Premier League News, Reaction, Opinion - talkSPORT

Nottingham Forest warned against signing Premier League midfielder as Elliot Anderson replacement

Lee Davey — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:55:51 +0000

Nottingham Forest legend Stuart Pearce has warned the club against signing wantaway Tottenham midfielder Lucas Bergvall.

The Sweden international recently signaled his intention to leave Tottenham after two years at the club.

Lucas Bergvall told Tottenham that he wants to explore a move away from the club this summer

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Bergvall has informed Tottenham officials of his desire to seek a new challenge after he completed his World Cup duties.

Spurs have made no secret of their intention to bolster their midfield this summer with West Ham’s Matheus Fernandes and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali on their radar.

Bergvall’s exit plan has coincided with Elliot Anderson’s impending British record transfer switch from Nottingham Forest to Manchester City.

And that has opened the door for Bergvall to complete a switch to the City Ground.

The 20-year-old has impressed when called upon by Spurs and recently became the youngest player in history to represent Sweden at a World Cup.

Pearce’s assessment

However, it appears that Pearce needs further convincing over the star’s credentials ahead of a possible summer move to his former club.

“I’m not convinced about him, I’ve got to say,” Pearce told talkSPORT.

“If you’re going to pay a top premium because that money has just come in, Forest are building a new stand next year so I don’t know if this money will be generated to put that up or not.

“But for me, I wouldn’t be paying big money for Bergvall.”

Quizzed on why he is not yet sold on the Swede, Pearce added: “I’m just not convinced about him. He’s been in and out of Tottenham’s team.

Anderson is closing in on his move to Man City which will leave Forest with a huge void to fill

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Stuart Pearce has urged his former club to look elsewhere for Anderson’s replacement

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“Tottenham have had a good look at him for a couple of years and decided they want to move him on, that sends a message.

“I’m not sure.”

Bergvall was this week pressed on his decision to request a transfer but quickly shot down all talk of his situation at club level.

Sweden first

“Right now, I’m just trying to focus on the World Cup,” he told reporters. “Whatever happens after that, I’ll deal with it then. I’m fully focused on the World Cup.”

Asked whether his agent had spoken to Tottenham, Bergvall replied: “I’m fully focusing on the World Cup.

“I’m here with Sweden, and we’re going to try to make a good impression in the U.S. Whatever happens after that, we’ll deal with it then.”

Bergvall has already made history at the World Cup with his native Sweden

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Bergvall featured just five times following the arrival of Roberto De Zerbi in March.

In that time, he made just one start and was handed minimal game time from the bench before being an unused substitute in Spurs’ final two Premier League fixtures.

How Eduardo Camavinga could become best midfielder in the world with £60million Premier League transfer

Ciaran Wiseman — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 15:26:39 +0000

Premier League clubs have been urged to take the chance to sign Eduardo Camavinga this summer.

The midfielder could be allowed to leave Real Madrid following Jose Mourinho’s return to the club.

A move to the Premier League this summer could resurrect Camavinga’s career, says Andy Brassell

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Camavinga made just 16 starts in LaLiga last season under Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.

His struggles at club level also saw the 23-year-old left out of France’s World Cup squad.

Having signed for Real Madrid in 2021, Camavinga has already made 223 appearances for the club.

He has also won 11 trophies including two Champions Leagues, two LaLiga titles and the Club World Cup.

Although he still has three years remaining on his current deal, a move away from Los Blancos could now be on the cards.

Camavinga’s future

European football journalist Andy Brassell has now tipped Camavinga to resurrect his career in England.

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, he revealed exactly where it has gone wrong for him in the Spanish capital.

Brassell explained: “I think if we’re looking at where it started going wrong for Camavinga at Real Madrid, we need to look back to not just those years of development where he didn’t really get to develop in one position, but I think we look back to the 24/25 season where Real Madrid didn’t win anything, just as was the case in the season just gone.

“Because they had so many defensive problems, not only did they have to use him at left-back more than they would have liked, but really it sort of affected the midfield as well.

“So you had Luka Modric approaching 40, playing far too many games in that season. Dani Ceballos, who I really like, a former Arsenal player of course, but not really of Real Madrid level, if we’re being completely honest.

Camavinga’s lack of playing time for Real Madrid last season saw him left out of France’s World Cup squad

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“And so this left Camavinga, who looked like being part of this perfect midfield, along with his international team-mate, Aurelien Tchouameni, with (Federico) Valverde, with (Jude) Bellingham and all of a sudden it was a bit of a mess, really.

“The other thing with France is I sort of feel that Camavinga’s ideal position would be left of a midfield three and the fact that Adrien Rabiot, since the 2022 World Cup, has sort of made that position his own.

“He’s been brilliant in recent seasons, Rabiot. That has shunted Camavinga out of a place where he can potentially settle for the national team as well.

“Now, look, he can do so many other things. He passes the ball incredibly accurately, still lands way over 90 per cent of his passes. He can dribble with the ball, he can tackle, he’s a brilliant athlete.

“There’s so much to him. But really he needs to find a club where he’s going to play and play consistently.”

As well as his natural midfield role, Camavinga has also been deployed at centre-back and left-back on a regular basis for club and country.

Camavinga has won 11 trophies since joining Real Madrid in 2021 but endured a difficult campaign last term

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Of his 43 appearances in all competitions last term, only 19 came in central midfield.

Meanwhile, the Rennes academy graduate even featured on both the left and right wing.

Who should sign Camavinga?

Brassell believes one Premier League giant could prove to be the ideal landing spot for Camavinga before the transfer window closes.

He continued: “Now, I wonder if Liverpool really is the right fit for him. Of course, you would have to find a way to fit him and Ryan Gravenberch in the same midfield. That’s a really important thing to do if he was going to end up at Liverpool.

“It could work though. We saw in Liverpool’s title winning season in 2024/25 that Gravenberch as a deep player really works.

“If you’re looking at Camavinga to the left of him, I think that could be quite an interesting fit. Maybe (Dominik) Szoboszlai on the other side if that was a midfield three.

Liverpool have been urged to make a £60million move for Camavinga this summer

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“Of course, there are loads of different ways they could play it and I suspect they’ll rotate because Liverpool are hoping to be very successful this season and there’ll be 60-odd games.

“So there will be time for Camavinga to adapt. But that for me is the most important thing. The ability is there.

“They’re buying low because he’s not had a great season at Real Madrid particularly. The season just gone was undoubtedly his worst one. There’s no doubt about that. And he had his difficulties the season before.

“But you’re looking at a player that if you go back even 12 months, Real Madrid would not have counted in selling. There’s no way, but now they’re needing to regenerate the squad. They’re looking for where they can make money. He’s still a player of value because he’s got a great reputation all over the world.

“So I think this is the moment for a Premier League club to come in and take advantage of the situation. Maybe get a deal done around the £60million mark, something like that.

“And given that he’s only 23, given that you can get a great decade of service out of him, you just have to fully commit to Camavinga and get in there, say this guy is going to play for me in this position and make him the best in the world in that position or close because that’s what he’s got the potential to be.”

Camavinga’s versatility has seen him play in midfield as well as at centre-back and left-back for club and country

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Liverpool are fast approaching a potential period of transition for their midfield.

Both Wataru Endo and Curtis Jones are set to enter the final year of their current Anfield deals this summer.

Meanwhile, both Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will be out of contract in 2028, as it stands.

New manager Andoni Iraola has already added winger Victor Munoz to his squad but is yet to strengthen the side in midfield.

Brentford in talks about hosting Champions League football next season

Martha Riley — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 14:52:16 +0000

Brentford are in talks with Shakhtar Donetsk over hosting their Champions League games at the Gtech Community Stadium next season.

Shakhtar are unable to play European matches in their homeland due to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.

The Gtech Community Stadium has been home to Brentford since 2020

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Last season, the Ukrainian champions played their Conference League games in Poland, at Wisla Krakow’s Synerise Arena.

Having been forced to stage their home fixtures outside of their home country since 2022, Shakhtar used the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany in the 2024/25 campaign.

In the forthcoming season, the Eastern European outfit will directly enter the league phase of the Champions League.

Statement made

Shakhtar are now once again weighing up their options over where they will make their home base, with the UK and Germany options.

And according to numerous reports, Brentford‘s 17,000-capacity home has emerged as a contender.

The Standard reports that negotiations are underway between the two clubs, as Shakhtar confirmed they were discussing a possible ground-share arrangement with several venues.

An official spokesperson for Shakhtar told the publication: “Shakhtar is currently negotiating with several venues in the United Kingdom and Germany in order to secure a host stadium for its UEFA Champions League matches next season.

“We will not comment on the process until a decision is announced in the near future.”

Suitable venue

The Gtech Community Stadium has been home to Brentford since 2020, as they bid farewell to their former ground Griffin Park.

Located next to west London’s Kew Bridge, it has been a Premier League venue since 2021, and can hold a total of 17,250 spectators.

Shakhtar reached the semi-finals of last season’s Conference League

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Brentford’s home stadium also complies with UEFA regulations on stadia hosting Champions League matches.

According to the BBC, the governing body would have no issue with Shakhtar playing at the Gtech.

The Bees have been known to rent out their stadium for non club-related fixtures – with England’s Lionesses having previously played there.

During the Women’s European Championship in 2021, the Gtech hosted four matches including Germany’s quarter-final win over Austria.

The 2025 Unity Cup was also held at the west London ground – an international football tournament which was held between Ghana, Nigeria, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago last year.

Deeper connection

Brentford has a strong connection to Ukraine, with surrounding areas Hounslow and Ealing having significant Ukrainian communities.

Brentford’s Yehor Yarmolyuk has been capped nine times by Ukraine

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The club have also run local projects to help displaced Ukrainian families.

In 2023, Brentford’s B team faced Ukraine in a friendly at the Cherry Red Records Stadium in Wimbledon three years ago.

Bees midfielder Yehor Yarmolyuk is also from Ukraine, and met families in the local area at the Gtech two years ago.

All the families in attendance were from Ukraine, but lived in the UK after fleeing their homeland following Russia’s invasion in 2022.

‘Norwegian Neymar’ Antonio Nusa told exactly which Premier League club he should join

Ciaran Wiseman — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 12:42:18 +0000

Antonio Nusa has the talent to play for a Champions League club in England next season.

That is the view of European football journalist Andy Brassell amid the winger’s standout performances at the World Cup.

Nusa has been tipped for a move to the Premier League after this summer’s World Cup

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Nusa has started each of Norway’s first two matches in North America this summer.

His country are safely into the last 32 thanks to back-to-back wins over Iraq and Senegal.

A win over France on Friday will see them win group I to set up a clash with one of the best third-placed sides.

Nusa has already scored eight goals in 26 caps for Norway, despite still being just 21.

Meanwhile, he is fresh from an impressive second season in Germany with RB Leipzig.

The forward starred on the left for the Bundesliga outfit, with Liverpool target Yan Diomande on the opposite flank.

‘Norwegian Neymar’

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, Brassell was asked if Nusa will once again attract Premier League interest after a successful World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur have previously explored signing the former Club Brugge youngster, while Brentford pulled out of a move.

Brassell explained: “What is it that makes Nusa so special? Well, he’s a wide player who’s equally effective on both sides, and even some of the best wide players in the modern game are not that.

“So this is something that’s a huge advantage for Leipzig at the moment is they have him on one side and Yan Diomande, who has been closely linked to Liverpool, on the other side. Having them and their ability to swap, I think is really, really useful.

Nusa has earned the nickname the ‘Norwegian Neymar’ after starring for club and country

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“We often see Diomande on the right coming onto his left foot and Nusa on the left going onto his right, which is why a few people have floated the rather crass nickname of the ‘Norwegian Neymar’.

“His close control is brilliant, so you can understand the comparison. He’s very, very quick-footed. He’s able to go inside or outside. He’s adding a few goals to his game as well.”

Nusa scored four goals and provided three assists in 31 Bundesliga appearances last season.

Those goal contributions helped Leipzig finish third as they qualified for the Champions League.

Who should Nusa join?

However, Brassell believes Nusa has the quality to line up in the competition for an English club in the near future.

His suggested destination would even see the forward reunite with international team-mate Erling Haaland at Man City.

Brassell believes Nusa has the talent to join a Champions League club in England ahead of next season

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He continued: “At 21, he’s played a lot of football at a very high level already and now he’s ready to take it to the next level.

“I could see him definitely playing for a Champions League team in England. There’s no doubt about that.

“If Liverpool hadn’t signed Victor Munoz, I would think they would maybe be in the mix for him. Of course, we know which Leipzig winger they’re interested in and it’s Yan Diomande.

“But there’s a number of clubs that he could do really well (at), maybe if Manchester City shifted Savinho, maybe Nusa is a player who could come in for them down the line because I definitely think he’s someone who could develop with better players around him.

“He’s surrounded by some very good players at the moment, but to find the next level, I think he needs to have a little bit more demanded of him.

“Because the sky’s the limit. Talent’s incredible and maybe he’s going to prove it for Norway in this World Cup.”

Nusa has been urged to join Haaland at City in a move which would take him to the ‘next level’

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Stay or go?

Interest in Diomande could see Nusa remain at Leipzig for another season, though.

The Ivory Coast star is top of Liverpool’s list of targets as they look to sign a new winger this summer.

Andoni Iraola’s side have already seen an £86.3million bid, including add-ons, rejected by Leipzig.

Brassell has admitted Nusa may be best served by staying in Germany beyond the current transfer window, with Leipzig unlikely to sell both players.

He added: “Now, I feel from a neutral perspective that he should stay at Leipzig, that’s a great place to develop, that we see young players develop into absolute superstars there.

“We look at many of the past that have really worked out. Look at (Dominik) Szoboszlai, (Josko) Gvardiol, so many of them, really.

Liverpool’s potential move to sign Diomande could force Nusa to spend another season with Leipzig, says Brassell

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“And I just think that would be nice to see him get to that next level, especially with the speed with which Yan Diomande’s accelerated.

“If they are forced to sell him, they’re not going to sell both Nusa and Diomande in the same summer, I wouldn’t have thought, although we’ll see what happens in the next little while.”

Nusa has three years remaining on his current Leipzig deal after signing from Club Brugge in 2024.

During his time in Germany, he has made a total of 71 appearances across all competitions, scoring 10 goals and adding 11 assists.

Gabby Agbonlahor tips surprise Premier League club for relegation battle with new manager

Ciaran Wiseman — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 10:26:38 +0000

Fulham are taking a ‘big risk’ by appointing Alvaro Arbeloa as their new manager, says Gabby Agbonlahor.

The talkSPORT co-host has even tipped the Cottagers for a potential relegation battle next season.

Agbonlahor would not be surprised to see Fulham in a relegation battle next season

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Arbeloa is close to being named as Fulham’s new boss ahead of next season, succeeding Marco Silva in the dugout.

The Portuguese has departed Craven Cottage after five years in charge to take over at Benfica.

It comes after an 11th place finish last season as Fulham finished just a point adrift of European qualification.

Arbeloa is now set to arrive with just five months of senior managerial experience to his name.

The former Liverpool defender spent the second half of last season in charge of Real Madrid after replacing Xabi Alonso in the dugout.

He was unable to turn their fortunes around, though, as Real Madrid ended the season trophyless.

Arbeloa a ‘big risk’

Agbonlahor has now revealed his doubts over the appointment of Arbeloa by Fulham.

Speaking alongside Jeff Stelling on Thursday’s Drive, he ranked each of the Premier League’s new appointments out of five.

When it came to assessing Arbeloa’s imminent arrival, Agbonlahor admitted: “This is a tough job for Arbeloa if he gets it because Real Madrid, yes, he coached in the B team in Real Madrid, the younger side. Win percentage of 64 per cent at Real Madrid.

“He was brought in wasn’t he, to try and win the league, to try and win the Champions League, to take over from (Xabi) Alonso and he didn’t do any better than Alonso.

Fulham are taking a ‘big risk’ by appointing Arbeloa, says Agbonlahor

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“There were four lads with (Kylian) Mbappe and other players as well as limited experience as a manager. It’s a strange option that Fulham are going for.

“Marco Silva did a fantastic job there and still he couldn’t get Fulham into the top eight to go and play European football.

“I’m going to give Arbeloa a one out of five and I wouldn’t be surprised if Fulham have a relegation battle next season.

“It’s a big statement, but I think Harry Wilson leaving, Jimenez, I know he’s not a prolific goalscorer, has left to go to Wolves as well.

“New manager, how much extra did Marco Silva get out of those players? We saw his aggression on the sideline. Arbeloa is not like that, he’s a more chilled out character.

“So it is a big risk. Out of all the appointments, I’m saying Arbeloa is the biggest risk that Fulham are taking.”

Both Wilson and Jimenez will leave the club when their contracts expire next week

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Summer of change

Raul Jimenez has agreed to re-join former club Wolves from Fulham when his contract expires next week.

Last season’s top scorer Harry Wilson is also set to depart after turning down a new deal.

The Wales international has agreed terms with Leeds United ahead of his contract expiring on Tuesday.

It means Arbeloa will be without Fulham’s two highest scorers from last season ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The Cottagers begin the season at home to London rivals Chelsea on Monday, August 24 – live on talkSPORT.

Following promotion back to the Premier League in 2022, Fulham have not finished any lower than 13th in the table.

Bruno Guimaraes given warning amid Arsenal interest as Newcastle face mass exodus

Ciaran Wiseman — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 08:09:55 +0000

Bruno Guimaraes could trigger a mass exodus at Newcastle United if he joins Arsenal this summer, talkSPORT understands.

However, the Gunners are yet to open talks with his current club over any potential deal.

Newcastle fear Guimaraes could trigger a mass exodus if he leaves the club for Arsenal this summer

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Sporting director Andrea Berta is keen on a move for the 28-year-old ahead of next season.

Real Madrid have previously shown an interest in Guimaraes but are currently prioritising a move for Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.

talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook provided an update on Guimaraes’ future on The Window.

Crook explained: “Arsenal and their sporting director Andrea Berta are showing interest in Guimaraes.

“I don’t think this has gone as far as club-to-club talks yet, but there is a concern at Newcastle that Guimaraes will push for this move and there could be a bit of a mass exodus from St. James’ Park.

“Anthony Gordon has already joined Barcelona in a deal worth £70million. We know Tottenham are pressing on with their interest in Sandro Tonali. They’ve had one offer rejected.

“They are preparing a second bid and my understanding is that Tonali has made it clear he wants to make that move away from Newcastle and to North London despite some interest from the likes of Manchester United and clubs in his native Italy as well.

“This would be a big statement signing for Tottenham as Roberto De Zerbi looks to pilot their way away from being relegation contenders in the last couple of seasons to challenging for those European places once again.”

Tottenham Hotspur remain in talks with Newcastle over a deal for Tonali after seeing a bid worth between £75million and £80million rejected.

The Magpies are understood to value the midfielder at more than £100million.

Arsenal sporting director Berta is keen to sign Guimaraes but talks between the clubs are yet to take place

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As for Guimaraes, the Brazil international has two years remaining on his current deal.

He made 41 appearances across all competitions for Newcastle last season.

Across those outings, Guimaraes scored nine goals and added eight assists.

However, his performances were not enough to secure European football for Eddie Howe’s side.

Newcastle finished the campaign in 12th, four points adrift of the top eight.

Guimaraes warned over Arsenal move

Arsenal fan Darren Bent believes Guimaraes will have to settle for being a squad player next season if he joins the Gunners.

Guimaraes would have to settle for being a ‘squad player’ at Arsenal, says Bent

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The former striker has claimed the midfielder does not walk into Mikel Arteta’s side.

Instead, Manchester United are the only ‘top side’ where he would walk into the starting XI.

Speaking on Breakfast, the talkSPORT co-host admitted: “If he wants to obviously play in the Champions League and the chance to win trophies then he’s going to have to (agree to being a squad player).

“He doesn’t walk into any top side and start straight away. Man United he actually would.

“Arsenal just won the Premier League, but I think for Bruno, that’s not the priority for me.

“Left wing is the one I’d go for first and then if there’s a little spare change then you start strengthening.”

Sandro Tonali eyes Tottenham transfer with Newcastle exodus a major threat

Alex Conrad — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:37:00 +0000

Newcastle star Sandro Tonali has already given his green light to join Tottenham Hotspur, talkSPORT understands.

Broad terms between the Italian and Spurs are in place as club-to-club talks continue.

Tonali appears destined for a move away from Newcastle

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The Magpies have already rebuffed a Spurs bid for Tonali, which was understood to be in the region of £75m-80million, as they seek a fee in excess of £100m.

News of Tonali’s interest in moving to north London adds to what could be a difficult summer for Newcastle given Arsenal are eyeing up Bruno Guimaraes.

It is understood the Magpies skipper is pushing to join the Premier League champions, although the Gunners are yet to approach Newcastle.

talkSPORT also understands there’s a growing list of unsettled players in the Newcastle camp this summer.

Why do Spurs want Tonali?

Tonali is one of Spurs’ leading transfer targets going into the new season.

It is understood Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi is driving the move for Tonali, who only joined Newcastle in July 2023 from AC Milan.

However, Tottenham are expected to face stiff competition in the race for Tonali’s signature.

Reigning Premier League champions Arsenal have previously explored a move for the Italian while Manchester City continue to be linked. Tonali is also interested in a return to AC Milan.

City have already shown their willingness to invest having had two bids rejected for Nottingham Forest star Elliot Anderson, who is their top midfield target.

The last bid for Anderson totalled an eye-watering £121m, but Forest remain keen to hold out for a fee that will surpass the £125m Liverpool paid Newcastle for Alexander Isak last summer.

Anderson looks set to swap Forest for City this summer

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Anderson has made it clear he wants to join City, who are without a manager following Pep Guardiola’s departure.

Which other players are on Spurs’ radar this summer?

As for Spurs, Tonali isn’t the only name on their midfield shortlist.

talkSPORT understands the north London outfit have made enquiries over West Ham star Mateus Fernandes.

The 21-year-old appears destined for a move elsewhere following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

West Ham aren’t willing to let Fernandes go on the cheap, with the midfielder valued at £80m by the club, despite their second tier status and a need to sell.

Who have Spurs already signed?

It’s already been a busy summer for Spurs, with Andy Robertson, Marcos Senesi, Jan Paul van Hecke and Martin Dubravka all arriving.

Van Hecke is the latest name to join De Zerbi’s Spurs revolution

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Robertson, Senesi and Dubravka will both link up on free transfers once their contracts with Liverpool, Bournemouth and Burnley respectively expire.

Van Hecke’s move was confirmed on June 16, with Spurs forking out £52m for the centre-back.

But before Robertso, Senesi and Van Hecke can link up with their new teammates, they all have the small matter of the World Cup to worry about.

Robertson is leading Scotland in their first World Cup appearance since 1998, although it hasn’t quite gone to plan as they’re on the brink of a group stage exit.

As for Senesi, he was brought into the Argentina squad as an injury replacement.

Van Hecke will hope to be part of the first Netherlands squad to ever win the tournament having previously finished as runners-up on three occasions.

Tottenham receive £100m windfall with more to come

Martha Riley — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 20:00:18 +0000

The Lewis family has injected a further £100million into Tottenham, talkSPORT understands.

The money is working capital and not solely transfer funds, but some will be used in the market.

Joe Lewis ceded his ownership of Tottenham to the Lewis family trust in 2022, which has now made another cash injection into the club

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The investment comes as Spurs look to bounce back from a disastrous Premier League season, which saw them narrowly avoid relegation.

Tottenham finished 17th for the second year in a row, two points above the bottom three as they secured their safety on the final day.

And their biggest investors now appear intent on transforming the club’s fortunes heading into the new season.

Spurs are majority-owned by ENIC, with British billionaire Joe Lewis’ family trust holding a 70 per cent in the investment company.

Their £100m cash injection is the latest Spurs have received from the family, who are following through on their pledge to back the club.

In the last nine months, the Lewis have invested £200m into the north London outfit.

talkSPORT also understands further investment is to follow.

Serious business

Tottenham finished the season with clear promises from their hierarchy that there would be more investment in the summer.

Non-executive chairman Peter Charrington was appointed by the Lewis family following Daniel Levy’s exit last September.

At the end of the season, Charrington penned an open letter to the clubs supporters promising financial backing.

Levy stepped down as Tottenham chairman in 2025, but still owns 29.9 per cent of ENIC

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Tottenham retained their Premier League status with victory over Everton on the final day of the season

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He said that the Lewis family “will provide the stability and investment needed at every level to move us forward.”

Busy summer

Tottenham have been one of the Premier League’s most active clubs in the transfer market so far this summer.

Spurs have already completed the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton, with the Dutch World Cup star joining in a £52m deal.

They have also recruited shrewdly, bringing in several experienced free agents.

Defenders Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson have both moved to north London following the expiration of their contracts at Liverpool and Bournemouth.

Martin Dubravka has followed more recently, with Spurs snapping up the veteran goalkeeper after his time at Burnley came to an end.

Roberto De Zerbi is being backed by the Spurs ownership, having been appointed as head coach in March

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Van Hecke is the biggest name to join De Zerbi’s Spurs so far this summer

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Beyond this, Tottenham have also used their investment to secure the long-term future of key players.

Pedro Porro has also been given an improved new contract, while talkSPORT understands Antonin Kinsky is is set to sign a new five-year deal.

The contract will also include an option for the club to extend the goalkeeper’s stay by another 12 months.

Arsenal in for Premier League captain with World Cup star pushing to join

Jake Lambourne — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:52:39 +0000

Arsenal are looking to pursue a deal to sign Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes, talkSPORT understands.

It is believed that the 28-year-old is pushing to join the Premier League champions in what would be a major coup for Mikel Arteta.

Newcastle midfielder Guimaraes could be on his way out of St James’ Park this summer

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talkSPORT understands that Arsenal are yet to approach the Magpies over a move to bring the Brazil midfielder to the Emirates Stadium.

Though the Gunners have held talks with Guimaraes’ representatives.

Newcastle are now braced to receive an approach from Arsenal, who are bidding to successfully defend their Premier League title for the first time on their fourth attempt.

It was only in March how talkSPORT told you that Newcastle do not wish to part ways with their prize asset this summer, and that stance has not changed.

But Arsenal are known to be long-term admirers of the player, having been linked with him before he moved to St James’ Park in January 2022.

Guuimares, who has recently been tipped as the perfect replacement for Enzo Fernandez at Chelsea, still has two years left to run on his contract in Tyneside.

Samba star

The ex-Lyon midfielder is currently in North America on World Cup duty for the Selecao.

And he has been a standout player under Carlo Ancelotti – chipping in with three assists to help Brazil top Group C.

Despite a disappointing 2025/26 season for Newcastle which saw them finish in 12th spot, Guimaraes proved to be a bright spark.

He chipped in with nine Premier League goals – his highest tally in a single campaign in England to date.

Guimaraes’ 2025/26 season proved to be his most fruitful in the Premier League to date

And he also provided seven assists in 41 games across all competitions for the Toon outfit.

Newcastle firesale?

Should Guimaraes depart Newcastle, he would become the latest high-profile star to leave this window.

Veteran defender Kieran Trippier, who joined in same window as Guimaraes, has joined Wolves on a free transfer after being released.

Meanwhile, England international Anthony Gordon has linked up with Barcelona in a £70million transfer.

Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali is another that is facing an uncertain future.

Tottenham saw an opening offer in the region of £75m-£80m to bring the AC Milan cult hero to north London rejected by Newcastle.

Newcastle fans will be desperate for starting midfielders Guimaraes and Tonali to remain in Tyneside

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Who else could Arsenal sign this window?

It’s expected to be a busy window for Arsenal, with the club announcing Piero Hincapie as their first summer signing – turning his temporary loan stay from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent switch for £34.5m.

And Arsenal have identified Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers as their top target, with the club expected to formalise their interest in the near future.

Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is also on the club’s radar, along with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has starred at the World Cup with Morocco so far.

Greece winger Christos Tzolis has also been linked in a potential £34.5m deal having dazzled at Club Brugge in the last two years, with the club currently winning the race to land Leicester starlet Jeremie Monga.

Bournemouth midfielder Alex Scott is also on Arsenal’s shortlist after he helped the Cherries secure European football for the first time in their history.

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John Terry tips Arsenal to dominate Premier League for years if they fix this problem

Jake Lambourne — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 18:36:01 +0000

Arsenal could be set for a Premier League dynasty – but only if they sign a new striker this summer.

That’s the view of Chelsea legend John Terry, who believes the Gunners could win the title in each of the next three years.

Arsenal go into the upcoming season as Premier League champions for the first time since 2004

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Mikel Arteta’s side clinched their first-top flight crown in 22 years in the 2025/26 season – finishing seven points clear at the top of the pile.

Many have tipped Arsenal to defend their title in the upcoming campaign – something they have never done previously.

In the three previous occasions that the north London giants won the Premier League, they finished second in the following term.

Forward thinking

Despite Arsenal scoring 71 Premier League goals – only bettered by Manchester City [77] – Terry believes a proven marksman up top should be the club’s priority this window.

It was only last summer which saw Arsenal sign Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting Lisbon in a deal rising to £63.7million after his goalscoring exploits in Portugal.

From his two years at the club, the Sweden centre-forward banged in 97 goals in 102 appearances – winning back-to-back Primeira Liga titles.

And in his opening season at the Emirates Stadium, Gyokeres finished as Arsenal’s top scorer with 21 goals across all competitions.

Having found the back of the net on 14 occasions in the league, only six players scored more than the 28-year-old.

Though Arsenal have been urged to already cash in on the ex-Brighton man, and bring in Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez as his replacement.

Now, Terry has insisted that Arsenal must reinvest in a new leading striker, which will see them reap the rewards.

Gyokeres helped Arsenal win the top-flight title in his first season at the Emirates

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What has John Terry said about Arsenal?

Speaking on the White and Jordan show about Arsenal, who have identified Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers as their top target, Terry was asked whether he expects his former rivals to defend their title.

To which he said: “Yeah, I do actually.

“I think Arsenal, it’s theirs to lose for the next couple of years.

“I think they’ve got a really good squad of players.

“In terms of their squad, I think they’re missing an out-and-out striker that’s going to get in 20, 30 goals a season consistently.

“Look at the top sides over the last 20 years in the Premier League, they’ve all had it.

Despite finishing as Arsenal’s top scorer, doubts remain over Sweden international Gyokeres

“Arsenal haven’t really got that.

“I think they’re one or two signings away from dominating the Premier League for the next two or three years, unfortunately.”

But Terry doesn’t hold out much hope for former employers Chelsea, who haven’t won the title since 2017 – when the iconic centre-back was part of their squad.

Commenting on what new boss Xabi Alonso must achieve in his first season after the Blues ended the season in tenth spot, Terry remarked: “I think Champions League football is going to be a big miss for us, so Champions League football.

“Are we going to win the Premier League? I don’t think we’re there yet.

“I think we’re a few years away from that, but I like the fact he’s coming in, I think he’s a forward thinking manager.

Arteta’s men have the chance to establish a dynasty, believes five-time Premier League winner Terry

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“I think he plays a really good style of football, and he’s young, he’s just present, just come out the game as well.

“So he’s got to understand these players more than anyone.

“I think any manager out there, whether you’re young or old, understanding the players, especially now of the way they are, is probably the biggest thing.”

What players could be heading to Arsenal this summer?

Arsenal confirmed their first signing this window on Thursday after turning Piero Hincapie’s loan spell into a permanent stay for £34.5m.

Along with Morgan Rogers, Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola is also on the club’s radar, along with Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who has starred at the World Cup with Morocco so far.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT understands Arsenal are set to make a huge approach for Newcastle captain Bruno Guimaraes with the Brazil midfielder said to be keen on a move.

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Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.

It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings.

Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.

Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana set for another loan move

Jake Lambourne — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 16:20:00 +0000

Andre Onana is close to sealing a new loan move to Trabzonspor, talkSPORT understands.

Talks between the Turkish side and Manchester United are at an advanced stage with all parties looking to finalise the deal, which doesn’t include a buy option.

Onana looks set to depart United on a permanent transfer this summer

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The 30-year-old linked up with the Turkish side in September 2025 on a season-long loan deal.

His switch to Papara Park came days after he started in the Red Devils’ humiliating Carabao Cup second round defeat away to League Two outfit Grimsby Town.

But despite making a howler shortly into his Trabzonspor debut, he ended up becoming a firm fan favourite.

Onana featured in 29 Turkish top-flight matches – keeping six clean sheets – to help his side finish in third spot.

And he also ensured it was a season to remember after lifting the Turkish Cup as he started in the 2-1 final victory over Konyaspor.

The ex-Inter Milan shot-stopper has recently seen his United salary receive an increase of around 25 per cent due to Michael Carrick‘s men securing Champions League qualification.

But while he regained form and confidence on loan, talkSPORT reported in May how they still plan to offload Cameroon international this summer.

Belgium shot-stopper Senne Lammens has been an instant hit at Old Trafford since arriving from Royal Antwerp on deadline day.

Summer switch

Despite rumours that Besiktas are looking to secure Onana’s services, Trabzonsor president Ertugrul Dogan recently declared he is desperate to keep the player at the club.

He has already insisted that personal terms will not be an issue.

Onana featured 33 times for Trabzonspor during his loan spell across all competitions

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Dogan told Ajansspor: “I think Andre Onana will stay with the team, we’ve met his financial demands.

“The fans like him too, he’s a decent bloke, I don’t think we’ll have any problems.

“I don’t think he’ll find the same level of interest in him anywhere else.

“So I think he’ll stay with the team.”

Should Onana depart United, he will follow a host of high-profile names already out the door.

It was confirmed earlier this month how striker Rasmus Hojlund, who joined alongside Onana in 2023, completed a permanent move to Napoli after his loan spell.

Onana’s only appearance for United in the 2025/26 season came in the penalty shootout defeat at Grimsby

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Along with Onana and Hojlund, United also named six players that will be departing as free agents when their contracts expire at the end of June.

They include Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia, while Marcus Rashford still faces an uncertain future after helping Barcelona win the LaLiga title during his loan stay.

Andre Onana’s Manchester United career

Onana arrived at the Theatre of Dreams from Inter Milan in a £47.2million deal – one month after the Italian giants lost to Manchester City in the Champions League final.

But despite winning the FA Cup in his opening season in England, Onana was marred by consistent errors.

From his 102 outings across all competitions, he shipped in a whopping 150 goals – keeping just 24 clean sheets.

Premier League done deals: Every completed transfer in 2026 summer window

Marc Williams — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:37:02 +0000

The Premier League summer transfer window is open as top-flight club looks to get deals done.

The World Cup is taking centre-stage in North America this summer but transfers are always a priority for teams at this time of year.

The Premier League summer transfer window is in full swing

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Premier League clubs spent over £3billion last summer, breaking the record set two years prior.

And this summer could be another busy one, especially once the World Cup is over.

Here’s all the completed deals across the top-flight…

Arsenal

Piero Hincapie (Bayer Leverkusen) – £45m

Out

Jakub Kiwior (Porto) – £15m
Karl Hein (Werder Bremen) – £2.6m
Josh Nichols – Released
Alexei Rojas-Fedorushchenko – Released
Samuel Onyekachukwu – Released
Will Lannin-Sweet – Released
Cam’ron Ismail – Released
Seb Ferdinand – Released
Harrison Dudziak – Released
Sam Chapman – Released

Aston Villa

To follow

Out

To follow

Marcos Senesi joins Spurs after four years at Bournemouth

Getty

Bournemouth

To follow

Out

Marcos Senesi – Released
Michael Dacosta Gonzalez (Moreirense) – Free

Brentford

Jannik Schuster (RB Salzburg) – £17m

Out

Ryan Trevitt – Released
Reiss Nelson (Arsenal) – End of Loan

Brighton & Hove Albion

Costinha (Olympiakos) – £11m
Zadok Yohanna (AIK Stockholm) – £22m

Out

Jan Paul van Hecke (Tottenham) – £52m
James Milner – Released
Solly March – Released
Adam Webster – Released
Joel Veltman – Released

Marc Cucurella has left Chelsea for Madrid

Getty

Chelsea

To follow

Out

Marc Cucurella (Real Madrid) – £48m
Jimmy-Jay Morgan (West Brom) – £4m

Coventry City

To follow

Out

Jamie Allen – Released

Crystal Palace

To follow

Out

To follow

Seamus Coleman has called time on his Everton career

AFP

Everton

To follow

Out

Seamus Coleman – Released
Idrissa Gana Gueye – Released
Isaac Heath (Cambridge United) – £250k

Fulham

To follow

Out

Raul Jimenez – Released
Steven Benda – Released
Devan Tanton – Released
Bradley De Jesus – Released
Ollie Gofford – Released
Charlie Robinson – Released
Joseph Walters – Released
Tom Wingate – Released
Callum Cliff – Released
Marcell Hall – Released
Ruban Khan – Released
Oliver Mayer – Released
Harley Platel – Released
Quinn Schutter – Released
Olly Sanderson (Stevenage) – Free

Hull City

To follow

Out

To follow

Chuba Akpom is now an Ipswich player

Getty

Ipswich Town

Chuba Akpom (Ajax) – £7m
Cedric Kipre (Reims) – £2m

Out

Arijanet Muric (Sassuolo) – £6m
Leon Ayinde (Doncaster) – Free
Conor Chaplin – Released

Leeds United

To follow

Out

Illan Meslier – Released
Sam Byram – Released

Jeremy Jacquet has now joined Liverpool

Liverpool

Victor Munoz (Osasuna) – £35m
Jeremy Jacquet (Rennes) – £60m

Out

Mohamed Salah – Released
Andy Robertson – Released
Ibrahima Konate – Released
Rhys Williams – Released
Carter Pinnington (West Brom) – Free
Kareem Ahmed – Released
Emmanuel Airoboma – Released
James Balagizi – Released
DJ Bernard – Released
Oakley Cannonier – Released
Josh Davidson – Released
Terence Miles – Released
Jacob Poytress – Released

Manchester City

To follow

Out

Bernardo Silva – Released
John Stones – Released

Rasmus Hojlund’s loan to Napoli has officially been made permanent

AFP

Manchester United

To follow

Out

Rasmus Hojlund (Napoli) – £38m
Casemiro – Released
Jadon Sancho – Released
Tyrell Malacia – Released

Newcastle United

Ewen Jaouen (Reims) – £18m

Out

Anthony Gordon (Barcelona) – £70m
Kieran Trippier – Released
Emil Krafth – Released
Travis Hernes (Groningen) – Undisclosed
John Ruddy – Released
Max Thompson – Released
Matt Targett – Released
Aaron Ramsdale (Southampton) – End of Loan

Nottingham Forest

To follow

Out

Stefan Ortega – Released
Willy Boly – Released
Angus Gunn – Released

Jan Paul van Hecke has joined Spurs

Getty

Sunderland

To follow

Out

Bertrand Traore – Released
Dennis Cirkin – Released
Milan Aleksic (Partizan Belgrade) – Loan
Harrison Jones (Peterborough) – Undisclosed

Tottenham

Jan Paul van Hecke (Brighton) – £52m
Martin Dubravka – Free
Andy Robertson – Free
Marcos Senesi – Free

Out

Yves Bissouma – Released

Arsenal announce first signing of the summer in £34.5million deal

Tom — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 15:28:56 +0000

Arsenal have officially turned Piero Hincapie’s loan move from Bayer Leverkusen into a permanent stay in a £34.5million deal.

