Month: May 2023

Serie A giants Juventus are leading the race for wantaway Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic.

Pulisic, 24, has only scored once in 24 Premier League appearances for the Blues this term and is out of contract in 2024.

New manager Mauricio Pochettino believes the United States international is surplus to requirements as the Argentine looks to clear out a bloated squad.

Any offer in the region of £20million will be considered, according to ESPN — significantly less than the £58m Chelsea paid for the winger in 2019.

Pulisic made his mark in European football at Borussia Dortmund, scoring 19 goals in 127 games in all competitions.

And Italy’s Old Lady are in pole position to bolster their attacking depth during the summer in what would be a cut-price deal for the versatile forward.

Angel Di Maria is set to leave the club on a free transfer after Juventus were docked 10 points for breaching transfer regulations and consequently dropped out of the Champions League places.

A move for the 57-cap USA international would ease the disappointment of the ex-Real Madrid winger’s exit and provide a fresh start for Pulisic.

The report also suggests that Manchester United, Newcastle, Napoli, AC Milan and Galatasaray have all been made aware of the player’s likely fee, but Juventus remain in the driving seat.

In other news

Tottenham and Newcastle are set to battle it out for Leicester midfielder James Maddison, according to The Sun, while Harvey Barnes is also on the radar of both clubs.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Roberto De Zerbi and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo have a gentleman’s agreement that will see the midfielder depart this summer, with Chelsea leading the race for his signature.

Manchester United are moving for Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, but it will not prevent David de Gea from signing a new deal with the Red Devils, say The Mirror.

Evan Ferguson insists Brighton will fear no one in the Europa League next season with “perfectionist” Roberto De Zerbi in charge.

The Seagulls will play European football for the first time in their history after finishing sixth in the Premier League. 

Teenage Republic of Ireland starlet Ferguson has played a key role in their rise under De Zerbi, with the 18-year-old one of a number of hot prospects to break through at the Amex.

His brace in a 3-1 win over Southampton earlier this month helped secure the victory that clinched European qualification — while it also saw him reach double figures for goals in his maiden senior campaign.

Looking ahead to his side’s European tour whiole speaking at LiveScore’s Champions League final fan preview event in Dublin, Ferguson said: “It’s going to be very good.

“Every team wants to be in Europe and play as many games as you can.

“To get into that competition is a big thing and I think we’ll take it in our stride.

“It’s hard to say [how far we can go] but we back ourselves. We’ll just have to wait and see.

“I’ve not seen the teams we’ll be up against but you’d rather get the big ones and get through the competition the hard way!”

Brighton’s success is all the more impressive given they lost Graham Potter to Chelsea early in the season. 

Yves Bissouma, Marc Curucella and Leandro Trossard also left for pastures new but that did not halt the South Coast club’s rise.

They scaled even higher heights under De Zerbi, who was nominated for the Premier League Manager of the Season award. 

Ferguson added: “He’s very good. He knows his stuff. It was hard for him when he came in because we were doing well under Potter.

“People were saying it’s a hard job for him to follow. But he’s come in and broken all the records for this club in terms of our highest finish.

“I’d say he’s just a lot more hands on [than Potter]. Everything has to be perfect with him. He’s a perfectionist in his own way.

“If you’re not doing everything right and if you’re not in the right positions, he’ll let you know!”

Much like the last two transfer windows, Brighton face a battle to keep a number of their stars this summer. 

De Zerbi has admitted Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo — two of the top-flight’s most impressive midfielders this term — could be the next to leave as the big guns circle.

But that is unlikely to worry the Seagulls, not with emerging stars Ferguson, Julio Enciso and Pervis Estupinan on the books. 

Ferguson admits even the players are shocked by the club’s shrewd recruitment. 

He added: “Brighton’s recruitment amazes all of us. We’re always wondering how they keep doing it. 

“You see all the stuff on social media saying that it doesn’t matter [if a player leaves], they’ll just go and get another wonderkid from Brazil.”

Singer and football fan Tom Grennan will live the dream when he steps out at Old Trafford in an England shirt for Soccer Aid on June 11.

In an exclusive Q&A with LiveScore, the Manchester United and Coventry supporter reveals why he loves the beautiful game.

What is more nerve-racking, performing on stage or playing in Soccer Aid?

I would say stepping out at Soccer Aid. I wish I was a footballer, but this is putting myself into the uncomfortable.

I love being uncomfortable, though. I think when you feel too comfortable in something it’s not good. I shouldn’t be here but I’m going to make sure everybody knows that I can do something different than performing on stage.

