CHELSEA could be the frontrunners to sign Cristiano Ronaldo after one of the Man Utd star's closest friends dropped a big hint.
PSG have reportedly rejected the opportunity to sign Ronaldo, after he was offered to them by the forward's agent Jorge Mendes.
The Portuguese star wants to leave this summer, but United are reluctant to sell him.
Meanwhile, Robert Lewandowski is said to be barely speaking to his Bayern Munich team-mates after returning to training having been unable to secure a move to Barcelona thus far.
But one man who has moved to Barcelona is Leeds winger Raphinha.
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- Justin Lawrence
Rooney rules out Suarez swoop
New DC United boss Wayne Rooney has seemingly ruled out a move for Luis Suarez.
Rooney revealed he's looking for hungry players to join him at the MLS side, and he's not sure if Suarez fits the bill, although he respects the ex-Liverpool hitman.
Rooney said: "I respect Luis Suarez a lot – he’s an incredible player – but what I want players who are hungry.
"I want players to come to this club who are hungry and who want to come to the club but also have a lot to give and are capable of playing every game, attending every training session.
"So we’re working extremely hard to identify the right profile of players we want to bring in and I’m sure in the near future, we’ll have an announcement to make on new signings.”
- Justin Lawrence
Leeds lead De Ketelaere race
Leeds are winning the race to sign Charles De Ketelaere, according to reports.
The Whites have been locked in an intense transfer battle with AC Milan for the creative midfielder.
But Leeds seem to have the edge in the race as they've out-bidded the Serie A Champions.
Leeds have offered Brugge €37m in total for De Ketelaere, which is seven million more than Milan could muster, according to Football Italia.
And Milan are refusing to raise their bid, the report adds.
- Justin Lawrence
Bale on Stateside switch
Gareth Bale has admitted the transition to life in the US won't be an easy one.
Bale moved to LAFC after leaving Real Madrid this summer.
And the Welsh winger is relishing the challenge although he expects it to be tough.
He said: "The transition is not, I guess, an easy one but one I’m looking forward to the challenge. Obviously being in the middle of a season is a bit different, but I feel like I’ve been keeping myself fit in Europe’s off-season, and hopefully I can hit the ground running.”
“But this club [LAFC] has made the move already so much easier for me, so I can just concentrate on my football and hopefully get on with doing what I do best.”
- Justin Lawrence
Covid ban hits Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace have sent a depleted squad on their pre-season tour with a number of un-jabbed players denied entry into Singapore.
The Eagles face Liverpool in Singapore on Friday but Patrick Vieira will have just eight senior players to call on.
Foreign visitors to Singapore must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 while Australia, where the south Londoners travel to face Manchester United and Leeds United, have only just dropped their entry requirements.
Palace are not naming those who do not meet the entry requirements but a number of big names are missing the landmark trip.
Addressing those absent from the travelling squad, Palace said: "Some of these players are not currently fit and therefore will not travel on tour, whilst some did not meet the entry requirements for Singapore or Australia when travel arrangements were made."
Wilfried Zaha, Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise are all staying in south London for a friendly with QPR and training at the club's base, as are Cheikhou Kouyate, Will Hughes and Christian Benteke.
- Justin Lawrence
Lewandowski cuts forlorn figure
Barcelona target Robert Lewandowski 'hardly spoke to team-mates' as he was forced to train with Bayern Munich.
The wantaway strike legend was accused of joining in last and lacking commitment after returning alone from a family' break.
The Bayern and Germany outlet tweeted: "Lewandowski was the last to start all training exercises.
"He completed them but never with 100% commitment.
"He hardly spoke with his teammates. Only Leon Goretzka often spoke to Lewandowski today and Jamal Musiala engaged with him in some jokes."
- Justin Lawrence
Fit for a King
Fenerbahce have signed former Manchester United and Bournemouth striker Joshua King on a free transfer.
The Super Lig giants made the announcement on Tuesday.
An official statement read: "Our club has reached an agreement in principle with Norwegian Footballer Joshua King.
"The player will be in Istanbul this evening to pass the health checks and for further transfer negotiations."
