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'I know what I'll do but won't say' - Lukaku casts doubt over Man United future
Romelu Lukaku said he expects a "busy summer" as he cast doubts over his Manchester United future amid growing links to Inter.Lukaku has emerged as a reported target for Antonio Conte's side after previously revealing it would be a "dream" to play in Serie A at some point in his career.
New Inter head coach Conte is reportedly keen to sign Lukaku, having missed out on the Belgium striker during his time in charge of Chelsea after he opted to join Premier League rivals United for £75 million ($95m) in 2017.
Lukaku was asked about his future following Belgium's 3-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Scotland on Tuesday and the 26-year-old did little to dismiss rumours of a potential Old Trafford exit.
"I have a contract with Man United," said Lukaku, who scored twice against Scotland. "I'll speak with my club and my agent Federico Pastorello to make the best decision."I am going to enjoy my holidays with my family now. I know what I'll do but won't say it."We'll see. If I expect a busy summer? Yes."
Lukaku – contracted to the Red Devils until 2022 with the option of a further year – scored 12 Premier League goals as United finish sixth in 2018-19, missing out on Champions League qualification.
He scored 15 goals across all competitions for United in total, who lost to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The imposing centre-forward was unable to build on his promising debut campaign at Old Trafford, during which he managed to hit 26 goals under Jose Mourinho's stewardship.
Lukaku enjoyed a brief resurgence after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's appointment as interim United boss back in December, most notably scoring twice in a stunning Champions League win over Paris Saint Germain.
However, his form dipped dramatically between March and May, with many fans and experts calling his fitness levels and technical ability into question.
Romelu Lukaku said he expects a "busy summer" as he cast doubts over his Manchester United future amid growing links to Inter.Lukaku has emerged as a reported target for Antonio Conte's side after previously revealing it would be a "dream" to play in Serie A at some point in his career.
New Inter head coach Conte is reportedly keen to sign Lukaku, having missed out on the Belgium striker during his time in charge of Chelsea after he opted to join Premier League rivals United for £75 million ($95m) in 2017.
Lukaku was asked about his future following Belgium's 3-0 Euro 2020 qualifying win over Scotland on Tuesday and the 26-year-old did little to dismiss rumours of a potential Old Trafford exit.
"I have a contract with Man United," said Lukaku, who scored twice against Scotland. "I'll speak with my club and my agent Federico Pastorello to make the best decision."I am going to enjoy my holidays with my family now. I know what I'll do but won't say it."We'll see. If I expect a busy summer? Yes."
Lukaku – contracted to the Red Devils until 2022 with the option of a further year – scored 12 Premier League goals as United finish sixth in 2018-19, missing out on Champions League qualification.
He scored 15 goals across all competitions for United in total, who lost to Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-finals.
The imposing centre-forward was unable to build on his promising debut campaign at Old Trafford, during which he managed to hit 26 goals under Jose Mourinho's stewardship.
Lukaku enjoyed a brief resurgence after Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's appointment as interim United boss back in December, most notably scoring twice in a stunning Champions League win over Paris Saint Germain.
However, his form dipped dramatically between March and May, with many fans and experts calling his fitness levels and technical ability into question.
'Now's not the time!' - Mbappe not ready to talk about Madrid links as rumours swirl
Kylian Mbappe not in the mood to talk about links to Real Madrid after leading France past Andorra in Euro 2020 qualifying.Mbappe has been linked with the La Liga giants, with talk of a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu growing stronger after the Paris Saint-Germain star hinted he could be ready for a "new project".
However, the forward had no time for questions about the Spanish outfit following a 4-0 qualifying win over Andorra on Tuesday, which saw him take his personal goal tally to 100 as a professional .
"Now is not the time to talk about Real Madrid," Mbappe told reporters post-game."You always ask me the same thing, but it's not the time."
Mbappe and France came into the match with Andorra off the back of a terrible loss to Turkey last time out. That game had seen the team fail to register a single shot on target for the first time in a decade, while Mbappe turned the ball over 22 times.
But Turkey's loss to Iceland on Tuesday coupled with a strong response from France saw the World Cup winners move back to the top of their Euro 2020 qualifying group, and manager Didier Deschamps was pleased with the turnaround from his outfit. "There was a lot of application even if we would have liked a few more goals," Deschamps told French television reporters."I saw great attitude and a lot of commitment and seriousness.
"We had to adapt very quickly. The group reacted well after a poor match. It sounds simple today but we did very well, we played with a lot of quality and I think that the players enjoyed playing together.
"The players did well. Now we have nine points, and we are going to go after all the points that are possible to get."These three points are just as much worth as in other games. Now the players go on holiday with a good feeling, and they need it, because we continue in September."
Les Bleus' will next be on the pitch against Albania on September 7, before they host Andorra three days later and they'll be looking to keep their place atop Group H, which they lead on goal difference as they remain tied on points with both Turkey and Iceland.
Kylian Mbappe not in the mood to talk about links to Real Madrid after leading France past Andorra in Euro 2020 qualifying.Mbappe has been linked with the La Liga giants, with talk of a potential move to the Santiago Bernabeu growing stronger after the Paris Saint-Germain star hinted he could be ready for a "new project".
However, the forward had no time for questions about the Spanish outfit following a 4-0 qualifying win over Andorra on Tuesday, which saw him take his personal goal tally to 100 as a professional .
"Now is not the time to talk about Real Madrid," Mbappe told reporters post-game."You always ask me the same thing, but it's not the time."
Mbappe and France came into the match with Andorra off the back of a terrible loss to Turkey last time out. That game had seen the team fail to register a single shot on target for the first time in a decade, while Mbappe turned the ball over 22 times.
But Turkey's loss to Iceland on Tuesday coupled with a strong response from France saw the World Cup winners move back to the top of their Euro 2020 qualifying group, and manager Didier Deschamps was pleased with the turnaround from his outfit. "There was a lot of application even if we would have liked a few more goals," Deschamps told French television reporters."I saw great attitude and a lot of commitment and seriousness.
"We had to adapt very quickly. The group reacted well after a poor match. It sounds simple today but we did very well, we played with a lot of quality and I think that the players enjoyed playing together.
"The players did well. Now we have nine points, and we are going to go after all the points that are possible to get."These three points are just as much worth as in other games. Now the players go on holiday with a good feeling, and they need it, because we continue in September."
Les Bleus' will next be on the pitch against Albania on September 7, before they host Andorra three days later and they'll be looking to keep their place atop Group H, which they lead on goal difference as they remain tied on points with both Turkey and Iceland.
Drogba: Frank Lampard is a ready to replace Sarri for the Chelsea manager job
Didier Drogba has given his endorsement to Frank Lampard as he says his former team-mate is ready to manage Chelsea despite only one year of experience with Derby County.
The legendary striker lined up alongside Lampard to great success at Stamford Bridge, earning a host of honours from the Champions League to the Premier League in the most glorious era in the club's history.Lampard's 211 goals mark him out as the all-time top-scorer for the club and he is tipped as the leading candidate to replace Maurizio Sarri, who is set to leave the club for Juventus in his native Italy in the near future.
Drogba knows Lampard as well as anyone and he believes his success at Derby shows he is ready to manage the club where they both made their names.
“I think it is a very good option for the club," Drogba said at Stamford Bridge. "He has done well with Derby, you know, taking the team to the play-off final and I think it is a very good option for the club."
There has been discussion whether Lampard, after just one season in charge of a club, is ready for the pressure of the Chelsea job. But Drobga dismissed those concerns, believing if the former midfielder believes himself prepared, that is what matters.
“So he is never going to be ready, then? Does he have to wait until he is 40 or 50 to be ready? I think it depends on your experience and depends on your desire to succeed and do it. If he feels ready I don’t think it is too early.”
Drogba's return to Stamford Bridge comes as he prepares to play in the high-profile Soccer Aid charity match for Unicef. His Rest of the World XI will face an English team, pitting the likes of Drogba and Essien against John Terry and Joe Cole.
Ex-Liverpool and Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp is playing in the match and is the cousin of Lampard. He thinks it would be a great decision in the circumstances of having a transfer ban to appoint the legendary midfielder, as long as they are willing to give him the time to build a team.
"If Sarri goes, which it looks like, and they were to go for Frank then it would be a great decision," Redknapp said. “He is a hero, a God here, but whoever comes into this job next if he (Sarri) was to go then they have to be given time.
