Category Uncategorized

أشاد بيب جوارديولا المدير الفني لفريق كرة القدم الأول بنادي مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي، بفريقه السابق برشلونة تحت قيادة الألماني هانز فليك.

بيب جوارديولا يستعد لقيادة مانشستر سيتي أمام ريال مدريد غدًا في ذهاب ملحق دور الـ16 من بطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا.

ورحل بيب جوارديولا في 2012 من برشلونة، بعد قيادة الفريق منذ 2008، حقق خلال تلك الفترة جميع البطولات الممكنة.

ويتولى هانز فليك قيادة برشلونة بداية من الموسم الجاري، وتأهل في المركز الثاني بمرحلة الدوري ببطولة دوري أبطال أوروبا، ويتواجد في المركز الثالث بالدوري الإسباني.

طالع أيضًا | أنشيلوتي: من الصعب دائمًا مواجهة فريق يدربه جوارديولا.. واللعب ضد مانشستر سيتي “صداع”

وقال جوارديولا في تصريحات بالمؤتمر الصحفي اليوم: “في الوقت الحالي، ربما تكون هذه واحدة من أفضل نسخ برشلونة في السنوات الأخيرة، يقدم الفريق مع فليك أداءً استثنائيًا هذا الموسم”.

وأضاف: “يمكننا مقارنة برشلونة الحالي بأفضل نسخ الفريق على الإطلاق، وثبات مستوى ريال مدريد هذا العام، هو ما يميزه عن برشلونة”.

برشلونة هذا الموسم يقدم مستوى رائع مع فليك، وقد سجل 5 أهداف في مباراة واحدة من 11 مباراة خاضها هذا الموسم.

وكان برشلونة قد فاز على إشبيلية أمس برباعية مقابل هدف، وأصبح على بعد نقطتين من المتصدر ريال مدريد.

Punjab Kings need to end their losing streak soon, but they will find it tough against the defending champions

Vishal Dikshit22-Apr-20216:42

Can Mumbai Indians get more out of Hardik Pandya? Do Punjab Kings stick with Chris Gayle?

Big picture Just because a win will take the Punjab Kings to the same points as the Mumbai Indians doesn’t mean they are having the same kind of tournament. The Kings have been going down a slippery slope since their last-ball opening-game win against the Rajasthan Royals, and a team like Mumbai could be only one convincing win away from finding their groove even if they aren’t looking as scary as they did last year after four games.This will be the last match for both teams in Chennai, and currently, Mumbai are better suited for the slow tracks there with their bowling attack, especially the way Rahul Chahar has been striking regularly. All Mumbai need is a few more hits from their middle order and they will board the flight to Delhi with a 3-2 win-loss record in Chennai.The Kings have more and deeper issues to address. They were first pummeled in Mumbai and then moved to a spin-heavy attack in Chennai, but a second collapse in four games is a problem they would want to fix quickly. It is mainly their overseas names that aren’t living up to expectations, and against the defending champions they will have to pull themselves up a few notches, not just one.Team news The Kings’ bowling attack hardly bothered the Sunrisers Hyderabad top order on Tuesday. So they may want to bring in a frontline spinner like Ravi Bishnoi, who was their second-highest wicket-taker and their most economical bowler last season.And unless they change the XI, the Kings also have two left-hand batters in Chris Gayle and Nicholas Pooran, which could mean another game for Mumbai’s southpaw specialist Jayant Yadav.Likely XIs Punjab Kings: 1 KL Rahul (capt & wk), 2 Mayank Agarwal, 3 Chris Gayle, 4 Deepak Hooda, 5 Nicholas Pooran, 6 Shahrukh Khan, 7 Moises Henriques, 8 Fabian Allen/Ravi Bishnoi, 9 Mohammed Shami, 10 M Ashwin, 11 Arshdeep SinghMumbai Indians: 1 Quinton de Kock (wk), 2 Rohit Sharma (capt), 3 Suryakumar Yadav, 4 Ishan Kishan, 5 Kieron Pollard, 6 Hardik Pandya, 7 Krunal Pandya, 8 Jayant Yadav, 9 Rahul Chahar, 10 Trent Boult, 11 Jasprit BumrahStrategy punt The Kings could use Mohammed Shami to stretch Hardik Pandya’s poor form so far. The fast bowler has dismissed Pandya thrice in 11 balls while conceding 16 runs. Since conditions in Chennai get tougher to bat with time, KL Rahul could consider batting at a quicker pace if they bat first again. The Kings – then the Kings XI Punjab – were among the best batting teams in the powerplay in IPL 2020, but this time they are the slowest with a run rate of 6.79, the second-lowest behind the Royals’ 6.75. If they chase, Rahul should play the anchor because since IPL 2020, the Kings have only a 17% winning record when Rahul scores under 25 but it jumps to a 100% whenever he scores over 75.Stats that matter The Kings’ openers have contrasting records against Jasprit Bumrah in T20s. While Rahul has collected 93 off 70 against the quick, Mayank Agarwal has been dismissed thrice in ten balls by him, while scoring only two runs. Kieron Pollard is just two runs short of scoring 500 runs against the Kings. He has struck 39 sixes and taken 14 catches against them, both the most for a Mumbai player. The last match between these two teams ended with a double Super Over, in which the Kings finally emerged victorious. So far this IPL, the team batting first has won five of the eight games played in Chennai, but the last two games there have been won by chasing teams. Ishan Kishan, who struck more sixes than anyone last IPL, has the lowest strike rate of 94.36 so far in IPL 2021, with a minimum of 50 balls faced.

