Aguero JOINS Barcelona, Chelsea 'line up Lukaku', Cristiano Ronaldo to STAY at Juventus says Georgina Rodriguez
SERGIO AGUERO has joined Barcelona, the club have confirmed.
Meanwhile Cristiano Ronaldo will STAY at Juventus, his girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez has said.
And Chelsea are said to be keen on a return to the club for Romelu Lukaku.
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
- Etienne Fermie
RAM RACE
Manchester City want to sign Man United target Sergio Ramos, according to reports.
And Pep Guardiola’s side are willing to offer the Spaniard a two-year deal.
The defender’s contract is set to expire on June 30, and he is set to meet with Madrid chiefs once again in the next few days to try and trash out an agreement.
But City could steal a march on the LaLiga giants, according to ESPN.
They claim that City could offer Ramos a two-year deal with an option for a third that, depending on performances, could mean a move to New York City FC.
- Etienne Fermie
ALL ZID AND DONE
Zinedine Zidane has revealed that he left Real Madrid because of a 'lack of trust'.
The Frenchman told Diario AS: "I'm leaving, but I'm not abandoning ship and I'm not tired of coaching.
"In May 2018 I left because after two-and-a-half years, with so many victories and so many trophies, I felt that the team needed something new to stay on top. Today things are different.
"I'm leaving because I feel the club is no longer giving me the trust I need, it isn't offering me the support to build something medium-to-long-term.
"I know the demands at a club like Madrid, I know that when you don't win you have to go. But a very important thing has been forgotten here.
"I'm a born winner and I was here to win trophies, but beyond that are human beings, emotions, life, and I have the feeling that these things haven't been valued."
Zizou left Real Madrid again last weekCredit: Reuters - Etienne Fermie
THAT'S SAUL SHE WROTE
Manchester United target Saul Niguez is 'determined' to leave Atletico Madrid this summer, according to reports.
But Juventus currently lead the race for the Spaniard's signature, AS claim.
The report claims that Saul wants to take 'another direction in his career'.
Atletico ace Saul, 26, is expected to demand around £115,000-a-week.
Credit: Reuters
- Etienne Fermie
HAZARD ALERT
Eden Hazard would reportedly be keen on a stunning Chelsea return after the seismic events of the last week.
The Belgian playmaker, 30, is keen on a return to Stamford Bridge and home of the new Champions League winners, reports say.
AS in Spain claim that Real Madrid could cut their losses on Hazard after two poor years at the Bernabeu.
And should they offload the forward it would free up funds to rebuild their squad.
The report adds that they'd hope to recoup around £85million of the £140m they paid two years ago.
- Etienne Fermie
NO MURR FOOTY
Glenn Murray has retired from playing football after a lengthy career that took in all levels of the English pyramid.
Murray played for Watford and Nottingham Forest this season but wants to hang up his boots while still playing at a good level.
A statement via Brighton & Hove Albion read: "I feel as though the time is right and I wanted to retire at a good level.
"I’ve had a lot of good years in the game, but this seems the right time to call it a day.
"I am getting off the football merry-go-round, the structure of being told what to do for 20 years. I am looking forward to making some of my own decisions I suppose."
- Etienne Fermie
LIONS IN WAIT
Manchester City are plotting a sensational double swoop on England's superstar pairing Harry Kane and Jack Grealish, according to reports.
Boss Pep Guardiola is ready to open the cheque book after missing a golden opportunity to end the club's wait for a Champions League trophy.
SunSport exclusively revealed earlier in May how City are ready to splurge £100million on Aston Villa's Grealish.
But a new striker remains top of his priority list with club legend Sergio Aguero playing his last game for the club.
Tottenham captain Harry Kane is the man that City want to fill his boots.
Kane has made it no secret of his desire to leave Spurs this summer in search of silverware.
Rivals Man United are also interested in both players but the Athletic write how they would rather sign for the blue half of Manchester.
- Etienne Fermie
BETTER CALL SAUL
Manchester United have been handed a major boost in the race to sign Atletico Madrid midfielder Saul Niguez, according to reports.
The Spaniard will push for a move to the Red Devils with Atletico willing to cash in for £40million.
Niguez, 26, has been a long-term target of United having attempted to sign him a year ago.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer hasn't lost interest in the midfielder and is preparing to make his move with a fresh offer.
His availability is expected to attract interest from both Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus.
But the Mirror write how Niguez would prioritise a move to Old Trafford above their European rivals.