"You have lost your best player, a transfer embargo and I think the club need to state that, whatever happens, if we don’t do well, because that could theoretically happen this year if you lose your best players and you can’t buy any, then you have to be given time to build a team.“I think with the squad they have, they could theoretically get top four, but with losing their best player, by a long way, not just a good player but the best player in probably the Premier League has left the club.
“They finished third and won the Europa League, it ended up being a really good season, but there were times when they really struggled this year, so they have to be patient. Frank is a bright guy and would be completely realistic in the situation.
“People say, is it the right time? When is the right time? This is his club, this is where he is loved, the fans idolise him and he is so bright that he will figure it out. He could be the first English manager to have been ever chosen (under Roman Abramovich).
"If they were to go with one then, and Jody Morris (his assistant at Derby) would come with him, then I think it would be a really good team. But they have got to be given time. There is no magic wand. It is not because Frank lacks experience, it will mainly be because they have lost their best players."
Didier Drogba has given his endorsement to Frank Lampard as he says his former team-mate is ready to manage Chelsea despite only one year of experience with Derby County.
The legendary striker lined up alongside Lampard to great success at Stamford Bridge, earning a host of honours from the Champions League to the Premier League in the most glorious era in the club's history.Lampard's 211 goals mark him out as the all-time top-scorer for the club and he is tipped as the leading candidate to replace Maurizio Sarri, who is set to leave the club for Juventus in his native Italy in the near future.
Drogba knows Lampard as well as anyone and he believes his success at Derby shows he is ready to manage the club where they both made their names.
“I think it is a very good option for the club," Drogba said at Stamford Bridge. "He has done well with Derby, you know, taking the team to the play-off final and I think it is a very good option for the club."
There has been discussion whether Lampard, after just one season in charge of a club, is ready for the pressure of the Chelsea job. But Drobga dismissed those concerns, believing if the former midfielder believes himself prepared, that is what matters.
“So he is never going to be ready, then? Does he have to wait until he is 40 or 50 to be ready? I think it depends on your experience and depends on your desire to succeed and do it. If he feels ready I don’t think it is too early.”
Drogba's return to Stamford Bridge comes as he prepares to play in the high-profile Soccer Aid charity match for Unicef. His Rest of the World XI will face an English team, pitting the likes of Drogba and Essien against John Terry and Joe Cole.
Ex-Liverpool and Tottenham star Jamie Redknapp is playing in the match and is the cousin of Lampard. He thinks it would be a great decision in the circumstances of having a transfer ban to appoint the legendary midfielder, as long as they are willing to give him the time to build a team.
"If Sarri goes, which it looks like, and they were to go for Frank then it would be a great decision," Redknapp said. “He is a hero, a God here, but whoever comes into this job next if he (Sarri) was to go then they have to be given time.
"You have lost your best player, a transfer embargo and I think the club need to state that, whatever happens, if we don’t do well, because that could theoretically happen this year if you lose your best players and you can’t buy any, then you have to be given time to build a team.“I think with the squad they have, they could theoretically get top four, but with losing their best player, by a long way, not just a good player but the best player in probably the Premier League has left the club.
“They finished third and won the Europa League, it ended up being a really good season, but there were times when they really struggled this year, so they have to be patient. Frank is a bright guy and would be completely realistic in the situation.
“People say, is it the right time? When is the right time? This is his club, this is where he is loved, the fans idolise him and he is so bright that he will figure it out. He could be the first English manager to have been ever chosen (under Roman Abramovich).
"If they were to go with one then, and Jody Morris (his assistant at Derby) would come with him, then I think it would be a really good team. But they have got to be given time. There is no magic wand. It is not because Frank lacks experience, it will mainly be because they have lost their best players."
Meunier reiterates transfer stance as rumours of swapping PSG for Arsenal or Man Utd rumble on
Thomas Meunier has reiterated that it is his intention to remain at Paris Saint-Germain this summer, not secure a move to Arsenal or Manchester United.
The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a transfer amid fierce competition for places in the French capital.He is also approaching the final year of his current contract.
Emirates Stadium has been mooted as a potential landing spot for the 27-year-old, with Arsenal having parted with the experience of Stephan Lichtsteiner at right-back.Meunier would help to fill that void, but he insists no thought has been given to a switch to North London at this stage.
He told RTBF when quizzed on the latest rumours: “I will repeat myself again: my ambition is to stay in Paris.“If they want me, that will be even better - we will be hand in hand. If they do not want me, then we will find a solution.”
United have also been linked with an approach for Meunier, although Crystal Palace youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka is their top target at present.The door has previously been left ajar for interested parties to make a move.
Meunier recently told Le Parisien: “There have been phone calls since January with interested clubs. There are a dozen clubs, all of which are in the top five of their leagues.”If no move is made in 2019, then it could be that Meunier leaves PSG as a free agent next summer.“It's something that could suit me,” he has said.
“I don't think the club would make a lot of money from me, actually. I have a market value, but I'm a defender, I play one game out of three and I'm turning 28.“It's not like Adrien [Rabiot], who is worth €50 million .”
Meunier added on his current standing at Parc des Princes, with over 100 appearances taken in across the last three seasons: “I told the leaders that I was ready to stay, that I would like it a lot.“They didn't tell me, 'We absolutely want to sell you'. They know that at some point they will need me.
“If the club tells me, 'Listen, we want to sell you, we need money, there's financial fair play', and I will not play next year, then we will find a solution to satisfy both sides, of course.”
Thomas Meunier has reiterated that it is his intention to remain at Paris Saint-Germain this summer, not secure a move to Arsenal or Manchester United.
The Belgium international has been heavily linked with a transfer amid fierce competition for places in the French capital.He is also approaching the final year of his current contract.
Emirates Stadium has been mooted as a potential landing spot for the 27-year-old, with Arsenal having parted with the experience of Stephan Lichtsteiner at right-back.Meunier would help to fill that void, but he insists no thought has been given to a switch to North London at this stage.
He told RTBF when quizzed on the latest rumours: “I will repeat myself again: my ambition is to stay in Paris.“If they want me, that will be even better - we will be hand in hand. If they do not want me, then we will find a solution.”
United have also been linked with an approach for Meunier, although Crystal Palace youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka is their top target at present.The door has previously been left ajar for interested parties to make a move.
Meunier recently told Le Parisien: “There have been phone calls since January with interested clubs. There are a dozen clubs, all of which are in the top five of their leagues.”If no move is made in 2019, then it could be that Meunier leaves PSG as a free agent next summer.“It's something that could suit me,” he has said.
“I don't think the club would make a lot of money from me, actually. I have a market value, but I'm a defender, I play one game out of three and I'm turning 28.“It's not like Adrien [Rabiot], who is worth €50 million .”
Meunier added on his current standing at Parc des Princes, with over 100 appearances taken in across the last three seasons: “I told the leaders that I was ready to stay, that I would like it a lot.“They didn't tell me, 'We absolutely want to sell you'. They know that at some point they will need me.
“If the club tells me, 'Listen, we want to sell you, we need money, there's financial fair play', and I will not play next year, then we will find a solution to satisfy both sides, of course.”
'Maguire is the equal of Stones' - Man Utd & City target talked up as ‘ball-playing centre-back’ by Neville
Harry Maguire is as good as John Stones when it comes to ball-playing centre-halves, says Gary Neville, with the Leicester defender expected to attract further interest from Manchester rivals United and City.An England international has been drawing admiring glances from Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium for some time.
Speculation is expected to be stepped up during the current transfer window, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Pep Guardiola both in need of defensive reinforcements.
The Red Devils have failed to bolster their options at centre-half since prioritising that area last summer, while Premier League champions City have seen Vincent Kompany leave the club after 11 years.Maguire has been mooted as the answer for both clubs, despite Leicester having no intention of parting with a prized asset.
Neville expects their resolve to be tested over the coming weeks, with a 26-year-old with the potential for future improvement having already shown himself to be one of the best options around.
“If you think of the attributes of centre-backs, he has them in abundance,” the former Red Devils full-back told the Gary Neville Podcast.“Leicester fans won't thank me for this, but they're going to be under real pressure to keep him this summer.
“We talk about John Stones being good on the ball, I actually think Maguire is the equal of him on the ball.“A big statement, maybe, as Stones is seen as the composed, ball-playing centre-back, but I think Maguire is just as good on the ball.”
It has been suggested that any of Maguire’s suitors will have to part with around £80 million ($102m) in order to lure him away from the King Power Stadium.If that asking price were to be met, then the former Sheffield United and Hull City star would become the most expensive defender of all time – eclipsing the £75m ($95m) that Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in the winter transfer window of 2018.
