Tottenham new-catch Victor Wanyama has hailed the team’s preseason trip to Melbourne Austaralia for helping him settle fast and get acquinted to his teammates at the London Club. The Kenyan midfielder who joined the club at start of season maintained that the team can read positives from the trip despite suffering back toback defeats against Juventus and Atletico Madrid on Friday clash. Take Positives -This trip has been good – I’ve got to know my team-mates and I’ve enjoyed it. I know the gaffer has worked us hard but it’s been great to be here. It is important for me to get to know my team-mates better and this trip has helped me do that – that’s how you build relationships and team spirit so it’s been really good for that. We can only take positives from this trip – we’ve got some good players here and we’ve played some good football. There are things we can learn from too but we’ll get back on the training ground and work on that, he said as quoted by the club’s portal. Spurs vs Inter Spurs who concluded the trip with Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Madrid are set to fl to Norway where theyll Host Inter Milan on Friday 5 August just a weeks ahead of the start of the EPL 2016 season. They will take on former Wanyama coach Ronald Koeman in their league opener in August. SOURCE: Futaa.com
Cork City will fancy their chances of causing
a Europa League upset over Genk as they return to home soil with a
slender 1-0 deficit.
The League of Ireland side put in an
impressive third qualifying round first-leg showing against their
Belgian Pro League hosts but were undone by Leon Bailey's 31st-minute
goal.
However, they will return to Turners Cross next week hoping to overturn their deficit and advance to the play-off stage.
Just over a month of the summer transfer
window remains as teams from the Premier League and beyond continue to
retool their squads ahead of the new season.
The biggest mooted
deal is Manchester United's move for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba in
what is likely to be the most expensive transfer of all time.
Elsewhere,
Manchester City are edging closer to a number of signings, including
Leroy Sane, while John Stones continues to be linked. And Arsenal could
be tempted to move following Per Mertesacker's injury.
Stay tuned for the latest and you can also read our comprehensive list of done deals here.
If Sam Allardyce wants Paul Clement to come on board as an assistant
to help build the new-look England coaching staff, he’ll apparently have
some resistance from Bayern Munich. Sky Sports claim the German giants will “block any attempt by the FA” to take Clement from his role under boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Clement was among the first names mentioned when Allardyce was set to
take over the national team, with a potential part-time coaching role
in addition to his Bayern job.
Clement, who had a forgettable spell as boss at Derby County, has
worked with Ancelotti at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.
AFP/GettyClement (right) speaks with his boss Ancelotti at Bayern training
Ed Malyon
Arsenal target's release clause revealed
Arsenal target Shkodran Mustafi has a release clause of €50million,
MirrorFootball can reveal, but would sell him for half that as they look
to recoup losses from missing out on the Champions League. Yet
despite Valencia being willing to flog the central defender, the Gunners
are yet to come back again after enquiring as to the German’s
availability. Mustafi, a World Cup winner, is for sale this summer if
any club meets Valencia’s €25million valuation. This is despite
managing to squeeze €55million out of Barcelona for midfielder Andre
Gomes last week.
Alexander Hassenstein
Sporting director Jesus Garcia Pitarch is determined to refresh Pako
Ayestarán’s squad with experienced La Liga players and talented
youngsters, and has plans to use Mustafi’s fee for a domestic
replacement in Deportivo La Coruña’s Sidnei. However, the club’s new
owner, Peter Lim, had budgeted for Champions League football this season
so their disastrous 2015/16 campaign has left them needing to fill a
financial black hole. Arsenal’s enquiry over Mustafi, a player
released by David Moyes at Everton, was welcomed by the Mestalla club as
an opportunity to get some much-needed funds on board. But after telling Arsenal their asking price, Valencia officials have been surprised by the radio silence. The
north Londoners had also been monitoring Joao Cancelo, which Valencia
are aware of, but have not escalated their interest yet.
Cheick it out
There’s a whole heap of Newcastle rumours doing the rounds today.
Next up is a report that the Magpies have turned down bid for Cheick
Tiote from Al Jazira Club.
That’s according to Sky Sports, who claim that the Abu Dhabi team are
cooking up a lucrative three-year deal for the midfielder, but are
unable to so far agree a fee with the Championship side.
The Ivorian missed Newcastle’s friendly at Southend on Tuesday night
as speculation of a move to the Middle East club grew, but he is now
training with the club again.
Action Images via Reuters
Who's going to be sent to Coventry?
Only three-and-a-half hours left, Coventry fans.
Oldham go Green
News of a done deal in League One now, as Oldham Athletic have
announced they have signed former Republic of Ireland midfielder Paul
Green on a one-year deal.
This follows a successful trial at the club, which saw the
33-year-old play 70 minutes of Tuesday evening’s friendly against Wigan.
He was last spotted playing at Rotherham and also has stints at Derby County and Leeds United on his CV.
The Latics will embarking on their 20th consecutive season in the
third flight when the new campaign starts next weekend, which is fairly
impressive when you think about it.
