Man Utd and Everton face competition in surprise race for Leicester hero

Wilfred Ndidi is wanted by a string of clubs (Picture: Getty Images)

The future of Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi could become one of the surprise transfer sagas of the summer, with a number of clubs interested in him.

The 28-year-old joined the Foxes from Genk in January 2017 for £17m and they have got decent value for money out of the Nigeria international.

Ndidi has made 303 appearances for Leicester in all competitions, winning the FA Cup in 2021.

The midfielder has been a regular in the team for years but now looks set to leave after Leicester were relegation from the Premier League last season.

Due to dropping down to the Championship, his release clause is set at just £9m and the vultures are circling.

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TalkSPORT report that Manchester United, Everton and Juventus have all shown an interest in what could be a bargain signing.

The new addition to the race for Ndidi is Spanish outfit Real Betis, while there is also thought to be interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Ndidi won the FA Cup with Leicester in 2021 (Picture: Getty Images)

The Nigerian is under contract at the King Power until 2027, signing a new deal just last year.

He was attracting interest as a potential free transfer last summer, with Everton one of the clubs tracking him then, but the Foxes persuaded him to sign a new three-year contract.

That deal included the bargain release clause of just £9m if Leicester were relegated from the Premier League, which they duly were.

Wilfred Ndidi's Premier League record

Apps: 220

Goals: 7

Assists: 14

Yellow Cards: 42

Red Cards: 2

It is far from clear where Ndidi will move to, although a move away from Leicester certainly looks likely given how cheaply he is available.

While Manchester United are reportedly interested, Ndidi will not be a priority signing in a summer that sees the Red Devils trying to strengthen in a number of areas.

Their focus is currently on completing a deal for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, having already signed Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

Ndidi has won 66 caps for Nigeria (Picture: Getty Images)

Everton will need to bring in a midfielder this summer after Abdoulaye Doucoure left the club on a free transfer after five years at Goodison Park.

The 32-year-old made 166 appearances for the Toffees and remained a key player last season as he turned out 36 times across all competitions.

The void he has left will need to be filled and David Moyes may well hope Ndidi can help do that, although the Leicester man does play a touch deeper than Doucoure.

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Bayern Munich join race for Liverpool star as Reds face big transfer decision

Bayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany is tracking Luis Diaz (Picture: Getty Images)

The battle to sign Luis Diaz this summer has seen a new challenger enter the fray, with Bayern Munich interested in the Liverpool winger.

The future of the 28-year-old has been a topic of discussion this summer after Barcelona made an approach earlier this month.

Liverpool rejected that move, but that has not snuffed out transfer talk, with Saudi side Al Nassr also interested in the Colombian.

Sky in Germany now report that Bayern are also fans of Diaz and have begun to explore whether a deal can be done.

The Reds rejecting Barcelona’s approach for Diaz suggests they are not interested in selling him this summer, but it has not been entirely ruled out.

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The left-winger has two years left on his contract at Liverpool and, given his age, the Reds will never get as much for him as they could do this summer.

The former Porto star played a big part in Liverpool’s dominant Premier League title win last season, playing 36 league games, scoring 13 goals and providing five assists.

Diaz played a big part in Liverpool’s Premier League title win last season (Picture: Getty Images)

It would be a big decision to sell Diaz after the contribution he made over the last campaign, but Arne Slot does also have Cody Gakpo to play on the left wing.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher says he was leaning towards wanting to see Diaz sold during this transfer window, but has changed his mind.

‘If I’m being honest, for the majority of this season up until Christmas, I was thinking you sell Diaz in the summer,’ Carragher told Sky.

‘The way he’s played and the way Liverpool’s front line might change and with the fact that he can play through the middle in the manager’s eyes, he’s now going to stay and I think it might be other players who move on in the front line rather than Diaz.’

Diaz joined Liverpool from Porto in January 2022 for an initial £37.5m (Picture: Getty Images)

Diaz spoke about the transfer speculation surrounding him earlier this month, saying he is more than happy at Liverpool, but admitted there has been contact with other clubs.

‘I’m very happy there at Liverpool, I’ve always said so. They’ve welcomed me very well,’ Diaz said when asked about links with Barcelona.

‘We’re in contact with them [Liverpool] right now because we’re obviously talking to clubs. It’s normal.

‘The transfer market is opening, and we’re trying to arrange what’s best for us.’

Luis Diaz Premier League record

Apps: 82 (21)

Goals: 29

Assists: 15

When asked about renewing his contract with Liverpool, Diaz replied: ‘As I told you, I’m waiting for it to happen.

‘If Liverpool gives us a good renewal or I get the two years I need with them, I’ll be happy and content.

‘It all depends on them, I’m just here to decide and look at what’s best for us.’

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Chelsea beat Newcastle in race for Joao Pedro with big-money deal agreed

Joao Pedro is on his way to Stamford Bridge (Picture: REUTERS)

Chelsea have won the race to sign Brighton striker Joao Pedro, agreeing a deal worth ‘in excess of £50m,’ according to reports.

Newcastle were also interested in the Brazil international during this transfer window, but the Blues have got their man.

The Athletic report that a fee has been agreed with the Seagulls that is north of the £50m mark and personal terms were no problem.

