TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR are set to finally complete the signing of Dejan Kulusevski for £31million this summer according to reports.
Kulusevski, 22 joined Spurs in January following an 18-month loan deal with Juventus.
But the winger has shun in North London and according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham will offer Kulusevski a contract once the season has concluded.
Meanwhile, Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly offered to AC Milan by agent Jorge Mendes while trying to push through Rafael Leao's deal to Chelsea.
Ronaldo was desperate to leave United in the summer but his agent failed to materialise a move for the Portuguese legend.
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- Ian Tuckey
Messi return to Barca financially 'viable'
Lionel Messi's future could see a return to Barcelona after the club's vice president dropped a huge hint about his potential return.
Barcelona and Messi parted ways in the summer of 2021 due to the Spanish giants' crippling financial state.
Messi then signed a two-year deal with Paris Saint-Germain, but with that contract expiring next summer speculation has been mounting on his future.
SunSport exclusively revealed yesterday the 35-year-old has no concrete options currently on the table.
But he is not worried about this as his focus is on trying to claim World Cup glory in Qatar with Argentina.
However, Barcelona vice president Eduard Romeu has dropped a massive hint that they will make a move to re-sign La Pulga.
He told El Matí de Catalunya Ràdio: "If he came back, he would come for free, so I'm sure it would be viable. In any case, it's a technical and player decision."
- Ian Tuckey
'Atletico and Barca keen on Dalot'
Atletico Madrid are thought to be monitoring Diogo Dalot – after earlier links to Barcelona, Juventus, Roma and AC Milan.
Te Portugal right-back is said to be keen on landing a new Manchester United contract next summer after earning a regular starting spot under new boss Erik ten Hag.
Nonetheless, the Manchester Evening News suggest Atletico manager Diego Simeone is weighing up a move for the 23-year-old.
Six-footer Dalot would seem to fit Simeone's preference for powerful, mobile players.
- Ian Tuckey
Manager charged with sexual assault
AFC Fylde manager James Rowe has been charged with sexual assault.
Rowe, 39, is alleged to have sexually assaulted a woman in Chesterfield in November last year.
The former West Ham academy coach was in charge of Chesterfield at the time and left the club in February by "mutual consent" following a suspension and an investigation around "allegations of misconduct".
During his time at West Ham Rowe was also disciplined for misconduct, though not relating to abuse.
The Hammers took action following complaints about Rowe from parents of players at the academy, stating he was "found to have demonstrated poor practice".
West Ham sent the coach on an awareness course before he left the club.
Rowe is due to appear in court next month.
In a statement Derbyshire Constabulary: “A man has been charged with sexual assault.
“In January this year, officers received a report of a man having sexually assaulted a woman in Chesterfield, with the offence alleged to have taken place in November 2021.
“James Rowe, 39, of Breaston, in Derby, has now been charged and is due to appear before magistrates at Chesterfield Justice Centre on Monday 7 November."
- Ian Tuckey
‘Asking a lot’ for Sambi to fill Partey’s boots vs Spurs
Arsenal have been warned it’s “asking a lot” for Sambi Lokonga to fill Thomas Partey’s boots in Saturday’s top-of-the table derby at home to Spurs.
One-cap Belgium midfielder Lokonga, 22, is the obvious replacement amid more injury doubts over Partey.
But former Gunners and Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre told bettingexpert : “He is still learning and adapting to the Premier League.
“He is showing a lot of focus and dedication. So, he can step up and fill Partey’s boots but still, it is asking a lot from a young player.
“When you play those types of games, the derbies, it can be repressive sometimes.”
But ex-France star Silvestre added: “He was a captain at Anderlecht. I think he knows how to deal with this situation, even though he is still a young player.”
- Ian Tuckey
Saka a ‘shoo-in’ for Jordan Davies England XI
Here, our SunSport reporters pick their England squad and first XI for our opener against Iran on November 21.
No way Maguire makes the starting XI — he is a walking disaster.
Having four at the back will allow the midfield three, Mount especially, to venture forward more.
Saka must be a shoo-in for his attacking threat. Alexander-Arnold, who has the X-factor the squad could need, goes ahead of Trippier.
SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale, Stones, Dier, Maguire, Coady, White, Tomori, Shaw, James, Alexander-Arnold, Walker, Chilwell, Rice, Bellingham, J Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Kane, Saka, Foden, Sterling, Abraham, Rashford, Grealish.
LINE-UP: Pickford; James, Stones, Dier, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Mount; Saka, Kane, Sterling (4-3-3)
- Joshua Mbu
onaldo was ‘offered to AC Milan’
Manchester United ace Cristiano Ronaldo was offered to AC Milan in a late summer transfer, according to reports.