The Ecuador international, who is currently in North America on World Cup duty, has penned a five-year deal to become the Gunners‘ first signing of the summer.

Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions for Arsenal in the 2025/26 season

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He proved to be an instant fan favourite and an integral squad player to help Arsenal win a first Premier League title in 22 years.

Arsenal’s bargain deal

Hincapie made 39 appearances in all competitions for Mikel Arteta’s side last term, including 25 in the league as Arsenal conceded the fewest goals in the top-flight (27).

The 24-year-old previously helped Leverkusen to the double in the 2023/24 campaign, having joined the Bundesliga club from Argentine outfit Talleres in 2021.

Capped 54 times by his country, he is currently playing at his first World Cup – where Ecuador face Germany in their final group game on Wednesday night as they look to reach the Round of 32.

Hincapie has played every minute of the tournament so far, featuring in his country’s defeat to Ivory Coast and draw with Curacao.

Arsenal appear to have landed something of a bargain in securing Hincapie’s services on a permanent basis, having initially agreed a fee of £45m last September.

A statement on the Gunners’ official website announcing the signing read: “Everyone at the club is delighted to welcome Piero back with us.”

As well as being a key cog in Arsenal’s robust backline, Hincapie marked his first season in England with a goal and two assists, finding the net against Wolves in February.

Gunner get ya?

This is likely to be just the start of the north London giants’ summer business as they aim to successfully defend their Premier League title for the first time.

Among the big names linked with a switch to the Emirates Stadium is Paris Saint-Germain and France star Bradley Barcola.

The 23-year-old forward’s future with the Champions League winners – who beat Arsenal in last month’s final to retain the trophy – is still up in the air.

And European football expert Andy Brassell recently told talkSPORT he felt Barcola would thrive with the Gunners.

From Hincapie’s 25 Premier League outings, he started om 20 occasions

Bradley Barcola has told PSG he wants to leave the club

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Midfielder Alex Scott is another name who has been linked with Arsenal of late, having impressed in helping Bournemouth qualify for Europe for the first time in their history.

Meanwhile, Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi is another player on Arsenal’s radar having starred at the World Cup with Morocco so far.

Greece winger Christos Tzolis has also been linked in a potential £34.5m deal having dazzled at Club Brugge in the last two years.

And Arsenal are currently winning the race to land Leicester starlet Jeremie Monga.

Arteta also remains desperate to secure the services of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, having made the England international his top target.

Gunners find out first opponents of 2026/27

Arsenal will begin their title defence at home to newly promoted Coventry City on Friday, 21 August in the first game of the new Premier League campaign.

Arsenal have identified Rogers as a priority signing this window

Getty

Before that, Arteta’s men take on FA Cup winners Manchester City in the Community Shield, the traditional season curtain-raiser at Wembley, on Sunday, 16 August.

The Gunners have announced two pre-season friendlies so far, both against LaLiga sides – travelling to Spain to take on Girona before facing Real Betis in Dublin.

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Don't miss an update from talkSPORT in our dedicated World Cup WhatsApp channel.

Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.

It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings.

Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.

Chelsea must do what it takes to sign England star, he’s exactly what Xabi Alonso needs

Robert Calcutt — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:58:48 +0000

Ahead of their fifth season as the custodians of Chelsea Football Club, BlueCo face a potentially make or break summer.

They have overseen the departures of four managers, three of which signed long-term deals before being shown the Stamford Bridge exit.

Behdad Eghbali and Todd Boehly have come under fire for their running of Chelsea

Getty

The Liam Rosenior tenure, which ended on April 22 after just 106 days, was the latest chapter in the chaotic story of an ownership that have appeared to be all talk, no walk.

Now it’s time for Xabi Alonso to take charge, with the former Bayer Leverkusen and Real Madrid boss now at Chelsea, most notably as the manager rather than a head coach.

Having won an unbeaten Bundesliga title with Leverkusen and 71 per cent of his matches at Madrid, the Spaniard has the most success of any appointment made during the BlueCo era.

With no European football in the new season, Alonso will have plenty of time to work with the squad in between Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup fixtures.

But before then, the Chelsea hierarchy have to show that they mean business by supporting their new man in charge in the market, with starting players understood to be high up on the shortlist.

Experience will be key in taking this young team to the next level, and one player who fits the criteria has just had one of his best seasons.

Birmingham and Barcelona bliss

Since expressing his desire for a new challenge away from Manchester United in December 2024, Marcus Rashford has returned to the form that has catapulted his career.

A half-season loan spell at Aston Villa saw him deliver four goals and six assists in 17 appearances, the same amount of goal contributions in seven fewer matches than his run at Old Trafford earlier on.

Rashford informed United of his desire to leave last summer and an exit did in fact follow ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Barcelona completing a surprise loan signing.

He took the no. 14 previously worn by the iconic Thierry Henry and, despite a slow start, stamped his mark on the team with three goals and four assists in seven appearances.

Barcelona missed their chance to sign Rashford for a cut-price fee

Whilst his minutes and contributions fluctuated throughout most of the season, Rashford played a key role in their LaLiga success.

The last of his eight goals came in the 2-0 home win over arch-rivals Madrid that secured the title, a curling free-kick from just outside the area with fewer than ten minutes played.

Rashford’s form earned him a call-up to the England squad for the World Cup, where he netted their fourth goal in the 4-2 win over Croatia.

However, for a second consecutive summer, his club future remains up in the air, with Barcelona opting not to sign him permanently.

They had the option to buy the 28-year-old for £26million, but this expired on June 15 and as it stands, he will return to United.

Barca are still open to negotiating another deal for Rashford, even if they have already completed the £70m signing of his England co-star Anthony Gordon.

Gordon signed for Barcelona from Newcastle for £70m last month

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talkSPORT understands Gordon’s switch from Newcastle United does not rule out a move for Rashford, who has a £40m release clause, though they would favour another loan or signing for a reduced fee.

The World Cup will be his main focus for now but, as always, the new season comes around very quickly and he will need to know where he will be playing.

A return to Barcelona would certainly be appealing, but why not stay in the Premier League and join a club who could very much do with his experience and quality on the wing?

Manchester to London

Rashford defined ‘bursting onto the scene’ when he made his United debut in 2016, scoring two goals in their Europa League victory over FC Midtjylland.

He followed them up with another two strikes and an assist against Arsenal during his Premier League debut, the first of 297 outings in the English top flight thus far.

Across those appearances, he has racked up 89 goals and 53 assists at United and Villa, which equates to a little under 0.5 involvements per match.

Is this a deal Chelsea should consider this summer?

It’s a record that any top side would look at and admire, and Chelsea should be one of those eyeing an opportunity to sign Rashford.

Most of the signings made under BlueCo have been regarded as stars for the future, and another four are arriving this summer.

Denner, Emmanuel Emegha, Geovany Quenda and Dastan Satpayev are heading to west London from Corinthians, sister club Strasbourg, Sporting and FC Kairat respectively.

They are a quartet with high potential but Chelsea must begin to pivot from young to experienced talents, or they will likely fall even further behind their rivals.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have already lost one of their more experienced players in Marc Cucurella, while Enzo Fernandez could be joining him at Real Madrid.

That’s where Rashford comes in – a player with nearly 300 Premier League appearances to his name, a Spanish league title and four World Cup goals across three tournaments.

You only have to go as far back as last summer for transfer business between long-term rivals United and Chelsea when the latter signed Alejandro Garnacho.

However, he netted only one Premier League goal in 24 appearances in his first season and, at 21-years old, most certainly does not have the same longevity as that of Rashford.

The same can be said for Jamie Gittens, who hasn’t played for Chelsea since January 31 due to a hamstring injury but only scored one goal in over 1,000 minutes of football before then.

Garnacho, who could be sold in the summer, signed for £40m and Gittens arrived in a £55m deal, so Rashford looks like a bargain move.

Chelsea would likely face competition though, with Premier League champions Arsenal tipped to be a club who could move for him in the window.

However, Manchester City and Liverpool are said to be blocked from activating his release clause, so that’s two ‘Big Six’ rivals they don’t have to worry about.

Alonso will want to make the best possible start at Chelsea, and there is no better way to help facilitate this than by providing him with top-quality players.

Rashford is one star who would aid this and, if he continues to shine for England at the World Cup, then his signing should be a no-brainer.

William Saliba turned down two Premier League clubs before deciding to join scary Euro giants

Ben McAleer — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 11:45:28 +0000

William Saliba rejected two Premier League moves in order to work his way into becoming an Arsenal powerhouse.

The defender was just 18 when Arsenal paid £27m to sign him from French outfit Saint-Etienne in 2019 before the Gunners sent him back there on loan.

Mikel Arteta and every other Arsenal fan was overjoyed when Saliba signed a new contract

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He then turned out for Nice in 2021 before spending the entirety of the 2021/22 Ligue 1 season with Marseille.

Saliba’s fine performances there ultimately convinced Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta he was ready for a regular first-team spot.

And in the years since, the 25-year-old has established himself as one of the finest defenders in world football where his partnership with Gabriel key to the Gunners being crowned Premier League champions.

However, the France international revealed he was told to not report for pre-season training the summer he moved to Marseille as his progress stalled.

“Arsenal wanted me to go to Newcastle United or Crystal Palace, but I didn’t want to [do that],” Saliba told L’Equipe.

“I remember that summer, it was either Lille or Marseille. I was on the verge of joining Lille but there was a financial problem.”

While money problems blocked one move, he was reluctant about the other.

“Marseille is a big club, but it is scary,” he continued. “It was the season where it was a bit crazy, where the supporters had gone to the training ground].

“But, with my agent, we said: ‘Marseille, if you go there and have a good season, it is the team in France and things can move quickly. [manager] Jorge Sampaoli really wanted me.

“I went to Marseille and things moved so quickly. I played almost all of the matches. My value rose again. I started having fun again.

Gabriel and Saliba have created a formidable partnership in the Arsenal defence

Getty

“By March, I was playing my first matches for France. It was an incredible year.

“I honestly loved Marseille: the supporters, the club, my teammates… football is like that.

“You build again from the bottom; it’s not a problem. Buckle up. If you do things well, you’ll get back to the top.”

Saliba was instrumental for Arsenal as they pipped Manchester City to the Premier League title last season, ending a 22-year wait for the top domestic prize in the process.

And he’s played the full 90 minutes in France’s two opening World Cup wins over Senegal and Iraq.

France round off the group stage campaign against Norway on Friday.

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Scotland star linked with surprise Manchester United transfer despite World Cup woes

Tom — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 09:46:00 +0000

Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn could be set for a surprise summer move to Manchester United.

Released by Nottingham Forest following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season, Gunn has started all three of Scotland’s games at this summer’s World Cup.

Gunn was given the nod over Craig Gordon as Scotland’s World Cup number one

Getty

The Scots suffered a damaging 3-0 defeat to Brazil on Wednesday, which could have put a serious dent in their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages.

It leaves Steve Clarke’s side hoping that four other third-place teams finish with an inferior tally than their three points and minus-three goal difference.

But as Gunn faces an early World Cup exit, Old Trafford has emerged as a potential next destination for the 30-year-old.

All change in the Old Trafford goalkeeping department?

With Man United looking to offload Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir – having seen Senne Lammens firmly cement himself as number one between the sticks last term – Gunn would bring useful experience as goalkeeping back-up.

While he only made one appearance in his sole campaign at Forest, the son of former Scotland ‘keeper Bryan Gunn has more than 200 professional games under his belt.

The majority of those came during a four-year spell at his dad’s old club, Norwich City – having made his Premier League debut for Southampton in 2019.

After representing England up to U21 level, Gunn opted to follow in the footsteps of his Scottish father in senior international level.

He made his Scotland debut in 2024 and has gone on to earn 25 caps, the most recent coming in Wednesday night’s 3-0 defeat to Brazil – a result which leaves the Scots on the brink of World Cup elimination at the group stage.

Born in Norwich, Gunn started out at Manchester City – during which time current United director of football Jason Wilcox was heavily involved.

Despite never making a senior appearance for Man City, Gunn could join a select group of players to have been at both clubs.

Onana spent last season on loan at Trabzonspor in Turkey

Getty

And he wouldn’t be the first ‘keeper to do so: United legend Peter Schmeichel ended his career with City.

As well as Gunn, The Sun reports that United have been keeping tabs on Leeds and Wales shot-stopper Karl Darlow.

Aside from the possibly departing Onana and Bayindir, the 13-time Premier League champions also have 40-year-old Tom Heaton on their books.

The United academy graduate returned to the club in 2021 and recently signed a one-year contract extension to keep him there until next summer.

United looking ahead to next season

Michael Carrick’s United have yet to make any signings ahead of the 2026/27 season, though they are expected to complete a deal for Atalanta midfielder Ederson in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund – who United signed from Atalanta three years ago – has made his loan spell at Napoli permanent.

Carrick and co. will begin the new Premier League campaign away to newly promoted Hull City on August 22.

Their first home fixture also comes against a promoted side in the form of Ipswich Town a week later.

Alex Scott given transfer advice with Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United interested

Anton Stanley — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 19:27:05 +0000

Bournemouth star Alex Scott has been told why a move to Arsenal might be the right transfer this summer.

The 22-year-old had a breakout season at the Vitality Stadium and almost made it into England’s World Cup squad.

Scott was in sensational form under Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth

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Across 37 appearances, he impressed making things tick in the Cherries’ engine room.

In the Premier League he got three goals and assisting another, while also getting a goal in the FA Cup.

With his good form, Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel registered his interest in the player, calling him into their preparation camp for the 2026 tournament having also called him up to the senior squad last November.

Unsurprisingly, a host of Premier League clubs have been linked with his services.

talkSPORT previously told you that Liverpool and Manchester United were interested in his services, with Arsenal also on the case.

Bournemouth value Scott at £80million and were hopeful he would sign a new deal with a release clause, similar to one Antoine Semenyo had.

Latest talk had put his value at £60m but that was a price that stunned talkSPORT Drivetime host Darren Bent.

He said: “This is where transfer fees are crazy. I get it. Elliot Anderson is brilliant but, I’m saying, he’s not £40m better than Alex Scott.”

Arsenal fan and Premier League 100 Club member Bent was then asked if he’d have Scott at the Emirates.

He replied: “If he comes to Arsenal, I’m just not sure where he plays because you’ve got [Martin] Zubimendi who is the holder, or [Myles] Lewis-Skelly, then you have [Declan] Rice as the No.8.

Scott was close to making England’s World Cup squad

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“You know what though, I’d take him at Arsenal because he’ll get so many minutes. He’s a top player and, you never know, he can force his way in.”

He was joined by co-host Rory Jennings, a Chelsea superfan, who joked Scott isn’t the type of player they would sign.

He laughed: “Yeah, he’s good. He’s half decent, exactly. No, also, from his perspective, he needs to be playing for a club that’s in Europe, doesn’t he?”

Bent added a word of caution: “He has had a wonderful season But I always think it’s that next level.

“Going to play for Arsenal or Manchester United, when you’re in the Champions League and all these different various competitions, the expectation goes through the roof.”

Scott might not fancy moving to the red side of north London though having previously posted pictures of himself wearing a retro Tottenham shirt.

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Harry Wilson future decided as Premier League club win race for free agent

Jack Johnson — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 10:49:33 +0000

Leeds United have agreed a deal to sign Harry Wilson on a free transfer this summer, talkSPORT understands.

Wilson, whose contract at Fulham expires at the end of June, has been in talks with Leeds over the last few days.

Wilson will join Leeds on a free after an impressive season

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The 29-year-old is coming off the back of a standout campaign in the Premier League, scoring 10 goals and providing seven assists.

He is now set to sign a long-term contract at Elland Road, with his medical to be completed imminently.

Wilson was set to join Leeds from Fulham last summer, but the Cottagers pulled out of the deal at the 11th hour.

An agreement was reached, but the plug was pulled – and now, a year later, he is going to get his move as a free agent.

Everton also had an approach for the player rejected at the end of the January transfer window.

The Wales international joined Fulham in the summer of 2021, having come through the youth system at Liverpool.

He’s gone on to make 187 appearances for the Cottagers, scoring 36 goals.

Wilson enjoyed his best season yet in 2025/26, scoring 11 goals and providing nine assists in all competitions.

His strikes included a sublime effort against Tottenham in December which won the Premier League Goal of the Month award.

All change

Wilson’s impending departure from Craven Cottage comes as head coach Marco Silva also moves on.

Arbeloa is about to return to the Premier League to manage Fulham – weeks after leaving Real Madrid

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Fulham have yet to officially appoint Silva’s successor, though Alvaro Arbeloa is expected to get the job after he left Real Madrid.

The Cottagers were linked with a number of candidates, including Frank Lampard, Ruben Amorim, Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank.

Kieran McKenna was their top target but the former Ipswich boss has decided to take a break from football.

Middle of the road

The 2025/26 campaign saw Fulham record a second successive 11th-placed finish in the Premier League.

They also reached the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup for only the fourth time this century.

Fulham take on Chelsea in their opening match of the 2026/27 season – live on talkSPORT on August 24.

Leeds, meanwhile, separated themselves from the relegation battle with a strong finish to the season under Daniel Farke.

They face a trip to Nottingham Forest in their first match of the new campaign.

Enzo Maresca pushes for reunion with Chelsea star immediately after Man City arrival

Ciaran Wiseman — Wed, 24 Jun 2026 06:37:14 +0000

Manchester City are interested in signing Chelsea defender Malo Gusto, talkSPORT understands.

Incoming manager Enzo Maresca is pushing for a reunion with his former player.

City are interested in signing Chelsea and France defender Gusto this summer

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The Italian is set to return to City as Pep Guardiola’s replacement after agreeing a three-year deal with the club.

It follows Guardiola’s decision to leave the Etihad Stadium at the end of last season.

Maresca reunion

Maresca could now be followed to City from Chelsea by Gusto having left the Blues in January.

talkSPORT understands Chelsea value Gusto at £75million and while they are not actively looking to sell, a number of top clubs are considering a move, alongside Manchester City.

It comes after City expressed interest in Enzo Fernandez, who has become a serious target for Real Madrid.

The Blues are on the verge of signing a right-back this summer having hijacked Inter Milan’s move for Marco Palestra.

Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis are City’s existing options at right-back heading into the 2026/27 season.

Gusto currently has four years remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge having joined the club from Lyon in January 2023.

The 23-year-old previously made 72 appearances for Chelsea under Maresca.

He was also part of the side which won the Conference League and Club World Cup during his only full season as manager.

Chelsea are willing to entertain offers worth over £40million for Gusto

Gusto and Maresca could now be reunited at City ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

The former made 49 appearances across all competitions for Chelsea last season.

Meanwhile, he is currently part of France’s World Cup squad in North America.

Gusto won his 12th cap for his country off the bench in their win over Iraq on Monday.

City transfer plans

City are set for a busy summer after missing out on the Premier League title once again.

They finished seven points adrift of champions Arsenal despite winning both the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.

City are also closing in on the signing of England international Anderson from Forest

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Elliot Anderson is expected to complete a move to the club from Nottingham Forest.

City are closing in on the signing of the England international to bolster their midfield.

It comes after they saw a £121million bid rejected by Forest for Anderson.

Meanwhile, Bernardo Silva and John Stones will both leave the club when their contracts expire at the end of the month.

Chelsea double Inter Milan’s contract offer to 21-year-old defender to hijack transfer

Ciaran Wiseman — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 21:47:28 +0000

Chelsea are set to complete the £52million signing of Italy international Marco Palestra, talkSPORT understands.

The Blues have hijacked Inter Milan’s move for the Atalanta defender after offering a contract worth twice as much as the Serie A champion’s proposal.

Chelsea are set to complete the signing of Palestra after hijacking Inter’s deal

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Inter had been working to complete the signing of Palestra in a deal worth over £43million.

However, Chelsea have stolen a march and now expect to complete the deal in the next 24 hours.

The right-back has been identified by the club as an alternative to Juventus’ Andrea Cambiaso due to his age.

Palestra is five years younger than his compatriot, with both players having three years remaining on their current deals.

Chelsea see him as a versatile option capable of playing at both right-back and left-back under Xabi Alonso.

talkSPORT understands that Palestra had also been offered to both Liverpool and Arsenal.

Who is Palestra?

The Chelsea target spent last season on loan at Cagliari from Atalanta.

During his time with the club, he scored one goal and added four assists from defence in 37 Serie A appearances.

Palestra has also won two caps for Italy, having made his senior debut in March.

He previously represented the national team between under-18 and under-21 level.

Palestra is expected to complete a £52million move to Chelsea in the next 24 hours

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Meanwhile, Palestra was also part of the Atalanta side which won the Europa League in 2024.

Chelsea transfer latest

Chelsea’s move for Palestra comes as the club plan talks with Crystal Palace for Maxence Lacroix.

The France defender has emerged as a transfer target for new manager Alonso.

Palace are understood to need to sell this summer, with Lacroix one player attracting interest from elsewhere.

Chelsea have also identified Como’s Jacobo Ramon as another central defensive target.

They previously monitored the 21-year-old during the January transfer window.

Chelsea are set to open talks to sign Palace defender Lacroix

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His side are already set to welcome four players to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Geovany Quenda, Denner, Dastan Satpaev and Emmanuel Emegha will all make their long-awaited arrivals ahead of next season.

Aston Villa in shock talks to sign former Tottenham player this summer

Robert Calcutt — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 19:23:13 +0000

Aston Villa are in talks with Flamengo over a summer transfer for Emerson Royal, talkSPORT understands.

The right-back could return to the Premier League just two years after he left Tottenham.

Villa are looking to make the surprise signing of Emerson

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Emerson featured 101 times for Spurs following his 2021 move from Barcelona, although his minutes decreased as the seasons went on.

He left for AC Milan but, after one season at San Siro, he completed a move to Brazilian outfit Flamengo.

Now it’s Villa who have become interested in the 27-year-old in what would be a surprise move.

Emerson would likely arrive as a back-up option for Matty Cash.

The defender would also have the chance to play Champions League football again after Villa won last season’s Europa League.

Villa transfer plans

Donyell Malen and Enzo Barrenechea will be leaving for Roma and Benfica respectively in the coming days.

Morgan Rogers could also be set to depart as talkSPORT understands he is keen to join Arsenal.

The Premier League champions have made the 23-year-old their top transfer target this summer.

Villa value Rogers at £80million minimum, but a bidding war may see his price increase to around £100m.

He is also open to moving abroad, with Paris Saint-Germain one club who are interested.

Emerson spent three seasons at Spurs and could be heading back to England

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Meanwhile, Villa are said to have joined the race for West Ham United winger Jarrod Bowen.

The former Hull City star looks set to leave east London after their relegation from the Premier League.

West Ham do not wish to sell Bowen, and would expect talks over a move to commence at the £50million mark.

talkSPORT also understands co-owner Daniel Kretinsky is hopeful of keeping him despite their drop down to the Championship.

Kretinsky wants the club captain to stay and lead their fight for an instant return to the Premier League with promotion.

Liverpool, Newcastle United and Everton have also been linked.

Chelsea set to make bid to Premier League rivals over World Cup star

Robert Calcutt — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 18:54:52 +0000

Crystal Palace is anticipating a bid from Chelsea for star defender Maxence Lacroix, talkSPORT understands.

The centre-back is high up in the Blues’ thinking this summer and could arrive as the first signing under new manager Xabi Alonso.

Chelsea have set their sights on a move for Lacroix

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And in an added boost to Chelsea’s pursuit of the 26-year-old, it is also understood Lacroix is keen on a move to west London.

Lacroix is currently at the World Cup with France, although he did not play against either Senegal or Iraq in Group I.

Palace need to make sales this summer, and Chelsea could be the club who take the 26-year-old off their hands.

Since his reported £18million transfer from German side VfL Wolfsburg in August 2024, Lacroix has featured 98 times for Palace in all competitions.

The defender has won the FA Cup and UEFA Conference League, and was named in the latter’s 2025/26 Team of the Season.

Palace would like Lacroix to stay, however, with Chelsea wanting to sign a starting centre-back who brings height and physicality to the team, the Eagles may find it difficult to keep him.

Another target for Chelsea is Jacobo Ramon, the 21-year-old Como star who was also on their radar during the January transfer window.

Como do not want to sell, and Chelsea are more likely to add Premier League experience to their defence.

A new centre-back partner is being eyed for Levi Colwill, who missed the majority of last season whilst recovering from an ACL injury.

Plenty to choose from

A new centre-back looks set to be a priority this summer, but Chelsea already have numerous players in the role on their books.

Palace do not want to let Lacroix go, but need sales this summer

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Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Colwill, Mamadou Sarr, Trevoh Chalobah and Wesley Fofana all played for the Blues last season.

Jorrel Hato, Reece James and Josh Acheampong also featured at the centre of defence, although they mostly played as full-backs.

Axel Disasi spent the second half of the season on loan at West Ham and impressed despite their relegation.

Aaron Anselmino moved to Borussia Dortmund on a loan deal before heading to Chelsea’s sister club RC Strasbourg in February.

In terms of outgoings, Marc Cucurella has already been announced as a new Real Madrid signing in a £52m move.

Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez could follow the Spanish left-back this summer, with Chelsea demanding £120m.

Chelsea want his future resolved quickly to give Alonso stability before his first season in the Stamford Bridge home dugout.

John Terry addresses Chelsea snub as Piers Morgan slams ‘borderline offensive’ decision

Lee Davey — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 16:46:00 +0000

John Terry aired his frustration at not being given the opportunity to become Chelsea interim boss last season.

The legendary ex-Chelsea captain has long dreamt of getting the role but was snubbed following the sacking of Enzo Maresca in January.

Terry is yet to make his breakthrough in football management

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Lightning struck twice in the space of a few months for the 45-year-old when Liam Rosenior’s stint in the Stamford Bridge dugout came to a premature end, only to be overlooked once more.

Terry, who vented his disappointment at losing out to Calum McFarlane in April, was this week given the floor to discuss his feelings in detail.

The former England captain joined Piers Morgan and talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan on a World Cup-themed show titled Sports Uncensored and passionately gave his versions of events.

Terry received the backing of host Morgan who felt the star had been hard done by.

Morgan’s endorsement

Morgan said: “When Rosenior was made the manager of Chelsea, the idea that he would do a better job for Chelsea than you, with all your experience and the fact that blue blood runs through your veins…

“I thought that was borderline offensive to you, that they would choose somebody so out of his depth, so amateurish, so, kind of, weird, over someone like you.”

Jordan appeared to object to Morgan’s claims commenting “Oh Piers…Piers.”

But that only prompted Terry to unleash his true feelings on the matter.

He said: “Now, Piers, you’re 100 per cent spot on, and Simon can have his view on it.

“But firstly I’ll address the Chelsea one. I’ve never thought that I could be Chelsea manager.

Piers Morgan, John Terry & Simon Jordan discussed the former Chelsea captain’s managerial credentials

Sports Uncensored

“But when an opportunity comes up and a manager leaves the football club and Chelsea are looking for an interim manager, there was no one in the buildings, the academy building or the first team building, that was more qualified than me in terms of their qualifications.

“More importantly, and above all of that, whether it was for one game or two games, there was no one more Chelsea than me.

“And again, touching the supporters, give the supporters what they wanted at that specific time.

“Now, did I think that I deserve to be the Chelsea manager long-term? Absolutely not.

“Chelsea is way bigger than me. If I want to go into that, I need to go on my journey to then eventually get the Chelsea job.”

Terry is yet to be handed a permanent managerial position but remains part of the Chelsea family with his part-time role in the club’s academy.

McFarlane only joined Chelsea as Under-18s boss last summer but quickly moved up the ranks

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‘I deserved more’

Asked whether he was annoyed by McFarlane’s appointment as interim boss after Rosenior’s sacking, he replied: “Not annoyed, probably more frustrated because I was certainly part of that 21s group that went over.

“So even if I didn’t take the team – Calum took the team, did really well, got a result out of the game – I feel like I should have been part of that.

“Now listen, people have got to make decisions. I love it when people make decisions and they go ‘yes’ or ‘no’.

“Clearly the ownership or whoever made those decisions, the sporting directors, have gone ‘no’ not to include me for whatever reason, I don’t know why.”

Despite his frustration, Terry bore no hostility to McFarlane who was part of Rosenior’s coaching team during his short tenure.

And the former Southampton youth coach is to continue his duties under incoming Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso.

Terry had a hands-on role alongside Dean Smith at Aston Villa

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“I’m not sure what Calum’s backroom staff is going to look like. I’ve not had a call, I’ve not had a message,” the former Blues’ skipper added.

“I will be continuing my role in the academy, I will be in the academy tomorrow, we’ve got a big couple of games coming up.

“But listen, we’ll all get behind Calum, he did a great job at Man City away previously, and we’ll get behind the boys.”

Terry then addressed Jordan but listed off his list of accolades while trying to convince the former Crystal Palace owner that he had paid his dues.

Terry said: “I spent four years doing my badges, travelling up and down the country.

“I spent three and a half years at Aston Villa being assistant manager to Dean Smith, living away from my family to enable myself to walk into a job or get a job.

“And I’m not talking Premier League level or Championship level.

“The jobs I interviewed for were for League One and I still didn’t get the opportunity to do that.”

Jordan, who previously questioned Terry’s desire to become a manager, aimed to set the record straight on what Terry and Morgan had spouted earlier in the show.

“John, with respect, this isn’t a particularly grown up conversation because you’re characterising Liam Rosenior incorrectly,” Jordan said.

“The reason why Liam Rosenior was given the Chelsea job, as flawed as it was, and it’s inconceivable that he was going to have the tool kit, was because he’d been under the BlueCo management at Strasbourg and had been illustrating the capabilities and characteristics of somebody they wanted to invest in.

“And because Maresca had a bloody turn, they brought him forward too early.”

Ipswich confirm Gary O’Neil as new manager for Premier League return after Kieran McKenna exit

Sean O'Brien — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 15:02:58 +0000

Ipswich have announced the appointment of Gary O’Neil as their new manager.

The Tractor Boys began their search for a new boss after Kieran McKenna’s surprise decision to step down.

McKenna has decided to take a break from football after guiding Ipswich back to the Premier League

McKenna had been linked with the vacant Fulham job but instead decided to take a break from football after five years at Portman Road.

O’Neil has previous Premier League experience with Bournemouth and Wolves.

He was sacked by Wolves in December 2024 following a poor start to the season and had more than a year away from management.

The 43-year-old then replaced Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg in January, following the latter’s decision to join Chelsea.

During his half-season at the helm, O’Neil guided the French side into the Conference League semi-finals.

What has O’Neil said?

“It is an honour to be appointed Manager of this great football club,” he told the club in an official statement.

“I have followed the progress the club has made over the last few years closely and to now have the opportunity to lead Ipswich Town in the Premier League is something I am hugely excited by.

“There is a strong vision and ambition at this club and I am fully aware of the responsibility that brings, given how much it means to its supporters and to the community of Ipswich and Suffolk.

“We all know the challenge ahead as we prepare for the season together and I’m excited to meet everyone and get to work.”

Who will be his coaches?

Tim Jenkins, Neil Critchley and Ed Ames for his backroom staff having worked alongside O’Neil at Strasbourg.

O’Neil impressed in France and the Ipswich chairman said he has been on the club’s radar for some time

AFP

Compensation has been agreed with the Ligue 1 club for O’Neil to join.

Former Manchester United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also among the candidates to replace McKenna.

Ipswich chairman Mark Ashton said: “He is a manager who has been on our radar for some time and, following a thorough and robust process, during which we met with a wide range of candidates, it became clear he was the leading candidate for the position.

“He is highly motivated, highly regarded, has an incredible attention to detail and tactical knowledge and is an excellent coach with a real track record of improving players.

“Despite being just a few years into his managerial career, he has already shown he knows what is required to succeed in the Premier League at both Bournemouth and Wolves, while also leading Strasbourg to a European semi-final last season.

“He brings a hunger and desire to succeed at the top level of the game and, with the full support of everyone at the club, I am excited to see what we can achieve together.”

Ipswich will return to the Premier League for the 2026/27 season after bouncing straight back from the Championship last term.

They host Sunderland on the opening weekend of the season on August 22.

Premier League club undergo demolition work to kickstart £150million stadium project

Amy Hamerslagh — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 13:10:22 +0000

Crystal Palace have knocked down six houses in order to kickstart the redevelopment project of the main stand at Selhurst Park.

The club’s owner and chairman confirmed last December that the stadium will be transformed after they decided to stay at their current home in south London.

Plans have been discussed for the last eight years, with the project now commencing

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In order to begin, the Premier League club had to purchase houses from local residents and ensure they were rehoused.

Bringing the house down

The newly acquired land, which is now flattened, will initially be used to allow a clear entrance for construction to begin, providing safety for traffic and workers.

Once the main stand is finished, the land will return to form an access road and walkway for matchday fans.

Various work is underway during the summer, including the building of new changing rooms under the Holmesdale end.

View Tweet: https://t.co/Xk6rrgFCmz

This will include an upgrade for match officials and away teams upon their visit to Selhurst Park.

Palace are working in unison with Croydon Council after a deal was signed in 2024.

Price of progress

Since the layout of the original plans eight years ago, various setbacks have emerged, including the cost changing from £75million to £150million.

Additionally, the investment from New York Jets co-owner Woody Jones last June has also allowed plans to speed up.

Steve Parish‘s aim is to increase the 2026 Conference League champions home capacity from 26,000 to more that 34,000.

He talked to talkSPORT in October about the plans, he said: “Woody’s been brilliant.

Oliver Glasner and Parish had their perfect ending

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“As a shareholder group, everybody’s completely aligned. This is something that has to happen for the football club.

“When we went to Everton Stadium, which is amazing, hats off to them. They’ve done an amazing job.

“I thought that Goodison was a fantastic advantage for those guys. When you went and played, there was a real cauldron, a really difficult place to play.

“And I wouldn’t say [Hill Dickinson] it’s exactly as intimidating, but it’s pretty good for a big stadium. They’ve done a really good job.

“So, we need to do it. It’s an absolute must, and everybody now on the shareholder group is committed to doing it.

“So hopefully in January, there’s lots of things going on. Things are being moved, power stations, dressing rooms are being built.

For the first time ever, Crystal Palace have won a European trophy and will want to invite visitors to an improved home

AFP

“There’s a lot of things that maybe the fans can’t see, so it has been going forward.

“But the real physical things, things being demolished, etc., will start in January.”

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New Premier League club enter transfer race for West Ham star Jarrod Bowen

Jake Lambourne — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 11:24:13 +0000

Aston Villa have reportedly joined the race to prise Jarrod Bowen away from West Ham.

The 29-year-old is facing an uncertain future at the London Stadium following the Hammers’ relegation to the Championship.

Bowen has reached double digits for goals in each of the last five seasons

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talkSPORT understands that West Ham co-owner Daniel Kretinsky is hopeful of keeping their skipper at the club beyond the summer.

Despite the east London outfit’s nightmare 2025/26 season, the England international still managed to chip in with 11 goals and 12 assists in 42 games across all competitions.

Having fired in 85 goals in 280 games since joining West Ham in January 2020, interest is high in Bowen.

Though it is believed that Nuno Espirito Santo‘s side are likely to struggle to bring in a big fee for Bowen.

Bowen has been tipped as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool, with Newcastle and Everton also said to be keen.

Bow and arrow

And according to The Athletic, now Villa are eyeing up a possible swoop for the former Hull winger.

It has been claimed that West Ham, who do not wish to sell the forward, would expect any transfer talks to start at £50million.

As it stands, no club-to-club talks between Villa and West Ham have taken place.

Though it is reported that boss Unai Emery is a huge fan of Bowen, who has scored two goals against the Villans in his last five meetings against him.

And there remain question marks as to whether Bowen has made his mind up as to whether he wishes to leave this window.

Bowen has finished as the Hammers’ top scorer for the last three years running

Though should Bowen end up at Villa Park, it’s not a move that his famous father-in-law Danny Dyer would give his blessing to.

Speaking to talkSPORT in 2025, the iconic British actor declared there are only two elite clubs in world football he would begrudgingly accept him joining – Real Madrid and Manchester City.

Who could leave West Ham this summer?

As well as Bowen, Mateus Fernandes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, El Hadji Malick Diouf, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Crysencio Summerville, Taty Castellanos and Tomas Soucek have been linked with transfers away from the club.

Fernandes is understood to be open to a move to join Manchester United after they secured Champions League football.

Though Tottenham are looking to hijack the Red Devils’ move to sign the Portugal international.

It is the second summer in a row that Spurs are looking to raid their rivals having lured Mohammed Kudus to north London for £55m.

Bowen was unable to stop West Ham dropping into the second-tier for the first time since 2011

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Meanwhile, United are also keeping tabs on Summerville in a potential £130m double deal.