Pedro was keen on the move to Stamford Bridge and has agreed a seven-year contract with Chelsea, running until 2032.

Pedro moved to Brighton from Watford in 2023 for £30m and had two solid, if not spectacular, seasons with the Seagulls.

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His two Premier League campaigns produced 19 goals in 58 appearances, while he netted 30 goals in 70 outings across all competitions.

He won his first of three Brazil caps in 2023 but is yet to find the back of the net for his country.

Enzo Maresca has more options in attack in his Chelsea squad this summer (Picture: Getty Images)

Pedro’s move is yet to be confirmed, with a medial still to be carried out, but there is not expected to be any issue and the striker is likely to join his new teammates at the Club World Cup in America.

Chelsea are revamping their options in attack this summer having already signed Liam Delap from Ipswich Town for £30m.

The 22-year-old has already scored his first goal for the club during the Club World Cup and will hope to play regularly over the coming season.

Liam Delap got on the scoresheet against Esperance de Tunis (Picture: Getty Images)

Nicolas Jackson remains at the club, but his future is in doubt after the arrival of Delap and the incoming Pedro.

In a surprise twist, Arsenal have reported to hold an interest in Jackson as they continue their search for a new striker this summer.

The Gunners are looking to sign at least one centre-forward, with Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko the two likeliest candidates.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins remains a possibility, while Jackson has emerged as a possibility, but seems the least likely of the four after two inconsistent seasons with Chelsea.

Nicolas Jackson could be on the move this summer (Picture: AP)

The Senegal international has scored 30 goals in 80 appearances across all competitions since his move from Villarreal.

At times he has looked very threatening and certainly has plenty of impressive attributes, but his finishing has been questioned and has missed a lot of chances in a Chelsea shirt.

Christopher Nkunku has also been linked with an exit after an underwhelming season last time round during which he struggled to hold down a place in the starting XI.

Pedro vs Jackson vs Delap

Premier League records

Joao Pedro

Apps: 89 Goals: 22 Assists: 10

Nicolas Jackson

Apps: 65 Goals: 24 Assists: 10

Liam Delap

Apps: 39 Goals: 12 Assists: 2

Another signing is expected to be completed in the near future at Stamford Bridge, with Jamie Gittens set to arrive from Borussia Dortmund in a £55m deal.

The Blues are not rushing the deal as Gittens has already featured for Dortmund in the Club World Cup, meaning he would not be able to play for Maresca in the United States.

But Gittens may still link up with his new Chelsea teammates in the US, with the Blues preparing the second part of his medical.

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Crystal Palace set new price for Liverpool and Arsenal to sign Marc Guehi

Marc Guehi is expected to leave Crystal Palace this summer (Photo: Getty)

Crystal Palace have reportedly set a new price tag for Marc Guehi as Liverpool step up their interest in the England star.

Following their Premier League triumph, Liverpool have been splashing the cash this summer, bringing in Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong for just shy of £200million.

They could yet sign a striker but their priority is to bring in a new centre-back with England U21 star Jarell Quansah set to join Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth £35m.

The situation is somewhat pressing as Arne Slot only has three senior centre-backs, namely Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate, with the latter out of contract next summer and talks over a new deal not progressing.

Guehi has emerged as their top target after captaining Palace to their best ever Premier League season and FA Cup glory in 2024/25 and, according to the Mirror, the Reds will open talks with the Eagles and the player this weekend.

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Arsenal are also interested in the 24-year-old who has entered the last 12 months of his contract and was the subject of big money bids from Newcastle and Tottenham last season

The Magpies failed to meet Palace’s £70m valuation last summer and while Spurs did, their offer came far too late in the January window to be considered.

Jarell Quansah is set to leave Liverpool for Bayer Leverkusen (Photo: Getty)

While it is said Guehi is willing to run down his deal if a prospective buyer does not guarantee regular first-team football, Palace do not wish to lose such a valuable asset on a free transfer.

The report adds that Oliver Glasner’s side still value the defender at £70m but know that no club will bid that given his contract situation.

As a result they now want at least £40m but will hold out for as much as possible given that Chelsea have a 20 per cent sell-on clause in his contract.

Eberechi Eze is a target for Arsenal and Tottenham (Photo: Getty)

The Blues sold their academy graduate to Palace in 2021 for £18m and have been linked with re-signing him in the past, but their interest has cooled of late.

If Guehi does move to Anfield his first game for his new club will, ironically, be against his old one, with Liverpool taking on Crystal Palace in the Community Shield on August 10.

The south Londoners are also bracing themselves for Arsenal or Tottenham to make a bid for talisman Eberechi Eze, who has a £68million release clause.

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Former Manchester United prospect to join Burnley on a free transfer

Scott Parker is bringing in more defensive experiences (Picture: Getty Images)

Burnley are set to snap up Axel Tuanzebe on a free transfer after his contract with Ipswich Town comes to an end.

The 27-year-old joined the Tractor Boys in 2023 and made 22 appearances in all competitions in his first season as they were promoted to the Premier League.

The defender remained a regular in the first team in the top flight, making 22 Premier League appearances as Ipswich were relegated back to the Championship.

The Athletic report that he was offered a new contract at Portman Road, but he will continue his career in the Premier League.