Five-time Ballon d’Or winner Ronaldo, 37, communicated his desire to leave Old Trafford after United failed to qualify for the Champions League last term.
Instead, United had to settle for a sixth-placed finish and Europa League football.
Ronaldo’s agent, Jorge Mendes, held talks with a number of top Champions League clubs.
But none decided to follow up with an official move for the 816-goal man.
It has been revealed, though, that Serie A champions AC Milan were offered Ronaldo late on by Mendes, journalist Gianluca di Marzio has reported via mbn.com.
Mendes had desperately tried to engineer a move for Ronaldo’s compatriot Rafael Leao to Paris Saint-Germain or Chelsea, so that there could be room for the football icon at the San Siro.
- Joshua Mbu
Griezmann wins Atletico Madrid POTM
Antoine Griezmann won Atletico Madrid's Player of the Month despite starting just ONE MATCH, with the transfer spat with Barcelona still ongoing.
The Frenchman has been limited to small cameos due to a loan clause set by Barca, which would see Atletico pay upwards of £30million for him.
And so Atletico have limited Griezmann's game time.
Griezmann won Atletico's Player of the Month for September, despite starting just ONE MATCH, paying testament to his bench cameos.
- Alex Cole
Toon set to land Aussie star Kuol
Newcastle are set to sign Aussie wonderkid Garang Kuol, according to reports.
The highly-rated striker has gained interest from the likes of Barcelona and Stuttgart with his performances in Australia.
But the Toon appear to have won the battle for his signature.
According to Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, the Magpies have reached an agreement with Kuol's club Central Coast Mariners.
The transfer would see the 18-year-old move to Newcastle on January 1 before being loaned out elsewhere in Europe.
Kuol is now set to jet into the North East for Toon talks.
- Alex Cole
Rio speaks on Paris incident
Ferdinand said: "It's disheartening, you got your own kids waking up and going, 'Dad, seen that banana thrown on the pitch to Richarlison?'
"It's madness, there was probably as much vitriol and hysteria on social media and in media in general as there were with this racist incident as there was when Richarlison was doing kick-ups and he got smashed [at Nottingham Forest].
"Let that sink in, it's mad. It's just crazy. That's where the media feel in the way it's reported that racism is not [up] there [as] something we absolutely need to discuss and sort out. It's not there, it don't sit there man."
- Alex Cole
Rio slams racist abuse aimed at Richarlison
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand slammed the vile racist abuse directed at Tottenham star Richarlison while on international duty with Brazil.
The winger had a banana thrown at him by a yob from the stands during the Selecao’s 5-1 victory against Tunisia at Parc des Princes on Tuesday during their final game before the 2022 World Cup.
The 25-year-old had put his nation 2-1 up during the friendly game in Paris and was celebrating when the fruit was thrown at him.
Manchester United ace Fred then kicked the banana away with Richarlison appearing not to notice it until later.
Ferdinand took to Instagram where he released a clip condemning the “mad” incident.
- Alex Cole
Huddersfield appoint Fotheringham as new gaffer
Huddersfield Town have announced the appointment of Mark Fotheringham as the club's new manager.
The Championship side announced the former Hertha Berlin assistant coach has signed a contract until 2025 and will be in place for the game against Reading on Saturday.
Ex-Norwich midfielder Fotheringham comes in as the replacement for Danny Schofield, who was sacked from the position of manager earlier this month.
The Terriers are currently sitting 23rd in the Championship after a poor start to the campaign.
- Alex Cole
Saka the saviour for England
Gareth Southgate hailed the contribution of Bukayo Saka in England’s 3-3 draw against Germany on Monday night.
The England manager said: “We showed some character but also a lot of quality in the chances we created throughout the whole game and particularly for the goals we scored.
“I think the crowd also came with us. They stayed with us, they stayed with the team. Even at 0-2 they didn’t get on their back.
“They were quiet, understandably, but they didn’t get on their back and that was so important for us.
“And, of course, we score and the roof nearly lifts off – we all suddenly remember what it feels like to watch a goal go in!
“Then there’s great momentum in the game and I thought Bukayo (Saka) and Mason had really good contributions.
“I thought Jude (Bellingham) was outstanding through the whole game."
- Alex Cole
It's 'understandable', says Shaw on being benched
Luke Shaw expects to again be only a Manchester United sub in Sunday’s derby at City – and even BACKS Erik ten Hag’s decision.