Klopp discusses Sakho axe
Jurgen Klopp has revealed he axed Mamadou Sakho from his squad because of a lack of “respect” from the player.
The Liverpool manager explained sent his French international defender home from the current pre-season tour of America only after he failed to meet at appointed times on THREE separate occasions.
And the German coach insisted that even though the matter is “not
serious”, he will refuse to allow any player to disrupt the spirit and
atmosphere he is trying to build in the Reds squad, or show a lack of
respect to him or the rest of the players.
Klopp added that he will sit down with centre-half Sakho when the club returns from the United States next week, and decide on his future. Read exactly what the Reds boss had to say here.
Liverpool FC via Getty
Real Madrid eye Newcastle midfielder
We’ve seen their players linked with Lazio and Barcelona in today’s
transfer live blog, so it’s no wonder that Real Madrid are in on the act
now.
The latest relegated Newcastle star to be linked with a European bigwig is Moussa Sissoko, who the Telegraph say is attracting flirtatious glances from the European Champions.
They report that Real will pull the trigger on a £30million once
their hopes of landing Paul Pogba disappear when the Juventus midfielder
completes his mooted £100million to Manchester United.
AFP/Getty
Frimpong in the USA
Emmanuel Frimpong’s entertaining career path has taken a new turn,
with the news that the former Arsenal and Ufa midfielder has gone on
trial with Major League Soccer side Sporting Kansas City.
His time at Arsenal included loan spells at Wolves, Charlton and Fulham, before he joined Barnsley ahead of a move to Russia.
“We are trying to look at where he is now. I don’t care what the past
was; it’s where he is now. We’re taking a look at him, just taking a
look at him,” said Sporting Kansas City manager Peter Vermes.
‘Everything is always a trial. Everything is always a trial, always,’ he added.
Frimpong made only six Premier League appearances for the Gunners,
but has a legacy as a cult favourite, mainly because he said ‘dench’ a
lot.
Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC
Bristol City sign Matthews
Bristol City have signed Adam Matthews on a season-long loan deal from Sunderland.
The 24-year-old defender told bcfc.co.uk:
“I’m pleased to have Adam back with us. He did very well at the back
end of last season and certainly fits the bill in terms of quality and
experience at this level.
“He’s still a good age. I know he enjoyed his time here last season
and was delighted to come back, and I know the fans really took to him
as well.”
Lazio in for Newcastle star
Proving that no-one in Europe watches the Premier League, Lazio are
the latest European superpower to be linked with a move for a relegated
Newcastle player.
We saw Perez linked with Barcelona earlier and now the Rome-based
Serie A side have reportedly reached an agreement with the Magpies for
Florian Thauvin, so say Gazzetta dello Sport.
They claim that a permanent deal has been agreed, with Lazio
splashing out €12million on the former France Under-21 international who
made only 12 Premier League appearances last season, before returning
to former club Marseille on loan during the January transfer window.
Serena Taylor
Saints eye double swoop?
It’s never dull during the off-season at Southampton.
Saints have seen a new manager arrive in Claude Puel, while losing
midfielder Victor Wanyama in yet another summer of changing faces on the
south coast.
But they could be set to land some fresh blood in the former of
Barcelona striker Cristian Tello and Malaga midfielder Recio, say the
Sun.
Tello has been habitually loaned out at the Nou Camp, spending the
last two seasons at Porto and Fiorentina and has now decided it’s time
to find a permanent home.
Saints will face competition from Swansea for the 24-year-old, while Recio will act as a replacement for Wanyama.
Getty
Wolves to pip Liverpool to Portugal starlet?
Liverpool could be beaten to the signing of Anderson Talisca by Championship side Wolves, according to A Bola.
The Reds are believed to have an interest in the Benfica forward but
Wolves are reportedly considering him as a marquee signing following
their takeover.
Talisca is thought to be valued at around £20million by the Portuguese club.
It is believed that Wolves have already secured a work permit for Talisca and a deal could be pushed through shortly. Read the rest of this morning’s Liverpool gossip here.
Getty
Bilic discusses West Ham's striker seatch
Slaven Bilic insists West Ham won’t splash the cash on a big-name striker just for the sake of it.
And Bilic
admitted they have now changed the type of player they are looking for
after being left frustrated in their attempts to land a marquee name.
The Hammers had set aside £30m to spend on a top 20-goal a season frontman to bolster their squad.
But so far they have been unable to land one despite making approaches for Michy Batshuayi , who joined Chelsea, Liverpool’s Christian Benteke, Lyon’s Alexandre Lacazette and AC Milan’s Carlos Bacca.
One stumbling block for the Hammers has been the fact most of their targets are holding out for Champions League football. Adrian Kajumba has more here.
West Ham United via Getty
Get excited Coventry fans...
If you’re a fan of Coventry City then you’ve got six-and-a-bit hours
of clock-watching as the club have just announced that they will be
revealing their next signing at 5pm this afternoon.