- Justin Lawrence
Lewandowski's wife kept in dark
Not even Robert Lewandowski's wife knows where he'll be playing next season.
The Poland international's been in talks with Barcelona over a move to the Nou Camp.
But talks between Bayern Munich and Barca are still ongoing.
And his wife, Anna Lewandowska, isn't sure when or if negotiations will progress.
She responded when asked if her husband will be a Barca player: "I would like to know that too."
- Justin Lawrence
Yarmolenko leaves West Ham
West Ham have floggedAndriy Yarmolenko to Al Ain on a free transfer.
The 32-year-old will join the UAE side until the end of next season.
He wished his former club farewell on social media, saying: "Thanks to all you fans and people at West Ham for all your support throughout the whole time.
"It didn't work out. But there were many happy and pleasant moments, for which I am grateful to everyone who was with me and supported me."
- Justin Lawrence
Lampard speaks on Tarkowski
Frank Lampard has revealed his joy over bringing James Tarkowski to Everton.
He said to Everton TV: "I’m delighted with James because he’s a player I’ve admired for a long time, since before working at Everton. I just think he’s proven Premier League quality and durability.
"There’s a great physicality to him. He’s great in both boxes, really good on the ball which is something that can hopefully really add to our game in our build and how we want to play.
“In five minutes you realise he’s a great professional and for me that’s as big a thing as what people do on the pitch sometimes, how they affect the group. He’s walked in straight away and you can see he has that about him.
“I’m pleased we got it done quickly, I’m pleased we got James and I’m sure he’s going to be a big player and the Evertonians are going to love him.”
- Jake Lambourne
Newcastle push for Leverkusen's Diaby
Newcastle are set to make one final attempt to sign Moussa Diaby from Bayer Leverkusen, according to reports.
Diaby, 23, has emerged as one of Eddie Howe's top transfer targets this summer after impressing in the Bundesliga last season.
And according to The Northern Echo, they will make one final push to sign him before moving onto alternative targets.
While Diaby is still a main target, the club's recruitment team have started assessing other options.
The Magpies have prioritised signing a striker and a winger before the start of the Premier League season next month.
Callum Hudson-Odoi is reportedly on the list of transfer targets, with Chelsea willing to listen to offers for the out-of-favour forward.
- Jake Lambourne
Fulham eye up Coventry's O'Hare
Fulham could rival Burnley for Coventry City midfielder Callum O'Hare as Marco Silva continues his Premier League preparations, writes Jack Rosser.
Championship Burnley are closing in on a deal for O'Hare, 24, with new boss Vincent Kompany moving quickly in the market.
However, the newly promoted Cottagers could swoop in late on with the offer of Premier League football.
Silva is keen to bolster all areas of his squad and, having already added a more defensive midfielder in Joao Palinha from Sporting Lisbon, the Fulham boss has tracked O'Hare to add to his creative ranks.
Fulham have already added Brazilian midfielder Andreas Pereira from Manchester United and are still hoping to bring Israel international Manor Solomon to Craven Cottage before the start of the new season.
- Jake Lambourne
Juve eye up Gabriel swoop
Juventus are reportedly getting set to launch an offer for Arsenal centre-back Gabriel.
The Old Lady are in the market for a new defender to replace Bayern Munich-bound Matthijs De Ligt.
And Brazilian ace Gabriel is claimed to be their preferred target, according to Calciomercatoweb.
They state that Juve are preparing a £25million for the former Lille man.
And they are also willing to throw in Adrien Rabiot on a permanent transfer and Arthur on a season-long loan.
- Jake Lambourne
Josh Doig departs for Verona
Hibernian star Josh Doig has become the next Scottish foreign export after completing his stunning move to Italian side Hellas Verona.
The 20-year-old is the next in a long line of Scottish youth stars to head to the continent.
He joins the likes of former Hearts youth teammate Aaron Hickey, ex-Hibs star Liam Henderson as well as Aberdeen midfielder Lewis Ferguson who looks set to join Bologna.
Lee Johnson's side are set to receive more than Hearts ever did for Hickey in just one initial payment, before any potential sell-on clauses.
