Chelsea consider swap deal with Villa, Man Utd’s three-striker shortlist – Paper Round

Duran-Gallagher swap?

Aston Villa want £40m for Jhon Duran and could consider selling the striker to Chelsea as part of a swap deal for midfielder Conor Gallagher, the Guardian reports. Chelsea are seeking £50m for the England international, whose contract expires next year, and Villa boss Unai Emery is said to be keen on the player.

Duran, meanwhile, is not part of Emery’s plans, although it may be a difficult deal to negotiate.

The Guardian adds: “Villa have held informal talks with Chelsea over a move for the 24-year-old. But sources close to Villa believe Gallagher is unlikely to agree to being part of a swap deal.

“That would not stop Chelsea, who have a good relationship with Villa, from pursuing Durán. Chelsea want more competition for Nicolas Jackson, who was often the only fit striker this past season, and their top target was believed to be Benjamin Sesko, who is poised to snub interest from Premier League sides and commit to another year at RB Leipzig.

“Sesko’s decision will not cause too much disruption at Chelsea, who have shortlisted several strikers. They are open to signing a forward already playing in the Premier League and have held informal discussions over Durán, who has been frustrated to play second fiddle to Ollie Watkins.”

Man Utd’s three-man striker shortlist

Manchester United’s top three striker targets this summer are Ivan Toney, Jonathan David and Joshua Zirkzee, according to ESPN. United are short in the striker department with Anthony Martial leaving, and they are hopeful of finding strong competition for Rasmus Hojlund.

ESPN adds: “Zirkzee enjoyed a good season with Bologna, scoring 12 goals in 37 games. The 23-year-old, who spent time at Bayern Munich earlier in his career, has a £34 million ($43.2m) release clause in his contract.

“Toney and David are of particular interest because they are about to enter the final year of their contracts at Brentford and Lille, respectively.

“Sources have told ESPN that Brentford will demand more than £50m for Toney, who is part of England’s squad at Euro 2024.”

Six Liverpool signings ruled out

Liverpool are not in the market for six players they have been linked with this summer, the Liverpool Echo reports. The local paper lists Ollie Watkins, Florian Wirtz, Ederson, Yankuba Minteh, Goncalo Inacio and Alan Varela as players the club will not be pursuing.

New Liverpool boss Arne Slot will be working under Michael Edwards, Julian Ward and Richard Hughes when it comes to shaping the club both on and off the field, with recruitment set to play a big part in this initial stage post-Jurgen Klopp.

On two players Liverpool won’t sign, the Echo writes: “Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is one such instance. The forward enjoyed his best season for the Midlanders scoring 27 goals in 53 appearances and spearheading their march to a Champions League place. And while Liverpool are said to have been interested previously, at 28 and with a price tag that would surely go well beyond £70m, then it’s no wonder that the club aren’t currently pursuing a deal for the Englishman.

“Florian Wirtz shares a lot of similarities with Watkins, scoring 18 goals and notching 20 assists for Bayer Leverkusen as they went unbeaten on their way to a Bundesliga title under Xabi Alonso. But with an asking price mooted to be upwards of £100m and playing in a position for which Liverpool aren’t currently in the market, he’s not a target for the club as things stand.”

Luiz to Juventus close

Juventus could offer both Weston McKennie and Samuel Iling Jr to Aston Villa as they look to get a deal over the line for midfielder Douglas Luiz, the Daily Mail reports. Villa want £50m for the player and are eager to get the deal dune before the end of June, but Juve are hoping to include players as part of their offer.

The Mail writes: “Mail Sport previously revealed that the Villans were open to selling the Brazilian midfielder, among others, in a bid to stay within the Premier League spending limits.

“The cut-off point for the accounting period for the 2023-24 season is June 30, meaning Luiz could be allowed to leave before the end of the month.

“The 26-year-old has two years left on his current deal in the West Midlands with Juventus leading the race to acquire his signature.”

Ronaldo hits brace as Portugal sign off ahead of Euro 2024 in style

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal emphatically beat the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in their final game before Euro 2024.

The 39-year-old’s 129th and 130th international goals capped a successful send-off for Portugal, who dominated possession and the chances from the outset.

