KYLIAN MBAPPE confirms he was in talks with English giants Liverpool before ultimately signing a new contract in Paris.
The Frenchman was heavily linked with Real Madrid, but Mbappe surprisingly revealed that it was Anfield he was considering moving to.
But PSG's success in keeping Mbappe in the club means they are ready to cut costs elsewhere, reportedly starting with the departure of Neymar from the club.
Yet if the Brazilian wants to remain on his current salary, only Newcastle will be able to afford him.
Meanwhile, Spurs are making an early move in the transfer market with goalkeeper Fraser Forster undergoing a medical.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news across the globe…
- Kostas Lianos
Why would he?
Former Manchester City ace David James questioned why Gabriel Jesus would choose Arsenal over the Citizens.
James told Genting Casino: “If you look at Man City players’ appearances this season, Bernardo Silva and Rodri have played 30-plus Premier League games, but all the players in that attacking line-up have played around 25 games, so they’re not playing every week.
“Pep [Guardiola’s] rotation has worked perfectly in the sense that they won the Premier League again. I’d imagine [Erling] Haaland would fit into that mold, he’s not going to play every game. Also, with his injuries, there are question marks over whether he is physically capable of playing all the games.
“That being said, Jesus will have a shared role if he stays at Manchester City. This isn’t a buy-a-player-and-use-him-all-the-time situation, so there is still room for Jesus and why would he want to leave?
“You’ve got the best team in England over the past five years, so would he risk it by moving somewhere else to Arsenal, who aren’t even in the Champions League, or would he rather stay at Man City and try to get the Holy Grail, which is the Champions League?”
- Kostas Lianos
Touch of class
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has been praised for his “classy” moment with legendary Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson at the League Managers Association awards.
Klopp was named the LMA Manager of the Year by his peers and awarded the Sir Alex Ferguson Trophy.
Fergie was in attendance to deliver the trophy and tried to quickly exit the stage after handing it to the German head coach.
But Klopp immediately pulled him back so they could have their photo taken together
Klopp goes viral for touching moment with Man Utd legend Sir Alex Ferguson after he receives LMA award
- Kostas Lianos
Liverpool's Bowen link
Former Liverpool and West Ham ace David James questions the Reds' link with Hammers' ace Jarrod Bowen.
James told Genting Casino: "This season he’s been fantastic. With regards to the recruitment, Liverpool would be looking at more than just a one-season hit.
"If Bowen is a legitimate target for this summer’s transfer window then that would be questionable, but if he was to continue this kind of form, then I’m sure Liverpool will keep tabs on him.
"Like the signing of Diaz, he wasn’t the first name on people's radar. He’s come in, proved he’s a Liverpool player and then they go and get the signing.
"With Liverpool, loads of players are going to be linked and I’d imagine most of the time it’s agents linking them rather than a club pursuing them, but Bowen will definitely be on Liverpool’s radar”
- Kostas Lianos
Salah and Mane tip
Former Liverpool ace David James wouldn't be surprised if Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane left Anfield.
James told Genting Casino: "With Salah, I’d like to think Salah stays at Liverpool [and ignores Real Madrid’s interest]. He’s won the Golden Boot again and I’d want him to stay because he’s a massive contributor to Liverpool’s success.
"There comes a point in every player’s career, and with Salah and Mane, who have travelled all over the world, it’s in their DNA to move on at some point. When is the right time? I’d like to think he’d get a new contract at Liverpool, he’s a legend at Liverpool and a legend in football – and what better place to finish your career?
“Both Salah and Mane have been required at different stages of the season. It’s a great team, it’s not about just one individual. Where Liverpool were failing was when the onus was on one individual to get the team out of trouble, whereas now, you can talk about Alisson, [Virgil] Van Dijk, [Jordan] Henderson, Thiago [Alcantara], Salah and Mane – everyone is chipping in.
"Again, the two of them are travellers in a footballing sense, therefore it wouldn’t be surprising to see them leave, but I’d like to think they’d want to stay and see their careers out at Liverpool”
Credit: GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Haa-s to improve
Former Manchester City ace David James insists Erling Haaland needs to improve his game ahead of his Etihad arrival.
