More stories

  • in

    Paolo Maldini and former Newcastle star on shortlist to replace Dan Ashworth as Toon’s next sporting director

    AC MILAN legend Paolo Maldini and former Newcastle ace Hugo Viana are among the candidates to replace outgoing sporting director Dan Ashworth at St James’ Park.Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave as the Magpies and Manchester United continue to negotiate a complicated deal that could see him moving to Old Trafford this summer.Paolo Maldini is among Newcastle’s candidates to replace sporting director Dan AshworthCredit: GettyAshworth appears set to move to Manchester United this summerCredit: PAThe 53-year-old’s contract runs out in 2026 and United are trying to thrash out a compensation deal with the Toon who have demanded double the £10million offered.According to inews, however, the Tyneside giants are preparing for the ex-Brighton chief’s exit by drawing up a shortlist of potential candidates.Among them are Maldini, 55, and Viana, 41, who worked wonders at Milan and Sporting Lisbon respectively.The Rossoneri’s legendary captain, who amassed a staggering 901 appearances at the San Siro where he also won seven Serie A titles and five Champions League trophies during his 25-year stint, worked as technical director for his beloved club after retiring in 2009.Read More on FootballThe Italian great was a major catalyst behind Milan’s young squad winning the Scudetto in 2022 and making it to the semi-finals of the Champions League last season.The renowned defender has been out of work since June last year following reports of a falling out with club owners over the direction of the team.Viana has also experienced tremendous success at Sporting during his six-year stint as director of football.The former playmaker, who registered four goals and nine assists in 61 appearances during his four-year stint at Newcastle until his departure in 2006, was crucial in the Portuguese giants’ title triumph in 2021 – their first in 19 years.Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSHowever, Paul Mitchell, who earned plaudits for his marvellous work at Southampton and Tottenham, is the Premier League giants’ first choice.Benfica’s Rui Pedro and ex-Roma chief Tiago Pinto complete Newcastle’s shortlist.Arsenal legend Thierry Henry reveals the player who scared him – and he played against him just onceThe new sporting director is expected to work alongside manager Eddie Howe despite this season’s struggles as the 46-year-old tactician is still highly rated by the club’s hierarchy. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘want Jarrad Branthwaite transfer as Everton star targeted with Maguire and Varane futures up in the air’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly targeting a summer move for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite.The 21-year-old has been a key player for the Toffees this term, featuring 31 times under Sean Dyche.Man Utd are lining up a summer move for Everton ace Jarrad BranthwaiteCredit: RexThe futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire are in doubtCredit: APHis form resulted in a maiden England call-up for the recent friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.Branthwaite did not make his Three Lions debut after being left on the bench.But the centre-back is widely seen as the future of England’s defence.And the Telegraph claims United are now lining up a bid amid doubts over the futures of Raphael Varane and Harry Maguire.READ MORE ON MAN UTDBoth players are out of contract in 2025, with Varane a target for clubs in Saudi Arabia.As for Maguire, there is an option to extend his deal until 2026.But West Ham are ready to lure him to London with the offer of first-team football.And with new United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe ready to trim the fat, both players could be sold to make room for fresh faces.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERBranthwaite would certainly fit the bill, having already impressed on loan at Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.It’s believed he is valued by Everton at over £50million.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?The Toffees are hoping to beat relegation despite being docked six points for breaching financial rules.But their chances of keeping Branthwaite will be virtually zero if they drop down to the Championship.United are also in the market for a striker to play back-up to Rasmus Hojlund, while they are also keen on a right-back.A new central midfielder could also be on the agenda should Casemiro also depart.But it’s Branthwaite who is currently top of the list, with the youngster still dreaming of making England’s Euro squad.Boss Gareth Southgate said: “He’s played consistently well. READ MORE SUN STORIES“We watched him as a back-up centre-back at the Under-21 finals last year and if you would have said then he would play as consistently well at PL level as he has, I would have questioned that. “That is a credit to him. He’s good with the ball, shows good composure and mentality and we don’t have many left-footers.”Jarrad Branthwaite’s career statsThose numbers in full…