Newly-promoted Burnley are on the verge of signing him up, with the defender undergoing a medical at Turf Moor.

The DR Congo international can operate at right-back, which is where he mainly turned out for Ipswich, or in the heart of defence.

The Clarets will offer Tuanzebe the chance to play for his fourth team in the Premier League after Manchester United, Aston Villa and Ipswich.

Axel Tuanzebe leaves Ipswich after two seasons at Portman Road (Picture: Getty Images)

Tuanzebe made his professional debut with Manchester United as a 19-year-old in 2007 after coming through the club’s academy.

He would remain a Red Devils player until 2023 but spent a lot of time out on loan, with three short-term spells at Aston Villa and stints with Napoli and Stoke.

The 2020-21 season with Manchester United saw him feature reasonably regularly, making 19 appearances in all competitions, but in total for the Red Devils he only ever played 37 times.

Tuanzebe was offered a new contract by Ipswich but turned it down (Picture: Getty Images)

He will join a Burnley defence that worked wonders in the Championship last season under Scott Parker.

The Clarets conceded just 16 goals in 46 games as they finished second in the Championship with 100 points.

A record-equalling 30 clean sheets came along the way and Burnley did not concede more than one goal in any game.

Burnley's 2024-25 Championship Record

Games: 46

Won: 28

Drawn: 16

Lost: 2

Goals For: 69

Goals Against: 16

Clean sheets: 30

Points: 100

Parker hopes that his miserly defence will help the team achieve success in the top flight as they did in the Championship.

‘It’s probably the bedrock and hopefully a summit that has been ingrained in us now. It’s a habit for us,’ he said.

‘Of course, we go up a level where the tests will come thick and fast and we understand that. But after coming out of a big season where we’ve been pretty remarkably defensively, we’ll see where that takes us.’

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Man Utd set new transfer fee for Chelsea to sign Alejandro Garnacho

Manchester United want to sell Alejandro Garnacho this summer (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have set a new transfer fee for Chelsea to sign Alejandro Garnacho this summer, according to reports.

Garnacho is one of several players United want to sell during this summer’s transfer window to trim Ruben Amorim’s squad and make room for incoming signings.

Christian Eriksen, Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans were all released at the end of the season.

Garnacho is one of a number of players that have been put up for sale alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Antony.

Argentina international Garnacho was once one of the most highly-rated players at Old Trafford but now looks set to leave the club.

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The 20-year-old blew hot and cold last season and Amorim was unhappy with his performances in training, omitting him and Rashford from his squad for the Manchester derby in December.

Amorim reportedly informed Garnacho that he was free to leave before United’s final game of the season and made it known in front of the entire squad that the winger would be moved on.

Ruben Amorim has sanctioned Garnacho’s exit (Picture: Getty)

That would not have come as a huge surprise to Garnacho as Manchester United were in talks with multiple clubs in January over his transfer exit.

Chelsea and Napoli expressed interest in a deal during the winter window and both have indicated they are willing to make moves for Garnacho this summer.

Manchester United had hoped to land £60m for the Argentine but there is now an acceptance that £40m is a more realistic figure, according to the Daily Mirror.

Garnacho-Amorim row has sealed his Man Utd exit

The cast and circumstances are different, but the brewing tension between Ruben Amorim and Alejandro Garnacho is already drawing parallels with another ugly stand-off that engulfed the club not long ago.

Jadon Sancho’s very public falling out with Erik ten Hag in August 2023 signalled the end of his time at the club – even if United are still scrambling to remove him from their books.

The former Borussia Dortmund winger was accused of failing to meet the required standards in training – something Garnacho is certainly not guilty of with Amorim praising the Argentine for his determination and eagerness to adapt to his methods earlier this year.

But openly challenging his manager’s decisions is a rotten look. We will never know what might have happened had Garnacho started against Tottenham but the winger has been as guilty as anyone of missing big chances this season. Arguing he has played every round of the knockout stages leading to the final is a valid one – but just one goal in the Europa League this season suggests Amorim’s decision had its own merits. Garnacho can and should be doing more, something he and his brother may have overlooked as the red mist descended last night.

The bigger picture is Garnacho has openly defied his manager at a moment where the club is reeling, staggering towards the end of a disastrous season that has broken records in mediocrity.

United cannot afford to let the tension draw out like it did between Sancho and ten Hag. And with the club desperate to raise additional funds in the summer transfer window, one of their tougher decisions may have just got a little easier.

Tony Mogan | Assistant Sports Editor, Metro

Potential suitors are fully aware that United are looking for a sale, weakening their negotiating position, and that Garnacho is keen to move on.

He risked the wrath of Manchester United fans last weekend when he posted a picture on social media wearing an Aston Villa shirt while on holiday in Ibiza.

United have not commented on the incident but it is claimed the stunt has led them to double their efforts to sell him.

Amorim was already unhappy at Garnacho and his brother after they criticised his tactics following the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham.

Who else will Manchester United sell?

Any money raised by Garnacho’s sale would be deemed as pure profit under PSR guidelines given his status as an academy graduate.

Garnacho joined the Old Trafford academy in 2020 after spending a number of years in Atletico Madrid’s youth teams.

