CHELSEA have made a £50m swoop for Bayern Munich star Robert Lewandowski after failing to land Erling Haaland, SunSport can exclusively reveal.
And the Blues are also reported to have made an offer for Federico Chiesa of Juventus while allowing Olivier Giroud to leave for AC Milan.
Lionel Messi is on holiday after winning the Copa America with Argentina but has reportedly agreed a five-year new deal with Barcelona.
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- Kealan Hughes
KEEPING FIT
Chelsea transfer target has been busy enjoying himself on the beach while on holiday.
The Bayern Munich striker is enjoying a well-earned break with his wife after playing for Poland in Euro 2020.
And he shared what he has been getting up to on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Robert Lewandowski (@_rl9)
- Kealan Hughes
'I FEEL LIKE A LITTLE KID'
Olivier Giroud has revealed his delight after completing his move to AC Milan from Chelsea.
In his first interview with Milan TV, he said: "I feel like a little kid, still at almost 35 years old.
"When I was young I looked up to Jean-Pierre Papin, Andriy Shevchenko and obviously, Paolo. This team made me dream, I was also a big fan of Marco Van Basten.
"AC Milan have a massive club history, that’s why I wanted to join the club."
- Kealan Hughes
ADDING TO THE ARSENAL
Arsenal are set to go on a £100m spending spree with Lyon midfielder Houssem Aouar set to join Ben White in signing for the club next week, report the Daily Star Sunday.
Mikel Arteta’s side were linked with a move for the 23-year-old last summer.
Tottenham, Liverpool and Manchester United are also said to be interested in the midfielder.
Arsenal have agreed a deal to sign Brighton centre-back White for £50m.
- Kealan Hughes
CAPTAIN MARVEL
Liverpool are ready to open talks over a new deal with captain Jordan Henderson.
The 31-year-old has entered the final two years of his contract at Anfield and the Reds are looking to tie the midfielder to a deal that could see him end his career there.
Boss Jurgen Klopp is a huge admirer of Henderson’s character on and off the pitch and knows he is vital to his plans on Merseyside.
Liverpool are already talking to star defender Virgil van Dijk and keeper Alisson about new contracts and Henderson is next in line.
- Kealan Hughes
TOR BLIMEY
Inter Milan chief Beppe Marotta has confirmed the Italians ARE watching Hector Bellerin.
The Arsenal right-back, 26, has been tipped to leave the Emirates this summer after ten years of service.
Reports claim Inter are leading the race for Bellerin after selling Achraf Hakimi to Paris Saint-Germain.
And Marotta has now confirmed the Serie A champions have Bellerin in their sights.
He told Sky Sports Italy: “Bellerin is a player we are following, but I can’t say any more.”
- Alex Terrell
LEWANDOWSKI STATS
Here are the Polish striker's numbers last season in the Bundesliga.
And they are mightily impressive, it has to be said.
- Joshua Jones
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL FANS
Chelsea youngster Henry Lawrence is to follow in Reece James' footsteps and join Wigan on loan, with Conor Gallagher also expected to spend another season away from Stamford Bridge.
Juventus have reportedly entered the race to sign Blues target Erling Haaland – but only when his alleged £65million release clause comes into play next summer.
If Chelsea fail to sign the Borussia Dortmund striker, they will make a £50m bid for Bayern Munich hitman Robert Lewandowski.
France international Olivier Giroud has finally completed his move to AC Milan after months of speculation – and will wear the No9 shirt for the Serie A giants.
Gareth Bale will NOT be returning to Tottenham this summer after new manager Nuno Espirito Santo confirmed the Welsh winger won't be part of his Prem squad.
Arsenal are reportedly interested in signing Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish, although Manchester City are still thought to be leading the race for his signature.
Manchester United are closing in on two defenders: Raphael Varane and Kieran Trippier, with the latter in talks to buy Raheem Sterling's Cheshire mansion.
