Transfer News

Subterms

    More stories

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      West Ham transfer headache with Shakhtar apprehensive to let David Neres and Lassina Traore quit in special window

      by

      WEST HAM have got some headaches with their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk pair David Neres and Lassina Traore.The Ukrainian club are ready to let their players — including the Brazilian and Burkina Faso forwards — go out on deals after a special transfer window opened to allow those caught up in the war to move clubs.
      West Ham’s move for Shakhtar star Lassina Traore has hit a roadblockCredit: Alamy
      David Neres, who has yet to play for Shakhtar after moving in January, is also linked to West HamCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      And that has also attracted offers from France, Spain and Brazil.
      Shakhtar though fear West Ham, who have a settled squad, could minimise the players’ opportunities and risk lowering their value.
      So the claims of Lyon, Marseille, Real Sociedad and Corinthians may be more appealing for the troubled Donetsk outfit.
      Neres only joined Shakhtar from Dutch side Ajax in the January transfer window for a reported £11million.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}CASH BACK .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Betfair: Get up to £50 back as CASH if any of your first five football bets lose
      But Russia’s invasion of Ukraine soon after means the Brazilian international is yet to play a game for the Ukrainian side.
      Traore meanwhile also joined Shakhtar from Ajax, but in last summer’s transfer window.
      The striker had been prolific while in action for Shakhtar – netting nine goals in just 14 games for the club.
      Sheffield United on Friday became the first English club to sign a foreign player from Russia since Vladimir Putin’s invasion.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      Fifa announced that Russia-based players could suspend their contracts, initially until the end of the season, in order to let them leave the country.
      The Championship promotion-chasers swooped for Croatian international defender Filip Uremovic on a free deal until June.
      The 25-year-old had played 21 matches this term for Rubin Kazan in Russias’ top-flight before the invasion of Ukraine started last month. More

    • 225 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fulham want Burnley and England star Nick Pope in £20million summer transfer to be their Premier League No1

      by

      FULHAM want Burnley’s Nick Pope to be their No 1 in the Premier League next season.Craven Cottage boss Marco Silva is keen to get recruitment sorted out early with the club eight points clear at the top of the Championship.
      Fulham want to make Burnley keeper Nick Pope their new No 1 next seasonCredit: Reuters
      And the Portuguese has already lined up a major bid for England keeper Pope, who seems sure to move on this summer if Sean Dyche’s strugglers go down.
      Clarets would ask around £20million for Pope, 29, but that could be negotiable if they fail to escape the bottom three.
      Pope faces a cut in wages if the club are relegated — another reason why a move would tempt him, alongside staying in the England frame.
      And he could grab a lucrative deal at the Cottagers, who are never scared to spend on salaries when they are in the top flight.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read More in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}BET BOOST .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Get £30 in free bets with William Hill when you bet £10 on football
      Marek Rodak is Fulham’s current No 1 and the club have also looked at a loan for Manchester United’s Dean Henderson — although a permanent buy is their top priority.
      Rodak is backed up at Craven Cottage by former Tottenham ace Paulo Gazzaniga.
      Pope has won seven caps for his country, with the most recent coming against Poland in March last year.
      He has since seen Aaron Ramsdale make his international debut, possibly leapfrogging him the pecking order.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      The Burnley stopper was an unused sub today as the Three Lions beat Switzerland 2-1 at Wembley.
      Jordan Pickford played the full 90 minutes between the sticks.
      Pope will hope to play some part when England play Ivory Coast on Tuesday night.
      Jordan Pickford remains the Three Lions’ No1Credit: Reuters More

    • 225 Shares119 Views

      in Soccer

      RB Leipzig don’t want Ilaix Moriba back from Valencia loan transfer after ‘immature’ star demanded GRAPES during massage

      by

      FORMER Premier League transfer target Ilaix Moriba is not part of RB Leipzig’s plans for next season, reports suggest.Leipzig splashed €16million (£13.3m) to sign Ilaix from Barcelona last summer but sent him out on loan to Valencia during the January transfer window.
      RB Leipzig ace Ilaix Moriba is currently playing on loan at ValenciaCredit: Getty
      RB Leipzig don’t want to have Ilaix Moriba back from Valencia this summerCredit: Getty
      They beat the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Chelsea, who were also keen to land him last year after finding out that Barca were willing to sell.
      According to Bild, however, the Bundesliga outfit’s manager Domenico Tedesco doesn’t want the midfielder to come back in the summer because of behavioural issues.
      The Guinea international made the physiotherapists bring him grapes during the massages and Tedesco wasn’t happy to hear this.
      The 19-year-old has a contract with Leipzig until 2026 but only managed six appearances in the Red Bull Arena during the first half of the season.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more in Sport.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}PLANE AND SIMPLE .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Moriba’s dad ‘cancelled flight’ to join City before Barcelona breakthrough
      The Guinean has impressed at the Mestalla during his first nine matches with Valencia.
      However, the Bats will have to dig deep into their pockets if they wish to sign the former Blaugrana wonderkid on a permanent deal in June.
      Ilaix came close to joining City in 2019 after his Barcelona youth contract came to an end.
      But a late breakthrough in negotiations with the Catalan giants meant he stayed in Spain.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
      In fact, his father revealed he had even booked a flight for his son to go to Manchester, which he cancelled at the eleventh hour.
      The Citizens were part of a bidding war over Ilaix with the likes of United, Chelsea and Tottenham in the summer.
      If Leipzig refuse to have him back and Valencia fail to meet his asking price then a fresh transfer war could break out. More

