1pm Transfer news LIVE: Benrahma to West Ham COMPLETE, Wilson joins Cardiff on loan, Rodon to Spurs DONE DEAL – The Sun
THE domestic deadline for clubs to do business between the EFL and Premier League has now passed.
Brentford star Said Benranha has completed a loan move to West Ham – despite failing a medical earlier in the day.
Get all the latest deals, transfer updates and gossip here…
- Jake Lambourne
SPEAKING FRANKLY
Frank Lampard has revealed Chelsea needed to spend this summer after being unable to replace Eden Hazard last year.
He said: “For me we lost probably the best player in the League. We couldn’t do any business so the work we did was on the pitch last year.
“Teams that are striving to be in and around top six and upwards were spending last year, they were spending again this summer.
“They’ve had the opportunity with the players they bought last year to get them embedded into their teams and we’re dealing with teams above us, which is where we want to get to, where we are aspiring to get to, that have been building their squads for a long time.
“We want to build our squad. We missed two windows and now we come back in and we’ve brought players in with a view to improve us.”
- Jake Lambourne
HOLLOW VIEW
Grimsby boss Ian Holloway is fuming with Chelsea an Liverpool after the duo made enquiries over duo Louis Boyd and Ben Grist.
Speaking to Grimsby Live, he said: “Am I surprised at that? No I’m not surprised at that. Am I fuming about it? Yeah.
“These big wigs who want to take over football on the sly, they’ve already got rules passed that they’re category A clubs, and they can steal those lads off us very, very cheaply, because it suits them again doesn’t it?
“Those rules were passed by who? The academy set-up is run by people who have got enough money to have all those things in place to get a tick in the box for category A.
“They’ve all got it because they’ve all got the money, and that means they can take those boys off me. I want to play them when they’re 15 because they’re good enough, and when will they ever play for them? I’m going to have to wait and see.
“I knew it would be a risk, but I don’t really care, because I care about those boys and I want to get them in my team, and I’ll teach them as good as any one of those clubs will, if not better in my opinion.
“That’s what I’ll be telling their parents. Whether they listen to me I don’t know, but I can prove one thing. If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
“Look at my goalscorers the other night – 19, 19 and 21. They might not all be mine, but I’m telling you I’m in the game to make all these young gentlemen fantastic people first and fantastic players.
“I can do it better than any one of those clubs, because a lot of their brilliant young lads aren’t in their team are they?”
- Jake Lambourne
ALLEG UP
Man Utd have reportedly added Massimiliano Allegri to their shortlist to replace Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Mauricio Pochettino is another name linked to the Old Trafford dugout, should the club make a change.
Solskjaer, 47, is under mounting pressure after United's poor start to the campaign.
Losses to Crystal Palace and Tottenham have heightened doubts over the Norwegian's ability to push his team to the next level.
And The Transfer Window podcast claim that Allegri, 53, could end his sabbatical to manage United.
However, it is said that Mauricio Pochettino is ahead of the former Juventus coach as the Red Devils' first-choice candidate.
- Jake Lambourne
KING JAMES
League Two side Southend have brought in Arsenal midfielder James Olayinka on loan until January.
Shrimpers boss Mark Molesley said of the signing: “We’re really pleased to bring James in. He’s been on our shortlist for some time and we've had him watched a number of times.
“He’s been well identified to us from our recruitment [team] and comes well recommended from people in and around Arsenal.
“He’s had a very good education at Arsenal and we’re indebted to them for trusting us with one of their young talents.
“I said if we felt we could add value we’d always look to do that and we’ve certainly done that with James.”
- Jake Lambourne
DEAD-END ROB
Robinho has sensationally left Santos – less than a week after he re-signed for his boyhood club.
The Brazilian club announced his contract had been terminated by mutual consent so that he can “focus exclusively” on gang rape charges made against him in Italy.
Robinho, 36, was sentenced to nine years in prison by an Italian court after the alleged gang rape of an Albanian woman in 2013.
The player denies the charges and is appealing the verdict.
Robinho's chief operating officer Richard Adam told Globo Esporte: “We have enormous respect for Santos' history. But at this point, we have decided to terminate the sponsorship contract.
“Our audience is mostly female and, out of respect for the women who buy our products, we had to make that decision.
“We want to make it clear that we were not previously informed about the signing of Robinho, we were taken by surprise by the news over the weekend.”