Atletico Madrid star Saul Niguez could be on the move this summer as he reportedly has offers on the table from several Premier League sides.
And Raul Jimenez was named in Wolves' starting XI for their pre-season clash against Crewe on Saturday – the striker's first game since suffering a fractured skull eight months ago.
- James Orr
LEWAN CHELSKI – EXCLUSIVE
Chelsea will swoop to prise Robert Lewandowski away from Bayern Munich in a £50million deal.
The Blues have tried in vain to persuade Borussia Dortmund to accept a players-plus-cash deal for £150m-rated hotshot Erling Haaland.
That has forced the European champions to revive their interest in record-breaking Lewandowski as they try to give boss Thomas Tuchel the prolific goalscorer he wants.
But Chelsea face a fight on their hands to bring Bayern to the negotiating table for the Poland international.
The German champions want Lewandowski, 32, to sign an extension to his current deal, which does not expire until 2023.
He broke Gerd Muller’s longstanding record for Bundesliga goals in a season by notching his 41st in the last minute of the final game of last season.
But Lewandowski is keen for one last adventure before his illustrious career ends and would relish a move to the Premier League.
- Thomas Blow
GRAY-T DEAL – EXCLUSIVE
Watford are trying to tempt Blackburn into selling Adam Armstrong by offering cash plus striker Andre Gray.
The Hornets have joined Southampton in the chase for the in-demand striker.
Armstrong, 24, is valued at £25million by Rovers despite being in the final year of his contract.
Watford hope Blackburn will fancy hitman Gray, 30, as part of the deal.
Gray made his name with Burnley and now finds himself out of favour at Vicarage Road.
But Rovers have said they want the cash instead.
- Thomas Blow
KOP OUT – EXCLUSIVE
Liverpool defender Ben Davies is set to leave Anfield without kicking a ball.
The centre-back, 25, only joined in January after Jurgen Klopp lost Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip to season-ending injuries.
Davies signed from Preston in a deal worth up to £1.6million.
But the defender suffered from injuries himself and failed to register a single minute on the pitch last season.
And following the arrival of £36m defender Ibrahima Konate – as well as the return from injury of Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip – Davies is unlikely to get a look in, also behind Nat Phillips and Rhys Williams in the pecking order.
Yet now, Davies is wanted on loan by recently-relegated Sheffield United.
The Blades are keen on the experienced Championship man after Brighton’s Matt Clarke opted to sign for West Brom instead of them.
- Thomas Blow
LATEST LATIC – EXCLUSIVE
Chelsea are ready to send young defender Henry Lawrence to Wigan in the footsteps of Reece James.
The 19-year-old, who plays mainly at right-back, is set for a campaign out on loan.
James joined Wigan three seasons ago and returned ready for the first team and England.
He was named Wigan's fans AND players' player of the season while with the Latics in 2018-19.
James, now 21, also scored their goal of the season.
- Thomas Blow
CON AIR – EXCLUSIVE
Conor Gallagher will be allowed out on loan by Chelsea – with Crystal Palace and Newcastle scrapping for him.
The midfielder, 21, had hoped to impress boss Thomas Tuchel after a season at West Brom but the door is open for him to leave again.
Chelsea do not want to sell Gallagher, however.
Palace are keen to take him for the season – and it also suits Toon chief Steve Bruce on that basis.
- Thomas Blow
REDKNAPP BLASTS WEMBLEY YOBS – EXCLUSIVE
When some friends of mine invited me to the Euro final, I gave it a lot of thought but eventually decided against it.
As tempting as it was to be at Wembley to see England going for a trophy, I just felt it would be too busy for me so I’d be better off watching at home.
And after giving them a call to see how they’d got on, I definitely made the right choice.
Click here to read more from Premier League legend Harry Redknapp
- Thomas Blow
HARRY REDKNAPP – EXCLUSIVE
Every single member of the squad did themselves justice but sadly we just came up short against an Italy team that I think was the best in the tournament.