Left-back Shaw bagged the opening goal when playing all of England’s 3-3 home draw with Germany last night.
But he’s still out of favour at Old Trafford behind Tyrell Malacia after being axed following their poor start to the season.
He said: “It’s understandable, and I even agree. The start of the season wasn’t good enough and he had to make changes. I fully accept that.
“The only thing I can do is train hard and wait for opportunities, whether that’s in cup games or the Premier League.
“Whatever I play in, I just have to be ready — and then play at the standard I should be at.”
"I think Ten Hag knows my qualities, he knows what I’m capable of and we’ve had chats.”
- Alex Cole
Arsenal battling for fifth with Man Utd, says Barnes
John Barnes reckons that Arsenal will be lucky to claim the final Champions League spot this season.
Despite the Gunners hot start, the former England international reckons the league leaders will end up "between fourth and sixth".
The 58-year-old spoke to BonusCodeBets and said: "Arsenal needed a centre-forward and that’s Jesus’ position. He’s young and it’s a great signing for Arsenal.
"He’s scored seven goals this pre-season so he’s definitely hit the ground running and of course, Arteta would have known him from Man City, he would have known the type of player he was, it’s an excellent signing.
"I know my top two will be Liverpool and Man City but my next two will be Chelsea and Tottenham. In what order, I don’t know.
"Arsenal will finish between four and six, quite possibly the top four. I think after that, it’s between them and Manchester United.
"Arsenal will finish around fourth, fifth or sixth, it’ll be around there."
- Alex Cole
Ron celebration spot on in FIFA 23
Fans of video game FIFA 23 have been sinking their teeth into the game after it was released yesterday, and one feature in particular is catching gamer's eyes – or rather ears.
The latest edition of EA Sport's popular game enables players to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the crowd when they score with Cristiano Ronaldo.
FIFA 23 has captured Ronaldo's signature "SIIIUUU" celebration both visually and audibly.
- Alex Cole
Alex Scott reveals 'deep love' for team-mate
Alex Scott has revealed she was “madly and deeply in love” with fellow Lionesses star Kelly Smith.
The former Arsenal star turned broadcaster had a secret long term relationship with Kelly when she was a young player.
Alex, 37, will speak about their relationship in her new book How (Not) To Be Strong.
Speaking about writing about their love for the first time during a FANE talk in East London, Alex said: “I went back and forth on whether I’d actually be writing the chapter.
“But then it was one of those moments, I’m writing this book and I want to tell everything. I thought I’d be cheating you all if I didn’t put that in there. And for me, it’s like that first love story, I fell madly and deeply in love.
“And yes, there’s that heartbreak and those things, but it’s a huge part of my life and I wouldn’t go back and change that.
“Because that feeling of love and that excitement and what it gives you, it needed to be in there.”
Kelly, who is six years Alex’s senior, met when they both played for Arsenal in 2005.
- Alex Cole
Stats show Arsenal have the WORST away form in Prem decade
Arsenal are the worst away team in the Premier League this decade, research shows.
BonusCodeBets revealed that the Gunners do not travel well.
The study compared the home and away performances of each of the current 20 Prem sides over the past 10 seasons.
And it found the North London side to have the biggest drop in performance when on the road.
Top flight sides drop an average of 0.38 points when playing away… but Arsenal lose 0.62 points in comparison to their form at the Emirates.
- Alex Cole
Jordan Davies England XI
Here, our SunSport reporters pick their England squad and first XI for our opener against Iran on November 21.
No way Maguire makes the starting XI — he is a walking disaster.
Having four at the back will allow the midfield three, Mount especially, to venture forward more.
Saka must be a shoo-in for his attacking threat. Alexander-Arnold, who has the X-factor the squad could need, goes ahead of Trippier.
SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale, Stones, Dier, Maguire, Coady, White, Tomori, Shaw, James, Alexander-Arnold, Walker, Chilwell, Rice, Bellingham, J Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Kane, Saka, Foden, Sterling, Abraham, Rashford, Grealish.
LINE-UP: Pickford; James, Stones, Dier, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham, Mount; Saka, Kane, Sterling (4-3-3)
- Alex Cole
Charlie Wyett's England XI
Here, our SunSport reporters pick their England squad and first XI for our opener against Iran on November 21.
Gareth Southgate should stick with a back three even though it is unpopular.
The only way to progress at a World Cup is by being cautious rather than gung-ho. Despite his talent, Phil Foden is not doing enough to get into the starting XI.
The squad pretty much picks itself. But there is no room for Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho or Conor Coady.