- Jake Lambourne
IRN BRU
EXCLUSIVE: Real Madrid and Barcelona are ready to lock horns in a battle to get Bruno Fernandes out of Old Trafford.
The Spanish giants are closely monitoring Fernandes’ situation despite the player having spent just eight months at Manchester United.
While Fernandes denies there are serious problems at the club, the midfielder was unhappy about being subbed at half-time in this month’s 6-1 loss against Spurs.
He was also very vocal in a dressing-room row at the break before being told by boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he was being swapped for Fred.
When asked yesterday why he had subbed the player, Solskjaer refused to explain.
He said: “There are many reasons behind subs in a game and if I explain every time I take a player off, I don’t think that’s the right thing.
“I explained to Bruno and he accepted it, no problem.”
- Jake Lambourne
FUL MARKS
In case you missed it late on Friday night, Fulham announced they had re-signed defender Terence Kongolo on a permanent deal.
The 26-year-old has joined from Huddersfield on a deal until 2024.
Speaking of his move, the Dutch international said: “I’m really happy. It’s been a while, been waiting the whole day, but the end result is I can play for Fulham! I’m proud to be here, and I will give everything for this club.”
Co-owner Tony Khan added: “It’s great to bring back Terence, a gifted defender with Premier League experience whom we know from experience will come in and fight for our club.
“Terence had joined us on loan in January, but unfortunately for everyone he was injured in a match not long after his arrival and he wasn’t able to finish the season with us.
“Thankfully he’s now made great progress towards his return, and we’re excited to have Terence back on the pitch soon! Come on Fulham!”
- Jake Lambourne
EDIN FOR THE TOP
Diego Forlan believes Edinson Cavani can become the 'new Zlatan Ibrahimovic' at the club.
Speaking to the South China Morning Post, Forlan said: “Edinson is still a great player. I've not seen any decline in him yet. I think he's a top signing for United, just like Zlatan was.
“He's that type of player. He'll lead by example, by how he trains and how he plays. He'll be a positive influence for the young players.
“He's a winner who has won lots of trophies, a goalscorer who has scored wherever he has been, he assists too.
“He's strong and his physique will be fine for English football. He's quick, he's highly motivated.”
- Jake Lambourne
ANGUS STOKEHOUSE
Stoke have completed the signing of goalkeeper Angus Gunn on a season-long loan from Southampton.
Speaking of his arrival, Potters boss Michael O'Neill said: “We’re excited about Angus joining us as he’s a young goalkeeper with enormous potential who has already made a big impact in the Championship.”
However he will not be in the squad to face Luton as he was not signed in time.
- <a href='http://www.thesun.co.uk/sport' rel='external nofollow ugc' class='url'>Alex Terrell</a>
FAIR COP
David Moyes has revealed he had a HELICOPTER ready to sign Gareth Bale – only for the ace to snub Manchester United and join Real Madrid instead.
The Hammers boss said: “Gareth Bale was probably the first name I thought of when I got the job. I thought Gareth Bale was a Manchester United player. He was the right type.
“I wanted Gareth Bale to be my first signing at Manchester United. But it was already down the road a bit with Real Madrid. I tried to hijack it. I tried to get him.
“Manchester United offered more money than Real Madrid. They offered more money to the player.
“We did everything we could to try and get the player. We even had a helicopter at the training ground to take him and bring him back. We thought we had a chance.
“But he chose Real Madrid and he made a brilliant decision because he went on to win four Champions Leagues. He’s had a brilliant career.”
- John Hutchinson
GOOD MORNING FOOTIE FANS
Yesterday the domestic transfer window slammed shut.
Crystal Palace have signed Jack Butland for £500,000 – just 15 months after Stoke demanded £23million for the star stopper.
The Eagles have grabbed a bargain because the goalkeeper's contract was due to expire next summer.
Butland, 27, would have been able to negotiate pre-contract terms with other clubs ahead of a free transfer in January.
West Ham completed the signing of Said Benrahma from Brentford.
Spurs have completed their move for Swansea defender Joe Rodon.
Harry Wilson joined Cardiff from Liverpool on a season-long loan.
- Jack Figg
BRUHAHA
Real Madrid and Barcelona are ready to lock horns in a battle to get Bruno Fernandes out of Old Trafford.
The Spanish giants are closely monitoring Fernandes’ situation despite the player having spent just eight months at Manchester United.
While Fernandes denies there are serious problems at the club, the midfielder was unhappy about being subbed at half-time in this month’s 6-1 loss against Spurs.
