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New Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim believes hat-trick hero Viktor Gyokeres could follow him out of Sporting CP at the end of the season.

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• Gyokeres fires hat-trick against City
• Striker linked with Arsenal & Man Utd
• Amorim opens up on transfer rumours

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Gyokeres outshone Erling Haaland on Tuesday night as the Swede fired a hat-trick in Sporting CP's 4-1 win over Manchester City in the Champions League. The striker has been in remarkable form since joining Sporting in the summer of 2023, scoring 66 goals in 67 appearances, as speculation around his future continues to grow.

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  Amorim has already said he won't try to sign Gyokeres in the January window but that may not stop the incoming United boss from trying to convince INEOS to make a move in the summer. Arsenal and Liverpool have also been linked with a move for the former Coventry City forward, who has developed into one of Europe's most prolific stars.

• WHAT AMORIM SAID

  "I can’t make fun of it, right now, it was hard for me to leave, if I start joking about this Gyokeres situation I’ll get in trouble," Amorim said on TNT Sports. "This is my city, this is my country, so I’ll respect it."

  The Portuguese coach then added: "Viktor has to stay until the end of the season, and then his life maybe is going somewhere else."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR GYOKERES?

  The 26-year-old will be one of the most sought-after players in the world next year should he continue to score with ease, with Sporting set to cash in on a player they signed for around £20 million just a year ago.

Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong was left in tears in the dressing room after coming off at half-time of Sunday's clash at Real Sociedad.

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• De Jong just back from long lay-off
• Picked up knock playing for Barcelona
• Feared another spell on the sidelines

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  De Jong returned to action with Barcelona in October after a five-month lay-off due to an ankle injury. Yet the midfielder was forced off after just 45 minutes at the Reale Arena on Sunday and was left in tears in the dressing room as he feared another long-term lay-off, according to . The Dutchman had taken knocks to his shin and his ankle and was left emotional at the thought he could be set for more time on the sidelines.

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  Fortunately for De Jong, it emerged that he had only suffered a blow to his shin and he has since travelled to meet with up with the Netherlands squad for Nations League fixtures against Hungary and Bosnia and Herzegovina. The midfielder's injury problems mean he hasn't made an appearance for his national team in 14 months and so he'll be hoping for minutes over the next two games before returning to Barcelona.

• WHAT DE JONG HAS SAID

  De Jong has spoken about his fitness after linking up with the squad: "It's been a long time, playing for the Dutch national team. It's a great honour. I'm always happy to be here. I'm a bit sore, but I think it'll be fine. It was a lingering injury. I missed a lot of matches and the European Championship, which was difficult. Things are getting better now. I am growing back to where I need to be in terms of form and fitness. I think we have a good team, a good selection. Hopefully we can do great things."

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  WHAT NEXT FOR DE JONG

  De Jong will be hoping he can now stay injury-free and have an impact with both club and county. The Netherlands sit second in their Nations League group, five points behind Germany, while Barcelona are currently flying high at the top of La Liga under new manager Hansi Flick.

There is a belief within Chelsea that the club are well-placed to sign a very highly-rated forward after laying extensive groundwork, and it looks likely that he'll be central to one of this summer's most eye-catching transfer sagas.

Boehly looking back to Maresca with more key signings at Chelsea

The west Londoners have already announced six signings thus far, coming in the form of Tosin Adarabioyo, Marc Guiu, Omari Kellyman, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Renato Veiga, who cost around £93 million in total.

Deal in place with Todd Boehly set to seal £17 million signing for Chelsea

The west Londoners are closing in on their seventh acquisition of the summer.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 17, 2024

According to The Athletic this week, everything is in place for Aaron Anselmino to join Chelsea as their seventh deal of the summer window as well, and that £17 million move would take their spending to around the £110 million mark.

Atlanta United left-back Caleb Wiley is also on his way to Chelsea for around £8.5 million, so the west Londoners could be looking at a near-£120 million expenditure with many weeks to go until deadline day on August 30.