Rashford’s likely transfer will also be deemed as pure profit, though his next destination remains far from clear.

The 27-year-old is still believed to be ‘dreaming’ of a move to Barcelona but the La Liga club’s imminent deal for Nico Williams has complicated matters.

A return to Aston Villa, where he spent the second-half of last season, remains a possibility but the Midlands club will need Rashford to take a pay cut.

Manchester United are also struggling to find landing spots for Sancho and Antony, partly due to their lucrative wages.

Real Betis want to re-sign Antony following his impressive form in Spain last season, while Juventus and Napoli have registered interest in Sancho.

Sancho hoped to earn a permanent move to loan club Chelsea but the Blues decided to pay Manchester United a £5m penalty to send him back to Old Trafford.

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Tottenham urged to consider move for £52m Man Utd transfer target

Tottenham could join the race for one of Manchester United’s transfer targets (Picture: Getty)

Tottenham have been urged to replenish their attacking options by making a move to sign one of Manchester United’s top transfer targets this summer.

It’s a summer of change in north London after Spurs decided to sack Ange Postecoglou despite the Australian’s successes in the Europa League.

Former Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has arrived as his replacement, and will be tasked with improving Tottenham’s league fortunes after a dismal 17th-place finish last campaign.

As Frank looks to put his own spin on the squad, the Dane had sought to bring Bryan Mbeumo with him to Tottenham, but the Cameroon international appears to prefer a move to United instead.

However, both clubs could be involved in another transfer battle this summer, with Steffen Freund urging his former club to pursue a deal to sign Chelsea wantaway Christopher Nkunku.

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Nkunku looks set to leave Stamford Bridge in pursuit of regular first-team football after two largely unsuccessful seasons at Chelsea.

The potential of a swap deal with United’s Alejandro Garnacho has been reported in recent days, while Arsenal have also been credited with interest in a deal for Nkunku.

Christopher Nkunku is likely to leave Chelsea this summer (Picture: Getty)

But Freund believes that Spurs should consider a move for the 27-year-old and is confident that Frank could breathe new life into Nkunku’s fortunes in the Premier League.

‘Tottenham need another attacking option,’ the former Spurs midfielder told Hochgepokert.

‘I’d look at Christopher Nkunku if I were them – he can make the difference.

New Tottenham manager Thomas Frank has been told to consider a move for the Frenchman (Picture: Getty)

‘He can play in behind the striker and up front, he’s already at Chelsea. He did an outstanding job at RP Leipzig; he’s currently underperforming but there’s a great player in there.

‘Mathys Tel is a good signing, he can play up front, and, on the wing, he’d link up well with Nkunku.’

Alongside the signing of Tel, Tottenham have agreed a deal with J. League side Kawasaki Frontale for 20-year-old Japan defender Kota Takai. 

The club are also interested in a deal for Eberechi Eze and are long-time admirers of Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo.

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Man Utd dealt transfer blow as AC Milan make offer for £34m target

Ruben Amorim is eyeing summer reinforcements (Picture: Getty)

Manchester United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Ardon Jashari after AC Milan made an offer for the Club Brugge midfielder, according to reports.

United are plotting their latest summer rebuild after a miserable campaign last time out under Ruben Amorim.

Matheus Cunha has already arrived from Wolves, but the Red Devils are in the market for several more signings ahead of next season.

Central midfield is one area where the Red Devils are keen to replenish, particularly after the depature of Christian Eriksen, with Jashari emerging as a potential target in recent weeks.

The 22-year-old Swiss midfielder’s superb season with Club Brugge domestically has attracted interest from several top clubs around Europe, including Manchester City.

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According to the Mirror, United have held early talks with Jashari’s representatives as they mull over an official bid to sign the impressive youngster.

But Amorim’s side may have to act quickly to secure Jashari’s services, with widespread reports suggesting Milan have already lodged an initial £25.6million bid to sign the midfielder.

Ardon Jashari is wanted by United (Picture: Getty)

Club Brugge do not need to sell, with Jashari under contract until the summer of 2029, and are likely to demand a fee of around £34m package (€40m) to let go of their prized asset.

Speaking at the end of last season about his future, Jashari said: ‘My last game didn’t really feel like a farewell at Jan Breydel Stadium.

‘I still have a long-term contract. But in football, you never know what will happen.’

Amorim needs to bolster his midfield options (Picture: Getty)

Currently, United’s full focus appears to be on signing Brentford attacker Bryan Mbeumo to bolster their attacking options.

The Red Devils had an initial offer rejected by Brentford but have returned with an improved bid worth more than £60m for the Cameroon international.

Other high-profile signigs this summer may have to be funded by departures, with several high-earning United players already on the chopping block.

Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford have both fallen out with Amorim and look set to depart, while Jadon Sancho and Antony are also expected to leave after returning from their respective loans.

Rasmus Hojlund could also depart Old Trafford, too, with Napoli interested in a deal for the misfiring striker.

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Napoli respond to transfer offer for Scott McTominay after dream debut season

Scott McTominay joined Napoli from Man Utd for £25.7m in August 2024 (Picture: Shutterstock)

Italian champions Napoli have responded to a transfer offer for Scott McTominay following his dream debut season, according to reports.