    • 238 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Barcelona rule themselves OUT of Erling Haaland transfer race due to crippling debt in huge boost to Man City

      by

      BARCELONA have ruled themselves OUT of the race to sign Borussia Dortmund hotshot Erling Haaland.The Catalan giants are trying to ease their financial problems after years of poor spending caught up with them.
      Barcelona have ruled themselves out of the race for Erling HaalandCredit: GETTY
      Due to injuries, Haaland has only played 17 league games this term
      Last summer, Barca lost their greatest ever player in Lionel Messi and were forced to spend smart – bringing in a number of high profile free transfers.
      In the January transfer window, the club spent £55million on Ferran Torres and signed Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for FREE after whittling down their wage bill.
      Both New Year arrivals have been raging successes for Xavi’s side, placing them as favourites to win the Europa League.
      But a rebuild at Barca will NOT consist of signing football’s next generation of world beaters.
      .css-16e4f55{margin:16px 0;}.css-1546w7m{background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);margin:16px 0;}.css-1tapza8{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1bk4jdt{padding:20px 15px;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-16djrfc{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-1skzs3j{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:1;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;padding-top:2px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Read more in football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-gmec1d{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;height:auto;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-align-content:center;-ms-flex-line-pack:center;align-content:center;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:start;-ms-flex-pack:start;-webkit-justify-content:flex-start;justify-content:flex-start;margin-left:calc(-20px/2);margin-right:calc(-20px/2);}.css-fh9577{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-left:calc(20px/2);margin-right:calc(20px/2);}.css-65fvqt{max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-1exhbll{box-sizing:border-box;overflow:hidden;background-color:rgba(237,245,242,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;position:relative;display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;max-width:302px;max-height:294px;}.css-bk55po{box-sizing:border-box;display:block;position:relative;margin-bottom:0;}.css-1shocxe{box-sizing:border-box;}.css-1a2irou{box-sizing:border-box;padding:0;}.css-1a2irou a:not(.nk-card-link){z-index:2;position:relative;}.css-1uyse24{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border:none;}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,114,238,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-kicker{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24 .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(34,37,38,1);}.css-1uyse24:hover:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,86,180,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:active:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(0,62,129,1);-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}.css-1uyse24:visited:not(:disabled) .nk-headline-heading{color:rgba(71,30,121,1);}.css-1uyse24:before{content:”;top:0;right:0;bottom:0;left:0;overflow:hidden;position:absolute;z-index:1;}.css-n392go{border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-1p5s3t0{padding:0;border-width:0 1px 1px 1px;border-style:solid;border-color:rgba(155,201,183,1);padding:12px;max-height:104px;min-height:98px;}.css-124tga5{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-5jzxpx{overflow:hidden;-webkit-line-clamp:3;-webkit-box-orient:vertical;display:-webkit-box;word-wrap:break-word;line-height:1;}.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}FREE BONUS .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}Join Sun Vegas now to get £10 free with no deposit required
      The club are keen to avoid undoing all of the hard work it took to get the finances back on track by signing Haaland.
      Club president Joan Laporta told Mundo Deportivo: “I insist, I will not talk about specific players but I can tell you that we will not carry out any operation that puts the institution at risk.
      “It has been a maxim that we have followed since we became president again, it happened to us in various circumstances and we are going to continue with this philosophy, not to put the institution at risk with operations that, not even if we were already healthy, we would.
      “So, you can talk about players, about big-money operations in which Barca is not going to lose its head.
      .css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-1x7hydu{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-1x7hydu::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -0.5px);}.css-1x7hydu::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      “That the fans are calm because we are not going to lose our heads for an operation of these magnitudes.
      “Most of the players want to come to Barca, they like the club, the team, our philosophy, our way of working, of understanding football. And this is good, we are verifying it in many cases and daily.
      “They will have to adapt to the salary levels of Barca and to an economic structure of the operation that maintains the sustainability and balance of the club.”
      Laporta’s comments will be music to Manchester City’s ears, with the defending Premier League champions said to be leading the race for the Norwegian’s signature.
      But to get Haaland on the books at the Etihad, it could cost City a mammoth transfer fee AND wages upwards of £500,000 a week.
      Haaland’s entourage have reportedly knocked back an offer of half a million a week but a deal is still possible.
      Barca president Joan Laporta said he will not do anything ‘to put the institution at risk’Credit: Reuters
      Barca reportedly made an offer for Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe, who is out on contract this summer.
      But Laporta again insists players must fit within Barca’s new financial model.
      On Mbappe, he said: “Here everyone is free to launch messages and proclamations and we already know that this is part of the world of football, that the big clubs are interested in great players.
      “But I’m not going to enter, and you have to allow me not to talk about players because if I do, the only thing I can do is harm the interests of our club.
      “If we talk about a player and we had the intention of signing him, we would increase the price.
      “Neither with this player nor with others do I want to comment on issues because it would harm the interests of the club.
      “The technical secretary and sports management are working to improve our squad, which is getting better and better, we are more and more satisfied.
      “I want it to be clearly understood that we prioritise the team above all else, a reinforced team in each of its lines and what we do not participate in is elevating players or looking for players who are more than the team.
      “What we want to strengthen is the team we have that plays based on a genuine Barca system.
      “The club thinks that this is what the football team needs, this genuine style that for me is the key to everything and is what we have to do, a team that can play this system with highly talented players.” More

    • 200 Shares129 Views

      in Soccer

      Chelsea takeover LIVE: Tuchel transfer plans ‘put on hold’ due to technical director Marina Granovskaia’s uncertainty

      by

      THOMAS TUCHEL’S transfer plans have been ‘put on hold’ as director Marina Granovskaia’s future at Chelsea has emerged as an uncertain.However, any potential Blues bidders will be presented with the opportunity to sway the techinical director alongside Tuchel in the nearby future.
      Seb Coe and ex-Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton are amongst a quartet who are interested.
      Other options involve Todd Boehly, Hansjorg Wyss or controversial businessman Tom Ricketts.
      And now, Boston Celtics owner Stephen Pagliuca has turned up to the party.
      FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
      Follow ALL of the latest updates and transfer gossip from Stamford Bridge right here…
      Gabriel talks Slo up
      Talks between Chelsea and Chicago Fire’s Gabriel Slonina have broken down, according to reports.
      The Blues had originally agreed to sign Slonina, 17, for a fee of around £5.5million.