Of course, their spending has been balanced by player sales, with Thiago Silva, Hakim Ziyech, Lewis Hall, Omari Hutchinson, Michael Golding and Ian Maatsen's exits bringing in around £89 million whilst also allowing Todd Boehly to trim the wage bill.

Chelsea are by no means done in the transfer market either, as they look to back new head coach Enzo Maresca ahead of his first full Premier League season in charge.

It is widely believed that Maresca wants a new winger who can compete with the likes of Raheem Sterling, with some reports even claiming that Sterling could even be replaced at Chelsea.

This has resulted in links to Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi. The 22-year-old is on Maresca's radar ahead of a potential swoop, with Chelsea reportedly ready to offer Adeyemi a seven-year deal to join Maresca.

Chelsea feel they're well-placed to sign Nico Williams

Another target for the wide area, and one who is currently making waves after a stellar Euro 2024 campaign, is Spain starlet Nico Williams. The 21-year-old helped to bury England in the final last Sunday with his opening goal and was an absolute menace for defenders throughout the tournament.

He also registered a very impressive 19 assists in all competitions last season for Athletic Bilbao at club level, and his £200,000-per-week contract includes a tempting £50 million release clause.

The Athletic have shared news on his future in the last few days, with Chelsea still firmly in the running to strike a deal despite rumoured interest from London rivals Arsenal and La Liga heavyweights Barcelona.

They write that Chelsea feel they're well-placed to sign Williams after laying extensive groundwork but remain wary of the competition for his services. The Bilbao star is high on their list of targets in that position, and for good reason considering his exceptional form in the last 12 months.

Manchester United icon Sir Alex Ferguson was ecstatic after watching his horse, Spirit Dancer, win the $1 million Bahrain International Trophy again.

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• Ferguson's horse comes from behind to win race
• Won competition for the second successive time
• Ferguson "proud" of Spirit Dancer's achievements

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  The former Manchester United manager achieved yet another milestone, this time on the racetrack, as his horse clinched the Bahrain International Trophy for the second consecutive year. The Richard Fahey-trained horse stunned racing enthusiasts by pulling off an unexpected victory, cementing its place in racing history.

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  Spirit Dancer entered this year’s race as an underdog, with many doubting its chances of victory. In the lead-up to the event, the horse had been soundly beaten by Lead Artist, trained by John and Thady Gosden and was considered the favourite for the Bahrain race. The race seemed to align with these predictions as Lead Artist cruised to the front during the final stretch, showcasing plenty of stamina. However, in a stunning turn of events, Spirit Dancer surged from behind, defying expectations and securing victory in the Grade 2 race.

• WHAT FERGUSON SAID

  An emotional Sir Alex Ferguson expressed disbelief and pride following the historic win. “Unbelievable,” he remarked in a post-race interview. “I was saying to myself, ‘He’s not going to make it.’ I don’t know where he found the strength. It was the same draw as last year. I just can’t believe he got there. I'm really proud of him. I'm proud of the jockey because he sat motionless."

  Jed Mason, a fellow co-owner, echoed Ferguson’s sentiments. “They say lightning doesn’t strike twice, but it has today,” Mason said. “Credit goes to Richard [Fahey] and the team for nursing him back from injury. It’s a fantastic achievement, and I’m thrilled for Sir Alex, who bred this horse.”

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MANCHESTER UNITED?

  As Ferguson continues to make history, albeit away from the football pitch, his beloved Manchester United is hoping for a revival under new manager Ruben Amorim. It remains to be seen if the Scotsman travels to Portman Road to watch Amorim making his bow in the United dugout against Ipswich Town on November 24.

The Euros are coming to a climactic conclusion this weekend as England have somehow slugged their way into the final to face off against the competition's great entertainers, Spain.

The Three Lions made it past the Netherlands in the Semi-final thanks to a spot kick from former Tottenham Hotspur icon Harry Kane and a last-minute goal from substitute Ollie Watkins.

