Tottenham in for Gattuso OFF after fan backlash, Benitez to Everton, Grealish transfer LATEST, Ramos leaves Real
CHELSEA are reportedly eyeing up moves for Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham – but not both this summer.
The Blues have reportedly agreed personal terms with the Dortmund star – and believe striking a deal with BVB will allow them to swoop for England midfielder Bellingham further down the line.
We've also the latest on Jack Grealish's future, as well as updates from Man City and Tottenham.
And shock reports suggest that Rafa Benitez is close to becoming boss at Everton, while Sergio Ramos has left Real Madrid after 16 years with the club.
Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
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Follow ALL of the latest news and updates below…
- Marc Mayo
HAK’D OFF
Manchester United and Arsenal target Hakan Calhanoglu is set to be offered a REDUCED deal by AC Milan.
A lacklustre Euro 2020 performance with Turkey has left the out-of-contract midfielder’s options limited, as reported by Tuttosport.
The Rossoneri’s new offer is said to be weighted towards performance related bonuses rather than a high basic salary.
- Marc Mayo
PEL OF A PLAYER
Neymar broke down in tears after taking another step towards Pele's Brazil goal record in a scintillating Copa America victory over Peru.
The all-time great's tally of 77 is just nine away for the Paris Saint-Germain star following Thursday night's 4-0 win.
He stated: "It's moving for me, I've been through a lot these last two years. These numbers are nothing more than my joy of playing for Brazil, representing my country, my family.
"We're all going through a very atypical moment, a very hard moment in Brazil and elsewhere.
"To be a role model for someone, to make people happy, it gives me joy. I love the story that I'm writing here, I want my family and friends to be proud.
"I hope everyone who loves this game are proud of me, because these numbers don't really mean anything, only the pride of representing Brazil."
- Marc Mayo
BRAZIL WIN AGAIN
It was a stunning 4-0 win for Brazil against Peru overnight.
Catch all the action with Kostas Lianos’ match report.
- Marc Mayo
JUVENTUS MOURNS
Giampiero Boniperti has died of heart failure aged 92.
The Juventus legend, who had retired from public life in recent years, passed away overnight.
Boniperti rose to iconic status in Turin, playing 459 games between 1946 and 1961.
He later served the club in a variety of different roles, including as director and honorary president.
His funeral will take place in the coming days.
- Marc Mayo
GATTU-NO
Another twist in the Tottenham managerial saga!
According to The Athletic, Gennaro Gattuso will NOT become the new Spurs boss.
After deals for Antonio Conte and Paulo Fonseca collapsed, the ex-midfielder emerged as a candidate after breaking off from Fiorentina yesterday – where he was due to become coach.
But Tottenham have now decided against appointing Gattuso.
Fans have shown their disdain at the notion by trending #NoToGattuso online.
- Marc Mayo
COPA CATCH-UP
Colombia drew 0-0 with Venezuela in last night’s Copa America.
Luis Diaz was sent off for Los Cafeteros and later tonight Argentina face Uruguay in a 1am kick-off on Saturday morning.
- Marc Mayo
GOOD MORNING FOOTY FANS
Spurs have turned to Gennaro Gattuso after talks with Paulo Fonseca over taking over as new manager crumbled, according to reports.
Ex-Roma boss Fonseca had looked set to take over at Tottenham, but talks collapsed over money, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Italian football expert also revealed Spurs have turned their attention to Gattuso.
He is available after spending just two WEEKS at Fiorentina before quitting due to a row over transfer targets.
Meanwhile, Man United target Sergio Ramos claims he wanted to stay at Real Madrid – but didn't sign his contract extension in time.
Speaking to the Spanish press, Ramos said: "The offer was accepted but it had a use-by date.
"They informed us a week ago that the offer had run-out. I don't know why it had an expiry date.
"Maybe I interpreted it wrongly or I didn't understand it but no one told me."
Finally, Italy international Jorginho will stay at Chelsea beyond this summer, according to his agent.
Joao Santos told Radio Marte: "Jorginho is very well, he has won the Europa League and the Champions League and now the goal is to win the Euros.
"Yesterday [against Switzerland] he showed serious, proactive football with results.
"Obviously he won the Champions League and therefore there are enquiries from the main teams in Europe.
"But in my opinion he will stay at Chelsea next year because the next goal is to play the World Cup in Qatar with Italy.
"And by staying at Chelsea he has great chances of doing so."
- Anthony Chapman
PAT'S THE WAY
Leicester have reportedly won the race to sign Patson Daka.