    Carlisle United, 2019-2020: 14 games 1 goal

    Blackburn Rovers, 2020-2021: 10 games 0 goals

    PSV Eindhoven, 2022-2023: 36 games 4 goals

    Everton, 2019-2024: 44 games, 3 goals

    England U21s, 2023-2024: 6 games, 0 goals

    Trophies: Dutch Cup (PSV); U21s Euros (England U21s) More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘chasing £52m-rated Spain international but face competition from Real Madrid, Chelsea and City’

    MANCHESTER UNITED have joined the race to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Dani Olmo, according to reports.The Red Devils are set to spend big this summer, with new part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined to overhaul the first team squad.Man Utd are interested in signing Dani OlmoCredit: GettyClub chiefs have started to draw up a list of potential targets ahead of the upcoming transfer window.And the Dail Mail claim Olmo is currently one to watch.The attacking midfielder, who can also play as a winger, has a £52million release clause that becomes active this summer.Some of Europe’s biggest clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are monitoring his progress ahead of a potential transfer battle at the end of the season.Read More on FootballOlmo has scored seven goals and provided four assists in 19 appearances for RB Leipzig this season.He started the campaign with a hat-trick against Bayern Munich in the German Super Cup and has continued to impress.The 25-year-old starred for Spain against Brazil on Tuesday and scored an impressive solo goal.The match ended 3-3 following a late equaliser from Lucas Paqueta.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKEROlmo has impressed for RB Leipzig this seasonWhile Olmo is a key name on Man Utd’s transfer wishlist, manager Erik ten Hag also wants to sign a striker, centre-back and full-back this summer.However, the club’s budget will depend on outgoings with several players at risk of being axed.Who could be Man Utd’s next manager after Ten Hag?Casemiro, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Victor Lindelof are among those expected to leave Old Trafford at the end of the season.Meanwhile, the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite, Joao Gomes, Rodrygo and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with a move to the club. More

  • in

    Lukaku makes dramatic transfer U-turn which could see him finally leave Chelsea on a permanent deal after Roma loan ends

    ROMELU LUKAKU has reportedly made a dramatic transfer U-turn which could see him finally leave Chelsea on a permanent deal.The misfit striker, 30, is currently on loan at Roma after a disastrous second spell at Stamford Bridge.Romelu Lukaku has made a big transfer U-turn in a bid to quit Chelsea permanentlyCredit: RexThe bizarre switch was the only one left available to Lukaku after he saw moves to Inter Milan and Juventus fall through.Chelsea had hoped to sell him to a team in Saudi Arabia, having already offloaded Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly for big fees.But Lukaku turned down the Middle Eastern move, worth £42million per YEAR, insisting he was still capable of cutting it at the highest level in Europe.He has since gone on to score 10 goals in 25 league outings for Roma.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLAnd Goal claims Lukaku has now changed his mind over a move to Saudi Arabia this summer.The former Manchester United, Everton and West Brom striker remains desperate to leave Chelsea permanently.He accepts this will be hard to do with another European club, with many still not willing to cover his wages despite taking a cut from £350,000-a-week to around £200k-a-week with a new deal last summer.And should an offer from a Saudi side come in, Lukaku will now strongly consider it if it means exiting London for good.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERWhen asked about his future after producing two assists in Belgium’s 2-2 draw with England at Wembley on Tuesday, Lukaku cryptically said: “You’ll have to ask Chelsea.”The Blues have already named their price for the hitman, inserting a £37m release clause into last summer’s contract.Could Jose Mourinho return to Chelsea?Lukaku was hailed as Chelsea’s saviour when he returned in a £100m transfer from Inter Milan in 2021.The Belgian’s first period at Stamford Bridge, between 2011 and 2014, saw him fail to score in 15 appearances for Chelsea.And hopes were high after he netted 64 times in 95 games at Inter, helping them win their first league title in 11 years.But after a bright start, Lukaku launched a bizarre attack on then-boss Thomas Tuchel and the Blues, claiming he was unhappy with the tactics and that he wanted to rejoin Inter.Lukaku ended up with just eight league goals that term and was duly granted his wish with a loan back to the San Siro.But after struggling for fitness, while also managing just 10 Serie A strikes, Lukaku failed to secure a permanent switch or a second loan, opening the door for Roma to pounce last summer.Romelu Lukaku’s career statsThose numbers in full…

