Wembley opponents Liverpool and Chelsea would also both love to sign him.Newcastle, though, are under no pressure to sell and have the hotshot tied down to a contract believed to be worth £130,000-a-week until 2028.And even though initial talks over an improved extension ceased late last year, further discussions are set to take place once this season is over.But this latest move by Chunkz will no doubt further infuriate the Toon Army, who are growing tired of certain Sky Sports pundits trying to tout their talisman to other clubs. More

  • in

    Jack Grealish to lead Man City exit list with Pep Guardiola ready to sell EIGHT title-winning heroes in summer purge

    JACK GREALISH is reportedly set to lead a purging of the Manchester City squad in the summer.Pep Guardiola is set to cull his underperforming stars in the summer after a disappointing season.Pep Guardiola is set to cull his squad in the summer transfer windowCredit: GettyJack Grealish is one player that could leave the Etihad StadiumCredit: GettyKevin De Bruyne’s contract expires at the end of the summerCredit: GettyThe club could also axe John StonesCredit: GettyManchester City were dumped out of the Champions League on Wednesday night by Real Madrid.The European failure has followed an exit from the Carabao Cup and a lacklustre defence of the Premier League title.The club’s only hope of silverware this season is in the FA Cup with a 5th round tie against Plymouth Argyle on March 1.The Cityzens splashed the cash in January with high-profile arrivals of Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSBut come the summer transfer window, the club will be looking to trim down the squad.The Daily Star have claimed that EIGHT former title winners would be on their way out of the club.This includes the likes of Grealish, Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, John Stones, Mateo Kovacic, Ilkay Gundogan and Ederson.Kyle Walker is also expected to leave on a permanent deal when he returns from his loan spell at AC Milan.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITSAll of the players are aged 30 and over, which would suggest Guardiola is keen to add more youth to his squad.As the current season is nearly a write-off for the club, Guardiola must prioritise the future.Man City legend Sergio Aguero’s new career as a racing driver for PorscheManchester City squad agesHere is a look at the ages in Manchester City’s squad…Goalkeepers: Ederson, 31Stefan Ortega, 32Scott Carson, 39Defenders: Ruben Dias, 27Manuel Akanji, 29Nathan Ake, 30John Stones, 30Vitor Ries, 19Abdukodri Khsanov, 20Jahmai Simpson-Pursey, 19Josko Gvardiol, 23Rico Lewis, 20Kyle Walker, 34 – On loan at AC MilanMidfielders: Rodri, 28Mateo Kovacic, 30Nico Gonzalez, 23Ilkay Gundogan, 34Bernardo Silva, 30Kevin de Bruyne, 33Claudio Echeverri, 19James McAtee, 22Attackers:Jeremy Doku, 22Jack Grealish, 29Phil Foden, 24Savinho, 20Oscar Bobb, 21Erling Haaland, 24Omar Marmoush, 26Average age: 26.6The Spaniard will be expected to put faith into the four January arrivals in order to bed them in before next season.However, this must be balanced with results on the pitch with the club still not guaranteed a Champions League spot for next season.Man City have already signed Juma Bah from Real Valladolid and loaned him to RC Lens until the summer.While SunSport revealed City are ready to battle Real Madrid for £85million Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, who has been tipped as the ‘new De Bruyne’. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘AGREE deal with Geovany Quenda, 17, as Sporting demand £50m for wonderkid transfer’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly agreed a deal with Geovany Quenda as Sporting Lisbon demand £50million for the wonderkid.Quenda, 17, is a versatile right sider who was given his big break at Sporting by United boss Ruben Amorim.Man Utd have agreed personal terms with Geovany QuendaCredit: GettyThe wing-back has scored twice in 37 outings this season.Quenda is rated as one of Europe’s top youngsters after joining Sporting’s academy from rivals Benfica in 2019.And United have been linked with making a swoop once he turns 18 in April.Reports in January claimed a deal was “assured” to take place this summer.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAmorim is looking to rebuild United’s squad to suit his 3-4-3 system and has already landed left-back Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.Now, journalist Ben Jacobs claims the Red Devils have upped the ante in their hunt for Quenda.The talkSPORT commentator reckons United have struck personal terms with Quenda on a long-term contract.He told talkSPORT: “The player has agreed verbally personal terms. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS“He’s waiting to see if the club’s pre-agree (a fee) or wait until the summer.“And the price United are looking at is 40million euros (£33m).Gary Neville says he’s seen ‘nothing’ from Man Utd under Ruben Amorim “Sporting want a minimum of 60m euros (£50m). There’s a release clause at 100m euros (£83m).“So if United can get this one done south of 60m euros (£50m), it’s not only a good signing for now and the future, and a player Amorim knows really well, it’s also another deal they can potentially get without being forced to, for example Rasmus Hojlund, pay more than they ideally want to.” More

