Month: May 2023

England forward Fran Kirby has extended her Chelsea contract by another year.

Kirby, who signed a two-year deal in 2021 that included the option of a further 12 months, joined the Blues from Reading in 2015 and has gone on to become the Women’s Super League club’s leading scorer with 110 goals in 175 appearances.

During her time with Chelsea, Kirby has won 13 trophies, including five WSL titles as well as the FA Cup on four occasions.

Kirby was also part of the England side which won the European Championship on home soil last summer, but has been ruled out of this year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand after needing knee surgery.

The 29-year-old suffered the injury during Chelsea’s Continental League Cup semi-final against West Ham in February.

A club statement read: “Chelsea is delighted to announce that an option to extend the contract of forward Fran Kirby by a further year has been exercised.

“We look forward to seeing Fran back in blue next season.”

Erik ten Hag’s era at Manchester United has got off to a solid start.

United have won the Carabao Cup, are in the FA Cup final and can secure their Champions League return with a point against Chelsea on Thursday.

But Ten Hag will not rest until the Red Devils are competing for league and Champions League titles again.

The squad will evolve again this summer and these five players could be shown the door to make way for any new arrivals.

David de Gea

David de Gea is out of contract and Manchester United should be cut-throat enough to say goodbye.

The goalkeeper has been one of United’s best players in the decade since Alex Ferguson retired but mistakes have been common ever since his nightmare 2018 World Cup.

Tentative footwork and weak wrists have become a hindrance for the Spaniard, not least when he allowed Said Benrahma’s tame shot to squeeze in during the 1-0 defeat at West Ham earlier this month.

Most of all, De Gea’s passing skills will never allow Ten Hag to shape the team exactly how he wants to, as evidenced by goals conceded from goal-kicks against Brentford and Sevilla.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

It is both reasonable to believe that Aaron Wan-Bissaka has made impressive strides this season and that United should still be looking for better.

Wan-Bissaka is formidable defensively, topping all top-six right-backs for tackles plus interceptions per 90 minutes this season.

But while his possession game has improved, he still ranks below many of his positional rivals for passes and key passes.

In an era when full-backs are being asked to make up the numbers in the centre of the pitch more often, United need to allow the 25-year-old the chance to shore up somebody else’s right-hand side — perhaps former club Crystal Palace.

Harry Maguire

Harry Maguire has endured underserved ridicule during his Manchester United career — but it is time to move on.

The 30-year-old has played 20% of United’s Premier League minutes this season, not enough for a player in his peak years who has a position in England’s first team to hold on to.

The form of Lewis Dunk, Levi Colwill and Tyrone Mings is growing the pool of centre-backs that Gareth Southgate has to pick from and he will not endlessly persevere with somebody who is not playing.

The majority of the Premier League would be interested in taking United’s club captain on a loan or permanent deal, with Tottenham and West Ham said to be keen.

Donny van de Beek

Donny van de Beek’s United career has been a series of false dawns and the sun is no more likely to rise on it this summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer felt the heat for not giving game time to Van de Beek during the first 18 months of the Dutchman’s Old Trafford career but it was Ralf Rangnick who loaned him to Everton and former Ajax boss Ten Hag who did not use him much this term either.

And having missed the final six months of this season with a knee injury, time is running out for the midfielder to make an impact in Manchester.

Anthony Martial

Anthony Martial disappeared straight down the tunnel after being substituted at Bournemouth on Saturday and may never appear for the club again.

Martial was sent out on loan to Sevilla last season but Ten Hag has always insisted that his team are better for having the Frenchman in it.

Five goals and two assists in 19 league appearances is a poor return, though, and it seems destined that the forward will never fulfil his undoubted potential at Old Trafford.

Brighton midfielder Alexis Mac Allister is heavily linked with a big summer move after an outstanding season.

On top of winning the World Cup with Argentina last year, the 24-year-old has been instrumental in the Seagulls securing European football for 2023-24.

The South American maestro — whose contract expires in 2025 — has scored 10 Premier League goals and is attracting the attention of Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United.

Ahead of Brighton’s match against Pep Guardiola’s champions tonight, we look at what the future might hold for one of world football’s brightest talents.

