Category: Sports news

Manchester United preparing offer for £35 million Wolves midfielder

Ralf Rangnick has asked the Manchester United board to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Ruben Neves for his sporting project this January, and reports claim that the club is considering the signing.

Rangnick is said to be desperately pushing for reinforcements especially in the middle of the park at Old Trafford and Neves is one his prime targets.

The United hierarchy are reportedly ready to back the interim manager and submit the £35 million bid to Wolves for Neves, a player who they have gone after in the past.

The 24-year-old midfielder has two years left on his Wolves contract and is reportedly happy to be at Molineux. However, he does not look like extending his contract and United are aware of this fact.

Wolves, however, will not entertain any offers below £40 million but are more interested in keeping the midfielder at the club.

Rangnick’s midfield problems

Ralf Rangnick has struggled to implement his style at Manchester United largely due to his distrust of the club’s current midfield.

In recent times, he has settled for a 4-2-2-2 formation that is attack heavy as a result of this. Dutch midfielder, Donny van de Beek, who moved to Old Trafford from Ajax Amsterdam last season, has not been given enough opportunities to impress in the middle of the park and Paul Pogba’s future at Old Trafford is uncertain.

Rangnick also has only Scott McTominay, Fred, Nemanja Matic and Juan Mata as his other central midfield options, who don’t exactly inspire confidence in the fan base.

Sky Sports claim that as well as scouting Neves, United have their sights set on Marseille’s 22-year-old midfielder, Boubacar Kamara, who is out of contract with the French club in the summer.

United will have to move quickly though with Newcastle and Roma also interested in Kamara.

Manchester United squad not confident in Rangnick

Elsewhere, reports have emerged from the dressing room at United which claim that sections of the United squad are unhappy with the German as their manager.

The reports claim that these sections of the Manchester United squad have privately admitted the club made a huge mistake in not bringing in Antonio Conte as their new manager.

The German has developed a reputation at the club for being ‘aloof and overconfident’ and players are not taking kindly to this character display, bemoaning the missed opportunity to bring in current Tottenham Hotspur boss Conte.

Conte was touted as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s replacement for most of the Norwegian’s tenure at Old Trafford and even after his sack. The board instead chose to go for an interim manager, allowing the Italian to get snapped up by Spurs.

The reports further claims that the disenfranchised sections of the squad are looking at playing under current Paris Saint-Germain manager, Mauricio Pochettino, next season.

The Argentine has been touted with a move to Old Trafford for more than four seasons and Sir Alex Ferguson rates him very highly which puts him in pole position for the United job after Rangnick’s interim tenure is done.

Icardi closer to PSG exit than ever after rumoured Messi fallout

The 28-year-old Rosario native has been the subject of transfer speculation since his compatriot joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

Mauro Icardi and Lionel Messi share a lot of similarities but are so far apart from each other.

Both were born in Rosario, Argentina and signed for Barcelona as pre-teens after breaking goalscoring records at their local boyhood clubs. Both were friends with Maxi Rodriguez (Messi still maintains a relationship with Rodriguez) and now, both play for PSG.

However, the story has not been rosy between both of them and this has allegedly carried on to their time in the PSG locker room.

Icardi was surely going to be the player sacrificed for the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner but reports claim that PSG’s wish to offload Icardi is strongly due to how Messi perceives his teammate.

Messi and Icardi’s short PSG history

The pair who have played together for Argentina on nine occasions have now spent a better part of the 2021/22 season in the same space.

Icardi is under the impression that his national team captain does not like him and believes that that is the reason he has not made it back to the Argentina squad.

In October, reports of a fallout between the pair had emerged and it was claimed that Messi petitioned PSG to move the former Inter Milan man on. Messi was also reported to be suggesting a swap with Barcelona for Sergio Aguero at the time, just before the striker suffered the incident that led to his retirement.

Messi is a mountain mover and the superstar obviously moved mountains at PSG when he arrived at the club. Since then, Mbappe and Neymar’s relationship has changed and the dressing room has seen new alliances formed.

PSG boss Pochettino has also been a victim of Messi’s arrival at Parc De Princes and is looking into shaping the squad in the best possible way to suit his mercurial compatriot.

