Month: June 2023

Manchester United are prepared to offer Harry Maguire as part of a package deal to land Mason Mount from Chelsea this summer.

The Red Devils have reportedly agreed personal terms with the England midfielder, whose current contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of next season.

But Mount, 24, is still valued at around £70million by the Blues and adding his international colleague to the deal could soften the blow to the Red Devils’ bank balance.

According to The Sun, United view Maguire as a £30m player despite paying £85m for him in 2019.

The 30-year-old defender was restricted to just eight Premier League starts by Erik ten Hag this season and appears to have no future at Old Trafford.

Chelsea have already turned down a £30m bid from Brighton for Levi Colwill, say the Daily Mail.

The 20-year-old centre-back enjoyed a superb season on loan at the Seagulls and will likely be a part of Mauricio Pochettino’s long-term plans.

In other news

Aston Villa have joined Newcastle in the race to sign out-of-favour Arsenal left-back Kieran Tierney, according to The Times.

The Standard report that Champions League finalists Inter Milan are pushing hard to sign 23-year-old centre-back Trevoh Chalobah from Chelsea.

Lionel Messi has been offered £43m to spend four seasons in the MLS with Inter Miami, say Sport, after his Paris Saint-Germain exit was confirmed on Thursday.

Emma Byrne is tipping Barcelona to defeat Wolfsburg in Saturday’s Women’s Champions League final. 

The Catalan giants suffered a surprise defeat in last season’s showpiece, losing 3-1 to an Ada Hegerberg-inspired Lyon in Turin. 

But ex-Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Byrne — who won the competition with Arsenal in 2007 — is backing Barca to get the job done this time around. 

Speaking exclusively at LiveScore’s Champions League final fan preview event in Dublin, Byrne, 43, said: “Barca are very, very difficult to beat and if Jonatan Giraldez plays his strongest team I think Wolfsburg are really going to struggle.

“However, Wolfsburg have got Ewa Pajor who is the leading goalscorer in the Champions League, she is very dangerous — and you are talking about a German side, you can never write them off!

“They are very robust, they are very different and Barca might struggle a bit with the physical side.

“But I do still think Barca will win — and I think they will win 2-0 or 3-0.”

Brilliant Barca

Eight-time Spanish champions Barca have experienced a meteoric rise in recent years, spearheaded by Ballon d’Or holder Alexia Putellas.

Giraldez’s side followed up last season’s remarkable perfect record of 90 points from 30 games with another exemplary campaign of 28 victories.

While tested more on the continental stage, they breezed past Roma in the quarter-finals before a 2-1 aggregate victory over English powerhouses Chelsea.

In contrast, Wolfsburg lost their German crown to Bayern Munich, and needed extra-time to edge past Arsenal in their semi-final.

On what makes Barca such a special team, Byrne added: “They are so technical. I think one of the main differences is that at a young age, nobody is shouting at them what to do.

“They allow the players to play freely and use their skills. Even when Spanish players came to Arsenal I was screaming at them!

“In my area, doing tricks and trying to nutmeg people, I was like: ‘What are you doing?’

“Here in England, we tend to overcoach, but if you go to a game in Barcelona there is no one coaching from the sidelines, parents do not say anything and the kids are free to play how they want. 

“And when they have a day off, they go and watch the men’s team. They are just constantly studying and watching football, which is a big difference as well.”

WSL overload

Chelsea’s run to the final in 2020-21 is the only time an English side has made the Champions League showpiece since Byrne lifted the trophy with Arsenal.

The Gunners in particular have been hampered by a number of key injuries this term, with Leah Williamson, Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema all absent for their clashes with Wolfsburg.

And Byrne believes the competitive nature of the Women’s Super League is proving to be detrimental.

She continued: “It is just an overload of games which has really impacted the WSL players. 

“Yes, other players [across Europe] get injured but Barca for example, their league is not competitive.