      However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal recently collapsed due to the sanctions that have been placed on the club by the UK Government.
      On Twitter, he announced: “Chelsea were in advanced talks to sign talented Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, born in 2004.
      “The plan was to sign Slonina for £5/6m fee, then loan him back to Chicago until 2023.
      “Talks have now broken down due to UK sanctions.”
      Ex-Chelsea Marin announces retirement from football aged 33
      Former Chelsea midfielder Marko Marin has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.
      Marin, 33, played for 12 clubs during his time as a professional footballer, including Werder Bremen and Sevilla.
      He failed to properly establish himself in the Premier League despite winning the Europa League with the Blues.
      Credit: Getty Images – Getty
      Marin rarely had a spot in the starting line-up whilst at Chelsea, so the club decided to loan him out for four consecutive seasons before selling him to Olympiacos in 2016.
      The midfielder currently plays for Ferencvaros where he has scored one goal in 13 appearances so far this season.
      However, Marin has made it clear that he has no intention to continue playing once the season is over.
      Shortlisted bidders to meet with Tuchel and Granovskaia
      Potential Chelsea buyers will be given the opportunity to hold talks with manager Thomas Tuchel and Marina Granovskaia before a £2.5billion takeover.
      Chelsea have whittled down their list of potential buyers to just a handful of consortiums.
      The Blues are now set to choose from options that includes a group involving Seb Coe, ex-Liverpool chairman Martin Broughton and two American businessmen.
      And according to The Times, all parties will be given the opportunity to hold talks with manager Tuchel and director Granovskaia.

      Those talks could prove pivotal to swaying who is ultimately named as the preferred bidder.
      Granovskaia is close to Abramovich and oversees the club’s transfer business.
      The 47-year-old has been a key part of Abramovich’s real inner circle for the best part of two decades.
      Chicago Fire keeper transfer is barred by sanctions
      Talks between Chelsea and Chicago Fire’s Gabriel Slonina have broken down, according to reports.
      The Blues had originally agreed to sign Slonina, 17, for a fee of around £5.5million.

      However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, the deal recently collapsed due to the sanctions that have been placed on the club by the UK Government.
      On Twitter, he announced: “Chelsea were in advanced talks to sign talented Chicago Fire goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, born in 2004.
      “The plan was to sign Slonina for £5/6m fee, then loan him back to Chicago until 2023.
      “Talks have now broken down due to UK sanctions.”
      Hazard unlikely to play in quarter-final clash
      Real Madrid star Eden Hazard is unlikely to be involved in the Champions League quarter-final clash against former club Chelsea.
      That is according to The Athletic, who report that Hazard is a doubt for the first leg against the Blues on April 6 at Stamford Bridge due to injury.
      The winger is expected to have surgery on his right leg in order to remove a plate, which was implanted after he broke his ankle in March 2020.
      Credit: AP
      Real released the following statement: “In the coming days, our player, Eden Hazard, will undergo surgery to remove the osteosynthesis plate in his right fibula.”
      Hazard has been enduring another difficult season marred by injury as he has only made eight starts in LaLiga this season.
      The Belgium international has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
      Good morning to Chelsea fans
      Boston Celtics owner Stephen Pagliuca has also made it on to the shortlist of potential Chelsea owners.
      Pagliuca also owns Italian football team Atalanta and is the fourth bidder to make the cut.
      He joins Tom Ricketts, Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton in the next round of bidding for the Blues.
      However, Tom Ricketts still faces an uphill battle convincing fans he can run the club to their liking.
      A statement from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust read: “The Chelsea Supporters’ Trust is grateful to the Ricketts family for meeting with us this week. We challenged them on all the points supporters have raised concerns about.
      “However, our concerns about their ability to run an inclusive, successful club on behalf of our diverse supporter base around the world have not yet been allayed.”
      But Chelsea’s board – not the Raine Group – will reportedly decide who will become the Blues’ new owner.
      The Raine Group have played a key role thus far whittling down the large swathe of wannabe owners down to just four prospects.
      But it’s been reported that they are just advising Chelsea’s board which is composed of Marina Granovskaia, Bruce Buck, Eugene Tenenbaum and David Barnard.
      The Blues’ owner debacle could be sorted by the end of April, reports claim.
      Raine Group have told all potential owners that they may reach a decision over the Blues sale next month, according to the Evening Standard.
      And finally, Roman Abramovich may not be around for the sale of the club as he’s allegedly playing the mediator between Russian president Vladimir Putin and his American adversary Joe Biden in Poland.
      The oligarch took the train to Poland on Thursday using his Portuguese passport, reports claim.
      TVN reporter Jakob Stachowiak said on social media: “Yesterday he came to Poland in secret from Ukraine by the smart train.
      “Interestingly, he used a Portuguese passport. Perhaps there will be an informal meeting with the president. Has Putin sent a billionaire?
      “The oligarch got to Poland from the territory of Ukraine, where he was allegedly talking to President Volodymir Zelensky.”
      Who will make final decision
      Chelsea’s board – not the Raine Group will reportedly decide who will becoming the Blues’ new owner.
      The Raine Group have played a key role thus far whittling down the large swathe of wannabe owners down to just four prospects.
      But it’s been reported that they are just advising Chelsea’s board which is compiled of Marina Granovskaia, Bruce Buck, Eugene Tenenbaum and David Barnard.
      #Chelsea’s board, which features Marina Granovskaia, Bruce Buck, Eugene Tenenbaum and David Barnard, will ultimately decide who owns the club in the future. Raine Group are not said to be making the choice and are simply advising.[via @NizaarKinsella]— Absolute Chelsea (@AbsoluteChelsea) March 25, 2022