Liverpool

If reports are to believed, Liverpool is the most likely destination for Mac Allister.

Brighton’s No10 is the perfect candidate for the Merseyside club’s planned midfield revamp, as he would bring a new attacking edge to the team.

The 16-cap international has recorded the most shots on target of any central midfielder in the English top flight this season (33), with only Mohamed Salah and Darwin Nunez at the Reds bettering him in that department.

Mac Allister also ranks higher than every member of Jurgen Klopp’s squad, bar Trent Alexander-Arnold, for final third passes completed (438). 

But a lack of Champions League football may hinder the Reds in their pursuit. If United pick up a just a point from their final two games, the six-time winners of the competition will be unable to qualify.

Manchester City

Tonight’s visitors to the Amex are now believed to be firmly in the race for Mac Allister’s signature.

Ilkay Gundogan’s future is likely the reason why. The German’s contract expires at the end of the season and he has yet to agree an extension.

Mac Allister would be the perfect all-round operator to replace the 32-year-old, particularly after showing off his attacking credentials this season.

The former Boca Juniors ace also boasts superiority over the Citizens captain for tackles completed (67), interceptions made (22), aerial duels won (22) and possessions won in the final third (28). 

A complete midfield package that will really appeal to Guardiola.

Chelsea

Like Liverpool, Chelsea’s lack of Champions League football could harm their chances of signing Mac Allister.

However, the West Londoners may prove to be a very attractive proposition.

Fellow World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez is already at Stamford Bridge, while compatriot Mauricio Pochettino is expected to be the team’s manager for next season.

And the Blues desperately need a player like Mac Allister to spearhead the club’s rebuild.

His 10 goals is three more than Kai Havertz’s top-flight tally this term — and far exceeds any midfielder in Frank Lampard’s squad.

Manchester United

The Red Devils could do with an upgrade on the likes of Scott McTominay and Fred — which is exactly what Mac Allister would be.

Bruno Fernandes is the only man in Erik ten Hag’s squad who has created more chances than the Brighton lynchpin (46) this season.

Even more impressively, only Marcus Rashford has completed more take-ons than the Seagulls star (42).

And barring a dramatic end-of-season collapse, United will be able to offer Champions League football as a bargaining chip in negotiations, as well as the opportunity to play alongside veteran midfield enforcer Casemiro.

Mac Allister will have to choose his next club wisely, but it is hard to see a player with such undeniable talent not succeeding at any of his four potential destinations.

LiveScore Daily is here to deliver all the big talking points from the world of football throughout the day. Keep refreshing this page for the latest stories in bite-sized chunks.

Ronaldo hails Saudi league

Cristiano Ronaldo believes the Saudi Pro League could become one of the top five competitions in the world.

Ronaldo joined Al-Nassr in January and his profile has elevated the division to new heights.

The Portuguese icon has experience in three of the top five leagues in Europe, playing in the Premier League, LaLiga and Serie A during his career.

And the ex-Manchester United and Real Madrid star believes the quality of the Saudi competition can hit similar heights in the coming years.

He said: “We are much better and the Saudi league is getting better and the next year will be even better.

“Step-by-step I think this league will be among the top five leagues in the world but they need time, players and infrastructure.

“But I believe that this country has amazing potential, they have amazing people and the league will be great in my opinion.”

Jose slams Juve punishment

Jose Mourinho is furious with the timing of Juventus’ fresh points deduction.

The Roma boss has slammed the decision to dock the Old Lady 10 points with just two Serie A games to play, claiming it is unfair on all parties.

He said: “It’s a joke to know this with two games remaining, for us and everyone, even for Juventus.

“Our approach would have been different if we had known before the games with Monza and Bologna.

“I am sorry for [Max] Allegri and his players, but at the league level, I have to say that it changes things a little.

“I am sorry for professionals who work like me because they pay for errors that directors and maybe the club did.”

Italian excellence

Brighton chief executive Paul Barber has hailed Roberto De Zerbi after the Seagulls secured European football for the first time.

The Italian head coach took over from Graham Potter in September and has won plaudits for his attacking style of play.

Barber said: “He is incredibly hard-working, a really decent man, who is a good communicator and great motivator.