They will make back around £3million for the youngster.
- Jake Lambourne
Barca's Umtiti fails Rennes medical
Long-term Arsenal target Samuel Umtiti has reportedly FAILED his medical at Rennes as an exit from Barcelona continues to evade him.
The 28-year-old Frenchman has been told by Barca boss Xavi that he does not feature in his plans at the Nou Camp.
And he appeared set to secure a loan move to Ligue 1 side Rennes for the 2022/23 campaign.
But, as reported by TV3 via Mundo Deportivo, the deal has now fallen through as Umtiti failed to pass his medical.
It is a major blow to the centre-back – who was offered to Arsenal earlier this summer.
However, he could still depart the Catalan giants despite his contract running until 2026.
The new report states that Barcelona may choose to terminate his contract if they do not receive a suitable bid.
- Jake Lambourne
Celtic eye up PSG midfielder
PSG midfielder Edouard Michut is reportedly on Celtic's radar.
According to Sky Sports, the 19-year-old could be on the move to join the Scottish champions this summer.
They state that the Hoops are eyeing up a £2million offer for the teenager.
Michut featured six times for the Ligue 1 champions last season, while also featuring twice in the Coupe de France.
- Jake Lambourne
Barca confirm Raphinha signing
Chelsea have officially missed out on Raphinha after Barcelona confirmed they had reached an agreement to sign the Leeds winger.
A statement read: "Barcelona and Leeds United Football Club have reached an early agreement for the transfer of Raphael Dias Belloli, Raphinha , pending the player's medical examination."
As well as Chelsea, Arsenal had made an offer to sign the Brazilian.
The Blues had even agreed terms with the Whites over the player.
But the ex-Rennes man only had eyes for Barcelona.
- Jake Lambourne
Raheem Sterling confirms City exit
Raheem Sterling is set to join Chelsea after confirming he will be leaving Manchester City after seven years.
Taking to Twitter, the England international released a statement where he thanked the Citizens and their fans.
It read: "Seven seasons. Eleven major trophies. A lifetime of memories.
"To the coaching staff who have played a massive role in my development over the years. To my team-mates who have become more than just those I share a pitch with.
"To the backroom staff. To the office staff. To the fans who have tirelessly supported the team, and to everyone involved with Manchester City. My respect for you couldn't be greater.
"What a ride it's been. I am thankful for the ups and the downs, as it's the downs that have, at times, tested my strength and resolve and enabled me to stand here in front of you as the best possible version of myself.
"I arrived in Manchester a 20-year-old. Today I leave as a man. Thank you for your endless support. It's been an honour to wear the shirt of Manchester City."
- Jake Lambourne
Mount confirms Chelsea contract talks
Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount has confirmed he plans to hold contract talks in the future to extend his stay.
Mount told Sky Sports: “I’ve got two years but I’m extremely happy at this club.
“I’ve been here since six years old, so I think maybe over the next couple of months the talks will start, so obviously it’s exciting.
“Every new year is special. I didn’t get to go away on a pre-season tour last season so to come here (Los Angeles) has been brilliant to get back at it.
“All the boys have been buzzing, a really good feel around the group and to get back training and working hard that’s what we want to do. We’ve got a massive season coming up.”
- Jake Lambourne
West Ham in for Scamacca
West Ham have opened talks with Sassuolo over a deal for striker Gianluca Scamacca as David Moyes bids to bolster his front line, writes Jack Rosser.
The Hammers boss is desperate to add a forward this summer having gone 18 months with just Michail Antonio to lead the line.
And Moyes has pushed ahead with his interest in Italian ace Scamacca, who is also a target for Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the new season.
While West Ham are hopeful that the chance to play more regularly than in Paris could convince the 23-year-old to make the switch to east London, a deal could cost the Hammers more than £40million.
Interest in Chelsea's Armando Broja remains and early talks have been held with the Blues over a deal worth a minimum £30million.
A move for Blackburn's Ben Brereton Diaz, who would cost up to £15million, is also being considered with the Chile international able to play out wide as well as up front.