Hoping to add to the Premier League experience that they've already brought to Russell Martin's side this summer, Southampton are now reportedly eyeing a midfielder who's expected to leave his current club.

Southampton transfer news

The Saints have already, of course, added a Premier League veteran in the form of Adam Lallana, who returned to his boyhood club in quite the full circle moment. Since then, Flynn Downes, Ben Brereton Diaz and others have followed through the St Mary's door to hand Martin a major boost ahead of his maiden campaign in England's top flight.

Journalist: Southampton in talks to sign 19 y/o they are "in love with"

Contact has been been made over a summer switch.

1

By
Henry Jackson

Aug 6, 2024

With their opening day clash against Newcastle United just nine days away now, the Saints are seemingly yet to conclude their summer business, having been linked to the likes of Matias Fernandez-Pardo from KAA Gent and Brighton & Hove Albion's Facundo Buonanotte in recent days.

A deal that may be more likely is one for a midfield reinforcement. According to Matt Law of The Telegraph, Southampton are eyeing a move to sign Oliver Skipp, who is expected to leave Tottenham Hotspur this summer. The 23-year-old has been the subject of interest from all three newly-promoted clubs, giving those at St Mary's an early chance to get one over on their rivals.

Earning a reported £40,000-a-week, Skipp would instantly become one of the highest-earners at Southampton, below just Joe Aribo, Adam Armstrong, Jan Bednarek and Jack Stephens, whilst sitting alongside Carlos Alcaraz. So, it's a deal that the Saints will have to be convinced about making, that's for sure.

Skipp arguably represents the ideal signing, however. He still has plenty of potential to unlock at 23 years old, but already has more than enough Premier League experience to play an important role under Russell Martin.

"Great" Skipp can partner Downes

Hoping to find the formula for Premier League survival, Martin could welcome Skipp to work alongside Downes at the heart of his Southampton side, allowing the latter to pull the strings more going forward. The defensive work of the Spurs midfielder would provide a crucial platform for the likes of Lallana and Armstrong to thrive in the final third.

With just 707 minutes played in the Premier League last season, there's no doubt that Skipp needs a move away from Spurs this summer. He simply cannot afford another campaign watching on from the sidelines.

He will hope that a move away results in the realisation of the potential that Antonio Conte once spotted, telling the Evening Standard during his time in North London: "This player is a very young. He has really a lot of space for improvement. He played with great intensity, great passion, with heart, with soul. I think it was important because, for me, he doesn’t care if he’s only 21-years-old, who deserves to play,”

Sunderland have suffered a huge blow with the news that an "amazing" player is open to leaving the club, with one of their Championship rivals hovering for his signature.