James told Genting Casino: “You could argue Haaland will improve Man City’s situation when it comes to the Champions League.
"There are bits around Haaland’s performance that need to considerably improve. He’s a fantastic goalscorer, without question, but it’s the way he scores goals that needs to be improved. It’s where he scores goals that need to be improved, he scores most of his goals at home.
“When you think about the Champions League and the crunch matches that aren’t at home, there will be areas for improvement. He’s 21 and under Pep, you could argue he’ll become better. If he becomes better then, of course, Man City will be in a better place to win the Champions League”
- Kostas Lianos
Adrien Rabiot race
Chelsea and Newcastle are set to offer £17million for Juventus star Adrien Rabiot ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Blues and the Magpies are eyeing a cut-price fee for Rabiot, according to Tuttosport.
N’Golo Kante and Jorginho only have one-year left on their contracts themselves, meaning midfield reinforcements may be necessary for the West Londoners.
And the Toon money-bags are looking to rival Premier League's elite next season
- Kostas Lianos
Bastoni transfer war
Chelsea and Tottenham are keeping tabs on Inter Milan ace Alessandro Bastoni ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to La Repubblica, who claim the London rivals are interested in Bastoni, who played under Spurs manager Antonio Conte at Inter.
It is believed the Nerazurri’s financial issues are still at large and the club are hoping to sacrifice only one player this time around.
The centre-back is valued at £60m by the Italian giants
- Kostas Lianos
Mount’s new contract
Chelsea star Mason Mount is set to receive a new deal after Todd Boehly’s takeover.
According to i, Mount will be the first player to benefit from the Blues' new owners.
The forward, who is reportedly on around £80,000-per-week, is expected to have his wages at least doubled under a new agreement that will be permitted once the takeover is officially completed.
This comes after the Premier League and UK government approved Boehly's £4.25billion takeover
Credit: GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
It’s still Ron
New Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed that club legend Cristiano Ronaldo is part of his plans for next season.
Ronaldo’s future has been uncertain for quite a few months and there were questions as to whether Ten Hag was planning to hold onto him in his squad.
But the Dutch tactician has put all the speculation to rest after being asked if he wants the five-time Ballon d’Or winner to stay around: “Of course!”
Ten Hag was then asked what Ronaldo brings, to which he responded “goals”.
- Kostas Lianos
Boehly’s war chest
New Chelsea owner Todd Boehly is set to hand manager Thomas Tuchel a £200million transfer war chest this summer.
According to the Telegraph, some of the budget is expected to come from player sales, meaning Hakim Ziyech, Christian Pulisic, Marcos Alonso and Timo Werner could all be flogged.
It’s claimed the Blues have drawn up an eight-man centre-back shortlist following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen to Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively.
Sevilla star Jules Kounde is top of that list, while there is also interest in RB Leipzig’s Josko Gvardiol, Atletico Madrid’s Jose Gimenez, Villarreal’s Pau Torres, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Leicester’s James Justin.
In attack Manchester City star Raheem Sterling could be targeted if Werner, Ziyech or Pulisic are sold.
Midfield reinforcements are also possible, with West Ham’s Declan Rice and Monaco’s Aurelien Tchouameni both targeted
- Kostas Lianos
Jules Kounde situation
Chelsea’s approved takeover is a major transfer boost in their longtime bid to sign Sevilla star Jules Kounde.
The Blues are in dire need of defensive reinforcement after losing Antonio Rudiger to Real Madrid.
Marcos Alonso, Andreas Christensen and skipper Cesar Azpilicueta are on their way to Barcelona, while Thiago Silva is at the advanced age of 37.
Transfer expert Andreas Korssund tweeted: “Jules Kounde is closing in on a move to Chelsea.
“The Blues will conclude talks with Sevilla as soon as Boehly’s takeover is complete and they are ready to pay the required fee.
“Personal terms have already been agreed and the Frenchman is only waiting for Chelsea”
- Kostas Lianos
Sadio Mane breakthrough
Liverpool star Sadio Mane has “reached a breakthrough” in talks with Bayern Munich over a stunning transfer move.
According to Sky Sports' Florian Plettenberg, progress has been made in negotiations between Mane and Bayern over a potential deal.