      Abramovich plays peacemaker
      Roman Abramovich has reportedly travelled to Poland to mediate between Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden.
      The oligarch took the train to Poland on Thursday using his Portuguese passports, reports claim.
      TVN reporter Jakob Stachowiak said on social media: “Yesterday he came to Poland in secret from Ukraine by the smart train.
      “Interestingly, he used a Portuguese passport. Perhaps there will be an informal meeting with the president. Has Putin sent a billionaire?
      “The oligarch got to Poland from the territory of Ukraine, where he was allegedly talking to President Volodymir Zelensky.”
      Fourth to go
      Boston Celtics owner Stephen Pagliuca has also made it onto the shortlist.
      Pagliuca also owns Italian football team Atalanta and is the fourth bidder to make the cut.
      He joins Tom Ricketts, Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton in the next round of bidding for the Blues.
      Ricketts ongoing battle
      Tom Ricketts still faces an uphill battle convincing fans he can run the club to their liking.
      A statement from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust read: “The Chelsea Supporters Trust is grateful to the Ricketts family for meeting with us this week. We challenged them on all the points supporters have raised concerns about.
      “However, our concerns about their ability to run an inclusive, successful club on behalf of our diverse supporter base around the world have not yet been allayed.”
      Ricketts in next round
      Tom Ricketts is through to round two of the Chelsea bidding war after meeting fans on his charm offensive to win their backing.
      The controversial American was notified on Friday night that his family’s offer has made it onto the shortlist of candidates to buy the £3billion-rated Premier League side.
      And Ricketts is now on his way back to the US following talks with supporters’ groups in London aimed at calming fears over an historic racism storm.
      Alonso wants La Liga transfer
      Marcos Alonso has admitted that he would like to return to LaLiga one day.
      The Chelsea defender will have just one year remaining on his current contract this summer.
      Quizzed about a potential transfer while on international duty, the Spaniard said: “I would love to play in LaLiga, all my life I have wanted to play and be here in Spain, but the circumstances have been different and not everything has depended on me.
      “At the moment I am focused on this season and what has to be, will be.”
      Unknown bidder in the race
      An unknown bidder has emerged as a front-runner to buy Chelsea.
      Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton are the two parties leading the race to buy the Blues with the Ricketts family still in the mix.
      However, there’s an anonymous potential buyer in the running, according to the BBC.
      Chelsea owner race heats up
      Chelsea will have new owners by the end of April, reports claim.
      Raine Group have told all potential owners that they may reach a decision over the Blues sale next month, according to the Evening Standard.
      Sir Martin Broughton and Todd Boehly were informed that they will progress to the next stage of bidding.
      However, The Ricketts family were still awaiting confirmation, but are positive they will also be in the running going forward.
      Hazard’s scheduled surgery
      Real Madrid star Eden Hazard looks likely to miss the chance to play old club Chelsea in the Champions League due to injury.
      Real head to Stamford Bridge for the Champions League quarter finals clash on April 6.
      But Hazard is scheduled to have leg surgery that will probably rule him out of the game.
      A club statement read: “In the coming days, our player, Eden Hazard, will undergo surgery to remove the osteosynthesis plate in his right fibula.”
      Ricketts family issue statement
      The Ricketts family have released a statement that they’re still keen on buying Chelsea.
      The family addressed Blues fans in the statement and stated that they had listened to the West London club’s supporters fears.
      Tom Ricketts said: “My family and I are very grateful to all of the fans and supporters’ groups who took time to meet with us this week and share their passion and concerns for Chelsea Football Club.
      “It’s clear you have nothing but the best interests of the club at heart. We have listened to all of your feedback – including from the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust – and are grateful that the door is still open for us to demonstrate our commitment to working with fans to protect the club’s heritage.
      “It is now up to us to redouble our efforts and clearly lay out a vision for our stewardship of the club with diversity and inclusion at its heart.”
      Capello slams Lukaku and Abraham’s ability
      Fabio Capello has suggested the arrivals of Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham in the Serie A highlights the decline of Italy’s homegrown talent.
      Capello claims there are not enough young Italian players coming through the ranks in the Serie A.
      And he reckons the successes of ‘average’ Abraham this season with Roma and Lukuka with Inter in the last campaign shows how poor the quality of the Italian league is.
      As both players have been average in the Premier League.
      Capello said to Sky Sports Italy: “There are not enough young Italian players, but there is a wrong idea at its base. We are the country of the back pass to the goalkeeper.
      “Victor Osimhen, Romelu Lukaku and Tammy Abraham were just normal strikers abroad. They became champions in Italy. This should raise some questions.”
      Chelsea supporters worried by Ricketts
      Chelsea fans have mobilised on social media this week in their protestation against the Ricketts family’s proposed takeover of their football club, and now the Chelsea Supporters Trust have issued a statement of concern too.
      Following the unease with which the news of the Ricketts’ official offer was greeted, the family met with the Chelsea Supporters Trust earlier this week to discuss their intentions.
      However, it is understood that fans’ initial concerns have not been appeased, resulting in this afternoon’s correspondence.
      The statement reads: “It is essential that the new owners of the club has the confidence of the supporter base and demonstrate an understanding of the values that we stand for.
      “That is why the strength of feeling towards the Ricketts family bid from Chelsea supporters cannot and must not be ignored.
      “The CST are grateful to the Ricketts family for meeting with us this week. We challenged them on all the points supporters have raised concerns about.
      “However, our concerns about their ability to run an inclusive, successful club on behalf of our diverse supporter base around the world have not yet been allayed.”
      Credit: @ChelseaSTrust Twitter
      Ziyech has overcome system struggle
      Hakim Ziyech has admitted that it took him time to adjust to Thomas Tuchel’s preferred system when the German arrived, but now the once-struggling Moroccan is thriving.
      The former Ajax man was brought to Stamford Bridge as a winger in 2020, and operated mainly on the right under Frank Lampard’s management.
      However, since Tuchel took charge, The Blues have often set up with three centre-halves and two wing-backs, meaning that Ziyech has played most of his football in a central position.
      In an interview with ChelseaTV (via 90Min), Ziyech revealed: “[The system] affects me, of course.
      “Everybody knows that if I play wide, it’s my best position. When we play four at the back, most of the time I play on the right.
      “When we play a back five, we play a different system. I think during the time since [Tuchel] came, I’ve adapted well.
      “I think I had more problems that most of the players because I’d never played with a back five. I needed some time and I took that time to adapt, to learn from it and to improve.
      “I think in that role, things are much better now than in the beginning.”