Sunderland Rohl past Sheffield Wednesday

The Black Cats faced an in-form Sheffield Wednesday side on Sunday afternoon, but Regis Le Bris' men produced a wonderful performance at the Stadium of Light. Despite the Owls' own impressive redemption story under Danny Rohl, Sunderland simply had too much quality for them, blowing them away in the first half and leading 3-0 at the break, thanks to an opening header from Dennis Cirkin and further goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Luke O'Nien.

Mayenda then added his second of the afternoon, putting the icing on the cake on a performance that saw so many players shine, including Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg, Patrick Roberts and Jack Clarke.

The early signs of life under Le Bris are hugely encouraging for Sunderland and their supporters, with maximum points gained from their opening two Championship matches this season, but keeping hold of their star men will be vital to their promotion hopes. Now, a big update has emerged regarding one such figure.

"Amazing" Sunderland player open to leaving

According to a new report from Football Insider, Sunderland could lose Clarke this summer after he rejected a new deal, with Leeds United keen on signing him.

The Whites are "in the market for a proven forward before the transfer window closes after Crysencio Summerville’s exit and Georginio Rutter’s soon-to-be-completed Brighton move". The 23-year-old is a strong option for them and is "open" to a return to Elland Road.

Losing Clarke this summer would be an almighty blow for Sunderland and Le Bris, considering what an influential performer he is, providing so much wizardry and end product from his left-sided attacking role.

The Englishman was sensational against Wednesday over the weekend, running their defenders ragged and wowing with his technical ability. He completed 100% of his dribbles, created one big chance and also registered an assist, showing exactly why the Black Cats must do all they can to keep hold of him.

Former Sunderland manager Tony Mowbray has lauded Clarke in the past, too, further highlighting why seeing him move to Leeds would be so hard to take: "He was amazing tonight. Scored two great goals, earned the penalty, he stuck it away, which shows the confidence level he’s got to stand up and take the penalty, and the composure for his second goal.

"But not just the goal. The more the game went on, the more this team knows to give it to Clarke who can run it 40 yards up the pitch, he can cut inside, pass it to people in the box, he can shoot."

Sunderland could now cash in on a player who's worth as much as Jebbison

Sunderland could soon ditch this dud who has struggled since joining.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 17, 2024

The biggest issue Sunderland have is that Clarke doesn't appear to see his long-term future at the club, and is open to leaving after turning down the contract offer, and having an unhappy player in the ranks can ultimately be an issue. The hope is that he has a change of heart, though, but Le Bris may be resigned to losing one of his best players right before the transfer deadline.

Chelsea have held internal talks about the signing of a £70 million Premier League forward, as the Blues look to back new head coach Enzo Maresca further.

Chelsea target new attackers after busy early transfer window

The west Londoners have undergone another busy transfer window thus far, having spent north of £90 million already on Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Brazilian starlet Estevao Willian and Renato Veiga.

Chelsea considering deal for £20 million striker with 148 career goals

The west Londoners could sign a prolific new target man for Maresca.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 11, 2024

The six fresh faces set Todd Boehly back around £93 million, according to BBC journalist Nizaar Kinsella, but the Blues' sales of Ian Maatsen, Omari Hutchinson and Lewis Hall have brought in £89 million to balance the books.

Their net spent, when taking into account the departures, comes in at around £4 million and allows Chelsea to invest further in Maresca's squad. One of their transfer priorities, according to recent reports, is bringing in a new right-footed winger who can compete with the likes of Raheem Sterling, Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke.

This has lead to serious rumoured interest in Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi. The 22-year-old, who racked up seven goal contributions in 34 appearances across all competitions for Dortmund last term, could also be available for just £25 million.

Chelsea could even replace Sterling with Adeyemi, as they plan to offer the German a seven-year contract and make a formal bid for his services according to CaughtOffside.

While Adeyemi could be available at a decent price, that hasn't stopped Chelsea from considering more ambitious alternatives to the winger from closer to home. Indeed, Wolves winger Pedro Neto is attracting interest from Chelsea as one option, and it is believed they're keeping tabs on Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma.

The Japan international, a right-footed winger who plays on the left, has seriously impressed during his time at the Amex – bagging 13 goals and 13 assists in 67 appearances across all competitions.

