The player gave us his word, his agents too, and that was not respected.
On Saturday, the player called us to say that he was coming to Brest, he called our manager as well and even asked if the No.7 or No.9 jersey were available.
When I give my word, I don’t go back on it. I was not expecting this. Lorient’s offer was clearly higher than ours and we could not beat it.
I’m really looking forward to it.
I’ve had nothing but good vibes from the club and it’s a really exciting time for myself.
I got off the phone with the gaffer and he really sold the club to me. It was brilliant and I’m really looking forward to working with him.
I’m a defensive midfielder. I’ll work hard, I’ll get myself stuck in and put up a fight.
He’s trained with us from day one, and that’s probably it.
There’s continued dialogue to find a solution that suits both parties but at the moment, he’s training with the group.
I don’t think I would ever be as blunt as that. From experience, football can move and shift in very different ways.
At the moment, in terms of my planning for the season, I’m planning with the players who will absolutely be here and try to prepare as best I can for the opening game – especially as we start to move ever closer, hopefully, to friendly matches.
(We will) act a little more cautiously in the transfer market than we did in the past – we will spend far less than we got for Timo Werner.
The manager, sporting director and management will not change anything until the end of the year.
Since it is clear that we are not going to start the new season in front of a sold-out stadium, I am assuming that the team will once again make its contribution.
It is probably an illusion to think that we could still play in a sold-out stadium this year. That is why we are currently expecting to lose over 20 million euros (£18 million).
Micky has been with us for a long time by the standards of football.
Having joined us at our lowest point in the non-League, he led us to three Wembley trips and back-to-back promotions to League 1, and in doing so secured his place in the Tranmere history books.
Although the current season, which ended in our demotion to League 2 in the cruellest of fashions, is a sad note on which to leave, I have no doubt that had we been allowed to play the season out, he would have kept us up.
I am disappointed that Micky wished to move on but, as a Scot, the opportunity to manage in the Scottish Premier League was one which was too good for him to miss and I did not feel it was right to stand in his way.
We are already fairly advanced in our planning of a very competitive squad for next season, and I will now turn my attention to ensuring that we identify the right person to complete that process and lead our challenge for an immediate return to League 1.
I think since the first day I’ve walked in, it’s been an indescribable journey so far.
I think now to top it off with my first professional contract is a dream come true for me and my family. I’m excited to see what the future holds and I’m just excited to give everything to the club and the fans.
I enjoy Scottish football – there’s never a dull moment.
Scotland would be my preferred choice because I know the league and the players.
I could use all that experience to go to another league – that wouldn’t be a problem – but I think, based on what I’ve done over the last seven years, that hopefully would give me the best opportunity of going back into football.
I’m ready to get back into work. I’ve lost a lot of weight and I feel refreshed.
But I have agreed with the chairman that I wouldn’t go back in until later on.
Aaron is going to be a huge asset to the football club and it’s important that no matter what division we’re in, we have to keep our best players and Aaron is definitely in that category.
Sam is a really good player and also a really good friend of mine. He’s the level of player we’re hoping to attract to this football club but I’m sure he’ll have numerous offers back in the UK – but he’s one we’ll definitely be speaking to.
Origi signing a new long-term deal was almost Liverpool…they were loyal to him weren’t they?
He’d done what he’d done [in the Champions League] and all of a sudden they they thought he’s done that so you have to give them a new contract. That’s now prevented them from going and spending big money on a back-up striker.
Timo Werner was obviously a player that Liverpool were linked to and he’s eventually gone to Chelsea. I think that type of player would have been brilliant for Liverpool.
They signed Origi on a long-term contract that virtually ruled out a back-up striker and I’m not sure that they don’t need a better one.”
We’ve got Mo Elyounoussi back which is a big plus for us so there’s a continuity there and we’ll look to add one or two to the group.
Would you be surprised if I don’t give an answer on that? Just because I never answer these kind of questions.
Thiago Alcantara is a really good player. Like a lot of other players out there, I like (him) a lot. But that’s all I have to say about that.
You only enjoy the problems of others when you are also in trouble.
I think if they were top of the league or fighting for top four in a really good moment they wouldn’t enjoy the problems of others.
They don’t have much to celebrate, they have to get every opportunity to do it. They are in a very similar situation to us in the table.
To be the champion of north London means nothing for me because I think you have to be much bigger than that and have much more ambitions than that.”