Leicester have every right to demand such a fee, with Maguire having only committed to fresh terms with them in September of last year.
Harry Maguire is as good as John Stones when it comes to ball-playing centre-halves, says Gary Neville, with the Leicester defender expected to attract further interest from Manchester rivals United and City.An England international has been drawing admiring glances from Old Trafford and the Etihad Stadium for some time.
Speculation is expected to be stepped up during the current transfer window, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Pep Guardiola both in need of defensive reinforcements.
The Red Devils have failed to bolster their options at centre-half since prioritising that area last summer, while Premier League champions City have seen Vincent Kompany leave the club after 11 years.Maguire has been mooted as the answer for both clubs, despite Leicester having no intention of parting with a prized asset.
Neville expects their resolve to be tested over the coming weeks, with a 26-year-old with the potential for future improvement having already shown himself to be one of the best options around.
“If you think of the attributes of centre-backs, he has them in abundance,” the former Red Devils full-back told the Gary Neville Podcast.“Leicester fans won't thank me for this, but they're going to be under real pressure to keep him this summer.
“We talk about John Stones being good on the ball, I actually think Maguire is the equal of him on the ball.“A big statement, maybe, as Stones is seen as the composed, ball-playing centre-back, but I think Maguire is just as good on the ball.”
It has been suggested that any of Maguire’s suitors will have to part with around £80 million ($102m) in order to lure him away from the King Power Stadium.If that asking price were to be met, then the former Sheffield United and Hull City star would become the most expensive defender of all time – eclipsing the £75m ($95m) that Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk in the winter transfer window of 2018.
Leicester have every right to demand such a fee, with Maguire having only committed to fresh terms with them in September of last year.
Pogba and Griezmann could lead a Manchester United revolution - Bolt
Serial Olympic gold medallist and occasional footballer Usain Bolt says Manchester United should be building their team around Paul Pogba, rather than letting him leave.
Pogba has divided opinion at Old Trafford ever since joining from Juventus in 2016 and has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.But Bolt says it is the players around him at United who have been the problem rather than Pogba himself.
Speaking ahead of the Soccer Aid for Unicef match at Stamford Bridge, United fan Bolt said: “Pogba is a friend of mine and I am a massive fan of his and I think they need to build a team around him.
“When you watch him at Juventus and when he plays for France, he is outstanding because he has good strikers and people to play and run off the ball which he needs as a great passer.
“It doesn’t matter how somebody cuts his hair, as long as he comes on the field, he shows up.“If you build the team around him and give him strikers who understand how he plays then he is going to do great.”
Pogba's international team-mate Antoine Griezmann is one of the names being tipped to join United this summer having revealed he will be leaving Atletico Madrid.And Bolt would welcome his arrival, believing that Griezmann and Pogba could be the recipe for success that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer requires.
“Listen, it’s all over the place. It would be a proper signing because him and Pogba play very well together, play for the same country.
"You never know. People will say whatever. Until it happens, I won’t get my hopes up.“We just have to wait. We signed Daniel James. I don’t know how to look at that. He is quick. We have to watch and see how the rest of the season turns out."
Either way, it is clear United require some kind of overhaul this summer following the disappointment of finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.Despite a strong start to his time in the Old Trafford dugout, Solskjaer is under pressure to deliver after a poor end to the campaign.
A repeat of last season's first half of the season, for which Jose Mourinho was sacked in December, could see the Norwegian out of a job just months after signing a three-year deal with the club.
And while Bolt is happy to see the defensive football of the Mourinho era gone from United, he is waiting on the calibre of the new arrivals at the club before making any kind of prediction.
“I feel like Mourinho didn’t play our style of football, that’s why it didn’t work out," he said. "Watching Manchester United from the Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson] days we were always an attacking team, no matter what was going on.
"Even if we didn’t put a good side out, they were always attacking. For us to be a defensive team was never going to work."For me, I wouldn’t say I am happy that he left, but I am happy with the style of football we are playing now.”On next season he added: "It depends on who we sign this summer.
“I think we did okay last season but everyone got injured and even when they came back it was downhill from there.
“I think this year we can be in better shape, with a few new players, we should be fine. We need to be patient and believe, believe is our motto, so we just have to believe.”
Serial Olympic gold medallist and occasional footballer Usain Bolt says Manchester United should be building their team around Paul Pogba, rather than letting him leave.
Pogba has divided opinion at Old Trafford ever since joining from Juventus in 2016 and has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid this summer.But Bolt says it is the players around him at United who have been the problem rather than Pogba himself.
Speaking ahead of the Soccer Aid for Unicef match at Stamford Bridge, United fan Bolt said: “Pogba is a friend of mine and I am a massive fan of his and I think they need to build a team around him.
“When you watch him at Juventus and when he plays for France, he is outstanding because he has good strikers and people to play and run off the ball which he needs as a great passer.
“It doesn’t matter how somebody cuts his hair, as long as he comes on the field, he shows up.“If you build the team around him and give him strikers who understand how he plays then he is going to do great.”
Pogba's international team-mate Antoine Griezmann is one of the names being tipped to join United this summer having revealed he will be leaving Atletico Madrid.And Bolt would welcome his arrival, believing that Griezmann and Pogba could be the recipe for success that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer requires.
“Listen, it’s all over the place. It would be a proper signing because him and Pogba play very well together, play for the same country.
"You never know. People will say whatever. Until it happens, I won’t get my hopes up.“We just have to wait. We signed Daniel James. I don’t know how to look at that. He is quick. We have to watch and see how the rest of the season turns out."
Either way, it is clear United require some kind of overhaul this summer following the disappointment of finishing sixth in the Premier League last season.Despite a strong start to his time in the Old Trafford dugout, Solskjaer is under pressure to deliver after a poor end to the campaign.
A repeat of last season's first half of the season, for which Jose Mourinho was sacked in December, could see the Norwegian out of a job just months after signing a three-year deal with the club.
And while Bolt is happy to see the defensive football of the Mourinho era gone from United, he is waiting on the calibre of the new arrivals at the club before making any kind of prediction.
“I feel like Mourinho didn’t play our style of football, that’s why it didn’t work out," he said. "Watching Manchester United from the Fergie [Sir Alex Ferguson] days we were always an attacking team, no matter what was going on.
"Even if we didn’t put a good side out, they were always attacking. For us to be a defensive team was never going to work."For me, I wouldn’t say I am happy that he left, but I am happy with the style of football we are playing now.”On next season he added: "It depends on who we sign this summer.
“I think we did okay last season but everyone got injured and even when they came back it was downhill from there.
“I think this year we can be in better shape, with a few new players, we should be fine. We need to be patient and believe, believe is our motto, so we just have to believe.”
‘Real Madrid should loan Bale out’ – Transfer fee will be a ‘problem’, says former Blancos president
Real Madrid granting Gareth Bale a loan move this summer would be “the best thing for everyone”, says former Blancos president Ramon Calderon.
A move away from the Santiago Bernabeu has been mooted for the Wales international.
Having slipped down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane, the 29-year-old is expected to leave the Spanish capital in search of regular game time and trust from a different manager.
A return to the Premier League is considered to be the most likely outcome, with a loan spell at former club Tottenham having already been speculated on.Calderon believes such an agreement could be beneficial to all concerned, with Real likely to find it difficult finding a buyer willing to commit to a sizeable transfer fee and a lucrative contract.He told Sky Sports of Bale: "His situation here is very difficult.
"It is clear Zidane has discarded him in his mind. He showed that last season by not having him in the starting line-up. It is very disappointing for a player like him."Also the problem is the transfer fee. Real Madrid want to get a lot of money for him but I find that difficult.
"Maybe the best thing for everyone would be a loan. The player could recover his confidence on the field and Real Madrid could see his value rise.
"He wasn't successful here for many reasons - injuries, also the handicap of the money. When he came we paid more than we did for Cristiano [Ronaldo].
"People thought he should be better than Cristiano but that is very difficult."
The challenge of countering the loss of Ronaldo has been passed from Bale to Eden Hazard, with the Belgium international forward having completed a €100 million (£88m/$112m) move to Madrid.
Much is expected of the former Chelsea star, but Calderon has warned that it will be impossible for him to fill the void created by the departure of a five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the summer of 2018.
He added: "[Hazard’s] a fantastic player but Cristiano is unique. I've never seen or found a player like him," said Calderon."Hazard is very talented and skilful, he's proven that in the strongest championship in the world, which is the Premier League.