Mitoma is one of Brighton's superstar players and reports claim it could take an offer of around £70 million for the Seagulls to even consider parting company.

Chelsea chiefs talk about signing Mitoma behind-the-scenes

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, speaking on the London is Blue podcast (via TBR), Chelsea chiefs have talked about making a move for Mitoma behind the scenes – which is "interesting" when taking into account that he's a non-traditional transfer target.

“I’ve mentioned Mitoma before. That was just an internal discussion," said Jacobs.

"So Brighton are yet to receive any approach. But it’s sort of interesting. Mitoma’s older, he breaks the mold a little bit, but he could be dropped straight in and have an impact in the Premier League."

The 27-year-old's brilliant form for Brighton makes him a very intriguing possibility, but Boehly may have to part with big money to make a deal happen. Chelsea and Brighton's fruitful business relationship has been evident in recent years, though, with a host of players and backroom staff going to and from.

Buttler was all praise for captain Joe Root’s ability to bat long periods against spin in the subcontinent

Sreshth Shah30-Jan-2021Only a handful of active cricketers know the feeling of winning a Test series in India. One of them is England captain Joe Root, who had debuted in the 2012-13 series which England won 2-1, the last time India were beaten in a series at home. As Root returns to India for his third tour – and for the first time as captain – all eyes are on him to lead the English challenge with the bat.Root comes into the series with scores of 228 and 186 in Sri Lanka from earlier this month, where the visitors won 2-0; according to his team-mate Jos Buttler, for England to succeed in India, Root’s application against spin combined with his form will play a major role against a side that’s searching for its 13th straight Test series win at home.Related

Thorpe: Root's example is one for all England players

No neutral umpires for India vs England Tests

Burns switches from daughter's birth to opener's berth

Three-day training for teams ahead of first Test

“Joe’s always has a brilliant game against spin,” Buttler said on a conference from Chennai, where England are in a six-day quarantine before the first Test. “He’s one of the best exponents of the sweep shot and he picks length brilliantly, which is a big strength playing against spin. It’s very hard keeping dot balls against him because he manages to rotate the strike so well.”He did that really well in Sri Lanka and one of the biggest things was his hunger to bat for a long period of time. I think he showed great application to bat both mentally, tactically and physically. To bat for so long and back it up across two Tests. He’s in great form and that’s a good place for him to be in. And for the team to learn from him.”Joe was on that tour [of 2012-13] and he made his debut on that tour. He’ll have some fond memories and learnings from how that team was successful. That was one of the best England teams we had. This side is at a little different stage of that journey, but certainly getting to that point and trending in that direction.”Buttler outlined the importance of Joe Root’s abilities against spin•SLCButtler also said that batting for long periods would be key for England, having learnt the hard way the last time both sides played in Chennai. England made 477 after winning the toss in December 2016 but still lost by an innings. He admitted that the England batsmen need to learn quickly on what totals are considered satisfactory on Indian surfaces, compared to England where scores in the range of 300 are deemed competitive.”There are times when the ball seams and swings in England and a big first-innings score can be 300,” Buttler said. “But in India, if it’s a fantastic batting wicket then a good score in the first innings is 600-650. Root was a good example of us doing that in Sri Lanka with a double hundred and a 180. He showed us that you have to make the most of your first innings.”When we played India here four-five years ago, we scored 470, but India scored over 700 with Karun Nair scoring a triple-hundred. So it’s a great education about what comprises of ‘big first-innings runs’ in India and having the mindset and application in doing that.”As for his personal goals as a wicketkeeper-batsman in Asia – a role he has played in only two series previously – Buttler was well aware of the challenges that Indian surfaces pose.”Keeping wickets is a big challenge, the way it deteriorates for five days, less carry for the seam bowlers than what we know in England or South Africa or Australia,” Buttler said. “You need to stand closer, and the chances are very quick-reactive chances. And obviously, the challenge standing up to the spinners, with the pitches turning. But it’s also a great place to keep wickets because you feel like you’re always in the game. Wicketkeeping in spinning conditions is a lot of fun.”On the topic of squad rotation, which England will be doing heavily through the all-format tour by resting certain players after the first two Tests, Buttler said it was unavoidable given the Covid-19 scenario and the additional stress it puts on players. While acknowledging that the issues for international cricketers appear insignificant when compared to those affected by the pandemic, he said that players spending prolonged periods in bio-bubbles and away from their families come with their own drawbacks which could have adverse effects on them.Another drawback due to the six-day mandatory hotel-room quarantine is that England will have only three days of practice before the first Test – starting February 5 – against a side high on confidence after winning 2-1 in Australia without many senior players. But Buttler says that’s where the Sri Lanka tour played an important role.”India will be very confident after the Australia tour and have a fantastic team but we come here with confidence from Sri Lanka, having played in conditions similar to India,” he said. “Considering we’ll have only three practice days, it’s good we’re a bit battle-hardened from the two Tests against Sri Lanka. India against England is a fantastic series. It’s one of the premier cricket series around the world.”

