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FootballPremier LeagueUpdated: 16:55, 22 Jun 2023
talkSPORT.com brings you all the latest football news, views and transfer gossip.
Headlines:
Andy Robertson EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool star reveals Jurgen Klopp made it clear things had to change after poor season
Man City to rival Arsenal for Declan Rice with bid expected for West Ham star
Mason Mount could be handed iconic Man United shirt number as Old Trafford transfer moves closer
Manchester United ‘tell Harry Kane to submit transfer request’ to force Tottenham exit
Arsenal agree £65m fee with Chelsea for Kai Havertz
Ilkay Gundogan set to join Barcelona after turning down new Man City offer
Newcastle close in on AC Milan star Sandro Tonali – dubbed ‘the new Andrea Pirlo’ – in £60m deal
Newcastle have reached a full agreement with AC Milan for the transfer of Sandro Tonali, according to reports in Italy.
The Magpies’ head of recruitment Steve Nickson and sporting director Dan Ashworth have both been in Milan for negotiations with the Serie A giants and the 23-year-old’s agents.
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, Nickson is now travelling to Romania – where italy international Tonali is playing in the European under-21 Championship – along with the player’s agents to complete the signing.
Fulham are ‘serious contenders’ to rival West Ham in the race to sign Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse.
The midfielder is set to leave the Saints this summer following the club’s relegation from the Premier League.
West Ham have been linked with a strong interest as they face losing their captain Declan Rice and are seeking a replacement.
But Fulham are expected to lose one of their star players, too, with Joao Palhinha linked with an exit.
And The Independent claim Ward-Prowse is high on Cottagers boss Marco Silva’s wanted list.
It is also claimed the 28-year-old is keen on a move to the west London club, with Southampton valuing their skipper at around £30million after an impressive campaign which saw him score 11 goals and provide five assists.
The England team to kick off their European Under-21 Championship campaign has been revealed ahead of their opening clash against Czech Republic – and it features a host of Premier League talent.
Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White, Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones have all been named in the starting line-up for the game, which kicks off at 5pm.
Tottenham’s Oliver Skipp, Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott are among the players on the bench.
The game is NOT on television, but there IS live commentary on talkSPORT 2, with a live blog of all the action right here on talkSPORT.com.
Follow the match live HERE
Robert Lewandowski was offered an ‘astronomical’ contract to join the exodus of players joining the Saudi Pro League.
But, according to reports in his native Poland, the Barcelona star refused to even enter talks over a move to the Middle East.
Lewandowski carried on where he left off with Bayern Munich after joining Barca last summer, scoring 33 goals and also chipping in with eight assists in 46 appearances in his debut season at the Nou Camp.
Saudi chiefs wanted the 34-year-old to become the latest big-name star to join their footballing revolution, after securing the transfers of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and more.
They were even willing to offer the Poland international €150million-a-year – more than Benzema’s €100m-per-year deal with Al-Ittihad.
But despite the mega bucks on offer, Lewandowski was not interested and completely shut them down, reports Polish journalist Tomasz Włodarczyk.
“There was simply no reaction to the offer from Arabia,” he writes.
“There have been no real talks, because for Robert now only ‘Pride of Catalonia’ counts.”
The report also notes that Lewy wanted to join Barcelona for many years before his transfer to the Nou Camp actually came into fruition, and he has no plans to leave after fulfilling his dream.
Lionel Messi has aimed a brutal parting shot at PSG ahead of his move to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.
The World Cup winner has told Kylian Mbappe to leave the French club and join either Barcelona or Real Madrid.
Messi is on the warpath as he departs the Ligue 1 giants, saying France superstar Mbappe deserves to be part of ‘a real winning project’.
Ouch.
Spanish outlet Defensa Central quote Messi as saying about Mbappe: “I prefer that you go to Barca. But if you want to go to Madrid, do it, you deserve a real winning project.”
Wrexham will host former finalists Wigan on their return to the Carabao Cup.
The Welsh side, who will be participating in the competition for the first time since 2007-08 following their promotion to League Two, were paired with the 2006 runners-up in Thursday’s first-round draw.
Notts County, who came up from the National League along with Wrexham, were handed a home tie against Lincoln.
Leicester, Leeds and Southampton must play in the first round following their relegation from the Premier League.
Leeds will host Shrewsbury, the Foxes will head across the midlands to Burton and Southampton will travel to Gillingham.
The ties will be played in the week beginning August 7. The first-round draw, featuring sides from the Championship, League One and League Two, was split into northern and southern sections.
The majority of top-flight sides will enter in the second round with those involved in European competitions going straight through to the third round.