    Anderlecht, 2008-2012: 98 games, 41 goals

    Chelsea, 2011-2014: 15 games, 0 goals

    West Brom, 2012-2013: 38 games, 17 goals

    Everton, 2013-2017: 166 games, 87 goals

    Man Utd, 2017-2019: 96 games, 42 goals

    Inter Milan, 2019-2021: 95 games, 64 goals

    Chelsea, 2021-2024: 44 games, 15 goals

    Inter Milan, 2022-2023: 37 games, 14 goals

    Roma, 2023-2024: 36 games, 18 goals

    Belgium, 2010-2024: 114 games, 83 goals

    Trophies: Belgian Pro League (Anderlecht); Serie A, Italian Cup, Italian Super Cup (Inter Milan); Club World Cup (Chelsea) More

  • in

    Alphonso Davies’ agent slams ‘unfair ultimatum’ from Bayern Munich as uncertainty surrounds Real Madrid target

    ALPHONSO DAVIES’ agent has hit out at Bayern Munich for “unfairly attacking” the defender as contract negotiations continue to stall.The Canadian, 23, has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid at the end of the campaign.Alphonso Davies’ future remains uncertain following comments from his agentCredit: GettyDavies’ agent Nedal Huoseh did not hold back when asked about negotiationsCredit: Instagram @nedalhuosehHe is preparing to enter the final 12 months of his contract – which expires at the end of next season.Reports last month claimed he had reached a “verbal agreement” with Los Blancos to join them either this summer or in 2025.Bayern are keen to tie him down to ensure he does not leave for a bargain price.However, his agent, Nedal Huoseh, has criticised the “ultimatum” being placed upon Davies, particularly given the managerial uncertainty at the club.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHead coach Thomas Tuchel is leaving in the summer and his replacement has not yet been announced.Speaking to BILD, Huoseh said: “It’s unfair to receive an ultimatum from Bayern. We will decide how to proceed at the end of the season when there is more clarity.”It’s unfair that Alphonso is now being attacked.”We were close to an agreement a year ago. Then the entire club management was replaced. We didn’t hear anything for seven months. Although I tried during this time to contact the club myself.Most read in BundesligaCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS”Now we are being given an ultimatum and are supposed to react within two weeks because the club is under pressure and took a long time to reposition itself in the management? That’s not fair.”Huoseh went on to add: “It’s a very important contract in Alphonso’s career and we’re supposed to make the decision without knowing who the coach will be next season or what the team looks like.How Harry Kane got even better at Bayern”That’s why we think it’s unfair to react to the ultimatum.”Davies joined Bayern from Vancouver Whitecaps in January 2019 for a then MLS record fee of £17.5million.He has racked up 184 appearances for the German giants, winning five Bundesliga titles, two German Cups, the Champions League and Club World Cup.He also has 45 caps and 15 goals for Canada. More

  • in

    Arsenal ‘unlikely to sign Osimhen or Toney as Arteta’s top three striker transfer targets are revealed’

    ARSENAL have reportedly gone cold on Victor Osimhen and Ivan Toney as Mikel Arteta identifies alternative transfer targets.The Gunners have long been linked with both Osimhen, 25, and Toney, 28, as they bid to add a natural goalscorer to their frontline.Ivan Toney is no longer Arsenal’s top No9 target this summerCredit: AlamyVictor Osimhen’s injury has also meant he has fallen out of favour with the GunnersCredit: AFPBut, according to the Athletic’s David Ornstein, the Napoli and Brentford stars are now falling out of favour. It is understood Osimhen’s injury record and Toney age are concerns for the Gunners.And it’s claimed Arteta has now switched his focus onto three alternative strikers.Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting’s former Coventry star Viktor Gyokeres make that list, along with Brighton hotshot Evan Ferguson.READ MORE ARSENAL NEWSOrnstein said: “The likes of Sesko & Gyokeres are well thought of. “As is Ferguson but the price Brighton would want & the season he has had so far perhaps makes him less likely at the moment. “I don’t see it being an Osimhen or Toney. There will be other options too.”Sesko has impressed in the Bundesliga with 11 goals in 30 games this season. Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERThe 20-year-old forward has been linked with fairly recently and has been on top form for Leipzig this season.While Gyokeres, 25, leads the European top-flight leagues with 30 goals and 11 assists in 34 matches. Ivan Toney reveals ‘ideal summer’ involves transfer to European giantsFerguson, the youngest of the three at 19, has shown promise at Brighton but has been in and out of the Seagulls starting XI this season.And the teenager may come with a hefty transfer fee having scored 16 goals in 60 senior appearances.Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been on superb form this season with Arsenal now interested in the strikerEvan Ferguson is another target but the 19-year-old may come with a hefty price tagSporting’s Viktor Gyokeres is now a top transfer target for ArsenalCredit: AFP More