As such, Icardi, who has struggled to find his Inter Milan form since joining the French giants in 2019, has been earmarked for departure and is now closer to leaving than he was a year ago.

Juventus link up looking more realistic for Icardi

The former Inter Milan captain has been touted for a move back to the Serie A with Juventus but a clause in his contract seems to be preventing the move from happening.

The Turin club have been great admirers of the striker since his Sampdoria days and have had several attempts to take him to the Allianz Stadium rebuffed.

However, with Alvaro Morata’s loan move coming to an end and the Old Lady’s desperate as well as PSG’s need to sell Icardi, the Juventus move may finally be happening.

Wanda Nara, Icardi’s wife and one of the reasons for the Icardi-Messi rift, has teased this move earlier in December 2021.

Manchester United are also said to be preparing a move for Icardi should Edinson Cavani depart in the January transfer window, according to Calciomercato. 

Both Messi and Icardi could be free of each other in a matter of weeks.

Thiago Silva signs contract extension with Chelsea

Brazilian defender Thiago Silva has signed a one-year contract extension with Chelsea to give Thomas Tuchel a huge boost amid fears of an exodus from Chelsea’s defence.

Thiago Silva signed for the Blues from PSG in 2020 for one year and extended it for another year some time during the season in which they won the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Super Cup.

Fears among the Chelsea hierarchy and fan base of losing a player who has been key to the club’s successes in recent times have now been alleviated after the defender committed to one more season, stating that it is a “real pleasure to play for the Blues”.

Silva, who enjoyed great success at Paris Saint-Germain, claims to be enjoying some of the best moments of his stellar career in England with Chelsea, who he has played for 56 times since joining in 2020.

Chelsea pleased to be extending Silva’s contract, club director says

Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia said of Silva at his new contract signing: “Thiago Silva’s experience, leadership and performances have been and remain very important to this squad, so we are hugely pleased to extend his contract by another year.

“We look forward to his continued influence as we seek honours this season and next, and more of the qualities that have led to him having such a big impact for us on and off the pitch.”

Silva, a 102-time Brazil international, will prove a much needed boost for Thomas Tuchel, who was in danger of losing all of his key defenders in the summer.

Like Silva, Andreas Christensen, Antonio Rudiger and club captain Cesar “Dave” Azpilicueta have expiring contracts. Tuchel, who managed Silva in his last two years at PSG and was angered at the club’s decision to let him move to England, will be grateful to have the defender who he once fought to keep with him for another year. 

Silva said at his new contract signing: “To play here with Chelsea is a real pleasure. I never thought I would play for three years here in this great club, so I’m very happy to stay for another season.

“I will continue to give everything for this club and for the supporters, who have always been by my side since I arrived.

“It’s amazing to have this relationship with the fans and not only that but the players, staff and the whole club.

“I am going to give everything to keep playing at this level in the most important league in the world.”

“I died for five minutes” – Christian Eriksen finally speaks following his slump at Euro 2020

Christian Eriksen has come out with an interview following the events that occurred over the summer while representing Denmark at the Euro 2020 tournament.

The midfielder suffered a cardiac arrest as Denmark faced Finland in their Euro 2020 opener in Copenhagen last June. Eriksen fell to the ground and looked to be passing out but quick thinking from Simon Kjaer and the solid work from the medical staff on the pitch led to his life being saved.

Fans, players, coaches, clubs and pundits poured out heartfelt emotions towards the Dane’s situation and his home country of Denmark honoured him in a big way during the tournament.

Denmark went on to reach the semi finals of the tournament, using Christian Eriksen’s situation as motivation, much to the happiness of the midfielder. However, they were denied a third place playoff as UEFA changed the rules of the tournament before it began.

Since then, the former Tottenham Hotspur man has been in slow and steady recovery, and finally feels ready to play football again.

“It was quite extraordinary”, Eriksen says of the show of affection received

Eriksen opened up about the incident in an interview with Danish TV channel DR 1. He said: “It was amazing that so many people felt the need to write or send flowers.

“It had an impact on so many people and they felt the need to let me and my family know. That made me very happy.

“At the hospital, they kept saying I’d receive more and more flowers.