Surprise reports in Italy claim Romelu Lukaku’s agents have held talks over a return to Milan this summer… with AC, not Inter.
The striker has been linked with another permanent transfer to Inter after his loan deal back at the club expired.
He is now a Chelsea player again, but is not expected to stick around for long.
Inter and Chelsea have held talks already but it appears the talk over Lukaku’s return has gone silent.
But Italian journalist and AC Milan insider Antonio Vitiello claims the Belgian could be heading to Inter’s rivals instead.
“Milan had a meeting with Lukaku’s entourage,” Vitiello wrote on Twitter.
“An idea that is possible only if the Inter striker were to cut his salary.
“Good relations between the Rossoneri and Chelsea and RocNation.”
West Ham are expecting Manchester United to also enter the bidding for Declan Rice, report The Times.
The Red Devils aren’t willing to meet the Hammers’ £100million valuation of their captain, but are willing to include players in a part exchange deal.
Scott McTominay and Harry Maguire are two stars United are said to be willing to include.
talkSPORT understands West Ham are interested in McTominay, while the Hammers are also open to offers for Tomas Soucek who has one year left on his current deal at the London Stadium.
FULL STORY HERE
OFFICIAL! Mohamed Salah has joined a club in Saudi Arabia.
Fortunately for Liverpool fans, it’s not THAT Mohamed Salah.
No, have no fear Reds fans, your beloved Egyptian King is not joining the mass exodus to the Saudi Pro League (yet).
But his namesake, Saudi left-back Mohamed Salah, has.
And Al-Adalah FC’s Tweet about their new signing has caused utter chaos on social media and Reddit…
One fan posted: “I nearly died!”
“My heart dropped for a second,” and, “I just choked on my coffee,” replied others.
The responses on Reddit were a little more extreme.
One wrote: “I just had a f****** heart attack – f****** s***!”
Another admitted: “I just said, ‘What in the f***’ out loud with people around.”
While one rivals supporter was left rather disappointed: “Had a brief moment of joy as a United fan.”
Declan Rice is ‘open to any move’ this summer.
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who has given an update on the situation surrounding the West Ham captain’s future this afternoon.
“Manchester City have decided to bid for Declan Rice after calling West Ham last Friday to be informed,” the journalist wrote on Twitter.
“Man City also checked player’s side — understand Rice is open to any move so deal depends on the clubs now.
“Arsenal, planning to bid again since last week.”
Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke says it should be an easy decision for Declan Rice to sign for Man City this summer.
Despite the midfielder also being linked with the Red Devils earlier in the transfer window, the former striker insists Rice should sub interest from United and Arsenal and join the Premier League champions.
“Declan Rice will have to sit down and decide what is the best choice for him in the summer,” Yorke told Lord Ping.
“I don’t think money will be an issue, but you’re leaving West Ham to go win trophies and to play in the Champions League.
“Does Rice want to leave London? He could stay and play for Arsenal who have a project full of young guys there who are trending in the right direction. Chelsea are going through a transition, would he want to go into an uncertain period at the club? Manchester United are the biggest club in England, but would he want the pressure of playing for such a big club? It will be a personal choice.
“If it was me and Manchester City were interested, then they would be the first choice because of how they play and the trophies they win.
“I wouldn’t rule Manchester United out because they’re on an upwards trajectory and want to get better. I wouldn’t go to Chelsea at the moment because of the disgruntled team.
“Arsenal would be a good choice if I wanted to stay in London, but Manchester City would be my first choice and Manchester United second.”
Well, isn’t this just lovely.
Prince William surprised Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman with an honorary CBE at St George’s Park earlier this week – and a video clip of the moment has just been shared on social media.
The team are set to jet off to Australia for the Women’s World Cup, but before they depart the Womens Euro title-winning coach got a big surprise which left her rather speechless.
And, the class act she is, Wiegman dedicated her award to her England players and staff behind the scenes.
“I am very honoured,” she said.
“I dedicate this prestigious title to the players, coaching team and everyone in the English League who have worked tirelessly for our joint success.
“It has been a great year and we are already looking forward to 2023, hopefully we can continue to make England proud.”
Mason Mount could be given Manchester United’s famous no.7 shirt should he swap Stamford Bridge for Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old Chelsea star continues to be heavily linked with a move away from the side he joined when he was just four years old.
Man United’s first offer of £40million was rejected by Chelsea, and a second bid of £50m was also knocked back, but United are confident a deal can be done.
A total package of £60m, made up of £55m plus £5m in add-ons, could be enough to land Mount.
Should he head to Manchester, he could be donning an iconic number on his back.