A £14,000-a-week Celtic defender has dropped a fairly blatant exit hint regarding his future, suggesting he has played his final game for the Hoops.

Celtic transfer news

Brendan Rodgers will be looking to strengthen his squad as much as possible in the summer transfer window, ensuring that his side once again go all the way in the Scottish Premiership next season, but also make more of an impression in the Champions League.

One player who has been linked with a move to Celtic before the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign is Stuart Armstrong, who has recently helped Southampton earn promotion from the Championship to the Premier League. Rodgers is believed to be a big admirer of the midfielder, who is out of contract with Saints at the end of this month, and has won 44 caps for Scotland.

The retirement of Joe Hart has heightened the need for a new goalkeeper to join the Hoops in the near future, and Sparta Prague stopper Peter Vindahl Jensen is one rumoured option there. Liverpool ace Caoimhin Kelleher is also a target, with a potential £10m move being plotted, as he looks to be a No.1 elsewhere.

A reunion for former Celtic hero Kieran Tierney is being weighed up, too, according to certain reports, with the left-back seemingly allowed to leave Arsenal after fallen out of favour, having spent the 2023/24 season on loan Real Sociedad.

£14,000-a-week Celtic player hints at exit

Speaking to Fotbollskanalen [via Sport Witness], Gustaf Lagerbielke has admitted that he is looking forward to a new challenge away from Celtic this summer, suggesting his time at Parkhead has come to an end:

"I know that there are a number of teams that are interested, but not much more than that. There are interested teams in Italy and also other leagues.

"Very instructive. I have developed a lot and become a better player. I have brought a lot with me. I’m looking forward to the future and I think I’ll take a lot from Celtic to the next team I join. It is difficult to say anything before something is ready. I have a contract with Celtic, but it’s no secret that I want to play."

In truth, this summer does feel like the right time for Celtic to offload Lagerbielke, even though his current contract doesn't actually expire until the summer of 2028.

Just four Scottish Premiership starts came the £14,000-a-week defender's way in the whole of 2023/24, and a total of only seven appearances in the competition, while a move to Italian side Lecce failed to come to fruition during the January transfer window.

Celtic could start the window perfectly with £4m+ swoop for star target

The Hoops are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the shot-stopper this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2024

Lagerbielke's contract situation does mean that Celtic can at least demand good money for the 24-year-old, rather than losing him on a free transfer or on the cheap, so it must now be a case of getting as much money as possible for him.

The German has a track record of achieving almost instantaneous success but not long before leaving his role in acrimony

It was all going so well. Lee Carsley looked like England's answer to Luis de la Fuente, the Football Association's in-house hero. After victories in his first two matches as interim manager, Carsley was touted as the obvious heir to Gareth Southgate – another endearingly humble character, but with a greater sense of adventure than his predecessor. However, Carsley didn't just take the handbrake off against Greece last week, he slashed his own tyres, and the resulting car crash killed the caretaker's candidacy.

Maybe the FA had already decided to go in a different direction, of course. And maybe Carsley never really wanted the job. It was certainly hard to know for sure, with the Under-21s coach constantly contradicting himself when it came to fielding questions over his ambitions – which didn't help dispel the suspicion that he wasn't the right kind of character for the job anyway. But is Thomas Tuchel?