The only concrete offer Anton’s had is from East Fife, so we’re still in with a chance.
With the release of the Premiership fixtures, Scottish football edges closer to its much-anticipated return.
Teams across the country are working to ensure their squads are in shape for the challenges ahead.
At Rangers, Steven Gerrard wants to keep Alfredo Morelos and Borna Barisic but could be forced to fend off bids.
Nikola Katic has been ruled out for months with a serious injury so a new defender may be required while Gerrard also wants a striker. Lyndon Dykes, Kemar Roofe and Lyle Taylor have all been linked.
At Celtic, Neil Lennon appears to have confirmed they’ll look elsewhere for a goalkeeper instead of going back for Fraser Forster. Vasilios Barkas, Joe Hart, David Marshall and Vaclav Hladky are all reported targets.
The Hoops have already sealed Moi Elyounoussi on loan from Southampton.
On the continent Lionel Messi is reportedly unsettled at Barcelona, which is sure to have all of Europe’s giants on alert.
Jadon Sancho is wanted by Manchester United, while Neymar may try and force a move away from Paris Saint-Germain.
Read on to see how the action unfolded.
Celtic and Rangers target Adrian Grbic has clinched a £9 million move to ambitious French side Lorient after an extraordinary transfer u-turn.
Both clubs were linked with the 23-year-old Austrian striker, who netted 17 goals in Ligue 2 for Clermont last season, but the price tag went through the roof as interest gathered in him.
Grbic had agreed on a deal to sign for Brest, but reneged on his promise, according to their club’s sporting director and has now signed a £110,000-a-week deal with Lorient instead.
Brest’s sporting director Gregory Lorenzi was furious with the decision.
The player gave us his word, his agents too, and that was not respected.
On Saturday, the player called us to say that he was coming to Brest, he called our manager as well and even asked if the No.7 or No.9 jersey were available.
When I give my word, I don’t go back on it. I was not expecting this. Lorient’s offer was clearly higher than ours and we could not beat it.
Former SFA performance director Mark Wotte has named himself as the new boss of United Arab Emirates club Al Wahda, a year after he was appointed technical director.
The Dutch coach was axed as Morocco’s Under 23s boss last year after he failed to lead them to qualification for the next Olympic football tournament, but he immediately moved to become technical director and Academy chief of the Abu Dhabi club.
However, Wotte will now move into the manager’s role after former Sevilla boss Manuel Jimenez was axed, with the club currently sitting fourth in the Arabian Gulf League.
Wotte was the SFA’s first ever appointment to the role when he took the job in 2011 and stayed for three years in Glasgow, before later moving to Africa with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
The 59-year-old also managed in his native Netherlands, England, Egypt, Qatar and Romania.
Jim Goodwin believes new signing Nathan Sheron can follow in the footsteps of himself and former fan favourite Stephen McGinn.
St Mirren announced the defensive midfielder would join on a season-long loan from Fleetwood Town yesterday, making him the third new addition ahead of the new campaign.
And former Buddies skipper Goodwin believes the 22-year-old has a lot of the same traits as those who have worn the armband for the club in recent years.
READ MORE: Former Liverpool scrapper Sheron cast in same mould as Stephen McGinn, says Goodwin
Napoli have told their star defender Kalidou Koulibaly he can leave if they get the right offer – according to a report.
Manchester United are among several clubs who are long-term admirers of the Senegal international colossus.
According to The Telegraph, the Partenope are looking to sign Lille striker Victor Osimhen and need to raise funds to secure the £50m rated Nigerian.
The race for Wolves star Adama Traore is hotting up as ESPN claims Manchester City and Juventus have moved to the head of the transfer queue.
Barcelona have been heavily tipped to move for the 24-year-old Spain international but the Catalans are in no financial position to secure such an expensive deal signing.
Juventus are looking to refresh their ageing forwards with some young talent while City are on the lookout to replace Bayern Munich departure Leroy Sane.
St Mirren have clinched the signing of Nathan Sheron on a seasons loan from Fleetwood Town.
The tough-tackling 22-year-old midfielder joins until the end of the season but the deal has a January break clause.
He is looking forward to testing himself in Scottish football.
I’m really looking forward to it.
I’ve had nothing but good vibes from the club and it’s a really exciting time for myself.
I got off the phone with the gaffer and he really sold the club to me. It was brilliant and I’m really looking forward to working with him.