"He can play on both flanks, is a good dribbler with excellent passing. He can play in many positions - attacking midfielder, winger, even a false nine - so it is a fantastic opportunity."
Real Madrid granting Gareth Bale a loan move this summer would be “the best thing for everyone”, says former Blancos president Ramon Calderon.
A move away from the Santiago Bernabeu has been mooted for the Wales international.
Having slipped down the pecking order under Zinedine Zidane, the 29-year-old is expected to leave the Spanish capital in search of regular game time and trust from a different manager.
A return to the Premier League is considered to be the most likely outcome, with a loan spell at former club Tottenham having already been speculated on.Calderon believes such an agreement could be beneficial to all concerned, with Real likely to find it difficult finding a buyer willing to commit to a sizeable transfer fee and a lucrative contract.He told Sky Sports of Bale: "His situation here is very difficult.
"It is clear Zidane has discarded him in his mind. He showed that last season by not having him in the starting line-up. It is very disappointing for a player like him."Also the problem is the transfer fee. Real Madrid want to get a lot of money for him but I find that difficult.
"Maybe the best thing for everyone would be a loan. The player could recover his confidence on the field and Real Madrid could see his value rise.
"He wasn't successful here for many reasons - injuries, also the handicap of the money. When he came we paid more than we did for Cristiano [Ronaldo].
"People thought he should be better than Cristiano but that is very difficult."
The challenge of countering the loss of Ronaldo has been passed from Bale to Eden Hazard, with the Belgium international forward having completed a €100 million (£88m/$112m) move to Madrid.
Much is expected of the former Chelsea star, but Calderon has warned that it will be impossible for him to fill the void created by the departure of a five-time Ballon d’Or winner in the summer of 2018.
He added: "[Hazard’s] a fantastic player but Cristiano is unique. I've never seen or found a player like him," said Calderon."Hazard is very talented and skilful, he's proven that in the strongest championship in the world, which is the Premier League.
"He can play on both flanks, is a good dribbler with excellent passing. He can play in many positions - attacking midfielder, winger, even a false nine - so it is a fantastic opportunity."
‘Lampard should take Mourinho with him at Chelsea’ – Former Blues star feels mentor is needed
Frank Lampard has been urged to consider bringing in Jose Mourinho alongside him if he does end up taking the managerial reins at Chelsea, with Tony Cascarino suggesting that an experienced head will be required.
Having spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge during his playing days, the former Blues midfielder knows all about life at Stamford Bridge.Lampard is, however, just one season into a coaching career that he opened at Derby in the summer of 2018.
He is now being mooted as the leading candidate to succeed Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea should the Italian decide to head home and replace Massimiliano Allegri at Serie A champions Juventus.Lampard would be a popular appointment among supporters, but Cascarino believes a dream team with former boss Mourinho taking on an advisory role could serve the Blues even better.
The ex-Chelsea striker told talkSPORT: “I was always told, and I think it’s spot on, that if you’re a young manager you should get someone in upstairs who is very experienced, someone who knows how to speak to directors and owners.
“The obvious candidate, because he’s out of work, would be Jose Mourinho.“The trouble is, we don’t know where Jose is with his relationships, because he has broken a few. His relationship has been severed with Chelsea and I don’t know his relationship with Frank Lampard.
“But I’d like to feel he would assist someone who he helped develop in his career and won things with. He’s the sort of person you would want in above you.“Could I see that happening? No, because of his relationship with Chelsea and the way he was sacked in his second stint with the club.
“But you need someone who goes in above Frank with huge experience, who can deal with board room, deal with the issues from the owner and just be a buffer for you in many different ways.
“All the staff around Frank are all relatively new to these roles.“Jose is going to have to find himself a way back in. He’s said he still wants to be a manager, but Frank needs someone who has experienced a hell of a lot.
“A Carlo Ancelotti, a Claudio Ranieri, even his uncle Harry Redknapp – someone of that stature who might not be working who he can employ and have above him to help him.“Not a director of football, more as a guide, someone who is going to lead him and nurture him in management.
“This is still a learning curve for Frank Lampard and a hugely experienced guy who has been around the block can be very helpful to you.“It’s a weird one, I’m throwing Jose out there which seems a no-goer. But I’m talking about having someone upstairs who would make your job a lot easier with the owners and directors, having someone who is batting your corner.
“I was using Jose as an example, but the problem in that example is Jose.“I don’t even know where Frank’s relationship is with Jose, I was just giving an example of a type of people who could come in above him.”
Mourinho, who has been out of work since leaving Manchester United in December 2018, has expressed a desire to take on a new role this summer, but it is expected that he will seek to return to the dugout as a leading man rather than an assistant.
Frank Lampard has been urged to consider bringing in Jose Mourinho alongside him if he does end up taking the managerial reins at Chelsea, with Tony Cascarino suggesting that an experienced head will be required.
Having spent 11 years at Stamford Bridge during his playing days, the former Blues midfielder knows all about life at Stamford Bridge.Lampard is, however, just one season into a coaching career that he opened at Derby in the summer of 2018.
He is now being mooted as the leading candidate to succeed Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea should the Italian decide to head home and replace Massimiliano Allegri at Serie A champions Juventus.Lampard would be a popular appointment among supporters, but Cascarino believes a dream team with former boss Mourinho taking on an advisory role could serve the Blues even better.
The ex-Chelsea striker told talkSPORT: “I was always told, and I think it’s spot on, that if you’re a young manager you should get someone in upstairs who is very experienced, someone who knows how to speak to directors and owners.
“The obvious candidate, because he’s out of work, would be Jose Mourinho.“The trouble is, we don’t know where Jose is with his relationships, because he has broken a few. His relationship has been severed with Chelsea and I don’t know his relationship with Frank Lampard.
“But I’d like to feel he would assist someone who he helped develop in his career and won things with. He’s the sort of person you would want in above you.“Could I see that happening? No, because of his relationship with Chelsea and the way he was sacked in his second stint with the club.
“But you need someone who goes in above Frank with huge experience, who can deal with board room, deal with the issues from the owner and just be a buffer for you in many different ways.
“All the staff around Frank are all relatively new to these roles.“Jose is going to have to find himself a way back in. He’s said he still wants to be a manager, but Frank needs someone who has experienced a hell of a lot.
“A Carlo Ancelotti, a Claudio Ranieri, even his uncle Harry Redknapp – someone of that stature who might not be working who he can employ and have above him to help him.“Not a director of football, more as a guide, someone who is going to lead him and nurture him in management.
“This is still a learning curve for Frank Lampard and a hugely experienced guy who has been around the block can be very helpful to you.“It’s a weird one, I’m throwing Jose out there which seems a no-goer. But I’m talking about having someone upstairs who would make your job a lot easier with the owners and directors, having someone who is batting your corner.
“I was using Jose as an example, but the problem in that example is Jose.“I don’t even know where Frank’s relationship is with Jose, I was just giving an example of a type of people who could come in above him.”
Mourinho, who has been out of work since leaving Manchester United in December 2018, has expressed a desire to take on a new role this summer, but it is expected that he will seek to return to the dugout as a leading man rather than an assistant.
'Inter would become devastating with Dzeko and Lukaku' - Former Italy forward Vieri evaluates transfer targets
Former Inter striker Christian Vieri believes Antonio Conte’s side would be difficult to stop should they add Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku to their ranks.
Nerazzurri have been linked with the striking duo in recent weeks, with the Bosnian thought to cost €13 million (£12m/$15m) while the Manchester United forward would prove more difficult as he has been valued at £75m ($94m).
Vieri, who knows a thing or two about finding the net in an Inter shirt having scored 123 goals in 190 appearances from 1999-2005, was full of praise for both players.
"I did not need to watch Italy vs Bosnia to discover Dzeko,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.“He is the most complete striker in Italy: he is very strong physically, he has good technique, heading ability and he kicks very well with both feet."He scores and he scores well, with him and Lukaku, Inter would become devastating.”
Dzeko has enjoyed a highly prosperous spell in Serie A with Roma since joining from Manchester City in 2015, netting 87 goals in 179 games across all competitions for the club.
Meanwhile, despite having a season regarded as not one of his best for the Red Devils, Lukaku scored 12 goals in 32 appearances.
"I did not need to watch Italy vs Bosnia to discover Dzeko,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.“He is the most complete striker in Italy: he is very strong physically, he has good technique, heading ability and he kicks very well with both feet."He scores and he scores well, with him and Lukaku, Inter would become devastating.”
