“Andrea Pirlo is the new Juventus coach. 41-years-old and born in Flero in the province of Brescia, Pirlo has had a legendary career as a player that has led him to win everything, from the Champions League to the World Cup in 2006. In his four years at the centre of the Juventus midfield, Pirlo won as many league titles, a Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups. Today, begins a new chapter of his career in the world of football, as it was said almost a week ago: from Maestro to Mister.”
“One day he tells me one thing and the next he tells me another, personally I would like him to remain in Europe and until the transfer window shuts, I can’t rule out anything.
“I can confirm that he likes the Italian league and would really enjoy playing in Italy. He told me he could play there until he’s 40 years old.
“At the moment, there are many offers and he has to decide, but I’d love it if he signed for Lazio, because even if Rome is quite far away, it’d be a huge opportunity for him.
“I know it’s unlikely he’ll come back to Spain, as he always tells me to rule out the idea of a return to Valencia.”
Today I need to think about my future very well.
I have a contract with the club and I need to respect it, obviously, if I have to leave it will be for the best.
We have to be calm and wait.
Last season I played continuously, this one less so.
This year has been more complicated: I have lost continuity and confidence. I do not like this. At this age I need to play to be called up for the national team.
“Eric Garcia announced to us he doesn’t want to extend his contract with City, he has one more year and then after that, he doesn’t want to extend.
“We wanted to but he doesn’t want to.
“We imagine he wants to play in another place.”
“I am extremely pleased to be welcoming Ledley into the first team group as we continue our preparations for the new season.
“He has a tremendous affinity with this football club and the fans appreciate just how much he has accomplished as a true Spurs man both on and off the pitch.
“We have developed a good relationship since I arrived, and we hope to use his experience and insight to support the work we are doing with the squad.”
“I’m excited to welcome Ethan to Blackpool, and I am really looking forward to working with him.
“He’s a highly rated, athletic midfielder who I have been aware of for a number of years and watched him develop at Sunderland.
“I believe he will be a valuable asset to the team, and he fits the profile well of the type of player we want to bring to the Club.”
“I think Chris has shown, over his career at Manchester United, how valuable he is for United.
“This season was about him being a regular and going to Roma, showing and proving how good a centre-back he is.
“I wanted to give Harry [Maguire] and Victor [Lindelof] and maybe Axel [Tuanzebe] a chance and so he found out that it was best for him to go to Roma to play for a year.
“Now he’s coming back. Chris has shown this season that he will be valuable so I’ve been speaking to Chris throughout and been delighted with his season.”
Williams said: “Signing this contract is another really proud moment for myself and my family. Having been at Manchester United since I was seven years old, it’s genuinely a dream come true to be playing in the first team.
“It’s taken a huge amount of hard work to reach this point and been really special for me to break through into the squad.
“I’ve learned a lot throughout the season from the manager, his coaching staff and my team-mates and I want to repay the trust that they have all shown in me.
“I know that everyone at the club is working really hard every day to achieve success in the coming years and I am really excited to be a part of that.”
“Chelsea need defensive reinforcements and we don’t think they’ll look much further than Declan Rice.
He’s odds on to move to Stamford Bridge this summer,” said Coral’s Harry Aitkenhead.
Real Madrid have paid tribute, stating: “Real Madrid CF wants to show his appreciation, admiration and love for one of the greatest legends of our club and world football.
“The best goalkeeper in the history of Real Madrid and Spanish football came to our house when he was 9 years old.
“Here our shirt was formed and defended for 25 years, being forever one of our most iconic captains. Iker Casillas has earned the love of Real Madrid and is a benchmark of the values that represent Real Madrid.”
Southampton manager Ralph Hasenhüttl said: “This is more good news for the future of this team, as these young players are important for our philosophy
“Jake has developed well this season and made some big steps forward. He has good qualities, which he has shown in matches and also in his training with us. He is calm on the ball but also brave, and I like this attribute in my players.
“He must keep working hard on his game, and we will be sure to do this with him. There are many areas that he can improve in further, so this is a good opportunity for him to make the most of his potential.”
We’re now well into the summer transfer window as clubs up and down their country plot their business ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
Chelsea now have the remainder of the off-season to stew over targets after they were dumped out of the Champions League by Bayern Munich.
With Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner already through the door, will they be joined by Bayer Leverkusen’s Kai Havertz?