But they face competition to sign him with the ex-Leeds man also on the radar of both Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid.

Summerville is currently at the World Cup with the Netherlands where he has been a standout player in North America so far.

The 24-year-old has scored in both of Holland’s Group F matches against Japan and Sweden ahead of Friday’s meeting with Tunisia.

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Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.

Tottenham warned they risk £90m transfer blunder for wonderkid yet to play a single game

Josh Fordham — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 07:54:36 +0000

Brighton could end up doubling their money if they can prise Luka Vuskovic away from Tottenham.

That was the verdict of talkSPORT’s European football expert Andy Brassell, who warned Spurs they could regret letting the 19-year-old go.

Vuskovic came head-to-head with England in Croatia’s opening World Cup game

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The centre-back, who came up against Harry Kane for Croatia at the World Cup last week, has told the north London club he wants to leave this summer.

Brighton have made three bids for the defender, who spent last season on loan at Hamburg.

The third of those is believed to be in the region of £45million.

The 19-year-old is not happy at the prospect of being sent out on loan, or a lack of gametime at Spurs following the additions of Marcos Senesi and of Jan Paul van Hecke.

Tempting Vuskovic offer

Brassell told talkSPORT’s The Window: “Oh my goodness it’s a lot of money, but the reality is the market for absolute top-level centre-backs is a little thin.

“He’s quick learner, still only 19 years old, but I think you know you can tick off all the things that he does really.

“He’s very physical, he’s decent on the ball. I think the main thing about Vuskovic, and this is why if I was Tottenham I would really want to keep him, is he’s a leader and you saw that at Hamburg. The other players from minute one looked to him.

“Look at his debut. He played Harry Kane, just like he did here, and they lost 5-0 which considering Hamburg’s history in Bayern is actually not that bad a result.

“He came out and spoke afterwards and while everyone else was going oh well we always get beaten by Bayern but he was like ‘yeah I should have done better’ even though he played Harry Kane quite well.

“Even though he’s a kid really who shouldn’t really have had any expectations on him. He expects a lot of himself. I think his technique is absolutely fantastic. He can also add goals to the mix as well as he did last season.”

Vuskovic has played a handful of times for Croatia but already has a good reputation

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Brassell, who last month said Spurs should build around Vuskovic, added: “I’d be loath to lose him if I was Tottenham, but again I think there’s probably a biting point.

“£45 million for somebody who’s never played for the first team is pretty tempting, but then again you know how Brighton develop players.

“You think if you sell into Brighton for 45 what are they gonna sell him for in a year and a half?

“You don’t want to be that team who sells to Brighton and then sees him flipped for twice or three times the price a little bit down the line.”

Brighton’s transfer profits

The Seagulls know how to get maximum profits from their players, turning cheap signings into big money transfers.

Van Hecke was purchased for just £1.8m and sold for nearly 30 times as much.

Van Hecke is the biggest name to join De Zerbi’s Spurs revolution

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Moises Caicedo cost just £4m and Chelsea ended up paying a then Premier League record of £115m in 2023.

Stamford Bridge has been a lucrative income stream for Brighton, selling Marc Cucurella and Joao Pedro for a combined £123m.

In total, they cost the club £45.4m to sign.

Arsenal agree fee to sign English starlet, 16, wanted by eight clubs

Tom — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:04:00 +0000

Arsenal have agreed a fee with Leicester City to sign Jeremy Monga, talkSPORT understands.

Eight clubs were in for the talented 16-year-old, who broke into the Foxes first team during the 2024/25 season.

Monga is regarded as one of England’s most exciting talents

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Manchester United were one of the interested clubs, but Monga has opted to join the newly-crowned Premier League champions.

Arsenal stole a march on their transfer rivals for one of the country’s brightest prospects, who is set to join in the region of £10million.

They are looking to strengthen their squad as they aim to retain the Premier League title for the first time in their history.

Gunner get ya

Monga’s age could mean a transfer fee may need to be determined by a tribunal but talkSPORT understands this is unlikely to happen.

talkSPORT revealed last month that United, Leeds United and Newcastle United have all been admirers of the teenager.

He made seven Premier League appearances en route to Leicester’s relegation to the Championship in the 2024/25 season.

Monga then chipped in with one goal and two assists from 27 matches in England’s second-tier during the recent campaign.

His only senior goal came against Preston North End in August, where he became the youngest goalscorer in Championship history.

But for the second season running, the England Under-19 international was unable to prevent relegation.

And with Leicester gearing up for League One football, Monga looks poised to leave amid interest from the Premier League winners.

Monga has scored once from his 37 outings for Leicester

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German clubs Bayer Leverkusen and RB Leipzig, as well as Serie A outfit Roma, have also been keen.

A prodigious talent

Monga made his first team debut in April 2025 when he came on as a substitute against Newcastle.

Aged just 15 years and 271 days, he became the second-youngest player in Premier League history at the time after Arsenal’s Ethan Nwaneri.

Monga is also the second-youngest player ever to turn out for Leicester, behind Ashley Chambers.

Red Devils icon Ruud van Nistelrooy gave Monga his debut, and immediately backed the youngster to achieve big things.

He said: “You could see glimpses of his great qualities, he’s a great winger and has speed.

Teenage starlet Monga is tipped to be a future England international

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“He’s a fantastic talent – a great boy, he deserved these minutes and hopefully, more to come.”

Van Nistelrooy is one of four bosses Monga has already played under at Leicester, having also been managed by Gary Rowett, Marti Cifuentes and Andy King.

Arsenal make England World Cup star their leading transfer target with bid to be made

Josh Fordham — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:56:16 +0000

Morgan Rogers is keen on a move to Premier League champions Arsenal this summer, talkSPORT understands.

The Gunners have made the Aston Villa and England star their leading transfer target.

Rogers came off the bench in England’s World Cup opener

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Mikel Arteta is looking to further reinforce his squad this summer after leading Arsenal to the title and the Champions League final.

Europa League winners Villa are yet to receive any offers for the 23-year-old, but Arsenal are expected to bid.

talkSPORT reported in May the Gunners were ready to step up their interest in the England playmaker.

talkSPORT has also previously reported the 23-year-old would also be open to a move abroad after being tracked by Paris Saint-Germain.

Villa value Rogers at a minimum of £80m but a bidding war is likely to drive that price to around £100m.

Chelsea and Manchester United are also long-term admirers of him.

Rogers got 14 goals and 11 assists for Aston Villa in all competitions last season.

He came off the bench to play the final 18 minutes in England’s 4-2 World Cup win over Croatia on Wednesday.

The big debate before the tournament was over who would start in the number 10 role.

Jude Bellingham got the nod for the opener, but Rogers could find his minutes increased should England qualify early.

Bellingham got the nod ahead of close pal Rogers

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If they beat Ghana on Tuesday, a place in the last-32 will be secured, allowing manager Thomas Tuchel the option to rotate his team.

Morgan Rogers’ career

Rogers joined West Brom at the age of six and made one senior appearance before being signed by Man City.

The England man never got on the pitch at the Etihad Stadium, instead being sent on loan to Lincoln, Bournemouth and Blackpool.

City then sold him to Middlesbrough in 2023 for just £1.5m and he flourished in the Championship.

This saw Villa sign him on February 1, 2024, for a deal worth up to £16m.

Rogers has since played 125 games for the club and scored 31 times.

Rogers played a key role in Aston Villa’s Europa League triumph this season

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This included a goal, and an assist, in the Europa League final victory over Freiburg.

talkSPORT verdict

The 23-year-old’s future was a big talking point on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show last week.

Stand-in host Andy Goldstein said of Arsenal’s interest: “If he’s a winner, he goes. If he’s a loser, he stays. Simple as that.”

Ex-Aston Villa star Gabby Agbonlahor was having none of it though.

He replied: “Why when he’s won stuff at Aston Villa?

“What, are you saying that that’s a ceiling?

“Aston Villa got to the quarter-finals in the first time in the Champions League.”

Arsenal fan and talkSPORT broadcaster Laura Kirk-Francis said: “The quarter-finals. Arsenal were in the final. Arsenal were in the final and have a very good chance of getting there again.”

Gabby then joked: “My main reason is Morgan Rogers is one of our future Kings’ favourite players. Do not upset royalty.”

Man United take giant step in new 100,000-seater stadium £2bn project

Martha Riley — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 16:17:13 +0000

Manchester United have secured the majority of the land required to build their new 100,000-seater stadium.

Last year, the Red Devils unveiled plans to redevelop Old Trafford and the surrounding area in a £2billion project.

Man United’s proposed new 100,000-seat stadium would become the biggest sporting venue in the UK

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This would see their existing home knocked down and a new stadium built close by, which co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has dubbed the ‘Wembley of the North’.

And United have now taken a huge step forward in their plans, announcing on Monday that they have secured a 25-acre site.

Located approximately 350m north west of Old Trafford, the land has been acquired from Indurent, which bills itself as a leading industrial space developer, a Blackstone portfolio company.

United had been locked in a stand-off with the haulage company Freightlinerto acquire land behind the Stretford End.

With the two parties unable to agree over the value of this area, this led the club to look at alternative options.

And reports now claim United have found a solution, with the piece of land acquired located within a 25-acre triangle between Wharfside Way, Europa Way and John Gilbert Way.

After securing the majority of space required for their project, the 20-time English champions will continue to work on obtaining the remaining land, which is not expected to be an issue.

Along with a new 100,000-seater ground, the club plan to regenerate the area surrounding Old Trafford.

In a press release announcing their newly-acquired land, United said the redevelopment project is expected to deliver around 15,000 new homes, create 48,000 new jobs locally and over 90,000 nationally, and will add more than £7bn a year to the UK economy.

A number of issues have been spotted at Old Trafford in recent years, including leaking from the roof

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United have also pledged to support businesses impacted by the new stadium plans.

Details on the master plan for Old Trafford regeneration and the formal consultation period will be released on July 9, with the club confirming fans will be consulted during the stadium design phase.

‘A significant milestone’

CEO of Man United’s New Stadium Development, Colette Roche, has hailed the recent breakthrough in their stadium plans.

Roche told the club: “Today’s news highlights the progress we’re making towards a world-class new home for Manchester United and represents a significant milestone as we move into the next phase of development.

“Being able to build so close to Old Trafford allows us to preserve the heritage, traditions and rituals that are so important to our fans.

“We are committed to building a world-class stadium with our supporters, not just for them, with atmosphere, affordability and accessibility at the heart of our thinking.

“This is a generational opportunity that is fully aligned with both local and national growth ambitions.

The new Man United stadium will cost in the region of £2bn

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“Securing the right land for our new home has been absolutely critical, and the land we’ve acquired gives us the stage to deliver a truly world-class stadium that honours our past and is ready for our future.”

Man United stadium project: The key facts

In its current form, Old Trafford has been home to Man United since 1910, when the venue was built.

It was last renovated in 2006, when 8,000 extra seats were added to take its capacity to 74,244 fans.

But after unveiling the initial concepts for their proposed new stadium on the same site in March 2025, United are now set for an increase of over 25,000 to their attendances.

It is currently unclear whether the previously revealed timeframe for the new stadium’s completion remains in place.

Ratcliffe had been hopeful that the venue would be able to open by 2030, with plans to host the final of the 2035 Women’s World Cup.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a new stadium one of his priorities since buying a stake in Man United in 2024

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The 12th staging of the tournament will be held in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales in nine years time.

Old Trafford was not among the stadiums picked for the home nations Euro 2028, which will take place during the planned redevelopment work.

Arsenal target denies he has reached Gunners agreement amid Liverpool interest

Ciaran Wiseman — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 13:06:07 +0000

Arsenal are yet to agree a deal to sign teenage midfielder Andria Bartishvili, despite reports claiming otherwise.

The 17-year-old is a target for the Gunners this summer after earning rave reviews in his native Georgia.

Arsenal are yet to agree a deal to sign Bartishvili, the player has revealed

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However, Bartishvili has appeared to shut down claims he has already agreed a £4.5million move to the Emirates Stadium.

Reports emerged over the weekend suggesting a deal had been finalised for the Georgia Under-21 international.

Bartishvili, who is currently on loan at Iberia 1999 from Kolkheti Poti, has already made 35 senior appearances.

Since moving to Iberia 1999 for the 2026 season, he has scored twice and provided two assists for the club.

His loan deal runs until the end of the year, whilst any transfer overseas would be delayed until next year.

Bartishvili is unable to join a club in England until after he turns 18 in March 2027.

Gunner get ya?

Following reports of Arsenal’s deal to sign Bartishvili, the player has reshared a post denying those claims.

A Georgian reporter had taken to social media to reveal whilst talks are ongoing, the Gunners have not agreed a transfer.

Meanwhile, Liverpool and French side Paris FC are also working on a move for the youngster.

Bartishvili is said to have identical offers from the two Premier League clubs.

View this post on Instagram

However, Paris FC are offering guaranteed first-team action for the youth international.

The report adds that Bartishvili and his representatives will make a final decision after Iberia 1999’s upcoming Champions League tie.

His current club face Estonia’s Flora Tallinn in the first qualifying round next month.

Bartishvili reshared the post detailing the report to his Instagram story in response to the claims.

Transfer battle

Arsenal and Liverpool are set to go head-to-head for multiple transfer targets this summer.

Both sides are keen on France winger Bradley Barcola ahead of next season.

Arsenal target Bradley Barcola has told Paris Saint-Germain he wants to leave the club

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Arsenal are in talks to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi but face competition from Liverpool and Chelsea

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The 23-year-old has told Paris Saint-Germain he wants to leave the club, talkSPORT understands.

Fellow World Cup star Ayyoub Bouaddi is also of interest to several Premier League giants.

Arsenal are in talks to sign the Lille midfielder, but are set to face competition from Chelsea and Liverpool.

Bouaddi has three years remaining on his current deal after signing an extension in December.

Gary O’Neil on the verge of English football return with announcement imminent

Jake Lambourne — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:17:36 +0000

Gary O’Neil is set to replace Kieran McKenna to become Ipswich’s new manager, talkSPORT understands.

The 43-year-old is poised to return to England just five months after making the move to France to take charge of Strasbourg.

O’Neil is set to make a move back to the Premier League despite taking over at Strasbourg in January

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talkSPORT told you two weeks ago that the ex-West Ham midfielder was on the Tractor Boys’ shortlist at Portman Road.

Ipswich have been keen not to waste time in finding McKenna’s successor after he decided to step down in Suffolk after nearly five years at the helm.

Citing a need to take a break from management and spend more time with his family, McKenna‘s final act in charge of Ipswich was securing a second Premier League promotion in three years on the final day of the Championship campaign.

Ipswich’s manager search

Along with former Bournemouth and Wolves boss O’Neil, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was sounded as a potential option by Ipswich.

The ex-Manchester United manager Solskjaer has been out of work since his sacking by Turkish club Besiktas last summer.

And we also told you how Bodo/Glimt’s Kjetil Knutsen was another candidate admired by Ipswich following the Norwegian outfit’s impressive showing in Europe in recent years.

But O’Neil was always the top target for Ipswich chiefs, with an agreement now in place between them and Strasbourg.

Giving the latest news regarding Ipswich’s managerial search, talkSPORT chief football correspondent Alex Crook said: “Gary O’Neil, former Bournemouth and Wolves boss.

“He has been at Strasbourg, he led them into the semi-finals of the Conference League last season.

“He’s heading back to England, back to the Premier League to Ipswich Town to replace Kieran McKenna following his surprise departure having led Ipswich to promotion last season.

McKenna decided to step down at Ipswich having secured three promotions during his spell at Portman Road

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“We understand at talkSPORT, a club-to-club agreement is in place between Ipswich and Strasbourg – of course part of the BlueCo Group that also own Chelsea.

“And it’s just the finer details of the contract that Gary O’Neil is agreeing before he is formally as Ipswich’s new manager and that replacement for Kieran McKenna.”

Meanwhile, Ipswich chairman and chief executive officer Mark Ashton has told talkSPORT he expects confirmation on a new boss in the near future.

Speaking to legendary reporter Ian ‘Moose’ Abrahams on Friday, Ashton said: “Whilst we haven’t named a manager yet, I think that’s imminent.

“And we certainly have a direction of travel in which way we are going.”

When pressed when an announcement would be coming ‘within the next week,’ Ashton then remarked: “Yeah, for sure, I would be very disappointed if that wasn’t the case.”

O’Neil has managed 88 games in the Premier League during his time at Bournemouth and Wolves

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Ashton then remained coy when asked whether a manager that fans ‘have seen before’ in the Premier League will be in the dugout for the upcoming season.

He stated: “Watch this space… look, I have to keep my cards close to my chest, because there are all sorts of commercial discussions going on around that.

“But I think over the last 24 hours, things have become clearer, we’ve interviewed numerous people from numerous walks of life, nationally and internationally.

“And as I said, we now have a direction of travel.”

How did Gary O’Neil fare at Strasbourg?

O’Neil replaced Liam Rosenior at Stade de la Meinau in January to replace Liam Rosenior, who took over at Chelsea – lasting just three months.

In total, he won 13 of his 27 matches across all competitions – losing on just eight occasions as he guided the French side to eighth place in Ligue 1.

O’Neil could be announced at Ipswich this week

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He also created club history by taking Strasbourg to the semi-finals of European competition for the first time – being mobbed by jubilant fans in McDonald’s as a result.

And O’Neil also took the Blue and Whites to the Coupe de France semi-final as they came up short in their quest to end the club’s seven-year trophy drought.

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Sean Dyche names ‘butterball’ 54-cap England international as best player he’s worked with

Jake Lambourne — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 07:38:44 +0000

Sean Dyche has labelled Kieran Trippier as the best player he’s worked with – he’s a magician with the ball.

The duo worked with each other at Burnley for three seasons before Trippier was sold to Tottenham in 2015.

Trippier made 185 Burnley appearances during his four-year spell before joining Spurs

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Dyche was appointed at Turf Moor in October 2012, with the duo achieving Premier League promotion together in the 2013/14 season.

Spurs then made a move to bring Trippier to White Hart Lane at the end of the following campaign after the Clarets failed to beat the drop.

His switch to north London culminated in the first of his 54 England caps after making his debut in 2017.

And his free-kick against Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final made him a household name – resulting in a transfer to Atletico Madrid the next year.

His move to Spain saw him create history by becoming the first man to win the LaLiga title with Atletico – doing so in the 2020/21 campaign.

His success didn’t stop there, as a return to England at Newcastle would follow in January 2022, where he helped the Magpies win their first domestic trophy in 70 years by lifting the Carabao Cup in 2025.

What did Sean Dyche say about Kieran Trippier?

Despite not working together in 11 years, Trippier, who recently joined newly-relegated Wolves, has left a lasting impression on former Everton boss Dyche.

Speaking on the World Cup weekend, Dyche was asked who was the best player he has worked with since his managerial career started at Watford in 2011.

Without batting an eyelid, Dyche said in response: “Trips, Kieran Trippier.

“When I had him as a youngster, he was like a bit of a butterball, but you could tell his talent, incredibly talented, way, way better.

Dyche spent ten seasons at Turf Moor – earning two Premier League promotions

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“I mean, don’t get me wrong, people know he’s talented, but he’s a very, very good player.

“I always said he’s got a right foot like lefties, you know how lefties always seemed to have that wonderful left foot about them.

“He’s got, honestly, he’s got every club in the bag in his right foot, he can do anything, yeah.

“And a great lad, and a great lad, I still see him now, still speak to him now. Fantastic.

“And my fondest memory, he FaceTimed me when they won LaLiga on the pitch.

“That’s my fondest memory – apart from winning things – but for an ex-player to do that was…

Dyche revealed how Trippier was quick to speak to him after he clinched the LaLiga trophy

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“I nearly had a tear, I’m not the tear guy, nearly had a tear, one just nearly popped over, you know when you do the old wide eyes just in case one pops over the rim.”

Which team does Dyche want to manage?

Dyche was also pressed as to which team he would most want to manage before he retires.

And he once again stressed that Manchester United are in a league of their own – one year after pitching for the job in case Ruben Amorim departed.

He remarked: “I think, there’s so many you could throw in there, but I think Man U, just because I remember the glory days of Sir Alex [Ferguson] and the Theatre of Dreams and all them things.

“Played down [at Old Trafford in the FA Cup] semi-final [in 1997 against Middlesbrough] with Chesterfield.

“I always enjoyed going there as well as a manager as well, it always seemed to go all right there.

Dyche lost just five of his ten trips to the Theatre of Dreams

“I mean, [I] didn’t always win, but we played pretty well, had some good results there.”

Before adding: “[And to] try and have your chance to try and bring it back to where it once was under Sir Alex.”

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New value of Liverpool’s first bid for Yan Diomande as alternative targets emerge

Alex Conrad — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 19:05:00 +0000

Liverpool’s bid for Yan Diomande was actually £69million plus £17.3m, not £78m plus £8.6m, talkSPORT understands.

The Reds view Ivory Coast’s World Cup star Diomande as a priority, while Paris Saint-Germain could yet bid for him as well.

Diomande underlined why Europe’s biggest clubs are chasing his services this summer

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However, if Leipzig don’t engage over a sale, the Premier League giants are also prepared to move on to other targets.

The German club are believed to be holding out for £104m for the star winger, turning down Liverpool‘s opening bid.

It is not expected to be a drawn-out saga, as with Alexander Isak.

Liverpool waited all summer for Isak due to more complicated circumstances, and knowing his form, age and status as a proven Premier League goalscorer all supported that tactic.

This window, there is urgency to add in wide areas and as a result, Liverpool are not planning for a drawn-out saga with Diomande extending into August.

The £69m plus £17.3m offer was pretty swiftly rejected and the Reds are now assessing whether Leipzig are prepared to engage.

Liverpool will sign another attacker/winger in addition to Victor Muñoz, with adding pace being the key criteria.

Munoz was confirmed to have joined the club last week after Newcastle had their deal hijacked.

Along with Diomande, on the list are Koln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo.

PSG star Bradley Barcola is another player Liverpool have looked at this summer.

Liverpool aren’t interested in a long saga when it comes to signing Diomande

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Shine bright like a Diomande

Diomande made a dazzling start to this year’s World Cup with a man-of-the-match display as the Ivory Coast ran out 1-0 winners over Ecuador in their Group E opener.

And he followed that up with some great signs in their second clash against Germany, facing some of his Bundesliga rivals.

His impressive start to the tournament had continued his upward trajectory since joining Leipzig from Spanish side Levante.

The 19-year-old ended the 2025/26 campaign with 13 goals and 10 assists for Leipzig across all competitions.

His impressive performances for the club prompted several clubs across Europe to keep tabs on the electric winger.

Liverpool had earmarked the teenage whiz as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah, who left the Reds at the end of the 2025/26 season.

The Leipzig winger could follow Munoz through the door at Anfield

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Who else could join Liverpool this summer?

Along with the Diomande interest, Liverpool have also held talks with Lille over midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The 18-year-old looked wise beyond his years for Morocco in their draw against Brazil, delivering a midfield performance that had former World Cup winner Emmanuel Petit waxing lyrical.

And as mentioned, Paris Saint-Germain winger Barcola is another name on Liverpool’s radar.

Barcola, a left winger, is believed to be keen on an exit from the Parisians.

However, Liverpool are likely to face serious competition from Arsenal for Barcola as the Gunners are in the market for a new left winger.

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Liverpool set Curtis Jones asking price as Champions League club make approach

Jack Johnson — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 18:25:00 +0000

Liverpool have set an asking price of north of £30million for Curtis Jones following an approach from Inter Milan, talkSPORT understands.

The Italian giants made a move for Jones last week and asked whether a £21.6m deal would be possible for the midfielder.

Liverpool want £30m for Jones and won’t accept anything less from Inter

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But Liverpool do not want to sell him to any club at that price.

He is looking to leave Anfield this summer, with Inter keen on signing him, having seen another offer rebuffed in January.

The Reds are prepared to keep Jones unless a suitable bid comes in for the 25-year-old, whose contract expires next year.

They would be okay allowing him to leave on a free once his deal runs out if they do not accept an offer.

Liverpool are understood to have not had any concerns about their academy product’s attitude or professionalism.

And amid the interest and second approach from Inter, the Reds’ stance on their valuation has hardened.

The Serie A side are going to have to significantly increase their bid to get the 2024/24 Premier League champions to engage in talks.

Jones’ future remains in the balance, but there remains potential for his lifelong Liverpool career to continue.

If he stays and impresses new manager Andoni Iraola, then he may end up getting offered a new contract.

But if a £30m offer comes in, he looks set to be on his way out.

Jones has struggled to lock down a starting spot and wants to leave

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Liverpool’s Curtis conundrum

With a regular midfield of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, Jones’ gametime last season dipped.

He made 16 substitute appearances under Arne Slot, only scoring one goal and providing two assists in 34 Premier League games.

The Liverpool-born star also only started four Champions League matches as he struggled to claim a spot in the line-up.

That, combined with the Reds’ woeful form at times last term, led to a rumoured ‘tiff’ with Slot and an open outburst on TV.

A sale has appeared to be inevitable this summer, but if the valuation isn’t met, he could end up staying.

And that would please former Liverpool winger Jermaine Pennant, who admitted he wanted Jones to stay in April.

There’s no suggestion new Liverpool boss Iraola is determined to keep Jones

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Pennant said on talkSPORT’s Inside Liverpool: “I just think sometimes you just need continuity to get into a regular rhythm to get your confidence up.

“Sometimes, chopping and changing positions and coming in and out of the team is hard, and he gets judged week in, week out.

“For some reason, he doesn’t get the same chances that the others get. Mac Allister has been way off it, but Slot is still playing him ahead of Jones.

“I would like to see him there next season because he can do a job all over the pitch.”

Lucas Bergvall tells Tottenham he wants to leave as three Premier League rivals consider moves

Ciaran Wiseman — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 17:23:53 +0000

Lucas Bergvall has told Tottenham Hotspur he wants to leave the club with Chelsea among the interested clubs, talkSPORT understands.

The Sweden midfielder, who joined the club in 2024, has five years remaining on his current contract after signing an extension in April last year.

Bergvall has told Spurs he wants to leave the club for a new challenge this summer

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But he has informed Spurs of his desire to pursue a new challenge this summer.

Spurs will be absent from European football next season following their 17th place finish in the league last term.

Bergvall made 33 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring once and adding three assists.

Meanwhile, he has featured in both of Sweden’s matches so far at this summer’s World Cup.

Who could sign Bergvall?

As mentioned, Chelsea are currently monitoring Bergvall ahead of a potential swoop.

Aston Villa also remain interested after a failed move for the youngster in January.

Both Villa and Chelsea saw transfer enquiries for Bergvall rejected by Spurs earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest view Bergvall as a leading candidate to replace Elliot Anderson.

Manchester City are closing in on the signing of the England midfielder.

After seeing a £121million bid rejected by Forest, City are now on the verge of completing the deal.

Spurs’ pursuit of midfielders, including Sandro Tonali, could lead to limited game time for Bergvall at Spurs

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Bergvall joined Spurs from Djurgarden in his native Sweden in the summer of 2024 aged 18.

He had previously started his career in the academy at Brommapojkarna.

Since moving to the north London club, Bergvall has made a total of 78 first-team appearances.

As well as scoring twice and providing nine assists in that time, he was also part of the side which won the Europa League in 2025.

Busy summer

It has already been a busy summer for Roberto De Zerbi’s side since clinching Premier League survival on the final day of the season.

Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi have both agreed to join the club on free transfers when their current contracts expire.

De Zerbi has already completed three new signings for Spurs ahead of next season

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Meanwhile, Spurs have completed the £52million signing of defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton.

Further new arrivals could still follow, with an opening offer for Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali turned down.

Spurs have also enquired over a potential move for West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes.

Fulham star admits players still in the dark over next manager amid Alvaro Arbeloa and Frank Lampard links

Jake Lambourne — Sun, 21 Jun 2026 15:30:51 +0000

Alex Iwobi has declared that the Fulham squad are yet to be told who will be replacing Marco Silva at Craven Cottage.

The Cottagers announced Silva’s exit at the start of June, with the 48-year-old returning to his native Portugal to take charge of Benfica.

Iwobi has become a star player for Fulham since joining from Everton in 2023

talkSPORT understands that Alvaro Arbeloa is the leading candidate after talks progressed last weekend.

Arbeloa is on the lookout for a new job after he departed his role as interim Real Madrid boss – with Jose Mourinho brought in as permanent replacement.

Coventry boss Frank Lampard is also admired by Fulham, with the two parties holding negotiations.

Though it had been reported that Lampard, who managed Iwobi at Everton, is poised to sign a new three-year deal after guiding the Sky Blues to Premier League promotion.

Ful steam ahead

Talk of Fulham’s manager search was put to Iwobi during his appearance on the The Warm Up with Max Rushden and Charlie Baker on Sunday.

The ex-Arsenal winger, who has scored 19 goals for Fulham since joining in 2023, was asked about Arbeloa and Lampard.

Iwobi was also pressed whether he is used to the uncertainty of not knowing who he will be playing under.

To which he said: “Yeah, I mean, I can only go off my experience with the national team and at Everton.

“I’ve had several managers there, so it won’t be difficult for me to adapt.

“We’ll be ready to play whoever the manager is.

Arbeloa could be set for an instant return to the dugout after departing the Bernabeu

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Lampard guided Coventry back to the English too-flight after a 25-year absence

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“Of course, I’ve worked with Frank Lampard before and he’s someone I really enjoyed working with.

“But I don’t really mind as long as the manager that comes in wants to help better the club and so do the players.

“So whoever the manager is, we’re ready to work with them.”

Iwobi was then asked as to how the Fulham players are reacting to the situation on their squad WhatsApp group.

Commenting on whether he and his teammates are discussing it, he remarked: “Obviously when we got told that Marco was leaving, I was active.

“Thinking, ‘Oh no, who are we going to get in next?’

Iwobi has the summer off after Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup

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“But ever since then, it’s been pretty quiet.

“But I’m sure people are waiting for the message to say, ‘This is who we’re going to get.’

“But no-one has said anything yet, but we’re just patiently waiting.”

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Reece James ‘devastated’ by Chelsea star’s transfer as Xabi Alonso era to begin

Alex Conrad — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 20:30:56 +0000

Chelsea skipper Reece James was ‘devastated’ to see Marc Cucurella leave the club.

Cucurella moved to European giants Real Madrid from the Blues in a deal worth €55million (£47.5m) and €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons.

Cucurella made over 160 appearances for the Blues

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It brought an end to the left-back’s four-year stint in west London in which he won the Club World Cup and Conference League.

What was James’ reaction to Cucurella’s exit?

Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT from England’s World Cup base in Kansas City, James opened up on the impact of Cucurella’s departure.

“Yeah, I spoke with him a few days ago,” James said.

“You know, he’s obviously an amazing player, one of the best left-backs in the world, for sure.

“This is football. Players move every few months and I’m devastated to see him go. But I wish him all the best.”

With Cucurella now gone, it means new Blues boss Xabi Alonso has a glaring hole to fill in the defence.

Luckily for Alonso, Jorrel Hato is steadily improving at Stamford Bridge, meanwhile Argentina international Valentin Barco will join from sister club Strasbourg.

There are also high hopes for 19-year-old prodigy Geovany Quenda, who links up from Portuguese side Sporting.

Regardless of who ends up as Cucurella’s replacement, it promises to be an exciting new era with Alonso at the helm.

The Spaniard is the sixth different permanent manager since BlueCo took over Chelsea and replaces Liam Rosenior, who was axed in April.

The Chelsea role will be Alonso’s third as a manager

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What has James heard about Alonso?

James is yet to meet his new manager in person, but has held conversations with Alonso over the phone.

And the England international can’t wait to start working with the former Real Madrid manager having heard plenty of glowing reviews.

“Everyone I’ve spoken to about him (Alonso) says he’s an amazing manager, more known from his playing career,” James said.

“He had an amazing career and I’m excited to work with him.”

James will also do his best not to get overawed by Alonso’s presence at Cobham given he grew up watching the silky Spaniard knock the ball around with ease for Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real during his legendary playing days.

Even though it will be a ‘strange’ feeling to take instructions from someone who only retired as a player in 2017, it’s not the first time James has experienced a similar situation.

Alonso will be the ninth manager, permanent and interim, James has played under at Chelsea

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“I had it when I was younger with Frank Lampard,” James said.

“He was one of my idols growing up. And then, when he stepped in as manager, it was a surreal moment.

“As I said, I’m delighted that Xabi Alonso is our manager and I’m excited.”

Unhappy World Cup sensation Ibrahim Mbaye told which Premier League club he should sign for

Alex Conrad — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 18:11:14 +0000

European football expert Andy Brassell believes Ibrahim Mbaye could accelerate Aston Villa’s desire to ‘step up a level’.

Mbaye is shaping up to be a player who will dominate the rumour mill this summer due to his lack of playing time at Paris Saint-Germain.

Mbaye’s goal against France at the World Cup was his fourth for Senegal from 12 caps

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Why Mbaye is ‘clearly unhappy’ at PSG

The Senegal international, who is regarded as one of the brightest talents going, started just 12 of his 31 appearances for PSG in the 2025/26 campaign.

Given PSG boast a litany of world class wingers in Ousmane Dembele, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue, Bradley Barcola and Lee Kang-in, Mbaye faces an uphill battle to secure a more prominent role in the team.

Such is the squeeze for a starting spot, even Barcola, who started 21 times for the Parisians last term, is eyeing up an exit having requested to leave the club.

Mbaye’s agents have subsequently been putting out feelers to clubs, letting them know the 18-year-old may be ready for a fresh start to accelerate his growth.

However, the teenage sensation’s full focus at present is with Senegal at the World Cup.

Mbaye even scored the African nation’s sole goal in their 3-1 loss to France as they look to reach the knockout stages for just the third time in history.

Brassell: I ‘expect’ Mbaye to end up in the Premier League

Speaking to talkSPORT, Brassell believed the Premier League would be fertile ground for Mbaye to become a ‘big star’.

And Villa, who go into the new season on the back of winning the Europa League and a fourth-place finish, could be the ideal destination for that to happen.

“Premier League clubs are interested in him,” Brassell said.

“Aston Villa have been sniffing around him.

Mbaye has been with PSG since 2018

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“He has made it clear through his agents that he is considering his future. He’s got two years left on the first professional contract he signed with PSG.

“He wants to play. He wants more gametime. That’s understandable. He’d be a fantastic fit for the Premier League.

“You look at Villa returning to the Champions League, hoping to step up a level… they work around having a dynamic midfield.

“I think it would be really interesting seeing him in front of Boubacar Kamara. The fact he can play in those wide roles as well… the sky is the limit. He’s got so many strings to his bow.

“PSG still have the chance to persuade him to stay, although he is clearly unhappy, and whichever club buys him in the end is going to have the chance to really shape a big star of the next four, five, six years.

“He’s so mature for his age. I expect him to end up in the Premier League at some point.

Emery could have a serious attacking talent on his hands

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“And I imagine PSG will insert some kind of buy-back clause because he’s got the personality to succeed at a club like that.”

Big summer awaits at Villa Park

Villa are looming as a team that will have high-impact comings and going this window.

talkSPORT understands goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has informed Juventus he wants to join them, although a deal is far from completion.

Villa are also braced for heavy interest in Morgan Rogers, who finished the season with 14 goals and 12 assists.

Arsenal are already figuring as a major contender for Rogers’ signature, with preliminary talks between the club and the England international’s advisors having already taken place.

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Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.

It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings.

Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.

Wantaway Tottenham player subject of third bid by Premier League rival

Jake Lambourne — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 19:20:00 +0000

Brighton have launched a third bid worth £45million to sign Tottenham Hotspur centre-back Luka Vuskovic, talkSPORT understands.

The offer comes shortly after we told you how the defender has told Spurs he wishes to leave in search of first team football.

Vuskovic recently made his World Cup debut against England

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The 19-year-old is not happy at the prospect of being sent out on loan, or a lack of gametime at Spurs following the additions of Marcos Senesi and of Jan Paul van Hecke.

Just 24 hours after Van Hecke left Brighton to join Tottenham in a £52m deal – the Seagulls have now launched a third offer to sign Vuskovic.

Spurs have already knocked back two offers worth £30m and £35m for the Croatian starlet.

Tottenham have so far blocked the audacious attempts for the teenager, who has never made a competitive appearance for the club.

This appears to have angered Vuskovic, and he is now pushing for an exit.

It is believed that Roberto De Zerbi‘s side value the five-cap Croatia international at £60million.

Hot property

Vuskovic has emerged as one of Europe’s hottest prospects following his stunning loan spell at Hamburg in the 2025/26 season.

In 30 appearances in all competitions for the German side, he chipped in with six goals.

His dazzling displays earned himself a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season.

And his performances have also seen a host of Europe’s elite to all keep tabs on his situation at Spurs.

Vuskovic starred on loan at Hamburg, where he quickly became a fan favourite

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As well as Brighton, Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus are all said to be interested in securing his services.

Meanwhile, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs, who recently listed him as one of the five best wonderkids at the World Cup, revealed Bayern Munich are among the clubs interested too.

Vuskovic recently made his World Cup debut in Wednesday’s 4-2 defeat against England.

He will be looking to once again showcase his talent in the remaining Group L fixtures against Panama and Ghana.

Tottenham reached a £12m agreement with Hajduk Split in 2023 to sign Vuskovic, but he wasn’t able to join their squad until last summer due to EU rules.

His only appearance for Spurs came in a pre-season friendly at Reading, where he incredibly scored and assisted in just eight minutes.

Julian Brandt linked with stunning free transfer to the Premier League this summer

Robert Calcutt — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 13:55:45 +0000

Leeds United are reportedly exploring the possibility of signing Julian Brandt on a free transfer.

Brandt will leave Borussia Dortmund when his contract expires at the end of the month, having spent seven seasons at the club.

Brandt is heading out of Dortmund ahead of next season

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The 30-year-old recorded 57 goals and 70 assists over 307 appearances for Dortmund after his move from Bayer Leverkusen in 2019.