Joao Felix scored the first goal, after Ireland were caught sleeping at a corner, and if anything five half-time changes only grew the chasm between the two teams, despite three of those new faces being defenders.

Ronaldo, who played the full game, doubled Portugal’s lead with a brilliant shot arrowing into the top corner and made it 3-0 10 minutes later, finishing off a chance Diogo Jota’s tenacity and vision created.

Portugal head off to Germany on a winning note and face the Czech Republic in their first game of the European Championship on Tuesday. Ireland’s season is over, but the search for a new permanent manager continues to drag on.

picture

Portugal’s forward Cristiano Ronaldo celebrates scoring his second goal with Portugal’s forward Diogo Jota

Image credit: Getty Images

Talking Point – Ronaldo slots in nicely

Can you fit a 39-year-old Ronaldo – never known for his defensive work and now playing club football in Saudi Arabia – into a cohesive team unit? That’s the question facing Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who publicly backed Ronaldo and his defensive efforts before this game, and the evidence of Ronaldo’s 90 minutes on the pitch backed him up.

The lack of questions Ireland posed Portugal certainly helped. But even before the two goals – both taken brilliantly – Ronaldo’s interplay with his team-mates had stood out, with combination play on the right between him, Fernandes and Diogo Dalot causing Ireland a lot of problems.

Expect the debate to rumble on, especially when Portugal face better opposition with a more ambitious plan to expose any lack of tracking back from Ronaldo and the Portuguese attackers at large, but tonight was an excellent one for Ronaldo.

Player of the Match – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Player Ratings

Portugal: Costa 6, Dalot 7, Antonio Silva 6, Pepe 7, Inacio 6, Cancelo 7, Joao Neves 8, Fernandes 8, Felix 6, Ronaldo 8, Leao 6. Subs: Danilo 6, Semedo 6, Mendes 7, Ruben Neves 7, Jota 7, Nunes n/a.

Ireland: Kelleher 7, Coleman 5, O’Brien 6, Scales 5, O’Shea 5, Brady 4, Cullen 5, Smallbone 6, Parrott 4, Szmodics 4, Idah 4. Subs: Cannon 6, Johnston 5, O’Dowda 5, Knight 4, Doherty 5, Sykes n/a.

Match Highlights

GOAL! PORTUGAL 1-0 IRELAND (FELIX) 18′ – Just seconds after being denied by a fine Kelleher save, Felix scores! Portugal take the corner short, Fernandes passes to an unmarked Felix and he is allowed to swivel and shoot into the far corner.

OFF THE POST! 22′ – Ronaldo hits a free kick from 35 yards, it takes a deflection off the wall which leaves Kelleher stranded and comes back off the post.

GOAL! PORTUGAL 2-0 IRELAND (RONALDO) 50′ – Ronaldo traps a long ball dead, makes space with a step-over which confuses Scales and then cracks a left-footed shot into the top corner. Brilliant goal.

GOAL! PORTUGAL 3-0 IRELAND (RONALDO) 60′ – Ronaldo grabs his second – thanks largely to Jota. Smallbone and Coleman look to have stopped him on the left, but Jota reacts first to a moment of confusion, advances and tees up Ronaldo with a lovely outside-of-the-boot pass. Ronaldo makes no mistake with the first-time finish.

CHANCE! 74′ – Ronaldo – unmarked as he was ahead of play arguing with Kelleher – is picked out by Semedo, who was in front of him after making waves down the right, but Ronaldo shoots just wide. That was the hat-trick chance.

Key Stat

Portugal v Republic of Ireland – International Friendly LIVE

Follow the International friendlies live Football match between Portugal and Republic of Ireland with Eurosport. The match starts at 6:45 PM on June 11th, 2024.

Catch the latest Portugal and Republic of Ireland news and find up to date International friendlies standings, results, top scorers and previous winners.

Football fans can read breaking Football news headlines, interviews, expert commentary and watch replays. Keep up with what’s happening in the Premier League, Champions League and other competitions.

Make Eurosport your go-to source for sports online from football to tennis, cycling, snooker and more. Enjoy the best of this season’s top sports competitions.

Ronaldo hits brace as Portugal sign off ahead of Euro 2024 in style

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Portugal emphatically beat the Republic of Ireland 3-0 in their final game before Euro 2024.