“It was weird because I didn’t expect people to send flowers – because I died for five minutes.

“It was quite extraordinary, but it was very nice of everyone and it’s been a big help to me to receive all those best wishes. And people still write to me.

“I’ve thanked people I’ve met in person, I’ve thanked the doctors, my team-mates and their families in person.

“But all the fans who have sent thousands of letters, emails and flowers or who come up to me in the street – both in Italy and Denmark – I thank them all for the support that I got from all over the world that helped me through this.”

Eriksen has offers from the Premier League, agent claims

The 29-year-old midfielder, who was contracted to Internazionale at the time, had to leave the Serie A title holders due to laws preventing anyone with a heart issue from participating in active sport in Italy.

An Inter statement after both parties agreed on a mutual contract termination read: “FC Internazionale Milano announces that an agreement has been reached for the consensual termination of Christian Eriksen’s contract.

“The club and the entire Nerazzurri family embrace the player and wish him the best for his future.

“Christian was a key figure in our march to the Scudetto – a team effort which Eriksen contributed to with his vision, intuition, passing, assists and goals, including some big ones.”

Now a free agent, Eriksen has been training at his boyhood club Ødense Boldklub in Denmark and in Switzerland when in Italy with an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) fitted to him, as he looks for a way back into professional football.

Eriksen’s agent Martin Schoots told Daily Mail that his client has offers to get back on the pitch, however.

Schoots said: “It is going really well for Christian. He had all the checks just before Christmas and the results were so good that we expect him to be involved in a group training with a team some time later in January.

“But I would prefer Christian to talk about this himself and he will do so very soon.

“Christian is very ambitious. Italy is one of the only countries with these regulations. 

“In other countries it is very different. His contract with Inter has been terminated and now we can look forward.”

Eriksen has eyes set on World Cup

Despite his near-death experience, Eriksen has no intention of hanging up his boots.

Speaking in the interview with DR 1, he said: “My goal is to play in the World Cup in Qatar. I want to play.

“That’s been my mindset all along.

“It’s a goal, it’s a dream. Whether I’ll be picked is another thing. But it’s my dream to come back.

“I’m sure I can come back because I dont feel any different. Physically, I’m back in top shape.

“That’s my goal and it’s still some time away. So until then, I’m just going to play football and prove that I’m back at the same level.”

Manchester United prepare summer bid for West Ham star

Manchester United are back in the race to sign Declan Rice from West Ham United and have reportedly prepared a bumper summer bid for the midfielder.

The Sun reports that the Red Devils are closely monitoring his situation and will be one of the first to move for the midfielder, who is valued by his club at £100 million.

The 22-year-old has been the subject of various transfer speculations since last season but stayed put at West Ham to help them achieve more than what they did last season.

The Hammers are on course for another finish in the European places, proving that last season was not just a purple patch for them. Rice has been a key part of the team that is making West Ham fans dream.

That dream could be over in the summer as United are reportedly ready to match West Ham’s valuation of the player once the summer transfer window opens.

The move, however, will depend on West Ham missing out on UEFA Champions League this season, which is the team’s target after they reached the Europa League last season.

Where Rice could fit in at Old Trafford

Ralf Rangnick is reportedly on board with the move by United hierarchy as he seeks to build a strong team to achieve the club’s objectives and one which he will most likely pass on as he takes a role higher up in the hierarchy of Old Trafford.

Manchester United have received calls from their fans to find midfielders who can provide adequate cover for the defence while starting attacking moves.

None of the current crop have been able to fulfill that role expertly at Old Trafford, but Rice could slot in seamlessly and provide exactly what United need.

Rangnick reportedly wants to mould the system around Rice, a far cry from their attack-heavy style in the past few seasons.

After failing to sign any midfielder in the summer following the arrivals of Cristiano Ronaldo, Jadon Sancho and Raphael Varane, signing Rice could be the missing piece of the United puzzle to take them back to the top of England.

West Ham boss David Moyes will no doubt be vying to keep hold of Rice but as stated earlier, his leverage will weaken if West Ham fail to qualify for the Champions League next season.

Graeme Souness urges City to hijack United’s move for Rice

Former Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness has advised Manchester City to hijack any deal for Declan Rice.