I’m a defensive midfielder. I’ll work hard, I’ll get myself stuck in and put up a fight.
Chelsea could offload midfielder Jorginho is unhappy with his current situation at Chelsea and could be tempted by a move to join Juventus.
The rise of 19-year-old Billy Gilmour means the Italian international is now third choice for the King’s Road club’s holding midfield role behind the youngster and N’Golo Kante.
Maurizio Sarri is a huge fan of the metronomic passer and would be keen to take him to Turin.
Frank Lampard wants to recoup the £57 million they paid Napoli to entice the player from Serie A.
Jack Ross has given an update on former Rangers loanee Florian Kamberi.
He told Sky Sports that the player returned to training on the first day of pre-season and that talks continue to resolve his future.
He’s trained with us from day one, and that’s probably it.
There’s continued dialogue to find a solution that suits both parties but at the moment, he’s training with the group.
Ross refused to draw a line under the Swiss born striker’s Easter Road career due to the often unexpected course football can take.
I don’t think I would ever be as blunt as that. From experience, football can move and shift in very different ways.
At the moment, in terms of my planning for the season, I’m planning with the players who will absolutely be here and try to prepare as best I can for the opening game – especially as we start to move ever closer, hopefully, to friendly matches.
Chelsea’s spending spree this window looks set to continue with reports that manager Frank Lampard is keen on West Ham’s Declan Rice.
The England star, 21, is usually deployed as a defensive-minded midfielder but according to The Times Lampard sees him as a suitable centre-back.
The manager sees him as a long term successor to club legend John Terry, who quit Stamford Bridge in 2017 and retired a year later.
Arsenal are interested in Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin, according to a French report.
Le10Sport claim the Gunners are tracking the former Nice flying machine.
But Mikel Arteta’s side aren’t the only team interested as Coppa Italia winners Napoli are also credited with an interest.
RB Leipzig won’t be able to spend big in the transfer window despite selling Timo Werner for £54million, the club’s managing director has warned.
Oliver Mintzlaff has told Kicker that despite the blockbuster move to Chelsea, Leipzig are hamstrung by the coronavirus crisis and won’t be able to use that money for a replacement.
That’s despite the club preparing to return to the Champions League next month, picking up where the left off in the quarter-finals, the farthest the side has got in the tournament.
Players and staff are also expected to continue working under wage cuts until the end of 2020.
(We will) act a little more cautiously in the transfer market than we did in the past – we will spend far less than we got for Timo Werner.
The manager, sporting director and management will not change anything until the end of the year.
Since it is clear that we are not going to start the new season in front of a sold-out stadium, I am assuming that the team will once again make its contribution.
It is probably an illusion to think that we could still play in a sold-out stadium this year. That is why we are currently expecting to lose over 20 million euros (£18 million).
Tranmere Rovers chairman Mark Palios has penned an emotional farewell to manager Micky Mellon as he joins Dundee United.
The new Tangerines boss took charge of Tranmere in 2016 when the club were languishing in the National Conference having dropped out of the Football League.
The following two seasons he secured back-to-back promotions to take the club to League One before an early end to the division saw them relegated to League Two on a points-per-game average.
And in a statement on the club’s website Palios expressed his gratitude to the Paisley-born boss who will manage in Scotland for the first time in his career this coming season at Tannadice.
Micky has been with us for a long time by the standards of football.
Having joined us at our lowest point in the non-League, he led us to three Wembley trips and back-to-back promotions to League 1, and in doing so secured his place in the Tranmere history books.
Although the current season, which ended in our demotion to League 2 in the cruellest of fashions, is a sad note on which to leave, I have no doubt that had we been allowed to play the season out, he would have kept us up.
I am disappointed that Micky wished to move on but, as a Scot, the opportunity to manage in the Scottish Premier League was one which was too good for him to miss and I did not feel it was right to stand in his way.
We are already fairly advanced in our planning of a very competitive squad for next season, and I will now turn my attention to ensuring that we identify the right person to complete that process and lead our challenge for an immediate return to League 1.
Micky Mellon has been appointed as the new Dundee United manager, leaving Tranmere after four years at the helm.
The Tannadice club won the Championship last season to return to the top flight after four years away.
Manager Robbie Neilson opted not to lead the club for the return to the Premiership though, returning to Hearts to replace Daniel Stendel.