A 48-time German international, who played at the 2018 World Cup, Brandt could play outside of his home country for the first time.

As per the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds believe they are a potential option for the attacking midfielder.

However, at least one Champions League side are also interested in signing him on a free transfer.

Should Leeds get a deal over the line, it would be a significant coup for the Yorkshire outfit.

Brandt won the 2020/21 DFB-Pokal with Dortmund and was also in the squad that reached the 2023/24 Champions League final.

Building blocks

Leeds are preparing for a second consecutive Premier League season under Daniel Farke.

They finished 14th and eight points clear of the bottom three after looking as though they would fall into a relegation scrap.

A trip to Nottingham Forest awaits them on the opening weekend of the 2026/27 campaign.

Brentford, Brighton, Newcastle United and Crystal Palace make up the rest of their first five fixtures.

Brandt could be heading to Leeds in what would be a surprise move

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He would work under his compatriot Farke at Elland Road

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Whilst other Premier League sides have started to strengthen their squads, it has been a quiet summer at Leeds thus far.

Illan Meslier will leave Elland Road at the end of the month after a seven-year spell.

The goalkeeper did not make a single senior appearance last season, but played two matches for their Premier League 2 side.

Leeds could face another departure between the sticks this summer as Karl Darlow is understood to be a target for Manchester United.

United want a homegrown goalkeeper to replace Altay Bayindir as their back-up to Senne Lammens.

Darlow’s contract at Leeds will expire at the end of the month, with a new deal not being agreed as of yet.

Coventry chief vows to stand by Frank Lampard even if Premier League gets tough

Lee Davey — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:49:15 +0000

Coventry owner Doug King says he will stick by Frank Lampard even if the newly-promoted club endure a disastrous start to the season.

Reality is setting in for the Sky Blues following Friday’s Premier League fixture announcement.

Frank Lampard steered Coventry to the Championship title just 18 months after his arrival

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Coventry are once again a Premier League club after a 25-year absence from the top flight

Shutterstock Editorial

Last season’s Championship winners face a daunting trip to the Emirates on the opening day of the season to face Premier League champions Arsenal.

Next up sees Hull City visit the CBS Arena before fixtures with Manchester City, Brighton and Nottingham Forest.

The games come thick and fast for the Midlands club who are set for their first top-flight campaign since 2001.

For some managers, promotion does not necessarily guarantee job security when faced with the rigours of the Premier League.

However, it appears that Lampard will be given the opportunity to fulfil his role in the Premier League even if his side encounter an early-season slump.

Lampard to receive full backing

Asked whether Lampard would be at risk of the axe in the event of a poor start to the season, King told talkSPORT: “I’ve always been much more about process and how and what we’re doing.

“If that all sticks and we get some tough runs, I’m very calm with that.

“It’s when the process breaks down and things get a little out of control and then you have to try and change those things.

“We’ve worked together for 18 months, we know how each other works. We have a good direct relationship, we can challenge whatever we want to challenge and I’m fully behind him to go all the way.

“We’ll take what comes and he’s got all the tools to react and to drive us and hopefully have a successful first season.”

Doug King says he and Lampard share strong working relationship that has been key to the club’s success

Shutterstock Editorial

Lampard’s work at Coventry has not gone unnoticed.

The Chelsea legend was linked with the vacant managerial positions at Crystal Palace and Fulham, something King remains relaxed about.

“We’ve had a great 18 months with Frank,” he said. “Obviously, people have taken notice of what he’s done and how he’s led us to be champions.

“We know how it works in football, everybody’s got an opinion and everybody seems to want to do different things.

“I think that we have a good thing here and he’s earned the right to get us into the Premier League for the first time and that’s what we wanted to do.”

‘Mouthwatering’ fixture to open the season

On his side’s trip to the Emirates on the opening night of the new season, King admits he is excited at what the fixture computer has conjured up.

It’s the Premier League champions up first for the Sky Blues

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“We haven’t been here for 25 years so anything would have done for us, but what a start,” King said.

“We’re at the champions, I love that!

“The champions against the champions and we’ll kick it off and be glad to do so.

“We have to go into every game next year believing we have a chance, we know how difficult they are we know how good they are.

“It’s a daunting prospect but a mouthwatering one, that’s how we’re looking at it.”

Premier League opening day fixtures revealed as Arsenal begin against Coventry

Lee Davey — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:01:40 +0000

Coventry’s first game back in the Premier League for 25 years sees them travel to champions Arsenal.

All 380 games for the 2026/27 have been released and also sees newly-promoted Hull hosting Michael Carrick’s Manchester United.

Mikel Arteta’s champions face Coventry on the first day of the new season

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Liverpool, under new manager Andoni Iraola, travel to Newcastle with a fit again Alexander Isak, who swapped the north east for the north west in a £125m transfer.

Tottenham travel to Brentford and feel they have the right manager in charge in Roberto De Zerbi who guided them to safety on the final day of the 2025/26 season.

Xabi Alonso’s first game as Chelsea manager takes him to Fulham on Monday night, while it could be a different looking Man City side that takes on Bournemouth with Elliot Anderson in the middle.

When does the season begin?

Arsenal, winners last season, begin on Friday 21 August, with the final day taking place on 5 June, a week before the Champions League final.

Who do the promoted clubs play?

Ipswich are back in the big time having last played against West Ham in 2025 and losing 3-1. Their first home game is against Sunderland but fans are still waiting to see who will be in charge following Kieran McKenna’s exit.

Hull, who were beaten by Tottenham 7-1 in their last Premier League game in 2017, won’t have it easier against a revitalised United side led by Carrick who was given the manager’s role having guided them to third place last season.

“What a great game for us,” Hull assistant manager Dean Holden told talkSPORT. “We had an incredible season last year to get promoted.

“I was sat doing an interview at a similar time last year talking about the Championship fixtures, and people were having us as one of the relegation favourites.

“So, what the club did to get promoted is nothing short of incredible. And to then see the fixtures come out this morning, it just all seems very real.”

Elsewhere, it has been a long time coming for Coventry whose last Premier League game was in May 2001. A trip to Arsenal first will delight manager Frank Lampard who will relish the test of playing the champions.

Hull City celebrate their return to the top tier by hosting Man United on the first Saturday game of the season, which is live on talkSPORT

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Lampard’s Coventry go to Arsenal on the opening day and he host former club Chelsea in December

Shutterstock Editorial

Boxing Day is back!

The Premier League addressed the packed festive schedule and over Christmas and New Year period, no two match rounds will take place within 60 hours of each other.

Fans will be delighted to know that the traditional Boxing Day schedule will return to its usual slot on 26 December.

Just one Premier League fixture took place on Boxing Day last season sparking major backlash from fans.

But there will be no such controversy this time around with multiple games expected to be televised on the day, pending broadcasting picks.

Arsenal face a festive trip to the the scene of their title celebrations when they face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

Newcastle United host Manchester City, Nottingham Forest travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United and Hull entertain Liverpool.

Opening day fixtures

Friday 21 August
Arsenal v Coventry City: 8am

Saturday 22 August
Hull vs Man United: 12:30
Everton vs Crystal Palace: 3pm
Ipswich vs Sunderland: 3pm
Nottingham Forest v Leeds United: 3pm
Brentford vs Tottenham: 5:30pm

Sunday 23 August
Brighton vs Aston Villa: 2pm
Man City vs Bournemouth: 2pm
Newcastle vs Liverpool: 4:30pm

Monday 24 August
Fulham vs Chelsea: 8pm

The big six all have varying starts to the season as the look to begin strongly

Elsewhere, Tottenham take on Bournemouth, Frank Lampard faces an emotional reunion with former club Chelsea at the CBS Arena and Aston Villa host Leeds.

Opening weekend live on talkSPORT

talkSPORT will be across all of the opening weekend’s action with three games to be broadcast live on the station.

Our dedicated team will be at the Emirates as Arsenal kick off their title defence against Coventry.

Likewise, fans can catch all of the action from the MKM Stadium when newly-promoted Hull host Manchester United at Saturday lunchtime.

Xabi Alonso makes the short trip to Fulham for his first Premier League match as Chelsea boss

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The weekend’s exclusively live action on talkSPORT concludes with the west London derby between Fulham and Chelsea on Monday evening at 8pm.

Every club’s fixtures for the 2026/27 season are on talkSPORT’s dedicated page.

Premier League 2026/27 season fixtures announced: Every match for all 20 teams revealed

Sean O'Brien — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 09:00:03 +0000

The Premier League fixture list for the 2026/27 season has been released.

Arsenal begin their title defence at home to Coventry City on August 21 – live on talkSPORT – in the Sky Blues’ first top-flight match for 25 years.

Arsenal will defend the Premier League trophy having finally ended their 22-year wait for a top-flight title

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We will also bring you full coverage as Manchester United travel to newly-promoted Hull City in the second match of the campaign on August 22.

And we’ve got Fulham vs Chelsea in the first instalment of Monday night football on August 24 as talkSPORT runs exclusive radio commentary of Xabi Alonso’s first game in charge of the Blues.

But what about the rest? You can see every single fixture below.

Matches listed as 3pm or 8pm beyond the opening gameweek are always subject to change.

Use our Match Centre to keep up to date with your team’s matches and results during the upcoming campaign.

August 2026

Gameweek 1

21/08/2026 8pm Arsenal v Coventry City – live on talkSPORT
22/08/2026 12.30pm Hull City v Manchester United – live on talkSPORT
22/08/2026 3pm Everton v Crystal Palace
22/08/2026 3pm Ipswich Town v Sunderland
22/08/2026 3pm Nottingham Forest v Leeds United
22/08/2026 5.30pm Brentford v Tottenham Hotspur
23/08/2026 2pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Aston Villa
23/08/2026 2pm Manchester City v Bournemouth
23/08/2026 4.30pm Newcastle United v Liverpool
24/08/2026 8pm Fulham v Chelsea

Gameweek 2

29/08/2026 3pm Bournemouth v Everton
29/08/2026 3pm Aston Villa v Arsenal
29/08/2026 3pm Chelsea v Brighton and Hove Albion
29/08/2026 3pm Coventry City v Hull City
29/08/2026 3pm Crystal Palace v Manchester City
29/08/2026 3pm Leeds United v Brentford
29/08/2026 3pm Liverpool v Nottingham Forest
29/08/2026 3pm Manchester United v Ipswich Town
29/08/2026 3pm Sunderland v Fulham
29/08/2026 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Newcastle United

Lampard’s Coventry beat Ipswich to the Championship title

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September 2026

Gameweek 3

05/09/2026 3pm Arsenal v Chelsea
05/09/2026 3pm Brentford v Sunderland
05/09/2026 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Leeds United
05/09/2026 3pm Everton v Manchester United
05/09/2026 3pm Fulham v Crystal Palace
05/09/2026 3pm Hull City v Aston Villa
05/09/2026 3pm Ipswich Town v Liverpool
05/09/2026 3pm Manchester City v Coventry City
05/09/2026 3pm Newcastle United v Bournemouth
05/09/2026 3pm Nottingham Forest v Tottenham Hotspur

Gameweek 4

12/09/2026 3pm Bournemouth v Brentford
12/09/2026 3pm Aston Villa v Nottingham Forest
12/09/2026 3pm Chelsea v Hull City
12/09/2026 3pm Coventry City v Brighton and Hove Albion
12/09/2026 3pm Crystal Palace v Ipswich Town
12/09/2026 3pm Leeds United v Newcastle United
12/09/2026 3pm Liverpool v Fulham
12/09/2026 3pm Manchester United v Manchester City
12/09/2026 3pm Sunderland v Arsenal
12/09/2026 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Everton

Gameweek 5

19/09/2026 3pm Bournemouth v Liverpool
19/09/2026 3pm Brentford v Chelsea
19/09/2026 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Arsenal
19/09/2026 3pm Everton v Ipswich Town
19/09/2026 3pm Fulham v Manchester United
19/09/2026 3pm Leeds United v Crystal Palace
19/09/2026 3pm Manchester City v Sunderland
19/09/2026 3pm Newcastle United v Hull City
19/09/2026 3pm Nottingham Forest v Coventry City
19/09/2026 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Aston Villa

October 2026

Gameweek 6

10/10/2026 3pm Arsenal v Leeds United
10/10/2026 3pm Aston Villa v Brentford
10/10/2026 3pm Chelsea v Bournemouth
10/10/2026 3pm Coventry City v Newcastle United
10/10/2026 3pm Crystal Palace v Nottingham Forest
10/10/2026 3pm Hull City v Everton
10/10/2026 3pm Ipswich Town v Fulham
10/10/2026 3pm Liverpool v Manchester City
10/10/2026 3pm Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur
10/10/2026 3pm Sunderland v Brighton and Hove Albion

Gameweek 7

17/10/2026 3pm Bournemouth v Sunderland
17/10/2026 3pm Brentford v Liverpool
17/10/2026 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Crystal Palace
17/10/2026 3pm Everton v Chelsea
17/10/2026 3pm Fulham v Hull City
17/10/2026 3pm Leeds United v Manchester United
17/10/2026 3pm Manchester City v Ipswich Town
17/10/2026 3pm Newcastle United v Aston Villa
17/10/2026 3pm Nottingham Forest v Arsenal
17/10/2026 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Coventry City

Gameweek 8

24/10/2026 3pm Arsenal v Everton
24/10/2026 3pm Aston Villa v Manchester City
24/10/2026 3pm Chelsea v Tottenham Hotspur
24/10/2026 3pm Coventry City v Fulham
24/10/2026 3pm Crystal Palace v Newcastle United
24/10/2026 3pm Hull City v Brentford
24/10/2026 3pm Ipswich Town v Nottingham Forest
24/10/2026 3pm Liverpool v Brighton and Hove Albion
24/10/2026 3pm Manchester United v Bournemouth
24/10/2026 3pm Sunderland v Leeds United

Gameweek 9

31/10/2026 3pm Bournemouth v Leeds United
31/10/2026 3pm Aston Villa v Fulham
31/10/2026 3pm Brentford v Nottingham Forest
31/10/2026 3pm Chelsea v Manchester United
31/10/2026 3pm Coventry City v Sunderland
31/10/2026 3pm Hull City v Ipswich Town
31/10/2026 3pm Liverpool v Arsenal
31/10/2026 3pm Manchester City v Brighton and Hove Albion
31/10/2026 3pm Newcastle United v Everton
31/10/2026 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Crystal Palace

Ipswich will be without Kieran McKenna after he decided to take a break from football

November 2026

Gameweek 10

07/11/2026 3pm Arsenal v Hull City
07/11/2026 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Brentford
07/11/2026 3pm Crystal Palace v Liverpool
07/11/2026 3pm Everton v Coventry City
07/11/2026 3pm Fulham v Newcastle United
07/11/2026 3pm Ipswich Town v Bournemouth
07/11/2026 3pm Leeds United v Tottenham Hotspur
07/11/2026 3pm Manchester United v Aston Villa
07/11/2026 3pm Nottingham Forest v Manchester City
07/11/2026 3pm Sunderland v Chelsea

Gameweek 11

21/11/2026 3pm Bournemouth v Nottingham Forest
21/11/2026 3pm Aston Villa v Sunderland
21/11/2026 3pm Brentford v Everton
21/11/2026 3pm Chelsea v Leeds United
21/11/2026 3pm Coventry City v Crystal Palace
21/11/2026 3pm Hull City v Brighton and Hove Albion
21/11/2026 3pm Liverpool v Manchester United
21/11/2026 3pm Manchester City v Fulham
21/11/2026 3pm Newcastle United v Arsenal
21/11/2026 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Ipswich Town

Gameweek 12

28/11/2026 3pm Arsenal v Manchester City
28/11/2026 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United
28/11/2026 3pm Crystal Palace v Hull City
28/11/2026 3pm Everton v Liverpool
28/11/2026 3pm Fulham v Bournemouth
28/11/2026 3pm Ipswich Town v Aston Villa
28/11/2026 3pm Leeds United v Coventry City
28/11/2026 3pm Manchester United v Brentford
28/11/2026 3pm Nottingham Forest v Chelsea
28/11/2026 3pm Sunderland v Tottenham Hotspur

December 2026

Gameweek 13

02/12/2026 8pm Bournemouth v Brighton and Hove Albion
02/12/2026 8pm Aston Villa v Everton
02/12/2026 8pm Brentford v Arsenal
02/12/2026 8pm Chelsea v Crystal Palace
02/12/2026 8pm Coventry City v Ipswich Town
02/12/2026 8pm Hull City v Nottingham Forest
02/12/2026 8pm Liverpool v Sunderland
02/12/2026 8pm Manchester City v Leeds United
02/12/2026 8pm Newcastle United v Manchester United
02/12/2026 8pm Tottenham Hotspur v Fulham

Gameweek 14

05/12/2026 3pm Bournemouth v Hull City
05/12/2026 3pm Aston Villa v Crystal Palace
05/12/2026 3pm Brentford v Manchester City
05/12/2026 3pm Chelsea v Liverpool
05/12/2026 3pm Everton v Fulham
05/12/2026 3pm Leeds United v Ipswich Town
05/12/2026 3pm Manchester United v Coventry City
05/12/2026 3pm Newcastle United v Sunderland
05/12/2026 3pm Nottingham Forest v Brighton and Hove Albion
05/12/2026 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Arsenal

Gameweek 15

12/12/2026 3pm Arsenal v Bournemouth
12/12/2026 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Everton
12/12/2026 3pm Coventry City v Aston Villa
12/12/2026 3pm Crystal Palace v Manchester United
12/12/2026 3pm Fulham v Brentford
12/12/2026 3pm Hull City v Tottenham Hotspur
12/12/2026 3pm Ipswich Town v Newcastle United
12/12/2026 3pm Liverpool v Leeds United
12/12/2026 3pm Manchester City v Chelsea
12/12/2026 3pm Sunderland v Nottingham Forest

Gameweek 16

19/12/2026 3pm Bournemouth v Coventry City
19/12/2026 3pm Arsenal v Manchester United
19/12/2026 3pm Brentford v Newcastle United
19/12/2026 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Ipswich Town
19/12/2026 3pm Chelsea v Aston Villa
19/12/2026 3pm Leeds United v Fulham
19/12/2026 3pm Liverpool v Tottenham Hotspur
19/12/2026 3pm Manchester City v Hull City
19/12/2026 3pm Nottingham Forest v Everton
19/12/2026 3pm Sunderland v Crystal Palace

Gameweek 17 (Boxing Day)

26/12/2026 3pm Aston Villa v Leeds United
26/12/2026 3pm Coventry City v Chelsea
26/12/2026 3pm Crystal Palace v Arsenal
26/12/2026 3pm Everton v Sunderland
26/12/2026 3pm Fulham v Brighton and Hove Albion
26/12/2026 3pm Hull City v Liverpool
26/12/2026 3pm Ipswich Town v Brentford
26/12/2026 3pm Manchester United v Nottingham Forest
26/12/2026 3pm Newcastle United v Manchester City
26/12/2026 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Bournemouth

Gameweek 18

30/12/2026 8pm Aston Villa v Liverpool
30/12/2026 8pm Coventry City v Brentford
30/12/2026 8pm Crystal Palace v Bournemouth
30/12/2026 8pm Everton v Manchester City
30/12/2026 8pm Fulham v Arsenal
30/12/2026 8pm Hull City v Leeds United
30/12/2026 8pm Ipswich Town v Chelsea
30/12/2026 8pm Manchester United v Sunderland
30/12/2026 8pm Newcastle United v Nottingham Forest
30/12/2026 8pm Tottenham Hotspur v Brighton and Hove Albion

Hull won the play-offs after the Spygate drama between Middlesbrough and Southampton

Getty

January 2027

Gameweek 19

02/01/2027 3pm Bournemouth v Aston Villa
02/01/2027 3pm Arsenal v Ipswich Town
02/01/2027 3pm Brentford v Crystal Palace
02/01/2027 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester United
02/01/2027 3pm Chelsea v Newcastle United
02/01/2027 3pm Leeds United v Everton
02/01/2027 3pm Liverpool v Coventry City
02/01/2027 3pm Manchester City v Tottenham Hotspur
02/01/2027 3pm Nottingham Forest v Fulham
02/01/2027 3pm Sunderland v Hull City

Gameweek 20

06/01/2027 8pm Arsenal v Brentford
06/01/2027 8pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Bournemouth
06/01/2027 8pm Crystal Palace v Chelsea
06/01/2027 8pm Everton v Aston Villa
06/01/2027 8pm Fulham v Tottenham Hotspur
06/01/2027 8pm Ipswich Town v Coventry City
06/01/2027 8pm Leeds United v Manchester City
06/01/2027 8pm Manchester United v Newcastle United
06/01/2027 8pm Nottingham Forest v Hull City
06/01/2027 8pm Sunderland v Liverpool

Gameweek 21

16/01/2027 3pm Bournemouth v Ipswich Town
16/01/2027 3pm Aston Villa v Manchester United
16/01/2027 3pm Brentford v Brighton and Hove Albion
16/01/2027 3pm Chelsea v Sunderland
16/01/2027 3pm Coventry City v Everton
16/01/2027 3pm Hull City v Arsenal
16/01/2027 3pm Liverpool v Crystal Palace
16/01/2027 3pm Manchester City v Nottingham Forest
16/01/2027 3pm Newcastle United v Fulham
16/01/2027 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Leeds United

Gameweek 22

23/01/2027 3pm Arsenal v Newcastle United
23/01/2027 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Manchester City
23/01/2027 3pm Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur
23/01/2027 3pm Everton v Brentford
23/01/2027 3pm Fulham v Aston Villa
23/01/2027 3pm Ipswich Town v Hull City
23/01/2027 3pm Leeds United v Chelsea
23/01/2027 3pm Manchester United v Liverpool
23/01/2027 3pm Nottingham Forest v Bournemouth
23/01/2027 3pm Sunderland v Coventry City

Gameweek 23

30/01/2027 3pm Bournemouth v Fulham
30/01/2027 3pm Aston Villa v Ipswich Town
30/01/2027 3pm Brentford v Manchester United
30/01/2027 3pm Chelsea v Nottingham Forest
30/01/2027 3pm Coventry City v Leeds United
30/01/2027 3pm Hull City v Crystal Palace
30/01/2027 3pm Liverpool v Everton
30/01/2027 3pm Manchester City v Arsenal
30/01/2027 3pm Newcastle United v Brighton and Hove Albion
30/01/2027 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Sunderland

February 2027

Gameweek 24

06/02/2027 3pm Arsenal v Liverpool
06/02/2027 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Hull City
06/02/2027 3pm Crystal Palace v Coventry City
06/02/2027 3pm Everton v Newcastle United
06/02/2027 3pm Fulham v Manchester City
06/02/2027 3pm Ipswich Town v Tottenham Hotspur
06/02/2027 3pm Leeds United v Bournemouth
06/02/2027 3pm Manchester United v Chelsea
06/02/2027 3pm Nottingham Forest v Brentford
06/02/2027 3pm Sunderland v Aston Villa

Gameweek 25

10/02/2027 8pm Aston Villa v Bournemouth
10/02/2027 8pm Coventry City v Liverpool
10/02/2027 8pm Crystal Palace v Brentford
10/02/2027 8pm Everton v Leeds United
10/02/2027 8pm Fulham v Nottingham Forest
10/02/2027 8pm Hull City v Sunderland
10/02/2027 8pm Ipswich Town v Arsenal
10/02/2027 8pm Manchester United v Brighton and Hove Albion
10/02/2027 8pm Newcastle United v Chelsea
10/02/2027 8pm Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester City

Gameweek 26

20/02/2027 3pm Bournemouth v Crystal Palace
20/02/2027 3pm Arsenal v Fulham
20/02/2027 3pm Brentford v Coventry City
20/02/2027 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Tottenham Hotspur
20/02/2027 3pm Chelsea v Ipswich Town
20/02/2027 3pm Leeds United v Aston Villa
20/02/2027 3pm Liverpool v Hull City
20/02/2027 3pm Manchester City v Newcastle United
20/02/2027 3pm Nottingham Forest v Manchester United
20/02/2027 3pm Sunderland v Everton

Gameweek 27

27/02/2027 3pm Aston Villa v Chelsea
27/02/2027 3pm Coventry City v Bournemouth
27/02/2027 3pm Crystal Palace v Sunderland
27/02/2027 3pm Everton v Nottingham Forest
27/02/2027 3pm Fulham v Leeds United
27/02/2027 3pm Hull City v Manchester City
27/02/2027 3pm Ipswich Town v Brighton and Hove Albion
27/02/2027 3pm Manchester United v Arsenal
27/02/2027 3pm Newcastle United v Brentford
27/02/2027 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool

Arsenal take on Aston Villa and Chelsea in their first five fixtures

March 2027

Gameweek 28

03/03/2027 8pm Bournemouth v Tottenham Hotspur
03/03/2027 8pm Arsenal v Crystal Palace
03/03/2027 8pm Brentford v Ipswich Town
03/03/2027 8pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Fulham
03/03/2027 8pm Chelsea v Coventry City
03/03/2027 8pm Leeds United v Hull City
03/03/2027 8pm Liverpool v Aston Villa
03/03/2027 8pm Manchester City v Everton
03/03/2027 8pm Nottingham Forest v Newcastle United
03/03/2027 8pm Sunderland v Manchester United

Gameweek 29

13/03/2027 3pm Bournemouth v Newcastle United
13/03/2027 3pm Aston Villa v Hull City
13/03/2027 3pm Chelsea v Arsenal
13/03/2027 3pm Coventry City v Manchester City
13/03/2027 3pm Crystal Palace v Fulham
13/03/2027 3pm Leeds United v Brighton and Hove Albion
13/03/2027 3pm Liverpool v Ipswich Town
13/03/2027 3pm Manchester United v Everton
13/03/2027 3pm Sunderland v Brentford
13/03/2027 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Nottingham Forest

Gameweek 30

20/03/2027 3pm Arsenal v Sunderland
20/03/2027 3pm Brentford v Bournemouth
20/03/2027 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Coventry City
20/03/2027 3pm Everton v Tottenham Hotspur
20/03/2027 3pm Fulham v Liverpool
20/03/2027 3pm Hull City v Chelsea
20/03/2027 3pm Ipswich Town v Crystal Palace
20/03/2027 3pm Manchester City v Manchester United
20/03/2027 3pm Newcastle United v Leeds United
20/03/2027 3pm Nottingham Forest v Aston Villa

April 2027

Gameweek 31

10/04/2027 3pm Bournemouth v Manchester City
10/04/2027 3pm Aston Villa v Brighton and Hove Albion
10/04/2027 3pm Chelsea v Fulham
10/04/2027 3pm Coventry City v Arsenal
10/04/2027 3pm Crystal Palace v Everton
10/04/2027 3pm Leeds United v Nottingham Forest
10/04/2027 3pm Liverpool v Newcastle United
10/04/2027 3pm Manchester United v Hull City
10/04/2027 3pm Sunderland v Ipswich Town
10/04/2027 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Brentford

Gameweek 32

17/04/2027 3pm Arsenal v Aston Villa
17/04/2027 3pm Brentford v Leeds United
17/04/2027 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Chelsea
17/04/2027 3pm Everton v Bournemouth
17/04/2027 3pm Fulham v Sunderland
17/04/2027 3pm Hull City v Coventry City
17/04/2027 3pm Ipswich Town v Manchester United
17/04/2027 3pm Manchester City v Crystal Palace
17/04/2027 3pm Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
17/04/2027 3pm Nottingham Forest v Liverpool

Gameweek 33

24/04/2027 3pm Bournemouth v Arsenal
24/04/2027 3pm Aston Villa v Coventry City
24/04/2027 3pm Brentford v Fulham
24/04/2027 3pm Chelsea v Manchester City
24/04/2027 3pm Everton v Brighton and Hove Albion
24/04/2027 3pm Leeds United v Liverpool
24/04/2027 3pm Manchester United v Crystal Palace
24/04/2027 3pm Newcastle United v Ipswich Town
24/04/2027 3pm Nottingham Forest v Sunderland
24/04/2027 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Hull City

The ‘big six’ all have varying starts to the season

May 2027

Gameweek 34

01/05/2027 3pm Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
01/05/2027 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Nottingham Forest
01/05/2027 3pm Coventry City v Manchester United
01/05/2027 3pm Crystal Palace v Aston Villa
01/05/2027 3pm Fulham v Everton
01/05/2027 3pm Hull City v Bournemouth
01/05/2027 3pm Ipswich Town v Leeds United
01/05/2027 3pm Liverpool v Chelsea
01/05/2027 3pm Manchester City v Brentford
01/05/2027 3pm Sunderland v Newcastle United

Gameweek 35

08/05/2027 3pm Bournemouth v Manchester United
08/05/2027 3pm Brentford v Aston Villa
08/05/2027 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Sunderland
08/05/2027 3pm Everton v Hull City
08/05/2027 3pm Fulham v Ipswich Town
08/05/2027 3pm Leeds United v Arsenal
08/05/2027 3pm Manchester City v Liverpool
08/05/2027 3pm Newcastle United v Coventry City
08/05/2027 3pm Nottingham Forest v Crystal Palace
08/05/2027 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Chelsea

Gameweek 36

15/05/2027 3pm Arsenal v Nottingham Forest
15/05/2027 3pm Aston Villa v Newcastle United
15/05/2027 3pm Chelsea v Everton
15/05/2027 3pm Coventry City v Tottenham Hotspur
15/05/2027 3pm Crystal Palace v Brighton and Hove Albion
15/05/2027 3pm Hull City v Fulham
15/05/2027 3pm Ipswich Town v Manchester City
15/05/2027 3pm Liverpool v Brentford
15/05/2027 3pm Manchester United v Leeds United
15/05/2027 3pm Sunderland v Bournemouth

Gameweek 37

23/05/2027 3pm Bournemouth v Chelsea
23/05/2027 3pm Brentford v Hull City
23/05/2027 3pm Brighton and Hove Albion v Liverpool
23/05/2027 3pm Everton v Arsenal
23/05/2027 3pm Fulham v Coventry City
23/05/2027 3pm Leeds United v Sunderland
23/05/2027 3pm Manchester City v Aston Villa
23/05/2027 3pm Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
23/05/2027 3pm Nottingham Forest v Ipswich Town
23/05/2027 3pm Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United

Gameweek 38 (Final day)

30/05/2027 4pm Arsenal v Brighton and Hove Albion
30/05/2027 4pm Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspur
30/05/2027 4pm Chelsea v Brentford
30/05/2027 4pm Coventry City v Nottingham Forest
30/05/2027 4pm Crystal Palace v Leeds United
30/05/2027 4pm Hull City v Newcastle United
30/05/2027 4pm Ipswich Town v Everton
30/05/2027 4pm Liverpool v Bournemouth
30/05/2027 4pm Manchester United v Fulham
30/05/2027 4pm Sunderland v Manchester City

What time are the 2026/27 Premier League fixtures released?

Jack Johnson — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:35:24 +0000

The World Cup may be at the centre of all things football this summer, but domestic pre-season will come around quickly.

And that means one thing – fixture release day is upon us.

Arsenal will be aiming to defend their title after waiting 22 years to claim it

Getty

Arsenal will go into the new 2026/27 campaign as reigning champions, the first time they will have that honour in 22 years.

The Gunners will hope for a strong start to their defence, while rivals Man City, Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United should contend.

Among the familiar sides in the top-flight again this year, there are some new faces, with Coventry, Ipswich and Hull promoted.

Those three teams will be eager to find out their fate for the campaign, hoping for some favourable fixtures to settle in.

Here’s when all 20 clubs will receive their schedules…

Premier League fixtures release date

Fixtures for the 2026/27 season will be revealed today – Friday, June 19.

The release is scheduled to take place at 10am.

The opening day of action will then be on Saturday, August 22, which is a week later than the start of the last campaign.

This is due to the busy schedule, with the later start date allowing for 89 clear days of recovery from the end of last term and 33 days of recovery after the World Cup final.

The final day of the 26/27 season will be Sunday, May 30, 2027.

Frank Lampard’s Coventry will be eager to find out their opening fixtures

Shutterstock Editorial

Hull are also back in the Premier League after achieving promotion last term

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In total, the upcoming Premier League season will consist of 33 weekends and five midweek rounds of fixtures.

talkSPORT will, of course, be bringing you live commentary of top-flight fixtures throughout the campaign.

To tune in to talkSPORT or talkSPORT 2 through the website, click HERE for the live stream.

You can also listen via the talkSPORT app, on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.

When will EFL fixtures be released?

Away from the Premier League, fixtures in the EFL will also be revealed very soon.

Championship, League One and League Two schedules will be confirmed on Thursday, June 25 at 12pm.

Their opening weekend is set for August 14-16, which is the week before the top-flight gets going.

Before the EFL starts though, the Carabao Cup will begin.

The first round of the competition will be played on August 7-9.

Premier League fixtures release day LIVE: Opening day games for every club as Arsenal, Liverpool, Man United learn 2026/27 schedule

Robert Calcutt — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:32:00 +0000

The World Cup is on, but the countdown to the new Premier League season can also begin!

The 2026/27 season starts on the weekend of 22 August as champions Arsenal and the rest of their rivals discover their fixtures.

From the opening weekend to Boxing Day and the big finale, fans can start planning their seasons.

The fixtures were confirmed at 10am this morning and talkSPORT.com will bring you all the latest news and reaction to the release.

Follow our live blog below for full updates…

Tottenham made enquiry over £80m-rated EFL player

Jackson Cole — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:35:55 +0000

Tottenham made an enquiry to sign West Ham midfielder Mateus Fernandes, talkSPORT understands.

The Portugal international looks destined for a London Stadium departure following the Hammers’ relegation from the Premier League.

Fernandes couldn’t stop West Ham from getting relegated but he looks set to avoid the Championship

Getty

Manchester United are favourites to sign Fernandes with the 13-time Premier League winners currently in advanced talks with the player’s agent Jorge Mendes.

Fernandes is understood to be keen on a move to Old Trafford with personal terms not expected to be an issue.

And his acquisition is likely to set the Red Devils back £80million, which is what West Ham value their player.

But Fernandes had admirers across the Premier League with Spurs showing an interest in the player but this has since cooled.

Spurs mean business

Fernandes may be a bridge too far for Spurs but they’ve been very active in the transfer window already having made three new signings.

All three have been in defence with centre-backs Marcos Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke arriving from Bournemouth and Brighton respectively.

Meanwhile, they also secured the signing of left-back and Scotland captain Andy Robertson, who joins on a free upon the expiration of his Liverpool contract.

talkSPORT understands Tottenham are plotting an audacious move for Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali.

It’s a move that’s being driven by Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, who views Tonali as a leading target.

The Italian won’t come cheap though with Newcastle said to value Tonali at at least £90m.

The signing of former AC Milan star Tonali would represent a huge coup for Spurs

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How to secure official premium seats for the 2026/27 Premier League season.

*If you click a link in this box out, we will earn affiliate revenue.

The 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are here – now it’s time to secure your seats.

Shop Premier League tickets here.

West Ham woes

Links to Tonali and Fernandes point to exciting times for Tottenham, but things couldn’t be more opposite for the team they pipped to Premier League survival in West Ham.

The Hammers face a summer fire sale where they’re said to need to raise £100m to help them cope with the financial consequences of relegation.

As well as Fernandes, Man United are understood to be interested in signing winger Crysencio Summerville.

Dutch international Summerville is said to be valued at £50m by West Ham.

There’s also uncertainty over the futures of captain Jarrod Bowen and defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka as the east London outfit prepare for life in the Championship for the first time in 14 years.

It appears West Ham will keep hold of manager Nuno Espirito Santo this summer

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How Liverpool could line up next season with £100m World Cup star and hijacked signing

Jack Johnson — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:09:57 +0000

Liverpool will be entering a brand-new era next season amid major changes on and off the pitch at Anfield this summer.

Andoni Iraola has replaced Arne Slot as manager, while Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate have all left.

Yan Diomande is being eyed by Liverpool in what could be a £100m+ deal

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The loss of those three huge names leaves them with some holes to fill, with Iraola instantly at work to bring in some new faces.

Salah’s absence is going to be massively felt at Anfield next term, as his nine-year trophy and goal-laden spell came to an end.

But it appears that Liverpool are going to spend big to replace him, with RB Leipzig and Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande being eyed.

talkSPORT understands that the Reds are keen on signing Diomande this summer, in a deal that could cost in excess of £100million.

The club are prepared to be patient when looking for signings, but they have made bringing in a new winger a top priority.

And they are optimistic that Diomande wants to join them, with a potential transfer being completed during the World Cup.

If Diomande, who also has interest from Paris Saint-Germain, doesn’t join though, Koln’s Said El Mala, Brighton’s Yankuba Minteh and Lille’s Matias Fernandez-Pardo are all potential other wide options.

Meanwhile, Liverpool have already signed Spanish forward Victor Munoz from Osasuna having hijacked Newcastle’s move.

They have paid Munoz’s £34m release clause with the Spain forward the first signing of the summer window for the club and first under Iraola.

Munoz is on his way and Diomande could follow, so here’s how the Liverpool side could look with both of them involved…

Liverpool have completed the signing of Munoz in a £34m deal

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Change at the back

Alisson will be in goal for Liverpool again next season after the club blocked any potential exit this summer.

He is understood to have been unhappy to see a potential move to Juventus denied, as he enters the last year of his contract.

The Brazilian is going to have a changed back four in front of him next term, with Konate departing for Real Madrid.

Incoming centre-back Jeremy Jacquet could start next to Virgil van Dijk if the Reds don’t sign another, with Giovanni Leoni an option too.

At left-back, Milos Kerkez will start, but Robertson will no longer be back-up, as he has left the club to join Tottenham.

And on the right, Jeremie Frimpong will start the season as first-choice, as Joe Gomez and Conor Bradley provide cover.

20-year-old Jacquet could end up taking Konate’s place at centre-back

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Midfield options

Liverpool’s midfield for next season wouldn’t change too much if they only add Munoz and Diomande.

Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai will compete for the two deeper roles in Iraola’s system.

Florian Wirtz will then start behind the striker in the No.10 role.