Who are you most looking forward to playing with?

I’m buzzing to play with Paul Scholes. I played against him when I played for World XI but never played with him. I’m so, so looking forward to that.

I’m really looking forward to playing against [Francesco] Totti and Nani.

What made you fall in love with football?

Paul Scholes. Honestly. I used to study that guy when I played. I used to have video tapes and DVDs of different games and I was always zoning in on him.

There also used to be a football pitch outside my mum and dad’s house in Kempston.

I remember running on to the field when I was about four years old and picking the ball up. There was a boy called James, who I still talk to, and he said, “Nah, you’re not allowed to do that. You’ve got to kick it.”

From then on, every day from summer through to winter, me and him would be out there playing together and that’s when I fell in love with the game.

Did you have any idols other than Scholes?

Obviously David Beckham, I loved Roberto Carlos and I loved [Thierry] Henry as well. He played for Arsenal but I loved him.

So if you had to pick a five-a-side team, who would be in it?

In goal, I’m going to pick Edwin van der Sar. 

I’m going to put Patrice Evra and Roberto Carlos in there. 

I’ll have Roy Keane in midfield and Erling Haaland up top.

Who is your favourite current player?

Jude Bellingham. I think he’s a superstar. Unbelievable.

For how young he is, to watch him in interviews and see how he’s got his head screwed on is great. He’s not just doing it to be famous, he’s a proper footballer who’s hungry to win.

Obviously he would smash it in the Premier League but I can see him in a Real Madrid shirt. I think a move to Spain would work well for him.

You’re a Coventry fan as well as Manchester United. What’s your favourite memory as a Coventry supporter?

I went to the League Two play-off final in 2018. Went up to Wembley with the Cov lot and our mate, Jack Grimmer, was playing for them at the time.

Grimmer scored a goal, they got promoted and it was great for a community that had never experienced how big this all was.

I grew up as a United fan but I never really got to go to games and experience what that was like. So to be at a final and see the sea of Sky Blue jerseys and just see how everybody was having it afterwards for a good three days was something special.

Soccer Aid for UNICEF returns to Manchester this summer in one of this year’s most hotly anticipated events. Tickets are on sale now.

A consortium that includes Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani has completed its takeover of Italian club Sampdoria.

Leeds’ majority shareholder Radrizzani’s company Aser Group and finance company Gestio Capital announced they had concluded a deal to save financially-stricken Sampdoria late on Tuesday night.

In a statement released on Sky Sports Italian reporter Gianluca Di Marzio’s social media sites, Radrizzani said: “We are nothing short of thrilled to be able to announce that we have completed the acquisition of this extraordinary club.

“The history and coat of arms of Sampdoria are safe and I think my happiness is (for) of all the people who were suffering for these colours.

“My thanks at this time go above all to all those people who worked relentlessly to ensure that this agreement found a just conclusion.

“And in particular I have to extend a huge thank you to Matteo (Manfredi, Gestio Capital principal) and to the lawyer De Gennaro.

“Without them none of this would have been possible. From today we move on…. and I personally can’t wait to get to work.”

Radrizzani, who bought Leeds for £45million in 2017, is expected to sell his 56 per cent stake in the Premier League club to American co-owners 49ers Enterprises.

The financial arm of NFL franchise the San Francisco 49ers increased its stake in Leeds to 44 per cent at the end of 2021 with a deal in place to buy Radrizzani’s stake and take full control before January 2024.

49ers Enterprises has been reported to be keen to complete a takeover this summer, but the deal was contingent on Leeds remaining in the Premier League and it remains to be seen how relegation will affect a possible change of ownership at Elland Road.

Leeds’ three-year stay in the top flight was ended on Sunday when they lost 4-1 to Tottenham at Elland Road in their last game of the season.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola has been named the League Managers Association’s manager of the year.

Guardiola, who has guided City to a third straight Premier League title and is hunting a domestic treble, has won the Sir Alex Ferguson trophy for a third time and was also named Premier League manager of the year.

City face Manchester United in the FA Cup final on Saturday and Inter Milan in the Champions League final.

Guardiola, who has previously won the award in 2017-18 and 2020-21,  said: “I’m delighted to receive the Premier League Manager of the Year. It’s an incredible honour to get his trophy.

“We are in the best league in the world and I promise you we will be there next season.”

Arsenal head coach Mikel Arteta, Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Newcastle’s Eddie Howe, Aston Villa boss Unai Emery and Fulham’s Marco Silva had all been nominated.