Manchester United are preparing a £40m move for Saul Niguez - Etienne Fermie
RUD CHALLENGE
Belgium boss Roberto Martinez was left raging at 'reckless' Antonio Rudiger after his challenge in the Champions League final which has left Kevin De Bruyne a doubt for Euro 2020.
The German defender blocked off the Manchester City playmaker's run during the second half of Chelsea's European triumph in Porto on Saturday night.
Martinez, who is now less than two weeks out from Belgium's first group game against Russia, believes Rudiger should have been punished harsher than the yellow card he received.
“For me, Rudiger is very, very fortunate,” he said. “When you look at the replay, there's no clash of heads.
“He’s properly leaving the shoulder against Kevin. He seems concussed and we will see the state of that.
“But that leaves a sour taste, because Rudiger’s holding his head, it’s almost that he wants to show that he’s hiding something.
“For me, it was excessive force and it was reckless. And it should have been a red card.
“Kevin is not a player that goes down for no reason. You can see the pain and it’s a swollen eye.”
- Etienne Fermie
GET IT JA-DON
Manchester United have 'mostly agreed' personal terms with Jadon Sancho, according to reports.
And the player's representatives are 'expecting' a £77million transfer to get over the line this summer.
United tried to sign Sancho last year but were put off by Borussia Dortmund's £108m asking price.
Now Sport1 in Germany reckon the Bundesliga side have dropped their demands and an accepted bid will open the door for negotiations to be completed.
But after the discussions that took place in 2020, it should not take too long to seal an agreement between United and Sancho.
The report does add, though, that a formal transfer bid is yet to be lodged by the Old Trafford club.
It is thought United are prioritising winger Sancho over strikers Erling Haaland or Harry Kane this year.
Jadon Sancho's transfer to Manchester United could be completed while he is on international duty with England
- Etienne Fermie
THAT'S A CUT
Wrexham boss Dean Keates has been sacked by the club's famous owners after a poor campaign.
Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney acted quickly after the club missed out on the play-offs.
The club finished eighth in the National League after Saturday's draw at Dagenham and Redbridge.
And now their leadership has parted ways with Keates, assistant manager Andy Davies and first-team coach Carl Darlington.
Keates, 42, was in his second spell as Wrexham manager having also played for them for five years.
A club statement read: "Following the disappointment of falling just short of the National League play-offs, the Board have acted quickly to address the managerial position at the Club."
Co-Chairmen Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds added: "We would like to thank Dean, Andy and Carl for all their efforts on behalf of the Club, in what at times were challenging circumstances.
"We are committed to returning the Club to the EFL at the earliest opportunity and feel that a change of manager will provide us with the best chance of achieving that objective.
"Dean, Andy and Carl will always be welcome at the Club."
- Etienne Fermie
SOL SEARCHING
Donny van de Beek is 'set for talks' with manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer after a disappointing first season in England.
The Dutchman arrived at Manchester United from Ajax for £40million last summer, but made just four starts in the Premier League.
Van de Beek, 24, didn't feature at all in last week's Europa League final defeat to Villarreal in Gdansk.
And according to The Telegraph, the midfielder will talk to Solskjaer to 'see where he stands' within the squad ahead of the summer transfer window.
Credit: PA - Etienne Fermie
CALLING DYBS
Paulo Dybala is reportedly set to sign a new contract at Juventus, in a transfer blow for Manchester United.
The Argentine’s current deal has just one year remaining, which has sparked plenty of interest.
But following the return of Massimiliano Allegri to the Turin club, Dybala’s Juve career is set for a new lease of life.
Extension talks between the club and Dybala, 27, are said to have broken down earlier this year.
Since being re-appointed on Friday, however, Allegri has chatted with the attacking midfielder over his role in the team.
According to Goal, the Italian is keen to tie the playmaker down to a new deal.
And talks are set to recommence later this week.
- Etienne Fermie
HOST MORTEM
Euro 2020’s rival tournament, the Copa America, is without a host country, less than TWO WEEKS before kicking off.
Colombia and Argentina were supposed to co-host the tournament, which is set to begin on June 13.
But both have been removed due to ongoing issues.
Colombia were taken out of the running on May 20, because of protests against president Ivan Duque.
And Argentina followed suit over the weekend, because of a surge in Covid-19 cases.
- James Orr
LUK-ING BACK
Chelsea are lining up a sensational transfer for Romelu Lukaku, according to reports.
