transfers Archives - SportBlogg

Liverpool identify Chiesa as Salah replacement – Paper Round

April 21, 2024

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Man Utd could earn millions for Sancho’s Champions League run – Paper Round

April 20, 2024

Man Utd set for Sancho windfall

Manchester United could earn several million from Borussia Dortmund’s UEFA Champions League run.

The club’s success means that as part of their loan deal for Jadon Sancho, they have to pay United as they advance in Europe.

: “Manchester United will pocket extra cash thanks to Borussia Dortmund’s run in the Champions League.

“The German giants beat Atletico Madrid 5-4 on aggregate in the quarter-final to set up a last four clash with Paris Saint-Germain.

“Sancho joined Dortmund in January on loan until the end of the season after a public fall out with Erik ten Hag.

“In the deal that saw the 24-year-old return to his former club, Man Utd inserted clauses that have now been met.

“Should they progress further [in the Champions League], the amount is expected to rise up to £3.4million.”

Zidane keen on United job

Zinedine Zidane would rather join Manchester United than take over at Bayern Munich, according to the Mirror.

The Frenchman has been out of work since 2021 but it seems he is now considering a return to club football.

The paper reports: “Bayern are in the market for a new manager to replace the outgoing Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season. The Bavarian giants had been keen on re-hiring Julian Nagelsmann after Euro 2024, but the 36-year-old has now signed a new contract with the German national team.

“That has set tongues wagging about Zidane, who remains without a job ever since leaving Real Madrid in May 2021. The former midfielder has been linked with several roles over the past three years, and has been approached by the United States, Brazil and Algeria, but has decided to bide his time for the perfect job.

“It has previously been suggested that Zidane does not want to take an international position unless it came with France.

“The arrival of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team at United in February has put Erik ten Hag’s future under the microscope, with United seventh in the Premier League. Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford have drawn up a shortlist of potential replacements for the Dutchman and Zidane is reportedly intrigued by the project at Old Trafford.”

Bayern also want Zidane

The Daily Mail slightly contradicts the idea that Zidane is looking at the United gig, as they report that speculation is mounting that the Frenchman will take over at Bayern Munich

Bayern need to replace Thomas Tuchel at the end of the season, and Julian Nagelsmann is no longer available.

“Bayern Munich are closing in on appointing a new manager, director Max Eberl has revealed, with speculation over Zinedine Zidane being the No 1 choice hotting up,” the paper reports.

“Zidane has remained out of work since departing Real Madrid after his second spell in 2021 but his time out of the dugout looks set to come to an end this summer.

“Indeed, reports have linked him with the imminent vacancy at the Allianz Arena with current boss Thomas Tuchel set to depart at the end of a rollercoaster campaign.

“Julian Nagelsmann, who previously took charge at Bayern between 2021 and 2023, snubbed surprise interest from his former club after penning an extension to stay at the helm of the Germany national team until after the 2026 World Cup.

“That has left Zidane in pole position although Eberl was reluctant to discuss specific names. He did, however, confirm the search was poised to come to an end, with the club keen for the new coach to be in place before the end of the month.”

Chelsea defenders set to leave

The Telegraph reported in their coverage of Chelsea’s semi-final with Manchester City in the FA Cup over the future of two central defenders.

Mauricio Pochettino started both Trevoh Chalobah and Thiago Silva, but the paper stated they are both likely to leave.

Matt Law wrote: “Trevoh Chalobah has just made a great challenge on Kevin De Bruyne.

“Ironic that Chelsea’s two centre-backs today, Chalobah and Thiago Silva, are both likely to leave at the end of the season while Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi, signed by the new regime, are on the substitutes’ bench.”

Zidane on verge of becoming new Bayern boss – Paper Round

April 19, 2024

Arsenal draw up summer transfer shortlist after Bayern defeat – Paper Round

April 18, 2024

Arsenal plan summer overhaul

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is planning to strengthen his forward line next season with a shortlist of names in the frame.

Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sekso, Pedro Neto, Alexander Isak, Nico Williamsand Martin Zubimendi are all suggested by the Mirror.

The paper writes: “Mikel Arteta will be given major funds to help bolster his strike force after Arsenal’s Champions League exit.