Manchester United continue to be linked with Jadon Sancho, while Arsenal’s priority is securing the services of talisman and skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Liverpool continue to search for left-back cover for Andy Robertson, with Norwich’s Jamal Lewis the subject of interest from Anfield.
We’ll bring you all the latest transfer rumours and done deals as they happen right here.
Ex-Man Utd starlet Angel Gomes has completed a free transfer to Lille.
The hot prospect turned down the chance to stay at Old Trafford in favour of seeking regular first-team football elsewhere.
Gomes, 19, has signed a five-year deal with the French club but will spend the first season out on loan in Portugal with Boavista.
Frank Lampard will be given the green light to carry on spending to turn Chelsea into title contenders.
Lampard is targeting at least three more big signings this summer with Kai Havertz, Ben Chilwell and Declan Rice in his sights as primary targets.
Lampard also wants a No1 with Kepa Arrizabalaga on his way out after a miserable season for the £71m keeper with Chelsea ready to push through the £200m barrier this summer.
FULL STORY HERE
PSG are lining up a shock £25million swoop for Bournemouth striker Josh King, reports The Sun.
The French champions are weighing up an offer for the Norwegian after Bournemouth were relegated to the Championship.
King, 28, has no shortage of potential suitors though, with a number of Premier League clubs keen on his signature, as well as Lazio and Roma.
Liverpool are willing to let both Harry Wilson and Marko Grujic leave the club this summer – but only on permanent deals.
The midfield pair have been out on loan for the past few seasons and are now at a crossroads in their respective careers.
Wilson, 23, had a decent campaign at Bournemouth though struggled to hold down a regular first-team place at the relegated side.
Meanwhile Grujic, 24, has impressed at Bundesliga outfit Hertha Berlin over his two-year spell but faces a battle to force his way into Liverpool’s side.
But according to the Liverpool Echo, Reds chiefs do not want to sanction further loan deals.
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Watford have made Ismaila Sarr available for sale at a price of £40million.
The relegated club know they face a battle to keep their star forward and are willing to listen to offers that match their valuation.
Liverpool, Crystal Palace and Wolves have all been linked, but The Sun report it is the London club who are leading the race.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has given another indication he is set to sign a new contract at Arsenal.
The future of the Gunners’ captain has been the subject of much speculation with Aubameyang into the last 12 months of his current deal.
Arsenal are desperate to keep hold of their talisman and latest reports suggest they are close to tying him down to a three-year extension.
The new deal is said to be worth £250,000 per week, and Aubameyang has now hinted he could be ready to sign after liking a post on social media.
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Former Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon says the club could solve their Gareth Bale problem by sending the winger out on loan.
Bale has become increasingly frozen out at Madrid and was not even in the squad for their fixture with Man City.
His huge wages are getting in the way of any potential transfer though, which could force Madrid into considering a temporary move.
Calderon told BBC Sport: “We have done that before. It wouldn’t surprise me if they let him go on loan and paid part of the salary.
“It’s a pity to see a player like him in the stands. I think his skill and talent has not gone, he is still a good player who could be playing at a high level in any team in the world.
“Therefore I think they will have to find a solution to end this agony for the sake of both sides.
“If he doesn’t want to reduce his salary, which would be understandable, they will have to find another way to finish this situation.”
Liverpool are thought to be weighing up a bid for Bournemouth winger David Brooks.
The Sun report Jurgen Klopp is considering the winger as a replacement for Xherdan Shaqiri if he leaves Anfield this summer.
One stumbling block though could be the fee, with Brooks’ price tag believed to be around £35m.
Alexandre Lacazette is reportedly on his way to Atletico Madrid in a £30million deal.
The French striker, 29, could be the first player offloaded by boss Mikel Arteta as he plans his squad overhaul this summer.
The Daily Star report that Lacazette will complete his switch to Madrid as soon as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has put pen to paper on a new contract.
The Daily Mail has added fuel to speculation linking Liverpool with 18-year-old Vasco de Gama winger Talles Magno, reporting that they have made contact with the Brazilian club (via Yahoo Esportes).
This isn’t the first time the teenage forward has been tipped to move to Merseyside, with his name a frequent fixture in the gossip columns following a breakthrough year in Brazil which has seen him touted as the next Neymar.