  • in

    Arsenal and Tottenham ‘set to do battle for Pedro Neto as Ange Postecoglou joins transfer race for Wolves star’

    ARSENAL face a battle with bitter rivals Tottenham to land Pedro Neto.That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, via CaughtOffside, who says Wolves are prepared to set their asking price for the winger ahead of the summer transfer window.Arsenal and Tottenham are in a battle to sign Wolves wingerCredit: AFPArsenal have been long linked with Neto, 24, as Mikel Arteta looks to reinforce his forward line.But the Spanish boss won’t have it all his own way with North London rivals Spurs ready to make their move too.Ange Postecoglou is still trying to fill the void of goals left by Harry Kane’s departure.And, with loan signing Timo Werner seemingly unlikely to be made a permanent addition, Neto could fit the bill.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLHowever, he certainly will come cheap, with Wolves hoping to start a bidding war at around £60million.Neto’s future, and how he will feature in Arsenal’s plans, were discussed and Romano said: “Arsenal have some wingers in their sights for the summer.”But while it’s normal to see a long list of names linked with clubs in this situation, who’s really emerging as the main options on Arsenal’s list?“Pedro Neto is a player Arsenal like and have looked at before, but we have to wait for Wolves to decide initial price tag to understand what Arsenal, Tottenham and more clubs will decide to do.”Most read in FootballCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSNeto has scored twice and notched nine assists in 19 Premier League games for Wolves this season.He also netted in the FA Cup win over West Brom in January.Ashley Cole picks his all-time team-mates XI… but does it boast more Arsenal or Chelsea stars?But it’s thought the former Braga star could push his game to a new level if he gets a move to a bigger club.Neto would allow Arteta to rotate Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli on the wings for the Gunners.While he could form a deadly combination with James Maddison and Son Heung-min at Spurs. More

  • in

    Man Utd ‘ready to pay £51m to land top summer target as part of new approach to transfers with Juventus willing to sell’

    MANCHESTER UNITED are keen on signing Juventus defender Gleison Bremer and are ‘ready to pay’, according to reports in Italy. Football chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe is plotting a massive shake-up at Old Trafford.Manchester United are keen on signing Juventus’ defender Gleison BremerCredit: RexThat’s according to today’s Corriere Dello SportAnd a new defender is at the forefront of the billionaire’s mind.Bremer fits into Man Utd’s new transfer strategy, focused on signing younger players more likely to improve and retain or increase their value.The 27-year-old’s contract at Juventus remains in place until June 2028 – but he has a release clause of £52million.And, according to Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport, the Red Devils are willing to pay it.READ MORE MAN UTD STORIESAlthough they could face some competition from Newcastle.Bremer was named Serie A Best Defender of the Year 2021-22 while with Torino, before moving to city rivals Juve.Before that, he made his senior debut with Brazil giants, Atletico Mineiro, in 2017. Over this season at Juventus, the 27-year old has made 28 appearances, netting two goals.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERAs for Bremer, his is reportedly “not opposed” to the idea to moving to Erik ten Hag’s side.Even though it’s claimed he believes staying at Juventus would improve his chances of representing Brazil in the 2026 World Cup. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans for Manchester United’s stadium, Old Trafford, could be a new ground for the cost of an old ground refitUnited have also long been linked with Nice centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo.Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the 24-year-old is valued at around £40m ahead of this summer’s transfer window.And a deal could be easy, considering Ratcliffe’s Ineos also own the French side.Inside Ratcliffe’s Man Utd plansEverything you need to know as Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge at Manchester United… More