The 39-year-old’s 129th and 130th international goals capped a successful send-off for Portugal, who dominated possession and the chances from the outset.

Joao Felix scored the first goal, after Ireland were caught sleeping at a corner, and if anything five half-time changes only grew the chasm between the two teams, despite three of those new faces being defenders.

Ronaldo, who played the full game, doubled Portugal’s lead with a brilliant shot arrowing into the top corner and made it 3-0 10 minutes later, finishing off a chance Diogo Jota’s tenacity and vision created.

Portugal head off to Germany on a winning note and face the Czech Republic in their first game of the European Championship on Tuesday. Ireland’s season is over, but the search for a new permanent manager continues to drag on.

Talking point – Ronaldo slots in nicely

Can you fit a 39-year-old Ronaldo – never known for his defensive work and now playing club football in Saudi Arabia – into a cohesive team unit? That’s the question facing Portugal manager Roberto Martinez, who publicly backed Ronaldo and his defensive work before this game, and the evidence of Ronaldo’s 90 minutes on the pitch.

The lack of questions Ireland posed Portugal certainly helped. But even before the two goals – both taken brilliantly – Ronaldo’s interplay with his team-mates had stood out, with combination play on the right between him, Fernades and Diogo Dalot causing Ireland a lot of problems.

Expect the debate to rumble on, especially when Portugal face better opposition with a more ambitious plan to expose any lack of tracking back from Ronaldo and the Portuguese attackers at large, but tonight was an excellent one for Ronaldo.

Player of the match – Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)

Two good goals – both scored with his weaker foot – and an impressive performance all around on the occasion of Ronaldo’s 207th international cap.

Player ratings

Portugal: Costa 6, Dalot 7, Antonio Silva 6, Pepe 7, Inacio 6, Cancelo 7, Joao Neves 8, Fernandes 8, Felix 6, Ronaldo 8, Leao 6. Subs: Danilo 6, Semedo 6, Mendes 7, Ruben Neves 7, Jota 7, Nunes n/a.

Ireland: Kelleher 7, Coleman 5, O’Brien 6, Scales 5, O’Shea 5, Brady 4, Cullen 5, Smallbone 6, Parrott 4, Szmodics 4, Idah 4. Subs: Cannon 6, Johnston 5, O’Dowda 5, Knight 4, Doherty 5, Sykes n/a.

Match highlights

GOAL! PORTUGAL 1-0 IRELAND (FELIX) 18′ – Just seconds after being denied by a fine Kelleher save, Felix scores! Portugal take the corner short, Fernandes passes to an unmarked Felix and he is allowed to swivel and shoot into the far corner.

OFF THE POST! 22′ – Ronaldo hits a free kick from 35 yards, it takes a deflection off the wall which leaves Kelleher stranded and comes back off the post.

GOAL! PORTUGAL 2-0 IRELAND (RONALDO) 50′ – Ronaldo traps a long ball dead, makes space with a step-over which confuses Scales and then cracks a left-footed shot into the top corner. A brilliant goal.

GOAL! PORTUGAL 3-0 IRELAND (RONALDO) 60′ – Ronaldo grabs his second – thanks largely to Jota. Smallbone and Coleman look to have stopped him on the left, but Jota reacts first to a moment of confusion, advances and tees up Ronaldo with a lovely outside-of-the-boot pass. Ronaldo makes no mistake with the first-time finish.

CHANCE! 74′ – Ronaldo – unmarked as he was ahead of play arguing with Kelleher – is picked out by Semedo, who was in front of him after making waves down the right, but Ronaldo shoots just wide. That was the hat-trick chance.

More to follow…

NFL startet Ticketverkauf für München am 25. Juni

Die NFL-Spiele in Deutschland waren zuletzt ein Publikumsmagnet. In diesem Jahr steht wieder eine Partie in München an – in zwei Wochen beginnt der Kartenverkauf.

Die NFL kehrt zurück: Diesmal heißt es Giants gegen Panthers in München.

Die NFL kehrt zurück: Diesmal heißt es Giants gegen Panthers in München.