FULL STORY
Liverpool defender Andy Robertson has told talkSPORT Man City were a ‘class apart’ last season, but insists the Reds will come again this term as they look to compete for trophies again.
It was a tough campaign for Jurgen Klopp’s side, as they finished fifth in the Premier League and a huge 22 points adrift of the champions.
“City were a class apart from the whole league last season – we weren’t anywhere close to that,” Robertson told talkSPORT in an exclusive interview with Jim White.
“Obviously the last four, five seasons, we have been the team that has pushed them, we’ve been the team that has tried to compete with them, but this season they won it all. They won the treble and rightly so, they were the best team in Europe by a country mile and deserve all the plaudits they are going to get – but we can’t concentrate on other teams.
“We were below the standards we have set for ourselves and we have been punished for it, and it is up to us to try and get back to that and if we do, I believe we can be successful again.”
And it appears Klopp was hard at work to correct the trajectory before last season even ended, to give the team their best chance of recovering ahead of the new campaign.
“That message started six to eight weeks before the end of the season when we changed stuff and we were always looking to the next season,” Robertson added.
“The message already started, but the pre-season will be a big one. We have to get it right in terms of fitness and everything like that and get ourselves as ready as we can and tactically I’m sure we will be doing a lot of work as well to try and make us a better team and a team than can compete for the trophies we want to compete for.”
Man City are now expected to make their opening bid for Declan Rice TODAY.
Following Gianluca Di Marzio‘s reports, David Ornstein is now claiming City have entered the race for Rice and will look to beat Arsenal to the signing of the West Ham captain.
And it appears City have a secret weapon to screw over their Premier League rivals once again.
Well, that’s according to Simon Jordan, who predicted yesterday that Kalvin Phillips could be used as a makeweight – a move that would greatly benefit West Ham.
Responding to Phillips’ comments that he wants to stay at City this season, Jordan said: “What Kalvin Phillips says and what Pep Guardiola tells him might be two different things,” says Simon Jordan.
“If he says he wants to stay at Man City and Guardiola says, ‘that’s very commendable son, by you ain’t playing’, then his attitude will have to change.
“There are a variety of ways this deal can be done because West Ham are going to have a need, they’re going to have to replace this player and Phillips could be the makeweight.
“Suddenly you’re doing a £75m deal with cash, plus you’re taking Kalvin Phillips, and you’re making it happen that way.”
Andy Robertson has hailed the arrival of new teammate Alexis Mac Allister and says he is exactly the type of player Liverpool need to get back to their best.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, the Reds left-back admitted the team did meet their own high standards last season, but says the players will work hard to make things right this term – with the signing of a World Cup winner a major boost.
“We’ve lost a couple of big characters within the changing room and we’ve already made strides to replace that,” the Scotland captain told Jim White.
“Alexis is a fantastic player.
“He’s been at Brighton the last two or three season and every time he’s played against us he’s always caused us difficulties.
“He’s a World Cup winner, which is obviously not easy to do.
“He’s a quality player and I’m sure he’ll fit into our changing room pretty easily.
“I look forward to playing alongside him because he’s a fantastic player and he can bring a lot of quality to our squad.
“That’s what we need. He’s a player that ticks all the boxes.”
Man City are set to officially enter the race to sign Declan Rice.
The Premier League champions have been linked with an interest in the West Ham captain, but until now had yet to really that interest concrete.
Arsenal have been in talks with West Ham over a deal for the Hammers skipper, but have seen their first two bids rejected.
It has been thought for a while that it’s only a matter of time before he moves to the Emirates Stadium, but now Gianluca Di Marzio is reporting after beating them in the Premier League title race, Man City are now ready to beat Arsenal to Rice, too.
It comes following news Ilkay Gudogan will leave City this summer with the German midfielder close to a move to Barcelona.
Bernardo Silva has also been linked with a move away too, and while Pep Guardiola has moved quickly to bring Mateo Kovacic in from Chelsea, the City boss wants to add another midfielder to his squad.
Here’s more on the rumours surrounding Harry Kane this morning.
According to reports, Manchester United have told the Tottenham striker to try and force his way out of the club and put in a transfer request to move to Old Trafford.
The 29-year-old is entering the final year of his contract, but Daniel Levy is said to be confident of keeping the star at Spurs for this season – even though it could mean losing him for free next summer.
FULL STORY HERE
Wrexham make their return to the EFL for the first time in 15 years and have been handed their first match at home.
The Racecourse Ground will host MK Dons on the opening day of the League Two season on August 5 at 3pm.
It is a tough welcome back to the EFL with the Dons dropping down from League One last season in agonising circumstances – needing just a goal on the final day to secure survival.