McTominay moved to Naples less than 12 months ago from Manchester United in a deal worth just £25.7m and has already become a club icon.

The Scotland international was crowned Serie A Most Valuable Player for the 2024-25 campaign as he helped Napoli land the Italian top-flight title.

McTominay registered 12 goals and six assists across 34 Serie A games after having a ‘point to prove’ following his Old Trafford exit in August.

After such a brilliant debut season for his new club, there is one team outside of Italy who are keen on recruiting the 28-year-old midfielder…

Al-Hilal make approach for Scott McTominay

Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal approached Napoli to see if they could be tempted to sell McTominay this summer, according to Alfredo Pedulla.

Scott McTominay does not want to leave Napoli this summer (Picture: Getty)

Napoli have already responded to the offer and said that no deal will be done at any price for the for their star man, under contract until June 2028.

McTominay himself, meanwhile, is thought to be extremely happy at Napoli and is not considering a move away from the club any time soon.

Scott McTominay wasn’t ‘respected’ at Man Utd

Speaking this month, Liverpool and Scotland star Andy Robertson called out United for their transfer mistake in letting McTominay join Napoli.

‘He (McTominay) probably didn’t get the respect he deserves,’ Robertson said.

Napoli immediately rejected Al-Hilal’s approach for Scott McTominay (Picture: Getty)

‘Then he goes over there (Napoli), puts in a magnificent season and fair play to him to end it with the league title.

‘Even before he was at Napoli, his standards for Scotland were unbelievable. He’s getting better and better, he has taken it to a whole new level.’

Antonio Conte in disbelief over Scott McTominay move

Speaking to Sky Sports Italy this week, Napoli manager Antonio Conte admitted he was stunned his club were able to sign McTominay last year.

‘Scott is a player whom I really knew well,’ Conte said. ‘He was born and raised at Manchester United.

‘I could see that he always made an impact when he played, but at the same time, I noticed he wasn’t used as a key player at Manchester United.

‘He was hardly a starter. Honestly, we had talked about it with [Napoli director] Giovanni Manna. He told me it was a possible solution.

‘Sometimes, directors make up stories also to keep you calm. If you ask me, ‘Have you ever thought McTominay would surely arrive?’ – I’d say no.

‘Don’t forget we were heading into a season without European trophies to play for, so he had to leave Manchester United to start over with us.’

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Notts County name ex-Burton boss Paterson as head coach

Notts County have appointed former Burton Albion boss Martin Paterson has their new head coach.

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£50m star told to reject Chelsea transfer and join Manchester United

Manchester United have been urged to hijack Chelsea’s move (Picture: Getty)

Dietmar Hamann has urged one of Enzo Maresca’s top summer transfer targets to reject Chelsea in favour of a move to Manchester United.

Chelsea made England U21 striker Liam Delap their first summer signing in a £30m deal from Ipswich Town.

Maresca is keen to strengthen his squad in several other areas and has identified Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens as a top target.

Gittens, 20, has a brief spell at Stamford Bridge as a youth player before being signed by Dortmund in 2020.

The fellow England U21 star has since made over 100 appearances for Dortmund and was one of the most in-form players in the Bundesliga during the first-half of last season.

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Gittens’ form tailed away in the second-half of the campaign but Chelsea are nevertheless determined to welcome him to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea view Gittens as an ideal replacement for Jadon Sancho, who they sent back to Manchester United for a price of £5m after failing to agree terms over a permanent transfer.

Jamie Gittens is set to leave Borussia Dortmund (Picture: Getty)

Borussia Dortmund have already rejected two bids from Chelsea and want a fee as close as possible to Gittens’ £50.5m release clause.

Ex-Germany midfielder Hamann expects Gittens to be on the move this summer but believes he should reject Chelsea in favour of a move to Manchester United.

Like Maresca, Ruben Amorim is also keen to sign a new winger this summer as he prepares to offload Marcus Rashford, Sancho and Antony.

Ruben Amorim wants to strengthen his Man Utd squad (Picture: Getty)

Given the number of winger departures at Old Trafford, Hamann says Gittens could ‘make a real difference’ at Manchester United, who finished just 15th in the Premier League last season.

‘Borussia Dortmund has been a great place for Jamie Gittens,’ Hamann told InstantWithdrawalBettingSites.

‘He played a huge role and scored goals and got assists but that stopped when [Dortmund manager] Niko Kovac came in.

‘Chelsea will be fully aware of that, the player has made it clear he wants to leave but he is under contract.

‘I would say that Dortmund are not in the strongest position because the manager wants hardworking players and Gittens isn’t that type of player. 

‘I think he will leave Dortmund but they won’t get the money they want. 

‘Chelsea have an abundance of players, but I think he could make a real difference at Manchester United. He is young but he has stood out and I think that might be the player for them to chase.’

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Gareth Southgate REJECTED for Poland job as FA reveal why England hero missed out

The Polish FA confirmed an application from the former Three Lions boss (Picture: Getty Images)

Former England manager Gareth Southgate has been turned away in his bid to return to international football management – with Poland rejecting his offer to become their new head coach.

Southgate led the Three Lions to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final during his eight years at the helm, stepping down last summer after Euro 2024 final heartbreak against Spain.