“Arsenal have been tracking Sporting Lisbon centre forward Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko and are long term admirers of Alexander Isak but Newcastle are unlikely to sell. Wolves winger Pedro Neto is top of their list of potential wide players but they have also scouted Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams.

“Arsenal also want Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as part of their rebuild and a new partner for Declan Rice.”

Chelsea and more chase Sesko

Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are all keen on RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenian forward is attracting interest after he continued to impress for his Bundesliga side.

The Evening Standard reports: “Arsenal are stepping up their plans to sign a forward this summer, with RB Leipzig frontman Benjamin Sesko on their radar.

“The Gunners are drawing up transfer plans after their Champions League exit at the hands of Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.

“Arsenal will face competition for the 20-year-old Slovenian, with Chelsea and Manchester United also tracking him.

“Sesko’s representatives have been guests at both Chelsea and Manchester United matches this season.”

Lijnders wanted by Besiktas

Besiktas hope to land Pep Lijnders when he leaves Liverpool along with Jurgen Klopp.

The Dutchman is looking for a fresh challenge and the Turkish side sacked Fernando Santos already this month.

The Athletic explains: “Besiktas are the latest club to show an interest in Liverpool assistant manager Pep Lijnders.

“The Turkish club are searching for a new head coach after sacking Fernando Santos earlier this month, and they rate the Dutchman highly.

“Lijnders will leave Liverpool after a decade of service next month when the curtain comes down on Jurgen Klopp’s reign.

“The 41-year-old, who intends to pursue a managerial career of his own, is continuing to assess his options ahead of embarking on a new challenge this summer.

“He has also been linked with Ajax, who appointed John van ’t Schip as interim coach following the departure of Maurice Steijn earlier this season.”

Benitez set for Sao Paulo job

The Sun reports that former Real Madrid boss Rafael Benitez is close to joining Sao Paulo as their new manager.

The experienced Spaniard left Celta Vigo a month ago and is already close to a new gig.

The paper states: “Rafa Benitez is the top candidate to take over as manager at Sao Paulo.

“Former Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle and Everton boss Benitez, 64, has been out of a job for a month after being sacked by Celta Vigo.

“Negotiations have been brokered by super agent Giuliano Bertolucci, who represents some of the best Brazilian players like Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Magalhaes and Marquinhos.

“If Benitez signs with the Brazilian giants then he will be linking up with the same team that denied him the Club World Cup in 2005.”

Man Utd, Liverpool in ‘bidding war’ for Brazilian teen Nunes – Paper Round

April 18, 2024

United join race for Nunes

The Sun reports that Manchester United are the latest side to show an interest in Brazilian teenager Gustavo Nunes.

The 18-year-old forward is attracting attention from around the Premier League.

The paper writes: “Manchester United have joined Arsenal, Manchester City and Liverpool in the bidding war for a Brazilian wonderkid.

“United sent a scout to Brazil to watch Gremio starlet Gustavo Nunes, 18, in action last week during the 2-0 loss to Huachipato in the Copa Libertadores.

“Gustavinho, as he has been nicknamed by fans, only made his senior debut in February but quickly rose through the ranks after impressing manager Renato Gaucho.

“The winger came on as a half-time substitute as he replaced Everton and showed his skills in front of the Red Devils’ representative.”

Shakhtar youngster attracting interest

Shakhtar Donetsk expect to sell their promising young midfielder Georgiy Sudakov with some of the biggest clubs in the Premier League interested.

Serie A’s Napoli have already made an offer in January, but the Ukrainian side are looking to cash in this summer.

The Evening Standard reports: “Shakhtar Donetsk believe £60million-rated midfielder Georgiy Sudakov will “definitely” follow Mykhailo Mudryk in leaving Ukraine for a top Premier League club this summer.

“Arsenal are tipped to make a move for the 21-year-old, who is widely considered the next top talent to emerge from Ukrainian football and has also been linked with Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Liverpool.

“Shakhtar officials have been in London this week as they plan for the summer transfer window, when they expect to lose their star man Sudakov.

“Napoli had a £34m bid for Sudakov, who has 14 Ukraine caps, rejected in January and did not match the £43m counter offer from Shakhtar, which did not include potential add-ons.”

Sancho set for Dortmund transfer

Manchester United expect to sell winger Jadon Sancho to Borussia Dortmund when his loan deal ends.

The player is frozen out at Old Trafford but the club hope to have him on his way out soon.