Vincent Kompany, who guided Burnley straight back to promotion to the top flight, won the Championship award, beating fellow nominees Michael Carrick (Middlesbrough), Paul Heckingbottom (Sheffield United), Rob Edwards (Luton) and Mark Robins (Coventry).

Kompany said: “The players have done it and the staff have been relentless.

“I can still relate to the players, I feel connected to what they are going through. I make mistakes and don’t see myself as the finished article. You make mistakes and learn. I’m pretty pleased where I am today.”

Plymouth boss Steven Schumacher took the League One award after guiding the Pilgrims to the title and Richie Wellens was voted League Two manager of the year after leading Leyton Orient to the top of the fourth tier.

Chelsea’s Emma Hayes won the Women’s Super League award with Lauren Smith honoured in the Championship after leading Bristol City to the title.

Manchester United forward Anthony Martial has been ruled out of Saturday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City due to a hamstring injury.

Martial picked up the problem in United’s final Premier League game of the season after stepping off the bench on Sunday against Fulham and scans have revealed the full extent of the damage.

United said in a statement: “Anthony Martial is out of Saturday’s Emirates FA Cup final against Manchester City due to injury.

“The France international strained his hamstring towards the end of Sunday’s 2-1 win against Fulham at Old Trafford.

“Assessments have since revealed a muscle tear that rules the 27-year-old out of the Wembley showdown.”

Martial missed United’s first two Premier League games this season due to a hamstring problem, while other small injuries since have restricted him to 29 appearances in all competitions in which he has scored nine goals.

Only 11 of his 21 league appearances this season have been in the starting line-up, but he had been hoping to be in contention to start at Wembley against City, who are looking to complete a domestic treble.

The former Lyon winger, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sevilla, joined United from Monaco for £36million in 2015 and has made almost 200 league appearances for the club in total.

Rangers have announced the signing of Chelsea right-back Dujon Sterling.

The 23-year-old will join on a four-year contract on July 1 when his Chelsea deal expires.

The versatile player made two substitute outings for Chelsea in cup competitions but has made more than 100 first-team appearances across loan spells with Coventry, Wigan, Blackpool and Stoke. He played 28 times this season with Sky Bet Championship side Stoke.

Rangers manager Michael Beale told his club’s official website: “I am delighted to welcome Dujon to Rangers, he is an exciting young player who, I’m sure, will be a great addition to our squad.

“He is someone I was aware of from my time at Chelsea, and I have always kept an eye on his career as it has progressed.

“He is a very powerful and strong defender, who has fantastic attacking qualities and I look forward to working with him at Rangers.”

Sterling added: “I am really excited to come to such a big club, there’s a lot of history and the supporters are so passionate, so I am thrilled.

“I wasn’t expecting to make my mind up about my future this quickly, but the gaffer came in for me straight away and what he proposed to me was everything that I believe I need.

“We were on the same wavelength, he believes in me and I believe in what he is trying to do as well so it was a no-brainer for me to come.”

Roma boss Jose Mourinho said Sevilla’s six previous Europa League trophy wins will count for little against his side in Wednesday’s final in Budapest.

Sevilla are bidding for a record-extending seventh triumph at the Puskas Arena, in a match the Hungarian media have dubbed ‘The Specialists against The Special One’.

Mourinho has yet to lose in five major European finals as a manager, while Sevilla have won all six of their Europa League finals.

The Portuguese told a press conference: “History does not play. My colleague (Sevilla head coach Jose Luis Mendilibar) thinks otherwise, I have respect for him.

“He believes that history makes Sevilla favourites, I respect that. We are in the final because we deserve to be.

“They have a history that we do not have. For them to play the final is a normal thing, for us it is an extraordinary event.”

Mourinho is aiming to become the first manager to win the Europa League with three different clubs after previous successes with Porto (2003) and Manchester United (2017).

The 60-year-old former Chelsea boss added: “We are two great teams, with high-level players.

“It’s curious because we talk about coaching experience, but we face a Sevilla side that has very accustomed players.

“They are a bit more experienced in finals, but my team comes here ready. We have played a lot of European games in the last two seasons.”

Mourinho’s latest European trophy triumph came last season when he led Roma to victory over Feyenoord in the inaugural Europa Conference League final.

Roma finished second in this season’s Europa League qualifying group behind Real Betis and overcame RB Salzburg, Real Sociedad and Feyenoord in the knockout rounds before edging past Bayer Leverkusen 1-0 on aggregate in their semi-final.

The Italian side, currently sixth in Serie A with one game remaining, could be boosted by the return of former United defender Chris Smalling (hip), while Argentina’s Paulo Dybala is hoping to play some part despite an ankle injury.