Souness sees the West Ham man as an “obvious replacement” for the ageing Fernandinho and believes City would benefit from the player’s talents.

“Jack Grealish’s transfer from Aston Villa to Manchester City for £100million means that’s where the bidding is likely to start for Rice, who’s four years younger at 22,” Souness told the Sunday Times.

“City already have the strongest group of players in the history of English football, but still collect the best players they can.

“Yes, they have Rodri, but Fernandinho’s 36 and in the final six months of his contract, so Rice is an obvious replacement because they have the finances and are buying when they are on top.

“City, Chelsea and United will all pay a premium for Rice. The only argument you can offer if you’re buying is that he’s not a striker and that’s where the big money generally goes. It might take Rice to another level.”

Souness also admitted that Rice has already gone on to surpass his expectations.

“At first, I feared he might become one of those ‘steady Eddies’ who play it safe and square all the time and say they ‘recycle possession’ rather than have an impact on matches for their teams,” Souness said.

“I still want him to see the picture and deliver the pass earlier, to make more telling passes in the final third, but that could come with confidence and he rarely gives the ball away.”

Rangnick offers olive branch to wantaway Man Utd players

Ralf Rangnick has come out to plead with Edinson Cavani and Donny Van De Beek to give Manchester United another chance.

Both players have struggled to earn minutes since joining United last season from Ajax and Paris Saint-Germain respectively.

Cavani has battled fitness issues but is down the pecking order, despite being one of the most effective strikers at the club with the best goal per minutes ratio. Van De Beek, on the other hand, seems like a forgotten player as he has only been given a total of two Premier League starts in his time at United.

Cavani is ready to end his adventure with United and move on in January especially with Cristiano Ronaldo back at the club and has had contacts with Barcelona and clubs in South America.

Ralf Rangnick has now admitted that he is desperate to keep the striker as he seeks a strong finish for United this season. The interim manager also pleaded with Van De Beek, stating that the young Dutchman will get chances to play.

We have to keep them, Rangnick admits

Ahead of their 2022 calendar opening game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Rangnick said of Cavani’s situation: “We’ve had quite a few conversations in the last couple of weeks and he’s probably the player with whom I have spoken most.

“I told him from the very first day that, for me, he is a highly important player. His professionalism and his work ethic is just amazing, and I told him that I desperately want him to stay until the end of the season.

“He knows that. He also knows how highly I rate him and how highly I respect him. I know from some players that they would want to leave, but we spoke about Edi and he knows that I will definitely not let him go.

“For me, he is a highly important player for the rest of the season, so we will definitely need Edi. For me it’s clear that Edi has to stay.”

About Van De Beek, Rangnick said: “As I have got to know him he’s got a top mentality, he works hard in every training session.

“He’s a team player through and through and there will be games where he will get his chance to play, I’m sure.

“Of course it’s difficult for him right now, because he also wants to play for the Dutch national team. He wants to play in the World Cup in Qatar and in order to do that he needs to get game-time here.

“But I still believe that we should keep him, that he should stay here, definitely until the end of this season and try to get as much game-time as he possibly can.”

Juventus Transfer News: Turin side turn to Swiss star for midfield reinforcement

Il Bianconero have reported that Juventus are giving serious thought to the idea of landing outgoing Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder Denis Zakaria in January.

Zakaria is available on a free in the summer and many clubs have inquired about the 25-year-old’s signature. The midfielder himself has said in the past that he would love to work under Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp, while also giving preference to Barcelona.

Both clubs have reportedly initiated contact with the Swiss midfielder’s camp ahead of a summer move and are now in danger of losing out on a target as Juventus want to hijack any potential deal by offering Monchengladbach a fee for the player this January.

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is looking to reinforce the midfield department in the winter transfer window as his current midfield options have not been the best this season. Adrien Rabiot, Arthur Melo, and Rodrigo Bentancur have all failed to live up to his expectations, forcing the Italian manager’s hand.

Juventus hit stumbling block in pursuit of Icardi

Reports have claimed that Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain will find it difficult to reach an agreement for Mauro Icardi this month, throwing a wrench in the Turin club’s plans.