Fabrizio Romano claims the RB Salzburg striker is on the verge of joining the Foxes in a big-money deal.
Daka had apparently been attracting interest from Liverpool, Chelsea and RB Leipzig.
But he is now set to join Brendan Rodgers' side for next season's Europa League adventure.
- Anthony Chapman
CAN HE HAK IT?
Achraf Hakimi has 'verbally agreed' to join Chelsea as Inter Milan demand £43million plus Marcos Alonso in exchange.
Ekrem Konur is among the journalists suggesting Hakimi has now given the nod to the Champions League kings.
That's after Chelsea are thought to have come back in with an increased bid to the Serie A champions.
- Anthony Chapman
NEYM GAME
Neymar has been left out of Brazil’s squad for next month’s Olympics.
But Dani Alves has been called up at the age of 38.
The world’s most-expensive player scored the decisive penalty to earn the Samba Boys their first Olympic football gold medal five years ago after a magnificent free-kick earlier in the final.
But the 29-year-old will not be able to replicate those heroics in Tokyo this summer – despite being included in Andre Jardine's preliminary roster.
- Anthony Chapman
BY JORG
Italy international Jorginho will stay at Chelsea beyond this summer, according to his agent.
Joao Santos told Radio Marte: "Jorginho is very well, he has won the Europa League and the Champions League and now the goal is to win the Euros.
"Yesterday [against Switzerland] he showed serious, proactive football with results.
"Obviously he won the Champions League and therefore there are enquiries from the main teams in Europe.
"But in my opinion he will stay at Chelsea next year because the next goal is to play the World Cup in Qatar with Italy.
"And by staying at Chelsea he has great chances of doing so."
- Anthony Chapman
DONE DEAL
Former Man United star Ashley Young has rejoined old side Aston Villa on a free transfer.
The veteran defender left Inter Milan despite being offered a new deal by the Italian champions.
And Young has instead penned a year-long contract to play for Dean Smith's men at Villa Park.
- Anthony Chapman
FELIX FINE
Man City will bid for Atletico Madrid superstar Joao Felix if they cannot secure Tottenham's Harry Kane, according to reports.
Eurosport claims City could offer Bernardo Silva in exchange for his Portugal teammate.
That would leave Kane still available, albeit for a huge transfer fee.
Kane has been linked with Man United and Chelsea since telling Spurs he wants to leave.
- Anthony Chapman
DONE DEAL
Wolves have made their first summer signing in Colombian defender Yerson Mosquera.
The Atletico Nacional centre-back has penned a five-year deal with Bruno Lage's side.
And Wolves revealed that it was thanks to Brexit changing rules on signing young South Americans that they were able to get a deal over the line.
- Anthony Chapman
EXCLUSIVE BY RICHARD FORRESTER
Luton, Blackpool and Ipswich are locked in a £100,000 tug-of-war for non-league midfielder Sonny Carey.
A number of other Football League clubs – including Bournemouth – are also tracking the 20-year-old King’s Lynn Town player.
Carey has just one year left on his contract with Kings Lynn.
But clubs are looking to secure his signature this summer following a hugely impressive campaign.
And a £100,000 cheque could prove massive for the future of his club following the financial impact of the coronavirus crisis.
- Anthony Chapman
GONE OFF
Man United target Sergio Ramos claims he wanted to stay at Real Madrid – but didn't sign his contract extension in time.
Speaking to the Spanish press, Ramos said: "The offer was accepted but it had a use-by date.
"They informed us a week ago that the offer had run-out. I don't know why it had an expiry date.
"Maybe I interpreted it wrongly or I didn't understand it but no one told me."
- Anthony Chapman
GO GATT HIM
Spurs have turned to Gennaro Gattuso after talks with Paulo Fonseca over taking over as new manager crumbled, according to reports.
Ex-Roma boss Fonseca had looked set to take over at Tottenham, but talks collapsed over money, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Italian football expert also revealed Spurs have turned their attention to Gattuso.
He is available after spending just two WEEKS at Fiorentina before quitting due to a row over transfer targets.
- Anthony Chapman
WELCOME MATT
Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi has agreed personal terms with French side Marseille, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has not played for the Gunners since June 2020 and spent last term on loan at Bundesliga club Hertha Berlin.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Guendouzi has agreed a deal with Marseille.
The Ligue 1 team are now believed to be discussing a fee with Arsenal for the Frenchman.
- Anthony Chapman
BATTLE OF BRITAIN
Glenn Hoddle is backing England to beat Scotland 2-1 at Wembley tomorrow.