      Takeover latest: Some Candy talking
      Nick Candy’s offer to purchase Chelsea has not made Raine Group’s official shortlist – but the property developer may yet be in with a chance of being part of the club’s ownership.
      According to the BBC’s Alistair Magowan, Candy’s Blue Football Consortium have claimed that they have been asked to speak to other bidders and that those talks are now underway.
      The bids from the consortiums led by Todd Boehly and Sir Martin Broughton are understood to be the frontrunners to takeover at Stamford Bridge.
      Cup semi-final date confirmed
      The date for Chelsea’s FA Cup semi-final with Crystal Palace has been officially confirmed this morning.
      The Blues will face the The Eagles at Wembley on Sunday, 17 April with the game scheduled to kick-off at 4.30pm.
      Following successful talks between the government and the football club, Chelsea will be allowed to sell tickets to supporters for the showpiece semi.
      Manchester City will face Liverpool in the FA Cup’s other semi-final with that game taking place the previous say at 3.30pm.
      Azpi has choice to make
      Cesar Azpilicueta is unsure whether to stay at Chelsea or sign for Barcelona, according to reports.
      Azpilicueta, 32, could leave the club for free this summer and has already snubbed several offers from the Blues to extend his deal.
      The Express claims that the club captain is still torn on what he should do next.
      The Spanish star ‘feels deeply rooted’ in London and is ‘proud’ to have been Chelsea skipper since 2019.
      But he has been offered an initial two-year deal at Barcelona and the lure of going back to his motherland.
      Azpilicueta has refused to commit to either Chelsea or Catalonia as he decides.
      Speaking at a press conference whilst on international duty, the wing-back said: “My future? It’s not the place or time to discuss it.
      Boehly will bring in Mahrez
      Todd Boehly’s consortium will take over at Stamford Bridge this summer – and immediately pinch Riyad Mahrez from Manchester City.
      That’s the latest suggestion from the rumour mill should the American businessman’s bid prove successful.
      Boehly is said to be worth £5billion, and his offer is backed by Clearlake Capital, who have assets worth over £60billion.
      And the prospective new owners want to make a statement by taking a star player from one of their Premier League rivals.
      Despite Mahrez’s sensational form for City, the Algerian has been repeatedly linked with a move away with just over a year to run on his contract.
      Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also said to be interested in the forward.
      Lukaku linked with PSG move
      Paris Saint-Germain could be about to end Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea nightmare.
      The Belgian hitman has endured a torrid time since returning to Stamford Bridge last summer.
      Despite arriving for £100m, the 28-year-old has managed just 12 goals in 34 appearances, and now appears second-choice behind Kai Havertz.
      Lukaku has previously attempted to manoeuvre a move back to Inter Milan, having publicly aired his unhappiness at Chelsea during a misguided interview with Sky Italia.
      And now, according to Caught Offside, big-spending PSG are plotting a move for the striker as they look to revamp their attacking options in the close season.
      Ricketts family ‘confident’ of making shortlist
      Sky Sports report that the Ricketts family are still in the running to buy Chelsea.
      The owners of the Chicago Cubs are said to be ‘confident’ of joining Sir Martin Broughton and Todd Boehly on the shortlist currently being drawn up by Raine Group.
      The suggestion will be a concern to Blues supporters who have made their thoughts on the prospective American owners clear.
      Chelsea fans have mobilised on social media in recent days using the hashtag #NoToRicketts.
      Load more entries… More

    • 200 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Man Utd ‘consider’ Tammy Abraham swoop, PSG join Pedro Neto race, Bruno Fernandes new contract EXCLUSIVE

      by

      MANCHESTER UNITED are reportedly ‘considering’ a move to bring Tammy Abraham back to the Premier League this summer.The former Blues striker has flourished since signing for Roma scoring 23 goals in 40 appearances under Jose Mourinho.
      Bruno Fernandes has been handed a new Manchester United contract worth £240,000 a week, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
      The United midfielder, 27, has been convinced to sign till 2027 at United after discussions with Old Trafford chiefs over the future of the club.
      This is despite him not knowing the identity of the club’s next manager yet.
      Also, Paris Saint-Germain have joined the race with United to sign Wolves attacker Pedro Neto according to rumours.