“They might have two or three games a year that are actually competitive, so they can rotate all the time.

“You just have to look at the workload of the WSL players — and for them to be switching from astroturf to natural grass for me is also a massive, massive problem.”

Frank Lampard announced that he would leave Chelsea after 13 years at the club on this day in 2014.

Speculation had been rife over the England international’s future, with his contract running down in west London, and the former West Ham midfielder confirmed in a statement that he had played his last game for the Blues.

Lampard joined Chelsea in 2001 after six seasons at Upton Park and went on to make 648 appearances and become the club’s all-time top goalscorer with 211 in all competitions.

During his time at Stamford Bridge, Lampard won the Champions League, the Europa League, three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and two League Cups.

“When I arrived at this fantastic club 13 years ago I would never have believed that I would be fortunate enough to play so many games and enjoy sharing in so much success,” Lampard said.

“This club has become part of my life and I have so many people to thank for the opportunity. Firstly, Ken Bates, who put his neck on the line to sign me as a young player and without him I would not have even begun this experience.

“Roman Abramovich, the man who saved our club and took us all to new levels. His desire to push the club to the top of the football world has rubbed off on everyone.

“All the managers and coaches who have helped me develop my game during the time I have been here. I have learnt from every one of them.

“All the brilliant team-mates who I have been lucky enough to train and play alongside for so long. Not just their football qualities but also the friendships I have gained along the way.

“The club will move forward, and as a Chelsea man I have no doubt that with the quality of the players that are there, they will continue with the success that we have all enjoyed over the past seasons.”

Lampard spent the following season with Manchester City and then one campaign with New York City before announcing his retirement as a player.

He subsequently managed Derby, Chelsea and Everton before a second spell at Stamford Bridge on a caretaker basis in 2023.

Leeds have confirmed that Sam Allardyce will not be their boss next season following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Ex-England boss Allardyce, 68, took over at Elland Road with four games of the Premier League season remaining but was unable to keep the beleaguered Whites afloat.

Now, the Yorkshire outfit have confirmed they are on the hunt for a new coach after a mutual parting of ways.

Allardyce told the club’s website: “It has been an honour to manage Leeds United, a great club with an incredible fan base, who deserve to be in the Premier League. 

“I have really enjoyed working with the staff and players at the club and I would like to thank Angus Kinnear for the opportunity.

“I’d also like to highlight the outstanding work of Karl Robinson and Robbie Keane who have worked tirelessly over the past few weeks. 

“At this stage in my career I am not sure taking on this challenge, which is potentially a long-term project, is something I could commit to, but I wish the club every success for the future and hope the club returns to the Premier League, where they belong.” 

Leeds United CEO Angus Kinnear added: “We thank Sam for being brave enough to step in and do all he could to save us. 

“Sadly, it was not to be, but Sam, Karl and Robbie did everything they could to lift the mood at Thorp Arch and Elland Road and for that we are all extremely grateful.”

This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more details become available. Please keep refreshing the page.

Erling Haaland says a historic Treble with Manchester City would be his “biggest dream” and hopes to fulfil his purpose and help deliver the Champions League.

Pep Guardiola’s side have won their fifth Premier League title in six seasons and play Manchester United in Saturday’s FA Cup final before facing Inter Milan in the Champions League final on 10 June.

United are the only English club to have completed the Treble, under Sir Alex Ferguson in 1999, and while Guardiola’s City have dominated the domestic scene, they have yet to be crowned champions of Europe.

Haaland told BBC Sport: “It would be unreal to make this history. This is why they bought me of course, to get this, we don’t have to hide that.

“It would mean everything. I will do everything I possibly can to try to make it happen. It’s my biggest dream and hopefully dreams do come true.”

But the 22-year-old Norway striker warned both United and Inter will be “motivated” to “destroy” City’s Treble chances.

“But as well it’s not easy,” Haaland said. “It’s two finals against two good teams that will do everything they can to try to destroy that.”