However, while the tournament has transfixed the whole country over the last month or so, Premier League clubs have been hard at work in the transfer market.

In fact, based on recent reports, the latest striker touted for a move to N17 has won comparisons to England's most recent hero, Watkins, and outscored Son Heung-min and Richarlison last season.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Tottenham have maintained their long-term interest in Feyenoord star Santiago Gimenez.

Alongside the Lilywhites, the story has revealed that their North London rivals Arsenal and Italian giants Napoli are also keen to land the Mexican's services this summer.

No price is mentioned, but a report out of Italy in May claimed that a fee of around €50m would be enough to tempt the Dutch side into selling, which is around £42m.

It might still be a sizeable investment, but given how well he played last season and his flattering comparisons to Watkins, Daniel Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign Gimenez.

Gimenez's comparisons to Watkins

Now, before getting onto Gimenez's impressive goalscoring record, let's take a look at this comparison to England's recent hero, Watkins.

It stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe's top five leagues. In the Mexican's case, they consider the Aston Villa ace to be the eighth most similar forward.

This conclusion is easier to understand when looking at their respective underlying numbers.

For example, they rank very similar in metrics such as progressive passes and carries, aerial duels won, carries into the penalty area, and shot and goal-creating actions, all per 90.

It's not just his similarity to the England ace that makes the "insane" Feyenoord star, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, worth signing; he's also incredibly prolific in front of goal.

In fact, his tally of 26 goals and eight assists is better than anything a Spurs player could muster, including Son, who scored 17 goals and provided ten assists in 36 games, and Richarlison, who found the back of the net 12 times and produced four assists in 31 matches.

Ultimately, Gimenez looks to be an outstanding attacking talent, and his comparisons to Watkins and proficiency in front of goal should be all the reasons Levy and Co need to pull the trigger and bring him to N17 this summer.

Bid expected: Spurs making move to sign their next Gareth Bale

The impressive international shares some key similarities with the Welsh icon.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 11, 2024

After keeping hold of Wilfred Ndidi, Leicester City have now reportedly made their first approach to sign a £17m midfield partner for the Nigerian this summer.

Leicester transfer news

Positives are finally beginning to emerge for the Foxes following a chaotic start to the summer transfer window, which saw both Enzo Maresca and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall swap the King Power for Stamford Bridge and Chelsea.

Left without a manager, Leicester turned to Steve Cooper, who has since welcomed fresh faces in the form of Issahaku Fatawu in a permanent deal alongside Caleb Okoli, Michael Golding and Bobby De Cordova-Reid. However, Leicester's most underrated deal this summer, is Nidid's new contract when the midfielder looked destined to leave as a free agent.

After signing the unexpected extension, Ndidi told Leicester's official website: "I feel great, I feel excited, I feel at home. That’s the most important thing. I feel really happy to continue with the Club. My family is settled here and everyone back home, when they say Ndidi, they say Leicester also! It’s really amazing to be a part of this journey going forward.”

Leicester City now open negotiations with UCL club to sign "incredible" ace

The Foxes have made their first move.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jul 18, 2024

Now, in a further reward, the Foxes could hand the Nigerian a new partner at the heart of Cooper's midfield. According to South American journalist Nicola Parcerias, Leicester have made an approach to sign Richard Rios from Palmeiras this summer in a race alongside fellow Premier League side Everton.

The central midfielder is fresh from the 2024 Copa America, in which he helped Colombia reach the final before suffering defeat against Argentina. Now, Palmeiras are reportedly open to negotiating his exit for around €20m (£17m), putting aside his reported eye-watering release clause of around €100m (£84m).

"Machine" Rios can provide balance next to Ndidi

After such a successful Copa America, it's no surprise to see Rios being linked with a move to the Premier League, especially as Leicester look to form a solid foundation at the base of their midfield. Returning to the Premier League, the key may well be to find a balanced partnership between a "ball-carrying machine" in Rios – as described by Ben Mattinson – and a ball recovery expert of Ndidi's nature.