But they would need to stump up a British-record £100million to convince Inter Milan to sell.
The Blues sold the Belgian to Everton in 2014 for £28m before he joined Manchester United three years later then headed to Italy in 2019.
Since arriving at the San Siro, Lukaku has banged in 64 goals in 95 appearances and fired the club to their first Serie A title in 11 years.
However, Thomas Tuchel is desperate to bolster his squad this summer to mount a serious Premier League challenge.
And one area he wants improvement is up front – especially with Timo Werner misfiring in his first season leading the line, Tammy Abraham unfavoured and Olivier Giroud turning 35 in September.
In fact, in 30 games in charge, Tuchel's Chelsea have scored more than two goals in a game just once – a 4-1 win at Crystal Palace in April.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea have identified Lukaku as a more plausible transfer option ahead of Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
Thomas Tuchel says a new two-year deal will be just part of a ‘fantastic beginning’ at Chelsea.
The Blues’ head coach held talks with Roman Abramovich hours after leaving celebrations to mark winning the Champions League.
Tuchel said: “If we really want to build something I’m all in, I can tell you. And I’m happy to talk about it and discuss it. If our beliefs match, we go from there.
“We have to check with the owner if this is his plan, I think it’s possible.
“I think I have a clause that makes my contract a bit longer if I win the League or the Champions League.
“I’m not 100 per cent sure but my manager said it weeks ago, I didn’t check. I said, ‘Let’s talk when it’s the case’.
“Even if we have a longer contract, there are no doubts I want to stay and it’s not the most important thing.
“I’m very happy to be here, it’s a fantastic beginning and we go now for the next one.”
Meanwhile, Tottenham could be tempted to part ways with Harry Kane if Manchester City offer Gabriel Jesus plus cash, according to reports.
Spurs chairman Daniel Levy will try and get the best deal possible for Kane should any team try and buy him this summer.
But according to the Daily Star, Spurs have an interest in Brazilian striker Jesus – opening up the possibility of a cash-plus-swap deal for Kane.
Jesus is valued at £70million and if City chuck in a similar amount as well, Tottenham could be tempted to sell.
And finally, Pep Guardiola admits he is ready for a break as he heads back to see his family in Barcelona this week.
It has been a lengthy and demanding season for his Manchester City side -chasing the Quadruple for so long meant he has not seen some of his nearest and dearest since November.
After an outstanding campaign ended on a disappointing note in Portugal, he said: “I want to go home and be with my family.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them.
“After that I’ll come back to the club. It’s going to be the best club in the world for the next few years.
“I want to congratulate my players on an exceptional season and on the game they played on Saturday.”
- Joe Brophy
STRAIN BARRIER
Pep Guardiola admits he is ready for a break as he heads back to see his family in Barcelona this week.
It has been a lengthy and demanding season for his Manchester City side -chasing the Quadruple for so long meant he has not seen some of his nearest and dearest since November.
After an outstanding campaign ended on a disappointing note in Portugal, he said: “I want to go home and be with my family.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen them.
“After that I’ll come back to the club. It’s going to be the best club in the world for the next few years.
“I want to congratulate my players on an exceptional season and on the game they played on Saturday.”
- Joe Brophy
SILVA SPOON
Exclusive by David Woods: Chelsea will offer Thiago Silva a new-one year deal after the 36-year-old’s superb first season at the club.
Silva signed on a free last summer and made 34 appearances, including seven in a hectic May.
In 18 of the games where Silva started, the Blues kept a clean sheet.
Despite turning 37 in September this year, the Brazil centre-back has impressed Stamford Bridge boss Thomas Tuchel and will be rewarded with a new contract.
- Joe Brophy
TUCH AND GO
Thomas Tuchel saluted the grit of Emma Hayes’ Chelsea side following their double triumph this season.
The Blues boss, whose team beat Man City to claim their second Champions League crown, hailed the WSL giants’ success in England and Europe.
Tuchel, 47, said: “There’s no doubt about it that they are a strong group of women with a strong group of players and a strong leader.
“And they can be very proud and we are very proud they got all of these titles.”
- Joe Brophy
POT LUCK
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain all find themselves in Pot 2 in next season’s Champions League.
All of the clubs missed on top seeding following disastrous league campaign’s which saw them miss out on being handed a favourable group draw.
Pot 1 is made of eight teams which includes the winners of the top six ranked domestic leagues as well as the two champions from this term’s European competitions.