The likes of Steve McClaren and Malky Mackay were interviewed for the vacancy but on Monday it was announced that Mellon will step into the hotseat.
READ MORE: Micky Mellon appointed Dundee United manager as sporting director Tony Asghar talks up ‘winning’ boss
Manchester United’s interest in Borussia Dortmund and England winger Jadon Sancho has meant Westfalenstadion figures are resigned to losing the 20-year-old, a report claims.
The Evening Standard say that those in the Dortmund hierarchy believe it’s a matter of when, not if Sancho departs.
A friendship with Marcus Rashford and repeated trips back home to England have led to the quiet acceptance.
But a fee for Sancho still remains the hard part about organising a deal, with BVB holding out for a nine-figure sum that United are reluctant to pay.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has been the subject of tangible transfer interest from Chelsea.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, the King’s Road side are looking to take the attacking midfield dynamo to the Premier League.
Lazio want €100m for the Serbian international and there is plenty of interest with Real Madrid, PSG and Manchester United amongst the clubs with a long-term interest.
After the coronavirus the Roman side may be willing to lower their demands but any team looking to do a deal will still have to stump up a huge fee.
Manchester United and Manchester City are set to go head to head to land their pick of two shortlisted centre-backs according to a report.
The Independent claim that Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly and Inter’s Milan Skriniar are on the radar of both clubs.
With City’s potential Champions League ban looming pending a Court of Arbitration for Sport ruling, it’s suggested City may need to pursue a swap deal for the latter.
Livingston boss Gary Holt says he’s hopeful the Lions will be able to sign goalkeeper Robby McCrorie on loan from Rangers.
The stopper spent the latter half of last season in West Lothian, making eight appearances for the club before the campaign was brought to a premature end.
The 22-year-old recently penned a new deal with the Ibrox club but is expected to be sent back out on loan after the Gers signed former Hearts and Sunderland keeper Jon McLaughlin.
READ MORE: Livingston boss Gary Holt hoping to sign keeper Robby McCrorie on loan from Rangers
Newcastle United goalkeeper Freddie Woodman is being monitored by Celtic, suggests a report.
The Chronicle are reporting that the backup Magpies man is on a Hoops shortlist with little chance of first team action at his current club.
Last season’s first-choice at Parkhead Fraser Forster served as third-choice keeper at St James Park before being loaned out and eventually transferred at the start of last decade.
And that success could still be fresh in the mind of manager Neil Lennon if he is forced to look for a replacement in the event that Forster stays at parent club Southampton.
Woodman has played in Scotland before, turning out for Kilmarnock and Aberdeen on loan.
Liverpool wonderkid Harvey Elliott has signed his first professional contract with the club.
The midfield ace has been able to sign since turning 17 in April and has finally put pen to paper, although the length of the deal remains under wraps.
The England youth international made eight appearances in the top team including two in the Premier League.
I think since the first day I’ve walked in, it’s been an indescribable journey so far.
I think now to top it off with my first professional contract is a dream come true for me and my family. I’m excited to see what the future holds and I’m just excited to give everything to the club and the fans.
Scottish Cup winning St Johnstone boss Tommy Wright has opened up on a deal with his former club that makes him unable to take a new managerial role for the time being.
The Northern Irishman agreed with chairman Steve Brown that he will not join another club until “November, round that time”.
He told the BBC that his preference is to remain working in Scotland.
I enjoy Scottish football – there’s never a dull moment.
Scotland would be my preferred choice because I know the league and the players.
I could use all that experience to go to another league – that wouldn’t be a problem – but I think, based on what I’ve done over the last seven years, that hopefully would give me the best opportunity of going back into football.
I’m ready to get back into work. I’ve lost a lot of weight and I feel refreshed.
But I have agreed with the chairman that I wouldn’t go back in until later on.
Peru international midfielder Renato Tapia is on the verge of a deal with Celta Vigo – if they can avoid relegation.
The 24-year-old defensive utility man was linked with both Celtic and Rangers as the former Feyenoord’s man availability on a free transfer became known.
But it now appears his likely next destination will be Spain, with reports in his homeland suggesting the deal is all but done.
Vigo are six points clear of the relegation mire and look likely to remain in La Liga for another season at least.
Robbie Neilson has already made his first Hearts signing after luring Craig Gordon back to the club but he isn’t finished yet.
He is adamant Hearts need to cling onto youngster Aaron Hickey while he has not ruled out a move for Sam Nicholson after the former Jambos winger cut short his stay with MS outfit Colorado Rapids.