The 54-year-old insisted last year he was in ‘no rush’ to return to management but Polish daily newspaper Przeglad Sportowy this week claimed Southgate submitted an application to take the reins at Poland.

In an interview with the same publication, the president of the Polish Football Association, Cezary Kulesza, has confirmed the former defender was interested in the role. But with ‘no guarantee of success’ in employing a foreign coach, Southgate’s application was rejected.

‘We have received an offer to hire him, but we must remember one basic thing: no foreign coach will give us a guarantee that we will qualify for the World Cup,’ Kulesza said.

‘If he gave us such a guarantee, I would hire him immediately.’

Kulesza pointed to the example of Fernando Santos’ recent reign in charge as Poland boss to support his reasoning for not considering Southgate.

Southgate left the England job after Euro 2024 (Picture: Getty Images)

Santos managed his home country Portugal for eight years following a stellar career at club level across Europe. But his disastrous spell in charge of Poland lasted less than 10 months, criticised for poor performances and not attending Polish league matches.

‘Fernando Santos is a perfect example,’ Kulesza said. ‘A successful coach, a big name, everyone applauded, and the verification was surprising and painful for all of us.’

Poland are instead hoping to appoint Maciej Skorża. The experienced coach is in charge of Japanese side Urawa Red Diamonds who are currently competing in the Club World Cup in the United States.

Southgate had eight years in charge of England (Picture: Getty)

Poland are looking for a new head coach after the sudden resignation of Michal Probierz last week.

His decision came after Robert Lewandowski, the country’s record goalscorer, said he would not play for his country while Probierz is in charge.

Southgate meanwhile was briefly linked with the Manchester United job last year but indicated last October he would take at least a year out of the game.

‘I won’t coach in the next year for sure, I’m certain of that,’ Southgate said in October.

‘I need to give myself time to make good decisions. When you come out of a really big role you need to give your body time, you need to give your mind time.

‘I’m enjoying my life, so there’s no rush. I’m fortunate that there are lots of opportunities presenting themselves.’

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Why Chelsea want Gittens, another ex-Man City youngster

Chelsea want Jamie Gittens, another ex-Manchester City youngster, but where will he fit in at Stamford Bridge?

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Podcast: Plastic pitches, fan behaviour & Brown's big moments in Europe

The SPFL's operations chief Calum Beattie debates some of the game's big issues.

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Jurgen Klopp sends message to Florian Wirtz after record Liverpool transfer

Wirtz becomes Liverpool’s biggest ever signing (Picture: Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp believes Liverpool have signed an ‘exceptional talent’ in club record signing Florian Writz.

Wirtz, 22, was officially unveiled as a Liverpool player on Friday night having completed his £116million move from Bayer Leverkusen.

Including add-ons, that fee will make him the most expensive signing in Premier League history, dwarfing Liverpool’s previous record fee of £85m, spent on Darwin Nunez two years ago.

Despite the considerable outlay, Wirtz is regarded as one of the best young talents in European football, coveted by Manchester City and Real Madrid before deciding on a move to Merseyside.

Klopp, who stepped down as Liverpool boss at the end of the 2023-24 season having since taken up a new role at Red Bull GmbH, is convinced his old side have landed a winner.

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‘It will be really, really great, I’m sure of it,’ Klopp told RTL/ntv.

Having won the Premier League title at a canter, Liverpool have avoided the mistake of standing still in the transfer market.

Wirtz turned down moves elsewhere in Europe (Picture: Getty Images)

While they lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, the Reds moved quickly to bring in a replacement in Jeremie Frimpong.

Milos Kerkez meanwhile is expected to arrive from Bournemouth as Andy Robertson’s replacement at left-back.

‘It’s very difficult to strengthen them when you’re champions,’ Klopp continued.

‘But Liverpool have managed that. They’ve signed an exceptional talent in Florian Wirtz .

‘I’m looking forward to seeing it. It’s going to be good.’

Writz was admired by City who at one point viewed him as a long-term successor for Kevin de Bruyne while Xabi Alonso was interested in bringing him along from Leverkusen to Real Madrid.

‘I just thought that it was the right point in my career to make the next step and of course I wanted to get to a club that is from the top three in the world, and in my opinion Liverpool was one of them,’ Wirtz said, explaining his decision to head to Anfield.

‘Yeah, I just saw myself in the best hands in Liverpool.

‘I was really convinced by the people here, by the idea, and everything what the club offers me was really good. And in the end [it was] also easy to be excited for me to come to Liverpool.’

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Chelsea vs Flamengo LIVE: Fifa Club World Cup latest score and goal updates

Delap starts for Chelsea (Picture: Getty Images)

Chelsea continue their Fifa Club World Cup campaign this evening in Philadelphia against Brazilian side Flamengo.

The Blues got their tournament off to a perfect start on Monday against LAFC with Pedro Neto and Enzo Fernandez on the scoresheet in a comfortable 2-0 win with new signing Liam Delap also impressing.

Flamengo are sterner opposition tonight however with Jorginho in line to start against his former side, having left Arsenal to join the Brazilians last month.

Former Blues full-back Filipe Luis is also in the dugout.

After winning their opening games, both Chelsea and Flamengo can take a huge step towards qualification for the knockout stages with victory tonight.