Of course, it’s all about opinions and Gareth Southgate has been brilliant throughout.
But personally I would have Jack Grealish in the England team every day of the week.
I’ve said before that any other country in the world would build their side around him, and for me he could have been the star of the tournament.
When he came on, he played a little backheel to Bukayo Saka that was genius.
He just sees passes others don’t and I love people who can do those little things to win a game.
Click here to read more from Premier League legend Harry Redknapp
- Thomas Blow
RED ALERT – EXCLUSIVE
Sheffield United's plans for the new season are in chaos after the first-team squad was forced to self-isolate.
A forward and reserve keeper tested positive for Covid-19 on a pre-season camp in Spain.
The duo were left behind while the rest of the squad was cleared to return to the UK.
Players will self-isolate for ten days to check if they are also positive.
The exiled pair face an anxious wait before they are allowed to travel.
And the normal fitness programme has been replaced by home exercise.
United have friendlies against Doncaster and Norwich before the August 7 kick-off.
- Thomas Blow
ARTETA CALLS SCOTLAND TRIP 'PERFECT'
Mikel Arteta has dubbed Arsenal's trip to Scotland 'perfect' – despite his team failing to win either of their pre-season friendlies.
The Gunners suffered a poor 2-1 loss to Hibernian and needed a late equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw with Rangers on Saturday afternoon.
But the manager is remaining positive, telling the club's official website: "I think it [the trip] was perfect, even the weather was something that we didn't expect.
"I think KT's [Tierney] been really helpful with that and I think the way we've been treated by the hotel, the staff, the facilities – I think it was a really positive camp."
- Thomas Blow
CLOSER LOOK AT TRIPPIER
Atletico Madrid defender Kieran Trippier is reportedly close to joining Manchester United.
The 30-year-old started his career in Manchester – but not at the Red Devils.
Although his family are believed to be United fans, Trippier came through the ranks at Manchester City.
He never made an appearance for the current Premier League champions, spending time on loan at Barnsley before moving to Burnley in July 2011.
Trippier made an immediate impact at Turf Moor, playing in every Championship game during his debut season.
Burnley won promotion in 2014 and the right-back played all 38 games for the Lancashire club in the Premier League as they were relegated.
Trippier joined Tottenham in June 2015 and it took him a while to break into the team, making just 18 Prem appearances during his first two seasons in North London.
But after Kyle Walker’s move to Manchester City he made the right-back position his own, helping Spurs reach the 2019 Champions League final.
Trippier has spent the last two seasons at Atletico, winning LaLiga last term.
- Thomas Blow
CLOSER LOOK AT WHITE
Arsenal have reportedly agreed a £50million fee with Brighton for centre-back Ben White.
The 23-year-old joined Brighton’s academy in 2014, making his professional debut two years later in a League Cup match against Southend.
White spent the 2017-18 campaign on loan at League Two side Newport, immediately becoming an integral player.
He made 42 league appearances that term, picking up Newport’s Player of the Year award – despite his lack of experience.
White spent time at Peterborough the following season, playing 15 times in League One, before moving on loan to Leeds for the 2019-20 campaign.
The youngster played every game for the West Yorkshire side as they won the Championship, picking up their Young Player of the Year award.
He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year, persuading parent club Brighton to give him a chance in the Premier League last term.
White went on to make 36 Prem appearances, earning Brighton’s Player of the Year award and earning a place in England’s Euro 2020 squad.
- Thomas Blow
TOP TAT
Italy's Euro 2020 hero Gianluigi Donnarumma has got a tattoo on his arm to commemorate the Azzurri's historic win.
The 22-year-old played a key role in Italy's Euros triumph saving crucial penalty kicks in both the semis and final against Spain and England respectively.
The former AC Milan keeper – who made his professional debut at 16 – wanted some new ink to celebrate his first and most likely not his last international trophy.
The tat of the trophy is located on the shot stoppers left arm.