Neilson, also confirmed former skipper Christophe Berra will be welcomed back into his squad after being sent to Dundee on loan by former head coach Daniel Stendel.
Aaron is going to be a huge asset to the football club and it’s important that no matter what division we’re in, we have to keep our best players and Aaron is definitely in that category.
Sam is a really good player and also a really good friend of mine. He’s the level of player we’re hoping to attract to this football club but I’m sure he’ll have numerous offers back in the UK – but he’s one we’ll definitely be speaking to.
David Alaba has been told he will be allowed to leave Bayern Munich this summer if he wants to go to the Premier League.
The defender has been playing at centre back with Alphono Davies’ emergence at left back for the German giants.
His contract is up next summer and according to the Mirror, Bayern would rather sell than risk him leaving on a bosman.
Premier League side Crystal Palace are now joint second favourites to sign Celtic striker Odsonne Edouard this summer.
The in-demand France U21 international is being monitored by a host of club but Hoops boss Neil Lennon is desperate for him to remain ahead of his side’s Ten in a Row title push.
Edouard himself has stated he remains happy in Glasgow but a the race for his signature continues to heat up with Roy Hodgson’s side reportedly the latest side to state their interest.
The Eagles join the likes of Premier League rivals Arsenal, Everton and Leicester as well as Napoli, Lazio and Monaco who are all huge admirers of the 22-year-old.
READ MORE: Odsonne Edouard transfer price shift for Celtic star as punters pile in on Premier League switch
Michael Owen believes that Liverpool decided against signing Timo Werner because of Divock Origi.
But the former Liverpool hero reckons that they might regret that decision because he’s not sure Origi is good enough.
Origi signing a new long-term deal was almost Liverpool…they were loyal to him weren’t they?
He’d done what he’d done [in the Champions League] and all of a sudden they they thought he’s done that so you have to give them a new contract. That’s now prevented them from going and spending big money on a back-up striker.
Timo Werner was obviously a player that Liverpool were linked to and he’s eventually gone to Chelsea. I think that type of player would have been brilliant for Liverpool.
They signed Origi on a long-term contract that virtually ruled out a back-up striker and I’m not sure that they don’t need a better one.”
Nemanja Matic has extended his stay at Manchester United until 2023.
The midfielder has been excellent during United’s great run of form during 2020 and the former Chelsea star’s contract was due to end soon.
But he has sealed a new contract which will keep him at Old Trafford for the next three years.
Focused Neil Lennon insists Celtic haven’t given up hope of convincing Fraser Forster to return – but admits he is looking at other goalkeeping options.
A deal had been agreed between the Premiership champions and Southampton for the giant keeper to head back north on loan next season – only for Forster to hold out for a permanent move.
With Craig Gordon having left to join Hearts, a number one is the signing priority for Lennon with less than four weeks until the season kicks off.
Former Hoops number one David Marshall is another option as is Joe Hart who has been sounded out by Celtic.
READ MORE: Fraser Forster Celtic transfer latest as Neil Lennon provides key update on keeper signing hunt
Neil Lennon admits Celtic will look to add a couple of players to their squad ahead of the new season.
The Hoops boss has a massive campaign on his hands as they look to seal an historic title and make it 10 in a Row.
They already have Moi Elyounoussi back on loan but Lennon hopes to get more in, and it’s like a goalkeeper and centre back will be his main targets.
He said:
We’ve got Mo Elyounoussi back which is a big plus for us so there’s a continuity there and we’ll look to add one or two to the group.
Jurgen Klopp has responded to speculation linking him with a move for Thiago Alcantara.
The midfielder has been heavily linked with a move to Liverpool and Klopp admits he’s a big fan of him.
But he refused to commit to whether he’s interested in the Bayern Munich star.
He said:
Would you be surprised if I don’t give an answer on that? Just because I never answer these kind of questions.
Thiago Alcantara is a really good player. Like a lot of other players out there, I like (him) a lot. But that’s all I have to say about that.
Robby McCrorie is closing in on a season-long loan deal with Livingston -according to a report.
The Scottish Sun state the keeper is on the verge of a return to the Tony Macaroni Arena after impressing last season.
The Scotland U21 standout penned a new deal at Ibrox that keeps him in place until 2023 with Steven Gerrard understood to be a major fan of the academy product.