[ad_1]
Lampard emerges as Palace frontrunner
Frank Lampard could be in line to replace Roy Hodgson at Crystal Palace, reports the Telegraph.
The club is currently considering moving on from Hodgson and turning to Lampard, who departed Chelsea midway through this campaign after just a season-and-a-half in charge.
Southampton confirm Arsenal and AC Milan target Bertrand to leave club on free transfer
Southampton have confirmed that Arsenal and AC Milan target Ryan Bertrand will leave the club for free this summer.
Bertrand has spent the last six years of his career on Southampton’s books, scoring eight goals in 240 appearances, but he will walk through the St Mary’s exit doors at the end of the 2020-21 season after failing to reach an extension agreement with the club.
The Saints have announced the 31-year-old’s departure, thanking him for his sterling contribution to their cause while insisting he will always hold a special place in the heart of the club’s supporters.
“Southampton Football Club can today confirm that Ryan Bertrand will leave the club when his contract expires at the end of the season,” a statement on the club’s official website read. “Bertrand was a key part of the team during one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
“Whilst that time will always be fondly remembered, the club and Ryan have agreed that now is the time to respectfully part ways and move forward on different paths.
“Everyone associated with Southampton would like to thank Ryan for his contribution to the history of the club, and for all the memories he has helped create for our fans.
“He will forever be welcome at St Mary’s and Staplewood and will always be a Saint.”
Bertrand’s goodbye to Southampton
It has been reported that Bertrand took the decision to leave St Mary’s after rejecting a renewal offer, but the England international has taken to social media to clarify the situation.
Bertrand also said his goodbyes to Southampton supporters in a post on Twitter, which reads: “After many months of hard decision making, I have decided to leave Southampton Football Club.
“This has only been decided in the last 48 hours and comments that I had not accepted an offer previously are not true.
“This has been a difficult decision for me, but the time has come for me to seek a new challenge and find a new home that allows me the freedom to play and maximise my contribution to the team.
“I want to thank all the fans for welcoming me to this football club and supporting me endlessly. All the support staff behind the scenes, I thank you.”
Bertrand’s next move
Bertrand won’t be short on options when he leaves the Saints, with Goal having reported that Arsenal, Milan and Monaco are all competing for his signature.
The Gunners are hoping to win the race for Bertrand after seeing a January approach rejected, while newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City have also shown an interest.
Stoney already linked with NWSL gig
Casey Stoney could already be closing in on a new job.
According to the Athletic, soon-to-be-former Man Utd manager is in discussions with Jill Ellis over a move to San Diego to manage the NWSL expansion team for the 2022 season.
The San Diego team has yet to be confirmed but could be set to move soon amid uncertainty with the plan to expand to Sacramento.
OL Reign announce Le Sommer signing
Man Utd boss Stoney to step down at end of season
Manchester United manager Casey Stoney is set to step down from her role as manager at the end of the current season.
Stoney has been in charge of Man Utd since 2018 when the team was first founded, having earned promotion from the FA Women’s Championship to the Women’s Super League in 2018-19.
She led Man Utd to a fourth-place finish in their second season of the Women’s Super League this campaign, finishing just short of a Champions League spot.
What was said?
“It has been an honour to lead the women’s team at this great club and this has been an incredibly tough decision,” Stoney said in a statement. “Having come on board to start the team from scratch, then winning the Women’s Championship in our first season, we have now successfully established the team as a force in the Women’s Super League.
“I have loved leading this group and I am proud of what we have achieved together. However, after a difficult season with disruption caused by the pandemic, I now feel the time is right to take some time away and for someone else to come in and lead the team on the next stage of its journey.
“I want to thank the club, all of the fantastic staff, the fans, and most of all the players, for the incredible experience we have shared over the past three years.”
‘An inspiration’
Manchester United executive vice-chairman
What was said?
“It has been an honour to lead the women’s team at this great club and this has been an incredibly tough decision,” Stoney said in a statement. “Having come on board to start the team from scratch, then winning the Women’s Championship in our first season, we have now successfully established the team as a force in the Women’s Super League.
“I have loved leading this group and I am proud of what we have achieved together. However, after a difficult season with disruption caused by the pandemic, I now feel the time is right to take some time away and for someone else to come in and lead the team on the next stage of its journey.
“I want to thank the club, all of the fantastic staff, the fans, and most of all the players, for the incredible experience we have shared over the past three years.”