Dzeko has enjoyed a highly prosperous spell in Serie A with Roma since joining from Manchester City in 2015, netting 87 goals in 179 games across all competitions for the club.Meanwhile, despite having a season regarded as not one of his best for the Red Devils, Lukaku scored 12 goals in 32 appearances.
“He was not happy in Milan for many reasons, and in a few months it was impossible to adapt to English football with Chelsea.“If I were a sports director I would bet with my eyes closed on Higuain."[Piatek] is a fighter, he is hungry and he scores goals. Milan must start with him".
Former Inter striker Christian Vieri believes Antonio Conte’s side would be difficult to stop should they add Edin Dzeko and Romelu Lukaku to their ranks.
Nerazzurri have been linked with the striking duo in recent weeks, with the Bosnian thought to cost €13 million (£12m/$15m) while the Manchester United forward would prove more difficult as he has been valued at £75m ($94m).
Vieri, who knows a thing or two about finding the net in an Inter shirt having scored 123 goals in 190 appearances from 1999-2005, was full of praise for both players.
"I did not need to watch Italy vs Bosnia to discover Dzeko,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.“He is the most complete striker in Italy: he is very strong physically, he has good technique, heading ability and he kicks very well with both feet."He scores and he scores well, with him and Lukaku, Inter would become devastating.”
Dzeko has enjoyed a highly prosperous spell in Serie A with Roma since joining from Manchester City in 2015, netting 87 goals in 179 games across all competitions for the club.
Meanwhile, despite having a season regarded as not one of his best for the Red Devils, Lukaku scored 12 goals in 32 appearances.
"I did not need to watch Italy vs Bosnia to discover Dzeko,” he told Gazzetta dello Sport.“He is the most complete striker in Italy: he is very strong physically, he has good technique, heading ability and he kicks very well with both feet."He scores and he scores well, with him and Lukaku, Inter would become devastating.”
Dzeko has enjoyed a highly prosperous spell in Serie A with Roma since joining from Manchester City in 2015, netting 87 goals in 179 games across all competitions for the club.Meanwhile, despite having a season regarded as not one of his best for the Red Devils, Lukaku scored 12 goals in 32 appearances.
“He was not happy in Milan for many reasons, and in a few months it was impossible to adapt to English football with Chelsea.“If I were a sports director I would bet with my eyes closed on Higuain."[Piatek] is a fighter, he is hungry and he scores goals. Milan must start with him".
'The last 16 years have been like being in a spin dryer!' - Allegri set to take year off following Juventus departure
Former Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri says he has been forced to take a year off from football after not receiving any offers.Allegri and Juve parted ways following an eighth consecutive Serie A title in 2018-19 and fifth under the Italian's leadership.
The 51-year-old has been linked with Premier League giants Chelsea, who are reportedly poised to grant Maurizio Sarri a release ahead of his proposed move to Juve.
However, ex-AC Milan boss Allegri is set for some time away from the dugout following his Turin exit."Well my decision was even easier to take than I expected given that I haven't got an offer from any team," Allegri said at an event in Milan. "So I have to stop.
"We are here today in this warm weather, let's have a nice run and then we are ready for holidays.“I'm going to take a year off to recharge the batteries and take my personal life back in hand.
"The last 16 years have felt like being in a spin-dryer."The Italian had previously stated that he would be willing to remove himself from the footballing world for a year should the right not project not arise, telling DAZN in May: "If I have the opportunity to choose, I will choose a team that I like.“When there is an opportunity, I will return to the bench, otherwise I will take a year off.”
Allegri was a surprise appointment at Juve in July 2014, his arrival initially met with some disapproval by the fans, but he added four Coppa Italia triumphs and two Champions League finals to his five top-flight crowns.
It may come as a shock to spectators that the former Old Lady boss has not been inundated with management offers, having enjoyed a trophy-laden stint in Turin following a spell with AC Milan – in which he also lifted the Serie A title and one Italian Super Cup.
The 51-year-old has spent his entire managerial career thus far in his home country, taking the reins at Aglianese, SPAL, Grosseto and Cagliari before his arrival at the San Siro in 2010.
Former Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri says he has been forced to take a year off from football after not receiving any offers.Allegri and Juve parted ways following an eighth consecutive Serie A title in 2018-19 and fifth under the Italian's leadership.
The 51-year-old has been linked with Premier League giants Chelsea, who are reportedly poised to grant Maurizio Sarri a release ahead of his proposed move to Juve.
However, ex-AC Milan boss Allegri is set for some time away from the dugout following his Turin exit."Well my decision was even easier to take than I expected given that I haven't got an offer from any team," Allegri said at an event in Milan. "So I have to stop.
"We are here today in this warm weather, let's have a nice run and then we are ready for holidays.“I'm going to take a year off to recharge the batteries and take my personal life back in hand.
"The last 16 years have felt like being in a spin-dryer."The Italian had previously stated that he would be willing to remove himself from the footballing world for a year should the right not project not arise, telling DAZN in May: "If I have the opportunity to choose, I will choose a team that I like.“When there is an opportunity, I will return to the bench, otherwise I will take a year off.”
Allegri was a surprise appointment at Juve in July 2014, his arrival initially met with some disapproval by the fans, but he added four Coppa Italia triumphs and two Champions League finals to his five top-flight crowns.
It may come as a shock to spectators that the former Old Lady boss has not been inundated with management offers, having enjoyed a trophy-laden stint in Turin following a spell with AC Milan – in which he also lifted the Serie A title and one Italian Super Cup.
The 51-year-old has spent his entire managerial career thus far in his home country, taking the reins at Aglianese, SPAL, Grosseto and Cagliari before his arrival at the San Siro in 2010.
'It's a good time for a new challenge somewhere else' - Pogba drops major Man Utd exit hint
Paul Pogba has poured fuel on speculation that he is about to depart Manchester United by admitting that it "could be a good time to have a new challenge" away from the club.
The France international, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, as well as a host of other European giants, including Barcelona, reflected on the idea of leaving Old Trafford during a promotion trip to Tokyo with adidas.“Like you said, there is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking as well,” Pogba told reporters.
“For me I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great; some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else.
“After this season and everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well ... I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else.
"I am thinking of this: to have a new challenge somewhere else.”The 26-year-old’s future in English football has been under the microscope for a number of weeks following a difficult season at Old Trafford that saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replace Jose Mourinho mid-way through.
Though his form benefitted from an initial upturn after Mourinho’s departure, United’s – and Pogba’s – fortunes fell away badly towards the end of the campaign, with the club failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
After a disappointing end to 2018-19, the former Juventus star was captured arguing with a supporter and has struggled to live up to his £89m price tag since his move from Italy in 2016.
There is even a suggestion that, such is his desire to leave the club, the World Cup winner is prepared to go on strike in an attempt to force Solskjaer’s hand and secure his exit.
Pogba's demeanour last season, which was no doubt influenced by a widely publicised rift with Mourinho, created friction among the club’s supporters and drew widespread criticism from some of the game’s most famous pundits.
One such detractor was former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness, who claimed Pogba needed “to have a long look at himself” after one fixture, accusing him of “not doing the things proper players do”.
Paul Pogba has poured fuel on speculation that he is about to depart Manchester United by admitting that it "could be a good time to have a new challenge" away from the club.
The France international, who has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, as well as a host of other European giants, including Barcelona, reflected on the idea of leaving Old Trafford during a promotion trip to Tokyo with adidas.“Like you said, there is a lot of talking and a lot of thinking as well,” Pogba told reporters.
“For me I have been for three years in Manchester and have been doing great; some good moments and some bad moments, like everybody. Like everywhere else.
“After this season and everything that happened this season, with my season being my best season as well ... I think for me it could be a good time to have a new challenge somewhere else.
"I am thinking of this: to have a new challenge somewhere else.”The 26-year-old’s future in English football has been under the microscope for a number of weeks following a difficult season at Old Trafford that saw Ole Gunnar Solskjaer replace Jose Mourinho mid-way through.
Though his form benefitted from an initial upturn after Mourinho’s departure, United’s – and Pogba’s – fortunes fell away badly towards the end of the campaign, with the club failing to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
After a disappointing end to 2018-19, the former Juventus star was captured arguing with a supporter and has struggled to live up to his £89m price tag since his move from Italy in 2016.
There is even a suggestion that, such is his desire to leave the club, the World Cup winner is prepared to go on strike in an attempt to force Solskjaer’s hand and secure his exit.
Pogba's demeanour last season, which was no doubt influenced by a widely publicised rift with Mourinho, created friction among the club’s supporters and drew widespread criticism from some of the game’s most famous pundits.