- Jake Lambourne
Aston Villa's Carney Chukwuemeka admired
Arsenal and Man Utd are just two out of many clubs said to be interested in Aston Villa starlet Carney Chukwuemeka.
According to 90min, the midfielder has admirers from both in England and abroad.
They state that the Gunners are keening tabs on the 18-year-old's situation in the Midlands having entered the last year of his contract.
They state that Manchester Unoted and Cuty are also weighing up a possible move, along with Newcastle.
A deal could take place this summer should the Villans be prepared to cash in on the teenager.
Meanwhile Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also all keen on the player.
- Jake Lambourne
Newcastle want Arsenal target Isak
Newcastle would have to drain the rest of their transfer budget and shatter their club record fee to sign target Alexander Isak, according to reports.
The Magpies are keen on the Real Sociedad attacker, who has also been heavily linked with Arsenal in recent windows.
The 22-year-old was one of the stars at last year’s Euros and is tipped to have a stellar future.
But in order for Newcastle to sign him, they would have to push the boat out and the remaining cash in their transfer window budget.
That is according to the Telegraph, who report that a deal for the star would likely ‘signal the end of Newcastle’s transfer business this summer.’
That is due the £50million – at least – that the Toon would have to splash out to land him.
- Jake Lambourne
Ron the move?
Cristiano Ronaldo's close pal Edu Aguirre has hinted at a transfer to Chelsea for the Portuguese ace.
The Manchester United star wants to leave Old Trafford this summer in order to compete for trophies, with the Blues a leading contender for his signature.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Ronaldo's friend Aguirre has just started following Chelsea on Instagram.
While a link may seem far fetched, Aguirre has form for predicting CR7's moves.
In 2018, the El Chiringuito host broke the news that Ronaldo wanted to leave Real Madrid after nine years.
Possibly for this reason, eagled-eyed fans jumped on his decision to start following Chelsea.
One wrote on Insta: "Thanks for confirming that CR7 is going to Chelsea with your follow."
- Jake Lambourne
Barcelona in squad overhaul
Barcelona boss Xavi wants to ship out SEVEN more players before the start of the season, according to reports.
The Catalan giants are aiming to be competitive in LaLiga despite their financial woes.
Spanish paper Sport claim that Xavi wants to "force" Neto, Samuel Umtiti and Martin Braithwaite out of the club, with the trio all surplus to requirements.
Mundo Deportivo add that academy pair Oscar Mingueza and Riqui Puig have also been deemed surplus to requirements.
The duo aren't expected to be included on Barcelona's pre-season tour of the US, with fellow La Masia graduate Rey Manaj joining Championship Watford yesterday.
Memphis Depay, meanwhile, could also be on his way just a year after joining from Lyon.
- Jake Lambourne
Ferguson delighted by Bologna switch
Scottish midfielder Lewis Ferguson has expressed his delight at joining Italian side Bologna from Aberdeen for £2million.
The 22-year-old said: "I am really excited, I have that nervous excitement.
"Moving to another country, it will be a whole different way of living and way of playing football but it’s something I have always wanted to do since I was a kid, to go and play abroad and test myself.
"There’s not many better places to test yourself than in Serie A. It’s a whole new adventure and I’m really looking forward to it.
"A time comes for a player to move on. I have been here four years, I gave everything and I did my best and I just feel it’s the right time and the right move for me. It had to be the right move for the club as well, to obviously get a bit of money in as well.
"It feels right for me, I have that gut feeling that I really want to test myself there."
- Jake Lambourne
De Jong should join Chelsea
Former Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson believes Barcelona midfielder would rather link up with the Blues than Man Utd if he departs the Nou Camp.
Speaking to BettingOdds.com, he said: "They [United] can beat Chelsea to the signing of Frenkie de Jong, but only if they break the bank.
"If you’re the player and you’ve got two of the same offer, one from Manchester United and the other from Chelsea, then it’s a no brainer, you’re going to go to Chelsea all day long.
"Manchester United no longer have that authority. There was a time when Manchester United came knocking and the answer would be ‘yes’.
"They can only sign players now that Liverpool, Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich don’t want, unless they’re going to double the player’s salary.”
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