Did we need to know that? Undoubtably not.
Liverpool not in for Willems?
Liverpool are not trying to sign Jetro Willems, according to ESPN.
The Reds were reportedly keen to seal a move for the Dutch full-back
but sources close to the player have reportedly revealed that the
interest is actually non-existent.
Signing a new left-back is believed to be one of the top priorities
for Jurgen Klopp this summer but he reportedly has no plans to try and
land Willems.
However, Willems is said to be ready to consider a move away from PSV Eindhoven, as he enters the final year of his contract.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos
Crouch set for Swans?
Swansea are looking a tad bare up front, with Bafetimbi Gomis set to
join Marseille, which means the Welsh side are being linked with a
number of strikers.
Leicester’s Leonardo Ulloa was a name that came up yesterday, while
the rumour mill has now moved on to Peter Crouch, with Francesco
Guidolin’s men being linked with a £3million swoop for Stoke big man
Peter Crouch.
The former England striker has a year left on his deal at the Bet365
Stadium (still not used to that one) and has been slipped down the
pecking order at the Potters in recent times.
Clive Mason
Liverpool reignite Jese interest?
Liverpool could reignite their interest for Real Madrid forward Jese Rodriguez, according to The Sun.
The Reds have previously shown a willingness to sign the Spanish
international - and he is now reportedly free to leave the the Bernabeu.
Jese is believed to be keen to go out and find more regular game time
elsewhere in the European game after starting just seven La Liga
matches last season.
Zinedine Zidane can’t offer him a more regular role next season and
it is believed that the Frenchman will listen to offers for him.
However, Real will reportedly prefer a loan deal.
Arsenal to go in again on Lacazette?
Arsenal will make an improved offer for Alexandre Lacazette, according to L’Equipe.
The Gunners have already had an offer of £29.3million turned down
this summer but reports suggest they will be willing to make one more
increased bid.
It is thought that Arsenal will offer around £33million for the striker’s services.
Lyon are adamant that they do not want to sell one of their key men
meaning the Gunners’ battle to sign the front man could continue until
the end of the summer.
Howe about that?
Eddie Howe could become Arsene Wenger’s successor at Arsenal, according to the Daily Star.
The Bournemouth boss has reportedly been named as one of the potential replacements for Wenger when he decides to call it a day.
Howe’s incredible record with Bournemouth, including keeping them in
the Premier League against the odds last season, has seen his stock rise
considerably.
Wenger is entering the final 12 months of his current deal at Arsenal
and, while there is no suggestion he will leave next summer, Gunners
chiefs are considering their next move should he depart.
It is believed that Arsenal bosses would not have stood in Wenger’s
way if he wanted to become England manager when his contract was up.
Jordan Mansfield/Getty
Everton prepping for Stones departure?
With the John Stones to City talk cranking up in volume, Everton are beginning to be linked with defenders galore.
Sunderland man Lamine Kone is the latest name in the frame, with the
Sun reporting that the Toffees are readying a £14million bid for the
former Lorient man.
They say Stones’ departure will be sanctioned by new Everton chief
Farhan Mashiri once Toffees boss Ronald Koeman has sorted out a
replacement for the Manchester City-bound centre-back.
Action Images via Reuters / Lee Smith
Arsenal move for Mustafi?
The Gunners are believed to have made contact with the agent of
Mustafi last week as they assess their options ahead of the new season.
Arsene Wenger has admitted that Arsenal could do with signing a new centre-back.
Germany international Mustafi is reportedly free to leave Valencia if the offer is right and the Gunners are considering a move. Read the rest of today’s Arsenal gossip here.
Alexander Hassenstein
Pogba price set?
Manchester United have agreed to pay £112million to complete the transfer of Paul Pogba, according to The Sun.
United are believed to have wrapped up negotiations with Juventus
after agreeing to pay £92million to the Serie A champions and £20million
to agent Mino Raiola.
A ‘top Juventus source’ is alleged to have revealed that it is a done deal.
Pogba will become the first player in history to cost a nine-figure transfer sum in the new world record transfer deal.
But... the Guardian says a deal is not yet sorted.
They suggest that United have offered £100million and are hoping to wrap up negotiations before the weekend.
It contradicts other reports, with some suggesting that a fee has been agreed and Pogba is set to sign on the dotted line.
Pogba is currently enjoying a holiday with pals in the USA, but was joined by his agent Mino Raiola earlier in the week. Read the rest of today’s Manchester United gossip here.
REUTERS
Man United kids to be loaned out?
Jose Mourinho is set to send a host of Manchester United youngsters out on loan, according to the Daily Mail.
James Wilson is likely to be first out of the door, following on from
his loan at Brighton last season, as he looks to gain further
first-team experience.
Defender Tyler Blackett is also expected to be told that he can go an
experience football outside of Manchester, just as he did with a recent
spell at Celtic.