‘An inspiration’
Manchester United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who is also set to step away in the coming months, hailed Stoney’s impact on the club for her role in establishing Man Utd as a legitimate contender in the WSL.
“Casey has been a driving force behind the success of our Women’s team since she joined the club in 2018,” Woodward said. “She has been an inspiration to her players and staff, to everyone at the club, and to the fans.
“Everyone at Manchester United thanks her for her unstinting hard work and dedication and pays tribute to her achievements. She will always be part of the Manchester United family.”
The club confirmed that it is currently in the process of searching for a new head coach with an appointment to come “in due course”.
“Manchester United is completely committed to its Women’s team and to building on the legacy of Casey’s achievements as we move forwards,” said Football Director John Murtough. “With the recent historic first game at Old Trafford and the impact the team has made in the Women’s Super League, the future is bright.
“While we will be sad to see Casey leave, the team and the operation will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Man Utd remain in contention to win the FA Cup and will play Leicester City on Sunday in their fifth-round match.
, who is also set to step away in the coming months, hailed Stoney’s impact on the club for her role in establishing Man Utd as a legitimate contender in the WSL.
“Casey has been a driving force behind the success of our Women’s team since she joined the club in 2018,” Woodward said. “She has been an inspiration to her players and staff, to everyone at the club, and to the fans.
“Everyone at Manchester United thanks her for her unstinting hard work and dedication and pays tribute to her achievements. She will always be part of the Manchester United family.”
The club confirmed that it is currently in the process of searching for a new head coach with an appointment to come “in due course”.
“Manchester United is completely committed to its Women’s team and to building on the legacy of Casey’s achievements as we move forwards,” said Football Director John Murtough. “With the recent historic first game at Old Trafford and the impact the team has made in the Women’s Super League, the future is bright.
“While we will be sad to see Casey leave, the team and the operation will continue to go from strength to strength.”
Man Utd remain in contention to win the FA Cup and will play Leicester City on Sunday in their fifth-round match.
Stekelenburg extends Ajax stay
Maarten Stekelenburg has signed a new contract with Ajax, the club confirmed on Wednesday.
The goalkeeper’s original deal was set to end next month, but Stekelenburg will now stay on through the end of next season.
Stekelenburg has played 301 official matches for Ajax’s first team throughout his two stints with the club.
Forsberg signs extension with Leipzig
Former Atlanta youngster sets sights on Europe
Former Atlanta United youngster Chris Goslin is trialing in Europe, reports the Washington Post.
Goslin is set to train with several different clubs as he looks to earn a contract offer in Europe.
The former U.S. youth international nearly signed in Lithuania in 2020 but saw the deal collapse due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Camavinga agent claims there have been ‘a lot of offers from top clubs’ for Rennes star
Eduardo Camavinga’s agent, Jonathan Barnett, says they have had “a lot of offers from top clubs” for the Rennes star.
The midfielder, who finished second in Goal’s NXGN list of the best young footballers in 2021, has been linked with several top European sides including Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Barnett says the 18-year-old, who already has three senior international caps for France, is swimming in offers and will have his pick of clubs this summer, should he decide to move on.
What has been said?
Barnett, who also represents Gareth Bale among other top players, told SNTV: “Believe me we have a lot of offers for this year, a lot of offers, and good ones. I mean top, top clubs. We don’t want to rush. There is the right time to move on and playing games is the most important thing at his age.
“Playing in a good club is nice for him. It might be this year, or he wants to have another year. He has got to talk to his family, his father. We will all sit down and decide. We will talk to Rennes as well and decide. There is no rush for him.
“He’s probably the best young player in the world. He has just turned 18. He has already been a French international. He’s an unbelievable talent. He could play in any team in the world. He is still going to be a great talent at 19. It’s not that old you know, 19.”
What does Camavinga think?
Barnett is echoing his client, who has previously said he is aware of the interest in his services, but will not rush into a decision and is open to staying with Rennes.
Camavinga recently told Telefoot: “It makes you feel flattered and it’s nice that teams like Real Madrid or Bayern are interested in your situation. I’m not going to lie, but I have not yet thought it over with my family.”
Why is Camavinga in such demand?
The midfielder, who has made 37 appearances in all competitions this season for Rennes, has impressed immensely with the Ligue 1 side and is in contention for a call-up to the France squad for this summer’s European Championship.
A switch to a leading European club has been talked up for a while, with Real Madrid the club most consistently linked with his signature.