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Metro’s LIVE blog will bring you all the match build-up, confirmed team news and starting XI, goal updates and minute-by-minute coverage throughout the evening.

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Can you name every Premier League club's record signing?

Can you name every Premier League club's record signing?

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Chelsea want Brighton's Pedro - Friday's gossip

Chelsea want one Premier League forward but could sell another to a rival, while Liverpool want Marc Guehi and the latest on Arsenal's striker search - according to the gossip column.

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Enzo Maresca speaks out on Mykhailo Mudryk future and confirms Chelsea transfer plan

Mudryk could be banned for as long as four years (Picture: Getty Images)

Enzo Maresca has not spoken to Mykhailo Mudryk since confirmation the Chelsea winger has been charged with doping breaches.

Mudryk has been provisionally suspended since December after testing positive for banned substance meldonium. The FA announced on Wednesday the Ukraine international has been charged with the player now facing a lengthy ban from football.

Mudryk has firmly denied knowingly taking any banned substances.

The 22-year-old, who joined Chelsea in a £89million deal in January 2023, was last spotted joining up with his teammates in Poland following the club’s Europa Conference League victory over Real Betis.

Since then, the former Shakhtar Donetsk star has been stripped of his no10 shirt, handed to Cole Palmer¹, with Wednesday’s ruling casting more doubt on his future.

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Mudryk, nicknamed ‘Mischa’ by his manager and teammates, has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2031.

Asked for an update on the winger’s situation ahead of Club’s Club World Cup clash against Flamengo, Maresca said: ‘I spoke with Mischa in Poland when we played the Conference League final. I haven’t spoke with him since then.

Mudryk’s last game for Chelsea was last November (Picture: Getty Images)

‘I didn’t see the news but they communicated it to me but there is nothing more I can add because I don’t have more information.

‘Mischa is a Chelsea player. Until he is not, I will trust. It’s not just about Mischa. It’s in general with all the players.’

He added: ‘Last time I spoke to him he was quite good, I didn’t see him worried, I didn’t speak to him since then so I don’t know but for sure we will have contact with him.’

Maresca confirms Chelsea will sign a winger

Chelsea are eager to sign another winger this summer’s regardless of Mudryk’s availability after deciding not to make Jadon Sancho’s loan move from Manchester United a permanent one.

Chelsea have already seen bids rejected for Gittens (Picture: Getty Images)

The Blues have already seen offers for Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens turned away with Maresca convinced it is an area they must strengthen.

‘We had already one entire season already without Mischa. We are going to decide to go for a winger,’ he said.

‘In both cases, we have Noni Madueke and Pedro Neto as proper wingers, then we try to adapt with Tyrique George. It’s a position we need to improve.’

Madueke meanwhile has been linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge with Newcastle United and Arsenal credited with interest in the England international.

‘Noni is our player. In this moment, you can read many speculation [about players]. We consider Noni as our player for next season.’

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Maresca yet to speak to Mudryk after anti-doping charge

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says he has yet to speak to Mykhailo Mudryk since the forward was charged with violating the Football Association's anti-doping rules but insists the player retains the club's support.

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Club World Cup match suspended again with fans told to leave stands and ‘get inside’

Fans were told to ‘take shelter inside) midway through the second-half (Picture: Getty Images)

Another Fifa Club World Cup match has been suspended due to adverse weather conditions with spectators ordered to ‘take shelter inside the stadium’.

Brazilian side Palmeiras were leading Egyptian outfit Al Ahly 2-0 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey when Premier League referee Anthony Taylor was ordered to halt play just after the hour mark.

With lightning in the nearby area, a message displayed on big screens around the stadium urged fans to get inside.

The MetLife Stadium is one of the venues hosting games at next summer’s World Cup.

‘Your attention please. For your safety, we are going to have everyone leave the Seating Bowl area and take shelter inside the stadium because of severe weather in the area,’ the message read.

‘Event staff are available to guide and assist you. Those on the field, please walk calmy to the nearest tunnel, to the West Hall, or the service corridor.’

It is the third time a match has been suspended since the revamped competition began on Sunday.

Red Bull Salzburg’s clash with Mexican side Pachuca was suspended as torrential rain hit the TQL Stadium in Cincinnati in the early hours of the morning.

That came after the group match between Mamelodi Sundown and Ulsan HD was delayed by almost an hour.  

More to follow

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Fifa criticised over apparent lack of anti-racism messaging at CWC

Campaigners criticise Fifa after it appeared to drop anti-racism messaging at the Club World Cup, with some suggesting it may be connected to the policies of US President Donald Trump.

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Sacked referee Coote charged by FA over Klopp video

Former Premier League referee David Coote is charged by the Football Association over comments made about ex-Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

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Filippo Inzaghi joins Palermo after Pisa promotion

Filippo Inzaghi is appointed manager of Serie B side Palermo weeks after winning promotion to the Italian top flight with Pisa.

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Gyokeres rejects Sporting talks - Thursday's gossip

Viktor Gyokeres refuses talks with Sporting Lisbon as he tries to force through move, Chelsea eye Morgan Rogers and Leeds target Premier League striker.

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Striker Kuharevich leaves Swansea for Slovakian club

Swansea have allowed Mykola Kuharevich to leave with little prospect of him breaking into Alan Sheehan's first-team plans.