He was also very vocal in a dressing-room row at the break before being told by boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer he was being swapped for Fred.
When asked yesterday why he had subbed the player, Solskjaer refused to explain.
He said: “There are many reasons behind subs in a game and if I explain every time I take a player off, I don’t think that’s the right thing.
“I explained to Bruno and he accepted it, no problem.”
- Jack Figg
DON'T SHUFFLE THE DEC
Declan Rice has been urged to stick around and become West Ham’s very own ‘Captain, Leader, Legend’.
The Hammers held on to their best all-rounder in the transfer window despite growing interest from other clubs.
Pearce, 58, believes in following your heart and not always your head to get the best out of your time as a player.
He said: “Put it this way, I’m probably testament to that. I played my football where I enjoyed playing football and turned money down to stay where I was happy.
“My biggest driver was probably playing for the national team. I get the same impression now with Dec — he is intensely proud of representing England.
“He’ll make his own decisions but we are lucky at West Ham to have a current captain called Mark Noble who has been here for a number of years and has shown great loyalty to the club.
“I like to think Dec will be at West Ham for years to come, leading the club on to success.”
- Jack Figg
JACK BACK
Crystal Palace have signed Jack Butland for £500,000 – just 15 months after Stoke demanded £23million for the star stopper.
The Eagles have grabbed a bargain because the goalkeeper's contract was due to expire next summer.
Butland, 27, would have been able to negotiate pre-contract terms with other clubs ahead of a free transfer in January.
The ex-England star will now compete for a starting spot back in the Premier League under Roy Hodgson – who gave Butland his first four England caps.
Butland has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Selhurst Park.
Hodgson added: “I’m very happy that the club has managed to acquire the signature of Jack to join us and compete for a place amongst our goalkeepers at the club.
“Jack is a player that I worked with for four years at England.
“His last game for me as England manager was a very unfortunate one where he broke his ankle and that cost him his place in the 2016 Euros.
“But I’ve always believed in Jack’s potential.
“I am aware that his last spell at Stoke hasn’t been the happiest one for him.
“But I sincerely believe that with his qualities, coming to a new club will enable him to resurrect his career and show once again what a good goalkeeper he is.”
- Jack Figg
PLEASE, SER
Sergio Romero has begged Manchester United to let him leave after his transfer window hell.
The Argentine goalkeeper, 33, was desperate to quit Old Trafford, with Everton holding talks over a deal.
Romero has fallen behind David De Gea and now Dean Henderson in the pecking order after his successful Sheffield United loan.
His wife even pleaded with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to let her husband go in a blistering social media tirade.
Reports claim Romero and his wife were left fuming after finding out Everton had been willing to pay Romero's full £100,000-a-week pay-packet.
The keeper has now held talks with United and his reps and asked to get him a switch away to get regular action.
- Jack Figg
LICENSE TO KYL
Juventus are reportedly preparing a world record £360million bid to lure Kylian Mbappe to the club.
Italian outlet Tuttosport claim the Serie A champions are willing to sacrifice Cristiano Ronaldo in order to land the Paris Saint-Germain star.
The report adds that Juve would be unable to accommodate both the five-time Ballon d'Or winner and French superstar Mbappe.
That could prompt Andrea Pirlo's side to include Ronaldo in any deal to bring the World Cup winner to Turin.
Yet it is said that it is unlikely PSG will accept losing their prize jewel Mbappe, 21, to receive a 35-year-old Ronaldo with his £540k-a-week wages in return.
However, SunSport previously reported that the Ligue 1 giants were considering a move for the former Real Madrid superstar.
- Jack Figg
BACK AGAIN
Birmingham have signed Jake Clarke-Salter on loan from Chelsea again.
The defender spent last season on loan with the Championship club.
And he has returned for the upcoming season.
- Jack Figg
SAID STORY
West Hamhave edged closer to finalising a £30million transfer for Said Benrahma after the winger completed the first part of his medical, according to reports.
The Hammers are keen to land the Brentford star before the domestic transfer deadline at 5pm today.
West Ham will be desperately hoping there are no hiccups and they can get the move over the line in time.
It is understood the transfer fee is £25m up front with a further £5m in performance-related add-ons.
And according to The Athletic, Benrahma underwent the first part of his medical on Thursday.
The report adds the two London clubs agreed a deal last weekend before personal terms were ironed out with Benrahma in midweek.