“He has such attention to detail, works long hours and is always out on the training field. The players absolutely love him.

“His type of football has converted neutrals to become Brighton fans and we have certainly enjoyed it. We hope we will be working with him for some time to come.

“But we have to be realistic. The better we play, the more interest there is in us and in our people so we have to plan for that and be ready for it.”

Arsenal are interested in pursuing a move for Ilkay Gundogan if the midfielder cannot agree a new deal with Manchester City.

The 32-year-old has played a key role in City’s pursuit of the Treble but is out of contract this summer and has so far resisted his club’s attempt to tie him down.

ESPN say the Gunners are keen to take advantage of the uncertainty by offering him a switch to the Emirates.

Mikel Arteta is looking to add two new midfielders to his squad, with Granit Xhaka poised to depart for Bayer Leverkusen.

West Ham captain Declan Rice and Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo are among their targets but out-of-contract Gundogan would be the far cheaper option.

Manager Arteta worked with the 66-cap international during three years as City assistant and his wealth of experience would hand a big boost to hopes of another title challenge next term. 

A move would make him the third player to leave the Etihad for North London in the last year after Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko.

The Mirror report Arsenal are ready to offload as many as eight first-team players this summer, with the likes of Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey and Rob Holding also on their way out.

Other high-profile targets include fellow City man Joao Cancelo and James Maddison of relegation-threatened Leicester.

In other news

Real Madrid are considering a surprise move for Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson, according to the Daily Mail.

Reports in Germany indicate Bayern Munich have named City striker Julian Alvarez as a possible summer target.

Manchester United want to land teenage Brighton striker Evan Ferguson in the summer of 2024, according to Sky Sports.

Lionel Messi’s future appears likely to be the saga of the summer transfer window.

Messi, who turns 36 in June, is destined to leave Paris Saint-Germain after two seasons in which he has shown glimpses of his best but not made the telling impact the French club hoped for.

Interest in Argentina’s World Cup-winning captain is rife — not least from former club Barcelona, where he could return as a hero.

Keep refreshing this page for all the latest Messi transfer news and rumours in bite-sized chunks.

May 23: Join the Villa

Emi Martinez would love Messi to join him at Aston Villa. 

Villans keeper Martinez, who won the World Cup alongside the striker, told ESPN: “If Leo is being whistled [at PSG], I would bring him to Villa. 

“I would give him tea, I would make roasts every weekend, I would ask people to make him [decorative] flags and he would have a good time.”

May 20: Herrera gives his take

Ander Herrera claims Messi has paid for PSG’s “obsession” with winning the Champions League. 

Herrera, who played with the Argentine superstar in 2021-22, sees the French club’s dogmatic pursuit of European glory as the main issue. 

He said: “I understand that Paris is a place that [does] not have much patience. There is an obsession to win the Champions League that doesn’t help.”

May 18: How Barca can make room 

Chaos at Barcelona is a crucial ingredient in the summer transfer window recipe nowadays.

Sporting director Johan Cruyff is out of the door, with former star Deco arriving to head up the club’s recruitment.

The Portuguese’s priority will be to create room on the balance sheet to bring back Messi and ensure Gavi can be re-registered.

Luton will never forget how far they have come and will stay grounded as they look to secure promotion to the Premier League, according to club great Mick Harford.

The Hatters will meet Coventry in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley on Saturday with each aiming to cap a remarkable upturn in fortunes by earning a place back among England’s elite.

For Luton, it would be the culmination of a journey which saw them drop out of the Football League in 2009 in the wake of a 30-point deduction for financial irregularities under previous ownership.

Following a five-year exile, the Bedfordshire club slowly worked their way back up the pyramid.

Last season’s promotion hopes from the Championship finished with defeat in the semi-finals under former boss Nathan Jones, who had returned for another spell in charge.

Former Hatters striker Harford was part of the Luton team which won the 1988 League Cup with victory over Arsenal.

The 64-year-old is now Town’s chief recruitment officer, the latest of several roles he has held at Kenilworth Road – including stints as manager, helping to finish the push to the 2018-19 League One title.

After Luton beat Sunderland to book their trip to Wembley, Harford is hoping for a fairytale ending to the latest chapter in the club’s history.