But Gordon Strachan believes the Tartan Army can hold out for a 0-0 draw.
Hoddle told Betfair: “It’s going to be a tight game but the pressure’s on Scotland to open up a bit more.
"The team that controls their emotion will end up playing better and winning.”
Strachan added: "England have got that superiority complex in basically everything.
"I don’t know if it adds an extra stride to the players. It will make for a good game.”
- William Pugh
HALF-TIME!
Ukraine are beating North Macedonia 2-0 at half-time in Group C.
West Ham ace Andriy Yarmolenko made it 1-0 after half an hour before Roman Yaremchuk doubled their lead five minutes later.
- William Pugh
SIMPLY AYRESOME
A group of 20 Middlesbrough fans are dreaming of a £38,500 Royal Ascot payday thanks to their bargain wonderhorse.
Riverside Racing Syndicate will take on the big boys on Friday with the amazing Lady Ayresome, named after the club's old ground.
Bought for just over £4,000 – a snip in racing terms – the two-year-old superstar has won two races in a row and is currently 20-1 to win the Albany Stakes at 2.30pm.
There, jockey Tom Eaves and trainer Kevin Ryan will take on the likes of legends Frankie Dettori and Ryan Moore, not to mention trainers such as Aidan O'Brien, backed by billionaire John Magnier.
Already it has been quite some ride for the small syndicate, which is run by Graham Frankland.
And even more remarkable is that the whole thing came about from a Boro fan message board.
- William Pugh
TRIP TO ITALY
Fikayo Tomori has joined AC Milan on a permanent transfer after the Italian side enacted a clause to sign the centre-back.
Chelsea loaned the defender to the San Siro giants in January and he impressed in the club’s run to second place in Serie A.
In 22 appearances, Tomori won over many fans, some of whom called for Gareth Southgate to include him in England’s Euro 2020 squad.
The loan deal contained a £25million option to permanently sign the player, which was taken up by Milan.
Tomori signs on a four-year contract in a move confirmed on Thursday.
A statement from the Premier League club read: “Chelsea is grateful to Fikayo for his contributions at the club, from youth level to men’s first-team squad, and wishes him the very best in his future career.”
- William Pugh
RAPH-LE TICKET
Manchester United are kicking on with a busy summer in the transfer market amid talk of a bid for Raphael Varane.
Varane, 28, has been a star at Real Madrid for a decade and boasts a trophy cabinet containing four Champions League titles, three LaLiga crowns and a World Cup.
The Red Devils are determined to sign a new partner for Harry Maguire this summer, in the hope of generating a Premier League title challenge.
It had been reported by Manchester Evening News that an offer of £50million was sent to Real – and swiftly rejected.
Los Blancos were said to have asked for £80m despite their player being just a year away from leaving for free. Talks over a new contract have failed to progress and it had previously been suggested that Real would cash in if Varane refused to sign.
A fee of £80m would be difficult to meet for any team in the pandemic crisis, including United who are also discussing a deal for Jadon Sancho.
Credit: Getty - William Pugh
BRIGHT IDEA
North London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal are set to battle it out off the pitch for right-back Tariq Lamptey, according to reports.
The 20-year-old only joined Brighton from Chelsea in January 2020 but his stock has rapidly risen following a string of impressive performances.
Lamptey’s current campaign has been hampered by injuries having been sidelined since December.
But his fitness concerns won’t deter both Premier League clubs from making an audacious transfer swoop this summer.
The Seagulls are confident of hanging on to the rising star with the player penning a contract extension until 2025 in January.
The Daily Mail write how Brighton are unlikely to entertain any offers under £50million. Spurs have prioritised signing a new right-back with Serge Aurier set for a reunion with Mauricio Pochettino at Paris Saint-Germain.
Credit: Reuters - William Pugh
BAK IN BUSINESS
Chelsea are prepared to cut their losses and flog Tiemoue Bakayoko to Atletico Madrid, according to reports.
The midfielder’s time at Stamford Bridge has been a disaster having spent the last three seasons on loan with AC Milan, Monaco and Napoli.
Signed for £40million four years ago, the 26-year-old hasn’t played for Chelsea since 2018.
His reignited his career with Napoli last season having made 44 appearances in all competitions.
But it won’t be enough to convince Thomas Tuchel that he can play a part with the European champions next season.
According to Spanish publication Todo Fichajes, Atletico Madrid are ready to take a gamble and move his signature. The report adds how Chelsea hope to get back £15.3m for his signature despite entering the final year of his contract.
Credit: Getty
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