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Sacking Postecoglou was emotionally difficult - Levy

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy says sacking manager Ange Postecoglou after he led the club to victory in the Europa League was "emotionally" difficult.

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Chelsea and Arsenal told to sign former Man Utd midfielder on free transfer

Chelsea and Arsenal have been told to make moves (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea and Arsenal are ready to spend hundreds of millions on new signings this summer but a ‘very gifted’ free agent could be an ideal addition to both squads.

Stamford Bridge owner Todd Boehly has already spent around £60m on new recruits this summer, bringing the likes of Liam Delap and Mamadou Sarr to the club.

Chelsea are set to splash more cash on a new winger and are open to strengthening Enzo Maresca’s squad in other areas following a promising finish to the 2024-25 campaign.

Arsenal have endured a subdued start to the summer transfer window but are expected to spend around £70m on a new striker, likely Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko.

The Gunners are also set to sign Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi in a £55m deal from Real Sociedad as Mikel Arteta looks to bolster a squad that went another season without a trophy.

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Chelsea and Arsenal will both be on high alert to the possibility of signing free agents this summer and could do a lot worse than sign ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba.

That is the opinion of ex-Premier League winger Florent Malouda, who believes Pogba should be pushing for a return to England.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba (Picture: Getty)

The French World Cup winner, 32, is seeking a return to football after serving an 18-month doping suspension.

Pogba agreed a mutual termination of his contract with Juventus in November and has been free to talk to other clubs since March.

Monaco are leading the race to sign the talented midfielder but Malouda fears a move to the Ligue 1 side would be a mistake and wants his compatriot to join Chelsea or Arsenal instead.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca (Picture: Getty)

‘I’ve seen the talk of Paul Pogba to Monaco and I don’t think it’s the right move for him,’ Malouda told Bet365.

‘I think Chelsea need an experienced player and Pogba has won the World Cup, the Europa League and knows the Premier League so well.

‘I think he belongs in the Premier League. Honestly, I think he belongs in the Premier League.

Could Paul Pogba return to Man Utd?

‘If he manages to get his fitness right that is the first step, people underrate him because he has been away, but he would bring leadership.

‘He is hoping to lead France at the World Cup and I think a team like Chelsea or Arsenal should try and sign him, he is a very gifted player.

‘He has a great mindset, he has been resilient in his career and in his private life, he will want to get to the top and his experience would be so valuable.

‘All he does is overcome challenges and with Chelsea, I think he could adjust very well to their dressing room.’

Manchester United have been repeatedly urged to re-sign Pogba since his exit from Juventus was confirmed, with Rio Ferdinand among those raising the possibility of a third spell at Old Trafford.

United re-signed Pogba from Juventus in 2016 for a then-record transfer fee of £89m, but the Frenchman largely underwhelmed in Manchester before being released in 2022.

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Chelsea open talks to sign £17m Jadon Sancho replacement during Club World Cup

Chelsea paid a penalty to send Jadon Sancho back to Manchester United (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea have opened talks to sign a replacement for Jadon Sancho during the Club World Cup, according to reports in France.

Sancho was hoping to earn a permanent move to Stamford Bridge after joining the Blues on loan from Manchester United last summer.

Chelsea were open to keeping the winger at the club despite his inconsistent form last season but were unable to reach an agreement with the player during contract negotiations.

The Blues would have had to spend around £25m to keep Sancho but decided instead to pay a £5m penalty and send him back to Manchester United.

Despite this, Enzo Maresca remains keen to strengthen in the wide positions this summer, with the likes of Christopher Nkunku, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke all available for summer moves.

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French outlet L’Équipe say Chelsea have made contact with Lyon over a deal for Belgium international Malick Fofana.

Fofana enjoyed a promising first season at Lyon following a £17m move from Belgian side Gent last summer.

Malick Fofana was a key player for Lyon last season (Picture: Getty)

He featured in Lyon’s Europa League quarter-final clash with Manchester United, which the Red Devils won 7-6 on aggregate.

Chelsea have reportedly asked Lyon about the feasibility of a deal for Fofana, who earned his first international appearance last year.

The interest from Chelsea comes after fellow Premier League side Nottingham Forest expressed interest in signing Fofana, who turned 20 in March.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DKc3PeUuwkP/?hl=en

The highly-rated winger is contracted to Lyon until the summer of 2028 but it has been suggested the Ligue 1 side could be open to a sale.

Chelsea, who finished fourth in the Premier League last season and won the Conference League, are currently in the United States for the Club World Cup.

Speaking ahead of Chelsea’s first group game against MLS side Los Angeles FC, Maresca confirmed he was planning to sign a new winger this summer.

Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens is believed to be Chelsea’s first-choice target for that position but the Blues have already had two bids rejected for the 20-year-old.

‘Jadon is not with us so for sure that is a position [winger] we need to do something,’ Maresca told reporters.

‘We have Noni [Madueke], Pedro [Neto] and Ty [George] only as the proper wingers so something for sure is going to happen.

‘When the transfer window is open, for sure, we can do something.’

Lyon have already lost Rayan Cherki this summer, with the France playmaker completing a £30m move to Manchester City.

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