The Bavarians' sporting director Hasan Salihamidzic and manager Julian Nagelsmann are preparing to lose Robert Lewandowski to Barcelona.
That is why they want a “statement” signing to replace Lewandowski in the summer.
Plettenberg claims that the next month is now set to be a crucial period for Bayern and their attempt to land the forward
Credit: GETTY IMAGES - Kostas Lianos
Tchouameni to Real?
Monaco star Aurelien Tchouameni has been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
That is according to RMCSport, who report that Tchouameni will join Real on a five-year contract for around £60million.
Arsenal and Manchester United appeared to be frontrunners but the midfielder, who has been compared to Paul Pogba, seems to have opted for Los Blancos.
The talented France international has gained attention thanks to a raft of impressive performances in Ligue 1
- Kostas Lianos
Nadine Dorries statement
Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Nadine Dorries stated that the Government is satisfied the proceeds from Chelsea’s sale won’t go to outgoing owner Roman Abramovich.
Dorries tweeted: “Last night the Government issued a licence that permits the sale of [Chelsea].
“Given the sanctions we placed on those linked to [Vladimir] Putin and the bloody invasion of Ukraine, the long-term future of the club can only be secured under a new owner.
“We are satisfied the proceeds of the sale will not benefit Roman Abramovich or other sanctioned individuals.
“I want to thank everyone, especially officials who’ve worked tirelessly to keep the club playing and enable this sale, protecting fans and the wider football community”
- Kostas Lianos
Government on Chelsea takeover
The UK Government have issued a statement regarding their decision to approve Chelsea’s takeover by Todd Boehly.
A statement read: “Late last night the UK Government reached a position where we could issue a licence that permits the sale of Chelsea Football Club.
“Following the sanctioning of Roman Abramovich, the Government has worked hard to ensure Chelsea Football Club has been able to continue to play football.
“But we have always been clear that the long-term future of the club could only be secured under a new owner”
- Kostas Lianos
Boehly takeover approved by government
The UK Government has approved Todd Boehly’s £4.25billion takeover of Chelsea.
This comes after the Premier League gave the green light to the Boehly-led consortium.
The American businessman has been spotted at Stamford Bridge in the Blues’ last few home matches of the season.
The West Londoners are entering the post-Roman Abramovich era
Credit: GETTY IMAGES - Alex Cole
Good morning footy fans
The Premier League have approved Todd Boehly’s proposed takeover of Chelsea.
Boehly, 46, had already PASSED the Prem’s owner and directors test.
Now the £4.25bn deal has moved a step closer to coming to fruition after receiving the green light from Premier League bosses.
They have ONE WEEK to complete the takeover or risk being thrown out of next season's Champions League.
Jack Grealish continued his wild Premier League celebrations by jetting off to Ibiza to party with Wayne Lineker.
Erling Haaland has landed in Manchester as he prepares to meet his new City team-mates.
The 21 year-old was spotted taking a taxi from the airport as he embarks on a new chapter in his prolific goal scoring career.
Straight after Tottenham confirmed a Champions League spot, they have been boosted by a £150million cash injection by owners ENIC as they look to back boss Antonio Conte heavily this summer.
Gareth Southgate has handed first call-ups to Jarrod Bowen and James Justin in his 27-man England squad for the upcoming Nations League matches.
The Three Lions face Hungary twice in June, while they also battle Italy and Germany in Group A3.
- Alex Cole
BREAKING – Martial to return to Old Trafford
Anthony Martial is back at Manchester United after Sevilla reportedly rejected the chance to sign him.
The striker joined Julen Lopetegui’s squad on loan during the January transfer window.
But he missed six games through injury, scored just ONE goal, and was even jeered by his own fans in a miserable spell.
Now, according to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano, Seville will NOT be considering a permanent deal.
He quoted Sevilla president Jose Castro as saying: “Anthony Martial will return to Man United.
“We spent important money on him but it didn’t work.
“Also, he had injuries and we’re not going to buy him on a permanent deal”.
- Alex Cole
Tchouameni says goodbye
On reports that Aurelien Tchouameni will join Real Madrid, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano adds that Tchouameni has already said goodbye to pals at Monaco.