      Follow ALL of the latest news, updates and transfer gossip from Old Trafford right here…
      Red Devils vs PSG for Neto
      Manchester United have competition from Paris Saint-Germain in the fight for Pedro Neto this summer, according to reports.
      The Red Devils are eyeing a £50million-plus summer move for the 22-year-old Wolves star.
      However, The Daily Mail report that PSG are “monitoring his progress” for the rest of the campaign.
      The midfielder recently signed a contract extension until 2027 so Wolves can push up the transfer price for wannabe suitors.
      Man Utd could have signed Neto for next to nothing back in 2016 when he came to Carrington on trial from Portuguese side Braga.
      He made his first start for Wolves in 330 days against Crystal Palace earlier this month.

      R-on fire
      Cristiano Ronaldo has been crowned Manchester United player of the month for the third time this season.
      The 37-year-old returned to Old Trafford last summer and made an instant impact upon his arrival.
      He has netted 18 times in 32 games so far this season, making him the club’s top goalscorer.
      Credit: EPA
      Ronaldo had the perfect start to the season, winning the player of the month award for both September and October.
      Now, he has added a third award to the collection.
      The Red Devils only recorded one win during the month of March, but it was a crucial result.
      Ronaldo scored a hat-trick to help his side to a 3-2 win against fellow top four competitors Tottenham.
      Cont-down is on
      Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes that Antonio Conte should become the next Manchester United manager.
      Conte has been linked with the role since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left Old Trafford in November.
      The Italian has since joined Tottenham, but he is still on the Red Devils’ list of potential candidates.
      And McCoist believes that he would be the perfect man for the job.

      When speaking to FourFourTwo, he said: “I think United missed the boat by not appointing Conte at the end of last year, and in normal circumstances you would think that ship had sailed, however, nothing surprises you in football.
      “You hear the rumours that Mauricio Pochettino wants to go back to Spurs, and doesn’t fancy United, so I wouldn’t rule out Conte going to United.
      “The one thing Conte wants is financial backing, and I am not sure he is happy with what he is getting at Spurs.
      “He has done a few strange interviews, and made a few comments that would indicate that is the case.
      “United have great players, but they are not a great team, and I think Conte could help mould them into that. It is a time for real change.”
      Hear me Ror
      Three Premier League big hitters – including Manchester United – are chasing 40-goal Rangers wonderkid Rory Wilson, according to reports.
      Liverpool and City are locked in a battle with United to sign the Scottish sensation.
      According to the Daily Star, Wilson has turned down Rangers’ approach with a professional contract and looks to follow the same path as Chelsea’s Billy Gilmour and turn pro in England.
      Credit: Kenny Ramsay
      Like Wilson, Gilmour spent many years in Rangers’ academy, but he made a switch to England in 2017 – something the striker is yet to do.
      The 16-year-old goal scorer is regarded as one of Scotland’s hottest prospects and both United and City watched him bag a brace for the international’s U17s against the Czech Republic this week.
      Wilson’s 40-goal heroics this season has also drawn interest from Newcastle and Leeds.
      And a move to any Premier League outfit could only come at the cost of a £300,000 compensation fee.
      Man Utd and Arsenal ‘consider Tammy Abraham transfer swoop’
      Manchester United and Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Tammy Abraham in the summer.
      The England international has flourished since leaving Chelsea for Italian giants Roma, scoring 23 goals in 40 appearances for Jose Mourinho’s side this season.

      And the former Blues man’s displays in the Italian capital have reportedly caught the eye of United and Arsenal – both of whom are in the market for a new striker.
      That’s according to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, who claim United are contemplating signing Abraham as a replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.
      Man Utd joined by PSG in Pedro Neto transfer race
      Manchester United have competition from Paris Saint-Germain in the fight for Pedro Neto this summer, according to reports.
      The Red Devils are eyeing a £50million-plus summer move for the 22-year-old Wolves star.
      However, The Daily Mail report that PSG are “monitoring his progress” for the rest of the campaign.

      The midfielder recently signed a contract extension until 2027 so Wolves can push up the transfer price for wannabe suitors.
      Man Utd could have signed Neto for next to nothing back in 2016 when he came to Carrington on trial from Portuguese side Braga.
      He made his first start for Wolves in 330 days against Crystal Palace earlier this month.
      United look set to miss out on Milenkovic
      Manchester United look set to miss out on Nikola Milenkovic – because West Ham have a “gentleman’s agreement” to sign him, according to reports.
      The Fiorentina centre-back, 24, has been at the centre of a transfer tug of war.
      A whole host of Premier League sides have been linked with the defender in recent seasons.