  • in

    ‘He’s not Messi or Ronaldo’ – Man Utd and Arsenal target warned to keep his head down under ‘strict’ Prem manager

    MATHEUS CUNHA has been told to stay out of trouble and keep proving his worth at Wolves because he is not “Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo”.The Brazilian striker was linked with a move away in January – and appeared to have his head turned by Arsenal before signing a new deal until June 2029 on February 1 with a £62.5m release clause.Matheus Cunha has been told to keep his head down amid links with top clubsCredit: GettyCunha has been warned he is not in the same league as stars like Lionel MessiCredit: GettyWolves boss Vitor Pereira has had run-ins with Cunha since replacing the sacked Gary O’Neil in late December, previously criticising the 25-year-old forward’s body language and suitability as captain.That looks to be in the past now with Cunha scoring in Wolves’ last three games in all competitions – including a beautiful strike in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield to take this season’s tally to 13 goals and four assists.Centre back Abdoulaye Ba, 34 – now at Saudi second tier side Al-Faisaly – played under Pereira at Porto from 2011 to 2013 where he lifted the Portuguese top flight in 2012/13.And Senegalese defender Ba told SunSport: “Pereira is very strict with discipline and his game plan. I remember he would often tell our Porto side: ‘I have two hands, one to give and the other to receive’.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL“He acted like a father or a protector when the players gave their all without limits and raised the level of the team.“Cunha is not Messi or Ronaldo or even Neymar, so it does not surprise me that they have worked together to find the best way to help the team.”Cunha was berated by Pereira for allegedly refusing to acknowledge the away fans in a 3-1 loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last month, having been banned under O’Neil for two games by the FA for an on-field scuffle with Ipswich security just before Christmas.Pereira, 56, who has managed in Greece, Turkey, Germany, China, Brazil and Saudi Arabia during his varied managerial career to date, also played hard-ball with want-away midfielder and then-captain Mario Lemina, 31, before the Gabon international was sold to Galatasaray in the winter window.Most read in FootballJOIN SUN VEGAS: GET £50 BONUSBa continued: “Under Pereira, I became more mature with tactical discipline and respected the game plan, and above all, trusted my team-mates in difficult situations.“He always prioritised teamwork and the group. In his speeches, he would say that optimism is a magnet of happiness.Wolves players and staff clashing with one another after full-timeVitor Pereira has been backed to revitalise WolvesCredit: GettyAbdoulaye Ba won a title playing under Pereira at PortoCredit: Getty“While he was a coach in the Porto youth team, he convinced me to sign in 2008 as a teenager with an inspiring video call. He knew how to find the right words to convince and motivate me.“He has the sense to explain and talk with you. He says titles are won with discipline and attitude.”Pereira was linked with the Everton job in 2013 to replace David Moyes, and again in December 2019 to replace compatriot Marco Silva but turned it down to stay with Chinese Super League outfit Shanghai SIPG.He was then tipped to take over at Goodison in January 2022 after Rafa Benitez was axed, only for Frank Lampard to be hired following protests from Toffees supporters.Wolves have won five of 11 matches with Pereira in charge at Molineux, three those in the Prem.Should Wolves avoid relegation – currently two points off the bottom three with 13 games remaining – the Portuguese coach could be a wanted man again in the summer.Ba added: “To follow managers like Jose Mourinho and Andre Villas Boas at Porto, he must have the same stuff and DNA as them. He has the confidence and the ability.READ MORE SUN STORIES“His office door was never closed and he wanted communication. He is a humble person and a true leader. His loyalty to all players was incredible.“He has already shown a lot of good things in different countries. The results, the numbers, the evidence is there. He is very stubborn and has all the abilities to succeed in the Premier League.” More