Goalkeeper Kieran O’Hara is also expected to be told that he can leave on loan once again.
Mike Hewitt
Man United eye ex-Arsenal youngster?
Manchester United have joined West Ham and Valencia in the race to sign Oguzhan Ozyakup, according to Deporte Valenciano.
The 23-year-old Turkish midfielder was once a member of the Arsenal
youth set-up but departed England in 2008 in order to join AZ Alkmaar.
However, he has been playing for Besiktas since 2012.
West Ham boss Slaven Bilic worked with Ozyakup during his time in
Turkey but it is believed that United are also monitoring his movements.
Ozyakup has 23 Turkey caps and will reportedly be free to leave Besiktas for £16.8million.
Burak Kara
Perez to Barca?
Barcelona don’t buy many players from the Championship, but that could soon change.
That’s because they are reportedly closing in on a deal to land Newcastle forward Ayoze Perez, reckon the Daily Mail.
He’s unlikely to break up the Leo Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar
frontline, but the will instead offer back up, after they have struggled
to bring in a series of transfer targets this summer.
Perez made 34 Premier League appearances last season, netting six goals.
AFP/Getty
This morning's back pages
We’ve been up far too today (thanks International Champions Cup), so have been scouring this morning’s back pages for the best transfer lines.
The Sun lead with just how much Paul Pogba will cost Manchester
United, while Barcelona have been linked with a move for a Newcastle
player. No, really.
Fernando Llorente has also been linked with a move to the Premier League, which would have been exciting four years ago. Read the full round-up here.
And here’s what the back of the Daily Mirror looks like:
RVP to Rangers?
Former Man United and Arsenal striker Robin Van Persie could be in line for a shock move to Rangers.
The 32-year-old is currently with Fenerbahce but the Dutch legend is desperate to leave Turkey.
The hitman – who played against Celtic last season in the Europa
League – was left out of the squad for tonight’s Champions League
qualifier as his side beat Monaco 2-1 at home.
That fuelled further rumours that he is heading for the exit door
after moving to Turkey in July last year following his departure from
Man United. Read the full story here.
Getty
Hogan quashes Leicester talk
Scott Hogan has rubbished talk linking the Brentford striker with a move to Premier League champions Leicester City.
The Foxes were reportedly running the rule over the Bees frontman,
who impressed in the final seven games of the season after returning
from 18 months on the sidelines with two anterior cruciate ligament
injuries.
And Hogan insisted that he hasn’t given the speculation a second though and is purely focused on Brentford, reports getwestlondon.
I have nothing to say on any rumours. People need to fill pages. I’ve
made seven appearances. I’m a Brentford player. It’s stupid to consider
any rumours.
Until you see from the club that something has
happened, it’s stupid. We want to focus on playing football and getting
to the Premier League. It doesn’t affect me and I’ve not given it a
second thought.”
Rafael van der Vaart set for Reading switch?
Jaap Stam has confirmed Dutch superstar Rafael van der Vaart made contact with Reading FC asking for a move to the club.
Speaking after Royals’ kit launch, Stam revealed the 109 cap former
Spurs and Real Madrid star had initiated talks with Royals, rather than
the other way round.
The 33-year-old star is understood to be keen to re-join his former international team-mate Stam at the Madejski Stadium, reports getreading.
Getty
Darren Lewis
Spurs forward set for Marseille switch
Tottenham forward Clinton N’jie is set to finally complete his loan move to Marseille.
The Cameroon international is understood to have received a French
visa which will allow him to seal the move with a view to a permanent
deal.
N’jie had been reluctant to leave Spurs but the club made it clear to
him that his first-team chances would be severely restricted had he
stayed.
Once his switch is complete Marseille are ready to sign off on the
deal to send their player, winger Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, to Spurs for
£10.9m.
Bryn Lennon/Getty Image
Darren Lewis
Berhaino transfer saga takes another twist
Stoke chairman Peter Coates has confirmed the club are still determined to sign £25million West Brom striker Saido Berahino.
Mirrorfootball revealed earlier this week that the Potters are
ready to take the battle for the 22-year-old marksman to the wire
following a £23million bid from Crystal Palace.
Coates said: “[Saido Berahino] is on our list. We would like to do something.
“We’re in the hands of the player and West Bromwich Albion at
the minute and we’re working away on it. We would like to take him if a
deal can be done.”
Tony Marshall
Darren Lewis
Chelsea bid £38million for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly
Chelsea have moved ahead of Everton in the battle for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly with a fresh £38million bid.
The two clubs have been competing for the Senegal defender for several weeks with the 25-year-old keen to move to England.
After falling out with his club over a new deal, Koulibaly is
ready to listen to offers from both clubs but Chelsea boss Antonio Conte
is determined to land him.
The Blues have also been linked with Lazio’s Stefan De Vrij and Roma’s Kostas Manolas.
John Terry will be at Conte’s disposal for his debut season in
charge, which should ease the loss of Kurt Zouma, who is currently
sidelined with a knee injury.