Sevilla head coach Mendilibar, 62, will become the oldest manager to win the Europa League if the Andalusians seal a record-extending seventh tournament win.

He said the side which makes the fewest errors on the night at the Puskas Arena will prevail.

The former Eibar and Alaves boss said: “Mistakes are what you pay for in games like this and it’s about making the fewest mistakes possible.

“We’ve eliminated big teams, but the most difficult one is ahead of us. Whoever makes the fewest mistakes will win.”

Mendilibar has transformed Sevilla since replacing Jorge Sampaoli at the end of March when they were two points above LaLiga’s relegation zone.

They have risen to 11th in the table, 10 points clear of the drop zone with one game left, and won their Europa League quarter-final and semi-final under Mendilibar against United and Juventus respectively.

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has stressed they have to be at their “absolute best” against Inverness in Saturday’s Scottish Cup final after hearing about the history between the clubs in the competition.

Caley Thistle have knocked Celtic out of the Scottish Cup three times in seven meetings this century and the Hoops needed to come from behind in two of their triumphs.

Inverness beat Celtic 3-1 at Parkhead as a First Division club in the first encounter between the teams in February 2000 in a result that cost John Barnes his job as manager.

They also beat Martin O’Neill’s side in 2003 four days after the Hoops had won at Anfield on their way to the UEFA Cup final.

Ronny Deila also fell foul of Caley Thistle in the 2015 semi-finals in a result that cost Celtic the chance of a treble.

When told some people were predicting a walkover when the Scottish champions face a side who finished fifth in the cinch Championship, Postecoglou told Celtic TV: “The people at this club don’t tell me about that, they tell me about the past results against them, which makes you realise that if you are not on it on the day you can be beaten and there’s consequences to that.

“I can assure you that no-one in the building here is going into it with anything other than the approach that we have to be at our absolute best on the day.”

Caley Thistle have only played once since their semi-final win over Falkirk, losing to Ayr on May 5 in a late defeat which cost them a place in the Premiership play-offs.

“It’s a bit of a weird one for them, they won’t have had a game for close to a month by the time the cup final comes around,” Postecoglou said. “I’m sure they have been working away and had bounce games when they can.

“It’s a different opponent for us but, irrespective, it’s a cup final. Who the opponent is becomes secondary to the fact that you know you need to perform on the day and if you do there is a massive reward at the end of it.”

An illegal streaming gang who offered cut-price subscriptions for Premier League matches to more than 50,000 people have been jailed.

The Premier League said five men were convicted of conspiracy to defraud, money laundering and contempt of court after generating more than £7 million in five years.

Mark Gould, from London, was reported to have masterminded the operation and was handed an 11-year prison sentence at Chesterfield Crown Court on Tuesday.

The 36-year-old and co-defendants Steven Gordon, Peter Jolley, William Brown and Christopher Felvus offered illegal access to matches from hundreds of channels around the world, as well as tens of thousands of on-demand films and TV shows.

A sixth gang member, Zak Smith, failed to appear at court for sentencing and a warrant has been issued for his arrest, the Premier League said.

The league added that the illegal streaming businesses had 30 employees, with one undercover at a specialist anti-piracy company.

Brown, from Stoke-on-Trent, denied the offences, claiming to have been an undercover informant acting in the interests of law enforcement authorities and broadcasters

But the 33-year-old was unanimously convicted by a jury after a seven-week trial as the Premier League said he used his technical skills to hack legitimate customers’ accounts to access and copy streams – intending for them to take the blame if identified by authorities.

The prosecution was supported by Hammersmith & Fulham Council’s trading standards team and the intellectual property protection organisation Fact.

Premier League general counsel Kevin Plumb said: “Today’s sentencing is the result of a long and complex prosecution of a highly sophisticated operation.

“The sentences handed down, which are the longest sentences ever issued for piracy-related crimes, vindicate the efforts made to bring these individuals to justice and reflect the severity and extent of the crimes.

“This prosecution is another concrete example of the clear links between piracy and wider criminality, a warning we repeatedly make.

“While most Premier League fans enjoy watching our games in a safe way, those who were customers of these services were effectively supporting individuals involved in other sinister and dangerous organised crime.

“The Premier League’s substantial financial contribution to the entire football pyramid is made possible through the ability to sell our broadcast rights.

“We are pleased that through rulings such as this, the courts continue to show that they recognise the importance of safeguarding the Premier League’s rights.

“We will continue to protect our rights and our fans by investigating and prosecuting illegal operators at all levels.”