Szoboszlai may be preferred to Mac Allister, considering how both performed last season, with the latter struggling.

Curtis Jones is also going to be a contender, with Szoboszlai or Wirtz potentially playing out wide instead.

However, with Munoz, Diomande, Cody Gakpo and Rio Ngumoha, there would be some strong competition on the wings.

Munoz will play off the left, meaning Diomande would likely be on the right if he signs

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£100m star joins attack

Diomande would be able to play on either side of the front line, regularly playing on the left and on the right.

He started Ivory Coast’s first game at the World Cup on the right and starred, catching the eye of those watching.

His lightning-fast speed would be a huge asset to flank Alexander Isak or Hugo Ekitike, while he is able to score and create, chipping in with 13 goals and ten assists for Leipzig last season.

As Munoz, another very fast winger, plays off the left, it would mean Diomande would take a place in Salah’s old spot.

As mentioned, Wirtz, Szoboszlai, Gakpo and Ngumoha could all also be contenders to start on one of the wings for Liverpool.

But Munoz may end up taking a spot, while if they end up paying £100m+ for Diomande, he’s a sure starter.

How Liverpool could line up

Tottenham warned Arsenal could hijack transfer again after Eberechi Eze deal last summer

Tom — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 07:42:17 +0000

For the second year running, Tottenham run the risk of being beaten to a major summer transfer target by arch-rivals Arsenal.

That’s the warning talkSPORT’s Simon Jordan has given Spurs as they eye up a big midfield signing, having seen the Gunners hijack their move for Eberechi Eze last year.

Eze signed for Arsenal over Spurs last summer

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The north London club have held talks with representatives of Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali as they look to strengthen their squad after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

But Jordan isn’t convinced that Roberto De Zerbi’s side will be in pole position to land the 26-year-old Italy international.

Jordan’s Tonali doubt

Discussing the situation with Jim White on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan, the former Crystal Palace chairman derided the suggestion Tonali could be Tottenham-bound, responding to the news that Spurs had met Tonali’s team.

“They can talk to Ferenc Puskas for a meeting if they want, but they’re not going to sign Tonali. He’s not going to sign for Tottenham.

Asked by White why he couldn’t see Tonali joining Spurs, Jordan responded: “Because I doubt that he will see an upward move being Tottenham Hotspur – given that he’s been at Newcastle; given that the expectation of Newcastle was far greater than ultimately he possible signed on for.

“The expectation was that the ownership would have pushed harder and higher.

“There’s expectations of him being going to [much] bigger clubs. I wouldn’t be surprised if he ends up at Arsenal and the same thing happens to Spurs [that happened] with Eberechi Eze.”

Deja vu for Spurs?

Spurs appeared to be winning the race to sign Eze from Crystal Palace last summer but eventually lost out to Arsenal.

The England star joined the Gunners for £67.5m, much to the frustration of Tottenham fans.

Eze went on to help Arsenal win their first Premier League title in 22 years and was named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup.

Tonali has made 110 appearances for Newcastle, helping them win the 2024/25 Carabao Cup

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How to secure official premium seats for the 2026/27 Premier League season.

*If you click a link in this box out, we will earn affiliate revenue.

The 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are here – now it’s time to secure your seats.

Shop Premier League tickets here.

While it remains to be seen whether Tonali, who joined Newcastle from AC Milan three years ago, ends up a Spurs player this summer, the club have already been active in the transfer market.

Two players have agreed moves to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as free agents when their contracts expire at the end of this month.

Left-back Andy Robertson and centre-back Marcos Senesi will officially become Tottenham players on July 1 after leaving Liverpool and Bournemouth respectively.

The only way is up

Spurs will be determined to perform considerably better in 2026/27 than they did in the season just gone.

Their back-to-back Premier League finishes of 17^th were their lowest since 1977 – when they finished bottom of the old First Division.

De Zerbi and co. will find out their first opponents of the new campaign when the 2026/27 Premier League fixtures are announced this Friday (June 19).

Liverpool hijack Newcastle transfer for World Cup star in last-minute £34million swoop

Jake Lambourne — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 23:53:34 +0000

Liverpool have signed former Newcastle target Victor Munoz.

The Magpies were hopeful of recruiting Osasuna star Munoz to replace Anthony Gordon, who joined Barcelona in a £70million deal last month.

Osasuna winger Munoz is with Spain at the World Cup

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Taking the Vic

But Liverpool swooped in late to activate his €40million (£34m) release clause to become new boss Andoni Iraola‘s first signing since making the move to Merseyside.

We can exclusively reveal Munoz has signed a six-year deal after completing his Liverpool medical at Spain’s training base in Tennessee in a serious transfer blow for the Magpies.

The 2025/26 season proved to be a breakthrough campaign for Munoz.

Munoz chipped in with six goals and two assists from 34 LaLiga matches to help Osasuna narrowly avoid relegation by finishing in 17th spot.

It was his first season at El Sadar Stadium having spent time at both Barcelona and Real Madrid‘s youth teams.

The 22-year-old made four first team appearances for Los Blancos in the 2024/25 term – earning himself a £5m switch to Osasuna.

And his dazzling displays caught the eye of Spain boss Luis de la Fuente, who awarded him his senior debut in March.

It proved to be a night to remember as he scored in a 3-0 victory over Serbia.

His performances at both club and international level saw him named in De La Fuente’s World Cup squad.

Iraola has made his first signing as Liverpool boss

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But he is yet to make his tournament debut having been an unused substitute in Spain’s 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.

European football broadcaster Andy Brassell has tipped Munoz to be a potential breakout star at the global tournament.

He told talkSPORT.com: “Victor Munoz, I think he’s really one to watch for Spain in this World Cup.

“He’s had a great season with Osasuna. He turns 23 the day before the semi-finals start. So still pretty young and as we’ve seen with Lamine Yamal, Spain loves a tournament birthday to motivate them.

“Munoz is small, explosive from the left wing, can score as well as assist. And he’s got such a high ceiling.”

Before adding: “Munoz might get a little bit of bang off the bench and might start in the group.

Munoz will be plying his trade in the Premier League next campaign

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“And there are very few players that Spain are going to arrive with that people are going to know nothing about, I think he’s going to be one of those.

“And I think he’ll really surprise some people.”

Who else could Liverpool sign?

talkSPORT understands that Liverpool also remain keen on signing RB Leipzig star Yan Diomande.

However, the German side are holding out for a fee in excess of £100m.

Liverpool have also held talks to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who starred in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil.

Meanwhile France’s Bradley Barcola is another player on their radar with the left winger keen to depart Paris Saint-Germain.

Hull could face Premier League points deduction immediately after promotion

Ciaran Wiseman — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 12:54:36 +0000

Hull City are at risk of breaching Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) after their promotion to the top-flight.

The Tigers secured their return after a nine-year absence by beating Middlesbrough in the Championship play-off final.

Hull are at risk of a points deduction upon their Premier League return

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However, the club must now sell players before the end of the month to avoid a points deduction.

According to the BBC, Hull overspent by £6million on their PSR calculations.

Football League rules state that they could be hit with a six-point penalty as a result.

The deduction applies to any overspend between £6million and £8million.

Meanwhile, clubs overspending by £4million to £5million are deducted five points, four for £2million to £4million and three points if they breach the limit by less than £2million.

Points deductions

Everton and Nottingham Forest have both faced points deductions for PSR breaches in recent seasons.

The Toffees were deducted a total of eight points during the 2023/24 season.

Their initial 10-point penalty was reduced to six points before another two-point deduction for further breaches.

Forest, meanwhile, were docked four points during the same campaign.

As for the Championship, Leicester City and West Brom were deducted six and two points, respectively, last season for PSR breaches.

Hull must sell players before the end of the month to avoid a six-point deduction

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Hull’s breach has been caused by promotion clauses being triggered by their win over Boro.

EFL clubs are not permitted to make losses of more than £39million across a three-season period.

Hull owner on breach

Owner Acun Ilicali revealed the club must make player sales before July 1 earlier this month.

Speaking at a Q&A at the MKM Stadium, he explained: “We have overspent and we have to sell some players before 1 July.

“I’m not afraid. We have managed harder things. For us, this is more manageable.

“Now we are a Premier League team, the values [of players] has raised up which is a good advantage.”

Ilicali has confirmed the club have overspent following their promotion to the Premier League

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The fixtures for the new Premier League season will be announced on Friday.

Hull will be amongst those clubs to learn their key dates as they return to the top-flight for the first time since 2017.

It comes after a miraculous turnaround in fortunes under Sergej Jakirovic.

The Tigers avoided relegation to League One on goal difference in the 2024/25 season.

However, they finished sixth in the Championship last term before beating Millwall and Boro in the play-offs.

Transfer notebook: Newcastle slap huge price tag on Sandro Tonali, Arsenal eye Bournemouth man, Jarrod Bowen West Ham future latest

Ciaran Wiseman — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:00:00 +0000

Newcastle United want at least £90million for Tottenham Hotspur target Sandro Tonali, talkSPORT understands.

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi, who is taking a lead role on transfers, wants to bring his fellow Italian to north London.

Newcastle have slapped a £90million price tag on Tonali this summer

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Newcastle sources expect the 26-year-old, who is also on the long list of Manchester United and Arsenal, to be sold.

But with Tonali under contract until 2029, the Magpies feel they are in a strong position to demand a high fee.

Nottingham Forest’s £130million valuation of former Toon star Elliot Anderson will also be taken into account.

That means staying in the Premier League is most likely, even though Tonali is open to the idea of returning to AC Milan.

Spurs have already signed free agent pair Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi and are readying a third bid for Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke.

Gunners join Scott hunt

Arsenal are the latest Premier League club showing strong interest in Bournemouth’s Alex Scott.

The midfielder, who narrowly missed out on a place in England’s World Cup squad, is in high demand this summer.

Liverpool and Manchester United both have the Channel Islander on their radar.

The Gunners are also contemplating making an approach to the Cherries for Tottenham fan Scott.

As previously reported by the notebook, Bournemouth do not want to sell Scott this summer and are engaged in contract talks with any new deal expected to include a big release clause. They are understood to value him at £80m.

Arsenal are the latest club to join the race to sign Scott after he missed out on a World Cup spot

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Bowen future

West Ham co-owner Daniel Kretinsky is hopeful of keeping Jarrod Bowen despite relegation from the Premier League.

Kretinsky is on the verge of becoming West Ham’s majority shareholder by buying out shares from the family of the late David Gold.

The Czech businessman has already taken more day-to-day control in the wake of the allegations of exploitative behaviour made against David Sullivan and it was his call to keep manager Nuno Espirito Santo.

Bowen was widely expected to leave the London Stadium after West Ham dropped out of the top flight for the first time in 12 years.

But while the likes of United and Paris Saint-Germain target Crysencio Summerville and Aaron Wan-Bissaka will leave, Kretinsky wants his captain to stay and lead their fight for promotion from the Championship next season.

At 29, West Ham are likely to struggle to bring in a big fee for Bowen.

West Ham are determined to keep hold of Bowen despite their relegation

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Wolves paying former boss

Wolves are still paying Nottingham Forest manager Vitor Pereira – almost a year after his sacking!

Pereira was axed by the Molineux club last November after a run of ten games without a win at the start of the season.

Sources have told talkSPORT the Portuguese continued to take a salary, rather than a hefty one-off compensation fee.

Pereira has a year left on his deal at the City Ground and wants to stay long term, but negotiations over a new agreement have been put on hold, at least for now.

Tottenham confirm £52m deal to sign World Cup star from Premier League rival

Ciaran Wiseman — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:32:09 +0000

Tottenham have announced the signing of Jan Paul van Hecke from Premier League rivals Brighton & Hove Albion.

Spurs will pay £52million for the defender, who is currently at the World Cup with the Netherlands.

Spurs have reached an agreement for Van Hecke to join from Brighton after previously seeing a bid rejected

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Van Hecke previously played under Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi for the Seagulls.

Tottenham persisted with their bid to land the Dutchman, despite Brighton CEO Paul Barber revealing on talkSPORT that the north London club had two previous bids rejected.

Their earlier offers came in below Brighton’s valuation of the 25-year-old, but after continued negotiations, the two sides have struck a deal.

It’s understood that Spurs’ young defender Luka Vuskovic is not part of any move for Van Hecke.

View Tweet: https://t.co/PSxNUREvr5

talkSPORT revealed last week Tottenham had rejected Brighton’s £30m bid for the Croatia international, but Van Hecke’s move is separate to this.

However, the Seagulls will benefit in other ways, and are understood to have negotiated a 20 per cent sell-on clause in the Dutchman’s £52m move.

He is Spurs’ third signing of the summer after Andy Robertson and Marcos Senesi also joined.

Van Hecke is close to De Zerbi after making 50 appearances during his Brighton tenure.

The centre-back, who joined Brighton in 2020, was entering the final year of his current contract.

He didn’t sign an extension beyond the end of next season, causing growing interest in his signature this summer.

Van Hecke made 50 appearances for the Seagulls under De Zerbi between 2022 and 2024

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Van Hecke told the club’s official website: “It’s a huge honour to become a Spurs player and when you join such a big club, it’s a dream come true.

“I already have a really strong connection with the Head Coach, who I’m looking forward to working with again. Micky (van de Ven) has also told me some great things about the Club, so I can’t wait to get started.

“I’ve been at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as an opposition player and now I’m looking forward to walking out there in front of our fans wearing the Spurs shirt. That will be a special moment.”

Sporting Director, Johan Lange, added: “Jan Paul is an outstanding defender who has excelled in the Premier League and at international level, and someone we have been tracking for a number of years.

“As well as his technical qualities and strong defensive instincts, he also has the maturity, character and professionalism that we look for when recruiting players.

“As we continue to build our squad, it is important to bring in players who can contribute immediately while also being part of our long-term vision.

De Zerbi guided Spurs away from relegation danger and now he is look to build a team in his image

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“Jan Paul fits that profile perfectly, and we are excited about what he will bring to the team.”

Meanwhile, Head Coach, Roberto De Zerbi, said: “Jan Paul is someone I know very well from our time together at Brighton, and I’m delighted to be working with him again.

“He is a strong, intelligent centre-back who is brave in possession and plays with personality. Those are important qualities for the way I want our team to set-up.

“Off the pitch he is mature, a leader and has a hunger to learn and improve every day.

“Jan Paul has made great progress over the past few years and I believe he can develop even further here at Tottenham Hotspur.”

Van Hecke played all 90 minutes of the Netherlands’ World Cup opener against Japan

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Van Hecke interest

Liverpool and Newcastle United were also admirers of Van Hecke.

The Magpies previously showed interest in a move in recent transfer windows.

We previously reported that Brighton would look to recoup at least £50m if Van Hecke was sold this summer.

He joined the club from Dutch side NAC Breda six years ago for just £1.7m.

Van Hecke is currently on international duty with the Netherlands after being named in their World Cup squad.

Since making his debut in 2024, he has won 12 caps under Ronald Koeman, his latest seeing him start in the Oranje’s 2-2 draw against Japan at the World Cup last weekend.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer emerges as contender for Premier League vacancy

Martha Riley — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:30:51 +0000

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is reportedly among the candidates to replace Kieran McKenna as Ipswich manager.

However, talkSPORT understands that Gary O’Neil remains the frontrunner for the vacant job at Portman Road.

Could Solskjaer manage in the Premier League for a third time?

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McKenna departed the Tractor Boys last week, deciding to take a break from football after guiding them back to the Premier League.

He led the club from League One to the top-flight with three promotions in four successful seasons in charge, but has opted to step away from the game to spend more time with his family.

With the search underway for his successor, Ipswich could now turn to a former colleague of McKenna’s.

The BBC report that ex-Manchester United boss Solskjaer is in the running to take over. The Norwegian has been out of work since his sacking by Turkish club Besiktas last summer.

The 53-year-old had looked set for a return to Old Trafford in January, as interim boss, but was overlooked in favour of Michael Carrick.

McKenna was among Solskjaer‘s staff – as well as Carrick – at United during his tenure between 2018 and 2021.

Solskjaer took a break from management following his departure, but was keen for a quick return to football after his time at Besiktas was brought to an end in August 2025.

After almost a year out of work, the 53-year-old would likely be open to a return to the Premier League following a five-year absence.

Stiff competition

Solskjaer may have to fight off competition if he is to take over at Ipswich, as talkSPORT understands Strasbourg boss O’Neil remains the lead candidate for the vacancy.

O’Neil quickly emerged as the frontrunner for the job despite only replacing Liam Rosenior at the Ligue 1 club in January.

McKenna departed Portman Road having ended Ipswich’s 22-year Premier League exile during his five years in charge

O’Neil has revived his managerial career in Ligue 1

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The 43-year-old has previously managed Bournemouth and Wolves in the Premier League, but is under contract in France for another three years.

Strasbourg went on to finish eighth in Ligue 1 under his watch – missing out on European qualification by a single point.

Meanwhile, Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen has also emerged as a potential option for Ipswich with Knutsen masterminding the Norwegian club’s remarkable rise.

talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook said three days after McKenna’s exit: “Gary O’Neil was the early frontrunner – the former Wolves and Bournemouth boss – now in charge of Strasbourg.

“He got them to the semi-finals of the Conference League.

“There’s also been a lot of talk over the last 24 hours about Knutsen – the manager of Bodo/Glimt – the hipster’s choice, who caused a few waves in European competitions in the last couple of years.

Bodo/Glimt boss Knutsen could rival Solskjaer and O’Neil for the Ipswich job

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“That could be one to keep an eye on as well.”

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s managerial career

Solskjaer began his managerial career in his native Norway, spending three years in charge of Molde between 2011 and 2014.

During this time, he guided the club to back-to-back league titles in 2011 and 2012, as well as Norwegian Football Cup glory in 2013.

In January 2014, Solskjaer was appointed Cardiff manager, but was unable to save them from Premier League relegation, and was sacked after a disappointing start to the season in the Championship.

A return to Molde followed, where he stayed until he was appointed Man United interim boss after Jose Mourinho‘s sacking in 2018.

The 1999 treble hero got the job permanently before the 2018/19 season ended and went on to guide United to a second place Premier League finish in the 2020/21 season.

Solskjaer has not managed in English football since his three-year tenure at Old Trafford

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But after a downturn in form, Solskjaer was relieved of his duties in November 2021, and gave a tearful exit interview as he departed.

A four-year break from football followed, before the ex-United striker was appointed as Besiktas manager in January 2025, however he was sacked the following August after failing to qualify for European football.

Man United consider double West Ham raid for £130m-rated relegated pair

Ciaran Wiseman — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 11:20:27 +0000

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing deals for West Ham United duo Crysencio Summerville and Mateus Fernandes this summer.

The Hammers are expected to have to sell following their relegation from the Premier League.

United are interested in a £130million double swoop for Fernandes and Summerville

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Summerville and Fernandes are among those in demand at the London Stadium after impressing despite their club’s poor season.

According to The Athletic, United have shortlisted Summerville on their list of left-wing targets.

The Netherlands international, who scored in their 2-2 draw with Japan at the World Cup, is expected to cost £50million, with the Red Devils already enquiring about his availability.

Summerville has three years left on his Hammers deal, but is currently away at the World Cup.

Tottenham Hotspur previously showed interest in the 24-year-old in January.

Last season saw Summerville score five goals and provide four assists in 31 Premier League appearances.

Marcus Rashford’s Old Trafford future could play a role in United’s pursuit of a new left winger.

The England forward is set to return to the club following his season-long loan spell with Barcelona.

Although the Spanish giants are keen to bring him back to the club, they opted against triggering the £26million option to buy in his deal.

Fernandes interest

The report adds that United are now focusing on Fernandes in their bid to bolster Michael Carrick’s midfield options.

Fernandes has given the green light to a move to Old Trafford this summer

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Advanced talks are currently on going with the Portuguese’s agent Jorge Mendes.

talkSPORT understands Fernandes is keen on a move to the Red Devils, with personal terms not expected to be an issue.

West Ham value the 21-year-old at £80million, with his contract not set to expire until 2030.

Having arrived from Southampton last summer, Fernandes scored three goals and added four assists from midfield in 36 Premier League appearances for the club.

United’s transfer business

United have already been busy in the transfer market this summer following their third place finish in the Premier League.

Brazil midfielder Ederson is set to join the club from Atalanta after a deal was agreed between the parties.

Carrick has already added to his squad with the imminent arrival of Ederson

However, the Red Devils have missed out on Germany left-back Nathaniel Brown.

The Eintracht Frankfurt defender is expected to complete a move to Bayern Munich.

Man United block two clubs from activating £40m Marcus Rashford release clause

Jack Johnson — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 10:18:46 +0000

Manchester United have blocked their two biggest rivals from being able to activate Marcus Rashford’s £40million release clause.

Liverpool and Manchester City are the only clubs that are reportedly unable to trigger the clause to sign the England forward.

Man United have blocked their two rivals from being able to activate Rashford’s clause

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Rashford is set to head back to Man United this summer after Barcelona opted against paying the fee to make his loan permanent.

The 28-year-old spent last season with Barca in Spain, helping them claim the La Liga title with some impressive performances.

But they weren’t keen on spending the money needed to keep him, leaving Rashford with no choice but to return to Manchester.

His future at Old Trafford remains in doubt though, with Barca still open to negotiating another potential deal.

And he does have a £40m release clause in his United contract, meaning clubs are able to swoop in at that price.

However, Rashford has two sides that won’t be able to sign him if they wanted to – Liverpool and Man City.

According to The Athletic, all other teams can trigger the clause except the Red Devils’ biggest Premier League rivals.

It is reported that some interest has come from other top-flight clubs, with Rashford sure to be an attractive signing.

In 49 games for Barcelona last season, he scored 14 goals and also provided 14 assists in an impressive return.

He provided nine goal contributions in 11 appearances in the Champions League, showing that he still has the ability to compete amongst Europe’s elite despite his rough United exit.

Rashford, who is currently with England at the World Cup, is set to return to United

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Could Rashford stay at Man United?

Amid the transfer interest for Rashford, he may end up staying at Man United and potentially making a comeback.

The Athletic claim that he would rather stay for the remaining two years of his United contract than join another English club.

And that would lead to now-permanent manager Michael Carrick cutting down on any more spending this summer.

United have already reached an agreement to sign Ederson for £38.8m, while they are linked to two West Ham stars.

Mateus Fernandes is another option for midfield, with the 21-year-old giving the green light that he wants to join.

Crysencio Summerville is the other Hammers player on United’s watchlist, but that move may be impacted by Rashford.

The 28-year-old has not played a game for United since December 2024

Rex

Extra funds would be provided should Rashford’s release clause be triggered and that would allow extra spending.

Although United are soon going to be boosted financially, as ex-boss Ruben Amorim is set to be named as AC Milan manager.

talkSPORT understands that their £15.9million compensation being paid to Amorim will be slashed when he is appointed.

But Rashford’s future is not expected to be decided for at least another month, as he plays for England at the World Cup.

His form with Barcelona secured him a spot in the Three Lions’ squad for the tournament in North America.

And he will hope to start in Thomas Tuchel‘s side’s first group game against Croatia on Wednesday night, live on talkSPORT.

Nick Pope tipped for Premier League transfer as Newcastle-linked replacement hints at exit

Jack Johnson — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 09:57:25 +0000

Nick Pope has been touted as an ideal signing for Ipswich Town this summer amid the goalkeeper’s uncertain Newcastle future.

The 34-year-old had a stop-start season last term due to a groin injury and being dropped for loanee Aaron Ramsdale.

Pope has been linked with Ipswich following a tough season with Newcastle

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He still featured 36 times for the Magpies in all competitions though, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding 46 times altogether.

But in what was a difficult campaign for Eddie Howe‘s side, Pope came under criticism for some of his performances.

Fans have questioned whether he is still good enough to start in goal, with concerns over his quality with the ball at his feet.

Newcastle have already signed 20-year-old Ewen Jaouen this summer, but he’s not expected to be a starter straight away.

However, they have also been interested in signing James Trafford from Manchester City too, with that interest clearly indicating that Pope may not be seen as No.1 for much longer.

That transfer talk has also led to eyes focusing on the England international, who may end up being pushed out the door after four years between the sticks at St. James’ Park.

And newly-promoted Ipswich Town have been linked with him, as they look to bolster their goalkeeping department following promotion back to the Premier League last season.

talkSPORT Breakfast hosts Andy Goldstein and Gabby Agbonlahor were asked to rate the potential switch as part of their Transfer Tinder segment – and they both backed it.

“I like that move,” Agbonlahor admitted. “He’s just not good enough with his feet and the way big teams want to play.

Goldstein added: “He’s a good goalkeeper. He’s a big, big goalkeeper, a good presence, I like him a lot.”

The Newcastle goalkeeper faced criticism last term and could be replaced

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Who could replace Pope at Newcastle?

As things stand, Pope will still be No.1 next season, with loanee Ramsdale already returning to Southampton.

However, that may change should Newcastle end up acting on their strong interest in Man City goalkeeper Trafford.

The Magpies have long been looking at the 23-year-old, holding talks with his old club Burnley two years ago.

They couldn’t get a deal done then, while last summer, Trafford rejected them to move to City instead in a late hijack.

But the Three Lions star, who is in North America with the England squad at the World Cup, appears to be looking for an exit.

Trafford has spoken openly about his disappointment following his transfer to Man City, as he joined expecting to be their No.1 goalkeeper before Gianluigi Donnarumma was also signed.

Trafford may finally get his move to Newcastle amid his unhappiness at Man City

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His frustration with only being No.2 at the Etihad may see him leave in the coming months, and he’s hinted at a move that could help him become No.1 for his club and on the international stage.

Speaking from England’s World Cup camp, Trafford admitted: “I think history says there hasn’t been a goalie to start for any of the top nations that isn’t a No. 1 at the club.

“You never know, whether I move, whether I don’t move, I do what’s right for me and my career.

“Just because you play for a certain club doesn’t mean that you automatically play for the national team, you have still got to show your level.

“You have still got to perform at the highest level, and when I did move [to Man City last summer], if I would have become England’s No. 1 for the tournament, it would have been brilliant.

“I’d have been very happy, but obviously I didn’t. They obviously ended up signing Gigi, and I didn’t play the majority of the games, and that’s football.”

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Paul Pogba makes bold Manchester United Premier League title prediction under Michael Carrick

Robert Calcutt — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 07:56:56 +0000

Paul Pogba believes Manchester United will become Premier League champions under Michael Carrick within the next three years.

Carrick has been announced as the new permanent head coach after a hugely impressive spell until the end of the 2025/26 season.

Carrick was handed the permanent job at United after a strong spell in the dugout

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The former midfielder won 12 of his 17 matches in charge and lost just two, with 33 goals scored across all those fixtures.

United finished third in the Premier League and therefore qualified for the 2026/27 Champions League.

And Pogba, who made 28 appearances alongside Carrick for the club, believes they are destined for league glory under his management.

Speaking to Jim White at the World Cup for talkSPORT, he said: “I played with him. I also had him as a coach.

“He’s really close to the players, he knows the game and I think he can really bring something to this team.

“When he came here the team changed totally and it’s going to be a big test for them next season.”

When asked if United can win the Premier League with Carrick at the helm, Pogba said: “Yes, I think Manchester United will win in the next few years. They’re gonna be champions of the Premier League.

“If Arsenal can be champions, Manchester United will definitely be champions. It’s a big statement… but I believe they will.”

“Yes, I believe so,” he insisted on whether or not the title will come in five years.

“I probably say next three years, next three years in my opinion. Yeah I think they can make it the next three years.”

Pogba believes Carrick will make United Premier League winners again

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Pogba, who made 233 appearances across two spells at United before his second exit in 2022, had a mixed time at Old Trafford.

Injury issues limited him from further outings in red, and some fans believe he was not able to reach his full potential at the club.

However, Pogba still looks back fondly on his United career as he said: “I have a big history with Manchester United.

“They’re always gonna be in my heart, with the good, with the bad and I mean that club was my first love really.”

United hope to end Premier League drought

The legendary Sir Alex Ferguson delivered 13 Premier League titles at United, who became one of the biggest clubs in world football.

However, since he left in 2013, United have not got their hands on the English league crown.

Ferguson is the last United boss to win the Premier League

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Manchester City, Chelsea, Leicester City, Liverpool and Arsenal have all become Premier League champions after United’s last title.

United have finished second on two occasions, with a 12-point gap between them and City in 2020/21 being the closest they’ve come.

Listen to the full interview with Paul Pogba on Tuesday’s White and Jordan from 1pm.

Premier League club set to sign highly-rated Paris Saint-Germain wonderkid

Robert Calcutt — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 06:18:37 +0000

Manchester City are reportedly expected to sign 18-year-old defender Hermann Malonga from Paris Saint-Germain.

The centre-back joined the French giants in 2021 and has featured 31 times for their youth sides since then.

Malonga will reportedly be joining City this summer

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Malonga, has also won eight caps with the France Under-17s and played in their road to the Euros U17 final.

According to French outlet L’Equipe, City are set to offer him a five-year deal.

Coaches at PSG believe that Malonga had the potential to feature for the first team in the French capital.

Malonga is set to have an ‘immersion’ phase when he joins City, before heading out on loan to further his development.

A summer of change at City

After a decade of glittering success, Pep Guardiola has left City and is set to be replaced by his former assistant Enzo Maresca.

Maresca, who has previously managed Leicester City and Chelsea, had already agreed to take over before the end of the 2025/26 season.

talkSPORT understands that a three-year contract has been agreed in principle between the Italian and City.

Willy Caballero, who spent three years at City as a goalkeeper, is also expected to be part of Maresca’s backroom team.

Managerial change aside, City have also bid farewell to two long-term stars in Bernardo Silva and John Stones.

Real Madrid have agreed a deal in principle to sign Silva, who won 20 trophies with City after his 2017 arrival from Monaco.

PSG are said to view Malonga as a very promising player

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Jose Mourinho is understood to have spearheaded a move for the 31-year-old Portugal international.

Silva is set to be one of three Premier League players who will make moves to Madrid this summer.

Marc Cucurella’s €60million (£51.8m) switch from Chelsea has already been confirmed.

Ibrahima Konate is also expected to join Madrid having agreed terms with the club amid his Liverpool exit.

Stones is also leaving City as a free agent following his own ten years of success, during which he won 20 honours.

His former club Everton are understood to be among the clubs who are monitoring him ahead of next season.

Shock Premier League club enters race to sign Sandro Tonali

Ciaran Wiseman — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 22:35:31 +0000

Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Sandro Tonali, talkSPORT understands.

Roberto De Zerbi is driving his side’s move for the Newcastle United midfielder.

Spurs have entered the race to sign Newcastle midfielder Tonali this summer

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Tonali has emerged as one of Spurs’ leading transfer targets ahead of next season.

Although they have approached the Italian, they are yet to open talks with Newcastle.

A host of Premier League clubs are also keen on the 26-year-old, including Arsenal and Manchester City.

However, Tonali’s current preference is to return to former club AC Milan.

He spent three years with the Italian giants prior to his £52million move to St. James’ Park in 2023.

During his time with Milan, Tonali won a Serie A title during the 2021/22 season.

His current Newcastle contract has two years remaining before it expires in 2028.

Tonali made 53 appearances for Eddie Howe’s side across all competitions.

Across those outings, he scored three goals and provided seven assists.

However, those were not enough to help the Magpies qualify for Europe.

Tonali’s preference is to return to former club Milan this summer

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Newcastle finished the campaign in 12th place, four points adrift of a place in the Conference League.

Spurs’ transfer business

De Zerbi has already got to work building his side for next season after Spurs narrowly avoided relegation.

Andy Robertson has joined the club on a free transfer from Liverpool after nine years at Anfield.

The left-back will be joined by Marcos Senesi, who will also arrive when his contract expires with Bournemouth on June 30.

Spurs have also seen two bids rejected for Brighton defender Jan Paul van Hecke.

Meanwhile, they turned back an offer from the Seagulls for Luka Vuskovic over the weekend.

De Zerbi has already made two signings after guiding Spurs to Premier League safety

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The Croatia defender spent last season on loan at Bundesliga outfit Hamburg.

Brighton saw a bid worth £30million rejected by Spurs, talkSPORT understands.

More to follow.

Crystal Palace appoint cup-winning manager who ‘impressed’ in Liverpool interviews

Ciaran Wiseman — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:15:54 +0000

Pierre Sage has been appointed as the new Crystal Palace manager.

The Frenchman has signed a three-year deal at Selhurst Park to replace Oliver Glasner.

Sage has been confirmed as Palace boss on a three-year deal

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His backroom team is set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Speaking to Palace’s media channels following his appointment, Sage explained: “It’s amazing to be here at Crystal Palace. I am excited by the history of the club, and by recent seasons.

“Oliver Glasner achieved some amazing things, and now I have to do the same. That’s why we come here with a lot of ambition.

“The dynamic here is really positive, and we are in this mindset too. We won last year, and we want to continue in this way, in a new club, a new project, but with a lot of winning habits.

“We want to give our best every day for the team, for the club, for the people, and especially for the fans, because when you love a club in England, it’s for all your life.

“We want to give the fans what they want. We want to make the fans smile, to be proud of the team, and to be proud of the club, so we will give our best for you, and we are together.”

Sage led Lens to second place in Ligue 1 last season and won the French Cup.

The final victory over Nice represented the club’s first cup win in their 120-year history.

Sage held talks with Liverpool before they announced the arrival of Andoni Iraola as their new head coach.

He is understood to have impressed Liverpool but they opted to pick the ex-Bournemouth boss as their replacement for Arne Slot.

Glasner has left Palace after winning three trophies in two years as manager

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Who is Pierre Sage?

Having been appointed last summer, Sage’s move to Palace will see Lens receive compensation worth up to €5million (£4.3m), talkSPORT understands.

The 47-year-old previously spent 14 months as Lyon boss before he was sacked last January.

During that time he achieved a sixth place finish in Ligue 1 as well as reaching the 2024 French Cup final

Sage is now in line to succeed Glasner at Selhurst Park ahead of next season.

Palace had previously explored a move to appoint Iraola as manager.

It followed interest from both AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen in the Spaniard’s services.

Sage guided Lens to their first-ever French Cup triumph last season

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Glasner departs

Glasner will leave Palace when his contract expires at the end of this month.

It follows a stunning two-year tenure as manager which has seen the club win three trophies.

Palace picked up their first piece of major silverware last year by beating Manchester City in the FA Cup final.

The win was followed by a Community Shield triumph ahead of the start of this season.

Meanwhile, their maiden European campaign ended with a win over Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final.

As a result, Palace will enter the league phase of next season’s Europa League, competing in the competition for the first time.

Sage previously reached the quarter-finals as Lyon boss during the 2024/25 season.

He will avoid a reunion with Lens if he takes over as the Eagles’ next manager, though.

His current club have qualified for the Champions League for the fourth time in their history after their second place finish last term.

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Chelsea could have ready-made replacements for Marc Cucurella already signed

Robert Calcutt — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 17:10:15 +0000

Valentin Barco and Geovany Quenda are two players who can replace Marc Cucurella at Chelsea next season.

Real Madrid have announced the signing of Cucurella in a deal worth €55million (£47.5m) and €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons.

Cucurella has left Chelsea for Madrid

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The Spain international has penned a six-year deal at the Bernabeu, with his former club Barcelona and Atletico Madrid missing out.

Chelsea have lost one of their key players at the beginning of the summer transfer window, with Jorrel Hato their remaining left-back.

However, Barco is set to join from sister club Strasbourg on a six-year deal, with Quenda also arriving from Sporting.

Amid the departure of Cucurella, talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs explained how Chelsea may already have two replacements ready for him.

“From Chelsea’s point of view, they feel that Xabi Alonso needs to be embedded to determine if it’s going to be a back three or a back four, a back three being Xabi Alonso’s preferred formation.

“And if so, it’s all about the left wing-back. Chelsea do have Valentin Barco, who is capable of playing in that position, even though he thrives a bit further forwards, and had an excellent season for Strasbourg.

“Geovany Quenda is joining from Sporting too, and he’s capable of being a left wing-back. When Chelsea signed Quenda, they sent him back to Sporting for a season and the determination was he was a left winger.

“Whereas Manchester United wanted Quenda immediately and they said to the player, ‘You’re a left wing-back’. So, that was a point of difference in the pitch and yet, Chelsea won that race.

“Now, it may be that they consider Quenda under Xabi Alonso’s formation as a deeper-lying left wing-back. So effectively, there’s options to fill the void left by Marc Cucurella.

“And yet, I still expect Chelsea to scour the market, and see whether there are any other starting left-backs or left wing-backs available.

Barco could be the man to fill in for Cucurella at left-back

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Quenda is another option for the role under Alonso

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“People will naturally make links with (Alejandro) Grimaldo due to the fact that Xabi Alonso had him at (Bayer) Leverkusen.

“Atletico Madrid are also interested in that particular player, so Chelsea are going to be really busy.”

How did Real Madrid sign Cucurella?

talkSPORT revealed the news of Cucurella’s move to Madrid on Sunday, which came as a surprise amid other interest from Spain.

Atletico were in talks with Chelsea for the 27-year-old and Barcelona, his former academy, were also potential suitors.

However, it’s Real Madrid who have got a deal over the line.

“Cucurella had spoken out about Chelsea’s project, but he had agreed new terms not that long ago, last year,” Jacobs added.

Cucurella was at Chelsea for four years and in England for six years

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“But it was a deal, given Cucurella’s age and the price, that suited all parties. Real Madrid moved really quickly, the decision to bid for Cucurella was only made in the last 24 to 48 hours.

“From there, Real knew they had to be fast because Atletico Madrid were also prepared to pounce.

“But, about two days ago, Atleti went to Chelsea and opened talks, and they made it clear that they wanted to pay under €50m.

“So Real have paid the asking price and Jose Mourinho, who drove this deal, has got his man.”

Will Enzo Fernandez join Cucurella at Madrid?

As talkSPORT reported last month, Enzo Fernandez wants to leave Chelsea this summer.

The Blues would prefer to keep the Argentine midfielder, but are open to a sale and would demand a fee of £120m.