One such detractor was former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness, who claimed Pogba needed “to have a long look at himself” after one fixture, accusing him of “not doing the things proper players do”.
Sarri confirmed as new Juventus boss after leaving Chelsea
Maurizio Sarri has been confirmed as the new manager of Juventus after leaving Chelsea and putting pen-to-paper on a three year deal with the Italian champions.
The 60-year-old replaces Massimiliano Allegri at the Allianz Stadium after leading the Blues to Europa League glory in Azerbaijan last month and steering his side to a third-place finish in the Premier League in his one and only season in the English capital.
Despite that success, Sarri struggled to win over the Stamford Bridge faithful and now returns to Serie A just 12 months after leaving Napoli.
Chelsea confirmed the move on Sunday via an official statement which read: "The two clubs have reached an agreement for the early termination of Sarri’s contract with Chelsea FC which had two years left to run and is ending at his request."
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: "In talks we had following the Europa League final, Maurizio made it clear how strongly he desired to return to his native country, explaining that his reasons for wanting to return to work in Italy were significant.
"He also believed it important to be nearer his family, and for the well-being of his elderly parents he felt he needed to live closer to them at this point.
"Maurizio leaves Chelsea with thanks from us all for the work he and his assistants did during the season he spent as our head coach, and for winning the Europa League, guiding us to another cup final and a third-place finish in the Premier League."We would also like to congratulate him on securing the role as big as any in Serie A and to wish him the best of luck for the future."
Outside of his 12-month stint in west London, Sarri has spent his entire career in Italian football, managing the likes of Perugia, Empoli and Napoli before making the switch to Stamford Bridge in 2018.In total, he won 39 of his 63 games in charge at Chelsea, losing just 11 times. Former Blues midfielder Frank Lampard is being lined up to take Sarri’s place after leading Derby County to the Championship play-off final in his first full season in management.
Lampard – the club’s all-time leading goalscorer – would become Roman Abramovich’s third appointment in three years, following in the footsteps of Sarri and new Inter boss Antonio Conte.
Maurizio Sarri has been confirmed as the new manager of Juventus after leaving Chelsea and putting pen-to-paper on a three year deal with the Italian champions.
The 60-year-old replaces Massimiliano Allegri at the Allianz Stadium after leading the Blues to Europa League glory in Azerbaijan last month and steering his side to a third-place finish in the Premier League in his one and only season in the English capital.
Despite that success, Sarri struggled to win over the Stamford Bridge faithful and now returns to Serie A just 12 months after leaving Napoli.
Chelsea confirmed the move on Sunday via an official statement which read: "The two clubs have reached an agreement for the early termination of Sarri’s contract with Chelsea FC which had two years left to run and is ending at his request."
Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said: "In talks we had following the Europa League final, Maurizio made it clear how strongly he desired to return to his native country, explaining that his reasons for wanting to return to work in Italy were significant.
"He also believed it important to be nearer his family, and for the well-being of his elderly parents he felt he needed to live closer to them at this point.
"Maurizio leaves Chelsea with thanks from us all for the work he and his assistants did during the season he spent as our head coach, and for winning the Europa League, guiding us to another cup final and a third-place finish in the Premier League."We would also like to congratulate him on securing the role as big as any in Serie A and to wish him the best of luck for the future."
Outside of his 12-month stint in west London, Sarri has spent his entire career in Italian football, managing the likes of Perugia, Empoli and Napoli before making the switch to Stamford Bridge in 2018.In total, he won 39 of his 63 games in charge at Chelsea, losing just 11 times. Former Blues midfielder Frank Lampard is being lined up to take Sarri’s place after leading Derby County to the Championship play-off final in his first full season in management.
Lampard – the club’s all-time leading goalscorer – would become Roman Abramovich’s third appointment in three years, following in the footsteps of Sarri and new Inter boss Antonio Conte.
Man City close to sealing Cancelo signing after further Juventus talks
Manchester City and Juventus are close to reaching a deal for right-back Joao Cancelo.
Goal reported on June 6 that the two clubs have been in advanced talks regarding a move for the Portugal international, with Juve holding out for around €60 million (£53.6m/$67.4m).
Sources in Italy now indicate that further talks have taken place on Monday, and while City are still reluctant to meet Juventus’ top asking price, they are prepared to up their initial offer.
That represents a breakthrough in negotiations and sources believe a final agreement, worth €50m (£44.7m/$56.1m) plus bonuses, could be reached in the coming days.
Manchester United have shown an interest in Cancelo but have so far not made a concrete proposal. The club are also interested in Crystal Palace's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who City did consider signing before approaching Juve for Cancelo.
The Portugal right-back, 25, could therefore become City’s first summer signing, as the club prepare to sell Brazil international Danilo.The 27-year-old has failed to secure regular first-team football during his two years in Manchester and is the subject of several offers from around Europe.
City have only moved for Cancelo due to Danilo’s expected exit, as they had initially identified just two priority summer transfer targets; a new deep-lying midfielder and a centre-back.They are waiting for an answer from Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri, who reached a verbal agreement with the Premier League champions before the end of last season but has still not made a final decision on his future.
Atletico have also attempted to sign him to a new contract, while Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also interested.City are still hopeful that he will choose them, however, and a development could arrive in the coming days.
The Blues also want to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City, but do not want to meet the Midlanders’ valuation of £75m plus add-ons that could total £90m.
Meanwhile, City are ready to make a shock move for Angelino, who they sold to PSV one year ago.
Sources close to the English side insist they can re-sign the 22-year-old left-back for just €6m.
That is an option they are ready to explore, with a view to using the Spaniard, who initially joined the club in 2012, as a back-up option to Oleksandr Zinchenko and Benjamin Mendy next season.
Manchester City and Juventus are close to reaching a deal for right-back Joao Cancelo.
Goal reported on June 6 that the two clubs have been in advanced talks regarding a move for the Portugal international, with Juve holding out for around €60 million (£53.6m/$67.4m).
Sources in Italy now indicate that further talks have taken place on Monday, and while City are still reluctant to meet Juventus’ top asking price, they are prepared to up their initial offer.
That represents a breakthrough in negotiations and sources believe a final agreement, worth €50m (£44.7m/$56.1m) plus bonuses, could be reached in the coming days.
Manchester United have shown an interest in Cancelo but have so far not made a concrete proposal. The club are also interested in Crystal Palace's Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who City did consider signing before approaching Juve for Cancelo.
The Portugal right-back, 25, could therefore become City’s first summer signing, as the club prepare to sell Brazil international Danilo.The 27-year-old has failed to secure regular first-team football during his two years in Manchester and is the subject of several offers from around Europe.
City have only moved for Cancelo due to Danilo’s expected exit, as they had initially identified just two priority summer transfer targets; a new deep-lying midfielder and a centre-back.They are waiting for an answer from Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodri, who reached a verbal agreement with the Premier League champions before the end of last season but has still not made a final decision on his future.
Atletico have also attempted to sign him to a new contract, while Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also interested.City are still hopeful that he will choose them, however, and a development could arrive in the coming days.
The Blues also want to sign Harry Maguire from Leicester City, but do not want to meet the Midlanders’ valuation of £75m plus add-ons that could total £90m.
Meanwhile, City are ready to make a shock move for Angelino, who they sold to PSV one year ago.
Sources close to the English side insist they can re-sign the 22-year-old left-back for just €6m.
That is an option they are ready to explore, with a view to using the Spaniard, who initially joined the club in 2012, as a back-up option to Oleksandr Zinchenko and Benjamin Mendy next season.
Barcelona distanced from Griezmann as club president admits to no transfer talks
Barcelona have held no talks with Antoine Griezmann regarding a move to Camp Nou, claims club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, with there “nothing to announce” when it comes to the Atletico Madrid striker.A switch to Catalunya was expected to be made by the French forward this summer.
He came close to treading that path in 2018, only to take the decision to remain in Madrid after helping France to World Cup glory.
A change of heart has been made since making that call, with Griezmann now eager to take on a new challenge.Atletico will not block his path and had expected him to link up with the reigning La Liga champions.No effort has been made, though, by Barca to put a deal in place, with Bartomeu reiterating that there is no substance to the transfer talk at this stage.
He told RAC1: “There's nothing to announce.“We've always said the same. We haven't spoken to him. There's nothing to it.“We'll see how the market changes in the next few days and weeks.”