“We have got to the point now where it is just one game,” said Harford, who is supporting Prostate Cancer UK’s Prostate FC campaign as he continues to receive treatment for the disease.

“We have the utmost respect for our opponents because they have come through the same route, from League Two up into the Championship, but we have been really consistent over the season.

“We were the best of the rest in the league (to finish third). We are going into the game full of confidence, but respectful of the opposition.”

While Harford accepts Saturday is “probably one of the biggest games in Luton’s history”, that will not detract those in charge from taking their focus away from the bigger picture.

“Our chief executive Gary Sweet always says those years in the Conference gave us a bit of grounding,” Harford said.

“You have got no divine right to be at the top of the pyramid. You have got to do the right things and show a lot of respect.

“We have been very diligent on our recruitment, trying to recruit the best kind of players and the best people, good characters.

“It is tough and it is hard. You have to be patient, you have to be strong.

“We have tried to sign players but couldn’t because financially we couldn’t compete with other clubs, so we had to move on to our next choice.

“We believe in our processes at the football club. There is a great culture, a great environment.

“We have created a great vibe at the training ground over the last few months – (manager) Rob (Edwards) has done a brilliant job.

“The togetherness and the spirit of the players, the camaraderie has been excellent and that has been a massive bonus for us.

“The atmosphere at Wembley will be incredible. Coventry have come a long way and so have we. It is going to be an exciting day and hopefully it falls in our favour.”

Harford was diagnosed with prostate cancer in December 2020, and following a course of radiotherapy continues to receive hormone treatment.

He is calling on football fans to join Prostate FC, helping to raise awareness of the risk factors, fund research and save lives in every club across the UK.

Luton’s head matchday hospitality host Les Turton has undergone successful surgery following his own diagnosis.

“Our aim has always been about if we can just help one person,” Harford said.

“We have been trying to get the word out there as much as we can to raise awareness and for people to get tested for this terrible disease.

“We have achieved quite a few things and hopefully we will carry on doing that.”

Valencia will appeal against their five-game partial stadium closure and hefty fine following the racist abuse aimed at Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr, calling the sanction “unfair and disproportionate”.

Vinicius threatened to leave the pitch in the second half of Sunday’s LaLiga match at the Mestalla after being subjected to alleged monkey chants from the crowd and Real Madrid, who said the incident constituted a “hate crime”, filed a complaint with the Spanish State Attorney General’s Office.

In response, the club have been ordered to shut the Mario Kempes south stand, where the alleged abuse happened, for five matches and have also been fined 45,000 euros (£39,000) by the Spanish football federation (RFEF).

Valencia said in a strongly worded statement: “Valencia CF wishes to show its total disagreement and indignation at the unfair and disproportionate penalty imposed by the competition committee on the club with the closure of the stand for five games.

“Valencia CF wants to publicly denounce that in this resolution of the RFEF competition committee they show evidence that contradicts what the national police and LaLiga say.

“In addition, this sanction is based on evidence that the club has not been able to see and without giving us a hearing.

“Valencia CF has condemned, condemns and will condemn in the most energetic way any act of racism or violence. These behaviours have no place in football or in society and we will continue to act in the most forceful way to eradicate this scourge.

“For this reason, Valencia CF is collaborating from the first minute with the police and all relevant authorities to clarify the events that occurred last Sunday.

“In addition, it has applied the maximum possible sanction with the expulsion for life from our stadium to the fans that the police have identified for their racist behaviour.

“For this reason we consider that penalising and depriving all the fans who were not involved in these unfortunate incidents from seeing their team is a totally disproportionate, unfair and unprecedented measure against which we will fight.

“The fight against racism requires the real commitment of all the parties involved without using it as a pretext to incur serious injustices.

“Valencia CF will appeal to the last instance the closure of the stand, a sanction that it considers totally unfair and one more offence in the latest disciplinary decisions that have been taken against the club. Valencia CF asks for the utmost respect and rigour for our institution and fans.”

An RFEF statement on Tuesday night read: “The competition committee has sanctioned Valencia CF with the partial closure of the Mestalla stadium for five matches, more specifically the Mario Kempes south stand, following the events that occurred during the league match between the local team and Real Madrid CF.