AFP/Getty
David McDonnell
City confident of signing Stones
Manchester City are confident of signing John Stones – but are keeping tabs on Leonardo Bonucci if Everton demand too much for their prized asset.
City are in negotiations with Everton about a move for Stones and are willing to pay £40million for the England defender who Pep Guardiola has made his top summer target.
That is £10m short of Everton’s minimum £50m valuation of the
23-year-old who has told the Goodison Park club of his desire to leave
and join up with Guardiola.
If Everton hold out for that figure or more, City are ready to switch their interest to Juventus centre-back Bonucci, regarded as one of the world’s finest defenders.
Guardiola is an admirer of Italy defender Bonucci,
but Stones remains the City boss’s top defensive target, with ongoing
doubts over the long-term fitness of skipper Vincent Kompany.
Wilfried Bony has been mentioned as a possible makeweight in
the Stones deal, but Everton would prefer a straight cash deal with
City.
Dave Kidd
Brighton bid for Blackburn defender Duffy
Brighton have tabled a £3.5million bid for Blackburn’s Republic of Ireland defender Shane Duffy.
Duffy, who starred at Euro 2016, is likely to leave Ewood Park
this summer with Premier League clubs Swansea and Middlesbrough having
also shown an interest.
But Chris Hughton’s Seagulls have led the way with a concrete offer for the 24-year-old former Everton man.
Reuters
Pato joins Villarreal
Brazilian striker Alexandre Pato has joined La Liga side Villarreal.
Unwanted by both Corinthians and Chelsea, where he spent last
season on loan, this really is last chance saloon for the former
wonderkid.
tweet
Arnautovic agrees new Stoke deal
Great news for Stoke fans.
Marko Arnautovic has agreed a new deal at the Britannia and will be around for the next four years.
Everton had been sniffing around, so that’s a real victory for Mark Hughes.
Bournemouth delighted with Smith deal
Bournemouth chief executive Neill Blake is thrilled to have landed Brad Smith.
“I am delighted to confirm that we have completed a deal to bring Brad to the football club,” he said. “Brad broke through at Anfield last season and impressed whenever he was called upon. “He
is another excellent young player that we believe can progress under
Eddie and Jason’s guidance, but he also brings with him experience of
playing at the highest level in both the Premier League and on the
international stage with the Socceroos. “It is an exciting time for us as we bring yet another promising prospect into our progressive squad.”
Action Images via Reuters / Paul Burrows
key event
Bournemouth sign Smith from Liverpool
We have a Premier League done deal, friends!
Bournemouth have confirmed the signing of Brad Smith, who joins for an undisclosed fee from Liverpool.
The 22-year-old has penned a four-year deal with the south coast club.
Interesting signing for the Cherries.
Jacob Murtagh
Besiktas eye Balotelli
Mario Balotelli is currently training with the kids at
Liverpool, while the first-team squad jet around California for frankly
stupid money-spinning friendlies against other Premier League sides.
But the Italian still has admirers - namely Besiktas president
Fikret Orman, who told Turkish magazine Fanatik that he wants t bring in
the controversial Italian.
“Mario Balotelli is the type of footballer that our fans can associate themselves with.
“I’m pretty sure he would attract great attention.
“To
be fair, if he wasn’t deemed as a trouble-maker, he wouldn’t be
rumoured to be joining us. But we can show some effort and create
solutions for Balotelli’s infamous troubles.
“I think he can change with the attention and care he’ll receive in Turkey.
“In short, we want Mario Balotelli and he wants us too.”
Birmingham City land ex-Liverpool defender
Birmingham City have swooped for former Liverpool defender Daniel Cleary.
The 20-year-old centre-back was released by the Reds at the end
of last season following five-years at the club, during which time he
became a Republic if Ireland international.
Cleary never made it further than the first-team bench at
Anfield and will join the development squad at St Andrew’s following a
successful trial.
Daniel will add a little bit of steel and defensive aggression to the team,” said development squad boss Beale. “Obviously
he’s come from Liverpool where all the players can handle the ball well
and we hope that Daniel can put it all together consistently for
Birmingham City Football Club.”
Jacob Murtagh
Brentford land Leicester defender
Brentford have agreed a deal to sign Leicester left-back Callum Elder on loan. The 21-year-old impressed at Peterborough last season but has opted to continue his development a division above with the Bees. Dean
Smith’s side have been on the lookout for a new left-back since Jake
Bidwell joined Championship rivals QPR earlier this month.
Plumb Images
key event
Pato signs for Villarreal
A done deal now, as Corinthians have confirmed that former Chelsea loan flop Alexandre Pato has joined Villarreal.
The Brazilian side have sold their 60 per cent stake of his
ownership rights in the former AC Milan forward, who now jets off to
Spain where he will try to do better than the one goal in two games that
he managed at Stamford Bridge.
What about that other 40 per cent of his rights, I hear you ask?