The latest report states that Liverpool have stepped up their interest, having made contact with Vasco to determine whether a transfer would be possible this summer.
Magno is contracted until 2022 with a £45million release clause, but Vaso could accept as little as £18m amid financial difficulties.
Ainsley Maitland-Niles could make a shock move from Arsenal to north London rivals Tottenham this summer.
The versatile 22-year-old has been put up for sale, with the Gunners board keen to raise cash for Mikel Arteta’s summer recruitment.
Maitland-Niles, previously a midfielder, began filling-in at right-back amid Hector Bellerin’s injury woes, and The Sun reports that Spurs are among the clubs to have registered interest.
The future of Philippe Coutinho has dominated transfer talk in recent months as his loan spell at Bayern Munich is set to come to an end.
Barcelona are keen to sell the Brazilian this summer to reduce their wage bill, and Arsenal Station cites Catalan newsletter Sport as reporting the playmaker has agreed personal terms with the Gunners ahead of a summer move.
The two clubs will now need to agree a fee, but Arsenal are seemingly edging closer to bringing the former Liverpool man back to the Premier League.
Read the latest Arsenal transfer gossip here.
Sheffield United are preparing an improved offer for Bournemouth goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, according to the Daily Mail.
The Blades saw a £12million bid turned down earlier this week but are willing to increase their offer to £15million.
United are looking to recruit a goalkeeper as they await Manchester United’s decision on Dean Henderson’s future, while the Cherries are expected to part ways with Ramsdale after being relegated from the Premier League.
Ramsdale bid indicates Man Utd’s Henderson decision
Rio Ferdinand has outlined the problem with signing Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, who is considered one of the best defenders in Europe.
Chelsea have been linked with a move as boss Frank Lampard looks to address his side’s defensive issues – which were laid bare in the 4-1 defeat to Bayern.
“The problem with Koulibaly is that he’s 29 years old,” Ferdinand told BT Sport. “It’s dead money. You spend £70-80m to get him and that’s dead money, from a business perspective.
“Is that the right way that Chelsea want to go? Who knows.”
Thiago Alcantara would be a “dream” player for Liverpool, according to Rio Ferdinand.
The Reds are linked with a move for the Bayern Munich midfielder, who shone as the Bavarians dominated Chelsea on Saturday evening.
Speaking about the Thiago before the match, Ferdinand told BT Sport: “[He would be a] great signing. He is a conductor, somebody who controls the tempo of the game, he’s got a wing mirror so he can see behind him, can see all angles, play every pass in the game.
“Intelligent player, he speaks the language which is an important part of it as well. He’d be a dream to have for someone like Liverpool. He’s the type of player they probably haven’t got.”
Frank Lampard says Chelsea will return stronger after their Bayern Munich humiliation – with a deal for Kai Havertz on the horizon.
Lampard was asked after the 4-1 thrashing about Chelsea’s remaining transfer plans for the summer – and specifically about £90million-rated Havertz.
“I wouldn’t expect anything but it’s our job to go away and see what happens and see where we can improve,” said Lampard in quotes reported by Metro.
“I feel like I know where we can improve but now it’s time to look at that.”
Read more here.
Manchester United’s contract talks with Dean Henderson are set to cause Sheffield United a problem if the Blades want the goalkeeper on loan again next season.
United want to tie Henderson down to a new long-term deal worth a reported £100k – although he may be sent back to Bramall Lane on loan to continue his development.
However, the Red Devils will want Sheffield United to pay all of Henderson’s wages, according to The Sun – and that could be a problem for Chris Wilder’s side.
Read more here.
Arsenal are reportedly stepping up their search for potential goalkeeper signings as they seek a second opinion on Bernd Leno’s injury.
Leno missed much of the restart after sustaining a ligament strain when he collided with Brighton striker Neal Maupay during the Gunners’ defeat in June, with Emiliano Martinez having impressed in his place.
Arsenal want further tests on Leno’s injury and are seeking clarification on how long he will be out for, according to The Sun.
And the publication says Arteta’s staff are looking for potential back-up goalkeeping options ahead of the new season starting next month.
Read more here.
Liverpool have reportedly enquired about Olympiakos left-back Kostas Tsimikas amid their continued pursuit of Norwich defender Jamal Lewis.