Fernandez would welcome a bid from Madrid, having fuelled speculation by revealing he would like to live in the Spanish capital.

“Enzo Fernandez is open to joining Real Madrid,” Jacobs said. “More, in fact, than open, he’s keen, and it’s no secret really that Enzo Fernandez would like that move. His relatively new agent, Javier Pastore, is trying to get Real Madrid to place a bid.

Fernandez is keen to sign for Madrid ahead of next season

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“And yet Real, who have been busy already in the market, are still deciding if they would like the kind of profile that Enzo Fernandez brings, or if they’re going to go for a deeper-lying midfielder.

“Rodri is another target, Mateus Fernandes is also on Real Madrid’s radar and Manchester United are trying to push ahead with that deal. PSG (Paris Saint-Germain) and Arsenal have also looked in the last few weeks.

“But really, the primary focus for Real Madrid now is going to be on finding a midfielder, and they have to determine whether they’re going to get someone in (Aurelien) Tchouameni’s position.

“Or, a more attack-minded midfielder, bearing in mind that Bernardo Silva has already joined Real Madrid.

“So, Enzo Fernandez is waiting to see whether Real bite, effectively, and if Chelsea are to sell, then they want to do so at a very high price. Not just to break even as far as the book valuation is concerned.

“But Chelsea, as we revealed on talkSPORT, value Enzo Fernandez at £120million, and it remains to be seen whether or not Real Madrid choose to pay that particular amount.

“They haven’t bid as of yet but naturally, if they do hold a genuine interest in the player and want to advance things, they’ve been in talks with Chelsea to close that Cucurella deal.

“So, possibly after the World Cup for that one, we might get more developments on the future of Enzo Fernandez

Manchester United follow Arsenal and Tottenham and announce record-breaking deal

Martha Riley — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 15:01:42 +0000

Manchester United will be the next Premier League team to feature on an Amazon Prime ‘All or Nothing’ series.

The Red Devils have signed a record-breaking deal with the streaming giants, which will see the cameras follow them for an access-all-areas documentary covering the 2026/27 season.

The highs and lows of Michael Carrick’s first full season as United boss will be aired to the world

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Filming will start in pre-season, before it airs in the summer of 2027.

While focusing heavily on United’s men’s first-team, there will also be insight into the women’s and academy teams.

It promises to be an interesting watch, with Michael Carrick set for his first full campaign in charge following his permanent appointment, as he navigates the club’s return to the Champions League.

Amazon has paid a record fee to record the series, having previously followed Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

Tottenham were paid around £10million to chart their 2019/20 season, while Arsenal earned a similar amount in 2022.

talkSPORT can reveal that United’s fee is in excess of £10m, and they had held discussions with a number of platforms in recent years about the possibility of a series.

They were previously approached over an ‘All or Nothing’ documentary under ex-boss Ruben Amorim.

However, the Portuguese coach, who was sacked in January, is said to have rallied against the idea.

But the Red Devils have finally agreed to grant Amazon access into their club, who they view as the perfect partner given their track record in producing the raw, unfiltered documentaries.

United sources say the docuseries is aligned with the club’s desire to be as open and transparent with their huge global fanbase.

Man United have been on an upwards trajectory since Michael Carrick’s interim appointment in January

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The Amazon cameras will go behind-the-scenes at United’s newly-renovated Carrington training complex

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‘Unprecedented access’

Man United announced the exciting documentary on Monday, which they said would follow a ‘transformative summer’.

The 20-time English champions also promised ‘unprecedented access to one of the world’s most prestigious football clubs’, as well as taking viewers behind-the-scenes at Old Trafford and their Carrington training base.

Welcoming the news, Chief Communications Officer, Toby Craig said: “Now is the right time to open our doors, so that for the first time our fans around the world can see behind the scenes of a club which means so much to so many people.

“This documentary will showcase Manchester United’s unique people, ambition and culture; from the iconic atmosphere at Old Trafford to the work that goes on behind the scenes every day at Carrington.

“We will share some of the stories of this historic club both with our fans and new audiences around the world as we compete at the highest level, both domestically and in the Champions League.”

Fourth time lucky

As mentioned, United will follow their Premier League rivals in having their very own fly-on-the-wall ‘All or Nothing’ series.

Previous instalments of the ‘All or Nothing’ franchise have provided some memorable moments, including from Mikel Arteta

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Amazon launched the documentary franchise in 2016, following NFL side the Arizona Cardinals and have since expanded the franchise to football, ice hockey, and rugby union.

Local rivals Man City’s edition aired in 2018, and followed their 2017/18 Premier League success under Pep Guardiola, which saw them become the first team to break the 100-point mark.

In 2020, the cameras went behind-the-scenes following Jose Mourinho‘s appointment at Tottenham in the 2019/20 season.

Meanwhile Arsenal’s documentary took place during the 2021/22 campaign, when the Gunners fell away late in the season to finish fifth.

It gave an insight into some of Mikel Arteta‘s unique motivational methods and also showed some angry team talks and training ground bust-ups.

Chelsea announce Marc Cucurella sale to Real Madrid – days after Xabi Alonso admission

Robert Calcutt — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 09:10:00 +0000

Real Madrid have officially announced the signing of Marc Cucurella from Chelsea on a six-year deal.

Atletico Madrid were also in talks for the left-back, who is with Spain at the World Cup.

Cucurella has joined Madrid from Chelsea after four years at Stamford Bridge

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However, Cucurella has picked their city rivals Real Madrid as his next club, with the deal moving quickly on Sunday.

Real have struck an agreement worth €55million (£47.5m) and €5m (£4.3m) in add-ons to secure the defender’s services.

Cucurella leaves Chelsea four years after signing from Brighton in a £60m move.

The 27-year-old made 163 appearances across all competitions for the Blues, scoring nine goals and assisting 13.

Cucurella won the Club World Cup and Conference League during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Confirming the sale on Monday morning, a Chelsea statement read: “Marc Cucurella has completed a permanent transfer to Spanish LaLiga side Real Madrid.”

Before adding: “Everyone at Chelsea FC would like to thank Marc for his efforts during his time at the club and for the role he played in our recent achievements.

“We wish him every success as he begins the next stage of his career.”

What did Cucurella say on Xabi Alonso?

News of his move to Madrid will come as a surprise following comments he made on his future this weekend.

Speaking to Marca on transfer speculation, he said: “I’m not reading much and I’m not paying much attention. My agents already know they don’t have to tell me anything.

Cucurella has established himself as one of the world’s best left-backs

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“I’m very happy where I am, and so is my family. Whatever happens, happens. Right now, I’m focused on the World Cup and enjoying this experience, which is my first and who knows if it will be my last.”

When asked if he was inspired by the Chelsea project under their new manager Xabi Alonso, he replied: “Yes. I’ve spoken with him and he inspired a lot of confidence in me.

“I’ve also spoken with (Alejandro) Grimaldo and Borja (Iglesias), who have worked with him, and they spoke very highly of him. The project seems very interesting.”

talkSPORT revealed earlier this month that Chelsea would be willing to sell Cucurella if their valuation was met.

Cucurella had three years remaining on his deal at Chelsea, who have Jorrel Hato ready to fill the void at left-back.

Atletico had Cucurella as a leading target and Barcelona were also said to be potential suitors.

View Tweet: https://x.com/cucurella3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

But Real Madrid stole a march on their rivals for one of the best left-backs in world football.

Cucurella is the latest Premier League player to agree to a move to Madrid after Bernardo Silva, who will leave Manchester City.

Liverpool pushing to sign World Cup star who will cost at least £100m

Jake Lambourne — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 07:03:52 +0000

Liverpool remain keen on signing RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande following his stunning World Cup debut, talkSPORT understands.

The 19-year-old put in a man of the match display to help Ivory Coast beat Ecuador 1-0 in their Group E opener.

Diomande starred for Ivory Coast against Ecuador in his first World Cup outing

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Diomande has established himself as one of the world’s hottest prospects following his switch from Leganes to RB Leipzig last summer.

talkSPORT reported in February how Liverpool had identified the teenager – dubbed as an immense talent – as a potential replacement for Mohamed Salah.

And we also told you how the speedy forward was attracting interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.

Diomande in the rough

But the Reds are determined to be the club that manages to secure Diomande’s services.

Though Diomande, who chipped in with 13 goals and ten assists in 36 matches for Leipzig across all competitions in the recent campaign, will not come cheap.

It is understood that Leipzig are holding out for a fee well in excess of £100million.

Liverpool have made strengthening in the wide areas as a top priority following the departure of Salah.

But the club are prepared to be patient in their pursuit of targets following the appointment of new boss Andoni Iraola.

Speaking after Ivory Coast’s late winner over Ecuador, head coach Emerse Fae insisted that Diomande will only focus on his future following the conclusion of the tournament.

He said: “When we were in France, during the preparation, journalists told me he was about to sign with PSG.

Diomande has been tipped to be one of the World Cup’s breakout stars in North America

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“Here, they tell me he’s about to sign with Liverpool!

“I don’t know, but for now, he will focus on the World Cup, and then afterwards, he can think about the rest of his career.”

Before adding on his dazzling display: “Yan – what can I say? I can’t put it into words.

“He’s very talented, but beyond the talent, he’s very young and he’ll improve.

“He’s a kid who works hard, has a real team spirit, laughs with everyone, and he listens, listens to the technical staff whenever he’s given advice, and tries to do his best, as he’s told.

“It’s easy to work with someone like Yan, he’s so talented and has what is needed, plus he can give you the victory.”

Diomande has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Salah at Anfield

Should Liverpool break the £100m barrier to prise Diomande away from Germany, it would be the third time they would have forked out nine figures on a player.

The Merseyside outfit did so twice in 2025 – breaking the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal rising to £116.5m.

They then broke their own record to land Alexander Isak from Newcastle for £125m.

Last summer saw Liverpool splash out £446m last summer – a record amount by a club in a single window.

It remains to be seen how much Iraola will be given to spend as the club look to mount a title charge following a disappointing defence of their Premier League crown in the 2025/26 campaign.

And Diomande isn’t the only World Cup star that Liverpool are targeting.

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Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.

Liverpool have held talks to sign Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, who starred in Morocco’s 1-1 draw with Brazil.

Meanwhile France’s Bradley Barcola is another player on their radar with the left winger keen to depart Paris Saint-Germain.

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Arsenal battle Liverpool and Chelsea in race for £60m-rated World Cup wonderkid

Ciaran Wiseman — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 17:47:10 +0000

Arsenal are in talks to sign Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi.

The 18-year-old Lille player was a standout performer for Morocco in their 1-1 World Cup draw with Brazil on Saturday.

Arsenal are in talks to sign Morocco midfielder Bouaddi from Lille

Shutterstock Editorial

Liverpool have also held talks, while Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have been tracking the Morocco international.

Bouaddi only extended his Lille contract before the World Cup and is contracted until 2029.

Any deal would likely cost at least £60million, yet that number could rise if Bouaddi continues to shine at the World Cup.

Lille are in no rush to sell but the contract extension was not only about improving terms, the French club wanted to protect Bouaddi’s value ahead of the World Cup.

The clash with Brazil was just Bouaddi’s fourth cap for Morocco after making his debut against Burundi last month.

He had previously represented his birth country France up to under-21 level.

Meanwhile, Bouaddi made 42 appearances across all competitions for Lille last season.

His current side reached the last 16 of the Europa League as well as finishing third in Ligue 1 to qualify for the next term’s Champions League.

Morocco will be hoping Bouaddi can continue his fine form throughout the rest of the tournament.

The 2022 semi-finalists continue their campaign against Scotland on Friday before their final group stage fixture against Haiti on June 24.

Chelsea, Liverpool and PSG have also shown interest in signing the 18-year-old

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Their run to the semi-finals four years ago was Morocco’s best World Cup performance and the first time they had advanced to the knockout stage since 1986.

Rooney comparison

Arsenal and Chelsea both previously showed interest in Bouaddi back in January.

The teenager has even been compared to Wayne Rooney since bursting onto the scene with Lille.

European football journalist Andy Brassell spoke exclusively to talkSPORT.com about Bouaddi’s talent, explaining: “He’s fantastic.

“He’s not the same player as Wayne Rooney, obviously, but I think you get a little bit of that Wayne Rooney or Jude Bellingham feel for him.

“In terms of how he’s physically built, it says on his birth certificate that he’s a boy, but he looks like a man immediately.

Bouaddi has previously been compared to Rooney and Jude Bellingham

Shutterstock Editorial

“He’s someone who can really handle himself, someone who doesn’t give the ball away much, someone who can cover that space box-to-box, and he’s tactically disciplined.”

Manchester United set for eight-figure windfall if Ruben Amorim takes new job at European giants

Robert Calcutt — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 16:55:15 +0000

Manchester United will have the £15.9million compensation for Ruben Amorim slashed if he joins AC Milan, talkSPORT understands.

United sacked the Portuguese coach in January a day after they drew 1-1 with rivals Leeds United in the Premier League.

Amorim looks set to become the new boss at Milan

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Amorim delivered a bombshell post-match press conference in which he insisted he wanted to be viewed as manager and not head coach of the club.

This quickly brewed uncertainty over his future at United, who chose to wield the axe less than 24 hours later.

United faced a sum of £15.9m in compensation to cover the cost of dismissing Amorim, whose contract was due to expire in mid-2027.

However, it’s understood that this eight-figure sum will be wiped if he becomes the new boss at Milan.

Amorim is the leading contender for the San Siro vacancy following the exit of Massimiliano Allegri.

A return to Benfica, where he spent nine years as a player, looked to be an option for him with Jose Mourinho heading to Real Madrid.

However, his representatives confirmed that he had not met with any clubs in Portugal, and that links with Benfica were just speculation.

Milan now looks set to be his next job, two weeks after the former Liverpool boss Arne Slot was linked with a move there.

Allegri was dismissed at the Serie A side after the team failed to qualify for the Champions League.

Milan finished fifth in the Italian top flight and one point off fourth-placed Como, with the seven-time European champions’ season being described as an ‘unequivocal failure’.

United will have their payoff fee slashed if he moves to Italy

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What went wrong for Amorim at United?

Arriving from Sporting Lisbon as successor to Erik ten Hag in November 2024, Amorim had a shaky start at United.

He won two of his first three matches but then went on a five-match losing run that included four consecutive defeats.

After a 3-1 loss against Brighton, Amorim claimed the team might be the worst in the club’s entire history.

United managed to reach the Europa League final, but were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham Hotspur, who won their first trophy in 17 years as a result.

Their 15th-placed finish in the Premier League also meant that they missed out on qualification for Europe.

Amorim was backed in the summer transfer window with signings such as Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha.

Man United have been much improved since Amorim left having finished third in the Premier League

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However, although they spent over £200m, United had a disastrous start to the 2025/26 campaign.

They were sensationally beaten by League Two side Grimsby Town on penalties in the second round of the Carabao Cup.

Amorim later picked up some impressive results, including a 2-1 away win against arch-rivals Liverpool.

But the writing was on the wall for the 41-year-old after his post-match outburst at Leeds.

He had a fractured relationship with director of football Jason Wilcox, who wanted him to be more tactically flexible.

Amorim’s exit also came only weeks after minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said he should be given the entirety of his three-year deal.

Ruben Amorim rejects Premier League return as he nears blockbuster next job

Jack Johnson — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 21:52:56 +0000

Ruben Amorim is now the leading contender to become the new AC Milan manager, talkSPORT understands.

The ex-Manchester United boss was never in contention to take over at Benfica as he didn’t want to return to Portugal.

Amorim is the leading contender to become the new AC Milan manager

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Milan are on the lookout for a new manager after sacking Massimiliano Allegri at the end of the Serie A campaign.

Allegri was unable to lead the Italian giants to Champions League qualification in a season described as an ‘unequivocal failure’.

It was the second year in a row that they missed out on a place in UEFA‘s elite European competition.

Now, Amorim appears to be the man set to replace Allegri, in what will be his first job since leaving Man United in January.

The Portuguese manager had a nightmare 14-month spell in charge of the Red Devils, where he won just 25 of 63 games.

He was regularly questioned for his tactics and that eventually led to a total breakdown in relationship with the United board.

But after a few months away from football following his sacking, Amorim looks set to return to management in Italy.

Free agent Oliver Glasner had been linked to Milan after leaving Crystal Palace, but it appears he has missed out.

Meanwhile, sacked Liverpool manager Arne Slot has also been linked with the job following Allegri’s departure.

Amorim is the leading contender now though, and he’s rejected a chance to come back to the Premier League in favour of Milan.

Milan made a change in the dugout after missing out on the Champions League

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Not interested

Amorim is looking likely to become the new AC Milan manager, having turned down the chance to speak to Fulham.

Marco Silva has departed the Cottagers and become Benfica boss, leaving his old side on the lookout for a replacement.

Kieran McKenna was spoken to by the club, but after leaving Ipswich, he’ll be taking a break from football altogether.

talkSPORT understands that former Man United boss Amorim was also approached by Fulham too.

They enquired as to whether he would be open to making the move to replace Silva at Craven Cottage.

But he backed away from any potential deal – and it looks as if he’s going to be sitting in the Milan hotseat instead.

Milan finished fifth in Serie A last season, qualifying for the Europa League rather than the Champions League.

A loss on the final day of the campaign saw them drop out of the top four, with Amorim’s aim sure to be to get them back among Europe’s elite if he is to take over.

Champions League boss emerges as possible Ipswich option to replace Kieran McKenna

Jack Johnson — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 20:48:04 +0000

Bodo/Glimt manager Kjetil Knutsen has emerged as a potential option to replace Kieran McKenna as Ipswich manager.

However, talkSPORT understands that Gary O’Neil remains a leading contender for the vacant job at Portman Road.

Knutsen has emerged as a potential replacement for McKenna at Ipswich

Alamy

McKenna departed the Tractor Boys on Wednesday, deciding to take a break from football following Premier League promotion.

He impressively led the club from League One to the top-flight with three promotions in four successful seasons in charge.

But the 40-year-old is now wanting to spend more time with his family and has taken a step back from the sport.

And that has forced Ipswich to enter the manager market to try and find a suitable replacement heading into next season.

O’Neil quickly emerged as the leading contender for the job despite only replacing Liam Rosenior at Strasbourg in January.

But Knutsen has now entered the conversation…

talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook said: “Gary O’Neil was the early frontrunner – the former Wolves and Bournemouth boss – now in charge of Strasbourg.

“He got them to the semi-finals of the Conference League.

“That could be one to keep an eye on as well.”

O’Neil remains the leading contender, but Knutsen is also a potential replacement

AFP

Knutsen’s legacy

Knutsen has masterminded an incredible rise to dominance in Norway as manager of Bodo/Glimt.

In his seven years as boss so far, he has transformed them into a powerhouse and a regular feature in European football.

The city of Bodo is home to just over 50,000 people and Knutsen has incredibly led their club to the Champions League.

They reached the group stage of the competition for the first time last season and even made it through to the last-16 – beating Manchester City, Atletico Madrid and Inter Milan twice en route to the knockout stages.

He has also won four league titles, the latest being in 2024, with their current campaign still ongoing.

In his 376 matches as boss, Knutsen has won 227 of them.

Knutsen has incredibly led Bodo/Glimt through an incredible journey

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Bodo/Glimt have only lost 74 times across his seven years in charge, scoring a huge 907 goals to date.

The 57-year-old has also managed Norwegian sides Asane and Fyllingsdalen, never taking a role outside the country.

Knutsen has been linked to roles in the Premier League previously, with Ipswich now the latest club looking.

Charlie Adam reveals Champions League winners tried to sign him in shock transfer revelation

Ben McAleer — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 18:56:00 +0000

Charlie Adam has revealed that Italian giants AC Milan tried to sign him in the 2011 January window – seven months before he moved to Liverpool.

Adam was instrumental for Blackpool following his initial loan arrival from Rangers in February 2009.

Charlie Adam left Blackpool for Liverpool in 2011

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The Tangerines then secured Premier League promotion in the 2009/10 season as they beat Cardiff in the Championship play-off final – a match in which Adam scored.

And the Scot enjoyed a fine debut campaign in England’s top-tier, as he chipped in with 12 goals and eight assists.

His performances in a Blackpool shirt caught the eye of Liverpool, and he’d go on to join the Reds in 2011.

“Do you remember the moment you found out for the first time that Liverpool wanted to sign you?,” Sam Ellard asked Adam on the World Cup Weekender on Saturday afternoon.

“Yeah, it was late November, December [2010] was the first real time that I had an inkling of when we were going to go,” Adam replied.

“It was when we’d just been promoted and obviously the January window was coming up.

“That January they signed [Andy] Carroll and [Luis] Suarez.

“To get that opportunity to go to Liverpool was special.”

However, it wasn’t just Liverpool that were interested in the former midfielder, as Adam continued: “I had a couple offers to go to other clubs as well in that January.

“I had the opportunity go to to Spurs. A club in Italy came in late in the day, which for me was mind-blowing.

Adam dropped a transfer bombshell live on air on Saturday

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“Not many people know this, but I actually had a call with AC Milan to go there in the January window. It was surreal really.

“At that time, they had some world-class players.”

Adam elaborated on the potential deal, adding: “It was just an Italian agent who spoke to my agent to say, ‘What’s the deal How would it look?’

“It was just so difficult to make it happen. With the Oystons in charge at Blackpool at the time, it was a tough moment.

“And again, it was something as a player I’d learned in development.”

AC Milan did strengthen in midfield that same window as they brought in Urby Emanuelson from Ajax and Mark van Bommel on a free transfer from Bayern Munich.

Adam made 179 appearances for Stoke after departing Anfield

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Adam, meanwhile, spent just one season with Liverpool before moving to Stoke City in 2012, where he spent seven years.

The 40-year-old then joined Reading in 2019 and boyhood club Dundee in 2020 before retiring in 2022.

Arsenal and Liverpool receive £60m transfer boost as target asks to leave European giants

Ben McAleer — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 15:33:19 +0000

Arsenal and Liverpool target Bradley Barcola has asked to leave Paris Saint-Germain, talkSPORT understands.

Barcola featured frequently for the European champions last season, making 21 league starts, while also playing in 16 matches in the Champions League.

Barcola is looking to leave European champions PSG this summer

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However, the France international was dropped for the Champions League final triumph over Arsenal last month.

Head coach Luis Enrique opted for a forward trio of Desire Doue, Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia in Hungary.

The £60million-rated 23-year-old did at least come off the bench in second-half stoppage time at the Puskas Arena.

Barcola, though, is now keen to leave the Parc des Princes, where he still has two years left on his contract.

Though it is believed that PSG’s stance is that Barcola is not for sale, and that their stance will only soften if they bring in another winger this window.

talkSPORT understands that he is on the radar of Premier League powerhouses Arsenal and Liverpool.

The Gunners are expected to strengthen their left side this summer and have been linked with moves for Aston Villa forward Morgan Rogers and Club Brugge winger Christos Tzolis.

The Premier League champions are also keeping tabs on Barcola as they consider their left-wing options.

Liverpool, meanwhile, are expected to bolster their attack in the off-season following Andoni Iraola’s appointment earlier this month.

Mohamed Salah has been released by the Merseyside giants, while Cody Gakpo struggled to perform on the opposite flank last season.

Barcola is now with France at the World Cup – but he wants to leave his club this summer

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The winger is on the radar of Liverpool and Arsenal, who both want to sign forwards

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RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande has also been linked with a move to Anfield and will hope to maintain his impressive rise to superstardom with the Ivory Coast at the 2026 World Cup.

World Cup commitments

Barcola’s future may not be decided in the coming weeks though, as he is with France at the World Cup in North America.

He is part of Les Blues’ star-studded squad, but didn’t start either of their pre-tournament friendlies.

Marcus Thuram started on the left in their 2-1 loss to Ivory Coast, while PSG teammate Doue was given the nod on the frontline for the 3-1 win over Northern Ireland.

France will get their World Cup campaign underway against Senegal on Tuesday, 16 June.

Didier Deschamps‘ men then face Iraq and Norway as France look to go the distance for the third time in their history.

Stay up to date with all the latest World Cup tips & predictions, World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds, World Cup Group Winner Odds, World Cup Match Previews and all the best World Cup Betting Offers and Free Bets in our dedicated betting hub.

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Search for ‘talkSPORT World Cup’ in your ‘Updates’ tab on WhatsApp and we’ll drop the proper, unfiltered football chat straight to your lock screen—no fluff, just pure talkSPORT energy.

It’s where you’ll find out all the new rules to watch out for, England and Scotland reaction and big match player ratings.

Plus there will be loads of debates on the biggest talking points as Haaland, Mbappe, Kane and the biggest names in football descend on America, Canada and Mexico.

Fulham set to bring in former Real Madrid boss to replace Marco Silva

Jackson Cole — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 14:07:56 +0000

Fulham are closing in on appointing Alvaro Arbeloa to become their new manager, talkSPORT understands.

The former Real Madrid boss looks set to replace Marco Silva in the dugout after talks progressed on Saturday.

Arbeloa has emerged as a major contender for the Fulham job

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This comes after previous favourite Kieran McKenna, who had also spoken to the Cottagers, announced his resignation as Ipswich Town boss.

The 40-year-old had been heavily linked with the Fulham job, however, he has declared he’s taking a break from football management altogether.

And Fulham have shown plenty of ambition despite suffering the McKenna setback having met with Arbeloa, who has been out of work for days.

The former Liverpool and Spain defender, who stepped in as Real Madrid interim boss after Xabi Alonso’s departure in January, officially left Los Blancos on Tuesday with Jose Mourinho returning as next permanent boss.

Fulham manager search

Chelsea legend and current Coventry boss Lampard had been a contender having spoken to Fulham, along with Portuguese club Famalicao’s head coach Hugo Oliveira, who was previously a member of Silva’s coaching team at Fulham.

Former Manchester United boss Amorim had also been discussed, but he has backed away.

Meanwhile, Ange Postecoglou and Thomas Frank had also spoken to Fulham.

Ipswich manager latest

There’s now a scramble to find a manager who can take charge of Ipswich as they look to make a better attempt at staying in the Premier League than in the 2024/25 season, where they came 19th.

talkSPORT understands former Wolves and Bournemouth boss Gary O’Neil is a candidate for the role.

Any pursuit of O’Neil would get the blessing of former Ipswich striker Darren Bent as he named the former Norwich midfielder as his ideal successor to McKenna.

When asked about who he’d like to see succeed McKenna in the Portman Road dugout, Bent said on Drivetime: “There’s now a Premier League job, free.

Lampard’s Coventry beat Ipswich to the Championship title

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Amorim has been out of work since his ill-fated 14-month spell at Man United ended in January

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O’Neil is currently in charge of French club Strasbourg, a post he’s held since January

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“Agents right now will be ringing, [Ipswich chairman] Mark Ashton, ‘my manager could do that'”.

Bent added: “I would like to see someone like Gary O’Neill. I really like, working with him on Sky, seeing the way that he sees the game, the way he speaks about football.

“And I know he’s got more experience probably than Kieran, potentially. But they seem like similar type profiles, in terms of the way they want to manage the football they want to play.

“So I think probably Gary would be my first choice, I’d say.”

McKenna bids emotional farewell

As for McKenna, he leaves the Tractor Boys after five years in charge, with this season seeing them earn promotion back to the Premier League.

“It is with a mixture of gratitude, pride, sadness and contentment that I have decided to step down from the honour of managing this historic football club,” McKenna said in a statement.

McKenna says he’s taking a break from football to spend more time with his family

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“When you have the connection that we have built at this club there is never a good time to say goodbye.

“However, having achieved a second promotion to the Premier League last season, with another memorable final day in our stadium, and after reflection over the last couple of weeks, I feel this is the right time for me to step aside.

“I do so with great pride at the incredible progress we have made and with huge hope and optimism for the future of the club.

“To manage this club has been an absolute privilege. Over the last five seasons we have been on an incredible journey that has brought so many of the best experiences in my professional and personal life.

“After giving so much to the role over the previous five seasons, I now look forward to taking a break from management and dedicating some time to my family, who have been with me every step of my career so far.

“There are so many people I would like to thank who have played their part in this journey.

“Firstly, to Mark Ashton and the board for giving me the opportunity, at 35 years old, to manage such a massive football club, and for the unwavering support and trust they have shown ever since.

“To my coaching staff and all the wonderful staff at Portman Road and our Playford Road training centre, who work tirelessly to progress the club in every way.

“To all of the players who have represented the club with professionalism and passion over the past five years.

“Most importantly, thank you to the amazing fans and supporters of Ipswich Town. You have followed this football club through wonderful highs and difficult lows.

“I will be forever grateful for the way that you welcomed myself and my family, both to the football club and to the county of Suffolk. I will cherish the memories that we have shared together for the rest of my life.

“Ipswich Town will always have a special place in our hearts.”

West Ham shareholders release new David Sullivan statement as ownership agreement struck

Robert Calcutt — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 12:35:00 +0000

Daniel Kretinsky will become West Ham’s largest shareholder in the wake of David Sullivan’s resignation.

Sullivan stepped down from his role as chairman after 16 years at the east London club.

Sullivan, West Ham’s majority shareholder, has stepped down as chairman

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A joint investigation by the BBC and The Times says seven women have come forward, accusing him of abusing his power and sexually-exploitative behaviour.

Ex-adult industry kingpin Sullivan has categorically denied the claims that made against him.

The former adult industry businessman owns 38.8 per cent of West Ham.

Czech billionaire and Sparta Prague president Kretinsky initially had 27 per cent of the club.

These shares at the Premier League club were acquired in November 2021.

Amid Sullivan’s relinquishing of the chairman role, Kretinsky has agreed a deal with the family of David Gold to sell an additional stake in the club.

Kretinsky’s stake will rise from 27 per cent to 43 per cent, exceeding Sullivan’s amount.

Joint statement

A joint statement from Vanessa Gold and Daniel Kretínsky, representing the Gold family and 1890 Holdings, read: “We were deeply concerned by the revelations made by The Times and Panorama this week and our thoughts go out to those women who have fought so hard to make their voices heard. Any abuse of power is abhorrent, and it takes great courage and determination to speak up against it..

“The full West Ham United Board was not notified about these allegations against David Sullivan until approximately a month ago, when he informed us that certain allegations against him may be published.

“However, the full details of the allegations, which Mr Sullivan denies, only became apparent when they were made public on Monday (8 June). In addition, as communicated by West Ham United, the Board representatives of Shareholders other than Mr Sullvan were only made aware this week of the safeguarding measures that have been in place since 2023.

“As Shareholders and Directors of West Ham, our focus is now firmly on protecting the future of this Football Club. Our goal is to stabilise West Ham United, retain as many of our key players as possible and, under the management of Nuno Espírito Santo, secure an immediate return to the Premier League. We are also committed to engaging with our fans and all business partners to build a stronger future for our Club. We have already taken concrete steps toward this goal.

“As such, we have reached agreement on the key terms of a share purchase transaction between the Gold family and 1890 Holdings, which, subject to other Shareholders’ pre-emption rights and necessary approvals, would make 1890 Holdings (part of the broader group EP) the largest Shareholder in West Ham with an approximately 43 per cent stake. As the largest Shareholder, group EP will be able to provide the additional financing the Club needs.

“We expect to finalise this transaction in the next couple of weeks. Once the agreement is complete, group EP and the Gold family have also agreed to vote jointly on key matters and to support the strategy targeting an immediate return to the Premier League.

“Alongside Daniel Křetínský and Vanessa Gold, the other Shareholders, namely Tripp Smith, Daniel Harris and Terry Brown, are fully aligned on this strategy and stabilising the Club.

“We are taking these steps because West Ham United needs to be truly united at this moment in its history. We believe that a strong coalition – of fans, players, management and the Board – is essential to securing the bright future this Club deserves. We are absolutely committed to playing our part.”

All change at West Ham

West Ham look set to embark on a new era of ownership after their relegation from the Premier League to the Championship.

Kretinsky (middle) is keen to increase his stake at West Ham

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The Hammers finished 18th and two points behind rivals Tottenham Hotspur on the final day, despite beating Leeds United 3-0.

Nuno Espirito Santo was widely expected to leave as head coach, but West Ham confirmed that he will stay at the London Stadium.

talkSPORT understands Kretinsky pushed for Espirito Santo to stay, whilst Sullivan was more inclined to make a change.

Could Kretinsky complete a takeover at West Ham?

Speaking on the possible ownership change at West Ham, journalist Henry Winter told talkSPORT that Kretinsky would be backed by fans.

He said: “Whether Daniel Kretinsky decides now is the time for a full takeover…

“I know from talking to West Ham fans, fairly significant, high-profile West Ham fans, have been talking to Kretinsky about supporting him if he was going to make a push for a full takeover which, clearly, they would like.

“He’s a wealthy individual and he’s not tainted as some of the fans see David Sullivan, in terms of his running of the club.”

West Ham have accumulated debts of over £104million, which means they look set to cash in on star talent this summer.

This could include the sale of captain Jarrod Bowen, as well as Arsenal and Manchester United target Matheus Fernandes.

Kretinsky owns 27 per cent of the club through his 1890s holdings stake

AFP

David Sullivan statement in full

Sullivan posted a full statement on the West Ham website following the announcement he would step down.

The statement read: “I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.

“The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media. After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.

“I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.

“I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication. I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libelous allegations.

“None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life. I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.

“Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as Joint-Chair and Director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.

“This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.

“I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.

“As I depart, I want to thank everyone connected with West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendship, memories and European adventures and successes that I will carry with me forever. West Ham United will always remain close to my heart, and I have total confidence that the Board of Directors and interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani will do everything they can to take the club forward in the right direction. I wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future.

“I will not be making further public comment at this stage, but I reserve all legal rights available to me in relation to any false or defamatory allegations.”

Ipswich chief admits immediate shock at Kieran McKenna’s exit before changing his mind

Alex Conrad — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:50:41 +0000

Ipswich Town chairman Mark Ashton admitted Kieran McKenna’s decision to resign initially left him ‘shocked’.

But with the benefit of hindsight, Ashton was ‘not surprised’ by McKenna’s sudden exit.

McKenna was the man who ended Ipswich’s 22-year Premier League exile

McKenna walked away from Portman Road after five years in charge, citing a need to take a break from management and spend more time with his family.

Speaking exclusively on talkSPORT’s White and Jordan, Ashton revealed McKenna first approached him about wanting to step away shortly after he helped the Tractor Boys seal an instant return to the Premier League.

Following several conversations, Ashton recognised McKenna was genuinely ready for a brief hiatus.

Ashton: I was ‘shocked but not surprised’ McKenna wanted a break

“It’s been a challenging few weeks, if I’m honest,” Ashton said.

“Kieran came and spoke to me not long after the end of the season and said, ‘Look, we’ve had the best part of five incredible years together, three promotions, I feel like I might need a break, it might be the time for me to step back for a period.’

“Really, the conversation started from there. I do see what it’s taken out of him because this job is tough, particularly when we’ve been working at the pace we’ve had.

“I said, ‘Look, just go away and think about it.’ He did, we continued to dialogue consistently.

“It just became apparent that he was genuinely ready to step back for a period and take a break.”

When asked whether McKenna’s decision came as a shock, Ashton said: “I think you’re always shocked when something like this happened.

“But when you have time then to look at it with a clearer lens, you’re shocked but you’re not surprised, because I have seen how much effort and energy he manages with.

Ashton hopes Ipswich will have learned their lessons from their first season as a Premier League club

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“So in hindsight, I’m probably not as surprised as I think I should have been.”

McKenna wasn’t Craven Fulham

Some suspected there was a connection between McKenna’s exit and the vacancy at Fulham, where he had been heavily linked following Marco Silva’s departure to Benfica.

However, Ashton never felt there was an ulterior motive behind McKenna’s resignation.

“It felt right, it was sincere,” Ashton said.

“You guys have been around this industry enough, there’s a lot of noise around any player or manager that’s successful, interest from other people.

“But he was very clear with me that that’s not what he wanted to do, he genuinely wanted to step back for a period.”

McKenna had been with Ipswich since December 2021

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With McKenna’s exit official, attention now turns towards who could replace him at Portman Road.

Who will replace McKenna at Ipswich?

talkSPORT understands Strasbourg boss Gary O’Neil is a candidate for the role at Ipswich.

O’Neil already boasts Premier League experience, having previously been in charge at Wolves and Bournemouth.

The 43-year-old already has the support of talkSPORT Drive co-host and former Ipswich striker Darren Bent, who anointed O’Neil as his ‘first choice’ for the vacancy.

“I would like to see someone like Gary O’Neil. I really like, working with him on Sky, seeing the way that he sees the game, the way he speaks about football,” Bent said.

“And I know he’s got more experience probably than Kieran, potentially. But they seem like similar type profiles, in terms of the way they want to manage the football they want to play.

“So I think probably Gary would be my first choice, I’d say.”

Scotland star released by club on eve of World Cup opener

Lee Davey — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:29:06 +0000

Scotland striker Ross Stewart has been released by Championship club Southampton as he prepares for his country’s World Cup opener.

The 29-year-old joined the south coast club in 2023 and went on to score 12 goals in 50 appearances.

Stewart is on his way out of Southampton but World Cup duty must occupy his thoughts first

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However, the Saints have opted against extending the striker’s contract, bringing an end to his time at the club.

Stewart’s focus will now be on this weekend’s World Cup clash with Haiti, despite the need to find a new club.

Scotland are vying for a strong start to the group stage with tougher tests to follow in Morocco and Brazil.

Stewart has featured three times for his country but is yet to break his scoring duck.

Other names departing St Mary’s

Joining Stewart out of the St Mary’s exit door is Oriol Romeu, Will Smallbone and Alex McCarthy.

Joe Aribo, Jamie Jones and Charlie Taylor will also depart the club when their contracts expire at the end of June.

Republic of Ireland international Smallbone will bid farewell to Southampton after 18 years at the club.

The midfielder came through the youth ranks at St Mary’s having initially joined the club at the age of eight.