It emerged immediately after Sunday's win over Finland that Pep Guardiola was the FA's dream appointment – but a dream that was never going to be realised. So, they've instead turned to Tuchel, who is undeniably a world-class coach, but also a deeply divisive figure…

• AFP
  

  No strong English candidates

  After the news broke on Tuesday that Tuchel was in talks to succeed Southgate, much of the initial discourse surrounding the German's potential appointment centred on his nationality, which was as ridiculous as it was unsurprising, given a certain section of England's support still insist on singing stupid songs about past wars.

  However, England have a group of world-class players and what they need is a world-class manager to get the best out of them. Nationality really shouldn't come into it.

  Of course, in an ideal world, there would be a string of attractive English candidates for the job – but there isn't, as the sad truth of the matter is that we are not talking about a country renowned for its top tacticians. Indeed, Chile has produced more Premier League title-winning managers than England.

  Unfortunately for the FA, there is no Bob Paisley or Brian Clough working in the top flight these days, and no Vic Buckingham or Bobby Robson enjoying success overseas, meaning they can hardly be blamed for exploring all of the options available to them – irrespective of the colour of their passports.

Advertisement

• Getty Images
  

  Tuchel appointment inevitable

  What's more, the FA can hardly be accused of overlooking English coaches. They had Southgate at the helm for eight years and even stood by him when he should have been sacked following the 2022 World Cup quarter-final loss to a France team that was there for the taking.

  It's not as if the English-born Carsley wasn't given a golden opportunity to stake his claim for the role either. He was put in charge for six very winnable Nations League games, but a seemingly seamless succession plan failed because of the caretaker coach's horribly ill-advised gamble against the Greeks.

  It was almost inevitable, then, that the FA would decide to put their faith in Tuchel, who was unquestionably the most attractive option on the market, with former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp having just taken on a role with Red Bull and Pep Guardiola still under contract to Manchester City until the end of the season. Certainly, the mere idea of the FA even considering the claims of Steven Gerrard or Frank Lampard should have been enough to make every England fan wince.

  Tuchel, by complete contrast to the two former Three Lions midfielders, is a proven elite-level coach with an excellent CV, having won trophies with four clubs from three different countries.

• Getty
  

  Problems in Paris

  However, Tuchel also has a history of falling out with those around him – which should have been a red flag for the notoriously conservative FA, suggesting desperation prompted them to press the panic button.

  At PSG, for example, Tuchel won the Ligue 1 title and also reached the Champions League final – an achievement that has since been cast in a very positive light by the failings of those that followed him at the Parc des Princes.

  However, he lost his job just four months after the 1-0 loss to Bayern Munich in Lisbon because of a long-running and very public dispute with his employers over recruitment, with Tuchel sacked on Christmas Eve 2020 after once again questioning the way in which the club was being run.

  "To be completely honest, during the first six months, I said to myself: 'Am I still a manager – or am I a politician in sport, a Minister for Sports? Where is my role as manager in such a club now? I said to myself: I just want to coach," Tuchel explained in an interview with the day before his dismissal.

  "I love the game and I can get this satisfaction in many ways as a manager. Sometimes, it is very easy, sometimes, it is a big challenge, because a club like PSG has a number of influences in it aside from the focused interest of the team… I only love football. And in a club like this, it is not always just football."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images
  

  A fantastic coach but a difficult person

  Was Tuchel right about PSG? He'd undoubtedly say so – and with some justification, too. The club's Qatari owners have since essentially admitted that their old strategy wasn't working by doing their best to rid themselves of their "flashy, bling-bling" reputation.

  However, it's also worth noting that PSG was hardly the first time Tuchel had clashed with colleagues.

  As Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke said after Tuchel's Signal Iduna Park exit in 2017, the Bavarian is "a fantastic coach" but also "a difficult person" to work alongside.

  It was, therefore, inevitable that Tuchel would fall out with Todd Boehly & Co. at Chelsea, given Chelsea's new owners recruited recklessly after taking over at Stamford Bridge in 2022.