Haaland has taken the Premier League by storm in his first season, scoring a record 36 top-flight goals and 52 in all competitions.

He is the first player to be voted Premier League player and young player of the year in the same season and was also named the Football Writers’ Association (FWA) men’s footballer of the year.

The former Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund striker said success in England had been life-changing.

“I’m 196cm tall and have got long blond hair so wherever I go people are going to see me,” he said. “So that’s how my life is. What can I do?

“There’s nothing I can do, that’s my life. I just have to try to enjoy it as much as I can. Try to relax when I’m home with good people around me, that’s really important. Just try to enjoy my life.”

Haaland said he was still not the finished article, adding: “I’ve been developing in a really positive way and that’s really important for me because I’m still really young.

“I’m 22, I’ve got a long career ahead of me and I still have to develop. That’s also something I was thinking of over one year ago when I was thinking about my next move.”

Phil Neville has been sacked as manager of MLS side Inter Miami.

The 46-year-old has paid the price for a poor run of form, with the 1-0 defeat to New York Red Bulls proving the final straw.

Neville, who was appointed in January 2021 after his resignation as England Women boss, leaves the club bottom of the Eastern Conference following four successive defeats.

Co-owner David Beckham, who is Neville’s ex-Manchester United and England team-mate and friend, said it was the right time to make the change.

He said on the club’s official website: “When we appointed Phil we knew he would give Inter Miami his all and I have watched him work incredibly hard and with real commitment towards the ambitions we set out for the club.

“He and his family embraced Miami and he has devoted himself to the drive to bring success to the city and to our fans. Phil has made a real contribution to the culture of our club with his qualities as a leader and knowledge as a coach.

“Sometimes in this game we have to make the toughest decisions and sadly we feel the time is right to make a change. I want to personally thank Phil for his hard work, his passion for our club and for his integrity as a person.”

Neville attracted attention recently after he swore at a reporter during a press conference, having been interrupted during an answer.

He said: “I would like to thank the Inter Miami ownership group for their trust and making me a part of this project; the players and staff for their impressive commitment, dedication and hard work; and the fans for their unwavering support for the club since day one.

“I’m grateful to have played a part in the growth of this club and wish Inter Miami all the best in the future.”

Derailing Manchester City’s Treble bid should be all the motivation Manchester United need to pull off an FA Cup final upset.

United are perilously close to losing their tag as the only English team to complete that feat and stopping their rivals would be massive, especially for the fans.

First and foremost, Erik ten Hag will be billing Saturday as a chance to become FA Cup winners and lift that famous trophy.

But if stopping the Treble gives his players extra motivation, then he simply has to use it.

It’s all about finding what works best for you psychologically in big games. On paper, City are strong favourites but it’s only a one-off fixture.

You’ve got the pressure of the Treble, the Champions League final looming, the fact they’ve beaten them earlier in the season — these are all things that Ten Hag can use to give his men belief.

I personally believe this FA Cup final is a tougher contest for City than next weekend’s showdown with Inter Milan.

Second wind

Pep Guardiola admitted last weekend that the likes of Kevin De Bruyne are “mentally drained” at the moment — but I assure you that tiredness won’t be a factor at Wembley.

Trust me, as a professional, you can always find that little bit extra when it comes to a final. These are the days you work all year for.

Wrapping up the Premier League title meant that Pep was able to rest Kevin against Brentford, along with the likes of Jack Grealish and Ruben Dias.

That recovery time could be crucial and this squad knows they are standing of the cusp of greatness, so again, motivation will be no issue.

City never change how they approach games against their local rivals, but the same can’t be said for United.

Some of the hammerings the Red Devils have been on the end of in previous years have prompted them to line up with a lot more caution in this fixture — and it’s been effective for them too.

They will not be going all out to win this contest from minute one. They’ll bide their time, stay compact and look to hit City on the break.

London calling

Before I make my match prediction, I must say that I have a lot of sympathy with the fans regarding the travel chaos surrounding this final.