He went on to make 90 first-team appearances and was part of the 2024 Championship play-off final winning side.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper McCarthy brings down the curtain on a ten-year stint at the club having clocked up 165 appearances.

Stewart is on his way out of Southampton but World Cup duty must occupy his thoughts first

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Saints legend Oriol Romeu will wave goodbye to the club for the second time

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Like Smallbone, McCarthy helped the Saints gain promotion to the Premier League two years ago and played a key part in their Wembley triumph.

Aribo, who spent part of last season on loan at Leicester, leaves later this month having clocked up 11 appearances in four years.

And cult hero Romeu departs St Mary’s for the second time in his career following his emotional return to the club in 2025.

The 34-year-old managed just seven appearances last season but played an important role in the dressing room.

Addressing the glut of departures, a Southampton statement read: “The club would like to place on record its gratitude for the effort and commitment shown during their time as Saints.

“We wish them all the best for what comes next in their careers.”

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talkSPORT launches new daily football show The S* Word for US fans

Damian Mannion — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:54:48 +0000

talkSPORT, the home of live sport and even livelier opinion, is bringing its high energy expertise to North America with the launch of new daily football show The S* Word.

Aligning with the start of the FIFA World Cup 2026, and distributed via platforms including YouTube, FOXSports.com, SiriusXM, TuneIn and Apple Podcasts, The S* Word tackles soccer’s biggest stories, controversies, and predictions. Where we come from, of course, we call it football.

The S* Word, hosted by Master, left, and Will, will be available seven days a week

Available live seven days a week on YouTube from 8-10am ET (1-3pm BST), The S* Word will be hosted by viral NFL play-by-play commentator Will Gavin and acclaimed American soccer journalist Master Tesfatsion. Together, they will deliver the kind of heavyweight, head-to-head debate beloved by US sports fans, only this time, the beautiful game takes centre stage.

Expect big-name guests from across the football landscape, and athletes who share a passion for the game, joining Will and Master to break down the action, every single day.

Top talkSPORT World Cup talent will also feature, such as former USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel, as well as talkSPORT host Simon Jordan, who will give their take on the biggest tournament in football history.

The show is being streamed live on talkSPORT’s dedicated The S* Word YouTube channel, and amplified across FOX Sports platforms including FOXSports.com and FOX Soccer social channels.

It will also be available as a video podcast on Apple Podcasts, along with Spotify and other podcast platforms. Listeners can also access The S* Word channel on TuneIn, and the show will be aired live on SiriusXM FC throughout the World Cup.

Clips from the show will be available across social platforms with fans invited to air their views and have their say.

Will Gavin said: “American football fans have always deserved better. The S* Word is the show that finally delivers – unfiltered, unscripted and built for fans who are tired of holding back. We’ll be tackling the biggest storylines, controversies and takes in the soccer world, providing daily, hard-hitting analysis and plenty of fun!”

Master Tesfatsion added: “The American fan is the most underappreciated in the world. We get knocked on it all the time. We appreciate the sport more than anywhere else in the world. In America, there’s such a diverse range of supporters wherever you go – it is the most beautiful experience that, I promise you, you cannot find anywhere else in the world. So we aim to deliver that to you, seven days a week.

Liam Fisher, Head of talkSPORT, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to partner with FOX Sports, SiriusXM, TuneIn, YouTube and other leading US platforms to bring talkSPORT’s signature energy and opinion to North American audiences.

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be the biggest tournament in football history, making it the perfect moment to expand our global footprint. In Will Gavin and Master Tesfatsion, we have two phenomenal and passionate football fans who will deliver an unfiltered, world-class experience.”

Liverpool release three coaches days after Andoni Iraola appointment

Lee Davey — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:12:53 +0000

Liverpool have confirmed three departures from Arne Slot’s coaching team.

The Reds are cleaning house following the Dutchman’s sacking last month and have now added Sipke Hulshoff, Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Ruben Peeters to the list of names departing this summer.

Arne Slot left his role as Liverpool head coach a year after winning the Premier League title

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Slot’s backroom team will also be leaving the club following his sacking

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Hulshoff and Peeters joined Slot in the Liverpool dugout upon his arrival in 2024 having served under him during his time at Feyenoord.

Van Bronckhorst joined Slot’s backroom team last summer to replace John Heitinga after he took over as Ajax head coach.

Peeters appeared to already announce his impending exit on LinkedIn the day after Slot’s dismissal.

Meanwhile, tactical analyst Roderick van der Ham is also expected to leave Anfield in the foreseeable future.

Liverpool confirmed the trio’s exit on Friday morning, 13 days after Slot was axed following a disappointing title defence.

The Reds finished fifth in the table, 25 points adrift of eventual champions Arsenal and without any silverware across the season.

The disappointment was felt deeply following a blockbuster summer transfer window where they splashed a whopping £446million on new recruits.

Next in line

The Reds were quick to replace Slot with Andoni Iraola following his decision to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.

The Spaniard is expected to arrive on Merseyside accompanied by his trusted team of assistants Tommy Elphick and Shaun Cooper.

Analyst Tom Webber and fitness coach Pablo de la Torre are also expected to follow him to Anfield.

Andoni Iraola is expected to be joined at Anfield by his team of trusted assistants

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But with De La Torre still under contract with the south coast club, Liverpool will have to agree a compensation package with Bournemouth for his release.

Iraola could not hide his delight at being appointed Liverpool manager last week and immediately endeared himself to the club’s supporters.

He said: “I cannot ask them for a lot, I know how they are.

“I can only say that I want to become one more of you. I want to earn the right to be one of you, so we can enjoy it together.”

Asked how big a moment it was for him in penning a deal with the Reds, he added: “I think it’s a day that is not only for me.

“You are your life, your influences. Coming from a very small town, working class, outside of San Sebastian, I had my journey to become a football player.

Iraola is delighted to have taken the reins at Anfield

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“I’ve had my journey going through the divisions, promotions, arriving in La Liga, then the Premier League, now you arrive here and a lot of people have helped you during this process.

“Every time I receive a message I think: ‘You have to remember all those people that have helped, who have influenced you’.

“I’m now motivated to show all these people we’ve made it together and now let’s enjoy it.”

Damien Duff lands first Premier League coaching job ahead of 2026/27 season

Lee Davey — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:19:48 +0000

Brentford have announced the arrival of ex-Chelsea and Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff as assistant manager.

Duff, who has been away from football since leaving his role as Shelbourne manager last year, will link up with Brentford boss and fellow Irishman Keith Andrews at the Premier League club.

Duff and Andrews featured for their country as players and as coaches

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The pair will be tasked with improving on last season’s ninth-placed league finish with the Bees having missed out on European qualification on the final day of the season.

Andrews and Duff previously worked together in the coaching set-up for Ireland with Duff having recently spent time at the west London club alongside the Brentford manager.

“I’ve known Damien for a long time,” Andrews told the club’s official website.

“I’ve seen him up close throughout his coaching journey. We’ve been on courses together and worked together as coaches with the Republic of Ireland national team.

“Damien will bring experience, presence and a real level of detail to our coaching department. He will add to the great group we already have and I’m very pleased that he is joining us.”

Duff heroically led Shelbourne to the League of Ireland title in 2024 but was unable to steer the club to the same heights the following season, leading to his surprise departure.

It was Shelbourne’s first title in 18 years, coming just three years after gaining promotion to the top flight.

He described the title win as the ‘pinnacle of his career’ amid a host of standout highlights.

After launching his senior career at Blackburn, Duff signed for Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea in 2003 in a £17million deal.

Duff was one of Jose Mourinho’s star players at Chelsea

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He went on to win two Premier League titles and the League Cup during his time at Stamford Bridge.

Immediately following Shelbourne’s title success, Duff spoke of Mourinho’s influence on his side’s triumph.

“We try to build a siege mentality, against the world, like Mourinho did,” he said.

“So today in the team meeting there was a private message from Jose, speaking about what it takes to win a title as a team, as an individual, and it blew the guys away.

“I died on the pitch for Jose. Everyone hated Chelsea, everyone hates us, it just tied in nicely, it felt right.”

Duff clocked up over 600 appearances during his career including 100 caps for his country.

Following his three-year stint at Chelsea, Duff signed for Newcastle before later returning to west London with Fulham.

He brought the curtain down on his career with a short spell at Melbourne City before ending his career back in his homeland with Shelbourne.

After announcing his retirement in 2015, Duff moved into coaching and was handed his first opportunity with Shamrock Rovers before joining Andrews in the national team set-up in a similar role.

The ex-Ireland wide man went on to become first-team coach at Celtic, and helped guide the club to a domestic treble in the 2019/20 season.

Brighton launch £30million bid for Tottenham star yet to make Premier League debut

Jack Johnson — Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:25:46 +0000

Brighton have made a £30million bid to sign Tottenham defender Luka Vuskovic, who has never played an official game for Spurs.

The Seagulls’ offer for the highly-rated 19-year-old centre-back comes amid interest from other clubs around Europe, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Juventus.

Vuskovic is the subject of a £30million bid from Spurs rivals Brighton

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However, talkSPORT understands that Vuskovic is keen on the move to Fabian Hurzeler‘s side.

He will already be familiar with manager Hurzeler, following his spell in Germany, where he has been on loan at Hamburg.

The teenage sensation is considered to be one of the best rising stars in world football after a standout loan in Germany.

talkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs recently listed him as one of the five best wonderkids at the World Cup and revealed Bayern Munich are among the clubs interested too.

He played 28 games in the Bundesliga last season, scoring six goals, with his future at Tottenham now becoming a major talking point.

Spurs appear to have a potential superstar on their hands, but Vuskovic has never actually played a single official minute for them.

His only appearance came in a pre-season friendly, where he incredibly scored and assisted in just eight minutes.

Despite that, talkSPORT understands Tottenham are looking to offer him a new contract and do not consider him for sale.

And they have even been told to build their squad around Vuskovic for the next decade.

But Brighton are hoping that Spurs’ stance may soften as the player is open to joining the club.

The Croatian teenager is considered one of the best up-and-coming stars in the world

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Swapping centre-backs?

Brighton’s approach for the Spurs defender comes just days after the two clubs spoke regarding Jan Paul van Hecke.

Van Hecke has been the subject of two bids from Tottenham already this summer, as they look to sign a new centre-back.

Seagulls CEO Paul Barber told talkSPORT that the club had rejected the first and second bid for their Dutchman.

However, it’s understood that the player wants to join Spurs, with interest also coming from other Premier League sides.

Van Hecke is entering the final year of his contract at the Amex Stadium, having joined Brighton in 2020.

The negotiations between the clubs for their defenders may hint at a potential swap deal, but talkSPORT’s European football expert Andy Brassell doesn’t believe they should sell Vuskovic at all.

Spurs have had two approaches for Van Hecke turned down so far this summer

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De Zerbi has been told he should be building his squad around Vuskovic next season/

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‘A terrific future ahead of him’

“He’s been one of the best defenders in the Bundesliga this season,” Brassell told talkSPORT.com.

“A teenager to have the leadership qualities he has, as well as the positional sense, the strength, the sangfroid, it’s quite remarkable.

“When you look at Tottenham next season, it feels to me that when they have a bit of a rethink, I think they’re more likely to include Vuskovic in the team than use him as collateral.

“He would be a great part of a Tottenham refresh. For them to have more leaders is a great thing, and he’s definitely one of those.”

Brassell then added: “I think he would be a massive, massive plus for Spurs next season.

“If you’re looking to make collateral, sell someone else because he’s got a terrific future ahead of him, and injury notwithstanding, you bring Vuskovic back, play him, and the sky’s the limit.

“You’d be able to sell him for more in 2-3 years time if you wanted to. Ideally, I suppose he becomes a cornerstone for Spurs over the next 6-8 years, but I think you have to be realistic and say he’s got a market value as well.”

David Moyes explains how Burnley compensation will affect Everton transfer budget

Ciaran Wiseman — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 18:31:08 +0000

David Moyes is hopeful Everton’s £35million compensation payment to Burnley will not impact their transfer business.

The Toffees have been ordered to pay the record figure over Profit & Sustainability rule breaches during the 2021/22 season.

Moyes is hopeful Everton’s transfer budget will be unaffected by the compensation

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Everton were subsequently deducted eight points during the 2023/24 campaign.

However, had the penalty been applied during the season in which the breaches occurred, Burnley would have avoided relegation at Everton’s expense.

The Clarets are now set to receive £35m in compensation and interest after suing the Premier League club.

Everton confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that they have appealed the decision.

Moyes on Everton compensation

Toffees boss Moyes has now addressed the situation after joining White & Jordan on talkSPORT.

Sharing his initial thoughts on the punishment, he said: “I’m not up to the situation exactly how it is and obviously the club are challenging it at the moment as well, which is really important, but it’s really disappointing.

“I don’t know if this opens a huge can of worms with other events as well. Teams who have maybe not got promoted, for example, because the Premier League teams are having problems with PSR.

“I felt that we had paid our dues, if that’s right, and we had done it already, but for this to come back to us, it feels like an individual case.

“But I don’t know if it’s going to open up more things for other clubs to do something similar.”

Will Everton penalty affect transfers?

When asked if it will affect his side’s transfer business this summer, the talkSPORT pundit added: “They told me no, Simon.

Everton have been ordered to pay Burnley £35million over their PSR breaches

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“They told me that it wouldn’t have any effect on it and look I was aware of this probably four or five weeks ago when it was happening that this would be the case.

“But I’m hoping that it doesn’t because last season, as you rightly say, we had a good season except the last month or so when we sort of blew up and we were in a really, really strong position.

“So if it’s anything I hope it’s a message to the Premier League. It’s so difficult. If you don’t do well you can find yourself in trouble again. We don’t want to be back in those situations we were in the past.

“My understanding is that the Friedkins were aware of this when they were buying the club and there was a possibility this could happen.

“So the answer to that is I really hope it has no effect on what we’re going to do in the summer.”

Everton finished 13th for the second successive season as they once again ended the campaign with 49 points.

Moyes told talkSPORT he understands the club’s owners had been aware of the case

talkSPORT

Moyes’ side were just four points adrift of European qualification, though, after failing to win any of their final six matches.

The Toffees are currently owned by the Friedkin Group, who completed their purchase of the club in December 2024.

Nottingham Forest reject Man City’s British record offer for Elliot Anderson as Evangelos Marinakis eyes Premier League record

Jake Lambourne — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:02:00 +0000

Manchester City’s eye-watering offer of £121million for Elliot Anderson has been rejected by Nottingham Forest.

After having their first offer rebuffed for the midfielder, City slapped down a bid of £106m, plus add-ons taking it to £121m on Wednesday, which would’ve represented a record move for a British player.

Anderson could be on the move to the Etihad this summer if City and Forest agree on a deal

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However, talkSPORT understands that Forest are eyeing a Premier League record fee, which currently stands at £125m when Alexander Isak joined Liverpool from Newcastle last summer.

The latest rejection will be a major concern for City, who are eager to get a deal done before the World Cup starts, but the first match of the tournament is on Thursday at 8pm, live on talkSPORT.

Forest’s current record sale is the £55m Newcastle paid them to sign Anthony Elanga last summer.

Manchester United were also interested in Anderson, however, they are not looking to get into a bidding war.

Anderson is currently in Florida with the England squad as they prepare for their opening match against Croatia on June 17, live on talkSPORT.

Following a season in which he chipped in with four goals and as many assists in 38 matches, his future at the City Ground has been a major talking point.

City bound?

It is believed that nine-cap England international Anderson has always favoured a move to the Etihad Stadium.

talkSPORT previously told you how Forest believe Anderson is worth as much as the £105million Arsenal paid West Ham for Rice in 2023 but are yet to accept an offer despite City exceeding that valuation.

Anderson only joined Forest from Newcastle in 2024 for a fee of £35m.

In his two years with the Reds, has has found the back of the net six times from 92 matches across all competitions.

Anderson is currently in America ahead of the World Cup

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One of those strikes came away at City in a thrilling 2-2 draw in March.

The England star played a one-two with Callum Hudson-Odoi before bending in a curling strike from range into the bottom right corner to earn the visitors a point.

Despite questions marks over Rodri’s future amid interest from Real Madrid, City are prepared to sign Anderson even if the Spaniard stays on beyond the summer.

United, meanwhile are closing in on a deal to sign Atalanta’s Ederson.

However, they still are in the market to bring in two central midfielders, with West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes, Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Brighton’s Carlos Baleba all admired.

David Beckham is back on the cards in spellbinding Merlin Premier League collection

Anton Stanley — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:48:49 +0000

With his wand of a right foot, it’s no wonder David Beckham is the chase card in Topps’ Merlin Premier League 2026 collection.

The brand are celebrating 1990s nostalgia in style and have created a stunning set which will send you down memory lane as well as introducing a fantasy-inspired theme built around magic, mythology and football storytelling.

Collectors will be reminiscing about the 1990s with the new Merlin Premier League set

Topps

Merlin Premier League is back

Fanatics and Topps renewed their partnership with the Premier League last year as they continue to innovate with collectibles and memorabilia.

That put Merlin – now owned by Topps – back onto the agenda for fans of the English top-flight.

The first Premier League sticker album in 1994 was a hit, leading to succession of iconic collectors items.

Bend it like Beckham

That included the 1996 album, celebrating its 30th anniversary, which held Beckham’s first-ever Premier League sticker.

View Tweet: https://t.co/lOIxVojU3t

It’s become the grail for many Manchester United fans and football supporters in general given his incredible career, which included stints at Real Madrid and AC Milan.

Now he’s the owner of Inter Miami and helped take Lionel Messi to the MLS as the legendary Argentine enters the final stages of his career which could end after the 2026 World Cup.

Beckham will now have a rare Merlin’s Magical Ink card in the Merlin Premier League 2026 collection which will be hunted for.

England hero Beckham has an exclusive deal with Fanatics which includes inscribed trading cards, amongst other agreements.

The Merlin set celebrates the current heroes of the game that we already mythologise about, and those who are already in the history books.

Magical Merlin

As well as an extensive base set, the collection also celebrates the 1996 sticker album and its style with a host of sensational inserts as well as amazing autographed chromium cards.

You even have a chance to pack talkSPORT and England legend Stuart Pearce

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Haaland’s autograph, as always, will be hunted by collectors

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Each club will have a coveted ‘Shiny’ as an ultra-rare case hit and fans can hunt talkSPORT’s very own Stuart Pearce, in action for Nottingham Forest.

Other spellbinding inserts include Fantasy Football, Mystic Afternoons, Merlin’s Mythical Art, Magic In His Boots, Merlin’s Magnum Opus, and Renaissance cards.

For an extra hit of 90s glory, a stunning array of parallels also includes the VHS and Battle of Britpop Refractors.

Meanwhile, the wonderkids of the Premier League are celebrated as Young Magicians.

Talents already starring, like Eli Junior Kroupi, Estevao, Rio Ngumoha, Lewis Miley, and Archie Gray feature.

Arsenal’s teen sensation Max Dowman is also included among others set to make their name in the division.

Bruno Fernandes features in the Merlin set which celebrates the 1996 sticker album

Topps

The Merlin Premier League 2026 set also has value box (Ta-Da) and hobby box (Match Ball Signatures) exclusives.

Merlin Premier League 2026 releases on June 11 2026. Visit Topps RIPPED for more information and follow @ToppsFC on Instagram for updates.

Product Specifications

Hobby Box

18 packs per box
4 cards per pack
1 autograph per box guaranteed
1 Merlin’s Mythical Art insert per case
1 rotating case hit per case
1 Match Ball Autograph Relic per case

Value Box

7 packs per box
4 cards per pack
Exclusive VHS Refractors
Exclusive Raywave parallels
Rainbow Flick case hit chase

Newcastle identify Spain World Cup star as possible Anthony Gordon replacement

Alex Conrad — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:31:10 +0000

Newcastle are in advanced talks with Osasuna for Victor Munoz, talkSPORT understands.

Spaniard Munoz is the Magpies’ top target to replace Barcelona-bound Anthony Gordon.

Munoz may only end up playing one season with Osasuna

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The 22-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign for Osasuna, scoring six times and assisting two more.

His impressive displays for the Pamplona outfit earned him a call-up to the Spanish national team in the March international break.

Munoz scored on debut in a 3-0 win over Serbia and featured in a 0-0 draw with Egypt.

The left winger, who only joined Osasuna last July from Real Madrid, went on to earn a spot in Spain’s World Cup squad.

Given the plethora of attacking talent within Spain’s ranks at this year’s tournament, Munoz could face an uphill battle to break into their starting line-up.

History remembers the Victors

However, European football expert Andy Brassell believes the large amount of games at the World Cup coupled with the need to avoid injuries to star attackers Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal could open the door for Munoz to star in the group stages.

“Victor Munoz, I think he’s really one to watch for Spain in this World Cup,” Brassell told talkSPORT.com.

“Munoz is small, explosive from the left wing, can score as well as assist. And he’s got such a high ceiling.

“Now, Real Madrid, for whom he played actually a couple of substitute appearances in the Club World Cup going past last summer, they’ve got an option to buy him back this summer for a fairly low fee, which I think they might do, whether they bring him back into the squad or use him as collateral, I think he’s open to conjecture.

Munoz only has 72 minutes of international football under his belt

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“But Munoz had a really great start when he was introduced to the national team as well and scored his first goal on debut.

“I think bearing in mind the fact that Lamine Yamal is coming back from injury and might not even make the start of the World Cup, that Nico Williams has had an up and down season in terms of fitness.

“Munoz might get a little bit of bang off the bench and might start in the group. And there are very few players that Spain are going to arrive with that people are going to know nothing about. I think he’s going to be one of those. And I think he’ll really surprise some people.”

Gor blimey

Newcastle’s pursuit of Munoz comes weeks after Gordon moved to Barcelona in a £70million deal.

The England winger penned a five-year contract with the Spanish giants, a move that came as a bitter blow to Bayern Munich after they agreed terms with Gordon only for him to end up in Barcelona.

Gordon enjoyed a fruitful three-and-a-half years with the Magpies, scoring 39 goals and assisting 28 in 152 appearances across all competitions.

Gordon is hoping to maintain the momentum from his Barcelona move with a strong World Cup for England

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The 25-year-old’s exit came after Newcastle failed to qualify for any form of European football next season, which accelerated their need to make a major sale.

Eddie Howe’s side ultimately finished 12th, five points behind bitter rivals Sunderland who qualified for the Europa League.

Marcos Senesi completes Tottenham move as north London club make second summer signing

Sean O'Brien — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:21:00 +0000

Marcos Senesi has completed his move to Tottenham Hotspur on a four-year contract.

The defender will join Spurs on July 1 subject to international clearance and upon the expiration of his Bournemouth contract.

Senesi joins Spurs after four years at Bournemouth

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The Cherries were resigned to losing Senesi since he refused to sign a new deal in December.

The 29-year-old agreed to stay at the club in January despite interest from Chelsea and played all-but one match in the 2025/26 campaign as Bournemouth qualified for the Europa League.

Manchester United, Juventus and Atletico Madrid were also keen on signing the Argentina international, but Spurs have won the race.

Tottenham struck an agreement in principle with Senesi in April and he is there player. Senesi will wear the no.5 jersey.

Senesi: I want to win things with Tottenham

Upon sealing his Spurs switch, Senesi said: “It’s a very special feeling to be a Tottenham Hotspur player.

“From the first moment, the club has shown why they want me and how much they want me to be a part of what they are building. It’s exciting and something I can’t wait to be involved in.

“Every time I step on the pitch, I will do my best to make the fans proud and to take the club back to the place it belongs. I want to win things with Tottenham and will do everything I can to make that happen.”

Spurs boss Roberto De Zerbi added: “Marcos’ experience, quality on the ball, and competitive edge will strengthen us defensively, as well as giving us flexibility in formation.

“He’s comfortable playing in a possession-based team, reads the game very well and has the personality to thrive in a demanding environment.

“I also love his mentality and desire to keep improving and I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing the big contribution he can make to the team.”

View Tweet: https://t.co/utnK4ZJQYT

The north London club, who narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League, have also signed free agent Andy Robertson this summer.

As for Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola announced his exit before the season’s climax with the Spaniard since taking the Liverpool job. Ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Marco Rose has been appointed as Iraola’s successor at Bournemouth.

However, the Cherries are determined to keep star trio Rayan, Eli Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott, having been hit hard during the 2025 summer transfer window.

Rebuilding

Tottenham are determined to put a catastrophic season behind them.

The club’s board of directors recently released a statement promising change. Meanwhile, De Zerbi insisted the rebuild must start now.

“We close one page and we open another page today,” he said after the 1-0 victory over Everton on the final day of the season.

De Zerbi has guided Spurs away from relegation danger, now he’ll look to build a team in his image

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“We have no time. We have to organise the next season, we have to begin a stronger team.

“I am very happy and very proud of every one of us. What we did was incredible, but it is finished. Now we have to move on and to prepare the future of our club.

“I came in a difficult moment and I think it made us stronger. We can become better for sure – as a coach, as players, as a club, and we cannot make the same mistakes.”

De Zerbi added: “I love smart people, and the smart people learn from their mistakes. If this season was like this, it is because we made many mistakes. Sincerely, from the mistakes, we have to find the reason to improve, to work harder, and to understand the mistakes. Otherwise, we can’t compete.

“We have a great relationship with (sporting directors) Johan (Lange) and Vinai (Venkatesham), and the board, they have no doubt, but it is right. I came (to) plan a new project.

“From today we have to start to work. My target when I came was today. To arrive today (with Premier League safety).

“We are lucky to have a lot of good players, a lot of good guys, but I think we have to complete the squad in the best way, with the first level of players, the right behaviour of the players.

“Right now, the quality of the players is important, but more important is the mentality of these players. Now, the job starts.”

Everton ordered to pay Burnley millions in landmark ruling that has ‘massive implications’

Ciaran Wiseman — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:32:01 +0000

Everton have been ordered to pay Burnley £35million after losing a legal dispute over their PSR breaches.

The Toffees were deducted an initial 10 points for breaching the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules in the 2021/22 season.

Everton have been ordered to pay Burnley £35million over PSR breaches

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Their punishment was implemented during the 2023/24 campaign, with the penalty reduced to six points upon appeal.

Everton were subsequently deducted a further two points for additional breaches.

Record-breaking penalty

Burnley finished 18th and were relegated from the top-flight in the season in which the breaches occurred.

They are now set to receive compensation and interest from the Toffees, who will appeal the ruling.

The £35million figure represents a record-breaking compensation agreement after Burnley had originally sought over £50million.

Everton had been sued by the Clarets after they were relegated to the Championship in 2022.

Their case had centred on the fact that Everton would have been relegated had the points deduction been applied during that season.

Everton statement

In a statement following the ruling, Everton said: “Everton Football Club is surprised and angered by the decision of a Premier League Independent Disciplinary Commission to order a compensation payment to Burnley Football Club in relation to Everton’s PSR breach in June 2022.

“Everton has appealed the decision and is clear in its belief the ruling is fundamentally flawed in both law and fact.

“The Club does not recognise the findings of the panel in determining Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League in May 2022 was caused by a sporting advantage gained by Everton due to a breach of Profit & Sustainability Rules, for which a substantive sporting sanction has already been received.

Everton will appeal against the record-breaking compensation agreement

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“This ruling sets a dangerous and unworkable precedent for English football, given it is constructed on a principle that a club can be in breach of financial rules at any point in a financial year.

“Everton believes the panel’s ruling misrepresents the clear evidence presented by its legal representatives and that an appeal will be successful.

“The Club is confident of its ongoing PSR compliance and has also obtained confirmation from the Premier League of its clear position that this ruling should not be the cause of any future PSR sanction.

“Evertonians can be assured that ownership are focused, with strengthened resolve, on delivering their vision of returning Everton to the top echelon of English football.

“No further comment will be made on this matter until the appeal process has been successfully concluded.”

Football finance expert and regular talkSPORT guest Stefan Borson has reacted to the news on social media.

Everton finished four points above Burnley in the 2021/22 season as the Clarets were relegated

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Writing on X, Borson said: “Massive news with massive implications.

“I am not surprised Burnley established causation and were awarded something.

“£40m (albeit with interest) looks very high. But if relegation was effectively deemed to have been caused by Everton’s overspend, you can get big quite quickly.”

He added that he does not expect the decision to impact Everton’s ability to spend in the transfer market this summer.

Burnley finished three points from safety in 18th place in the 2021/22 season.

Their relegation to the Championship ended a six-year stay in the top-flight.

Everton say they are ‘surprised’ and ‘angered’ by the decision against them

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Meanwhile, Everton finished just four points above the drop zone as they avoided relegation under Frank Lampard.

Burnley have since twice been promoted back to the Premier League but have suffered an immediate return to the second-tier on each occasion.

The Toffees also avoided the drop in the 2023/24 season once the points deductions were applied.

They ended the campaign 14 points above the relegation zone in 15th place.

Manchester City implications

Kieran Maguire has revealed how the ruling could now impact Manchester City as they await the outcome of the Premier League’s investigation into their 115 alleged breaches of Financial Fair Play (FFP).

Writing on X, Maguire wrote: “This case has huge implications for clubs who feel they were disadvantaged by Chelsea’s breach of the Premier League rules, and, IF found guilty, clubs who may have lost out to Manchester City for trophies and Champions League places.

“Any sports lawyers thinking of going on holiday may have to postpone them.”

The football finance expert later joined Max Rushden and Charlie Baker on talkSPORT, to give his full reaction to the news: “Are we setting a precedent that if a club in receipt of a points deduction now.

“And there could be an argument that points deductions should have been given in previous years, then should we have to go and revise the Premier League table retrospectively in terms of how the prize money is allocated.

“How the Champions League prize money would be therefore available to a club that perhaps finished fourth (or) that might have otherwise finished fourth in the Premier League and so on.

“We do have a sort of precedent for this in the sense that if you recall the Carlos Tevez case, where West Ham ended up giving Sheffield United a sizable amount of compensation, well over £20million, and that was about 2008, 2009.

“That’s when £20million, £25million was worth a lot of money and certainly significantly less than it is worth today.

“So on the back of that we’ve got settlements between Middlesbrough and Derby and Wycombe Wanderers and Derby.

“Does it mean that breaches of PSR have consequences for sides who are otherwise relegated or didn’t get into the play-offs or similar.”

Jadon Sancho tipped for Premier League switch immediately after leaving Man United on free transfer

Ciaran Wiseman — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:57:17 +0000

Jadon Sancho will get a ‘good move’ this summer after leaving Manchester United, says Alan Pardew.

However, the former Premier League manager thinks Sancho will struggle to secure a deal with a top six club.

Sancho will leave United when his contract expires at the end of this month

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He is set to become a free agent at the end of June after United confirmed he will be released when his contract expires.

The 26-year-old joins Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia in leaving Old Trafford ahead of next season.

Since joining the Red Devils from Borussia Dortmund for £73million in 2021, Sancho has made 83 appearances for the club.

In those outings, he has scored 12 goals and provided six assists for his team-mates.

Meanwhile, Sancho has also spent time on loan at Dortmund, Chelsea and Aston Villa in the last three seasons.

Pardew on Sancho’s future

Following United’s announcement of his departure, Pardew shared his views on his future alongside Majestic on talkSPORT.

The former Premier League manager explained: “He hasn’t really done enough to warrant a massive, massive contract like he was on at Man United, but he’ll get a good move.

“When you get to the end of the season, it is an opportunity. You have to make some really tough calls on who to renegotiate with because obviously there’s a value to the football club.

“You might actually as a manager want them to go, but the club have a financial interest in them, and wants some money back and get them to re-sign one more year.

“‘Let’s see if we can move him on. It’ll be good for you for the year.’ You have to have all those kinds of debates.”

Sancho has been tipped for a potential move to Crystal Palace by Pardew

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Sancho to Palace?

Pardew believes his old club Crystal Palace could be one club that takes an interest in signing Sancho on a free transfer.

The Eagles are set to appoint Pierre Sage as their new manager to replace the departing Oliver Glasner.

It comes ahead of their first-ever Europa League campaign after winning the Conference League last month.

When asked if Palace would be a good destination for Sancho, Pardew added: “I think that will be the kind of club that he’ll go to.

“That mid-section of the Premier League. I don’t think he’s going to get a move to one of the top six clubs.”

Sancho made 39 appearances across all competitions for Villa last season.

Sancho won the Europa League on loan at Aston Villa last season

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However, he ended the campaign with just one goal and three assists for the club.

The forward was also part of the Villa side which won the Europa League, having made a nine-minute cameo in the final.

Michael Olise’s brother leaves Premier League club after more than a decade

Jack Cunningham — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 12:08:08 +0000

Michael Olise’s brother has been released by Chelsea upon the expiration of his contract.

Richard Olise spent ten years in the Blues’ academy, but his time in west London is over.

The younger Olise has suffered a similar fate to his older brother at Chelsea

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Michael Olise suffered a similar fate in 2014 when he was released by Chelsea as a 14-year-old, having spent seven years in their academy without making a first-team appearance.

The Blues would live to regret their decision during a failed attempt to re-sign the France superstar in 2023.

Richard Olise joined the club at under-9s level and made it to the first-team squad during the 2024/25 season.

He was named as part of the squad for a Conference League tie against Astana but never made a first-team appearance.

The 21-year-old is a former Under-18s England youth international.

Unlike his brother, Richard Olise is a full-back, who can operate on the right or the left.

He isn’t the only player to be released by Chelsea.

There are three others also heading for the exit door at Stamford Bridge.

Brodi Hughes, Sam Rak-Sakyi and Jimi Taurianen.

Hughes spent 13 years with the academy, having joined as an under-8.

The Chelsea clearout ahead of Xabi Alonso’s arrival is underway

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He spent this season on loan at Wimbledon.

Rak-Sakyi is the younger brother of Crystal Palace forward Jesurun and has managed four senior first-team appearances.

He is an England youth international and also progressed through the age groups at Cobham.

Finally, Finnish youth international Taurianen is on the move.

He joined the club in 2020 and was on the bench for the Carabao Cup final in 2024.

Taurianen made two first-team appearances for the Blues.

Olise is now one of the most in-demand players in the world

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Olise’s dream

While Richard waits to try and find a new club, he will be watching his brother in action at the World Cup.

The right winger is expected to start for France on the right of Didier Deschamps‘ attack.

He scored a hat-trick against Northern Ireland on Monday in Lille and is heading to North America in sublime form.

Olise played a huge role in Bayern Munich winning the Bundesliga, DFB Pokal and making the Champions League semi-final.

The 24-year-old is one of the favourites to lift the Ballon d’Or, and that claim would be strengthened if he delivers on the world stage.

Across all competitions for Bayern, Olise scored 22 times and set up a further 31 goals.

Olise has always been clear that he wants to play for France

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He will be linking up with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Rayan Cherki, to name but a few.

Of course, England missed out on Olise choosing to represent them internationally, but France was always the plan.

Speaking about his international choice, Olise said: “I have always had a connection with the France national team, that is why I play for France.

“Nationality says where you come from, and I actually come from four countries: France, Algeria, Nigeria and Great Britain.

“I consider myself very lucky to possess these four parts, which all enrich me.

“I feel each individual part in me. I’ve developed attachments in all my countries.

“When I was growing up in London we regularly visited Algeria, Nigeria and France.”

Marcus Rashford set to return to Man United with Barcelona buy clause expiring in days

Ciaran Wiseman — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 10:07:19 +0000

Barcelona are not expected to trigger Marcus Rashford’s option to buy clause before it expires, talkSPORT understands.

The £26million permanent option in his loan from Manchester United expires on June 15.

Rashford is set to return to United, with Barcelona’s option to buy expiring on Monday

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As a result, Rashford is set to return to Old Trafford following the World Cup.

The forward is currently with the England squad ahead of this summer’s tournament.

Barcelona remain keen to bring Rashford back to the club ahead of next season.

However, another loan move is currently the most likely solution for the 28-year-old.

Rashford has two years remaining on his current Red Devils contract after signing an extension in 2023.

Meanwhile, United have confirmed that Jadon Sancho has left the club after five seasons.

Sancho was signed for £75million from Borussia Dortmund in 2021 and played 83 games.

The winger spent last season on loan at Aston Villa following previous temporary spells with Dortmund and Chelsea.

Casemiro and Tyrell Malacia will also depart Old Trafford upon the expiry of their contracts this summer.

As for Rashford, he helped Barcelona win their 29th LaLiga title last term.

Rashford is currently at the World Cup with England after winning LaLiga last season

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Across 32 league appearances for Barca, Rashford scored eight goals and added nine assists.

He also scored five times in 11 Champions League outings as well as providing four assists for his team-mates.

Only Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Fermin Lopez provided more goal contributions for Hansi Flick’s side across all competitions.

Gordon on Rashford

Rashford’s United return follows Anthony Gordon’s £70million move to the Camp Nou.

Barcelona have swooped to sign the forward from Newcastle United on a five-year deal.

Gordon has revealed that Rashford has been offering him tips and information about the club ahead of his arrival.

Barca have already completed the signing of Rashford’s England team-mate Gordon

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The 25-year-old told talkSPORT: “He was just telling me how good the lads are there, the team spirit that they have, which I heard already from the people in Barca.

“So I’m really looking forward to joining up with them. He was also telling me about the city, places to live.

“He’s a lovely guy, very caring. So he was just giving me a bit of information.”

Both players are part of Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup.

Top ten players with most trophies ever: Lionel Messi ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo who wins another title

Joe Brophy — Wed, 10 Jun 2026 09:11:43 +0000

At the end of the day, it’s all about winning trophies, right?

Winning a major piece of silverware is the hardest thing to do in football – just ask Harry Kane…

Messi’s crowning moment was finally getting his hands on the World Cup

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The England captain has suffered heartbreak with the Three Lions and Tottenham but his long trophy drought has finally ended at Bayern Munich.

Others make it look easy, with Lionel Messi continuing to add more to his collection after claiming his second Copa America.

With the 2026 World Cup upon us, the biggest prize in football is up for grabs once more.

With that in mind, talkSPORT.com looks at the top ten most decorated players of all time…

Cristiano Ronaldo – 35 trophies

A modern great for Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus, Ronaldo’s hunger for success has seen him break into the top ten.