The Reds had a £10million bid for Lewis rejected by Norwich on Thursday as Jurgen Klopp seeks left-back cover for Andy Robertson.
And Liverpool are weighing up Tsimikas as an alternative target, according to Mail Online.
The publication reports the Reds have made an enquiry about the 24-year-old Greek international, who impressed in his side’s Europa League defeat to Wolves this week.
Read the full story here.
French radio outlet RMC claims Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Kai Havertz ahead of the Bayer Leverkusen star’s much-anticipated transfer to Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old is said to have agreed a five-year deal with the Blues and will try to force through the move in the coming days.
No fee has yet been agreed between the clubs for the Germany international.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will undergo a medical with Tottenham on Monday as Spurs look to complete his £15million transfer from Southampton.
Meanwhile, Kyle Walker-Peters is expected to go the other way after impressing while on loan with the Saints this season.
The fee for the right-back is expected to be £12million but personal terms are yet to be agreed.
Crystal Palace are set to end their interest in QPR forward Eberechi Eze after reportedly seeing a £12million bid turned down last week.
The west London club value the 22-year-old at £20million and hope interest from West Brom and West Ham may further increase the fee.
But Palace are refusing to increase their offer and will end their interest, according to The Sun.
Philippe Coutinho has agreed personal terms ahead of a potential loan move to Arsenal, according to Catalan Sport.
The Brazilian playmaker has been made available by Barcelona, who are attempted to free up funds for their summer spending plans.
Manchester United are ready to loan Tahith Chong to Werder Bremen.
Red Devils manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen for the young winger to get more minutes under his belt, and Bremen want to take him on loan for two seasons.
Sporting director Frank Baumann said: “That we are in exchange is the case.
“We are in good talks. Several parties are involved. Some things still have to be clarified and we have to agree. As of now, this is not the case.”
READ MORE
Leicester and Everton are competing to sign Barcelona defender Jean-Clair Todibo, according to Leicestershire Live.
The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Schalke 04, but the Bundesliga side chose not to activate a clause to sign him permanently.
Capped at U20 level for France, Todibo has made five appearances for Barcelona and can also play in defensive midfield.
Manchester United are prepared to increase Dean Henderson’s wages fivefold to £60,000 per week as they look to fend off interest in the goalkeeper from Chelsea.
The 23-year-old is in demand after an excellent loan spell with Sheffield United last season, and the Blues have reportedly identified him as a replacement for out-of-favour No1 Kepa Arrizabalga.
But The Transfer Window podcast claim the Red Devils are desparate to hold onto the Englishman and will drastically increase his wages to do so.
Their approaches for Ben White are being rebuffed by Brighton, but Leeds are close to landing another transfer target in Joe Gelhardt.
The 18-year-old Wigan forward is one of many highly-rated stars being sold by the club’s administrators this window, after a points deduction saw the Latics relegated to League One.
Gelhardt has scored one Championship goal and a deal could be finalised next week, according to The Athletic.
There is confirmation of Pirlo’s appointment on a two-year deal from Juventus’ official channels:
“Andrea Pirlo is the new Juventus coach. 41-years-old and born in Flero in the province of Brescia, Pirlo has had a legendary career as a player that has led him to win everything, from the Champions League to the World Cup in 2006. In his four years at the centre of the Juventus midfield, Pirlo won as many league titles, a Coppa Italia and two Italian Super Cups. Today, begins a new chapter of his career in the world of football, as it was said almost a week ago: from Maestro to Mister.”
Juventus are set to unveil Andrea Pirlo as their new manager – just hours after sacking Maurizio Sarri on Saturday afternoon.
Juve chairman Andrea Agnelli is believed to have chosen midfield icon Pirlo as Sarri’s successor and the final details on his contract will soon be completed.
Pirlo was appointed as Juventus U23 manager at the end of last month, marking his first role as a coach after hanging up his boots three years ago. But he is set for a promotion to take charge of the senior team just days after he was unveiled.
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Leeds have seen a second bid for Ben White turned down by Brighton despite the defender turning down two contract offers from the Seagulls.
The Whites secured promotion back to the top flight following a 16 year absence with the 22-year-old centre-half playing a crucial role.
Leeds tabled an £18m bid that was rejected and subsequently returned with a £22m offer. The Seagulls have again rebuffed their interest as they look to bring White into the first team picture at the Amex, reports Sky Sports.
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