Rail strikes are making an already challenging journey even trickier for both sets of supporters and it’s a shame that innocent people get caught up in the middle of these disputes.

Some would say there was a case for moving the fixture to a northern venue — and I do think they could’ve at least consulted both sets of supporters about the possibility. 

Wembley is obviously a special venue for players and fans alike, so you don’t want to take that away unless you absolutely have to.

Football fans do have a habit of overcoming adversity too, so I’m sure it’s still going to be a special occasion.

Credit to all of those who are making the trip.

Blue moon rising

I’m expecting a really tight contest but ultimately, I do still expect City to come out on top.

Anthony Martial’s absence is a blow for United because for all his fitness issues, he’s enjoyed this fixture over the years and is very dangerous on the break.

I reckon United will score and I can see it staying tight right until the dying stages, but the class of the Premier League champions normally tells in the end.

I’ll go for a 3-1 City win, with a late third adding the gloss and sending them to Istanbul in great spirits!

Refereeing body PGMOL says it is appalled by “unjustified and abhorrent” abuse directed at Anthony Taylor after video footage emerged of him being accosted by angry fans at Budapest airport.

Taylor and his family can be seen trying to evade a mob, who were shouting at him as he travelled home after refereeing Wednesday night’s Europa League final between Roma and Sevilla in the Hungarian capital.

The Premier League official was criticised for his performance in the final by Roma boss Jose Mourinho during his post-match press conference after the Italian side lost on penalties to Sevilla.

And in video footage which later emerged on social media, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager is seen gesticulating at Taylor and officials in the stadium car park and heard saying “disgrace”.

Following the incident at the airport, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL) said in a statement on Thursday evening: “PGMOL is aware of videos circulating on social media showing Anthony Taylor and his family being harassed and abused at Budapest Airport.

“We are appalled at the unjustified and abhorrent abuse directed at Anthony and his family as he tries to make his way home from refereeing the UEFA Europa League final.

“We will continue to provide our full support to Anthony and his family.”

UEFA is awaiting Taylor’s reports before deciding whether to take action against Mourinho for his rant.

Taylor booked Mourinho during the game, which finished 1-1 after extra time before Sevilla sealed their seventh Europa League triumph by winning 4-1 in a penalty shoot-out.

Tempers simmered on and off the pitch in a disappointing final, with 13 players shown yellow cards, seven of them to Roma players, while fourth official Michael Oliver had his work cut out to keep control of both dug-outs.

The game was littered with delays, with a total of 25 minutes’ stoppage time added to the 120 minutes of playing time.

Partick Thistle are in the box seat for a return to the cinch Premiership following their 2-0 play-off final first leg win over 10-man Ross County at Firhill.

Jags winger Aidan Fitzpatrick opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a terrific strike before 16-year-old Staggies defender Dylan Smith was sent off by referee David Munro eight minutes later for denying an obvious goalscoring opportunity, after the official upgraded a yellow card to red following the intervention of the VAR Andrew Dallas.

In front of 7,291 fans, Thistle’s 35-year-old striker Brian Graham volleyed in a second for the Championship outfit just before the break to take his season tally to 21 and the home side could and should have scored more against a team a man down for most of the game.

However, Kris Doolan’s inventive side – now unbeaten in 11 games – will travel to Dingwall for the second leg on Sunday, buoyed with confidence while Malky Mackay’s men must dig deep if they are to retain their top-flight status.

Thistle, the first club to reach a Premiership play-off final after finishing fourth in the second tier, exploded into the game.

Winger Steve Lawless’s drive after skipping past Smith was saved by Staggies keeper Ross Laidlaw for a corner which he held.

However, the home side were soon ahead.

Fitzpatrick took a crossfield pass from Lawless, nipped in between Victor Loturi and Owura Edwards and from 16 yards curled the ball past Laidlaw into the far corner of the net before taking the acclaim of the fans.