Romano tweeeted: “Aurelien Tchouameni has already communicated to his teammates the intention to join Real Madrid, as per @JulienMaynard.
“He dreams of Real.”
- Alex Cole
Aurelien Tchou join Madrid
RMCsport suggest that Aurelien Tchouameni will join Real Madrid on 5-year contract, the transfer costing the Spanish champions around £60million.
Arsenal and Manchester United had emerged as some of the frontrunners.
But the midfielder – likened to Paul Pogba in style – seems to have decided on the Spanish capital.
The talented Tchouameni has been wowing scouts all over Europe with his performances for Monaco.
His ability was underlined earlier this month when he netted two stunning goals in a win against Lille.
- Alex Cole
Tottenham spurred by extra cash
Spurs have been boosted by a £150million cash injection by owners ENIC as they look to back boss Antonio Conte heavily this summer.
The substantial extra funds will be used for investment both on and off the pitch, and will not add any interest to the club.
It comes two days after Conte led Tottenham to the Champions League with Sunday’s 5-0 win at Norwich.
Chairman Daniel Levy said: “The delivery of a world-class home was always a key building block in driving diversified revenues to enable us to invest in the teams and support our ambitions to be consistently competing at the highest levels of European football.
“Additional capital from ENIC will now enable further investment in the club at an important time.”
Tottenham are understood to be ready to meet their manager’s ambitions by delivering around six new signings.
- Alex Cole
Exclusive – Justin like Neville as youngster, says Harford
Mick Harford was so impressed with an 18-year-old James Justin, he thought Luton had a future Gary Neville on their hands, writes Justin Allen.
The former Hatters boss — who is now the club’s recruitment chief — is delighted to see Gareth Southgate call the Leicester star up for England.
Harford, 63, attended every match of Luton Under-18s’ run to the FA Youth Cup quarter-final in 2016 and was wowed by local lad Justin.
He said: “James had been at our club since he was seven or eight and was one of our academy’s youngest kids.
“When I returned to the club with Nathan Jones as manager I watched him a lot.
“He played right-back but he’s versatile because he can also play central midfield and left-back.
“James reminded me of Gary Neville and I thought, ‘This kid has got a bright future’ and now he has got his England call-up."
- Alex Cole
Jumping Jack Flash
Jack Grealish continued his wild Premier League celebrations by jetting off to Ibiza to party with Wayne Lineker.
The £100million man won the first major honour of his career on Sunday.
Manchester City fought back from 2-0 down against his former side Aston Villa to win 3-2 and retain their title.
And Grealish – named in Gareth Southgate's England squad today – made the most of a few days off by heading to the party island.
There he linked up with notorious nightlife emperor Wayne, younger brother of ex-footballer Gary.
Celebs Go Dating star Wayne posted a photo on his Instagram posing with Grealish in front of a pool at his Ocean Beach Ibiza resort.
Ex-Villa skipper Grealish was decked out in a bright green T-shirt, white Gucci shorts, a gold chain and sunglasses.
Lineker wrote: "Here he is… Jack Grealish," followed by a trophy emoji.
- Alex Cole
Haaland in town
Erling Haaland has landed in Manchester as he prepares to meet his new City team-mates.
The 21 year-old was spotted taking a taxi from the airport as he embarks on a new chapter in his prolific goalscoring career, writes John Hutchinson.
Earlier, Haaland was spotted flying out of Barcelona Airport on his way to the UK.
The striker has recently completed a £51million bargain move from Borussia Dortmund to the Premier League champions.
City met his release clause that was due to expire this summer.
- Alex Cole
Stars enjoy end of season holidays
Manchester United stars have been jetting off around the world following the end of the season.
And they all look like they are having plenty of fun in the sun abroad.
Aces from have ditched the UK for warmer climates following Sunday’s thrilling final day.
Red Devils star Bruno Fernandes will be hoping to forget all about last season as he escaped on a swanky jet.
The Portuguese midfielder posted a picture showing him and daughter Matilde enjoying a breakfast feast on board.
Meanwhile, Jesse Lingard shared a flight with Top Boy actress Erin Kellyman as he headed out of Manchester.
Source: Read Full Article