Barcelona interested in Inter’s Bastoni
Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni is the subject of interest from Barcelona – according to Calcio Mercato.
The Blaugrana are weighing up a summer swoop for the 22-year-old as Ronaldo Koeman seeks to bolster his options across the pitch.
Bastoni, whose current deal at Inter is due to run until 2023, has helped the club win their first Serie A title since 2009-10 this season.
Everton to let Walcott leave
Everton are set to let Theo Walcott leave the club this summer – according to Football Insider.
The 32-year-old is currently on loan at Southampton, but his current deal at Goodison Park will expire at the end of June.
Walcott has appeared in 19 Premier League games for the Saints this term, scoring twice.
Sporting eager to sign Joao Mario from Inter on permanent deal
Sporting CP are eager to sign Joao Mario from Inter on a permanent deal – according to Calcio Mercato.
The 28-year-old joined the Portuguese club on loan last summer and has since helped them clinch the 2020-21 Primeira Liga title.
Sporting will seek to sign Mario outright at the end of the season, with Inter set to accept a bid of around €7 million.
Mourinho wants Romero at Roma
Jose Mourinho wants to bring Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero to Roma for next season – as The Express reports.
The Portuguese worked with the 34-year-old at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018, and is eager to arrange a reunion at Stadio Olimpico when he replaces Paulo Fonseca this summer.
Romero will become available on a free transfer when his current contract at United expires at the end of June.
‘I want to play with Ronaldo’ – Neymar eager to link up with Juventus star amid PSG rumours
Neymar has revealed that he wants to play with Cristiano Ronaldo, who has been strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain in recent months.
PSG paid a world-record fee of €222 million (£190m/$269m) to sign Neymar in 2017 from Barcelona, where he had established himself among the best players of his generation.
The Brazilian shone alongside the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez at Camp Nou, and has also thrived in a world-class squad at Parc des Princes, but still harbours ambitions to play alongside a five-time Ballon d’Or winner currently plying his trade in Italy with Juventus.
What’s been said?
“I want to play with Cristiano Ronaldo. I’ve already played with great players like Messi and [Kylian] Mbappe, but I haven’t played with Cristiano Ronaldo yet,” Neymar told GQ France.
Could Ronaldo leave Juventus this summer?
Ronaldo called time on his trophy-laden nine-year spell at Real Madrid to join Juventus in 2018, and has since added two Serie A titles to his silverware collection.
However, the Portuguese has been unable to inspire the Bianconeri to Champions League glory, and it has been suggested that he could leave the club if they fail to qualify for the competition come the end of the season.
PSG have been tipped to launch a bid for Ronaldo in the summer, while a possible return to Madrid has also been mooted, but Juve vice-president Pavel Nedved has insisted he will see out his contract through to 2022.
Neymar & Ronaldo compared
Neymar has picked up 24 major trophies over the course of his career, which began at Santos in his native Brazil back in 2009.
The 29-year-old won two La Liga titles and the Champions League at Barca, and has also become a three-time Ligue 1 winner at PSG, but his achievements in the game pale in comparison to Ronaldo’s.
The former Manchester United and Madrid talisman has 31 trophies to his name so far, including seven league titles in three different countries and five Champions Leagues – a competition in which he also holds the record as the all-time top scorer.
What else did Neymar say?
Neymar went on to reveal that lifting the World Cup with Brazil is the main target he wants to reach before hanging up his boots, but he also has his sights set on European glory with PSG after signing a new four year deal with the French giants.
“I want to win the World Cup,” the mercurial attacker added. “This has always been my biggest dream, but I also want to win everything with PSG.
“I’m almost 30 now and I’ve had a good career on a personal level.”
Kahn: Bayern will not loan out Nubel
No 2 goalkeeper Alexander Nubel will stay at Bayern Munich next season and will not be loaned out, says incoming CEO Oliver Kahn.
“With Alexander we are not thinking about giving him up at the moment,” Kahn told Bild.
Signed from Schalke in the summer, Nubel has only played three times this season and has failed to dislodge Manuel Neuer as Bayern No 1.
Leicester ‘keen on West Brom midfielder Pereira’
The 25-year-old has scored 10 goals in 31 Premier League appearances this season, providing rare bright moments in a tough season for West Brom.
He is tipped to stay in the top-flight, with Leicester said to be leading a queue that includes Leeds and Aston Villa.
