JUVENTUS have reportedly scheduled new contracts for free agent Paul Pogba as they step up their pursuit on luring him back to Turin.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United have been told to pay £50m if they want to sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City SunSport can reveal.
Eddie Howe wanted the centre-back in January and has identified him as a transfer target once again this summer.
And Bayern Munich are set to lose their goal machine Robert Lewandowski this summer which has left clubs on red alert.
However, the Poland international has revealed that his preferred destination is the Nou Camp despite the deal being complex.
Morning football fans
Sadio Mane has hinted he may be about to snub Bayern Munich’s interest in favour of his boyhood club.
The forward has reinforced his love for Marseille in an interview after Senegal’s fixture against Benin.
Mane scored a hat-trick in his nation’s 3-1 win, and was predictably asked about his future at club level.
Departing Manchester United ace Nemanja Matic is close to a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Matic is set to leave United as a free agent once his contract expires on June 30 and he looks set to reunite with Mourinho for a THIRD time.
Raheem Sterling could run down his Manchester City contract to 2023 as Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham hover.
The England attacker wants more regular starts but champions City have just signed strikers Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.
Etihad chiefs value Sterling at £60million but he’d go for free next summer if he declined a new deal.
City chiefs have held talks with the 27-year-old over a new contract.
But he’s reluctant to agree anything while he’s in and out of the side.
It’s also claimed the former Liverpool hero wants his weekly £300,000 pay increased.
Newcastle join Grimaldo chase
Newcastle United are the latest side linked with a move for Spanish defender Alex Grimaldo.
The Benfica left-back is said to be a target for Arsenal and Barcelona this summer.
But now Eddie Howe’s side have thrown their hat in the ring to try and lure the defender to the Toon.
A Bola believe that mega-rich Newcastle will challenge their Premier League rivals for Grimaldo’s signature.
Isco move
Real Madrid star Isco wants to join Jose Mourinho at Roma, according to reports.
Calciomercato are reporting that the attacking midfielder has enlisted the services of super agent Jorge Mendes to find him a new cub, after falling out of favour under Carlo Ancelotti.
The 30-year-old has struggled to find any suitors in Spain – with Real Betis, Valencia and Sevilla all going cold on a deal for the winger.
But, Mourinho may be the one who could help Isco rejuvenate his career.
Tomori to stay in Serie A
England defender Fikayo Tomori has absolutely no plans on leaving Serie A anytime soon.
The ex-Chelsea star has taken like a duck to water to Italian football – winning the league with AC Milan this season.
MilanNews.it report that Tomori and his entourage have already agreed to a contract extension.
It means a pay rise and a £2.5million-per-season net salary for the centre half, as well as an extension of that contract until 2027.
Ten Hag a big pull for De Jong
Erik ten Hag could be the difference in attracting Dutch ace Frenkie de Jong to Man Utd,
The pair worked together at Ajax, where de Jong came through the ranks.
And journo Pete O’Rourke believes that would be the big factor in de Jong choosing Old Trafford.
“I think obviously it would be a big factor in him going to Manchester United would be to work with Erik ten Hag again,” O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT.
They had great success at Ajax, so I am sure that would be in his thinking if he was to leave Barcelona this summer.
“De Jong has come out and said he is happy in Barcelona and would like to stay, but that might change due to Barcelona’s financial issues and their other transfer targets.”
Kolasinac unwanted
Marseille are reportedly looking to offload former Arsenal left-back Sead Kolasinac just months after joining the Ligue 1 outfit.
The Gunners ripped up the 28-year-old’s contract in January to allow him to join the French club after being deemed as surplus to requirements by Mikel Arteta.
He penned a contract at Stade Velodrome until the summer of 2023, but he could now already be on the move.
Kolasinac appeared in 17 games in all competitions for Marseille, but didn’t complete the 90 minutes in any match.
And according to Foot Mercato, boss Jorge Sampaoli has been left unimpressed by his performances.
Matic’s reunion with Mourinho
Departing Manchester United ace Nemanja Matic is close to a move to Jose Mourinho’s Roma.
Matic is set to leave United as a free agent once his contract expires on June 30 and he looks set to reunite with Mourinho for a THIRD time.
Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano tweeted: “Nemanja Matić’s [sic] set to join AS Roma on a free transfer, as per.
“Deal set to be completed after his official decision to leave Man Utd.
“Matic will be AS Roma’s second signing after Mile Svilar – both are joining as free agents.”
Mane’s Marseille hint
Sadio Mane has hinted he may be about to snub Bayern Munich’s interest in favour of his boyhood club.
The forward has reinforced his love for Marseille in an interview after Senegal’s fixture against Benin.