And Donnarumma showcased his new ink on his Instagram story to the 3.2million who follow him.
- Thomas Blow
TAM FOR KAN
Chelsea have overtaken Manchester City in the race to sign Harry Kane after launching a ‘more appealing’ bid, according to reports.
In the spring, the England captain, 27, stunned Tottenham by revealing he wanted to quit the club this summer.
Kane has since been chased by a host of suitors in a deal expected to be worth around £150million.
City held the early advantage and have been the favourites with the bookies ever since the forward’s announcement.
But Chelsea now have the edge thanks to their overall package, according to The Athletic.
The Blues are believed to be willing to offer a player-plus-cash deal involving outcast striker Tammy Abraham as a like-for-like replacement.
- Thomas Blow
MOUNTAIN MEN
New Brighton signing Kjell Scherpen has become the JOINT-tallest Premier League player ever.
Standing at 6ft 8in, the goalkeeper enters a select group of mighty footballers to ply their trade in England’s top flight.
But who are the other behemoths to kick a ball in the Premier League? And how big was their impact in the beautiful game?
Click here to find out more
- Thomas Blow
LIN OR OUT?
Jesse Lingard is set to stay at Manchester United to fight for his place and could even sign a new contract despite interest from West Ham, according to reports.
The England midfielder, 28, enjoyed a scintillating second-half of the 2020-21 season on loan at the Hammers.
Lingard went from United outcast to a member of the Three Lions set-up in the build-up to Euro 2020 and was unfortunate to miss out on a place at the tournament.
But, buoyed by his strong showing last term, Lingard is leaning towards staying at Old Trafford rather than returning to London, say The Athletic.
The attacking midfielder scored nine goals and registered four assists in just 16 games for West Ham – and manager David Moyes is keen to bring him back to the London Stadium on a permanent deal.
However, Man Utd are believed to be holding out for a whopping £30million transfer fee, thanks to Lingard’s red-hot form last season.
West Ham are unwilling to pay that figure for a player who is now in the final year of his contract, seemingly surplus to requirements at Old Trafford and already in his prime years.
- Thomas Blow
CAN'T BALE
Gareth Bale will NOT be returning to Tottenham this summer, and faces fight to be registered in Real Madrid's squad next season due to Brexit.
Bale chipped in with 16 goals and three assists across all competitions for Spurs last season, helping them secure a 7th placed finish.
However, Bale's goal-scoring exploits won't earn himself a move back to Tottenham.
BBC Sport reporter Simon Stone has revealed on Twitter that boss Nuno Espirito Santo has squashed any murmurs of a move for the winger.
And according to Spanish outlet AS, Bale also faces a dilemma when he returns to Real Madrid.
The Welshman counts as a non-EU player, and LaLiga clubs are only allowed three non-EU players in their squad – thanks to Brexit.
One of Bale, Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo or Militao will not be able to be registered as a result of the rule.
- Thomas Blow
SCHER THING
Brighton have completed the signing of 6ft 8in Ajax goalkeeper Kjell Scherpen.
And the giant Dutchman has now become the joint-tallest player in Premier League history.
Scherpen, 21, played four times for Ajax last season following Andre Onana’s doping ban.
And he will now challenge Spain international Robert Sanchez for Brighton’s No1 jersey.
The Seagulls were searching for a new stopper after selling Mat Ryan to Real Sociedad.
- Thomas Blow
CREEPING UP
Manchester City have had to shut down a section of their training base for a deep clean after several academy players test positive for Covid-19.
The Citizens' under-18 and under-23 teams were set to travel to Loughborough for a training camp this week.
But five positive Covid cases amongst the academy ranks has thrown their plans up in the air.
According to The Athletic, also on the Daily Mail, the academy building has been shut off for the next ten days to allow it to be deep cleaned.
Youngsters who have tested positive will have to self isolate away from fellow academy players, staff and first team stars, but will be monitored on site.
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