Juventus face €90m loss after hiring cut-price Pirlo
How have the Old Lady got into such a state? Mark Doyle takes a look.
WSL champions Chelsea sign Nouwen
The 22-year-old, who has 14 senior international caps, will move to England in the summer after the conclusion of the Eredivisie season.
She told the Blues website: “There were other clubs who were interested, but I made my decision to join Chelsea pretty fast!
“To play in the English league has always been a dream for me as it is the best competition and it provides the best opportunity for me to develop even more. I’m very honoured and proud to become a Blue and I can’t wait to be a part of this winning team. I want to win prizes and play in the big games.”
Barca set sights on Buffon
Barcelona have set their sights on Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon – according to Foot Mercato.
The 43-year-old will become available on a free transfer this summer after announcing his decision to leave Turin.
Barca are poised to swoop for Buffon to provide extra cover for No.1 shot-stopper Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Atletico to swoop for De Paul
Atletico Madrid are planning to swoop for Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, according to Calcio Mercato.
AC Milan, Juventus and Napoli have also been linked with the 26-year-old, who has been valued at €50 million (£43m/$61m).
However, Atletico are hoping to secure De Paul’s services for €40m (£34m/$48m) with Udinese open to his sale.
Thiago Silva set to pen fresh terms at Chelsea
Lewandowski reacts to talk of Serie A switch as Bayern Munich future is questioned
Robert Lewandowski admits to being a fan of Italian football, but the Bayern Munich striker has suggested that no move to Serie A will be made any time soon.
The prolific Polish striker has seen a switch speculated on heading towards the summer transfer window, with it reported that the 32-year-old may be open to taking on a new challenge.
He has, however, shut down that gossip for now, with a man tied to a contract at the Allianz Arena through to 2023 claiming to have no intention of leaving Germany.
What has been said?
Quizzed by Tuttosport on whether a stint in Italy could appeal to him, Lewandowski has said: “I have spoken to a lot of people about Italian football, they told me various things about your league.
“I know some teams well because I faced them in the Champions League.
“The truth, however, is that in addition to having a contract with Bayern, I feel great at this club.”
The bigger picture
Lewandowski has remained a talismanic presence for Bayern in the 2020-21 campaign, helping them to land a ninth successive Bundesliga title while plundering 46 goals in all competitions.
There is no reason for him to walk away, with a fresh start of sorts about to be presented to him as Julian Nagelsmann prepares to inherit the managerial reins in Munich from Hansi Flick.
“A new chapter will open,” Lewandowski added on the changes being lined up in Bavaria.
“But what Flick did will go down in history because it’s something epic. In 2020 we raised all kinds of trophies to the sky and broke many records with him.
“We are Bayern, so we will give our all to try to win everything also with Nagelsmann.
“For me it will change little: I have to score with Flick and I will have to do the same with the new coach to help the team.
“Scoring goals is something I love. When I succeed and we win, everything seems more beautiful to me.”
Chivas keen on signing LA Galaxy star Alvarez
Chivas are interested in signing Efrain Alvarez from the LA Galaxy this summer, sources have confirmed to Goal.
The 18-year-old midfielder has already made 33 MLS appearances, with his production as a teenager making him one of the top prospects in North America. His father, Crescencio Alvarez, once played for Chivas, giving the Liga MX side hope of luring him away from his current home.
Sources have said that while no official contact has been made, an approach could be forthcoming. Alvarez would cost an estimated fee of at least $12 million (£8.5m).
What do we know?
Chivas would want to bring in Alvarez this summer, which would clash with the Galaxy’s 2021 MLS campaign that has just begun.
Because the youngster is under contract, LA would require a significant monetary offer for talks to have any chance of progressing, which sources say could put off Chivas in their pursuit of the player.
Indeed, Alvarez is rated as one of the best young players in MLS, with Zlatan Ibrahimovic commenting back in 2019: “He’s by far the biggest talent from everybody [in MLS].”
“Because he thinks football. He has that football in him, and it’s natural. It didn’t come by him training or something. [Anyone can] have the training, the physical [work] and all those things that you put together [to become a better player], but you cannot have that football in you. He has it.
“He goes on the field, and you see when he plays, he’s all natural: the way he thinks, the way he moves the ball, the way he touches the ball. By far the best player in MLS. He just needs his game time, and he will show it also.”
Alvarez’s national team allegiance
There has been plenty of drama surrounding Alvarez’s national team future, as he has yet to make a permanent choice between the U.S. and Mexico.