Bartomeu has stopped short of ruling out a move to land Griezmann in the immediate future.Barcelona are, however, prepared to bide their time in the summer market.They are being linked with a number of players, while high-profile departures are also being mooted.
Time is on their side, though, and Bartomeu will not rush the process.He is expecting to oversee comings and goings before the next deadline passes, but careful consideration is going to be given to all decisions.“We have all of June, July and August,” added Bartomeu.
“We're talking and planning a strategy, also keeping Barca B in mind, as there are certain players who could be promoted to the first team.
“There will be some new arrivals and some departures.”Nelson Semedo will not be among those heading out of Camp Nou over the coming weeks.The Portugal international defender has been linked with a move elsewhere, but Bartomeu says Barcelona see the 25-year-old as an important part of their future plans.
Barcelona have held no talks with Antoine Griezmann regarding a move to Camp Nou, claims club president Josep Maria Bartomeu, with there “nothing to announce” when it comes to the Atletico Madrid striker.A switch to Catalunya was expected to be made by the French forward this summer.
He came close to treading that path in 2018, only to take the decision to remain in Madrid after helping France to World Cup glory.
A change of heart has been made since making that call, with Griezmann now eager to take on a new challenge.Atletico will not block his path and had expected him to link up with the reigning La Liga champions.No effort has been made, though, by Barca to put a deal in place, with Bartomeu reiterating that there is no substance to the transfer talk at this stage.
He told RAC1: “There's nothing to announce.“We've always said the same. We haven't spoken to him. There's nothing to it.“We'll see how the market changes in the next few days and weeks.”
Bartomeu has stopped short of ruling out a move to land Griezmann in the immediate future.Barcelona are, however, prepared to bide their time in the summer market.They are being linked with a number of players, while high-profile departures are also being mooted.
Time is on their side, though, and Bartomeu will not rush the process.He is expecting to oversee comings and goings before the next deadline passes, but careful consideration is going to be given to all decisions.“We have all of June, July and August,” added Bartomeu.
“We're talking and planning a strategy, also keeping Barca B in mind, as there are certain players who could be promoted to the first team.
“There will be some new arrivals and some departures.”Nelson Semedo will not be among those heading out of Camp Nou over the coming weeks.The Portugal international defender has been linked with a move elsewhere, but Bartomeu says Barcelona see the 25-year-old as an important part of their future plans.
Manchester United urged to sign 'solid' Ajax star De Ligt by former midfielder Kleberson
Manchester United "need" to sign "solid" Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to Kleberson.The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last term, conceding a whopping 54 goals in the process.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men only managed to win two of their final 12 matches across all competitions, with fans and pundits highlighting a shaky defence as the main cause for concern.
The Norwegian boss is expected to invest heavily in new recruits while the transfer market is open and Ajax's teenage centre-back De Ligt has been mooted as a possible target.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2018-19 campaign at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, helping Erik ten Hag's side win a domestic double while also reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.Kleberson, who played for United between 2003 and 2005, has urged his ex-employers to fork out for De Ligt due to his unique "style of play".
The Brazilian World Cup winner told betoclock.com: “In my opinion, Manchester United need to bring in Matthijs de Ligt, who would be a good player to join because of his style of play.
"With his passing, he is very comfortable on the ball and he reads the game well. Manchester United need a solid defender at the back to be able to create more chances going forward."
The Norwegian boss is expected to invest heavily in new recruits while the transfer market is open and Ajax's teenage centre-back De Ligt has been mooted as a possible target.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2018-19 campaign at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, helping Erik ten Hag's side win a domestic double while also reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.Kleberson, who played for United between 2003 and 2005, has urged his ex-employers to fork out for De Ligt due to his unique "style of play".
The Brazilian World Cup winner told betoclock.com: “In my opinion, Manchester United need to bring in Matthijs de Ligt, who would be a good player to join because of his style of play."With his passing, he is very comfortable on the ball and he reads the game well. Manchester United need a solid defender at the back to be able to create more chances going forward."
The Red Devils have already managed to bring in Welsh winger Daniel James from Swansea this summer, with a number of additional deals also reported to be in the pipeline.
Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester, while West Ham's Issa Diop and Newcastle youngster Sean Longstaff have emerged as potential targets.
Solskjaer may also have to think about replacing Paul Pogba, who has expressed his desire to move on to a "new challenge".Kleberson does not feel that the Frenchman has reached his full potential in a United shirt, insisting that the Premier League does not fully suit his game.
“Pogba is a very good player, we saw his quality in the World Cup last year," Kleberson said."But his style of play is a little different for the Premier League, he’s differently styled. To drive and run with the ball, to find the perfect pass; this is difficult to do in the Premier League.
"I played there for two years and I know how tough a league it is. He’s a very good player, but he is still to hit his top gear at Manchester United.”
Manchester United "need" to sign "solid" Ajax defender Matthijs de Ligt this summer, according to Kleberson.The Red Devils finished sixth in the Premier League last term, conceding a whopping 54 goals in the process.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men only managed to win two of their final 12 matches across all competitions, with fans and pundits highlighting a shaky defence as the main cause for concern.
The Norwegian boss is expected to invest heavily in new recruits while the transfer market is open and Ajax's teenage centre-back De Ligt has been mooted as a possible target.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2018-19 campaign at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, helping Erik ten Hag's side win a domestic double while also reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.Kleberson, who played for United between 2003 and 2005, has urged his ex-employers to fork out for De Ligt due to his unique "style of play".
The Brazilian World Cup winner told betoclock.com: “In my opinion, Manchester United need to bring in Matthijs de Ligt, who would be a good player to join because of his style of play.
"With his passing, he is very comfortable on the ball and he reads the game well. Manchester United need a solid defender at the back to be able to create more chances going forward."
The Norwegian boss is expected to invest heavily in new recruits while the transfer market is open and Ajax's teenage centre-back De Ligt has been mooted as a possible target.
The 19-year-old enjoyed a stellar 2018-19 campaign at the Johan Cruyff ArenA, helping Erik ten Hag's side win a domestic double while also reaching the semi-finals of the Champions League.Kleberson, who played for United between 2003 and 2005, has urged his ex-employers to fork out for De Ligt due to his unique "style of play".
The Brazilian World Cup winner told betoclock.com: “In my opinion, Manchester United need to bring in Matthijs de Ligt, who would be a good player to join because of his style of play."With his passing, he is very comfortable on the ball and he reads the game well. Manchester United need a solid defender at the back to be able to create more chances going forward."
The Red Devils have already managed to bring in Welsh winger Daniel James from Swansea this summer, with a number of additional deals also reported to be in the pipeline.
Crystal Palace defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester, while West Ham's Issa Diop and Newcastle youngster Sean Longstaff have emerged as potential targets.
Solskjaer may also have to think about replacing Paul Pogba, who has expressed his desire to move on to a "new challenge".Kleberson does not feel that the Frenchman has reached his full potential in a United shirt, insisting that the Premier League does not fully suit his game.
“Pogba is a very good player, we saw his quality in the World Cup last year," Kleberson said."But his style of play is a little different for the Premier League, he’s differently styled. To drive and run with the ball, to find the perfect pass; this is difficult to do in the Premier League.
"I played there for two years and I know how tough a league it is. He’s a very good player, but he is still to hit his top gear at Manchester United.”
Liverpool legend favours Lucas or Zaha bids over ‘extravagant’ Griezmann approach
Liverpool should be looking at the likes of Lucas Moura and Wilfried Zaha if they are in the market for another forward, says John Aldridge, with links to Antoine Griezmann considered “extravagant”.The Reds have are among those said to be keen a World Cup winner currently on the books at Atletico Madrid.
Griezmann has made no secret of his desire to secure a summer switch and has previously seen a move to England mooted, with Manchester United considered to have been leading the chase.
Aldridge sees no reason for Jurgen Klopp to spend big on a France international with no prior experience of the Premier League, with there better options to be found on the books of domestic rivals Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
The former Reds striker said in the Irish Independent: “With [Daniel] Sturridge leaving the club and his huge wages coming off the weekly bill, it opens up the opportunity for Klopp to sign an out-and-out goalscorer who could offer something different if one of the front three is injured or out of form.“Antoine Griezmann has been mentioned as a possible target, but he would be a very expensive option as his transfer fee and wages would be extravagant for a player who would expect to start every week.
“So I wonder whether Lucas Moura could be prised away from Tottenham, as he had to be a little bemused to be left out of their Champions League final starting line-up after he scored a fantastic hat-trick in the semi-final against Ajax.