Their first away trip will be a visit to AFC Wimbledon’s Plough Lane on August 12.
READ MORE
Luis Suarez’s knee problems are so bad the former Liverpool and Barcelona star could be forced to retire and be fitted with a prosthesis
Gremio president Alberto Guerra has revealed the 36-year-old Uruguayan great has daily injections to keep chronic pain at bay so he can train and play games for the Brazilian club.
But it is claimed he may be forced to hang up his boots due to a recurring knee injury which has plagued him for years, and could evern undergo knee replacement surgery to help fix the issue – similar to the operation Andy Murray had to fit a bionic hip bone.
At an event with fans, the Gremio chief said: “Luis Suarez is reaching the limit.
“In order to be able to play he gives himself almost daily injections and special treatments, he is in constant pain. It is serious.
“Suarez has the possibility of being fitted with a prosthesis.“
Reports claim Suarez will hold a meeting with Gremio in the coming days to reach an agreement over his exit from the team, as he considers whether he can continue his career.
Suarez joined Gremio in January, signing a contract until 2024, and has starred back in South America with 14 goals and eight assists in 26 appearances.
But it’s not the first time his right knee has been an issue, having had a meniscus operation which saw him miss several months of action during his spell at Barca.
Former Man City striker Edin Dzeko is set to sign for Turkish giants Fenerbahce.
The Bosnia international left the Etihad in 2015 and enjoyed spells with Roma and Inter Milan in Italy, winning the Serie A title and two Coppa Italia’s during his spell at the San Siro.
He has showed incredible longevity with the frontman still scoring regularly at the age of 37, netting 31 goals and providing 15 assists in his two seasons with Inter.
And he is now taking his career to the Turkish Super Lig, with Fenerbahce announcing this morning on Twitter he is due for his medical before signing on a free transfer.
A club statement reads: “World-famous striker Edin Dzeko will come to Istanbul to pass the health checks and complete the transfer negotiations.”
Jamie Carragher has also joined the debate.
And the Liverpool legend called for the ‘sportswashing to stop’ as he voiced his concerns about Saudi Arabia’s football transfer takeover.
Bernardo Silva is in his peak years & has been one of the best players in Europe for the last five years!
I wasn’t worried about the Saudi League taking players in their 30’s, a touch worried with players below the elite (Neves) but if this happens it feels like a game changer… https://t.co/hcDUbkGp30
— Jamie Carragher (@Carra23) June 21, 2023
One of this morning’s top talking points is Bernardo Silva’s links with a move to Saudi Arabia.
The 28-year-old is at the peak of his powers having helped Man City to the treble this season, and many fans are questioning why he would want to make the move to Saudi with so much more to give at the top level.
With Ilkay Gundogan also set to leave City this summer, with a move to Barcelona agreed, talkSPORT Breakfast hosts Alan Brazil and Ally McCoist debated why they would want to leave Pep Guardiola’s side.
Al: “They’ve both been superb this year!” 😱
Ally: “They’re trying something new!” 🤝
Brazil & McCoist debate why Bernardo Silva & Gundogan would want to leave #MCFC. pic.twitter.com/u44HZNDdrg
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) June 22, 2023
The EFL fixtures are out!
Newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday and recently relegated Southampton kick off the 2023/24 EFL season in a blockbuster Championship clash.
Of the other sides relegated from the Premier League last term, Leicester host Coventry and Leeds take on Cardiff at Elland Road.
Another huge Championship clash sees Ipswich, who scored 101 goals in League One last season to earn automatic promotion, travel to Sunderland.
Elsewhere across the EFL, Charlton have been handed a tough opening game in League One as they face Leyton Orient in a London derby.
Two other Premier League sides clash in League One on the opening weekend as Derby host Wigan, who begin the season on minus eight points for the financial mess they have found themselves in.
Wrexham’s return to the Football League after a 15-year absence sees them at home against MK Dons in League Two.
READ MORE HERE
Tottenham have reportedly reached a verbal £17.2million agreement to sign Empoli goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario.
Spurs appear to have turned their attention to sign the 26-year-old after refusing to match Brentford’s £40m asking price for David Raya.
talkSPORT revealed earlier this month how the north Londoners were keen to snap up shot-stopper Raya, who has one year left on his Bees deal.
And despite personal terms not being an issue between the club and player, we told you how Spurs were looking to drive the Spaniard’s price tag down.
It appears that Brentford have been unwilling to budge on their valuation of Raya, leading Tottenham to look elsewhere.
According to Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, Spurs have been quick to reach a verbal agreement with Serie A side for Vicario.
>>> Read full article>>>
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