Mane scored a hat-trick in his nation’s 3-1 win, and was predictably asked about his future at club level.
The inquest comes after it was reported that the star would be looking to leave Liverpool after six years at Anfield.
Mane has 120 goals for the Reds, including a pair of big goals in this season’s Champions League semi-finals.
Sterling contract
Raheem Sterling could run down his Manchester City contract to 2023 as Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham hover.
The England attacker wants more regular starts but champions City have just signed strikers Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez.
Etihad chiefs value Sterling at £60million but he’d go for free next summer if he declined a new deal.
City chiefs have held talks with the 27-year-old over a new contract.
But he’s reluctant to agree anything while he’s in and out of the side.
I’s also claimed the former Liverpool hero wants his weekly £300,000 pay increased.
Bergwijn wants out
Steven Bergwijn has admitted that he wants to leave Tottenham this summer.
And a move to Ajax could be on the cards, after being frozen out in North London.
When speaking to Dutch outlet AD, Bergwijn said: “I just need to go play. I want to leave Spurs now, that’s for sure.
“Is it important that my new club plays in the Champions League? That’s not my top priority. It would be nice, but what’s important is that I’m going to play.”
Pique retirement hope
Barcelona are hoping Gerard Pique will announce his retirement next summer to save them money following his shock split with Shakira.
That’s according to RAC1, who claim Barca would prefer it if Pique rolled credits on his celebrated career in 2023 to save themselves €80million (£70m) in wages over the next two seasons.
The centre-back has a contract with the Blaugrana that runs until 2024 and is one of the club’s highest-paid players.
But the 35-year-old has deferred his salary multiple times in the last three years to help his financially-stricken team cope with the economic impact of COVID-19.
The former Spain international was also one of the first Barcelona players to take a pay-cut, which helped the Catalan giants register new signings.
This comes after Pique’s 11-year relationship with Shakira came to an end after the pop star announced their separation.
Gavi’s Barça deal
Gavi is widely-regarded as one of Europe’s most talented youngsters having burst onto the scene during the 2021-22 season.
He chipped in with two goals and six assists in 47 games in all competitions, with his stunning form seeing him become Spain’s youngest ever international.
But with his contract at the Camp Nou to expire in 2023, the midfielder has been linked with a move away from Catalonia.
Manchester United are known to be admirers of the youngster as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his midfield.
Richarlison and Vinicius Jr scrap in training
Brazil team-mates Richarlison and Vinicius Jr has to be SEPARATED during training following a heated altercation.
The pair almost came to blows on Saturday during a training session ahead of the Selacao’s friendly with Japan on Monday.
But their intervention appeared to further enrage Richarlison, who grimaced as Neymar put his hands around his neck.
Cooler heads eventually prevailed after the pair were dragged apart and went their separate ways.
Exclusive – Rangers want £5m Tymon from Stoke
Rangers are keen to sign Stoke City’s raiding left-back Josh Tymon – but may have to wait, writes Alan Nixon.
The Scottish giants are planning improvements to their side after reaching the Europa League final and Tymon, 23, is high on the list.
However, Rangers will have to either sell Borna Barisic or qualify for the Champions League group stages to fund the deal.
Stoke will want around £5million for Tymon, who has come good after signing as a teenager from Hull City.
Prem fixture release date
The Premier League 2022/23 fixtures will be announced at 9am on Thursday 16 June.
The season has been adjusted to accommodate the World Cup in Qatar 2022.
There will be a six week break in the middle of the domestic calendar for the global showpiece.
Jesus projected salary would be joint highest at the club
Arsenal are ready to offer Gabriel Jesus nearly £200,000-a-week to try and tempt him to join.
The Brazilian striker is currently on international duty, but Manchester City bosses plan to speak to his representatives over the next few days.
And even though the Gunners missed out on Champions League football on the final day, the City forward is still interested in a potential move to the Emirates.
The wedge would match the weekly salary of defensive midfielder Thomas Partey.
Milan and Juve after Pulisic
Amid reports that Liverpool are after Christian Pulisic, Serie A giants continue their chase.
The 23-year-old has reportedly sparked the interest of champions AC Milan, with powerhouse Juventus also rumoured to be interested in his services.
Currently away on international duty with the USA, Pulisic admitted his frustration at the lack of game time at the Blues.
Chelsea signed the American for £58million from Borussia Dortmund, however it’s speculated neither interested Italian side would be able to match that fee if the Blues wanted him.
Pulisic wanted by Liverpool as Mane replacement
Christian Falk at BILD Sport claims that Liverpool are interested in Christian Pulisic “as replacement for Sadio Mane”.
The American has struggled to cement a starting place under Thomas Tuchel, leaving the winger frustrated in West London.