The Daily Star states: “Manchester United are confident of striking a permanent deal with Borussia Dortmund for Jadon Sancho.

“Sancho returned to Dortmund in January on loan for the rest of the season, following his stand off with United boss Erik ten Hag.

“The German outfit do not have a clause in the agreement which makes it permanent – meaning Sancho will return to United on July 1.

“But United bosses are still determined to sell Sancho, and believe a price can be agreed with the Bundesliga club.

“And while new United investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe is willing to cut his losses on Sancho, he will still demand a fee in the region of £45m for the 23-year-old.”

Toney wants huge pay rise

Ivan Toney hopes that when he moves on from Brentford that he will secure a big increase in his salary.

The Mirror explains that the forward is expected to be sold in the summer and Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea are all linked.

The paper reports: “Ivan Toney is after a pay packet which would see him earn more than Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

“England and Brentford striker Toney is expected to leave his club over the summer, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea previously linked with a swoop in addition to United. The 28-year-old has four goals in 13 club outings since returning from a betting ban, after scoring 20 in the Premier League last season.

“United were keen to add a striker in January but financial restrictions stood in their way. While Toney may fit the bill for manager Erik ten Hag, his reported demands could upset high earner Fernandes.

“Toney is after £250,000 per week, the equivalent of £13m per year. That’s said to be £10,000 per week more than Fernandes, with the demands also potentially standing in the way of a new Brentford deal for Toney.

“Fernandes isn’t United’s highest earner, despite wearing the armband. That honour is understood to belong to Casemiro, with Raphael Varane, Marcus Rashford and out-on-loan Jadon Sancho all on £300,000 or more per week. Mason Mount and Anthony Martial are reported to be on £250,000 per week, though the latter is set to depart in the summer.”

Casemiro leads 10-man group set to leave Manchester United – Paper Round

April 16, 2024

Man Utd set for 10-player clearout

Manchester United could see 10 players leave in the summer, according to the Daily Mail.

Erik ten Hag may not be in charge of the club next season, but he may not be the only departure.

The paper explains: “Whatever fate awaits Erik ten Hag this summer, the number of Manchester United stars making an Old Trafford exit could hit double figures as new co-owners Ineos ring the changes.

“Anthony Martial will leave as a free agent and he could be followed by Raphael Varane and Brandon Williams when their contracts run out in June. United must also decide whether to offer Jonny Evans and Tom Heaton extensions.

“It is anticipated that Sofyan Amrabat will be allowed to return to Fiorentina when his loan expires, with United unlikely to take up an option to sign the Moroccan for £21.4million.

“Industry sources have told Confidential that Casemiro, Antony, Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are among those who could be sold, although there’s an understanding that it won’t be practical to offload too many at one time.

“There are also six players out on loan and Jadon Sancho, Mason Greenwood, Donny van de Beek, Facundo Pellistri, Hannibal Mejbri and Alvaro Fernandez could all make permanent moves.”

Milan keen on Amrabat

As one of the expected Old Trafford departures, Sofyan Amrabat is unlikely to go back to Fiorentina after burning his bridges to force a move.

The Sun believes that AC Milan are a team who could offer him the chance to return to Serie A.

“Sofyan Amrabat’s Manchester United career looks to be coming to a close,” the paper reports.

“Amrabat signed for United following a protracted transfer saga that started before last season had even ended.

“The current front runners for his signature this summer are AC Milan.

“Amrabat has played 23 times for Manchester United, starting in just 24 per cent of those games.

“It’s unlikely that Amrabat would have a future at Fiorentina – having gone on strike to force a move to United.”

Van de Beek will not stay at Eintracht Frankfurt

Eintracht Frankfurt will not move to make Donny van de Beek’s transfer permanent, according to the Mirror.

The Dutchman has not done enough to interest the team in exercising their option to buy him.

The paper explains: “Donny van de Beek will be returning to Manchester United after his nightmare Eintracht Frankfurt spell.

“The Dutch midfielder joined the Bundesliga side on a loan deal until the end of the campaign in January. There was a £9million option to buy inserted in the deal that took Van de Beek to Germany.

“As it stands, it looks like that won’t be activated by Frankfurt.

“The German side have already decided not to sign him on a permanent deal.