“Moura is a tricky forward who could slot into the team if any of the front three were out and the same could be said of his team-mate Son Heung-min, although I would be surprised if Spurs allowed the South Korean to leave after his outstanding season.
“It may be that Klopp and his excellent team of scouts have an ace up their sleeves as they look for an extra striker, with their signings over the last couple of years confirming they tend to get things right when they bring players to Anfield, so I’m confident they will get this one right.
“Maybe they should look into the possibility of recruiting Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace, who is rumoured to have made it clear he wants to move on to play Champions League football.
“Zaha has given Liverpool some real problems in the last couple of years and Klopp’s ability to turn talents of his type into consistent performers has to make him the kind of player who could thrive at Anfield.“Transfer fees and wages will be an issue for Liverpool. They won’t pay the kind of crazy money on offer at clubs being fuelled by owners using up spare change from their country’s oil business to play fantasy football.”
Liverpool are said to be in the market for more attacking options this summer, with another striker and a creative playmaker reported to be on Klopp’s wish list.
Liverpool should be looking at the likes of Lucas Moura and Wilfried Zaha if they are in the market for another forward, says John Aldridge, with links to Antoine Griezmann considered “extravagant”.The Reds have are among those said to be keen a World Cup winner currently on the books at Atletico Madrid.
Griezmann has made no secret of his desire to secure a summer switch and has previously seen a move to England mooted, with Manchester United considered to have been leading the chase.
Aldridge sees no reason for Jurgen Klopp to spend big on a France international with no prior experience of the Premier League, with there better options to be found on the books of domestic rivals Tottenham and Crystal Palace.
The former Reds striker said in the Irish Independent: “With [Daniel] Sturridge leaving the club and his huge wages coming off the weekly bill, it opens up the opportunity for Klopp to sign an out-and-out goalscorer who could offer something different if one of the front three is injured or out of form.“Antoine Griezmann has been mentioned as a possible target, but he would be a very expensive option as his transfer fee and wages would be extravagant for a player who would expect to start every week.
“So I wonder whether Lucas Moura could be prised away from Tottenham, as he had to be a little bemused to be left out of their Champions League final starting line-up after he scored a fantastic hat-trick in the semi-final against Ajax.
“Moura is a tricky forward who could slot into the team if any of the front three were out and the same could be said of his team-mate Son Heung-min, although I would be surprised if Spurs allowed the South Korean to leave after his outstanding season.
“It may be that Klopp and his excellent team of scouts have an ace up their sleeves as they look for an extra striker, with their signings over the last couple of years confirming they tend to get things right when they bring players to Anfield, so I’m confident they will get this one right.
“Maybe they should look into the possibility of recruiting Wilfried Zaha from Crystal Palace, who is rumoured to have made it clear he wants to move on to play Champions League football.
“Zaha has given Liverpool some real problems in the last couple of years and Klopp’s ability to turn talents of his type into consistent performers has to make him the kind of player who could thrive at Anfield.“Transfer fees and wages will be an issue for Liverpool. They won’t pay the kind of crazy money on offer at clubs being fuelled by owners using up spare change from their country’s oil business to play fantasy football.”
Liverpool are said to be in the market for more attacking options this summer, with another striker and a creative playmaker reported to be on Klopp’s wish list.
Napoli confirm talks for James Rodriguez with Lozano lined up as alternative
Napoli will try to sign James Rodriguez from Real Madrid this summer but will turn their attention to PSV star Hirving Lozano if they fail to land coach Carlo Ancelotti's first choice, says president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The Colombian attacking midfielder and winger first worked with Ancelotti when he was signed by Madrid in 2014 and it was the Italian who brought him to Bayern Munich on a two-year loan deal in 2017.
Their time together in Munich lasted just three months, however, as Ancelotti was sacked in September that year and Bayern opted against activating their option to sign James on a permanent basis.
The 27-year-old does not seem to have a future at Madrid under coach Zinedine Zidane and has been linked with several clubs in the Premier League and Serie A.While De Laurentiis admits he is not convinced James is the player his side need as they look to build a team capable of challenging for the title next season, he hopes to grant his coach's wish by reuniting the pair.
"James Rodriguez is Ancelotti’s wish. I don’t know if we need him 100 percent, but his talent isn’t in doubt," he told Radio Kiss Kiss."I must help my coach. He wants James and I won’t bat an eyelid, even if he’s very expensive." But the Serie A runners-up have alternative options lined up, with 23-year-old Mexico winger Lozano also in their sights.
"If James doesn’t go through with Jorge Mendes, we’ll go forward with Mino Raiola about the possibility of taking Lozano," De Laurentiis added.The Stadio San Paolo club are also looking to invest in their defence by signing Kostas Manolas from Roma to replace Raul Albiol, though the president admits he has some concerns about the 28-year-old.
"We’ve been working on Manolas since Albiol announced his desire to leave," he said. "With Manolas, however, there are issues with his character. We need our players to be very calm. Roma are another problem because they’ve changed their sporting direction. We’re checking to see if we can sign him at a fair and reasonable price.
"Manolas is already at a certain age and can’t be resold. He’s fine by me, but we mustn’t waste money and he has a big salary."
Napoli will try to sign James Rodriguez from Real Madrid this summer but will turn their attention to PSV star Hirving Lozano if they fail to land coach Carlo Ancelotti's first choice, says president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The Colombian attacking midfielder and winger first worked with Ancelotti when he was signed by Madrid in 2014 and it was the Italian who brought him to Bayern Munich on a two-year loan deal in 2017.
Their time together in Munich lasted just three months, however, as Ancelotti was sacked in September that year and Bayern opted against activating their option to sign James on a permanent basis.
The 27-year-old does not seem to have a future at Madrid under coach Zinedine Zidane and has been linked with several clubs in the Premier League and Serie A.While De Laurentiis admits he is not convinced James is the player his side need as they look to build a team capable of challenging for the title next season, he hopes to grant his coach's wish by reuniting the pair.
"James Rodriguez is Ancelotti’s wish. I don’t know if we need him 100 percent, but his talent isn’t in doubt," he told Radio Kiss Kiss."I must help my coach. He wants James and I won’t bat an eyelid, even if he’s very expensive." But the Serie A runners-up have alternative options lined up, with 23-year-old Mexico winger Lozano also in their sights.
"If James doesn’t go through with Jorge Mendes, we’ll go forward with Mino Raiola about the possibility of taking Lozano," De Laurentiis added.The Stadio San Paolo club are also looking to invest in their defence by signing Kostas Manolas from Roma to replace Raul Albiol, though the president admits he has some concerns about the 28-year-old.
"We’ve been working on Manolas since Albiol announced his desire to leave," he said. "With Manolas, however, there are issues with his character. We need our players to be very calm. Roma are another problem because they’ve changed their sporting direction. We’re checking to see if we can sign him at a fair and reasonable price.
"Manolas is already at a certain age and can’t be resold. He’s fine by me, but we mustn’t waste money and he has a big salary."
Manchester United have confirmed that attacking midfielder Juan Mata has signed a new deal with the club that sees him tied to Old Trafford until 2021 with the option to extend for an additional year.
The 31-year-old had been heading towards free agency amid a turbulent time for the Red Devils, with a much-needed summer rebuild under the guidance of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer currently underway.
Paul Pogba's recent revelation that he is ready for a new challenge will not have been well received by Solskjaer, who had planned to build his team around the Frenchman, but the experience and cool head of Mata is sure to go some way to steadying the ship.
Speaking to Man Utd's official website following the good news, Mata said: “It is a real honour to continue to represent this amazing club and our incredible fans. I have been at Manchester United for five years and I am proud to call Old Trafford my home.
“I am looking forward to working with Ole and his fantastic coaching staff; the vision that they have for the club is truly exciting and I am so happy that I will be a part of that.”The feeling is mutual with his Norwegian boss, with Solskjaer talking up the Spaniard's vast experience and professionalism at a time when the club need it most.
The manager added: “Juan is the ultimate professional and one of the most intelligent players I have worked with. He is a great example to our younger players in his approach. He understands what it means to be a Manchester United player and has embraced everything about this great club.
“As well as everything he brings on the pitch, we have some fantastic young players here and I know that Juan’s vast experience will help them to reach their potential over the coming seasons."I am delighted that he has signed a new contract, as I know that his talent and mentality will be invaluable to the squad.”
With Ander Herrera having confirmed he will leave the club - likely for Paris Saint-Germain - Mata may be given a more prominent role in the new season, which will also feature new signing Daniel James, who arrived from Swansea for a fee of £15 million.