IMAGO/USA TODAY Network

mehr zur NFL

Football-Fans in Deutschland bekommen erneut die Gelegenheit auf Tickets für ein NFL-Spiel in Deutschland. Am 25. Juni (12.00 Uhr) beginnt der Vorverkauf für die diesjährige Partie in München, wie die NFL am Dienstag mitteilte. “Die stetig wachsende Zahl an NFL-Fans und das wachsende Interesse an der NFL in Deutschland und Europa stimmen mich sehr positiv, und wir erwarten wieder einen großen Ansturm auf die Tickets”, sagte NFL-Deutschland-Chef Alexander Steinforth. Die Partie zwischen den New York Giants und den Carolina Panthers wird am 10. November in der Münchner Fußball-Arena ausgetragen.

Alle Spiele bislang ausverkauft

2022 hatte die Deutschland-Premiere in München stattgefunden. Für die beiden Spiele, die im vergangenen November in Frankfurt ausgetragen wurden, gab es über drei Millionen Kartenwünsche. Alle NFL-Saisonspiele in Deutschland waren bislang ausverkauft. Bei der Verkaufsphase in zwei Wochen dürfen Kunden maximal vier Karten pro Person erwerben. Die Nachfrage dürfte das Angebot erneut massiv übersteigen.

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Der dienstälteste Head Coach bleibt: Steelers verlängern mit Tomlin

Mike Tomlin, der dienstälteste Head Coach der NFL, hat einen neuen Vertrag bei den Pittsburgh Steelers unterschrieben.

Mike Tomlin geht in seine 18. Saison als Head Coach der Pittsburgh Steelers.

Mike Tomlin geht in seine 18. Saison als Head Coach der Pittsburgh Steelers.

IMAGO/ZUMA Wire

Einen neuen Dreijahresvertrag hat der 52-Jährige bei der Franchise unterschrieben, womit er bald in seine 18. NFL-Saison startet – seit 2007 ist Tomlin Head Coach der Steelers und somit der dienstälteste seines Fachs in der NFL.

“Mike Tomlins Führungsqualitäten und sein Engagement für die Steelers waren während seiner ersten 17 Jahre als Head Coach ausschlaggebend für unseren Erfolg”, lässt sich Steelers-Präsident Art Rooney II in einer Erklärung zitieren. “Die Verlängerung seines Vertrages um drei weitere Jahre spiegelt unser Vertrauen in seine Fähigkeit wider, das Team zurück zum Gewinn von Playoff-Spielen und Meisterschaften zu führen und gleichzeitig unsere Erfolgstradition fortzusetzen.”

Mit den Steelers gewann Tomlin 2008 den Super Bowl XLIII, was ihm als Assistent Coach bereits 2002 mit den Tampa Bay Buccaneers gelungen war. Er ist der jüngste Head Coach, der einen Super Bowl gewann, und führte die Steelers außerdem zu bislang sieben Titeln der AFC North.

Der siebte Titel ist das Ziel

Tomlin ist erst der dritte Head Coach der Steelers seit 1969 und hat eine Bilanz von 173-100-2 (.633) in der Regular Season. Seine 173 Siege in der Regular Season sind die zweitmeisten unter den aktiven NFL-Headcoaches. In der abgelaufenen, turbulenten Steelers-Saison hatten sich allerdings Gerüchte um seinen Abgang gerankt. Diese beseitigte er nun.

“Ich bin dankbar für diese Vertragsverlängerung und Art Rooney II für seine Unterstützung während meiner ersten 17 Jahre in Pittsburgh”, wird er zitiert. “Wir arbeiten weiterhin fleißig daran, dorthin zurückzukehren, wo wir hingehören – in die Play-offs. Mit dem Ziel, die siebte Lombardi Trophy der Franchise zu gewinnen. Ich freue mich sehr darauf, die Saison 2024 zu beginnen und unseren Fans ein unvergessliches Jahr zu bieten.”

Man Utd cool Pochettino interest, join Arsenal in targeting Bologna forward – Paper Round

Man Utd no longer want Poch

Manchester United have cooled their interest in Mauricio Pochettino, according to The Times. United had previously targeted Thomas Tuchel, who was reported to have turned down the role on Monday.

And with Erik ten Hag’s future still unclear, it appears Pochettino will not be replacing the Dutchman in the dugout after Sir Jim Ratcliffe took the former Chelsea, PSG and Tottenham boss off of his list.