“That call is just the latest in a long line of embarrassing moments for Van de Beek in Germany. The midfielder, still just 26, has made just seven appearances for the club this term – four of which have been starts.”

Wrexham want Okonkwo on permanent deal

Wrexham hope to sign Arthur Okonkwo on a permanent deal from Arsenal, the Independent writes.

He is on loan at the Welsh club already and now the side need to prepare for League One.

The paper states: “Okonkwo produced a series of standout performances across the campaign to help the Welsh club earn promotion from League Two.

“With co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney now setting their sights on improving Phil Parkinson’s squad to allow Wrexham to compete in the third tier, securing the 22-year-old permanently is said to be an option.”

Man Utd players delaying decision on future due to Ten Hag uncertainty – Paper Round

April 15, 2024

Man Utd plotting move for £80m-rated Branthwaite – Paper Round

April 14, 2024

TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Heineken Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination. You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media

Tottenham may face AC Milan battle for Fulham defender Adarabioyo – Paper Round

April 13, 2024

Competition grows for Adarabioyo

Tottenham, West Ham, AC Milan and perhaps even Liverpool could move for Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo.

The 26-year-old defender is out of contract in the summer and he is attracting interest from several clubs, reports the Mirror.

The paper writes: “Tottenham and West Ham are going head-to-head for Fulham central defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

“The 26-year-old centre-back is out of contract at Craven Cottage this summer and despite several rounds of talks over a possible extension, he looks poised to depart west London on a free transfer. Italian giants AC Milan are also in the hunt for his signature as they’ve been free to hold discussions with the player and his representatives since January – when Adarabioyo entered the final six months of his deal.

“Fulham tabled a fresh contract proposal to Adarabioyo in March that included a notable and significant pay-rise as Marco Silva is desperate to keep hold of the former Manchester City academy graduate. But even Fulham are now resigned to losing their defender as we approach the final stretch of the matches before the end of the campaign.

“Liverpool have also been credited with an interest but sources have briefed that it would be a major surprise if the 26-year-old ended up at Anfield.”

Blackburn target ex-England ‘keeper

Blackburn Rovers are hoping to sign John Ruddy on a free transfer this summer.

The 37-year-old, who boasts one England cap, could join up with his former Birmingham manager, John Eustace.

The Sun explains: “Blackburn boss John Eustace wants his old ‘keeper John Ruddy to join him on a free next season.

“The 37-year-old’s deal is up at Eustace’s former club Birmingham in the summer.

“The ex-England international joined The Blues in 2022, after leaving Wolves when his contract expired.”

Lazio star wants out

The Daily Star reports that Lazio midfielder Luis Alberto will try to have his contract torn up by his current club.

The former Liverpool player has been a Lazio stalwart since 2016, but has now grown tired of recent struggles.

The paper explains: “Former Liverpool midfielder Luis Alberto has asked for his contract with Lazio to be terminated so he can find a new club.

“Alberto, who was signed by Brendan Rodgers in 2013, had a largely unsuccessful stint at Anfield. After costing the Reds £6 million from Sevilla, the Spaniard made only 12 first-team appearances over three years.

“Despite being a regular for the La Liga side, Liverpool decided to cut their losses in 2016, selling him to Lazio for £4.2m. However, Alberto managed to turn his career around in Serie A.

“Lazio, who are currently seventh in the Serie A table and far from Champions League qualification, have had a challenging season. The recent defeat to Roma in the Derby della Capitale was another low point, leading Alberto to reconsider his future.”

Sa attracts interest

Brighton and Brentford are just two sides who are keen on Porto teenager Gustavo Sa.

The 19-year-old midfielder is also a target for Everton and Leicester City, according to the Daily Mail.

“Brighton and Brentford are among the clubs tracking Portugal U20 attacking midfielder Gustavo Sa,” the paper claims.

“The 19-year old started out at Porto but is now starring for Famalicao, who are currently eighth in the Portuguese top flight.

“He made his breakthrough into the first team last season and has begun to establish himself as a first-team starter this campaign making 22 appearances and scoring two goals.

“He was part of Portugal’s U19 squad that was runner-up in the European Championships last year and has been capped four times at U20 level.

“His potential has caught the eye of a number of clubs this season with Everton and Championship title contenders Leicester City also posting an interest.”

‘You need more options’ – Ten Hag eyes new striker for Man Utd in summer

April 13, 2024