“It is considered proven that, as reflected by the referee in his minutes, there were racist shouts at Vinicius, a Real Madrid CF player, during the aforementioned match, altering the normal course of the match and considering the infractions very serious.

“In addition, an economic sanction of 45,000 euros (£39,000) is imposed on Valencia.”

LaLiga players and officials called for racism to be tackled in Spain in the wake of Sunday’s match.

Before Tuesday night’s games between Real Valladolid and Barcelona, and Celta Vigo and Girona, players from both sides, as well as the match officials, stood behind banners which read ‘Racism, out of football’.

LaLiga shared a pre-match clip from the Celta-Girona game on its official Twitter account with the hashtag #JUNTOSContraElRacismo (#TOGETHERagainstRacism).

The footage also showed a supporter holding up a placard with ‘No Al Racismo’ (No to Racism) written on it.

There were similar sentiments at the Valladolid-Barcelona game as fans showed their support for Brazil international Vinicius.

Barcelona forward Raphinha removed his shirt when substituted to show a message which read: “As long as the colour of the skin is more important than the brightness of the eyes, there will be war.”

Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt says England “would consider” bidding to host the 2031 Women’s World Cup.

Having won last year’s European Championship on home soil, Sarina Wiegman’s side will bid for the global title in Australia and New Zealand this summer and could soon be in contention to host another showpiece event.

Hewitt told the Times: “We want to be known as a centre for successfully hosting major events.

“It has a hugely positive impact on the country and on local communities who participate, so why wouldn’t we have ambitions to host a Women’s World Cup, particularly as the women’s game is growing?”

Asked whether that meant a possible bid for the 2031 tournament, Hewitt said: “We would certainly consider it.”

The bidding process will not open until the host of the 2027 tournament is decided next May. Should a joint bid from Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium be successful, there will not be a second successive European host so England would have to wait until 2035 at the earliest.

Roberto De Zerbi revealed Lewis Dunk has played through the pain barrier to aid Brighton’s European quest as he backed his captain for an England recall.

Seagulls centre-back Dunk has been ever-present in the Premier League this campaign but could begin on the bench against champions Manchester City on Wednesday evening due to ongoing calf and back issues.

Albion boss De Zerbi admits the 31-year-old took time to adapt to his high-intensity, possession-based style of play after he replaced Graham Potter in September.

Yet the Italian says influential leader Dunk has since cemented his status as a guaranteed starter and “deserves” another shot at international football.

“At first it was not so easy for him to understand my idea but he gave me total availability,” said De Zerbi.

“I would like him to be more open because he doesn’t speak a lot but he’s an example inside of the dressing room, inside of the pitch.

“He’s playing with a lot of problems because he has calf and back problems but he is playing every game.

“Tomorrow he can start on the bench but I don’t know because if he can play with me in Brighton, he has to play always.”

England manager Gareth Southgate will on Wednesday name his squad for next month’s Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

Dunk was capped by Southgate in a 3-0 friendly win over the United States in November 2018 but has not featured again for his country.

“He deserves to play in the national team,” said De Zerbi.

“It’s not my work to decide the players of the national team but for us it should be a target.

“I hope he can play in the national team.”

Brighton secured continental football next term with two games to spare thanks to Sunday’s 3-1 win over relegated Southampton.

Sixth-placed Albion will almost certainly be in the Europa League due to their healthy goal difference but need one more point to banish any prospect of having to settle for the Europa Conference League.

De Zerbi has warned the Seagulls must improve their squad during the summer in order to avoid potentially following divisional rivals Leicester and West Ham in slipping from European contenders to relegation candidates.

The Foxes are on the brink of falling into the Sky Bet Championship after playing in Europe during the previous two seasons, while David Moyes’ Europa Conference League finalists were in danger of the drop for much of this campaign.

“I push with Tony (Bloom, Brighton owner) to improve the squad every day,” said De Zerbi.

“I don’t want my club to spend too much money but we have to improve. To compete in four competitions, we have to improve and know the situation.

“Leicester, West Ham this year explain the Premier League.

“If you don’t improve year by year you can find a surprise the year after because our achievement this year is not important for the next year.

“Next year we will start not in sixth position, we start level with the other teams.”