The Little Duck owns them himself.
AFP/Getty
Napoli yet to agree Milik deal
Because that Gonzalo Higuain cash won’t spend itself, Napoli continue to be linked with players across the continent.
Polish striker Arkadiusz Milik is the latest name to come up,
but the Ajax man’s agent has told Gazzametcato that no deal is done -
yet.
“It is true that I have been in Amsterdam with Milik and it is
also true that I’ve been in Naples to discuss things with Napoli
directors,” he said.
“But we haven’t signed anything and nothing is certain whatsoever.”
The agent also insisted that Milik will play in Ajax’s Champions League qualifier against PAOK next week.
AFP/Getty
key event
Mascherano agrees new Barca deal
Spain next, where Barcelona are having a busy day.
Not only have they been showing off their shiny new toy in the
shape of Andre Gomes to the world, but they’ve also just announced that
Javier Masherano has agreed a new three-year deal with the club.
That will keep the Argentinian defender at the Nou Camp until he is 35.
This comes after el jefecito (the little boss) did
some pretty full-on flirting with Juventus earlier this summer, as he
claimed that Barca were blocking his move to the Serie A champions.
Swansea eye Ulloa?
Swansea City have made a move for Leicester striker Leonardo Ulloa, according to Sky Sports.
The Argentinian striker was part of the Foxes side that won the
Premier League last season, but found himself mostly restricted to the
bench and with the arrival of Ahmed Musa, is likely to fall further down
the King Power pecking order.
The Swans have a need upfront, with Bafetimbi Gomis putting the
finishing touches to a move to Marseille, while Alberto Paloschi has
joined Atalanta.
Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty
Guzan to Boro?
Aston Villa goalkeeper Brad Guzan could be on the way to promoted Middlesbrough, according to reports.
The 31-year-old has a year remaining on his deal with the
Villans and according to Sky Sports, is on the lookout for a new club
after being deemed surplus to requirements at Villa Park.
Boro have already swooped for Victor Valdes this summer so
Guzan would likely complete with Dimi Konstantopolous as back-up behind
the former Barcelona stopper.
And wouldn’t you know it - Villa and Boro meet on Saturday for a pre-season friendly.
AFP/Getty
Icardi going nowhere
Italy next, where the dominos continue to fall following the Gonzalo Higuain deal.
Freshly-minted Napoli had been linked with a move for Inter
Milan skipper Mauro Icardi, who has also interested Arsenal in the past.
But Inter president Erick Thohir has said the 23-year-old is going nowhere.
“We’re not going to sell Icardi. We’ve received offers – from Napoli too – but we’re not going to sell him,” he told Inter Channel.
“We extended his contract a year ago. We’re like a family and
we can always talk if there are problems or discuss what we’d like to
achieve together in future.
“He’s our captain and an important player for us. We’re very happy with him.”
Real Madrid have agreed to let Jese Rodriguez leave the Bernabeu - and Arsenal are reportedly interested in his services.
The 23-year-old wants more first-team football after starting
just 11 La Liga matches last term, and Zinedine Zidane is willing to let
the forward move on.
Spanish outlet Marca say Los Blancos will listen to offers, although they would still prefer to send Jese out on loan.
Liverpool have also shown an interest, while suitors across Europe will likely emerge now his availability has been revealed. Read the rest of today’s Arsenal gossip here.
Higuain-inspired quiz fun
Gonzalo Higuain has been mobbed by Juventus fans following his
£75million move from Napoli, where he has become the third most
expensive player of all-time.
And with talk of Paul Pogba going to Manchester United for
£100million, it got us thinking about the biggest transfer fees in
history.
The logical next step to go from here was to formulate a quiz to test your knowledge of the transfer fee world record. Click here for that - and no cheating.
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Sheffield United sign Leon Clarke
Down to League One, where Sheffield United have landed striker Leon Clarke.
The 31-year-old joins from Bury on a three-year deal after the two sides agreed an undisclosed fee.
He becomes the Blades’ seventh summer signing and boss Chris Wilder is pleased to get his man.
“We are delighted to secure his signature, we’ve worked hard to get Leon over the line,” he told the club’s official website.
“He is widely recognised as one of the top centre forwards in
the division and he will complement what we already have in our strike
force.
“We have youth, legs, ability, pace and experience and all can
score goals. Leon is experienced and knows the division very well, he we
will lead the line and the added bonuses are that he is a good
character and still has the desire to achieve.”
Barca show off Andre Gomes
Barcelona are currently showing new signing Andre Gomes off.
The 22-year-old is being presented to the media after sealing his move from Valencia.
Gomes has become Barca’s fourth signing of the summer, following the arrivals of Denis Suarez, Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne.
He made a total of 77 appearances in his two seasons at the Mestalla, scoring nine goals in the process.
Gomes featured five times for Portugal at Euro 2016, but
remained on the bench for the entirety of their dramatic victory over
France in the final.
Arsenal and Spurs to duke it out?