He was part of Mexico’s friendly roster in March, though that did not represent an official decision towards El Tri. He had also spent time training in the USMNT camp at the end of 2020.
His father, meanwhile, has described the process of choosing between countries as traumatizing.
Toronto FC unveils Dwyer
Mourinho asks to join White pursuit
Jose Mourinho is working quickly to establish Roma’s transfer targets for the upcoming window, with Brighton defender Ben White emerging as a top priority, claims The Sun.
The 23-year-old would reportedly cost the Serie A club a fee in the range of £45 million (€52m/$64m).
Manchester United and Arsenal are also thought to be in the running to sign White.
Relegated Fulham back Parker
Parker has two years left on his contract at Craven Cottage.
Haaland fee ‘unimaginable for Bayern’
Bayern Munich executive Oliver Kahn has dowplayed the clubs chances of signing Erling Haaland in an interview for the Sport Bild weekly print edition.
“Sorry, whoever speaks about that didn’t understand the situation yet,” he said. “A package that costs – as we heard – over €100m is unimaginable for FC Bayern at the moment.”
The head of the German FA has been under fire after he referred to vice president Rainer Koch as a Nazi two weeks ago.
Said the organisation in a statement: “President Fritz Keller, on his own free decision, under the responsibility of the office as president, declared his basic willingness to resign on Monday, May 17, 2021 after the negotiations before the DFB sports court.”
Utrecht give Timber two-year deal
The 21-year-old comes over from Dutch side Sparta Nijkerk. His younger brother Quinten also plays for Utrecht.
Pedri loan vetoed last year
Ronald Koeman pushed to loan out youngster Pedri last summer but was told no by Barcelona’s upper management, reports La Porteria.
The 18-year-old has gone on to feature 35 times in La Liga this year, winning the trust of his boss during a tight title race.
Arsenal target £25m Dembele (The Telegraph)
The forward has not impressed while on loan at Atletico, potentially giving Arsenal a bargain rate
Arsenal are interested in signing Moussa Dembele from Lyon for a fee in the range of £25 million (€29m/$35m), according to The Telegraph.
Dembele, 24, has spent the second half of the campaign on loan at Atletico Madrid but has failed to notch a single goal for Diego Simeone’s side in six appearances.
Still, the French forward has a long history before 2020-21 of being prolific in front of the net, and that might be seen as more indicative of his true talent level.
Barca want to swap Pjanic for Jorginho (Sport)
Ronald Koeman hopes he can net a return for his out-of-favour midfielder
Barcelona want to involve Miralem Pjanic in a swap deal for Chelsea’s Jorginho, says Sport.
Pjanic has yet to contribute to a goal in any competition in his first year at Camp Nou, while Jorginho has been a more consistent producer at Stamford Bridge. That means the Blues might require significant cash sent their way for a barter to be agreed upon.
If Chelsea don’t bite, it is said that Inter are another option for Pjanic, who has spent most of his career in Serie A.
Leno says he wants to stay at Arsenal but admits season has not been easy
Bernd Leno has indicated he wants to remain at Arsenal beyond the summer despite a 2020-21 campaign he admitted has not been easy.
The goalkeeper assured supporters that he’s “still happy at Arsenal” after he had suggested last month that he was open to a move . Since then, the Gunners have been knocked out of the Europa League and are set to miss out on European qualification, though those disappointing results have apparently not convinced the German to push for an exit.
Instead, Leno said on Tuesday that Arsenal are “still a big club, a big name in the world” and that no one in the dressing room is frustrated enough to quit on manager Mikel Arteta’s project.
What has been said?
“It’s not good to feel sorry for ourselves, we need to move forward and change it to a positive as soon as possible,” Leno told Sky Sports .
“I am still happy at Arsenal. Arsenal is still a big club, a big name in the world and in the Premier League.
“There is nobody in the dressing room who says ‘I want to leave the club, I am not happy here anymore’.
“We still have a good environment at the club and in the dressing room. Of course, at times it was not easy this season, but this is part of football.”
Leno’s record
There has been some commentary from pundits about Arsenal’s decision to choose Leno over Emiliano Martinez, who was sold to Aston Villa last summer only to put together perhaps the best goalkeeping season in the Premier League this year.
However, Leno’s work between the posts has by no means been poor, as he’s allowing the fewest goals per 90 minutes (1.13) he’s ever surrendered in a season with the Gunners.
[ad_2]