      Tottenham, Newcastle, Wolves and Arsenal were among them, as well as United and West Ham.
      However, Milenkovic signed a contract extension last summer, tying him down until 2023.
      Should United miss out on Milenkovic who looks bound for the London Stadium, they may look elsewhere in their pursuit of defensive reinforcements.
      Max Kilman, Jules Kounde, Manuel Akanji and soon-to-be-free-agent Antonio Rudiger are all targets.
      Good morning Red Devils fans
      Bruno Fernandes is close to agreeing a new five-year deal at Manchester United, reports Neil Custis.
      The Portuguese star will more than double his salary to £240,000 per week after the club hierarchy convinced him of their plans for the future that include bringing in Erik ten Hag as new boss.
      Meanwhile, the Glazer family’s unwillingness to pay substantial compensation to land Mauricio Pochettino is another reason why Ten Hag is now the preferred candidate to take over at Old Trafford.
      In an intriguing stand off, Paris Saint-Germain officials are considering sacking Pochettino, but don’t want to hand him to United for nothing.
      ESPN report that PSG would rather force the Red Devils into paying a sizeable fee for the Argentine’s services – which United officials are refusing to do.
      The compensation package necessary to bring Ten Hag to the Premier League is understood to be both less costly and less complicated.
      But United will need to move quickly to secure the Dutchman as their new manager – because he is reportedly attracting interest from other clubs.
      According to The Mail, two other European clubs have also spoken to the 52-year-old.
      Elsewhere, Anthony Elanga has praised Man United mentor Cristiano Ronaldo.
      He said: “It’s really good [to have Ronaldo as a mentor] because I go to training quite early and see him there.
      “If we have had a game the day before, we’ll speak about the game or training. He’s a really good person to have around the building, not just because of what he does on the pitch, but what he does off the pitch as well.
      “If we (younger players) need any help we can speak to him, so he’s a really good person to be around.”
      And finally, Paul Pogba has admitted that being called up for international duty with France is a welcome break away from Man United.
      He told Telefoot: “Absolutely. You have to speak the truth.
      “Yes, it’s true that there have been moments, especially in Manchester, when there was a need for this break to regain this energy, this confidence.”
      Ronaldo issues warning
      Cristiano Ronaldo has warned Portugal to respect North Macedonia in their World Cup play-off final.
      Ronaldo and Co will meet Italy’s conquerors in the World Cup play-off final in Porto on Tuesday.
      Manchester United star Ronaldo, 37, tweeted: “The first step has been taken towards our great objective, towards the 2022 World Cup.
      “Nothing is won, nothing is achieved.
      “We have to continue to work in a serious and focused way, respecting the opponent but always believing in our abilities. Power Portugal! Go to Qatar!”
      Ten Hag’s a wanted man
      A Dutch journalist claims that Erik Ten Hag is wanted by two other clubs aside from Man United.
      Dutch football expert Marcel van der Kraan told Sky Sports:“There are three major opportunities for Erik ten Hag. Manchester United is only one of them.
      “I don’t want to dampen the excitement in England but maybe United have not done all the work yet.”
      Sancho thanks fans
      Jadon Sancho has thanked fans for wishing him a happy birthday.
      He said on Twitter: “Thank you everyone for your birthday wishes, I appreciate everyone sending love.
      “It’s hard for me to respond to everyone but it doesn’t go unnoticed.”
      Thank you everyone for your birthday wishes, I appreciate everyone sending love. It’s hard for me to respond to everyone but it doesn’t go unnoticed. ❤️🙏🏼— Jadon Sancho (@Sanchooo10) March 25, 2022