Of course, Leicester must be careful not to run into any more trouble regarding the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules, but if they can avoid any sanctions and land a player on the rise such as Rios, then it should be considered incredibly solid business.

Walking a budgeting tightrope, the Foxes may yet sign the perfect partner for Ndidi before the transfer window slams shut.

Chelsea fans could not believe their eyes as Noni Madueke blocked team-mate Cole Palmer's goal-bound tap-in in a comical mishap.

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• Fans slammed Madueke
• English winger blocked Palmer's shot
• Chelsea beat Leicester City 2-1

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Palmer had the golden opportunity to double Chelsea's lead in the 54th minute when he had an empty net in front of him. The English attacker tapped the ball in and was about to celebrate, but team-mate Madueke was unable to get out of the way on the line and blocked the shot, resulting in a goal-kick for the Foxes. Madueke did try to jump in the air to avoid connecting with the ball, but it hit his foot and went out of play.

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• WHAT THE FANS ARE SAYING

  As the English winger denied his team-mate from doubling their lead, fans slammed the 22-year-old on social media and questioned manager Enzo Maresca's decision to field him in the starting line-up.

  An X handled named @lfchaytch wrote: "Madueke' is the worst player I’ve ever seen."

  A fan named Mac threatened Madueke for his mistake as he wrote: "If we end up not winning this game, we’re going to have some serious issues Madueke."

  A user named Marescaholic wrote: "Madueke with a goal-line clearance for Leicester."

  A handled named CFCLux_ urged the Blues boss to drop Madueke from his starting lineup as the post read: "Maresca needs to swallow his pride and drop Madueke, it’s getting ridiculous now constantly starting him."

  Chelsea Realist expressed frustration over Madueke's performance as the post read: "I’m tired of Madueke at the moment. He isn’t awful but every time he runs at a player and is in the ball I already know 99% of the time it isn’t going to result in anything. He needs to be a sub, not a starter in this moment."

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Enzo Fernandez turned out to be a hero for the Blues in the end as after providing the assist for Nicolas Jackson's opening goal, the Argentine scored in the 75th minute to make sure that his team walked away from the King Power Stadium with all three points.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR CHELSEA?

  The Premier League giants will be next seen in action in midweek in Europe as they take on Heidenheim in a Conference League clash.

Arsenal and sporting director Edu Gaspar by extension could test a £200,000-per-week forward's resolve with an enticing offer to link up with Mikel Arteta this summer.

Arsenal targeting new forward ahead of Premier League title race

With Riccardo Calafiori over the line after weeks of transfer talks, attention now turns to who else could make a move to north London.

Edu focused on signing £60m star after previous claim he wants Arsenal move

The Brazilian is working to bring in a new striker.

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By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 30, 2024

The centre-back, who can also play as a full-back when required, sealed a £34 million move to Arsenal from Bologna this week, with the club officially announcing his capture on Monday.

The 22-year-old signed a five-year contract and helps to reinforce Arteta's backline with an alternative to star centre-back duo William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes, which could prove key to Arsenal's Premier League title challenge, especially if one of the aforementioned were to become missing at any point next term.

After Calafiori, Arsenal are believed to be in the market for a new attacker, which may come in the form of a striker or wide player. Leandro Trossard, Bukayo Saka and Kai Havertz starred going forward last season, scoring 51 goals between them in all competitions, but Gabriel Jesus endured an injury-hit stop-start season.

Gabriel Martinelli also suffered a slight dip in form towards the back end of last campaign, and Arsenal will have to be near-perfect if they hope to make it third-time-lucky in their quest to beat Man City to the title.

In terms of the rumoured targets on Arsenal's agenda, Sporting Lisbon striker Viktor Gyokeres and Napoli star Victor Osimhen have been linked this week, while it remains the case that Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams is in their thinking.