Whilst on international duty this week, Pulisic said: “Of course, I want to get more playing time. I think I still got a lot of games, but it’s always something that I’m working at and trying to be a regular at club level. “
Exclusive – Newcastle will have to pay £50m to seal Ake transfer
Newcastle have been told to splash out £50million if they want to sign Nathan Ake from Manchester City, writes Phil Thomas.
Eddie Howe wanted the centre-back in January and has identified him as a transfer target once again this summer.
The Toon boss has made a second inquiry about Ake after City gave him short shrift when he first asked in January.
The Dutch defender obviously knows Howe well, having spent four years under him at Bournemouth, before moving to the Etihad for £40m in 2020.
Although Ruben Dias, Aymeric Laporte and John Stones are ahead of him in the pecking order, City would still want an increase on the money they paid two years ago.
Tammy pushing Kane for England spot
Tammy Abraham is ready to push skipper Harry Kane for his England place – amid links to Arsenal and Liverpool.
But Roma’s ex-Chelsea striker will also be happy to be understudy to the man who is eyeing England’s all-time scoring record.
Abraham said: “I think for every player that’s the mentality you’re supposed to have — to be positive.
“Of course, we are all buzzing for Harry, we want him to smash the record and we’re always here to support him.
“Whenever I’m given a chance if I’m on a pitch with him, I’ll try and help him to get to his targets.
“But for me, it’s all about whenever you get the opportunity, to just try and grab it with two hands and just show what you are made of.”
De Ligt up the world
Manchester United and Chelsea have been dealt a potential blow with Matthijs de Ligt reportedly close to signing a new contract with Juventus.
The centre-back, 22, has a deal until 2024 with the Turin club.
De Ligt said: “There are talks ongoing between me and Juventus.
“Once the right moment arrives, I will decide to extend or to look further.”
Forest ready for Pope bid
Nottingham Forest are ready to try their luck with a low bid for Burnley’s England keeper Nick Pope, writes ALAN NIXON.
The Premier League new- boys want the impressive shot-stopper, who is keen to stay in the top flight after the Clarets dropped down.
Pope, 30, is valued at £40million and also fancied by promoted Fulham but neither of the outfits plan to go to that figure for their target.
Sources close to Pope think they can force through a deal at closer to £10m but that is being laughed off at Turf Moor.
But a compromise figure could be reached in the coming weeks.
Liverpool ‘want Raphinha from Leeds for £60m’
Liverpool are prepared to pay Leeds United £60million PLUS Takumi Minamino in order to land Brazilian Raphinha, according to reports.
Jurgen Klopp is a massive fan of the pacey winger, and wants to bring him to Anfield to compensate for the expected loss of Sadio Mane.
Raphinha scored 11 goals and provided three assists as Leeds barely avoided relegation from the Premier League – only securing their safety thanks to a 2-1 victory over Brentford on the final day.
The 25-year-old is also wanted by Barcelona, but their tricky financial situation means they must sell before they can buy, whereas Liverpool have far more freedom in their budget.
However, according to the Mirror, The Reds believe including Minamino as a part of a cash-plus-player transfer offer could be a deal-breaker for Leeds.
The Whites are looking to rebuild their beleaguered squad this summer, and while losing Raphinha would no doubt be a massive loss, a major player-plus-cash deal such as this would ease much of their woes
Woodman wanted by Preston
Newcastle goalkeeper Freddie Woodman is wanted on loan by Ryan Lowe’s Preston.
Woodman, 25, is back from a spell at Bournemouth, where he had to sit on the bench.
After starting all of the Magpies’ first four games of the Premier League season, a hip injury put the keeper out of action.
Now North End are keen to take him — although that would mean them having to guarantee him game time to get approval from the Toon.
Boss Lowe’s assistant Mike Marsh worked with Woodman at Swansea which could be a contributing factor.
Preston are also in talks with Dundee United’s keeper Benjamin Siegrist.
Matondo open to Prem move
Rabbi Matondo has opened the door to a return to English football this summer.
Premier League newboys Fulham and Bournemouth as well as Scottish giants Rangers have all been linked with the 21-year-old Welsh forward.
Schalke’s Matondo spent last season on loan at Belgian club Cercle Brugge but an agreement on a permanent deal could not be reached.
But Matondo, in the Wales squad for today’s World Cup play-off final, said: “There’s always an appeal to be playing football in England.
“I grew up in the United Kingdom and, one day, if the opportunity is right, this summer or whenever, I’m open to it.
“As things stand, I’m a Schalke player. I’m here with Wales and whatever is getting done by my agent and family, we’ll see what happens.”
Ex-Manchester City trainee Matondo scored nine goals in 26 games in Belgium last term.