The Times added: “The Argentinian was included on a shortlist last month when United started reviewing Erik ten Hag’s position as manager. The club are yet to decide whether to ditch Ten Hag — their post-season review is still under way — but if they opt to make a change, the recently sacked Chelsea head coach is unlikely to be given the job.

“The club spoke to the 52-year-old at the end of the season, having also interviewed him in 2022, when United appointed Ten Hag instead. Pochettino took over at Stamford Bridge in May last year and struggled initially, but led Chelsea to sixth position, three points and two places above United.”

Arsenal and Man Utd eye Zirkzee

Arsenal and Manchester United are both monitoring Dutch forward Joshua Zirkzee, according to the Daily Mail. The 23-year-old joined Bologna from Bayern Munich in 2022.

Zirkzee’s release clause could make him an attractive option for clubs this summer, but Arsenal and United could find they have competition in the form of AC Milan.

The Mail adds: “Zirkzee netted 11 goals in 34 league games to help fire his side to fifth place and a spot in next season’s UEFA Champions League.

“But Zirkzee – who also provided four Serie A assists – may not still be at the Stadio Renato Dall’Ara by the time Bologna embark on their first elite European campaign since 1964.

“He is in high demand and has a modest £34m release clause in his current contract.”

TAA in line to start for England

Trent Alexander-Arnold is in pole position to start England’s first match at Euro 2024 against Serbia on Sunday, the Telegraph reports. Alexander-Arnold is set for a midfield role at the Euros, and could partner Declan Rice in England’s opener.

The Liverpool player was given England’s No 8 shirt “for a reason”, a source told the Telegraph, and that could see Alexander-Arnold start ahead of Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton.

The Telegraph writes: “England manager Gareth Southgate also has Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton competing for the spot next to Rice, but a source said: “A lot can change, obviously, but Trent was given the No 8 shirt for a reason.”

“Alexander-Arnold only played for just over half-an-hour as a substitute against Wales in the Qatar World Cup in 2022 and missed England’s March friendlies against Brazil and Belgium through injury, when Southgate had hoped to look at him in midfield.

“But the Liverpool man played and scored in the warm-up win over Bosnia, starting in the centre of midfield, and also made an appearance as a substitute in the defeat by Iceland.”

Brighton set for appointment as Leicester make Potter No 1

Brighton are set to announce 31-year-old Fabian Hurzeler as their new manager this week.

The Guardian writes: “The German, who has been compared to Julian Nagelsmann and is known for his data-driven approach, is understood to have agreed terms to replace ­Roberto De Zerbi after Brighton identified him as their preferred choice. They have secured a work permit in anticipation of confirming that Hurzeler will take over.”

Meanwhile, the Guardian also claim that Leicester have made former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter their No 1 target after Enzo Maresca left the Foxes.

The Guardian adds: “Potter’s reputation is still high thanks to his work at Brighton, despite his underwhelming period at Stamford Bridge. Potter has bided his time since leaving Chelsea, recently holding talks with Brighton, after receiving interest from the Dutch club Ajax.”

Netherlands v Iceland – International Friendly LIVE

Follow the International friendlies live Football match between Netherlands and Iceland with Eurosport. The match starts at 6:45 PM on June 10th, 2024.

Catch the latest Netherlands and Iceland news and find up to date International friendlies standings, results, top scorers and previous winners.

Football fans can read breaking Football news headlines, interviews, expert commentary and watch replays. Keep up with what’s happening in the Premier League, Champions League and other competitions.

Make Eurosport your go-to source for sports online from football to tennis, cycling, snooker and more. Enjoy the best of this season’s top sports competitions.

Transfer News LIVE – Man Utd set Sancho asking price, Brighton edge closer to Hurzeler appointment

MAN UNITED VALUE SANCHO AT £40M

Manchester United want £40million for out-of-favour winger Jadon Sancho, according to BBC Sport.

The 24-year-old found a new lease of life on loan at Borussia Dortmund last season, as the Germans reached the UEFA Champions League final.

United want to sell Sancho, but it is understood that Dortmund are keen on striking another loan deal.

Image credit: Getty Images