      David James on Kalvin Philips
      Ex-England goalkeeper David James has urged Leeds United star Kalvin Phillips to snub other clubs in favour of a move to Aston Villa
      He said to GG recon: “Kalvin could become a member of Stevie’s group at Villa and then if he does well then he can go with Stevie to the next club he moves onto.
      “Once Stevie likes a player then he sticks with them, which is something you can sense from his relationships.
      “I can see Stevie bringing success to Villa and that would be one exciting bus for Kalvin Phillips to be on.”
      Man United need to flog troublemakers
      Man United will need to flog troublemakers Cristiano Ronaldo, Paul Pogba and Harry Maguire if Erik Ten Hag as the Ajax boss isn’t Zinedine Zidane,
      That’s the view of ex-Holland international Rene van der Gijp has given the Red Devils an astonishing tip.
      Van der Gijp told Vendaag Inside: “He is not a Zidane, for example, would be.
      “He just needs to get rid of those troublemakers. Ronaldo, Pogba, Maguire. Ronaldo would get along fine with Zidane.
      “They are on the same level.”
      Wolves hope to keep Neves
      Wolves have opened contract talks with Ruben Neves in a bid to keep him out of Arsenal’s clutches this summer.
      The Arsenal boss sees the £50million-rated Molineux midfielder as key to his rebuilding plans with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain also monitoring Neves, who will have two years left of his current contract this summer.
      However Wolves know they must move now to convince Neves to extend his current deal – or cash in this summer while his value remains high, to fund new signings for Bruno Lage.
      “We’re obviously talking to him and we all know how much he loves playing for the club. We know how much he has settled here, but he is also an ambitious young man,” said Wolves Technical Director Scott Sellars.
      “As with all players, you try and have an open dialogue with them and their representatives to come to the best scenario for the club and the player.
      “Rightly so, elite clubs all over Europe will have Ruben on their radar, but we have an excellent relationship with him and will do things properly, and collaboratively, when the time is right.
      “Ruben is having a fantastic season and everybody should take a pat on the back in terms of how well he is playing.”
      McCoist on Man United job
      Ally McCoist reckons Man United messed up by not recruiting Antonio Conte as new boss when they sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
      Conte subsequently joined Tottenham but McCoist thinks United can prise the Italian away from White Hart Lane if they fail to bring in Mauricio Pochettino whose reportedly keen on a return to Spurs.
      McCoist told FourFourTwo: “I think United missed the boat by not appointing Conte at the end of last year, and in normal circumstances you would think that ship had sailed, however, nothing surprises you in football.
      “You hear the rumours that Mauricio Pochettino wants to go back to Spurs, and doesn’t fancy United, so I wouldn’t rule out Conte going to United.”
      Pogba on France duty
      Paul Pogba has admitted that being called up for international duty with France is a welcome break away from Man United.
      He told Telefoot: “Absolutely. You have to speak the truth.
      “Yes, it’s true that there have been moments, especially in Manchester, when there was a need for this break to regain this energy, this confidence.”
      Merson on Sancho for England
      Paul Merson reckons Gareth Southgate should’ve picked Jadon Sancho instead of Raheem Sterling for the England squad.
      Merson said in his Daily Star column: “Gareth Southgate should have picked Jadon Sancho instead of Raheem Sterling in his England squad.
      “Surely you’re better off having Sancho in the squad than Sterling? We know what Sterling can do.
      “We know he’s going to the World Cup. Sterling always performs for England. Leave him out, he’s got big games coming up for Manchester City. And put Sancho in.”
      Rivaldo backs Ten Hag appointment
      Brazilian legend Rivaldo has backed Erik Ten Hag to become Man United’s new boss.
      He said to Betfair: “According to reports this week, Manchester United have spoken to Erik ten Hag about becoming their next manager and he is now the odds-on favourite in the betting.
      “Looking at what the Dutchman has been doing with Ajax, I’m sure he could be a great option to become United’s next manager. He is an excellent coach.”
      Elanga on Fernandes
      Anthony Elanga has revealed that Bruno Fernandes helps to keep him calm and relaxed on the pitch.
      He said to United’s media: “That’s why I feel comfortable [on the pitch] because I get the likes of Bruno [Fernandes] speaking to me every day.
      “And on the pitch as well, which helps calm me down and stay relaxed when I have the ball.”
      Elanga praises Ronaldo
      Anthony Elanga has praised Man United mentor Cristiano Ronaldo.
      “It’s really good [to have Ronaldo as a mentor] because I go to training quite early and see him there.
      “If we have had a game the day before, we’ll speak about the game or training. He’s a really good person to have around the building, not just because of what he does on the pitch, but what he does off the pitch as well.
      “If we (younger players) need any help we can speak to him, so he’s a really good person to be around.”
      Lindelof congratulates Elanga on achievement
      Victor Lindelof played his part in helping Sweden to a World Cup play-off semi-final win, and then afterwards congratulated his Manchester United teammate Anthony Elanga on making his international debut.
      Lindelof played all 120 minutes as the Swedes defeated Czech Republic 1-0 after extra-time, a tie decided by Robin Quaison’s winner.
      Nineteen-year-old Elanga came on for this Sweden bow with five minutes of extra-time remaining, and afterwards was pictured on social media celebrating with Lindelof.
      And the centre-back went a step further, adding the image to his Instagram story and paying tribute to the teenager with the words: ‘Congratulations on the debut brother. So happy for you.’
      Credit: @ManUtd Twitter
      United must move quickly for Erik
      Manchester United will need to move quickly to secure Erik ten Hag as their new manager – because he is reportedly attracting interest from other clubs.
      Earlier this week, SunSport exclusively revealed that the Ajax head coach was at the top of the pile to be offered the position at Old Trafford, and it has since been confirmed that he has interviewed for the role.
      But according to The Mail, Man Utd will need to be swift in their dealings with Ten Hag as two other European clubs have also spoken to the 52-year-old.
      The other two unnamed sides are said to be Champions League regulars – with one having already tabled an offer to the Dutchman.
      There are also reports in Holland that Ten Hag could stay at Ajax after he signed a new deal only last year following an unsuccessful interview with Tottenham.
      Paris Saint-Germain manager Mauricio Pochettino is the other candidate at the forefront of United’s consideration.

      Parker: Maguire must perform well
      Former Manchester United and England defender Paul Parker believes it is essential that Harry Maguire puts in a good performance when representing his country this weekend.
      International friendlies are often a chance to experiment with tactics and selection, but Parker feels the spotlight will be firmly on the Red Devils captain.
      Maguire has endured a difficult domestic season with many critics calling for him to be dropped from the United first team.
      In an interview with OddsNinja, Parker said: “For certain players, these games are important.
      “They’ve got to treat them as games to get themselves back into the system again, and Harry Maguire needs a good performance for his country because he’s going to be scrutinised by every single football supporter – and maybe even non-football supporters because even they’re gonna want an opinion about his performance for the country.
      “It is really important, and Harry Maguire cannot afford to take his foot off the gas. He has to step forward and show it there.”
      Poch waiting on United call
      Mauricio Pochettino is ‘waiting to hear back’ from John Murtough after holding initial talks with Manchester United’s director of football several weeks ago.
      According to reports in The Express, the PSG boss spoke to Murtough about the upcoming position, but is yet to receive confirmation of an official interview for the role.
      The Argentine coach was a long time favourite for the job, but has now slipped behind Ajax manager Erik ten Hag in the betting.
      And Ten Hag now appears in pole position after he was said to impress United officials at his interview earlier this week.
      Whether Murtogh actually gets round to contacting Pochettino remains to be seen.
      United and PSG in Poch stand-off
      The Glazer family’s unwillingness to pay substantial compensation to land Mauricio Pochettino is another reason why Erik ten Hag is now the preferred candidate to take over at Old Trafford.
      In an intriguing stand off, Paris Saint-Germain officials are considering sacking Pochettino, but don’t want to hand him to United for nothing.
      ESPN report that PSG would rather force the Red Devils into paying a sizeable fee for the Argentine’s services – which United officials are refusing to do.
      The compensation package necessary to bring Ten Hag to the Premier League is understood to be both less costly and less complicated.
      Load more entries… More