SQUAD: Pickford, Pope, Ramsdale, Walker, James, Trippier, White, Maguire, Tomori, Dier, Chilwell, Shaw, Bellingham, Rice, J Henderson, Ward-Prowse, Phillips, Mount, Abraham, Bowen, Foden, Grealish, Kane, Saka, Sterling, Toney.
LINE-UP: Pickford; Stones, Dier, Maguire; Trippier, Bellingham, Rice, Shaw; Saka, Kane, Sterling (3-4-3)
- Alex Cole
Martin Lipton's England XI
Here, our SunSport reporters pick their England squad and first XI for our opener against Iran on November 21.
Saka proved in 25 minutes against Germany why he has to start against Iran.
But there has to be a casualty and for me that is Raheem Sterling.
Tyrick Mitchell is my wildcard at left wing-back so no squad place for Luke Shaw. Marcus Rashford, if fit, travels but not Jadon Sancho.
SQUAD: Pickford, Ramsdale, Pope, Walker, Stones, Dier, Tomori, Maguire, Guehi, James, Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Mitchell, Chilwell, Rice, Bellingham, J Henderson, Ward-Prowse, Saka, Foden, Grealish, Mount, Sterling, Kane, Rashford, Abraham.
LINE-UP: Pickford; Stones, Dier, Tomori; James, Rice, Bellingham, Mitchell; Saka, Kane, Foden (3-4-2-1)
- Alex Cole
More on Sesko
Sesko is just 19-years-old but has already attracted the attention of top clubs like Manchester United and Chelsea.
It was reported that United had an eye on him if Cristiano Ronaldo departed Old Trafford over the summer.
The teenager is scoring goals for fun at RB Salzburg and he has already agreed to join RB Leipzig from next year for £55million.
He’s netted four goals this season for the Austrian club and netted 11 in the last campaign in all competitions.
His record on the international stage is as equally impressive scoring four times in 15 appearances.
The talented youngster will not have a chance to show his quality at the World Cup as his nation failed to qualify.
- Alex Cole
Ses-sational
Manchester and Chelsea target Benjamin Sesko scored a sensational volley while on international duty for Slovenia versus Sweden.
The striker peeled off at the back post and was found with a long pass before unleashing a first time left footed volley that lobbed the keeper and went into the back of the net.
Sesko netted three times and assisted another in his last three matches for Slovenia helping them retain their League B status in the Nations League.
- Alex Cole
Ronaldo gets another 90 for Portugal
Cristiano Ronaldo sported a painful looking black eye as Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain in the Nations League.
The defeat means Ronaldo and Portugal miss out on the last four of the Nations League with Spain overtaking them to finish top of group A2.
Ronaldo played the entire match and missed a chance to score before former Chelsea striker Alvaro Morata notched a late winner.
CR7 showed off his black eye days after being whacked in the face by Czech Republic goalkeeper Tomas Vlacik.
The striker was left in a bloody mess following the collision but later returned to the pitch with a bandage on his nose.
He then conceded a penalty for handball and fans joked he was trying to protect his hooter.
- Alex Cole
Alexander-Arnold's World Cup spot under threat
Gareth Southgate delivered a bitter blow to Trent Alexander-Arnold as the Liverpool defender sweats on his World Cup spot.
Alexander-Arnold was told he has fallen behind the likes of Kieran Trippier in the pecking order down the right side of the Three Lions backline.
Southgate, who will name his 26-man squad for Qatar on November 10, said: “The other night against Italy, we didn’t need the left-back cover.
“But against Germany, we did because of the way we went with the team — so we needed Chilly Ben Chilwell on the bench and we had Kieran who, at the moment, I feel his all-round game is ahead of Trent.
“I’ve had long conversations with all of them and have been very clear with them about where they stand, what they need to improve upon, what they’re doing well, so they’re very clear on where they sit.”
- Alex Cole
G Nev backs Maguire
Neville is also backing Maguire to turn up and deliver when it matters most in Qatar.
The former Manchester United right-back insists the centre-half should still be on England's plane to the World Cup.
England begin their World Cup campaign against Iran on November 21 and the Sky Sports pundit wants Maguire in the starting XI.
He added: “Harry is going through a difficult moment. I felt for him.
"But he’s a good solid character, he’s got a good family and people around him at Manchester United who will try and help him.
“It’s a tough period for Harry, there’s no getting away from that. But there’s nothing you can do other than show up, try your best and not give in.
“At some point, his form will return because he has been an excellent player for United at times and England.
“He has to go to the World Cup. England haven’t got a massive pool of centre-backs for a start. Harry’s done very well for England and Gareth Southgate.”
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