- Jack Figg
WIL I NEVER
Harry Wilson has joined Cardiff from Liverpool on a season-long loan.
Swansea, Reading, Bristol City and Derby had all been linked with a move for the 23-year-old.
But The Bluebirds have won the race for his signature – with Wilson citing the 'Welsh connection' as a big reason for his move.
On completing the deal, Wilson claimed: “The Welsh connection was a massive part for me.
“When I come here, I feel at home.
“I think the team and facilities we have, everything is built for a Premier League team.
“I’m determined to come here and do my best to help the club get there.”
- Jack Figg
RO-DONE
Spurs have completed their move for Swansea defender Joe Rodon.
The North London side have been locked in talks hoping to convince the Swans to lower their £18million asking price.
And Jose Mourinho has finally got his man after having a £7m bid for the Wales international rejected by the Championship club two weeks ago.
The Swans insisted they valued the 22-year-old at £18m and have been holding out hoping to get top price for the centre-back.
But Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy was reluctant to go to that price.
He has already splashed out big this summer bringing in Gareth Bale, Sergio Reguilon, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Matt Doherty.
Levy was hoping to agree a package which sees an up-front payment in the region of £10m with further instalments of £5m.
The centre-half is regarded as one of the best talents outside the top flight.
- Jack Figg
DON'S DILEMMA
Chelsea transfer target Gianluigi Donnarumma is in talks with AC Milan and his agent Mino Raiola over a new contract, according to reports.
After a stand-off, the 21-year-old goalkeeper is now in contact with the club for a new agreement which comes as a blow to the Blues.
They had harboured hopes of nabbing the youngster on a free next summer, even after the signing of Edouard Mendy.
But with Donnarumma and his notorious agent Riola now in discussion with Milan, Chelsea will have to watch on nervously to see if anything is agreed.
Italian outlet Calcio Mercato report that the goalie does want to stay with AC Milan and is willing to extend his contract, which runs out in June 2021.
- Jack Figg
EUR-OH NO – EXCLUSIVE
Football bosses are preparing to rip up the format for the Euros – and SCRAP some venues.
Uefa privately accept there is no way that next summer’s tournament – postponed because of Covid – will be able to go ahead with the planned 12 host cities.
A worst-case scenario could see one country stage the tournament with four venues being used. Wembley is due to stage seven games, including England’s three group matches, plus the semi-finals and final.
The competition is sure to go ahead – owing to the millions Uefa will receive from TV companies. And the governing body is hopeful supporters will still be able to attend.
But some venues are at risk and the tournament will have to be condensed to ensure less travelling.
Places such as Baku in Azerbaijan – now caught in a conflict with Armenia – plus St Petersburg in Russia will be among the first to be dropped.
- Jack Figg
CZAR IS BORN
Gary Neville is calling for a reboot of English football and warned: “Enough is enough.”
The former Manchester United and England right-back is part of an eight-strong group who believe the game is running off the rails.
This week’s dogfight over Project Big Picture has only brought home the ‘chaotic’ structure with the Prem, FA and EFL all fighting for authority.
Sky pundit Neville, who is part-owner of League Two Salford, said only an independent, Government-appointed ‘regulator’ with the powers of NFL commissioner Roger Goodell can implement a new order.
Nev, 45, said: “The pandemic has demonstrated a void in the Premier League leadership…
- Jack Figg
VIC AWAY
Victor Moses agreed a season-long loan move to Spartak Moscow.
The Nigeria international, 29, will play for the Russians this term after failing to win over boss Frank Lampard.
And Spartak can make the deal permanent next summer should Moses impress.
The transfer marks his SIXTH loan spell away from Chelsea in eight years.
Moses has featured for Liverpool, Stoke, West Ham, Fenerbahce and Inter Milan during his time at Stamford Bridge.
- <a href='http://www.thesun.co.uk/sport' rel='external nofollow ugc' class='url'>Alex Terrell</a>
BALE LATEST
Jose Mourinho has revealed that Gareth Bale is pushing for a first-team place at Tottenham, but time will tell if he is match fit.
The Tottenham boss said: “Of course he wants to play.
“He wanted to play since the day he arrived, but it was not possible.
“I am not going to tell you if he is going to play, what I can tell you is that he is working very well, he is working in the way he was not able to do for a long time.
“The last week, especially Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, the planning of the sessions had a big focus on him and he is in pretty good condition.”
Source: Read Full Article