Arsenal are preparing to battle north London rivals Tottenham for the signature of Toulouse striker Wissam Ben Yedder.
That is according to French publication Canal+, who say the duo are both interested in the hotshot’s services.
Ben Yedder hit 17 goals in 35 Ligue 1 appearances last term and
Arsene Wenger is keen to strengthen his frontline as the Gunners look
to end their Premier League title drought.
West Ham have also been linked with a move for the France Under-21 international.
Getty
Liverpool see Mario bid rejected?
Liverpool have had a £33.5million bid for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario rejected.
That is according to The Sun, who say Jurgen Klopp is keen to add Mario to his Reds squad as a replacement for Joe Allen, who has left for Stoke.
However, the Portuguese outfit are holding out for closer to £50million for the playmaker who shone for Portugal at Euro 2016.
Chelsea have also been linked, but Inter Milan have semingly emerged as Liverpool’s closest rivals for the player’s signature.
Getty
City suffer striker blow?
Borussia Dortmund have moved to quash rumours that striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is set to join Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola is a known admirer of the Gabon international and City showed an interest earlier this summer, before the chances of a deal receded, report that Manchester Evening News .
But reports about the striker’s future resurfaced over the weekend, leading to Dortmund sporting director Michael Zorc has moved to reiterate the club’s stance.
“All these rumours have already followed us this summer,” he told Bild. Read the full story here.
Rex Features
key event
Wenger in for a defender
Arsenal
boss Arsene Wegner had admitted that the club are looking to bring in
some experienced cover at the back, following the news that Per Mertesacker has been ruled out for ‘months’ with a knee injury.
The German centre-back underwent surgery in Germany yesterday
after picking up an injury in the 1-1 draw against Lens on Friday
evening, with Wenger unsure how long the 31-year-old will be sidelined
for.
“I know you will ask me for how long he will be out. I don’t
know that, it’s [some] months, but I don’t know [exactly] how long he
will be out for,” he said in a press conference ahead of the Gunners
clash against an MLS All-Stars side in San Jose on Friday evening.
With Gabriel not on the US tour because of illness and Laurent Koscielny on an extended break following Euro 2016 , the Gunners are extremely short of experienced defenders. Read the full story here.
David Price
Could Real Madrid gazump Man United over Pogba?
Zinedine Zidane has claimed Real Madrid could gazump Manchester United in their world record pursuit of Paul Pogba.
United are determined to make Pogba their marquee signing this
summer, despite having had an intial bid of £86m rejected by Juventus.
The Reds are set to make a fresh bid of £92m for the France midfielder, but Madrid coach Zidane raised the prospect of the Spanish giants stepping in to beat United to his signature. Zidane said: “I don’t know if he will come. Until the 31st of August anything can happen. Everyone is interested in Pogba. “ David McDonnell has more here.
Mike Hewitt
Zlatan turned down Beckham's MLS invite
Zlatan Ibrahimovic has confirmed that he turned down the opportunity to play in Major League Soccer before signing for Manchester United . The Swede
became the Red Devils’ second summer signing on 1 July, penning a
one-year contract at Old Trafford with the possibility of an extension.
That ended to rampant speculation over Ibrahimovic’s future – and put paid to the hopes of clubs stateside.
The striker says he knew of interest from MLS and was even
contacted by David Beckham – an old team-mate at Paris Saint-Germain – about a move to the latter’s Miami franchise , which could join the league in the years ahead. Read the full story here.
Getty
Matuidi up for grabs
Blaise Matuidi has been told that he can leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer amid interest from Manchester United.
The French midfielder is also believed to be wanted by Chelsea and Juventus, who are both monitoring his situation, report the Manchester Evening News.
Matuidi has two years to run on his current deal at the Parc
des Princes, but he is understood to have told his agent that he would
like to experience football outside of France.
He would cost in the region of £30million.
Jose Mourinho is believed to have identified Matuidi as a
potential backup plan, should a move for Paul Pogba fail to materialise.
Mike Hewitt
Mkhitaryan: I'm not guaranteed starts
Manchester United new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan admits he will not be an automatic choice at Old Trafford.
The Armenian was snapped up by the Red Devils earlier this month in a £26.3million move from Borussia Dortmund , after being voted Bundesliga Player of the Season last term.
The 27-year-old netted with 23 goals and carved out 32 assists
for Dortmund last season, but he knows that he faces a fresh challenge
to establish himself as an automatic pick.
“It doesn’t matter if they buy me for £38m or £40m, I’m not guaranteed to play the games,” he said.
“So I’m trying to do my best during the training to earn this
place to play and then we’ll see, because I don’t think I’ll play every
game. It depends on the tactical situation, on the opponent, but I’ll do
everything to try and help the team. Read more from the United newbie here.
Man Utd via Getty
Sacko's Liverpool future in doubt
Mamadou Sakho’s Liverpool future is hanging by a thread after he was sent home from their pre-season tour in America.