More drama followed.

Smith was initially booked by Munro for fouling Fitzpatrick on the edge of the box as he attempted to race through on goal.

However, after going off to check the pitch side monitor – VAR was in operation for the first time at Firhill – the referee returned to flash a red and the visitors were down to 10 men, with defender Keith Watson immediately coming on for striker Alex Samuel before skipper Ross Docherty lifted the free-kick well over the bar.

In the 34th minute Graham connected with a Kyle Turner corner but Laidlaw was down smartly to save.

County edged forward as often as they could but they appeared susceptible to losing a second, with Graham thundering a drive over from the edge of the box.

The former Ross County and Dundee United forward was much more accurate from another Turner corner, volleying in from 12 yards to send the Glasgow side into the break on a high.

Ben Purrington replaced George Harmon, who had been booked, for the start of the second half as the Dingwall side looked to keep themselves in the tie but within minutes Thistle’s Kevin Holt had volleyed over the Staggies crossbar from eight yards.

Thistle then swarmed all over the visitors and should have added to their lead.

Graham had a goal-bound drive blocked for a corner by centre-back Jack Randall before Scott Tiffoney also saw his effort from inside the box hit County defender Connor Randall and then Laidlaw somehow kept out a close-range header from Graham.

County hinted at a threat occasionally and in the 64th minute Jags defender Aaron Muirhead brilliantly blocked a shot from Staggies forward Jordan White.

The  Dingwall side pushed for a lifeline which never arrived, the home side finishing in control with substitute Danny Mullen cracking the bar with a powerful drive and they will surely travel to Dingwall on Sunday more in belief than hope.

A Leeds fans’ group has accused chairman Andrea Radrizzani of “appalling” behaviour and demanded he immediately sells the club and Elland Road.

Leeds United Supporters Club (LUSC) has responded to The Athletic’s report that majority shareholder Radrizzani had offered to use the Elland Road stadium as collateral when securing a £26million bank loan to buy Sampdoria.

Radrizzani’s company Aser Group, in partnership with finance company Gestio Capital, concluded a takeover of the debt-ridden Italian club on Tuesday night.

The 48-year-old signed off an agreement in principle to use Elland Road as collateral in order to borrow the funds needed from Italian bank Banca Sistema to complete the deal, it was reported.

The Athletic said it was not known whether Elland Road was included in the final deal, or if Radrizzani’s company and partner Gestio Capital were able to secure the loan via a different method.

LUSC chairman Lord Mann said in a statement: “Andrea Radrizzani is no longer an appropriate person to own Leeds United.

“His behaviour is appalling and he risks never being welcome at our club again.”

It had been expected that Radrizzani’s buy-out at Sampdoria would expedite the sale of his 56 per cent stake in Leeds 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.

But in a personal statement posted on Twitter on Wednesday night, Radrizzani made no mention of a possible change of ownership at Leeds when apologising to fans for their relegation from the Premier League.

Lord Mann added: “The sooner he goes the better and we look forward to the 49ers Enterprises’ offer being accepted.

“The only way he can begin to salvage his reputation is through an immediate sale of the club and the stadium.

“There will be a major question mark about whether he is a fit and proper person to own a football club if he attempts to stay on as owner.”

It was also reported that co-owners 49ers Enterprises and Leeds chief executive Angus Kinnear were unaware of Radrizzani’s proposal to use Elland Road as security on his loan.

Leeds have not owned their stadium since 2004. After Radrizzani completed his full takeover of the club in 2017, he bought it back and it is currently owned by Elland Road Ltd, of which the Italian is a director.

Leeds refused to comment when approached by the PA news agency, while others fans’ groups, including Leeds United Supporters Trust, said they were seeking clarification from the club.

National fans group, the Football Supporters Association, said on Twitter that “these are concerning times” for Leeds supporters and added it was further evidence that the Premier League “needed independent regulation”.