Saturday’s headlines and transfer rumours…
solar
Arsenal could finally land Mikel Merino for £30 million.
The father of soccer superstar Ramin Yamal was released from hospital two days after being stabbed.
Paul Pogba has put his mansion back on the market for £4 million as he tries to recoup his income after serving a four-year football ban.
Jurgen Klopp returns to football management next month and will take charge of the one-off farewell matches for Lukasz Piszczek and Jakub Blaszczykowski.
Victor Lindelof is set to be offered a deal to leave Manchester United by Fiorentina, according to reports.
Manchester United star Scott McTominay has reportedly finalised a move to Napoli.
Times
Arsenal are closing in on a £29.8m deal to sign Mikel Merino from Real Sociedad, with the Spanish midfielder in the final year of his contract.
Arsenal are considering selling 31-year-old midfielder Thomas Partey, who is in the final year of his contract.
Leicester City missed out on a deal for 22-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward Adam Hrozek after an initial offer of £14.5 million was snatched by Hoffenheim.
Anthony McGrath has emerged as the favourite to return to Yorkshire to take on the new management team.
British Athletics officials said concerns that Birmingham City Council’s financial problems had put the 2026 European Championships in jeopardy had been alleviated and the event will go ahead as scheduled at the Alexander Stadium.
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Appearing on the Essential Football podcast, Sky Sports football journalists Charlotte Marsh and Nick Wright discussed whether Manchester City need to add extra depth to their squad ahead of next season.
Daily Mail
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was not present at Old Trafford for Friday’s game against Fulham, but Avram Glazer was in the stadium for the first time since August 2022, when Manchester United lost their first home game of the season to Brighton.
Eberechi Eze’s £60 million release clause in his contract has expired.
John Duran was given a stern reprimand ahead of the clash with Aston Villa, a side he was keen to join this summer.
Spain’s Jon Rahm is reportedly having second thoughts about a nine-figure deal to leave the PGA Tour in 2023 to play on the up-and-coming Saudi Arabia-backed LIV golf circuit.
Daily Mirror
Premier League clubs have been accused of exploiting their loyal fans by increasing season ticket prices by up to 32%.
Pep Guardiola has revealed that Joao Cancelo could be part of Manchester City’s plans for next season.
Athletic
Croydon Council has formally approved plans for the redevelopment of Crystal Palace’s Selhurst Park stadium, six and a half years after planning permission was first granted in principle.
Unai Emery has urged Aston Villa striker John Duran to be “patient” following speculation over the striker’s future this summer.
Jobe Bellingham has signed a contract extension with Sunderland.
Leicester City striker Patson Daka will be out for several months after undergoing ankle surgery.
Willian has confirmed he has left Fulham after not signing a new contract.
Thiago Alcantara has left Barcelona’s coaching staff, less than a month after the club announced his temporary return.
Kenan Yildiz has signed a new contract with Juventus and is the club’s new number 10.
Hull City have completed a permanent transfer deal for Chelsea striker Mason Burstow.
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Ange Postecoglou, Nuno Espirito Santo, Julen Lopetegui and Fabian Furseller all discuss whether they plan to make further signings this summer.
The Daily Telegraph
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca says Ben Chilwell could leave the club before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
Crystal Palace have rejected a fourth bid for Newcastle United captain Marc Guehi, with the Saudi Arabian-owned club yet to meet the Palace owners’ valuation of around £70 million for the England international.
Chelsea are due to hold fresh talks with Atletico Madrid at the weekend as the two clubs aim to break the deadlock over the signings of Conor Gallagher and Joao Felix.
Guardian
Manager Sean Dyche said talks over a new contract could wait as long as the “bigger ideas” surrounding the club’s future remained unresolved.
Daily Express
Xabi Alonso has reportedly begged Piero Hincapie to stay at Leverkusen this summer amid interest from Liverpool and Tottenham.
Manchester United are reportedly in talks over a potential £51million move for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with manager Erik ten Hag hoping to strengthen his squad with another player before the summer transfer window closes.