Ronaldo has more individual awards than everyone on this list except rival Messi and has won everything, including league titles in England, Spain and Italy – and he has the goal records to match.

But the 41-year-old still falls slightly short when it comes to team honours despite his record five Champions League titles.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner also claimed Saudi Pro League glory with Al Nassr this year.

Ronaldo has also helped his country claim silverware, with his crowning moment being Portugal’s Euro 2016 success.

Notable trophies won:

Premier League: 3x (2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09)
LaLiga: 2x (2011–12, 2016–17)
Serie A: 2x (2018–19, 2019–20)
Champions League: 5x (2007-08, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18)
European Championship: 2016
UEFA Nations League: 2018-19, 2024-25
Saudi Pro League: 2025–26

Ronaldo has lifted just one trophy since 2021 and it came with Al Nassr

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Ryan Giggs – 34 trophies

The only player on this list who won all of his silverware while playing in England – the Welsh winger’s longevity was astounding!

Giggs is the most decorated player in United’s history having won 34 trophies in a career which saw him make 963 appearances for his only club over 24 years.

Notable trophies won:

Premier League: 13x (1992–93, 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2012–13)
FA Cup: 4x (1993–94, 1995–96, 1998–99, 2003–04)
League Cup: 4x (1991–92, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10)
Champions League: 2x (1998–99, 2007–08)

Giggs won 34 trophies at United – pictured with David Beckham and the Champions League

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Gerard Pique – 37 trophies

The Spaniard came through the ranks at Sir Alex Ferguson‘s Man United before returning to Barcelona to help his boyhood club win trebles in 2008/09 and 2014/15.

Pique, who hung up his boots in 2022, also played a starring role for Spain in their 2010 World Cup win and their Euro triumph two years later.

Notable trophies won:

Premier League: 2007-08
LaLiga: 8x (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19)
Champions League: 4x (2007-08, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
European Championship: 2012
World Cup: 2010

Pique won the lot after leaving Old Trafford

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Andres Iniesta – 37 trophies

The 41-year-old finally hung up his boots in late 2024 after a spell in the United Arab Emirates followed some years in Japan with Vissel Kobe.

But Iniesta will always be celebrated for the pivotal role he played in Barcelona and Spain’s dual domination in the 2000s and 2010s.

The midfielder lifted every trophy on offer during a 16-year spell in Barca’s first-team and scored a 116th-minute winner for his country against the Netherlands in the 2010 World Cup final to write himself in Spanish folklore.

Notable trophies won:

LaLiga: 9x (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18)
Champions League: 4x (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
European Championship: 2x (2008, 2012)
World Cup: 2010

Iniesta scored the winning goal in Spain’s only men’s World Cup triumph

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Maxwell – 37 trophies

A surprise name perhaps but the underrated Brazilian defender had the fortune of playing for the Inter Milan side Jose Mourinho inherited before joining Pep Guardiola‘s all-conquering Barcelona team.

Maxwell was then among the first players to make the switch to PSG following their 2011 takeover by Qatar Sports Investments.

He was the most decorated active European player at the time of his retirement and Maxwell has since become the club’s assistant sporting director.

Notable trophies won:

Serie A: 3x (2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09)
LaLiga: 2x (2009–10, 2010–11)
Champions League: 2010–11
Ligue 1: 4x (2012–13, 2013–14, 2014–15, 2015–16)

Maxwell won 14 trophies in just five years at PSG

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Sergio Busquets – 38 trophies

An unsung hero during the days of Barcelona and Spain’s domination, Busquets established himself as the best holding midfielder around.

After winning 32 trophies with Barca and a treble with his La Roja, Busquets followed Messi to Miami and added to his tally by securing the 2023 Leagues Cup and Super Cup.

Notable trophies won:

LaLiga: 9x (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2022–23)
Champions League: 3x (2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
European Championship: 2012
World Cup: 2010
UEFA Nations League: 2023

Busquets got his hands on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa

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Hossam Ashour – 39 trophies

Liverpool‘s Mohamed Salah still has a way to go to becoming Egypt’s most decorated player – that honour doesn’t even belong to Ashour!

The defensive midfielder made his debut for Al-Ahly in 2003 and helped the club to 39 trophies over the next 17 years.

He made the switch to Al Ittihad for the final two years of his career in 2020 but failed to add to his glittering collection.

Notable trophies won:

Egyptian Premier League: 13x (2004–05, 2005–06, 2006–07, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2013–14, 2015–16, 2016–17, 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20)
Egypt Cup: 4x (2005–06, 2006–07, 2016–17, 2019–20)
Egyptian Super Cup: 10x (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017، 2018)
CAF Champions League: 6x (2005, 2006, 2008, 2012, 2013, 2020)
CAF Confederation Cup: 2014
African Super Cup: 5x (2006, 2007, 2009, 2013, 2014)

Hossam Ashour hung up his boots as Egypt’s most successful player

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Hossam Hassan – 41 trophies

The once-prolific striker has the honour of being both Egypt’s most decorated player and the country’s record goalscorer.

The 57-year-old claimed 14 Egyptian Premier League titles during his career, while he was also a three-time African Cup of Nations winner.

Notable trophies won:

Egyptian Premier League: 14x (1984–85, 1985–86, 1986–87, 1988–89, 1993–94, 1994–95, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2003–04)
Egypt Cup: 5x (1984-85, 1988-89, 1992-93, 1995-96, 2001-2002)
Egyptian Super Cup: 2x (2001, 2002)
CAF Champions League: 2002
African Cup of Nations: 3x (1986, 1998, 2006)

Hassan was a celebrated goalscorer in his native Egypt

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Dani Alves – 44 trophies

The Brazilian became the first player in football history to reach 44 trophies after securing Olympic gold in 2021.

Often regarded as one of the best full-backs of all time, Alves won the bulk of his medals in Spain for Sevilla and then Barcelona.

He later enjoyed success in Italy with Juventus and at French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

Notable trophies won:

LaLiga: 6x (2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16)
Champions League: 3x (2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
Serie A: 2016–17
Ligue 1: 2x (2017–18, 2018–19)
Copa America: 2x (2007, 2019)
Summer Olympics: 2020

Alves had previously held the record before he was caught by his former teammate

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Lionel Messi – 47 trophies

A true icon, Messi has won countless individual trophies to go along with his team’s triumphs, including a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.

The Argentine racked up an incredible 34 trophies during his time at Barcelona, before scooping three more at Paris Saint-Germain.

But the crowning moment of his career came during the World Cup in Qatar, with Messi scoring twice in the dramatic final against France.

Not satisfied with stepping away from the beautiful game, the 38-year-old joined Inter Miami where he quickly got his hands on the Leagues Cup – the first-ever piece of silverware for David Beckham‘s MLS franchise.

In July 2024, he captained Argentina to their first back-to-back Copa title this century – which was also a record 16th continental title for La Albiceleste, and ensured Messi stands alone!

Messi will hope to cap off his remarkable career by helping Argentina claim world glory again this summer.

Notable trophies won:

LaLiga : 10x (2004–05, 2005–06, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13, 2014–15, 2015–16, 2017–18, 2018–19)
Champions League: 4x (2005–06, 2008–09, 2010–11, 2014–15)
Ligue 1: 2x (2021–22, 2022–23)
Copa America: 2021, 2024
World Cup: 2022

Messi inspired Argentina to Copa America glory – their third consecutive major tournament success

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Liverpool offer contract to ex-player’s son while little-known hero of historic night one of 12 players released

Robert Calcutt — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 20:51:46 +0000

Liverpool have offered a contract to Prince Cisse, while also revealing the 12 players that will leave this summer.

Prince is the son of former Reds striker and club-record signing Djibril Cisse, who scored 24 goals in 79 appearances after a £14million move in 2004.

Cisse has been offered a deal at Liverpool

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He was part of their 2004/05 Champions League-winning squad, and also lifted the FA Cup and Super Cup.

Cisse’s son has been at Liverpool since his time in the pre-academy at six years old and is a youth international for Wales.

Prince mostly plays at centre-back, but used to be more of a forward.

The 17-year-old has made 33 appearances for Liverpool’s youth sides, which includes a Premier League 2 outing during the 2025/26 season.

He is one of eight players to have been offered contracts alongside Keyrol Figueroa, whose father is Maynor Figueroa.

Maynor made 214 Premier League appearances at Wigan Athletic and Hull City, and won the 2012/13 FA Cup with the former.

Keyrol signed his first professional contract at Liverpool, which is due to expire at the end of the month, in May 2024.

The 19-year-old striker has 21 goals at youth level for the club and was an unused substitute for the first team in October.

Liverpool bid farewell to Anfield hero

Meanwhile, eight players will leave the Liverpool academy when their contracts expire this summer, including Oakley Cannonier.

The 22-year-old became a Reds hero in May 2019 when he was a ballboy during their famous 4-0 Champions League win against Barcelona.

Figueroa could also extend his stay at the Reds

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However, former ballboy Cannonier is set to leave the club

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Cannonier quickly passed the ball to Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose quickfire corner was then tapped in by Divock Origi for their fourth and decisive goal.

Liverpool were 3-0 down on aggregate from the first leg but reached the final with one of the most iconic nights in the club’s history.

Cannonier has been at the club since joining from his hometown side Leeds United as an U12.

The forward signed his first professional deal in July 2021 and scored 44 goals in 71 academy matches.

Top trio heading out

Liverpool also reminded fans about the departures of Mohamed Salah, Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate in their retained list.

Salah announced in March that he will be leaving the club after nine years of immense success.

Salah is the most notable departure from Liverpool this summer

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He won nine trophies, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League, and hit 257 goals and 123 assists in 442 matches.

Salah is yet to have found a new club, though talkSPORT understands the Egyptian has interest from MLS and Saudi Arabia.

Robertson will also leave Liverpool at the end of the month after his nine-year spell in defence.

The Scotland international also won nine trophies at the club and will remain in the Premier League by joining Tottenham Hotspur.

Konate bid an emotional farewell to Liverpool at the end of May and is set to complete a move to Real Madrid.

He has agreed terms with Madrid, who are expected to welcome back Jose Mourinho as manager.

Rhys Williams will also leave Liverpool after 15 years at the club, with the defender featuring 19 times for the first team.

Liverpool's 2026 retained list

Senior departures: Ibrahima Konate, Andy Robertson, Mohamed Salah, Rhys Williams

Academy departures: Kareem Ahmed, Emmanuel Airoboma, James Balagizi, DJ Bernard, Oakley Cannonier, Josh Davidson, Terence Miles, Jacob Poytress

Players with contract offers: Prince Cisse, Keyrol Figueroa, Kyle Kelly, Afolami Onanuga, Oliver O’Connor, Lucas Pitt, Ben Trueman, Matthew Wright

Ex-Premier League player eyed for top job in completely different sport in shock move

Lee Davey — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 16:45:24 +0000

Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper is a shock contender to become Durham’s new director of cricket.

Harper, who made 199 appearances for the Magpies during his 23-year career, has never hidden his love for cricket.

Harper spent a club-record 20 years at Newcastle during his career

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Durham are searching for a new face to help lead the club following the departure of Marcus North.

The Australian successfully guided Durham back to Division One but last month relinquished his position to take up a role as England Men’s National Selector.

According to the Daily Mail, Harper is firmly in the running to succeed North.

The 51-year-old is best known for his time at St James’ Park and is the longest- serving player in Newcastle’s history having spent 20 years at the club.

Harper was mainly a back-up for the then No.1 Shay Given but showed his quality whenever called upon.

He shares a close relationship with former Newcastle teammate Alan Shearer with their friendship spanning decades.

Shearer managed Harper during his short stint in the Newcastle dugout in 2009.

The Magpies’ record goalscorer was a vocal supporter of Harper during his testimonial match in 2013 which raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local charities in the North East.

Harper also enjoyed loan spells at Bradford, Gateshead, Stockport, Hartlepool, Huddersfield and Brighton during his playing days.

He spent two years at Hull before moving to Sunderland without making a first-team appearance.

Harper has been working in Newcastle’s academy for the past five years

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Harper could soon land at the Banks Homes Riverside Stadium to take up a new role

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Harper is also an FA approved referee – one of the few professional footballers to have earned their referee’s licence.

The former shot-stopper has spent the past five years as the director of Newcastle’s academy but it appears that he is now ready for a career change.

And that nicely ties in with his love of cricket with Harper an active player for South Northumberland.

Meanwhile, Durham are also considering the ECB’s elite bowling coach, Neil Killeen, for the director of cricket role.

Killeen boasts 30 years of experience as a player and a coach with Durham and is seen as a strong contender.

Saudi Pro League club prepared to make lucrative offer to lure Vitor Pereira away from Nottingham Forest

Ciaran Wiseman — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:11:23 +0000

Al Hilal are interested in Nottingham Forest manager Vítor Pereira, and are prepared to offer a significant wage.

Pereira, who managed Saudi sides Al Ahli and Al Shabab, is currently preparing for the new season with Forest.

Al Hilal are interested in appointing Forest boss Pereira as manager this summer

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He is in talks to extend his contract with an offer already on the table.

The Portuguese coach has been in charge at the City Ground since February after succeeding Sean Dyche in the dugout.

Meanwhile, Pereira’s current deal runs until the end of next season.

Since his arrival, he has won eight of his 20 matches in charge across all competitions.

Those include a 10-match unbeaten run which saw Forest reach the Europa League semi-finals and secure their top-flight survival.

Pereira’s side ended the campaign in 16th place, finishing five points clear of the relegation zone.

Saudi interest

The 57-year-old has previously enjoyed two spells managing in Saudi Arabia.

Pereira spent the 2013/14 season in charge of Al Ahli as they finished third in the Saudi Pro League and reached the King’s Cup final.

He returned to the country a decade later for a 10-month stint as Al Shabab boss prior to joining Wolves.

His time at Molineux was his most recent role before being appointed by Forest earlier this year.

Pereira is in talks with Forest over a new contract after securing Premier League safety

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Pereira could now be set for a return to the Middle East amid Al Hilal’s interest.

Simone Inzaghi is set to leave the club after just one season in charge following their second place finish.

Despite an unbeaten league campaign, his side finished two points behind champions Al Nassr.

Inzaghi was appointed by Al Hilal prior to last summer’s Club World Cup, where they beat Manchester City on route to the quarter-finals.

Forest future

It is shaping up to be a busy summer at the City Ground as interest in Pereira emerges.

The Forest boss is already preparing for life without midfielder Elliot Anderson.

City are set to launch a second bid for Anderson after their opening offer was rejected

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City have already seen a bid rejected for the England international.

However, they are now lining up a second bid and are prepared to pay in excess of £80million for Anderson, talkSPORT understands.

Transfer Notebook: Bournemouth rate Liverpool and Man United target at £80m, Arsenal ready to sell Martinelli, Hull target 95-goal striker

Joe Moore — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 11:36:37 +0000

Bournemouth value sought-after midfielder Alex Scott at around £80million and remain determined to keep him this summer.

Scott is emerging as a target for Liverpool and fellow Premier League heavyweights Manchester United after a stellar season on the Dorset coast.

Liverpool have emerged as suitors for Bournemouth star Scott, whose former manager Andoni Iraola is now in charge at Anfield

Javier Garcia

However, Bournemouth sources have doubled down on their stance that ambitious owner Bill Foley does not want to cash in on the Channel Islander.

The Cherries remain hopeful Scott will sign a new contract, potentially with an Antoine Semenyo-style release clause.

Semenyo penned a new five-year contract with Bournemouth last summer, which featured a £65m buy-out clause that was only active for the first two weeks of the following January transfer window – which was ultimately triggered by Man City.

Foley is also adamant Scott will not be allowed to leave on the cheap and acknowledges the price tags attached to other midfielders like Manchester City target Elliot Anderson, West Ham’s Mateus Fernandes and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali.

Scott is expected to make his England debut against Costa Rica tomorrow.

Martinelli up for sale

Arsenal are ready to cash in on Gabriel Martinelli, bringing to end his six-year stay in north London.

Ruthless Mikel Arteta is planning a rebuild this summer in a quest to win back-to-back Premier League titles.

Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers is high on Arteta’s wanted list, meaning one of Martinelli or Leandro Trossard would be sold.

Brazilian international Martinelli is the most vulnerable after making only a handful of league starts as Arsenal were crowned champions for the first time in 22 years.

The Brazilian ace has managed 62 goals and 36 assists in 278 appearances for the Gunners since his arrival as an 18-year-old from hometown club Ituano in 2019.

Martinelli may be one of the first players out of the Emirates’ door this summer as Arteta looks to build on their Premier League title

DeFodi Images via Getty

Fulham left blindsided by Silva U-turn

Marco Silva had agreed a new deal with Fulham before making an 11th hour U-turn, talkSPORT understands.

Silva quit Craven Cottage after five years at the helm to return to his native Portugal and take over at Benfica.

His exit came as somewhat of a surprise to Fulham owner Shahid Khan after Silva had previously indicated he was ready to accept their offer of a bumper new £8m-a-year-contract.

Silva had also been promised a more hands-on role in recruitment in a bid to persuade him not to leave.

Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna is believed to be the Cottagers’ number one choice to replace the former Hull, Watford and Everton boss.

Newly-promoted Hull eye 95-goal striker

Hull City are considering offering Callum Wilson a Premier League lifeline.

Wilson scored seven goals for West Ham this season, proving he’s still got plenty left in the tank at 34 years old

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Wilson is leaving West Ham following their relegation to the Championship.

The newly-promoted Tigers are eying the free agent market as a way to help prepare their squad for the top-flight.

England international Wilson, 34, has scored almost 100 Premier League goals and could be an astute pick up.

Meanwhile Hull’s veteran centre-back John Egan is set to be offered a new deal.

Kieran McKenna increasingly likely to leave Ipswich as Fulham weigh up £8million decision

Sean O'Brien — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:37:09 +0000

Kieran McKenna is increasingly likely to leave Ipswich this summer, talkSPORT understands.

McKenna, who recently secured an immediate return to the Premier League for the Tractor Boys, is Fulham’s top target to replace Marco Silva.

McKenna has achieved three promotions in four-and-a-half seasons at Ipswich

talkSPORT understands the Ipswich boss is keen on joining the Cottagers, who are weighing up whether to trigger his £8million release clause.

Ipswich want to keep McKenna but are powerless if the clause is triggered and they are believed to be working on a potential succession plan.

McKenna was also on Crystal Palace‘s list of potential successors to Oliver Glasner, but the Eagles are now moving forward with a deal for Lens boss Pierre Sage.

Fulham were also linked with a move for ex-Brentford and Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, but the Dane recently ruled himself out of a return to management this summer.

Time to move on?

McKenna took charge of Ipswich in December 2021 when the club were mid-table in League One.

He arrived the day after a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Barrow in the FA Cup.

Having found the club at rock bottom, he immediately stabilised it before achieving back-to-back promotions.

Ipswich’s emotional return to the Premier League in 2024 marked the end of a 22-year exodus.

McKenna had opportunities to leave Portman Road that summer as Chelsea, Manchester United, and Brighton came knocking.

The 40-year-old worked as an assistant manager to Jose Mourinho, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick during a five-year coaching career at Old Trafford.

McKenna built his reputation as a coach during his time with the Red Devils

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However, he decided to stay loyal and signed a bumper new four-year contract with Ipswich.

The Tractor Boys did not survive their first season back under McKenna, suffering relegation to the Championship.

They will get another crack at Premier League football in the 2026/27 campaign, having been promoted straight back at the first attempt.

Splash the cash

Ex-Fulham and Ipswich striker Darren Bent insists the Cottagers should not be deterred by McKenna’s £8m release clause.

“I don’t think it’s a risk,” Bent said. “It’s a manager who’s got Premier League experience.

“I know it maybe didn’t go the way that he would have liked for Kieran [in 2024/25], but he spent a bit of time at Manchester United as well, then went to Ipswich.

Silva spent five years at Fulham and became one of the Premier League’s longest-serving managers before his exit for Benfica

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“He’s done wonderful things for Ipswich in terms of promotion and getting them back to the Premier League. And it feels like a good fit.”

Meanwhile, Rangers legend Ally McCoist argued the time is right for Ipswich and McKenna to move on from each other.

“I think he’s done a fantastic job at Ipswich,” McCoist said. “And I think now’s the time for him maybe to get a new fresh challenge.

“I can see the Ipswich folk going crazy, but I think it might just be the right time for Ipswich as well, for a wee change.

“And sometimes the departures that are both amicable and the right time are the best.

“I think it’d be a great move for Fulham, a great move for him. And Ipswich can go again.”

Manchester United target Premier League rivals’ goalkeeper in potential 22-year first transfer

Jack Johnson — Tue, 09 Jun 2026 10:01:47 +0000

Leeds United goalkeeper Karl Darlow is a Manchester United target, talkSPORT understands.

Man United are looking to sign a homegrown keeper to replace Altay Bayindir as back-up to Senne Lammens.

Leeds goalkeeper Darlow is a target for Man United this summer

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Darlow claimed Leeds‘ No.1 position last season, playing 24 times after taking the shirt from summer signing Lucas Perri.

He became a regular starter in the second half of the Premier League season, helping lead the club to safety in the top flight.

In his 22 league appearances, the 35-year-old kept five clean sheets and conceded a total of 27 goals.

The Wales international’s impressive performances during a standout campaign have now led to interest from a giant, with his contract at Elland Road expiring at the end of June.

Man United are on the lookout for a new goalkeeper to play second fiddle to the Premier League’s Transfer of the Season, Lammens.

Bayindir has played just 17 times for the Red Devils since signing for the club in 2023 from Fenerbahce.

He’s been back-up to Andre Onana and now Lammens in that time, failing to secure regular gametime at all.

And it now seems that Man United are going to move him on, with a homegrown replacement being targeted.

All teams in the Premier League need a minimum of eight homegrown players in their 25-man squad.

Darlow would help United maintain that number, joining a goalkeeper set-up that also includes veteran Tom Heaton.

Bayindir has only played 17 games for Man United in three years at the club

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Leeds and Wales goalkeeper Darlow could be signed as Lammens’ new back-up

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A very rare transfer

Should Darlow complete a move to Man United, it would be the first time in 22 years that a player has joined the club from Leeds.

United and Leeds have a historic rivalry and it’s only been on rare occasions that they have done deals together.

Alan Smith’s move to Old Trafford in 2004 was the last time a player joined the Red Devils from their rivals.

Smith made the switch in a £7million transfer, signing a five-year deal with United, as Danny Pugh went the opposite way.

Before that deal, Rio Ferdinand‘s exit from Leeds to Manchester for £29m in 2002 was the next most recent.

Eric Cantona also made the same move in 1992, with Arthur Graham, Gordon McQueen and Joe Jordan the only others to do so.

Players to sign for Man United from Leeds

Alan Smith – May, 2004
Rio Ferdinand – July, 2002
Eric Cantona – November, 1992
Arthur Graham – August, 1983
Gordon McQueen – February, 1978
Joe Jordan – January, 1978

It means Darlow can be part of a very rare transfer if he ends up joining Man United this summer.

The transfer window in the Premier League opens on June 15, with the goalkeeper’s Leeds contract expiring on June 30.

Kieran Trippier completes move to EFL club on free transfer after Newcastle exit

Jack Cunningham — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:28:44 +0000

Kieran Trippier has completed a free transfer to Wolves.

The former England defender has signed what is believed to be a two-year deal having left Newcastle as a free agent at the end of the season.

Trippier’s time at Newcastle United is over, but he will be staying in England

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Wolves will play Championship football next season after finishing rock-bottom of the Premier League.

talkSPORT previously reported manager Rob Edwards had held personal talks with Trippier.

I am delighted to join @Wolves, a new chapter and one I’m ready for. I’m looking forward to working with the team, and giving my all on the pitch. I can’t wait to meet the fans and play at Molineux,” Trippier said on X upon completing his move.

Trippier joined the Toon in January 2022, becoming the first high-profile signing following the takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

He played a huge role in the Magpies winning the Carabao Cup and playing Champions League football twice.

Trippier was given a huge send-off from the Magpies faithful at the end of the 2025/26 season and leaves as a club legend.

At the time of his departure being announced, he said: “The time has come to leave this amazing club after four-and-a-half years.

“This is where I have felt most at home. It’s emotional, and I’m really going to miss it.

“I want to say a massive thank you to the supporters for all the support through the good and the bad times for me personally. You’ve always supported me, always stood by me.

“To my teammates, it’s going to be emotional. It’s been an amazing journey with you guys.

“I’m going to miss you all, but to win a trophy with you guys was really, really special – the best of my career.

Trippier will always be appreciated on Tyneside, but Edwards clearly feels he has more to give

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“And to the manager, Eddie Howe, all the coaching staff and the team behind the scenes, a massive thank you.

“The gaffer had the trust – twice [at Burnley previously] – to sign me, gave me the opportunity to represent and captain this great club and most importantly, we managed to win a
trophy.

“I’m going to miss everyone at the club. Thank you.”

Wolves rebuild

Ahead of a return to the Championship after a successful eight-year stay in the Premier League, Wolves are preparing for a lot of incomings and outgoings.

talkSPORT understands that Joao Gomes is close to joining Atletico Madrid for just under £40million.

The Brazil international missed out on World Cup selection, but he will be departing Molineux.

Raul Jimenez made 166 appearances for Wolves and scored 57 goals and set up a further 23

Meanwhile, former fans’ favourite Raul Jimenez has opened the door for a dramatic return with the striker leaving Fulham on a free transfer this summer.

Speaking on his future and asked about a Wolves return by the Express and Star, the Mexican recently said: “Why not? There is always a possibility. Let’s see.

“It would be nice, more after today, let’s see.

“I don’t know, maybe. But I don’t know.”

Trippier’s legacy

talkSPORT’s Inside The Toon YouTube show discussed the lasting impact of Trippier’s time at the club.

Head of Sport for The Sun, Shaun Custis, said: “He’s transformed Newcastle for me. He turned us into a team that can believe in achieving big things.

“If you have won La Liga, for goodness sake, then you can achieve big things. He knows what it’s like when you’re nearly there, when he was at Spurs and didn’t get the in the Champions League.

“Although we didn’t get to that point, he knows sort of what it takes to get there. I’m sure he changed the mentality of them completely.”

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talkSPORT’s Jack Cunningham added: “It is the right time for him to move on. He’s the best right-back I’ve seen play for Newcastle.

He was the first man to make that leap, after the takeover, from Atletico Madrid. He’d just won LaLiga. He comes to a team who are 19th in the Premier League, scores two massive free kicks, then he got injured, but then the season after, it was unbelievable.

“He was really good for half the season after as well. Then last year, the cup final performance, outrageous in that game when we needed a player to be at his top level.

“What I really liked after the game on Sunday is that he praised Woltemade.

“Specifically, Nick’s got a lot of criticism this season, but he’s been doing a lot of work behind the scenes, doing a lot of dog work in midfield. He will score goals. He will do well for Newcastle.

“So even when he’s leaving, he’s still being a class act. I hope he does well wherever he goes.”

Arsenal sack key figure at club days after Champions League final

Alex Conrad — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 21:05:25 +0000

Arsenal have reportedly shown head doctor Zafar Iqbal the door.

According to The Telegraph, the Gunners informed Iqbal his services were no longer required in a meeting last Monday.

Iqbal was with the Gunners for just over two years

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The report adds Iqbal’s exit was a major shock to himself and the rest of the club’s medical staff.

Arsenal chief executive Richard Garlick was tasked with relieving Iqbal of his duties.

The brutal decision was made just days after Arsenal fell to Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Dropping like flies

Iqbal’s work came under scrutiny this season given the alarming amount of Gunners players who got injured.

The likes of captain Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz and Jurrien Timber all spent prolonged periods on the sideline with respective issues.

Only Martin Zubimendi, Myles Lewis-Skelly and back-up goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga featured in every one of the Gunners’ 38 Premier League matchday squads.

Despite losing several key players at vital parts of the season, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta made full use of his squad throughout their 63-game season across four competitions.

A healthy squad is a winning squad

The Gunners survived a late wobble in the Premier League to end their 22-year wait for domestic glory, finishing seven points clear of Manchester City.

Arteta’s side also reached the final of the Carabao Cup, only to fall at the final hurdle against City.

Their FA Cup exit was far less glamorous though, as Arsenal exited the competition in the quarter-finals due to a shock 2-1 loss to Championship side Southampton.

Arteta will hope a new club doctor can reduce the number of injuries sustained by his star players

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Regardless, winning the Premier League constituted a successful campaign for the Gunners given they had finished second in the top flight for three-straight years previously.

Arsenal had to wait until the final day of the Premier League season to be officially coronated champions though, with the champagne being officially uncorked following a 2-1 win away at Crystal Palace.

Although they couldn’t make it a delightful double, it didn’t stop over one million people from lining the streets of north London to celebrate their Premier League triumph.

Arteta will now turn his attention to preparing for next season as Arsenal look to become the first team outside of City to successfully defend their Premier League title in 18 years.

That honour belongs to Manchester United, who won the league three seasons in a row between 2006 and 2009.

However, only City have been able to successfully defend their Premier League crown in the years that have followed.

Premier League club rejected Michael Olise as teenager over ‘attitude problem’

Alex Conrad — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 17:49:18 +0000

In a parallel universe, Michael Olise is sporting a famous white playing kit, but it’s not the one of Real Madrid.

Instead, it’s Tottenham, as talkSPORT’s Natalie Sawyer revealed the Premier League side had the opportunity to sign Olise when he was a teenager, only to let him walk free because of a supposed attitude problem.

How Roberto De Zerbi could do with a player of Olise’s ilk at Tottenham

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Why Spurs swerved Olise as a youngster

“I have a story that I was told,” Sawyer said on Monday’s edition of White and Jordan, which she co-hosted alongside Scott Minto.

“He could have signed for Tottenham. He was brought in to Tottenham at a very young age and part of the reason they didn’t sign him was because of issues with his attitude. This is what I was told.

“He then went to Reading.

“The difference between what happened at Tottenham to what happened at Reading, was because Reading had to keep him because he was so good, they can work around this player. Whereas Tottenham thought, ‘Well, we’ve got numerous stars.'”

Tottenham are far from the only side who may be kicking themselves over not keeping Olise as Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City all had the electric winger on their books when he was a youngster.

A Royal punt… and the rest is history

Ultimately it was Reading who took a punt on Olise, where he flourished as a teenager.

The Royals’ 2020/21 season proved to be the France international’s breakout campaign, as he chalked up an impressive 19 goal contributions in the Championship.

His eye-catching numbers sparked significant interest from Premier League teams, with Crystal Palace winning the race for his services in July 2021 after they triggered the £8million clause in his contract.

Olise’s trajectory then skyrocketed while at Selhurst Park, prompting European powerhouse Bayern Munich to part with £60m to sign him in July 2024.

The 24-year-old didn’t take long to erase any doubt whether he could handle the step up in competition and expectation, scoring 20 and assisting 23 times in his debut campaign for the Bavarians.

Olise has almost 100 goal contributions for Bayern within two seasons

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Surrounded by stars like Harry Kane and Luis Diaz, Olise had no issue with chalking up even more assists in the 2025/26 season as he set up a staggering 31 goals, 19 of which were in the Bundesliga.

Olise’s remarkable displays for Bayern have cemented him as a serious contender for the Ballon d’Or.

Expect the 24-year-old’s Ballon d’Or credentials to be strengthened should he enjoy a solid World Cup with France, who are strong contenders to win it all.

Olise the Galactico?

But once the tournament is wrapped up, Olise is unlikely to stay out of the headlines amid reports Real Madrid are keen to sign him.

The Olise links to the Bernabeu were ramped up in the wake of Florentino Perez’s vow to launch a £130m bid for a mystery star should he be re-elected as Madrid’s president.

Perez has since retained his position of power, meaning an eye-watering bid for a modern superstar is expected to land soon.

Olise could join Madrid’s latest Galacticos, including Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham

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Given Olise’s unstoppable rise and the fact he’s just 24, many have speculated it could be him that Perez is eyeing up.

However, ex-Chelsea defender Minto does not believe Bayern will be willing to play ball with Real over their prized asset.

“I think he would be a really good buy and he is one of the top talents in the world,” Minto said.

“I think he’s going to have a really good World Cup as well. Think of his journey, where he’s come from to where he is now.

“Bayern Munich are not going to have it, he’s not going to go to Real Madrid. But when you’re the president and you’re promising things, it feels like you’re promising the world.”

Minto added: “It’s Bayern Munich. You don’t sell your best players, bottom line.”

Former West Ham chairman David Sullivan to fight historic allegations of sexually-exploitative behaviour after stepping down from role

Sean O'Brien — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:46:00 +0000

Former West Ham chairman David Sullivan has been accused of historic allegations of sexually-exploitative behaviour.

The 77-year-old revealed last weekend that he was stepping down from his duties at the club with details of the allegations against him later emerging on Monday.

Sullivan has been West Ham’s largest single shareholder since the death of business partner David Gold in 2023

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Ex-adult industry kingpin Sullivan has categorically denied the claims that made against him.

A joint investigation by the BBC and The Times says seven women have come forward, accusing him of abusing his power and sexually-exploitative behaviour.

The allegations include claims that he pressured them into sex during business meetings, where he is accused of offering to boost their careers if they slept with him or gave him oral sex.

One of the women claims she felt forced to have sex with Sullivan even though she did not want to.

It is also claimed that Sullivan separately admitted paying for sex in the 1990s with a girl who, he says, he believed was 16 or 17 years old. Sullivan was in his 40s at the time.

It only became illegal to pay for sex with a 16 or 17-year-old in 2003.

David Sullivan statement in full

I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published.

The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media. After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims.

I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.

I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication. I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libelous allegations.

None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life. I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.

Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as Joint-Chair and Director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.

This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.

I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.

As I depart, I want to thank everyone connected with West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendship, memories and European adventures and successes that I will carry with me forever. West Ham United will always remain close to my heart, and I have total confidence that the Board of Directors and interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani will do everything they can to take the club forward in the right direction. I wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future.

I will not be making further public comment at this stage, but I reserve all legal rights available to me in relation to any false or defamatory allegations.

The London Stadium will play host to Championship football next season

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West Ham latest

It has been suggested that co-owner David Kretinski and co-chair Vanessa Gold will now run the club, with Sullivan’s son Jack to have some involvement.

Karren Brady stepped down from her role as vice-chair in April, ending a business relationship with Sullivan which began three decades ago.

Alongside the late David Gold, Brady and Sullivan ran Birmingham City between 1993 and 2009, before the trio launched a takeover of West Ham in 2010.

The Hammers were relegated from the Premier League to the Championship at the end of the 2025/26 season.

They recently announced that Nuno Espirito Santo will remain as manager despite widespread reports he was set to leave.

talkSPORT understands Kretinsky, the club’s second-largest shareholder, pushed for Nuno to stay, while Sullivan was more inclined to change.

A statement from West Ham on Saturday read: “Mr Sullivan has also resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club, having been made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations. It is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations.

“Through his own legal representatives Mr Sullivan denies any illegal conduct and has taken the decision to step down in order to avoid disruption to the Club while he addresses the matter privately.

“Interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani, reporting into the current Board of Directors, will continue to be responsible for leading the Club’s day-to-day operations.

The Club will provide an update on the future structure of the Board of Directors in due course, but will make no further comment at this time.”

Andoni Iraola tipped to raid Bournemouth for first Liverpool signing

Ciaran Wiseman — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 14:56:33 +0000

Bournemouth’s Alex Scott could emerge as a Liverpool target this summer.

The midfielder was signed by new Reds boss Andoni Iraola for the Cherries in 2023.

Iraola has been tipped for a reunion with Scott at Liverpool this summer

Javier Garcia

Scott has gone on to make 80 Premier League appearances for the club, scoring four goals.

His performances last season earned the 22-year-old a maiden England call-up in November.

Although he is yet to make his international debut, Scott is currently with the Three Lions squad at their pre-World Cup camp in Florida.

Having missed out on Thomas Tuchel’s final 26-man squad, he has been training with the side ahead of this summer’s tournament.

Could Scott join Liverpool?

Scott could still have a busy summer, with a reunion with Iraola at Anfield a possibility before the transfer window closes.

talkSPORT’s chief football correspondent Alex Crook believes Liverpool could launch a pursuit for the in-demand star.

Joining Andy Goldstein and Gabby Agbonlahor on Breakfast, he was asked if Scott could follow his former boss to Merseyside.

Crook explained: “I think he’d be a good fit. I think if you look at one of the many reasons that Liverpool couldn’t defend their title this season I think the midfield was a real issue.

“Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch in particular didn’t really hit the heights they did the previous campaign.

“Actually before Arne Slot’s first season they were looking to bring in a number six Liverpool and then sort of stumbled upon Gravenberch in that role by default, but it’s not really his preferred position.”

Bournemouth are keen to extend Scott’s contract, which currently expires in 2028

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Liverpool have not signed a first-team midfielder for three years after Dominik Szoboszlai, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo all joined the club in 2023.

Crook continued: “Alex Scott I think is a terrific talent. If we get any pull-outs from the England World Cup squad, I think he probably is next in line. Which tells you how highly Thomas Tuchel rates him.

“There’s obviously a relationship between him and Andoni Iraola, the Liverpool manager, and Richard Hughes, the sporting director at Anfield who signed him for Bournemouth.

“So this would make a lot of sense, but Bournemouth want to keep him.

“They’ve offered him a new contract, so I think he’s going to take a significant offer, but certainly this is going to be one that we’re going to track throughout the course of the window.”

Scott’s current deal at the Vitality Stadium expires in 2028, with the club aiming to tie him down to a new long-term contract.

Scott made 37 Premier League appearances for the Cherries under Iraola last season

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The Bournemouth man could make his England debut this week despite missing out on the final World Cup squad.

Tuchel’s side face Costa Rica in their final warm-up match before the tournament on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Scott is eligible to be called into the side in the event of an injury after making England’s 55-man provisional squad.

A player from the provisional list can be added in the event of an injury up to 24 hours before a team’s opening match.