Juventus are hoping to get the Argentine striker on loan and the player has shown interest in the move. However, PSG want to sell outright.

The French side has listed quite a few players for transfer this month as they aim to meet the €100 million mark in sales this winter window.

The Bianconeri now need to find a way to convince the Ligue 1 side to let the Argentinian leave on loan, which may be impossible to reach this month.

Juventus reveal the reason why they are not fighting to keep Morata

The Spaniard has had some good times at the Allianz Stadium and is currently in his second stint at the club, albeit on loan.

The Bianconeri paid Atlético de Madrid €20 million last season to secure the Spaniard on loan for two seasons.

However, the Italians would have to spend another €35 million if they want to make his transfer permanent, and Juventus, who is in a financial crisis of their own, are not ready to shell out that amount.

His inconsistency in his second stint is also a reason why the club’s management is not too keen on the idea and is looking for a replacement for the player who is reportedly being targeted by Barcelona and has agreed terms with the Catalan club.

Corriere dello Sport reports that Alvaro Morata is not looking to return to Atlético and instead prefers to remain at Juventus or move elsewhere.

Manchester United and Barcelona plan outrageous swap deal

Catalan media outlet ARA have come out with reports that claim Manchester United and Barcelona are exploring a swap deal for Anthony Martial and Ousmane Dembele.

Martial has expressed his desire to leave United in recent weeks after a lack of playing time in the last 18 months. His contract at Old Trafford still runs till 2023, but it remains to be seen if he will ever get back into the club’s plans.

United blocked one of Martial’s exit paths in December when they turned down a loan offer from Sevilla, who were only willing to pay a part of the player’s huge wages.

Dembele, on the other hand, has his contract expiring at the end of the season and is making life difficult for Barcelona who are trying everything they can to renew his contract according to manager Xavi Hernandez’s wishes.

The reports now claim that Barcelona, who have grown tired and frustrated with Dembele’s antics concerning his renewal, are willing to help offer Martial a way out of United.

Barcelona, in a move that can only be described as weird, now wants to bring in Martial on a six-month loan and send Dembele the other way.

Barcelona looking for way out of Dembele situation

It has been reported that Dembele is demanding an outrageous €40 million per year salary alongside a signing-on bonus of €20 million to stay at the club.

He has missed over a hundred games since signing for Barcelona in 2017 but is still highly rated by the club.

However, with the signing of Ferran Torres and Dani Alves needing to be registered, Barcelona will have to free up space in their wage structure. Dembele’s standoff has reportedly made it easy for the Catalan club to decide to part ways with him.

Rangnick: Martial’s exit must benefit the club

Manchester United have long been admirers of Dembele and have inquired about the 24-year-old in the past. The signing of Sancho makes a deal complicated but rumours in the past few weeks suggest that Dembele is still wanted at Old Trafford.

Martial hasn’t played under Rangnick who confirmed that the striker’s absence is not due to injury.

The German manager said in a press conference about the striker’s wish to leave: “But it’s a question not only of what he wants to do but a question of which kind of clubs are interested in him and do they meet the demands of the club, so we have to wait and see.”

Paris Saint-Germain target Connor Gallagher for January move

The Sun has come out with reports that Paris Saint-Germain are willing to pay the £50 million fee which Chelsea have tagged on Conor Gallagher to take him to Parc De Princes this January.

Gallagher is a shock transfer target for the Parisiens, reportedly requested by manager Mauricio Pochettino, who is still looking for a goal scoring midfielder to add to his ranks.

The Sun reports that the Ligue 1 giants are impressed with the 21-year-old and are exploring the possibility of snapping him up in a potential £50 million deal this month.

The Cobham product joined Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal in the summer, just after a loan spell at West Bromwich Albion. The midfielder is still hoping to seal a spot with the Blues and his current form at Crystal Palace is doing justice to his bid for a chance at Stamford Bridge.

Palace manager Patrick Vieira has enjoyed the youngster’s services thus far, deploying him often in a new-look midfield as he aims to reshape the Eagles this season.

His six goals and three assists in just 17 league matches have contributed to the London side sitting comfortably in the middle of the table at 11th place, a sharp contrast to their relegation scraps in the past few seasons.