  Of course, few blame Tuchel for that particular dust-up and he's still held in the highest regard by the Blues' fanbase, who were impressed by his brutal honesty and deft dealings with the media. Tuchel also enjoyed his time in west London enormously and admitted only last year that he was more appreciated as a coach in England than his native Germany – which undoubtedly played a big part in his decision to take over the Three Lions.

Manchester United have reportedly submitted a £51m offer for an "excellent" player who Bruno Fernandes rates highly, as they look to get their first summer deal over the line.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils continue to be linked with a host of players this summer, with reinforcements needed all over the pitch, having fallen disappointingly short of any European qualification in the Premier League this season.

With Casemiro expected to move on before the 2024/25 campaign gets underway, finding a new midfielder has to be seen as key business, and Barcelona ace Frenkie de Jong has once again emerged as a transfer target, as has been the case a number of times in the past. It remains to be seen if he is willing to leave the Spanish giants, though.

Centre-back is also an important area of the pitch to focus on, with Lisandro Martinez the only genuinely excellent option at the heart of the defence. Sporting CP stalwart Ousmane Diomande has been backed to come in to partner the Argentine at Old Trafford, having recently won the Primeira Liga title, starting 25 games in the competition in the process.

Wolves forward Mathues Cunha is seen as another option to bolster Erik ten Hag's attack, having shown that he can thrive in the Premier League, while RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko continues to be looked at as an ideal replacement for the outgoing Anthony Martial.

Man Utd submit £51m offer for player

According to Record [via Man Utd News], Manchester United have submitted a £51m offer for Joao Neves, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe look to strike a deal for the highly-rated Benfica midfielder.

The bid has been swiftly rejected by the Portuguese giants, so it remains to be seen if the Red Devils will up the amount, which feels likely, considering how much they appear to like him.

Neves is a player who United should be looking to break the bank for this summer, seeing him as a massive part of the midfield rebuild, bringing him in as Kobbie Mainoo's long-term partner in the middle of the park.

He may only be 19 years of age, like the current Red Devils midfield hero, but he is already such an experienced player at a high level, making 75 appearances for Benfica and winning five caps for Portugal.

Neves will be hoping to add to that latter tally at Euro 2024 alongside Fernandes, in a team full of star talent, and the United captain has lauded his compatriot in the recent past: "He is an excellent player and an excellent kid. He will have a bright future wherever he goes."

Fabrizio Romano drops Man Utd exit concern regarding £240,000-a-week star

Paul Scholes loves him as a player.

By
Henry Jackson

Jun 3, 2024

Neves is a player who has the potential to grow into one of Europe's best midfielders over time, and with United guilty of signing players for big money who are over the hill, from Cristiano Ronaldo to Raphael Varane, it is vital that they start bringing in exceptional young talent with world-class ceilings.

Birmingham's high-profile clash with Wrexham descended into chaos in the second half when a mass brawl broke out.

Article continues below

Article continues below

Article continues below

• Birmingham hosting Wrexham in League One
• Players clash in second half
• Celebrities in attendance

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Birmingham were leading 3-1 in the match when Paul Mullin sparked a brawl between the two sides at St Andrew's. The Wrexham striker reacted angrily to a challenge which ultimately led to both sets of players confronting each other on the pitch, while Birmingham co-owner Tom Brady could be seen applauding in the stands. Mullin had almost bit Cochrane as he appeared to have opened his mouth on top of the opponent's leg and then seemingly thought better of it.

Advertisement

• Getty Images Sport
  

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The visitors took an early lead through Jack Marriott's strike in the third minute of the game, however, the Blues soon equalised as Jay Stansfield found the back of the net in the 22nd minute. Stansfield then completed his brace seven minutes after half-time handing the hosts the lead. Krystian Bielik scored a third goal in the 86th minute to seal a crucial three points for Brady's side.

• Getty Images Sport
  

  DID YOU KNOW?

  It was a star-studded affair at St. Andrew's as Premier League and Manchester United legends David Beckham and Gary Neville were in attendance at the eagerly-anticipated clash as Brady's guests.

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

• Getty Images Sport
  

  WHAT NEXT?

  The Red Dragons, who suffered their first defeat of the 2024/25 season, will be back in action on Saturday against Crawley Town. On the same day, Birmingham will face Rotherham.