While Arsenal are monitoring Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane's situation, according to Sky Germany, Williams comes as a very exciting alternative after his heroics for Bilbao last season and for Spain at Euro 2024.

The 21-year-old impressed on-lookers with scintillating displays at the Euros, and registered a head-turning 19 assists in all competitions for his club last term. Williams is attracting serious interest from Barcelona and Chelsea as a result of his performances lately, but Arsenal are still there and could move before deadline day.

Arsenal could test Williams with enticing offer to join Arteta

According to The Mirror and senior sports reporter Dan Marsh, Edu could test Williams with an enticing offer to join Arsenal in the coming weeks, despite the presence of Barca and other elite clubs in the race for him.

The £200,000-per-week forward's contract includes a £50 million release clause, but his wage demands could prove to be a roadblock, so it will be interesting to see just how far they'll go with personal terms.

HITC have previously stated that Williams is demanding around £300,000-per-week to move away from Bilbao, which shocked those within Arsenal, and it would make the Spaniard their highest-paid player.

Roy Keane hit out at one Manchester United star in particular after watching the team's "f***ing rubbish" Premier League defeat to Arsenal.

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• Man Utd went down 2-0 to Arsenal
• Keane was frustrated after watching his former team
• Singled out a star player for his dismal performance

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Arsenal registered a commanding 2-0 victory over United on Wednesday in the Premier League, leaving the Red Devils grappling with another disappointing result. Second-half goals from Jurrien Timber and William Saliba helped the hosts clinch the three points and move closer to league leaders Liverpool, who were held in a dramatic 3-3 draw against Newcastle United.

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  After falling behind, Ruben Amorim introduced Marcus Rashford from the bench to make an impact. However, the forward remained an anonymous figure, managing just 22 touches of the ball without registering a single shot or creating any significant chances.

• WHAT KEANE SAID

  Keane, known for his unfiltered opinions, expressed his frustration during the match while being part of a YouTube watch-along for alongside Gary Neville, Jamie Carragher and Ian Wright.

  "I tell you what, Rashford has come on, his general play as a footballer is shocking. Watch his header there," he said.

  "You know what that is, rubbish! That is f***ing rubbish… kicks it out of play."

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• DID YOU KNOW?

  Rashford’s performance came under further scrutiny when he conceded a corner that led to Arsenal’s second goal.

  "That can’t happen," said Neville. "It’s a looped corner. You do scratch your head, you’re there as a coach and spend hours going through these corners."

UEFA has revealed the name of its new women's club competition, to kick off next season, as well as announcing increased prize money for Euro 2025.

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• UEFA executive committee announces several key decisions
• Details on new second-tier women's club competition revealed
• Information on prize money for Euro 2025 also released

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  It was announced last year that a second women's club competition would be introduced in Europe for the 2025-26 season, to sit under the Women's Champions League as the Europa League does on the men's side, and that it would take on a straight knockout format, but no name had been decided by that point. UEFA has now confirmed that it will be called the Women's Europa Cup and that it will have a two-legged knockout format.

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  That was not the only decision the UEFA executive committee made on Monday, as it also approved a new record revenue distribution system for these women's club competitions for the next five years. For the next two seasons, starting in 2025-26, UEFA projects that €37.7 million (£31.2m / $39.6m) will be available per season for distribution, rising to a projected €46.7m (£38.7m / $49m) for the three seasons that follow.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Finally, UEFA also confirmed that prize money for Euro 2025 will be set at €41m (£34m / $43m), that representing a 156% increase on the figure from Euro 2022, which was won by England. For the first time, participating nations will distribute a guaranteed percentage of this to their players, that figure between 30% and 40%.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  These decisions signalled the start of a big week for women's football and UEFA, with the Euro 2025 group stage draw to take place on Monday evening before the Champions League group stage concludes across Tuesday and Wednesday, setting up the quarter-final line-up for the spring.