Boss Jurgen Klopp has expressed serious concerns about the
player’s attitude around the squad during the intensive training camp.
And defender Sakho is facing showdown talks over his future next week once Klopp returns from the USA.
By taking such an uncompromising stance
against one of his most senior – and most popular – players, the German
coach has made clear that he will accept no challenges to his rule.
There seems no way back for Sakho now, with the manager acting
to root out what he saw was a problem as he looked to get his squad down
to serious business in California. David Maddock has more here.
James Whaling
Wednesday eye Watford dyo
Sheffield Wednesday are closing in on Watford duo Almen Abdi and Daniel Pudil. Midfieder
Abdi completed a medical at Hillsborough last night and is expected to
be announced as an Owl today after the clubs agreed a £3million fee. Left-back
Pudil starred for Wednesday on loan last season and posted a cryptic
tweet suggesting he could be back on his way to South Yorkshire amid
reports a deal with the Hornets was edging closer. The Czech posted: “I’m on my way to...” Pudil played 42 times in the Owls’ promotion tilt last term.
Napoli eye Darmian swoop?
Napoli want to spend some of the £75million they received from selling Gonzalo Higuain on Manchester United defender Matteo Darmian, according to reports in Italy.
The Serie A giants flogged the Argentine to Juventus for a
whopping fee, and are keen to reinvest the cash on their first-team
squad.
Darmian is rumoured to be surplus to requirements at Old
Trafford since Jose Mourinho’s arrival, and has been linked with moves
to Chelsea and Juventus.
However, according to Gazzetta dello Sport, Napoli are now the front-runners to secure the services of the full-back.
Action Images via Reuters / Carl Recine
Chelsea and Everton set to duke it out
Chelsea and Everton are set to go head to head for another player - £30million-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.
The two Premier League clubs are already competing for 25-year-old Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly. Everton
majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri - whose millions tempted manager
Ronald Koeman away from Southampton this summer - has so far been
prepared to match anything offered by the Londoners to land Senegal
international Koulibaly.
And now the two Premier League rivals also share an interest in Carvalho. Darren Lewis has the full story here.
UEFA via Getty
Pogba medical cancelled?
Mino Raiola has cancelled Paul Pogba’s Manchester United medical, according to reports in Spain.
The Old Trafford club have agreed personal terms with the
France midfielder and a fee with Juventus, but there is currently an
impasse between Raiola, Pogba’s agent, and United over his enormous
commission.
While United still expect the deal to get done, Raiola has
moved to startle the Premier League giants by cancelling a medical that
was booked in Miami.
Madrid-based sports daily AS claimed that Pogba was due to have
a full check with Dr Italo Linfante of the Miami Cardic and Vascular
Institute. The full story can be found here.
REUTERS
Lyon name their price for Lacazette
Lyon have told Arsenal they will have to pay £40million plus bonuses to sign striker Alexandre Lacazette.
The French club set out their terms BEFORE Arsene Wenger moved for the 25-year-old with a bid of just £29.3m (€35m).
Lyon have confirmed that the Gunners’ offer has been received, and rejected.
West Ham also saw their bid of £32m for Lacazette turned down last month.
Despite Lyon’s claim on Tuesday that the player is “irreplaceable”, £40m is a fee at which they will do business. Darren Lewis has more here.
Alexandre Lacazette
Morning all
Good morning folks and welcome to another new day of transfer goodness.
With little more than a month of the window remaining, things are really starting to heat up.
Manchester City are nearing set to bring in not one, not two,
but three wonderkids, while their neighbours United are still working to
land Paul Pogba for a record fee.
A sum of £100million is being banded around - and perhaps that
is closer now that Juventus have a splashed the cash on Gonzalo Higuain,
who they landed for €90million from Napoli yesterday in the biggest
deal of the window so far. Higuain underwent a medical in Spain last week and has now sealed his big move, signing a five-year deal with the club.
The Argentinean forward has agreed a four-year deal that will
tighten Juve’s grip on Serie A by stripping rivals Napoli of the
country’s best player last season.
Higuain scored a stunning 36 league goals in 2015/16, equalling the Italian record for the most in a top-flight campaign.
Liverpool, Arsenal and Atletico Madrid had all shown interest in the 28-year-old but Napoli held firm on their valuation. Read the full story on Higuain’s move here and then settle in for another day of gossip, rumours and done deals as they happen. Maurizio LaganaSOURCE; MIRROR
Reports: Jack Wilshere set for Arsenal return
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Former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere has held talks with the north
London side on one of its vacant academy coaching roles. Under 23 manager
Per Mertes...
AZAM KUUVAA MFUPA ULIOTEMWA NA SIMBA, YANGA
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*Mwandishi wetu;*
*UONGOZI wa Klabu ya Azam umethibitisha kuwa kesho Jumatano kikosi chake
kitashuka dimbani kucheza na mabingwa wa Afrika, Mamelodi Sundow...