Chelsea have no concrete plans for Gallagher

Nobody predicted the rapid growth of the 21-year-old this season. The Blues at some point considered calling him back from his loan but his impressive form has seen him play more than the expected number of games to demand a recall or to be returned by Crystal Palace.

Gallagher has previously stated in the past that he wants to succeed at the club, having made his breakthrough into the Chelsea senior team in 2018. He has, however, spent all that time on loan.

Last month, Sam Allardyce advised the young midfielder not to take the same risk as Jesse Lingard whose career has gone backwards when he chose not to make his loan move to West Ham United permanent.

Chelsea is currently stacked in the midfield and Gallagher, with his talents, could find game time very hard to come by should he choose to play for the Blues next season.

The current UEFA Champions League holders, however, can now cash in on the player with Paris Saint-Germain on red alert.

Real Madrid drop out of Rudiger race

Elsewhere, reports have claimed that Real Madrid have ended their pursuit of Antonio Rudiger.

The Spanish giants have been after the German defender for most of the season as news about his refusal to sign a new contract at Chelsea emerged.

The 28-year-old defender is asking for a £10 million per annum salary from the Blues who are unwilling to match that demand. Real Madrid, looking for a Sergio Ramos replacement, began a chase for the defender.

Now, it has emerged that Madrid have pulled out of the race, believing that Rudiger is only using their name to get a bumper contract from Chelsea who are also desperate to keep the German beyond 2022.

PSG and Bayern Munich are still interested in Rudiger, however, which means Chelsea still have some convincing to do if they are to keep the defender.

Kieran Trippier waves goodbye to Atlético Madrid fans ahead of potential Newcastle move

Kieran Trippier, 31, was the last man to leave the pitch as he waved and greeted the home fans after Atlético de Madrid opened their 2022 calendar with a win over Rayo Vallecano.

The Englishman joined Los Rojiblancos from Tottenham Hotspur in 2019 and played a key part in the side’s 2020 LaLiga title win, even earning a place on the LaLiga team of the season.

As an Atlético player, he has also become a key figure in the Three Lions of England setup, more than he was while at Tottenham.

Trippier has been the subject of rumours of a transfer back to the Premier League since helping Atlético win LaLiga last season. He almost joined Manchester United, but for the €25 million valuation by the Spanish giants which United we’re unwilling to match.

The right back has also made no secret of his desire to return to the Premier League but continues to be professional while donning the Atlético kit.

But after his actions at the Wanda Metropolitano on Sunday, it seems like Trippier has played his last game for the club following a reported bid for his signature from Newcastle United.

Newcastle determined to make Trippier first winter signing

The newly rich Premier League side managed by former Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe have targeted Kieran Trippier as their first signing for what should be a busy January window at St. James’ Park.

Howe worked with Trippier when he was manager at Burnley before the right back moved to Spurs. He is said to be the driving force behind Newcastle going after Trippier.

The Magpies reportedly submitted a formal bid to Atlético for Trippier on January 1 and the defender’s actions after the Rayo Vallecano game could very well mean that he is on his way out of Spain and back to the Premier League.

Trippier’s family made some sacrifices as they left their lives in England behind to settle abroad with him as he tried to be part of a winning project and get his career back on track.

Having done that with silverware to boot, the 31-year-old is ready to return to England and resettle his family in their home country.

“I know what I have come here to do and I’ve done it,” Trippier told Sportsmail in an interview last year. “I would love to play in the Premier League again.”

Atlético want Trippier to stay, says Diego Simeone

The manager was quizzed about Trippier’s actions after the game and the whole situation surrounding his continuity at the Spanish capital club.

“As I said the other day, it always depends on the footballer to [determine] what can happen.

“We want him and hope he stays with us but it is clear today that when a player wants to leave he can’t be retained.

“You can’t hold on to anyone in life if they don’t want to stay.”

A young Atlético fan demonstrated the club’s love for the Englishman during the game.

The young fan displayed a homemade sign asking the 31-year-old to stay.

Unfortunately, it may not make a difference but it shows how much Trippier is loved by many at the Wanda Metropolitano and how difficult his exit would be taken.