England’s Manchester City, France’s Lille, Germany’s Bayern Munich, Italy’s Inter Milan, Spain’s Atletico Madrid and Portugal’s Sporting Lisbon are in Pot 1.
- Joe Brophy
KAN DO
N’Golo Kante has become one of SIX players to win the Champions League, Premier League and World Cup.
The French midfielder played brilliantly in the Blues’ 1-0 win against Manchester City last night to join the exclusive club.
Since the old First Division and European Cup were both re-branded into the Premier League and Champions League in 1992, only half-a-dozen players have won both competitions and the World Cup.
Kante joined Fabien Barthez, Thierry Henry, Juliano Belletti, Gerard Pique and Pedro in that club with his man-of-the-match performance against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Other players had achieved the feat before 1992, most notably Manchester United legends Bobby Charlton and Nobby Stiles – part of the England team that won the World Cup in 1966.
- Joe Brophy
DEVIL DELIGHT
Manchester United's Europa League final defeat to Villarreal could see them be handed a favourable Champions League group next season.
The Red Devils lost on penalties in last week's final in Gdansk as the Spanish side won the first major honour in their history.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's squad found themselves in Europe's second-tier competition after failing to get out of their Champions League group.
And United's attempt to reach the knockout stages of next year's European Cup have been boosted after missing out on Pot 1.
Of the eight teams in Pot 1, the winners of the top six ranked domestic leagues are included, as well as the two champions from this term's European competitions.
England's Manchester City, France's Lille, Germany's Bayern Munich, Italy's Inter Milan, Spain's Atletico Madrid and Portugal's Sporting Lisbon are in Pot 1.
- Joe Brophy
SPECIAL GRAN
Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has admitted he is flattered by interest from Jose Mourinho over a potential move.
Mourinho is the new Roma boss and is reportedly interesting in bringing Xhaka to Italy.
Xhaka told Blick: Of course I read [about the interest]. But now I’m 100 per cent focused on the national team here.
“That’s more important than Arsenal or rumours right now. I have another two years on my contract in London and Arsenal they know what they have in me. When the time comes to talk about a transfer, I’ll be here.”
The Switzerland midfielder added: “To be honest, I didn’t hear what Mourinho has said about me. But that makes you proud.
“Everyone knows Mourinho, knows what he has achieved. Mourinho knows how to win titles.
“You can now see what work I have done over the past few years.”
- Joe Brophy
MORE FROM ROONEY
Rooney also reckons it’s crucial for the Three Lions’ hopes this summer that Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire and Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson recover from injuries.
He said: “England have a good chance and will be very hard for any team to beat if they reach the last four, with the semi-finals and final at Wembley.
“But to succeed I think Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson have to be fit.
‘Those two plus Harry Kane are the spine of England’s team. Gareth needs them on the pitch.
“Those players being there allows Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Mount and Marcus Rashford to go and express themselves, and every side has those leaders, those rocks, whom the rest depend on in a crisis.
“If the going gets tough in a game, Jordan and the two Harrys are the ones all the other players will look to.”
- Joe Brophy
OVER TO ROO
Wayne Rooney ‘would have tried absolutely everything’ to persuade Jamie Vardy to play at Euro 2020 – as he rates him an ideal strike-partner for England skipper Harry Kane.
Vardy, 34, retired from international football in 2018 but is still in hot form for Leicester.
Derby boss Rooney, 35, wrote in his Sunday Times column: “One man I wish was in Gareth’s squad is Jamie Vardy.
“I would have tried absolutely everything to lure him out of retirement for these finals.
“I know some people may be surprised at this, especially with the legal case between my wife and Jamie’s wife, but this is my honest football opinion.
“He may be 34, but Jamie is still a brilliant player, who was involved in 24 goals in the Premier League this season and would have been a great asset – not only as an impact sub but as a potential starter.
“Look at how Kane has been playing for Tottenham Hotspur, dropping deeper and playing through balls – Jamie could have been running on to them.”
- Joe Brophy
SILVA SERVICE
Champions League winner Thiago Silva slammed former club Paris Saint-Germain after his European triumph.
Speaking after Chelsea's win over Manchester City, Silva told RMC Sport: "Every time Paris was eliminated, people tried to find a culprit and it was always me.
"It's a shame, I really gave everything."
The veteran defender added: "It's the most important moment of my career, it's unforgettable.
"But it's also a moment for recognition of everything Paris has done for me, but we failed to win it.
"I'm very happy, and I hope that Paris will be able to get here soon."
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